ysConcise Oxford English DictionaryEd. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson.2004Oxford University Press, 2004.Oxford University PressDictionaryen

© Oxford University Press 2004

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About this book

Oxford University Press

Concise Oxford English Dictionary (11th edition)
Edited by Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson

ISBN 0-19-861037-8
© Oxford University Press 2004
First published as e-book by Oxford University Press in 2004

Authoritative and up to date, this eleventh edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary contains over 240,000 words, phrases, and definitions, covering general and specialist words, literary, historical, and technical terms, and new words that have recently entered the language.
In addition there are hundreds of helpful notes on grammar, punctuation, and usage, many of them new to this edition. New to this edition is also a fascinating Word Histories feature, telling the often bizarre stories of the origins and development of hundreds of words. For example, did you know that the word grammar is related to glamour, or that cockney used to mean a spoilt child?

Abbreviations

Abbreviations in general use, such as etc., i.e., and p.m., are listed and explained as entries in the dictionary itself.

abbrev.

abbreviation

Aborig.

Aboriginal

adj.

adjective

adv.

adverb

Afr.

African

Afrik.

Afrikaans

alt.

alteration, altered

Amer.

American

appar.

apparently

Arab.

Arabic

assoc.

associated, association

aux.

auxiliary

b.

born

back-form.

back-formation

C (as in C18, C19, etc.)

century

Canad.

Canadian

cent.

century

cf.

compare with

Chin.

Chinese

colloq.

colloquial

comb.form

combining form

compar.

comparative

conj.

conjunction

contr.

contraction

corresp.

corresponding

Dan.

Danish

det.

determiner

dial.

dialect

dimin.

diminutive

Du.

Dutch

E.

East

eccles.

ecclesiastical

Engl.

English

exclam.

exclamation

fem.

feminine

Fr.

French

freq.

frequently

Ger.

German

Gk

Greek

Gmc

Germanic

Heb.

Hebrew

imper.

imperative

Ind.

Indian

Indo-Eur.

Indo-European

infin.

infinitive

interrog.

interrogative

Ir.

Irish

Ital.

Italian

L.

Latin

lang.

language

langs

languages

Latin Amer. Sp.

Latin American Spanish

lit.

literally

masc.

masculine

MDu.

Middle Dutch

ME

Middle English

med.

medieval

Mex. Sp.

Mexican Spanish

Mid. High Ger.

Middle High German

Mid. Low Ger.

Middle Low German

mod.

modern

n.

noun

N.

North

naut.

nautical

neg.

negative

neut.

neuter

north. Engl.

northern English

Norw.

Norwegian

obs.

obsolete

OE

Old English

OFr.

Old French

ON

Old Norse

ONorth. Fr.

Old Northern French

orig.

originally

part.

participle

perh.

perhaps

Pers.

Persian

phr.

phrase

phrs

phrases

pl.

plural

pop.

popular

Port.

Portuguese

possess.

possessive

postpos.

postpositive

predet.

predeterminer

prep.

preposition

pres.

present

prob.

probably

pron.

pronoun

pronunc.

pronunciation

ref.

reference

rel.

related

Russ.

Russian

S.

South

Sc.

Scottish

Scand.

Scandinavian

sing.

singular

sl.

slang

Sp.

Spanish

Swed.

Swedish

symb.

symbol

Turk.

Turkish

ult.

ultimately

usu.

usually

v.

verb

var.

variant

vars

variants

W.

West

Note on trademarks and proprietary status

This dictionary includes some words which have, or are asserted to have, proprietary status as trademarks or otherwise. Their inclusion does not imply that they have acquired for legal purposes a non-proprietary or general significance, nor any other judgement concerning their legal status. In cases where the editorial staff have some evidence that a word has proprietary status this is indicated in the entry for that word by the label trademark, but no judgement concerning the legal status of such words is made or implied thereby.

PRONUNCIATIONS

Pronunciations are not given for ordinary, everyday words such as bake, baby, beach, bewilder, boastful, or budget, since it is assumed that native speakers of English do not, as a rule, have problems with the pronunciation of such words.

In the Concise Oxford Dictionary, the principle followed is that pronunciations are given only where they are likely to cause problems for the native speaker of English, in particular for foreign words, scientific and other technical terms, rare words, words with unusual stress patterns, and words in which the standard pronunciation is disputed. For example, full pronunciations are given for the following words: baba ganoush, baccalaureate, beatific, bijouterie, bucolic, and buddleia.

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is used in representing the standard accent of English as spoken in the south of England (sometimes called Received Pronunciation or RP). It is recognized that, although the English of southern England is the pronunciation given, many variations are heard in standard speech in other parts of the English-speaking world.

The symbols used for English words, with their values, are given below.
Consonants

The following have their usual English values: b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w, and z. Other symbols are used as follows:

get

chip

jar

loch

ring

thin

this

she

decision

yes

Vowels

SHORT VOWELS

cat

bed

ago

sit

cosy

hot

run

put

LONG VOWELS ( indicates length)

arm

hair

her

see

saw

too

DIPHTHONGS

my

how

day

no

near

boy

poor

TRIPHTHONGS

fire

sour

() before /l/, /m/, or /n/ indicates that the syllable may be realized with a syllabic l, m, or n, rather than with a vowel and a consonant, e.g. /bt()n/ rather than /btn/.

(r) indicates an r that is sometimes sounded when a vowel follows, as in drawer, cha-chaing.
Foreign pronunciations

Foreign words and phrases, whether naturalized or not, are always given an anglicized pronunciation. The anglicized pronunciation represents the normal pronunciation used by native speakers of standard English when using the word in an English context. A foreign pronunciation is also given for words taken from other languages (principally French, Dutch, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish) where this is appreciably different from the anglicized form and where the other language is familiar to a reasonable number of English speakers.

Foreign-language transcriptions are based on current national standards. Regional variations have not been given, except in the case of Spanish transcriptions, where both Castilian and American Spanish variants are given. Transcriptions are broad, and many symbols, identical to those used for transcribing English, have similar values to those of RP. In a few cases, where there is no English equivalent to a foreign sound, a symbol has been added to the inventory. The additional symbols used to represent foreign pronunciations are given below.
Consonants

gemütlich

Monseigneur

bolivar

alguacil

French ‘r’

auberge

Vowels

SHORT VOWELS

Abitur

abbé

cabildo

durchkomponiert

douceur

vieuxjeu

curandero

cru

LONG VOWELS ( indicates length)

Autobahn

Wehrmacht

verboten

Gasthöfe

gemütlich

NASALIZED VOWELS (˜ indicates nasality)

pincette

cordon bleu

chanson

coup de main

vingt-et-un

arrondissement

DIPHTHONGS

Gleichschaltung

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A^1

(also a)

n. (pl. As or A's)
1 the first letter of the alphabet.
2 denoting the first, best, or most important in a set.
3 Music the sixth note of the diatonic scale of C major, having a standard frequency of 440 Hz.
4 the human blood type (in the ABO system) containing the A antigen and lacking the B.

- PHRASES
from A to B from one's starting point to one's destination.
from A to Z over the entire range.

A^2

abbrev.
1 (in card games) ace.
2 (in showing goals or points conceded) against.
3 ampere(s).
4 (Å) ångström(s).
5 answer.
6 (in names of sports clubs) Athletic.
7 attack (in designations of US aircraft types): an A-10.
8 Austria (international vehicle registration).

a^1

(an before a vowel sound)

det.
1 used when mentioning someone or something for the first time; the indefinite article. one single: a hundred. used when mentioning someone unfamiliar: a Mr Smith telephoned. someone like (the name specified).
2 in, to, or for each; per: petrol prices rose by 3p a litre.

- ORIGIN ME: weak form of OE n ‘one’.

USAGE

On the question of using a or an before words beginning with h, see usage at an.

a^2

abbrev.
1 (in travel timetables) arrives.
2 atto- (10-18).
3 Brit. (with reference to sporting fixtures) away.
4 (used before a date) before. [ORIGIN from L. ante.]
symb. (a) Physics acceleration.

a-1

(often an- before a vowel)

prefix not; without: atheistic.

- ORIGIN from Gk.

a-2

prefix
1 to; towards: aside.
2 in the process of: a-hunting. in a specified state: aflutter.

- ORIGIN OE, unstressed form of on.

a-3

prefix variant spelling of ad- before sc, sp, and st (as in ascend, aspire and astringent).

a-4

prefix
1 of: anew.
2 utterly: abash.

- ORIGIN unstressed form of of (sense 1); Anglo-Norman Fr. a-, from L. ex (sense 2).

-a^1

suffix forming:
1 ancient or Latinized modern names of animals and plants: primula.
2 names of oxides: baryta.
3 geographical names: Africa.
4 ancient or Latinized modern feminine forenames: Lydia.
5 nouns from Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish: stanza.

- ORIGIN representing a Gk, L., or Romance fem. sing.

-a^2

suffix forming plural nouns:
1 from Greek or Latin neuter plurals corresponding to a singular in -um or -on (such as addenda, phenomena).
2 in names (often from modern Latin) of zoological groups: Insectivora.

-a^3

suffix informal
1 of: coupla.
2 have: mighta.
3 to: oughta.

@

symb. ‘at’, used:
1 to indicate cost or rate per unit: thirty items @ £29.99 each.
2 in Internet addresses between the user's name and the domain name: jsmith@oup.com.

A1

adj. informal excellent.

A3

n. a standard European size of paper, 420 × 297 mm.

A4

n. a standard European size of paper, 297 × 210 mm.

A5

n. a standard European size of paper, 210 × 148 mm.

AA

abbrev.
1 Alcoholics Anonymous.
2 anti-aircraft.
3 Automobile Association.

aa

//

n. Geology basaltic lava forming very rough, jagged masses with a light frothy texture. Often contrasted with pahoehoe.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hawaiian a-'a.

AAA

abbrev.
1 Amateur Athletic Association.
2 American (or Australian) Automobile Association.

AAAS

abbrev. American Association for the Advancement of Science.

AAM

abbrev. air-to-air missile.

A & E

abbrev. accident and emergency.

A & M

abbrev. Hymns Ancient and Modern.

A & R

abbrev. artist(s) and repertoire (or recording), the department of a record company responsible for selecting new artists.

aardvark

//

n. a badger-sized African burrowing mammal, with long ears, a tubular snout, and a long extensible tongue, feeding on ants and termites.   Orycteropus afer.

- ORIGIN C18: S. Afr. Du., from aarde ‘earth’ + vark ‘pig’.

aardwolf

//

n. (pl. aardwolves) a black-striped African mammal of the hyena family, feeding mainly on termites.   Proteles cristatus.

- ORIGIN C19: S. Afr. Du., from aarde ‘earth’ + wolf ‘wolf’.

aargh

//

exclam. an expression of anguish, horror, rage, or other strong emotion.

Aaron's beard

//

n. a name given to the rose of Sharon and other plants.

- ORIGIN C19: alluding to the long beard of Aaron in the Bible, because of the hairy stamens or long runners of such plants.

Aaron's rod

n. the great mullein (plant).

- ORIGIN C18: alluding to Aaron in the Bible, whose staff was said to have flowered (Num. 17:8).

A'asia

abbrev. Australasia.

AB^1

n. the human blood type (in the ABO system) containing both the A and B antigens.

AB^2

abbrev.
1 able seaman.
2 Alberta (in official postal use).
3 US Bachelor of Arts. [ORIGIN from L. Artium Baccalaureus.]

Ab^1

(also Av)

n. (in the Jewish calendar) the eleventh month of the civil and fifth of the religious year, usually coinciding with parts of July and August.

- ORIGIN from Heb. b.

Ab^2

abbrev. Biology antibody.

ab

n. informal an abdominal muscle.

ab-

(also abs-)

prefix away; from: abdicate.

- ORIGIN from L.

ABA

abbrev.
1 Amateur Boxing Association.
2 American Bar Association.
3 American Booksellers' Association.

abaca

//

n. a large herbaceous Asian plant of the banana family, yielding Manila hemp.   Musa textilis.

- ORIGIN C18: via Sp. from Tagalog abaká.

aback

adv.
1 archaic towards or situated to the rear.
2 Sailing with the sail pressed back against the mast by a headwind.

- PHRASES
take someone aback shock or surprise someone.

abacus

//

n. (pl. abacuses)
1 a frame with rows of wires or grooves along which beads are slid, used for calculating.
2 Architecture the flat slab on top of a capital, supporting the architrave.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from Gk abax, abak- ‘slab, drawing board’, of Semitic origin.

abaft

//

adv. & prep. Nautical in or behind the stern of a ship.

- ORIGIN ME: from a-2 + archaic baft ‘in the rear’.

abalone

//

n. an edible mollusc of warm seas, with a shallow ear-shaped shell lined with mother-of-pearl.   Genus Haliotis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Amer. Sp. abulones, pl. of abulón, from aulón, the name in an Amer. Ind. lang. for Monterey Bay, California.

abandon

v.
1 give up (an action or practice) completely.
2 desert or leave permanently.
3 (abandon oneself to) indulge in (a desire or impulse) without restraint. [as adj. abandoned] unrestrained; uninhibited: a wild, abandoned dance.
n. lack of inhibition or restraint.

- PHRASES
abandon ship leave a ship because it is sinking.

- DERIVATIVES abandonment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abandoner, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + bandon ‘control’ (rel. to ban^1).

abase

//

v. (usu. abase oneself) behave in a way that belittles or degrades (someone).

- DERIVATIVES abasement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abaissier, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + baissier ‘to lower’.

abash

v. [usu. as adj. abashed] cause to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.

- DERIVATIVES abashment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. abaiss-; cf. OFr. esbaiss-, esbair, from es- ‘utterly’ + bair ‘astound’.

abate

//

v.
1 (of something bad) become less intense or widespread.
2 Law reduce or remove (a nuisance).

- DERIVATIVES abatement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abatre ‘to fell’, based on L. battere, battuere ‘to beat’.

abatis

// (also abattis)

n. (pl. same, abatises, or abattises) historical a defence made of felled trees placed together with the boughs pointing outwards.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘felled (trees)’, from OFr. abatre ‘to fell’.

abattoir

//

n. Brit. a slaughterhouse.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from abattre ‘to fell’.

abaxial

//

adj. Botany facing away from the stem (in particular denoting the lower surface of a leaf). The opposite of adaxial.

abaya

//

n. a full-length, sleeveless outer garment worn by Arabs.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arab. abya.

Abba

//

n.
1 (in the New Testament) God as father.
2 (in the Syrian Orthodox and Coptic Churches) a title given to bishops and patriarchs.

- ORIGIN via Gk from Aramaic abb ‘father’.

abbacy

//

n. (pl. abbacies) the office of an abbot or abbess.

- ORIGIN ME: from eccles. L. abbacia, from abbas, abbat- (see abbot).

Abbasid

//, //

n. a member of a dynasty of caliphs who ruled in Baghdad 750–1258.

- ORIGIN named after Muhammad's uncle Abbas, founder of the dynasty.

abbatial

//

adj. relating to an abbey, abbot, or abbess.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. abbatialis, from abbas, abbat- (see abbot).

abbé

//

n. (in France) an abbot or other cleric.

- ORIGIN C16: Fr., from eccles. L. abbas, abbat- (see abbot).

abbess

//

n. a woman who is the head of an abbey of nuns.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abbesse ‘female abbot’.

abbey

n. (pl. abbeys) an establishment occupied by a community of monks or nuns.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abbeie, from med. L. abbatia ‘abbacy’, from abbas, abbat- (see abbot).

abbot

n. a man who is the head of an abbey of monks.

- DERIVATIVES abbotship n.

- ORIGIN OE abbod, from eccles. L. abbas, abbat-, from Gk abbas ‘father’, from Aramaic abb (see Abba).

abbreviate

//

v. shorten (a word, phrase, or text).

- DERIVATIVES abbreviation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. abbreviat-, abbreviare ‘shorten’, from L. brevis ‘short’.

ABC^1

n.
1 the alphabet.
2 an alphabetical guide. the rudiments of a subject.

ABC^2

abbrev.
1 American Broadcasting Company.
2 Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

abdabs

(also habdabs)

pl. n. Brit. informal (often in phr. the screaming abdabs) nervous anxiety or irritation.

- ORIGIN 1940s: of unknown origin.

abdicate

//

v.
1 (of a monarch) renounce the throne.
2 fail to fulfil or undertake (a duty).

- DERIVATIVES abdication n. abdicator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. abdicat-, abdicare ‘renounce’, from ab- ‘away, from’ + dicare ‘declare’.

abdomen

//, //

n.
1 the part of the body containing the digestive and reproductive organs; the belly.
2 Zoology the rear part of the body of an arthropod.

- ORIGIN C16: from L.

abdominal

//

adj. relating to the abdomen.
n. an abdominal muscle.

- DERIVATIVES abdominally adv.

abducens nerves

//

pl. n. Anatomy the pair of cranial nerves supplying the muscles concerned with lateral movement of the eyes.

- ORIGIN C19: abducens (mod. L., ‘leading away’), from L. abducere (see abduct).

abduct

v.
1 take (someone) away illegally by force or deception.
2 Physiology (of a muscle) move (a limb or part) away from the midline of the body or from another part. The opposite of adduct^1.

- DERIVATIVES abductee n. abduction n. abductor n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. abduct-, abducere ‘lead away’.

abeam

adv. on a line at right angles to a ship's or an aircraft's length. (abeam of) opposite the middle of (a ship or aircraft).

- ORIGIN C19: from a-2 + beam.

abed

adv. archaic in bed.

abelia

//

n. an East Asian shrub of the honeysuckle family.   Genus Abelia.

- ORIGIN mod. L.; named after the English botanist Clarke Abel (1780–1826).

abelian

//

adj. Mathematics (of a group) having members related by a commutative operation (i.e. a*b = b*a).

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of the Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel + -ian.

Abenaki

n. & adj. variant spelling of Abnaki.

Aberdeen Angus

n. a breed of hornless black beef cattle originating in Scotland.

Aberdonian

//

adj. relating to Aberdeen in NE Scotland.
n. a native or citizen of Aberdeen.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. Aberdonia.

aberrant

//

adj. departing from an accepted standard. chiefly Biology diverging from the normal type.

- DERIVATIVES aberrance n. aberrancy n. aberrantly adv.

aberration

//

n.
1 an unwelcome deviation from what is normal. informal a temporary mental lapse. Biology a characteristic that deviates from the normal type.
2 Optics the failure of rays to converge at one focus because of a defect in a lens or mirror.
3 Astronomy the apparent displacement of a celestial object from its true position, caused by the relative motion of the observer and the object.

- DERIVATIVES aberrational adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. aberratio(n-), from aberrare ‘to stray’.

abet

//

v. (abets, abetting, abetted) (usu. in phr. aid and abet) encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular to commit a crime.

- DERIVATIVES abetment n. abetter (also abettor) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abeter, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + beter ‘hound, urge on’.

abeyance

//

n. a state of temporary disuse or suspension. Law the position of being without an owner or claimant.

- DERIVATIVES abeyant adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. abeance ‘aspiration to a title’, from abeer ‘aspire after’, from a- ‘towards’ + beer ‘to gape’.

ABH

abbrev. Brit. actual bodily harm.

abhor

//

v. (abhors, abhorring, abhorred) regard with hatred; detest.

- DERIVATIVES abhorrer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. abhorrere, from ab- ‘away from’ + horrere ‘to shudder’.

abhorrent

adj. inspiring disgust and loathing.

- DERIVATIVES abhorrence n.

abide

v.
1 (abide by) accept or act in accordance with (a rule or decision).
2 (cannot/could not abide) informal be unable to tolerate.
3 [often as adj. abiding] (of a feeling or memory) endure.
4 archaic live; dwell.

- DERIVATIVES abidance n. (archaic). abidingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE bdan ‘wait’, from - ‘onwards’ + bdan (see bide).

ability

n. (pl. abilities)
1 possession of the means or skill to do something.
2 skill or talent.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ablete, from L. habilitas, from habilis ‘able’.

-ability

suffix forming nouns of quality corresponding to adjectives ending in -able (such as suitability corresponding to suitable).

- ORIGIN from Fr. -abilité or L. -abilitas.

ab initio

/ /

adv. & adj. from the beginning.

- ORIGIN from L.

abiogenesis

//

n. technical term for spontaneous generation.

- DERIVATIVES abiogenic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk bios ‘life’ + genesis.

abiotic

//

adj. not involving or derived from living organisms.

abject

//

adj.
1 (of something bad) experienced to the maximum degree: living in abject poverty.
2 completely without pride or dignity: an abject apology.

- DERIVATIVES abjection n. abjectly adv. abjectness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘rejected’): from L. abjectus, abicere ‘reject’, from ab- ‘away’ + jacere ‘to throw’.

abjure

//, //

v. formal solemnly renounce (a belief or claim).

- PHRASES
abjure the realm historical swear an oath to leave a country forever.

- DERIVATIVES abjuration n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. abjurare, from ab- ‘away’ + jurare ‘swear’.

Abkhaz

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a people living mainly in the autonomous territory of Abkhazia in NW Georgia.
2 the North Caucasian language of the Abkhaz.

- DERIVATIVES Abkhazian adj. & n.

ablation

//

n.
1 the loss of solid material (especially ice) by melting or evaporation. the erosion of rock by wind action.
2 the surgical removal of body tissue.

- DERIVATIVES ablate v.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. ablatio(n-), from L. ablat-, auferre ‘take away’.

ablative

//

adj.
1 Grammar denoting a case indicating an agent, instrument, or source, expressed by ‘by’, ‘with’, or ‘from’ in English.
2 involving ablation.
n. Grammar a word in the ablative case.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ablative (fem. of ablatif), L. ablativus, from ablat-, auferre (see ablation).

ablative absolute

n. a construction in Latin which consists of a noun and participle or adjective in the ablative case and which functions as a sentence adverb, for example mirabile dictu ‘wonderful to relate’.

ablaut

//

n. alternation in the vowels of related word forms, especially in Germanic strong verbs (e.g. in sing, sang, sung).

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., from ab ‘off’ + Laut ‘sound’.

ablaze

adj. burning fiercely.

able

adj. (abler, ablest)
1 having the power, skill, or means to do something.
2 having considerable proficiency or intelligence.

- DERIVATIVES ably adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. hable, from L. habilis ‘handy’, from habere ‘to hold’.

-able

suffix forming adjectives meaning:
1 able to be: calculable.
2 subject to; relevant to: taxable.
3 having the quality to: suitable.

- DERIVATIVES -ably suffix.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -able or L. -abilis.

able-bodied

adj. not physically unfit or disabled.

able seaman

n. a rank of sailor in the Royal Navy above ordinary seaman and below leading seaman.

abloom

adj. in bloom.

ablush

adj. literary blushing.

ablution

//

n.
1 (usu. ablutions) formal or humorous an act of washing. a ceremonial act of washing parts of the body or sacred containers.
2 (ablutions) Brit. (in army slang) a room with washing places and toilets.

- DERIVATIVES ablutionary adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. ablutio(n-), from abluere, from ab- ‘away’ + luere ‘wash’.

ABM

abbrev. anti-ballistic-missile.

Abnaki

// (also Abenaki //)

n. (pl. same or Abnakis) a member of an American Indian people of Maine and southern Quebec.

- ORIGIN from Fr. Abénaqui, from Montagnais ouabankionek ‘people of the eastern land’.

abnegate

//

v. formal renounce or reject (something desired or valuable).

- DERIVATIVES abnegation n. abnegator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as abnegation): from L. abnegat-, abnegare ‘renounce’, from ab- ‘away, off’ + negare ‘deny’.

abnormal

adj. deviating from what is normal.

- DERIVATIVES abnormality n. (pl. abnormalities). abnormally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of C16 anormal, from Fr., var. of anomal, via L. from Gk anmalos (see anomaly).

Abo

//

n. (pl. Abos) Austral. informal, offensive an Aboriginal.

aboard

adv. & prep.
1 on or into (a ship, train, or other vehicle).
2 Baseball on base.

- ORIGIN ME: from a-2 + board, reinforced by OFr. à bord.

abode^1

n. formal or literary a house or home. the fact of living somewhere: his right of abode in Britain.

- ORIGIN ME: verbal noun from abide.

abode^2

v. archaic past of abide.

abolish

v. formally put an end to (a practice or institution).

- DERIVATIVES abolishable adj. abolisher n. abolishment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aboliss-, lengthened stem of abolir, from L. abolere ‘destroy’.

abolition

n. the action of abolishing a practice or institution.

abolitionist

n. a person who favours the abolition of something, especially capital punishment or (formerly) slavery.

- DERIVATIVES abolitionism n.

abomasum

//

n. (pl. abomasa //) Zoology the fourth stomach of a ruminant, which receives food from the omasum and passes it to the small intestine.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from ab- ‘away, from’ + omasum (see omasum).

A-bomb

n. short for atom bomb.

abominable

//

adj. causing moral revulsion. informal very bad; terrible.

- DERIVATIVES abominably adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. abominabilis, from abominari ‘deprecate’, from ab- ‘away, from’ + omen, omin- ‘omen’.

Abominable Snowman

n. (pl. Abominable Snowmen) another term for yeti.

abominate

//

v. formal regard with hatred or disgust.

- DERIVATIVES abominator n.

abomination

n. a cause of hatred or disgust. a feeling of hatred.

aboral

//

adj. Zoology furthest from or leading away from the mouth.

- DERIVATIVES aborally adv.

aboriginal

//

adj. inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous. (Aboriginal) relating to or denoting the Australian Aboriginals.
n.
1 an aboriginal inhabitant. (Aboriginal) a person belonging to one of the indigenous peoples of Australia.
2 (Aboriginal) any of the Australian Aboriginal languages.

- DERIVATIVES Aboriginality n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aborigines (see aborigine) + -al.

aborigine

//

n. an aboriginal person, animal, or plant. (Aborigine) an Australian Aboriginal.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from C16 aborigines ‘original inhabitants’, from L. ab origine ‘from the beginning’.

aborning

//

adv. chiefly N. Amer. while being born or produced.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from a- ‘in the process of’ + US dial. born ‘to be born’.

abort

v.
1 carry out or undergo the abortion of (a fetus).
2 Biology (of an embryonic organ or organism) fail to mature.
3 bring to a premature end because of a problem or fault.
n. chiefly technical an act of aborting a flight or other enterprise.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. aboriri ‘miscarry’, from ab- ‘away, from’ + oriri ‘be born’.

abortifacient

// Medicine

adj. (of a drug) causing abortion.
n. an abortifacient drug.

abortion

n.
1 the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy. the natural expulsion of a fetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently.
2 Biology the arrest of the development of an organ, especially a seed or fruit.
3 informal, derogatory something imperfectly planned or made.

- DERIVATIVES abortionist n. (chiefly derogatory).

abortive

adj.
1 failing to produce the intended result: an abortive coup.
2 Biology, dated (of an organ or organism) rudimentary; arrested in development.

- DERIVATIVES abortively adv.

abortus fever

//

n. Medicine the commonest form of undulant fever in humans, caused by the brucellosis bacterium.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L. abortus ‘miscarriage’.

ABO system

n. a system of four basic types (A, AB, B, and O) into which human blood may be classified, based on the presence or absence of inherited antigens.

abound

v. exist in large numbers or amounts. (abound in/with) have in large numbers or amounts.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abunder, from L. abundare ‘overflow’, from ab- ‘from’ + undare ‘surge’.

about

prep. & adv.
1 [as prep.] on the subject of; concerning.
2 used to indicate movement within a particular area or location in a particular place.
3 [as adv.] approximately.

- PHRASES
be about to be on the point of.
know what one is about informal be sensible and self-possessed.

- ORIGIN OE onbtan, from on ‘in, on’ + btan ‘outside of’ (see but^2).

about-turn

(also chiefly N. Amer. about-face)

n. Brit.
1 Military a turn made so as to face the opposite direction.
2 informal a complete change of opinion or policy.

above

prep. & adv.
1 at a higher level or rank than. higher than a particular amount or rate.
2 in preference to.
3 [as adv.] (in printed text) mentioned earlier.

- PHRASES
above all (else) more so than anything else.
above board legitimate and honest.
above oneself conceited.
not be above be capable of stooping to (an unworthy act).

- ORIGIN OE abufan, from a- ‘on’ + bufan (from bi ‘by’ + ufan ‘above’).

ab ovo

/ /

adv. from the very beginning.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘from the egg’.

Abp

abbrev. Archbishop.

abracadabra

exclam. a word said by conjurors when performing a magic trick.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from a Gk base.

abrade

//

v. scrape or wear away by friction or erosion.

- DERIVATIVES abrader n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. abradere, from ab- ‘away, from’ + radere ‘to scrape’.

abrasion

//

n. the action or process of abrading or being abraded.

abrasive

//

adj.
1 (of a substance) capable of polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing or grinding. tending to rub or graze the skin.
2 harsh or insensitive in manner.
n. an abrasive substance.

- DERIVATIVES abrasively adv. abrasiveness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. abras-, abradere (see abrade) + -ive.

abreaction

n. Psychoanalysis the expression and consequent release of a previously repressed emotion, achieved through hypnosis or suggestion.

- DERIVATIVES abreact v. abreactive adj.

abreast

adv.
1 side by side and facing the same way.
2 alongside.
3 (abreast of) up to date with.

abridge

v.
1 shorten (a text or film) without losing the sense.
2 Law curtail (a right or privilege).

- DERIVATIVES abridgeable adj. abridgement (also chiefly US abridgment) n. abridger n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abregier, from late L. abbreviare (see abbreviate).

abroad

adv.
1 in or to a foreign country or countries.
2 in different directions; over a wide area. (of a feeling or rumour) widely current.
3 archaic out of doors.
n. foreign countries collectively.

- ORIGIN ME: from a-2 + broad.

abrogate

//

v. formal repeal or cancel (a law or agreement).

- DERIVATIVES abrogation n. abrogator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. abrogat-, abrogare ‘repeal’, from ab- ‘away, from’ + rogare ‘propose a law’.

abrupt

adj.
1 sudden and unexpected.
2 brief to the point of rudeness; curt.
3 (of a slope) steep.

- DERIVATIVES abruptly adv. abruptness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. abruptus ‘broken off, steep’, from abrumpere, from ab- ‘away, from’ + rumpere ‘break’.

abruption

n. technical the sudden breaking away of a portion from a mass. Medicine premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the womb during pregnancy.

ABS

abbrev.
1 acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a hard composite plastic.
2 anti-lock braking system.

abs-

prefix variant spelling of ab- before c, q, and t (as in abscond, abstain).

abscess

n. a swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus.

- DERIVATIVES abscessed adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. abscessus, from abscedere, from ab- ‘away from’ + cedere ‘go’.

abscisic acid

//

n. Biochemistry a plant hormone which promotes leaf detachment, induces seed and bud dormancy, and inhibits germination.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from abscission.

abscissa

//

n. (pl. abscissae // or abscissas) Mathematics the distance from a point on a graph to the vertical or y-axis; the x-coordinate. Compare with ordinate.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. abscissa (linea) ‘cut-off (line)’, fem. past part. of abscindere (see abscission).

abscission

//

n. Botany the process by which parts of a plant break off naturally, e.g. dead leaves.

- DERIVATIVES abscise // v.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. abscissio(n-), from abscindere, from ab- ‘off’ + scindere ‘to cut’.

abscond

//, //

v. leave hurriedly and secretly to escape from custody or avoid arrest.

- DERIVATIVES absconder n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. abscondere ‘hide’, from ab- ‘away, from’ + condere ‘stow’.

abseil

//, //

v. Brit. descend a near-vertical surface using a doubled rope running through a friction device or coiled round the body and fixed at a higher point.

- DERIVATIVES abseiler n. abseiling n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Ger. abseilen, from ab ‘down’ + Seil ‘rope’.

absence

n.
1 the state of being away from a place or person.
2 (absence of) the non-existence or lack of.

absent

adj. //
1 not present.
2 showing a lack of attention.
v. // (absent oneself) stay or go away.
prep. // N. Amer. without.

- DERIVATIVES absently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. absens, absent-, pres. part. of abesse, from ab- ‘from, away’ + esse ‘to be’.

absentee

n. a person who is absent.

absenteeism

n. the practice of regularly staying away from work or school without good reason.

absent-minded

adj. forgetful or inattentive.

- DERIVATIVES absent-mindedly adv. absent-mindedness n.

absinth

//

n.
1 the shrub wormwood.
2 (usu. absinthe) a green aniseed-flavoured liqueur formerly made with wormwood.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. absinthe, via L. from Gk apsinthion ‘wormwood’.

absit omen

/ /

exclam. used to express the hope that what is threatened may not become fact.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘may this (evil) omen be absent’.

absolute

//

adj.
1 not qualified or diminished; total. not subject to any limitation of power: an absolute ruler.
2 not relative or comparative: absolute moral standards.
3 Grammar (of a construction) syntactically independent of the rest of the sentence, as in dinner being over, we left the table. (of a transitive verb) used without an expressed object (e.g. guns kill). (of an adjective) used without an expressed noun (e.g. the brave).
4 Law (of a decree) final. See also decree absolute.
n. Philosophy a value or principle regarded as universally valid or able to be viewed without relation to other things.

- DERIVATIVES absoluteness n. absolutization (or absolutisation) n. absolutize (or absolutise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. absolutus ‘freed, unrestricted’, from absolvere (see absolve).

absolute alcohol

n. ethanol containing less than one per cent of water by weight.

absolutely

adv.
1 with no qualification or limitation; totally.
2 used for emphasis or to express agreement.
3 not viewed in relation to other things.
4 Grammar (of a verb) without a stated object.

absolute magnitude

n. Astronomy the magnitude (brightness) of a celestial object as it would be seen at a standard distance of 10 parsecs.

absolute majority

n. a majority over all rivals combined; more than half.

absolute music

n. instrumental music not intended to represent or illustrate anything. Compare with programme music.

absolute pitch

n. Music
1 perfect pitch.
2 pitch according to a fixed standard defined by the frequency of the sound vibration.

absolute temperature

n. a temperature measured from absolute zero in kelvins.

absolute title

n. Law the guarantee of title to the ownership of a property or lease.

absolute value

n.
1 Mathematics the magnitude of a real number without regard to its sign.
2 technical the actual magnitude of a numerical value or measurement, irrespective of its relation to other values.

absolute zero

n. the lowest temperature that is theoretically possible (zero kelvins, -273.15°C), at which the motion of particles which constitutes heat is minimal.

absolution

n. formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment. ecclesiastical declaration of forgiveness of sins.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. absolutio(n-), from absolvere (see absolve).

absolutism

n. belief in absolute principles in politics, philosophy, or theology.

- DERIVATIVES absolutist n. & adj.

absolve

//

v. declare (someone) free from guilt or responsibility: the pardon absolved them of any crimes. give absolution for (a sin).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. absolvere ‘set free, acquit’, from ab- ‘from’ + solvere ‘loosen’.

absorb

//, //

v.
1 soak up (liquid or another substance).
2 take in (information).
3 assimilate (a lesser entity) into a larger one.
4 use up (time or resources).
5 reduce the effect or intensity of (sound or an impact).
6 [usu. as adj. absorbed or absorbing] engross the attention of.

- DERIVATIVES absorbability n. absorbable adj. absorbedly adv. absorber n. absorbingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. absorbere, from ab- ‘from’ + sorbere ‘suck in’.

absorbance

n. Physics a measure of the capacity of a substance to absorb light of a specified wavelength.

absorbent

adj. able to soak up liquid easily.
n. an absorbent substance.

- DERIVATIVES absorbency n.

absorption

//, //

n.
1 the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed.
2 the state of being engrossed in something.

- DERIVATIVES absorptive adj. absorptivity n.

absorption costing

n. a method of calculating the cost of a product or enterprise by taking into account overheads as well as direct costs.

absquatulate

//

v. humorous, chiefly N. Amer. leave abruptly.

- DERIVATIVES absquatulation n.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of abscond, squattle ‘squat down’, and perambulate.

abstain

v.
1 (often abstain from) restrain oneself from doing something.
2 formally decline to vote.

- DERIVATIVES abstainer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abstenir, from L. abstinere, from ab- ‘from’ + tenere ‘hold’.

abstemious

//

adj. indulging only very moderately in something, especially food and drink.

- DERIVATIVES abstemiously adv. abstemiousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. abstemius (from ab- ‘from’ + a word rel. to temetum ‘alcoholic liquor’) + -ous.

abstention

//

n.
1 an instance of abstaining from a vote.
2 abstinence.

- DERIVATIVES abstentionism n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. abstentio(n-), from abstinere (see abstain).

abstinence

//

n. the fact or practice of abstaining, especially from drinking alcohol.

- DERIVATIVES abstinent adj. abstinently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. abstinentia, from abstinere (see abstain).

abstract

adj. //
1 theoretical rather than physical or concrete. (of a noun) denoting an idea, quality, or state.
2 relating to or denoting art that does not attempt to represent external, recognizable reality.
v. //
1 extract or remove: plans to abstract more water from streams.
2 [as adj. abstracted] not concentrating.
3 make a written summary of.
4 consider separately from something else.
n. //
1 a summary of a book or article.
2 an abstract work of art.

- DERIVATIVES abstractedly adv. abstractly adv. abstractor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. abstract-, abstrahere, from ab- ‘from’ + trahere ‘draw off’.

abstract expressionism

n. a development of abstract art which aimed at subjective emotional expression with particular emphasis on spontaneous creativity (e.g. action painting).

- DERIVATIVES abstract expressionist n. & adj.

abstraction

n.
1 the quality or process of treating something in a theoretical way. something which exists only as an idea.
2 a state of preoccupation.
3 abstract qualities in art.
4 the process of abstracting something.

abstractionism

n.
1 the principles and practice of abstract art.
2 the presentation of ideas in abstract terms.

- DERIVATIVES abstractionist n. & adj.

abstract of title

n. Law a summary of the title deeds and documents relating to the ownership of a piece of land.

abstruse

//

adj. difficult to understand.

- DERIVATIVES abstrusely adv. abstruseness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. abstrus-, abstrudere ‘conceal’, from ab- ‘from’ + trudere ‘to push’.

absurd

adj. highly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.

- DERIVATIVES absurdity n. (pl. absurdities). absurdly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. absurdus ‘out of tune’, hence ‘irrational’; rel. to surdus ‘deaf, dull’.

absurdism

n. the belief that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe.

- DERIVATIVES absurdist adj. & n.

ABTA

abbrev. Association of British Travel Agents.

abulia

//

n. Psychiatry an absence of willpower or an inability to act decisively.

- DERIVATIVES abulic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: coined from a-1 + Gk boul ‘the will’.

abundance

//

n.
1 a very large quantity of something. the state of being plentiful or prosperous.
2 the amount of something present in a particular area or sample.
3 (in solo whist) a bid by which a player undertakes to make nine or more tricks.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. abundantia, from abundant-, abundare (see abound).

abundant

adj. present in large quantities; plentiful. (abundant in) having plenty of.

- DERIVATIVES abundantly adv.

abuse

v. //
1 use to bad effect or for a bad purpose.
2 treat with cruelty or violence. assault sexually.
3 address in an insulting and offensive way.
n. //
1 the improper use of something.
2 cruel and violent treatment. sexual assault.
3 insulting and offensive language.

- DERIVATIVES abuser n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. abus-, abuti ‘misuse’, from ab- ‘away’ + uti ‘to use’.

abusive

adj.
1 offensive and insulting.
2 characterized by physical abuse.
3 involving illegality.

- DERIVATIVES abusively adv. abusiveness n.

abut

//

v. (abuts, abutting, abutted)
1 (of land or a building) be next to or share a boundary with.
2 touch or lean on.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Latin abuttare, from a- ‘to’ + OFr. but ‘end’; sense 2 is from OFr. abouter, from a- + bouter (see butt^1).

abutilon

//

n. a herbaceous plant or shrub of warm climates, with showy yellow, red, or mauve flowers.   Genus Abutilon.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Arab. btln ‘Indian mallow’.

abutment

n.
1 a structure supporting the lateral pressure of an arch or span.
2 a point at which something abuts something else.

abutter

n. chiefly US the owner of an adjoining property.

abuzz

adj. filled with a continuous humming sound.

ABV

abbrev. alcohol by volume.

abysm

//

n. literary an abyss.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. abisme, med. L. abysmus, alt. of late L. abyssus ‘bottomless pit’.

abysmal

adj.
1 extremely bad.
2 literary very deep.

- DERIVATIVES abysmally adv.

abyss

//

n.
1 a very deep chasm.
2 (the abyss) a catastrophic situation seen as likely to occur.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk abussos ‘bottomless’, from a- ‘without’ + bussos ‘depth’.

abyssal

adj.
1 relating to or denoting the depths of the ocean.
2 Geology plutonic.

Abyssinian

//

adj. historical relating to Abyssinia (the former name of Ethiopia).
n.
1 historical a native of Abyssinia.
2 a cat of a breed having long ears and short brown hair flecked with grey.

AC

abbrev.
1 (also ac) air conditioning.
2 Aircraftman.
3 (also ac) alternating current.
4 appellation contrôlée.
5 athletic club.
6 before Christ. [ORIGIN from L. ante Christum.]
7 Companion of the Order of Australia.

Ac

symb. the chemical element actinium.

a/c

abbrev.
1 account.
2 (also A/C) air conditioning.

ac-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before c, k, and q (as in accept, acquit, and acquiesce).

-ac

suffix forming adjectives which are often also (or only) used as nouns, such as maniac. Compare with -acal.

- ORIGIN via L. -acus or Fr. -aque from Gk -akos.

acacia

//, //

n. a tree or shrub of warm climates which has yellow or white flowers.   Genus Acacia: numerous species.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk akakia.

academe

//

n. literary academia: top jobs in academe.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. academia (see academy).

academia

//

n. the academic environment or community.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from L. (see academy).

academic

adj.
1 relating to education and scholarship. scholarly rather than technical or practical.
2 (of an art form) conventional in an idealized or excessively formal way.
3 not related to a real or practical situation and therefore irrelevant.
n. a teacher or scholar in a university or college.

- DERIVATIVES academically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. académique or med. L. academicus, from academia (see academy).

academical

adj. relating to a college or university.
n. (academicals) Brit. dated formal university attire.

academician

//

n.
1 a member of an academy.
2 N. Amer. an academic.

academicism

// (also academism)

n. adherence to formal or conventional rules and traditions in art or literature.

academy

n. (pl. academies)
1 a place of study or training in a special field. [chiefly in names] US & Scottish a secondary school.
2 a society or institution of distinguished scholars, artists, or scientists.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. académie or L. academia, from Gk akadmeia, from Akadmos, the hero after whom the garden where Plato taught was named.

Academy award

n. an award given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievement in the film industry; an Oscar.

Acadian

// chiefly historical

adj. relating to the former French colony of Acadia (now Nova Scotia) in Canada.
n. a native or inhabitant of Acadia, or a descendant of the Acadians.

acajou

//

n. another term for cashew.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., via Port. from Tupi acajú.

-acal

suffix forming adjectives such as maniacal, often making a distinction from nouns ending in -ac (as in maniacal compared with maniac).

acalculia

//

n. Medicine loss of the ability to perform simple calculations, as a result of brain injury or disease.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from a-1 + L. calculare ‘calculate’ + -ia^1.

acanthamoeba

//

n. (pl. acanthamoebae //) an amoeba of a genus which includes a number that can cause opportunistic infections in humans.   Genus Acanthamoeba.

acantho-

// (also acanth- before a vowel)

comb. form resembling a thorn or thorns.

- ORIGIN from Gk akantha ‘thorn’.

acanthus

//

n.
1 a herbaceous plant or shrub with bold flower spikes and spiny decorative leaves, found in warm regions of the Old World.   Genus Acanthus: many species.
2 Architecture a representation of an acanthus leaf, used especially as a decoration for Corinthian column capitals.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk akanthos, from akantha ‘thorn’, from ak ‘sharp point’.

a cappella

/ /, //

adj. & adv. (of music) sung without instrumental accompaniment.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘in chapel style’.

acara

//

n. a small cichlid fish of Central and South America with long dorsal and anal fins.   Genera Aequidens and Cichlisoma.

- ORIGIN from Port. acaré, from Tupi.

acaricide

//

n. a substance poisonous to mites or ticks.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk akari ‘mite, tick’ + -cide.

acarine

// Zoology

n. a small arachnid of the order Acari, which comprises the mites and ticks.
adj. relating to or caused by mites and ticks.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Acari, from acarus, from Gk akari ‘mite, tick’.

acarology

//

n. the study of mites and ticks.

- DERIVATIVES acarologist n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk akari ‘mite, tick’ + -logy.

ACAS

//

abbrev. (in the UK) Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service.

acausal

adj. not governed or operating by the laws of cause and effect.

accede

//

v. (usu. accede to) formal
1 assent or agree to.
2 assume (an office or position).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. accedere, from ad- ‘to’ + cedere ‘give way, yield’.

accelerando

//, //

adv. & adj. Music with a gradual increase of speed.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

accelerant

n. a substance used to aid the spread of fire.
adj. technical accelerating or causing acceleration.

accelerate

//

v. begin to move more quickly. increase in rate, amount, or extent. Physics undergo a change in velocity.

- DERIVATIVES acceleration n. accelerative adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (C15) as acceleration): from L. accelerat-, accelerare ‘hasten’, from ad- ‘towards’ + celer ‘swift’.

accelerator

n.
1 a foot pedal which controls the speed of a vehicle's engine.
2 Physics an apparatus for accelerating charged particles to high velocities.
3 a substance that speeds up a chemical process.

accelerometer

//

n. an instrument for measuring acceleration.

accent

n. //, //
1 a particular way of pronouncing a language, associated with a country, area, or social class.
2 an emphasis given to a syllable, word, or note in speech or music.
3 a special emphasis: the accent is on participation.
4 a mark on a letter or word indicating pitch, stress, or the quality of a vowel.
v. //
1 [as adj. accented] spoken with a particular accent.
2 stress (a word, syllable, or note).
3 emphasize (a feature).

- DERIVATIVES accentual adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. accentus ‘tone, signal, or intensity’, translating Gk prosidia ‘song, intonation’.

accentor

//

n. a small brown and grey songbird of a family including the dunnock.   Family Prunellidae, genus Prunella.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L., from ad- ‘to’ + cantor ‘singer’.

accentuate

//, //

v. make more noticeable or prominent.

- DERIVATIVES accentuation n.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C15) as accentuation): from med. L. accentuat-, accentuare, from L. accentus (see accent).

accept

v.
1 consent to receive or undertake (something offered).
2 regard with approval.
3 believe to be valid or correct.
4 take on (a responsibility or liability). tolerate or submit to (something undesirable).

- DERIVATIVES acceptance n. acceptant adj. (rare). acceptor (also accepter) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. acceptare, from accipere, from ad- ‘to’ + capere ‘take’.

acceptable

adj.
1 able to be accepted.
2 satisfactory or adequate.

- DERIVATIVES acceptability n. acceptableness n. acceptably adv.

acceptation

//

n. the accepted meaning of a word or phrase.

access

n.
1 the means or opportunity to approach or enter a place. the right or opportunity to use something or see someone: do you have access to a computer?
2 retrieval of information stored in a computer's memory.
3 literary an outburst of an emotion: an access of rage.
v.
1 approach or enter (a place).
2 Computing obtain, examine, or retrieve (data).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. accessus, from accedere (see accede).

accessary

n. & adj. variant spelling of accessory.

accessible

adj.
1 able to be accessed.
2 friendly and easy to talk to; approachable.
3 easily understood or appreciated.

- DERIVATIVES accessibility n. accessibly adv.

accession

n.
1 the attainment of a position of rank.
2 the formal acceptance of a treaty or joining of an association.
3 a new item added to a collection of books or artefacts.
v. record the addition of (a new item) to a library or museum.

accessorize

(or accessorise)

v. provide (a garment) with a fashion accessory.

accessory

(also accessary)

n. (pl. accessories)
1 a thing which can be added to something else in order to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive. a small article carried or worn to complement a garment.
2 Law a person who assists the perpetrator of a crime without taking part in it.
adj. chiefly technical subsidiary or supplementary.

- DERIVATIVES accessorial adj. (chiefly Law).

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. accessorius ‘additional thing’, from L. access-, accedere (see accede).

accessory nerves

pl. n. Anatomy a pair of cranial nerves supplying certain muscles in the neck and shoulder.

acciaccatura

//

n. (pl. acciaccaturas or acciaccature) Music a grace note performed as quickly as possible before an essential note of a melody.

- ORIGIN Ital., from acciaccare ‘to crush’.

accidence

//

n. dated the part of grammar concerned with the inflections of words.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. accidentia, from L. accidere (see accident).

accident

n.
1 an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally.
2 something that happens by chance or without apparent cause. chance: we met by accident.
3 Philosophy a property of a thing which is not essential to its nature.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘an event’): via OFr. from L. accident-, accidere, from ad- ‘towards, to’ + cadere ‘to fall’.

accidental

adj.
1 happening by accident.
2 incidental.
3 Philosophy relating to or denoting properties not essential to a thing's nature.
n.
1 Music a sign indicating a momentary departure from the key signature by raising or lowering a note.
2 Ornithology another term for vagrant.

- DERIVATIVES accidentally adv.

accidie

//

n. literary spiritual or mental sloth.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. accidia, alt. of acedia.

accipiter

//

n. Ornithology a hawk of a group distinguished by short, broad wings, such as the goshawk.   Accipiter and other genera.

- DERIVATIVES accipitrine adj.

- ORIGIN from L., ‘hawk, bird of prey’.

acclaim

v. praise enthusiastically and publicly.
n. enthusiastic public praise.

- DERIVATIVES acclamation n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as acclamation): from L. acclamare, from ad- ‘to’ + clamare ‘to shout’.

acclimate

//, //

v. chiefly N. Amer. acclimatize.

- DERIVATIVES acclimation n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. acclimater, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + climat ‘climate’.

acclimatize

(or acclimatise)

v.
1 (often acclimatize to or be/become acclimatized to) become accustomed to a new climate or new conditions.
2 Biology respond to changes in environmental factors.
3 Botany & Horticulture harden off (a plant).

- DERIVATIVES acclimatization n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. acclimater ‘acclimatize’ + -ize.

acclivity

//

n. (pl. acclivities) an upward slope.

- DERIVATIVES acclivitous adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. acclivitas, from acclivis, from ad- ‘towards’ + clivus ‘a slope’.

accolade

//, //

n.
1 something granted as a special honour or in recognition of merit.
2 a ceremonial touch on a person's shoulders with a sword at the bestowing of a knighthood.

- ORIGIN When it entered English in the 17th century the word accolade referred to a gesture performed by a monarch when knighting someone: an embrace around the neck, a kiss, or a touch on the shoulders with a sword. The word comes via French from Provençal acolada, literally ‘an embrace around the neck’, ultimately from Latin ad- ‘to’ and collum ‘neck’; through collum it is linked to words such as collar and décolletage.

accommodate

v.
1 provide lodging or sufficient space for.
2 fit in with the wishes or needs of. [as adj. accommodating] fitting in helpfully with another's wishes or demands.

- DERIVATIVES accommodatingly adv. accommodative adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. accommodat-, accommodare ‘make fitting’, from ad- ‘to’ + commodus ‘fitting’.

accommodation

n.
1 a room, building, or space in which someone may live or stay. (accommodations) chiefly N. Amer. lodgings.
2 a settlement or compromise.
3 adjustment to or reconciliation of changing circumstances.
4 the automatic adjustment of the focus of the eye by the lens.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. accommodatio(n-), from accommodare (see accommodate).

accommodation address

n. Brit. an address for correspondence used by a person unable or unwilling to give a permanent address.

accommodationist

n. US a person who seeks compromise.

accommodation ladder

n. a ladder up the side of a ship allowing access from a small boat or a quayside.

accompaniment

n.
1 a musical part which supports or partners an instrument, voice, or group.
2 something that supplements or complements something else.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. accompagnement, from accompagner ‘accompany’.

accompanist

n. a person who provides a musical accompaniment.

accompany

v. (accompanies, accompanying, accompanied)
1 go somewhere with.
2 be present or occur at the same time as. provide or serve as a complement to.
3 play a musical accompaniment for.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. accompagner, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + compagne, from OFr. compaignon ‘companion’.

accomplice

//, //

n. a person who helps another commit a crime.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of ME complice ‘an associate’, via OFr. from late L. complex, complic- ‘allied’.

accomplish

v. achieve or complete successfully.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acompliss-, acomplir, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + complere ‘to complete’.

accomplished

adj. highly trained or skilled.

accomplishment

n.
1 something that has been achieved successfully. the successful achievement of a task.
2 an activity that one can do well.

accord

v.
1 give or grant someone (power or recognition).
2 (accord with) be harmonious or consistent with.
n.
1 an official agreement or treaty.
2 agreement or harmony.

- PHRASES
of one's own accord without being asked or forced.
with one accord in a united way.

- ORIGIN OE, from OFr. acorder ‘reconcile’, from L. ad- ‘to’ + cor, cord- ‘heart’; influenced by concord.

accordance

n. (in phr. in accordance with) in a manner conforming with.

accordant

adj. archaic agreeing or compatible.

according

adv.
1 (according to) as stated by or in. in a manner corresponding or in proportion to.
2 (according as) formal depending on whether.

accordingly

adv.
1 appropriately.
2 consequently.

accordion

//

n. a musical instrument played by stretching and squeezing with the hands to work a bellows that blows air over reeds, the melody and chords being sounded by buttons or keys.

- DERIVATIVES accordionist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Akkordion, from Ital. accordare ‘to tune’.

accost

v. approach and address boldly or aggressively.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. in the sense ‘lie or go alongside’): from Fr. accoster, from Ital. accostare, from L. ad- ‘to’ + costa ‘rib, side’.

accouchement

//

n. archaic the action of giving birth.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from accoucher ‘act as midwife’, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + coucher (see couch^1).

accoucheur

//

n. a male midwife.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from accoucher (see accouchement).

account

n.
1 a description of an event or experience.
2 a record of financial expenditure and receipts. chiefly Brit. a bill for goods or services.
3 a service through a bank or similar organization by which funds are held on behalf of a client or goods or services are supplied on credit.
4 a contract to do work for a client.
5 importance: money was of no account to her.
v.
1 consider or regard in a specified way.
2 (account for) supply or make up (a specified amount).
3 (account for) give a satisfactory record or explanation of.
4 (account for) succeed in killing or defeating.

- PHRASES
call (or bring) to account require (someone) to explain a mistake or poor performance.
money of account denominations of money used in reckoning but not current as coins.
on someone's account for someone's benefit.
on account of because of.
on no account under no circumstances.
on one's own account for oneself.
take account of consider with other factors before reaching a decision.
turn to (good) account turn to one's advantage.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘counting’, ‘to count’): from OFr. acont (n.), aconter (v.), based on conter ‘to count’.

accountable

adj.
1 required or expected to justify actions or decisions.
2 explicable; understandable.

- DERIVATIVES accountability n. accountably adv.

accountancy

n. the profession or duties of an accountant.

accountant

n. a person who keeps or inspects financial accounts.

- ORIGIN ME: from legal Fr., pres. part. of OFr. aconter (see account).

accounting

n. the action of keeping financial accounts.

accounts payable

pl. n. money owed by a company to its creditors.

accounts receivable

pl. n. money owed to a company by its debtors.

accoutre

// (US accouter)

v. (accoutres, accoutring, accoutred; US accouters, accoutering, accoutered) clothe or equip in something noticeable or impressive.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. accoutrer, from OFr. acoustrer, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + cousture ‘sewing’.

accoutrement

//, // (US accouterment)

n. an item of dress or equipment required for a particular activity.

accra

//, // (also akara)

n. (in West Africa and the Caribbean) a fritter made using black-eyed peas.

- ORIGIN from Yoruba àkàrà ‘bean cake’.

accredit

v. (accredits, accrediting, accredited)
1 give credit to (someone) for something. (accredit something to) attribute something to.
2 [often as adj. accredited] give official authorization or recognition to.
3 authorize (a diplomat or journalist) to be in a place or to hold a post.

- DERIVATIVES accreditation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. accréditer, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + crédit ‘credit’.

accrete

//

v. grow or form by accumulation or coalescence.

- DERIVATIVES accretion n. accretionary adj. accretive adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) as accretion): from L. accret-, accrescere ‘grow’, from ad- ‘to’ + crescere ‘grow’.

accrue

//

v. (accrues, accruing, accrued)
1 (of a benefit or sum of money) be received in regular or increasing amounts.
2 make provision for (a charge) at the end of a financial period.

- DERIVATIVES accrual n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acreue, past part. of acreistre ‘increase’, from L. accrescere (see accrete).

acculturate

//

v. assimilate to a different culture.

- DERIVATIVES acculturation n. acculturative adj.

accumulate

//

v. gather together a number or quantity of. gradually increase; build up.

- DERIVATIVES accumulation n. accumulative adj.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. accumulat-, accumulare ‘heap up’, from ad- ‘to’ + cumulus ‘a heap’.

accumulator

n.
1 a person or thing that accumulates.
2 Brit. a large rechargeable electric cell.
3 Brit. a bet placed on a series of events, the winnings and stake from each being placed on the next.

accurate

//

adj.
1 correct in all details.
2 capable of or successful in reaching the intended target.

- DERIVATIVES accuracy n. (pl. accuracies). accurately adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. accurat-, accurare ‘do with care’, from ad- ‘towards’ + cura ‘care’.

accursed

//, //

adj.
1 literary under a curse.
2 informal greatly disliked; detestable.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of obs. accurse, from a- (expressing intensity) + curse.

accusal

n. less common term for accusation.

accusation

n. a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.

accusative

// Grammar

adj. denoting a case which expresses the object of an action or the goal of motion.
n. a word in the accusative case.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. (casus) accusativus, translating Gk (ptsis) aitiatik ‘(the case) showing cause’.

accusatorial

//

adj. Law involving accusation by a prosecutor and a verdict reached by an impartial judge or jury. Compare with adversarial, inquisitorial.

accuse

v. charge with an offence or crime. (accuse someone of) claim that someone has done something wrong.

- DERIVATIVES accusatory adj. accuser n. accusing adj. accusingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acuser, from L. accusare ‘call to account’, from ad- ‘towards’ + causa ‘reason, motive, lawsuit’.

accustom

v.
1 make used to: I accustomed my eyes to the lenses. (be accustomed to) be used to.
2 [as adj. accustomed] customary; usual.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acostumer, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + costume ‘custom’.

AC/DC

adj.
1 alternating current/direct current.
2 informal bisexual.

ace

n.
1 a playing card with a single spot on it, the highest card in its suit in most games.
2 informal a person who excels at a particular activity.
3 Tennis a service that an opponent is unable to return.
4 Golf a hole in one.
adj. informal very good.
v. informal
1 (in tennis) serve an ace against.
2 Golf score an ace on (a hole).
3 N. Amer. achieve high marks in (a test or exam).

- PHRASES
ace up one's sleeve (or N. Amer. in the hole) something effective kept in reserve.
hold all the aces have all the advantages.
within an ace of very close to.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the ‘one’ on dice): via OFr. from L. as ‘unity, a unit’.

-acea

suffix Zoology forming the names of zoological groups: Crustacea. Compare with -acean.

- ORIGIN from L., ‘of the nature of’, neut. pl. adj. ending.

-aceae

suffix Botany forming the names of families of plants: Liliaceae.

- ORIGIN from L., ‘of the nature of’, fem. pl. adj. ending.

-acean

suffix Zoology forming the singular of group names ending in -acea (such as crustacean from Crustacea).

- ORIGIN from L. -aceus ‘of the nature of’ + -an.

acedia

//

n. another term for accidie.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk akdia ‘listlessness’.

acellular

adj. Biology not divided into or containing cells. consisting of one cell only.

acentric

adj.
1 without a centre; not centralized.
2 Genetics (of a chromosome) having no centromere.

-aceous

suffix
1 Botany forming adjectives from family names: ericaceous.
2 chiefly Biology & Geology forming adjectives describing similarity: olivaceous.

- ORIGIN from L. -aceus ‘of the nature of’ + -ous.

acephalous

//, //

adj.
1 without a head.
2 Prosody lacking syllables in the first foot.

- ORIGIN C18: via med. L. from Gk akephalos ‘headless’ + -ous.

acer

//

n. a maple or related tree, with five-lobed leaves.   Genus Acer.

- ORIGIN from L., ‘maple’.

acerb

//

adj. literary, chiefly US another term for acerbic.

acerbic

//

adj.
1 (of a person or manner) sharp and forthright.
2 tasting sour or bitter.

- DERIVATIVES acerbically adv. acerbity n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. acerbus ‘sour-tasting’ + -ic.

acesulfame

//

n. a sulphur-containing compound used as a low-calorie artificial sweetener.

- ORIGIN 1980s: of unknown origin.

acet-

comb. form see aceto-.

acetabulum

//

n. (pl. acetabula //)
1 Anatomy the socket of the hip bone, into which the head of the femur fits.
2 Zoology a sucker or other cup-shaped structure.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a vinegar cup): from L., from acetum ‘vinegar’ + -abulum, denoting a container.

acetal

//

n. Chemistry an organic compound formed by the condensation of two alcohol molecules with an aldehyde molecule.

- ORIGIN C19: from acetic acid + al from alcohol.

acetaldehyde

//

n. Chemistry a colourless volatile liquid aldehyde obtained by oxidizing ethanol; ethanal.

acetamide

//, //

n. Chemistry a crystalline solid with a characteristic musty odour, the amide of acetic acid; ethanamide.

acetaminophen

//, //, //

n. North American term for paracetamol.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from para-acetylaminophenol.

acetanilide

//

n. Chemistry a crystalline solid prepared by acetylation of aniline, used in dye manufacture.

acetate

//

n.
1 Chemistry a salt or ester of acetic acid: lead acetate.
2 textile fibre or plastic made of cellulose acetate. a transparency made of cellulose acetate film. a direct-cut recording disc coated with cellulose acetate.

acetic acid

//, //

n. Chemistry the acid that gives vinegar its characteristic taste; ethanoic acid.   CH_3COOH.

- ORIGIN C18: acetic from Fr. acétique, from L. acetum ‘vinegar’.

aceto-

(also acet- before a vowel)

comb. form Chemistry representing acetic acid or acetyl.

acetobacter

//, //

n. bacteria that oxidize organic compounds to acetic acid, as in vinegar formation.  Genus Acetobacter. Genus Acetobacter. ">

- ORIGIN mod. L., from aceto- + bacterium.

acetone

//

n. a colourless volatile liquid ketone used as a solvent and synthetic reagent.

- ORIGIN C19: from acetic acid + -one.

acetonitrile

//, //

n. Chemistry a toxic odoriferous liquid, used as a solvent in high-performance liquid chromatography.

acetous

//

adj. producing or resembling vinegar.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. acetosus ‘sour’, from L. acetum ‘vinegar’.

acetyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the acyl radical –C(O)CH_3, derived from acetic acid.

acetylate

//

v. Chemistry introduce an acetyl group into (a molecule).

- DERIVATIVES acetylation n.

acetylcholine

//, //

n. Biochemistry a compound occurring in the nervous system, in which it functions as a neurotransmitter.

acetylcholinesterase

//, //

n. Biochemistry an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, stopping excitation of a nerve after transmission of an impulse.

acetylene

//

n. Chemistry a toxic hydrocarbon gas which burns with a bright flame, used in welding and formerly in lighting; ethyne.   C_2H_2.

- ORIGIN C19: from acetic acid + -yl + -ene.

acetylide

//

n. Chemistry a salt-like compound formed from acetylene and a metal, typically unstable or explosive: silver acetylide.

acetylsalicylic acid

//, //

n. systematic chemical name for aspirin.

Achaean

//

n. an inhabitant of Achaea in ancient Greece. literary a Greek.
adj. relating to Achaea or the Achaeans.

Achaemenid

// (also Achaemenian //)

n. a member of the dynasty ruling in Persia from Cyrus I to Darius III (553–330 bc).

- ORIGIN named after Achaemenes, the reputed ancestor of the dynasty.

achalasia

//

n. Medicine a condition in which the muscles of the lower part of the oesophagus fail to relax, preventing food from passing into the stomach.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from a-1 + Gk khalasis ‘loosening’ + -ia^1.

acharnement

//

n. archaic bloodthirsty fury or ferocity.

- ORIGIN Fr., from acharner ‘give animals a taste of flesh’, ult. from L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

ache

n. a continuous or prolonged dull pain.
v.
1 suffer from an ache.
2 long for; yearn.

- DERIVATIVES aching adj. achingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE æce (n.), acan (v.); the modern spelling is due to a mistaken assumption that the word is derived from Gk akhos ‘pain’.

achene

//

n. Botany a small, dry one-seeded fruit that does not open to release the seed.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. achaenium, from a- ‘not’ + Gk khainein ‘to gape’.

Acheulian

// (also Acheulean)

adj. Archaeology relating to or denoting the main Lower Palaeolithic culture in Europe (preceding the Mousterian), dated to about 1,500,000–150,000 years ago.

- ORIGIN from St-Acheul near Amiens in northern France, where objects from this culture were found.

achieve

v. bring about or accomplish by effort, skill, or courage.

- DERIVATIVES achievable adj. achiever n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. achever ‘come or bring to a head’, from a chief ‘to a head’.

achievement

n.
1 a thing that is achieved.
2 the process or fact of achieving.
3 Heraldry a representation of a coat of arms with all the adjuncts to which a bearer of arms is entitled.

achillea

//, //

n. yarrow or a related plant, with white or yellow flowers and fern-like leaves.   Genus Achillea.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk Akhilleios, denoting a plant supposed to have been used medicinally by Achilles.

Achilles heel

//

n. a weakness or vulnerable point.

- ORIGIN C19: alluding to the mythological Greek hero Achilles, whose mother plunged him into the River Styx when he was a baby, thus making his body invulnerable except for the heel by which she held him.

Achilles tendon

n. the tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel.

Achinese

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a people living in northern Sumatra.
2 the Indonesian language of the Achinese.
adj. relating to the Achinese.

- ORIGIN from Acheh, Atjeh, a territory in northern Sumatra + -n- + -ese.

achiote

//

n. North American term for annatto.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., from Nahuatl achiotl.

achiral

//

adj. Chemistry (of a molecule) able to be superimposed on its mirror image; not chiral.

achkan

//

n. a knee-length coat buttoned in front, worn by men from the Indian subcontinent.

- ORIGIN from Hindi ackan.

achlorhydria

//, //

n. Medicine absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions.

Acholi

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a farming and pastoral people of northern Uganda and southern Sudan.
2 the Nilotic language of the Acholi.

- ORIGIN the name in Acholi.

achondrite

//

n. a stony meteorite containing no small mineral granules (chondrules).

achondroplasia

//, //

n. Medicine a hereditary condition in which the growth of long bones is retarded, resulting in short limbs.

- DERIVATIVES achondroplasic adj. achondroplastic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk khondros ‘cartilage’ + plasis ‘moulding’ + -ia^1.

achromat

//

n. an achromatic lens.

achromatic

//

adj.
1 relating to or denoting lenses that transmit light without separating it into constituent colours.
2 without colour.

- DERIVATIVES achromaticity n. achromatism n.

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. from Gk a- ‘without’ + khrmatikos (from khrma ‘colour’).

achy

(also achey)

adj. (achier, achiest) suffering from an ache or aches.

- DERIVATIVES achiness n.

acicular

//

adj. technical needle-shaped.

- ORIGIN C18: from late L. acicula ‘small needle’ + -ar^1.

acid

n.
1 a substance (typically, a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid) with particular chemical properties including turning litmus red, neutralizing alkalis, and dissolving some metals.
2 Chemistry any molecule able to donate a proton or accept electrons in reactions.
3 informal the drug LSD.
adj.
1 containing or having the properties of an acid; having a pH of less than 7.
2 sharp-tasting or sour.
3 (of remarks) bitter or cutting.
4 Geology & Metallurgy rich in silica.

- DERIVATIVES acidification n. acidify v. (acidifies, acidifying, acidified). acidly adv. acidy adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. acidus, from acere ‘be sour’.

acid drop

n. Brit. a boiled sweet with a sharp taste.

acid house

n. a kind of synthesized dance music with a fast repetitive beat, associated with the taking of drugs such as Ecstasy and LSD.

acidic

adj.
1 having the properties of an acid, or containing acid; having a pH below 7.
2 sharp-tasting or sour: acidic wine. (of a person's speech) bitter or cutting.

- DERIVATIVES acidity n.

acidimetry

//

n. measurement of the strengths of acids.

acid jazz

n. a kind of dance music incorporating elements of jazz, funk, soul, and hip hop.

acidophilic

//, //

adj. Biology
1 relating to or denoting cells readily stained with acid dyes.
2 growing best in acidic conditions.

acidophilus

//

n. a bacterium used to make yogurt.   Lactobacillus acidophilus.

- ORIGIN 1920s: mod. L., lit. ‘acid-loving’.

acidosis

//

n. Medicine an excessively acid condition of the body fluids or tissues.

- DERIVATIVES acidotic adj.

acid rain

n. rainfall made acidic by atmospheric sulphur and nitrogen oxides from the industrial burning of fossil fuels.

acid rock

n. a style of rock music popular in the late 1960s, associated with hallucinogenic drugs.

acid salt

n. Chemistry a salt formed by incomplete replacement of the hydrogen of an acid, e.g. potassium hydrogen sulphate (KHSO_4).

acid test

n. a conclusive test of success or value.

- ORIGIN from the original use denoting a test for gold using nitric acid.

acidulate

//

v. make slightly acidic.

- DERIVATIVES acidulated adj. acidulation n.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. acidulus (from acidus ‘sour’) + -ate^3.

acidulous

//

adj. sharp-tasting; sour.

acinus

//

n. (pl. acini //) Anatomy
1 a small sac-like cavity in a gland, surrounded by secretory cells.
2 a region of the lung supplied with air from one of the terminal bronchioles.

- ORIGIN C18: L., lit. ‘a kernel’.

-acious

suffix (forming adjectives) inclined to; having as a capacity: capacious.

- ORIGIN from L. -ax, -ac- + -ous.

-acity

suffix forming nouns of quality or state corresponding to adjectives ending in -acious (such as audacity corresponding to audacious).

- ORIGIN from Fr. -acité or L. -acitas.

ack-ack

n. Military, informal anti-aircraft gunfire or guns.

- ORIGIN First World War: former signallers' name for the letters AA.

ackee

// (also akee)

n.
1 a tropical West African tree which is cultivated for its fruit.   Blighia sapida.
2 the fruit of the ackee, which is poisonous until fully ripe.

- ORIGIN C18: from Kru kee.

ack emma

adv. Brit. dated informal term for a.m.

- ORIGIN First World War: former signallers' name for these letters.

ackers

//

pl. n. Brit. informal money.

- ORIGIN 1930s (orig. used by Brit. troops in Egypt as a name for the piastre): prob. alt. of Arab. fakka ‘small change, coins’.

acknowledge

v.
1 accept or admit the existence or truth of.
2 confirm receipt of or gratitude for.
3 greet with words or gestures.

- DERIVATIVES acknowledgeable adj.

- ORIGIN C15: from the obs. ME verb knowledge, influenced by obs. acknow ‘acknowledge, confess’.

acknowledgement

(also acknowledgment)

n.
1 the action or fact of acknowledging.
2 (acknowledgements) a statement printed at the beginning of a book expressing the author's gratitude to others.

ACL

abbrev. anterior cruciate ligament.

aclinic line

//

n. another term for magnetic equator.

- ORIGIN C19: aclinic from Gk aklins, from a- ‘not’ + klinein ‘to bend’.

ACLU

abbrev. American Civil Liberties Union.

acme

//

n. the highest point of achievement or excellence.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk akm ‘highest point’.

Acmeist

//

adj. denoting an early 20th-century movement in Russian poetry which favoured formal technique and clarity of exposition.
n. an Acmeist poet.

- DERIVATIVES Acmeism n.

acne

n. a skin condition marked by numerous red pimples resulting from inflamed sebaceous glands.

- DERIVATIVES acned adj.

- ORIGIN C19: via mod. L. from Gk aknas, a misreading of akmas, accusative pl. of akm ‘highest point, peak, or facial eruption’; cf. acme.

acne rosacea

n. see rosacea.

Acol

//

n. Bridge a commonly used British system of bidding designed to enable partners with weaker hands to find suitable contracts.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Acol Road in Hampstead, London, where the system was devised.

acolyte

//

n.
1 an assistant or follower.
2 a person assisting a priest in a religious service.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acolyt or eccles. L. acolytus, from Gk akolouthos ‘follower’.

aconite

//

n.
1 a poisonous plant bearing spikes of hooded pink or purple flowers.   Genus Aconitum: many species, including monkshood.
2 (also winter aconite) a small plant bearing yellow flowers in early spring.   Eranthis hyemalis.

- ORIGIN C16: via Fr. and L. from Gk akoniton.

acorn

n. the fruit of the oak, a smooth oval nut in a cup-like base.

- ORIGIN OE æcern, of Gmc origin; rel. to acre, later assoc. with oak and corn^1.

acorn barnacle

n. a stalkless barnacle which attaches itself in large numbers to rocks, ships, and marine animals.   Genus Balanus.

acorn worm

n. a burrowing worm-like marine animal with a proboscis, a collar, and a long trunk with gill slits.   Class Enteropneusta.

acotyledon

//

n. a plant that has no distinct seed leaves.

- DERIVATIVES acotyledonous adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. pl. acotyledones (see a-1, cotyledon).

acouchi

//

n. (pl. acouchis) a large forest rodent resembling an agouti, found in the Amazon basin.   Genus Myoprocta: two species.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Tupi.

acoustic

//

adj.
1 relating to sound or hearing. (of building materials) used for soundproofing or modifying sound. (of a device or system) utilizing sound energy. (of an explosive mine) set off by sound waves.
2 (of popular music or musical instruments) not having electrical amplification.
n.
1 the properties of a room or building that determine how sound is transmitted in it.
2 (acoustics) [treated as sing.] the branch of physics concerned with the properties of sound.

- DERIVATIVES acoustical adj. acoustically adv. acoustician n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk akoustikos, from akouein ‘hear’.

acoustic impedance

n. Physics the ratio of the pressure over an imaginary surface in a sound wave to the rate of particle flow across the surface.

acoustic shock

n. damaged hearing suffered by the user of an earphone as a result of sudden excessive noise in the device.

acquaint

v.
1 (acquaint someone with) make someone aware of or familiar with.
2 (be acquainted with) know personally. (be acquainted) (of two or more people) know each other slightly.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acointier ‘make known’, from late L. accognitare, from L. accognoscere, from ad- ‘to’ + cognoscere ‘come to know’.

acquaintance

n.
1 the fact or state of being acquainted.
2 a person one knows slightly.

- DERIVATIVES acquaintanceship n.

acquiesce

//

v. accept or consent to something without protest.

- DERIVATIVES acquiescence n. acquiescent adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. acquiescere, from ad- ‘to, at’ + quiescere ‘to rest’.

acquire

v. come to possess (something). learn or develop (a skill, quality, etc.).

- PHRASES
acquired taste a thing that one learns to like over time.

- DERIVATIVES acquirable adj. acquiree n. (Finance). acquirement n. acquirer n.

- ORIGIN ME acquere, from OFr. aquerre, based on L. acquirere ‘get in addition’, from ad- ‘to’ + quaerere ‘seek’.

acquired character

(also acquired characteristic)

n. Biology a change in an organ or tissue due to use, disuse, or environmental effects, and not inherited.

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

n. see Aids.

acquisition

//

n.
1 a recently acquired asset or object.
2 the action of acquiring.

acquisition accounting

n. a procedure in accounting in which the value of the assets of a company is changed from book to fair market level after a takeover.

acquisitive

adj. excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.

- DERIVATIVES acquisitively adv. acquisitiveness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. acquisitif, -ive, from late L. acquisitivus, from L. acquisit-, acquirere (see acquire).

acquit

v. (acquits, acquitting, acquitted)
1 formally declare (someone) not guilty of a criminal charge.
2 (acquit oneself) conduct oneself or perform in a specified way: the goalkeeper acquitted himself well. (acquit oneself of) archaic discharge (a duty or responsibility).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acquiter, from med. L. acquitare ‘pay a debt’, from ad- ‘to’ + quitare ‘set free’.

acquittal

n. a judgement or verdict that a person is not guilty of a criminal charge.

acquittance

n. Law a written receipt attesting the settlement of a fine or debt.

acrasia

n. variant spelling of akrasia.

acre

//

n. a unit of land area equal to 4,840 square yards (0.405 hectare).

- DERIVATIVES acreage n. -acred adj.

- ORIGIN OE æcer (denoting the amount of land a yoke of oxen could plough in a day), of Gmc origin.

acre-foot

n. (pl. acre-feet) a unit of volume equal to the volume of a sheet of water one acre (0.405 hectare) in area and one foot (30.48 cm) in depth; 43,560 cubic feet (1233.5 cubic metres).

acrid

//

adj. unpleasantly bitter or pungent.

- DERIVATIVES acridity n. acridly adv.

- ORIGIN C18: formed irregularly from L. acer, acri- ‘sharp, pungent’ + -id^1; prob. influenced by acid.

acridine

//

n. Chemistry a colourless solid compound used in the manufacture of dyes and drugs.

acriflavine

//, //

n. a bright orange-red dye derived from acridine, used as an antiseptic.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from acridine + L. flavus ‘yellow’ + -ine^4.

acrimonious

//

adj. characterized by acrimony; angry and bitter: an acrimonious dispute.

- DERIVATIVES acrimoniously adv.

acrimony

//

n. bitterness or ill feeling.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘bitter taste or smell’): from Fr. acrimonie or L. acrimonia, from acer, acri- ‘pungent, acrid’.

acrobat

n. an entertainer who performs acrobatics.

- DERIVATIVES acrobatic adj. acrobatically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. acrobate, from Gk akrobats, from akrobatos ‘walking on tiptoe’, from akron ‘tip’ + bainein ‘to walk’.

acrobatics

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] spectacular gymnastic feats.

acrolect

//

n. Linguistics the most prestigious dialect or variety of a language. Contrasted with basilect.

- DERIVATIVES acrolectal adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from Gk akron ‘summit’ + -lect as in dialect.

acromegaly

//

n. Medicine abnormal growth of the hands, feet, and face, caused by overproduction of growth hormone.

- DERIVATIVES acromegalic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Fr. from Gk akron ‘tip, extremity’ + megas, megal- ‘great’.

acromion

//

n. Anatomy the outer extremity of the shoulder blade forming the bony part at the top of the shoulder.

- ORIGIN C16: Gk akrmion, from akron ‘tip’ + mos ‘shoulder’.

acronym

//

n. a word formed from the initial letters of other words (e.g. laser, Aids).

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk akron ‘end, tip’ + onoma ‘name’.

acropetal

//

adj. Botany relating to or denoting growth upwards from the base or point of attachment. Often contrasted with basipetal.

- DERIVATIVES acropetally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk akron ‘tip’ + L. petere ‘seek’ + -al.

acrophobia

//

n. extreme or irrational fear of heights.

- DERIVATIVES acrophobic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk akron ‘summit’ + -phobia.

acropolis

//

n. a citadel or fortified part of an ancient Greek city, built on high ground.

- ORIGIN Gk, from akron ‘summit’ + polis ‘city’.

across

prep. & adv. from one side to the other of (something). expressing movement over (a place or region). on or towards the other side of.

- PHRASES
across the board applying to all.

- ORIGIN ME (as adv. meaning ‘in the form of a cross’): from OFr. a croix, en croix ‘in or on a cross’.

acrostic

//

n. a poem or puzzle in which certain letters in each line form a word or words.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. acrostiche, from Gk akrostikhis, from akron ‘end’ + stikhos ‘row, line of verse’.

acrylamide

//

n. Chemistry a colourless toxic crystalline solid which readily forms water-soluble polymers.

- ORIGIN C19: from acrylic + amide.

acrylate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of acrylic acid.

acrylic

//

adj. denoting a synthetic resin or textile fibre made from polymers of acrylic acid or acrylates.
n.
1 an acrylic textile fibre.
2 an acrylic paint.

- ORIGIN C19: from the liquid aldehyde acrolein (from L. acer, acri- ‘pungent’ + ol(eum) ‘oil’ + -in^1) + -yl + -ic.

acrylic acid

n. Chemistry a pungent liquid organic acid which can be polymerized to make synthetic resins.

acrylonitrile

//

n. Chemistry a pungent, toxic liquid used in making artificial fibres and other polymers.

ACT

abbrev.
1 advance corporation tax.
2 Australian Capital Territory.

act

v.
1 take action; do something. (act up) informal behave badly.
2 (act for/on behalf of) represent on a contractual or legal basis. [as adj. acting] temporarily doing the duties of another.
3 take effect or have a particular effect.
4 perform a fictional role in a play or film. behave so as to appear to be: I acted dumb. (act something out) perform a narrative as if it were a play.
n.
1 a thing done.
2 a simulation or pretence. a particular type of behaviour or routine: he did his Sir Galahad act.
3 Law a written ordinance of Parliament, Congress, etc.
4 dated a record of the decisions or proceedings of a committee or an academic body.
5 a main division of a play, ballet, or opera.
6 a set performance: her one-woman poetry act.

- PHRASES
act of God an instance of uncontrollable natural forces in operation.
act of grace a privilege or concession that cannot be claimed as a right.
get (or be) in on the act informal become (or be) involved in a particular activity, in order to gain an advantage.

- DERIVATIVES actability n. actable adj. acting n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. actus ‘event, thing done’, from act-, agere ‘do, act’, reinforced by Fr. acte.

actant

//

n.
1 Grammar a noun or noun phrase involved in the action expressed by a verb.
2 (in literary theory) a person, creature, or object playing an active role in a narrative.

ACTH

abbrev. Biochemistry adrenocorticotrophic hormone.

actin

//

n. Biochemistry a protein which forms (together with myosin) the contractile filaments of muscle cells.

- ORIGIN 1940: from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’ + -in^1.

acting pilot officer

n. a rank in the RAF above warrant officer and below pilot officer.

actinian

//

n. Zoology a sea anemone.

- ORIGIN C18: from the mod. L. genus name Actinia (from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’) + -an.

actinic

//

adj. technical (of light or lighting) able to cause photochemical reactions, as in photography, through having a significant short-wavelength or ultraviolet component.

- DERIVATIVES actinism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’ + -ic.

actinide

//

n. Chemistry any of the series of fifteen radioactive metallic elements from actinium (atomic number 89) to lawrencium (atomic number 103) in the periodic table.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from actinium + -ide, on the pattern of lanthanide.

actinium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 89, a rare radioactive metallic element of the actinide series that occurs as an impurity in uranium ores. (Symbol: Ac)

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’ + -ium.

actinolite

//

n. a green mineral of the amphibole group occurring chiefly in metamorphic rocks and as a form of asbestos.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’ + lithos ‘stone’ (because of the ray-like crystals).

actinometer

//

n. Physics an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiation.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’ + -meter.

actinomorphic

//

adj. Biology characterized by radial symmetry, such as a starfish. Compare with zygomorphic.

- DERIVATIVES actinomorphy n.

actinomycete

//

n. a filamentous bacterium of an order (Actinomycetales) including the streptomycetes.

- ORIGIN 1920s: mod. L. actinomycetes, from Gk aktis, aktin- ‘ray’ + muktes, pl. of muks ‘fungus’.

action

n.
1 the process of doing something to achieve an aim. the effect or influence of something such as a chemical.
2 a thing done; an act.
3 the way in which something works or moves.
4 armed conflict.
5 a lawsuit or legal proceedings.
v. take action on (something).

- PHRASES
in action engaged in an activity; in operation.
out of action not working.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. actio(n-), from agere ‘do, act’.

actionable

adj.
1 Law giving sufficient reason to take legal action.
2 able to be done or acted on.

actioner

n. informal a film predominantly consisting of exciting action and adventure.

action painting

n. a technique and style of painting in which paint is thrown or poured on to the canvas.

action potential

n. Physiology the change in electrical potential associated with the passage of an impulse along the membrane of a muscle cell or nerve cell.

action replay

n. Brit. a playback of part of a television broadcast, especially one in slow motion.

action stations

pl. n. chiefly Brit. the positions taken up by military personnel in preparation for action.

activate

v. make (something) active or operative. convert (a substance, molecule, etc.) into a reactive form.

- DERIVATIVES activation n. activator n.

activated carbon

(also activated charcoal)

n. charcoal that has been heated or otherwise treated to increase its adsorptive power.

activated sludge

n. aerated sewage containing aerobic microorganisms which help to break it down.

active

adj.
1 moving or tending to move about vigorously or frequently. (of a person's mind or imagination) alert and lively.
2 participating in a particular sphere or activity.
3 working or in operation.
4 Grammar denoting a voice of verbs in which the subject is typically the person or thing performing the action and which can take a direct object (e.g. she loved him as opposed to he was loved). The opposite of passive.
5 (of a volcano) erupting or having erupted in historical times.
6 (of a disease) not in remission or latent.
7 having a chemical or biological effect on something.
8 (of an electric circuit) capable of modifying its state or characteristics automatically in response to input or feedback.
n. Grammar an active form of a verb.

- DERIVATIVES actively adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. activus, from act-, agere ‘act, do’.

active immunity

n. Physiology immunity which results from the production of antibodies by the immune system.

active list

n. a list of the officers in an armed service who are liable to be called on for duty.

active matrix

n. Electronics a display system in which each pixel is individually controlled.

active service

n. direct participation in military operations as a member of the armed forces.

active site

n. Biochemistry a region on an enzyme that binds to and reacts with the substrate during a reaction.

active transport

n. Biology the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.

activism

n. the use of vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.

- DERIVATIVES activist n. & adj.

activity

n. (pl. activities)
1 a condition in which things are happening or being done. busy or vigorous action or movement.
2 an action taken in pursuit of an objective. a recreational pursuit.
3 the degree to which something displays its characteristic property or behaviour.

act of contrition

n. (in the Roman Catholic Church) a penitential prayer.

actor

n.
1 a person whose profession is acting.
2 a participant in an action or process.

- DERIVATIVES actorish adj.

actress

n. a female actor.

- DERIVATIVES actressy adj.

actual

//, //

adj.
1 existing in fact; real.
2 existing now; current.

- DERIVATIVES actualization (or actualisation) n. actualize (or actualise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. actuel ‘active, practical’, from late L. actualis, from actus (see act).

actual bodily harm

n. Law, Brit. minor injury inflicted on a person by the deliberate action of another, considered less serious than grievous bodily harm.

actuality

//, //

n. (pl. actualities) the state of existing in reality. (actualities) existing conditions or facts.

actually

adv.
1 as the truth or facts of a situation.
2 as a matter of fact; even.

actuary

//, //

n. (pl. actuaries) a person who compiles and analyses statistics in order to calculate insurance risks and premiums.

- DERIVATIVES actuarial adj. actuarially adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. actuarius ‘bookkeeper’, from actus (see act).

actuate

//, //

v.
1 cause to operate.
2 motivate to act in a particular way.

- DERIVATIVES actuation n. actuator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. actuat-, actuare, from L. actus (see act).

actus reus

/ /

n. Law action or conduct which is a constituent element of a crime, as opposed to the mental state of the accused. Compare with mens rea.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘guilty act’.

acuity

//

n. sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acuite or med. L. acuitas, from L. acuere (see acute).

aculeate

//

adj.
1 Entomology denoting hymenopterous insects with stings, e.g. bees and wasps.
2 Botany sharply pointed; prickly.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aculeatus, from aculeus ‘a sting’, dimin. of acus ‘needle’.

acumen

//, //

n. the ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘sharpness, point’, from acuere (see acute).

acuminate

//

adj. Biology (of a plant or animal structure) tapering to a point.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. acuminat-, acuminare, from acuere (see acute).

acupoint

//

n. any of the supposed energy points on the body where acupuncture needles are inserted or manual pressure is applied during acupressure.

acupressure

//

n. a system of complementary medicine in which manual pressure is applied to the body at specific points along supposed lines of energy.

- ORIGIN 1950s: blend of acupuncture and pressure.

acupuncture

//

n. a system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along supposed lines of energy.

- DERIVATIVES acupuncturist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. acu ‘with a needle’ + puncture.

acushla

//

n. Irish dated an affectionate form of address.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. a chuisle (mo chroi) ‘O pulse (of my heart)!’

acute

adj.
1 critical; serious: an acute housing shortage. (of an illness) coming sharply to a crisis; severe. Often contrasted with chronic.
2 perceptive; shrewd. (of a physical sense or faculty) highly developed.
3 (of an angle) less than 90°.
4 (of a sound) high; shrill.
n. short for acute accent.

- DERIVATIVES acutance n. acutely adv. acuteness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. acut-, acuere ‘sharpen’, from acus ‘needle’.

acute accent

n. a mark (´) placed over certain letters in some languages to indicate a feature such as altered sound quality (e.g. in fiancée).

acute rheumatism

n. rheumatic fever.

ACW

abbrev. aircraftwoman.

-acy

suffix forming nouns of state or quality: celibacy.

- ORIGIN var. of -cy, from L. -atia (med. L. -acia), or from Gk -ateia.

acyclic

//, //

adj.
1 not displaying or forming part of a cycle. (of a woman) not having a menstrual cycle.
2 Chemistry (of a compound or molecule) containing no rings of atoms.

acyclovir

//

n. Medicine an antiviral drug used chiefly in the treatment of herpes.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from acycl(ic) + vir(al DNA).

acyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting a radical of general formula –C(O)R, where R is an alkyl group, derived from a carboxylic acid.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger., from L. acidus (see acid) + -yl.

acylate

//, //

v. Chemistry introduce an acyl group into (a molecule or compound).

- DERIVATIVES acylation n.

AD

abbrev. Anno Domini (used to indicate that a date comes the specified number of years after the traditional date of Christ's birth).

USAGE

AD should be placed before the numerals, as in AD 375 (not 375 AD). The reason for this is that AD is an abbreviation of Latin anno domini, which means ‘in the year of our Lord’. However, when the date is spelled out, it is normal to write the third century AD (not AD the third century). Compare with BC.

A/D

abbrev. Electronics analogue to digital.

ad

n. informal
1 an advertisement.
2 Tennis advantage.

ad-

(also a- before sc, sp, st; ac- before c, k, q; af- before f; ag- before g; al- before l; an- before n; ap- before p; ar- before r; as- before s; at- before t)

prefix
1 denoting motion or direction to: advance.
2 denoting reduction or change into: adulterate.
3 denoting addition or increase: adjunct.

- ORIGIN from L. ad ‘to’.

-ad^1

//, //

suffix forming nouns:
1 in collective numerals: myriad.
2 in names of females in classical mythology: dryad.
3 in names of poems and similar compositions: Iliad.
4 forming names of members of some taxonomic groupings: bromeliad.

- ORIGIN from the Gk ending -as, -ad-.

-ad^2

//

suffix forming nouns such as ballad, salad. Compare with -ade^2.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -ade.

Ada

//

n. a high-level computer programming language used chiefly in real-time computerized control systems, e.g. for aircraft navigation.

- ORIGIN 1980s: named after the 19th-cent. English mathematician Ada Lovelace.

adage

//

n. a proverb or short statement that expresses a general truth.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. adagium ‘saying’, based on an early form of aio ‘I say’.

adagio

// Music

adv. & adj. in slow time.
n. (pl. adagios) an adagio passage.

- ORIGIN Ital., from ad agio ‘at ease’.

adamant

adj. refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.
n. archaic a legendary rock or mineral associated at times with both diamond and lodestones.

- DERIVATIVES adamance n. adamancy n. adamantly adv.

- ORIGIN OE (as n.), from OFr. adamaunt-, via L. from Gk adamas, adamant-, ‘untameable, invincible’ (later used to denote the hardest metal or stone, hence diamond), from a- ‘not’ + daman ‘to tame’.

adamantine

//

adj. literary unbreakable.

Adam's ale

n. dated, humorous water.

Adam's apple

n. a projection at the front of the neck formed by the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, often prominent in men.

- ORIGIN C18: so named from the notion that a piece of the forbidden fruit became lodged in Adam's throat.

adapt

v.
1 make suitable for a new use or purpose.
2 become adjusted to new conditions.

- DERIVATIVES adaptive adj. adaptively adv. adaptivity n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. adapter, from L. adaptare, from ad- ‘to’ + aptare (from aptus ‘fit’).

adaptable

adj.
1 able to adjust to new conditions.
2 able to be modified for a new use or purpose.

- DERIVATIVES adaptability n. adaptably adv.

adaptation

n.
1 the action or process of adapting or being adapted.
2 a film or play adapted from a written work.
3 Biology a change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

adaptationism

n. Biology the axiom or assumption that each feature of an organism is the result of evolutionary adaptation for a particular function.

- DERIVATIVES adaptationist n. & adj.

adaption

n. another term for adaptation.

adaptive radiation

n. Biology the diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.

adaptogen

//

n. (in herbal medicine) a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress.

- DERIVATIVES adaptogenic adj.

adaptor

(also adapter)

n.
1 a device for connecting pieces of equipment. Brit. a device for connecting more than one plug at a time or plugs of a non-standard type to an electrical socket.
2 a person who adapts a text for filming, broadcasting, or the stage.

Adar

//

n. (in the Jewish calendar) the sixth month of the civil and twelfth of the religious year, usually coinciding with parts of February and March.

- ORIGIN from Heb. dr.

adaxial

//

adj. Botany facing toward the stem (in particular denoting the upper surface of a leaf). The opposite of abaxial.

ADC

abbrev.
1 aide-de-camp.
2 analogue to digital converter.

add

v.
1 join to or put with something else.
2 put together (two or more numbers or amounts) to calculate their total value. (add up) increase in amount, number, or degree. (add up to) amount to.
3 (add up) informal make sense.
4 say as a further remark.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. addit-, addere, from ad- ‘to’ + the base of dare ‘put’.

adda

//

n. Indian
1 an illicit drinking place.
2 informal conversation among a group.

- ORIGIN from Hindi add, orig. in the sense ‘perch for tame birds’.

addax

//

n. a large antelope with a mainly greyish and white coat, native to the deserts of North Africa.   Addax nasomaculatus.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from an Afr. word recorded by Pliny.

added value

n. another term for value added.

addendum

//

n. (pl. addenda //)
1 an extra item added at the end of a book or text.
2 Engineering the radial distance from the pitch circle of a cogwheel or wormwheel to the crests of the teeth or ridges. Compare with dedendum.

- ORIGIN C17: L., ‘that which is to be added’, gerundive of addere (see add).

adder^1

n. a small venomous snake which has a dark zigzag pattern on its back and bears live young.   Vipera berus. used in names of similar or related snakes, e.g. death adder, puff adder.

- ORIGIN Adder comes from the Old English word nædre, ‘serpent’, from a Germanic root: the n was lost in medieval times through a naddre being read as an addre. Other words formed by a similar process of wrong division include apron, originally a napron, and auger (a nauger). The process sometimes works the other way, resulting in n being added to the beginning of a word: a newt was originally an ewt, a nickname an eke-name, and an umpire a noumpere.

adder^2

n. Electronics a unit which adds together two input variables.

adder's tongue

n.
1 a fern with a single pointed oval frond and an unbranched spore-bearing stem.   Genus Ophioglossum.
2 North American term for dog's-tooth violet.

addict

n. a person who is addicted to something.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from the obs. verb addict, which was a back-form. from addicted.

addicted

adj.
1 physically dependent on a particular substance.
2 informal devoted to a particular interest or activity: he's addicted to computers.

- ORIGIN C16: from the obs. adj. addict ‘bound or devoted’, from L. addict-, addicere ‘assign’, from ad- ‘to’ + dicere ‘say’.

addiction

n. the fact or condition of being addicted.

addictive

adj. causing or likely to cause addiction.

- DERIVATIVES addictively adv.

Addison's disease

n. a disease characterized by progressive anaemia and bronze discoloration of the skin, caused by inadequate secretion of hormones by the adrenal cortex.

- DERIVATIVES Addisonian // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English physician Thomas Addison.

addition

n.
1 the action or process of adding. a person or thing added.
2 the process of adding numbers or amounts. Mathematics the process of combining matrices, vectors, or other quantities under specific rules to obtain their sum or resultant.

additional

adj. extra or supplementary to what is already present or available.

- DERIVATIVES additionally adv.

additional member system

n. a type of proportional representation in which each elector votes separately for a party and for a representative.

addition reaction

n. Chemistry a reaction in which one molecule combines with another to form a larger molecule with no other products.

additive

n. a substance added to improve or preserve something.
adj.
1 relating to or produced by addition.
2 technical relating to the reproduction of colours by the superimposition of primary colours.

addle

v. [often as adj. addled]
1 confuse.
2 (of an egg) become rotten, producing no chick.
adj.
1 not clear or cogent; muddled: the film is addle-brained.
2 archaic (of an egg) rotten.

- ORIGIN ME: from OE adela ‘liquid filth’, of Gmc origin.

address

n.
1 the particulars of the place where a person lives or an organization is situated.
2 Computing a binary number identifying a location in a data storage system or computer memory.
3 a formal speech. archaic a person's manner of speaking. (addresses) archaic courteous or amorous approaches.
4 dated skill, dexterity, or readiness.
v.
1 write someone's name and address on (an envelope or parcel).
2 speak formally to. (address something to) direct one's remarks to.
3 think about and begin to deal with.
4 Golf prepare to hit (the ball).

- DERIVATIVES addressee n. addresser n.

- ORIGIN ME (as v. in the senses ‘set upright’ and ‘guide, direct’): from OFr., based on L. ad- ‘towards’ + directus (see direct).

addressable

adj. Computing relating to or denoting a memory unit in which all locations can be separately accessed by a particular program.

adduce

//

v. cite as evidence.

- DERIVATIVES adducible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. adducere, from ad- ‘towards’ + ducere ‘to lead’.

adduct^1

//

v. (of a muscle) move (a limb or other part) towards the midline of the body or towards another part. The opposite of abduct.

- DERIVATIVES adduction n. adductor n.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from ME adduction, from late L. adductio(n-) ‘bringing forward’, from adducere (see adduce).

adduct^2

//

n. Chemistry the product of an addition reaction between two compounds.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Ger. Addukt (blend of Addition and Produkt).

-ade^1

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting an action that is completed: blockade.
2 denoting the body concerned in an action or process: brigade.
3 denoting the product or result of an action or process: arcade.

- ORIGIN from Fr., via Port., Provençal, and Sp. -ada or via Ital. -ata, from L. -atus (past participial suffix of verbs ending in -are).

-ade^2

suffix forming nouns such as decade.

- ORIGIN var. of -ad^1, from Fr. -ade, from Gk -as, -ad-.

-ade^3

suffix forming nouns:
1 equivalent in sense to nouns ending in -ade^1: brocade.
2 denoting a person: renegade.

- ORIGIN from Sp. or Port. -ado, masc. form of -ada (see -ade^1).

adenine

//

n. Biochemistry a compound which is one of the four constituent bases of DNA and RNA.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk adn ‘gland’ + -ine^4.

adeno-

comb. form relating to a gland or glands: adenocarcinoma.

- ORIGIN from Gk adn ‘gland’.

adenocarcinoma

//

n. (pl. adenocarcinomas or adenocarcinomata //) Medicine a malignant tumour formed from glandular structures in epithelial tissue.

adenoids

//

pl. n. a mass of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the back of the nose and the throat.

- DERIVATIVES adenoidal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: adenoid from Gk adn ‘gland’ + -oid.

adenoma

//

n. (pl. adenomas or adenomata //) Medicine a benign tumour formed from glandular structures in epithelial tissue.

- DERIVATIVES adenomatous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk adn ‘gland’.

adenosine

//

n. Biochemistry a nucleoside consisting of adenine combined with ribose.

adenosine triphosphate

n. Biochemistry a compound which by its breakdown in the body (to adenosine diphosphate) provides energy for physiological processes such as muscular contraction.

adenovirus

//

n. Medicine any of a group of DNA viruses first discovered in adenoidal tissue, most of which cause respiratory diseases.

- DERIVATIVES adenoviral adj.

adept

adj. //, // very skilled or proficient.
n. // a person who is adept at something.

- DERIVATIVES adeptly adv. adeptness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. adept-, adipisci ‘obtain, attain’.

adequate

adj. satisfactory or acceptable.

- DERIVATIVES adequacy n. adequately adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. adaequat-, adaequare ‘make equal to’, from ad- ‘to’ + aequus ‘equal’.

à deux

/ /

adv. for or involving two people.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

ADF

abbrev. automatic direction-finder.

ad fin.

adv. at or near the end of a piece of writing.

- ORIGIN from L. ad finem ‘at the end’.

ADH

abbrev. Biochemistry antidiuretic hormone.

ADHD

abbrev. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

adhere

//

v. (adhere to)
1 stick fast to.
2 believe in and follow the practices of.
3 represent truthfully and in detail.

- DERIVATIVES adherence n.

- ORIGIN C15 (earlier (ME) as adherence, adherent): from L. adhaerere, from ad- ‘to’ + haerere ‘to stick’.

adherent

//

n. someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas.
adj. sticking fast to something.

adhesion

//

n. the action or process of adhering. Physics the sticking together of particles of different substances. Medicine an abnormal union of surfaces due to inflammation or injury.

adhesive

//, //

adj. able to stick to a surface or object; sticky.
n. an adhesive substance.

- DERIVATIVES adhesively adv. adhesiveness n.

adhibit

//

v. (adhibits, adhibiting, adhibited) formal apply or affix to something else.

- DERIVATIVES adhibition n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. adhibit-, adhibere ‘bring in’, from ad- ‘to’ + habere ‘hold, have’.

ad hoc

/ /

adj. & adv. formed, arranged, or done for a particular purpose only.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘to this’.

adhocracy

//

n. the replacement of a rigid bureaucracy with flexible and informal forms of organization.

ad hominem

/ /

adv. & adj.
1 associated with a particular person.
2 (of an argument) personal rather than objective.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘to the person’.

adiabatic

//, //

adj. Physics
1 denoting a process or condition in which heat does not enter or leave the system concerned.
2 impassable to heat.

- DERIVATIVES adiabatically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk adiabatos ‘impassable’, from a- ‘not’ + dia ‘through’ + batos ‘passable’.

adieu

//

exclam. chiefly literary goodbye.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from a ‘to’ + Dieu ‘God’.

ad infinitum

/ /

adv. endlessly; forever.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘to infinity’.

ad interim

/ /

adv. for the meantime.

- ORIGIN L., from ad ‘to’ and interim ‘meanwhile’.

adios

//

exclam. Spanish term for goodbye.

- ORIGIN Sp. adiós, from a ‘to’ + Dios ‘God’.

adipate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of adipic acid.

adipic acid

//

n. Chemistry a crystalline fatty acid obtained from natural fats, used in making nylon.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. adeps, adip- ‘fat’ + -ic.

adipocere

//

n. a greyish waxy substance formed by the decomposition of soft tissue in dead bodies subjected to moisture.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. adipocire, from L. adeps, adip- ‘fat’ + Fr. cire ‘wax’.

adipocyte

//

n. Biology a cell specialized for the storage of fat, found in connective tissue.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from adipose + -cyte.

adipose

//, //

adj. technical denoting body tissue used for the storage of fat.

- DERIVATIVES adiposity n.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. adiposus, from adeps, adip- ‘fat’.

adipose fin

n. Zoology a small, rayless, fleshy dorsal fin present in certain fishes, notably in the salmon family.

adit

//

n. an access or drainage passage leading horizontally into a mine.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aditus ‘approach, entrance’.

Adivasi

//

n. (pl. Adivasis) a member of an aboriginal tribal people of India.

- ORIGIN from mod. Sanskrit divs, from di ‘the beginning’ + vsin ‘inhabitant’.

Adj.

abbrev. adjutant.

adjacent

//

adj.
1 next to or adjoining something else.
2 Geometry (of a pair of angles) formed on the same side of a straight line when intersected by another line.

- DERIVATIVES adjacency n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. adjacent-, adjacere ‘lie near to’, from ad- ‘to’ + jacere ‘lie down’.

adjective

n. Grammar a word naming an attribute of a noun, such as sweet, red, or technical.

- DERIVATIVES adjectival adj. adjectivally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. adjectif, -ive, from L. adject-, adicere, ‘add’.

adjigo

// (also adjiko //)

n. (pl. adjigos) a yam with edible tubers, native to SW Australian coastal areas.   Dioscorea hastifolia.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Nhanta (an Aboriginal language) ajuga ‘vegetable food’.

adjoin

v. [often as adj. adjoining] be next to and joined with.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ajoindre, from L. adjungere, from ad- ‘to’ + jungere ‘to join’.

adjoint

adj. Mathematics related to a given function, matrix, or quantity by a particular process of transposition.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘joined to’, from adjoindre (see adjoin).

adjourn

//

v.
1 break off (a meeting) with the intention of resuming it later.
2 postpone (a resolution or sentence).

- DERIVATIVES adjournment n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘summon someone to appear on a particular day’): from OFr. ajorner, from the phr. a jorn (nome) ‘to an (appointed) day’.

Adjt

abbrev. adjutant.

adjudge

v.
1 consider or declare to be true or the case.
2 (in legal use) award (compensation). condemn (someone) to pay a penalty.

- DERIVATIVES adjudgement (also adjudgment) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ajuger, from L. adjudicare, from ad- ‘to’ + judicare, from judex, judic- ‘a judge’.

adjudicate

//

v. make a formal judgement on a disputed matter. act as a judge in a competition.

- DERIVATIVES adjudication n. adjudicative adj. adjudicator n.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) as adjudication): from L. adjudicat-, adjudicare (see adjudge).

adjunct

//

n.
1 an additional and supplementary part.
2 an assistant.
3 Grammar a word or phrase in a sentence other than the verb or predicate.
adj. connected or added in an auxiliary way.

- DERIVATIVES adjunctive adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. adjunct-, adjungere (see adjoin).

adjunction

n.
1 Mathematics the joining of two sets to form a larger set.
2 Logic the asserting in a single formula of two previously asserted formulae.

adjure

//, //

v. formal solemnly urge (someone) to do something.

- DERIVATIVES adjuration n. adjuratory // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. adjurare, from ad- ‘to’ + jurare ‘swear’.

adjust

v.
1 alter (something) slightly in order to achieve a correct or desired result. adapt or become used to a new situation.
2 assess (loss or damages) when settling an insurance claim.

- DERIVATIVES adjustability n. adjustable adj. adjuster n. adjustment n.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. Fr. adjuster, from OFr. ajoster ‘to approximate’, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + juxta ‘near’.

adjutant

//

n.
1 a military officer acting as an administrative assistant to a senior officer.
2 a large black-and-white stork with a massive bill and a bare head and neck, found in India and SE Asia.   Genus Leptoptilos: two species.

- DERIVATIVES adjutancy n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. adjutant-, adjutare, frequentative of adjuvare (see adjuvant).

adjutant general

n. (pl. adjutants general) (in the British army) a high-ranking administrative officer. (in the US army) the chief administrative officer.

adjuvant

// Medicine

adj. (of therapy) applied after initial treatment for cancer to suppress secondary tumour formation.
n. a substance which enhances the body's immune response to an antigen.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. adjuvant-, adjuvare, from ad- ‘towards’ + juvare ‘to help’.

ad-lib

v. (ad-libs, ad-libbing, ad-libbed) speak or perform in public without preparing in advance.
adv. & adj.
1 spoken without advance preparation.
2 Music with free rhythm and expression.
3 as much and as often as desired.
n. an ad-lib remark or speech.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of ad libitum.

ad libitum

/ /

adv. & adj. more formal term for ad-lib.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘according to pleasure’.

ad litem

/ /

adj. Law acting in a lawsuit on behalf of a child or an adult who cannot represent themselves.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘for the lawsuit’.

Adm.

abbrev. Admiral.

adman

n. (pl. admen) informal a person who works in advertising.

admeasure

v. archaic apportion.

- DERIVATIVES admeasurement n.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. amesurer, from med. L. admensurare, based on L. metiri ‘to measure’.

admin

n. informal, chiefly Brit. administration.

administer

v.
1 attend to the organization or implementation of.
2 dispense (a drug or remedy). deal out (punishment).
3 (of a priest) perform the rites of (a sacrament).
4 archaic or Law direct the taking of (an oath).

- DERIVATIVES administrable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. administrare, from ad- ‘to’ + ministrare ‘wait upon’.

administrate

v. administer; carry out administration.

- DERIVATIVES administrative adj. administratively adv. administrator n.

administration

n.
1 the organization and running of a business or system.
2 the government in power. chiefly N. Amer. the term of office of a political leader or government. (in the US) a government agency.
3 Law the management and disposition of the property of a deceased person or debtor, or of an insolvent company, by a legally appointed administrator.
4 the action of administering.

administratrix

//

n. (pl. administratrixes, administratrices //) Law a female administrator of an estate.

admirable

adj. deserving respect and approval.

- DERIVATIVES admirably adv.

admiral

n. the most senior commander of a fleet or navy. (Admiral) a naval officer of the second most senior rank, above vice admiral and below Admiral of the Fleet or Fleet Admiral.

- DERIVATIVES admiralship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amiral, admirail, via med. L. from Arab. amr ‘commander’.

Admiral of the Fleet

n. the highest rank of admiral in the Royal Navy.

Admiralty

n. (pl. Admiralties)
1 (in the UK) the government department that formerly administered the Royal Navy, now used only in titles.
2 (admiralty) Law the jurisdiction of courts of law over cases concerning ships or the sea.

admire

v. regard with respect or warm approval. look at with pleasure.

- DERIVATIVES admiration n. admirer n. admiring adj. admiringly adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as admiration): from L. admirari, from ad- ‘at’ + mirari ‘wonder’.

admissible

adj.
1 acceptable or valid.
2 having the right to be admitted to a place.

- DERIVATIVES admissibility n.

admission

n.
1 a confession.
2 the process or fact of being admitted to a place.

admit

v. (admits, admitting, admitted)
1 confess that something is true or the case. confess to or acknowledge (a crime, fault, or failure).
2 allow to enter. receive (someone) into a hospital for treatment.
3 accept as valid.
4 (admit of) allow the possibility of.

- DERIVATIVES admitted adj. admittedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. admittere, from ad- ‘to’ + mittere ‘send’.

admittance

n.
1 the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter.
2 Physics a measure of electrical conduction, numerically equal to the reciprocal of the impedance.

admix

v. chiefly technical mix with something else.

- DERIVATIVES admixture n.

admonish

v. reprimand firmly. earnestly urge or warn.

- DERIVATIVES admonishment n.

- ORIGIN ME amonest ‘urge, exhort’, from OFr. amonester, based on L. admonere ‘urge by warning’.

admonitory

//

adj. giving or conveying a warning or reprimand.

- DERIVATIVES admonition n. admonitor n.

ADN

abbrev. Yemen (international vehicle registration).

- ORIGIN from Aden, the name of a port in Yemen which was capital of the former South Yemen.

adnate

//

adj. Botany joined by having grown together.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. adnatus, var. of agnatus (see agnate), by assoc. with ad-.

ad nauseam

/ /, //

adv. to a tiresomely excessive degree.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘to sickness’.

adnexa

//

pl. n. Anatomy the parts adjoining an organ.

- DERIVATIVES adnexal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: L., neut. pl. of adnexus ‘joined’, from adnectere ‘fasten to’.

ado

n. fuss or difficulty: this is much ado about almost nothing.

- PHRASES
without further (or more) ado without any fuss or delay; immediately.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘action, business’): from northern ME at do ‘to do’, from ON at (used to mark an infin.) and do^1.

-ado

//, //

suffix forming nouns such as bravado, desperado. Compare with -ade^3.

- ORIGIN from Sp. and Port. -ado, based on L. -atus.

adobe

//, //

n. a kind of clay used to make sun-dried bricks.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp., from adobar ‘to plaster’, from Arab. at-tb, from al ‘the’ + tb ‘bricks’.

adolescent

adj. in the process of developing from a child into an adult.
n. an adolescent boy or girl.

- DERIVATIVES adolescence n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. adolescent-, adolescere, from ad- ‘to’ + alescere ‘grow, grow up’.

Adonai

//, //

n. a Hebrew name for God.

- ORIGIN from Heb. dny; see also Jehovah.

Adonis

//

n. an extremely handsome young man.

- ORIGIN from the name of a beautiful youth in Greek mythology.

Adonis blue

n. a small butterfly, the male of which has vivid sky-blue wings.   Lysandra bellargus.

adopt

v.
1 legally take (another's child) and bring it up as one's own.
2 choose to take up or follow (an option or course of action).
3 assume (an attitude or position).
4 Brit. choose as a candidate for office. formally approve or accept.
5 Brit. (of a local authority) accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road).

- DERIVATIVES adoptable adj. adoptee n. adopter n. adoption n.

- ORIGIN C15 (earlier (ME) as adoption): via Fr. from L. adoptare, from ad- ‘to’ + optare ‘choose’.

adoptive

adj.
1 (of a child or parent) in that relationship by adoption.
2 denoting a place chosen as one's permanent place of residence.

- DERIVATIVES adoptively adv.

adorable

adj. inspiring great affection.

- DERIVATIVES adorability n. adorableness n. adorably adv.

adoral

//

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting the side or end where the mouth is situated.

- DERIVATIVES adorally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from ad- + oral.

adore

v.
1 love and respect deeply.
2 worship or venerate (a deity).

- DERIVATIVES adoration n. adorer n. adoring adj. adoringly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. adorare ‘to worship’, from ad- ‘to’ + orare ‘speak, pray’.

adorn

v. make more attractive; decorate.

- DERIVATIVES adorner n. adornment n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. adornare, from ad- ‘to’ + ornare ‘deck, add lustre’.

ADP

abbrev.
1 Biochemistry adenosine diphosphate.
2 automatic data processing.

ad personam

/ /

adv. formal on an individual basis.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘to the person’.

adpressed

adj. Botany lying closely against an adjacent part or the ground.

ad rem

/ /

adv. & adj. formal to the point.

- ORIGIN C16: L., lit. ‘to the matter’.

adrenal

//

adj. relating to or denoting a pair of ductless glands situated above the kidneys which secrete adrenalin, noradrenaline, and corticosteroid hormones.
n. an adrenal gland.

- ORIGIN C19: from ad- + renal.

adrenalin

// (also adrenaline)

n. a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that increases rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from adrenal + -in^1.

adrenalized

(or adrenalised)

adj. excited, tense, or highly charged.

adrenergic

//

adj. Physiology relating to or denoting nerve cells in which adrenalin, noradrenaline, or a similar substance acts as a neurotransmitter.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from adrenalin + Gk ergon ‘work’ + -ic.

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

(also adrenocorticotropic hormone)

n. a hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex, secreted by the pituitary gland.

Adriatic

//

adj. relating to or denoting the region of the Adriatic Sea, between the Balkans and Italy.
n. (the Adriatic) the Adriatic sea.

adrift

adj. & adv.
1 (of a boat) drifting without control.
2 informal no longer fixed in position.
3 (often adrift of) Brit. informal failing to reach a target or winning position.

adroit

//

adj. clever or skilful.

- DERIVATIVES adroitly adv. adroitness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from à droit ‘according to right’.

adscititious

//

adj. rare additional.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. adscit-, adsciscere ‘admit, adopt’, + -itious^2, on the pattern of adventitious.

ADSL

abbrev. asymmetric digital subscriber line, a technology for transmitting digital information over standard telephone lines.

adsorb

//, //

v. (of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas, liquid, or solute) as a thin film on surfaces outside or within the material.

- DERIVATIVES adsorbable adj. adsorbate n. adsorption n. adsorptive adj.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of ad- (expressing adherence) + absorb.

adsorbent

n. a substance which adsorbs another.
adj. able to adsorb substances.

ADT

abbrev. Atlantic Daylight Time.

aduki

//

n. variant of adzuki.

adulation

//

n. excessive admiration.

- DERIVATIVES adulate v. adulator n. adulatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. adulatio(n)-, from adulat-, adulari ‘fawn on’.

adult

//, //

n. a person who is fully grown and developed. Law a person who has reached the age of majority.
adj. fully grown and developed. of, for, or characteristic of adults.

- DERIVATIVES adulthood n. adultly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. adult-, adolescere (see adolescent).

adulterate

v. // make (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance.
adj. // archaic not pure or genuine.

- DERIVATIVES adulterant adj. adulteration n. adulterator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (as adj.): from L. adulterat-, adulterare ‘corrupt’.

adulterer

n. (fem. adulteress) a person who has committed adultery.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. adulter ‘commit adultery’, from L. adulterare ‘debauch, corrupt’.

adulterine

//

adj.
1 (of a child) born as the result of an adulterous relationship.
2 archaic illegal, unlicensed, or counterfeit.

adultery

n. voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not their husband or wife.

- DERIVATIVES adulterous adj. adulterously adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from obs. adulter, from L. adulter ‘adulterer’.

adultescent

//

n. informal a middle-aged person whose clothes, interests, and activities are typically associated with youth culture.

- ORIGIN 1990s: blend of adult + adolescent.

adumbrate

//

v. formal
1 give a faint or general idea of. foreshadow.
2 overshadow.

- DERIVATIVES adumbration n. adumbrative adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. adumbrat-, adumbrare, from ad- ‘to’ (as an intensifier) + umbrare ‘cast a shadow’.

ad valorem

/ /

adv. & adj. (with reference to tax or duty) in proportion to the value of the goods or transaction concerned.

- ORIGIN L., ‘according to the value’.

advance

v.
1 move forwards. cause to occur at an earlier date than planned.
2 make or cause to make progress.
3 put forward (a theory or suggestion).
4 hand over (payment) to (someone) as a loan or before it is due.
n.
1 a forward movement.
2 a development or improvement.
3 an amount of money advanced.
4 an approach made with the aim of initiating a sexual or amorous relationship.
adj. done, sent, or supplied beforehand: advance payment.

- PHRASES
in advance ahead in time.

- DERIVATIVES advancer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avance (n.), avancer (v.), from late L. abante ‘in front’, from ab ‘from’ + ante ‘before’.

advanced

adj.
1 far on in progress or life.
2 complex; not elementary.
3 very modern.

advanced gas-cooled reactor

n. a nuclear reactor in which the coolant is carbon dioxide, with uranium oxide fuel clad in steel.

advanced level

n. (in the UK except Scotland) the higher of the two main levels of the GCE examination.

advanced subsidiary level

n. (in the UK except Scotland) a GCE examination at a level between GCSE and advanced level.

advance guard

n. a body of soldiers preceding and making preparations for the main body of an army.

advancement

n.
1 the process of promoting a cause or plan.
2 the promotion of a person in rank or status.
3 a development or improvement.

advantage

n.
1 a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favourable position. benefit; profit.
2 Tennis a score marking a point interim between deuce and winning the game.
v. be of benefit to. [as adj. advantaged] in a favourable social or economic position.

- PHRASES
take advantage of
1 make unfair use of for one's own benefit.
2 dated seduce.
3 make good use of the opportunities offered by.
to advantage in a way which displays or uses the best aspects.

- DERIVATIVES advantageous // adj. advantageously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avantage, from avant ‘in front’, from late L. abante (see advance).

advection

//

n. the transfer of heat or matter by the flow of a fluid, especially horizontally in the atmosphere or the sea.

- DERIVATIVES advect v. advective adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L. advectio(n-), from advehere ‘bring’, from ad- ‘to’ + vehere ‘carry’.

advent

//, //

n.
1 the arrival of a notable person or thing.
2 (Advent) Christian Theology the coming or second coming of Christ. the first season of the Church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. adventus ‘arrival’, from advenire, from ad- ‘to’ + venire ‘come’.

Advent calendar

n. a calendar containing small numbered flaps, one of which is opened on each day of Advent to reveal a picture appropriate to the season.

Adventist

n. a member of a Christian sect emphasizing belief in the imminent second coming of Christ.

- DERIVATIVES Adventism n.

adventitia

//

n. the outermost layer of the wall of a blood vessel.

- DERIVATIVES adventitial adj.

- ORIGIN C19: shortening of mod. L. tunica adventitia ‘additional sheath’.

adventitious

//

adj.
1 happening according to chance.
2 coming from outside; not native.
3 Biology formed accidentally or in an unusual position.
4 Botany (of a root) growing directly from the stem or other upper part of a plant.

- DERIVATIVES adventitiously adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. adventicius ‘coming to us from abroad’ + -ous (see also -itious^2).

Advent Sunday

n. the first Sunday in Advent.

adventure

n.
1 an unusual, exciting, and daring experience. excitement arising from such experiences: in search of adventure.
2 archaic a commercial speculation.
v. dated engage in an adventure.

- DERIVATIVES adventurer n. adventuresome adj. adventuress n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aventure (n.), aventurer (v.), based on L. adventurus ‘about to happen’, from advenire ‘arrive’.

adventure playground

n. Brit. a playground containing structures encouraging physically challenging play.

adventurism

n. willingness to take risks in business or politics.

- DERIVATIVES adventurist n. & adj.

adventurous

adj. open to or involving new or daring methods or experiences.

- DERIVATIVES adventurously adv. adventurousness n.

adverb

n. Grammar a word or phrase that modifies the meaning of an adjective, verb, or other adverb, or of a sentence (e.g. gently, very, fortunately).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. adverbium, from ad- ‘to’ (expressing addition) + verbum ‘word, verb’.

adverbial

Grammar

n. a word or phrase functioning as a major clause constituent and typically expressing place (in the garden), time (in May), or manner (in a strange way).
adj. relating to or functioning as an adverb or adverbial.

- DERIVATIVES adverbially adv.

adversarial

//

adj.
1 involving or characterized by conflict or opposition.
2 Law (of legal proceedings) in which the parties involved have the responsibility for finding and presenting evidence. Compare with accusatorial, inquisitorial.

- DERIVATIVES adversarially adv.

adversary

//, //

n. (pl. adversaries) an opponent.
adj. another term for adversarial.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. adversarie, from L. adversarius ‘opposed, opponent’, from adversus (see adverse).

adversative

//

adj. Grammar (of a word or phrase) expressing opposition or antithesis.

adverse

//

adj. preventing success or development; unfavourable.

- DERIVATIVES adversely adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. advers, from L. adversus ‘against, opposite’, from advertere, from ad- ‘to’ + vertere ‘to turn’.

USAGE

A common error is to use adverse instead of averse, as in I am not adverse to helping out, rather than the correct form I am not averse to helping out.

adversity

n. (pl. adversities) difficulty or misfortune.

advert^1

//

n. Brit. informal an advertisement.

advert^2

//

v. (advert to) formal refer to.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avertire, from L. advertere (see adverse).

advertise

v.
1 publicize (a product, service, or event) in order to promote sales or attendance.
2 make (something) known.
3 archaic notify.

- DERIVATIVES advertiser n. advertising n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. advertiss-, lengthened stem of advertir, from L. advertere (see advert^2).

advertisement

n.
1 a notice or display advertising something.
2 archaic a notice to readers in a book.

advertorial

//

n. an advertisement in the style of an editorial or objective journalistic article.

advice

n.
1 guidance or recommendations offered with regard to future action.
2 a formal notice of a sale, delivery, or other transaction.
3 (advices) archaic news.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avis, based on L. ad ‘to’ + visum, past part. of videre ‘to see’.

advisable

adj. to be recommended; sensible.

- DERIVATIVES advisability n. advisably adv.

advise

v.
1 recommend (a course of action). offer advice to.
2 inform about a fact or situation.

- DERIVATIVES adviser (also advisor) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aviser, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + visere, frequentative of videre ‘to see’.

advised

adj. acting in a way that would be recommended; sensible.

- DERIVATIVES advisedly adv.

advisement

n. archaic or N. Amer. careful consideration. advice or counsel.

- PHRASES
take something under advisement N. Amer. reserve judgement while considering something.

advisory

adj. having the power to make recommendations but not to enforce them. recommended but not compulsory.
n. (pl. advisories) N. Amer. an official announcement or warning.

advocaat

//

n. a liqueur made with eggs, sugar, and brandy.

- ORIGIN Du., lit. ‘advocate’ (being orig. considered a lawyer's drink).

advocate

n. //
1 a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
2 a person who pleads a case on someone else's behalf. Scottish term for barrister.
v. // publicly recommend or support.

- DERIVATIVES advocacy n. advocateship n. advocation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avocat, from L. advocat-, advocare ‘call (to one's aid)’, from ad- ‘to’ + vocare ‘to call’.

advocate-depute

n. (pl. advocates-depute) (in Scotland) any of a number of officers who assist the Lord Advocate in prosecutions.

advocate-general

n. (pl. advocates-general) any of a number of officers assisting the judges in the European Court of Justice.

advowson

//

n. Brit. (in ecclesiastical law) the right to recommend a member of the Anglican clergy for a vacant benefice, or to make such an appointment.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avoeson, from L. advocatio(n-), from advocare (see advocate).

advt

abbrev. advertisement.

Adyghe

//, // (also Adygei)

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a mainly Sunni Muslim people of the NW Caucasus.
2 the North Caucasian language of the Adyghe.

adytum

//

n. (pl. adyta //) the innermost sanctuary of an ancient Greek temple.

- ORIGIN L., from Gk aduton, neut. sing. of adutos ‘impenetrable’.

adze

// (US adz)

n. a tool similar to an axe, with an arched blade at right angles to the handle.
v. (adz, adzing, adzed) cut with an adze.

- ORIGIN OE adesa, of unknown origin.

adzuki

// (also aduki)

n. (pl. adzukis)
1 a small, round dark-red edible bean.
2 the bushy Asian plant which produces adzuki beans.   Vigna angularis.

- ORIGIN C18: from Japanese azuki.

Æ

(also æ)

n. a letter used in Old English to represent a vowel intermediate between a and e (see ash^2).

-ae

//, //

suffix forming plural nouns:
1 used in names of animal and plant families and other groups: Felidae.
2 used instead of -as in the plural of many non-naturalized nouns ending in -a derived from Latin or Greek: larvae.

- ORIGIN L. pl. suffix, or representing the Gk pl. ending -ai.

AEA

abbrev. (in the UK) Atomic Energy Authority.

aedile

//

n. (in ancient Rome) either of two (later four) magistrates responsible for public buildings and other matters.

- DERIVATIVES aedileship n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. aedilis ‘concerned with buildings’, from aedes ‘building’.

AEEU

abbrev. (in the UK) Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union.

Aegean

//, //

adj. relating to or denoting the region of the Aegean Sea, between Greece and Turkey.
n. (the Aegean) the Aegean sea.

aegis

//

n.
1 the protection, backing, or support of someone.
2 (in classical art and mythology) an attribute of certain gods represented as a goatskin shield.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk aigis ‘shield of Zeus’.

aegrotat

//, //

n. Brit. a certificate stating that a student is too ill to take an exam.

- ORIGIN C18: L., lit. ‘he is sick’.

-aemia

(also -haemia, US -emia or -hemia)

comb. form in nouns denoting that a substance is present in the blood: septicaemia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk -aimia, from haima ‘blood’.

aeolian

// (US eolian)

adj. chiefly Geology relating to or arising from the action of the wind.

- ORIGIN C17: from Aeolus, the name of the god of the winds in Greek mythology, + -ian.

aeolian harp

n. a stringed instrument that produces musical sounds when a current of air passes through it.

Aeolian mode

//

n. Music the mode represented by the natural diatonic scale A–A (containing a minor 3rd, 6th, and 7th).

- ORIGIN C18: from L. Aeolius, ‘from Aeolis’ (an ancient coastal district of Asia Minor) + -an.

aeon

//

n. (US or technical also eon)
1 an indefinite and very long period.
2 Astronomy & Geology a period of a thousand million years.
3 Geology a major division of geological time, subdivided into eras.
4 Philosophy (in Neoplatonism, Platonism, and Gnosticism) a power existing outside time, deriving from the supreme deity.

- ORIGIN C17: via eccles. L. from Gk ain ‘age’.

aepyornis

//

n. an extinct giant flightless bird, found in Madagascar.   Genus Aepyornis.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk aipus ‘high’ + ornis ‘bird’.

AER

abbrev. annual equivalence rate, the notional rate of interest on loans or credit payable if the interest was paid and added each year.

aerate

//

v. introduce air into.

- DERIVATIVES aeration n. aerator n.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. aer ‘air’ + -ate^3, influenced by Fr. aérer.

aerated

adj.
1 (of a liquid) made effervescent by being charged with carbon dioxide or some other gas.
2 Brit. informal agitated, angry, or overexcited.

aerenchyma

//

n. Botany a soft plant tissue containing air spaces, found especially in many aquatic plants.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk ar ‘air’ + enkhuma ‘infusion’.

aerial

//

n.
1 a structure that transmits or receives radio or television signals.
2 (aerials) a type of freestyle skiing in which the skier jumps from a ramp and carries out manoeuvres in the air.
adj.
1 existing or taking place in the air or atmosphere. (of a bird) spending much of its time in flight.
2 involving the use of aircraft.
3 (of a part of a plant) growing above ground.

- DERIVATIVES aeriality n. aerially adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. aerius from Gk aerios (from ar ‘air’) + -al.

aerialist

n. a person who performs acrobatics high above the ground on a tightrope or trapezes.

aerie

n. US spelling of eyrie.

aero-

//

comb. form
1 relating to air: aerobic.
2 relating to aircraft: aerodrome.

- ORIGIN from Gk ar ‘air’.

aerobatics

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] feats of flying performed for an audience on the ground.

- DERIVATIVES aerobatic adj.

- ORIGIN First World War: from aero- + a shortened form of acrobatics.

aerobe

//

n. Biology any organism that can grow in the presence of free oxygen.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Fr. from Gk ar + bios ‘life’.

aerobic

//

adj.
1 denoting physical exercise intended to improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system in absorbing and transporting oxygen.
2 Biology involving or requiring free oxygen.

- DERIVATIVES aerobically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from aero- + Gk bios ‘life’ + -ic.

aerobics

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] aerobic exercises.

- DERIVATIVES aerobicist n.

aerobiology

n. the study of the aerial transport of microorganisms, spores, seeds, etc.

aerodrome

n. Brit. a small airport or airfield.

aerodynamic

adj.
1 relating to aerodynamics.
2 having a shape which reduces the drag from air moving past.

- DERIVATIVES aerodynamically adv.

aerodynamics

pl. n.
1 [treated as sing.] the branch of science concerned with the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it.
2 [treated as pl.] aerodynamic properties.

- DERIVATIVES aerodynamicist n.

aeroelasticity

n. the branch of science concerned with the interaction between aerodynamic forces and non-rigid structures.

- DERIVATIVES aeroelastic adj.

aerofoil

n. Brit. a structure with curved surfaces designed to give the most favourable ratio of lift to drag in flight.

aerogel

n. a solid material of extremely low density, produced by removing the liquid component from a conventional gel.

aerogramme

(US aerogram)

n. another term for air letter.

aerolite

n. a meteorite made of rock.

aerology

n. dated the study of the atmosphere.

- DERIVATIVES aerological adj.

aeronaut

n. dated a traveller in a hot-air balloon, airship, or other flying craft.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. aéronaute, from Gk ar ‘air’ + nauts ‘sailor’.

aeronautics

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] the study or practice of travel through the air.

- DERIVATIVES aeronautic adj. aeronautical adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. aeronautica ‘matters relating to aeronautics’, from Gk (see aeronaut).

aeronomy

//

n. the branch of science concerned with the properties of the upper atmosphere.

aerophagy

//

n. Medicine the swallowing of air.

aerophone

n. Music a wind instrument.

aeroplane

n. Brit. a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. aéroplane, from aéro- ‘air’ + Gk -planos ‘wandering’.

aeroshell

n. a casing which protects a spacecraft during re-entry.

aerosol

n.
1 a substance enclosed under pressure and released as a fine spray by means of a propellant gas.
2 Chemistry a colloidal suspension of particles dispersed in air or gas.

- DERIVATIVES aerosolize (or aerosolise) v.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from aero- + sol^2.

aerospace

n. the branch of technology and industry concerned with aviation and space flight.

aerostat

//

n. an airship or hot-air balloon.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. aérostat, from Gk ar ‘air’ + statos ‘standing’.

Aesculapian

//

adj. relating to medicine or physicians.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. Aesculapius, the name of the Roman god of medicine, + -ian.

aesthete

//, // (US also esthete)

n. a person who is appreciative of or sensitive to art and beauty.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk aisthts ‘a person who perceives’, or from aesthetic.

aesthetic

//, // (US also esthetic)

adj. concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. of pleasing appearance. (Aesthetic) relating to or denoting a literary and artistic movement in England during the 1880s, devoted to ‘art for art's sake’ and rejecting the notion that art should have a social or moral purpose.
n. a set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.

- DERIVATIVES aesthetically adv. aestheticism n. aestheticize (or aestheticise) v.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk aisthtikos, from aisthta ‘perceptible things’, from aisthesthai ‘perceive’.

aesthetician

(US also esthetician)

n.
1 a person who is knowledgeable about aesthetics.
2 N. Amer. a beautician.

aesthetics

(US also esthetics)

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] a set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art. the branch of philosophy which deals with questions of beauty and artistic taste.

aestival

//, //, // (US also estival)

adj. technical belonging to or appearing in summer.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. aestivalis, from aestivus, from aestus ‘heat’.

aestivation

//, // (US estivation)

n.
1 Zoology prolonged torpor or dormancy of an insect, fish, or amphibian during a hot or dry period.
2 Botany the arrangement of petals and sepals in a flower bud before it opens. Compare with vernation.

- DERIVATIVES aestivate v.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aestivat-, aestivare ‘spend the summer’, from aestus ‘heat’ + -ation.

aet.

(also aetat.)

abbrev. formal of or at the age of.

- ORIGIN abbrev. of L. aetatis, genitive sing. of aetas ‘age’.

a.e.t.

abbrev. after extra time (in a soccer match).

aether

n. variant spelling of ether (in senses 3 and 4).

aetiology

// (US etiology)

n.
1 Medicine the cause or causes of a disease or condition.
2 the investigation or attribution of cause or a reason.

- DERIVATIVES aetiologic adj. aetiological adj. aetiologically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via med. L. from Gk aitiologia, from aitia ‘a cause’ + -logia (see -logy).

AF

abbrev.
1 audio frequency.
2 autofocus.

af-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before f (as in affiliate, affirm).

Afar

//

n. (pl. same or Afars)
1 a member of a people living in Djibouti and NE Ethiopia.
2 the Cushitic language of the Afars.

- ORIGIN from Afar qafar.

afar

adv. chiefly literary at or to a distance.

- ORIGIN ME of feor ‘from far’.

AFC

abbrev.
1 Air Force Cross.
2 Association Football Club.
3 automatic frequency control.

afeared

adj. archaic or dialect afraid.

- ORIGIN OE, from færan ‘frighten’.

affable

adj. good-natured and sociable.

- DERIVATIVES affability n. affably adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. affabilis, from affari, from ad- ‘to’ + fari ‘speak’.

affair

n.
1 an event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been referred to.
2 a matter that is a particular person's concern or responsibility. (affairs) matters of public interest and importance. (affairs) business and financial dealings.
3 a love affair.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. afaire, from à faire ‘to do’; cf. ado.

affaire

// (also affaire de or du cœur / /, //)

n. a love affair.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘affair (of the heart)’.

affairé

//

adj. busy; involved.

- ORIGIN Fr., from affaire, from à ‘to’ + faire ‘do’.

affect^1

//

v. have an effect on; make a difference to. touch the feelings of.

- DERIVATIVES affecting adj. affectingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘attack as a disease’): from Fr. affecter or L. affect-, afficere (see affect^2).

USAGE

Affect and effect are commonly confused. Affect is primarily a verb meaning ‘make a difference to’. Effect is used both as a noun and a verb, meaning ‘a result’ or ‘bring about a result’.

affect^2

//

v. pretend to have or feel. use, wear, or assume pretentiously or so as to impress.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘like, love’): from Fr. affecter or L. affectare ‘aim at’, frequentative of afficere ‘affect, influence’.

affect^3

//

n. Psychology emotion or desire as influencing behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES affectless adj. affectlessness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Affekt from L. affectus ‘disposition’, from afficere (see affect^2).

affectation

n. behaviour, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress. a studied display of feeling.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. affectatio(n-), from affectare (see affect^2).

affected

adj.
1 artificial, pretentious, and designed to impress.
2 archaic disposed or inclined in a specified way.

- DERIVATIVES affectedly adv. affectedness n.

affection

n.
1 a feeling of fondness or liking.
2 archaic the action or process of affecting or being affected. a disease. a mental state; an emotion.

- DERIVATIVES affectional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. affectio(n-), from afficere (see affect^2).

affectionate

adj. readily showing affection.

- DERIVATIVES affectionately adv.

affective

adj. chiefly Psychology relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes.

- DERIVATIVES affectively adv. affectivity n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from late L. affectivus, from afficere (see affect^2).

affenpinscher

//

n. a dog of a small breed resembling the griffon.

- ORIGIN Ger., from Affe ‘monkey’ + Pinscher ‘terrier’.

afferent

// Physiology

adj. relating to or denoting the conduction of nerve impulses or blood inwards or towards something. The opposite of efferent.
n. an afferent nerve fibre or vessel.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. afferent-, afferre ‘bring towards’.

affiance

//

v. (be affianced) literary be engaged to marry.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. afiancer, from afier ‘promise, entrust’, from med. L. affidare ‘declare on oath’.

affiant

//

n. US Law a person who makes an affidavit.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., pres. part. of afier, from med. L. affidare (see affiance).

affidavit

//

n. Law a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L., lit. ‘he has stated on oath’, from affidare.

affiliate

v. // (usu. be affiliated to/with) officially attach or connect to an organization. (of an organization) admit as a member.
n. // an affiliated person or organization.

- DERIVATIVES affiliation n. affiliative adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) as affiliation): from med. L. affiliat-, affiliare ‘adopt as a son’.

affiliation order

n. UK Law, historical an order that the man judged to be the father of an illegitimate child must help to support it.

affinal

//

adj. Anthropology concerning or having a family relationship by marriage.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. affinis (see affinity) + -al.

affine

//

adj. Mathematics allowing for or preserving parallel relationships.
n. Anthropology a relative by marriage.

- ORIGIN C16 (as n.): from OFr. afin or L. affinis (see affinity).

affined

adj. archaic related or connected.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. affinis (see affinity) + -ed^1.

affinity

n. (pl. affinities)
1 a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy. a close relationship based on a common origin or structure. relationship by marriage.
2 chiefly Biochemistry the degree to which a substance tends to combine with another.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. affinitas, from affinis ‘related’ (lit. ‘bordering on’).

affinity card

n. a cheque card or credit card for which the bank donates a portion of the money spent using the card to a specific charity.

affinity group

n. chiefly N. Amer. a group of people linked by a common interest or purpose.

affirm

v. state emphatically or publicly. Law ratify (a judgement or agreement). Law make a formal declaration rather than taking an oath.

- DERIVATIVES affirmation n. affirmatory adj. affirmer n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘make firm’): via OFr. from L. affirmare, from ad- ‘to’ + firmus ‘strong’.

affirmative

adj.
1 agreeing with or consenting to a statement or request. Grammar & Logic stating that a fact is so. Contrasted with negative and interrogative.
2 denoting proposed legislation which must receive an affirmative parliamentary vote before it can come into force.
n. an affirmative statement or word. Logic a statement asserting that something is true of the subject of a proposition.
exclam. chiefly N. Amer. yes.

- PHRASES
in the affirmative so as to accept or agree to a statement or request.

- DERIVATIVES affirmatively adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘assertive, positive’): via OFr. from late L. affirmativus, from affirmare (see affirm).

affirmative action

n. chiefly N. Amer. action favouring those who tend to suffer from discrimination.

affix

v. // attach or fasten to something else.
n. // Grammar an addition to the base form or stem of a word that modifies its meaning or creates a new word.

- DERIVATIVES affixation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. affixer or med. L. affixare, frequentative of L. affigere, from ad- ‘to’ + figere ‘to fix’.

afflatus

//

n. formal a divine creative impulse or inspiration.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from afflare, from ad- ‘to’ + flare ‘to blow’.

afflict

v. (of a problem or illness) cause pain or suffering to.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. afflictare ‘knock about, harass’, or afflict-, affligere ‘knock down, weaken’.

affliction

n. a cause of pain or harm. the state of being in pain.

affluent

adj.
1 wealthy.
2 archaic (of water) flowing freely or copiously.
n. archaic a tributary stream.

- DERIVATIVES affluence n. affluently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. affluent-, affluere ‘flow towards, flow freely’.

afflux

//

n. archaic a flow of water or air.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. affluxus, from affluere (see affluent).

afford

v.
1 (can/could afford) have sufficient money, time, or means for. be able to do something without risk of adverse consequences.
2 provide (an opportunity or facility).

- ORIGIN OE geforthian ‘promote, perform’, later ‘manage to do’, from ge- (prefix implying completeness) + forthian ‘to further’, from forth.

affordable

adj. inexpensive; reasonably priced.

- DERIVATIVES affordability n. affordably adv.

afforest

//

v.
1 convert (land) into forest for commercial exploitation.
2 Brit. historical bring (woodland) under the jurisdiction of forest law for the purpose of hunting.

- DERIVATIVES afforestation n.

affranchise

v. archaic release from servitude.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. afranchiss-, lengthened stem of afranchir, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + franc ‘free’.

affray

n. Law, dated a breach of the peace by fighting in a public place.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. afrayer ‘disturb, startle’, based on an element of Gmc origin rel. to OE frithu ‘peace, safety’.

affricate

//

n. Phonetics a phoneme which combines a plosive with an immediately following fricative or spirant sharing the same place of articulation, e.g. ch as in chair and j as in jar.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. affricat-, affricare, from ad- ‘to’ + fricare ‘to rub’.

affright

archaic

v. frighten.
n. fright.

affront

n. an action or remark that causes outrage or offence.
v. offend the modesty or values of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. afronter ‘to slap in the face, insult’, based on L. ad frontem ‘to the face’.

Afghan

//

n.
1 a native or national of Afghanistan, or a person of Afghan descent.
2 another term for Pashto.
3 (afghan) a knitted or crocheted blanket or shawl.
adj. relating to Afghanistan or the Pashto language.

Afghan coat

n. Brit. a kind of sheepskin coat with the skin outside, typically having a shaggy border.

Afghan hound

n. a tall hunting dog of a breed with long silky hair.

afghani

//

n. (pl. afghanis) the basic monetary unit of Afghanistan, equal to 100 puls.

- ORIGIN from Pashto afghn.

aficionado

//, //

n. (pl. aficionados) a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular activity or subject.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting a devotee of bullfighting): from Sp., ‘amateur’, past part. of aficioner ‘become fond of’ used as a noun, based on L. affectio(n-) (see affection).

afield

adv.
1 to or at a distance.
2 in the field (in reference to hunting).

afire

adv. & adj. chiefly literary on fire.

AFL

abbrev. Australian Football League.

aflame

adv. & adj. in flames.

aflatoxin

//

n. Chemistry a toxic compound produced by certain moulds found in food, which can cause liver damage and cancer.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from elements of the mod. L. taxonomic name of a mould (Aspergillus flavus) + toxin.

AFL-CIO

abbrev. American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

afloat

adj. & adv.
1 floating in water. on board a ship or boat.
2 out of debt or difficulty.

aflood

adj. flooded or submerged.

aflutter

adj. in a state of tremulous excitement.

AFM

abbrev. Air Force Medal.

afoot

adv. & adj.
1 in preparation or progress.
2 chiefly N. Amer. on foot.

afore

prep. archaic or dialect before.

afore-

prefix before; previously: aforementioned.

aforementioned

(also aforesaid)

adj. denoting a thing or person previously mentioned.

a fortiori

/ /, //, //

adv. & adj. with a yet stronger reason than a conclusion previously accepted.

- ORIGIN C17: L., from a fortiori argumento ‘from stronger argument’.

afoul

adv. N. Amer. into conflict or difficulty with.

afraid

adj. (often afraid of/to do) feeling fear or anxiety; frightened. (afraid for) anxious about the well-being of.

- PHRASES
I'm afraid expressing polite apology or regret.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of the obs. verb affray, from Anglo-Norman Fr. afrayer (see affray).

A-frame

n. a timber frame shaped like a capital letter A. N. Amer. a house built around an A-frame.

afreet

// (also afrit)

n. (in Arabian and Muslim mythology) a powerful jinn or demon.

- ORIGIN C18: from Arab. ifrt.

afresh

adv. in a new or different way.

African

n. a person from Africa, especially a black person.
adj. relating to Africa or Africans.

- DERIVATIVES Africanism n.

Africana

//

pl. n. things connected with Africa.

African American

chiefly US

n. an American of African origin.
adj. relating to African Americans.

Africander

//

n. variant spelling of Afrikander.

Africanize

(or Africanise)

v.
1 make African in character.
2 [usu. as adj. Africanized] hybridize (honeybees of European stock) with bees of African stock, producing an aggressive strain.

- DERIVATIVES Africanization n.

African violet

n. a small East African plant with heart-shaped velvety leaves and violet, pink, or white flowers.   Genus Saintpaulia: several species.

Afrikaans

//

n. a language of southern Africa derived from Dutch, an official language of South Africa.
adj. relating to the Afrikaner people or their language.

- ORIGIN the name in Afrik., from Du., lit. ‘African’.

Afrikander

// (also Africander)

n. an animal of a South African breed of sheep or longhorn cattle.

- ORIGIN C19 (an early form of Afrikaner): via Afrik. from S. Afr. Du.

Afrikaner

//

n.
1 an Afrikaans-speaking white person in South Africa, especially one of Dutch or Huguenot descent.
2 S. African a gladiolus or related plant.

- DERIVATIVES Afrikanerdom n.

- ORIGIN Afrik., from S. Afr. Du. Africander, from Du. Afrikaan ‘an African’ + the personal suffix -der.

afrit

n. variant spelling of afreet.

Afro

n. (pl. Afros) a hairstyle consisting of a mass of very tight curls all round the head, like the natural hair of some black people.

Afro-

comb. form African; African and …: Afro-Asiatic. relating to Africa: Afrocentric.

Afro-American

adj. & n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for African American.

Afro-Asiatic

adj. relating to or denoting a family of languages spoken in the Middle East and North Africa.

Afro-Caribbean

n. a person of African descent living in or coming from the Caribbean.
adj. relating to Afro-Caribbeans.

Afrocentric

adj. regarding African or black culture as pre-eminent.

- DERIVATIVES Afrocentrism n. Afrocentrist n.

afrormosia

//

n.
1 the wood of a tropical tree, resembling teak and used for furniture.
2 the tree that yields afrormosia wood, occurring mainly in West Africa.   Genus Pericopsis (formerly Afrormosia).

- ORIGIN 1920s: mod. L., from Afro- + the related genus name Ormosia, from Gk hormos ‘necklace’ (because necklaces were strung with the seeds).

aft

//

adv. & adj. at, near, or towards the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from obs. baft (see abaft), influenced by Low Ger. and Du. achter ‘abaft, after’.

after

prep.
1 in the time following (an event or another period of time). N. Amer. past (used in specifying a time).
2 behind. in the direction of someone who is moving away.
3 in pursuit or quest of.
4 next to and following in order or importance.
5 in allusion or reference to: he was named after his grandfather. in the style or following the example of.
conj. & adv. in the time following (an event).
adj.
1 archaic later.
2 nearer the stern of a ship.

- PHRASES
after all in spite of any indications or expectations to the contrary.
after hours after normal working or opening hours.
after you a polite formula offering precedence.
be after doing something Irish be on the point of doing something or have just done it.

- ORIGIN OE æfter, of Gmc origin.

afterbirth

n. the placenta and fetal membranes discharged from the womb after a birth.

afterburner

n. an auxiliary burner in which extra fuel is burned in the exhaust of a jet engine to increase thrust.

aftercare

n.
1 care of a person after a stay in hospital or on release from prison.
2 support or advice offered to a customer following a purchase.

afterdamp

n. choking gas left after an explosion of firedamp in a mine.

afterdeck

n. an open deck toward the stern of a ship.

after-effect

n. an effect that follows after the primary action of something.

afterglow

n.
1 light remaining in the sky after the sun has set.
2 good feelings remaining after a pleasurable experience.

after-image

n. an impression of a vivid image retained by the eye after the stimulus has ceased.

afterlife

n. (in some religions) life after death.

aftermarket

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. the market for spare parts and accessories for motor vehicles.
2 Stock Exchange the market for shares and bonds after their original issue.

aftermath

n.
1 the consequences of a significant and typically unpleasant event.
2 Farming new grass growing after mowing or harvest.

- ORIGIN C15: from after + dial. math ‘mowing’, of Gmc origin.

aftermost

adj. nearest the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft.

afternoon

n. the time from noon or lunchtime to evening.
adv. (afternoons) informal in the afternoon; every afternoon.

afterpains

pl. n. pains after childbirth caused by contraction of the womb.

afters

pl. n. Brit. informal the dessert course of a meal.

aftershave

n. an astringent scented lotion for applying to the skin after shaving.

aftershock

n. a smaller earthquake following the main shock of a large earthquake.

aftersun

adj. denoting a product applied to the skin after exposure to the sun.

aftertaste

n. a taste, typically an unpleasant one, lingering in the mouth after eating or drinking.

afterthought

n. something thought of or added later.

aftertouch

n. a facility on an electronic music keyboard by which an effect is produced by depressing a key after striking it.

afterwards

(US also afterward //)

adv. at a later or future time.

- ORIGIN OE æftewearde, from æftan ‘aft’ + -wards, influenced by after.

afterword

n. a concluding section in a book.

afterworld

n. a world entered after death.

AG

abbrev.
1 Adjutant General.
2 Attorney General.

Ag^1

symb. the chemical element silver.

- ORIGIN from L. argentum.

Ag^2

abbrev. Biochemistry antigen.

ag-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before g (as in aggravate, aggression).

Aga

//

n. Brit. trademark a type of heavy heat-retaining stove or range used for cooking and heating.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from the original maker's name (Svenskaa) A(ktiebolaget) Ga(sackumulator) ‘Swedish Gas Accumulator Company’.

aga

//

n. (in Muslim countries, especially under the Ottoman Empire) a military commander or official.

- ORIGIN C16: from Turk. aa ‘master, lord’, from Mongolian aqa.

again

//, //

adv.
1 once more.
2 returning to a previous position or condition.
3 in addition to what has already been mentioned. on the other hand.

- PHRASES
again and again repeatedly.

- ORIGIN OE ongan, ongægn, of Gmc origin.

against

//, //

prep.
1 in opposition to. in resistance to.
2 in anticipation of and preparation for (a difficulty). (in betting) in anticipation of the failure of: the odds were 5–1 against England.
3 in relation to (money owed, due, or lent) so as to reduce, cancel, or secure it.
4 in or into contact with.
5 in contrast to.

- PHRASES
have something against dislike or bear a grudge against.

- ORIGIN ME: from again + -s (adverbial genitive) + -t, prob. by assoc. with superlatives (as in amongst).

Aga Khan

/ /

n. the title of the spiritual leader of the Nizari sect of Ismaili Muslims.

agal

//

n. a headband worn by Bedouin Arab men to keep the keffiyeh in place.

- ORIGIN C19: representing a Bedouin pronunc. of Arab. ikl ‘bond, hobble’.

agama

//

n. a lizard of a large group with long tails and large heads.   Genus Agama, family Agamidae.

- DERIVATIVES agamid n.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from Carib.

agamic

//

adj. Biology reproducing asexually; asexual.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk agamos ‘unmarried’ + -ic.

agammaglobulinaemia

// (also agammaglobulinemia)

n. Medicine lack of gamma globulin in the blood plasma, causing immune deficiency.

agamospermy

//

n. Botany asexual reproduction in which seeds are produced from unfertilized ovules.

- DERIVATIVES agamospermous adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk agamos ‘unmarried’ + sperma ‘seed’.

agapanthus

//

n. a South African plant of the lily family, with blue or white flowers growing in rounded clusters.   Genus Agapanthus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk agap ‘love’ + anthos ‘flower’.

agape^1

//

adj. (of a person's mouth) wide open.

agape^2

//, //

n.
1 Christian Theology Christian love as distinct from erotic love or simple affection.
2 a communal meal in token of Christian fellowship.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk agap ‘brotherly love’.

agar

// (also agar-agar //)

n. a gelatinous substance obtained from various kinds of red seaweed and used in biological culture media and as a thickener in foods.

- ORIGIN C19: from Malay.

agaric

//, //

n. a fungus of an order (Agaricales) including all those with a cap with gills on the underside, e.g. mushrooms.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. agaricum, from Gk agarikon ‘tree fungus’.

agarose

//, //

n. Biochemistry a polysaccharide which is the main constituent of agar.

agate

//

n. an ornamental stone consisting of a hard variety of chalcedony (quartz), typically banded in appearance.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr., via L. from Gk akhats.

agave

//, //

n. a succulent plant with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves and tall flower spikes, native to the southern US and tropical America.   Genus Agave: numerous species.

- ORIGIN L., from Gk Agau, the name of one of the daughters of Cadmus in Greek mythology.

AGC

abbrev. Electronics automatic gain control.

age

n.
1 the length of time that a person or thing has existed. a particular stage in someone's life. old age.
2 a distinct period of history. a division of geological time that is a subdivision of an epoch. (ages/an age) informal a very long time.
v. (ages, ageing or aging, aged) grow or cause to appear old or older. (with reference to an alcoholic drink, cheese, etc.) mature.

- PHRASES
act (or be) one's age behave in a manner appropriate to someone of one's age.
come of age reach adult status (in UK law at 18).
of an age
1 old enough to be able or expected to do something.
2 (of two or more people or things) of a similar age.

- DERIVATIVES ageing (also aging) n. & adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. aetas, aetat-, from aevum ‘age, era’.

-age

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting an action or its result: leverage. a function; a sphere of action: homage. a state or condition: bondage.
2 denoting an aggregate or number of: mileage. a set or group of: baggage. fees payable for: postage.
3 denoting a place: vicarage.

- ORIGIN from OFr., based on L. -aticum, neut. form of the adjectival ending -aticus.

aged

adj.
1 // of a specified age: he died aged 60. (of a horse or farm animal) over a certain defined age of maturity, typically 6 to 12 years for horses, 3 or 4 years for cattle.
2 // very old.
3 // having been subjected to ageing.

age group

n. a number of people or things classed together as being of similar age.

age hardening

n. spontaneous hardening of a metal which occurs if it is quenched and then stored at ambient temperature or treated with mild heat.

- DERIVATIVES age-hardened adj.

ageism

(also agism)

n. prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's age.

- DERIVATIVES ageist adj. & n.

ageless

adj.
1 not ageing or appearing to age.
2 lasting a long time or forever: ageless Taoist massage techniques.

- DERIVATIVES agelessness n.

agency

n.
1 a business or organization providing a particular service. a government office or department providing a specific service for a state.
2 action or intervention so as to produce a particular result: canals carved by the agency of running water. a person or thing that acts to produce a particular result.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. agentia, from agent- (see agent).

agenda

//

n.
1 a list of items to be discussed at a meeting. a list of matters to be addressed.
2 N. Amer. an appointment diary.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., neut. pl. of agendum, gerundive of agere ‘do’.

USAGE

Although agenda is the plural of agendum in Latin, in standard modern English it is normally used as a singular noun with a standard plural form (agendas). See also usage at data and media^1.

agent

n.
1 a person that provides a particular service, typically one organizing transactions between two other parties. a person who manages financial or contractual matters for an actor, performer, or writer.
2 a person who works in secret to obtain information for a government.
3 a person or thing that takes an active role or produces a specified effect. Grammar the doer of an action.
4 Computing an independently operating Internet program, typically one set up to locate information on a specified subject and deliver it on a regular basis.

- DERIVATIVES agentive adj. (Grammar).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. agent-, agere ‘to do’.

agent general

n. (pl. agents general) the representative of an Australian state or Canadian province in a major foreign city.

agent noun

n. a noun denoting a person or thing that performs the action of a verb, usually ending in -er or -or, e.g. worker, accelerator.

Agent Orange

n. a defoliant chemical used by the US in the Vietnam War.

agent provocateur

/ /

n. (pl. agents provocateurs pronunc. same) a person employed to induce others to break the law so that they can be convicted.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘provocative agent’.

age of consent

n. the age at which a person's consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law.

age of discretion

n. the age at which someone is considered able to take responsibility for their actions or affairs.

age of reason

n.
1 the Enlightenment.
2 (especially in the Roman Catholic Church) the age at which a child is held capable of discerning right from wrong.

age-old

adj. having existed for a very long time.

agglomerate

v. // collect or form into a mass or group.
n. //
1 a mass or collection of things.
2 Geology a volcanic rock consisting of large fragments bonded together.
adj. // collected or formed into a mass.

- DERIVATIVES agglomeration n. agglomerative adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. agglomerat-, agglomerare ‘add to’, from ad- ‘to’ + glomerare (from glomus ‘ball’).

agglutinate

//

v.
1 firmly stick or be stuck together to form a mass.
2 Linguistics (of a language) combine (word elements) to express compound ideas.

- DERIVATIVES agglutination n. agglutinative adj. (Linguistics).

- ORIGIN C16: from L. agglutinat-, agglutinare ‘cause to adhere’.

agglutinin

//

n. Biology an antibody, lectin, or other substance that causes agglutination.

aggrandize

(or aggrandise) //

v. increase the power, status, or wealth of. artificially enhance the reputation of.

- DERIVATIVES aggrandizement n. aggrandizer n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. agrandiss-, agrandir, prob. from Ital. aggrandire, from L. grandis ‘large’.

aggravate

v.
1 make (a problem, illness, etc.) worse.
2 informal annoy (someone).

- DERIVATIVES aggravating adj. aggravatingly adv. aggravation n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (C15) as aggravation): from L. aggravat-, aggravare ‘make heavy’.

USAGE

Aggravate in the sense ‘annoy’ is in widespread use in modern English and dates back to the 17th century, but the use is still regarded as incorrect by some traditionalists.

aggravated

adj. Law (of an offence) made more serious by attendant circumstances. (of a penalty) made more severe in recognition of the seriousness of an offence.

aggregate

n. //
1 a whole formed by combining several disparate elements.
2 the total score of a player or team in a fixture comprising more than one game or round.
3 a material or structure formed from a loosely compacted mass of fragments or particles. pieces of broken or crushed stone or gravel used to make concrete.
adj. //
1 formed or calculated by the combination of many separate units or items.
2 Botany (of a group of species) comprising several very similar species formerly regarded as a single species.
3 Economics denoting the total supply or demand for goods and services in an economy at a particular time.
v. // combine into a whole.

- DERIVATIVES aggregation n. aggregative // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. aggregat-, aggregare ‘herd together’, from ad- ‘towards’ + grex, greg- ‘a flock’.

aggregate fruit

n. Botany a fruit formed from several carpels derived from the same flower, e.g. a raspberry.

aggregator

//

n. Computing an Internet company that collects information about other companies' products and services and distributes it through a single website.

aggression

n. hostile or violent behaviour or attitudes. the action of attacking without provocation, especially in beginning a war.

- DERIVATIVES aggressor n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aggressio(n-), from aggredi ‘to attack’, from ad- ‘towards’ + gradi ‘proceed, walk’.

aggressive

adj. characterized by or resulting from aggression. very forceful: an aggressive acquisition policy.

- DERIVATIVES aggressively adv. aggressiveness n.

aggrieved

adj. resentful because of unfair treatment.

- DERIVATIVES aggrievedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘distressed’): past part. of aggrieve, from OFr. agrever ‘make heavier’, based on L. aggravare (see aggravate).

aggro

n. Brit. informal
1 aggressive behaviour.
2 difficulties.

- ORIGIN 1960s: abbrev. of aggravation (see aggravate), or of aggression.

aghast

//

adj. filled with horror or shock.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of the obs. verb agast, gast ‘frighten’, from OE gæsten.

agile

adj. able to move quickly and easily.

- DERIVATIVES agilely adv. agility n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. agilis, from agere ‘do’.

agin

//

prep. dialect form of against.

- ORIGIN C19: var. of the obs. prep. again, with the same meaning.

aging

adj. & n. variant spelling of ageing (see age).

agio

//

n. (pl. agios) the percentage charged on the exchange of one currency, or one form of money, into another that is more valuable.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital. agio, aggio, lit. ‘ease, convenience’.

agism

n. variant spelling of ageism.

agist

//

v. take in and feed (livestock) for payment.

- DERIVATIVES agister n. agistment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. agister, from a- + gister, from giste ‘lodging’.

agitate

v.
1 [often as adj. agitated] make troubled or nervous.
2 campaign to arouse public concern about an issue.
3 stir or disturb (a liquid) briskly.

- DERIVATIVES agitatedly adv. agitation n. agitator n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘drive away’): from L. agitat-, agitare ‘agitate, drive’, frequentative of agere ‘do, drive’.

agitato

//

adv. & adj. Music agitated in manner.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘agitated’.

agitprop

//, //

n. political propaganda, especially in art or literature.

- ORIGIN 1930s: Russ., blend of agitatsiya ‘agitation’ and propaganda ‘propaganda’.

agleam

adj. gleaming.

aglet

//

n. a metal or plastic tube fixed tightly round each end of a shoelace.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. aiguillette ‘small needle’, dimin. of aiguille (see aiguille).

agley

//, //

adv. Scottish askew; awry.

- ORIGIN C18: from a-2 + Scots gley ‘squint’.

aglow

adj. glowing.

AGM

abbrev. Brit. annual general meeting.

agma

//

n. Phonetics the speech sound of ‘ng’ as in thing, a velar nasal consonant. the symbol //, used to represent this sound in the International Phonetic Alphabet.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from late Gk, from Gk, lit. ‘fragment’.

agnate

// chiefly Law

n. a person descended from the same male ancestor as another, especially through the male line.
adj. descended from the same male ancestor. Compare with cognate (in sense 2).

- DERIVATIVES agnatic // adj. agnation n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. agnatus, from ad- ‘to’ + gnatus, natus ‘born’.

agnolotti

//

pl. n. small filled pasta squares.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

agnosia

//

n. Medicine inability to interpret sensations and hence to recognize things, typically as a result of brain damage.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: coined in Ger. from Gk agnsia ‘ignorance’.

agnostic

//

n. a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God.
adj. relating to agnostics or agnosticism.

- DERIVATIVES agnosticism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + gnostic.

Agnus Dei

/ /, //, //

n.
1 a figure of a lamb bearing a cross or flag, as an emblem of Christ.
2 Christian Church an invocation beginning with the words ‘Lamb of God’ forming a set part of the Mass.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., lit. ‘Lamb of God’.

ago

adv. before the present (used with a measurement of time).

- ORIGIN ME ago, agone, past part. of the obs. verb ago ‘pass’, used to express passage of time.

USAGE

When ago is followed by a clause, the clause should be introduced by that rather than since, e.g. it was sixty years ago that I left this place (not it was sixty years ago since I left this place).

agog

adj. very eager to hear or see something.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. en gogues, from en ‘in’ + the pl. of gogue ‘fun’.

agogic

// Music

adj. relating to or denoting accentuation within musical phrases by slight lengthening of notes.
n. (agogics) [usu. treated as sing.] the use of agogic accents.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. agogisch, from Gk aggos ‘leading’, from agein ‘to lead’, + -ic.

agogo

//

n. (pl. agogos) a small bell made of two joined metal cones, used as a percussion instrument in African and Latin music.

- ORIGIN from Yoruba.

a gogo

/ /

adj. [postpos.] informal in abundance.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from Fr. à gogo, from OFr. gogue ‘fun’.

agonic line

//

n. an imaginary line round the earth passing through both the north pole and the north magnetic pole, at any point on which a compass needle points to true north.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk agnios, agnos (from a- ‘without’ + gonia ‘angle’) + -ic.

agonist

//

n.
1 Biochemistry a substance which initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor.
2 Anatomy a muscle whose contraction moves a part of the body directly.
3 a protagonist.

- DERIVATIVES agonism n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk agnists ‘contestant’, from agn ‘contest’; cf. antagonist.

agonistic

adj.
1 polemical; combative. Zoology (of animal behaviour) associated with conflict.
2 Biochemistry relating to or acting as an agonist.

- DERIVATIVES agonistically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk agnistikos, from agnists ‘contestant’, from agn ‘contest’.

agonize

(or agonise)

v.
1 undergo great mental anguish through worrying over something.
2 [usu. as adj. agonizing] cause agony to.

- DERIVATIVES agonizingly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. agoniser or late L. agonizare, from Gk agnizesthai ‘contend’, from agn ‘contest’.

agony

n. (pl. agonies) extreme physical or mental suffering.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. and late L. from Gk agnia, from agn ‘contest’.

agony aunt

(or agony uncle)

n. Brit. informal a person who answers letters in an agony column.

agony column

n. Brit. informal a column in a newspaper or magazine offering advice on readers' personal problems.

agora^1

//

n. (pl. agorae // or agoras) (in ancient Greece) a public open space used for assemblies and markets.

- ORIGIN from Gk.

agora^2

//

n. (pl. agorot or agoroth //, //) a monetary unit of Israel, equal to one hundredth of a shekel.

- ORIGIN from Heb. grh ‘small coin’.

agoraphobia

//

n. extreme or irrational fear of open or public places.

- DERIVATIVES agoraphobe n. agoraphobic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk agora (see agora^1) + -phobia.

agouti

//

n. (pl. same or agoutis)
1 a large long-legged burrowing rodent related to the guinea pig, native to Central and South America.   Genera Agouti and Dasyprocta: several species.
2 fur in which each hair has alternate dark and light bands, producing a grizzled appearance. a mouse having agouti fur.

- ORIGIN C16: via Fr. or from Sp. aguti, from Tupi akutí.

AGR

abbrev. advanced gas-cooled (nuclear) reactor.

agranulocytosis

//

n. Medicine a deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, causing increased vulnerability to infection.

agraphia

//, //

n. Medicine inability to write, as a language disorder resulting from brain damage.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk -graphia ‘writing’.

agrarian

//

adj. relating to cultivated land or agriculture. relating to landed property.
n. a person who advocates a redistribution of landed property.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. agrarius, from ager, agr- ‘field’.

agree

v. (agrees, agreeing, agreed)
1 have the same opinion. (be agreed) (of two or more parties) be in agreement.
2 (agree to/to do something) say that one will do something. reach agreement about.
3 (agree with) be consistent with. Grammar have the same number, gender, case, or person as.
4 [usu. with neg.] (agree with) be good for.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. agreer, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + gratus ‘pleasing’.

agreeable

adj.
1 pleasant or pleasing.
2 willing to agree to something. able to be accepted.

- DERIVATIVES agreeableness n. agreeably adv.

agreement

n.
1 harmony in opinion or feeling. the state of being consistent. Grammar the condition of agreeing with another word.
2 a negotiated and typically legally binding arrangement.

agribusiness

n.
1 agriculture conducted on strictly commercial principles.
2 the group of industries concerned with agricultural produce and services.

agriculture

n. the science or practice of farming, including the growing of crops and the rearing of animals.

- DERIVATIVES agricultural adj. agriculturalist n. agriculturally adv. agriculturist n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. agricultura, from ager, agr- ‘field’ + cultura ‘growing, cultivation’.

agrimony

//

n. (pl. agrimonies) a plant of the rose family with slender flower spikes of yellow flowers.   Genus Agrimonia.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. agrimonia, alt. of argemonia, from Gk argemn ‘poppy’.

agrion

//

n. a large damselfly that has a body with a metallic sheen.   Genus Agrion: numerous species.

- ORIGIN Gk, neut. of agrios ‘wild’.

agriscience

n. the application of science to agriculture.

- DERIVATIVES agriscientist n.

agritourism

n. tourism in which tourists stay with local people in rural areas abroad.

agro-

//

comb. form agricultural: agro-industry. agriculture and …: agroforestry.

- ORIGIN from Gk agros ‘field’.

agrobiology

n. the branch of biology concerned with soil science and plant nutrition and its application to crop production.

- DERIVATIVES agrobiological adj. agrobiologist n.

agrochemical

n. a chemical used in agriculture.

agroforestry

n. agriculture incorporating the cultivation of trees.

agro-industry

n. industry connected with agriculture. agriculture developed along industrial lines.

- DERIVATIVES agro-industrial adj.

agronomy

//

n. the science of soil management and crop production.

- DERIVATIVES agronomic adj. agronomical adj. agronomically adv. agronomist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. agronomie, from agronome ‘agriculturist’, from Gk agros ‘field’ + -nomos ‘arranging’ (from nemoein ‘arrange’).

agrostology

//

n. the branch of botany concerned with grasses.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk agrstis (denoting a kind of grass) + -logy.

aground

adj. & adv. (with reference to a ship) on or on to the bottom in shallow water.

aguardiente

//

n. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a distilled alcoholic drink resembling brandy.

- ORIGIN Sp., from agua ‘water’ + ardiente ‘fiery’.

ague

//

n. archaic malaria or another illness involving fever and shivering. a fever or shivering fit.

- DERIVATIVES agued adj. aguish adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. acuta (febris) ‘acute (fever)’.

AH

abbrev. in the year of the Hegira (used in the Muslim calendar for reckoning years).

- ORIGIN from L. anno Hegirae.

ah

(also aah)

exclam. expressing surprise, sympathy, realization, etc.

AHA

abbrev. alpha-hydroxy acid.

aha

exclam. expressing triumph or surprise.

ahead

adv. further forward in space or time. in advance. in the lead.

- PHRASES
ahead of
1 in front of; before: we have a long drive ahead of us.
2 in advance of.

ahem

exclam. used to attract attention or express disapproval or embarrassment.

ahi

//

n. (in Hawaii) a large tuna, especially as an item of food.

- ORIGIN from Hawaiian ahi.

ahimsa

//

n. (in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist tradition) respect for all living things and avoidance of violence towards others.

- ORIGIN Sanskrit, from a ‘non-, without’ + hims ‘violence’.

ahistorical

//

adj. lacking historical perspective or context.

- DERIVATIVES ahistorically adv.

-aholic

(also -oholic)

suffix denoting a person addicted to something: shopaholic.

- ORIGIN on the pattern of (alc)oholic.

ahoy

exclam. Nautical a call to attract attention.

AI

abbrev.
1 Amnesty International.
2 artificial insemination.
3 artificial intelligence.

ai

//

n. (pl. ais) the three-toed sloth.

- ORIGIN C17: from Tupi, imitative of its cry.

AID

abbrev. artificial insemination by donor.

aid

n.
1 help or support.
2 material help given to a place in need.
3 historical a grant of subsidy or tax to a king.
v. help in the achievement of something.

- PHRASES
in aid of chiefly Brit. in support of.
what's (all) this in aid of? Brit. informal what is the purpose of this?

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aide (n.), aidier (v.), based on L. adjuvare, from ad- ‘towards’ + juvare ‘to help’.

aid climbing

n. rock climbing using objects such as pegs placed in the rock. Compare with free climbing.

- DERIVATIVES aid climb n. & v.

aide

//

n. an assistant to a political leader. short for aide-de-camp.

aide-de-camp

//

n. (pl. aides-de-camp pronunc. same) a military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., ‘camp adjutant’.

aide-memoire

/ /

n. (pl. aides-memoires or aides-memoire pronunc. same)
1 a book or note used to aid the memory.
2 a diplomatic memorandum.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. aide-mémoire, from aider ‘to help’ and mémoire ‘memory’.

Aids

(also AIDS)

n. a disease, caused by a virus transmitted in body fluids, in which there is a severe loss of cellular immunity that leaves the sufferer susceptible to infection and malignancy.

- ORIGIN 1980s: acronym from acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Aids-related complex

n. the symptoms of a person who is affected with the Aids virus but does not necessarily develop the disease.

aigrette

//, //

n. a headdress consisting of a white egret's feather or other decoration such as a spray of gems.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., ‘egret’.

aiguille

//

n. a sharp pinnacle of rock in a mountain range.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘needle’.

aiguillette

//

n. an ornament on some military and naval uniforms, consisting of braided loops ending in tagged points hanging from the shoulder.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., lit. ‘small needle’.

AIH

abbrev. artificial insemination by husband.

aikido

//

n. a Japanese form of self-defence and martial art that uses locks, holds, throws, and the opponent's own movements.

- ORIGIN Japanese aikid, lit. ‘way of adapting the spirit’, from ai ‘together, unify’ + ki ‘spirit’ + d ‘way’.

ail

v. archaic trouble or afflict in mind or body.

- ORIGIN OE eglian, eglan, from egle ‘troublesome’, of Gmc origin.

ailanthus

//

n. a tall large-leaved deciduous tree native to Asia and Australasia, especially the tree of heaven.   Genus Ailanthus: several species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Fr. ailante, from Amboinese ailanto, lit. ‘tree of heaven’ (the ending is influenced by names ending with -anthus, from Gk anthos ‘flower’).

aileron

//

n. a hinged surface in the trailing edge of an aircraft's wing, used to control the roll of the aircraft about its longitudinal axis.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., lit. ‘small wing’.

ailing

adj. in poor health or in a poor condition.

ailment

n. a minor illness.

ailurophobia

//

n. extreme or irrational fear of cats.

- DERIVATIVES ailurophobe n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk ailuros ‘cat’ + -phobia.

AIM

abbrev. Alternative Investment Market.

aim

v.
1 point (a weapon or camera) at a target. direct at someone or something.
2 try to achieve something.
n.
1 a purpose or intention.
2 the aiming of a weapon or missile.

- PHRASES
take aim point a weapon or camera at a target.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amer, var. of esmer, from L. aestimare ‘assess, estimate’.

aimless

adj. without purpose or direction.

- DERIVATIVES aimlessly adv. aimlessness n.

ain't

contr. informal
1 am not; are not; is not.
2 has not; have not.

USAGE

In modern English the use of ain't is non-standard, despite it being widespread in many dialects and in informal speech.

Ainu

//

n. (pl. same or Ainus)
1 a member of an aboriginal people of northern Japan.
2 the language of the Ainu, perhaps related to Altaic.

- ORIGIN the name in Ainu, lit. ‘man, person’.

aioli

//

n. mayonnaise seasoned with garlic.

- ORIGIN Fr. aïoli, from Provençal ai ‘garlic’ + oli ‘oil’.

air

n.
1 the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
2 the open space above the surface of the earth. [as modifier] indicating the use of aircraft. the earth's atmosphere as a medium for transmitting radio waves.
3 one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy and in astrology.
4 a breeze or light wind.
5 (air of) an impression of (a quality or manner). (airs) an affected and condescending manner.
6 a tune or short melodious song.
v.
1 express (an opinion or grievance) publicly. broadcast (a programme) on radio or television.
2 expose (a room) to the open air. Brit. put (washed laundry) in the open air or a warm place to remove dampness.

- PHRASES
airs and graces Brit. an affectation of superiority.
in the air noticeable all around.
on (or off) the air being (or not being) broadcast on radio or television.
take the air go out of doors.
up in the air unresolved.
walk (or tread) on air feel elated.

- DERIVATIVES airing n. airless adj. airlessness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. air, from L. aer, from Gk ar; sense 5 prob. from OFr. aire ‘site, disposition’; sense 6 from Ital. aria.

airbag

n. a safety device that inflates rapidly on impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle in a collision.

air ball

n. Basketball a shot which misses the basket and backboard entirely.

airbase

n. a base for military aircraft.

air bearing

n. a bearing in which moving surfaces are kept apart by a layer of air forced between the surfaces.

air bed

n. Brit. an inflatable mattress.

air bladder

n. an air-filled bladder or sac found in certain animals and plants.

airboat

n. a shallow-draught boat powered by an aircraft engine, for use in swamps.

airborne

adj.
1 transported by air.
2 (of a bird or aircraft) flying.

air brake

n.
1 a brake worked by air pressure.
2 a movable flap or other device on an aircraft to reduce its speed.

airbrick

n. Brit. a brick perforated with small holes for ventilation.

air bridge

n. Brit. a portable bridge or walkway put against an aircraft door.

airbrush

n. an artist's device for spraying paint by means of compressed air.
v. paint with an airbrush. alter or conceal (a photograph) using an airbrush.

airburst

n. an explosion in the air, especially of a nuclear bomb.

air chief marshal

n. a high rank of RAF officer, above air marshal and below Marshal of the RAF.

air commodore

n. a rank of RAF officer, above group captain and below air vice-marshal.

air conditioning

n. a system for controlling the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building or vehicle.

- DERIVATIVES air-conditioned adj. air conditioner n.

air corridor

n. a route over a foreign country to which aircraft are restricted.

air cover

n. protection by aircraft for land-based or naval operations in war situations.

aircraft

n. (pl. same) an aeroplane, helicopter, or other machine capable of flight.

aircraft carrier

n. a large warship equipped to serve as a base for aircraft.

aircraftman

(or aircraftwoman)

n. (pl. aircraftmen or aircraftwomen) the lowest RAF rank, below leading aircraftman (or leading aircraftwoman).

aircrew

n. (pl. aircrews) [treated as sing. or pl.] the crew manning an aircraft. (pl. same) a member of an aircrew.

air cushion

n. the layer of air supporting a hovercraft or similar vehicle.

airdrome

n. US term for aerodrome.

airdrop

n. an act of dropping supplies, troops, or equipment by parachute.
v. (airdrops, airdropping, airdropped) drop by parachute.

air-dry

v. make or become dry through contact with air.

Airedale

//

n. a large terrier of a rough-coated black-and-tan breed.

- ORIGIN C19: from Airedale, a district in Yorkshire.

airer

n. Brit. a frame or stand for airing or drying laundry.

airfare

n. the price to be paid by an aircraft passenger for a particular journey.

airfield

n. an area of land set aside for the take-off, landing, and maintenance of aircraft.

air filter

n. a device for filtering particles from the air passing into an internal-combustion engine.

airflow

n. the flow of air encountered by a moving aircraft or vehicle.

airfoil

n. North American term for aerofoil.

air force

n. a branch of the armed forces concerned with fighting or defence in the air.

airframe

n. the body of an aircraft as distinct from its engine.

airfreight

n. the carriage of goods by aircraft. goods carried by aircraft.
v. carry or send by aircraft.

air freshener

n. a scented substance or device for masking unpleasant odours in a room.

airglow

n. a glow in the night sky caused by radiation from the upper atmosphere.

air guitar

n. informal an imaginary guitar ‘played’ by someone miming to rock music.

air gun

n.
1 a gun which uses compressed air to fire pellets.
2 a tool using very hot air to strip paint.

airhead^1

n. informal a stupid person.

airhead^2

n. Military a base close to the area of active operations where supplies and troops can be received and evacuated by air.

- ORIGIN Second World War: on the pattern of bridgehead.

air hostess

n. Brit. a stewardess in a passenger aircraft.

air-kiss

v. purse the lips as if kissing, without making contact.
n. (air kiss) a kiss of this kind.

air letter

n. a sheet of light paper folded and sealed to form a letter for sending by airmail.

airlift

n. an act of transporting supplies by aircraft, typically in an emergency.
v. transport by aircraft.

airline

n.
1 an organization providing a regular passenger air service.
2 (usu. air line) a pipe supplying air.

airliner

n. a large passenger aircraft.

airlock

n.
1 a stoppage of the flow in a pump or pipe, caused by an air bubble.
2 a compartment with controlled pressure and parallel sets of doors, to permit movement between areas at different pressures.

airmail

n. a system of transporting mail by air.
v. send by airmail.

airman

(or airwoman)

n. (pl. airmen or airwomen) a pilot or member of the crew of an aircraft in an air force. a member of the RAF below commissioned rank. a member of the US air force of the lowest rank, below staff sergeant. a member of the US navy whose general duties are concerned with aircraft.

- DERIVATIVES airmanship n.

air marshal

n. a high rank of RAF officer, above air vice-marshal and below air chief marshal.

air mass

n. Meteorology a body of air with horizontally uniform levels of temperature, humidity, and pressure.

air mattress

n. N. Amer. an air bed.

air mile

n.
1 a nautical mile used as a measure of distance flown by aircraft.
2 (Air Miles) trademark points (equivalent to miles of free air travel) accumulated by buyers of airline tickets and other products.

airmiss

n. Brit. an instance of two or more aircraft in flight on different routes being less than a prescribed safe distance apart.

airmobile

//

adj. (of troops) moved about by air.

air officer

n. any rank of RAF officer above that of group captain.

air pistol

(or air rifle)

n. a gun which uses compressed air to fire pellets.

airplane

n. N. Amer. an aeroplane.

air plant

n. a tropical American plant that grows on trees as an epiphyte, with long, narrow leaves that absorb water and nutrients from the atmosphere.   Genus Tillandsia: several species.

airplay

n. broadcasting time devoted to a particular record, performer, or musical genre.

air pocket

n.
1 a cavity containing air.
2 a region of low pressure causing an aircraft to lose height suddenly.

airport

n. a complex for civil aircraft comprising runways, hangars, and passenger facilities.

air pump

n. a device for pumping air into or out of an enclosed space.

air quality

n. the degree to which the air in a particular place is pollution-free.

air raid

n. an attack in which bombs are dropped from aircraft on to a ground target.

air sac

n. a lung compartment containing air; an alveolus. an extension of a bird's lung cavity into a bone or other part of the body.

airscrew

n. Brit. an aircraft propeller.

air-sea rescue

n. a rescue from the sea using aircraft.

airship

n. a power-driven aircraft kept buoyant by a body of gas (usually helium) which is lighter than air.

air shot

n. informal a missed attempt to hit or kick a ball.

airsick

adj. affected with nausea due to air travel.

- DERIVATIVES airsickness n.

airside

n. the area beyond passport and customs control in an airport terminal.

airspace

n. the part of the air above and subject to the jurisdiction of a particular country.

airspeed

n. the speed of an aircraft relative to the air through which it is moving.

airstream

n. a current of air.

airstrip

n. a strip of ground for the take-off and landing of aircraft.

airtight

adj. not allowing air to escape or pass through.

airtime

n.
1 time during which a broadcast is being transmitted.
2 the time during which a mobile phone is in use.

air-to-air

adj. directed or operating from one aircraft to another in flight.

air-to-ground

adj. directed or operating from an aircraft in flight to the land surface.

air-to-surface

adj. directed or operating from an aircraft in flight to the surface of the sea.

air traffic control

n. the ground-based personnel and equipment concerned with controlling and monitoring air traffic within a particular area.

- DERIVATIVES air traffic controller n.

air vice-marshal

n. a high rank of RAF officer, above air commodore and below air marshal.

airwaves

pl. n. the radio frequencies used for broadcasting.

airway

n.
1 the passage by which air reaches the lungs. a tube for supplying air to the lungs in an emergency.
2 a recognized route followed by aircraft.

airworthy

adj. (of an aircraft) safe to fly.

- DERIVATIVES airworthiness n.

airy

adj. (airier, airiest)
1 (of a room or building) spacious and well ventilated.
2 light as air; delicate.
3 casual; dismissive.

- DERIVATIVES airily adv. airiness n.

airy-fairy

adj. informal, chiefly Brit. foolishly idealistic and vague.

aisle

//

n.
1 a passage between rows of seats, pews, or supermarket shelves.
2 Architecture a lateral division of a church parallel to, and divided by pillars from, a nave, choir, or transept.

- PHRASES
lead someone up the aisle get married to someone.

- DERIVATIVES aisled adj.

- ORIGIN ME ele, ile, from OFr. ele, from L. ala ‘wing’.

ait

// (also eyot)

n. [in place names] Brit. a small island in a river.

- ORIGIN OE iggath, geth, based on eg ‘island’ + a dimin. suffix.

aitch

n. the letter H.

- PHRASES
drop one's aitches fail to pronounce the letter h at the beginning of words.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. ache.

aitchbone

n. the buttock or rump bone of cattle. a cut of beef lying over this.

- ORIGIN C15, from dial. nache ‘rump’, from OFr., based on L. natis ‘buttock(s)’, + bone; the initial n was lost by wrong division of a nache bone.

ajar

adv. & adj. (of a door or window) slightly open.

- ORIGIN C17: from a-2 + obs. char (OE cerr) ‘a turn’.

ajuga

//

n. a plant of a genus that includes bugle.   Genus Ajuga.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from med. L.

AK

abbrev. Alaska (in official postal use).

AK-47

n. a type of assault rifle originally manufactured in the Soviet Union.

- ORIGIN 1970s: abbrev. of Russ. Avtomat Kalashnikov 1947, the designation of the original model designed by Mikhail T. Kalashnikov.

aka

abbrev. also known as.

Akali

//

n. (pl. Akalis) a member of a Sikh political group.

- ORIGIN from Punjabi akl, lit. ‘follower of the Immortal One’.

Akan

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a people inhabiting southern Ghana and adjacent parts of Ivory Coast.
2 the Kwa language of the Akan.

- ORIGIN the name in Akan.

akara

//

n. variant spelling of accra.

akasha

//

n. (chiefly in Hinduism) a supposed all-pervading field in the ether in which a record of past events is imprinted.

- DERIVATIVES akashic adj.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit ksa.

akebia

//

n. an East Asian climbing shrub with purplish flowers and deeply divided leaves.   Genus Akebia.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Japanese akebi.

akee

n. variant spelling of ackee.

Akela

//

n. informal the adult leader of a group of Cub Scouts.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from the name of the leader of a wolf pack in Kipling's Jungle Books.

akimbo

//

adv. with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards.

- ORIGIN ME in kenebowe: prob. from ON.

akin

adj.
1 of similar character: something akin to gratitude overwhelmed her.
2 related by blood.

- ORIGIN C16: contracted form of of kin.

akinesia

//, //

n. Medicine loss or impairment of the power of voluntary movement.

- DERIVATIVES akinetic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk akinsia ‘quiescence’.

Akita

//

n. a spitz (dog) of a Japanese breed.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Akita, the name of a district in northern Japan.

Akkadian

//, //

n.
1 an inhabitant of Akkad in ancient Babylonia.
2 the extinct Semitic language of Akkad.
adj. relating to Akkad or the Akkadians.

akrasia

//, // (also acrasia)

n. chiefly Philosophy weakness of will, leading to someone acting against their better judgement.

- DERIVATIVES akratic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, from a- ‘without’ + kratos ‘power, strength’.

akvavit

//

n. variant spelling of aquavit.

AL

abbrev.
1 Alabama (in official postal use).
2 American League (in baseball).

Al

symb. the chemical element aluminium.

al-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before -l (as in alleviate).

-al

suffix
1 (forming adjectives from Latin, Greek, or English words) relating to; of the kind of: tidal.
2 forming nouns chiefly denoting verbal action: arrival.

- ORIGIN sense 1 from Fr. -el or L. -alis; sense 2 from Fr. -aille or from L. -alis functioning as a noun ending.

Ala.

abbrev. Alabama.

à la

/ /, / /

prep. cooked or prepared in a specified style or manner: fish cooked à la meunière.

- ORIGIN Fr., from à la mode.

alaap

n. variant spelling of alap.

Alabaman

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Alabama.
adj. relating to Alabama.

alabaster

//, //, //, //

n.
1 a translucent form of gypsum, typically white, often carved into ornaments.
2 [as modifier] literary smooth and white: her alabaster cheeks.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. alabaster, alabastrum, from Gk alabastos, alabastros.

à la carte

/ /, / /

adj. (of a menu) listing food that can be ordered as separate items, rather than part of a set meal.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘according to the (menu) card’.

alack

(also alack-a-day)

exclam. archaic an expression of regret or dismay.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from ah + lack.

alacrity

//

n. brisk and cheerful readiness.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. alacritas, from alacer ‘brisk’.

Aladdin's cave

n. a place filled with a great number of interesting or precious items.

- ORIGIN from Aladdin in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments.

alameda

//

n. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a tree-lined public promenade.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp.

à la mode

/ /, / /

adv. & adj.
1 up to date.
2 (of beef) braised in wine.
3 N. Amer. served with ice cream.

- ORIGIN C16: Fr., lit. ‘in the fashion’.

alanine

//

n. Biochemistry an amino acid which is a constituent of most proteins.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. as Alanin, from aldehyde + -an + -ine^4.

alannah

//

n. Irish my child.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. a leanbh ‘O child’.

alap

// (also alaap)

n. (in Indian music) the improvised section of a raga, forming a prologue to the formal expression.

- ORIGIN from Hindi alp.

Alar

//

n. trademark a growth retardant sprayed on fruit and vegetables to enhance the quality of the crop.

- ORIGIN 1960s: of unknown origin.

alar

//

adj.
1 Zoology or Anatomy relating to or resembling a wing or wings.
2 Botany axillary.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. alaris, from ala ‘wing’.

alarm

n.
1 anxious or frightened awareness of danger. a warning of danger.
2 a warning sound or device.
v.
1 frighten or disturb.
2 (be alarmed) be fitted or protected with an alarm.

- DERIVATIVES alarming adj. alarmingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (as exclam. meaning ‘to arms!’): from OFr. alarme, from Ital. allarme, from all' arme!

alarm clock

n. a clock with a device that can be made to sound at the time set in advance.

alarmist

n. a person who exaggerates a danger, so causing needless alarm.
adj. creating needless alarm.

- DERIVATIVES alarmism n.

alarum

//

n. archaic term for alarm.

- PHRASES
alarums and excursions humorous confused activity and uproar.

Alas.

abbrev. Alaska.

alas

exclam. literary or humorous an expression of grief, pity, or concern.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. a las, a lasse, from a ‘ah’ + las(se) (from L. lassus ‘weary’).

Alaskan

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Alaska.
adj. relating to Alaska.

alate

//

adj. Botany & Entomology (chiefly of insects or seeds) having wings or wing-like appendages.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. alatus, from ala ‘wing’.

alb

//

n. a white vestment reaching to the feet, worn by clergy and servers in some Christian Churches.

- ORIGIN OE albe, from eccles. L. tunica (or vestis) alba ‘white garment’.

alba

//

n. a shrub rose of a variety with grey-green leaves and pinkish-white, sweet-scented flowers.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. alba, fem. of albus ‘white’, from the name rosa alba, an old white garden rose.

albacore

//

n. a tuna of warm seas which travels in large schools and is an important food fish.   Thunnus alalunga.

- ORIGIN C16: from Port. albacora, from Arab. al-bakra, perh. from al ‘the’ + bakr ‘premature, precocious’.

Albanian

n.
1 a native or national of Albania, or a person of Albanian descent.
2 the language of Albania, forming a separate branch of Indo-European.
adj. relating to Albania or its language.

albatross

//

n. (pl. albatrosses)
1 a very large seabird with long, narrow wings, found chiefly in the southern oceans.   Genera Diomedea and Phoebetria.
2 a burden or encumbrance (in allusion to Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner).
3 Golf a double eagle.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. (influenced by L. albus ‘white’) of C16 alcatras, applied to various seabirds, from Sp. and Port. alcatraz, from Arab. al-gatts ‘the diver’.

albedo

//

n. (pl. albedos) chiefly Astronomy the proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface.

- ORIGIN C19: eccles. L., ‘whiteness’, from L. albus ‘white’.

albeit

//

conj. though.

- ORIGIN ME: from the phr. all be it ‘although it be (that)’.

albert

(also albert chain)

n. Brit. a watch chain with a bar at one end for attaching to a buttonhole.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Prince Albert (1819–61), consort of Queen Victoria.

albescent

//

adj. literary growing or shading into white.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. albescent-, albescere ‘become white’, from albus ‘white’.

Albigenses

//, //

pl. n. the members of a heretic sect in southern France in the 12th–13th centuries, believing in a form of Manichaean dualism.

- DERIVATIVES Albigensian adj. & n.

- ORIGIN from med. L., from Albiga, the L. name of Albi in southern France.

albino

//

n. (pl. albinos) a person or animal having a congenital absence of pigment in the skin and hair (which are white) and the eyes (which are usually pink).

- DERIVATIVES albinism // n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Port. and Sp., from albo (from L. albus ‘white’) + -ino (see -ine^1).

Albion

//

n. literary Britain or England.

- ORIGIN OE, from L., prob. of Celtic origin and rel. to L. albus ‘white’ (in allusion to the white cliffs of Dover).

albite

//

n. a sodium-rich, typically white mineral of the feldspar group.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. albus ‘white’ + -ite^1.

albizzia

//

n. a leguminous tree or shrub of warm climates, with feathery leaves and plume-like flowers.   Genus Albizia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the 18th-cent. Italian nobleman Filippo delgi Albizzi.

album

n.
1 a blank book for the insertion of photographs, stamps, or pictures.
2 a collection of recordings issued as a single item.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., neut. of albus ‘white’ used as a noun meaning ‘a blank tablet’.

albumen

//

n. egg white, or the protein contained in it.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from albus ‘white’.

albumin

//

n. Biochemistry a water-soluble form of protein, coagulable by heat, found especially in blood serum and egg white.

- DERIVATIVES albuminous // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. albumine, based on L. albumen, albumin- (see albumen).

albuminuria

//

n. Medicine the presence of albumin in the urine, typically as a symptom of kidney disease.

alburnum

//

n. another term for sapwood.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from albus ‘white’.

alcahest

n. variant spelling of alkahest.

alcaic

// Prosody

adj. written in or denoting a verse metre occurring in four-line stanzas.
n. (alcaics) alcaic verse.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk alkaikos, from Alkaios Alcaeus (c.620–c.580 bc), Greek lyric poet.

alcalde

//

n. a magistrate or mayor in a Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin American town.

- ORIGIN C16: Sp., from Arab. al-kd (see cadi).

alcazar

//

n. a Spanish palace or fortress of Moorish origin.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. alcázar, from Arab. al-kasr ‘the castle’.

alchemilla

//

n. lady's mantle or a related plant.   Genus Alchemilla.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from a med. L. dimin. of alchimia ‘alchemy’, from the belief that dew from the leaves of the plant could turn base metals into gold.

alchemy

//

n.
1 the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir.
2 a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.

- DERIVATIVES alchemic // adj. alchemical adj. alchemist n. alchemize (or alchemise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. and med. L. from Arab. alkmiy', from al ‘the’ + kmiy' (from Gk khmia, khmeia ‘art of transmuting metals’).

alcheringa

//

n. (in the mythology of some Australian Aboriginals) the ‘golden age’ when the first ancestors were created.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arrente aljerre-nge ‘in the dreamtime’.

alcid

//

n. Ornithology a bird of the auk family (Alcidae).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Alcidae, from the genus name Alca, from ON álka ‘razorbill’; cf. auk.

alcohol

n.
1 a colourless volatile flammable liquid which is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, etc. Also called ethanol, ethyl alcohol.   C_2H_5OH.
2 drink containing alcohol.
3 Chemistry any organic compound containing a hydroxyl group –OH: propyl alcohol.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘a fine powder, especially kohl, produced by sublimation’, later ‘distilled spirit’): Fr., or from med. L., from Arab. al-kuhl ‘the kohl’.

alcoholic

adj.
1 containing, relating to, or caused by the consumption of alcohol.
2 affected by alcoholism.
n. a person affected by alcoholism.

alcoholism

n. addiction to alcoholic drink.

alcopop

n. Brit. informal a ready-mixed soft drink containing alcohol.

alcove

n. a recess, typically in the wall of a room.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. alcôve, from Sp. alcoba, from Arab. al-kubba ‘the vault’.

aldehyde

//

n. Chemistry an organic compound containing the group –CHO, formed by the oxidation of alcohols.

- DERIVATIVES aldehydic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: shortened from L. alcohol dehydrogenatum ‘alcohol deprived of hydrogen’.

al dente

/ /, //

adj. & adv. (of food) cooked so as to be still firm when bitten.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘to the tooth’.

alder

//

n. a catkin-bearing tree of the birch family with toothed leaves, found especially on damp ground and riverbanks.   Alnus glutinosa and other species.

- ORIGIN OE alor, aler, of Gmc origin.

alder buckthorn

n. a deciduous shrub which bears glossy leaves and black berries.   Frangula alnus.

alderfly

n. (pl. alderflies) a brownish winged insect that lives near water and has predatory aquatic larvae.   Sialis and other genera.

alderman

n. (pl. aldermen)
1 chiefly historical a co-opted member of an English county or borough council, next in status to the Mayor.
2 (also alderwoman) N. Amer. & Austral. an elected member of a city council.

- DERIVATIVES aldermanic adj. aldermanship n.

- ORIGIN OE aldormann (in the sense ‘a man of high rank’), from aldor, ealdor ‘chief, patriarch’ (from ald ‘old’) + man.

Aldis lamp

//

n. trademark a hand-held lamp for signalling in Morse code.

- ORIGIN First World War: named after the British inventor Arthur C. W. Aldis.

aldol

//

n. Chemistry a viscous compound with alcohol and aldehyde groups, obtained when acetaldehyde dimerizes.

- ORIGIN C19: from al(dehyde) + -ol.

aldosterone

//

n. Biochemistry a hormone which stimulates absorption of sodium by the kidneys and so regulates water and salt balance.

- ORIGIN 1950s: blend of aldehyde and steroid, + -one.

aldosteronism

//

n. Medicine a condition in which there is excessive secretion of aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure.

aldrin

//

n. a compound of the chlorinated hydrocarbon type, formerly used as an insecticide.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from the name of the German chemist Kurt Alder + -in^1.

ale

n. chiefly Brit. beer other than lager, stout, or porter. N. Amer. beer brewed by top fermentation.

- ORIGIN OE alu, ealu, of Gmc origin.

aleatory

//, // (also aleatoric)

adj.
1 depending on the throw of a die or on chance.
2 relating to or denoting music or other forms of art involving elements of random choice during their composition or performance.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aleatorius, from aleator ‘dice player’, from alea ‘die’.

alee

//

adj. & adv. Nautical on the leeward side of a ship. (of the helm) moved round to leeward.

alehouse

n. dated an inn or pub.

alembic

//

n. an apparatus formerly used for distilling, consisting of a gourd-shaped container and a cap with a long beak for conveying the products to a receiver.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. alembicus, from Arab. al-'anbk, from al- ‘the’ + anbk ‘still’ (from Gk ambix, ambik- ‘cup’).

aleph

//

n. the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

- ORIGIN ME: from Heb. lep, lit. ‘ox’ (the character in Phoenician and ancient Heb. possibly being derived from a hieroglyph of an ox's head).

Aleppo gall

n. a hard nut-like gall, a source of gallic acid and tannin, that forms on the valonia oak (formerly known as the Aleppo oak).

- ORIGIN from the name of Aleppo in Syria.

alerce

//

n. a cypress tree, found especially in Spain and north Africa, which is the source of gum sandarac.   Tetraclinis articulata and other species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., ‘larch’.

alert

adj. quick to notice and respond to potential danger or problems. intellectually active.
n.
1 the state of being alert: everyone should be on the alert for terrorists.
2 a warning of danger.
3 a prompt or similar signal on an electronic device.
v. warn of a danger or problem.

- DERIVATIVES alertly adv. alertness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. in military use): from Fr. alerte, from Ital. all' erta ‘to the watchtower’.

-ales

//

suffix Botany forming the names of orders of plants: Rosales.

- ORIGIN from the pl. of the L. adjectival suffix -alis.

alethic

//

adj. Philosophy denoting modalities of truth, such as necessity, contingency, or impossibility.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk altheia ‘truth’ + -ic.

aleurone

//

n. Botany protein stored as granules in the cells of plant seeds.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk aleuron ‘flour’.

Aleut

//, //

n.
1 a member of a people of the Aleutian Islands and parts of western Alaska.
2 the language of the Aleuts, related to Eskimo.

A level

n. Brit. short for advanced level.

alevin

//

n. a newly spawned salmon or trout still carrying the yolk.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., based on L. allevare ‘raise up’.

alewife

n. (pl. alewives) a NW Atlantic fish of the herring family, swimming up rivers to spawn.   Alosa pseudoharengus.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from earlier alewife ‘woman who keeps an alehouse’, with ref. to the fish's large belly.

alexanders

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a plant of the parsley family with yellowish flowers, formerly used in salads.   Smyrnium olusatrum.

- ORIGIN OE alexandre, from med. L. alexandrum.

Alexander technique

n. a system designed to promote well-being by retraining one's awareness and habits of posture to ensure minimum effort and strain.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the Australian-born actor and elocutionist Frederick Matthias Alexander.

Alexandrian

adj. relating to Alexandria in Egypt. belonging to or characteristic of the schools of literature and philosophy of ancient Alexandria, especially in being allusive or imitative.

alexandrine

//, // Prosody

adj. (of a line of verse) having six iambic feet.
n. an alexandrine line.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. alexandrin, from Alexandre referring to Alexander the Great, the subject of an OFr. poem in this metre.

alexandrite

//

n. a gem variety of chrysoberyl which appears green in daylight and red in artificial light.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of Tsar Alexander II of Russia + -ite^1.

alexia

//, //

n. Medicine inability to recognize or read written words or letters, typically as a result of brain damage. Compare with dyslexia.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk lexis ‘speech’, from legein ‘speak’, which was confused with L. legere ‘read’.

alfalfa

//

n. a leguminous plant with clover-like leaves and bluish flowers, native to SW Asia and grown for fodder.   Medicago sativa.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., from Arab. al-fasfasa, a green fodder.

Alfredo

//

adj. denoting a pasta sauce made from butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

- ORIGIN named after the Italian chef and restaurateur Alfredo di Lelio.

alfresco

//

adv. & adj. in the open air.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital. al fresco ‘in the fresh (air)’.

alga

//

n. (pl. algae //, //) any of a large group of simple, non-flowering plants containing chlorophyll but lacking true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue, e.g. the seaweeds and many single-celled forms.

- DERIVATIVES algal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘seaweed’.

algebra

//

n. the part of mathematics in which letters and other general symbols are used to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations. a system of this based on given axioms.

- DERIVATIVES algebraic // adj. algebraical adj. algebraically adv. algebraist n.

- ORIGIN The word algebra comes from Arabic al-jabr ‘the mending of broken parts’, entering Middle English, via Italian, Spanish, and medieval Latin, in the sense ‘the setting of broken bones’. The modern mathematical sense comes from the title of a book, ilm al-jabr wa'l-mukbala ‘the science of restoring what is missing and equating like with like’, by the 9th-century Muslim mathematician Ab Jafar Muhammad ibn Msa. His nickname, al-Kwrizm (literally ‘the man from Kwrizm’, now Khiva in Uzbekistan) is the root of the word algorithm.

Algerian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Algeria.
adj. relating to Algeria.

-algia

//

comb. form denoting pain in a specified part of the body: neuralgia.

- DERIVATIVES -algic comb. form.

- ORIGIN from Gk algos ‘pain’.

algicide

//, //

n. a substance which is poisonous to algae.

alginate

//

n. Chemistry a salt of alginic acid.

alginic acid

//

n. Chemistry an insoluble gelatinous carbohydrate found in many brown seaweeds, chiefly as salts which are used as thickening agents.

- ORIGIN C19: alginic from alga + -in^1 + -ic.

Algol

//

n. an early, high-level computer programming language which was devised to carry out scientific calculations.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from algo(rithmic) + the initial letter of language.

algolagnia

//

n. Psychiatry another term for sadomasochism.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger. Algolagnie, from Gk algos ‘pain’ + lagneia ‘lust’.

algology

//

n. the study of algae.

- DERIVATIVES algological adj. algologist n.

Algonquian

//, // (also Algonkian //)

n.
1 a large family of North American Indian languages, including Cree, Blackfoot, and Cheyenne.
2 a speaker of any of these languages.
adj. relating to Algonquian or its speakers.

Algonquin

// (also Algonkin)

n.
1 a member of an American Indian people living in Canada along the Ottawa River and its tributaries and westward to the north of Lake Superior.
2 the Algonquian language of the Algonquin people.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., contr. of obs. Algoumequin, from a Micmac word meaning ‘at the place of spearing fish and eels’.

algorithm

//

n. a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.

- DERIVATIVES algorithmic adj. algorithmically adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting the Arabic or decimal notation of numbers): var. of ME algorism, via OFr. from med. L. algorismus, Arab. al-Kwrizm ‘the man of Kwrizm’ (see algebra).

alguacil

//

n. (pl. alguaciles //) each of a pair of mounted officials at a bullfight.

- ORIGIN Sp., from Arab. al-wazr ‘the helper, aide, or vizier’.

alhaji

//

n. (pl. alhajis) (fem. alhaja) (in West Africa) a Muslim who has been to Mecca as a pilgrim.

- ORIGIN Hausa, from Arab. al ‘the’ + hj ‘pilgrim’.

-alia

//

suffix (forming plural nouns) denoting items associated with a particular area of activity or interest: kitchenalia.

- ORIGIN from L., neut. pl. ending of adjectives ending in -alis.

alias

//

adv. also known as.
n.
1 a false or assumed identity.
2 Computing an alternative name or label that refers to a file, command, or address, and can be used to locate or access it.
3 Physics & Telecommunications each of a set of signal frequencies which, when sampled at a given uniform rate, would give the same set of sampled values and thus be indistinguishable.
v. Physics & Telecommunications misidentify (a signal frequency), introducing distortion or error.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘at another time, otherwise’.

aliasing

n.
1 Physics & Telecommunications the misidentification of a signal frequency.
2 Computing the use of aliases to designate files, commands, etc.
3 Computing the distortion of a reproduced image so that curved or inclined lines appear inappropriately jagged.

alibi

//

n. (pl. alibis) a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an alleged act took place. informal an excuse.
v. (alibis, alibiing, alibied) informal provide an alibi for.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘elsewhere’.

USAGE

The word alibi means ‘an assertion by a person that they were elsewhere’. In the 20th century a new sense arose with the meaning ‘an excuse’: this is still regarded as incorrect by some traditionalists.

Alice band

n. a flexible band worn to hold back the hair.

- ORIGIN from the name of the heroine of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

alicyclic

//, //

adj. Chemistry relating to or denoting organic compounds which have a non-aromatic structure (e.g. cyclohexane).

alidade

//

n. a sighting device or pointer for determining directions or measuring angles, used in surveying.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. and Sp. from Arab. al-idda ‘the revolving radius’.

alien

adj.
1 belonging to a foreign country. (of a plant or animal species) introduced from another country and later naturalized.
2 unfamiliar and distasteful.
3 relating to or denoting beings from other worlds.
n.
1 a foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living. an alien plant or animal species.
2 a being from another world.

- DERIVATIVES alienage n. alienness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. alienus ‘belonging to another’, from alius ‘other’.

alienable

adj. Law able to be transferred to new ownership.

- DERIVATIVES alienability n.

alienate

v.
1 cause to feel isolated. lose or destroy the support or sympathy of.
2 Law transfer ownership of (property rights) to another.

- PHRASES
alienate someone's affections US Law induce someone to transfer their affection from a person with legal rights or claims on them.

- DERIVATIVES alienator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. alienat-, alienare ‘estrange’, from alienus (see alien).

alienation

n.
1 the state or experience of being alienated. Psychiatry a state of depersonalization or loss of identity in which the self seems unreal.
2 Theatre an effect, sought by some dramatists, whereby the audience remains objective and does not identify with the actors.
3 Law the transfer of the ownership of property rights.

alienist

n. former term for psychiatrist.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. aliéniste, based on L. alienus (see alien).

aliform

//

adj. wing-shaped.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. aliformis, from L. ala ‘wing’ + -formis (see -form).

alight^1

v.
1 (of a bird) descend from the air and settle.
2 formal descend from public transport.
3 (alight on) chance to notice.

- ORIGIN OE lhtan, from - (as an intensifier) + lhtan ‘descend’ (see light^3).

alight^2

adv. & adj.
1 on fire.
2 shining brightly.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from the phr. on a light (= lighted) fire.

align

v.
1 place or arrange in a straight line or into correct relative positions.
2 (align oneself with) ally oneself to. come together in alliance.

- DERIVATIVES alignment n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. aligner, from à ligne ‘into line’.

alike

adj. (of two or more people or things) similar.
adv. in a similar way.

- ORIGIN OE gelc, of Gmc origin; reinforced in ME by ON álíkr (adj.) and álíka (adv.).

aliment

//

n.
1 archaic food; nourishment.
2 Scots Law maintenance; alimony.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. alimentum, from alere ‘nourish’.

alimentary

adj. relating to nourishment or sustenance.

alimentary canal

n. the whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus during digestion.

alimentation

n. formal the provision of nourishment or other necessities of life.

alimony

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. maintenance for a spouse after separation or divorce.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘nourishment, means of subsistence’): from L. alimonia ‘nutriment’, from alere ‘nourish’.

A-line

adj. (of a garment) slightly flared from the waist or shoulders.

aliphatic

//

adj. Chemistry relating to or denoting organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains (as in the alkanes).

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk aleiphar, aleiphat- ‘fat’ + -ic.

aliquot

//

n.
1 a portion of a larger whole, especially a sample taken for chemical analysis or other treatment.
2 (also aliquot part or portion) Mathematics a quantity which can be divided into another an integral number of times.
v. divide (a whole) into aliquots.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. aliquote, from L. aliquot ‘some, so many’, from alius ‘one of two’ + quot ‘how many’.

alisphenoid

//

n. Anatomy a wing-like cartilaginous bone within the skull, forming part of the socket of the eye.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. ala ‘wing’ + sphenoid.

A-list

(or B-list)

n. a real or imaginary list of the most (or second most) celebrated individuals, especially in show business: [as modifier] an A-list celebrity.

aliterate

//

adj. unwilling to read, although able to do so.
n. an aliterate person.

- DERIVATIVES aliteracy n.

alive

adj.
1 living, not dead. continuing in existence or use.
2 alert and active. having interest and meaning. (alive to) aware of and interested in.
3 (alive with) swarming or teeming with.

- PHRASES
alive and kicking informal prevalent and very active.
alive and well still existing or active.

- DERIVATIVES aliveness n.

- ORIGIN OE on lfe, lit. ‘in life’.

aliyah

//

n. (pl. aliyoth //) Judaism
1 immigration to Israel.
2 the honour of being called upon to read from the Torah.

- ORIGIN from Heb. liyyh ‘ascent’.

alizarin

//

n. Chemistry a red pigment present in madder root, used in making dyes.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. alizarine, from alizari ‘madder’, from Arab. al-isra ‘pressed juice’.

alkahest

// (also alcahest)

n. historical the hypothetical universal solvent sought by alchemists.

- ORIGIN C17: sham Arab., prob. invented by the 16th-cent. Swiss physician Paracelsus.

alkali

//

n. (pl. alkalis) a compound, e.g. lime or caustic soda, with particular chemical properties including turning litmus blue and neutralizing or effervescing with acids.

- DERIVATIVES alkalization (or alkalisation) n. alkalize (or alkalise) v.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a saline substance derived from the ashes of plants): from med. L., from Arab. al-kal, from kal ‘fry, roast’.

alkalic

//

adj. Geology (of a rock or mineral) richer in sodium and/or potassium than is usual for its type.

alkali feldspar

n. Geology any of the group of feldspars rich in sodium and/or potassium.

alkali metal

n. Chemistry any of the reactive metals lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and francium, occupying Group IA (1) of the periodic table and forming strongly alkaline hydroxides.

alkaline

adj. containing an alkali or having the properties of an alkali; having a pH greater than 7.

- DERIVATIVES alkalinity n.

alkaline earth

n. Chemistry any of the reactive metals beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium, occupying Group IIA (2) of the periodic table and forming basic oxides and hydroxides.

alkaloid

//

n. Chemistry any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds of plant origin which have pronounced physiological actions on humans.

alkalosis

//

n. Medicine an excessively alkaline condition of the body fluids or tissues, which may cause weakness or cramp.

alkane

//

n. Chemistry any of the series of saturated hydrocarbons including methane, ethane, propane, and higher members.

- ORIGIN C19: from alkyl + -ane^2.

alkanet

//

n. a plant of the borage family with a hairy stem and blue flowers.   Pentaglottis sempervirens and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from colloq. Arab. al-hannat (Arab. al-hinn') ‘the henna shrub’.

alkene

//

n. Chemistry any of the series of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a double bond, including ethylene and propene.

- ORIGIN C19: from alkyl + -ene.

alky

(also alkie)

n. (pl. alkies) informal an alcoholic.

alkyd

//

n. Chemistry any of a group of synthetic polyester resins.

- ORIGIN 1920s: blend of alkyl and acid.

alkyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting a hydrocarbon radical derived from an alkane by removal of a hydrogen atom.

- ORIGIN C19: Ger., from Alkohol ‘alcohol’ + -yl.

alkylate

//

v. Chemistry introduce an alkyl group into (a molecule).

- DERIVATIVES alkylation n.

alkyne

//

n. Chemistry any of the series of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a triple bond, including acetylene.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from alkyl + -yne.

all

predet. , det., & pron. the whole quantity or extent of. [det.] any whatever. [det.] the greatest possible. [pron.] everything.
adv.
1 completely.
2 (in games) used after a number to indicate an equal score.

- PHRASES
all along from the beginning.
all and sundry everyone.
all but
1 very nearly.
2 all except.
all for informal strongly in favour of.
all in informal exhausted.
all in all on the whole.
all of often ironic as much as.
all-or-nothing having no middle position or compromise.
all out using all one's strength or resources.
all over informal
1 everywhere.
2 typical of the person mentioned: that's our management all over!
all over the place (or N. Amer. also map, Brit. also shop) informal
1 everywhere.
2 in a state of disorder.
all round
1 in all respects.
2 for or by each person.
all there [with neg.] informal in full possession of one's mental faculties: he's not quite all there.
all together all in one place or in a group.
all told in total.
all the way informal without limit or reservation.
at all [with neg. or in questions] in any way; to any extent.
be all one to make no difference to.
be all that US informal be very attractive or good.
be all very well informal expressing criticism or scepticism.
for all —— in spite of ——.
in all in total.
on all fours on hands and knees.
one's all one's whole strength or resources.

- ORIGIN OE all, eall, of Gmc origin.

alla breve

/ /, //

n. Music a time signature indicating two or four minim beats in a bar.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘according to the breve’.

alla cappella

//

adj. & adv. another term for a cappella.

Allah

//, //

n. the name of God among Muslims (and Arab Christians).

- ORIGIN from Arab. allh, contr. of al-'ilh ‘the god’.

allamanda

//

n. a tropical shrub or climber with showy yellow or purple flowers.   Allamanda cathartica and other species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the 18th-cent. Swiss naturalist Jean-Nicholas-Sébastien Allamand.

all-American

adj.
1 possessing qualities that are characteristic of US ideals, such as honesty and industriousness.
2 US (of a sports player) honoured as one of the best amateur competitors in the US.

allanite

//

n. a brownish-black mineral of the epidote group, consisting of a silicate of rare-earth metals, aluminium, and iron.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Scottish mineralogist Thomas Allan + -ite^1.

allantois

//

n. (pl. allantoides //) the fetal membrane lying below the chorion in many vertebrates.

- DERIVATIVES allantoic adj. allantoid adj.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., based on Gk allantoeids ‘sausage-shaped’.

allargando

//

adv. & adj. Music getting slower and broader.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘broadening’.

all-around

adj. US term for all-round.

allay

//

v. diminish or end (fear or concern). alleviate (pain or hunger).

- ORIGIN OE lecgan ‘lay down or aside’, of Gmc origin.

all-clear

n. a signal that danger or difficulty is over.

allée

//

n. an alley in a formal garden or park, bordered by trees or bushes.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr.

allegation

n. a claim that someone has done something wrong, typically an unfounded one.

allege

//

v. claim that someone has done something wrong, typically without proof.

- DERIVATIVES alleged adj. allegedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘declare on oath’): from OFr. esligier, based on L. lis, lit- ‘lawsuit’; confused in sense with L. allegare ‘allege’.

allegiance

//

n. loyalty or commitment to a superior or to a group or cause.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., var. of OFr. ligeance, from lige, liege (see liege), perh. by assoc. with Anglo-Latin alligantia ‘alliance’.

allegorical

adj. constituting or containing allegory.

- DERIVATIVES allegoric adj. allegorically adv.

allegory

n. (pl. allegories) a story, poem, or picture which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.

- DERIVATIVES allegorist n. allegorization (or allegorisation) n. allegorize (or allegorise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. allegorie, via L. from Gk allgoria, from allos ‘other’ + -agoria ‘speaking’.

allegretto

//

adv. & adj. Music at a fairly brisk speed.

- ORIGIN Ital., dimin. of allegro.

allegro

//, // Music

adv. & adj. at a brisk speed.
n. (pl. allegros) an allegro movement, passage, or composition.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘lively’.

allele

//

n. Genetics each of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a homologous chromosome.

- DERIVATIVES allelic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Ger. Allel, abbrev. of allelomorph.

allelochemical

//

n. Biology a chemical produced by a living organism which exerts a detrimental physiological effect on another species.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Gk alll- ‘one another’ + chemical.

allelomorph

//

n. another term for allele.

- DERIVATIVES allelomorphic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk alll- ‘one another’ + morph ‘form’.

allelopathy

//

n. Ecology the inhibition of the growth of a plant by the action of substances released by another plant.

- DERIVATIVES allelopathic // adj.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk alll- ‘one another’ + -pathy.

alleluia

//

exclam. & n. variant spelling of hallelujah.

allemande

//

n.
1 a German court dance popular in the 16th century.
2 a figure in country dancing in which adjacent dancers make a turn.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., ‘German (dance)’.

all-embracing

adj. including everyone or everything; comprehensive.

Allen key

(US Allen wrench)

n. Brit. trademark a spanner designed to fit into and turn an Allen screw.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from the name of the manufacturer, the Allen Manufacturing Company, Connecticut.

Allen screw

n. trademark a screw with a hexagonal socket in the head.

allergen

//

n. a substance that causes an allergic reaction.

- DERIVATIVES allergenic adj. allergenicity n.

allergic

//

adj. caused by or relating to an allergy. having an allergy: he's allergic to bee stings.

allergy

//

n. (pl. allergies) a damaging immune response by the body to a substance to which it has become hypersensitive.

- DERIVATIVES allergist n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger. Allergie, from Gk allos ‘other’, on the pattern of Energie ‘energy’.

alleviate

//

v. make (pain or difficulty) less severe.

- DERIVATIVES alleviation n. alleviative adj. alleviator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. alleviat-, alleviare ‘lighten’, from L. allevare, from ad- ‘to’ + levare ‘raise’, influenced by levis ‘light’.

alley^1

n. (pl. alleys)
1 a narrow passageway between or behind buildings. a path in a park or garden.
2 a long, narrow area in which skittles or bowling are played.
3 N. Amer. Tennis either of the two side strips between the service court and the sidelines. Baseball the area between the outfielders in left-centre or right-centrefield.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. alee ‘walking or passage’, from aler ‘go’, from L. ambulare ‘to walk’.

alley^2

n. (pl. alleys) variant spelling of ally^2.

alley cat

n. a stray urban cat.

alley-oop

exclam. used to encourage or draw attention to an acrobatic feat.
n. (also alley-oop pass) Basketball a high pass caught by a leaping teammate who tries to dunk the ball before landing.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: perh. from Fr. allez! ‘go on!’ + a supposedly Fr. pronunc. of up.

alleyway

n. another term for alley^1 (in sense 1).

All Fools' Day

n. another term for April Fool's Day.

All Hallows

n. another term for All Saints' Day.

alliaceous

//

adj. Botany relating to or denoting plants of a group that comprises the onions and other alliums.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. allium ‘garlic’ + -aceous.

alliance

n.
1 a union or association formed for mutual benefit. a relationship based on an affinity. the state of being joined or associated.
2 Ecology a group of closely related plant associations.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aliance, from alier (see ally^1).

allicin

//

n. Chemistry a pungent oily liquid with antibacterial properties, present in garlic.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from L. allium ‘garlic’ + -in^1.

allied

//, //

adj.
1 joined by or relating to an alliance. (usu. Allied) relating to Britain and its allies in the First and Second World Wars and after.
2 (allied to/with) in combination or working together with. connected or related.

alligator

n.
1 a large semiaquatic reptile similar to a crocodile but with a broader and shorter head, native to the Americas and China.   Genus Alligator: two species.
2 the skin of the alligator.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. el lagarto ‘the lizard’.

alligator clip

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for crocodile clip.

alligator lizard

n. a heavily built slow-moving lizard native to North America and Mexico.   Genus Gerrhonotus: several species.

alligator pear

n. North American term for avocado.

alligator snapper

n. a large snapping turtle occurring in fresh water around the Gulf of Mexico.   Macroclemys temminckii.

all-in

adj. Brit. (especially of a price) inclusive of everything.

all-inclusive

adj. including everything or everyone. denoting or relating to a holiday or resort in which all or most meals, drinks, and activities are included in the overall price.
n. an all-inclusive holiday resort.

all-in-one

adj. combining two or more items or functions in a single unit.

all-in wrestling

n. chiefly Brit. wrestling with few or no restrictions.

allis shad

//

n. a shad (fish) with a deep blue back and silvery sides.   Alosa alosa.

- ORIGIN C16: allis from OFr. alose, from late L. alausa.

alliteration

n. the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

- DERIVATIVES alliterate v. alliterative adj. alliteratively adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. alliteratio(n-), from L. ad- (expressing addition) + littera ‘letter’.

allium

//

n. (pl. alliums) a bulbous plant of a genus that includes the onion and its relatives (e.g. garlic and chives).   Genus Allium.

- ORIGIN L., ‘garlic’.

all-nighter

n. informal an event or task that continues throughout the night.

allo-

//

comb. form other; different: allopatric.

- ORIGIN from Gk allos ‘other’.

allocate

v. assign or distribute (resources or duties).

- DERIVATIVES allocable adj. allocation n. allocative adj. allocator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as allocation): from med. L. allocat-, allocare ‘allot’.

allochthonous

//

adj. Geology denoting a deposit or formation that originated at a distance from its present position. Often contrasted with autochthonous.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from allo- + Gk khthn ‘earth’ + -ous.

allocution

//

n. a formal speech giving advice or a warning.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. allocutio(n-), from alloqui ‘speak to’.

allogamy

//

n. Botany the fertilization of a flower by pollen from another flower, especially one on a different plant. Compare with autogamy.

- DERIVATIVES allogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from allo- + Gk gamos ‘marriage’.

allogeneic

//, //

adj. Physiology relating to or denoting tissues which are genetically dissimilar and hence immunologically incompatible.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from allo- + Gk genea ‘race, stock’ + -ic.

allograft

//

n. a tissue graft from a donor of the same species as the recipient but not genetically identical.

allograph

//

n.
1 Linguistics each of two or more alternative forms of a letter of an alphabet or other unit of a writing system.
2 Phonetics each of two or more letters or letter combinations representing a single phoneme in different words (e.g. the f of ‘fake’ and the ph of ‘phase’).

- DERIVATIVES allographic adj.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from allo- + grapheme.

allometry

//

n. Biology the growth of body parts at different rates, resulting in a change of proportions.

- DERIVATIVES allometric adj.

allomorph

//

n. Linguistics any of two or more representations of a morpheme, such as the plural endings // (as in bats) and // (as in bugs).

- DERIVATIVES allomorphic adj.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from allo- + morpheme.

allopathy

//

n. the treatment of disease by conventional means, i.e. with drugs having effects opposite to the symptoms. Often contrasted with homeopathy.

- DERIVATIVES allopath n. allopathic adj. allopathist n.

allopatric

//

adj. Biology (of animal or plant species or populations) occurring in separate non-overlapping geographical areas. Compare with sympatric.

- DERIVATIVES allopatry n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from allo- + Gk patra ‘fatherland’ + -ic.

allophone^1

//

n. Phonetics any of the various phonetic realizations of a phoneme in a language, which do not contribute to distinctions of meaning.

- DERIVATIVES allophonic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from allo- + phoneme.

allophone^2

n. Canadian (especially in Quebec) an immigrant whose first language is neither French nor English.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from allo-, after francophone.

allopurinol

//

n. Medicine a synthetic drug used to prevent recurrence of gout and related conditions.

All Ordinaries index

n. (on the Australian stock exchanges) an index based on the weighted average of selected ordinary share prices.

allosaurus

//

n. a large bipedal carnivorous dinosaur of the late Jurassic period.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk allos ‘other’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

allosteric

//, //

adj. Biochemistry relating to or denoting the alteration of the activity of an enzyme by means of a conformational change induced by a different molecule.

- DERIVATIVES allosterically adv.

allot

v. (allots, allotting, allotted) give or apportion (something) to someone.

- DERIVATIVES allottee n.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. aloter, from a- (from L. ad ‘to’) + loter ‘divide into lots’.

allotment

n.
1 Brit. a plot of land rented by an individual from a local authority, for growing vegetables or flowers.
2 the action of allotting. an allotted amount.

allotrope

//

n. Chemistry each of two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist (e.g. graphite, charcoal, and diamond as forms of carbon).

- DERIVATIVES allotropic adj. allotropy // n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk allotropos ‘of another form’, from allo- ‘other’ + tropos ‘manner’.

allow

v.
1 let (someone) have or do something. admit as legal or acceptable.
2 (often allow for) take into consideration when making plans or calculations. (allow for) make provision or provide scope for. provide or set aside for a purpose.
3 admit the truth of.

- DERIVATIVES allowable adj. allowably adv. allowedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. alouer, from L. allaudare ‘to praise’, reinforced by med. L. allocare (see allocate).

allowance

n.
1 the amount of something allowed. Brit. an amount of money that can be earned or received free of tax. Horse Racing a deduction in the weight that a horse is required to carry in a race.
2 a sum of money paid regularly to a person to meet needs or expenses.
v. archaic give (someone) a regular allowance of money.

- PHRASES
make allowance(s) for
1 take into consideration.
2 treat leniently on account of mitigating circumstances.

alloy

n. // a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion. an inferior metal mixed with a precious one.
v. // mix (metals) to make an alloy.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. aloi (n.) and Fr. aloyer (v.), both from OFr. aloier, aleier ‘combine’, from L. alligare ‘bind’.

all-points bulletin

n. (in the US) a radio message sent to every officer in a police force giving details of a suspected criminal or stolen vehicle.

all-purpose

adj. suitable for many uses.

all right

adj. satisfactory; acceptable. permissible; allowable.
adv. fairly well.
exclam. expressing or asking for agreement or acceptance.

all-round

adj. having a great many abilities or uses. in many or all respects.

all-rounder

n. Brit. a person competent in a range of skills, especially a cricketer who can both bat and bowl well.

All Saints' Day

n. a Christian festival in honour of all the saints, held (in the Western Church) on 1 November.

all-seater

adj. Brit. (of a sports stadium) having a seat for every spectator and no standing places.

allseed

n. a small plant with white flowers, producing a large number of seeds.   Radiola linoides.

All Souls' Day

n. a Catholic festival with prayers for the souls of the dead in purgatory, held on 2 November.

allspice

n.
1 the dried aromatic fruit of a Caribbean tree, used as a culinary spice.
2 a tree of the myrtle family from which allspice is obtained.   Pimenta dioica.
3 an aromatic North American tree or shrub.   Genus Calycanthus.

all-terrain vehicle

n. a small open motor vehicle fitted with large tyres, designed for use on rough ground.

all-ticket

adj. (of a sports match) for which tickets must be bought in advance.

all-time

adj. hitherto unsurpassed: the all-time record.

allude

v. (allude to) hint at. mention in passing.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. allus-, alludere, from ad- ‘towards’ + ludere ‘to play’.

all-up weight

n. chiefly Brit. the total weight of an aircraft, with passengers, cargo, and fuel.

allure

n. powerful attraction or fascination.
v. [often as adj. alluring] powerfully attract or charm.

- DERIVATIVES allurement n. alluringly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aleurier ‘attract’, from a- (from L. ad ‘to’) + luere ‘a lure’ (orig. a falconry term).

allusion

//, //

n. an indirect or implicit reference. the practice of making allusions.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., or from late L. allusio(n-), from alludere (see allude).

allusive

//, //

adj. using or containing suggestion rather than explicit mention.

- DERIVATIVES allusively adv. allusiveness n.

alluvion

//

n. Law the formation of new land by deposition of sediment by the sea or a river. Compare with avulsion.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. alluvio(n-), from ad- ‘towards’ + luere ‘to wash’.

alluvium

//

n. a deposit of clay, silt, and sand left by flowing flood water in a river valley or delta, typically producing fertile soil.

- DERIVATIVES alluvial adj.

- ORIGIN C17: L., neut. of alluvius ‘washed against’, from ad- ‘towards’ + luere ‘to wash’.

all-wheel drive

n. North American term for four-wheel drive.

ally^1

//

n. (pl. allies) a person or organization that cooperates with another. a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose. (the Allies) the countries that fought with Britain in the First and Second World Wars.
v. also // (allies, allying, allied)
1 (ally oneself with) side with.
2 (ally something to/with) combine a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. alier, from L. alligare ‘bind together’; cf. alloy.

ally^2

// (also alley)

n. (pl. allies) a toy marble.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. a dimin. of alabaster, choice marbles being made orig. of alabaster or marble.

-ally

suffix forming adverbs from adjectives ending in -al (such as radically from radical).

allyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the unsaturated hydrocarbon radical –C_3H_4.

- DERIVATIVES allylic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. allium ‘garlic’ (because identified in compounds from alliums) + -yl.

Almagest

//

n. (the Almagest) an Arabic version of Ptolemy's astronomical treatise.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. almageste, based on Arab., from al ‘the’ + Gk megist ‘greatest (composition)’.

alma mater

/ /, //

n. one's former university, school, or college.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘a source of nourishment’): L., lit. ‘generous mother’.

almanac

//, // (also almanack)

n. an annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data. an annual handbook containing information of general or specialist interest.

- ORIGIN ME: via med. L. from Gk almenikhiaka, of unknown origin.

almandine

//, //

n. a kind of garnet with a violet tint.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. Fr., alt. of alabandine, from med. L. alabandina (gemma), ‘jewel from Alabanda’, an ancient city in Asia Minor where these stones were cut.

almighty

adj.
1 having complete power; omnipotent.
2 informal very great; enormous.
n. (the Almighty) a name or title for God.

Almohad

// (also Almohade //)

n. (pl. Almohads) a member of a Berber Muslim movement and dynasty that conquered the Almoravid empire in the 12th century.

- ORIGIN Sp., ult. from Arab. al-muwahhidun ‘believers in one God’.

almond

//

n.
1 the oval edible nut-like kernel of the almond tree, growing in a woody shell.
2 the tree that produces almonds, related to the peach and plum.   Prunus dulcis.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. alemande, from med. L. amandula, from Gk amugdal.

almond eyes

pl. n. eyes that are narrow and oval with pointed ends.

almond oil

n. oil obtained from bitter almonds, used in cosmetic and medicinal preparations and as a flavouring.

almond paste

n. marzipan.

almoner

//, //

n. historical an official distributor of alms.

- DERIVATIVES almonry n. (pl. almonries).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aumonier, based on med. L. eleemosynarius, from eleemosyna (see alms).

Almoravid

// (also Almoravide //)

n. (pl. Almoravids) a member of a federation of Muslim Berber peoples that established an empire in Morocco, Algeria, and Spain in the 11th century.

- ORIGIN Sp., from Arab. al-murbit, lit. ‘one who is bound’.

almost

adv. very nearly.

- ORIGIN OE æl mæst ‘for the most part’ (see all, most).

alms

//

pl. n. (in historical contexts) charitable donations of money or food to the poor.

- ORIGIN OE ælmysse, ælmesse, from Christian L. eleemosyna, from Gk elemosun ‘compassion’, from elemn ‘compassionate’, from eleos ‘mercy’.

almshouse

n. historical a house founded by charity, offering accommodation for the poor.

almucantar

//

n. Astronomy
1 a circle on the celestial sphere parallel to the horizon.
2 a telescope mounted on a float resting on mercury, used to determine stellar altitude and azimuth.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. almucantarath or obs. Fr. almucantara, from Arab. almukantart ‘lines of celestial latitude’, based on al ‘the’ + kantara ‘arch’.

aloe

//

n.
1 a succulent tropical plant with a rosette of thick tapering leaves and bell-shaped or tubular flowers on long stems.   Genus Aloe. (aloes or bitter aloes) a strong laxative obtained from the bitter juice of various kinds of aloe. (also American aloe) another term for century plant.
2 (also aloes wood) the fragrant heartwood of a tropical Asian tree. the resin obtained from aloes wood, used in perfume, incense, and medicine.

- ORIGIN OE alewe, alwe, via L. from Gk alo; reinforced in late ME by OFr. aloes ‘aloe’, hence freq. used in the plural.

aloe vera

//

n.
1 a gelatinous substance obtained from a kind of aloe, used in cosmetics as an emollient.
2 the plant that yields aloe vera, grown chiefly in the Caribbean and the southern US.   Aloe vera.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: mod. L., lit. ‘true aloe’, prob. in contrast to the American agave, which closely resembles aloe vera.

aloft

adj. & adv. up in or into the air. up the mast or into the rigging of a ship.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON á lopt, á lopti, from á ‘in, on, to’ + lopt ‘air’.

alogical

adj. opposed to or lacking in logic.

aloha

//

exclam. & n. a Hawaiian word used when greeting or parting.

- ORIGIN C19: from Maori aroha ‘love, affection, pity’.

aloha shirt

n. a loose, brightly patterned Hawaiian shirt.

alone

adj. & adv.
1 on one's own; by oneself. isolated and lonely.
2 only; exclusively.

- PHRASES
go it alone informal act without assistance.
leave (or let) alone
1 abandon or desert.
2 stop interfering with.

- DERIVATIVES aloneness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from all + one.

along

prep. & adv.
1 moving in a constant direction on (a more or less horizontal surface).
2 used to refer to the making of progress.
3 extending in a more or less horizontal line on.
4 in or into company with others.

- PHRASES
along about N. Amer. informal or dialect approximately.
along of archaic or dialect
1 on account of.
2 together with.
along with together with or at the same time as.
be (or come) along arrive.

- ORIGIN OE andlang, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to long^1.

alongshore

adv. along or by the shore.

alongside

prep. (N. Amer. also alongside of) close to the side of; next to. at the same time as or in coexistence with.

aloo

//, //

n. Indian potato.

- ORIGIN from Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit l.

aloof

adj. not friendly; cool and distant.

- DERIVATIVES aloofly adv. aloofness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from a-2 + luff, orig. in naut. use meaning ‘away and to windward!’, i.e. with the ship's head kept close to the wind away from a lee shore or other hazard.

alopecia

//

n. Medicine the absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk alpekia, lit. ‘fox mange’, from alpx ‘fox’.

aloud

adv. so as to be heard; audibly. archaic loudly.

alow

//

adv. archaic or dialect below; downwards.

ALP

abbrev. Australian Labor Party.

alp

n. a high mountain. (the Alps) the high range of mountains in Switzerland and adjoining countries. (in Switzerland) an area of green pasture on a mountainside.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. pl.): via Fr. from L. Alpes, from Gk Alpeis.

alpaca

//

n. (pl. same or alpacas) a long-haired domesticated South American mammal related to the llama.   Lama pacos. the wool of the alpaca, or fabric made from it.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp., from Aymara allpaca.

alpenglow

//

n. the rosy light of the setting or rising sun seen on high mountains.

- ORIGIN C19: a partial translation of Ger. Alpenglühen, lit. ‘Alp glow’.

alpenhorn

// (also alphorn)

n. a very long valveless wooden wind instrument played like a horn and used for signalling in the Alps.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., lit. ‘Alp horn’.

alpenstock

//

n. a long iron-tipped stick used by hillwalkers.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., lit. ‘Alp stick’.

alpha

//

n.
1 the first letter of the Greek alphabet (, ), transliterated as ‘a’. [as modifier] denoting the first of a series of items or categories. [as modifier] denoting the dominant animal or person in a group: an alpha male. Brit. a first-class mark given for a piece of work.
2 a code word representing the letter A, used in radio communication.

- PHRASES
alpha and omega the beginning and the end (used by Christians as a title for Jesus).

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk.

alphabet

n. a set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the basic set of speech sounds of a language.

- DERIVATIVES alphabetization (or alphabetisation) n. alphabetize (or alphabetise) v.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. alphabetum, from Gk alpha, bta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet.

alphabetical

adj. relating to an alphabet. in the order of the letters of the alphabet.

- DERIVATIVES alphabetic adj. alphabetically adv.

alphabet soup

n. informal a confusing or confused mixture of things.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: alluding to a kind of clear soup containing pasta in the shapes of letters.

alpha blocker

n. Medicine any of a class of drugs which prevent the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased blood pressure.

alphafetoprotein

//

n. Medicine a protein produced by a fetus which is present in amniotic fluid and the bloodstream of the mother, levels of which can be measured to detect certain congenital defects such as spina bifida.

alpha-hydroxy acid

n. Chemistry an organic acid containing a hydroxyl group adjacent to the carboxylic acid group, especially any of a group used in skincare preparations for their exfoliating properties.

alphanumeric

adj. consisting of or using both letters and numerals.
n. a character that is either a letter or a number.

- DERIVATIVES alphanumerical adj.

alpha particle

n. Physics a helium nucleus, especially as emitted by some radioactive substances.

alpha radiation

n. ionizing radiation consisting of alpha particles, emitted by some substances undergoing radioactive decay.

alpha rhythm

n. Physiology the normal electrical activity of the brain when conscious and relaxed, consisting of oscillations (alpha waves) with a frequency of 8 to 13 hertz.

alpha test

n. a trial of machinery or software carried out before a product is made available for beta-testing.
v. (alpha-test) subject to an alpha test.

alphorn

//

n. another term for alpenhorn.

alpine

adj.
1 relating to high mountains. (Alpine) relating to the Alps.
2 (also Alpine) relating to or denoting skiing downhill.
n.
1 a plant native to alpine areas.
2 a North American butterfly which has brownish-black wings with orange-red markings.   Genus Erebia.

alpinist

n. a climber of high mountains, especially in the Alps.

alprazolam

//

n. Medicine a drug of the benzodiazepine group, used in the treatment of anxiety.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from al- of unknown origin + p(henyl) + (t)r(i)azol(e) + (-azep)am.

already

adv.
1 before the time in question. as surprisingly soon or early as this.
2 N. Amer. informal an expression of impatience: enough already with these crazy kids!

- ORIGIN ME: from all + ready; sense 2 is influenced by Yiddish use.

alright

adj. , adv., & exclam. variant spelling of all right.

USAGE

The spelling alright (rather than all right) is still considered by many to be unacceptable in formal writing, even though other single-word forms such as altogether have long been accepted.

Alsatian

n.
1 Brit. a German shepherd dog.
2 a native or inhabitant of Alsace.
adj. relating to Alsace.

alsike

//

n. a tall clover which is widely grown for fodder.   Trifolium hybridum.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Alsike in Sweden.

also

adv. in addition; too.

- ORIGIN OE alsw ‘quite so, in that manner, similarly’ (see all, so^1).

also-ran

n. a loser in a race or contest. informal an undistinguished or unsuccessful person or thing.

alstroemeria

//

n. a South American plant cultivated for its showy lily-like flowers.   Genus Alstroemeria.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., named after the Swedish naturalist Klas von Alstroemer.

alt.

(also alt-)

comb. form denoting a version of something, especially popular music, that is regarded as outside the mainstream of its genre: alt.country.

- ORIGIN 1990s: abbrev. of alternative, influenced by the alt. prefix of some Internet newsgroups.

Alta

abbrev. Alberta.

Altaic

//

adj.
1 relating to the Altai Mountains in central Asia.
2 denoting a phylum of languages which includes Turkic, Mongolian, Tungusic, and Manchu.
n. the Altaic phylum of languages.

altar

//, //

n. the table in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are consecrated in communion services. a table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual.

- PHRASES
lead to the altar marry (a woman).

- ORIGIN OE altar, alter, based on late L. altar, altarium, from L. altus ‘high’.

altar boy

n. a boy who acts as a priest's assistant during a service.

altarpiece

n. a painting or other work of art designed to be set above and behind an altar.

altazimuth

//

n.
1 Astronomy a telescope mounting that moves in azimuth (about a vertical axis) and in altitude (about a horizontal axis). Compare with equatorial mount.
2 a surveying instrument for measuring vertical and horizontal angles.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of altitude and azimuth.

alter

//, //

v.
1 change in character, appearance, or composition.
2 N. Amer. & Austral. castrate or spay (a domestic animal).

- DERIVATIVES alterable adj. alteration n. alterative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. alterer, from late L. alterare, from L. alter ‘other’.

altercation

n. a noisy argument or disagreement.

- DERIVATIVES altercate v. (archaic).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. altercatio(n-), from altercari ‘to wrangle’.

alter ego

/ /, //, //

n.
1 a person's secondary or alternative personality.
2 a close friend who is very like oneself.

- ORIGIN C16: L., ‘other self’.

alterity

//, //

n. formal the state of being other or different.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. alteritas, from alter ‘other’.

alternant

//, //

n. a variant of a word or other linguistic unit.
adj. alternating.

alternate

v. //, // occur or do in turn repeatedly. change repeatedly between two contrasting conditions.
adj. //, //
1 every other. (of two things) each following and succeeded by the other in a regular pattern. Botany (of leaves or shoots) placed alternately on the two sides of the stem.
2 chiefly N. Amer. another term for alternative.
n. //, // N. Amer. a deputy or substitute.

- DERIVATIVES alternately adv. alternation n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as alternation): from L. alternare (see alternative).

USAGE

The use of alternate to mean alternative is common in North American English, though still generally regarded as incorrect in Britain.

alternate angles

pl. n. Mathematics two equal angles formed when a line crosses two parallel lines, lying on opposite sides of the transversal line and on opposite relative sides of the other lines.

alternating current

(abbrev.: AC)

n. an electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals. Compare with direct current.

alternation of generations

n. Biology a pattern of reproduction shown by some lower plants and invertebrates, involving a regular alternation between sexual and asexual forms (as in ferns) or dioecious and parthenogenetic forms (as in some jellyfishes).

alternative

adj.
1 (of one or more things) available as another possibility. (of two things) mutually exclusive.
2 relating to activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms.
n. one of two or more available possibilities.

- DERIVATIVES alternatively adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. alternatif, -ive or med. L. alternativus, from L. alternat-, alternare ‘do by turns’, from alternus ‘every other’, from alter ‘other of two’.

USAGE

Some traditionalists maintain that, because of the word's origin, you can only have a maximum of two alternatives, and that uses where there are more than two are wrong. Such uses are, however, normal in modern standard English.

alternative dispute resolution

n. chiefly N. Amer. the use of methods such as mediation to resolve a dispute without resort to litigation.

alternative energy

n. energy fuelled in ways that do not use up the earth's natural resources or otherwise harm the environment, especially by avoiding the use of fossil fuels or nuclear power.

alternative fuel

n. a fuel other than petrol or diesel for powering motor vehicles, such as natural gas or electricity.

alternative medicine

n. medical therapy regarded as unorthodox by the medical profession, e.g. herbalism and naturopathy.

alternator

n. a dynamo that generates an alternating current.

althorn

//

n. a musical instrument of the saxhorn family, especially the alto or tenor saxhorn in E flat.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., from alt ‘high’ (from L. altus) + Horn ‘horn’.

although

conj.
1 in spite of the fact that.
2 however; but.

USAGE

Although can often be replaced by though, the only difference being that although is slightly more formal. Some uses are not interchangeable, however: e.g. adverbial uses (it was nice of him to phone, though) and uses in phrases with ‘as’ or ‘even’ (she doesn't look as though she's listening).

altimeter

//

n. an instrument for determining altitude attained, especially a barometric or radar device fitted in an aircraft.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L. altus ‘high’ + -meter.

altimetry

//

n. the measurement of height or altitude.

- DERIVATIVES altimetric adj. altimetrically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. altimetria.

altiplano

//

n. (pl. altiplanos) the high tableland of central South America.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

altissimo

//

adj. Music very high in pitch.

- ORIGIN Ital., superlative of alto ‘high’.

altitude

n. the height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level. Astronomy the apparent height of a celestial object above the horizon, measured in angular distance. Geometry the length of the perpendicular line from a vertex to the opposite side of a figure.

- DERIVATIVES altitudinal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. altitudo, from altus ‘high’.

altitude sickness

n. illness caused by ascent to high altitude, characterized by hyperventilation, nausea, and exhaustion resulting from shortage of oxygen.

Alt key

n. Computing a key on a keyboard which, when pressed simultaneously with another key, gives the latter an alternative function.

- ORIGIN 1980s: abbrev. of alternative key.

alto

//

n. (pl. altos)
1 (especially in church music) the highest adult male singing voice. the lowest female singing voice; contralto.
2 [as modifier] denoting the member of a family of instruments pitched second or third highest.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. alto (canto) ‘high (song)’.

alto clef

n. Music a clef placing middle C on the middle line of the stave, used chiefly for viola music.

altocumulus

n. (pl. altocumuli) cloud forming a layer of rounded masses with a level base, occurring at medium altitude (typically 2 to 7 km, 6,500 to 23,000 ft).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. alto- (from L. altus ‘high’) + cumulus.

altogether

adv. completely. in total. on the whole.

- PHRASES
in the altogether informal naked.

USAGE

Altogether and all together do not mean the same thing. Altogether means ‘in total’, as in there are six bedrooms altogether, whereas all together means ‘all in one place’ or ‘all at once’, as in they came in all together.

alto-relievo

// (also alto-rilievo //)

n. (pl. alto-relievos) Art high relief.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital. alto-rilievo.

altostratus

n. cloud forming a continuous uniform layer which resembles stratus but occurs at medium altitude (typically 2 to 7 km, 6,500 to 23,000 ft).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. alto- (from L. altus ‘high’) + stratus.

altricial

//

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting a bird or other animal species whose young are hatched or born in an undeveloped state and require care and feeding by the parents. Often contrasted with precocial.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. altrix, altric-, fem. of altor ‘nourisher’, from alere ‘nourish’.

altruism

//

n. selfless concern for the well-being of others. Zoology behaviour of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.

- DERIVATIVES altruist n. altruistic adj. altruistically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. altruisme, from Ital. altrui ‘somebody else’, from L. alteri huic ‘to this other’.

ALU

abbrev. Computing arithmetic logic unit.

alula

//

n. (pl. alulae //) technical term for bastard wing.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., lit. ‘small wing’, dimin. of ala.

alum

//

n. Chemistry
1 (also potash alum) a colourless astringent compound which is a hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium, used in solution in dyeing and tanning.
2 any of a series of analogous compounds of other metals.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. alumen, alumin-, rel. to aluta ‘tawed leather’.

alumina

//

n. aluminium oxide, a white solid that is a major constituent of many clays and is found crystallized as corundum and sapphire.   Al_2O_3.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. alumen (see alum), on the pattern of words such as magnesia.

aluminium

// (US aluminum //)

n. a strong, light, corrosion-resistant silvery-grey metal, the chemical element of atomic number 13. (Symbol: Al)

- DERIVATIVES aluminize (or aluminise) // v. aluminous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from alumina + -ium.

aluminium bronze

n. an alloy of copper and aluminium.

aluminosilicate

//

n. Chemistry a silicate in which aluminium replaces some of the silicon, especially as a constituent of minerals such as feldspar.

alumnus

//

n. (pl. alumni //) a former pupil or student of a particular school, college, or university.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘nursling, pupil’, from alere ‘nourish’.

alveolar

//, //

adj.
1 Anatomy relating to an alveolus.
2 Phonetics (of a consonant) pronounced with the tip of the tongue on or near the bony ridge containing the alveoli of the upper teeth (e.g. n, s, d, t).
n. Phonetics an alveolar consonant.

alveolitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the air sacs of the lungs.

alveolus

//, //

n. (pl. alveoli //, //) Anatomy
1 any of the many tiny air sacs of the lungs which allow for rapid gaseous exchange.
2 the bony socket for the root of a tooth.
3 an acinus (sac-like cavity) in a gland.

- DERIVATIVES alveolate // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘small cavity’, dimin. of alveus.

alway

adv. archaic form of always.

always

adv.
1 on all occasions. throughout a long period of the past. forever. repeatedly.
2 failing all else.

- ORIGIN ME: genitive case of all way.

alyssum

//, //

n. (pl. alyssums) a herbaceous plant which typically bears small white or yellow flowers.   Genera Alyssum and Lobularia: many species.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., from L. alysson, from Gk alusson, from a- ‘without’ + lussa ‘rabies’ (referring to early herbalist use).

Alzheimer's disease

//

n. a form of progressive mental deterioration due to generalized degeneration of the brain, occurring in middle or old age.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer.

AM

abbrev.
1 amplitude modulation.
2 US Master of Arts. [ORIGIN L. artium magister.]
3 Member of the Order of Australia.

Am

symb. the chemical element americium.

am

first person singular present of be.

a.m.

abbrev. before noon.

- ORIGIN from L. ante meridiem.

amadavat

//

n. variant spelling of avadavat.

amadou

//

n. a spongy substance made from dried fungi, formerly used as an absorbent in medicine and as tinder.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from L. amator ‘lover’ (because it easily ignites).

amah

//

n. a nursemaid or maid in the Far East or India.

- ORIGIN from Port. ama ‘nurse’.

amalgam

//

n.
1 a mixture or blend.
2 Chemistry an alloy of mercury with another metal, especially one used for dental fillings.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. amalgame or med. L. amalgama, from Gk malagma ‘an emollient’.

amalgamate

//

v.
1 combine or unite to form one organization or structure.
2 Chemistry alloy (a metal) with mercury.

- DERIVATIVES amalgamation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. amalgamat-, amalgamare ‘form into a soft mass’, from amalgama (see amalgam).

amanuensis

//

n. (pl. amanuenses //) a literary assistant, in particular one who takes dictation.

- ORIGIN C17: L., from (servus) a manu ‘(slave) at hand(writing), secretary’ + -ensis ‘belonging to’.

amaranth

//

n.
1 a plant of a chiefly tropical family (Amaranthaceae) that includes love-lies-bleeding.
2 a purple colour.

- DERIVATIVES amaranthine // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. amarante or mod. L. amaranthus, alt. (on the pattern of plant names ending in -anthus) of L. amarantus, from Gk amarantos ‘not fading’.

amaretti

//

pl. n. Italian almond-flavoured biscuits.

- ORIGIN Ital., based on amaro ‘bitter’; cf. amaretto.

amaretto

//

n. a brown almond-flavoured liqueur produced in Italy.

- ORIGIN Ital., dimin. of amaro ‘bitter’ (with ref. to bitter almonds).

amaryllis

//

n. a bulbous plant with showy trumpet-shaped flowers and strap-shaped leaves.   Amaryllis belladonna (S. Africa) or genus Hippeastrum (S. America).

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L. Amaryllis (from Gk Amarullis), a name for a country girl in pastoral poetry.

amass

v. accumulate over time. archaic (of people) gather together.

- DERIVATIVES amasser n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. amasser or med. L. amassare, based on L. massa (see mass).

amateur

//, //, //, //

n.
1 a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis.
2 a person considered inept at a particular activity.
adj.
1 non-professional.
2 inept or unskilful.

- DERIVATIVES amateurism n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. amatore, from L. amator ‘lover’, from amare ‘to love’.

amateurish

adj. inept or unskilful.

- DERIVATIVES amateurishly adv. amateurishness n.

amatol

//

n. a high explosive consisting of a mixture of TNT and ammonium nitrate.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from am(monium) + tol(uene).

amatory

//

adj. relating to or induced by sexual love or desire.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. amatorius, from amator (see amateur).

amaurosis

//

n. Medicine partial or total blindness without visible change in the eye, typically due to disease of the optic nerve, spinal cord, or brain.

- DERIVATIVES amaurotic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk amaursis, from amauroun ‘darken’, from amauros ‘dim’.

amaze

v. surprise (someone) greatly; astonish.

- DERIVATIVES amazement n.

- ORIGIN OE masian, of unknown origin.

amazing

adj.
1 causing great surprise.
2 informal very impressive; excellent.

- DERIVATIVES amazingly adv.

Amazon

//

n.
1 a member of a legendary race of female warriors believed by the ancient Greeks to exist in Scythia or elsewhere. a very tall, strong woman.
2 (amazon) a green parrot with a broad rounded tail, found in Central and South America.   Genus Amazona.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk Amazn, explained by the Greeks as ‘breastless’ (as if from a- ‘without’ + mazos ‘breast’), referring to the fable that the Amazons cut off the right breast so as to draw a bow more easily, but prob. a folk etymology of an unknown foreign word.

amazon ant

n. a small reddish ant which captures the pupae of other ant colonies to raise as slaves.   Genus Polyergus.

Amazonian

//

adj.
1 relating to the River Amazon.
2 (of a woman) very tall and strong.

ambassador

n. a diplomat sent by a state as its permanent representative in a foreign country. a representative or promoter of a specified activity.

- DERIVATIVES ambassadorial adj. ambassadorship n. ambassadress n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. ambassadeur, from Ital. ambasciator, based on L. ambactus ‘servant’.

ambassador-at-large

n. N. Amer. an ambassador with special duties not appointed to a particular country.

ambatch

//

n. a tropical African tree with light spongy wood that is used chiefly for rafts and floats.   Aeschynomene elaphroxylon.

- ORIGIN C19: of Ethiopic origin.

amber

n.
1 hard translucent fossilized resin originating from extinct coniferous trees, typically yellowish in colour and used in jewellery.
2 a honey-yellow colour. a yellow light used as a cautionary signal between green for ‘go’ and red for ‘stop’.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ambre, from Arab. anbar ‘ambergris’, later ‘amber’.

ambergris

//, //

n. a wax-like secretion of the intestines of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfume manufacture.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ambre gris ‘grey amber’, as distinct from amber jaune ‘yellow amber’ (the resin).

amberjack

n. a large game fish with a yellowish tail, found in inshore tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and South Pacific.   Genus Seriola: several species.

ambidextrous

//

adj. able to use the right and left hands equally well.

- DERIVATIVES ambidexterity n. ambidextrously adv. ambidextrousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. ambidexter (from L. ambi- ‘on both sides’ + dexter ‘right-handed’) + -ous.

ambience

// (also ambiance)

n.
1 the character and atmosphere of a place.
2 quality or character given to a sound recording by the space in which the sound occurs.

ambient

//

adj.
1 relating to the immediate surroundings of something.
2 denoting a style of electronic instrumental music with no persistent beat, used to create a relaxed atmosphere.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. ambiant or L. ambient-, ambire ‘go round’.

ambiguity

//

n. (pl. ambiguities) the quality of being ambiguous or open to more than one interpretation.

ambiguous

//

adj. having more than one meaning; open to different interpretations.

- DERIVATIVES ambiguously adv. ambiguousness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as ambiguity): from L. ambiguus ‘doubtful’ (from ambigere ‘waver, go around’, from ambi- ‘both ways’ + agere ‘to drive’) + -ous.

ambisexual

adj. bisexual or androgynous.

- DERIVATIVES ambisexually adv.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from L. ambi- ‘on both sides’ + sexual.

ambisonic

adj. denoting or relating to a high-fidelity audio system that reproduces the directional and acoustic properties of recorded sound using two or more channels.
n. (ambisonics) [treated as sing.] ambisonic reproduction or systems.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from L. ambi- ‘on both sides’ + sonic.

ambit

//

n. the scope, extent, or bounds of something.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘precincts, environs’): from L. ambitus ‘circuit’, from ambire ‘go round’.

ambition

n. a strong desire to do or achieve something. desire and determination to achieve success.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. ambitio(n-), from ambire ‘go around (canvassing for votes)’.

ambitious

adj. having or showing ambition. (of a plan or piece of work) intended to satisfy high aspirations and therefore difficult to achieve.

- DERIVATIVES ambitiously adv. ambitiousness n.

ambivalent

//

adj. having mixed feelings or opinions about something or someone.

- DERIVATIVES ambivalence n. ambivalently adv.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from ambivalence (from Ger. Ambivalenz), on the pattern of equivalent.

ambivert

//

n. Psychology a person who has a balance of extrovert and introvert features in their personality.

- DERIVATIVES ambiversion n.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L. ambi- ‘on both sides’, on the pattern of extrovert and introvert.

amble

v. walk or move at a leisurely pace.
n. a leisurely walk.

- DERIVATIVES ambler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ambler, from L. ambulare ‘to walk’.

amblyopia

//

n. Medicine impaired or dim vision without obvious defect or change in the eye.

- DERIVATIVES amblyopic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk amblupia ‘dim-sightedness’, from amblupos (adj.), from amblus ‘dull’ + ps, p- ‘eye’.

ambo

//

n. (pl. ambos or ambones //) (in an early Christian church) an oblong pulpit with steps at each end.

- ORIGIN C17: via med. L. from Gk ambn ‘rim’ (in med. Gk ‘pulpit’).

amboyna

//

n. the decorative wood of a fast-growing SE Asian tree (Pterocarpus indicus), used for cabinetmaking.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Amboina Island in Indonesia.

ambrosia

//

n.
1 Greek & Roman Mythology the food of the gods. something very pleasing to taste or smell.
2 a fungal product used as food by ambrosia beetles or their larvae.
3 another term for bee bread.

- DERIVATIVES ambrosial adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk, ‘elixir of life’, from ambrotos ‘immortal’.

ambrosia beetle

n. a small dark wood-boring beetle which feeds on ambrosia produced by a fungus in the wood.   Xyleborus and other genera.

ambry

//

n. variant spelling of aumbry.

ambulacrum

//, //

n. (pl. ambulacra //, //) Zoology (in an echinoderm) each of the radially arranged bands through which the double rows of tube feet protrude.

- DERIVATIVES ambulacral adj.

- ORIGIN C19: L., ‘avenue’, from ambulare ‘to walk’.

ambulance

n. a vehicle equipped for taking sick or injured people to and from hospital.
v. convey in an ambulance.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from hôpital ambulant ‘mobile field hospital’, from L. ambulant- (see ambulant).

ambulance-chaser

n. derogatory, chiefly N. Amer. a lawyer who specializes in bringing cases seeking damages for personal injury.

ambulant

//

adj. Medicine able to walk about; not confined to bed.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. ambulant-, ambulare ‘walk’.

ambulate

//

v. formal or technical walk; move about.

- DERIVATIVES ambulation n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as ambulation): from L. ambulat-, ambulare ‘walk’.

ambulatory

//

adj.
1 relating to walking or able to walk.
2 movable; mobile.
n. (pl. ambulatories) an aisle or cloister in a church or monastery.

ambuscade

//

n. dated an ambush.
v. archaic ambush (someone).

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. embuscade, based on a late L. word meaning ‘to place in a wood’; rel. to bush^1.

ambush

n. a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.
v. attack from a concealed position.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. embusche (n.), embuschier (v.), based on a late L. word meaning ‘to place in a wood’; rel. to bush^1.

ameba

n. (pl. amebae or amebas) US spelling of amoeba.

amebiasis

n. US spelling of amoebiasis.

amelanchier

//

n. a shrub of a genus that includes juneberry and snowy mespilus, typically bearing white flowers.   Genus Amelanchier.

- ORIGIN from Fr. dial. amelancier ‘medlar’.

ameliorate

//

v. formal make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

- DERIVATIVES amelioration n. ameliorative adj. ameliorator n.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of meliorate, influenced by Fr. améliorer, from meilleur ‘better’.

amen

//, //

exclam. said at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning ‘so be it’.

- ORIGIN OE, from eccles. L., from Gk amn, from Heb. mn ‘truth, certainty’.

amenable

//

adj.
1 easily influenced or controlled.
2 (amenable to) capable of being treated in a particular way.

- DERIVATIVES amenability n. amenably adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘liable to answer to a law or tribunal’): from OFr. amener ‘bring to’ from a- ‘to’ + mener ‘bring’ (from L. minari ‘threaten’).

amend

v.
1 make minor improvements to (a document, proposal, etc.).
2 archaic put right.

- DERIVATIVES amendable adj. amender n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amender, based on L. emendare (see emend).

amende honorable

/ /

n. (pl. amendes honorables pronunc. same) literary a public apology or reparation.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘honourable reparation’.

amendment

n.
1 a minor improvement. the action of amending.
2 (Amendment) an article added to the US Constitution.

amends

pl. n. (in phr. make amends) compensate for a wrongdoing.

- PHRASES
offer of amends Law an offer to publish a correction and an apology for an act of libel.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amendes ‘penalties, fine’, pl. of amende ‘reparation’, from amender (see amend).

amenity

//, //

n. (pl. amenities) a useful or desirable feature of a building or place. the pleasantness of a place.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amenite or L. amoenitas, from amoenus ‘pleasant’.

amenorrhoea

// (US amenorrhea)

n. an abnormal absence of menstruation.

ament

//, //

n. Botany a catkin.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. amentum ‘thong’.

amentia

//, //

n. Medicine, dated severe congenital mental disability.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., lit. ‘madness’, from amens, ament- ‘mad’, from a- ‘without’ + mens ‘the mind’.

Amerasian

//, //

adj. having one American and one Asian parent.
n. an Amerasian person.

amercement

//

n. English Law, historical a fine.

- DERIVATIVES amerce v.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. amerciment, based on estre amercie ‘be at the mercy of another’, from a merci ‘at (the) mercy’.

American

adj. relating to or characteristic of the United States. relating to the continents of America.
n. a native or inhabitant of the United States. a native or inhabitant of any of the countries of North, South, or Central America.

- PHRASES
the American dream the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations to be achieved.

- DERIVATIVES Americanism n. Americanization (or Americanisation) n. Americanize (or Americanise) v. Americanness n.

Americana

//

pl. n. things associated with the United States.

American football

n. a kind of football played with an oval ball by teams of eleven players, on a field marked out as a gridiron.

American Indian

n. a member of any of the groups of indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America, especially those of North America.

USAGE

The term American Indian has been steadily replaced in the US by the term Native American, especially in official contexts; American Indian is still widespread in general use even in the US, however, and is not normally regarded as offensive by American Indians themselves.

American organ

n. a type of reed organ resembling the harmonium but in which air is sucked (not blown) through reeds.

American plan

n. North American term for full board.

americium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 95, an artificially made radioactive metal of the actinide series. (Symbol: Am)

- ORIGIN 1940s: from America (where it was first made) + -ium.

Amerindian

// (also Amerind //)

n. another term for American Indian, used chiefly in anthropological and linguistic contexts.

amethyst

//

n. a precious stone consisting of a violet or purple variety of quartz.

- DERIVATIVES amethystine // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. amethystus, from Gk amethustos ‘not drunken’ (because the stone was believed to prevent intoxication).

amethyst deceiver

n. an edible woodland mushroom with a lilac cap and stem.   Laccaria amethystea.

Amex

abbrev.
1 trademark American Express.
2 American Stock Exchange.

Amhara

//

n. (pl. same or Amharas) a member of a Semitic people of central Ethiopia.

- ORIGIN from Amhara, a region of central Ethiopia.

Amharic

//

n. the official language of Ethiopia, a Semitic language descended from Ge'ez.

amiable

adj. friendly and pleasant in manner.

- DERIVATIVES amiability n. amiableness n. amiably adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the senses ‘kind’ and ‘lovely, lovable’): via OFr. from late L. amicabilis (see amicable).

amianthus

//

n. a variety of asbestos with fine silky fibres which can be woven.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. amiantus, from Gk amiantos ‘not defiled’.

amicable

//

adj. characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.

- DERIVATIVES amicability n. amicableness n. amicably adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘pleasant’): from late L. amicabilis, from L. amicus ‘friend’.

amice^1

//

n. a white linen cloth worn on the neck and shoulders, under the alb, by a priest celebrating the Eucharist.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. amicia, amisia.

amice^2

//

n. a cap, hood, or cape worn by members of certain religious orders.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aumusse, from med. L. almucia.

amicus

// (in full amicus curiae //)

n. (pl. amici //, amici curiae) an impartial adviser to a court of law in a particular case.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., lit. ‘friend (of the court)’.

amid

prep. surrounded by; in the middle of.

Amidah

//

n. Judaism a prayer consisting of a varying number of blessings recited while the worshippers stand.

- ORIGIN C19: Heb., lit. ‘standing’.

amide

//, //

n. Chemistry
1 an organic compound containing the group –C(O)NH_2.
2 a salt-like compound containing the anion NH_2-.

- ORIGIN C19: from ammonia + -ide.

amidships

(US also amidship)

adv. & adj. in the middle of a ship, either longitudinally or laterally.

- ORIGIN C17: from a-2 + midship, influenced by amid.

amidst

prep. literary variant of amid.

amigo

//

n. (pl. amigos) informal, chiefly N. Amer. a friend (often as a form of address).

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp.

amine

//

n. Chemistry an organic compound derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals.

- ORIGIN C19: from ammonia + -ine^4.

amino acid

//, //

n. Biochemistry any of a class of about twenty simple organic compounds which form the basic constituents of proteins and contain both a carboxyl (–COOH) and an amino (–NH_2) group.

amino group

n. Chemistry the group –NH_2, present in amino acids, amides, and many amines.

amir

//

n. variant spelling of emir.

- ORIGIN C16: from Pers. and Urdu, from Arab. amr ‘commander’; cf. emir.

Amish

//, //, //

pl. n. (the Amish) a strict US Mennonite sect living mainly in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
adj. relating to the Amish.

- ORIGIN C19: appar. from Ger. amisch, from the name of the Swiss preacher Jakob Amman.

amiss

adj. not quite as it should be; wrong.
adv. dated wrongly or inappropriately.

- PHRASES
take something amiss be offended through misinterpreting something said.
not go (or come) amiss Brit. be welcome and useful.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from ON á mis ‘so as to miss’, from á ‘on’ + mis (rel. to miss^1).

amitotic

//, //

adj. Biology relating to or denoting the division of a cell nucleus without mitosis.

- DERIVATIVES amitosis n. amitotically adv.

amitriptyline

//

n. Medicine a tricyclic antidepressant drug.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from ami(ne) + tri- + (he)ptyl + -ine^4.

amity

//

n. formal friendly relations.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amitie, based on L. amicus ‘friend’.

amma

//

n. Indian informal one's mother.

- ORIGIN prob. derived from a child's word, perh. influenced by amah.

ammeter

//

n. an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes.

ammo

//

n. informal ammunition.

ammonia

//

n. a colourless, intensely pungent gas which dissolves in water to give a strongly alkaline solution.   NH_3. a solution of ammonia, used as a cleaning fluid.

- DERIVATIVES ammoniacal adj.

- ORIGIN The word ammonia was applied in the 18th century to the gas obtained from sal ammoniac (ammonium chloride), a term which derives from Latin sal ammoniacus ‘salt of Ammon’. This name refers to the salt obtained in ancient times near the temple of Jupiter Ammon at Siwa in Egypt (Ammon is a romanized version of the name of the supreme god of the ancient Egyptians, Amun). Ammonite is also connected with Jupiter Ammon: the word comes from Latin cornu Ammonis ‘horn of Ammon’, because of the fossil's resemblance to the ram's horn associated with the god.

ammoniated

adj. combined or treated with ammonia.

ammonite

//

n. Palaeontology an extinct marine cephalopod mollusc with a flat-coiled spiral shell, found as fossils chiefly in Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits.

- DERIVATIVES ammonoid n.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. ammonites, from med. L. cornu Ammonis ‘horn of Ammon’ (see ammonia).

ammonium

//

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the cation NH_4+, present in solutions of ammonia and in salts derived from ammonia.

ammunition

n.
1 a supply or quantity of bullets and shells.
2 information that can be used to support one's case in an argument.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr. amunition, alt. (by wrong division) of la munition (see munition).

amnesia

//

n. a partial or total loss of memory.

- DERIVATIVES amnesiac n. & adj. amnesic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk amnsia ‘forgetfulness’.

amnesty

n. (pl. amnesties) an official pardon for people convicted of political offences. an official undertaking to take no action against specified offences during a fixed period.
v. (amnesties, amnestying, amnestied) grant an amnesty to.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk amnstia ‘forgetfulness’.

amniocentesis

//

n. (pl. amniocenteses //) a process in which amniotic fluid is sampled using a hollow needle inserted into the uterus, to screen for abnormalities in the developing fetus.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from amnion + Gk kentsis ‘pricking’.

amnion

//

n. (pl. amnions or amnia) the innermost membrane that encloses the embryo of a mammal, bird, or reptile.

- DERIVATIVES amniotic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk, ‘caul’, dimin. of amnos ‘lamb’.

amniote

//

n. Zoology an animal whose embryo develops in an amnion and chorion and has an allantois, i.e. a mammal, bird, or reptile.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Amniota, back-form. from amniotic (see amnion).

amniotic fluid

n. the fluid surrounding a fetus within the amnion.

amoeba

// (US also ameba)

n. (pl. amoebas or amoebae //) a single-celled animal which catches food and moves about by extending finger-like projections of protoplasm.   Phylum Rhizopoda.

- DERIVATIVES amoebic adj. amoeboid adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk amoib ‘change, alternation’.

amoebiasis

// (US also amebiasis)

n. Medicine infection with amoebas, especially as causing dysentery.

amok

// (also amuck)

adv. (in phr. run amok) behave uncontrollably and disruptively.

- ORIGIN C17: via Port. amouco, from Malay amok ‘rushing in a frenzy’.

among

(chiefly Brit. also amongst)

prep.
1 surrounded by; in the middle of.
2 being a member or members of (a larger set).
3 occurring in or practised by (some members of a group).
4 indicating a division, choice, or differentiation involving three or more participants.

- ORIGIN OE ongemang (from on ‘in’ + gemang ‘assemblage, mingling’).

amontillado

//, //

n. (pl. amontillados) a medium dry sherry.

- ORIGIN Sp., from Montilla, a town in southern Spain.

amoral

//

adj. lacking a moral sense; unconcerned whether something is right or wrong.

- DERIVATIVES amoralism n. amoralist n. amorality n. amorally adv.

USAGE

Amoral doesn't mean the same as immoral: while immoral means ‘not conforming to accepted standards of morality’, amoral means ‘not concerned with morality’.

amoretto

//

n. (pl. amoretti //) a representation of Cupid in a work of art.

- ORIGIN Ital., dimin. of amore ‘love’, from L. amor.

amorist

//

n. a person who is in love or who writes about love.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. amor or Fr. amour ‘love’ + -ist.

amoroso^1

//, //

adv. & adj. Music in a loving or tender manner.

- ORIGIN Ital., from med. L. amorosus (see amorous).

amoroso^2

//, //

n. a dark, sweet sherry.

- ORIGIN from Sp., lit. ‘amorous’, from med. L. amorosus (see amorous).

amorous

//

adj. showing or feeling sexual desire.

- DERIVATIVES amorously adv. amorousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. amorosus, from L. amor ‘love’.

amorphous

//

adj.
1 without a clearly defined shape or form.
2 Mineralogy & Chemistry not crystalline, or not apparently crystalline.

- DERIVATIVES amorphously adv. amorphousness n.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. amorphus, from Gk amorphos ‘shapeless’ (from a- ‘without’ + morph ‘form’) + -ous.

amortize

(or amortise) //

v.
1 gradually write off the initial cost of (an asset) over a period. reduce or pay off (a debt) with regular payments.
2 historical transfer (land) to a corporation in mortmain.

- DERIVATIVES amortization n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amortiss-, amortir, based on L. ad ‘to, at’ + mors, mort- ‘death’.

amosite

//

n. an iron-rich amphibole asbestos.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from the initial letters of Asbestos Mines of South Africa.

amount

n. the total of something in number, size, value, or extent: he paid the full amount owed. a quantity: a small amount of water.
v. (amount to)
1 come to be (a total) when added together.
2 be the equivalent of.

- PHRASES
any amount of a great deal or number of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amunter, from amont ‘upward’, lit. ‘uphill’, from L. ad montem.

amour

//

n. a love affair or lover, especially a secret one.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. amor ‘love’.

amour fou

/ /

n. uncontrollable or obsessive passion.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘insane love’.

amour propre

/ /

n. self-respect.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

amoxicillin

// (also amoxycillin)

n. Medicine a semi-synthetic penicillin closely related to ampicillin and with similar properties.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from am(ino-) + oxy-2 + (peni)cillin.

amp^1

n. short for ampere.

amp^2

n. informal short for amplifier.
v.
1 (often amp something up) play (music) through electric amplification.
2 [as adj. amped or amped up] N. Amer. informal full of nervous energy, especially through taking amphetamines.

Ampakine

//

n. (trademark in the US) any of a class of synthetic compounds which facilitate transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and appear to improve memory and learning capacity.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from AMPA (an acronym denoting certain receptors in the brain) + Gk kinein ‘to move’.

ampelopsis

//

n. (pl. same) a bushy climbing plant of the vine family.   Genus Ampelopsis: two species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk ampelos ‘vine’ + opsis ‘appearance’.

amperage

//

n. the strength of an electric current in amperes.

ampere

// (abbrev.: A)

n. the SI base unit of electric current, equal to a flow of one coulomb per second.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère.

ampersand

//

n. the sign & (standing for and, as in Smith & Co., or the Latin et, as in &c.).

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of and per se and ‘& by itself is and’, chanted as an aid to learning the sign.

amphetamine

//, //

n. a synthetic mood-altering drug, used illegally as a stimulant.

- ORIGIN 1930s: abbrev. of its chemical name, a(lpha-)m(ethyl) phe(ne)t(hyl)amine.

amphi-

//

comb. form
1 both: amphibian. of both kinds: amphipod. on both sides: amphiprostyle.
2 around: amphitheatre.

- ORIGIN from Gk.

amphibian

//

n. Zoology a cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class (Amphibia) that comprises the frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians, distinguished by an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘of dual or doubtful nature’): from mod. L. amphibium ‘an amphibian’, from Gk amphibion (noun use of amphibios ‘living both in water and on land’, from amphi ‘both’ + bios ‘life’).

amphibious

//

adj.
1 living in or suited for both land and water.
2 (of a military operation) involving forces landed from the sea.

- DERIVATIVES amphibiously adv.

amphibole

//

n. any of a class of rock-forming silicate or aluminosilicate minerals typically occurring as fibrous or columnar crystals.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from L. amphibolus ‘ambiguous’ (because of the varied structure of the minerals).

amphibolite

//

n. Geology a granular metamorphic rock consisting mainly of hornblende and plagioclase.

amphibology

//

n. (pl. amphibologies) a phrase or sentence that is grammatically ambiguous.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amphibologie, from late L. amphibologia, from L. amphibolia, from Gk amphibolos ‘ambiguous’.

amphimixis

//

n. Botany sexual reproduction involving the fusion of two different gametes to form a zygote. Often contrasted with apomixis.

- DERIVATIVES amphimictic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from amphi- + Gk mixis ‘mingling’.

amphioxus

//

n. a small lancelet (fish), caught for food in Asia.   Genus Branchiostoma.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from amphi- + Gk oxus ‘sharp’.

amphipathic

// (also amphiphilic //)

adj. Biochemistry (of a molecule) having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from amphi- + Gk pathikos (from pathos ‘experience’).

amphipod

//

n. Zoology a crustacean of the chiefly marine order Amphipoda, having a laterally compressed body and a large number of leg-like appendages.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Amphipoda, from amphi- ‘of both kinds’ (because some legs are specialized for swimming and some for feeding) + Gk pous, pod- ‘foot’.

amphiprostyle

//

adj. Architecture (of a classical building) having a portico at each end but not at the sides.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk amphiprostulos, from amphi- ‘both, on both sides’+ prostulos (see prostyle).

amphisbaena

//

n. a mythical serpent with a head at each end.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk amphisbaina, from amphis ‘both ways’ + bainein ‘go’.

amphitheatre

(US amphitheater)

n. an open, circular building consisting of tiers of seats surrounding a central space for dramatic or sporting events. a semicircular seating gallery in a theatre.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk amphitheatron, from amphi ‘on both sides’ + theatron (see theatre).

amphiuma

//

n. a fully aquatic eel-like amphibian of the south-eastern US.   Genus Amphiuma.

- ORIGIN mod. L., prob. from amphi- + Gk pneuma ‘breath’.

amphora

//

n. (pl. amphorae // or amphoras) a tall ancient Greek or Roman jar or jug with two handles and a narrow neck.

- ORIGIN L., from Gk amphoreus, from amphi- + phoreus ‘bearer’ from pherein ‘to bear’.

amphoteric

//

adj. Chemistry able to react both as a base and as an acid.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk amphoteros, compar. of amph ‘both’, + -ic.

ampicillin

//

n. Medicine a semi-synthetic form of penicillin used chiefly to treat respiratory and urinary infections.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of amino (see amino group) and a contr. of penicillin.

ample

adj. (ampler, amplest) enough or more than enough; plentiful. large and capacious.

- DERIVATIVES ampleness n. amply adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. amplus ‘large, abundant’.

amplexus

//

n. Zoology the mating position of frogs and toads, in which the male clasps the female about the back.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from L., ‘an embrace’.

amplifier

n.
1 an electronic device for increasing the amplitude of electrical signals, used chiefly in sound reproduction.
2 a device of this kind combined with a loudspeaker, used to amplify electric guitars and other musical instruments.

amplify

v. (amplifies, amplifying, amplified)
1 increase the volume of (sound), especially using an amplifier. increase the amplitude of (an electrical signal or other oscillation).
2 make (a statement) more detailed.
3 make more marked or intense.
4 Genetics make multiple copies of (a gene or DNA sequence).

- DERIVATIVES amplification n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. amplifier, from L. amplificare, from amplus ‘large, abundant’.

amplitude

n.
1 Physics the maximum extent or magnitude of a vibration or other oscillating phenomenon, measured from the equilibrium position or average value.
2 breadth, range, or magnitude.
3 Astronomy the angular distance of a celestial object from the true east or west point of the horizon at rising or setting.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. amplitudo, from amplus ‘large, abundant’.

amplitude modulation

n. the modulation of a wave by varying its amplitude, used especially as a means of broadcasting an audio signal by combining it with a radio carrier wave.

ampoule

// (US also ampul or ampule //)

n. a small sealed glass capsule containing a measured quantity of liquid ready for injecting.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., from L. ampulla (see ampulla).

ampulla

//

n. (pl. ampullae //)
1 a roughly spherical ancient Roman flask with two handles. a flask for holding consecrated oil.
2 Anatomy & Zoology a cavity or enclosure shaped like a Roman ampulla.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., dimin. of ampora, var. of amphora (see amphora).

amputate

//

v. cut off (a limb) by surgical operation.

- DERIVATIVES amputation n. amputator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. amputat-, amputare ‘lop off’.

amputee

n. a person who has had a limb amputated.

AMRAAM

abbrev. advanced medium range air-to-air missile.

amrit

// (also amrita //)

n. a syrup considered divine by Sikhs and taken by them at baptism and in religious observances.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit amrta ‘immortal’.

amtrac

// (also amtrak)

n. US an amphibious tracked vehicle used for landing assault troops on a shore.

amu

abbrev. atomic mass unit.

amuck

//

adv. variant spelling of amok.

amulet

//

n. an ornament or small piece of jewellery thought to give protection against evil or danger.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. amuletum, of unknown origin.

amuse

v.
1 make (someone) laugh or smile.
2 provide interesting occupation for; entertain.

- DERIVATIVES amused adj. amusedly adv. amusing adj. amusingly adv.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘deceive’): from OFr. amuser ‘entertain, deceive’, from a- (expressing causal effect) + muser ‘stare stupidly’.

amuse-gueule

//

n. (pl. amuse-gueules or same) a small savoury item of food served as an appetizer.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘amuse mouth’.

amusement

n.
1 the state or experience of finding something funny.
2 the provision or enjoyment of entertainment. Brit. a game machine or other mechanical device for providing entertainment.

amusement arcade

n. Brit. an indoor area containing coin-operated game machines.

amusement park

n. a large outdoor area with fairground rides and other entertainments.

amygdala

//

n. (pl. amygdalae //) Anatomy a roughly almond-shaped mass of grey matter deep inside each hemisphere of the brain, associated with the sense of smell.

- DERIVATIVES amygdaloid adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk amugdal ‘almond’.

amygdalin

//

n. Chemistry a bitter crystalline organic compound found in almonds and the stones of peaches, apricots, and other fruit.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. amygdala ‘almond’ + -in^1.

amyl

//, //

n.
1 [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the straight-chain pentyl radical –C_5H_11.
2 informal short for amyl nitrite.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. amylum ‘starch’ + -yl.

amylase

//

n. Biochemistry an enzyme, found chiefly in saliva and pancreatic fluid, that converts starch and glycogen into simple sugars.

amyl nitrate

n. Chemistry a colourless synthetic liquid used as an additive in diesel fuel to improve its ignition properties.

amyl nitrite

n. Chemistry a yellowish volatile synthetic liquid used medicinally as a vasodilator and sometimes inhaled for its stimulatory effects.

amyloid

//

n. Medicine an insoluble protein which is deposited in the liver, kidneys, spleen, or other tissues in certain diseases.

- DERIVATIVES amyloidosis n.

amylopectin

//

n. Biochemistry the non-crystallizable form of starch, consisting of branched polysaccharide chains.

amylose

//, //

n. Biochemistry the crystallizable form of starch, consisting of long unbranched polysaccharide chains.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

n. a form of motor neuron disease.

amyotrophy

//

n. Medicine atrophy of muscular tissue.

- DERIVATIVES amyotrophic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk mus, muo- ‘muscle’ + Gk troph ‘nourishment’.

Amytal

//

n. trademark a barbiturate drug used as a sedative and a hypnotic.

an

det. the form of the indefinite article (see a^1) used before words beginning with a vowel sound.

USAGE

It is better to use a rather than an before words such as hotel and historical that begin with a sounded h-. An was common in the 18th and 19th centuries because the initial h was then often not pronounced.

an-1

prefix variant spelling of a-1 before a vowel (as in anaemia).

an-2

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before n (as in annihilate, annotate).

an-3

prefix variant spelling of ana- shortened before a vowel (as in aneurysm).

-an

suffix
1 forming adjectives and nouns, especially from: names of places: Cuban. names of systems: Anglican. names of zoological classes or orders: crustacean. names of founders: Lutheran.
2 Chemistry forming names of organic compounds, chiefly polysaccharides: dextran.

- ORIGIN from L. -anus, -ana, -anum.

ana

//

n. archaic
1 [treated as pl.] anecdotes or literary gossip about a person.
2 [treated as sing.] a collection of a person's memorable sayings.

- ORIGIN C18: from -ana.

ana-

(usu. an- before a vowel)

prefix
1 up: anabatic.
2 back: anamnesis.
3 again: anabiosis.

- ORIGIN from Gk ana ‘up’.

-ana

suffix (forming plural nouns) denoting things associated with a person, place, or field of interest: Victoriana.

- ORIGIN from L., neut. pl. of -anus, adj. ending.

Anabaptism

//

n. the doctrine that baptism should only be administered to believing adults, held by a Protestant sect of the 16th century.

- DERIVATIVES Anabaptist n. & adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via eccles. L. from Gk anabaptismos, from ana- ‘over again’ + baptismos ‘baptism’.

anabasis

//

n. (pl. anabases //) rare a military advance into the interior of a country (with reference to that of Cyrus the Younger into Asia in 401 BC, as described by Xenophon in Anabasis).

- ORIGIN from Gk, ‘ascent’, from anabainein ‘walk up’.

anabatic

//

adj. Meteorology (of a wind) caused by local upward motion of warm air.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk anabatikos, from anabats ‘a person who ascends’.

anabiosis

//

n. Zoology a temporary state of suspended animation or greatly reduced metabolism.

- DERIVATIVES anabiotic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anabisis, from anabioein ‘return to life’.

anabolic steroid

//

n. any of a class of synthetic steroid hormones which are used illegally to enhance performance in athletics and other sports.

anabolism

//

n. Biochemistry the synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy.

- DERIVATIVES anabolic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anabol ‘ascent’, from ana- ‘up’ + ballein ‘to throw’.

anachronism

//

n.
1 a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists.
2 the attribution of something to a period to which it does not belong.

- DERIVATIVES anachronic // adj. anachronistic adj. anachronistically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk anakhronismos, from ana- ‘backwards’ + khronos ‘time’.

anaclitic

//

adj. Psychoanalysis relating to or characterized by a strong emotional dependence on another or others.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Gk anaklitos ‘for reclining’.

anacoluthon

//, //

n. (pl. anacolutha //) a construction in which the expected grammatical sequence is absent, for example while in the garden, the door banged shut.

- DERIVATIVES anacoluthic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: via late L. from Gk anakolouthon, from an- ‘not’ + akolouthos ‘following’.

anaconda

//

n. a very large semiaquatic snake of the boa family, native to tropical South America.   Eunectes murinus and other species.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting a kind of Sri Lankan snake): alt. of L. anacandaia ‘python’, from Sinhalese henakaday.

anacrusis

//

n. (pl. anacruses //) Prosody one or more unstressed syllables at the beginning of a verse.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk anakrousis ‘prelude’, from ana- ‘up’ + krousis ‘striking’.

anadromous

//

adj. Zoology (of a fish) migrating up rivers from the sea to spawn. The opposite of catadromous.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk anadromos (from ana- ‘up’ + dromos ‘running’) + -ous.

anaemia

// (US anemia)

n. a condition in which there is a deficiency of red cells or haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.

- ORIGIN C19: via mod. L. from Gk anaimia, from an- ‘without’ + haima ‘blood’.

anaemic

(US anemic)

adj.
1 suffering from anaemia.
2 lacking in colour or vitality.

anaerobe

//, //

n. Biology any organism that can grow in the absence of free oxygen.

anaerobic

adj. Biology relating to or requiring the absence of free oxygen.

- DERIVATIVES anaerobically adv.

anaesthesia

// (US anesthesia)

n. insensitivity to pain, especially as artificially induced by the administration of gases or drugs before a surgical operation.

- DERIVATIVES anaesthesiologist n. anaesthesiology n.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk anaisthsia, from an- ‘without’ + aisthsis ‘sensation’.

anaesthetic

// (US anesthetic)

n.
1 a substance that induces insensitivity to pain.
2 (anaesthetics) [treated as sing.] the study or practice of anaesthesia.
adj. inducing or relating to anaesthesia.

anaesthetist

// (US anesthetist)

n. a medical specialist who administers anaesthetics.

- DERIVATIVES anaesthetization (or anaesthetisation) n. anaesthetize (or anaesthetise) v.

anagen

//

n. Physiology the growing phase of a hair follicle.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from ana- + -gen.

anaglyph

//

n.
1 a stereoscopic photograph having two images superimposed and printed in different colours, producing a stereo effect when viewed with appropriate filters over each eye.
2 an object, such as a cameo, embossed or carved in low relief.

- DERIVATIVES anaglyphic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk anagluph, from ana- ‘up’ + gluphein ‘carve’.

anagram

//

n. a word, phrase, or name formed by rearranging the letters of another, such as spar, formed from rasp.

- DERIVATIVES anagrammatic adj. anagrammatical adj. anagrammatize (or anagrammatise) v.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. anagramme or mod. L. anagramma, from Gk ana- ‘back, anew’ + gramma ‘letter’.

anal

//

adj.
1 relating to or situated near the anus.
2 Psychoanalysis denoting a stage of infantile psychosexual development in which defecation is the major source of sensuous pleasure. anal-retentive.

- DERIVATIVES anally adv.

analects

// (also analecta //)

pl. n. a collection of short literary or philosophical extracts.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk analekta ‘things gathered up’, from ana- ‘up’ + legein ‘gather’.

analeptic

// Medicine

adj. restorative, especially through stimulating the central nervous system.
n. an analeptic drug.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk analptikos.

anal fin

n. Zoology an unpaired fin located on the underside of a fish behind the anus.

analgesia

//

n. Medicine relief of pain through administration of drugs or other methods.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk analgsia ‘painlessness’, from an- ‘not’ + algein ‘feel pain’.

analgesic

//, // Medicine

adj. acting to relieve pain.
n. an analgesic drug.

analogize

(or analogise) //

v. compare by analogy.

analogous

//

adj.
1 comparable in certain respects.
2 Biology performing a similar function but having a different evolutionary origin, such as the wings of insects and birds. Often contrasted with homologous.

- DERIVATIVES analogously adv.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk analogos ‘proportionate’ + -ous.

analogue

// (US also analog)

n. a person or thing seen as comparable to another.
adj. (also analog) relating to or using information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity (such as spatial position, voltage, etc.) rather than digitally.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Gk analogon, neut. of analogos ‘proportionate’.

analogy

//

n. (pl. analogies) a comparison between one thing and another made for the purpose of explanation or clarification. the process of making such a comparison. a thing regarded as analogous to another; an analogue.

- DERIVATIVES analogical adj. analogically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. analogie, L. analogia ‘proportion’, from Gk, from analogos ‘proportionate’.

analphabetic

adj.
1 representing sounds by composite signs rather than by single letters or symbols.
2 completely illiterate.

anal-retentive

adj. Psychoanalysis excessively orderly and fussy (supposedly owing to conflict over toilet-training in infancy).

- DERIVATIVES anal retention n. anal retentiveness n.

analysand

//

n. a person undergoing psychoanalysis.

analyse

(US analyze)

v.
1 examine methodically and in detail for the purposes of explanation or interpretation. identify and measure the chemical constituents of.
2 psychoanalyse (someone).

- DERIVATIVES analysable adj. analyser n.

- ORIGIN C16: influenced by Fr. analyser, from med. L. analysis (see analysis).

analysis

//

n. (pl. analyses //)
1 a detailed examination of something in order to interpret or explain it.
2 the process of separating something into its constituent elements. Often contrasted with synthesis. the process of analysing the chemical constituents of a substance.
3 short for psychoanalysis.
4 Mathematics the part of mathematics concerned with the theory of functions and the use of limits, continuity, and the operations of calculus.

- ORIGIN C16: via med. L. from Gk analusis, from analuein ‘unloose’.

analyst

n.
1 a person who conducts analysis.
2 a psychoanalyst.

analytic

adj.
1 another term for analytical.
2 Logic true by virtue of the meaning of the words or concepts used to express it, so that its denial would be a self-contradiction. Compare with synthetic.
3 Linguistics (of a language) tending to use word order to express grammatical structure. Contrasted with synthetic.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk analutikos, from analuein ‘unloose’.

analytical

adj. relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning.

- DERIVATIVES analytically adv.

analytical geometry

n. geometry making use of coordinates.

analytical philosophy

n. a method of approaching philosophical problems through analysis of the terms in which they are expressed.

analytical psychology

n. the psychoanalytical system of psychology developed and practised by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung (1875–1961).

analyze

v. US spelling of analyse.

anamnesis

//

n. (pl. anamneses //)
1 recollection, especially of a supposed previous existence.
2 Christian Church the part of the Eucharist in which the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ are recalled.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk anamnsis ‘remembrance’.

anamnestic

//

adj. Medicine denoting an enhanced reaction of the body's immune system to an antigen related to one previously encountered.

anamorphosis

//

n. a distorted image which appears normal when viewed from a particular point or with a suitable mirror or lens. the process by which such images are produced.

- DERIVATIVES anamorphic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk anamorphsis ‘transformation’.

ananda

//

n. (in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism) extreme happiness, as one of the highest states of being.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit nanda.

Anangu

//

n. (pl. same) Austral. an Aboriginal, especially one from central Australia.

- ORIGIN from Western Desert (an Aboriginal language), lit. ‘person’.

anapaest

//, // (US anapest)

n. Prosody a metrical foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables followed by one long or stressed syllable.

- DERIVATIVES anapaestic //, // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk anapaistos ‘reversed’, from ana- ‘back’ + paiein ‘strike’ (because it is the reverse of a dactyl).

anaphase

//

n. Genetics the third stage of cell division, between metaphase and telophase, during which the chromosomes move away from one another to opposite poles of the spindle.

anaphora

//

n.
1 Grammar the use of a word referring back to a word used earlier in a text or conversation, to avoid repetition, for example the pronouns he, she, it, and they and the verb do in I like it and so do they. Compare with cataphora.
2 Rhetoric the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
3 Christian Church the part of the Eucharist which contains the consecration, anamnesis, and communion.

- DERIVATIVES anaphoric // adj. anaphorically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk, ‘repetition’, from ana- ‘back’ + pherein ‘to bear’.

anaphrodisiac

// Medicine

adj. tending to reduce sexual desire.
n. an anaphrodisiac drug.

anaphylaxis

//

n. Medicine an extreme allergic reaction to an antigen to which the body has become hypersensitive following an earlier exposure.

- DERIVATIVES anaphylactic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: mod. L., from Gk ana- ‘again’ + phulaxis ‘guarding’.

anaptyxis

//

n. Phonetics the insertion of a vowel between two consonants to aid pronunciation, as in he went thataway.

- DERIVATIVES anaptyctic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk anaptuxis ‘unfolding’.

anarch

// archaic

n. an anarchist.
adj. anarchic.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk anarkhos (see anarchy).

anarchic

adj. with no controlling rules or principles to give order.

- DERIVATIVES anarchical adj. anarchically adv.

anarchism

n. belief in the abolition of all government and the organization of society on a voluntary, cooperative basis.

- DERIVATIVES anarchist n. & adj. anarchistic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk anarkhos (see anarchy) + -ism.

anarchy

n.
1 a state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of government or other controlling systems.
2 a society or political system founded on the principles of anarchism.

- ORIGIN C16: via med. L. from Gk anarkhia, from anarkhos, from an- ‘without’ + arkhos ‘chief, ruler’.

Anasazi

//

n. (pl. same or Anasazis) a member of an ancient American Indian people of the south-western US.

- ORIGIN from Navajo, ‘ancient one’ or ‘enemy ancestor’.

anastigmat

//

n. an anastigmatic lens system.

anastigmatic

//

adj. (of a lens system) constructed so that the astigmatism of each element is cancelled out.

anastomose

//

v. chiefly Medicine link or be linked by anastomosis.

anastomosis

//

n. (pl. anastomoses //) technical a cross-connection between adjacent channels, tubes, fibres, or other parts of a network. Medicine a connection made surgically between adjacent blood vessels, parts of the intestine, or other channels of the body.

- DERIVATIVES anastomotic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., from Gk anastomsis, from anastomoun ‘provide with a mouth’.

anastrophe

//

n. Rhetoric the inversion of the usual order of words or clauses.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk anastroph ‘turning back’.

anathema

//

n.
1 something that one vehemently dislikes: racism was anathema to her.
2 a formal curse of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine.

- ORIGIN C16: from eccles. L., from Gk anathema ‘thing dedicated’, (later) ‘thing devoted to evil’, from anatithenai ‘to set up’.

anathematize

(or anathematise) //

v. curse; condemn.

Anatolian

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Anatolia in western Asia Minor.
2 an extinct group of ancient languages constituting a branch of the Indo-European language family.
adj. relating to Anatolia.

anatomical

adj. relating to bodily structure. relating to the study of anatomy.

- DERIVATIVES anatomic adj. anatomically adv.

anatomize

(or anatomise)

v.
1 dissect (a body).
2 examine and analyse in detail.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. anatomizare, from anatomia (see anatomy).

anatomy

n. (pl. anatomies)
1 the branch of biology and medicine concerned with bodily structure, especially as revealed by dissection. the bodily structure of an organism.
2 a study of the structure or dynamics of something: a detailed anatomy of a society.

- DERIVATIVES anatomist n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. anatomie or late L. anatomia, from Gk, from ana- ‘up’ + tomia ‘cutting’.

anatto

n. variant spelling of annatto.

ANC

abbrev. African National Congress.

-ance

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting a quality or state: perseverance.
2 denoting an action: utterance.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -ance, from L. -antia, -entia (from pres. participial stems -ant-, -ent-).

ancestor

n. a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended. something from which a later species or version has evolved.

- DERIVATIVES ancestral adj. ancestrally adv. ancestress n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ancestre, from L. antecessor, from antecedere, from ante ‘before’ + cedere ‘go’.

ancestry

n. (pl. ancestries) a person's ancestors or ethnic descent: her Irish ancestry.

ancho

//

n. (pl. anchos) a large aromatic variety of chilli, used in Mexican dishes.

- ORIGIN from Mex. Sp. (chile) ancho, ‘wide (chilli)’.

anchor

n.
1 a heavy object used to moor a ship to the sea bottom, typically having a metal shank with a pair of curved, barbed flukes. (anchors) Brit. informal the brakes of a car.
2 chiefly N. Amer. an anchorman or anchorwoman.
v.
1 moor with an anchor. secure firmly in position.
2 chiefly N. Amer. present and coordinate (a television or radio programme).

- PHRASES
at anchor moored with an anchor.

- ORIGIN OE ancor, ancra, via L. from Gk ankura; reinforced in ME by OFr. ancre.

anchorage

n.
1 an area suitable for a ship to anchor at. the action of anchoring or the state of being anchored.
2 historical an anchorite's dwelling place.

anchor escapement

n. a form of escapement in clocks and watches in which the teeth of the crown wheel or balance wheel act on the pallets by recoil.

anchorite

//

n. historical a religious recluse.

- DERIVATIVES anchoress n. anchoritic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. anchorita, from eccles. Gk anakhrts, from anakhrein ‘retire’.

anchorman

(or anchorwoman)

n. (pl. anchormen or anchorwomen)
1 a person who presents and coordinates a live television or radio programme involving other contributors.
2 the member of a relay team who runs the last leg.

anchoveta

//

n. an anchovy found off the Pacific coasts of South America.   Engraulis ringens.

- ORIGIN Sp., dimin. of anchova (see anchovy).

anchovy

//, //

n. (pl. anchovies) a small shoaling fish of the herring family, an important food fish with a strong flavour.   Genus Engraulis: several species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. and Port. anchova.

anchusa

//, //

n. a plant of the borage family with bright, typically blue, flowers.   Genus Anchusa.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk ankhousa.

ancien régime

/ /

n. (pl. anciens régimes pronunc. same) a political or social system that has been displaced by a more modern one. (the Ancien Régime) the political and social system in France before the Revolution of 1789.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘old rule’.

ancient^1

adj. belonging to or originating in the very distant past. chiefly humorous very old.
n.
1 archaic or humorous an old man.
2 (the ancients) the people of ancient times, especially the classical Greeks and Romans.

- PHRASES
the Ancient of Days a biblical title for God.

- DERIVATIVES anciently adv. ancientness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ancien, based on L. ante ‘before’.

ancient^2

n. archaic a standard, flag, or ensign.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of ensign by assoc. with ancien, an early form of ancient^1.

ancient lights

pl. n. [treated as sing.] English Law the right of access to light of a property, established by custom and used to prevent the construction of buildings which would obstruct such access.

ancient monument

n. Brit. an old building or site that is preserved by an official agency.

ancillary

//

adj.
1 providing support to the primary activities of an organization.
2 additional but less important; subsidiary.
n. (pl. ancillaries) an ancillary person or thing.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. ancillaris, from ancilla ‘maidservant’.

ancon

//, //

n. (pl. ancones //) Architecture
1 a console, typically consisting of two volutes, that supports or appears to support a cornice.
2 each of a pair of projections on either side of a block of stone or other material, used for lifting it.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk ankn ‘bend, elbow’.

-ancy

suffix (forming nouns) denoting a quality or state: expectancy.

- ORIGIN from L. -antia (see also -ency).

ancylostomiasis

//, // (also ankylostomiasis)

n. Medicine hookworm infection of the small intestine, often leading to anaemia.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Ancylostoma (a genus of hookworms) + -iasis.

AND

abbrev. Andorra (international vehicle registration).

and

conj.
1 used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences. connecting two identical comparatives, to emphasize a progressive change. connecting two identical words, implying great duration or great extent.
2 used to connect two numbers to indicate that they are being added together. archaic connecting two numbers, implying succession.
3 used to introduce an additional comment or interjection.
4 informal used after some verbs and before another verb to indicate intention, instead of ‘to’.
n. (AND)
1 a logical operation which gives the value one if and only if all the operands are one, and otherwise gives a value of zero.
2 [as modifier] Electronics denoting a gate circuit which produces an output only when signals are received simultaneously through all input connections.

- ORIGIN OE and, ond, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

A small number of verbs, notably try, come, and go, can be followed by and rather than to in sentences like we're going to try and explain it to them. Such uses are regarded as wrong by some traditionalists, but they are extremely common and can be regarded as part of standard English.

-and

suffix (forming nouns) denoting a person or thing to be treated in a specified way: analysand.

- ORIGIN from L. gerundive ending -andus.

Andalusian

//, //

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Andalusia in southern Spain.
2 the dialect of Spanish spoken in Andalusia.
adj. relating to Andalusia.

andalusite

//

n. a grey, green, brown, or pink aluminosilicate mineral occurring as elongated rhombic prisms.

- ORIGIN C19: from Andalusia (see Andalusian) + -ite^1.

andante

// Music

adv. & adj. in a moderately slow tempo.
n. an andante passage.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘going’, pres. part. of andare.

andantino

//

adv. & adj. Music lighter than andante, and usually quicker.

- ORIGIN Ital., dimin. of andante.

Andean

//, //

adj. relating to the Andes.
n. a native or inhabitant of the Andes.

Anderson shelter

n. an air-raid shelter of a type built in the UK during the Second World War.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after Sir John Anderson, Home Secretary 1939–40.

andesite

//, //

n. Geology a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock.

- DERIVATIVES andesitic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Andes mountains.

andiron

//

n. a metal support, typically one of a pair, for wood burning in a fireplace.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. andier.

Andorran

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Andorra, a small autonomous principality in the southern Pyrenees.
adj. relating to Andorra.

andouille

//

n. (in France) a pork sausage made from chitterlings. (in Cajun cooking) a spicy smoked-pork sausage.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

andro-

comb. form of men; male: androcentric.

- ORIGIN from Gk anr, andr- ‘man’.

androcentric

//

adj. focused or centred on men.

androecium

//

n. (pl. androecia //) Botany the stamens of a flower collectively.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from andro- + oikion ‘house’.

androgen

//

n. Biochemistry a male sex hormone, such as testosterone.

- DERIVATIVES androgenic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk anr, andr- ‘man’ + -gen.

androgenize

(or androgenise) //

v. treat with or expose to male sex hormones.

- DERIVATIVES androgenization n.

androgyne

//

n. an androgynous individual. a hermaphrodite.

androgynous

//

adj. partly male and partly female in appearance; of indeterminate sex. hermaphrodite.

- DERIVATIVES androgyny n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as androgyne): via L. androgynus from Gk androgunos (from anr, andr- ‘man’ + gun ‘woman’) + -ous.

android

//

n. (in science fiction) a robot with a human appearance.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. androides, from andro- + -oid.

andromeda

//

n. another term for bog rosemary.

- ORIGIN mod. L. (genus name), named after the princess Andromeda in Greek mythology.

andropause

n. the occurrence in some older men of a collection of symptoms such as fatigue and loss of libido, attributed to lower testosterone levels.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from andro-, on the pattern of menopause.

androstenedione

//

n. Biochemistry a compound from which testosterone and certain oestrogens are produced in humans.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from androsterone + -ene + di-1 + -one.

androsterone

//, //

n. Biochemistry a relatively inactive male sex hormone produced by metabolism of testosterone.

-androus

comb. form Botany having male organs or stamens of a specified number: polyandrous.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. -andrus, from Gk -andros ‘male’ + -ous.

-ane^1

suffix variant spelling of -an, often with a distinction of sense (such as humane compared with human).

-ane^2

suffix Chemistry forming names of saturated hydrocarbons: propane.

anecdotage

//

n.
1 anecdotes collectively.
2 humorous old age in someone who is garrulous.

anecdote

//

n. a short entertaining story about a real incident or person. an account regarded as unreliable or hearsay.

- DERIVATIVES anecdotal adj. anecdotalist n. anecdotally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., or via mod. L. from Gk anekdota ‘things unpublished’.

anechoic

//

adj. technical free from echo; tending to absorb or deaden sound.

anele

//

v. archaic anoint, especially as part of the Christian rite of extreme unction.

- ORIGIN ME: from an- ‘on’ + archaic elien ‘to oil’.

anemia

n. US spelling of anaemia.

anemic

adj. US spelling of anaemic.

anemograph

//

n. an anemometer which records the speed, duration, and sometimes also the direction of the wind.

anemometer

//

n. an instrument for measuring the speed of the wind or other flowing gas.

- DERIVATIVES anemometric adj. anemometry n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk anemos ‘wind’ + -meter.

anemone

//

n.
1 a plant of the buttercup family, which typically has brightly coloured flowers and deeply divided leaves.   Genus Anemone: numerous species.
2 a sea anemone.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., said to be from Gk anemn ‘windflower’, appar. because the flowers were said to open only when the wind blows.

anemone fish

n. another term for clownfish.

anemophilous

//

adj. Botany pollinated by the wind.

- DERIVATIVES anemophily n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anemos ‘wind’ + -philous (see -philia).

anencephalic

//, //

adj. Medicine having part or all of the cerebral hemispheres and the rear of the skull congenitally absent.

- DERIVATIVES anencephaly n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anenkephalos ‘without brain’ + -ic.

anent

//

prep. archaic or Scottish concerning; about.

- ORIGIN OE on efen ‘in line with, in company with’.

-aneous

suffix forming adjectives from Latin words: spontaneous.

- ORIGIN from the L. suffix -aneus.

anergia

//

n. Psychiatry abnormal lack of energy.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk an- ‘without’ + ergon ‘work’.

anergy

//

n. Medicine absence of the normal immune response to a particular antigen or allergen.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger. Anergie, from Gk an- ‘not’, on the pattern of Allergie ‘allergy’.

aneroid

//

adj. relating to or denoting a barometer that measures air pressure by the action of the air in deforming the elastic lid of an evacuated box.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Fr. from Gk a- ‘without’ + nros ‘water’.

anesthesia etc.

n. US spelling of anaesthesia etc.

aneuploid

//

adj. Genetics not euploid.

- DERIVATIVES aneuploidy n.

aneurysm

// (also aneurism)

n. Medicine an excessive localized swelling of the wall of an artery.

- DERIVATIVES aneurysmal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Gk aneurusma ‘dilatation’.

anew

adv. chiefly literary in a new or different way. once more; again.

anfractuous

//

adj. literary sinuous or circuitous.

- DERIVATIVES anfractuosity n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. anfractuosus.

angary

//

n. Law the right of a country at war to seize or destroy neutral property out of military necessity, provided that compensation is paid.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. angarie ‘chore, imposition’, from Ital. or L. angaria ‘forced service’, from Gk angareia, from angaros ‘courier’ (being liable to serve as the King's messenger), from Pers.

angel

n.
1 a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant or messenger of God, conventionally represented as being of human form with wings.
2 a person of great beauty, kindness, or virtue.
3 informal (especially in the theatre) a financial backer.
4 (angels) informal (among pilots) used with a numeral to indicate an aircraft's altitude in thousands of feet: we rendezvous at angels nine.
5 informal an unexplained radar signal.
6 a former English coin bearing the figure of the archangel Michael killing a dragon.

- PHRASES
on the side of the angels on the side of what is right.

- ORIGIN OE engel, ult. via eccles. L. from Gk angelos ‘messenger’.

angel cake

(N. Amer. also angel food cake)

n. a very light, pale sponge cake typically baked in a ring shape and covered with soft icing.

angel dust

n. informal
1 the hallucinogenic drug phencyclidine hydrochloride.
2 another term for clenbuterol.

Angeleno

// (also Los Angeleno, Angelino)

n. (pl. Angelenos) a native or inhabitant of Los Angeles.

- ORIGIN C19: from Amer. Sp.

angelfish

n. (pl. same or angelfishes) a fish with a deep, laterally compressed body and large dorsal and anal fins, often vividly coloured or patterned.   Pterophyllum scalare (Amazon basin) and other species.

angel hair

n. a type of pasta consisting of very fine long strands.

angelic

adj.
1 relating to angels.
2 exceptionally beautiful, innocent, or kind.

- DERIVATIVES angelical adj. angelically adv.

angelica

//

n. a tall aromatic plant of the parsley family, the candied stalks of which are used in confectionery and cake decoration.   Genus Angelica: many species.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. (herba) angelica ‘angelic (herb)’, so named because it was believed to be efficacious against poisoning and disease.

Angelino

n. variant spelling of Angeleno.

Angelman's syndrome

n. a rare congenital disorder characterized by mental retardation and a tendency to jerky movement.

- ORIGIN 1970s: named after the British doctor Harold Angelman.

angelology

n. theological doctrine concerning angels.

angel shark

n. a large, active bottom-dwelling cartilaginous fish with broad wing-like pectoral fins.   Squatina squatina and other species.

angels on horseback

pl. n. Brit. an appetizer consisting of oysters individually wrapped in bacon and served on toast.

angel's trumpet

n. a South American shrub or small tree with large pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers.   Genus Brugmansia.

angelus

//

n. a Roman Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation of Jesus and including the Hail Mary. a ringing of bells announcing this.

- ORIGIN C17: from the L. phr. Angelus domini ‘the angel of the Lord’, the opening words of the devotion.

angel wings

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a large white edible piddock (mollusc) found in the Caribbean and on the east coast of North America.   Barnea costata.

anger

n. a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
v. provoke anger in (someone).

- ORIGIN ME: from ON angr ‘grief’, angra ‘vex’.

Angevin

//

n.
1 a native, inhabitant, or ruler of Anjou in western France.
2 any of the Plantagenet kings of England, especially those who were also counts of Anjou (Henry II, Richard I, and John).

- ORIGIN from Fr., meaning ‘of Angers’ (the former capital of Anjou).

angina

//

n. Medicine
1 (also angina pectoris //) a condition marked by severe pain in the chest, arising from an inadequate blood supply to the heart.
2 used in names of disorders involving pain in the throat: Ludwig's angina.

- DERIVATIVES anginal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘quinsy’, from Gk ankhon ‘strangling’; pectoris means ‘of the chest’.

angio-

//

comb. form
1 relating to blood vessels: angiography.
2 relating to seed vessels: angiosperm.

- ORIGIN from Gk angeion ‘vessel’.

angiogenesis

n. Physiology the development of new blood vessels.

angiogram

n. an X-ray photograph of blood or lymph vessels, made by angiography.

angiography

//

n. radiography of blood or lymph vessels, carried out after introduction of a radiopaque substance.

- DERIVATIVES angiographic adj. angiographically adv.

angioma

//

n. (pl. angiomas or angiomata //) Medicine an abnormal growth produced by the dilatation or new formation of blood vessels.

angioneurotic

adj. Medicine (of oedema) marked by swelling and itching of areas of skin.

angioplasty

n. (pl. angioplasties) Medicine surgical repair or unblocking of a blood vessel, especially a coronary artery.

angiosperm

n. Botany a plant of a large group (subdivision Angiospermae) that comprises those that have flowers and produce seeds enclosed within a carpel, including herbaceous plants, shrubs, grasses, and most trees. Compare with gymnosperm.

- DERIVATIVES angiospermous // adj.

angiotensin

//

n. Biochemistry a protein whose presence in the blood promotes aldosterone secretion and tends to raise blood pressure.

Angle

n. a member of an ancient Germanic people who came to England in the 5th century AD and founded English kingdoms in Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia.

- DERIVATIVES Anglian adj.

- ORIGIN from L. Anglus ‘inhabitant of Angul’ (in northern Germany); rel. to angle^2, English.

angle^1

n.
1 the space (usually measured in degrees) between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet. a corner, especially an external projection or internal recess. a measure of the inclination of one line or surface with respect to another.
2 a position from which something is viewed or along which it travels or acts: I couldn't see Naomi from this angle. a particular way of approaching or presenting an issue or problem.
3 Astrology each of the four cardinal points of a chart.
4 angle iron or a similar constructional material.
v.
1 direct, move, or incline at an angle.
2 present (information) in a particular way.

- DERIVATIVES angled adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. angulus ‘corner’.

angle^2

v.
1 [often as noun angling] fish with a rod and line.
2 seek something desired by indirectly prompting someone to offer it: she was angling for sympathy.
n. archaic a fish hook.

- DERIVATIVES angler n.

- ORIGIN OE angul (n.).

angle bead

n. a strip of metal or wood fixed to an external corner before it is plastered to reinforce it.

angle bracket

n.
1 either of a pair of marks in the form < >, used to enclose words or figures so as to separate them from their context.
2 another term for bracket (in sense 3).

angle grinder

n. a device with a rotating abrasive disc, used to grind, polish, or cut metal and other materials.

angle iron

n. a constructional material consisting of pieces of iron or steel with an L-shaped cross section, able to be bolted together.

angle of attack

n. Aeronautics the angle between the line of the chord of an aerofoil and the relative airflow.

angle of incidence

n. Physics the angle which an incident line or ray makes with a perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

angle of reflection

n. Physics the angle made by a reflected ray with a perpendicular to the reflecting surface.

angle of refraction

n. Physics the angle made by a refracted ray with a perpendicular to the refracting surface.

angle of repose

n. the steepest angle at which a sloping surface formed of loose material is stable.

anglepoise

n. trademark a type of desk lamp with a jointed arm and counterbalancing springs that hold it in any position to which it is adjusted.

anglerfish

n. (pl. same or anglerfishes) a marine fish that lures prey within reach of its mouth with a fleshy lobe on a filament arising from its snout.   Lophius piscatorius and many other species.

angle shades

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a moth with wings patterned in muted green, red, and pink.   Phlogophora meticulosa.

Anglican

adj. relating to or denoting the Church of England or any Church in communion with it.
n. a member of an Anglican Church.

- DERIVATIVES Anglicanism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. Anglicanus, from L. Anglus ‘Angle’.

Anglican chant

n. a method of singing unmetrical psalms and canticles to short harmonized melodies, the first note being extended to accommodate as many syllables as necessary.

anglice

//

adv. formal in English.

- ORIGIN from med. L., from L. Anglus ‘Angle’.

Anglicism

n.
1 a word or phrase that is peculiar to British English.
2 the quality of being typically English or of favouring English things.

anglicize

(or anglicise)

v. [often as adj. anglicized] make English in form or character.

- DERIVATIVES anglicization n.

Anglo

n. (pl. Anglos) chiefly N. Amer. a white English-speaking person of British origin, especially (in the US) as distinct from a Hispanic American.

Anglo-

comb. form English: anglophone. of English origin: Anglo-Saxon. English and …: Anglo-Latin. British and …: Anglo-Indian.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L. Anglus ‘English’.

Anglo-Catholicism

n. a tradition within the Anglican Church which is close to Catholicism in its doctrine and worship and is broadly identified with High Church Anglicanism.

- DERIVATIVES Anglo-Catholic adj. & n.

Anglo-Celt

n. chiefly N. Amer. a person of British or Irish descent.

- DERIVATIVES Anglo-Celtic adj.

Anglocentric

adj. centred on or considered in terms of England or Britain.

Anglo-Indian

adj. relating to both Britain and India. of mixed British and Indian parentage. chiefly historical of British descent or birth but having lived long in India.
n. an Anglo-Indian person.

Anglo-Irish

adj. relating to both Britain and Ireland (or specifically the Republic of Ireland). of English descent but born or resident in Ireland. of mixed English and Irish parentage.

Anglo-Latin

n. Latin as used in medieval England.

Anglomania

n. excessive admiration of English customs.

- DERIVATIVES Anglomaniac n.

Anglo-Norman French

n. the variety of Norman French used in England after the Norman Conquest.

Anglophile

n. a person who is fond of or greatly admires England or Britain.

- DERIVATIVES Anglophilia n.

Anglophobe

n. a person who hates or fears England or Britain.

- DERIVATIVES Anglophobia n.

anglophone

adj. English-speaking.
n. an English-speaking person.

Anglo-Saxon

n.
1 a Germanic inhabitant of England between the 5th century and the Norman Conquest. a person of English descent. chiefly N. Amer. any white, English-speaking person.
2 the Old English language. informal plain English, in particular vulgar slang.

Angolan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Angola, a country in SW Africa.
adj. relating to Angola.

angora

//

n.
1 a cat, goat, or rabbit of a long-haired breed.
2 a fabric made from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit.

- ORIGIN C19: from Angora (now Ankara) in Turkey.

angora wool

n. a mixture of sheep's wool and angora rabbit hair.

angostura

//

n.
1 an aromatic bitter bark from South America, used as a flavouring.
2 (also Angostura bitters trademark) a kind of tonic.

- ORIGIN C18: from Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar) in Venezuela.

angrez

// Indian informal

n. (pl. same or angrezi)
1 an English person.
2 (Angrezi) the English language.
adj. (also angrezi) English.

- ORIGIN Hindi, ‘Englishman’.

angry

adj. (angrier, angriest)
1 feeling or showing anger.
2 (of a wound or sore) red and inflamed.

- DERIVATIVES angrily adv.

angst

//

n. a strong feeling of general anxiety or dread, typically about the state of the world or the human condition.

- DERIVATIVES angsty adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Ger., ‘fear’.

angstrom

// (also ångström //) (abbrev.: Å)

n. Physics a unit of length equal to one hundred millionth of a centimetre, 10-10 metre.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Swedish physicist A. J. Ångström.

Anguillan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Anguilla, an island in the Leeward Islands.
adj. relating to Anguilla.

anguilliform

//

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting eels or related fish.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. anguilla ‘eel’ + -iform.

anguine

//

adj. rare of or like a snake.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. anguinus, from anguis ‘snake’.

anguish

n. severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
v. be very distressed.

- ORIGIN ME: the noun via OFr. anguisse, the verb from OFr. anguissier, both from L. angustia ‘tightness’, (pl.) ‘straits, distress’, from angustus ‘narrow’.

anguished

adj. experiencing or expressing anguish.

angular

//

adj.
1 having angles or sharp corners. (of a person) lean and having a prominent bone structure.
2 placed or directed at an angle.
3 Physics measured with reference to angles, especially those associated with rotation: angular momentum.

- DERIVATIVES angularity n. angularly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. angularis, from angulus (see angle^1).

angulate

//

v. technical hold or bend (a part of the body) so as to form an angle or angles. Skiing incline (the upper body) sideways and outwards during a turn.

- DERIVATIVES angulation n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. angulat-, angulare, from angulus ‘angle’.

Angus

//

n. short for Aberdeen Angus.

angwantibo

//

n. (pl. angwantibos) a small rare nocturnal primate of west central Africa, related to the potto.   Arctocebus calabarensis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Efik.

anharmonic

adj. Physics relating to or denoting motion that is not simple harmonic.

- DERIVATIVES anharmonicity n.

anhedonia

//

n. Psychiatry inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities.

- DERIVATIVES anhedonic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. anhédonie, from Gk an- ‘without’ + hdon ‘pleasure’.

anhedral

//, //

adj. chiefly Geology (of a crystal) having no plane faces.
n. Aeronautics downward inclination of an aircraft's wing.

- ORIGIN C19: from an-1 + -hedral (see -hedron).

anhinga

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for darter (in sense 1).

- ORIGIN C18: from Port., from Tupi áyinga.

anhydride

//

n. Chemistry a compound obtained by removing the elements of water from a particular acid: acetic anhydride.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anudros (see anhydrous) + -ide.

anhydrite

//

n. a white mineral consisting of anhydrous calcium sulphate.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anudros (see anhydrous) + -ite^1.

anhydrous

//

adj. Chemistry containing no water.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anudros (from an- ‘without’ + hudr ‘water’) + -ous.

ani

//

n. (pl. anis) a glossy black long-tailed bird of the cuckoo family found in Central and South America.   Genus Crotophaga: three species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. ani, Port. anum, from Tupi an.

aniline

//, //

n. Chemistry a toxic oily liquid used in the manufacture of dyes, drugs, and plastics.

- ORIGIN C19: from anil ‘indigo’ (from which it was orig. obtained), via Fr. and Port. from Arab. an-nl.

anilingus

//

n. sexual stimulation of the anus by the tongue or mouth.

- ORIGIN 1960s: on the pattern of cunnilingus.

anima

//

n. Psychoanalysis
1 (in Jungian psychology) the feminine part of a man's personality. Compare with animus.
2 the part of the psyche which is directed inwards, in touch with the subconscious. Compare with persona.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L., ‘mind, soul’.

animadvert

//

v. (animadvert on/upon/against) formal criticize or censure.

- DERIVATIVES animadversion n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘pay attention to’): from L. animadvertere, from animus ‘mind’ + advertere ‘to turn’.

animal

n.
1 a living organism which is typically distinguished from a plant by feeding on organic matter, having specialized sense organs and nervous system, and being able to move about and to respond rapidly to stimuli. a mammal, as opposed to a bird, reptile, fish, or insect.
2 a very cruel, violent, or uncivilized person.
3 a particular type of person or thing: a political animal.
adj.
1 relating to or characteristic of animals.
2 of the flesh rather than the spirit or intellect: animal lust.
3 Biology denoting the pole or extremity of an embryo containing the more active cytoplasm. The opposite of vegetal.

- DERIVATIVES animalization (or animalisation) n. animalize (or animalise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., based on animalis ‘having breath’ from anima ‘breath’.

animalcule

//

n. archaic a microscopic animal.

- DERIVATIVES animalcular adj.

animalism

n.
1 behaviour characteristic of animals; animality.
2 religious worship of animals.

- DERIVATIVES animalistic adj.

animalist

n. an animal liberationist.

animality

n. behaviour or nature characteristic of animals, especially in being physical and instinctive.

animal liberation

n. the freeing of animals from exploitation and cruel treatment by humans.

- DERIVATIVES animal liberationist n.

animal magnetism

n.
1 a quality of powerful sexual attractiveness.
2 historical a supposed emanation to which the action of mesmerism was ascribed.

animal spirits

pl. n. natural exuberance.

animate

v. //
1 give life or vigour to.
2 give (a film or character) the appearance of movement using animation techniques.
adj. // alive or having life.

- DERIVATIVES animator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. animat-, animare, from anima ‘life, soul’.

animated

adj.
1 full of interest or excitement; lively.
2 (of a film) made using animation techniques.

- DERIVATIVES animatedly adv.

animated stick

n. a stick insect of eastern Australia, sometimes reaching 25 cm in length.   Acrophylla titan.

animateur

//

n. a person who promotes or facilitates a cultural activity.

- ORIGIN 1950s: Fr., from med. L. animator.

animation

n.
1 the state of being full of life or vigour. chiefly archaic the state of being alive.
2 the technique of filming successive drawings, or positions of model figures, to create a film giving an illusion of movement. (also computer animation) the generation and manipulation of images by means of a computer to create moving images.

animato

//

adv. & adj. Music in an animated manner.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

animatronics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the technique of making and operating lifelike robots, especially for use in films.

- DERIVATIVES animatronic adj.

anime

//, //

n. Japanese film and television animation, typically having a science-fiction theme.

- ORIGIN 1980s: Japanese.

animism

//

n.
1 the attribution of a living soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.
2 belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the material universe.

- DERIVATIVES animist n. animistic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. anima ‘life, soul’ + -ism.

animosity

//

n. (pl. animosities) strong hostility.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘spirit, courage’): from OFr. animosite or late L. animositas, from animosus ‘spirited’, from L. animus ‘spirit, mind’.

animus

//

n.
1 hostility or ill feeling.
2 motivation to do something.
3 Psychoanalysis (in Jungian psychology) the masculine part of a woman's personality. Compare with anima.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘spirit, mind’.

anion

//

n. Chemistry a negatively charged ion. The opposite of cation.

- DERIVATIVES anionic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from anode or ana-, + ion.

anise

//

n.
1 a Mediterranean plant of the parsley family, cultivated for its aromatic seeds (aniseed).   Pimpinella anisum.
2 used in names of Asian or American trees or shrubs bearing fruit with an aniseed-like odour, e.g. star anise.   Genus Illicium.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. anisum, from Gk anison ‘anise, dill’.

aniseed

n. the seed of the anise, used as a flavouring and in herbal medicine.

anisette

//

n. a liqueur flavoured with aniseed.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., dimin. of anis ‘anise’.

anisogamy

//

n. Biology sexual reproduction by the fusion of dissimilar gametes. Compare with isogamy.

- DERIVATIVES anisogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anisos ‘unequal’ + gamos ‘marriage’.

anisotropic

//

adj. Physics having a different magnitude or properties when measured in different directions.

- DERIVATIVES anisotropically adv. anisotropy // n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anisos ‘unequal’ + tropos ‘turn’ + -ic.

ankh

//

n. an object or design resembling a cross with a loop instead of the top arm, used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of life.

- ORIGIN C19: from Egyptian, lit. ‘life, soul’.

ankle

n. the joint connecting the foot with the leg. the narrow part of the leg between the ankle joint and the calf.
v. US informal walk. leave (a job or position).

- DERIVATIVES ankled adj.

- ORIGIN OE ancleow, of Gmc origin.

ankle-biter

n. humorous, chiefly N. Amer. a child.

ankle bone

n. the talus.

ankle sock

n. a sock that reaches just above the ankle.

anklet

n.
1 a decorative chain or band worn round an ankle.
2 chiefly N. Amer. an ankle sock.

ankylosaur

//

n. a heavily built quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur of the Cretaceous period, armoured with bony plates.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from mod. L. Ankylosaurus, from Gk ankulos (see ankylosis) + sauros ‘lizard’.

ankylose

//

v. (be/become ankylosed) Medicine (of bones or a joint) be or become stiffened or united by ankylosis.

- ORIGIN C18: back-form. from ankylosis.

ankylosing spondylitis

n. Medicine a form of spinal arthritis, chiefly affecting young males, that eventually causes ankylosis of vertebral and sacroiliac joints.

ankylosis

//

n. Medicine abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones.

- DERIVATIVES ankylotic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk ankulsis, from ankuloun ‘to crook’, from ankulos ‘crooked’.

ankylostomiasis

//

n. variant spelling of ancylostomiasis.

anlage

//

n. (pl. anlagen //) Biology the rudimentary basis of a particular organ or other part, especially in an embryo.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., ‘foundation, basis’.

anna

//

n. a former monetary unit of India and Pakistan, equal to one sixteenth of a rupee.

- ORIGIN from Hindi n.

annal

//

n. a record of the events of one year. a record of one item in a chronicle.

- DERIVATIVES annalist n. annalistic adj. annalistically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: back-form. from annals.

annals

pl. n. a record of events year by year. historical records.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. annales (libri) ‘yearly (books)’, from annus ‘year’.

annates

//

pl. n. chiefly historical a year's revenue of a Roman Catholic see or benefice, paid to the Pope by a bishop or other cleric newly appointed to the see or benefice.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from med. L. annata ‘year's proceeds’, from annus ‘year’.

annatto

// (also anatto)

n. (pl. annattos)
1 an orange-red dye obtained from the seed coat of a tropical fruit, used for colouring foods.
2 the tropical American tree from which annatto is obtained.   Bixa orellana.

- ORIGIN C17: from Carib.

anneal

//

v.
1 heat (metal or glass) and allow it to cool slowly, in order to remove internal stresses.
2 Biochemistry recombine (DNA) in the double-stranded form.

- DERIVATIVES annealer n.

- ORIGIN OE onælan ‘set on fire’, from on + ælan ‘burn, bake’ from l ‘fire, burning’.

annelid

//

n. Zoology a segmented worm of the phylum Annelida, which includes earthworms, lugworms, ragworms, and leeches.

- DERIVATIVES annelidan n. & adj.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Annelida, from Fr. (animaux) annelés ‘ringed (animals)’, from OFr. anel ‘a ring’, from L. anellus, dimin. of anulus ‘a ring’.

annex

v. //
1 add as an extra or subordinate part.
2 add (territory) to one's own territory by appropriation.
n. // (chiefly Brit. also annexe) (pl. annexes)
1 a building joined to or associated with a main building.
2 an addition to a document.

- DERIVATIVES annexation n. annexationist n. & adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. annexer, from L. annectere ‘connect’.

annihilate

//

v.
1 destroy utterly. defeat utterly.
2 Physics convert (matter) into radiant energy, especially by collision of a particle with an antiparticle.

- DERIVATIVES annihilation n. annihilator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. annihilat-, annihilare ‘reduce to nothing’.

anniversary

n. (pl. anniversaries) the date on which an event took place in a previous year or in the past.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. anniversarius ‘returning yearly’, from annus ‘year’ + versus ‘turning’.

Anno Domini

/ /

adv. full form of ad.

- ORIGIN L., ‘in the year of the Lord’.

annotate

//

v. add notes to (a text or diagram) giving explanation or comment.

- DERIVATIVES annotatable adj. annotation n. annotative adj. annotator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as annotation): from L. annotat-, annotare ‘mark’.

announce

v. make a formal public declaration about a fact, occurrence, or intention. make known the arrival of (a guest) at a formal social occasion.

- DERIVATIVES announcement n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. annoncer, from L. annuntiare, from ad- ‘to’ + nuntiare ‘declare, announce’.

announcer

n. a person who announces something, especially someone who introduces or gives information about radio or television programmes.

annoy

v.
1 make slightly angry.
2 archaic harm or attack repeatedly.

- DERIVATIVES annoyance n. annoyer n. annoying adj. annoyingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. anoier (v.), anoi (n.), based on L. in odio in the phr. mihi in odio est ‘it is hateful to me’.

annual

adj.
1 occurring once every year.
2 calculated over or covering a year.
3 (of a plant) living only for a year or less, perpetuating itself by seed. Compare with biennial, perennial.
n.
1 a book or magazine of a series published once a year.
2 an annual plant.

- DERIVATIVES annually adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. annuel, from late L. annualis, based on L. annus ‘year’.

annual general meeting

n. Brit. a yearly meeting of the members or shareholders of an organization.

annualized

(or annualised)

adj. (of a rate of return or inflation) recalculated as an annual rate.

annuitant

//

n. formal a person who receives an annuity.

annuity

n. (pl. annuities) a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life. a form of insurance or investment entitling the investor to a series of annual sums.

- DERIVATIVES annuitize (or annuitise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. annuité, from med. L. annuitas, from L. annuus ‘yearly’, from annus ‘year’.

annul

//

v. (annuls, annulling, annulled) declare (a law or contract, especially that of marriage) invalid.

- DERIVATIVES annulment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. anuller, from late L. annullare, from ad- ‘to’ + nullum ‘nothing’.

annular

//

adj. technical ring-shaped.

- DERIVATIVES annularly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. annulaire or L. annularis, from anulus (see annulus).

annular eclipse

n. an eclipse of the sun in which the edge of the sun remains visible as a bright ring around the moon.

annulate

//

adj. chiefly Zoology marked with or formed of rings.

- DERIVATIVES annulated adj. annulation n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. annulatus, from anulus (see annulus).

annulet

//

n.
1 Architecture a small band encircling a column.
2 Heraldry a charge in the form of a small ring.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. anelet, from L. anulus (see annulus) + -et^1.

annulus

//

n. (pl. annuli //, //) technical a ring-shaped object, structure, or region.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. anulus, annulus.

annunciate

//

v. archaic announce.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. annunciat-, var. of L. annuntiat-, annuntiare ‘announce’.

annunciation

n.
1 (the Annunciation) the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26–38). a Church festival that commemorates this, held on 25 March (Lady Day).
2 formal or archaic the announcement of something.

annunciator

n. a device such as a bell or light that indicates which of several electric circuits has been activated.

annus horribilis

/ /

n. a year of disaster or misfortune.

- ORIGIN mod. L., suggested by annus mirabilis.

annus mirabilis

//

n. a remarkable or auspicious year.

- ORIGIN mod. L., ‘wonderful year’.

anoa

//

n. (pl. same or anoas) a small deer-like water buffalo, native to Sulawesi.   Genus Bubalus: two species.

- ORIGIN C19: a local word.

anode

//

n. a positively charged electrode. The opposite of cathode. the negatively charged electrode of an electrical device, such as a primary cell, that supplies current.

- DERIVATIVES anodal adj. anodic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anodos ‘way up’.

anodize

(or anodise) //

v. [usu. as adj. anodized] coat (a metal, especially aluminium) with a protective oxide layer by an electrolytic process in which the metal forms the anode.

- DERIVATIVES anodizer n.

anodyne

//

adj. unlikely to cause offence or disagreement but somewhat dull.
n. a painkilling drug or medicine.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk andunos ‘painless’.

anogenital

//

adj. Medicine & Anatomy relating to the anus and genitals.

anoint

v. smear or rub with oil, especially as part of a religious ceremony. ceremonially confer office on (a priest or monarch) by anointing. [often as adj. anointed] nominate as successor.

- PHRASES
Anointing of the Sick (in the Roman Catholic Church) the sacramental anointing of the ill or infirm with blessed oil; unction.

- DERIVATIVES anointer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enoint, enoindre, from L. inungere, from in- ‘upon’ + ungere ‘anoint, smear with oil’.

anole

//

n. a small arboreal American lizard with a throat fan, often brightly coloured.   Genus Anolis.

- ORIGIN C18: from Carib.

anomalistic month

n. Astronomy a month measured between successive perigees of the moon (approximately 27^1/2 days).

anomalistic year

n. Astronomy a year measured between successive perihelia of the earth (approximately 365^1/4 days).

anomaly

//

n. (pl. anomalies)
1 something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
2 Astronomy the angular distance of a planet or satellite from its last perihelion or perigee.

- DERIVATIVES anomalous n. anomalously adv. anomalousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk anmalia, from anmalos (from an- + homalos ‘even’) + -y^3.

anomia

//

n. Medicine a form of aphasia in which the patient is unable to recall the names of everyday objects.

- DERIVATIVES anomic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from a-1 + L. nomen ‘name’ + -ia^1.

anomie

// (also anomy)

n. lack of the usual social or ethical standards.

- DERIVATIVES anomic // adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr., from Gk anomia, from anomos ‘lawless’.

anon

adv. archaic or informal soon; shortly.

- ORIGIN OE on n, on ne ‘in or into (one state or course)’.

anon.

abbrev. anonymous.

anonym

n.
1 an anonymous person or publication.
2 a pseudonym.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. anonyme, from Gk annumos (see anonymous).

anonymize

(or anonymise)

v. remove identifying particulars from (something, especially medical test results) for statistical or other purposes.

anonymous

adj.
1 not identified by name; of unknown identity: an anonymous phone call.
2 having no individual or unusual features.

- DERIVATIVES anonymity // n. anonymously adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk annumos ‘nameless’ (from an- ‘without’ + onoma ‘name’) + -ous.

anopheles

//

n. a mosquito of a genus which includes the species that transmits the malarial parasite to humans.

- DERIVATIVES anopheline //, // adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L. genus name, from Gk anphels ‘unprofitable, useless’.

anorak

n.
1 a waterproof jacket, typically with a hood.
2 Brit. informal a studious or obsessive person with largely solitary interests.

- DERIVATIVES anoraky adj. anorakish adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Greenland Eskimo anoraq.

anorectal

//

adj. Medicine & Anatomy relating to the anus and rectum.

anorexia

//

n. lack of appetite for food, in particular (also anorexia nervosa) an emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk, from an- ‘without’ + orexis ‘appetite’.

anorexic

(also anorectic)

adj.
1 relating to or suffering from anorexia.
2 informal very thin.
n.
1 a person suffering from anorexia.
2 (anorectic) a medicine which produces a loss of appetite.

anorgasmia

//

n. Medicine persistent inability to achieve orgasm despite responding to sexual stimulation.

- DERIVATIVES anorgasmic adj.

anorthite

//

n. a calcium-rich mineral of the feldspar group, typically white.

- ORIGIN C19: from an-1 + Gk orthos ‘straight’ + -ite^1.

anorthosite

//

n. Geology a granular igneous rock composed largely of labradorite or another plagioclase.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. anorthose ‘plagioclase’ + -ite^1.

anosmia

//

n. Medicine the loss of the sense of smell, caused by head injury, infection, or blockage of the nose.

- DERIVATIVES anosmic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from an-2 + Gk osm ‘smell’.

another

det. & pron.
1 used to refer to an additional person or thing of the same type as one already mentioned; a further.
2 used to refer to a different person or thing from one already mentioned.

- PHRASES
another place Brit. the other House of Parliament (used in the Commons to refer to the Lords, and vice versa).

- ORIGIN ME: orig. an other.

anothery

(also anotherie)

n. Austral. informal another one.

ANOVA

//

n. analysis of variance, a statistical method in which the variation in a set of observations is divided into distinct components.

anovulant

//

adj. Medicine denoting a drug or other agent that prevents ovulation.

anovulatory

//

adj. Medicine (of a menstrual cycle) in which ovulation does not occur.

anoxia

//

n. chiefly Medicine an absence or deficiency of oxygen in a tissue, medium, etc.

- DERIVATIVES anoxic adj.

ANS

abbrev. autonomic nervous system.

Anschluss

//

n. the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938.

- ORIGIN Ger., from anschliessen ‘to join’.

anserine

//

adj. of or like a goose.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. anserinus, from anser ‘goose’.

ANSI

abbrev. American National Standards Institute.

answer

n.
1 something said, written, or done as a reaction to a question, statement, or situation.
2 the solution to a problem.
3 (answer to) a person or thing regarded as the equivalent to a better-known one from another place: she's Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe.
v.
1 respond with an answer. (answer back) respond impudently.
2 defend oneself against (a charge or accusation). (answer for) be responsible or to blame for.
3 (answer to) be responsible or report to.
4 be suitable for fulfilling (a need); satisfy.

- PHRASES
answer to the name of be called.
in answer to as a response to or as a result of.

- DERIVATIVES answerer n.

- ORIGIN OE andswaru (n.), andswarian (v.), of Gmc origin; from a base shared by swear.

answerable

adj.
1 (answerable to) responsible to or having to report to. (answerable for) responsible for (something).
2 (of a question) able to be answered.

answering machine

n. a device which supplies a recorded answer to a telephone call and can record a message from the caller.

answering service

n. a business that receives and answers telephone calls for its clients.

answerphone

n. Brit. a telephone answering machine.

ant

n. a small insect, usually wingless and with a sting, living in a complex social colony with one or more breeding queens.   Family Formicidae.

- PHRASES
have ants in one's pants informal be fidgety.

- ORIGIN OE æmete, of W. Gmc origin: cf. emmet.

ant-

prefix variant spelling of anti- shortened before a vowel or h (as in Antarctic).

-ant

suffix
1 (forming adjectives) denoting attribution of an action or state: arrogant.
2 (forming nouns) denoting an agent: deodorant.

- ORIGIN from Fr. or L. pres. participial verb stems (see also -ent).

antacid

//

adj. preventing or correcting acidity in the stomach.
n. an antacid medicine.

antagonism

//

n. active hostility or opposition.

antagonist

n.
1 a person who actively opposes or is hostile towards someone or something.
2 Biochemistry a substance which interferes with the physiological action of another.
3 Anatomy a muscle whose action counteracts that of another muscle.

- DERIVATIVES antagonistic adj. antagonistically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. antagoniste or late L. antagonista, from Gk antagnists, from antagnizesthai (see antagonize); cf. agonist.

antagonize

(or antagonise)

v.
1 make hostile.
2 Biochemistry act as an antagonist of (a substance).

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘struggle against’): from Gk antagnizesthai, from ant- ‘against’ + agnizesthai ‘struggle’.

Antarctic

adj. relating to the south polar region or Antarctica.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. antartique or L. antarcticus, from Gk antarktikos ‘opposite to the north’, from ant- ‘against’ + arktikos (see Arctic).

antbear

n. another term for aardvark.

antbird

n. a long-legged, short-tailed insectivorous bird found mainly in the tropical forests of South America.   Family Formicariidae: many species.

ante

//

n. a stake put up by a player in poker or brag before receiving cards.
v. (antes, anteing, anted) (ante something up) put up an amount as an ante in poker or brag. N. Amer. informal pay an amount of money in advance.

- PHRASES
up (or raise) the ante increase what is at stake or under discussion.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘before’.

ante-

//

prefix before; preceding: antecedent.

- ORIGIN from L. ante ‘before’.

anteater

n. a mammal that feeds on ants and termites, with a long snout and sticky tongue.   Many species, chiefly in family Myrmecophagidae (Central and S. America).

antebellum

//

adj. occurring or existing before a particular war, especially the US Civil War.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from ante ‘before’ and bellum ‘war’.

antecedent

//

n.
1 a thing that existed before or logically precedes another.
2 (antecedents) a person's ancestors and social background.
3 Grammar an earlier word, phrase, or clause to which a following pronoun refers back.
4 Logic the statement contained in the ‘if’ clause of a conditional proposition.
adj. preceding in time or order.

- DERIVATIVES antecedence n. antecedently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. or from L. antecedent-, antecedere, from ante ‘before’ + cedere ‘go’.

antechamber

n. a small room leading to a main one.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. antichambre, from Ital. anticamera, from anti- ‘preceding’ + camera (see chamber).

antechapel

n. a distinct part of a college chapel between the entrance and the nave or choir.

antechinus

//

n. a shrew-like marsupial mouse found in Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.   Genus Antechinus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk anti- ‘simulating’ + ekhinos ‘hedgehog’ (from its bristly fur).

antedate

v.
1 come before in date.
2 indicate that (a document or event) should be assigned to an earlier date.

antediluvian

//

adj.
1 of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood.
2 chiefly humorous ridiculously old-fashioned.

- ORIGIN C17: from ante- + L. diluvium ‘deluge’ + -an.

antelope

n. (pl. same or antelopes) a swift-running deer-like ruminant animal with upward-pointing horns, of a group including the gazelles, impala, gnu, and eland.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. the name of a fierce mythical creature): via OFr. and med. L. from late Gk antholops, of unknown origin and meaning.

ante-mortem

adj. & adv. before death.

- ORIGIN from L.

antenatal

Brit.

adj. before birth; during or relating to pregnancy.
n. informal an antenatal medical examination.

- DERIVATIVES antenatally adv.

antenna

n. (pl. antennae //)
1 Zoology a long, thin sensory appendage found in pairs on the heads of insects and some other arthropods.
2 (pl. also antennas) chiefly N. Amer. or technical an aerial.
3 (antennae) the faculty of instinctively detecting and interpreting subtle signs: his political antennae remain as sharp as ever.

- DERIVATIVES antennal adj. antennary adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., alt. of antemna ‘yard’ (of a ship), used in pl. to translate Gk keraioi ‘horns (of insects)’.

antennule

//

n. Zoology a small antenna, especially either of the first pair of antennae in a crustacean.

antenuptial

adj. chiefly Brit. another term for prenuptial.

antepartum

//

adj. Medicine occurring not long before childbirth.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘before birth’.

antepenult

//

n. Linguistics the last syllable but two in a word, e.g. -ul- in antepenultimate.

antepenultimate

adj. last but two in a series.

ante-post

adj. Brit. (of a bet on a horse race) placed before the runners are known, on a horse thought likely to be entered.

anterior

adj.
1 chiefly Anatomy & Biology nearer the front, especially in the front of the body or nearer to the head. The opposite of posterior. Botany situated further away from the main stem.
2 (anterior to) formal prior to.
3 Phonetics pronounced with an obstruction located in front of the palato-alveolar region of the mouth, e.g. b, p, d, t.

- DERIVATIVES anteriority n. anteriorly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. antérieur or L. anterior, compar. of ante ‘before’.

antero-

//

comb. form chiefly Anatomy representing anterior: anteroposterior.

anterograde

adj. directed forwards in time.

- ORIGIN C19: from anterior, on the pattern of retrograde.

anterolateral

adj. chiefly Anatomy both anterior and lateral.

anteroom

n. an antechamber, especially one serving as a waiting room. a large room in an officers' mess adjacent to the dining room.

anteroposterior

adj. chiefly Anatomy relating to or directed towards both front and back.

anteverted

//

adj. Anatomy & Medicine (of an organ, especially the womb) inclined forward.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. antevertere, from ante ‘before’ + vertere ‘to turn’ + -ed^2.

ant heap

n. an anthill.

anthelion

//, //

n. (pl. anthelia //) a luminous halo round a shadow projected by the sun on to a cloud or fog bank. a parhelion seen opposite the sun in the sky.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk anthlios ‘opposite to the sun’.

anthelmintic

// Medicine

adj. (of medicines) used to destroy parasitic worms.
n. an anthelmintic medicine.

- ORIGIN C17: from anth- (var. of anti ‘against’) + Gk helmins, helminth- ‘worm’ + -ic.

anthem

n.
1 a rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group or cause. (also national anthem) a solemn patriotic song adopted as an expression of national identity.
2 a musical setting of a religious text to be sung by a choir during a church service.

- DERIVATIVES anthemic adj.

- ORIGIN OE antefn, antifne, from late L. antiphona (see antiphon).

anthemion

//

n. (pl. anthemia //) an ornamental design of alternating motifs resembling clusters of narrow leaves or honeysuckle petals.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, lit. ‘flower’.

anther

n. Botany the part of a stamen that contains the pollen.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. anthère or mod. L. anthera, from Gk anthra ‘flowery’.

antheridium

//

n. (pl. antheridia //) Botany the male sex organ of algae, mosses, ferns, fungi, and other non-flowering plants.

- DERIVATIVES antheridial adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from anthera (see anther) + -idium (from the Gk dimin. suffix -idion).

anthesis

//

n. Botany the flowering period of a plant, from the opening of the flower bud.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anthsis ‘flowering’.

anthill

n. a nest in the form of a mound built by ants or termites.

antho-

//

comb. form relating to flowers: anthophilous.

- ORIGIN from Gk anthos ‘flower’.

anthology

n. (pl. anthologies) a collection of poems or other pieces of writing or music.

- DERIVATIVES anthologist n. anthologization (or anthologisation) n. anthologize (or anthologise) v.

- ORIGIN C17: via Fr. or med. L. from Gk anthologia, from anthos ‘flower’ (i.e. ‘flowers’ of verse) + -logia ‘collection’.

anthozoan

//

n. Zoology a member of a large class of marine coelenterates (the Anthozoa) that includes the sea anemones and corals.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Anthozoa, from Gk anthos ‘flower’ + zia ‘animals’.

anthracene

//

n. Chemistry a crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon obtained by the distillation of crude oils.   C_14H_10.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anthrax, anthrak- ‘coal’ + -ene.

anthracite

//

n. coal of a hard variety that contains relatively pure carbon and burns with little flame and smoke.

- DERIVATIVES anthracitic adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a gem resembling coal): from Gk anthrakits, from anthrax, anthrak- ‘coal’.

anthracnose

//

n. a mainly fungal disease of plants, causing dark lesions.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Fr. from Gk anthrax, anthrak- ‘coal’ + nosos ‘disease’.

anthrax

//

n. a serious bacterial disease of sheep and cattle, typically affecting the skin and lungs and able to be transmitted to humans.

- ORIGIN ME, ‘carbuncle’: from L., from Gk anthrax, anthrak- ‘coal, carbuncle’.

anthropic principle

//

n. the cosmological principle that theories of the universe are constrained by the necessity to allow human existence.

- ORIGIN 1970s: anthropic from Gk anthrpikos, from anthrpos ‘human being’.

anthropo-

//

comb. form human; relating to human beings: anthropology.

- ORIGIN from Gk anthrpos ‘human being’.

anthropocentric

adj. regarding humankind as the most important element of existence.

- DERIVATIVES anthropocentrically adv. anthropocentrism n.

anthropogenic

//

adj. (chiefly of pollution) originating in human activity.

- DERIVATIVES anthropogenically adv.

anthropoid

adj.
1 resembling a human being in form.
2 Zoology relating to the group of higher primates including monkeys, apes, and humans. (of an ape) belonging to the family of great apes.
n. Zoology a higher primate, especially an ape or apeman.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk anthrpoeids, from anthrpos ‘human being’ + -oid.

anthropology

//

n. the study of humankind, including the comparative study of societies and cultures and the science of human zoology and evolution.

- DERIVATIVES anthropological adj. anthropologist n.

anthropometry

// (also anthropometrics)

n. the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

- DERIVATIVES anthropometric adj.

anthropomorphic

//

adj. relating to or characterized by anthropomorphism. having human characteristics.

- DERIVATIVES anthropomorphically adv.

anthropomorphism

//

n. the attribution of human characteristics or behaviour to a god, animal, or object.

- DERIVATIVES anthropomorphize (or anthropomorphise) v.

anthropomorphous

adj. (of a god, animal, or object) human in form or nature.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk anthrpomorphos (from anthrpos ‘human being’ + morph ‘form’) + -ous.

anthropophagi

//

pl. n. (in legends) cannibals.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk anthrpophagos ‘man-eating’.

anthropophagy

//

n. the eating of human flesh by other humans; cannibalism.

- DERIVATIVES anthropophagous // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk anthrpophagia, from anthrpophagos (see anthropophagi).

anthroposophy

//

n. a system established by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner that seeks to optimize physical and mental health and well-being.

- DERIVATIVES anthroposophical adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from anthropo- + Gk sophia ‘wisdom’.

anthurium

//

n. (pl. anthuriums) a tropical American plant grown for its ornamental foliage or brightly coloured flowering spathes.   Genus Anthurium.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk anthos ‘flower’ + oura ‘tail’.

anti

prep. opposed to; against.
n. (pl. antis) informal an opponent of something.

anti-

(also ant-)

prefix
1 opposed to; against: anti-aircraft. preventing or relieving: antibacterial. the opposite of: anticlimax. acting as a rival: antipope.
2 Physics the antiparticle of a specified particle.

- ORIGIN from Gk anti ‘against’.

anti-aircraft

adj. (of a gun or missile) used to attack enemy aircraft from the ground or a ship.

antibacterial

adj. active against bacteria.

antibiosis

//

n. Biology an antagonistic association between two organisms (especially microorganisms), in which one is adversely affected. Compare with symbiosis.

- ORIGIN C19: from anti- + a shortened form of symbiosis.

antibiotic

n. a medicine that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms.

- ORIGIN C19: from anti- + Gk bitikos ‘fit for life’ (from bios ‘life’).

antibody

n. (pl. antibodies) a blood protein produced by the body in response to and counteracting an antigen.

antic

adj. archaic grotesque or bizarre.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. antico ‘antique’, also ‘grotesque’.

anticholinergic

// Medicine

adj. inhibiting the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
n. an anticholinergic drug.

Antichrist

n. (the Antichrist) a postulated opponent of Christ expected by the early Church to appear before the end of the world.

anticipate

v.
1 be aware of and prepare for (a future event). regard as probable. look forward to.
2 act as a forerunner or precursor of.

- DERIVATIVES anticipative adj. anticipator n. anticipatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. anticipat-, anticipare, from ante- ‘before’ + capere ‘take’.

anticipation

n. the action of anticipating; expectation or prediction. Music the introduction in a composition of part of a chord which is about to follow in full.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. anticipatio(n-), from the verb anticipare (see anticipate).

anticlerical

adj. chiefly historical opposed to the power or influence of the clergy.

- DERIVATIVES anticlericalism n.

anticlimax

n. a disappointing end to an exciting series of events.

- DERIVATIVES anticlimactic adj. anticlimactically adv.

anticline

//

n. Geology a ridge or fold of stratified rock in which the strata slope downwards from the crest. Compare with syncline.

- DERIVATIVES anticlinal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from anti- + Gk klinein ‘lean’, on the pattern of incline.

anticlockwise

adv. & adj. Brit. in the opposite direction to the way in which the hands of a clock move round.

anticoagulant

adj. having the effect of retarding the coagulation of the blood.
n. an anticoagulant substance.

anticodon

//

n. Biochemistry a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA.

anticonvulsant

adj. preventing or reducing the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions.
n. an anticonvulsant drug.

antics

pl. n. foolish, outrageous, or amusing behaviour.

- ORIGIN C16: from antic.

anticyclone

n. a weather system with high barometric pressure at its centre, around which air slowly circulates (typically associated with calm, fine weather).

- DERIVATIVES anticyclonic adj.

antidepressant

adj. used to alleviate depression.
n. an antidepressant drug.

antidiarrhoeal

adj. used to alleviate diarrhoea.

antidisestablishmentarianism

//

n. rare opposition to the disestablishment of the Church of England.

- DERIVATIVES antidisestablishmentarian n. & adj.

antidiuretic hormone

n. another term for vasopressin.

antidote

n.
1 a medicine taken to counteract a particular poison.
2 something that counteracts an unpleasant feeling or situation: laughter is a good antidote to stress.

- DERIVATIVES antidotal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via L., from Gk antidoton, from anti- ‘against’ + didonai ‘give’.

antidromic

//

adj. Physiology (of an impulse) travelling in the opposite direction to that normal in a nerve fibre. The opposite of orthodromic.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from anti- + Gk dromos ‘running’ + -ic.

anti-emetic

adj. preventing vomiting.
n. an anti-emetic drug.

antiferromagnetic

adj. Physics denoting or exhibiting a weak form of magnetism in which there is an antiparallel alignment of adjacent electron spins in a crystal lattice.

antifouling

n. a substance applied to a boat's hull to prevent fouling.

antifreeze

n. a liquid added to water to lower the freezing point, especially in the radiator of a motor vehicle.

anti-g

adj. short for antigravity.

antigen

n. a substance which the body recognizes as alien and which induces an immune response. Compare with antibody.

- DERIVATIVES antigenic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: via Ger. from Fr. antigène (see anti-, -gen).

antigenic determinant

n. Biochemistry another term for epitope.

antigorite

//

n. a mineral of the serpentine group, occurring typically as thin green plates.

- ORIGIN from Antigorio, a valley in Piedmont, Italy, + -ite^1.

antigravity

n. Physics a hypothetical force opposing gravity.
adj. designed to counteract the effects of high acceleration.

Antiguan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Antigua, or the country of Antigua and Barbuda, in the West Indies.
adj. relating to Antigua or Antigua and Barbuda.

anti-hero

(or anti-heroine)

n. a central character in a story, film, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes.

antihistamine

n. a drug or other compound that inhibits the physiological effects of histamine, used especially in the treatment of allergies.

anti-infective

adj. used to prevent infection.
n. an anti-infective drug.

anti-inflammatory

adj. used to reduce inflammation.
n. (pl. anti-inflammatories) an anti-inflammatory drug.

anti-knock

n. a substance added to petrol to inhibit pre-ignition.

anti-lock

adj. (of brakes) designed so as to prevent the wheels locking and the vehicle skidding if applied suddenly.

antilogarithm

n. the number of which a given number is the logarithm.

antilogy

//

n. (pl. antilogies) archaic a contradiction in terms or ideas.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. antilogie, from Gk antilogia, from anti- ‘against’ + -logia (see -logy).

antimacassar

//

n. a piece of cloth put over the back of an upholstered chair to protect it from grease and dirt.

- ORIGIN C19: from anti- + Macassar.

antimalarial

adj. used to prevent malaria.
n. an antimalarial drug.

antimatter

n. Physics matter consisting of elementary particles which are the antiparticles of those making up normal matter.

antimetabolite

n. Physiology a substance that interferes with the normal metabolic processes within cells.

antimicrobial

adj. active against microbes.
n. an antimicrobial substance.

antimonide

//, //

n. Chemistry a compound of antimony with a more electropositive element.

antimony

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 51, a brittle silvery-white semimetal. (Symbol: Sb)

- DERIVATIVES antimonial adj. antimonic adj. antimonious adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the ore stibnite): from med. L. antimonium, of unknown origin.

antinode

n. Physics the position of maximum displacement in a standing wave system.

antinomian

//

adj. holding or relating to the view that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law.
n. a person holding antinomian views.

- DERIVATIVES antinomianism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. Antinomi, a 16th-cent. German sect, from Gk anti- ‘against’ + nomos ‘law’.

antinomy

//

n. (pl. antinomies) a paradox.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. antinomia, from Gk, from anti ‘against’ + nomos ‘law’.

antioxidant

n. a substance that prevents or inhibits oxidation. a substance such as vitamin C or E that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.

antiparallel

adj. Physics parallel but moving or oriented in opposite directions.

antiparticle

n. Physics a subatomic particle with the same mass as a given particle but opposite electric or magnetic properties (e.g. a positron in relation to an electron).

antipasto

//

n. (pl. antipasti //) (in Italian cookery) an hors d'oeuvre.

- ORIGIN Ital., from anti- ‘before’ + pasto (from L. pastus ‘food’).

antipathy

//

n. (pl. antipathies) a deep-seated feeling of aversion.

- DERIVATIVES antipathetic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. antipathie, or via L. from Gk antipatheia, from antipaths ‘opposed in feeling’.

anti-personnel

adj. (of weapons) designed to kill or injure people rather than to damage buildings or equipment.

antiperspirant

n. a substance applied to prevent or reduce perspiration.

antiphon

//

n. a short sentence sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle. a musical setting of an antiphon. a versicle or sentence sung by one choir in response to another.

- ORIGIN ME: via eccles. L. from Gk antiphna ‘harmonies’, neut. pl. of antiphnos ‘responsive’, from anti ‘in return’ + phn ‘sound’.

antiphonal

adj. (of church music) sung, recited, or played alternately by two groups.
n. another term for antiphonary.

- DERIVATIVES antiphonally adv.

antiphonary

//

n. (pl. antiphonaries) a book of plainsong for the Divine Office.

antiphony

n. antiphonal singing, playing, or chanting.

Antipodes

//

pl. n.
1 (the Antipodes) Australia and New Zealand (used by inhabitants of the northern hemisphere).
2 (antipodes or antipode) the direct opposite of something.

- DERIVATIVES antipodal adj. Antipodean adj. & n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. or late L. from Gk antipodes ‘having the feet opposite’, from anti ‘against, opposite’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.

antipope

n. a person established as pope in opposition to one held by others to be canonically chosen.

- ORIGIN ME antipape, via Fr. from med. L. antipapa (on the pattern of Antichrist).

antiproton

n. Physics the negatively charged antiparticle of a proton.

antipruritic

//

adj. used to relieve itching.
n. an antipruritic drug.

- ORIGIN C19: from anti- + pruritic (see pruritus).

antipsychotic

adj. used to treat psychotic disorders.
n. an antipsychotic drug.

antipyretic

adj. used to prevent or reduce fever.
n. an antipyretic drug.

antiquarian

//

adj. relating to or studying antiques, rare books, or antiquities.
n. (also antiquary) a person who studies or collects antiques or antiquities.

- DERIVATIVES antiquarianism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. antiquarius, from antiquus (see antique).

antiquark

n. Physics the antiparticle of a quark.

antiquated

adj. old-fashioned or outdated.

- ORIGIN C16: from eccles. L. antiquare ‘make old’, from antiquus (see antique).

antique

n. a decorative object that is valuable because of its age.
adj.
1 (of an object) valuable because of its age.
2 belonging to the distant past. old-fashioned or outdated.
v. (antiques, antiquing, antiqued) make (something) resemble an antique by artificial means.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. antiquus, anticus ‘former, ancient’, from ante ‘before’.

antiquity

n. (pl. antiquities)
1 the distant past, especially the classical and other civilizations before the Middle Ages.
2 (usu. antiquities) an object or building from the distant past.
3 great age.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. antiquite, from L. antiquitas, from antiquus (see antique).

antiretroviral

//

adj. denoting or relating to a class of drugs which inhibit the activity of retroviruses such as HIV.
n. an antiretroviral drug.

anti-roll bar

n. a rubber-mounted bar fitted in the suspension of a vehicle to increase its stability, especially when cornering.

antirrhinum

//

n. (pl. antirrhinums) a plant of a genus that includes the snapdragon.   Genus Antirrhinum.

- ORIGIN from L., from Gk antirrhinon, from anti- ‘counterfeiting’ + rhis, rhin- ‘nose’, from the resemblance of the flower to an animal's snout.

antiscorbutic

Medicine

adj. preventing or curing scurvy.
n. an antiscorbutic food or drug.

anti-Semitism

n. hostility to or prejudice against Jews.

- DERIVATIVES anti-Semite n. anti-Semitic adj.

antisense

adj. Genetics relating to or denoting a sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA complementary to (and hence capable of binding to) a coding (or sense) sequence.

antisepsis

n. the practice of using antiseptics to eliminate the microorganisms that cause disease. Compare with asepsis.

antiseptic

adj.
1 preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
2 so clean or pure as to be bland or characterless.
n. an antiseptic substance.

- DERIVATIVES antiseptically adv.

antiserum

n. (pl. antisera) a blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens, injected to treat or protect against specific diseases.

antisocial

adj.
1 contrary to the customs of society and causing annoyance and disapproval in others. Psychiatry sociopathic.
2 not sociable.

- DERIVATIVES antisocially adv.

USAGE

On the difference in use between antisocial, unsocial, and unsociable, see usage at unsociable.

antispasmodic

adj. used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle.
n. an antispasmodic drug.

anti-static

adj. preventing the build-up of static electricity or reducing its effects.

antistrophe

//

n. the second section of an ancient Greek choral ode or of one division of it. Compare with strophe.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk antistroph, from antistrephein ‘turn against’.

antisymmetric

adj. Mathematics & Physics unaltered in magnitude but changed in sign by an arithmetical or symmetry operation.

antithesis

//

n. (pl. antitheses //)
1 a person or thing that is the direct opposite of another. a contrast or opposition between two things.
2 a rhetorical or literary device in which an opposition or contrast of ideas is expressed.
3 (in Hegelian philosophy) the negation of the thesis as the second stage in the process of dialectical reasoning. Compare with synthesis.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L., from Gk antitithenai ‘set against’.

antithetical

//

adj.
1 mutually incompatible.
2 relating to or using the rhetorical device of antithesis.

- DERIVATIVES antithetic adj. antithetically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk antithetikos, from antithetos ‘placed in opposition’.

antitoxin

n. Physiology an antibody that counteracts a toxin.

- DERIVATIVES antitoxic adj.

antitrade winds

pl. n. steady winds that blow in the opposite direction to and overlie the trade winds.

antitrust

adj. chiefly US (of legislation) preventing or controlling monopolies.

antitype

n. a person or thing that represents the opposite of another.

- DERIVATIVES antitypical adj.

antivenin

//

n. an antiserum containing antibodies against specific poisons, especially those in the venom of snakes.

- DERIVATIVES antivenom n.

- ORIGIN C19: from anti- + ven(om) + -in^1.

antiviral

adj. Medicine (of a drug or treatment) effective against viruses.

antivivisection

adj. opposed to the use of live animals for scientific research.

- DERIVATIVES antivivisectionism n. antivivisectionist n. & adj.

antler

n. a branched horn on the head of an adult deer. one of the branches on an antler.

- DERIVATIVES antlered adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., var. of OFr. antoillier, of unknown origin.

ant lion

n. an insect that resembles a dragonfly, with predatory larvae that construct conical pits into which insects fall.   Family Myrmeleontidae.

antonomasia

//, //

n. Linguistics the substitution of an epithet or title for a proper name. the use of a proper name to express a general idea (e.g. a Scrooge for a miser).

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk, from antonomazein ‘name instead’.

antonym

//

n. a word opposite in meaning to another.

- DERIVATIVES antonymous // adj. antonymy // n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. antonyme, from ant- (from Gk anti- ‘against’) + Gk onoma ‘a name’.

antrum

//

n. (pl. antra //) Anatomy
1 a natural chamber or cavity in a bone.
2 the pyloric end of the stomach.

- DERIVATIVES antral adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from Gk antron ‘cave’.

antsy

//

adj. (antsier, antsiest) N. Amer. informal agitated, impatient, or restless.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from the phr. have ants in one's pants (see ant).

anuran

// Zoology

n. a tailless amphibian of the order Anura, which comprises the frogs and toads.
adj. relating to the anurans.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Anura, from an-1 + Gk oura ‘tail’.

anuria

//

n. Medicine failure of the kidneys to produce urine.

- DERIVATIVES anuric adj.

anus

//

n. the opening at the end of the alimentary canal through which solid waste matter leaves the body.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., orig. ‘a ring’.

anvil

n.
1 a heavy iron block on which metal can be hammered and shaped.
2 the horizontally extended upper part of a cumulonimbus cloud.
3 Anatomy another term for incus.

- ORIGIN OE anfilte, from the Gmc base of on + a verbal stem meaning ‘beat’.

anxiety

n. (pl. anxieties) a feeling of being anxious. Psychiatry a nervous disorder marked by excessive uneasiness.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. anxiété or L. anxietas, from anxius (see anxious).

anxiolytic

// Medicine

adj. used to reduce anxiety.
n. an anxiolytic drug.

anxious

adj.
1 experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease.
2 very eager and concerned to do something or for something to happen.

- DERIVATIVES anxiously adv. anxiousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. anxius (from angere ‘to choke’) + -ous.

any

det. & pron.
1 used to refer to one or some of a thing or number of things, no matter how much or how many.
2 whichever of a specified class might be chosen.
adv. at all; in some degree (used for emphasis).

- PHRASES
any more (also anymore) to any further extent; any longer.
any road chiefly N. English anyway.
any time (also anytime) at whatever time.
any time (or day or minute) now informal very soon.
be not having any (of it) informal be unwilling to cooperate.

- ORIGIN OE ænig (see one, -y^1), of Gmc origin.

anybody

pron. anyone.

anyhow

adv.
1 another term for anyway.
2 in a careless or haphazard way.

anymore

adv. variant of any more (see any).

anyone

pron. any person or people: there wasn't anyone there.

USAGE

The two-word form any one is not the same as the one-word form anyone. Any one means ‘any single (person or thing)’, as in not more than twelve new members are admitted in any one year.

anyplace

adv. N. Amer. informal term for anywhere.

anything

pron. used to refer to a thing, no matter what.

- PHRASES
anything but not at all (used for emphasis).
anything like [with neg.] at all like.
(as) —— as anything informal extremely ——: she said it out loud, clear as anything.

anytime

adv. variant of any time (see any).

anyway

adv.
1 used to confirm or support a point.
2 used in conversations to change the subject or to resume after interruption.
3 used to indicate that something happened or will happen in spite of something else.

anyways

adv. N. Amer. informal or dialect form of anyway.

anywhere

adv. in or to any place.
pron. any place.

anywheres

adv. & pron. N. Amer. informal or dialect form of anywhere.

anywise

adv. archaic in any manner or way.

Anzac

n. a soldier in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (1914–18). informal a person from Australia or New Zealand.

AOB

abbrev. (at the end of an agenda for a meeting) any other business.

AOC

abbrev. appellation d'origine contrôlée (see appellation contrôlée).

ao dai

/ /

n. (pl. ao dais) a Vietnamese woman's traditional long-sleeved tunic with ankle-length panels at front and back, worn over trousers.

- ORIGIN 1960s: Vietnamese.

A-OK

(also A-okay)

adj. & adv. N. Amer. informal in a good order or manner; all right.

- ORIGIN 1960s (orig. an astronauts' term): from all systems OK.

AOR

n. a style of popular music in which a hard rock background is combined with more melodic elements.

- ORIGIN 1970s (orig. US): from album-oriented rock or adult-oriented rock.

aorist

//, // Grammar

adj. relating to or denoting a past tense of a verb (especially in Greek) which does not contain any reference to duration or completion of the action.
n. a word in the aorist tense.

- DERIVATIVES aoristic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk aoristos ‘indefinite’.

aorta

//

n. the main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood from the heart to the circulatory system.

- DERIVATIVES aortic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk aort, from aeirein ‘raise’.

aoudad

//

n. another term for Barbary sheep.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Berber udd.

à outrance

/ /

adv. literary to the death or the very end.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘to the utmost’.

ap-1

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before p (as in apposite, apprehend).

ap-2

prefix variant spelling of apo- shortened before a vowel or h (as in aphelion).

apace

adv. literary swiftly; quickly.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. a pas ‘at (a considerable) pace’.

Apache

//

n. (pl. same or Apaches)
1 a member of an American Indian people living chiefly in New Mexico and Arizona.
2 any of the Athabaskan languages of the Apache.

- ORIGIN from Mex. Sp., prob. from Zuñi Apachu, lit. ‘enemy’.

apanage

n. variant spelling of appanage.

apart

adv.
1 separated by a specified distance. no longer living together or close emotionally.
2 to or on one side.
3 into pieces.

- PHRASES
apart from
1 except for.
2 as well as.

- DERIVATIVES apartness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. a parte ‘at the side’.

apartheid

//, //

n. the system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race in force in South Africa 1948–91.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Afrik., lit. ‘separateness’, from Du. apart ‘separate’ + -heid (equivalent of -hood).

aparthotel

(also apartotel)

n. a type of hotel providing self-catering apartments as well as ordinary hotel facilities.

apartment

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a suite of rooms forming one residence; a flat. a block of apartments.
2 (apartments) a private suite of rooms in a large house.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. appartement, from Ital. appartamento, from appartare ‘to separate’.

apathetic

adj. not interested or enthusiastic.

- DERIVATIVES apathetically adv.

apathy

//

n. lack of interest or enthusiasm.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. apathie, via L. from Gk apatheia, from apaths ‘without feeling’.

apatite

//

n. a pale green to purple mineral consisting chiefly of calcium phosphate.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk apat ‘deceit’ (from the mineral's diverse forms and colours).

apatosaurus

//

n. a huge herbivorous dinosaur of the late Jurassic period, with a long neck and tail.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk apat ‘deceit’ (because of a deceptive similarity between some of its bones and those of other dinosaurs) + sauros ‘lizard’.

APB

abbrev. US all-points bulletin.

APC

abbrev. armoured personnel carrier.

ape

n.
1 a large tailless primate of a group including the gorilla, chimpanzees, orang-utan, and gibbons.   Families Pongidae and Hylobatidae.
2 informal an unintelligent or clumsy person.
3 archaic an inferior imitator.
v. imitate, especially in an absurd or unthinking way.

- PHRASES
go ape (or N. Amer. vulgar slang apeshit) informal become very angry or excited.

- ORIGIN OE apa, of Gmc origin.

APEC

abbrev. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

apeman

n. (pl. apemen) an extinct ape-like primate believed to be related to present-day humans.

aperçu

//

n. (pl. aperçus) a comment which makes an illuminating or entertaining point.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., past part. of apercevoir ‘perceive’.

aperient

// Medicine

adj. used to relieve constipation.
n. an aperient drug.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aperient-, aperire ‘to open’.

aperiodic

adj. chiefly Physics
1 not periodic; irregular.
2 damped to prevent oscillation or vibration.

- DERIVATIVES aperiodicity n.

aperitif

//, //

n. an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. apéritif, from med. L. aperitivus, based on L. aperire ‘to open’.

aperture

//, //

n. an opening, hole, or gap. the variable opening by which light enters a camera.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. apertura, from apert-, aperire ‘to open’.

apery

//

n. archaic absurd or unthinking mimicry.

apetalous

//, //

adj. Botany having no petals.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. apetalus, from Gk apetalos ‘leafless’ + -ous.

Apex

//

n. a system of reduced fares for scheduled airline flights and railway journeys which must be booked and paid for in advance.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Advance Purchase Excursion.

apex

//

n. (pl. apexes or apices //)
1 the top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point. Botany the growing point of a shoot.
2 the highest point of achievement.
v. reach a high point or climax.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘peak, tip’.

Apgar score

//

n. Medicine a number expressing the physical condition of a newborn infant (a score of ten representing the best possible condition).

- ORIGIN 1960s: named after the American anaesthesiologist Virginia Apgar.

aphasia

//

n. Medicine inability to understand or produce speech as a result of brain damage.

- DERIVATIVES aphasic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, from aphatos ‘speechless’.

aphelion

//

n. (pl. aphelia //) Astronomy the point in a body's orbit at which it is furthest from the sun. The opposite of perihelion.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of mod. L. aphelium, from Gk aph' hlion ‘from the sun’.

apheresis

//

n.
1 Linguistics omission of the initial sound of a word, as when he is is pronounced he's.
2 Medicine a technique by which a particular substance or component is removed from the blood.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk aphairesis, from aphairein ‘take away’.

aphesis

//

n. Linguistics the gradual loss of an unstressed vowel at the beginning of a word (e.g. of e from esquire to form squire).

- DERIVATIVES aphetic // adj. aphetically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, lit. ‘letting go’, from apo ‘from’ + hienai ‘let go, send’.

aphid

//

n. a small bug which feeds by sucking sap from plants, especially a blackfly or greenfly.   Aphis and other genera: many species.

- DERIVATIVES aphicide n.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from aphides, pl. of aphis.

aphis

//

n. (pl. aphides //) an aphid.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk, perh. a misreading of koris ‘bug’ (interpreting the characters ‘kor’ as ‘aph’).

aphonia

//, // (also aphony //)

n. Medicine inability to speak through disease of or damage to the larynx or mouth.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk aphnia, from aphnos ‘voiceless’.

aphorism

//

n. a pithy observation which contains a general truth.

- DERIVATIVES aphorist n. aphoristic adj. aphoristically adv. aphorize (or aphorise) v.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. aphorisme or late L. aphorismus, from Gk aphorismos ‘definition’.

aphrodisiac

//

n. a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire.

- DERIVATIVES aphrodisiacal adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios, from Aphrodit ‘Aphrodite’, the goddess of love.

aphthous

//

adj. Medicine denoting a small ulcer of a kind occurring in the mouth or on the tongue.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk, rel. to haptein ‘set on fire’.

API

abbrev. Computing application programming interface.

apian

//

adj. relating to bees.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. apianus, from apis ‘bee’.

apiary

//

n. (pl. apiaries) a place where bees are kept.

- DERIVATIVES apiarian adj. apiarist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. apiarium, from apis ‘bee’.

apical

//, //

adj.
1 technical relating to or denoting an apex.
2 Phonetics (of a consonant) formed with the tip of the tongue at or near the front teeth or the alveolar ridge, for example th or trilled r.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. apex, apic- (see apex) + -al.

apices

plural form of apex.

apiculture

//

n. technical term for bee-keeping.

- DERIVATIVES apicultural adj. apiculturist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. apis ‘bee’ + culture.

apiece

adv. to, for, or by each one.

apish

//

adj.
1 resembling or likened to an ape.
2 foolish or silly.

- DERIVATIVES apishly adv. apishness n.

aplanat

//

n. Physics a reflecting or refracting surface which is free from spherical aberration.

- DERIVATIVES aplanatic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from Gk aplantos, from a- ‘not’ + planan ‘wander’.

aplasia

//

n. Medicine the failure of an organ or tissue to develop or to function normally.

- DERIVATIVES aplastic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk plasis ‘formation’.

aplastic anaemia

n. Medicine deficiency of all types of blood cell caused by failure of bone marrow development.

aplenty

adj. [postpos.] in abundance: he has work aplenty.

aplomb

//

n. self-confidence or assurance.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘perpendicularity, steadiness’): from Fr., from à plomb ‘according to a plummet’.

apnoea

// (US apnea)

n. Medicine temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk apnoia, from apnous ‘breathless’.

apo-

// (also ap- before a vowel or h)

prefix
1 away from or separate: apocrine.
2 Astronomy denoting the furthest point in the orbit of a body in relation to the primary: apolune. Compare with peri-.

- ORIGIN from Gk apo ‘from, away, quite, un-’.

Apoc.

abbrev.
1 Apocalypse.
2 Apocrypha.

apocalypse

//

n.
1 an event involving destruction or damage on a catastrophic scale.
2 (the Apocalypse) the complete final destruction of the world, as described in the biblical book of Revelation. (especially in the Vulgate Bible) the book of Revelation.

- ORIGIN OE, via OFr. and eccles. L. from Gk apokalupsis, from apokaluptein ‘uncover, reveal’.

apocalyptic

adj.
1 momentous or catastrophic.
2 of or resembling the biblical Apocalypse.

- DERIVATIVES apocalyptically adv.

apocarpous

//

adj. Botany having distinct carpels that are not joined together.

- ORIGIN C19: from apo- + Gk karpos ‘fruit’ + -ous.

apochromat

//

n. Physics a lens or lens system that reduces spherical and chromatic aberration.

- DERIVATIVES apochromatic adj.

apocope

//

n. Linguistics omission of the final sound of a word, as when cup of tea is pronounced as cuppa tea.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L., from Gk apokoptein ‘cut off’.

Apocr.

abbrev. Apocrypha.

apocrine

//, //

adj. Physiology relating to or denoting glands which release some cytoplasm in their secretions, especially sweat glands in the armpits and pubic regions.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from apo- + Gk krinein ‘to separate’.

Apocrypha

//

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.]
1 (the Apocrypha) biblical or related writings appended to the Old Testament in the Septuagint and Vulgate versions, not forming part of the accepted canon of Scripture.
2 (apocrypha) writings or reports not considered genuine.

- ORIGIN ME: from eccles. L. apocrypha (scripta) ‘hidden (writings)’, from Gk apokruphos, from apokruptein ‘hide away’.

apocryphal

adj.
1 (of a report) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
2 of or belonging to the Apocrypha.

- DERIVATIVES apocryphally adv.

apodictic

// (also apodeictic //)

adj. formal clearly established or beyond dispute.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk apodeiktikos, from apodeiknunai ‘show off, demonstrate’.

apodosis

//

n. (pl. apodoses //) Grammar the main clause of a conditional sentence (e.g. I would agree in if you asked me I would agree). Contrasted with protasis.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk, from apodidonai ‘give back’.

apodous

//

adj. Zoology without feet or having only rudimentary feet.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk apous, apod- ‘footless’ + -ous.

apogee

//

n.
1 the culmination or climax of something.
2 Astronomy the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is furthest from the earth. The opposite of perigee.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. apogée or mod. L. apogaeum, from Gk apogaion (diastma), ‘(distance) away from earth’.

apolar

adj. chiefly Biochemistry having no electrical polarity.

apolitical

adj. not interested or involved in politics.

apollo

n. (pl. apollos) a large creamy-white butterfly with black and red spots, found chiefly in the mountains of Europe.   Parnassius apollo.

- ORIGIN C19: from Apollo, the Greek god of the sun.

Apollonian

//

adj.
1 Greek Mythology relating to the god Apollo.
2 relating to the rational, ordered, and self-disciplined aspects of human nature. Compare with Dionysiac.

apologetic

adj.
1 making or expressing an apology.
2 constituting a formal justification of a theory or doctrine.

- DERIVATIVES apologetically adv.

apologetics

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] reasoned arguments in justification of a theory or doctrine.

apologia

//

n. a formal written defence of one's opinions or conduct.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. (see apology).

apologist

n. a person who offers an argument in defence of something controversial.

apologize

(or apologise)

v. express regret for something that one has done wrong.

apologue

//

n. a moral fable, especially one with animals as characters.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., via L. from Gk apologos ‘story’.

apology

n. (pl. apologies)
1 a regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure. (apologies) a formal expression of regret at being unable to attend a meeting or social function.
2 (an apology for) a very poor example of.
3 a justification or defence.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. apologie, or via late L. from Gk apologia ‘a speech in one's own defence’, from apo ‘away’+ -logia (see -logy).

apolune

//

n. the point at which a spacecraft in lunar orbit is furthest from the moon. The opposite of perilune.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from apo- + L. luna ‘moon’, on the pattern of apogee.

apomixis

//

n. Botany asexual reproduction in plants, in particular agamospermy. Often contrasted with amphimixis.

- DERIVATIVES apomictic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from apo- + Gk mixis ‘mingling’.

apomorphine

//

n. Medicine a compound derived from morphine, used as an emetic and in the treatment of Parkinsonism.

aponeurosis

//

n. (pl. aponeuroses //) Anatomy a sheet of fibrous tissue which takes the place of a tendon in sheet-like muscles having a wide area of attachment.

- DERIVATIVES aponeurotic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk aponeursis, from apo ‘off, away’ + neuron ‘sinew’ + -osis.

apophatic

//

adj. Theology (of knowledge of God) obtained through negating concepts that might be applied to him. The opposite of cataphatic.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk apophatikos ‘negative’, from apophasis ‘denial’.

apophthegm

// (US apothegm)

n. a concise saying or maxim.

- DERIVATIVES apophthegmatic // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. apophthegme or mod. L. apothegma, from Gk, from apophthengesthai ‘speak out’.

apophysis

//

n. (pl. apophyses) chiefly Zoology & Anatomy a natural protuberance or swelling, especially one on a bone for the attachment of muscles.

- DERIVATIVES apophyseal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., from Gk apophusis ‘offshoot’.

apoplectic

//

adj.
1 overcome with anger.
2 dated relating to or denoting apoplexy (stroke).

- DERIVATIVES apoplectically adv.

apoplexy

//

n. (pl. apoplexies)
1 extreme anger.
2 dated unconsciousness or incapacity resulting from a cerebral haemorrhage or stroke.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apoplexie, from late L. apoplexia, from Gk apoplxia, from apoplssein ‘disable by a stroke’.

apoprotein

//

n. Biochemistry a protein which together with a prosthetic group forms a particular biochemical molecule such as a hormone.

apoptosis

//

n. Physiology the death of cells which occurs as a normal part of an organism's development.

- DERIVATIVES apoptotic // adj.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Gk apoptsis ‘falling off’.

aporia

//, //

n.
1 an irresolvable internal contradiction or logical disjunction in a text, argument, or theory.
2 Rhetoric the expression of doubt.

- DERIVATIVES aporetic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk, from aporos ‘impassable’.

aposematic

//

adj. Zoology denoting coloration or markings serving to warn or repel predators.

- DERIVATIVES aposematism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from apo- + Gk sma ‘sign’ + -atic.

aposiopesis

//

n. (pl. aposiopeses //) Rhetoric the device of suddenly breaking off in speech.

- DERIVATIVES aposiopetic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk aposipsis, from aposipan ‘be silent’.

apostasy

//

n. the abandonment or renunciation of a belief or principle.

- ORIGIN ME: from eccles. L. apostasia, from late Gk alt. of Gk apostasis ‘defection’.

apostate

//

n. a person who renounces a belief or principle.
adj. having abandoned a belief or principle.

- DERIVATIVES apostatical adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from eccles. L. apostata, from Gk apostats ‘apostate, runaway slave’.

apostatize

(or apostatise) //

v. renounce a belief or principle.

a posteriori

//, //, //, //

adj. & adv.
1 (with reference to reasoning or knowledge) proceeding from observations or experiences to the deduction of probable causes.
2 as an afterthought or with hindsight.

- ORIGIN C17: L., ‘from what comes after’.

apostle

n.
1 (Apostle) each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ. an important early Christian teacher or missionary.
2 a vigorous and pioneering supporter of an idea or cause.

- DERIVATIVES apostleship n.

- ORIGIN OE apostol, via eccles. L. from Gk apostolos ‘messenger’, from apostellein ‘send forth’.

apostlebird

n. a gregarious Australian bird with grey, brown, and black plumage.   Struthidea cinerea.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named from the supposed habit of these birds of living in groups of twelve.

Apostle spoon

n. a teaspoon with the figure of an Apostle or saint on the handle.

apostolate

//

n.
1 the position or authority of an apostle. a group of apostles.
2 evangelistic activity or works.

apostolic

//

adj.
1 relating to the Apostles.
2 relating to the Pope, especially when he is regarded as the successor to St Peter.

Apostolic Fathers

pl. n. the Christian leaders immediately succeeding the Apostles.

apostolic succession

n. the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops, taught by the Roman Catholic Church but denied by most Protestants.

apostrophe^1

//

n. a punctuation mark (') used to indicate either possession (e.g. Harry's book) or the omission of letters or numbers (e.g. can't; 1 Jan. '99).

- ORIGIN C16: via late L., from Gk apostrophos, from apostrephein ‘turn away’.

USAGE

Use the apostrophe when indicating possession (Sue's cat) or the omission of letters or numbers (he's gone, 1 Jan. '99). Do not use it to form the plural of ordinary words, as in apple's, or in possessive pronouns such as hers, yours, or theirs. See also usage at its.

apostrophe^2

//

n. Rhetoric an exclamatory passage in a speech or poem addressed to a person or personified thing.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk apostroph ‘turning away’, from apostrephein ‘turn away’.

apostrophize

(or apostrophise) //

v.
1 Rhetoric address with an exclamatory passage.
2 punctuate with an apostrophe.

apothecaries' measure

(also apothecaries' weight)

n. historical a system of units formerly used in pharmacy for liquid volume (or weight), based on the fluid ounce and the ounce troy.

apothecary

//

n. (pl. apothecaries) archaic a person who prepared and sold medicines.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. apothecarius, from L. apotheca, from Gk apothk ‘storehouse’.

apothegm

n. US spelling of apophthegm.

apothem

//

n. Geometry a line from the centre of a regular polygon at right angles to any of its sides.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk apotithenai ‘put aside, deposit’.

apotheosis

//

n. (pl. apotheoses //)
1 the highest point in the development of something.
2 elevation to divine status.

- DERIVATIVES apotheosize (or apotheosise) v.

- ORIGIN C16: via eccles. L. from Gk apothesis, from apotheoun ‘make a god of’, from apo- ‘from’ + theos ‘god’.

apotropaic

//

adj. supposedly having the power to avert evil or bad luck.

- DERIVATIVES apotropaically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk apotropaios, from apotrepein ‘turn away or from’ + -ic.

app.

abbrev.
1 appendix (in a book).
2 Computing application.

appal

(US appall)

v. (appals, appalling, appalled)
1 greatly dismay or horrify.
2 [as adj. appalling] very bad or displeasing.

- DERIVATIVES appallingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apalir ‘grow pale’.

Appaloosa

//

n. a horse of a North American breed having dark spots on a light background.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Opelousas in Louisiana, or Palouse, a river in Idaho.

appanage

// (also apanage)

n.
1 historical a provision made for the maintenance of the younger children of kings and princes.
2 archaic a benefit or right.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., based on med. L. appanare ‘provide with the means of subsistence’, from ad- ‘to’ + panis ‘bread’.

apparat

//

n. chiefly historical the administrative system of a communist party.

- ORIGIN Russ., from Ger., lit. ‘apparatus’.

apparatchik

//

n. (pl. apparatchiks or apparatchiki //)
1 chiefly historical a member of a communist party apparat.
2 derogatory or humorous an official in a large political organization.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Russ., from apparat (see apparat).

apparatus

//

n. (pl. apparatuses)
1 the technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
2 a complex structure within an organization: the apparatus of government.
3 (also critical apparatus, apparatus criticus) a collection of notes accompanying a printed text.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from apparat-, apparare ‘make ready for’.

apparel

//

n.
1 formal clothing.
2 (apparels) embroidered ornamentation on ecclesiastical vestments.
v. (apparels, apparelling, apparelled; US apparels, appareling, appareled) archaic clothe.

- ORIGIN ME (as v. meaning ‘make ready or fit’, as n. meaning ‘furnishings, equipment’): from OFr. apareillier, based on L. ad- ‘to’ (expressing change) + par ‘equal’.

apparent

adj.
1 readily perceived or understood; obvious.
2 seeming real or true.

- DERIVATIVES apparently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aparant, from L. apparent-, apparere (see appear).

apparent magnitude

n. Astronomy the magnitude of a celestial object as it is measured from the earth.

apparent time

n. time as indicated by the actual position of the sun. Compare with mean solar time.

apparition

n. a remarkable thing making a sudden appearance. a ghost.

- DERIVATIVES apparitional adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘the action of appearing’): from L. apparitio(n-), from apparere (see appear).

appeal

v.
1 make a serious or heartfelt request. Cricket (of the bowler or fielders) call on the umpire to declare a batsman out.
2 Law apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
3 (usu. appeal to) be attractive or interesting.
n.
1 an act of appealing.
2 Law an application to a higher court for a decision to be reversed.
3 the quality of being attractive or interesting.

- DERIVATIVES appealable adj. appealer n. appealing adj. appealingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in legal contexts): from OFr. apel (n.), apeler (v.), from L. appellare ‘to address’.

appear

v.
1 come into sight. come into existence or use. be published. informal arrive.
2 present oneself publicly or formally, especially on stage or as the accused or counsel in a law court.
3 give a specified impression; seem.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apareir, from L. apparere, from ad- ‘towards’ + parere ‘come into view’.

appearance

n.
1 the way that someone or something appears. an impression given: she read it with every appearance of interest.
2 an act of performing in a public event.
3 an act of arriving or becoming visible.

- PHRASES
keep up appearances maintain an impression of wealth or well-being.
make (or put in) an appearance attend an event briefly.
to (or by) all appearances as far as can be seen.

appease

v. placate (someone) by acceding to their demands.

- DERIVATIVES appeasement n. appeaser n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apaisier, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + pais ‘peace’.

appellant

//

n. Law a person who appeals against a court ruling.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. apelant, lit. ‘appealing’, from apeler (see appeal).

appellate

//

adj. Law (of a court) dealing with appeals.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘appealed against, accused’): from L. appellat-, appellare (see appeal).

appellation

//

n. formal a name or title.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. appellatio(n-), from appellare (see appeal).

appellation contrôlée

/ / (also appellation d'origine // contrôlée)

n. a guarantee of the description of a French wine, in conformity with statutory regulations as to its origin.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘controlled appellation’.

appellative

//

adj. formal relating to or denoting the giving of a name.
n. Grammar a common noun used as a vocative.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. appellativus, from L. appellat-, appellare (see appeal).

appellee

//, //

n. Law, chiefly US the defending party in a case taken to a higher court.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. appelé, past part. of appeler, from L. appellare (see appeal).

append

v. add to the end of a document.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. appendere ‘hang on’.

appendage

n.
1 a thing attached to something larger or more important.
2 Biology a projecting part of an organism, with a distinct appearance or function.

appendant

formal

adj. attached.
n. a subordinate person or thing.

appendectomy

// (Brit. also appendicectomy //)

n. (pl. appendectomies) a surgical operation to remove the appendix.

appendicitis

n. inflammation of the appendix.

appendicular

//

adj. technical relating to or denoting an appendage or appendages.

appendix

n. (pl. appendices or appendixes)
1 (also vermiform appendix) Anatomy a tube-shaped sac attached to the lower end of the large intestine.
2 a section of subsidiary matter at the end of a book.

- ORIGIN C16 (in sense 2): from L., from appendere (see append).

apperception

n. Psychology assimilation into the mind of a new concept.

- DERIVATIVES apperceptive adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. aperception or mod. L. aperceptio(n-), from L. ad- ‘to’ + percipere ‘perceive’.

appertain

//

v.
1 (appertain to) relate to.
2 be appropriate.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apertenir, from late L. appertinere, from ad- ‘to’ + L. pertinere ‘to pertain’.

appetency

// (also appetence)

n. (pl. appetencies) rare a longing or desire.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. appetentia, from appetere (see appetite).

appetite

n.
1 a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.
2 a strong desire or liking.

- DERIVATIVES appetitive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apetit (mod. appétit), from L. appetitus ‘desire for’, from appetere ‘seek after’.

appetizer

(or appetiser)

n. a small dish of food or a drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

appetizing

(or appetising)

adj. stimulating the appetite.

- DERIVATIVES appetizingly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. appétissant, irregular formation from appétit (see appetite).

applaud

v. show approval by clapping. praise or approve of.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. applaudere, from ad- ‘to’ + plaudere ‘to clap’, reinforced by Fr. applaudir.

applause

n. approval expressed by clapping.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. applausus, from applaudere (see applaud).

apple

n.
1 the rounded fruit of a tree of the rose family, with green or red skin and crisp flesh.
2 the tree which bears apples.   Genus Malus: numerous cultivated forms.
3 used in names of similar unrelated fruits, e.g. custard apple.

- PHRASES
the apple of one's eye a person of whom one is extremely fond and proud. [ORIGIN orig. denoting the pupil of the eye, extended as a symbol of something cherished.]
apples and pears Brit. rhyming slang stairs.
a rotten (or bad) apple informal a corrupt person in a group, likely to have a detrimental influence on the others.
upset the apple cart spoil a plan.

- DERIVATIVES appley adj.

- ORIGIN OE æppel, of Gmc origin.

apple-cheeked

adj. having round rosy cheeks.

applejack

n. N. Amer. a spirit distilled from cider.

apple-pie bed

n. a bed which, as a practical joke, has been made with a sheet folded so that the legs cannot be stretched out.

apple-pie order

n. perfect order.

applesauce

n. N. Amer. informal nonsense.

applet

//

n. Computing a small application running within a larger program.

appliance

n.
1 a device designed to perform a specific task.
2 a fire engine.
3 Brit. the action of applying something.

- DERIVATIVES applianced adj.

applicable

adj. relevant; appropriate.

- DERIVATIVES applicability n. applicably adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘compliant’): from OFr., or from med. L. applicabilis, from applicare (see apply).

applicant

n. a person who applies for something.

application

n.
1 a formal request to an authority.
2 the action of putting something into operation. practical use or relevance.
3 the action of applying something to a surface.
4 sustained effort.
5 Computing a program or piece of software designed to fulfil a particular purpose.

- DERIVATIVES applicational adj.

application programming interface

n. Computing a system of tools and resources in an operating system, enabling creation of software applications.

applicative

//, //

adj. (of a subject) applied.

applicator

n. a device for inserting something or applying a substance to a surface.

applied

adj. (of a subject) practical rather than theoretical. Compare with pure.

appliqué

//

n. ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck to a larger piece.
v. (appliqués, appliquéing, appliquéd) decorate with appliqué.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., past part. of appliquer ‘apply’, from L. applicare (see apply).

apply

v. (applies, applying, applied)
1 make a formal request. put oneself forward as a candidate for a job.
2 be relevant. bring into operation or use.
3 put (a substance) on a surface.
4 (apply oneself) work hard.

- DERIVATIVES applier n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aplier, from L. applicat-, applicare ‘fold, fasten to’.

appoggiatura

//

n. (pl. appoggiaturas or appoggiature) Music a grace note which delays the next note of the melody, taking half or more of its written time value.

- ORIGIN Ital., from appoggiare ‘lean upon, rest’.

appoint

v.
1 assign a job or role to.
2 determine or decide on (a time or place). archaic decree.
3 Law determine the disposition of (property) under powers granted by the owner.

- DERIVATIVES appointee n. appointer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apointer, from a point ‘to a point’.

appointed

adj.
1 (of a time or place) designated.
2 equipped or furnished in a specified way.

appointive

adj. N. Amer. (of a post) depending on or filled by appointment rather than election.

appointment

n.
1 an arrangement to meet at a particular time and place.
2 a job or position. the action or process of appointing someone.
3 (appointments) furniture or fittings.

- PHRASES
by appointment (to the Queen) (in the UK) selling goods or services to the Queen.

apport

//

n. an object produced supposedly by occult means at a seance.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. apport ‘something brought’, from apporter ‘bring to’.

apportion

v. share out; assign.

- DERIVATIVES apportionable adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. apportionner or med. L. apportionare, from ad- ‘to’ + portionare ‘divide into portions’.

apportionment

n. the action or result of apportioning. the determination of the proportional number of members each US state sends to the House of Representatives.

appose

//

v. technical place next to.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. apponere, on the pattern of words such as compose, expose.

apposite

//

adj. (especially of language) very appropriate; apt.

- DERIVATIVES appositely adv. appositeness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. apposit-, apponere ‘apply’.

apposition

n.
1 chiefly technical the positioning of things next to each other.
2 Grammar a relationship between two or more words in which the units are grammatically parallel and have the same referent (e.g. my friend Sue).

- DERIVATIVES appositional adj. & n. appositive adj. & n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. appositio(n-), from apponere (see apposite).

appraisal

n. an assessment. a formal assessment of the performance of an employee.

appraise

v. assess the value, quality, or performance of. (of an official valuer) set a price on.

- DERIVATIVES appraisable adj. appraisee n. appraisement n. appraiser n. appraising adj. appraisingly adv. appraisive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of apprize, by assoc. with praise.

USAGE

Appraise is frequently confused with apprise. Appraise means ‘assess’, while apprise means ‘inform’ and is often used in the structure apprise someone of something.

appreciable

adj. large or important enough to be noticed.

- DERIVATIVES appreciably adv.

appreciate

//, //

v.
1 recognize the value or significance of. be grateful for.
2 rise in value or price.

- DERIVATIVES appreciator n. appreciatory // adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as appreciation): from late L. appretiat-, appretiare ‘set at a price, appraise’, from ad- ‘to’ + pretium ‘price’.

appreciation

n.
1 recognition of the value or significance of something. gratitude.
2 a written assessment of an artist or work, especially a favourable one.
3 increase in monetary value.

appreciative

adj. feeling or showing gratitude or pleasure.

- DERIVATIVES appreciatively adv. appreciativeness n.

apprehend

v.
1 arrest (someone) for a crime.
2 understand; perceive.
3 archaic anticipate with uneasiness or fear.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. appréhender or L. apprehendere, from ad- ‘towards’ + prehendere ‘lay hold of’.

apprehensible

adj. archaic or literary capable of being understood or perceived.

apprehension

n.
1 anxious or fearful anticipation.
2 understanding.
3 the action of arresting someone.

apprehensive

adj.
1 anticipating with anxiety or fear.
2 rare relating to perception or understanding.

- DERIVATIVES apprehensively adv. apprehensiveness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. appréhensif or med. L. apprehensivus, from L. apprehendere (see apprehend).

apprentice

n. a person learning a trade from a skilled employer.
v. employ as an apprentice.

- DERIVATIVES apprenticeship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aprentis, from apprendre ‘learn’, from L. apprehendere (see apprehend).

appress

//

v. [usu. as adj. appressed] technical press (something) close to something else.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. appress-, apprimere ‘press close’.

apprise

//

v. (usu. apprise someone of) inform; tell.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. appris, apprise, past part. of apprendre ‘learn, teach’, from L. apprehendere (see apprehend).

USAGE

On the confusion of apprise with appraise, see appraise.

apprize

(or apprise) //

v. archaic put a price on.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aprisier, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + prisier ‘to price, prize’, from pris (see price).

approach

v.
1 come near or nearer to in distance, time, or standard. archaic bring nearer.
2 make an initial proposal to or request of.
3 start to deal with in a certain way.
n.
1 a way of dealing with something.
2 an initial proposal or request.
3 the action of approaching. a way leading to a place: the northern approaches to London.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aprochier, aprocher, from eccles. L. appropiare ‘draw near’.

approachable

adj.
1 friendly and easy to talk to.
2 able to be reached from a particular direction or by a particular means.

- DERIVATIVES approachability n.

approach shot

n. Golf a stroke which sends the ball from the fairway on to or nearer the green.

approbation

n. approval; praise.

- DERIVATIVES approbate v. (US rare). approbative adj. approbatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. approbatio(n-), from approbare ‘approve’, from ad- ‘to’ + probare ‘try, test’.

appropriate

adj. //
1 suitable; proper.
2 archaic assigned to a particular person.
v. //
1 take for one's own use without permission.
2 devote (money) to a special purpose.

- DERIVATIVES appropriately adv. appropriateness n. appropriation n. appropriator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. appropriat-, appropriare ‘make one's own’, from ad- ‘to’ + proprius ‘own, proper’.

approval

n. the action of approving. a favourable opinion.

- PHRASES
on approval (of goods) able to be returned if unsatisfactory.

approve

v.
1 officially accept as satisfactory. (often approve of) believe that someone or something is good or acceptable.
2 archaic prove; show.

- DERIVATIVES approving adj. approvingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aprover, from L. approbare (see approbation).

approved school

n. Brit. historical a residential institution for young offenders.

approx.

abbrev. approximate(ly).

approximate

adj. // fairly accurate but not totally precise.
v. // come close in quality or quantity. estimate fairly accurately.

- DERIVATIVES approximately adv. approximation n. approximative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. approximat-, approximare, from ad- ‘to’ + proximus ‘very near’.

appurtenance

//

n. an accessory associated with a particular activity.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apertenance, based on late L. appertinere (see appertain).

appurtenant

adj. formal belonging.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. apartenant ‘appertaining’, from apartenir (see appertain).

APR

abbrev. annual(ized) percentage rate.

Apr.

abbrev. April.

apraxia

//

n. Medicine inability to perform particular activities as a result of brain damage.

- DERIVATIVES apraxic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Apraxie, from Gk apraxia ‘inaction’.

après-ski

n. social activities following a day's skiing.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Fr., lit. ‘after skiing’.

apricot

//

n.
1 an orange-yellow soft fruit, resembling a small peach.
2 the tree bearing apricots.   Prunus armeniaca.
3 an orange-yellow colour.

- ORIGIN C16: from Port. albricoque or Sp. albaricoque, from Sp. Arab. al ‘the’ + barkk, via late Gk from L. praecoquum, var. of praecox ‘early-ripe’.

April

n. the fourth month of the year.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. Aprilis.

April Fool

n. a victim of a hoax on April Fool's Day. a trick played on April Fool's Day.

April Fool's Day

n. 1 April, traditionally an occasion for playing tricks.

a priori

/ /, / /

adj. & adv. based on theoretical deduction rather than empirical observation.

- DERIVATIVES apriorism // n.

- ORIGIN C16: L., ‘from what is before’.

apron

n.
1 a protective garment covering the front of one's clothes and tied at the back.
2 a small area adjacent to another larger area or structure. an area on an airfield used for manoeuvring or parking aircraft. (also apron stage) a strip of stage that projects in front of the curtain.
3 an endless conveyor made of overlapping plates.

- PHRASES
tied to someone's apron strings under someone's influence and control to an excessive degree.

- DERIVATIVES aproned adj.

- ORIGIN ME naperon, from OFr., dimin. of nape, nappe ‘tablecloth’, from L. mappa ‘napkin’; the n was lost by wrong division of a napron.

apropos

//, //

prep. with reference to.

- PHRASES
apropos of nothing having no relevance to any previous discussion or situation.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. à propos ‘(with regard) to (this) purpose’.

apse

//

n.
1 a large semicircular or polygonal recess with a domed roof, typically at a church's eastern end.
2 another term for apsis.

- DERIVATIVES apsidal // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. apsis (see apsis).

apsis

//

n. (pl. apsides //) Astronomy either of the two points in a body's orbit that are nearest to or furthest from the larger body round which it moves.

- DERIVATIVES apsidal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk apsis, hapsis ‘arch, vault’.

apt

adj.
1 appropriate; suitable.
2 (apt to do something) having a tendency to do something.
3 quick to learn.

- DERIVATIVES aptly adv. aptness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. aptus ‘fitted’, from apere ‘fasten’.

apterous

//

adj. Entomology (of an insect) having no wings.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk apteros (from a- ‘without’ + pteron ‘wing’) + -ous.

apterygote

//

n. Entomology a primitive wingless insect of the group Apterygota, including the bristletails and springtails.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Apterygota, from Gk a- ‘not’ + pterugtos ‘winged’.

aptitude

n. a natural ability or propensity.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. aptitudo, from L. aptus (see apt).

aqua

//

n. the colour aquamarine.

aqua-

//

comb. form relating to water: aquaculture.

- ORIGIN from L. aqua ‘water’.

aquaculture

n. the rearing or cultivation of aquatic animals or plants.

aqua fortis

//

n. archaic term for nitric acid.

- ORIGIN C15: from L., lit. ‘strong water’.

aqualung

n. a portable breathing apparatus for divers, which feeds compressed air from cylinders on the diver's back through a mask or mouthpiece.

aquamanile

//, //

n. a medieval water container in the form of a mammal or bird.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L., from L. aquaemanalis, lit. ‘ewer of water’.

aquamarine

n.
1 a light bluish-green variety of beryl.
2 a light bluish-green colour.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. aqua marina ‘seawater’.

aquanaut

n. a diver.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. aqua ‘water’ + Gk nauts ‘sailor’.

aquaplane

n. a board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat.
v.
1 ride on an aquaplane.
2 (of a vehicle) slide uncontrollably on a wet surface.

aqua regia

//

n. Chemistry a highly corrosive mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids.

- ORIGIN C17: L., lit. ‘royal water’.

aquarelle

//

n. the technique of painting with thin, transparent watercolours.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Ital. acquarella ‘watercolour’.

aquarist

//

n. a person who keeps an aquarium.

aquarium

n. (pl. aquaria // or aquariums) a transparent tank of water in which live fish and other water creatures and plants are kept.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., neut. of aquarius ‘of water’, on the pattern of vivarium.

Aquarius

//

n.
1 Astronomy a large constellation (the Water Carrier or Water Bearer), said to represent a man pouring water from a jar.
2 Astrology the eleventh sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about 21 January.

- PHRASES
Age of Aquarius an astrological age which is about to begin, marked by the precession of the vernal equinox into Aquarius, believed to herald worldwide peace and harmony.

- DERIVATIVES Aquarian n. & adj.

- ORIGIN L. aquarius ‘of water’.

aquarobics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] aerobic exercises performed in water.

aquatic

//, //

adj. relating to water. living in or near water.
n. an aquatic plant or animal.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘watery, rainy’): from OFr. aquatique or L. aquaticus, from aqua ‘water’.

aquatint

n. a print resembling a watercolour, made using a copper plate etched with nitric acid.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. aquatinte, from Ital. acqua tinta ‘coloured water’.

aquavit

// (also akvavit)

n. an alcoholic spirit made from potatoes.

- ORIGIN C19: from Norw., Swed., and Dan. akvavit, lit. ‘water of life’.

aqua vitae

//, //

n. strong alcoholic spirit, especially brandy.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., lit. ‘water of life’.

aqueduct

//

n.
1 a bridge or viaduct carrying a waterway over a valley or other gap.
2 Anatomy a small duct in the body containing fluid.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr., from L. aquae ductus ‘conduit’, from aqua ‘water’ + ducere ‘to lead’.

aqueous

//

adj. resembling or containing water.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. aqueus, from L. aqua ‘water’.

aqueous humour

n. the clear fluid in the eyeball in front of the lens.

aquifer

//

n. a body of permeable rock able to hold or transmit water.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L. aqui- (from aqua ‘water’) + -fer ‘bearing’.

aquilegia

//

n. a plant bearing showy flowers with backward-pointing spurs.   Genus Aquilegia.

- ORIGIN from med. L., prob. from L. aquilegus ‘water-collecting’.

aquiline

//

adj.
1 like an eagle.
2 (of a person's nose) curved like an eagle's beak.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aquilinus, from aquila ‘eagle’.

aquiver

//

adj. quivering; trembling.

AR

abbrev.
1 US Arkansas (in official postal use).
2 Autonomous Republic.

Ar

symb. the chemical element argon.

ar-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before r (as in arrive).

-ar^1

suffix
1 (forming adjectives) of the kind specified: molecular.
2 forming nouns such as scholar. Compare with -er^5.

- ORIGIN from OFr. -aire, -ier, or from L. -aris.

-ar^2

suffix forming nouns such as pillar.

- ORIGIN via OFr. from L. -are (neut. of -aris).

-ar^3

suffix forming nouns such as bursar.

- ORIGIN from OFr. -aire, -ier, or from L. -arius, -arium.

-ar^4

suffix alteration of -er^1, -or^1 (as in liar).

ARA

abbrev. Associate of the Royal Academy.

Arab

//, //

n.
1 a member of a Semitic people inhabiting much of the Middle East and North Africa.
2 a horse of a breed originating in Arabia.

- DERIVATIVES Arabization (or Arabisation) n. Arabize (or Arabise) v.

- ORIGIN via L. and Gk from Arab. arab.

arabesque

//

n.
1 Ballet a posture in which one leg is extended horizontally backwards, the torso extended forwards, and the arms outstretched.
2 an ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines.
3 Music a passage with a highly ornamented melody.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. arabesco ‘in the Arabic style’, from arabo ‘Arab’.

Arabian

n.
1 historical a native or inhabitant of Arabia.
2 an Arab horse.
adj. relating to Arabia or its people.

Arabic

n. the Semitic language of the Arabs, written from right to left in a cursive script also used for other languages such as Persian and Urdu.
adj. relating to the Arabs or Arabic.

- DERIVATIVES Arabicization (or Arabicisation) n. Arabicize (or Arabicise) v.

arabica

//

n. coffee beans from a widely grown coffee plant native to the Old World tropics (Coffea arabica).

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L., fem. of arabicus ‘Arabic’.

Arabic numeral

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

arabinose

//, //

n. Chemistry a sugar which is a constituent of many plant gums.

- ORIGIN C19: from arabica + -in^1 + -ose^2.

arabis

//

n. a herbaceous plant bearing white or pink flowers.   Genus Arabis.

- ORIGIN via med. L. from Gk, fem. of Araps, Arab- (see Arab).

Arabism

n.
1 Arab culture or identity.
2 an Arabic word or phrase.

- DERIVATIVES Arabist n. & adj.

arable

adj. (of land) suitable for growing crops. (of crops) able to be grown on such land.
n. arable land or crops.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. arabilis, from arare ‘to plough’.

aracari

//, //

n. (pl. aracaris) a small colourful toucan with a serrated bill.   Genus Pteroglossus: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: via Port. from Tupi arasa'ri.

arachidonic acid

//

n. Biochemistry a fatty acid present in animal fats which is an essential constituent of the human diet.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from mod. L arachis, arachid ‘peanut’, from Gk arak(h)os, -kis + -one + -ic.

arachnid

//

n. Zoology an arthropod of the class Arachnida, which includes spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Arachnida, from Gk arakhn ‘spider’.

arachnoid

//

adj. like a spider or arachnid.
n. (also arachnoid membrane) Anatomy the fine middle membrane of the three surrounding the brain and spinal cord, situated between the dura mater and the pia mater.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. arachnoides, from Gk arakhnoeids ‘like a cobweb’, from arakhn ‘spider’.

arachnophobia

//

n. extreme or irrational fear of spiders.

- DERIVATIVES arachnophobe n. arachnophobic adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: mod. L., from Gk arakhn ‘spider’ + -phobia.

aragonite

//

n. a mineral consisting of calcium carbonate, occurring as colourless prisms in deposits from hot springs.

- ORIGIN C19: from the region of Aragon in Spain + -ite^1.

arak

//

n. variant spelling of arrack.

aralia

//

n. a tree or shrub of a diverse group cultivated for their foliage, profuse tiny flowers, or herbal properties.   Genus Aralia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., of unknown origin.

Aramaean

// (also Aramean)

n. a member of a people inhabiting ancient Aram (modern Syria) and Mesopotamia in the 11th–8th centuries BC.
adj. relating to Aram or the Aramaeans.

Aramaic

//

n. a branch of the Semitic family of languages, used as a lingua franca in the Near East from the 6th century BC and still spoken in some communities.
adj. relating to Aramaic.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk Aramaios ‘of Aram’ (the biblical name of Syria) + -ic.

arame

//

n. an edible Pacific seaweed used in Japanese cookery.   Ecklonia bicyclis.

- ORIGIN from Japanese.

Aran

//

adj. denoting a type of knitwear with patterns of cable stitch and large diamond designs, traditionally associated with the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.

Aranda

//, //

n. variant form of Arrernte.

Arapaho

//

n. (pl. same or Arapahos)
1 a member of a North American Indian people living on the Great Plains.
2 the Algonquian language of the Arapaho.

- ORIGIN from Crow alappahó, lit. ‘many tattoo marks’.

arapaima

//

n. a very large edible freshwater fish native to tropical South America.   Arapaima gigas.

- ORIGIN C19: from Tupi.

arational

adj. not based on or governed by logical reasoning.

Araucanian

//

n.
1 a member of a group of American Indian peoples of Chile and parts of Argentina.
2 the language of the Araucanians.
adj. relating to the Araucanians or their language.

- ORIGIN from Sp. Araucania, a region in Chile.

araucaria

//

n. an evergreen conifer with stiff sharp leaves, e.g. the monkey puzzle.   Genus Araucaria.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Sp. Arauco, a province of Araucania, Chile.

Arawak

//

n. (pl. same or Arawaks)
1 a member of a group of native peoples of the Greater Antilles and northern and western South America.
2 any of the languages of the Arawaks.

- DERIVATIVES Arawakan adj. & n.

- ORIGIN from Carib aruac.

arbalest

// (also arblast)

n. historical a crossbow with a mechanism for drawing back and releasing the string.

- ORIGIN OE arblast, from OFr. arbaleste, from late L. arcubalista, from L. arcus ‘bow’ + ballista (see ballista).

arbiter

//

n.
1 a person who settles a dispute.
2 a person who has influence over something: an arbiter of taste.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘judge, supreme ruler’.

arbitrage

//, //

n. Economics the simultaneous buying and selling of assets in different markets or in derivative forms, taking advantage of the differing prices.

- DERIVATIVES arbitrageur n.

- ORIGIN ME, from Fr., from arbitrer ‘give judgement’.

arbitral

//

adj. relating to or resulting from the use of an arbitrator.

arbitrament

//

n. the settling of a dispute by an arbitrator.

arbitrary

//

adj.
1 based on random choice or personal whim.
2 (of power or a ruling body) autocratic.
3 Mathematics (of a constant or other quantity) of unspecified value.

- DERIVATIVES arbitrarily adv. arbitrariness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. arbitrarius, from arbiter ‘judge, supreme ruler’.

arbitration

n. the use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.

- DERIVATIVES arbitrate v.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. arbitratio(n-), from arbitrat-, arbitrari, from arbiter ‘judge, supreme ruler’.

arbitrator

n. an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute.

arbitress

n. archaic a female arbiter.

arblast

//

n. variant spelling of arbalest.

arbor^1

//

n.
1 an axle on which something revolves.
2 a device holding a tool in a lathe.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. arbre ‘tree, axis’, influenced by L. arbor ‘tree’.

arbor^2

n. US spelling of arbour.

arboreal

//

adj. relating to or living in trees.

- DERIVATIVES arboreality n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. arboreus, from arbor ‘tree’, + -al.

arborescent

//

adj. Botany tree-like.

- DERIVATIVES arborescence n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. arborescent-, arborescere ‘grow into a tree’, from arbor ‘tree’.

arboretum

//

n. (pl. arboretums or arboreta //) a botanical garden devoted to trees.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘a place with trees’, from arbor ‘tree’.

arboriculture

//, //

n. the cultivation of trees and shrubs.

- DERIVATIVES arboricultural adj. arboriculturist n.

Arborio

//

n. a variety of round-grained Italian rice used in making risotto.

- ORIGIN named after Arborio in northern Italy.

arborist

n. a tree surgeon.

arborization

(or arborisation) //

n. Anatomy a fine branching structure at the end of a nerve fibre.

arbor vitae

/ /, //

n. another term for thuja.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., lit. ‘tree of life’, prob. with ref. to its medicinal use.

arbour

// (US arbor)

n. a garden alcove with the sides and roof formed by trees or climbing plants.

- DERIVATIVES arboured adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. erbier, from erbe ‘grass, herb’, from L. herba; influenced by L. arbor ‘tree’.

arbovirus

//

n. Medicine any of a group of viruses (e.g. that causing yellow fever) transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, or other arthropods.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from ar(thropod)-bo(rne) + virus.

arbutus

//, //

n. an evergreen tree or shrub of a genus that includes the strawberry tree.   Genus Arbutus.

- ORIGIN from L.

ARC

abbrev. Medicine Aids-related complex.

arc

//

n.
1 a curve forming part of the circumference of a circle or other figure. a curving trajectory. [as modifier] Mathematics indicating the inverse of a trigonometrical function: arc cosine.
2 a luminous electrical discharge between two points.
v. (arcs, arcing //, arced //)
1 move with a curving trajectory.
2 [as noun arcing] the forming of an electric arc.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. arcus ‘bow, curve’.

arcade

n.
1 a covered passage with arches along one or both sides. a covered walk with shops along one or both sides. Architecture a series of arches supporting a wall.
2 short for amusement arcade.

- DERIVATIVES arcaded adj. arcading n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Provençal arcada or Ital. arcata, based on L. arcus ‘bow’.

Arcadian

n.
1 a native of Arcadia, a region of southern Greece.
2 literary an idealized country dweller.
adj. relating to Arcadia, especially as regarded as an ideal rustic paradise.

Arcady

//

n. literary an ideal rustic paradise.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk Arkadia ‘Arcadia’, a region of Greece.

arcana

//

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] (sing. arcanum)
1 secrets; mysteries.
2 either of the two groups of cards in a tarot pack: the twenty-two trumps (the major arcana) and the fifty-six suit cards (the minor arcana).

- ORIGIN C16: from L., neut. pl. of arcanus (see arcane).

arcane

//

adj. understood by few; mysterious.

- DERIVATIVES arcanely adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. arcanus, from arcere ‘to shut up’, from arca ‘chest’.

arch^1

n.
1 a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall. an arch-shaped curve.
2 the inner side of the foot.
v. form or cause to form an arch.

- DERIVATIVES arched adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. arche, based on L. arcus ‘bow’.

arch^2

adj. self-consciously playful or teasing.

- DERIVATIVES archly adv. archness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from arch-, by assoc. with the sense ‘rogue’ in combinations such as arch-scoundrel.

arch-

comb. form chief; principal: archbishop. pre-eminent of its kind: arch-enemy.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk arkhi-, from arkhos ‘chief’.

-arch

//

comb. form (forming nouns) denoting a ruler or leader: monarch.

- ORIGIN Gk arkhos ‘ruling’, from arkhein ‘to rule’.

archaea

//

pl. n. Biology microorganisms which are similar to bacteria in size and simplicity of structure but constitute an ancient group intermediate between the bacteria and eukaryotes.

- DERIVATIVES archaean adj. & n.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk arkhaios ‘primitive’.

Archaean

// (US Archean)

adj. Geology relating to or denoting the earlier part of the Precambrian aeon (before about 2,500 million years ago), in which there was no life on the earth.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk arkhaios ‘ancient’ + -an.

archaebacteria

//

pl. n. (sing. archaebacterium) another term for archaea.

- DERIVATIVES archaebacterial adj.

archaeo-

//

comb. form relating to archaeology or prehistoric times: archaeometry.

- ORIGIN from Gk arkhaios ‘ancient’.

archaeology

(US also archeology)

n. the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of physical remains.

- DERIVATIVES archaeologic adj. archaeological adj. archaeologically adv. archaeologist n. archaeologize (or archaeologise) v.

archaeomagnetism

n. magnetism possessed by components of clay and rocks which have in the past been heated, especially as studied in a method of geological or archaeological dating.

- DERIVATIVES archaeomagnetic adj.

archaeometry

//

n. the application of scientific techniques to the dating of archaeological remains.

- DERIVATIVES archaeometric adj.

archaeopteryx

//

n. the oldest known fossil bird, of the late Jurassic period, which had feathers and wings like a bird, but teeth and a bony tail like a dinosaur.

- ORIGIN from archaeo- + Gk pterux ‘wing’.

archaic

//

adj. very old or old-fashioned. (of language) used to give an old-fashioned flavour. belonging to an early period of art or culture.

- DERIVATIVES archaically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. archaïque, from Gk arkhaikos, from arkhaios (see archaism).

archaism

//

n. a thing that is archaic, especially a word or style of art. the use of archaic features in language or art.

- DERIVATIVES archaistic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. archaismus, from Gk arkhaismos, based on arkhaios ‘ancient’.

archaize

(or archaise)

v. consciously imitate an archaic word or style of art.

archangel

//, //

n.
1 an angel of high rank.
2 (also yellow archangel) a yellow-flowered dead-nettle found in woodland.   Lamiastrum galeobdolon.

- DERIVATIVES archangelic adj.

archbishop

n. the chief bishop responsible for a large district.

archbishopric

n. the office or district of an archbishop.

archdeacon

n. a senior Christian cleric to whom a bishop delegates certain responsibilities.

archdeaconry

n. (pl. archdeaconries) the office or district of an archdeacon.

archdiocese

n. the district for which an archbishop is responsible.

- DERIVATIVES archdiocesan adj.

archduchess

n. historical
1 the wife or widow of an archduke.
2 a daughter of the Emperor of Austria.

archduke

n. a chief duke, in particular (historical) the son of the Emperor of Austria.

- DERIVATIVES archducal adj. archduchy n.

Archean

adj. US spelling of Archaean.

archegonium

//

n. (pl. archegonia //) Botany the female sex organ in mosses, liverworts, ferns, and most conifers.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk arkhegonos, from arkhe- ‘chief’ + gonos ‘race’.

arch-enemy

n. a chief enemy.

archeology

n. US spelling of archaeology.

archer

n. a person who shoots with a bow and arrows.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. archier, based on L. arcus ‘bow’.

archerfish

n. (pl. same or archerfishes) a freshwater fish, native to Asia, Australia, and the Philippines, that knocks insect prey off vegetation by shooting water from its mouth.   Genus Toxotes: several species.

archery

n. shooting with a bow and arrows.

archetype

//

n.
1 a very typical example.
2 an original model.
3 Psychoanalysis (in Jungian theory) a primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors and supposed to be present in the collective unconscious.
4 a recurrent motif in literature or art.

- DERIVATIVES archetypal adj. archetypally adv. archetypical adj. archetypically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk arkhetupon ‘something moulded first as a model’, from arkhe- ‘primitive’ + tupos ‘a model’.

archidiaconal

//

adj. relating to an archdeacon.

archiepiscopal

//

adj. relating to an archbishop.

- DERIVATIVES archiepiscopacy n. (pl. archiepiscopacies). archiepiscopate n.

archil

//

n. archaic spelling of orchil.

archimandrite

//

n. the superior of a large monastery or group of monasteries in the Orthodox Church. an honorary title given to a monastic priest.

- ORIGIN C17: via eccles. L., from eccles. Gk arkhimandrits, from arkhi- ‘chief’ + mandra ‘monastery’.

Archimedean

//

adj. relating to the Greek mathematician Archimedes (c.287–212 bc).

Archimedean screw

n. a device invented by Archimedes for raising water by means of a helix rotating within a tube.

Archimedes' principle

//

n. Physics a law stating that a body immersed in a fluid is subject to an upward force equal in magnitude to the weight of fluid it displaces.

archipelago

//

n. (pl. archipelagos or archipelagoes) an extensive group of islands.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. arcipelago, from Gk arkhi- ‘chief’ + pelagos ‘sea’ (orig. a name for the Aegean Sea, notable for its large number of islands).

architect

n.
1 a person who designs buildings and supervises their construction.
2 a person responsible for the invention or realization of something.
v. Computing design and make (a program or system).

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. architecte, from Ital. architetto, via L. from Gk arkhitektn ‘chief builder’.

architectonic

//

adj.
1 relating to architecture or architects.
2 having a clearly defined and artistically pleasing structure.
n. (architectonics) [treated as sing.]
1 the scientific study of architecture.
2 musical, literary, or artistic structure.

- DERIVATIVES architectonically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk arkhitektonikos, from arkhitektn (see architect).

architecture

n.
1 the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings. the style in which a building is designed and constructed.
2 the complex structure of something. the conceptual structure and logical organization of a computer or computer-based system.

- DERIVATIVES architectural adj. architecturally adv.

architrave

//

n.
1 (in classical architecture) a main beam resting across the tops of columns.
2 the frame around a doorway or window. a moulding round the exterior of an arch.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital., from archi- ‘chief’ + -trave from L. trabs, trab- ‘a beam’.

archive

//

n. a collection of historical documents or records. a complete record of the data in part or all of a computer system, stored on a less frequently used medium.
v. place or store in an archive.

- DERIVATIVES archival adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. archives (pl.), from L. archiva, archia, from Gk arkheia ‘public records’.

archivist

//

n. a person who maintains and is in charge of archives.

archivolt

//

n. a band of mouldings round the lower curve of an arch. the lower curve itself.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. archivolte or Ital. archivolto, based on L. arcus ‘bow, arch’ + volvere ‘to roll’.

archlute

n. a bass lute with an extended neck which supports unstopped bass strings.

archon

//

n. each of the nine chief magistrates in ancient Athens.

- DERIVATIVES archonship n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk arkhn ‘ruler’.

archosaur

//

n. Zoology & Palaeontology a reptile of a large group that includes the crocodilians together with the extinct dinosaurs and pterosaurs.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from mod. L. Archosauria, from Gk arkhos ‘chief’ or arkhn ‘ruler’ + -saur.

arch-rival

n. the chief rival of a person, team, or organization.

archway

n. a curved structure forming a passage or entrance.

-archy

//

comb. form (forming nouns) denoting a type of rule or government, corresponding to nouns ending in -arch: monarchy.

arc lamp

(also arc light)

n. a light source using an electric arc.

arco

//

adv. & adj. Music played on a violin or other stringed instrument using the bow.

arcology

//

n. (pl. arcologies) an ideal city contained within a massive vertical structure, allowing maximum conservation of its environment.

- ORIGIN 1969: blend of architecture and ecology.

arcos

abbrev. the inverse of a cosine.

arc second

(also arcsec)

n. another term for second^2 (in sense 2).

arcsin

abbrev. the inverse of a sine.

arctan

abbrev. the inverse of a tangent.

Arctic

adj.
1 relating to the regions around the North Pole. living or growing in such regions.
2 (arctic) informal (of weather) very cold.
n.
1 (the Arctic) the regions around the North Pole.
2 US a thick waterproof overshoe.
3 (arctic) a drab-coloured hairy butterfly of the arctic and subarctic regions of the New World.   Genus Oenis.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. arcticus, articus, based on Gk arktos ‘bear, Ursa Major, Pole Star’.

Arctogaean

// (US Arctogean)

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting the zoogeographical area Arctogaea, comprising the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Ethiopian, and Oriental regions.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Arctogaea, from Gk arktos ‘northern’ + gaia ‘earth’.

arcuate

//

adj. technical curved.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. arcuat-, arcuare ‘to curve’.

arcus senilis

/ /

n. Medicine a narrow opaque band encircling the cornea, common in old age.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘senile bow’.

arc welding

n. welding using the heat generated by an electric arc.

-ard

suffix
1 forming nouns such as bollard.
2 forming nouns having a derogatory sense: drunkard.

- ORIGIN from OFr., from Ger. -hard ‘hard, hardy’.

ardent

//

adj.
1 very enthusiastic or passionate.
2 archaic or literary burning; glowing.

- DERIVATIVES ardency n. ardently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ardant from L. ardent-, ardens, from ardere ‘to burn’.

ardour

// (US ardor)

n. great enthusiasm or passion.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. ardor, from ardere ‘to burn’.

arduous

//

adj. difficult and tiring.

- DERIVATIVES arduously adv. arduousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. arduus ‘steep, difficult’ + -ous.

are^1

second person singular present and first, second, third person plural present of be.

are^2

//

n. historical a metric unit of measurement, equal to 100 square metres. Compare with hectare.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from L. area (see area).

area

n.
1 a region or part of a town, country, etc. a space allocated for a specific use: the dining area. a part of an object or surface.
2 a subject or range of activity.
3 the extent or measurement of a surface.
4 a sunken enclosure giving access to a basement.

- DERIVATIVES areal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., lit. ‘vacant piece of level ground’.

area code

n. another term for dialling code.

areaway

n. N. Amer. a sunken enclosure giving access to a basement.

areca palm

//, //

n. a tropical Asian palm yielding astringent nuts which are chewed with betel leaves.   Genus Areca.

- ORIGIN via Port. from Malayalam ádekka.

areg

plural form of erg^2.

arena

n.
1 a level area surrounded by seating, in which public events and entertainments are held.
2 a sphere of activity: he's re-entered the political arena.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. harena, arena ‘sand, sand-strewn place of combat’.

arenaceous

//

adj.
1 Geology consisting of sand or sand-like particles.
2 Biology living or growing in sand.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. arenaceus, from arena ‘sand’.

arenavirus

//

n. Medicine any of a group of RNA viruses (e.g. that causing Lassa fever) appearing to contain sand-like granules.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from L. arenosus ‘sandy’ + virus.

aren't

contr.
1 are not.
2 am not (only used in questions).

USAGE

Aren't is used to mean ‘am not’ in questions, as in I'm right, aren't I? Outside questions, aren't used to mean ‘am not’ (e.g. I aren't going) is wrong.

areola

//

n. (pl. areolae //)
1 Anatomy a small circular area, in particular the pigmented skin surrounding a nipple. Medicine a reddened patch around a spot or papule.
2 Biology any of the small spaces between lines or cracks on a leaf or an insect's wing.

- DERIVATIVES areolar adj. areolate adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘small space or interstice’): from L., lit. ‘small open space’, dimin. of area (see area).

areole

//

n. Biology an areola, especially a small area bearing spines or hairs on a cactus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. aréole, from L. (see areola).

areology

//

n. the study of the planet Mars.

- DERIVATIVES areological adj. areologist n. & adj.

- ORIGIN from Ares, the Greek god of war (equivalent to the Roman god Mars) + -ology.

arête

//, //

n. a sharp mountain ridge.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from L. arista ‘ear of corn, spine’.

argali

//

n. (pl. same) a large Asian mountain sheep with massive horns.   Ovis ammon.

- ORIGIN C18: from Mongolian.

Argand diagram

//

n. Mathematics a graph on which complex numbers can be represented, the horizontal coordinate representing the real part of the number and the vertical coordinate the imaginary part.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the French mathematician J. R. Argand.

argent

//

adj. & n. literary & Heraldry silver.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting silver coins): via OFr. from L. argentum ‘silver’.

argentiferous

//

adj. (of rocks or minerals) containing silver.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. argentum ‘silver’ + -ferous.

Argentine

n. & adj. another term for Argentinian.

argentine

//

adj. archaic of or resembling silver.
n. a small marine fish with a silvery sheen.   Argentina silus and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. argentin, argentine, from argent ‘silver’, from L. argentum.

Argentinian

//

n. a native or national of Argentina, or a person of Argentinian descent.
adj. relating to Argentina.

argillaceous

//

adj. Geology (of rocks or sediment) consisting of or containing clay.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. argillaceus (from argilla ‘clay’) + -ous.

argillite

//

n. Geology a sedimentary rock formed from consolidated clay.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. argilla ‘clay’ + -ite^1.

arginine

//

n. Biochemistry a basic amino acid which is an essential nutrient in the diet of vertebrates.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Arginin, perh. from Gk arginoeis ‘bright-shining, white’.

Argive

//, //

adj. relating to the ancient city of Argos in Greece. (especially in Homer) Greek.
n. a citizen of ancient Argos. (especially in Homer) a Greek person.

argol

//

n. tartar obtained from wine fermentation.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. argoile, of unknown origin.

argon

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 18, an inert gaseous element of the noble gas group. (Symbol: Ar)

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, neut. of argos ‘idle’, from a- ‘without’ + ergon ‘work’.

argonaut

//

n. Zoology another term for paper nautilus.

- ORIGIN from L. argonauta from Gk argonauts ‘sailor in the ship Argo’ (in which Jason and his companions went in search of the Golden Fleece).

argosy

//

n. (pl. argosies) literary a large merchant ship, originally one from Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) or Venice.

- ORIGIN C16: appar. from Ital. Ragusea (nave) ‘(vessel) of Ragusa’.

argot

//

n. the jargon or slang of a particular group.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. denoting criminals' jargon): from Fr.

arguable

adj.
1 able to be argued or asserted.
2 open to disagreement.

- DERIVATIVES arguably adv.

argue

v. (argues, arguing, argued)
1 exchange conflicting views in a heated way.
2 give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory: sociologists argue that inequalities are being reduced.

- PHRASES
argue the toss informal, chiefly Brit. dispute a decision already made.

- DERIVATIVES arguer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. arguer, from L. argutari ‘prattle’, frequentative of arguere ‘make clear, prove, accuse’.

argufy

//

v. (argufies, argufying, argufied) humorous or dialect argue about something trivial.

- ORIGIN C17: formed from argue; cf. speechify.

argument

n.
1 a heated exchange of conflicting views.
2 a set of reasons given in support of something.
3 Mathematics & Logic an independent variable associated with a function or proposition and determining its value, e.g. x in y = F(x).
4 Linguistics any of the noun phrases in a clause that are related directly to the verb.
5 archaic a summary of the subject matter of a book.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. argumentum, from arguere ‘make clear, prove, accuse’.

argumentation

n. the action of reasoning systematically in support of something.

argumentative

adj.
1 given to arguing.
2 using or characterized by systematic reasoning.

- DERIVATIVES argumentatively adv. argumentativeness n.

argus

//

n.
1 a large long-tailed Asian pheasant with eye-like markings on its wings.   Argusianus argus.
2 a small brown or bluish butterfly with eye-like markings.   Aricia and other genera.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from Gk Argos, a mythical watchman with a hundred eyes.

argute

//

adj. rare shrewd.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. argutus ‘made clear, proved, accused’, from arguere.

argy-bargy

//, //

n. (pl. argy-bargies) informal, chiefly Brit. noisy quarrelling.

- ORIGIN C19: rhyming jingle based on argue.

argyle

//

n. a pattern on knitted garments composed of coloured diamonds on a plain background.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from the Argyll branch of the Scottish Campbell clan, on whose tartan the pattern is based.

arhat

//

n. (in Buddhism and Jainism) a saint of one of the highest ranks.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit, lit. ‘meritorious’.

arhythmia

n. variant spelling of arrhythmia.

arhythmic

adj. variant spelling of arrhythmic.

aria

//

n. Music a long accompanied song for a solo voice in an opera or oratorio.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., from L. aer ‘air’.

Arian^1

// (also Arien)

n. a person born under the sign of Aries.
adj. relating to a person born under the sign of Aries.

Arian^2

//

n. an adherent of Arianism.
adj. of or concerning Arianism.

-arian

suffix (forming adjectives and corresponding nouns) having a concern or belief in a specified thing: vegetarian.

- ORIGIN from the L. suffix -arius.

Arianism

n. Christian Theology the main heresy denying the divinity of Christ, originating with the Alexandrian priest Arius (c.250–c.336).

arid

//

adj.
1 (of land or a climate) very dry; having little or no rain.
2 uninteresting: arid verse.

- DERIVATIVES aridity n. aridly adv. aridness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. aride or L. aridus, from arere ‘be dry or parched’.

Arien

n. & adj. variant spelling of Arian^1.

Aries

//

n.
1 Astronomy a small constellation (the Ram), said to represent the ram whose Golden Fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts.
2 Astrology the first sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about 20 March.

- ORIGIN from L.

aright

adv. dialect correctly; properly.

- ORIGIN OE on riht, ariht (see a-2 + right).

aril

//

n. Botany an extra seed covering, typically coloured and hairy or fleshy.

- DERIVATIVES arillate adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. arillus, of unknown origin.

arioso

//, // Music

n. (especially in opera and oratorio) a style of vocal performance less formal than an aria.
adj. & adv. in such a style or manner.

- ORIGIN Ital., from aria.

-arious

suffix forming adjectives such as gregarious.

- ORIGIN from the L. suffix -arius + -ous.

arise

v. (past arose; past part. arisen)
1 originate or become apparent. (arise from/out of) occur as a result of.
2 formal or literary get or stand up.

- ORIGIN OE rsan, from - ‘away’ (as an intensifier) + rise.

arisings

pl. n. materials forming the secondary or waste products of industrial operations.

aristocracy

n. (pl. aristocracies) [treated as sing. or pl.] a class of society comprising people of noble birth with hereditary titles. a form of government in which power is held by the nobility.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. aristocratie, from Gk aristokratia, from aristos ‘best’ + -kratia ‘power’.

aristocrat

//, //

n. a member of the aristocracy.

- DERIVATIVES aristocratic adj. aristocratically adv.

Aristotelian

//

adj. relating to the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 bc) or his theories.
n. a student or follower of Aristotle or his philosophy.

Aristotelian logic

n. the traditional system of logic expounded by Aristotle and developed in the Middle Ages.

Aristotle's lantern

//

n. Zoology a conical structure of calcareous plates and muscles supporting the teeth of a sea urchin.

Arita

//

n. a type of Japanese porcelain characterized by asymmetric decoration.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Arita, the town in Japan where it is made.

arithmetic

n. // the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties and manipulation of numbers. the use of numbers in counting and calculation.
adj. // relating to arithmetic.

- DERIVATIVES arithmetical adj. arithmetically adv. arithmetician n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. arismetique, based on L. arithmetica, from Gk arithmtik (tekhn) ‘(art) of counting’, from arithmos ‘number’.

arithmetic progression

(also arithmetic series)

n. a sequence of numbers in which each differs from the preceding one by a constant quantity (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.; 9, 7, 5, 3, etc.).

arithmetize

(or arithmetise) //

v. express arithmetically.

-arium

//

suffix forming nouns usually denoting a place: planetarium.

- ORIGIN from L., neut. of -arius, adjectival ending.

Ariz.

abbrev. Arizona.

Arizonan

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Arizona.
adj. relating to Arizona.

Ark.

abbrev. Arkansas.

ark

n.
1 (in the Bible) the ship built by Noah to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the Flood.
2 short for Ark of the Covenant. (also Holy Ark) a chest or cupboard housing the Torah scrolls in a synagogue.

- PHRASES
out of the ark Brit. informal very old or old-fashioned.

- ORIGIN OE ærc, from L. arca ‘chest’.

Arkansan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Arkansas.
adj. relating to Arkansas.

Ark of the Covenant

(also Ark of the Testimony)

n. the wooden chest which contained the tablets of the laws of the ancient Israelites.

arkose

//, //

n. Geology a coarse-grained sandstone which is at least 25 per cent feldspar.

- DERIVATIVES arkosic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., prob. from Gk arkhaios ‘ancient’.

arm^1

n.
1 each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand. a limb of an octopus, starfish, or other animal.
2 a side part of a chair supporting a sitter's arm.
3 a narrow strip of water or land projecting from a larger body.
4 a branch or division of an organization.
5 Mathematics each of the lines enclosing an angle.

- PHRASES
arm in arm with arms linked.
cost an arm and a leg informal be extremely expensive.
would give one's right arm for informal wish for desperately.
in arms (of a baby) too young to walk.
keep at arm's length avoid intimacy or close contact with.
the long (or strong) arm of the law the far-reaching power of the law.
with open arms with great affection or enthusiasm.

- DERIVATIVES armful n. (pl. armfuls). armless adj. armload n.

- ORIGIN OE arm, earm, of Gmc origin.

arm^2

v.
1 supply with weapons. provide with essential equipment or information for a task or situation.
2 activate the fuse of (a bomb) so that it is ready to explode.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. armer, from L. armare, from arma ‘armour, arms’.

armada

//

n. a fleet of warships.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp., from L. armata, fem. past part. of armare ‘to arm’.

armadillo

//

n. (pl. armadillos) a nocturnal insectivorous mammal native to Central and South America, with large claws and a body covered in bony plates.   Family Dasypodidae: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. armado ‘armed man’, from L. armat-, armare ‘to arm’.

Armageddon

//

n.
1 (in the New Testament) the last battle between good and evil before the Day of Judgement.
2 a catastrophic conflict.

- ORIGIN Gk, from Heb. har mgiddn ‘hill of Megiddo’ (Rev. 16:16).

Armagnac

//

n. a type of brandy made in Aquitaine in SW France.

- ORIGIN from the former name of a district in Aquitaine.

armament

//

n.
1 (also armaments) military weapons and equipment.
2 the process of equipping military forces for war.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. armamentum, from armare (see arm^2).

armamentarium

//

n. (pl. armamentaria //)
1 the medicines, equipment, and techniques available to a medical practitioner.
2 a collection of resources available for a purpose.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘arsenal, armoury’.

armature

//, //

n.
1 the rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor. any moving part of an electrical machine in which a voltage is induced by a magnetic field. a piece of iron acting as a keeper for a magnet.
2 a framework on which a clay sculpture is moulded.
3 Biology the protective covering of an animal or plant.
4 archaic armour.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from L. armatura ‘armour’, from armare (see arm^2).

armband

n.
1 a band worn around the upper arm to hold up a shirtsleeve or as a form of identification.
2 an inflatable plastic band worn around the upper arm as a swimming aid.

arm candy

n. informal a sexually attractive companion accompanying a person at social events.

armchair

n.
1 a large, comfortable chair with side supports for the sitter's arms.
2 [as modifier] lacking direct experience of or involvement in a particular subject or activity: an armchair traveller.

armed

adj.
1 equipped with or involving a firearm or firearms.
2 Heraldry having claws or a beak of a specified tincture.

armed forces

(also armed services)

pl. n. a country's army, navy, and air force.

Armenian

//

n.
1 a native of Armenia or a person of Armenian descent.
2 the Indo-European language of Armenia.
adj. relating to Armenia, its language, or its Church.

armhole

n. an opening in a garment through which the wearer puts an arm.

armiger

//

n. a person entitled to heraldic arms.

- DERIVATIVES armigerous adj.

- ORIGIN C16: L., lit. ‘bearing arms’.

armillaria

//

n. a fungus found chiefly in woodland, having mycelia that can grow for a considerable distance.   Genus Armillaria.

- ORIGIN mod. L.: from L. armilla ‘bracelet’ (because of the bracelet-like frill on the fruiting bodies).

armillary sphere

n. a revolving model of the celestial sphere constructed from metal rings representing the equator, the tropics, etc.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. armillaris ‘relating to an armilla’, a similar astronomical instrument used by ancient astronomers, from L. armilla ‘bracelet’.

Arminian

//

adj. relating to the doctrines of Jacobus Arminius (1560–1609), a Dutch Protestant theologian who rejected the Calvinist doctrine of predestination.
n. an adherent of Arminian doctrines.

- DERIVATIVES Arminianism n.

armistice

//

n. a truce.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., or from mod. L. armistitium, from arma (see arm^2) + -stitium ‘stoppage’.

Armistice Day

n. the anniversary of the armistice of 11 November 1918, now replaced by Remembrance Sunday in the UK.

armlet

n. a bracelet worn round the upper arm.

armlock

n. a method of restraining someone by holding their arm tightly behind their back.

armoire

//

n. an ornate or antique cupboard or wardrobe.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from OFr. armarie (see aumbry).

armor

n. US spelling of armour.

armorer

n. US spelling of armourer.

Armorican

//

adj.
1 relating to Armorica, an ancient region of NW France.
2 Geology another term for Hercynian.

armory^1

//

n. heraldry.

- DERIVATIVES armorial adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. armoierie (see armoury).

armory^2

n. US spelling of armoury.

armour

(US armor)

n.
1 the metal coverings formerly worn by soldiers to protect the body in battle.
2 (also armour plate) the tough metal layer covering a military vehicle or ship. military vehicles collectively.
3 the protective layer or shell of some animals and plants.

- DERIVATIVES armoured adj. armour-plated adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. armure, from L. armatura, from armare (see arm^2).

armourer

(US armorer)

n.
1 a maker or supplier of weapons or armour.
2 an official in charge of the arms of a warship or regiment.

armoury

(US armory)

n. (pl. armories)
1 a store or supply of arms. US a place where weapons are manufactured.
2 an array of resources available for a particular purpose.
3 Canadian a place where militia units drill and train.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘armour’): from OFr. armoirie, armoierie, from armoier ‘to blazon’, from arme (see arms).

armpit

n.
1 a hollow under the arm at the shoulder.
2 informal, chiefly N. Amer. an extremely unpleasant place.

- PHRASES
up to one's armpits deeply involved in something unpleasant.

armrest

n. an arm of a chair or other seat.

arms

pl. n.
1 weapons; armaments.
2 distinctive emblems originally borne on shields in battle and now forming heraldic insignia.

- PHRASES
a call to arms a call to make ready for fighting.
in arms prepared to fight.
under arms equipped and ready for war or battle.
up in arms protesting vigorously.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. armes, from L. arma.

arms control

n. international disarmament or arms limitation, especially by mutual consent.

arms race

n. a competition between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons.

arm-wrestling

n. a contest in which two people sit opposite each other with one elbow resting on a table and try to force each other's arm down on to the table.

- DERIVATIVES arm-wrestle v.

army

n. (pl. armies) [treated as sing. or pl.]
1 an organized military force equipped for fighting on land.
2 a large number of similar people or things.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. armee, from armata, fem. past part. of L. armare ‘to arm’.

army ant

n. a blind nomadic tropical ant that forages in large columns, preying on insects.   Subfamily Dorylinae: many species.

army worm

n.
1 any of a destructive mass of caterpillars of certain species of moth, which feed on crops.
2 any of the small maggots of certain gnats, which move in large numbers within secreted slime.

arnica

//

n.
1 a plant of the daisy family which bears yellow, daisy-like flowers.   Genus Arnica: many species.
2 a preparation of arnica used medicinally for the treatment of bruises.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., of unknown origin.

aroid

//

n. Botany a plant of the arum family (Araceae).

aroma

n. a pleasant and distinctive smell.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk arma ‘spice’.

aromatherapy

n. the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for therapeutic purposes.

- DERIVATIVES aromatherapeutic adj. aromatherapist n.

aromatic

adj.
1 having an aroma.
2 Chemistry (of an organic compound) containing an unsaturated ring of atoms which is stabilized by an interaction of the bonds forming the ring.
n. an aromatic plant, substance, or compound.

- DERIVATIVES aromatically adv. aromaticity n. (Chemistry).

aromatize

(or aromatise)

v.
1 Chemistry convert (a compound) into an aromatic structure.
2 give a pleasant aroma to.

- DERIVATIVES aromatization n.

arose

past of arise.

around

adv.
1 located or situated on every side.
2 so as to face in the opposite direction.
3 in or to many places throughout a locality.
4 here and there.
5 available or present.
6 approximately.
prep.
1 on every side of.
2 in or to many places throughout (a locality).
3 so as to encircle or embrace. following an approximately circular route.

- ORIGIN ME: from a-2 + round.

USAGE

On the difference in use between round and around, see usage at round.

arouse

v.
1 evoke (a feeling or response). provoke to anger or other strong emotion. excite sexually.
2 awaken from sleep.

- DERIVATIVES arousable adj. arousal n.

- ORIGIN C16: from rouse, on the pattern of the pair of rise, arise.

ARP

abbrev. Brit. historical air-raid precautions.

arpeggiate

//

v. Music play (a chord) as a series of ascending or descending notes.

- DERIVATIVES arpeggiation n. arpeggiator n.

arpeggio

//

n. (pl. arpeggios) Music the notes of a chord played in rapid succession.

- ORIGIN Ital., from arpeggiare ‘play the harp’, from arpa ‘harp’.

arquebus

//

n. variant spelling of harquebus.

arr.

abbrev.
1 (of a piece of music) arranged by.
2 (in a transport timetable) arrives.

arrack

//, // (also arak)

n. an alcoholic spirit made from the sap of the coco palm or from rice.

- ORIGIN C17: from Arab. arak ‘sweat’, from the phr. arak al-tamr, denoting an alcoholic spirit made from dates.

arraign

//

v. call before a court to answer a criminal charge.

- DERIVATIVES arraignment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. araisnier, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + ratio(n-) ‘reason, account’.

arrange

v.
1 put in a neat, attractive, or required order.
2 organize or plan. reach agreement about an action or event in advance: they arranged to meet at eleven o'clock.
3 Music adapt (a composition) for performance with instruments or voices other than those originally specified.
4 archaic settle (a dispute or claim).

- DERIVATIVES arrangeable adj. arranger n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. arangier, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + rangier (see range).

arrangement

n.
1 the action, process, or result of arranging.
2 a plan for a future event.
3 Music an arranged composition.
4 archaic a settlement of a dispute or claim.

arrant

//

adj. literary utter; complete: what arrant nonsense!

- DERIVATIVES arrantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of errant, orig. in phrs such as arrant thief (‘outlawed, roving thief’).

arras

//

n. a tapestry wall hanging.

- ORIGIN ME: named after the French town of Arras.

array

//

n.
1 an impressive display or range of a particular thing.
2 an ordered arrangement of troops.
3 Mathematics an arrangement of quantities or symbols in rows and columns; a matrix.
4 Computing an ordered set of related elements.
5 Law a list of impanelled jurors.
6 literary elaborate or beautiful clothing.
v.
1 display or arrange in a neat or impressive way.
2 (be arrayed in) be elaborately clothed in.
3 Law impanel (a jury).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. arei (n.), areer (v.), based on L. ad- ‘towards’ + a Gmc base meaning ‘prepare’.

arrears

pl. n. payments or debts that are outstanding and due.

- PHRASES
in arrears (also chiefly Law in arrear)
1 behind with paying money that is owed. (of wages or rent) paid at the end of each period of work or occupation.
2 (of a competitor in a race) falling behind others.

- DERIVATIVES arrearage n.

- ORIGIN ME: from arrear (adv.) ‘behind, overdue’, from OFr. arere, from med. L. adretro, from ad- ‘towards’ + retro ‘backwards’.

Arrernte

//, //

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of an Aboriginal people of central Australia.
2 the language of the Arrernte.

- ORIGIN the name in Arrernte.

arrest

v.
1 seize (someone) by legal authority and take them into custody. seize and detain (a ship) by legal authority.
2 stop or check (progress or a process).
3 [usu. as adj. arresting] attract the attention of: an arresting shade of blue.
n.
1 the action of arresting.
2 a sudden cessation of motion: a cardiac arrest.

- PHRASES
arrest of judgement Law the suspension of proceedings in a criminal trial between the verdict and the sentence on the grounds of a material irregularity in the course of the trial.

- DERIVATIVES arrestee n. (chiefly N. Amer.). arrestingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. arester, based on L. ad- ‘at, to’ + restare ‘remain, stop’.

arrestable offence

n. Law, Brit. an offence for which there is a fixed mandatory penalty or which carries a sentence of at least five years' imprisonment.

arrester

(also arrestor)

n. a device which prevents or stops. a device on an aircraft carrier that slows down aircraft after landing by means of a hook and cable.

arrestment

n. Scots Law an attachment of property for the satisfaction of a debt.

arrhythmia

// (also arhythmia)

n. Medicine a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk arruthmia ‘lack of rhythm’, from a- ‘without’ + rhuthmos (see rhythm).

arrhythmic

(also arhythmic)

adj. not rhythmic. Medicine relating to or suffering from cardiac arrhythmia.

- DERIVATIVES arrhythmical adj. arrhythmically adv.

arrière-pensée

/ /

n. a concealed thought or intention.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘behind thought’.

arris

//

n. Architecture a sharp edge formed by the meeting of two flat or curved surfaces.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of early mod. Fr. areste ‘sharp ridge’, earlier form of arête.

arris rail

n. a fence rail with a triangular cross section.

arrive

v.
1 reach a destination.
2 be brought or delivered.
3 (of a particular moment) come about.
4 (arrive at) reach (a conclusion or decision).
5 informal become successful and well known.

- DERIVATIVES arrival n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘reach the shore after a voyage’): from OFr. ariver, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + ripa ‘shore’.

arrividerci

//

exclam. goodbye until we meet again.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘to the seeing again’.

arriviste

//

n. an ambitious and self-seeking person.

- DERIVATIVES arrivisme // n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., from arriver (see arrive).

arrogant

adj. having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

- DERIVATIVES arrogance n. arrogantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. arrogare (see arrogate).

arrogate

//

v. take or claim for oneself without justification.

- DERIVATIVES arrogation n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. arrogat-, arrogare ‘claim for oneself’, from ad- ‘to’ + rogare ‘ask’.

arrondissement

//, //

n. (in France) a subdivision of a local government department. an administrative district of Paris.

- ORIGIN Fr., from arrondir ‘make round’.

arrow

n. a weapon consisting of a stick with a sharp pointed head, designed to be shot from a bow. a symbol resembling an arrow, used to show direction or position.
v. move swiftly and directly.

- DERIVATIVES arrowed adj. arrowy adj.

- ORIGIN OE arewe, arwe, from ON.

arrowgrass

n. a grass-like marsh plant with a slender spike of tiny flowers.   Genus Triglochin.

arrowhead

n.
1 the pointed end of an arrow.
2 Geometry a quadrilateral in which one internal angle is more than 180°.
3 a water plant with arrow-shaped leaves above the water surface.   Genus Sagittaria: several species.

arrowroot

n.
1 a fine-grained starch used in cookery and medicine.
2 the herbaceous Caribbean plant from which arrowroot is prepared.   Maranta arundinacea.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of Arawak aru-aru (lit. ‘meal of meals’) by assoc. with arrow and root^1, the plant's tubers being used to absorb poison from arrow wounds.

arrow worm

n. a slender transparent worm-like marine animal with spines on the head for grasping prey, common in plankton.   Phylum Chaetognatha: many species.

arroyo

//

n. (pl. arroyos) US a dry, steep-sided gully cut by a river or stream.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp.

arse

Brit. vulgar slang

n. a person's buttocks or anus.
v.
1 (arse about/around) behave in a stupid way.
2 (can't be arsed) have insufficient interest to do something.

- ORIGIN OE ærs, of Gmc origin.

arsehole

n. Brit. vulgar slang
1 the anus.
2 a stupid, irritating, or contemptible person.

arsenal

n. a store of weapons and ammunition. a military establishment where weapons and ammunition are made and stored.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘a dockyard’): from Fr., or from obs. Ital. arzanale, based on Arab. dr-as-sina, from dr ‘house’ + al- ‘(of) the’ + sina ‘art, industry’.

arsenic

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 33, a brittle steel-grey semimetal with many highly poisonous compounds. (Symbol: As)

- DERIVATIVES arsenical adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense ‘orpiment’): via OFr. from L. arsenicum, from Gk arsenikon, from Arab. al-zarnk.

arsenide

n. Chemistry a binary compound of arsenic with a metallic element.

arsenopyrite

//

n. a silvery-grey mineral consisting of an arsenide and sulphide of iron and cobalt.

arsey

adj. Brit. informal bad-tempered or uncooperative.

arsine

//

n. Chemistry a poisonous gas made by the reaction of some arsenic compounds with acids.   AsH_3.

- ORIGIN C19: from arsenic, on the pattern of amine.

arsis

//

n. (pl. arses //) Prosody a stressed syllable or part of a metrical foot in Greek or Latin verse. Often contrasted with thesis.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk, lit. ‘lifting’, from airein ‘raise’.

arson

n. the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

- DERIVATIVES arsonist n.

- ORIGIN C17: an Anglo-Norman Fr. legal term, from med. L. arsio(n-), from L. ardere ‘to burn’.

arsphenamine

//, //

n. Medicine a synthetic organic arsenic compound formerly used to treat syphilis.

arsy-versy

adj. & adv. informal in a disordered or contrary state or manner.

- ORIGIN C16: from arse + L. versus ‘turned’, the addition of -y^1 to both elements forming a jingle.

art^1

n.
1 the expression or application of creative skill and imagination, especially through a visual medium such as painting or sculpture. works produced in this way.
2 (the arts) the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.
3 (arts) subjects of study primarily concerned with human culture (as contrasted with scientific or technical subjects).
4 a skill in a specified thing: the art of conversation.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. ars, art-.

art^2

archaic or dialect second person singular present of be.

art deco

//

n. a style of decorative art characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes.

- ORIGIN 1960s: shortened from Fr. art décoratif ‘decorative art’, from the 1925 Exposition des Arts décoratifs in Paris.

artefact

// (US artifact)

n.
1 an object made by a human being.
2 something observed in a scientific investigation that is not naturally present but occurs as a result of the investigative procedure.

- DERIVATIVES artefactual adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. arte ‘by or using art’ + factum ‘something made’.

artel

//

n. (pl. artels, arteli) (in pre-revolutionary Russia) a cooperative association of craftsmen living and working together.

- ORIGIN from Russ. artel'.

artemisia

//

n. an aromatic or bitter-tasting plant of a genus that includes wormwood, some species of which are used in herbal medicine.   Genus Artemisia.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk, ‘wormwood’, named after the Greek goddess Artemis.

artemisinin

//

n. a terpene-based antimalarial substance obtained from an artemisia and used in Chinese medicine.

arterial

//

adj.
1 relating to an artery or arteries.
2 denoting an important route in a system of roads, railways, or rivers.

arterialized

(or arterialised)

adj. Physiology (of blood) converted from venous to arterial by oxygenation.

- DERIVATIVES arterialization n.

arterio-

comb. form relating to the arteries: arteriosclerosis.

arteriography

//

n. Medicine radiography of an artery, carried out after injection of a radiopaque substance.

arteriole

//

n. Anatomy a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries.

- DERIVATIVES arteriolar adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. artériole, dimin. of artère (see artery).

arteriosclerosis

//, //

n. Medicine thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries.

- DERIVATIVES arteriosclerotic adj.

arteriovenous

//

adj. Anatomy relating to or affecting an artery and a vein.

arteritis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the walls of an artery.

artery

n. (pl. arteries)
1 any of the muscular-walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body.
2 an important route in a traffic or transport system.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. arteria, from Gk artria, prob. from airein ‘raise’.

artesian

//, //

adj. relating to or denoting a well that is bored perpendicularly into water-bearing strata lying at an angle, so that water is supplied by natural pressure.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. artésien, ‘from Artois’, a region in France.

Artex

//

n. trademark a kind of plaster applied to walls and ceilings to give a textured finish.
v. cover with Artex.

- ORIGIN 1950s: blend of art^1 and texture.

art form

n. a conventionally established form of artistic composition, such as the novel.

artful

adj. cunningly clever or skilful.

- DERIVATIVES artfully adv. artfulness n.

art history

n. the academic study of the history and development of the visual arts.

- DERIVATIVES art historian n. art historical adj.

art house

n. a cinema which shows artistic or experimental films.

arthralgia

//

n. Medicine pain in a joint.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk arthron ‘joint’ + -algia.

arthritis

//

n. a disease causing painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.

- DERIVATIVES arthritic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as arthritic): via L. from Gk, from arthron ‘joint’.

arthro-

comb. form of a joint; relating to joints: arthroscope.

- ORIGIN from Gk arthron ‘joint’.

arthrodesis

//

n. surgical immobilization of a joint by fusion of the bones.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from arthro- + Gk desis ‘binding together’.

arthropod

//

n. Zoology an invertebrate animal of the large phylum Arthropoda, having a segmented body, external skeleton, and jointed limbs, such as an insect, spider, or crustacean.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Arthropoda, from Gk arthron ‘joint’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.

arthroscope

//

n. Medicine an instrument for inspecting or operating on the interior of a joint.

- DERIVATIVES arthroscopic adj. arthroscopy n.

Arthurian

//

adj. relating to the reign (in the 5th or 6th century) of the legendary King Arthur of Britain.

artic

//

n. Brit. informal an articulated truck.

artichoke

//

n.
1 a plant with large, thistle-like flower heads.   Cynara scolymus.
2 (also globe artichoke) the unopened flower head of the artichoke, of which the heart and the fleshy bases of the bracts are edible.
3 see Jerusalem artichoke.

- ORIGIN C16: from northern Ital. articiocco, from Sp. alcarchofa, from Arab. al-karšfa.

article

n.
1 a particular object.
2 a piece of writing included with others in a newspaper or magazine.
3 a separate clause or paragraph of a legal document.
4 (articles) a period of training with a firm as a solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant. the terms on which crew members take service on a ship.
5 Grammar the definite or indefinite article.
v. (be articled) Brit. be employed as a trainee in the office of a solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant.

- PHRASES
an article of faith a firmly held belief.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. articulus ‘small connecting part’, dimin. of artus ‘joint’.

articled clerk

n. Brit. a trainee solicitor.

articular

//

adj. Anatomy relating to a joint.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. articularis, from articulus (see article).

articulate

adj. //
1 fluent and clear in speech.
2 technical having joints or jointed segments. Zoology denoting a brachiopod which has projections and sockets that form a hinge joining the two halves of the shell.
v. //
1 pronounce (words) distinctly. clearly express (an idea or feeling).
2 form a joint. (be articulated) be connected by joints.

- DERIVATIVES articulable adj. articulacy n. articulated adj. articulately adv. articulateness n. articulatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. articulat-, articulare ‘divide into joints, utter distinctly’, from articulus (see article).

articulation

n.
1 the formation of clear and distinct sounds in speech. the action of putting an idea into words. Phonetics the formation of a speech sound by constriction of the air flow in the vocal organs.
2 Music clarity in the production of successive notes.
3 the state of being jointed. a specified joint.

articulator

n. any of the vocal organs above the larynx, including the tongue, lips, teeth, and hard palate.

artifact

n. US spelling of artefact.

artifice

//

n. clever devices or expedients, especially to trick or deceive others.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘workmanship’): from OFr., from L. artificium, based on ars ‘art’ + facere ‘make’.

artificer

//

n. a skilled mechanic in the armed forces.

artificial

adj.
1 made as a copy of something natural.
2 contrived or false: the artificial division of people into age groups. insincere or affected.
3 Bridge (of a bid) conventional as opposed to natural.

- DERIVATIVES artificiality n. artificially adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. artificiel or L. artificialis, from artificium (see artifice).

artificial horizon

n. an instrument providing the pilot of an aircraft with a horizontal reference plane for navigational measurement when the natural horizon is obscured.

artificial insemination

n. the veterinary or medical procedure of injecting semen into the vagina or uterus.

artificial intelligence

n. the performance by computer systems of tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as translation between languages.

artificial respiration

n. the restoration or maintenance of a person's breathing by manual, mechanical, or mouth-to-mouth methods.

artillery

//

n. (pl. artilleries) large-calibre guns used in warfare on land. a branch of the armed forces trained to use artillery.

- DERIVATIVES artillerist n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. artillerie, from artiller, alt. of atillier ‘equip, arm’, prob. a var. of atirier, from a- + tire ‘rank, order’.

artiodactyl

//

n. Zoology a mammal of the order Artiodactyla, which comprises the ruminants, camels, pigs, and hippopotamuses (the even-toed ungulates).

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Artiodactyla, from Gk artios ‘even’ + daktulos ‘finger, toe’.

artisan

//, //

n. a skilled worker who makes things by hand.

- DERIVATIVES artisanal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. artigiano, based on L. artire ‘instruct in the arts’.

artist

n.
1 a person who creates paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby. a person who practises or performs any of the creative arts.
2 informal a habitual practitioner of a specified activity: a con artist.

- DERIVATIVES artistry n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. artiste, from Ital. artista, from arte ‘art’, from L. ars, art-.

artiste

//

n. a professional entertainer, especially a singer or dancer.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. (see artist).

artistic

adj.
1 having or revealing natural creative skill.
2 relating to or characteristic of art or artists.

- DERIVATIVES artistically adv.

artless

adj.
1 without guile or pretension.
2 clumsy.

- DERIVATIVES artlessly adv.

art nouveau

/ /

n. a style of decorative art and architecture characterized by intricate linear designs and flowing curves.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., lit. ‘new art’.

arts and crafts

pl. n. decorative design and handicraft.

artwork

n. illustrations or other non-textual material prepared for inclusion in a publication.

arty

(chiefly N. Amer. also artsy)

adj. (artier, artiest) informal artistic or interested in the arts, especially in a pretentious or affected way.

- DERIVATIVES artily adv. artiness n.

arty-farty

(also artsy-fartsy)

adj. informal, derogatory associated with or showing an interest in the arts.

arugula

//

n. N. Amer. the salad vegetable rocket.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Ital. dial. arucula, aruca, from Ital. rucola, dimin. of ruca rocket^2.

arum

//

n. a plant of a large family with typically arrow-shaped leaves and a broad leafy spathe enclosing a club-shaped spadix.   Arum maculatum (wild arum, cuckoo pint) and other species, family Araceae.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from Gk aron.

arum lily

n. chiefly Brit. a tall lily-like African plant which bears a large showy spathe.   Genus Zantedeschia.

Arunta

//, //

n. variant form of Arrernte.

arvo

//

n. (pl. arvos) Austral./NZ informal afternoon.

-ary^1

suffix
1 forming adjectives such as budgetary.
2 forming nouns such as dictionary.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -aire or L. -arius ‘connected with’.

-ary^2

suffix forming adjectives such as capillary.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -aire or L. -aris ‘relating to’.

Aryan

//

n.
1 a member of a people speaking an Indo-European language who invaded northern India in the 2nd millennium BC.
2 the language of the Aryan people.
3 (in Nazi ideology) a person of Caucasian race not of Jewish descent.
adj. relating to the Aryans or their language.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit rya ‘noble’ + -an.

aryl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting a radical derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by removal of a hydrogen atom.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from aromatic + -yl.

arytenoid

//

adj. Anatomy relating to or denoting cartilage at the back of the larynx used in the production of different kinds of voice quality.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. arytaenoides, from Gk arutainoeids, from arutaina ‘funnel’.

AS

abbrev. Anglo-Saxon.

As

symb. the chemical element arsenic.

as^1

//, //

adv. used in comparisons to refer to the extent or degree of something. used to emphasize an amount.
conj.
1 used to indicate simultaneous occurrence.
2 used to indicate by comparison the way that something happens.
3 because.
4 even though.
prep.
1 used to refer to the function or character of someone or something.
2 during the time of being.

- PHRASES
as for (or to) with regard to.
as from (or of) chiefly Brit. from a particular time or date.
as if (or though) as would be the case if.
as (it) is in the existing circumstances.
as yet until now or that time.

- ORIGIN ME: reduced form of OE alsw ‘similarly’ (see also).

USAGE

Traditionalists hold that it is correct to say he's not as shy as I rather than he's not as shy as me, but the former construction can sound stilted and is now rarely used in normal speech. For more information on this issue, see usage at than.

as^2

//

n. (pl. asses) an ancient Roman copper coin.

- ORIGIN L., ‘a unit’.

as-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before s (as in assemble).

ASA

abbrev.
1 Advertising Standards Authority.
2 Amateur Swimming Association.
3 American Standards Association.

asafoetida

//, // (US asafetida)

n.
1 a fetid resinous gum obtained from the roots of a herbaceous plant, used in herbal medicine and Indian cooking.
2 a plant of the parsley family, from which asafoetida is obtained.   Ferula assa-foetida.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L., from asa (from Pers. az ‘mastic’) + foetida (see fetid).

asana

//

n. a posture adopted in hatha yoga.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit sana.

asap

abbrev. as soon as possible.

asbestos

//, //, //

n. a highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral able to be woven into fabrics, used in brake linings and in fire-resistant and insulating materials.

- ORIGIN C17, via L. from Gk asbestos ‘unquenchable’.

asbestosis

//, //

n. a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos particles, marked by severe fibrosis and a high risk of cancer of the pleura.

ascarid

// (also ascaris //)

n. Zoology a member of a family of parasitic nematode worms (Ascaridae) that live in the intestines of vertebrates.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. Ascaridae, from Gk askarides, pl. of askaris ‘intestinal worm’.

ascend

v.
1 go up; climb or rise.
2 rise in status.
3 (of a voice or sound) rise in pitch.

- PHRASES
ascend the throne become king or queen.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. ascendere, from ad- ‘to’ + scandere ‘to climb’.

ascendant

(also ascendent)

adj.
1 holding a position of increasing status or influence.
2 Astrology (of a planet, zodiacal degree, or sign) on or close to the intersection of the ecliptic with the eastern horizon.
n. Astrology the ascendant point.

- PHRASES
in the ascendant rising in power or influence.

- DERIVATIVES ascendancy n.

ascender

n.
1 a person or thing that ascends.
2 a lower-case letter (or part of it) that extends above the level of the top of an x (such as b and f).
3 Climbing a device which can be clipped to a rope to act as a foothold or handhold.

ascension

n.
1 the action of rising to a higher position or level.
2 (Ascension) the ascent of Christ into heaven on the fortieth day after the Resurrection.

- DERIVATIVES ascensional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. ascensio(n-), from ascendere (see ascend).

Ascension Day

n. the Thursday forty days after Easter, on which Christ's Ascension is celebrated in the Christian Church.

Ascensiontide

n. the period of ten days from Ascension Day to Whitsun Eve.

ascent

n.
1 a climb to the summit of a mountain. an upward slope.
2 an instance of rising through the air. a rise in status.

- ORIGIN C16: from ascend, on the pattern of the pair of descend, descent.

ascertain

//

v. find out for certain.

- DERIVATIVES ascertainable adj. ascertainment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. acertener, based on L. certus ‘settled, sure’.

ascesis

//

n. the practice of severe self-discipline.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk asksis ‘training’.

ascetic

//

adj. characterized by the practice of severe self-discipline.
n. an ascetic person.

- DERIVATIVES ascetically adv. asceticism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. asceticus or Gk asktikos, from askts ‘monk’, from askein ‘to exercise’.

aschelminth

//, //

n. (pl. aschelminths or aschelminthes) Zoology a typically worm-like invertebrate of a large group that lack a well-developed coelom and blood vessels and include the nematodes, rotifers, and water bears.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Aschelminthes (former phylum name), from Gk askos ‘sac’ + helminth ‘worm’ (from the former belief that animals of this group had a fluid-filled internal sac).

asci

plural form of ascus.

ascidian

//

n. Zoology a sea squirt.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. pl. Ascidia (genus name), from Gk askidion, dimin. of askos ‘wineskin’.

ASCII

//

abbrev. Computing American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

ascites

//

n. Medicine the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling.

- DERIVATIVES ascitic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk askits, from askos ‘wineskin’.

ascomycete

//

n. (pl. ascomycetes //, //) Botany a fungus of a large group whose spores develop within asci (sacs) and which includes most moulds, mildews, and yeasts, the fungal component of most lichens, and the morels and truffles.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Ascomycetes (former class name), from Gk askos ‘sac’ + muktes ‘fungi’.

ascorbate

n. Chemistry a salt, ester, or the anion of ascorbic acid.

ascorbic acid

//

n. vitamin C, a compound found in citrus fruits and green vegetables which is essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue and of which a deficiency causes scurvy.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from a-1 + med. L. scorbutus ‘scurvy’ + -ic.

ascribe

v. (ascribe something to) attribute something to (a cause, person, or period). regard a quality as belonging to.

- DERIVATIVES ascribable adj. ascription n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. ascribere, from ad- ‘to’ + scribere ‘write’.

ascus

//

n. (pl. asci //, //) Botany a sac in which the spores of ascomycete fungi develop.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk askos ‘bag’.

Asdic

//

n. chiefly Brit. an early form of sonar used to detect enemy submarines.

- ORIGIN First World War: acronym from Allied Submarine Detection Investigation Committee.

-ase

suffix Biochemistry forming names of enzymes: amylase.

- ORIGIN from (diast)ase.

ASEAN

//

abbrev. Association of South-East Asian Nations.

aseismic

//

adj. Geology not characterized by earthquake activity.

asepsis

//

n. the absence or exclusion of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Compare with antisepsis.

aseptic

//

adj. free from contamination by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms; sterile.

- DERIVATIVES aseptically adv.

asexual

adj.
1 Biology without sex or sexual organs. (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of gametes.
2 without sexual feelings or associations.

- DERIVATIVES asexuality n. asexually adv.

ASH

abbrev. Action on Smoking and Health.

ash^1

n.
1 the powdery residue left after the burning of a substance. (ashes) the remains of a human body after cremation or burning. (in chemical analysis) the mineral component of an organic substance (indicated by the residue left after burning).
2 (the Ashes) a cricket trophy awarded for a Test match series between England and Australia. [ORIGIN from a mock obituary notice referring to the symbolical remains of English cricket.]

- PHRASES
turn to ashes in one's mouth become bitterly disappointing or worthless.
rise from the ashes be renewed after destruction.

- DERIVATIVES ashy adj.

- ORIGIN OE æsce, aexe, of Gmc origin.

ash^2

n.
1 a tree with compound leaves, winged fruits, and hard pale wood.   Genus Fraxinus: many species. used in names of other trees, e.g. mountain ash.
2 an Old English runic letter, . the symbol æ or Æ, used in the Roman alphabet in place of the runic letter and as a phonetic symbol. See also Æ.

- ORIGIN OE æsc, of Gmc origin.

ashamed

adj. feeling embarrassed or guilty: she felt ashamed that she had hit him.

- DERIVATIVES ashamedly adv.

- ORIGIN OE scamod, past part. of scamian ‘feel shame’, from - (as an intensifier) + shame.

Ashanti

// (also Asante)

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a people of south central Ghana.
2 the dialect of Akan spoken by the Ashanti.

- ORIGIN the name in Akan.

ash blonde

adj. (of a woman's hair) very pale blonde.

ashcan

n. US a dustbin.

ashen^1

adj.
1 (of a person's face) very pale with shock, fear, or illness.
2 literary ash-coloured.

ashen^2

adj. archaic made of wood from the ash tree.

ashet

//

n. Scottish & N. English a large plate or dish.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. assiette.

Ashkenazi

//

n. (pl. Ashkenazim //) a Jew of central or eastern European descent. Compare with Sephardi.

- DERIVATIVES Ashkenazic adj.

- ORIGIN from mod. Heb., from Ashkenaz, grandson of Japheth, one of the sons of Noah (Gen. 10:3).

ash key

n. Brit. the winged fruit of an ash tree, growing in clusters resembling keys.

ashlar

//

n. masonry made of large square-cut stones, generally used as a facing material.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aisselier from L. axilla, dimin. of axis ‘plank’.

ashlaring

n.
1 ashlar masonry.
2 upright boarding fixed from the joists to the rafters of an attic to cut off the acute angle between the roof and the floor.

ashore

adv. to or on the shore or land from the direction of the sea. on land as opposed to at sea.

ashplant

n. a sapling from an ash tree used as a walking stick or whip.

ashram

//

n. a place of religious retreat or community life in or modelled on those in India.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit srama ‘hermitage’.

ashrama

//

n. Hinduism any of the four stages of an ideal life, ascending from the status of pupil to the total renunciation of the world.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit srama.

ashtanga

// (also astanga //)

n. a type of yoga based on eight principles and consisting of a series of poses executed in swift succession, combined with deep, controlled breathing.

- ORIGIN from Hindi astan or its source, Sanskrit ashtanga ‘having eight parts’, from ashtán ‘eight’.

ashtray

n. a small receptacle for tobacco ash and cigarette ends.

Ash Wednesday

n. the first day of Lent in the Western Christian Church, marked by services of penitence.

- ORIGIN from the custom of marking the foreheads of penitents with ashes on that day.

ASI

abbrev. airspeed indicator.

asiago

//

n. a strong-flavoured cow's milk cheese made in northern Italy.

- ORIGIN named after Asiago in northern Italy, where the cheese was first made.

Asian

//, //

n. a native of Asia or a person of Asian descent.
adj. relating to Asia or its people.

USAGE

In Britain Asian is used to refer to people who come from (or whose parents came from) the Indian subcontinent, while in North America it is used to refer to people from the Far East. South Asian is used in both Britain and North America to refer to people from the Indian subcontinent.

Asian American

n. an American who is of Asian (chiefly Far Eastern) descent.
adj. relating to Asian Americans.

Asiatic

//, //

adj. relating to or deriving from Asia.

USAGE

Asiatic can be offensive when referring to individual people: use Asian instead. However, Asiatic is standard in scientific and technical use.

ASIC

abbrev. Electronics application specific integrated circuit.

A-side

n. the side of a pop single regarded as the main one.

aside

adv.
1 to one side; out of the way.
2 in reserve or out of consideration.
n.
1 an actor's remark that is heard by the audience but is supposed not to be heard by the other characters.
2 an incidental remark.

- PHRASES
aside from apart from.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. on side): see a^2, side.

asinine

//

adj. extremely stupid or foolish.

- DERIVATIVES asininity n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. asininus, from asinus ‘ass’.

-asis

(often -iasis)

suffix forming the names of diseases: psoriasis.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk.

ask

v.
1 say something in order to obtain an answer or information: I asked her what she meant. (ask after or Scottish for) Brit. enquire about the well-being of.
2 say to (someone) that one wants them to do or give something. say that one wants permission to do something. (ask for) say that one wants to speak to. say that one wants (a specified amount) as a price for selling something.
3 expect or demand (something) of someone: it's asking a lot, but could you look through Billy's things?
4 invite to a social occasion. (ask someone out) invite someone out on a date.
n. US the asking price of a financial security.

- PHRASES
a big ask informal a difficult demand to fulfil.
for the asking for little or no effort or cost.
I ask you! informal an exclamation of shock or disapproval.

- DERIVATIVES asker n.

- ORIGIN OE scian, hsian, xian, of W. Gmc origin.

askance

//, // (also askant //, //)

adv. with a look of suspicion or disapproval.

- ORIGIN C15: of unknown origin.

askari

//

n. (pl. same or askaris) (in East Africa) a soldier or police officer.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arab. askar ‘soldier’.

askew

//

adv. & adj. not in a straight or level position.

- ORIGIN C16: from a-2 + skew.

asking price

n. the price at which something is offered for sale.

ASL

abbrev. American Sign Language.

aslant

adv. at a slant.
prep. across at a slant.

asleep

adj. & adv.
1 in or into a state of sleep. not attentive or alert.
2 (of a limb) numb.

ASLEF

//

abbrev. Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen.

AS level

n. (in the UK except Scotland) an examination or a pass at advanced subsidiary level.

aslope

adj. & adv. literary in a sloping position.

- ORIGIN ME: origin uncertain; this form appears earlier than slope.

ASM

abbrev.
1 air-to-surface missile.
2 assistant stage manager.

asocial

adj. avoiding or inconsiderate of others.

ASP

abbrev. application service provider, a company providing Internet access to software applications that would otherwise have to be installed on individual computers.

asp

//

n.
1 (also asp viper) a small viper with an upturned snout.   Vipera aspis.
2 the Egyptian cobra.   Naja haje.
3 a large predatory freshwater fish of the carp family.   Aspius aspius.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. aspis, from Gk.

asparagine

//

n. Biochemistry a hydrophilic amino acid which is a constituent of most proteins.

- ORIGIN C19: from asparagus (which contains it) + -ine^4.

asparagus

//

n.
1 a plant of the lily family with feathery foliage.   Asparagus officinalis.
2 the tender young shoots of the asparagus plant, eaten as a vegetable.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk asparagos.

asparagus fern

n. a decorative plant with feathery foliage, related to the edible asparagus.   Genus Asparagus: several species.

aspartame

//

n. an artificial sweetener derived from aspartic acid and phenylalanine.

aspartate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of aspartic acid.

aspartic acid

//

n. Biochemistry an acidic amino acid present in many proteins and in sugar cane, important in the metabolism of nitrogen in animals and also acting as a neurotransmitter.

- ORIGIN C19: aspartic from Fr. aspartique, L. asparagus (see asparagus).

aspect

n.
1 a particular part or feature. a particular appearance or quality.
2 the positioning of a building in a particular direction. the side of a building facing a particular direction.
3 Grammar a category or form of a verb which expresses a feature of the action related to time, such as completion or duration.
4 Astrology any of a number of particular angular relationships between one celestial body or point on the ecliptic and another.
v. Astrology (of a planet) form an aspect with (another celestial body).

- DERIVATIVES aspectual adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. aspectus, from aspicere ‘look at’.

aspect ratio

n.
1 the ratio of the width to the height of an image on a television screen.
2 Aeronautics the ratio of the span to the mean chord of an aerofoil.

aspen

n. a poplar tree with small rounded long-stalked leaves noted for trembling in the breeze.   Populus tremula (Europe), P. tremuloides (N. America), and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from dial. asp + -en^2, forming an adjective later used as a noun.

Asperger's syndrome

//

n. Psychiatry a mild autistic disorder characterized by awkwardness in social interaction, pedantry in speech, and preoccupation with very narrow interests.

- ORIGIN 1940s: named after the Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger.

asperges

//

n. Christian Church the rite of sprinkling holy water at the beginning of the Mass. another term for aspergillum.

- ORIGIN C16: the first word of the Latin text of Psalms 50(51):7 (lit. ‘thou shalt purge’), recited during the sprinkling of the holy water.

aspergillosis

//

n. Medicine a condition in which certain fungi infect the lungs or other tissues, especially through inhalation of spores from mouldy hay.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Aspergillus (genus name of the fungi), from aspergillum + -osis.

aspergillum

//

n. (pl. aspergilla or aspergillums) an implement for sprinkling holy water.

- ORIGIN C17: from L.

asperity

//

n. (pl. asperities) harshness of tone or manner. (asperities) harsh qualities or conditions.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. asperite, or L. asperitas, from asper ‘rough’.

asperse

//

v. literary attack the reputation or integrity of.

aspersion

//

n. an attack on someone's character or reputation: he has cast aspersions on our abilities.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the sprinkling of water at baptism): from L. aspersio(n-), from aspergere ‘sprinkle’.

asphalt

//, //

n. a dark bituminous pitch occurring naturally or derived from crude oil, used in surfacing roads or as waterproofing in building.
v. surface with asphalt.

- DERIVATIVES asphaltic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. asphalte, based on late L. asphalton, asphaltum, from Gk asphalton.

aspherical

adj. not spherical.

- DERIVATIVES aspheric adj.

asphodel

//

n.
1 a plant of the lily family with long, slender leaves and flowers borne on a spike.   Asphodelus and other genera.
2 literary an everlasting flower said to grow in the Elysian fields.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk asphodelos; cf. daffodil.

asphyxia

//

n. a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death.

- DERIVATIVES asphyxial adj. asphyxiant adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘stopping of the pulse’): mod. L., from Gk asphuxia, from a- ‘without’ + sphuxis ‘pulse’.

asphyxiate

v. kill or be killed by asphyxia.

- DERIVATIVES asphyxiation n. asphyxiator n.

aspic

n. a clear savoury jelly made with meat stock.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘asp’, from the colours of the jelly as compared with those of the snake.

aspidistra

//

n. a bulbous plant of the lily family with broad tapering leaves, native to East Asia.   Genus Aspidistra.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk aspis, aspid- ‘shield’ (because of the shape of the stigma).

aspirant

//, //

adj. aspiring towards a particular achievement or status.
n. a person who has aspirations to succeed in something.

aspirate

v. //
1 Phonetics pronounce (a sound) with an exhalation of breath. pronounce the sound of h at the beginning of a word.
2 Medicine breathe (something) in. Medicine draw (fluid) by suction from a bodily vessel or cavity.
3 [as adj. aspirated] (of an internal-combustion engine) provided with air.
n. //
1 Phonetics an aspirated consonant. a sound of h.
2 Medicine matter that has been drawn from the body by aspiration.
adj. // Phonetics (of a sound) aspirated.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. aspiratus ‘breathed’, from aspirare (see aspire).

aspiration

n.
1 a hope or ambition.
2 the action of aspirating.

aspirational

//

adj. having or characterized by aspirations to be successful.

- DERIVATIVES aspirationally adv.

aspirator

n. Medicine an instrument or apparatus for aspirating fluid from a vessel or cavity.

aspire

v. (usu. aspire to/to do something)
1 direct one's hopes or ambitions towards achieving something.
2 literary rise high; tower.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. aspirer or L. aspirant-, aspirare, from ad- ‘to’ + spirare ‘breathe’.

aspirin

n. (pl. same or aspirins) a synthetic compound (acetylsalicylic acid) used to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., from acetylierte Spirsäure ‘acetylated salicylic acid’.

asprawl

adv. & adj. sprawling.

asquint

adv. & adj. with a glance to one side or from the corner of the eyes.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from a-2 + a Low Ger. or Du. word rel. to mod. Du. schuinte ‘slant’.

ass^1

//

n.
1 an animal of the horse family which is smaller than a horse and has longer ears and a braying call.   Equus africanus (Africa) and E. hemionus (Asia). (in general use) a donkey.
2 informal a foolish or stupid person.

- ORIGIN OE assa, from a Celtic word rel. to Welsh asyn, Breton azen, based on L. asinus.

ass^2

//, //

n. N. Amer. vulgar slang a person's buttocks or anus.

- ORIGIN var. of arse.

-ass

//

comb. form N. Amer. informal used in derogatory terms as an intensifier: smart-ass.

assagai

n. & v. variant spelling of assegai.

assai

//

adv. [usu. postpos.] Music very: allegro assai.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘very much’.

assail

//

v.
1 make a concerted or violent attack on.
2 (of an unpleasant feeling) come upon (someone) strongly.

- DERIVATIVES assailable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. asaill-, stressed stem of asalir, from med. L. assalire, from L. assilire, from ad- ‘to’ + salire ‘to leap’.

assailant

n. a person who physically attacks another.

Assamese

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a native or inhabitant of the state of Assam in India.
2 the official language of Assam, an Indic language related to Bengali.
adj. relating to Assam, its people, or their language.

assart

// Brit. historical

n. a piece of land converted from forest to arable use.
v. convert to arable use.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. essarter, from med. L. ex(s)artare, based on ex ‘out’ + sar(r)ire ‘to weed’.

assassin

//

n.
1 a person who murders someone for political or religious reasons.
2 (Assassin) a member of the fanatical Nizari branch of Ismaili Muslims dominant at the time of the Crusades.

- ORIGIN In the literal sense an assassin was a person who used cannabis. The root of the word, which entered English in the 16th century from either French or medieval Latin, is the Arabic hašš ‘hashish eater’, and it was first used in reference to the Nizari branch of Ismaili Muslims who ruled part of northern Persia in the 12th and 13th centuries, during the time of the Crusades. Renowned as militant fanatics, they were reputed to use hashish before being sent to murder the Christian leaders.

assassinate

v. murder (a political or religious leader).

- DERIVATIVES assassination n.

assassin bug

n. a long-legged predatory or bloodsucking bug occurring chiefly in the tropics, some kinds of which can transmit diseases to humans.   Family Reduviidae: numerous species.

assault

n.
1 a violent attack. Law an act that threatens physical harm to a person, whether or not actual harm is done.
2 a concerted attempt to do something demanding.
v. make an assault on.

- DERIVATIVES assaulter n. assaultive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. asaut (n.), assauter (v.), based on L. ad- ‘to’ + saltare, from salire ‘to leap’.

assault and battery

n. Law the action of threatening a person together with making physical contact with them.

assault course

n. Brit. a course providing a series of physical challenges, used for training soldiers.

assault rifle

n. a lightweight rifle which may be set to fire automatically or semi-automatically.

assay

//, //

n.
1 the testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality.
2 a procedure for measuring the biochemical or immunological activity of a sample.
v.
1 carry out an assay on.
2 archaic attempt.

- DERIVATIVES assayer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. assai (n.), assaier (v.), var. of essai ‘trial’, essayer (see essay).

assay office

n.
1 an establishment for the assaying of ores and metals.
2 Brit. an institution authorized to award hallmarks to articles made from precious metals.

ass-backwards

adv. & adj. N. Amer. informal contrary to what is usual, expected, or logical.

assegai

// (also assagai)

n. (pl. assegais)
1 a slender iron-tipped hardwood spear used chiefly by southern African peoples.
2 (also assegai wood) a South African tree of the dogwood family, yielding a hard wood.   Curtisia dentata.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. Fr. azagaie or Port. azagaia, from Arab. az-zagyah, from az, al ‘the’ + Berber zagyah ‘spear’.

assemblage

n. a collection or gathering of things or people. a machine or object made of pieces fitted together. a work of art made by grouping together found or unrelated objects.

assemble

v.
1 come or bring together.
2 fit together the component parts of.
3 Computing translate (a program) from a symbolic language into machine code.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. asembler, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + simul ‘together’.

assemblé

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) Ballet a leap in which the feet are brought together before landing.

- ORIGIN Fr., past part. of assembler ‘assemble, put together’.

assembler

n.
1 a person who assembles component parts.
2 Computing a program for converting instructions written in symbolic code into machine code. another term for assembly language.

assembly

n. (pl. assemblies)
1 a group of people gathered together. a group having legislative or decision-making powers. a regular gathering of teachers and pupils in a school.
2 the action of assembling component parts. a unit consisting of assembled components.
3 Computing the conversion of instructions in symbolic code to machine code by an assembler.

assembly language

n. Computing the symbolic code converted by an assembler.

assembly line

n. a series of workers and machines in a factory by which a succession of identical items is progressively assembled.

assembly rooms

pl. n. chiefly Brit. a public room or hall in which meetings or social functions are held.

assent

//

n. the expression of approval or agreement. official sanction.
v. (usu. assent to) express assent.

- DERIVATIVES assenter (also assentor) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. as(s)enter (v.), as(s)ente (n.), based on L. assentire, from ad- ‘towards’ + sentire ‘feel, think’.

assert

v.
1 state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
2 cause others to recognize (one's authority or a right) by confident and forceful behaviour. (assert oneself) behave or speak confidently and forcefully.

- DERIVATIVES asserter (also assertor) n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as assertion): from L. asserere ‘claim, affirm’, from ad- ‘to’ + serere ‘to join’.

assertion

//

n. a confident statement of fact or belief. the action of asserting.

assertive

adj. having or showing a confident and forceful personality.

- DERIVATIVES assertively adv. assertiveness n.

asses

plural form of as^2, ass^1, ass^2.

asses' bridge

n. English term for pons asinorum.

assess

v. evaluate or estimate the nature, value, or quality of. set the value of a tax, fine, etc., for (a person or property) at a specified level.

- DERIVATIVES assessable adj. assessment n. assessor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. assesser, based on L. assidere ‘sit by’ (in med. L. ‘levy tax’), from ad- ‘to, at’ + sedere ‘sit’.

asset

n.
1 a useful or valuable thing or person.
2 (assets) property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value and being available to meet debts, commitments, or legacies.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the pl. in the sense ‘sufficient estate to allow discharge of a will’): from Anglo-Norman Fr., from OFr. asez ‘enough’, based on L. ad ‘to’ + satis ‘enough’.

asset-backed

adj. denoting securities having as collateral the return on a series of mortgages, credit agreements, or other forms of lending.

asset-stripping

n. the practice of taking over a company in financial difficulties and selling each of its assets at a profit.

- DERIVATIVES asset-stripper n.

asseveration

//

n. a solemn or emphatic declaration or statement.

- DERIVATIVES asseverate v.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. asseveratio(n-), from asseverare, from ad- ‘to’ + severus ‘serious’.

asshole

n. vulgar slang US spelling of arsehole.

assibilate

//

v. Phonetics pronounce (a sound) as a sibilant or affricate ending in a sibilant (e.g. sound t as ts).

- DERIVATIVES assibilation n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. assibilat-, assibilare, from ad- ‘to’ + sibilare ‘to hiss’.

assiduity

//

n. (pl. assiduities) constant or close attention to what one is doing. (assiduities) archaic or literary constant attentions to someone.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. assiduitas, from assiduus (see assiduous).

assiduous

//

adj. showing great care and perseverance.

- DERIVATIVES assiduously adv. assiduousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. assiduus, from assidere (see assess), + -ous.

assign

v.
1 allocate (a task or duty) to someone. appoint to a particular task.
2 designate or set aside for a specific purpose. attribute (something) to a group or person.
3 transfer (legal rights or liabilities).
n. Law another term for assignee.

- DERIVATIVES assignable adj. assigner (also assignor) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. asigner, assiner, from L. assignare, from ad- ‘to’ + signare ‘to sign’.

assignation

n.
1 a secret arrangement to meet.
2 the action of assigning.

assignee

n. chiefly Law
1 a person to whom a right or liability is legally transferred.
2 a person appointed to act for another.

assignment

n.
1 a task or duty assigned as part of a job or course of study.
2 the action of assigning.
3 an act of transferring a legal right or liability. a document effecting a legal transfer of a right or liability.

assimilate

v.
1 take in and fully understand (information or ideas). (of a society or culture) absorb and integrate (people, ideas, or culture).
2 absorb and digest (food or nutrients).
3 regard as or become similar.
4 Phonetics make (a sound) more like another in the same or next word.

- DERIVATIVES assimilable adj. assimilation n. assimilative adj. assimilator n. assimilatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. assimilat-, assimilare ‘absorb, incorporate’, from ad- ‘to’ + similis ‘like’.

assimilationist

n. a person who advocates or participates in racial or cultural integration.

assist

v. help by doing a share of work or by providing money or information.
n. chiefly N. Amer.
1 an act of helping, especially by providing money.
2 (chiefly in ice hockey, basketball, or baseball) an act of touching the ball in a play in which a teammate scores or an opposing batter is put out.

- DERIVATIVES assister n. assistive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. assister, from L. assistere ‘take one's stand by’.

assistance

n. the provision of money, resources, or information to help someone. the action of helping.

assistant

n.
1 a person who ranks below a senior person.
2 a person who helps in particular work.

assistant professor

n. N. Amer. an academic ranking immediately below an associate professor.

assisted place

n. (in the UK) a place in an independent school for a pupil whose fees are wholly or partially subsidized by the state.

assize

//

n. historical a court which sat at intervals in each county of England and Wales to administer the civil and criminal law.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. assise, fem. past part. of asseeir ‘sit, settle, assess’, from L. assidere (see assess).

Assoc.

abbrev. Association.

associate

v. //, //
1 make a conceptual connection between.
2 (usu. associate with) meet or have dealings with. (associate oneself with) allow oneself to be connected with or seen to be supportive of. (be associated with) be involved with.
n. //, //
1 a partner or companion in business or at work.
2 a person with limited or subordinate membership of an organization.
3 chiefly Psychology a concept connected with another.
adj. //, //
1 connected with an organization or business.
2 having shared function or membership but with a lesser status.

- DERIVATIVES associability n. associable adj. associateship n. associator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. associat-, associare ‘join’, from ad- ‘to’ + socius ‘sharing, allied’.

associate professor

n. N. Amer. an academic ranking immediately below full professor.

association

n.
1 a group of people organized for a joint purpose.
2 a connection or cooperative link between people or organizations. Chemistry a weak interaction between molecules, such as hydrogen bonding.
3 a conceptual connection.
4 Ecology a stable plant community including a characteristic group of dominant plant species.

- DERIVATIVES associational adj.

Association Football

n. Brit. more formal term for soccer.

associationism

n. a theory in philosophy or psychology which regards the simple association of ideas or sensations as the primary basis of meaning, thought, or learning.

- DERIVATIVES associationist n. & adj.

associative

adj.
1 of or involving association.
2 Mathematics involving the condition that a group of quantities connected by operators gives the same result in whichever order the operations are performed, as long as the order of the quantities remains the same, e.g. (a × b) × c = a × (b × c).

assonance

//

n. the resemblance of sound between syllables in nearby words arising from the rhyming of stressed vowels (e.g. sonnet, porridge), and also from the use of identical consonants with different vowels (e.g. killed, cold, culled).

- DERIVATIVES assonant adj. assonate // v.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from L. assonare ‘respond to’.

assort

v.
1 Genetics (of genes or characteristics) become distributed among cells or progeny.
2 archaic classify.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. assorter, from a- + sorte ‘sort, kind’.

assortative

adj. relating to or denoting the preferential mating of animals or marriage between people with similar characteristics.

assorted

adj. of various sorts put together.

assortment

n. a miscellaneous collection.

ASSR

abbrev. historical Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

Asst

abbrev. Assistant.

assuage

//

v.
1 make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense.
2 satisfy (an appetite or desire).

- DERIVATIVES assuagement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. assouagier, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + suavis ‘sweet’.

assume

v.
1 accept as true without proof.
2 take (responsibility or control).
3 begin to have (a quality, appearance, or extent). adopt falsely.

- DERIVATIVES assumable adj. assumed adj. assumedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. assumere, from ad- ‘towards’ + sumere ‘take’.

assuming

conj. based on the assumption.
adj. archaic arrogant or presumptuous.

assumption

n.
1 a thing that is assumed as true.
2 the action of assuming responsibility or control.
3 (Assumption) the reception of the Virgin Mary bodily into heaven, according to Roman Catholic doctrine. the feast in honour of the Assumption, celebrated on 15 August.
4 archaic arrogance or presumption.

assumptive

adj.
1 rare of the nature of an assumption.
2 archaic arrogant or presumptuous.

assurance

n.
1 a positive declaration intended to give confidence.
2 confidence in one's own abilities. certainty.
3 chiefly Brit. life insurance.

USAGE

Assurance is used of insurance policies under whose terms a payment is guaranteed, either after a fixed term or on the death of the insured person; insurance is the general term, and is used in particular of policies under whose terms a payment would be made only in certain circumstances (e.g. accident or death within a limited period).

assure

//, //

v.
1 tell someone something positively in order to dispel potential doubts.
2 make (something) certain to happen.
3 chiefly Brit. cover by assurance. secure the future payment of (an amount) with insurance.

- DERIVATIVES assurer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. assurer, based on L. ad- ‘to’ + securus (see secure).

assured

adj.
1 confident.
2 protected against discontinuance or change.

- DERIVATIVES assuredly adv.

Assyrian

n.
1 an inhabitant of ancient Assyria.
2 the Akkadian language of ancient Assyria.
3 a dialect of Aramaic still spoken in parts of Syria and northern Iraq.
adj.
1 relating to ancient Assyria or its language.
2 relating to or denoting modern Assyrian or its speakers.

Assyriology

//

n. the study of the language, history, and antiquities of ancient Assyria.

- DERIVATIVES Assyriological adj. Assyriologist n.

AST

abbrev. Atlantic Standard Time.

astable

//, //

adj. chiefly Electronics relating to a system or electric circuit which oscillates spontaneously between unstable states.

astanga

n. variant spelling of ashtanga.

astatic

//

adj. Physics (of a system or instrument) consisting of or employing a combination of magnets suspended in a uniform magnetic field on a single wire or thread in such a way that no torque is present.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk astatos ‘unstable’ + -ic.

astatine

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 85, a very unstable radioactive member of the halogen group. (Symbol: At)

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk astatos ‘unstable’ + -ine^4.

aster

//

n. a plant of a large genus that includes the Michaelmas daisy, with characteristic purple or pink rayed flowers.   Genus Aster: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk astr ‘star’.

-aster

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting poor quality: poetaster.
2 Botany denoting incomplete resemblance: oleaster.

- ORIGIN from L.

asterisk

n. a symbol (*) used in text as a pointer to an annotation or footnote.
v. mark with an asterisk.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk asteriskos ‘small star’, dimin. of astr.

asterism

//

n.
1 Astronomy a prominent pattern or group of stars that is smaller than a constellation.
2 a group of three asterisks () drawing attention to following text.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk asterismos, from astr ‘star’.

astern

adv. behind or towards the rear of a ship or aircraft.

asteroid

//

n.
1 a small rocky body orbiting the sun.
2 Zoology an echinoderm of a class (Asteroidea) comprising the starfishes.

- DERIVATIVES asteroidal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk asteroeids ‘starlike’, from astr ‘star’.

asthenia

//

n. Medicine abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy.

- DERIVATIVES asthenic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk astheneia, from asthens ‘weak’.

asthenosphere

//

n. Geology the upper layer of the earth's mantle, below the lithosphere, in which there is relatively low resistance to plastic flow and convection is thought to occur.

- DERIVATIVES asthenospheric adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk asthens ‘weak’ + sphere.

asthma

//

n. a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing and usually associated with allergic reaction.

- DERIVATIVES asthmatic adj. & n. asthmatically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. asma, from Gk asthma, from azein ‘breathe hard’.

Asti

//

n. (also Asti Spumante //, //) a light sparkling wine from the Italian province of Asti and neighbouring parts of Piedmont.

astigmatism

//

n. a deviation in the spherical curvature of the eye or a lens, resulting in distorted images.

- DERIVATIVES astigmatic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk stigma ‘point’ + -ism.

astilbe

//

n. a plant of the saxifrage family, with plumes of tiny white, pink, or red flowers.   Genus Astilbe.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk a- ‘not’ + stilb, fem. of stilbos ‘glittering’.

astir

adj.
1 in a state of excited movement.
2 awake and out of bed.

astonish

v. surprise or impress greatly.

- DERIVATIVES astonishing adj. astonishingly adv. astonishment n.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. astone ‘stun, stupefy’, from OFr. estoner, based on L. ex- ‘out’ + tonare ‘to thunder’.

astound

v. shock or greatly surprise.

- DERIVATIVES astounding adj. astoundingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from astoned, past part. of obs. astone (see astonish).

astragal

//

n.
1 Architecture a convex moulding or wooden strip, of semicircular section.
2 a bar separating panes of glass in cabinetmaking.

- ORIGIN C17: from astragalus, partly via Fr. astragale.

astragalus

//

n. (pl. astragali //)
1 chiefly Zoology another term for talus^1.
2 a plant of a genus that includes milk vetch.   Genus Astragalus.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk astragalos ‘ankle bone, moulding’, also the name of a plant.

astrakhan

//

n. the dark curly fleece of young karakul lambs from central Asia.

- ORIGIN C18: named after the city of Astrakhan in Russia.

astral

//

adj.
1 relating to or resembling the stars.
2 relating to a supposed non-physical realm of existence to which various psychic and paranormal phenomena are ascribed, and in which the physical human body is said to have a counterpart.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. astralis, from astrum ‘star’.

astrantia

//

n. a plant of the parsley family with small starlike heads of tiny flowers surrounded by prominent bracts.   Genus Astrantia: several species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., perh. from Gk astr ‘star’.

astray

adv. away from the correct path or direction.

- PHRASES
go astray become lost or mislaid.

- ORIGIN ME: from an Anglo-Norman Fr. var. of OFr. estraie, past part. of estraier, based on L. extra ‘out of bounds’ + vagari ‘wander’.

astride

prep. & adv. with a leg on each side of. [adv.] (of a person's legs) apart.

astringent

//

adj.
1 causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.
2 sharp or severe in manner or style. (of taste or smell) sharp or bitter.
n. an astringent lotion that is applied to the skin for cosmetic purposes or to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.

- DERIVATIVES astringency n. astringently adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. astringent-, astringere ‘pull tight’.

astro-

//

comb. form relating to the stars or celestial objects: astrodome. relating to outer space: astrochemistry.

- ORIGIN from Gk astron ‘star’.

astrobiology

n. the branch of biology concerned with the discovery or study of life on other planets or in space.

- DERIVATIVES astrobiological adj. astrobiologist n.

astrochemistry

n. the study of molecules and ions occurring in stars and interstellar space.

- DERIVATIVES astrochemical adj. astrochemist n.

astrocyte

//

n. Anatomy a star-shaped glial cell of the central nervous system.

- DERIVATIVES astrocytic adj.

astrodome

n.
1 chiefly US an enclosed stadium with a domed roof.
2 a domed window in an aircraft for astronomical observations.

astroid

//

n. Mathematics a hypocycloid with four cusps (like a square with concave sides).

astrolabe

//

n. an instrument formerly used in making astronomical measurements and in navigation for calculating latitude, consisting of a disc with the edge marked in degrees and a pivoted pointer.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. astrelabe, from med. L. astrolabium, from Gk astrolabon, neut. of astrolabos ‘star-taking’.

astrology

n. the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.

- DERIVATIVES astrologer n. astrological adj. astrologically adv. astrologist n.

astrometry

n. the measurement of the positions, motions, and magnitudes of stars.

- DERIVATIVES astrometric adj.

astronaut

n. a person trained to travel in a spacecraft.

- DERIVATIVES astronautical adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from astro-, on the pattern of aeronaut and aquanaut.

astronautics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the science and technology of space travel and exploration.

astronomical

adj.
1 relating to astronomy.
2 informal (of an amount) extremely large.

- DERIVATIVES astronomic adj. astronomically adv.

astronomical unit

n. Astronomy a unit of measurement equal to 149.6 million kilometres, the mean distance from the centre of the earth to the centre of the sun.

astronomical year

n. another term for solar year.

astronomy

n. the branch of science which deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.

- DERIVATIVES astronomer n.

astrophysics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical nature of stars and other celestial bodies, and the application of the laws and theories of physics to the interpretation of astronomical observations.

- DERIVATIVES astrophysical adj. astrophysicist n.

AstroTurf

n. trademark an artificial grass surface, used for sports fields.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from sense 1 of astrodome + turf.

astute

adj. having an ability to assess situations or people accurately.

- DERIVATIVES astutely adv. astuteness n.

- ORIGIN C17: obs. Fr. astut or L. astutus, from astus ‘craft’.

astylar

//

adj. Architecture (of a classical building) lacking columns or pilasters.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk stulos ‘column’ + -ar^1.

asunder

adv. archaic or literary apart.

- ORIGIN OE on sundran ‘in or into a separate place’.

asura

//

n. (in Vedic religion) a member of a class of divine beings which in Indian mythology tend to be evil and in Zoroastrianism are benevolent. Compare with deva.

- ORIGIN Sanskrit, prob. from ásu ‘breath, life’.

ASV

abbrev. American Standard Version (of the Bible).

aswirl

adj. & adv. swirling or surrounded with something swirling.

asylum

n.
1 the protection granted by a state to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee. shelter or protection from danger.
2 dated an institution for the care of the mentally ill.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk asulon ‘refuge’, from asulos ‘inviolable’, from a- ‘without’ + sulon ‘right of seizure’.

asymmetrical

//, //

adj. not symmetrical; lacking symmetry.

- DERIVATIVES asymmetric adj. asymmetrically adv.

asymmetrical warfare

n. warfare involving surprise attacks by small, simply armed groups on a nation armed with modern high-tech weaponry.

asymmetric bars

pl. n. a pair of bars of different heights used in women's gymnastics.

asymmetry

//, //

n. (pl. asymmetries) lack of symmetry.

asymptomatic

adj. Medicine producing or showing no symptoms.

asymptote

//

n. a straight line that continually approaches a given curve but does not meet it at any finite distance.

- DERIVATIVES asymptotic // adj. asymptotically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. asymptota (linea) ‘(line) not meeting’, from Gk asumpttos ‘not falling together’.

asynchronous

adj.
1 not existing or occurring at the same time.
2 Computing & Telecommunications making use of pulses to control the timing of operations that are sent when the previous operation is completed, rather than at regular intervals.
3 (of a machine or motor) not working in time with the alternations of current.
4 Astronomy (of a satellite) revolving round the parent planet at a different rate from that at which the planet rotates.

- DERIVATIVES asynchronously adv. asynchrony n.

asyndeton

//

n. (pl. asyndeta //) the omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence, as in I came, I saw, I conquered.

- DERIVATIVES asyndetic // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., from Gk asundeton, neut. of asundetos ‘unconnected’.

asystole

//

n. Medicine a condition in which the heart no longer beats.

- DERIVATIVES asystolic // adj.

At

symb. the chemical element astatine.

at^1

prep.
1 expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position.
2 expressing the time when an event takes place.
3 expressing attendance of an educational institution or a workplace.
4 denoting a particular point or segment on a scale. referring to someone's age.
5 expressing a particular state or condition. expressing a relationship between an individual and a skill.
6 expressing the object or target of a look, shot, action, or plan. expressing an incomplete or attempted action.
7 expressing the means by which something is done.

- PHRASES
at that in addition; furthermore.
where it's at informal the focus of fashion or style.

- ORIGIN OE æt, of Gmc origin.

at^2

//, //

n. a monetary unit of Laos, equal to one hundredth of a kip.

- ORIGIN from Thai.

at-

prefix variant spelling of ad- assimilated before t (as in attend).

ataraxy

// (also ataraxia //)

n. literary a state of serene calmness.

- DERIVATIVES ataractic adj. ataraxic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. ataraxie, from Gk ataraxia ‘impassiveness’, from a- ‘not’ + tarassein ‘disturb’.

atavistic

//

adj. relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral.

- DERIVATIVES atavism n. atavistically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: based on L. atavus ‘forefather’ + the adjectival suffix -istic.

ataxia

// (also ataxy //)

n. Medicine the loss of full control of bodily movements.

- DERIVATIVES ataxic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk, from a- ‘without’ + taxis ‘order’.

ATB

abbrev. all-terrain bike.

ATC

abbrev.
1 air traffic control or controller.
2 Air Training Corps.

ate

past of eat.

-ate^1

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting status or office: doctorate. denoting a state or function: mandate.
2 denoting a group: electorate.
3 Chemistry denoting a salt or ester, especially of an acid with a corresponding name ending in -ic: chlorate.
4 denoting a product of a chemical process: condensate.

- ORIGIN from OFr. -at or L. -atus, -ata, -atum.

-ate^2

suffix
1 forming adjectives and nouns such as associate.
2 forming adjectives from Latin: caudate.

- ORIGIN from L. -atus, -ata, -atum.

-ate^3

suffix forming verbs such as fascinate.

- ORIGIN from -ate^2; orig. on the basis of past participial adjectives ending in -atus, later extended to Latin verbs ending in -are and French verbs ending in -er.

atelectasis

//

n. Medicine partial collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk atels ‘imperfect’ + ektasis ‘extension’.

atelier

//

n. a workshop or studio.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from OFr. astelle ‘splinter of wood’.

a tempo

/ /

adv. & adj. Music in the previous tempo.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘in time’.

atenolol

//

n. Medicine a beta blocker used mainly to treat angina and high blood pressure.

- ORIGIN 1970s: perh. from a(ngina) + ten(sion) + (propran)olol.

ATF

abbrev. (in the US) (Federal Bureau of) Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

Athabaskan

// (also Athapaskan)

n.
1 a family of North American Indian languages, including Navajo and Apache.
2 a speaker of any of the Athabaskan languages.
adj. relating to Athabaskan.

- ORIGIN from Athabasca, a lake in western Canada + -an.

athanor

//

n. historical a type of furnace used by alchemists.

- ORIGIN C15: from Arab. at-tannr, from al- ‘the’ + tannr ‘baker's oven’.

Atharva Veda

/ /, //

n. Hinduism a collection of hymns and ritual utterances added at a later stage to the existing Veda material.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit Atharvan (the name of Brahma's eldest son, said to be the author of the collection) + Veda.

atheism

//

n. disbelief in the existence of a god or gods.

- DERIVATIVES atheist n. atheistic adj. atheistical adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. athéisme, from Gk atheos, from a- ‘without’ + theos ‘god’.

atheling

//

n. a prince or lord in Anglo-Saxon England.

- ORIGIN OE ætheling, of W. Gmc origin, from a base meaning ‘race, family’.

athematic

//, //

adj.
1 Music (of a composition) not thematic.
2 Grammar (of a verb form) having a suffix attached to the stem without a connecting (thematic) vowel.

Athenaeum

// (US also Atheneum)

n. used in the names of libraries or institutions for literary or scientific study.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk Athnaion, denoting the temple of the goddess Athene.

Athenian

n. a native or inhabitant of Athens.
adj. relating to Athens.

atherogenic

//

adj. Physiology tending to promote the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries.

- DERIVATIVES atherogenesis n.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from atheroma + -genic.

atheroma

//

n. Medicine degeneration of the walls of the arteries, leading to restriction of the circulation and a risk of thrombosis.

- DERIVATIVES atheromatous adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk athrma, from athr ‘groats’.

atherosclerosis

//, //

n. Medicine a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on their inner walls.

- DERIVATIVES atherosclerotic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk athr ‘groats’ + sklrsis (see sclerosis).

athetosis

//

n. Medicine a condition in which abnormal muscle contraction causes involuntary writhing movements.

- DERIVATIVES athetoid adj. athetotic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk athetos ‘without position’ + -osis.

athlete

n. a person who is proficient in sports. Brit. a person who competes in track and field events.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. athleta, from Gk athlts, from athlein ‘compete for a prize’, from athlon ‘prize’.

athlete's foot

n. a form of ringworm infection affecting mainly the skin between the toes.

athletic

adj.
1 physically strong and fit.
2 Brit. relating to athletes or athletics.

- DERIVATIVES athletically adv. athleticism n.

athletics

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.]
1 chiefly Brit. the sport of competing in track and field events.
2 N. Amer. physical sports and games of any kind.

at-home

n. a social gathering in a person's home.

-athon

suffix forming nouns denoting an action or activity which is carried on for a very long time or on a very large scale, typically to raise funds for charity: a talkathon.

- ORIGIN on the pattern of (mar)athon.

athwart

//

prep.
1 from side to side of; across.
2 counter to.
adv.
1 across from side to side; transversely.
2 so as to be perverse or contradictory.

- ORIGIN ME: from a-2 + thwart.

-atic

suffix forming adjectives and nouns: aquatic.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -atique or L. -aticus, sometimes based on Gk -atikos.

atilt

adv. tilted and nearly falling.

-ation

suffix (forming nouns) denoting an action or its result: exploration.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -ation or L. -ation-.

-ative

suffix (forming adjectives) denoting a characteristic or propensity: pejorative.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -atif, -ative or L. -ativus (from past part. stems ending in -at).

Atkins diet

n. trademark in the US a high-protein, high-fat diet in which carbohydrates are severely restricted.

- ORIGIN 1970s: named after the American cardiologist R. C. Atkins.

Atlantean

adj. relating to the legendary island of Atlantis.

atlantes

plural form of atlas (sense 3).

Atlantic

adj.
1 of or adjoining the Atlantic Ocean.
2 Geology relating to or denoting the third climatic stage of the postglacial period in northern Europe (about 7,500 to 5,000 years ago), with a moist oceanic climate.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk Atlantikos, from Atlas, Atlant- (see atlas). The term orig. referred to Mount Atlas in Libya.

Atlanticism

//

n. belief in a close relationship between western Europe and the US, or particularly in NATO.

- DERIVATIVES Atlanticist n. & adj.

atlas

n.
1 a book of maps or charts.
2 Anatomy the topmost vertebra of the backbone, articulating with the occipital bone of the skull.
3 (pl. atlantes //) Architecture a stone carving of a male figure, used as a column to support the entablature of a Greek or Greek-style building.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk Atlas, the Greek god who held up the pillars of the universe, whose picture appeared at the front of early atlases.

atlas moth

n. a very large boldly marked tropical silk moth.   Attacus atlas.

ATM

abbrev.
1 Telecommunications asynchronous transfer mode.
2 automated teller machine.

atman

//

n. Hinduism the spiritual life principle of the universe, especially when regarded as immanent in the real self of the individual. a person's soul.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit tman, lit. ‘essence’.

atmosphere

n.
1 the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet. the air in a particular place.
2 a pervading tone or mood. a pleasurable and interesting or exciting mood.
3 Physics a unit of pressure equal to mean atmospheric pressure at sea level, 101,325 pascals (roughly 14.7 pounds per square inch).

- DERIVATIVES atmospheric adj. atmospherical adj. (archaic). atmospherically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. atmosphaera, from Gk atmos ‘vapour’ + sphaira ‘globe’.

atmospherics

pl. n. electrical disturbances in the atmosphere, especially as they interfere with telecommunications.

ATOL

//

abbrev. (in the UK) Air Travel Organizer's Licence.

atoll

//, //

n. a ring-shaped reef or chain of islands formed of coral.

- ORIGIN C17: from Maldivian atolu.

atom

n.
1 the smallest particle of a chemical element, consisting of a positively charged nucleus (containing protons and typically also neutrons) surrounded by negatively charged electrons.
2 [usu. with neg.] an extremely small amount.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. atome, via L. from Gk atomos ‘indivisible’, based on a- ‘not’ + temnein ‘to cut’.

atom bomb

(also atomic bomb)

n. a bomb which derives its destructive power from the rapid release of energy by fission of heavy atomic nuclei.

atomic

adj.
1 relating to an atom or atoms.
2 of or forming a single irreducible unit or component in a larger system.
3 relating to or denoting nuclear energy.

- DERIVATIVES atomically adv.

atomic clock

n. an extremely accurate type of clock which is regulated by the vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as caesium or ammonia.

atomicity

n.
1 Chemistry the number of atoms in the molecule of an element.
2 the state or fact of being composed of atoms.

atomic mass

n. the mass of an atom of a chemical element expressed in atomic mass units.

atomic mass unit

n. a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights, equal to one twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

atomic number

n. Chemistry the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which is characteristic of a chemical element and determines its place in the periodic table.

atomic theory

n. the theory that all matter is made up of tiny indivisible particles (atoms).

atomic volume

n. Chemistry the volume occupied by one gram-atom of an element under standard conditions.

atomic weight

n. Chemistry another term for relative atomic mass.

atomism

n. chiefly Philosophy a theoretical approach that regards something as interpretable through analysis into distinct, separable, and independent elementary components. The opposite of holism.

- DERIVATIVES atomist n. atomistic adj.

atomize

(or atomise)

v.
1 convert (a substance) into very fine particles or droplets.
2 fragment (something).

- DERIVATIVES atomization n. atomizer n.

atomy

//

n. (pl. atomies) archaic a skeleton or emaciated body.

- ORIGIN C16: from anatomy, taken as an atomy.

atonal

//, //

adj. Music not written in any key or mode.

- DERIVATIVES atonalism n. atonalist n. atonality n.

atone

v. (atone for) make amends or reparation for.

- ORIGIN ME: from at one in early use; later by back-form. from atonement.

atonement

n.
1 reparation for a wrong or injury.
2 (the Atonement) Christian Theology the reconciliation of God and mankind through the death of Jesus Christ.

- ORIGIN C16: from at one + -ment.

atonic

//

adj.
1 Linguistics (of a syllable) without accent or stress.
2 Physiology lacking muscular tone.

- DERIVATIVES atony // n.

atop

prep. on the top of.
adv. on the top.

atopic

//

adj. denoting a form of allergy in which a hypersensitivity reaction such as eczema or asthma may occur in a part of the body not in contact with the allergen.

- DERIVATIVES atopy // n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk atopia ‘unusualness’.

-ator

suffix forming agent nouns such as agitator.

- ORIGIN from L., or sometimes representing Fr. -ateur.

-atory

suffix (forming adjectives) relating to or involving an action: explanatory.

- ORIGIN from L. -atorius.

ATP

abbrev.
1 Biochemistry adenosine triphosphate.
2 Brit. automatic train protection.

atrabilious

//

adj. literary melancholy or ill-tempered.

- DERIVATIVES atrabiliousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. atra bilis ‘black bile’, translation of Gk melankholia ‘melancholy’, + -ious.

atraumatic

adj. (of a medical or surgical procedure) causing minimal tissue injury.

atrazine

//

n. a synthetic compound derived from triazine, used as an agricultural herbicide.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of amino and triazine.

atresia

//, //

n.
1 Medicine absence or abnormal narrowing of an opening or passage in the body.
2 Physiology the degeneration of those Graafian follicles which do not ovulate during the menstrual cycle.

- ORIGIN C19: from a-1 + Gk trsis ‘perforation’ + -ia^1.

atrioventricular

//

adj. Anatomy & Physiology relating to the atrial and ventricular chambers of the heart.

atrium

//

n. (pl. atria // or atriums)
1 Architecture an open-roofed central court in an ancient Roman house. a central hall or court in a modern building, typically rising through several stories and having a glazed roof.
2 Anatomy each of the two upper cavities of the heart from which blood is passed to the ventricles.

- DERIVATIVES atrial adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L.

atrocious

adj.
1 horrifyingly wicked.
2 extremely bad or unpleasant.

- DERIVATIVES atrociously adv. atrociousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. atrox, atroc- ‘cruel’ + -ious.

atrocity

n. (pl. atrocities) an extremely wicked or cruel act.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. atrocité or L. atrocitas, from atrox, atroc- ‘cruel’.

atrophy

//

v. (atrophies, atrophying, atrophied)
1 (of body tissue or an organ) waste away, especially as a result of the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution.
2 gradually decline in effectiveness or vigour.
n. the condition or process of atrophying.

- DERIVATIVES atrophic // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. atrophier (v.), atrophie (n.), from late L. atrophia, from Gk, ‘lack of food’.

atropine

//, //

n. Chemistry a poisonous compound found in deadly nightshade, used in medicine as an antispasmodic drug.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L. Atropa belladonna ‘deadly nightshade’, from Atropos ‘inflexible’, the name of one of the Fates + -ine^4.

at sign

n. the symbol @.

attaboy

exclam. an informal expression of encouragement or admiration.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: prob. representing a casual pronunc. of that's the boy.

attach

v.
1 fasten; join. include (a condition) as part of an agreement.
2 attribute importance or value to.
3 [as adj. attached] full of affection or fondness: he became increasingly attached to Tara.
4 appoint for special or temporary duties.
5 Law, archaic seize (a person or property) by legal authority.

- DERIVATIVES attachable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. atachier ‘fasten, fix’.

attaché

//

n. a person on the staff of an ambassador, having a specialized area of responsibility.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘attached’, past part. of attacher.

attaché case

n. a small, flat briefcase for carrying documents.

attachment

n.
1 an extra part or extension attached to perform a function. a computer file appended to an email.
2 affection or fondness. an affectionate relationship.
3 the action of attaching.
4 Brit. temporary secondment to an organization.

- PHRASES
attachment of earnings English Law payment of debts by direct deduction from the debtor's earnings, under a court order.

attack

v.
1 take aggressive action against. (of a disease, chemical, etc.) act harmfully on.
2 criticize or oppose fiercely and publicly.
3 begin to deal with (a problem or task) in a determined way.
4 (in sport) make a forceful attempt to score goals or points.
n.
1 an instance of attacking. destructive action by a disease or chemical.
2 a sudden short bout of an illness or disorder.
3 the players in a team whose role is to attack.
4 forceful style in performing music or another art.

- DERIVATIVES attacker n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. attaque (n.), attaquer (v.), from Ital. attacco ‘an attack’, attaccare ‘join battle’.

attain

v.
1 succeed in accomplishing.
2 reach (a specified age, size, or amount).

- DERIVATIVES attainability n. attainable adj. attainableness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ateindre, from L. attingere, from ad- ‘at, to’ + tangere ‘to touch’.

attainder

//

n. historical the forfeiture of land and civil rights suffered as a consequence of a sentence of death for treason or felony.

- PHRASES
act (or bill) of attainder an item of legislation inflicting attainder without judicial process.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., var. of OFr. ateindre in the sense ‘convict, bring to justice’ (see attain).

attainment

n. the action or fact of attaining a goal. a skill or educational achievement.

attaint

v.
1 historical subject to attainder.
2 archaic (of a disease) affect or infect.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘touch, attain’): from obs. attaint (adj.), from OFr. ataint, ateint, past part. of ateindre (see attain).

Attalid

//

n. a member of a Hellenistic dynasty named after Attalus I (reigned 241–197 bc), which flourished in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

attar

// (also otto)

n. a fragrant essential oil, typically made from rose petals.

- ORIGIN C17: via Pers. from Arab. itr ‘perfume, essence’.

attempt

v. make an effort to achieve or complete. try to climb to the top of (a mountain).
n. an act of attempting. a bid to kill someone.

- DERIVATIVES attemptable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. attempter, from L. attemptare, from ad- ‘to’ + temptare ‘to tempt’.

attend

v.
1 be present at. go regularly to (a school, church, or clinic).
2 (attend to) deal with. pay attention to.
3 occur at the same time as or as a result of.
4 escort and wait on (a member of royalty or other important person).

- DERIVATIVES attendee n. attender n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. atendre, from L. attendere, from ad- ‘to’ + tendere ‘stretch’.

attendance

n.
1 the action or state of attending.
2 the number of people present at a particular occasion.

attendant

n.
1 a person employed to provide a service to the public. an assistant to an important person.
2 a person who attends a particular occasion.
adj. occurring at the same time or as a result of.

attention

n.
1 the mental faculty of considering or taking notice. notice taken.
2 special care or consideration. (attentions) a person's behaviour to another as an indication of affection or sexual interest.
3 Military a position assumed by a soldier, standing very straight with the feet together and the arms straight down the sides of the body.

- DERIVATIVES attentional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. attentio(n-), from attendere (see attend).

attention deficit disorder

n. any of a range of behavioural disorders occurring primarily in children, including such symptoms as poor concentration, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties.

attentive

adj.
1 paying close attention.
2 assiduously attending to the comfort or wishes of others.

- DERIVATIVES attentively adv. attentiveness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. attentif, -ive, from atendre (see attend).

attenuate

//

v.
1 reduce the strength, effect, or value of.
2 make thin or thinner.

- DERIVATIVES attenuation n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as attenuation): from L. attenuat-, attenuare ‘make slender’.

attenuator

n. a device which reduces the strength of a radio or audio signal.

attest

//

v.
1 provide or serve as clear evidence of.
2 declare that something exists or is the case.

- DERIVATIVES attestable adj. attestation n. attestor n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as attestation): from Fr. attester, from L. attestari, from ad- ‘to’ + testari ‘to witness’.

Attic

//

adj. relating to Attica in eastern Greece, or ancient Athens, or the dialect of Greek spoken there.
n. the Attic dialect spoken in ancient Athens.

attic

n. a space or room inside or partly inside the roof of a building.

- ORIGIN C17 (as an architectural term designating a small order (column and entablature) above a taller one): from Fr. attique, from L. Atticus.

Atticism

//

n. a word or form characteristic of Attic Greek, regarded as having particular literary elegance.

attire

formal or literary

n. clothes, especially fine or formal ones.
v. (be attired) be dressed in clothes of a specified kind.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. atirier, atirer ‘equip’, from a tire ‘in order’.

attitude

n.
1 a settled way of thinking or feeling. a position of the body indicating a particular mental state.
2 informal truculent behaviour. self-confident behaviour: she snapped her fingers with attitude.
3 the orientation of an aircraft or spacecraft.

- DERIVATIVES attitudinal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. attitudine ‘fitness, posture’.

attitudinize

(or attitudinise) //

v. adopt or express a particular attitude, typically just for effect.

- DERIVATIVES attitudinizer n.

atto-

//

comb. form denoting a factor of 10-18: attowatt.

- ORIGIN from Dan. or Norw. atten ‘eighteen’.

attorn

//

v. Law formally make or acknowledge a transfer.

- ORIGIN ME (in the senses ‘turn, change’): from OFr. atorner (see attorney).

attorney

//

n. (pl. attorneys) a person, typically a lawyer, appointed to act for another in legal matters. chiefly US a qualified lawyer.

- DERIVATIVES attorneyship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. atorne, past part. of atorner ‘assign’, from a ‘towards’ + torner ‘turn’.

Attorney General

n. (pl. Attorneys General) the principal legal officer who represents the Crown or a state in legal proceedings and gives legal advice to the government.

attract

v.
1 draw or bring in by offering something of interest or advantage.
2 evoke (a specified reaction).
3 (often be attracted to) cause to have a liking for or interest in.
4 exert a pull on.

- DERIVATIVES attractable adj. attractor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. attract-, attrahere ‘draw near’.

attractant

n. a substance which attracts.

attraction

n.
1 the action or power of attracting. a quality or feature that attracts. a building or place which draws visitors.
2 Physics a force under the influence of which objects tend to move towards each other.

attractive

adj.
1 pleasing or appealing to the senses. (of a person) appealing to look at. having qualities or features which arouse interest.
2 relating to attraction between physical objects.

- DERIVATIVES attractively adv. attractiveness n.

attribute

v. // (attribute something to) regard something as belonging to or being caused by.
n. //
1 a quality or feature regarded as characteristic or inherent.
2 a material object recognized as representative of a person, status, or office.

- DERIVATIVES attributable // adj. attribution n.

- ORIGIN C15 (earlier (ME) as attribution): the noun from OFr. attribut; the verb from L. attribut- ‘allotted’: both from attribuere, from ad- ‘to’ + tribuere ‘assign’.

attributive

//

adj. Grammar (of an adjective or other modifier) preceding the word that it modifies and expressing an attribute, as old in the old dog. Contrasted with predicative.

- DERIVATIVES attributively adv.

attrit

//

v. (attrits, attritting, attritted) US informal wear down (an opponent) by sustained action.

- ORIGIN 1950s: back-form. from attrition.

attrition

//

n.
1 the action or process of gradually wearing down through sustained attack or pressure.
2 wearing away by friction.
3 (in scholastic theology) sorrow for sin falling short of contrition.

- DERIVATIVES attritional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. attritio(n-), from atterere ‘to rub’.

attune

v. adjust or accustom to a situation.

- DERIVATIVES attunement n.

- ORIGIN C16: from at- + tune.

Atty

abbrev. Attorney.

ATV

abbrev. N. Amer. all-terrain vehicle.

atypical

adj. not typical.

- DERIVATIVES atypically adv.

AU

abbrev.
1 ångström unit(s).
2 (also a.u.) astronomical unit(s).

Au

symb. the chemical element gold.

- ORIGIN from L. aurum.

aubade

//

n. a poem or piece of music appropriate to the dawn.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Sp. albada, from alba ‘dawn’.

auberge

//

n. an inn in French-speaking countries.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Provençal alberga ‘lodging’.

aubergine

//

n. chiefly Brit.
1 the purple egg-shaped fruit of a tropical plant, eaten as a vegetable.
2 the plant of the nightshade family which bears aubergines.   Solanum melongena.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Catalan alberginia, from Arab. al-bdinjn.

aubretia

// (also aubrietia)

n. a dwarf evergreen trailing plant with dense masses of foliage and purple, pink, or white flowers.   Aubrieta deltoidea.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., named after the French botanist Claude Aubriet.

auburn

//, //

n. a reddish-brown colour.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. auborne, from L. alburnus ‘whitish’, from albus ‘white’ (the word became assoc. with brown because in the 16th and 17th cents. it was often written abrune or abroun).

AUC

abbrev. used to indicate a date reckoned from 753 BC, the year of the foundation of Rome.

- ORIGIN from L. ab urbe condita ‘from the foundation of the city’.

au courant

/ /

adj. up to date and well informed.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘in the (regular) course’.

auction

//

n.
1 a public sale in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder.
2 Bridge the part of the game in which players bid to decide the contract in which the hand shall be played.
v. sell or offer for sale at an auction.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. auctio(n-) ‘increase, auction’.

auction bridge

n. an obsolete form of the card game bridge, in which all tricks won counted towards the game whether bid or not.

auctioneer

n. a person who conducts auctions by accepting bids and declaring goods sold.

- DERIVATIVES auctioneering n.

audacious

//

adj.
1 recklessly daring.
2 lacking respect; impudent.

- DERIVATIVES audaciously adv. audaciousness n. audacity n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as audacity): from L. audax, audac- ‘bold’ + -ious.

audial

//

adj. relating to or perceived through the sense of hearing.

- ORIGIN late 20th cent.: formed irregularly from L. audire ‘hear’, on the pattern of visual.

audible

adj. able to be heard.

- DERIVATIVES audibility n. audibly adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from late L. audibilis, from audire ‘hear’.

audience

n.
1 the assembled spectators or listeners at an event.
2 the readership of a book, magazine, or newspaper.
3 a formal interview with a person in authority.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. audientia, from audire ‘hear’.

audio-

comb. form relating to hearing or sound, especially when recorded, transmitted, or reproduced: audio-visual.

- ORIGIN from L. audire ‘hear’.

audiobook

n. a recording on audio cassette or compact disc of a reading of a book.

audio frequency

n. a frequency of oscillation capable of being perceived by the human ear, generally between 20 and 20,000 Hz.

audiogram

n. a graphic record produced by audiometry.

audiology

//

n. the branch of science and medicine concerned with the sense of hearing.

- DERIVATIVES audiological adj. audiologist n.

audiometry

//

n. measurement of the range and sensitivity of a person's sense of hearing.

- DERIVATIVES audiometer n. audiometric adj.

audiophile

n. a hi-fi enthusiast.

audio tape

n. magnetic tape on which sound can be recorded.
v. (audiotape) record (sound) on tape.

audio typist

n. a typist who transcribes from recorded dictation.

audio-visual

adj. using both sight and sound, typically in the form of slides or video and speech or music.

audit

n. an official inspection of an organization's accounts, typically by an independent body.
v. (audits, auditing, audited)
1 conduct an audit of.
2 N. Amer. attend (a class) informally, without working for credit.

- DERIVATIVES auditability n. auditable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. auditus ‘hearing’, from audire ‘hear’, in med. L. auditus (compoti) ‘audit (of an account)’, an audit orig. being presented orally.

audition

//

n.
1 an interview for a musician, actor, etc., consisting of a practical demonstration of the candidate's suitability and skill.
2 archaic the power of hearing.
v. assess or be assessed by an audition.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. auditio(n-), from audire ‘hear’.

auditor

n.
1 a person who conducts an audit.
2 a listener.
3 N. Amer. a person who attends a class informally without working for credit.

- DERIVATIVES auditorial adj.

auditorium

n. (pl. auditoriums or auditoria)
1 the part of a theatre or hall in which the audience sits.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a large hall used for public gatherings.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., neut. of auditorius (see auditory).

auditory

adj. relating to the sense of hearing.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. auditorius, from audire ‘hear’.

au fait

/ /

adj. (au fait with) having a good or detailed knowledge of.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘to the point’.

au fond

/ /

adv. in essence.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

Aug.

abbrev. August.

auger

//

n. a tool resembling a large corkscrew, for boring holes.

- ORIGIN OE nafogr, from nafu (see nave^2) + gr ‘piercer’; the n was lost by wrong division of a nauger.

USAGE

See usage at augur.

auger shell

n. a marine mollusc with a slender tapering spiral shell, often brightly coloured.   Terebra and other genera.

aught^1

// (also ought)

pron. archaic anything at all.

- ORIGIN OE wiht (see aye^2, wight).

aught^2

n. variant spelling of ought^2.

augite

//

n. a dark green or black aluminosilicate mineral found in many igneous rocks.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. augites, denoting a precious stone, from Gk augits, from aug ‘lustre’.

augment

//

v.
1 make greater by addition; increase.
2 [as adj. augmented] Music denoting an interval which is one semitone greater than the corresponding major or perfect interval.

- DERIVATIVES augmenter n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. augmenter (v.), augment (n.), or late L. augmentare, from L. augere ‘to increase’.

augmentation

n. the action or process of augmenting. Music the lengthening of the time values of notes in a melodic part.

augmentative

adj. Linguistics (of an affix or derived word) reinforcing the idea of the original word, especially by meaning ‘a large one of its kind’.

au gratin

/ /

adj. [postpos.] sprinkled with breadcrumbs or grated cheese and browned.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘by grating’, from gratter ‘to grate’.

augur

//

v. (augur well/badly/ill) portend a good or bad outcome.
n. (in ancient Rome) a religious official who interpreted natural signs so as to determine divine approval or disapproval of a proposed action.

- DERIVATIVES augural // adj. (archaic).

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘diviner’.

USAGE

Do not confuse augur (a verb meaning ‘portend a good or bad outcome’, as in this augurs well) and auger (a type of tool used for boring).

augury

//

n. (pl. auguries)
1 an omen.
2 the interpretation of omens.

August

n. the eighth month of the year.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. augustus ‘consecrated, venerable’; named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.

august

//

adj. inspiring respect and admiration.

- DERIVATIVES augustly adv. augustness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. auguste or L. augustus ‘consecrated, venerable’.

Augustan

//

adj.
1 connected with or occurring during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus, especially as a notable period of Latin literature.
2 relating to or denoting a refined and classical style of 17th- and 18th-century English literature.
n. a writer of the Augustan age.

Augustine

//

n. an Augustinian friar.

Augustinian

//

adj. relating to St Augustine (354-430) or his doctrines. relating to or denoting a religious order observing a rule derived from St Augustine's writings.
n. a member of an Augustinian order. an adherent of the doctrines of St Augustine.

auk

//

n. a short-winged diving seabird of a family including the guillemot and puffin, typically black and white.   Family Alcidae.

- ORIGIN C17: from ON álka ‘razorbill’.

auld

//, //

adj. Scottish form of old.

- PHRASES
auld lang syne times long past.

- ORIGIN OE ald, Anglian form of old.

aumbry

// (also ambry)

n. (pl. aumbries) a small recess or cupboard in the wall of a church.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. armarie, from L. armarium ‘closet’, from arma ‘utensils’.

au naturel

/ /

adj. & adv. in the most simple or natural way. humorous naked.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

aunt

n.
1 the sister of one's father or mother or the wife of one's uncle.
2 informal an unrelated adult female friend of a child's parents.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ante, from L. amita.

auntie

(also aunty)

n. (pl. aunties) informal
1 aunt.
2 (Auntie) Brit. the BBC.

Aunt Sally

n. (pl. Aunt Sallies)
1 a game played in parts of Britain in which players throw sticks or balls at a wooden dummy (formerly a figure of a woman).
2 a person or thing set up as an easy target for criticism.

au pair

/ /

n. a young foreign person, typically a woman, who helps with housework and childcare in exchange for board and lodging.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘on equal terms’.

aura

//

n. (pl. aurae // or auras)
1 the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to be generated by someone or something.
2 (in spiritualism and some forms of alternative medicine) a supposed emanation surrounding the body of a living creature.
3 Medicine a warning sensation experienced before an attack of epilepsy or migraine.

- ORIGIN ME, lit. ‘a gentle breeze’: via L. from Gk, ‘breeze, breath’.

aural

//

adj. relating to the ear or the sense of hearing.

- DERIVATIVES aurally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. auris ‘ear’ + -al.

USAGE

The words aural and oral have the same pronunciation in standard English, which is sometimes a source of confusion. However, although a distinctive pronunciation for aural has been proposed (the first syllable rhyming with cow), it has not become standard.

aurar

plural form of eyrir.

aureate

//

adj. made of or having the colour of gold.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. aureatus, from L. aureus ‘golden’, from aurum ‘gold’.

aureole

// (also aureola //)

n.
1 (in paintings) a radiant circle surrounding a person's head or body as a way of representing holiness.
2 a corona around the sun or moon.
3 Geology the zone of metamorphosed rock surrounding an igneous intrusion.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aureole, from L. aureola (corona) ‘golden (crown)’, fem. of aureolus (dimin. of aureus, from aurum ‘gold’).

aureus

//

n. (pl. aurei) an ancient Roman coin worth 25 silver denarii.

- ORIGIN L., noun use of aureus ‘golden’, from aurum ‘gold’.

au revoir

/ /

exclam. goodbye.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘to the seeing again’.

auric^1

//

adj. relating to an aura.

auric^2

//

adj. Chemistry of gold with a valency of three; of gold(III).

- ORIGIN C19: from L. aurum ‘gold’ + -ic.

auricle

//

n. Anatomy & Zoology
1 the external part or pinna of the ear.
2 an atrium of the heart.

- DERIVATIVES auriculate adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. auricula, dimin. of auris ‘ear’.

auricula

//

n. an Alpine primula with leaves said to resemble bears' ears.   Primula auricula.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., dimin. of auris ‘ear’.

auricular

//

adj.
1 relating to the ear or hearing.
2 relating to or shaped like an auricle.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. auricularis, from auricula, dimin. of auris ‘ear’.

auriferous

//

adj. (of rocks or minerals) containing gold.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. aurifer ‘gold-bearing’ + -ous.

Aurignacian

//, //

adj. Archaeology relating to or denoting the early stages of the Upper Palaeolithic culture in Europe and the Near East, dated to about 34,000–29,000 years ago.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr. Aurignacien, from Aurignac in SW France, where objects from this culture were found.

aurochs

//, //

n. (pl. same) a large extinct wild ox that was the ancestor of domestic cattle.   Bos primigenius.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ger., var. of Auerochs, from Old High Ger. rohso, from r + ohso ‘ox’.

aurora

//

n. (pl. auroras or aurorae //)
1 the northern lights (aurora borealis) or southern lights (aurora australis), a natural phenomenon characterized by the appearance of streamers of coloured light in the sky near the earth's magnetic poles and caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the upper atmosphere.
2 literary the dawn.

- DERIVATIVES auroral adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘dawn, goddess of the dawn’.

AUS

abbrev. Australia (international vehicle registration).

auscultation

//

n. the action of listening to sounds from the heart, lungs, or other organs with a stethoscope.

- DERIVATIVES auscultate v. auscultatory // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. auscultatio(n-), from auscultare ‘listen to’.

Auslese

//

n. a white wine of German origin or style made from selected bunches of grapes picked later than the general harvest.

- ORIGIN from Ger., from aus ‘out’ + Lese ‘picking’.

auspice

//

n. archaic an omen.

- PHRASES
under the auspices of with the support or protection of.

- ORIGIN C16, lit. ‘the observation of bird flight in divination’: from Fr., or from L. auspicium, from auspex ‘observer of birds’.

auspicious

//

adj. indicating a good chance of success; favourable.

- DERIVATIVES auspiciously adv. auspiciousness n.

Aussie

//, // (also Ozzie)

n. & adj. informal Australia or Australian.

austenite

//, //

n. Metallurgy a relatively soft component of steel consisting of a solid solution of carbon in iron.

- DERIVATIVES austenitic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the English metallurgist Sir William Roberts-Austen, + -ite^1.

austere

//, //

adj. (austerer, austerest)
1 severe or strict in appearance or manner.
2 lacking comforts, luxuries, or adornment.

- DERIVATIVES austerely adv. austerity n. (pl. austerities).

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. austerus, from Gk austros ‘severe’.

austral

//, //

adj. technical
1 of the southern hemisphere.
2 (Austral) of Australia or Australasia.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. australis, from Auster ‘the south, the south wind’.

Australasian

//, //

adj. relating to Australasia, a region consisting of Australia, New Zealand, and islands of the SW Pacific.
n. a person from Australasia.

Australian

n. a native or national of Australia, or a person of Australian descent.
adj. relating to Australia.

- DERIVATIVES Australianism n.

- ORIGIN from Fr. australien, from L. australis in the phr. Terra Australis ‘the southern land’, the name of the supposed southern continent.

Australian Rules

n. a form of football played on an oval field with an oval ball by teams of eighteen players.

Australoid

//, //

adj. relating to or denoting the broad division of humankind represented by Australian Aboriginal peoples.
n. an Australoid person.

USAGE

The term Australoid belongs to a set of terms introduced by 19th-century anthropologists attempting to categorize human races. Such terms are associated with outdated notions of racial types, and so are now potentially offensive and best avoided.

Australopithecus

//, //

n. a genus of fossil bipedal primates with both ape-like and human characteristics, found in Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene deposits in Africa.

- DERIVATIVES australopithecine // n. & adj.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L. australis (see austral) + Gk pithkos ‘ape’.

Austrian

n. a native or inhabitant of Austria, or a person of Austrian descent.
adj. relating to Austria or its people.

Austrian blind

n. a ruched blind extending about a third of the way down a window.

Austro-1

//, //

comb. form Austrian; Austrian and …: Austro-Hungarian.

Austro-2

//, //

comb. form
1 Australian; Australian and …: Austro-Malayan.
2 southern: Austro-Asiatic.

- ORIGIN from L. australis ‘southern’.

Austro-Asiatic

adj. relating to or denoting a phylum of languages spoken in SE Asia, including the Mon-Khmer and Munda families.
n. the Austro-Asiatic phylum of languages.

Austronesian

//, //, //

adj. relating to or denoting a family of languages spoken in an area extending from Madagascar in the west to the Pacific islands in the east.
n. the Austronesian family of languages.

- ORIGIN from Ger. austronesisch, based on L. australis (see austral) + Gk nsos ‘island’.

AUT

abbrev. (in the UK) Association of University Teachers.

aut-

prefix variant spelling of auto-1 shortened before a vowel.

autarchy

//

n. (pl. autarchies)
1 another term for autocracy.
2 variant spelling of autarky.

- DERIVATIVES autarch n. autarchic adj.

autarky

(also autarchy)

n. (pl. autarkies)
1 economic independence or self-sufficiency.
2 a state or society which is economically independent.

- DERIVATIVES autarkic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk autarkeia, from autarks ‘self-sufficiency’.

autecology

// (also autoecology)

n. Biology the ecological study of a particular species. Contrasted with synecology.

- DERIVATIVES autecological adj.

auteur

//, //

n. a film director who influences their films so much that they rank as their author.

- DERIVATIVES auteurism n. auteurist adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from Fr., lit. ‘author’.

authentic

adj.
1 of undisputed origin or veracity; genuine.
2 Music (of a church mode) containing notes between the principal note or final and the note an octave higher. Compare with plagal.

- DERIVATIVES authentically adv. authenticity // n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. authenticus, from Gk authentikos ‘principal, genuine’.

authenticate

v. prove or show to be authentic.

- DERIVATIVES authentication // n. authenticator n.

author

n.
1 a writer of a book, article, or report.
2 an originator of a plan or idea.
v. be the author or the originator of.

- DERIVATIVES authoress n. authorial // adj. authorship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. autor, from L. auctor, from augere ‘increase, originate’.

authoring

n. the creation of programs and databases for computer applications such as multimedia products.

authoritarian

//

adj. favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
n. an authoritarian person.

- DERIVATIVES authoritarianism n.

authoritative

//, //

adj.
1 reliable because true or accurate: an authoritative source.
2 commanding and self-confident.
3 supported by authority.

- DERIVATIVES authoritatively adv. authoritativeness n.

authority

n. (pl. authorities)
1 the power or right to give orders and enforce obedience.
2 a person or organization exerting control in a political or administrative sphere.
3 the power to influence others based on recognized knowledge or expertise. an authoritative person, book, or other source.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. autorite, from L. auctoritas, from auctor (see author).

authorize

(or authorise)

v. give official permission for or approval to.

- DERIVATIVES authorization n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. autoriser, from med. L. auctorizare, from L. auctor (see author).

Authorized Version

n. chiefly Brit. an English translation of the Bible made in 1611 at the order of James I and still widely used.

autism

//

n. Psychiatry a mental condition characterized by great difficulty in communicating with others and in using language and abstract concepts.

- DERIVATIVES autistic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk autos ‘self’ + -ism.

auto^1

n. (pl. autos) informal, chiefly N. Amer. a car.

auto^2

adj. & n. short for automatic.

auto-1

(usu. aut- before a vowel)

comb. form
1 self: autocrat.
2 one's own: autograph.
3 automatic; spontaneous: autoxidation.

- ORIGIN from Gk autos ‘self’.

auto-2

comb. form relating to cars: autocross.

- ORIGIN C19: from automobile.

autoantibody

n. (pl. autoantibodies) Physiology an antibody produced by an organism in response to a constituent of its own tissues.

Autobahn

//

n. a German, Austrian, or Swiss motorway.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Ger., from Auto ‘car’ + Bahn ‘path, road’.

autobiography

n. (pl. autobiographies) an account of a person's life written by that person.

- DERIVATIVES autobiographer n. autobiographic adj. autobiographical adj. autobiographically adv.

autocatalysis

n. Chemistry catalysis of a reaction by one of its products.

- DERIVATIVES autocatalytic adj.

autocephalous

//, //

adj. (of an Eastern Christian Church) appointing its own head, not subject to the authority of an external patriarch or archbishop.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk autokephalos (from autos ‘self’ + kephal ‘head’) + -ous.

autochrome

n. an early form of colour photography using plates coated with dyed starch grains.

autochthon

//, //

n. (pl. autochthons or autochthones //) an indigenous inhabitant of a place.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk, lit. ‘sprung from the earth’, from autos ‘self’ + khthn ‘earth’.

autochthonous

//

adj.
1 indigenous.
2 Geology (of a deposit or formation) formed in its present position. Often contrasted with allochthonous.

autoclave

//

n. a strong heated container used for chemical reactions and processes using high pressures and temperatures, e.g. steam sterilization.
v. heat in an autoclave.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from auto- ‘self’ + L. clavus ‘nail’ or clavis ‘key’ (so named because it is self-fastening).

autocorrelation

n. Mathematics & Statistics correlation between the elements of a series and others from the same series separated from them by a given interval.

autocracy

//

n. (pl. autocracies) a system of government by one person with absolute power. a country, state, or society governed in this way.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk autokrateia, from autokrats, from autos ‘self’ + kratos ‘power’.

autocrat

n.
1 a ruler who has absolute power.
2 a domineering person.

- DERIVATIVES autocratic adj. autocratically adv.

autocrine

//

adj. Biochemistry denoting or relating to a cell-produced substance that has an effect on the cell by which it is secreted.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from auto-1 + Gk krinein ‘to separate’.

autocross

n. Brit. a motor racing sport in which cars are driven over courses on rough terrain or unmade roads.

autocue

n. trademark, Brit. a device used as a television prompt in which a script is projected on to a screen visible only to the speaker or performer.

auto-da-fé

//

n. (pl. autos-da-fé //) the burning of a heretic by the Spanish Inquisition.

- ORIGIN C18: from Port., lit. ‘act of the faith’.

autodial

v. (autodials, autodialling, autodialled; US autodials, autodialing, autodialed) Computing (of a modem) automatically dial a telephone number or establish a connection with a computer.

autodidact

//

n. a self-taught person.

- DERIVATIVES autodidactic adj.

autoecology

//

n. variant spelling of autecology.

auto-erotic

adj. relating to sexual excitement generated by fantasizing about or stimulating one's own body.

- DERIVATIVES auto-eroticism n.

auto-exposure

n. a device which sets the exposure automatically on a camera or other device.

autofocus

n. a device focusing a camera or other device automatically.

- DERIVATIVES autofocusing n.

autogamy

//

n. Biology self-fertilization. Compare with allogamy.

- DERIVATIVES autogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from auto-1 + Gk gamos ‘marriage’.

autogenic

//

adj. technical self-generated.

autogenic training

n. a form of relaxation therapy involving autosuggestion.

autogenous

//

adj.
1 arising from within or from a thing itself.
2 (of welding) done either without a filler or with a filler of the same metal as the pieces being welded.

autogiro

(also autogyro)

n. (pl. autogiros) a form of aircraft with unpowered freely rotating horizontal blades and a propeller.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Sp., from auto- ‘self’ + giro ‘gyration’.

autograft

n. a graft of tissue from one point to another of the same individual's body.

autograph

n.
1 a celebrity's signature written for an admirer.
2 a manuscript or musical score in an author's or composer's own handwriting.
3 a person's handwriting.
v. write one's signature on.
adj. written in the author's own handwriting.

- DERIVATIVES autographic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. autographe or late L. autographum, from Gk autographon, neut. of autographos ‘written with one's own hand’.

autoharp

n. a kind of zither fitted with a series of sprung and padded bars which allow the playing of chords by damping selected strings.

autoimmune

adj. Medicine relating to or denoting disease caused by antibodies or lymphocytes produced against substances naturally present in the body.

- DERIVATIVES autoimmunity n.

autointoxication

n. Medicine poisoning by a toxin formed within the body itself.

autologous

//

adj. (of cells or tissues) obtained from the same individual.

autolysis

//

n. Biology the destruction of cells or tissues by their own enzymes.

- DERIVATIVES autolytic adj.

automated teller machine

n. a machine that automatically provides cash and performs other banking services on insertion of a special card.

automatic

adj.
1 (of a device or process) working by itself with little or no direct human control. (of a firearm) self-loading and able to fire continuously.
2 done or occurring without conscious thought.
3 (of a penalty or legal sanction) necessary and inevitable, as a result of a fixed rule or particular set of circumstances.
n. an automatic machine or device.

- DERIVATIVES automatically adv. automaticity n. automatization (or automatisation) n. automatize (or automatise) v.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk automatos (see automaton) + -ic.

automatic pilot

n. a device for keeping an aircraft on a set course.

- PHRASES
on automatic pilot doing something out of routine or habit, without conscious thought.

automatic writing

n. writing said to be produced by a spiritual, occult, or subconscious agency.

automation

n. the use or introduction of automatic equipment in a manufacturing or other process or facility.

- DERIVATIVES automate v.

automatism

//

n. Psychiatry action which does not involve conscious thought or intention.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. automatisme, from automate ‘automaton’, from Gk automatos (see automaton).

automaton

//

n. (pl. automata // or automatons)
1 a moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being.
2 a machine which performs a function according to a set of coded instructions.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk, neut. of automatos ‘acting of itself’, from autos ‘self’.

automobile

n. chiefly N. Amer. a car.

automotive

//

adj. relating to motor vehicles.

autonomic

//

adj. Physiology relating to or denoting the part of the nervous system responsible for control of breathing, circulation, digestion, and other bodily functions not consciously directed.

autonomy

//

n. (pl. autonomies)
1 the possession or right of self-government.
2 freedom of action.

- DERIVATIVES autonomist n. & adj. autonomous adj. autonomously adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk autonomia, from autonomos ‘having its own laws’, from autos ‘self’ + nomos ‘law’.

autopilot

n. short for automatic pilot.

autopista

//

n. a motorway in a Spanish-speaking country.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Sp., from auto ‘automobile’ + pista ‘track’.

autopsy

//, //

n. (pl. autopsies) a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease.
v. (autopsies, autopsying, autopsied) perform an autopsy on.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘personal observation’): from Fr. autopsie or mod. L. autopsia, from Gk, from autopts ‘eyewitness’.

autoradiograph

(also autoradiogram)

n. a photograph produced by radiation from radioactive material in the object photographed.

- DERIVATIVES autoradiographic adj. autoradiography n.

autorotation

n. rotation of an object caused by the flow of moving air or water around it.

- DERIVATIVES autorotate v.

autoroute

n. a French motorway.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

autosave

n. Computing a software facility which automatically saves a user's work at regular intervals.

autosome

//

n. Biology any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

- DERIVATIVES autosomal adj.

autostrada

//

n. (pl. autostradas or autostrade //) an Italian motorway.

- ORIGIN from Ital., from auto ‘automobile’ + strada ‘road’.

autosuggestion

n. the hypnotic or subconscious adoption of an idea which one has originated oneself.

autotelic

//

adj. (of an activity or a creative work) having an end or purpose in itself.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from auto-1 + Gk telos ‘end’ + -ic.

autotomy

//

n. Zoology the casting off of a part of the body (e.g. the tail of a lizard) by an animal under threat.

autotoxin

n. a substance produced by an organism which is toxic to itself.

- DERIVATIVES autotoxic adj.

autotransformer

n. an electrical transformer which has a single winding of which part is common to both primary and secondary circuits.

autotransplantation

n. transplantation of tissue from one site to another in the same individual.

- DERIVATIVES autotransplant n. autotransplanted adj.

autotroph

//, //

n. Biology an organism that synthesizes nutrients from simple inorganic substances. Compare with heterotroph.

- DERIVATIVES autotrophic adj. autotrophy n.

autoxidation

//

n. Chemistry spontaneous oxidation of a substance in the presence of oxygen.

- DERIVATIVES autoxidize (or autoxidise) v.

autumn

n.
1 chiefly Brit. the season after summer and before winter.
2 Astronomy the period from the autumn equinox to the winter solstice.

- DERIVATIVES autumnal // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. autompne, or later directly from L. autumnus.

autumn crocus

n. a plant of the lily family with autumn-blooming flowers.   Genus Colchicum.

autunite

//

n. a yellow fluorescent mineral consisting of a phosphate of calcium and uranium.

- ORIGIN C19: from Autun, a town in eastern France, + -ite^1.

auxiliary

//, //

adj. providing additional help or support.
n. (pl. auxiliaries) an auxiliary person or thing. N. Amer. a group of volunteers who assist a church, hospital, etc. with charitable activities.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. auxiliarius, from auxilium ‘help’.

auxiliary verb

n. Grammar a verb used in forming the tenses, moods, and voices of other verbs (in English primarily be, do, and have).

auxin

//

n. a plant growth hormone which causes the elongation of cells in shoots.

- ORIGIN 1930s: coined in Ger. from Gk auxein ‘to increase’ + -in^1.

auxotroph

//, //

n. Biology a mutant organism that requires a particular additional nutrient which the normal strain does not.

- DERIVATIVES auxotrophic adj.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from L. auxilium ‘help’ + Gk trophos ‘feeder’.

AV

abbrev.
1 audio-visual (teaching aids).
2 Authorized Version.

Av

n. variant spelling of Ab^1.

avadavat

// (also amadavat)

n. a red or green South Asian waxbill sometimes kept as a cage bird.   Genus Amandava: two species.

- ORIGIN C17: named after the city of Ahmadabad in India.

avail

v.
1 (avail oneself of) use or take advantage of.
2 help or benefit.
n. (usu. in phr. of/to no avail) use or benefit.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. vail, from OFr. valoir, from L. valere ‘be strong, be of value’.

available

adj.
1 able to be used or obtained.
2 not otherwise occupied; free.

- DERIVATIVES availability n. availableness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the senses ‘effectual, serviceable’ and ‘legally valid’): from avail + -able.

avalanche

//

n.
1 a mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside.
2 an occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities.
3 Physics a cumulative process in which an ion or electron generates further ions or electrons by collision.
v.
1 fall in an avalanche.
2 Physics undergo a rapid increase in conductivity due to an avalanche process.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., alt. of Alpine dial. lavanche, influenced by avaler ‘descend’.

avant-garde

//

adj. (in the arts) new and unusual or experimental.
n. (the avant-garde) avant-garde ideas or artists.

- DERIVATIVES avant-gardism n. avant-gardist n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the vanguard of an army): from Fr., lit. ‘vanguard’.

Avar

//

n.
1 a member of an ancient nomadic people from central Asia.
2 a pastoral people of Dagestan in Russia.
3 the North Caucasian language of the modern Avars.

- ORIGIN the name in Avar.

avarice

n. extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

- DERIVATIVES avaricious adj. avariciously adv. avariciousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. avaritia, from avarus ‘greedy’.

avascular

//, //

adj. Medicine characterized by or associated with a lack of blood vessels.

avast

//

exclam. Nautical stop; cease.

- ORIGIN C17: from Du. hou'vast, houd vast ‘hold fast!’

avatar

//

n.
1 chiefly Hinduism a manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth.
2 an incarnation or embodiment of a person or idea.
3 Computing a movable icon representing a person in cyberspace or virtual reality graphics.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit avatra ‘descent’.

avaunt

//

exclam. archaic go away.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. var. of OFr. avant, from L. ab ‘from’ + ante ‘before’.

Ave.

abbrev. Avenue.

ave

//

exclam. archaic used to express good wishes on meeting or parting.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘fare well!’, sing. imper. of avere.

Ave Maria

/ /

n. a prayer to the Virgin Mary used in Catholic worship; a Hail Mary.

- ORIGIN the opening words in L., lit. ‘hail, Mary!’

avenge

v. inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong). inflict retribution on behalf of (a wronged person).

- DERIVATIVES avenger n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avengier, from a- (from L. ad ‘to’) + vengier, from L. vindicare ‘vindicate’.

avens

//

n. a plant with serrated, divided leaves and seeds bearing small hooks.   Genus Geum: several species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avence (med. L. avencia).

aventurine

//

n.
1 brownish glass containing sparkling particles of copper or gold.
2 translucent quartz or feldspar containing small reflective mineral particles.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. avventurino, from avventura ‘chance’ (because of its accidental discovery).

avenue

n.
1 a broad road or path, especially one lined with trees.
2 a means of approach.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., fem. past part. of avenir ‘arrive, approach’.

aver

//

v. (avers, averring, averred) formal state or assert to be the case. Law allege as a fact in support of a plea.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. averer, based on L. ad ‘to’ + verus ‘true’.

average

n.
1 the result obtained by adding several amounts together and then dividing the total by the number of amounts.
2 a usual or ordinary amount, level, or rate.
3 Law the apportionment of financial liability resulting from loss of or damage to a ship or its cargo.
adj.
1 constituting an average.
2 of the usual or ordinary amount, level, or rate. mediocre: a very average movie.
v.
1 amount to or achieve as an average. calculate or estimate the average of.
2 (average out) result in an even distribution.

- DERIVATIVES averagely adv. averageness n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. avarie ‘damage to ship or cargo’, from Ital. avaria, from Arab. awr; the mod. sense arose from the equitable sharing of liability for losses at sea between the owners of the vessel and of the cargo.

avermectin

//

n. Medicine any of a group of macrocyclic compounds isolated from a strain of bacteria, used to destroy parasitic worms.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from mod. L. (Streptomyces) averm(itilis), the name of the source bacterium, + ect- + -in^1.

averment

//

n. formal an affirmation or allegation. Law a formal statement including an offer of proof or substantiation.

averse

adj. (usu. averse to) strongly disliking or opposed.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. avers-, avertere (see avert).

USAGE

On the confusion of averse with adverse, see adverse.

aversion

n. a strong dislike or disinclination.

- DERIVATIVES aversive adj.

aversion therapy

n. a type of behaviour therapy designed to make patients give up a habit by causing them to associate it with an unpleasant effect.

avert

v.
1 turn away (one's eyes or thoughts).
2 prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence).

- DERIVATIVES avertable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. avertere, from ab- ‘from’ + vertere ‘to turn’; reinforced by OFr. avertir.

Avesta

//

n. the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism.

- ORIGIN from Pers.

Avestan

//

adj. relating to the Avesta.
n. the ancient Iranian language in which the Avesta is written.

avgas

//

n. aircraft fuel.

avian

//

adj. relating to birds.
n. a bird.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. avis ‘bird’ + -an.

aviary

//

n. (pl. aviaries) a large enclosure for keeping birds in.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. aviarium, from avis ‘bird’.

aviation

n. the activity or business of operating and flying aircraft.

- DERIVATIVES aviate v.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., formed from L. avis ‘bird’.

aviator

n. (fem. aviatrix //, pl. aviatrices //) dated a pilot.

aviculture

//

n. the breeding and rearing of birds.

- DERIVATIVES avicultural adj. aviculturalist n. aviculturist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. avis ‘bird’ + culture.

avid

//

adj. keenly interested or enthusiastic.

- DERIVATIVES avidly adv.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (ME) as avidity): from Fr. avide or L. avidus, from avere ‘crave’.

avidin

//

n. Biochemistry a protein found in raw egg white, which combines with biotin and hinders its absorption.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from avid + -in^1.

avidity

n.
1 keen interest or enthusiasm.
2 Biochemistry the overall strength of binding between an antibody and an antigen.

avifauna

//

n. Zoology the birds of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.

- DERIVATIVES avifaunal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. avis ‘bird’ + fauna.

avionics

//

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] electronics or electronic equipment as applied to aviation.

avirulent

//, //

adj. (of a microorganism) not virulent.

avitaminosis

//, //

n. (pl. avitaminoses //) Medicine a condition resulting from a deficiency of a particular vitamin.

avizandum

//

n. Scots Law time taken for further consideration of a judgement.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. avizare ‘consider, advise’.

avo

//

n. (pl. avos) a monetary unit of Macao, equal to one hundredth of a pataca.

- ORIGIN from Port.

avocado

//

n. (pl. avocados)
1 a pear-shaped fruit with a tough skin, smooth oily edible flesh, and a large stone.
2 the tropical evergreen tree which bears avocados.   Persea americana.
3 a light green colour like that of an avocado's flesh.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., alt. of aguacate, from Nahuatl ahuacatl.

avocation

//

n. a hobby or minor occupation.

- DERIVATIVES avocational adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. avocatio(n-), from avocare ‘call away’.

avocet

//

n. a long-legged wading bird, largely black and white, with a slender upturned bill.   Genus Recurvirostra: four species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. avocette, from Ital. avosetta.

Avogadro's constant

// (also Avogadro's number)

n. Chemistry the number of atoms or molecules in one mole of a substance, equal to 6.023 × 10^23.

- ORIGIN named after the Italian physicist A. Avogadro (1776–1856).

Avogadro's law

(also Avogadro's hypothesis)

n. Chemistry a law stating that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules.

avoid

v.
1 keep away or refrain from. prevent from happening.
2 Law repudiate, nullify, or render void (a decree or contract).

- DERIVATIVES avoidable adj. avoidably adv. avoidance n. avoider n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. evuider ‘clear out, get rid of’, from vuide (see void).

avoirdupois

//, //

n. a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains. Compare with troy.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aveir de peis ‘goods of weight’, from aveir ‘to have’ (from L. habere) + peis (see poise^1).

avouch

v. archaic affirm or assert.

- DERIVATIVES avouchment n.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. avochier, from L. advocare ‘summon in defence’.

avow

v. assert or confess openly.

- DERIVATIVES avowal n. avowed adj. avowedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. avouer ‘acknowledge’, from L. advocare (see avouch).

avulsion

//

n.
1 chiefly Medicine the action of pulling or tearing away.
2 Law the sudden separation of land from one property and its attachment to another, especially by flooding. Compare with alluvion.

- DERIVATIVES avulse v.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. avulsio(n-), from avellere ‘pluck from’.

avuncular

//

adj. like an uncle in being kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. avunculus ‘maternal uncle’.

avunculate

//

n. (the avunculate) Anthropology the special relationship in some societies between a man and his sister's son.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L. avunculus ‘maternal uncle’ + -ate^2.

aw

exclam. chiefly N. Amer. & Scottish used to express mild protest, entreaty, commiseration, or disapproval.

AWACS

//

abbrev. airborne warning and control system.

await

v. wait for.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. awaitier, from a- (from L. ad ‘to, at’) + waitier ‘to wait’.

awake

v. (past awoke; past part. awoken)
1 stop sleeping.
2 make or become active again.
adj.
1 not asleep.
2 (awake to) aware of.

- ORIGIN OE wæcnan, wacian (see a-2, wake^1).

awaken

v.
1 stop or cause to stop sleeping.
2 rouse (a feeling).

- DERIVATIVES awakening n. & adj.

- ORIGIN OE onwæcnan, from on ‘on’ + waken.

award

v. give or grant as an official payment, compensation, or prize.
n. a prize, payment, etc. awarded.

- DERIVATIVES awardee n. awarder n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. awarder, var. of OFr. esguarder ‘consider, ordain’, from es- (from L. ex ‘thoroughly’) + guarder ‘watch (over)’, of Gmc origin.

aware

adj. having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

- DERIVATIVES awareness n.

- ORIGIN OE gewær, of W. Gmc origin.

awash

adj. covered or flooded with water.

away

adv.
1 to or at a distance. at a specified future distance in time.
2 towards a lower level.
3 into an appropriate place for storage or safe keeping.
4 towards or into non-existence.
5 constantly, persistently, or continuously.
6 (of a sports fixture) at the opponents' ground.
adj. (of a sports fixture) played at the opponents' ground.
n. an away game.

- ORIGIN OE onweg, aweg ‘on one's way’ (see a-2, way).

awe

n. a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
v. inspire with awe.

- ORIGIN OE ege ‘terror, dread, awe’.

aweigh

adj. Nautical (of an anchor) raised just clear of the seabed.

awe-inspiring

adj. arousing awe through being impressive or formidable.

- DERIVATIVES awe-inspiringly adv.

awesome

adj.
1 inspiring awe.
2 informal excellent.

- DERIVATIVES awesomely adv. awesomeness n.

awestruck

adj. filled with awe.

awful

adj.
1 very bad or unpleasant.
2 used for emphasis: an awful lot of letters.
3 archaic inspiring awe.

- DERIVATIVES awfulness n.

awfully

adv.
1 informal very or very much: I'm awfully sorry.
2 very badly or unpleasantly.

awhile

adv. for a short time.

awkward

adj.
1 hard to do or deal with.
2 causing or feeling uneasy embarrassment.
3 not smooth or graceful.

- DERIVATIVES awkwardly adv. awkwardness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘the wrong way round, upside down’): from dial. awk (from ON afugr) + -ward.

awl

//

n. a small pointed tool used for piercing holes.

- ORIGIN OE æl, of Gmc origin.

awn

//

n. Botany a stiff bristle growing from the ear or flower of barley, rye, and grasses.

- DERIVATIVES awned adj.

- ORIGIN OE, from ON ogn.

awning

n. a sheet of canvas or similar material stretched on a frame and used to shelter a shop window or doorway.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. in naut. use): of unknown origin.

awoke

past of awake.

awoken

past participle of awake.

AWOL

//

adj. Military absent but without intent to desert.

- ORIGIN 1920s: acronym from absent without (official) leave.

awry

//

adv. & adj. away from the appropriate or expected course or position.

- ORIGIN ME: from a-2 + wry.

AWS

abbrev. Brit. automatic warning system (used on trains).

axe

(US also ax)

n.
1 a heavy-bladed tool used for chopping wood.
2 (the axe) cost-cutting action, especially redundancy: thirty staff are facing the axe.
3 informal a guitar or (in jazz) a saxophone.
v.
1 dismiss or cancel suddenly and ruthlessly.
2 cut or strike with an axe.

- PHRASES
have an axe to grind have a private reason for doing something.

- ORIGIN OE æx, of Gmc origin.

axel

//

n. a jump in skating with one (or more) and a half turns in the air.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the Norwegian skater Axel R. Paulsen.

axenic

//

adj. Biology (of a culture) free from living organisms other than the species required.

- DERIVATIVES axenically adv.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from a- ‘not’ + Gk xenikos ‘alien, strange’ + -ic.

axes

plural form of axis^1.

axial

//

adj. forming, relating to, or around an axis.

- DERIVATIVES axially adv.

axil

//

n. Botany the upper angle between a leaf stalk or branch and the stem or trunk from which it is growing.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. axilla (see axilla).

axilla

//

n. (pl. axillae //)
1 Anatomy an armpit, or the corresponding part in a bird or other animal.
2 Botany an axil.

- DERIVATIVES axillary adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., dimin. of ala ‘wing’.

axiom

//

n.
1 an accepted statement or proposition regarded as being self-evidently true.
2 chiefly Mathematics a statement or proposition on which an abstractly defined structure is based.

- DERIVATIVES axiomatic adj. axiomatically adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. axiome or L. axioma, from Gk axima, from axios ‘worthy’.

axiomatize

(or axiomatise) //

v. express (a theory) as a set of axioms.

axion

//

n. Physics a hypothetical subatomic particle postulated to account for the rarity of processes which break charge–parity symmetry.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from axial + -on.

axis^1

//

n. (pl. axes //)
1 an imaginary line about which a body rotates or with respect to which it possesses rotational symmetry.
2 an imaginary line which divides something in half, especially in the direction of its greatest length.
3 Mathematics a fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates.
4 a straight central part in a structure to which other parts are connected.
5 Anatomy the second cervical vertebra, below the atlas at the top of the backbone.
6 (the Axis) the alliance between Germany and Italy in the Second World War.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘axle, pivot’.

axis^2

//

n. (pl. same) another term for chital.

- ORIGIN C17: from L.

axisymmetric

//

adj. Geometry symmetrical about an axis.

axle

//

n. a rod or spindle passing through the centre of a wheel or group of wheels.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. axle-tree): from ON oxultré.

Axminster

//

n. a kind of machine-woven patterned carpet with a cut pile.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the town of Axminster in southern England, where such carpets are made.

axolotl

//

n. a Mexican salamander which retains its aquatic newt-like larval form throughout life but is able to breed.   Ambystoma mexicanum.

- ORIGIN C18: from Nahuatl, from atl ‘water’ + xolotl ‘servant’.

axon

//

n. the long thread-like part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells. Compare with dendrite.

- DERIVATIVES axonal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk axn ‘axis’.

axonometric

//

adj. (of a pictorial representation) three-dimensional but without perspective.

ay

exclam. & n. variant spelling of aye^1.

ayah

//

n. a nanny employed by Europeans in India or another former British territory.

- ORIGIN Anglo-Ind., from Port. aia ‘nurse’, fem. of aio ‘tutor’.

ayahuasca

//

n.
1 a tropical vine of the Amazon region, noted for its hallucinogenic properties.   Genus Banisteriopsis.
2 a hallucinogenic drink prepared from ayahuasca bark.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Latin Amer. Sp., from Quechua ayawáskha, from aya ‘corpse’ + waskha ‘rope’.

ayatollah

//

n. a high-ranking Shiite religious leader in Iran.

- ORIGIN Pers., from Arab. yatu-llh, lit. ‘token of God’.

aye^1

// (also ay)

exclam. archaic or dialect yes. (aye aye) Nautical a response accepting an order. (in voting) I assent.
n. an affirmative answer, especially in voting.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from I, first person personal pronoun, expressing assent.

aye^2

//, //

adv. archaic or Scottish always; still.

- PHRASES
for aye forever.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON ei, ey.

aye-aye

//

n. a rare nocturnal Madagascan primate related to the lemurs.   Daubentonia madagascariensis.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Malagasy aiay.

Aylesbury

//

n. (pl. Aylesburys) a domestic duck of a breed with white plumage.

- ORIGIN named after the town of Aylesbury in south central England, where the ducks were bred.

Aymara

//

n. (pl. same or Aymaras)
1 a member of an American Indian people inhabiting the high plateau region of Bolivia and Peru near Lake Titicaca.
2 the language of the Aymara, perhaps related to Quechua.

- ORIGIN from Bolivian Sp.

Ayrshire

//

n. an animal of a mainly white breed of dairy cattle.

- ORIGIN named after the former Scottish county of Ayrshire, where the cattle were bred.

Ayurveda

//, //

n. the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.

- DERIVATIVES Ayurvedic adj.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit yus ‘life’ + veda ‘(sacred) knowledge’.

AZ

abbrev. Arizona (in official postal use).

azalea

//

n. a deciduous flowering shrub with clusters of brightly coloured flowers, related to rhododendrons but generally smaller.   Genus Rhododendron: many species.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L. (former genus name), from Gk, fem. of azaleos ‘dry’ (because the shrubs flourish in dry soil).

azan

//

n. the Muslim call to prayer made by a muezzin from the minaret of a mosque.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arab. adn ‘announcement’.

Azande

//

n. & adj. see Zande.

azeotrope

//, //

n. Chemistry a mixture of two liquids which has a constant boiling point and composition throughout distillation.

- DERIVATIVES azeotropic //, // adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from a-1 + Gk zein ‘to boil’ + tropos ‘turning’.

Azerbaijani

n. (pl. Azerbaijanis)
1 a native or national of Azerbaijan, or a person of Azerbaijani descent.
2 the Turkic language of Azerbaijan.
adj. relating to Azerbaijan or its language.

Azeri

//

n. (pl. Azeris)
1 a member of a Turkic people forming the majority population of Azerbaijan, and also living in Armenia and northern Iran.
2 the Azerbaijani language.
adj. relating to the Azeri or their language.

- ORIGIN from Turk. azerî.

azide

//

n. Chemistry a compound containing the anion N_3- or the group –N_3.

azidothymidine

//, //

n. former name for the drug zidovudine.

Azilian

//

adj. Archaeology relating to or denoting an early Mesolithic culture in Europe, succeeding the Magdalenian and dated to about 11,500–9,500 years ago.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Mas d'Azil in the French Pyrenees, where objects from this culture were found.

azimuth

//

n.
1 Astronomy the horizontal component of the direction of a celestial object from the observer, expressed as an angular distance from the north or south point of the horizon.
2 the horizontal angle or direction of a compass bearing.

- DERIVATIVES azimuthal // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. azimut, from Arab. as-samt, from al ‘the’ + samt ‘way, direction’.

azimuthal projection

//

n. a map projection in which a region of the earth is projected on to a plane tangential to the surface, usually at a pole or the equator.

azine

//

n. Chemistry any of a class of organic compounds having a ring including one or (usually) more nitrogen atoms.

azo-

//

prefix Chemistry containing two adjacent nitrogen atoms between carbon atoms.

- ORIGIN from obs. azote ‘nitrogen’, from Fr., from Gk a- ‘without’ + z ‘life’.

azo dye

n. Chemistry any of a large class of synthetic dyes whose molecules contain two adjacent nitrogen atoms between carbon atoms.

azoic

//

adj. Geology having no trace of life or organic remains.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk azos ‘without life’ + -ic.

azoospermia

//, //

n. Medicine absence of viable motile sperm in the semen.

- DERIVATIVES azoospermic adj.

AZT

abbrev. trademark azidothymidine.

Aztec

//

n.
1 a member of the American Indian people dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century.
2 the extinct Uto-Aztecan language of the Aztecs, from which modern Nahuatl is descended.

- ORIGIN from Fr. Aztèque or Sp. Azteca, from Nahuatl aztecatl ‘person of Aztlan’, their legendary place of origin.

azulejo

//

n. (pl. azulejos) a kind of glazed coloured tile traditionally used in Spanish and Portuguese buildings.

- ORIGIN from Sp., from azul ‘blue’.

azure

//, //, //

adj. bright blue in colour. Heraldry blue.
n. a bright blue colour.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. asur, azur, from med. L. azzurum, azolum, from Arab. al ‘the’ + lzaward (from Pers. lward ‘lapis lazuli’).

azurite

//, //

n. a blue mineral consisting of basic copper carbonate.

azygous

//

adj. Anatomy & Biology (of an organic structure) not existing in pairs; single.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk azugos, from a- ‘without’ + zugon ‘yoke’, + -ous.

B^1

(also b)

n. (pl. Bs or B's)
1 the second letter of the alphabet.
2 denoting the second, second-best, or secondary item in a set.
3 Music the seventh note of the diatonic scale of C major.
4 the human blood type (in the ABO system) containing the B antigen and lacking the A.

B^2

abbrev.
1 Belgium (international vehicle registration).
2 (in chess) bishop.
3 black (used in describing grades of pencil lead).
4 bomber (in designations of US aircraft types): a B-52.
symb.
1 the chemical element boron.
2 Physics magnetic flux density.

b

abbrev.
1 Physics barn(s).
2 (b.) born.
3 Cricket bowled by.
4 Cricket bye(s).

BA

abbrev.
1 Bachelor of Arts.
2 British Airways.
3 British Association (for the Advancement of Science).
4 Buenos Aires.

Ba

symb. the chemical element barium.

ba

//

n. (in ancient Egypt) the supposed soul of a person or god, which survived after death but had to be sustained with offerings of food. See also ka.

baa

v. (baas, baaing, baaed) (of a sheep or lamb) bleat.
n. the cry of a sheep or lamb.

- ORIGIN C16: imitative.

baap

//

n. Indian one's father.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bp.

baas

//

n. S. African, often offensive a supervisor or employer, especially a white man in charge of coloured or black people.

- ORIGIN Du., ‘master’; cf. boss^1.

Baathist

// (also Ba'athist)

n. a member or supporter of the Baath Party, a pan-Arab socialist party founded in 1943.
adj. relating to the Baath Party.

- DERIVATIVES Baathism n.

- ORIGIN from Arab. bat ‘resurrection, renaissance’ + -ist.

baba^1

// (also rum baba)

n. a small rich sponge cake, soaked in rum-flavoured syrup.

- ORIGIN via Fr. from Polish, lit. ‘married peasant woman’.

baba^2

//

n. Indian informal
1 father or holy man.
2 a child, especially a male one.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bb.

baba ganoush

/ / (also baba ghanouj //)

n. a thick dip made from puréed aubergines, tahini, lemon, and garlic, typical of eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

- ORIGIN from Egyptian Arab., from Arab. bb, lit. ‘father’ + ghannj, perh. a personal name.

Babbitt

//

n. dated, chiefly N. Amer. a materialistic, complacent, and conformist businessman.

- DERIVATIVES Babbittry n.

- ORIGIN 1922: from George Babbitt, the protagonist of the novel Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

babbitt metal

n. a soft alloy of tin, antimony, copper, and usually lead, used to line bearings.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Isaac Babbitt, the American inventor.

babble

v.
1 talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way. reveal something secret.
2 [usu. as adj. babbling] (of a stream) make a continuous murmur as the water flows over stones.
n. the sound of babbling. foolish, excited, or confused talk.

- DERIVATIVES babblement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. babbelen, or an independent Engl. formation, based on the repeated syllable ba, typical of a child's early speech.

babbler

n.
1 a person who babbles.
2 a thrush-like songbird with a long tail, short rounded wings, and a loud voice.   Family Timaliidae: many species.

babby

n. (pl. babbies) dialect form of baby.

babe

n.
1 literary a baby.
2 informal an affectionate form of address for a lover.
3 informal an attractive young woman.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. imitative of an infant's first attempts at speech.

babel

//

n. a confused noise made by a number of voices.

- ORIGIN C16: from the Tower of Babel, where, according to the biblical story, God confused the languages of the builders.

babesiosis

// (also babesiasis //)

n. a protozoal disease of livestock transmitted by tick bites, affecting the red blood cells and causing red or blackish urine.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from mod. L. Babesia (a genus of protozoans), from the name of the Romanian bacteriologist Victor Babès.

babiche

//

n. strips of rawhide, used by North American Indians for making fastenings, snares, etc.

- ORIGIN C19: from Canad. Fr., from Micmac a:papi:.

babirusa

//

n. a forest-dwelling wild pig with several upturned horn-like tusks, native to Malaysia.   Babyrousa babyrussa.

- ORIGIN C17: from Malay, from babi ‘hog’ + rusa ‘deer’.

Babism

//

n. a religion founded in 1844 by the Persian Mirza Ali Muhammad, who taught that a new prophet would follow Muhammad. See also Baha'i.

- DERIVATIVES Babi n.

- ORIGIN C19: via Pers. from Arab. bb ‘intermediary’, lit. ‘gate’ (taken as a name by the founder) + -ism.

baboon

n. a large ground-dwelling social monkey with a long doglike snout and large teeth.   Genera Papio and Mandrillus: several species.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a grotesque figure used in architecture): from OFr. babuin or med. L. babewynus, perh. from OFr. baboue ‘muzzle, grimace’.

babu

//

n. (pl. babus) Indian
1 a respectful title or form of address for a man.
2 an office worker.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bb, lit. ‘father’.

babushka

//, //

n.
1 (in Russia) an old woman or grandmother.
2 N. Amer. a headscarf tied under the chin.

- ORIGIN Russ., ‘grandmother’.

baby

n. (pl. babies)
1 a child or animal that is newly or recently born.
2 a timid or childish person.
3 informal a person with whom one is having a romantic relationship (often as a form of address).
adj. comparatively small or immature of its kind.
v. (babies, babying, babied) pamper or be overprotective towards.

- PHRASES
throw the baby out with the bathwater discard something valuable along with other things that are undesirable.

- DERIVATIVES babyhood n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. imitative of an infant's first attempts at speech.

baby blue

n.
1 a pale shade of blue.
2 (baby blues) informal blue eyes.
3 (baby blues) informal post-natal depression.

baby boom

n. informal a temporary marked increase in the birth rate, especially the one following the Second World War.

- DERIVATIVES baby boomer n.

baby bouncer

n. Brit. a harness suspended by elastic or a spring, into which a baby is put, with its feet within reach of the floor, to exercise its legs.

baby bust

n. N. Amer. informal a temporary marked decrease in the birth rate.

- DERIVATIVES baby buster n.

baby carriage

n. N. Amer. a pram.

baby-doll

adj. denoting a style of women's clothing resembling that traditionally worn by a doll or young girl.

baby grand

n. the smallest size of grand piano.

Babygro

n. (pl. Babygros) trademark an all-in-one stretch garment for babies.

babyish

adj. childish; immature.

- DERIVATIVES babyishly adv. babyishness n.

Babylon

//

n. black English, derogatory (chiefly among Rastafarians) aspects of white culture seen as degenerate or oppressive, especially the police.

- ORIGIN 1940s: by assoc. with the ancient city of Babylon (see Babylonian).

Babylonian

//

n.
1 an inhabitant of Babylon or Babylonia, an ancient city and kingdom in Mesopotamia.
2 the dialect of Akkadian spoken in ancient Babylon.
adj. relating to Babylon or Babylonia.

babymother

(or babyfather)

n. black English the mother (or father) of one or more of one's children.

baby oil

n. a mineral oil used to soften the skin.

baby's breath

n. a herbaceous plant of delicate appearance which bears tiny scented pink or white flowers.   Gypsophila paniculata.

babysit

v. (babysits, babysitting; past and past part. babysat) look after a child or children while the parents are out.

- DERIVATIVES babysitter n.

baby walker

n. Brit. a wheeled frame in which a baby is suspended in a harness and can move itself about with its feet.

bacalao

//

n. dried or salted codfish, as used in Spanish and Latin American cookery.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

baccalaureate

//

n.
1 an examination qualifying successful candidates for higher education. See also International Baccalaureate.
2 a university bachelor's degree.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. baccalauréat or med. L. baccalaureatus, from baccalaureus ‘bachelor’.

baccarat

//

n. a gambling card game in which players hold two- or three-card hands, the winning hand being that giving the highest remainder when its face value is divided by ten.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. baccara, of unknown origin.

bacchanal

//, // chiefly literary

n.
1 an occasion of wild and drunken revelry.
2 a priest, worshipper, or follower of Bacchus, the Greek or Roman god of wine.
adj. characterized by wild revelry; bacchanalian.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. bacchanalis, from the name of the god Bacchus.

Bacchanalia

//

pl. n. [also treated as sing.]
1 the Roman festival of the god Bacchus.
2 (bacchanalia) wild revelry.

- DERIVATIVES bacchanalian adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. bacchanalia, neut. pl. of the adj. bacchanalis (see bacchanal).

bacchant

//

n. (pl. bacchants or bacchantes //; fem. bacchante //, //) a priest, priestess, or follower of the god Bacchus.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bacchante, from L. bacchari ‘celebrate the feast of Bacchus’.

baccy

n. Brit. informal tobacco.

bach

//

n. Welsh used as a term of endearment, often after a personal name.

- ORIGIN Welsh, lit. ‘little’.

bachelor

n.
1 a man who is not and has never been married. Zoology a male bird or mammal prevented from breeding by a dominant male.
2 a person who holds a first degree from a university or other academic institution (only in titles or set expressions).
3 historical a young knight serving under another's banner.

- DERIVATIVES bachelorhood n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bacheler ‘a young man aspiring to knighthood’.

bachelor apartment

n. N. Amer. a studio flat.

bachelorette

n. N. Amer. a young unmarried woman.

bachelor girl

n. an independent, unmarried young woman.

bachelor party

(or bachelorette party)

n. N. Amer. a party given for a man (or woman) who is about to get married, attended by men (or women) only.

bachelor's buttons

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] an ornamental plant with small, button-like, double flowers.   Achillea ptarmica (daisy family) and Ranunculus acris (buttercup family).

Bach flower remedies

//

pl. n. preparations of the flowers of various plants used in a system of complementary medicine intended to relieve ill health by influencing underlying emotional states.

- ORIGIN 1970s: named after the British physician Edward Bach.

bacilliform

//

adj. chiefly Biology rod-shaped.

bacillus

//

n. (pl. bacilli //, //) a rod-shaped bacterium.

- DERIVATIVES bacillary adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L. (genus name), dimin. of L. baculus ‘stick’.

back

n.
1 the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips. the corresponding upper surface of an animal's body. the spine. the main structure of a ship's hull or an aircraft's fuselage.
2 the side or part of something away from the spectator or from the direction in which it moves or faces. the side or part of an object opposed to the one that is normally seen or used. the part of a chair against which the sitter's back rests.
3 a player in a team game who plays in a defensive position behind the forwards.
adv.
1 in the opposite direction from the one that one is facing or travelling towards. at a distance away. (also back of) N. Amer. informal behind.
2 so as to return to an earlier or normal position or condition.
3 in or into the past.
4 in return.
v.
1 give material or moral support to. bet money on (a person or animal) winning a race or contest.
2 cover the back of (something) for support, protection, or decoration.
3 (especially in popular music) provide musical accompaniment to (a singer or musician).
4 walk or drive backwards. (of the wind) change direction anticlockwise around the points of the compass. The opposite of veer^1.
5 (back on/on to) (of a building or other structure) have its back facing or adjacent to. lie behind.
adj.
1 of or at the back.
2 in a remote or subsidiary position.
3 from or relating to the past: back pay.
4 directed towards the rear or in a reversed course.
5 Phonetics (of a sound) articulated at the back of the mouth.

- PHRASES
at someone's back in pursuit or support of someone.
back and forth to and fro.
back in the day in the past.
the back of beyond a very remote or inaccessible place.
back to front Brit. with the back at the front and the front at the back.
back water reverse the action of the oars to slow down or stop a boat.
behind someone's back without a person's knowledge and in an unfair way.
get (or put) someone's back up annoy or anger someone.
put one's back into approach (a task) with vigour.
turn one's back on ignore; reject.
with one's back to (or up against) the wall in a desperate situation.
- PHRASES
back down concede defeat.
back off draw back from action or confrontation.
back out withdraw from a commitment.
back up (of vehicles) form into a queue due to congestion.
back something up Computing make a spare copy of (data or a disk).

- DERIVATIVES backer n. backless adj. backmost adj.

- ORIGIN OE bæc, of Gmc origin.

backache

n. prolonged pain in one's back.

backbeat

n. Music a strong accent on one of the normally unaccented beats of the bar, used especially in jazz and popular music.

backbencher

n. (in the UK) an MP who does not hold office in the government or opposition and who sits behind the front benches in the House of Commons.

- DERIVATIVES backbench adj.

backbiting

n. malicious talk about an absent person.

- DERIVATIVES backbiter n.

backblocks

pl. n. Austral./NZ land in the remote and sparsely inhabited interior.

backboard

n.
1 a board used to support or straighten a person's back, especially after an accident.
2 Basketball an upright board behind the basket, off which the ball may rebound.

back boiler

n. Brit. a boiler built in behind a fireplace or integral to a gas fire.

backbone

n.
1 the spine.
2 the chief support of a system or organization. strength of character.

back-breaking

adj. (especially of manual labour) physically demanding.

back-burner

v. N. Amer. postpone action on.

- ORIGIN from phr. on the back burner (see burner).

back catalogue

n. all the works previously produced by a recording artist or record company.

backchat

n. Brit. informal rude or impudent remarks.

backcloth

n. Brit. another term for backdrop.

backcomb

v. chiefly Brit. comb (the hair) from the ends of the strands towards the scalp to make it look thicker.

backcountry

n. chiefly N. Amer. sparsely inhabited rural areas.

backcourt

n.
1 (in tennis, basketball, and other games) the part of each side of the court nearest the back wall or back boundary line.
2 the defensive players in a basketball team.

backcross

Genetics

v. cross (a hybrid) with one of its parents or an organism genetically identical to one of the parents.
n. an instance or result of backcrossing.

backdate

v. Brit. make (something, especially a pay increase) retrospectively valid. put an earlier date to (a document or agreement) than the actual one.

back door

n.
1 the rear door of a building.
2 [as modifier] underhand; clandestine: a back-door tax increase.

- PHRASES
by (or through) the back door in a clandestine or underhand way.

backdraught

(US backdraft)

n.
1 a current of air or water that flows backwards down a chimney, pipe, etc.
2 a phenomenon in which a fire that has consumed all available oxygen suddenly explodes when more oxygen is made available.

- DERIVATIVES backdraughting n.

backdrop

n.
1 a painted cloth hung at the back of a theatre stage as part of the scenery.
2 the setting or background for a scene or event.
v. (backdrops, backdropping, backdropped) serve as a background to.

back-end

adj.
1 relating to the end of a project, process, or investment.
2 Computing denoting a specialized subordinate processor or program, not directly accessed by the user.

back-fanged

adj. Zoology denoting a snake (such as a boomslang) in which the rear pair or pairs of teeth have grooves to conduct the venom. Compare with front-fanged.

backfield

n. American Football the area of play behind the line of scrimmage.

backfill

v. refill (an excavated hole) with the material dug out of it.
n. material used for backfilling.

backfire

//

v.
1 (of a vehicle or its engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust.
2 (of a plan or action) rebound adversely on the originator.

backflip

n. a backward somersault done in the air with the arms and legs stretched out straight.

back-formation

n. a word that is formed from its seeming derivative, typically by removal of a suffix (e.g. edit from editor).

backgammon

n.
1 a board game in which two players move their pieces around twenty-four triangular points according to the throw of dice.
2 the most complete form of win in backgammon.

- ORIGIN C17: from back + gammon^2.

background

n.
1 part of a scene, picture, or description that forms a setting for the main figures, events, etc.
2 the circumstances prevailing at a particular time or underlying an event. a person's education, experience, and social circumstances.
3 a persistent low level of radioactivity, radiation, noise, etc. present in an environment.
4 tasks or processes running on a computer that do not need input from the user.
v.
1 form a background to.
2 put in the background.
3 provide with background information.

backgrounder

n. N. Amer. an official briefing or handout giving background information.

background music

n. music intended as an unobtrusive accompaniment to an activity, or to provide atmosphere in a film.

backhand

n. (in tennis and other racket sports) a stroke played with the back of the hand facing in the direction of the stroke, with the arm across the body.
v. strike with a backhanded blow or stroke.

backhanded

adj.
1 made with the back of the hand facing in the direction of movement.
2 indirect or ambiguous: a backhanded compliment.

backhander

n.
1 a backhand stroke or blow.
2 Brit. informal a bribe.

back-heel

v. kick (a ball) backwards with the heel.

backhoe

(Brit. also backhoe loader)

n. a mechanical excavator which draws towards itself a bucket attached to a hinged boom.

backing

n.
1 material or moral support.
2 a layer of material that forms, protects, or strengthens the back of something.
3 (especially in popular music) musical or vocal accompaniment to the main singer or soloist.
4 Phonetics the movement of the place of formation of a sound towards the back of the mouth.

backing track

n. a recorded musical accompaniment, especially one for a soloist to play or sing along with.

backland

n.
1 (also backlands) another term for backcountry.
2 land behind an area which is built on or otherwise developed.

backlash

n.
1 a strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people.
2 recoil or degree of play arising between parts of a mechanism.

backlift

n. (in sport) a backward movement of the bat or leg before playing a stroke or kicking the ball.

backlight

n. illumination from behind.
v. (past backlit; past part. backlit or backlighted) illuminate from behind.

- DERIVATIVES backlighting n.

backline

n.
1 a line marking the back of something, especially the area of play in a game.
2 Rugby the players lined out across the field behind a scrum or line-out.
3 the amplifiers used by a popular music group, typically placed across the back of the stage.

backlist

n. a publisher's list of books published before the current season and still in print.

backload

n. a load transported on the return journey of a delivery truck.
v.
1 transport a backload.
2 place more charges at the later stages of (a financial agreement) than at the earlier stages.

backlog

n. an accumulation of work or matters needing to be dealt with.

backlot

n. an outdoor area in a film studio where large exterior sets are made and some outside scenes are filmed.

backmarker

n. Brit. a competitor who is among the last in a race.

back number

n. Brit. an issue of a periodical earlier than the current one.

backpack

n. a rucksack.
v. [usu. as noun backpacking] travel or hike carrying one's belongings in a rucksack.

- DERIVATIVES backpacker n.

back pass

n. Soccer a deliberate pass to one's own goalkeeper.

back passage

n. Brit. euphemistic a person's rectum.

back-pedal

v.
1 move the pedals of a bicycle backwards (formerly in order to brake).
2 hastily reverse one's previous action or opinion.

backplane

n. a board to which the main circuit boards of a computer may be connected, and which provides connections between them.

back-projection

n. the projection of a picture on to the back of a translucent screen.

- DERIVATIVES back-project v.

backrest

n. a support for a seated person's back.

back room

n. a place where secret, administrative, or supporting work is done.

back row

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] Rugby the forwards who are in the third row in a scrum.

- DERIVATIVES back-rower n.

backscatter

n.
1 Physics deflection of radiation or particles through an angle of 180°.
2 Photography light from a flashgun or other light source that is deflected directly into a lens.
v. Physics deflect (radiation or particles) through an angle of 180°.

backscratching

n. informal the reciprocal provision of help, typically in an underhand manner.

back-seat driver

n. informal a passenger in a car who gives the driver unwanted advice.

backshift

n. Grammar the changing of a present tense in direct speech to a past tense in reported speech (or a past tense to pluperfect).

backside

n.
1 informal a person's buttocks or anus.
2 chiefly N. Amer. the reverse or rearward side.

back slang

n. slang in which words are spoken as though they were spelled backwards (e.g. redraw for warder).

backslapping

n. the action of offering hearty congratulations or praise.
adj. vigorously hearty.

- DERIVATIVES backslapper n.

backslash

n. a backward-sloping diagonal line (\).

backslide

v. (past backslid; past part. backslid or backslidden) relapse into bad ways.

- DERIVATIVES backslider n. backsliding n.

backspace

n.
1 a key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used to cause the carriage or cursor to move backwards.
2 a device on a video recorder or camcorder which produces a slight backward run between shots to eliminate disturbance caused by the interruption of the scanning process.
v. move a typewriter carriage or computer cursor backwards.

backspin

n. a backward spin given to a moving ball, causing it to stop more quickly or rebound at a steeper angle on hitting a surface.

backsplash

n. North American term for splashback.

back-stabbing

n. the action of criticizing someone while feigning friendship.

- DERIVATIVES back-stabber n.

backstage

adv. & adj. in or to the area behind the stage in a theatre.

backstairs

pl. n.
1 stairs at the back or side of a building.
2 [as modifier] underhand; clandestine.

backstay

n. a stay on a sailing ship leading downwards and aft from the upper part of a mast.

backstitch

n. a method of sewing with overlapping stitches.
v. sew using backstitch.

backstop

n.
1 a person or thing placed at the rear of something as a barrier or support.
2 Baseball a high fence or similar structure behind the home plate area.
3 Baseball a catcher.
v. Baseball act as backstop for.

backstory

n. (pl. backstories) a history or background created for a fictional character in a film or television programme.

back straight

(N. Amer. backstretch)

n. the part of a racecourse that is furthest from the grandstand and parallel to the home straight.

backstreet

n.
1 a minor street.
2 [as modifier] secret, especially because illegal: backstreet abortions.

backstroke

n. a swimming stroke performed on the back with the arms lifted alternately out of the water in a backward circular motion and the legs extended and kicking.

- DERIVATIVES backstroker n.

backswing

n. Golf a backward swing of the arm or the golf club when about to hit a ball.

back talk

n. N. Amer. informal backchat.

back-to-back

adj.
1 chiefly Brit. (of houses) built in a terrace backing on to another terrace, with a party wall or a narrow alley between.
2 consecutive.
adv. (back to back)
1 (of two people) facing in opposite directions with their backs touching.
2 consecutively.

back-to-nature

adj. advocating or relating to reversion to a simpler way of life.

backtrack

v.
1 retrace one's steps. reverse one's previous position or opinion.
2 US pursue; track.

backup

n.
1 material or moral support. a reserve.
2 Computing the procedure for backing up data. a copy made in such a way.
3 N. Amer. a traffic jam.

backveld

//

n. S. African remote country districts, especially when considered to be unsophisticated or conservative.

- DERIVATIVES backvelder n.

- ORIGIN partial translation of Afrik. agterveld, lit. ‘back countryside’.

backward

adj.
1 directed behind or to the rear.
2 having made less progress than is normal or expected. (of a person) having learning difficulties.
3 [with neg.] (backward in) lacking the confidence to do: he was not backward in displaying his talents.
4 Cricket (of a fielding position) behind an imaginary line passing through the stumps at the batsman's end at right angles to the wicket.
adv. variant of backwards.

- DERIVATIVES backwardly adv. backwardness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from earlier abackward, from aback.

backwardation

n. Brit. Stock Exchange
1 a situation in which the spot or cash price of a commodity is higher than the forward price.
2 a situation in which the offer price for stock is lower than the bid.

backwards

(also backward)

adv.
1 in the direction of one's back.
2 back towards the starting point.
3 in reverse of the usual direction or order. towards the past. towards a worse state.

- PHRASES
backwards and forwards to and fro.
bend (or fall or lean) over backwards informal make every effort, especially to be fair or helpful.
know something backwards be entirely familiar with something.

backwash

n.
1 the motion of receding waves.
2 a backward current created by an object moving through water or air.

backwater

n.
1 a part of a river not reached by the current, where the water is stagnant.
2 a place or state in which no development or progress is taking place.

backwoods

pl. n. chiefly N. Amer. remote uncleared forest land. a remote or sparsely inhabited region, especially one considered backward or conservative.

backwoodsman

n. (pl. backwoodsmen)
1 chiefly N. Amer. an inhabitant of backwoods.
2 Brit. informal a peer who very rarely attends the House of Lords.

backyard

n.
1 Brit. a yard at the back of a house or other building.
2 N. Amer. a back garden.
3 informal the area close to where one lives, regarded with proprietorial concern.

bacon

n. cured meat from the back or sides of a pig.

- PHRASES
bring home the bacon informal
1 supply material provision or support.
2 achieve success.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from a Gmc word meaning ‘ham, flitch’.

baconer

n. a pig suitable for being made into bacon and ham, typically heavier than both a porker and a cutter.

Baconian

//

adj.
1 relating to the English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) or his inductive method of reasoning and philosophy.
2 relating to or denoting the theory that Bacon wrote the plays attributed to Shakespeare.
n.
1 an adherent of Baconian philosophy.
2 a supporter of the Baconian theory.

bacteraemia

// (US bacteremia)

n. Medicine the presence of bacteria in the blood.

- DERIVATIVES bacteraemic adj.

bacteria

plural form of bacterium.

bactericide

//

n. a substance which kills bacteria.

- DERIVATIVES bactericidal adj.

bacterio-

//

comb. form representing bacterium.

bacteriological

adj.
1 relating to bacteriology or bacteria.
2 relating to or denoting germ warfare.

- DERIVATIVES bacteriologic adj. bacteriologically adv.

bacteriology

n. the study of bacteria.

- DERIVATIVES bacteriologist n.

bacteriolysis

//

n. Biology the rupture of bacterial cells, especially by an antibody.

- DERIVATIVES bacteriolytic adj.

bacteriophage

//, //

n. Biology a kind of virus which parasitizes a bacterium by infecting it and reproducing inside it.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from bacterium + Gk phagein ‘eat’.

bacteriostat

//

n. a substance that prevents the multiplying of bacteria without destroying them.

- DERIVATIVES bacteriostasis n. bacteriostatic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from bacterium + Gk statos ‘standing’.

bacterium

//

n. (pl. bacteria //) a member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms (prokaryotes) which have cell walls but lack an organized nucleus and other structures, and include numerous disease-causing forms.

- DERIVATIVES bacterial adj. bacterially adv.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk baktrion, dimin. of baktria ‘rod, cane’ (because the first ones to be discovered were rod-shaped).

USAGE

Bacteria, the plural form of bacterium, is sometimes mistakenly treated as a singular form.

Bactrian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Bactria, an ancient region and empire in central Asia.
adj. relating to Bactria.

Bactrian camel

n. see camel.

baculovirus

//

n. Biology a member of a family of DNA viruses infecting invertebrates.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from L. baculum ‘rod, stick’ + virus.

bad

adj. (worse, worst)
1 of poor quality or a low standard. (often bad at) not able to do a particular thing well. inappropriate.
2 unwelcome or unpleasant. severe or serious. (bad for) harmful to.
3 offending moral standards or accepted conventions.
4 injured, ill, or diseased.
5 (of food) decayed.
6 guilty; ashamed.
7 (badder, baddest) informal, chiefly N. Amer. good; excellent.

- PHRASES
be bad news informal be unwelcome or unpleasant.
in a bad way ill or in trouble.
to the bad
1 to ruin.
2 in deficit.
too bad informal indicating that something is regrettable but now beyond retrieval.

- DERIVATIVES baddish adj. badness n.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OE bæddel ‘hermaphrodite, womanish man’.

badass

N. Amer. informal

n. an aggressive or uncooperative person.
adj.
1 tough or aggressive.
2 very good.

bad blood

n. ill feeling.

bad break

n. informal a piece of bad luck.

bad debt

n. a debt that cannot be recovered.

baddy

(also baddie)

n. (pl. baddies) informal a villain or criminal in a book, film, etc.

bade

//, //

past of bid^2.

bad faith

n. intent to deceive: the slave owners had acted in bad faith.

bad form

n. an offence against current social conventions.

badge

n.
1 a small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth bearing a design or words, typically worn to identify a person or to indicate support for a cause.
2 a sign or feature revealing a quality or condition: he converts the macho stereotype into a badge of honour.
v. mark with a badge.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

badger

n. a heavily built omnivorous nocturnal mammal of the weasel family, typically having a grey and black coat and a white-striped head.   Meles meles (Eurasia) and Taxidea taxus (N. America).
v. repeatedly and annoyingly ask (someone) to do something.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from badge, with ref. to its distinctive head markings.

badger-baiting

n. a sport in which dogs draw a badger from its sett and kill it, illegal in the UK since 1830.

bad hair day

n. informal a day on which everything seems to go wrong.

badinage

//

n. witty conversation.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from badiner ‘to joke’.

badlands

pl. n. extensive tracts of heavily eroded, uncultivable land with little vegetation.

badly

adv. (worse, worst)
1 in a bad manner.
2 severely; seriously.
3 very much.

- PHRASES
badly off at a disadvantage, especially by being poor.

badmash

//

n. Indian a dishonest or unprincipled man.

- ORIGIN from Urdu, from Pers. bad ‘evil’ + Arab. maš ‘means of livelihood’.

badminton

n. a game with rackets in which a shuttlecock is hit back and forth across a net.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Badminton in SW England, country seat of the Duke of Beaufort, where the game was first played.

bad-mouth

v. informal criticize maliciously.

bad-tempered

adj. easily annoyed or angered.

- DERIVATIVES bad-temperedly adv.

BAe

abbrev. British Aerospace.

Baedeker

//

n. a travel guidebook published by the firm founded by the German publisher Karl Baedeker (1801–59).

baffle

v.
1 totally bewilder.
2 restrain or regulate (a fluid, a sound, etc.).
n. a device used to restrain the flow of a fluid, gas, or loose material or to prevent the spreading of sound or light in a particular direction.

- DERIVATIVES bafflement n. baffler n. baffling adj. bafflingly adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘cheat, deceive’): perh. rel. to Fr. bafouer ‘ridicule’ or obs. Fr. beffer ‘mock, deceive’.

bafflegab

//

n. N. Amer. informal incomprehensible or pretentious jargon.

BAFTA

//

abbrev. British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

bafta

// (also baft)

n. coarse fabric, typically of cotton.

- ORIGIN C16: from Urdu, from Pers. bft ‘textile’, bfta ‘woven’.

bag

n.
1 a flexible container with an opening at the top. a piece of luggage.
2 (bags) loose folds of skin under a person's eyes.
3 (bags) Brit. dated loose-fitting trousers.
4 (bags of) informal, chiefly Brit. plenty of.
5 the amount of game shot by a hunter.
6 (usu. old bag) informal an unpleasant or disliked woman.
7 (one's bag) informal one's particular interest or taste.
8 Baseball a base.
v. (bags, bagging, bagged)
1 put in a bag.
2 succeed in killing or catching (an animal). succeed in securing.
3 (of clothes) form loose bulges due to wear.
4 N. Amer. informal fit (a patient) with an oxygen mask.
5 Austral. informal criticize.

- PHRASES
bag and baggage with all one's belongings.
bag of tricks informal a set of ingenious plans, techniques, or resources.
bags (or bags I) Brit. informal a child's expression used to make a claim to something.
in the bag informal
1 (of something desirable) as good as secured.
2 US drunk.

- DERIVATIVES bagful n. (pl. bagfuls). bagger n.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from ON baggi.

Baganda

//

pl. n. (sing. Muganda) an African people of the kingdom of Buganda, now forming part of Uganda.

- ORIGIN a local name; cf. Kiswahili Waganda.

bagasse

//

n. the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Sp. bagazo ‘pulp’.

bagatelle

//

n.
1 a game in which small balls are hit into numbered holes on a board, with pins as obstructions.
2 something trifling or negligible.
3 a short, light piece of music.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. bagatella, perh. from baga ‘baggage’ or from a dimin. of L. baca ‘berry’.

bagel

//

n. a dense, ring-shaped bread roll.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent. (as beigel): from Yiddish beygel.

baggage

n.
1 personal belongings packed in suitcases for travelling.
2 past experiences or long-held opinions perceived as encumbrances: emotional baggage.
3 dated a cheeky or disagreeable girl or woman.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bagage (from baguer ‘tie up’), or bagues ‘bundles’; perh. rel. to bag.

baggy

adj. (baggier, baggiest) (of clothing) loose and hanging in folds. (of eyes) having folds of puffy skin below them.
n. (baggies) informal loose, wide-legged trousers.

- DERIVATIVES baggily adv. bagginess n.

bag lady

n. informal a homeless woman who carries her possessions around in shopping bags.

bagman

n. (pl. bagmen)
1 US & Austral./NZ informal an agent who collects or distributes the proceeds of illicit activities.
2 Canadian a political fund-raiser.
3 Brit. informal, dated a travelling salesman.

bagnio

//, //

n. (pl. bagnios)
1 archaic a brothel.
2 historical (in the Far East) a prison.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. bagno, from L. balneum ‘bath’.

bagpipe

(also bagpipes)

n. a musical instrument with reed pipes that are sounded by the pressure of wind emitted from a bag squeezed by the player's arm.

- DERIVATIVES bagpiper n.

ba gua

/ / (also pa kua)

n.
1 a Chinese religious motif incorporating the eight trigrams of the I Ching, arranged around a symbol denoting the balance of yin and yang.
2 a Chinese martial art in which movements are focused on a circle and the defence of eight points around it.

- ORIGIN from Chin. b ‘eight’ + guà ‘divinatory symbols’.

baguette

//

n.
1 a long, narrow French loaf.
2 a gem cut in a long rectangular shape.
3 Architecture a small moulding, semicircular in section.
4 a slim, rectangular handbag with a short strap.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. bacchetto, dimin. of bacchio, from L. baculum ‘staff’.

bagworm

n. an American moth, the caterpillar and flightless female of which live in a portable protective case constructed out of plant debris.   Family Psychidae.

bah

exclam. an expression of contempt or disagreement.

Baha'i

// (also Bahai)

n. (pl. Baha'is)
1 a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century as a development of Babism, emphasizing the essential oneness of humankind and of all religions and seeking world peace.
2 an adherent of the Baha'i faith.

- DERIVATIVES Baha'ism // n.

- ORIGIN Pers., from Arab. bah' ‘splendour’.

Bahamian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the Bahamas.
adj. relating to the Bahamas or its inhabitants.

Bahasa Indonesia

//

n. the official language of Indonesia. See Indonesian.

- ORIGIN from Malay bahasa ‘language’.

Bahasa Malaysia

n. the official language of Malaysia. See Malay.

Bahraini

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Bahrain.
adj. relating to Bahrain or its inhabitants.

baht

//

n. (pl. same) the basic monetary unit of Thailand, equal to 100 satangs.

- ORIGIN from Thai bt.

Bahutu

plural form of Hutu.

bail^1

n.
1 the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
2 money paid by or for such a person as security.
v. release or secure the release of (an accused person) on payment of bail.

- PHRASES
go (or stand) bail act as surety for an accused person.
jump bail informal fail to appear for trial after being released on bail.

- DERIVATIVES bailable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., lit. ‘custody, jurisdiction’, from bailler ‘take charge of’, from L. bajulare ‘bear a burden’.

bail^2

n.
1 (usu. bails) Cricket either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps.
2 a bar on a typewriter or computer printer which holds the paper steady.
3 a bar separating horses in an open stable.
4 Austral./NZ a movable framework for securing the head of a cow during milking.
v. (often bail someone/thing up) Austral./NZ
1 confront (someone) with intent to rob. detain in conversation.
2 secure (a cow) during milking.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a bailey): from OFr. baile ‘palisade, enclosure’, baillier ‘enclose’.

bail^3

(Brit. also bale)

v.
1 scoop water out of (a ship or boat).
2 (bail out) make an emergency parachute descent from an aircraft.
3 (bail someone/thing out) rescue someone or something from a difficulty.

- DERIVATIVES bailer n.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. bail ‘bucket’, from Fr. baille, based on L. bajulus ‘carrier’.

bailee

//

n. Law a person or party to whom goods are delivered for a purpose, without transfer of ownership.

bailey

n. (pl. baileys) the outer wall of a castle.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from OFr. baile (see bail^2).

Bailey bridge

n. a temporary bridge of lattice steel designed for rapid assembly from prefabricated standard parts, used especially in military operations.

- ORIGIN Second World War: named after the English engineer Sir D. Bailey, its designer.

bailie

//

n. (pl. bailies) chiefly historical a municipal officer and magistrate in Scotland.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. used interchangeably with bailiff): from OFr. bailli.

bailiff

//

n.
1 a sheriff's officer who executes writs and processes and carries out distraints and arrests.
2 Brit. the agent of a landlord.
3 N. Amer. an official in a court of law who keeps order and looks after prisoners.
4 Brit. historical the sovereign's representative in a district, especially the chief officer of a hundred.
5 the first civil officer in the Channel Islands.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baillif, inflected form of bailli (see bailie), based on L. bajulus ‘carrier, manager’.

bailiwick

//

n.
1 Law the district or jurisdiction of a bailie or bailiff.
2 informal one's sphere of operations or area of interest.

- ORIGIN ME: from bailie + wick^2.

bailment

n. Law an act of delivering goods to a bailee.

bailor

//

n. Law a person or party that entrusts goods to a bailee.

Baily's beads

pl. n. Astronomy a string of bright points seen at the edge of the darkened moon at the beginning or end of totality in an eclipse of the sun, caused by the uneven lunar topography.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English astronomer Francis Baily.

bain-marie

//

n. (pl. bains-marie or bain-maries pronunc. same) a pan of hot water in which a cooking container is placed for slow cooking.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., translation of med. L. balneum Mariae ‘bath of Maria’, translating Gk kaminos Marias ‘furnace of Maria’, said to be a Jewish alchemist.

Bairam

//

n. either of two annual Muslim festivals, Greater Bairam and Lesser Bairam (see Eid).

- ORIGIN from Turk. baïram (earlier form of bayram), from Pers. bazrm.

bairn

//

n. chiefly Scottish & N. English a child.

- ORIGIN OE bearn, of Gmc origin; rel. to bear^1.

bait

n.
1 food used to entice fish or other animals as prey.
2 variant spelling of bate^1.
v.
1 deliberately annoy or taunt.
2 allow dogs to attack (a trapped or restrained animal).
3 put bait on (a hook) or in (a trap, net, etc.).

- PHRASES
rise to the bait react to a provocation or temptation exactly as intended.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON beit ‘pasture, food’, beita ‘to hunt or chase’.

baiza

//

n. (pl. same or baizas) a monetary unit of Oman, equal to one thousandth of a rial.

- ORIGIN from Arab.

baize

//

n. a coarse felt-like woollen material that is typically green, used for covering billiard and card tables.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. baies, fem. pl. of bai (see bay^4), treated as a sing. noun.

bajada

//

n. a broad slope of alluvial material at the foot of an escarpment.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., ‘descent, slope’.

Bajan

//

adj. & n. informal term for Barbadian.

bajra

//

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) pearl millet or similar grain.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bjr, bjr.

bake

v.
1 cook (food) by dry heat without direct exposure to a flame, typically in an oven.
2 (of the sun or other agency) subject to dry heat. informal be or become extremely hot in hot weather.
n.
1 a dish consisting of a number of ingredients mixed together and baked: a vegetable bake.
2 N. Amer. a social gathering at which baked food of a specified kind is eaten: a clambake.

- ORIGIN OE bacan, of Gmc origin.

bakeapple

n. Canadian the fruit of the cloudberry.

baked Alaska

n. a dessert consisting of sponge cake and ice cream in a meringue covering, cooked briefly in a hot oven.

baked beans

pl. n. baked haricot beans, typically cooked in tomato sauce and tinned.

bakehouse

n. dated a building or area in which bread is made.

Bakelite

//

n. trademark an early brittle form of plastic made from formaldehyde and phenol.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after Leo H. Baekeland, the Belgian-born American chemist who invented it, + -ite^1.

baker

n. a person whose trade is making and selling bread and cakes.

- PHRASES
baker's dozen a group of thirteen. [ORIGIN from the former bakers' custom of adding an extra loaf to a dozen sold to a retailer, this constituting the latter's profit.]

bakery

n. (pl. bakeries) a place where bread and cakes are made or sold.

Bakewell tart

n. Brit. a baked open tart consisting of a pastry case lined with jam and filled with almond sponge cake.

- ORIGIN named after the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire.

baking powder

n. a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar, used as a raising agent in baking.

baking soda

n. sodium bicarbonate.

baklava

//, //

n. a Middle Eastern dessert made of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey.

- ORIGIN from Turk.

baksheesh

//

n. (in parts of the Middle and Far East and the Indian subcontinent) a small sum of money given as alms, a tip, or a bribe.

- ORIGIN based on Pers. bakšš, from bakšdan ‘give’.

balaclava

//

n. chiefly Brit. a close-fitting woollen hat covering the whole head and neck, with holes for the eyes and mouth.

- ORIGIN C19 (worn orig. by soldiers in the Crimean War): named after the village of Balaclava in the Crimea.

balafon

//

n. a large xylophone with hollow gourds as resonators, used in West African music.

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. from Manding bala ‘xylophone’ + fo ‘to play’.

balalaika

//

n. a Russian musical instrument like a guitar with a triangular body and typically three strings.

- ORIGIN C18: from Russ., of Tartar origin.

balance

n.
1 an even distribution of weight ensuring stability. Sailing the ability of a boat to stay on course without adjustment of the rudder.
2 mental or emotional stability.
3 a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
4 an apparatus for weighing, especially one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales.
5 a counteracting weight or force. (also balance wheel) the regulating device in a clock or watch.
6 a predominating amount; a preponderance: the balance of opinion was that work was important.
7 a figure representing the amount of money held in an account: his bank balance. the difference between an amount due and an amount paid.
v.
1 be or put in a steady position.
2 offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another. [often as adj. balanced] establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in: a balanced diet.
3 compare debits and credits in (an account) to ensure that they are equal.

- PHRASES
balance of payments the difference in total value between payments into and out of a country over a period.
balance of power
1 a situation in which states of the world have roughly equal power.
2 the power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength.
balance of trade the difference in value between a country's imports and exports.
be (or hang) in the balance be in an uncertain or critical state.
on balance when all factors are taken into consideration.
throw (or catch) someone off balance make someone unsteady or catch someone unawares.

- DERIVATIVES balancer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. balance (n.), balancer (v.), based on late L. (libra) bilanx ‘(balance) having two scale-pans’.

balance sheet

n. a written statement of the assets, liabilities, and capital of a business.

balander

// (also balanda)

n. derogatory (among Australian Aboriginals) a white man.

- ORIGIN C19: from Makasarese balanda, from Malay belanda (alt. of Hollander in the sense ‘Dutchman’).

balanitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the glans penis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk balanos ‘glans penis’ (lit. ‘acorn’) + -itis.

balas ruby

//

n. a ruby of a delicate rose-red variety.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. balais, from Arab. balakš, from Pers. Badakšn, a district of Afghanistan where it is found.

balata

//, //

n. a tropical American tree which bears edible fruit and produces latex.   Manilkara bidentata.

- ORIGIN C17: from Carib balatá.

balboa

//

n. the basic monetary unit of Panama, equal to 100 centésimos.

- ORIGIN named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.

balbriggan

//

n. a knitted cotton fabric, formerly used for stockings and underwear.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the town of Balbriggan in Ireland, where it was orig. made.

balcony

n. (pl. balconies)
1 a platform enclosed by a wall or balustrade on the outside of a building.
2 the highest tier of seats in a theatre or cinema. N. Amer. the dress circle in a theatre.

- DERIVATIVES balconied adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital. balcone.

bald

adj.
1 having a scalp wholly or partly lacking hair. (of an animal) not covered by the usual fur, hair, or feathers.
2 (of a tyre) having the tread worn away.
3 (of language) plain; blunt.

- DERIVATIVES balding adj. baldish adj. baldly adv. baldness n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from an OE base meaning ‘white patch’.

baldachin

//, // (also baldaquin //)

n. a ceremonial canopy over an altar, throne, or doorway.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a rich brocade): from Ital. baldacchino, from Baldacco ‘Baghdad’, from where the brocade originated.

bald eagle

n. a white-headed North American eagle, the national bird of the US.   Haliaeetus leucocephalus.

balderdash

//

n. senseless talk or writing.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a frothy liquid or an unappetizing mixture of drinks): of unknown origin.

bald-faced

adj. N. Amer. another term for barefaced.

baldmoney

//

n. (pl. baldmoneys) another term for spignel.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the gentian; now only Scots): origin unknown.

baldric

//

n. historical a belt for a sword or other piece of equipment, worn over one shoulder and reaching down to the opposite hip.

- ORIGIN ME baudry, from OFr. baudre.

baldy

(also baldie)

n. (pl. baldies) informal, derogatory a bald-headed person.
adj. chiefly Scottish & Irish bald.

bale^1

n.
1 a large wrapped or bound bundle of paper, hay, or cotton.
2 the quantity in a bale as a measure, specifically (in the US) 500 lb of cotton.
v. make up into bales.

- DERIVATIVES baler n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from MDu., from OFr.; ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to ball^1.

bale^2

n. archaic
1 evil considered as a destructive force.
2 physical or mental torment.

- ORIGIN OE balu, bealu, of Gmc origin.

bale^3

v. Brit. variant spelling of bail^3.

baleen

//

n. whalebone.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baleine, from L. balaena ‘whale’.

baleen whale

n. any of the group of whales that have plates of whalebone in the mouth for straining plankton from the water.   Suborder Mysticeti.

balefire

n. US a large open-air fire.

- ORIGIN OE: from obs. bale ‘great fire’ + fire.

baleful

adj. menacing. having a harmful effect.

- DERIVATIVES balefully adv. balefulness n.

- ORIGIN OE bealufull (see bale^2, -ful).

balibuntal

//

n. a fine close-woven straw, used for making hats.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Baliuag in the Philippines, where it originated, + buntal.

Balinese

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a native or inhabitant of Bali.
2 the Indonesian language of Bali.
adj. relating to Bali or its people or language.

balk

v. & n. chiefly US variant spelling of baulk.

Balkan

//

adj. relating to the countries occupying the part of SE Europe forming a peninsula bounded by the Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, and the Black seas.
n. (the Balkans) the Balkan countries.

Balkanize

(or Balkanise) //, //

v. divide (a region or body) into smaller mutually hostile states or groups.

- DERIVATIVES Balkanization // n.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from the Balkan Peninsula (where this was done in the late 19th and early 20th cent.) + -ize.

balky

//, // (Brit. also baulky)

adj. (balkier, balkiest) chiefly N. Amer. awkward; uncooperative.

ball^1

n.
1 a solid or hollow sphere, especially one that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game. a game played with a ball, especially (N. Amer.) baseball.
2 a single throw or kick of the ball in a game. Cricket a delivery of the ball by the bowler to the batsman. Baseball a pitch delivered outside the strike zone which the batter does not attempt to hit.
v.
1 squeeze or form into a ball.
2 N. Amer. vulgar slang (of a man) have sex with.
3 Brit. (of a flower) fail to open properly, decaying in the half-open bud.

- PHRASES
the ball is in your court it is up to you to make the next move.
the ball of the foot the rounded protuberant part of the foot at the base of the big toe.
the ball of the thumb the rounded protuberant part of the hand at the base of the thumb.
keep the ball rolling maintain the momentum of an activity.
keep one's eye on (or take one's eye off) the ball keep (or fail to keep) one's attention focused on the matter in hand.
on the ball alert to new ideas and methods.
play ball informal cooperate.
start (or get or set) the ball rolling make a start.
the whole ball of wax N. Amer. informal everything.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON bollr, of Gmc origin.

ball^2

n. a formal social gathering for dancing.

- PHRASES
have a ball informal enjoy oneself greatly.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. bal ‘a dance’.

ballad

n.
1 a poem or song narrating a popular story in short stanzas.
2 a slow sentimental or romantic song.

- DERIVATIVES balladeer n. balladry n.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. balade, from Provençal balada ‘dance, song to dance to’.

ballade

//

n.
1 a poem consisting of one or more triplets of stanzas with a repeated refrain and an envoy.
2 a short, lyrical piece of music, especially one for piano.

- ORIGIN ME: earlier spelling of ballad.

ball and chain

n. a heavy metal ball secured by a chain to the leg of a prisoner to prevent escape.

ball-and-socket joint

n. a joint in which a partially spherical end lies in a socket, allowing movement and rotation in all directions.

ballan wrasse

//

n. a large wrasse (fish) of rocky shores and reefs.   Labrus bergylta.

- ORIGIN C18: ballan from Ir. ballán, from ball ‘spot’.

ballast

//

n.
1 a heavy substance, such as gravel or lead, placed in the bilge of a ship to ensure its stability. a substance carried in an airship or on a hot-air balloon to stabilize it.
2 gravel or coarse stone used to form the bed of a railway track or the substratum of a road. a mixture of coarse and fine aggregate for making concrete.
3 a passive component used in an electric circuit to moderate changes in current.
v. provide with ballast.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. of Low Ger. or Scand. origin.

ball bearing

n. a bearing in which the parts are separated by a ring of small metal balls which reduce friction. a ball used in such a bearing.

ballboy

(or ballgirl)

n. a boy (or girl) who retrieves balls that go out of play during a tennis match or baseball game.

ball-breaker

(also ball-buster)

n. informal a sexually demanding woman who destroys men's self-confidence.

- DERIVATIVES ball-breaking adj.

ball clay

n. a fine-textured clay used in the manufacture of ceramics.

ballcock

n. a valve which automatically tops up a cistern when liquid is drawn from it, especially in a flushing toilet.

ballerina

n. a female ballet dancer.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., fem. of ballerino ‘dancing master’.

ballet

n.
1 an artistic dance form performed to music, using precise and formalized set steps and gestures.
2 a creative work of this form, or the music written for it.

- DERIVATIVES balletic adj. balletically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. balletto, dimin. of ballo ‘a dance’.

balletomane

//

n. a ballet enthusiast.

- DERIVATIVES balletomania n.

ball float

n. the spherical float attached to a hinged arm in the ballcock of a water cistern.

ball game

n.
1 a game played with a ball. N. Amer. a baseball match.
2 informal a situation that is completely different from a previous one: a whole new ball game.

ballhawk

n. N. Amer. informal a skilled ball player.

- DERIVATIVES ballhawking n.

ballista

//

n. (pl. ballistae // or ballistas) a catapult used in ancient warfare for hurling large boulders.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., based on Gk ballein ‘to throw’.

ballistic

//

adj.
1 relating to projectiles or their flight.
2 moving under the force of gravity only.

- PHRASES
go ballistic informal fly into a rage.

- DERIVATIVES ballistically adv.

ballistic missile

n. a missile which is initially powered and guided but falls under gravity on to its target.

ballistics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the science of projectiles and firearms.

ball lightning

n. a rare form of lightning in the shape of a moving luminous globe.

ballocks

pl. n. variant spelling of bollocks.

ballon

//

n. (in dancing) the ability to appear effortlessly suspended while performing movements during a jump.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Ital. ballone, from balla ‘ball’.

balloon

n.
1 a small rubber sac which is inflated and used as a child's toy or a decoration.
2 a large bag filled with hot air or gas to make it rise in the air, typically having a basket for passengers.
3 a rounded outline in which the words or thoughts of characters in a comic strip or cartoon are written.
4 a large rounded drinking glass, used especially for brandy.
5 Scottish informal a stupid person.
v.
1 swell out in a spherical shape. increase rapidly.
2 travel by hot-air balloon.
3 Brit. (with reference to a ball) lob or be lobbed high in the air.

- PHRASES
when the balloon goes up informal when the action or trouble starts.

- DERIVATIVES ballooner n. ballooning n. balloonist n.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting a game played with a large inflated leather ball): from Fr. ballon or Ital. ballone ‘large ball’.

balloon angioplasty

n. Medicine surgical widening of a blood vessel by means of a balloon catheter.

balloon catheter

n. Medicine a type of catheter incorporating a small balloon which is introduced into a blood vessel and then inflated in order to clear an obstruction or dilate a narrowed region.

balloonfish

n. (pl. same or balloonfishes) a tropical porcupine fish which lives in shallow water and can inflate itself when threatened.   Diodon holocanthus.

balloon tyre

n. a large tyre containing air at low pressure.

balloon whisk

n. a hand whisk made of loops of metal wire.

ballot

n.
1 a procedure by which people vote secretly on an issue. (the ballot) the total number of votes cast in a ballot.
2 a lottery held to decide the allocation of tickets or other things among a number of applicants.
v. (ballots, balloting, balloted)
1 elicit a secret vote from (members of an organization). cast one's vote.
2 allocate by drawing lots.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting a small coloured ball placed in a container to register a vote): from Ital. ballotta, dimin. of balla (see ball^1).

ballot box

n. a sealed box into which voters put completed ballot papers.

ballotine

//

n. a piece of roasted meat which has first been boned, stuffed, and folded or rolled into an egg-like shape.

- ORIGIN Fr., ult. from balle ‘a package of goods’.

ballpark

chiefly N. Amer.

n.
1 a baseball ground.
2 informal a particular area or range.
adj. informal approximate: the ballpark figure is $400–500.

ballplayer

n. N. Amer. a baseball player.

ballpoint pen

n. a pen with a tiny ball as its writing point.

ballroom

n. a large room for formal dancing.

ballroom dancing

n. formal social dancing in couples.

balls

vulgar slang

pl. n.
1 testicles.
2 courage; nerve.
3 [treated as sing.] Brit. nonsense; rubbish.
v. (balls something up) bungle something.

balls-up

n. Brit. vulgar slang a bungled task or action.

ballsy

adj. (ballsier, ballsiest) informal bold and confident.

- DERIVATIVES ballsiness n.

ball valve

n. a one-way valve opened and closed by pressure on a ball which fits into a cup-shaped opening.

bally

//

adj. & adv. Brit. old-fashioned euphemism for bloody^2.

ballyhoo

informal

n. extravagant publicity or fuss.
v. (ballyhoos, ballyhooing, ballyhooed) chiefly N. Amer. praise or publicize extravagantly.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): of unknown origin.

ballyrag

v. variant spelling of bullyrag.

balm

//

n.
1 a fragrant ointment used to heal or soothe the skin. something that has a soothing or restorative effect.
2 a tree which yields a fragrant resinous substance, especially one used in medicine.   Genus Commiphora: numerous species. used in names of other fragrant plants, chiefly of the mint family, e.g. lemon balm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. basme, from L. balsamum (see balsam).

balm of Gilead

//

n.
1 a fragrant medicinal resin obtained from certain trees.
2 a tree that yields balm of Gilead.   Commiphora gileadensis (Arabia) and other species.

balmoral

//

n.
1 a round brimless hat with a cockade or ribbons attached, worn by certain Scottish regiments.
2 a heavy laced leather walking boot.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

bal musette

/ /

n. (pl. bals musettes pronunc. same) (in France) a dance hall with an accordion band.

- ORIGIN Fr., orig. denoting dancing outdoors to bagpipe accompaniment.

balmy

//

adj. (balmier, balmiest)
1 (of the weather) pleasantly warm.
2 old-fashioned spelling of barmy.

- DERIVATIVES balmily adv. balminess n.

balneology

//

n.
1 the study of medicinal springs and the therapeutic effects of bathing in them.
2 another term for balneotherapy.

- DERIVATIVES balneological adj. balneologist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. balneum ‘bath’ + -logy.

balneotherapy

//

n. the treatment of disease by bathing in mineral springs.

baloney

// (also boloney)

n.
1 informal nonsense. [ORIGIN said to be a corruption of bologna.]
2 North American term for bologna.

balsa

//

n.
1 (also balsa wood) very lightweight timber used chiefly for making models and rafts.
2 the fast-growing tropical American tree from which balsa wood is obtained.   Ochroma lagopus.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., ‘raft’.

balsam

//, //

n.
1 an aromatic resinous substance exuded by various trees and shrubs, used as a base for certain fragrances and medical preparations. a tree or shrub which yields balsam.
2 a herbaceous plant cultivated for its helmeted pink or purple flowers.   Genus Impatiens.

- DERIVATIVES balsamic // adj.

- ORIGIN OE, via L. from Gk balsamon.

balsam fir

n. a North American fir tree which yields Canada balsam.   Abies balsamea.

balsamic vinegar

n. dark, sweet Italian vinegar that has been matured in wooden barrels.

bals musettes

plural form of bal musette.

Balt

//, //

n.
1 a speaker of a Baltic language.
2 a native or inhabitant of one of the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Balthazar

//

n. a very large wine bottle, equivalent in capacity to sixteen regular bottles.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Balthazar, the name of the king of Babylon who ‘made a great feast … and drank wine before a thousand’ (Dan: 5:1).

Balti

//

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Baltistan, a region in the Himalayas.
2 the Tibetan language of the Baltis.
adj. relating to the Baltis or their language.

- ORIGIN the name in Ladakhi dial.

balti

//, //

n. (pl. baltis) a type of Pakistani cuisine in which the food is cooked in a small two-handled pan known as a karahi.

- ORIGIN from Urdu blt, lit. ‘pail’.

Baltic

//, //

n.
1 (the Baltic) an almost landlocked sea of northern Europe. (also the Baltic States) a small group of states on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, consisting of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
2 an Indo-European branch of languages consisting of Lithuanian, Latvian, and Old Prussian.
adj. relating to the Baltic Sea or the Baltic group of languages.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. Balticus, from late L. Balthae ‘dwellers near the Baltic Sea’.

Baluchi

//

n. (pl. same or Baluchis)
1 a native or inhabitant of Baluchistan in western Asia.
2 the Iranian language of Baluchistan.
adj. relating to the Baluchi or their language.

- ORIGIN from Pers. Bal().

baluster

//

n. a short pillar forming part of a series supporting a rail or coping.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. balustre, from Ital. balaustro, from balaust(r)a ‘wild pomegranate flower’ (because of the resemblance to the curving calyx tube of the flower).

balustrade

//

n. a railing supported by balusters.

- DERIVATIVES balustraded adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from balustre (see baluster).

bam

exclam. used to imitate the sound of a hard blow or convey the idea of something happening abruptly.

Bambara

//

n. (pl. same or Bambaras)
1 a member of a West African people living chiefly in Mali.
2 the Mande language of the Bambara.

- ORIGIN a local name.

bambino

//

n. (pl. bambini // or bambinos) a baby or young child.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., dimin. of bambo ‘silly’.

bamboo

n. a giant woody grass with hollow jointed stems, grown chiefly in the tropics for use in furniture and implements.   Bambusa and other genera.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du. bamboes, based on Malay mambu.

bamboo shoot

n. a young shoot of bamboo, eaten as a vegetable.

bamboozle

//

v. informal cheat or mystify.

- DERIVATIVES bamboozler n.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

ban^1

//

v. (bans, banning, banned) officially or legally prohibit.
n. an official or legal prohibition.

- ORIGIN OE bannan ‘summon by a public proclamation’, of Gmc origin; the noun is partly from OFr. ban ‘proclamation, summons, banishment’.

ban^2

//

n. (pl. bani //) a monetary unit of Romania, equal to one hundredth of a leu.

- ORIGIN from Romanian.

banal

//, //

adj. tediously unoriginal or commonplace.

- DERIVATIVES banality n. (pl. banalities). banally adv.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. relating to feudal service in the sense ‘compulsory’, hence ‘common to all’): from Fr., from ban (see ban^1).

banana

n.
1 a long curved fruit which grows in clusters and has soft pulpy flesh and yellow skin when ripe.
2 (also banana plant or banana tree) the tropical and subtropical palm-like plant which bears bananas.   Genus Musa: several species.

- PHRASES
go (or be) bananas informal become (or be) mad, angry, or excited.
top banana informal, chiefly N. Amer. the most important person in an organization.

- ORIGIN C16: via Port. or Sp. from Mande.

banana belt

n. N. Amer. informal a region with a comparatively warm climate.

banana plug

n. Electronics a single-pole connector with a curved strip of metal forming a spring along its tip.

bananaquit

//

n. a small grey and yellow songbird with a curved bill, common in the Caribbean and Central and South America.   Coereba flaveola.

- ORIGIN C19: quit is of imitative origin.

banana republic

n. derogatory a small state whose economy is dominated by a single export controlled by foreign capital.

banana split

n. a sweet dish made with bananas cut down the middle and filled with ice cream, sauce, and nuts.

banausic

//

adj. formal
1 mundane.
2 relating to technical work.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk banausikos ‘of or for artisans’.

Banbury cake

n. Brit. a flat pastry with a spicy currant filling.

- ORIGIN C16: named after the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire, where it was orig. made.

bancassurance

// (also bankassurance)

n. Brit. the selling of life assurance and other insurance products by banking institutions.

- DERIVATIVES bancassurer n.

banco

//

exclam. (in baccarat and chemin de fer) expressing a player's willingness to meet the banker's whole stake single-handed.

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. from Ital., ‘bank’.

band^1

n.
1 a flat, thin strip or loop of material used as a fastener, for reinforcement, or as decoration. a belt or strap transmitting motion between two wheels or pulleys.
2 a stripe, line, or elongated area of a different colour or composition from its surroundings: a band of cloud.
3 (especially in financial contexts) a range of values or a specified category within a series. a range of frequencies or wavelengths in a spectrum: channels in the UHF band. any of several groups into which school pupils of the same age are divided on the basis of similar ability.
4 (bands) a collar with two hanging strips, worn by certain lawyers, clerics, and academics as part of their formal dress.
5 archaic a bond.
v.
1 surround or fit with a band.
2 mark with a stripe or stripes of a different colour.
3 allocate to a range or category.

- DERIVATIVES bander n. banding n.

- ORIGIN OE, from ON, reinforced in ME by OFr. bande, of Gmc origin; rel. to bind.

band^2

n.
1 a small group of musicians and vocalists who play pop, jazz, or rock music. a group of musicians who play brass, wind, or percussion instruments.
2 a group of people having a common interest or purpose or characterized by a common feature.
3 N. Amer. a herd or flock.
v. form a group for a mutual purpose.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bande, of Gmc origin; rel. to banner.

bandage

n. a strip of woven material used to bind up a wound or to protect an injured part of the body.
v. bind with a bandage.

- DERIVATIVES bandaging n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from bande (see band^1).

Band-Aid

n. trademark, chiefly N. Amer. a piece of sticking plaster of a type having a gauze pad.

bandanna

// (also bandana)

n. a large coloured handkerchief or neckerchief.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. via Port. from Hindi.

B. & B.

abbrev. bed and breakfast.

bandbox

n. a circular cardboard box for carrying hats.

- ORIGIN C17: orig. denoting a box used for carrying neckbands.

bandeau

//

n. (pl. bandeaux //)
1 a narrow band worn round the head to hold the hair in position.
2 a woman's strapless top formed from a band of fabric fitting around the bust.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from OFr. bandel, dimin. of bande (see band^1).

banderilla

//, //

n. a decorated dart thrust into a bull's neck or shoulders during a bullfight.

- ORIGIN Sp., dimin. of bandera ‘banner’.

banderillero

//, //

n. (pl. banderilleros) a bullfighter who uses banderillas.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

banderole

// (also banderol)

n.
1 a long, narrow flag with a cleft end, flown at a masthead.
2 a ribbon-like stone scroll bearing an inscription.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. banderuola, dimin. of bandiera ‘banner’.

bandh

//

n. Indian a general strike.

- ORIGIN via Hindi from Sanskrit bandh ‘to stop’.

bandicoot

//

n. a mainly insectivorous marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea.   Family Peramelidae: several species.

- ORIGIN C18: from Telugu pandikokku, lit. ‘pig-rat’.

bandit

n. (pl. bandits or banditti //)
1 a violent robber or outlaw belonging to a gang.
2 military slang an enemy aircraft.

- DERIVATIVES banditry n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. bandito, bandire ‘ban’.

bandleader

n. a player at the head of a musical band.

bandmaster

n. the conductor of a musical band, especially a brass or military one.

bandog

n. a fighting dog bred for its strength and ferocity.

- ORIGIN ME, orig. denoting a dog kept on a chain or ‘band’.

bandolier

// (also bandoleer)

n. a shoulder belt with loops or pockets for cartridges.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bandoulière; perh. from Sp. bandolera (from banda ‘sash’), or from Catalan bandolera (from bandoler ‘bandit’).

bandoneon

//

n. a type of square concertina, especially popular in Argentina.

- ORIGIN via Sp. from Ger. Bandonion, named after Heinrich Band, the German musician who invented it.

bandora

// (also bandore //)

n. a kind of bass lute with a scallop-shaped body and metal strings.

- ORIGIN C16: origin uncertain; rel. to Du. bandoor, Sp. bandurria, also banjo: prob. based on Gk pandoura ‘three-stringed lute’.

bandpass

n. Electronics the range of frequencies which are transmitted through a filter.

bandsaw

n. a saw consisting of an endless moving steel belt with a serrated edge.

bandshell

n. chiefly N. Amer. a bandstand in the form of a large concave shell with special acoustic properties.

bandstand

n. a covered outdoor platform for a band to play on.

bandura

//

n. a Ukrainian stringed instrument resembling a large asymmetrical lute with many strings, held vertically and plucked like a zither.

- ORIGIN Ukrainian; cf. bandora.

bandwagon

n.
1 historical a wagon used for carrying a band in a parade.
2 an activity or cause that has suddenly become fashionable or popular: the company is jumping on the Green bandwagon.

bandwidth

n. a range of frequencies, especially one used in telecommunications. the transmission capacity of a computer network or other telecommunication system.

bandy^1

adj. (bandier, bandiest) (of a person's legs) curved outwards so that the knees are wide apart.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from obs. bandy, denoting a curved stick used in hockey.

bandy^2

v. (bandies, bandying, bandied) (usu. be bandied about/around) pass on or discuss (an idea or rumour) in a casual or uninformed way.

- PHRASES
bandy words argue pointlessly or rudely.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘pass a ball to and fro’): perh. from Fr. bander ‘take sides at tennis’, from bande (see band^2).

bane

n.
1 a cause of great distress or annoyance: the telephone was the bane of my life.
2 archaic poison.

- DERIVATIVES baneful adj. (archaic).

- ORIGIN OE bana, of Gmc origin.

baneberry

n. (pl. baneberries) a plant with fluffy spikes of creamy-white flowers and shiny berries.   Actaea spicata (herb Christopher) and other species. the bitter, often poisonous berry of the baneberry.

bang^1

n.
1 a sudden loud, sharp noise. a sudden painful blow.
2 (bangs) N. Amer. a fringe of hair cut straight across the forehead.
3 Computing, chiefly N. Amer. the character ‘!’.
v.
1 strike or put down forcefully and noisily. make or cause to make a sudden loud noise.
2 vulgar slang (of a man) have sex with.
adv. informal, chiefly Brit. exactly: the train arrived bang on time.

- PHRASES
bang for one's (or the) buck N. Amer. informal value for money.
bang goes something informal a plan or hope is suddenly or completely destroyed.
bang on Brit. informal exactly right.
get a bang out of N. Amer. informal derive excitement or pleasure from.
with a bang
1 abruptly.
2 impressively.

- PHRASES
bang away at informal do persistently or doggedly.
bang on about Brit. informal talk at tedious length about.
bang something out informal
1 play music noisily and unskilfully.
2 produce something hurriedly or in great quantities.
bang someone up Brit. informal imprison someone.

- ORIGIN C16: imitative, perh. of Scand. origin.

bang^2

//

n. variant spelling of bhang.

banger

n. chiefly Brit.
1 informal a sausage.
2 informal an old car.
3 a loud explosive firework.

Bangla

//

n. the Bengali language.

- ORIGIN from Bengali bngl.

Bangladeshi

//

n. (pl. same or Bangladeshis) a native or inhabitant of Bangladesh.
adj. relating to Bangladesh or its people.

bangle

n. a rigid ornamental band worn around the arm.

- ORIGIN C18: from Hindi bangl ‘glass bracelet’.

bangtail

n. a horse's tail that has been cut straight across just below the level of the hocks.

bangtail muster

n. Austral. a count of cattle involving cutting across the tufts at the tail ends as each is counted.

bang-up

adj. N. Amer. informal excellent.

bani

plural form of ban^2.

banish

v.
1 send (someone) away, especially from a country, as an official punishment.
2 dismiss from one's mind.

- DERIVATIVES banishment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baniss-, banir; ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to ban^1.

banister

// (also bannister)

n. the uprights and handrail at the side of a staircase. a single upright at the side of a staircase.

- ORIGIN C17: from earlier barrister, alt. of baluster.

banjax

//

v. informal ruin or incapacitate.

- ORIGIN 1930s (orig. Anglo-Ir.): of unknown origin.

banjo

n. (pl. banjos or banjoes) a stringed instrument of the guitar family, with a round open-backed soundbox of parchment stretched over a metal hoop.

- DERIVATIVES banjoist n.

- ORIGIN C18: orig. a black Amer. alt. of bandore (see bandora).

bank^1

n.
1 the land alongside or sloping down to a river or lake.
2 a long, high mound or elevation.
3 a transverse slope given to a road, railway, or sports track to enable vehicles or runners to maintain speed round a curve.
4 a set of similar things grouped together in rows: banks of lights.
5 the sideways tilt of an aircraft when turning in flight.
6 the cushion of a pool table.
v.
1 heap or form into a mass or mound.
2 (of an aircraft or vehicle) tilt sideways in making a turn.
3 build (a road, railway, or sports track) with a bank on a bend.
4 Brit. (of a locomotive) provide additional power for (a train) in ascending an incline.
5 (of an angler) land (a fish).

- ORIGIN The words bank^1, bank^2, and bench are related to each other, all three entering English at different times but deriving ultimately from the same Germanic root. Bank meaning ‘land beside water’ developed in Middle English from the Old Norse word bakki ‘ridge of ground’. However, the sense ‘a set of similar things grouped together in rows’ comes from an early use of bank to mean ‘bench’ (from French banc): the word was applied to the bench occupied by the men pulling each oar in a galley, and hence to a line of oars set at the same height. Bank meaning ‘financial organization’ entered English in the 15th century from French banque or Italian banca, from medieval Latin banca ‘bench’, and originally referred to a table on which a moneylender carried out his business, the forerunner of the modern financial institution.

bank^2

n.
1 a financial establishment that uses money deposited by customers for investment, pays it out when required, makes loans at interest, and exchanges currency. (the bank) the store of money or tokens held by the banker in some gambling or board games.
2 a stock of something available for use when required: a blood bank.
3 a site or receptacle where something may be deposited for recycling: a paper bank.
v.
1 deposit (money or valuables) in a bank. have an account at a particular bank.
2 (bank on) rely on confidently.
3 informal win or earn (a sum of money).

- PHRASES
break the bank [usu. with neg.] informal cost more than one can afford.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. banque or Ital. banca; see word history at bank^1.

bankable

adj. certain to bring profit and success.

- DERIVATIVES bankability // n.

bankassurance

n. variant spelling of bancassurance.

bank bill

n.
1 Brit. a bill of exchange drawn by one bank on another.
2 US a banknote.

bank card

n. another term for cheque card.

bank draft

n. a cheque drawn by a bank on its own funds.

banker^1

n.
1 a person who manages or owns a bank or group of banks. the person running the table, controlling play, or acting as dealer in some gambling or board games.
2 Brit. a supposedly certain bet. a result forecast identically (while other forecasts differ) in several football-pool entries on one coupon.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. banquier, from banque (see bank^2).

banker^2

n. Austral./NZ informal a river flooded to the top of its banks.

banker's hours

pl. n. N. Amer. short working hours.

banker's order

n. Brit. an instruction to a bank to make payments of a stated sum at regular intervals.

bank holiday

n. Brit. a day on which banks are officially closed, kept as a public holiday.

banking^1

n. the business conducted or services offered by a bank.

banking^2

n. an embankment or artificial bank.

banknote

n. a piece of paper money, constituting a central bank's promissory note.

Bank of England

n. the central bank of England and Wales, which issues legal tender, manages the national debt, administers exchange rate policy, and sets interest rates.

bank rate

n. another term for base rate or discount rate.

bankroll

n. N. Amer. a roll of banknotes.
v. informal support financially.

bankrupt

adj.
1 declared in law unable to pay one's debts.
2 completely lacking in a particular good quality or value: the cause is morally bankrupt.
n. a person judged by a court to be bankrupt.
v. reduce to a bankrupt state.

- DERIVATIVES bankruptcy n. (pl. bankruptcies).

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. banca rotta ‘broken bench’.

banksia

//

n. an evergreen Australian shrub with flowers resembling bottlebrushes.   Genus Banksia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks (1743–1820).

banksia rose

n. a small-flowered Chinese climbing rose.   Rosa banksiae.

banksman

n. (pl. banksmen) a person who instructs the driver of a crane or reversing vehicle.

bank statement

n. a printed record of the transactions in and balance of a bank account.

banner

n.
1 a long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, carried in a procession or hung in a public place. historical a flag on a pole used as the standard of a monarch, knight, or army.
2 an advertisement on a website in the form of bar, column, or box.
adj. N. Amer. excellent; outstanding: a banner year.

- DERIVATIVES bannered adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baniere, ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to band^2.

banneret

//

n. historical
1 a knight who commanded his own troops in battle under his own banner.
2 a knighthood given on the battlefield for courage.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baneret, lit. ‘bannered’, from baniere (see banner).

banner headline

n. a large newspaper headline, especially one across the top of the front page.

bannister

n. variant spelling of banister.

bannock

//

n. a round, flat loaf, typically unleavened, associated with Scotland and northern England.

- ORIGIN OE bannuc, of Celtic origin.

banns

pl. n. a notice read out on three successive Sundays in a parish church, announcing an intended marriage and giving the opportunity for objections.

- ORIGIN ME: pl. of ban^1.

banoffi pie

// (also banoffee pie)

n. a pie or tart made with bananas, toffee, and cream.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from banana + toffee.

banquet

//

n. an elaborate and formal meal for many people.
v. (banquets, banqueting, banqueted) entertain with a banquet.

- DERIVATIVES banqueter n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr., dimin. of banc (see bank^1).

banquette

//

n.
1 an upholstered bench along a wall.
2 a raised step behind a rampart.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. banchetta, dimin. of banca (see bank^2).

banshee

//, //

n. (in Irish legend) a female spirit whose wailing warns of a death in a house.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ir. bean sídhe, from Old Ir. ben síde ‘woman of the fairies’.

bantam

n. a chicken of a small breed.

- ORIGIN C18: appar. named after the province of Bantam in Java, although the fowl is not native there.

bantamweight

n. a weight in boxing and other sports intermediate between flyweight and featherweight.

banteng

//

n. a SE Asian forest ox that resembles the domestic cow, domesticated in Bali.   Bos javanicus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Malay.

banter

n. the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.
v. engage in banter.

- DERIVATIVES banterer n. bantering adj. banteringly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

Bantu

//, //

n. (pl. same or Bantus)
1 a member of an extensive group of indigenous peoples of central and southern Africa.
2 the group of Niger–Congo languages spoken by the Bantu, including Swahili, Xhosa, and Zulu.

- ORIGIN pl. (in certain Bantu languages) of -ntu ‘person’.

USAGE

Bantu is a strongly offensive word in South African English, especially when used of individual people, but is still used outside South Africa to refer to the group of languages and their speakers collectively.

banyan

//, // (also banian)

n.
1 (also banyan tree) an Indian fig tree, whose branches produce wide-ranging aerial roots which later become accessory trunks.   Ficus benghalensis.
2 a loose flannel undergarment worn in India.

- ORIGIN C16: from Port., from Gujarati vniyo ‘man of the trading caste’, from Sanskrit (orig. applied by Europeans to a tree under which traders had built a pagoda).

banzai

//

exclam.
1 a Japanese battle cry.
2 a form of greeting used to the Japanese emperor.
adj. fierce and reckless. informal behaving wildly.

- ORIGIN Japanese, lit. ‘ten thousand years (of life to you)’.

baobab

//

n. a short African or Australian tree with a very thick trunk and large edible fruit, living to a great age.   Genus Adansonia: several species.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from an Afr. lang.

BAOR

abbrev. British Army of the Rhine.

bap

n. Brit.
1 a large, round, flattish bread roll, typically with a floury top.
2 (baps) informal a woman's breasts.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

baptism

n. the Christian rite of sprinkling water on to a person's forehead or of immersing them in water, symbolizing purification or regeneration and admission to the Christian Church.

- PHRASES
baptism of fire a difficult introduction to a new job or experience.

- DERIVATIVES baptismal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baptesme, via eccles. L. from eccles. Gk baptismos, from Gk baptizein ‘immerse, baptize’.

baptismal name

n. a personal name given at baptism.

baptist

n.
1 (Baptist) a member of a Protestant Christian denomination advocating baptism only of adult believers by total immersion.
2 a person who baptizes someone.

baptistery

(also baptistry)

n. (pl. baptisteries or baptistries) the part of a church used for baptism. (in a Baptist chapel) a sunken receptacle used for baptism by total immersion.

baptize

(or baptise)

v.
1 administer baptism to.
2 give a specified name or nickname to.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from eccles. L. baptizare, from Gk baptizein ‘immerse, baptize’.

Bar.

abbrev. Baruch (Apocrypha) (in biblical references).

bar^1

n.
1 a long rigid piece of wood, metal, or similar material, used as an obstruction, fastening, or weapon. a sandbank or shoal at the mouth of a harbour or an estuary. Brit. a metal strip below the clasp of a medal, awarded as an additional distinction. Heraldry a charge in the form of a narrow horizontal stripe across the shield.
2 a counter in a pub or cafe across which drinks or refreshments are served. a room in a pub, restaurant, or hotel in which alcohol is served. an establishment where alcohol and other refreshments are served. a small shop or stall serving refreshments or providing a specified service: a snack bar.
3 a barrier or restriction to action or advance: a bar to promotion. a plea arresting an action or claim in a law case.
4 Music any of the short sections or measures into which a piece of music is divided, shown on a score by vertical lines across the stave.
5 (the bar) a partition in a court room, now usually notional, beyond which most people may not pass and at which an accused person stands. Brit. a rail marking the end of each chamber in the Houses of Parliament.
6 (the Bar) the profession of barrister. Brit. barristers collectively. N. Amer. lawyers collectively.
v. (bars, barring, barred)
1 fasten with a bar or bars.
2 prohibit from doing something or going somewhere. exclude from consideration. Law prevent or delay (an action) by objection.
3 mark with bars or stripes.
prep. chiefly Brit. except for. Brit. Horse Racing except the horses indicated (used when stating the odds).

- PHRASES
bar none with no exceptions.
be called (or go) to the Bar Brit. be admitted as a barrister.
be called within the Bar Brit. be appointed a Queen's Counsel.
behind bars in prison.

- DERIVATIVES barred adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. barre (n.), barrer (v.), of unknown origin.

bar^2

n. a unit of pressure equivalent to a hundred thousand newtons per square metre or approximately one atmosphere.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk baros ‘weight’.

bara brith

/ /

n. a traditional Welsh tea bread, made with raisins, currants, and candied peel.

- ORIGIN Welsh, lit. ‘speckled bread’.

barathea

//

n. a fine woollen cloth, sometimes mixed with silk or cotton, used for coats and suits.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

baraza

//

n. (in East Africa) a public meeting place.

- ORIGIN from Kiswahili.

barb^1

n.
1 a sharp projection near the end of an arrow, fish hook, or similar object, which is angled away from the main point so as to make extraction difficult.
2 a deliberately hurtful remark.
3 a barbel at the mouth of some fish. one of the fine hair-like filaments growing from the shaft of a feather, forming the vane.
4 a freshwater fish with barbels around the mouth, popular in aquaria.   Barbus pentazona and other species.

- DERIVATIVES barbed adj. barbless adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a piece of linen worn around the chin by nuns): from OFr. barbe, from L. barba ‘beard’.

barb^2

n. a small horse of a hardy breed originally from North Africa.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. barbe, from Ital. barbero ‘of Barbary’.

Barbadian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Barbados.
adj. relating to Barbados or its people.

barbarian

n.
1 (in ancient times) a member of a people not belonging to one of the major civilizations (Greek, Roman, Christian).
2 an uncultured or brutish person.
adj.
1 relating to ancient barbarians.
2 uncultured; brutish.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. barbarien, from barbare, or from L. barbarus, from Gk barbaros ‘foreign’.

barbaric

//

adj.
1 savagely cruel.
2 primitive; unsophisticated.

- DERIVATIVES barbarically adv.

barbarism

n.
1 absence of culture and civilization.
2 extreme cruelty or brutality.
3 a word or expression which is badly formed according to traditional philological rules, e.g. a word formed from elements of different languages, such as breathalyser (English and Greek).

- DERIVATIVES barbarity n. (pl. barbarities). barbarization (or barbarisation) n. barbarize (or barbarise) v.

barbarous

//

adj.
1 exceedingly brutal.
2 primitive; uncivilized.

- DERIVATIVES barbarously adv. barbarousness n.

Barbary ape

n. a tailless macaque monkey that is native to NW Africa and also found on the Rock of Gibraltar.   Macaca sylvana.

- ORIGIN from Barbary, a former name for the western part of N. Africa.

Barbary sheep

n. a short-coated sheep with a long neck ruff, found in the high deserts of northern Africa.   Ammotragus lervia.

barbastelle

//, //

n. a bat with broad ears that meet over the head.   Genus Barbastella: two species

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. barbastello.

barbecue

n.
1 an outdoor meal or gathering at which meat, fish, or other food is grilled over an open fire or on an appliance.
2 an appliance or rack for grilling food at a barbecue.
v. (barbecues, barbecuing, barbecued) cook (food) on a barbecue.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘wooden framework for storing meat or fish to be dried’): from Sp. barbacoa, perh. from Arawak barbacoa ‘wooden frame on posts’.

barbecue sauce

n. a spicy sauce typically made from tomatoes, onions, chillies, and vinegar.

barbed wire

n. wire with clusters of short, sharp spikes set at short intervals along it, used as a defensive barrier.

barbel

//

n.
1 a fleshy filament growing from the mouth or snout of a fish.
2 a large freshwater fish of the carp family, with barbels hanging from the mouth.   Barbus barbus.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. barbellus, dimin. of barbus ‘barbel’, from barba ‘beard’.

barbell

//

n. a long metal bar to which discs of varying weights are attached at each end, used for weightlifting.

- ORIGIN C19: from bar^1 + bell^1.

barber

n. a person who cuts men's hair and shaves or trims beards as an occupation.
v. cut or trim (a man's hair).

- ORIGIN ME: via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. barbe (see barb^1).

barberry

n. (pl. barberries) a spiny shrub with yellow flowers and red berries.   Berberis vulgaris and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. berberis (see berberis).

barbershop

n. a popular style of close harmony singing, typically for four male voices.

- ORIGIN from the former custom of passing time in a barber's shop by harmonizing to a lute or guitar.

barber's pole

n. a pole painted with spiralling red and white stripes and hung outside barbers' shops as a business sign.

barbet

//

n. a brightly coloured fruit-eating songbird, chiefly tropical, that has a stout bill with tufts of bristles at the base.   Family Capitonidae: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting a poodle): from Fr., from barbe (see barb^1).

barbette

//

n. a fixed armoured housing at the base of a gun turret on a warship or armoured vehicle.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., dimin. of barbe (see barb^1).

barbican

//

n. the outer defence of a city or castle, especially a double tower above a gate or drawbridge.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. barbacane; prob. based on Arab.

barbie

n. (pl. barbies) informal, chiefly Austral./NZ a barbecue.

Barbie doll

n. informal an attractive but characterless or unintelligent young woman.

- ORIGIN the proprietary name of a doll representing a conventionally attractive young woman.

bar billiards

pl. n. [treated as sing.] Brit. a form of billiards played on a small table, in which balls are struck into holes guarded by pegs.

barbital

//

n. North American term for barbitone.

barbitone

//

n. a long-acting sedative and sleep-inducing drug of the barbiturate type.

barbiturate

//, //

n.
1 any of a class of sedative drugs derived from barbituric acid.
2 Chemistry a salt or ester of barbituric acid.

barbituric acid

//, //

n. Chemistry a synthetic organic compound from which the barbiturates are derived.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. barbiturique, from Ger. Barbitursäure, from the given name Barbara + Säure ‘acid’.

barbola

//

n. the craft of making small models of fruit or flowers from a plastic paste.

- ORIGIN 1920s: an arbitrary formation from barbotine.

barbotine

//

n. slip (liquid clay) used to decorate pottery.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr.

Barbour

// (also Barbour jacket)

n. trademark a type of green waxed outdoor jacket.

- ORIGIN named after the English draper John Barbour.

Barbudan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Barbuda, an island in the West Indies.
adj. relating to Barbuda or its inhabitants.

barbule

//

n. a minute filament projecting from the barb of a feather.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. barbula, dimin. of barba ‘beard’.

barbwire

n. N. Amer. barbed wire.

BarcaLounger

//

n. US trademark a type of deeply padded reclining chair.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from the name of Edward J. Barcolo, who acquired the original licence to manufacture the chairs, and lounger.

barcarole

//, // (also barcarolle //, //)

n. a song traditionally sung by Venetian gondoliers. a musical composition in the style of such a song.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. barcarolle, from Venetian Ital. barcarola ‘boatman's song’, from barca ‘boat’.

barchan

//

n. a crescent-shaped shifting sand dune, as found in the deserts of Turkestan.

- ORIGIN C19: from Turkic barkhan.

bar chart

(also chiefly N. Amer. bar graph)

n. a diagram in which the numerical values of variables are represented by the height or length of lines or rectangles.

bar code

n. a machine-readable code in the form of a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on and identifying a commodity for stock control.

Barcoo

//

adj. Austral. informal relating to the remote inland area of Australia: Barcoo sickness.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of a river and area in western Queensland.

bard^1

n.
1 archaic or literary a poet, traditionally one reciting epics. (the Bard) Shakespeare.
2 (Bard) the winner of a prize for Welsh verse at an Eisteddfod.

- DERIVATIVES bardic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Sc. Gaelic bàrd, Ir. bard, Welsh bardd, of Celtic origin.

bard^2

n. a rasher of fat bacon placed on meat or game before roasting.
v. cover with bards.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. barde, a transferred sense of barde ‘armour for the breast of a warhorse’.

bardie

// (also bardee or bardy)

n. (pl. bardies) Austral. the edible larva or pupa of certain beetles or moths.

- ORIGIN C19: from Nyungar (and other Aborig. languages) bardi.

bardo

//

n. (in Tibetan Buddhism) a state of existence between death and rebirth.

- ORIGIN Tibetan bár-do, from bar ‘interval’ + do ‘two’.

bardolatry

//

n. humorous excessive admiration of Shakespeare.

- DERIVATIVES bardolater n.

Bardolino

//

n. a red wine from the Veneto region of Italy.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

bare

adj.
1 (of a person or part of the body) not clothed or covered. without the appropriate or usual covering or contents: bare floorboards. (bare of) without.
2 without elaboration; basic. only just sufficient: a bare majority.
v. uncover (a part of the body) and expose it to view.

- PHRASES
the bare bones the essential components or aspects.
bare one's teeth show one's teeth, typically when angry.
with one's bare hands without using tools or weapons.

- DERIVATIVES bareness n.

- ORIGIN OE bær (n.), barian (v.), of Gmc origin.

bareback

adj. & adv. on an unsaddled horse.

bareboat

adj. (of a boat or ship) hired without a crew.

barefaced

adj. shameless and undisguised: a barefaced lie.

- DERIVATIVES barefacedly adv. barefacedness n.

barefoot

(also barefooted)

adj. & adv. wearing nothing on one's feet.

barefoot doctor

n. a paramedical worker with basic medical training working in a rural district in China.

barège

//

n. a light, silky dress fabric resembling gauze and made from wool.

- ORIGIN Fr., named after the village of Barèges in SW France, where it was orig. made.

barehanded

adj. & adv. with nothing in or covering one's hands.

bareheaded

adj. & adv. without a covering for one's head.

bare-knuckle

(also bare-knuckled)

adj. (of a boxer or boxing match) without gloves.

barely

adv.
1 only just; almost not: he was barely able to speak.
2 only a very short time before.
3 in a simple and sparse way.

barf

informal, chiefly N. Amer.

v. vomit.
n. vomited food.

- ORIGIN 1960s (orig. US): of unknown origin.

barfly

//

n. (pl. barflies) informal a person who spends much of their time drinking in bars.

bargain

n.
1 an agreement between two or more people as to what each will do for the other.
2 a thing bought or offered for sale for a lower price than normal.
v.
1 negotiate the terms of a transaction.
2 (bargain for/on) be prepared for; expect.

- PHRASES
drive a hard bargain be uncompromising in making a deal.
into the bargain in addition.

- DERIVATIVES bargainer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bargaine (n.), bargaignier (v.); prob. of Gmc origin.

barge

n.
1 a long flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight on canals and rivers. a long ornamental boat used for pleasure or on ceremonial occasions.
2 a boat used by the chief officers of a warship.
v.
1 move forcefully or roughly. (barge in) intrude or interrupt rudely or awkwardly.
2 convey by barge.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., perh. based on Gk baris ‘Egyptian boat’.

bargeboard

n. an ornamental board fixed to the gable end of a roof to hide the ends of the roof timbers.

- ORIGIN C19: from barge- (used in terms relating to a gable), perh. from med. L. bargus ‘gallows’.

bargee

//

n. chiefly Brit. a person in charge of or working on a barge.

bargepole

n. a long pole used to propel a barge and fend off obstacles.

- PHRASES
would not touch someone/thing with a bargepole informal would refuse to have anything to do with someone or something.

bar graph

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for bar chart.

bar-hop

v. (bar-hops, bar-hopping, bar-hopped) [usu. as noun bar-hopping] visit several bars in succession, having a drink in each.

- DERIVATIVES bar-hopper n.

barilla

//

n. an impure alkali made from the ashes of saltwort and other plants.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. barrilla, dimin. of barra ‘bar’.

barista

//

n. a person who serves in a coffee bar.

- ORIGIN 1980s: Ital., ‘barman’.

barite

//, //

n. variant spelling of baryte.

baritone

n.
1 an adult male singing voice between tenor and bass.
2 [as modifier] denoting an instrument that is second lowest in pitch in its family.

- DERIVATIVES baritonal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital. baritono, from Gk barutonos, from barus ‘heavy’ + tonos (see tone).

barium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 56, a soft white reactive metal of the alkaline earth group. (Symbol: Ba) Medicine a mixture of barium sulphate and water, opaque to X-rays, which is swallowed to permit radiological examination of the stomach or intestines.

- ORIGIN C19: from baryta + -ium.

bark^1

n. the sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, or seal.
v.
1 (of a dog, fox, or seal) give a bark.
2 utter (a command or question) abruptly or aggressively. US call out in order to sell or advertise something.

- PHRASES
one's bark is worse than one's bite one is not as ferocious as one seems.
be barking up the wrong tree informal be pursuing a mistaken line of thought.

- ORIGIN OE beorc (n.), beorcan (v.), of Gmc origin.

bark^2

n. the tough protective outer sheath of the trunk, branches, and twigs of a tree or woody shrub.
v.
1 strip the bark from.
2 scrape the skin off (one's shin) by accidentally hitting it.
3 tan or dye (leather or other materials) using the tannins found in bark.

- DERIVATIVES -barked adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON borkr; perh. rel. to birch.

bark^3

n. archaic or literary a ship or boat.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of barque.

bark beetle

n. a small wood-boring beetle that tunnels under the bark of trees.   Family Scolytidae: many species.

barkcloth

n. cloth made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry or similar tree.

barkentine

n. US spelling of barquentine.

barker

n. informal a tout at an auction or sideshow who calls out to passers-by to attract custom.

barking

adj. Brit. informal completely mad.

barking deer

n. another term for muntjac.

barley

n. a hardy cereal with coarse bristles extending from the ears, cultivated chiefly for use in brewing and stockfeed.   Genus Hordeum.

- ORIGIN OE bærlic (adj.), from bære, bere ‘barley’ + -lic (see -ly^1).

barleycorn

n. a former unit of measurement (about a third of an inch) based on the length of a grain of barley.

barleymow

n. archaic a stack of barley.

barley sugar

n. an amber-coloured sweet made of boiled sugar, traditionally shaped as a twisted stick.

barley water

n. Brit. a drink made from water and a boiled barley mixture.

barley wine

n. a strong English ale.

bar line

n. Music a vertical line used in a musical score to mark a division between bars.

barm

n.
1 the froth on fermenting malt liquor.
2 archaic or dialect yeast or leaven.

- ORIGIN OE beorma, of W. Gmc origin.

barmaid

n.
1 Brit. a woman serving behind the bar of a pub.
2 US a female bartender.

barman

n. (pl. barmen) chiefly Brit. a man serving behind the bar of a pub.

barmbrack

n. a kind of soft, spicy bread containing dried fruit, originating in Ireland.

- ORIGIN from Ir. bairin breac ‘speckled cake’.

barm cake

n. N. English a soft, flattish bread roll.

Barmecide

//

adj. rare illusory or imaginary and therefore disappointing.

- ORIGIN C18: from Arab. Barmak, a prince in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, who gave a beggar a feast consisting of ornate but empty dishes.

bar mitzvah

/ /

n. the religious initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13.
v. administer this ceremony to.

- ORIGIN from Heb. bar miswh, lit. ‘son of the commandment’.

barmy

adj. (barmier, barmiest) Brit. informal extremely foolish.

- DERIVATIVES barmily adv. barminess n.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘frothy’): from barm + -y^1.

barn^1

n.
1 a large farm building used for storage or for housing livestock.
2 N. Amer. a large shed for storing road or railway vehicles.

- ORIGIN OE bern, berern, from bere ‘barley’ + ern, ærn ‘house’.

barn^2

(abbrev.: b)

n. Physics a unit of area, 10-28 square metres, used especially in particle physics.

- ORIGIN 1940s: appar. from the phr. as big as a barn door.

barnacle

//

n. a marine crustacean with an external shell, which attaches itself permanently to underwater surfaces and feeds by using modified feathery legs as filters.   Class Cirripedia: many species.

- DERIVATIVES barnacled adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. bernaca.

barnacle goose

n. a goose with a white face and black neck, breeding in arctic tundra.   Branta leucopsis.

- ORIGIN C18: from the former belief that the bird hatched from barnacles.

barn burner

n. N. Amer. informal a very exciting event, especially a sports contest.

barn dance

n.
1 an informal social gathering for country dancing.
2 a dance for a number of couples moving round a circle, typically involving changes of partner.

barnet

//

n. Brit. informal a person's hair.

- ORIGIN C19: from rhyming sl. barnet fair, a famous horse fair held at Barnet in Hertfordshire.

barney

n. (pl. barneys) Brit. informal a quarrel, especially a noisy one.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

barn owl

n. a pale-coloured owl with a heart-shaped face, typically nesting in farm buildings.   Tyto alba and related species.

barnstorm

v. chiefly N. Amer.
1 tour rural districts giving theatrical performances, formerly often in barns. travel around giving exhibitions of flying and performing aeronautical stunts.
2 make a rapid tour as part of a political campaign.

- DERIVATIVES barnstormer n.

barnstorming

adj. flamboyantly vigorous and effective.

barnyard

n. chiefly N. Amer. a farmyard.

baro-

//

comb. form relating to pressure: barotrauma.

- ORIGIN from Gk baros ‘weight’.

barograph

n. a barometer that records its readings on a moving chart.

Barolo

//

n. a full-bodied red wine from Barolo in NW Italy.

barometer

n.
1 an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in forecasting the weather and determining altitude.
2 an indicator of change: furniture is a barometer of changing tastes.

- DERIVATIVES barometric adj. barometrical adj. barometry n.

baron

n.
1 a member of the lowest order of the British nobility. historical a person who held lands or property from the sovereign or a powerful overlord.
2 a powerful person in business or industry: a press baron.

- DERIVATIVES baronial // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from med. L. baro, baron- ‘man, warrior’, prob. of Gmc origin.

baronage

n.
1 [treated as sing. or pl.] barons or nobles collectively.
2 an annotated list of barons or peers.

baroness

n. the wife or widow of a baron. a woman holding the rank of baron either as a life peerage or as a hereditary rank.

baronet

//

n. a member of the lowest hereditary titled British order.

- DERIVATIVES baronetcy n. (pl. baronetcies).

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Latin baronettus, from med. L. baro, baron- (see baron).

baronetage

n.
1 [treated as sing. or pl.] baronets collectively.
2 an annotated list of baronets.

baron of beef

n. Brit. a joint of beef consisting of two sirloins joined at the backbone.

barony

n. (pl. baronies)
1 the rank and estates of a baron.
2 historical (in Ireland) a division of a county.
3 historical (in Scotland) a large manor or estate.

baroque

//, //

adj. relating to or denoting a style of European architecture, music, and art of the 17th and 18th centuries characterized by ornate detail. highly ornate and extravagant in style.
n. the baroque style or period.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. (orig. denoting a pearl of irregular shape).

baroreceptor

n. Zoology a receptor sensitive to changes in pressure.

barotitis

//

n. Medicine discomfort and inflammation in the ear caused by the changes of pressure occurring during air travel.

barotrauma

n. Medicine injury caused by a change in air pressure, affecting typically the ear or the lung.

barouche

//

n. historical a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a collapsible hood over the rear half.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. dial. Barutsche, from Ital. baroccio, based on L. birotus ‘two-wheeled’.

barque

//

n.
1 a sailing ship, typically with three masts, in which the foremast and mainmast are square-rigged and the mizzenmast is rigged fore and aft.
2 literary a boat.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., prob. from Provençal barca, from late L. barca ‘ship's boat’.

barquentine

// (US barkentine)

n. a sailing ship similar to a barque but with only the foremast square-rigged and the remaining masts rigged fore and aft.

- ORIGIN C17: from barque, on the pattern of brigantine.

barrack^1

v. provide (soldiers) with accommodation.

barrack^2

v.
1 Brit. jeer loudly at (a performer or speaker).
2 (barrack for) Austral./NZ give support and encouragement to.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Northern Ir. dial.

barrack-room lawyer

n. Brit. a person who makes authoritative-sounding pronouncements on subjects in which they are not qualified.

barracks

pl. n. [often treated as sing.] a large building or group of buildings used to house soldiers.

- ORIGIN C17: barrack from Fr. baraque, from Ital. baracca or Sp. barraca ‘soldier's tent’.

barrack square

n. Brit. a drill ground near a barracks.

barracoon

//

n. historical an enclosure in which black slaves were temporarily confined.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. barracón, from barraca (see barracks).

barracouta

//

n. (pl. same or barracoutas) a long, slender fish of southern oceans, highly valued as food.   Thyrsites atun.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of barracuda.

barracuda

//

n. (pl. same or barracudas) a large predatory tropical marine fish with a slender body and large jaws and teeth.   Genus Sphyraena: several species.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

barrage

//

n.
1 a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area.
2 an overwhelming number of questions or complaints delivered in rapid succession.
3 an artificial barrier across a river, to prevent flooding or to aid irrigation or navigation.
v. bombard with questions or complaints.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from barrer ‘to bar’.

barrage balloon

n. a large anchored balloon, typically with netting suspended from it, serving as an obstacle to low-flying enemy aircraft.

barramundi

//

n. (pl. same or barramundis) a large, chiefly freshwater fish of Australia and SE Asia.   Lates calcarifer and other species.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from an Aborig. lang. of Queensland.

barranca

// (also barranco)

n. (pl. barrancas or barrancos) chiefly US a narrow, winding river gorge.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp.

barratry

//

n.
1 archaic fraud or gross negligence on the part of a ship's master or crew at the expense of its owners or users.
2 Law vexatious litigation or incitement to it.
3 historical trade in the sale of Church or state appointments.

- DERIVATIVES barrator n. barratrous adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baraterie, from barater ‘deceive’, based on Gk prattein ‘do, perform, manage’.

Barr body

n. Physiology a densely staining structure in the cell nuclei of females, consisting of a condensed, inactive X chromosome and regarded as diagnostic of genetic femaleness.

- ORIGIN 1960s: named after the Canadian anatomist M. L. Barr.

barre

//

n. a horizontal bar at waist level used as a support by ballet dancers during certain exercises.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

barré

//

n. Music a method of playing a chord on the guitar or a similar instrument in which one finger is laid across all the strings at a particular fret.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘barred’, past part. of barrer.

barrel

n.
1 a cylindrical container bulging out in the middle, traditionally made of wooden staves enclosed by metal hoops. a measure of capacity for oil and beer, equal to 36 imperial gallons for beer and 35 imperial gallons or 42 US gallons (roughly 159 litres) for oil.
2 a cylindrical tube forming part of an object such as a gun or a pen.
3 the belly and loins of a four-legged animal such as a horse.
v. (barrels, barrelling, barrelled; US barrels, barreling, barreled)
1 informal, chiefly N. Amer. drive or move very fast.
2 put into a barrel or barrels.

- PHRASES
over a barrel informal in a severely disadvantageous position.
with both barrels informal with unrestrained force.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baril, from med. L. barriclus ‘small cask’.

barrel-chested

adj. having a large rounded chest.

barrel distortion

n. a type of defect in optical or electronic images in which vertical or horizontal straight lines appear as convex curves.

barrelfish

n. (pl. same or barrelfishes) an Atlantic fish which lives in deep water when adult, and among flotsam on the surface when young.   Schedophilus medusophagus and Hyperoglyphe perciforma.

barrelhead

n. the flat top of a barrel.

- PHRASES
on the barrelhead North American term for on the nail (see nail).

barrelhouse

n.
1 N. Amer. a cheap or disreputable bar.
2 an unrestrained and unsophisticated style of jazz music.

barrel organ

n. a small pipe organ played by turning a handle, which rotates a cylinder studded with pegs that open the valves to produce a preset tune.

barrel roll

n. an aerobatic manoeuvre in which an aircraft follows a single turn of a spiral while rolling once about its longitudinal axis.

barrel vault

n. Architecture a vault forming a half cylinder.

- DERIVATIVES barrel-vaulted adj.

barren

adj.
1 (of land) too poor to produce much or any vegetation. (of a tree or plant) not producing fruit or seed.
2 (of a female animal) unable to bear young.
3 bleak and lifeless.
4 (barren of) devoid of.
n. (barrens) chiefly N. Amer. barren tracts of land.

- DERIVATIVES barrenly adv. barrenness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. barhaine, of unknown origin.

barrenwort

n. a creeping plant with cup-shaped spurred flowers and colourful foliage, formerly thought to cause infertility.   Genus Epimedium.

barrette

//

n. a hairslide.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., dimin. of barre ‘bar’.

barricade

//

n. an improvised barrier erected to obstruct the movement of opposing forces.
v. block or defend with a barricade.

- PHRASES
man (or go to) the barricades strongly defend something.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from barrique ‘cask’, from Sp. barrica; rel. to barrel (barrels often being used to build barricades).

barrier

n. a fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access. an obstacle to communication, understanding, or progress: a language barrier.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. barriere; rel. to barre.

barrier cream

n. Brit. a cream used to protect the skin from damage or infection.

barrier method

n. a method of contraception using a device or preparation which prevents sperm from reaching an ovum.

barrier reef

n. a coral reef close and running parallel to the shore but separated from it by a channel of deep water.

barring

prep. except for; if not for.

barrio

//

n. (pl. barrios) a district of a town in Spanish-speaking countries. (in the US) the Spanish-speaking quarter of a town or city.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

barrister

(also barrister-at-law)

n. chiefly Brit. a person called to the bar and entitled to practise as an advocate, particularly in the higher courts. Compare with solicitor.

- ORIGIN ME: from the noun bar^1, perh. on the pattern of minister.

barroom

n. chiefly N. Amer. a room with a bar selling alcoholic drinks.

barrow^1

n. Brit. a two-wheeled handcart used especially by street vendors.

- ORIGIN OE bearwe ‘stretcher, bier’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bear^1.

barrow^2

n. Archaeology an ancient burial mound.

- ORIGIN OE beorg, of Gmc origin.

barrow boy

n. Brit. a boy or man who sells wares from a barrow in the street.

barry

//

adj. Heraldry divided into four, six, or eight equal horizontal bars of alternating tinctures.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. barré ‘barred, striped’.

Barsac

//

n. a sweet white wine from the district of Barsac in SW France.

bar sinister

n. popular term for bend sinister.

Bart

abbrev. Baronet.

bar tack

n. a stitch made to strengthen a potential weak spot in a garment or other sewn item.

- DERIVATIVES bar-tacked adj. bar tacking n.

bartender

n. a person serving drinks at a bar.

- DERIVATIVES bartend v.

barter

v. (often barter for) exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services.
n. the action or system of bartering.

- DERIVATIVES barterer n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from OFr. barater (see barratry).

Bartholin's gland

//

n. Anatomy either of a pair of glands near the entrance of the vagina, which secrete a fluid that lubricates the vulva.

- ORIGIN C18: named by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin.

Bartlett pear

//

n. a dessert pear of a juicy early-ripening variety.

- ORIGIN named after the American merchant Enoch Bartlett.

bar tracery

n. Architecture tracery with strips of stone across an aperture.

bartsia

//

n. a herbaceous plant of the figwort family, of which some kinds are partly parasitic on grasses.   Odontites verna (red bartsia) and other species.

- ORIGIN mod. L. Bartsia, a genus named after the 18th-cent. Prussian botanist Johann Bartsch.

barycentric

//

adj. relating to the centre of gravity.

- DERIVATIVES barycentre n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk barus ‘heavy’ + -centric.

baryon

//

n. Physics a subatomic particle with a mass equal to or greater than that of a proton, such as a nucleon or hyperon.

- DERIVATIVES baryonic adj.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk barus ‘heavy’ + -on.

baryta

//

n. Chemistry barium hydroxide.

baryte

//, // (also barytes //, barite)

n. a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate.

- ORIGIN C18 (as barytes): from Gk barus ‘heavy’ + endings based on Gk -ites.

basal

//

adj. forming or belonging to a base.

basal cell carcinoma

n. technical term for rodent ulcer.

basal ganglia

pl. n. Anatomy a group of structures linked to the thalamus in the base of the brain and involved in coordination of movement.

basal metabolic rate

n. the rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and keeping warm.

- DERIVATIVES basal metabolism n.

basalt

//, //

n. a dark fine-grained volcanic rock composed largely of plagioclase with pyroxene and olivine.

- DERIVATIVES basaltic // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. basaltes (var. of basanites), from Gk basanits, from basanos ‘touchstone’.

bascule bridge

//

n. a type of bridge with a section which can be raised and lowered using counterweights.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. (earlier bacule), ‘see-saw’, from battre ‘to bump’ + cul ‘buttocks’.

base^1

n.
1 the lowest part of something, especially the part on which it rests or is supported. Architecture the part of a column between the shaft and pedestal or pavement. Botany & Zoology the end at which a part or organ is attached to the trunk or main part.
2 a conceptual structure or entity on which something draws or depends: the town's economic base collapsed. a foundation or starting point.
3 a person's main place of work or residence. a centre of operations for military or other activity.
4 a main element or ingredient to which other things are added. a substance into which a pigment is mixed to form paint.
5 Chemistry a substance capable of reacting with an acid to form a salt and water, or of accepting or neutralizing hydrogen ions.
6 Electronics the middle part of a bipolar transistor, separating the emitter from the collector.
7 Linguistics the root or stem of a word or a derivative. the uninflected form of a verb.
8 Mathematics a number used as the basis of a numeration scale. a number in terms of which other numbers are expressed as logarithms.
9 Baseball one of the four stations that must be reached in turn to score a run.
v.
1 (base something on) use something as the foundation for: the film is based on a novel.
2 use a place as a centre of operations.

- PHRASES
get to first base informal, chiefly N. Amer. achieve the first step towards one's objective.
off base informal mistaken.
touch base informal briefly make or renew contact.

- DERIVATIVES -based adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. basis ‘base, pedestal’, from Gk.

base^2

adj.
1 without moral principles; ignoble.
2 archaic denoting or befitting a person of low social class.
3 (of coins or other articles) not made of precious metal.

- DERIVATIVES basely adv. baseness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘low, short’): from OFr. bas, from med. L. bassus ‘short’ (found in classical L. as a cognomen).

baseball

n. a ball game played chiefly in the US and Canada between two teams of nine on a diamond-shaped circuit of four bases.

baseball cap

n. a cotton cap with a large peak.

baseboard

n. North American term for skirting.

basehead

n. N. Amer. informal a habitual user of freebase or crack.

base hit

n. Baseball a hit that allows the batter to advance safely to a base without an error by the team in the field.

base hospital

n.
1 a military hospital situated away from the area of active operations during a war.
2 Austral./NZ a hospital serving a large rural area.

base jump

n. a parachute jump from a fixed point, e.g. a high building, rather than an aircraft.
v. [often as noun base jumping] perform such a jump.

- DERIVATIVES base jumper n.

- ORIGIN 1980s: base from building, antenna-tower, span, earth (denoting the types of structure used).

baseless

adj. without foundation in fact.

- DERIVATIVES baselessly adv. baselessness n.

baseline

n.
1 a minimum or starting point used for comparisons.
2 (in tennis, volleyball, etc.) the line marking each end of a court.
3 Baseball the line between bases which a runner must stay close to when running.

baseload

n. the permanent minimum load that a power supply system is required to deliver.

baseman

n. (pl. basemen) Baseball a fielder designated to cover either first, second, or third base.

basement

n.
1 a room or floor which is partly or entirely below ground level.
2 Geology the oldest formation of rocks underlying a particular area.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from archaic Du. basement ‘foundation’, perh. from Ital. basamento ‘column base’.

basement membrane

n. Anatomy a thin, delicate membrane separating an epithelium from underlying tissue.

base metal

n. a common metal that is not considered precious, such as copper, tin, or zinc.

basenji

//

n. (pl. basenjis) a smallish hunting dog of a central African breed, which growls and yelps but does not bark.

- ORIGIN 1930s: a local word.

base pair

n. Biochemistry a pair of complementary bases on opposite strands of a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule, consisting of adenine pairs with thymine or uracil and cytosine pairs with guanine.

base rate

n. (in the UK) the interest rate set by the Bank of England for lending to other banks, used as the benchmark for interest rates generally.

bases

plural form of base^1 and basis.

base station

n.
1 a relay located at the centre of any of the cells of a cellular telephone system.
2 a short-range transceiver which connects a cordless phone to the main telephone network.

bash

informal

v.
1 strike hard and violently.
2 criticize severely.
3 (bash something out) produce something rapidly and carelessly.
n.
1 a heavy blow.
2 a party or social event.
3 Brit. an attempt: she'll have a bash at anything.

- DERIVATIVES basher n.

- ORIGIN C17 (as v.): imitative, perh. a blend of bang^1 and smash.

basha

//

n. an improvised shelter for one or a few soldiers.

- ORIGIN 1920s (orig. denoting a bamboo hut with a thatched roof): Assamese.

bashful

adj. shy and easily embarrassed.

- DERIVATIVES bashfully adv. bashfulness n.

- ORIGIN C15: from obs. bash ‘make or become abashed’ (from abash) + -ful.

Bashkir

//

n.
1 a member of a Muslim people living in the southern Urals.
2 the Turkic language of the Bashkirs.

- ORIGIN via Russ. from Turkic Baskurt.

basho

//

n. (pl. same or bashos) a sumo wrestling tournament.

- ORIGIN Japanese, from ba ‘place, occasion’ + sh ‘place’.

BASIC

n. a simple high-level computer programming language, formerly widely used on microcomputers.

- ORIGIN 1960s: acronym from Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.

basic

adj.
1 forming an essential foundation; fundamental.
2 consisting of the minimum required or offered: the food was good, if a bit basic.
3 Chemistry containing or having the properties of a base; alkaline. Geology relatively poor in silica: basic lava. Metallurgy relating to or denoting steel-making processes involving lime-rich materials: basic slag.
n. (basics)
1 the essential facts or principles of a subject or skill.
2 essential food or materials.

basically

adv. fundamentally. used to summarize the most important aspects of a situation.

Basic English

n. a simplified form of English limited to 850 selected words, intended for international communication.

basicity

//

n. Chemistry the number of hydrogen atoms replaceable by a base in a particular acid.

basic oxygen process

n. a steel-making process in which carbon and other impurities are burned away from iron by a jet of oxygen in a retort lined with a basic refractory.

basic wage

n.
1 a minimum wage earned before additional payments such as overtime.
2 Austral./NZ the minimum living wage, as determined by industrial tribunal.

basidiomycete

//

n. (pl. basidiomycetes //, //) Botany a fungus of a large group whose spores develop within basidia and which includes the majority of familiar mushrooms and toadstools.

- ORIGIN C19: anglicized sing. of mod. L. Basidiomycetes (former class name), from basidium (see basidium) + Gk muktes ‘fungi’.

basidium

//

n. (pl. basidia //) a microscopic club-shaped spore-bearing structure produced by certain fungi.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk basidion, dimin. of basis (see basis).

basil

//, //

n.
1 an aromatic plant of the mint family, native to tropical Asia, used as a culinary herb.   Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and other species.
2 (also wild basil) a European plant which grows in hedges and scrub.   Clinopodium vulgare.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. basile, via med. L. from Gk basilikon, neut. of basilikos (see basilica).

basilar

//

adj. Anatomy & Zoology of or situated at the base of something, especially the skull.

- ORIGIN C16: from mod. L. basilaris, formed irregularly from L. basis (see basis).

basilect

//, //

n. Linguistics a less prestigious dialect or variety of a language. Contrasted with acrolect.

- DERIVATIVES basilectal // adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from basis + -lect as in dialect.

Basilian

//

adj. relating to St Basil the Great (c.330–79), or the order of monks and nuns following his monastic rule.
n. a Basilian monk or nun.

basilica

//, //

n. a large oblong hall or building with double colonnades and a semicircular apse, used in ancient Rome as a law court or for public assemblies. a similar building used as a Christian church.

- DERIVATIVES basilican adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., lit. ‘royal palace’, from Gk basilik, fem. of basilikos ‘royal’, from basileus ‘king’.

basilisk

//

n.
1 a mythical reptile with a lethal gaze or breath, hatched by a serpent from a cock's egg. Heraldry another term for cockatrice.
2 a long, slender Central American lizard, the male of which has a crest running from the head to the tail.   Basiliscus plumifrons.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk basiliskos ‘little king, serpent’, from basileus ‘king’.

basin

n.
1 a large bowl or open container for washing in, preparing food, or holding liquid.
2 a broadly circular valley or natural depression on the earth's surface. an area drained by a river and its tributaries. an enclosed area of water where boats can be moored.
3 Geology a circumscribed rock formation where the strata dip towards the centre.

- DERIVATIVES basinful n. (pl. basinfuls).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bacin, from med. L. bacinus, from bacca ‘water container’.

basinet

//

n. historical a light, close-fitting steel helmet.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bacinet ‘little basin’.

basipetal

//

adj. Botany (of growth or development) downwards towards the base or point of attachment. Often contrasted with acropetal.

- DERIVATIVES basipetally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from basis + L. petere ‘seek’ + -al.

basis

n. (pl. bases //) the underlying support for an idea, argument, or process. the principles according to which an activity is carried on: she needed coaching on a regular basis.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a base or pedestal): via L. from Gk, ‘stepping’; cf. base^1.

basis point

n. Finance one hundredth of one percentage point (used in expressing differences of interest rates).

bask

v.
1 lie exposed to warmth and sunlight for pleasure.
2 (bask in) revel in (something pleasing).

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘bathe’); perh. rel. to ON batha ‘bathe’.

basket

n.
1 a container used to hold or carry things, made from interwoven strips of cane or wire.
2 Basketball a net fixed on a hoop used as the goal. a goal scored.
3 Finance a group or range of currencies or investments.

- DERIVATIVES basketful n. (pl. basketfuls).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. basket, of unknown origin.

basketball

n. a game played between two teams of five players in which goals are scored by throwing a ball through a netted hoop fixed at each end of the court.

basket case

n. informal a person or thing regarded as useless or unable to cope.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: orig. US sl. denoting a soldier who had lost all four limbs.

Basket Maker

n. a member of a culture of the south-western US, forming the early stages of the Anasazi culture.

basketry

n.
1 the craft of basket-making.
2 baskets collectively.

basketwork

n. material woven in the style of a basket. the craft of making basketwork.

basking shark

n. a large shark which feeds exclusively on plankton and typically swims slowly close to the surface.   Cetorhinus maximus.

basmati rice

//, //

n. a kind of long-grain Indian rice with a delicate fragrance.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bsmat, lit. ‘fragrant’.

basophil

//

n. Physiology a basophilic white blood cell.

basophilic

//

adj. Physiology (of a cell or its contents) readily stained with basic dyes.

Basotho

//

pl. n. (sing. Mosotho) the South Sotho people collectively, living chiefly in Lesotho.

- ORIGIN the name in Sesotho.

Basque

//, //

n.
1 a member of a people living in the western Pyrenees in both France and Spain.
2 the language of the Basques, which is thought to be unrelated to any other language.

- ORIGIN from Fr., from L. Vasco; cf. Gascon.

basque

//, //

n. a close-fitting bodice extending from the shoulders to the waist and typically having a short continuation below waist level.

- ORIGIN C19: from Basque, referring to traditional Basque dress.

bas-relief

//, //

n. Art low relief.

- ORIGIN C17 (as basse relieve): from Ital. basso-rilievo ‘low relief’, later altered to the Fr. form.

bass^1

//

n.
1 the lowest adult male singing voice.
2 [as modifier] denoting the member of a family of instruments that is the lowest in pitch. informal a bass guitar or double bass.
3 the low-frequency output of a radio or audio system, corresponding to the bass in music.

- DERIVATIVES bassist n. bassy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of base^2, influenced by basso.

bass^2

//

n. (pl. same or basses)
1 the common freshwater perch.
2 any of several fish similar to or related to the bass.   Dicentrarchus labrax (European seas) and other species. See also sea bass.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of dial. barse, of Gmc origin.

bass^3

//

n. another term for bast.

bass clef

n. Music a clef placing F below middle C on the second-highest line of the stave.

basset

(also basset hound)

n. a sturdy hunting dog of a breed with a long body, short legs, and long, drooping ears.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., dimin. of bas ‘low’.

basset horn

n. an alto clarinet in F, typically with a bent mouthpiece and upturned bell.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., translation of Fr. cor de bassette, from Ital. corno di bassetto, from corno ‘horn’ + di ‘of’ + bassetto (dimin. of basso ‘low’).

bassinet

//

n. a child's wicker cradle.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., dimin. of bassin ‘basin’.

basso

//

n. (pl. bassos or bassi //) a bass voice or vocal part.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., ‘low’, from L. bassus ‘short, low’.

bassoon

//

n. a large bass woodwind instrument of the oboe family, played with a double reed.

- DERIVATIVES bassoonist n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. basson, from Ital. bassone, from basso ‘low’ (see basso).

basso profundo

//

n. (pl. bassos profundos or bassi profundi //) a bass singer with an exceptionally low range.

- ORIGIN C19: Ital., from basso ‘low’ + profondo ‘deep’.

basso-relievo

//

n. (pl. basso-relievos) Art low relief.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital. basso-rilievo.

bass viol

n.
1 a viola da gamba.
2 N. Amer. a double bass.

basswood

//

n. a North American lime tree with large leaves.   Tilia americana.

bast

//

n. fibre obtained from plants and used for matting and cord, in particular the inner bark of a lime tree.

- ORIGIN OE bæst, of unknown origin.

bastard

//, //

n.
1 archaic or derogatory an illegitimate person.
2 informal an unpleasant or despicable person. Brit. a person of a specified kind: you lucky bastard! a difficult or awkward situation or device.
adj.
1 archaic or derogatory illegitimate.
2 no longer in its pure or original form.

- DERIVATIVES bastardy n.

- ORIGIN The word bastard came into English from Old French in the medieval period and derives from medieval Latin bastardus, which probably came from bastum ‘packsaddle’. The reason for such a dramatic change of meaning is uncertain: however, there could be a parallel in the Old French term for an illegitimate child, fils de bast, literally ‘packsaddle son’, i.e. the son of a mule driver who had a brief sexual encounter with a woman, using a packsaddle for a pillow, and was gone by morning.

bastardize

(or bastardise)

v.
1 [often as adj. bastardized] debase by adding new elements.
2 archaic declare (someone) illegitimate.

- DERIVATIVES bastardization n.

bastard wing

n. a group of small quill feathers on the first digit of a bird's wing.

baste^1

v. pour fat or juices over (meat) during cooking.

- DERIVATIVES baster n.

- ORIGIN C15: of unknown origin.

baste^2

v. Needlework tack with long, loose stitches in preparation for sewing.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bastir ‘sew lightly’, ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to bast.

baste^3

v. informal, dated beat soundly; thrash.

- DERIVATIVES basting n.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. a figurative use of baste^1.

bastide

//

n. a fortified village or small town in southern France.

- ORIGIN C16: via OFr. from Provençal bastida.

bastinado

//, // chiefly historical

n. a form of punishment or torture that involves caning the soles of a person's feet.
v. (bastinadoes, bastinadoing, bastinadoed) punish or torture in such a way.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. bastonada, from bastón ‘stick, cudgel’, from late L. bastum ‘stick’.

bastion

//

n.
1 a projecting part of a fortification allowing an increased angle of fire.
2 an institution or person strongly maintaining particular principles, attitudes, or activities.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. bastione, from bastire ‘build’.

basuco

//

n. impure or low-grade cocaine.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from Colombian Sp.; perh. rel. to Sp. bazucar ‘shake violently’.

bat^1

n.
1 an implement with a handle and a solid surface, used in sports such as cricket or baseball for hitting the ball.
2 a slab on which pottery is formed, dried, or fired.
v. (bats, batting, batted)
1 (in sport) take the role of hitting rather than throwing the ball.
2 hit with the flat of one's hand.
3 (bat something around/about) informal casually discuss an idea or proposal.
4 (bat around/about) informal travel widely, frequently, or casually.

- PHRASES
off one's own bat Brit. informal at one's own instigation.
right off the bat N. Amer. informal at the very beginning.

- ORIGIN OE batt ‘club, stick, staff’, perh. partly from OFr. batte, from battre ‘to strike’.

bat^2

n.
1 a mainly nocturnal mammal capable of sustained flight, with membranous wings that extend between the fingers and limbs.   Order Chiroptera: many species.
2 (old bat) informal an unattractive and unpleasant woman.

- PHRASES
have bats in the belfry informal be eccentric or mad.

- ORIGIN C16: alt., perh. by assoc. with med. L. batta, blacta, of ME bakke, of Scand. origin; sense 2 is from bat, a sl. term for ‘prostitute’, or from battleaxe.

bat^3

v. (bats, batting, batted) flutter (one's eyelashes).

- PHRASES
not bat (or without batting) an eyelid (or N. Amer. eye) informal show (or showing) no surprise or concern.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): from dial. and US bat ‘to wink, blink’, var. of obs. bate ‘to flutter’.

Batak

//

n. (pl. same or Bataks)
1 a member of a people of the northern part of Sumatra in Indonesia.
2 the Indonesian language of the Batak.

- ORIGIN the name in Batak.

Batavian

historical or archaic

n. a member of an ancient Germanic people who inhabited the island of Betuwe, now part of the Netherlands.
adj.
1 relating to the ancient Batavians.
2 relating to the Dutch.

- ORIGIN from L. Batavia (from Batavi ‘the people of Betuwe’) + -an.

batch

n. a quantity or consignment of goods produced at one time. Computing a group of records processed as a single unit.
v. arrange (things) in sets or groups.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the senses ‘process of baking’, ‘quantity produced at one baking’): based on an OE word rel. to bacan (see bake).

batch file

n. a computer file containing a list of instructions to be carried out in turn.

batchmate

n. Indian a classmate.

bate^1

(also bait)

n. Brit. informal, dated an angry mood.

- ORIGIN C19: from bait in the sense ‘torment’.

bate^2

v. Falconry (of a hawk) beat the wings in agitation and flutter off the perch.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. batre ‘to beat’ (see also batter^1).

bat-eared fox

n. a small fox found in southern and East Africa, with very large ears that are used to locate insect prey.   Otocyon megalotis.

bateau

//

n. (pl. bateaux //) a light flat-bottomed riverboat used in Canada.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., ‘boat’.

bateau mouche

/ /

n. (pl. bateaux mouches pronunc. same) a type of pleasure boat used on the Seine in Paris.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘fly boat’, because of the boat's mobility.

bated

adj. (in phr. with bated breath) in great suspense.

- ORIGIN C16: from the past part. of obs. bate ‘restrain’, from abate.

USAGE

The correct phrase is with bated breath not with baited breath.

bateleur eagle

//

n. a short-tailed African eagle with mainly black plumage and a bare red face.   Terathopius ecaudatus.

- ORIGIN C19: bateleur from Fr., lit. ‘acrobat, juggler’ (with ref. to the tilting motion of the bird in flight).

Batesian mimicry

//

n. Zoology mimicry in which an animal is protected by its resemblance to one avoided by predators.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English naturalist Henry W. Bates.

Bates method

n. a technique intended to improve eyesight using eye exercises.

- ORIGIN 1920s: named after the American ophthalmologist William H. Bates.

batfish

n. (pl. same or batfishes)
1 a sea fish with a flattened body that is round or almost triangular when viewed from above.   Family Ogcocephalidae: many species.
2 a deep-bodied, laterally compressed sea fish of the Indo-Pacific region, resembling an angelfish.   Genus Platax.

bath^1

//

n. (pl. baths)
1 a large tub that is filled with water for immersing and washing the body. an act of washing in a bath.
2 (also baths) Brit. a building containing a public swimming pool or washing facilities.
3 a container holding a liquid in which an object is immersed in chemical or industrial processing.
v. Brit. wash in a bath.

- PHRASES
take a bath informal suffer a heavy financial loss.

- ORIGIN OE bæth, of Gmc origin.

bath^2

//

n. an ancient Hebrew liquid measure equivalent to about 40 litres or 9 gallons.

- ORIGIN from Heb. bat.

Bath bun

n. Brit. a round yeast bun containing currants and topped with icing or sugar.

- ORIGIN named after the city of Bath in SW England, where it was orig. made.

bath chair

n. dated an invalid's wheelchair.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the city of Bath in SW England, frequented for its supposedly curative hot springs.

bathe

//

v.
1 wash by immersing one's body in water. soak or wipe gently with liquid to clean or soothe. N. Amer. wash (someone) in a bath.
2 chiefly Brit. take a swim.
3 suffuse or envelop: the park lay bathed in sunshine.
n. Brit. a swim.

- DERIVATIVES bather n.

- ORIGIN OE bathian, of Gmc origin.

bathhouse

n. a building containing baths for communal use.

bathing machine

n. historical a wheeled hut drawn to the edge of the sea, for changing in and bathing from.

bathing suit

(Brit. also bathing costume)

n. chiefly N. Amer. a swimming costume.

batholith

//

n. Geology a very large igneous intrusion extending to an unknown depth in the earth's crust.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: coined in Ger. from Gk bathos ‘depth’ + -lith.

bathos

//

n. (in literature) an unintentional change in mood from the important and serious to the trivial or ridiculous.

- DERIVATIVES bathetic // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk, lit. ‘depth’.

bathrobe

n. a dressing gown, especially one made of towelling.

bathroom

n.
1 a room containing a bath and usually also a washbasin and toilet.
2 N. Amer. a room containing a toilet.

bath salts

pl. n. a crystalline substance that is dissolved in bathwater to soften or perfume it.

bath sponge

n. a marine sponge of warm waters, the fibrous skeleton of which is used as a sponge for washing.   Genera Spongia and Hippospongia.

Bath stone

n. a type of oolitic limestone found especially near Bath in SW England, grey to yellowish in colour and used in building and sculpture.

bathtub

n. chiefly N. Amer. a bath.

bathy-

//

comb. form relating to depth: bathysphere.

- ORIGIN from Gk bathus ‘deep’.

bathyal

//

adj. relating to the zone of the sea between the continental shelf and the abyssal zone.

bathymeter

//

n. an instrument used to measure the depth of water in seas or lakes.

- DERIVATIVES bathymetric adj. bathymetry n.

bathypelagic

//

adj. Biology (of fish and other organisms) inhabiting the sea at a depth of between about 1,000 and 3,000 metres (approximately 3,300 and 9,800 ft), where it is dark and cold.

bathyscaphe

//

n. chiefly historical a type of manned submersible vessel.

- ORIGIN 1940s: coined in Fr. from Gk bathus ‘deep’ + skaphos ‘ship’.

bathysphere

n. a manned spherical chamber for deep-sea observation, lowered by cable from a ship.

batik

//, //

n. a method of producing coloured designs on textiles using wax to resist dye, originating in Java.

- ORIGIN C19: from Javanese, lit. ‘painted’.

batiste

//

n. a fine, light linen or cotton fabric resembling cambric.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. (earlier batiche); prob. rel. to battre ‘to beat’.

batman

(or batwoman)

n. (pl. batmen or batwomen) dated (in the British armed forces) an officer's personal servant.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting an orderly in charge of the bat horse which carried the officer's baggage): from OFr. bat (from med. L. bastum ‘packsaddle’) + man.

bat mitzvah

/ /

n. a religious initiation ceremony for a Jewish girl at the age of religious maturity (twelve years and one day).

- ORIGIN from Heb. bat miswh ‘daughter of commandment’, suggested by bar mitzvah.

baton

n.
1 a thin stick used by a conductor to direct an orchestra or choir. a stick carried and twirled by a drum major.
2 a short stick passed from runner to runner in a relay race.
3 a police officer's truncheon.
4 a staff of office or authority. (batons) one of the suits in some tarot packs, corresponding to wands in others.
5 Heraldry a narrow bend truncated at each end.
6 a short bar replacing some figures on the dial of a clock or watch.

- PHRASES
pass (or take up) the baton hand over (or take up) a duty or responsibility.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bâton, earlier baston, from late L. bastum ‘stick’.

baton round

n. Brit. a large rubber or plastic projectile shot from a special gun, used especially in riot control.

batrachian

//

n. & adj. another term for anuran.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Batrachia, from Gk batrakhos ‘frog’.

bats

adj. informal, dated (of a person) mad.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from the phr. have bats in the belfry (see bat^2).

batsman

n. (pl. batsmen) a player who bats in cricket.

- DERIVATIVES batsmanship n.

Batswana

plural form of Tswana.

batt

//

n. a piece of felted material or fibreglass used for insulation.

- ORIGIN ME (in the general sense ‘lump, piece’): of unknown origin.

battalion

//

n. a large body of troops, forming part of a brigade.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bataillon, from Ital. battaglione, from battaglia ‘battle’, from L. (see battle).

battels

//

pl. n. (at Oxford University) a college account for food and accommodation expenses.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from dial. battle ‘nourish’, ‘nutritious’; prob. rel. to batten^2.

battement

//

n. Ballet a movement in which one leg is moved outward from the body and in again.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘beating’.

batten^1

n. a long, flat wooden or metal strip for strengthening, stiffening, or securing something.
v. strengthen, stiffen, or fasten with battens.

- PHRASES
batten down the hatches
1 Nautical secure a ship's tarpaulins.
2 prepare for a difficult situation.

- DERIVATIVES battening n.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. batant, pres. part. (used as n.) of batre ‘to beat’, from L. battuere.

batten^2

v. (batten on) thrive or prosper at the expense of.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘improve, grow fat’): from ON batna ‘get better’, rel. to better.

Battenberg

n. chiefly Brit. an oblong sponge cake covered with marzipan, with a square cross section quartered with two colours of sponge.

- ORIGIN named after the town of Battenberg in Germany.

batter^1

v.
1 strike repeatedly with hard blows. subject (one's spouse, partner, or child) to repeated violence and assault.
2 [usu. as noun battering] criticize severely or defeat heavily.

- DERIVATIVES batterer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. batre ‘to beat’ (from L. battuere) + -er^4.

batter^2

n. a mixture of flour, egg, and milk or water, used for making pancakes or coating food before frying. N. Amer. a mixture of ingredients for a cake.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bateure ‘the action of beating’, from batre ‘to beat’.

batter^3

n. a player who bats in baseball.

batter^4

v. (of a wall) slope backwards from the perpendicular.
n. a backwards slope in a wall.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

battered^1

adj. (of food) coated in batter and fried.

battered^2

adj. injured by repeated blows. (of a thing) damaged by age and repeated use.

batterie

//

n. Ballet the action of beating the feet or calves together during a leap.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘beating’.

batterie de cuisine

/ /

n. the equipment required for the preparation of meals.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘set of equipment for the kitchen’; cf. battery.

battering ram

n. a heavy object swung or rammed against a door to break it down. historical a heavy beam, originally with an end in the form of a carved ram's head, used in breaching fortifications.

battery

n. (pl. batteries)
1 a container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power.
2 an extensive series or range of things.
3 Brit. a series of small cages for the intensive rearing of poultry.
4 Law the infliction of unlawful personal violence on another person, even where the contact does no physical harm.
5 (the battery) Baseball the pitcher and the catcher.
6 a fortified emplacement for heavy guns. an artillery subunit of guns, men, and vehicles.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baterie, from battre ‘to strike’, from L. battuere (in the sense ‘metal articles wrought by hammering’ later ‘a collection of artillery’, whence ‘Leyden jars connected up so as to discharge simultaneously’).

batting

n. cotton wadding in sheets for use in quilts.

battle

n.
1 a sustained fight between organized armed forces.
2 a lengthy and difficult conflict or struggle.
v. fight or struggle tenaciously with an opponent or to achieve something.

- PHRASES
battle royal (pl. battles royal) a fiercely contested fight or dispute.
battle stations chiefly US the positions taken by military personnel in preparation for battle.

- DERIVATIVES battler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bataille (n.), bataillier (v.), based on late L. battualia ‘military or gladiatorial exercises’, from L. battuere ‘to beat’.

battleaxe

(US also battleax)

n.
1 a large axe used in ancient warfare.
2 informal a formidably aggressive older woman.

battlecruiser

n. an early 20th-century warship that was faster and more lightly armoured than a battleship.

battledore

//

n.
1 (also battledore and shuttlecock) a game played with a shuttlecock and rackets, a forerunner of badminton. the small racket used in this game.
2 a wooden paddle-shaped implement formerly used to beat and stir washing.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from Provençal batedor ‘beater’, from batre ‘to beat’.

battledress

n. combat dress worn by soldiers.

battlefield

(also battleground)

n. the piece of ground on which a battle is fought.

battlement

n. a parapet with openings at regular intervals along the top of a wall, forming part of a fortification.

- DERIVATIVES battlemented adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bataillier ‘fortify with movable defence turrets’, possibly rel. to battle.

battleship

n. a heavy warship with extensive armour protection and large-calibre guns.

battue

//

n. the driving of game towards hunters by beaters.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., fem. past part. of battre ‘to beat’.

batty

adj. (battier, battiest) informal mad.

- DERIVATIVES battily adv. battiness n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from bat^2 + -y^1.

Batwa

plural form of Twa.

batwing

adj. (of a sleeve) having a deep armhole and a tight cuff.

bauble

//

n.
1 a small, showy trinket or decoration. Brit. a decorative hollow ball hung on a Christmas tree.
2 a baton formerly used as an emblem by jesters.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baubel ‘child's toy’, of unknown origin.

baud

//

n. (pl. same or bauds) Computing a unit of transmission speed for electronic signals, corresponding to one information unit or event per second.

- ORIGIN 1930s: Fr., from the name of the French engineer Jean M. E. Baudot.

baulk

//, // (chiefly US also balk)

v.
1 (baulk at) hesitate to accept (an idea or undertaking).
2 thwart or hinder (a plan or person).
3 (of a horse) refuse to go on.
n.
1 a roughly squared timber beam.
2 the area on a billiard table between the baulk line and the bottom cushion.
3 Baseball an unlawful action made by a pitcher that may deceive a base runner.
4 a ridge left unploughed between furrows.

- ORIGIN OE balc (in the sense ‘unploughed ridge’, later ‘obstacle’), from ON bálkr ‘partition’.

baulk line

n. a transverse line marked on a billiard table, extending the diameter of the D to the sides of the table.

baulky

adj. British spelling of balky.

bauxite

//

n. an amorphous clayey rock that is the chief ore of aluminium, consisting of hydrated alumina with variable proportions of iron oxides.

- DERIVATIVES bauxitic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Les Baux (a village in SE France, near which it was first found) + -ite^1.

bavardage

//

n. rare idle gossip.

- ORIGIN Fr., from bavarder ‘to chatter’.

Bavarian

//

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Bavaria, a region in southern Germany.
2 the dialect of German used in Bavaria.
adj. relating to Bavarians or their language.

bavarois

// (also bavaroise //)

n. a dessert containing gelatin and whipped cream.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘Bavarian’.

bawbee

//

n. Scottish
1 a coin of low value.
2 a former silver coin worth three (later six) Scottish pennies.

- ORIGIN C16: from the laird of Sillebawby, mint-master under James V.

bawd

//

n. archaic a woman in charge of a brothel.

- ORIGIN ME: shortened from obs. bawdstrot, from OFr. baudestroyt ‘procuress’, from baude ‘shameless’.

bawdry

n. obscenity in speech or writing.

bawdy

adj. (bawdier, bawdiest) humorously indecent.
n. humorously indecent talk or writing.

- DERIVATIVES bawdily adv. bawdiness n.

bawdy house

n. archaic a brothel.

bawl

v.
1 shout out noisily. (bawl someone out) reprimand someone angrily.
2 weep noisily.
n. a loud shout.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘howl, bark’): imitative.

bawn

//

n.
1 Irish & Canadian an area of grassy land near a house; a meadow.
2 Canadian a flat expanse of rocks on a beach, on which fish are spread to dry.

- ORIGIN from Ir. badún.

bay^1

n. a broad curved inlet of the sea.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baie, from Old Sp. bahia.

bay^2

(also bay laurel or sweet bay)

n. an evergreen, purple-berried Mediterranean shrub, with aromatic leaves that are used in cookery.   Laurus nobilis.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the laurel berry): from OFr. baie, from L. baca ‘berry’.

bay^3

n.
1 a window area that projects outwards from a wall.
2 a section of wall in the nave of a church between two buttresses or columns.
3 an area specially allocated or marked off: a loading bay.
4 (also bay platform) Brit. a short terminal platform at a railway station also having through lines.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. baie, from baer ‘to gape’, from med. L. batare.

bay^4

adj. (of a horse) brown with black points.
n. a bay horse.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bai, from L. badius.

bay^5

v. (of a dog) bark or howl loudly, especially in pursuit of quarry.
n. the sound of baying.

- PHRASES
at bay trapped or cornered.
bay for blood demand retribution.
hold (or keep) at bay prevent from approaching or having an effect.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. (a)bai (n.), (a)baiier (v.) ‘bark’; imitative.

bayadère

//

n. a Hindu dancing girl.

- ORIGIN from Fr., from Port. bailadeira.

bayberry

n. (pl. bayberries) a North American shrub with aromatic leathery leaves and waxy berries.   Genus Myrica: several species.

Bayes' theorem

n. Statistics a theorem expressing the conditional probability of each of a set of possible causes for a given observed outcome in terms of the known probability of each cause and the conditional probability of the outcome of each cause.

- DERIVATIVES Bayesian adj.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English mathematician Thomas Bayes.

bay leaf

n. the aromatic dried leaf of the bay tree, used in cooking.

bayonet

n.
1 a long blade fixed to the muzzle of a rifle for use in hand-to-hand fighting.
2 [as modifier] denoting a type of fitting for a light bulb or other appliance which is pushed into a socket and then twisted into place.
v. (bayonets, bayoneting, bayoneted) stab with a bayonet.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a kind of short dagger): from Fr. baïonnette, from Bayonne, a town in SW France, where they were first made.

bayou

//

n. (pl. bayous) (in the southern US) a marshy outlet of a lake or river.

- ORIGIN C18: from Louisiana Fr., from Choctaw bayuk.

bay rum

n. a perfume for the hair, distilled originally from rum and bayberry leaves.

bay window

n. a window built to project outwards from a wall.

bazaar

//

n.
1 a market in a Middle Eastern country.
2 a fund-raising sale of goods.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. bazarro, from Turk., from Pers. bzr ‘market’.

bazillion

//

cardinal number informal, chiefly N. Amer. a very large number: a bazillion dollar payout.

- ORIGIN 1980s: prob. a blend of billion and gazillion.

bazoo

//

n. US informal
1 a person's mouth.
2 a person's bottom.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Du. bazuin ‘trombone, trumpet’.

bazooka

n.
1 a short-range tubular rocket launcher used against tanks.
2 a kazoo shaped like a trumpet.

- ORIGIN 1930s: appar. from bazoo in the original sense ‘kazoo’.

bazoom

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a woman's breast.

- ORIGIN 1950s: prob. an alt. of bosom.

BB

symb.
1 Brit. double-black (used in describing grades of pencil lead).
2 N. Amer. a standard size of lead pellet used in air rifles.

BBC

abbrev. British Broadcasting Corporation.

bbl.

abbrev. barrels (especially of oil).

b-boy

n. informal, chiefly US a young man involved with hip-hop culture.

- ORIGIN 1980s: b- prob. from the noun beat or from break-dancing.

BBQ

abbrev. informal a barbecue.

BBS

abbrev. Computing bulletin board system.

BC

abbrev.
1 before Christ (placed after a date, indicating that it is before the Christian era).
2 British Columbia (in official postal use).

USAGE

BC is placed after the numerals, as in 72 BC (not BC 72). Compare with AD.

bcc

abbrev. blind carbon copy.

BCD

abbrev. binary coded decimal.

BCE

abbrev. before the Common Era (indicating dates before the Christian era, used especially by non-Christians).

B-cell

n. Physiology another term for B-lymphocyte.

BCG

abbrev. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, an anti-tuberculosis vaccine.

BD

abbrev.
1 Bachelor of Divinity.
2 Bangladesh (international vehicle registration).

Bde

abbrev. Brigade.

bdellium

//

n. a fragrant resin produced by a number of trees related to myrrh, used in perfumes.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk bdellion, of Semitic origin.

Bdr

abbrev. Brit. Bombardier.

BDS

abbrev. Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

BE

abbrev.
1 Bachelor of Education.
2 Bachelor of Engineering.
3 bill of exchange.

Be

symb. the chemical element beryllium.

be

v. (sing. present am; are; is; pl. present are; 1st and 3rd sing. past was; 2nd sing. past and pl. past were; present subjunctive be; past subjunctive were; present participle being; past part. been)
1 (usu. there is/are) exist; be present.
2 take place. occupy a position in space. stay in the same place or condition. come; go; visit.
3 (when connecting a subject and complement) having the specified state, nature, or role: Amy was 91. represent or signify.
aux. v.
1 used with a present participle to form continuous tenses.
2 used with a past participle to form the passive voice.
3 used to indicate something that is due to happen. used to express obligation or necessity. used to hypothesize about something that might happen.

- PHRASES
the be-all and end-all informal a feature of an activity that is of greater importance than any other.
not be oneself not feel in one's usual physical or mental state.
-to-be of the future: his bride-to-be.

- ORIGIN OE bon, an irregular verb whose full conjugation derives from several orig. distinct verbs; the forms am and is are rel. to L. sum and est.

be-

prefix forming verbs:
1 all over; all round: bespatter. thoroughly; excessively: bewilder.
2 (added to intransitive verbs and to adjectives and nouns) expressing transitive action: bemoan | befriend.
3 (added to nouns) affect with: befog. (added to adjectives) cause to be: befoul.
4 (forming adjectives ending in -ed) having; covered with: bejewelled.

- ORIGIN OE, weak form of b ‘by’.

beach

n. a pebbly or sandy shore at the edge of the sea or a lake.
v. bring on to a beach from the water. (with reference to a whale) become or cause to become stranded on a beach.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. rel. to OE bæce, bece ‘brook’.

beachcomber

n.
1 a person who searches beaches for articles of value.
2 a long wave rolling in from the sea.

beachfront

n. another term for seafront.

beachhead

n. a fortified position on a beach taken by landing forces.

Beach-la-mar

//

n. variant spelling of Bislama.

beach plum

n. a maritime shrub related to the plum, with edible fruit, found on the east coast of North America.   Prunus maritima.

beachside

adj. next to the beach.

beachwear

n. clothing suitable for wearing on the beach.

beacon

n.
1 a fire lit on the top of a hill as a signal.
2 a light serving as a signal for ships or aircraft.
3 a radio transmitter signalling the position of a ship or aircraft.

- ORIGIN OE bacn ‘sign, portent, ensign’, of W. Gmc origin.

bead

n.
1 a small, rounded piece of glass, stone, plastic, etc., perforated and typically threaded in a string with others to make a necklace or rosary.
2 a drop of a liquid on a surface.
3 a small knob forming the foresight of a gun.
4 the reinforced inner edge of a tyre.
5 an ornamental plaster moulding resembling a string of beads or having a semicircular cross section.
v.
1 decorate or cover with beads.
2 form into a string like beads.

- PHRASES
draw (or get) a bead on informal, chiefly N. Amer. take aim at with a gun.

- DERIVATIVES beaded adj. beading n.

- ORIGIN OE gebed ‘prayer’, of Gmc origin; current senses derive from the use of a rosary (each bead representing a prayer).

beadle

n. Brit.
1 a ceremonial officer of a church, college, or similar institution.
2 historical a minor parish officer dealing with petty offenders.

- ORIGIN OE bydel ‘a person who makes a proclamation’, influenced by OFr. bedel, ult. of Gmc origin.

beadsman

n. (pl. beadsmen) historical a pensioner provided for by a benefactor in return for prayers.

beadwork

n. decorative work made of beads.

beady

adj. (beadier, beadiest) (of a person's eyes) small, round, and observing things clearly.

- DERIVATIVES beadily adv. beadiness n.

beagle

n. a small, short-legged hound, kept as a pet or for hunting hares.
v. hunt with beagles.

- DERIVATIVES beagler n. beagling n.

- ORIGIN C15: perh. from OFr. beegueule ‘open-mouthed’.

beak^1

n.
1 a bird's horny projecting jaws; a bill. a projecting jaw in some other animals.
2 a projection at the prow of an ancient warship, used to pierce the hulls of enemy ships.

- DERIVATIVES beaked adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bec, from L. beccus, of Celtic origin.

beak^2

n. Brit. informal a magistrate or schoolmaster.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from criminals' sl.

beaked whale

n. a whale of a group with elongated jaws that form a beak, including the bottlenose whales.   Family Ziphiidae: several species.

beaker

n. Brit. a tall plastic drinking container. a lipped cylindrical glass container for laboratory use. archaic a large drinking container with a wide mouth.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON bikarr, perh. based on Gk bikos ‘drinking bowl’.

Beaker folk

pl. n. a late Neolithic and early Bronze Age European people named after the distinctive waisted pots (Beaker ware) associated with their burials.

beaky

adj. (of a person's nose) hooked.

beam

n.
1 a long sturdy piece of squared timber or metal used horizontally in building to support a load above. a narrow horizontal length of squared timber used for balancing exercises in gymnastics.
2 a horizontal beam supporting the deck and joining the sides of a ship. the direction of an object visible from the side of a ship when it is perpendicular to the centre line of the vessel: there was land in sight on the port beam. a ship's breadth at its widest point.
3 a ray or shaft of light. a directional flow of particles or radiation. a series of radio or radar signals emitted as a navigational guide.
4 a radiant smile.
5 the crossbar of a balance.
6 an oscillating shaft in a beam engine.
7 the shank of an anchor.
v.
1 transmit (a radio signal or broadcast) in a specified direction.
2 shine brightly.
3 smile radiantly.

- PHRASES
a beam in one's eye a fault that is greater in oneself than in the person one is finding fault with. [ORIGIN with biblical allusion to Matt. 7:3.]
off beam informal on the wrong track.
on her (or its) beam ends (of a ship) heeled over on its side.

- ORIGIN OE bam ‘tree, beam’, of W. Gmc origin.

beam compass

n. a compass for drawing large circles, consisting of a horizontal rod connected by sliding sockets to two vertical legs.

beam engine

n. a stationary steam engine with a large oscillating shaft that transmits the vertical movement of the pistons to a crank or pump.

Beamer

n. another term for Beemer.

beamer

n. Cricket a ball bowled directly at a batsman's head or upper body without bouncing.

beam sea

n. Nautical a sea which is rolling against a ship's side approximately at right angles.

beamy

adj. (beamier, beamiest) (of a ship) broad-beamed.

bean

n.
1 an edible kidney-shaped seed growing in long pods on certain leguminous plants.
2 a leguminous plant bearing beans in pods.   Phaseolus and other genera: numerous species.
3 the hard seed of coffee, cocoa, and certain other plants.
4 (N. Amer. also beans) [with neg.] informal a very small amount or nothing at all.
5 informal, dated a person's head.
v. informal, chiefly N. Amer. hit on the head.

- PHRASES
full of beans informal lively; in high spirits.
old bean Brit. informal, dated a friendly form of address.

- ORIGIN OE ban, of Gmc origin.

beanbag

n.
1 a small bag filled with dried beans and used in children's games.
2 a large cushion filled with polystyrene granules, used as a seat.

bean counter

n. informal an accountant or bureaucrat who places excessive emphasis on controlling expenditure and budgets.

bean curd

n. another term for tofu.

beanery

n. (pl. beaneries) N. Amer. informal a cheap restaurant.

beanfeast

n. Brit. informal a celebratory party with plentiful food and drink.

- ORIGIN C19: orig. denoting an annual dinner given to employees, which always featured beans and bacon.

bean goose

n. a grey goose with orange-yellow bill and legs, breeding in the arctic tundra of Lapland and Siberia.   Anser fabalis.

beanie

n. (pl. beanies) a small close-fitting hat worn on the back of the head.

- ORIGIN 1940s: perh. from bean (in the sense ‘head’) + -ie.

beano

n. (pl. beanos) Brit. informal a party.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of beanfeast.

beanpole

n. informal a tall, thin person.

bean sprouts

pl. n. the edible sprouting seeds of certain beans.

beanstalk

n. the stem of a bean plant.

bear^1

v. (past bore; past part. borne)
1 carry or convey. have as an attribute or visible mark.
2 support (a weight).
3 [with neg.] manage to tolerate: I can't bear it.
4 give birth to (a child). (of a tree or plant) produce (fruit or flowers).
5 turn and proceed in a specified direction: bear left.
6 (bear oneself) conduct oneself in a specified manner.

- PHRASES
bear someone a grudge nurture a feeling of resentment against someone.
bear in mind remember and take into account.
bear someone malice (or ill will) wish someone harm.
bear witness (or testimony) to testify to.
be borne in upon come to be realized by.
bring to bear
1 muster and use to effect.
2 aim (a weapon).

- PHRASES
bear down (of a woman in labour) exert downwards pressure in order to push the baby out.
bear down on approach in a purposeful or intimidating manner.
bear off (or away) Sailing change course away from the wind.
bear on be relevant to.
bear something out support or confirm something.
bear up remain cheerful in the face of adversity.
bear with be patient or tolerant with.

- DERIVATIVES bearable adj. bearability n. bearably adv.

- ORIGIN OE beran, of Gmc origin.

bear^2

n.
1 a large, heavy mammal which walks on the soles of its feet, having thick fur and a very short tail.   Family Ursidae: several species.
2 Stock Exchange a person who sells shares hoping to buy them back later at a lower price. Often contrasted with bull^1. [ORIGIN said to be from a proverb warning against ‘selling the bear's skin before one has caught the bear’.]
3 a rough or bad-mannered person.

- PHRASES
like a bear with a sore head Brit. informal very irritable.
loaded for bear N. Amer. informal fully prepared for a confrontation or challenge.

- ORIGIN OE bera, of W. Gmc origin.

bear-baiting

n. historical a form of entertainment which involved setting dogs to attack a captive bear.

bearberry

n. (pl. bearberries) a creeping dwarf shrub of the heather family, with pinkish flowers and bright red berries.   Genus Arctostaphylos: several species.

bearcat

n. a bear-like climbing mammal, especially the red panda.

beard

n.
1 a growth of hair on the chin and lower cheeks of a man's face. an animal's growth or marking that is likened to a beard, such as the gills of an oyster. a tuft of hairs or bristles on certain plants.
2 N. Amer. informal a woman who accompanies a homosexual man as an escort to a social occasion.
v. boldly confront or challenge (someone formidable).

- DERIVATIVES bearded adj. beardless adj.

- ORIGIN OE, of W. Gmc origin.

bearded dragon

(also bearded lizard)

n. a semi-arboreal Australian lizard with spiny scales and a large throat pouch bearing sharp spines.   Genus Pogona: several species.

bearded tit

n. a small long-tailed songbird of the parrotbill family, inhabiting reed beds.   Panurus biarmicus.

bearded vulture

n. another term for lammergeier.

bearer

n.
1 a person or thing that carries something.
2 a person who presents a cheque or other order to pay money. [as modifier] payable to the possessor: bearer bonds.

bear garden

(also bear pit)

n. a scene of uproar and confusion.

- ORIGIN C16, denoting a place set apart for bear-baiting.

beargrass

n. a North American plant with long, coarse, grass-like leaves, especially a wild yucca.

bear hug

n. a rough, tight embrace.

bearing

n.
1 a person's way of standing, moving, or behaving.
2 relation; relevance: the case has no bearing on the issues.
3 (bearings) a device in a machine that allows two parts to rotate or move in contact with each other with reduced friction.
4 the direction or position of something relative to a fixed point, normally measured in degrees and with magnetic north as zero. (one's bearings) awareness of one's position relative to one's surroundings.
5 Heraldry a device or charge.

bearing rein

n. a fixed rein which causes a horse to raise its head and arch its neck.

bearish

adj.
1 resembling or likened to a bear.
2 Stock Exchange characterized by falling share prices. inclined to sell because of an anticipated fall in prices.

- DERIVATIVES bearishly adv. bearishness n.

bear market

n. Stock Exchange a market in which share prices are falling, encouraging selling.

Béarnaise sauce

//

n. a rich sauce thickened with egg yolks and flavoured with tarragon.

- ORIGIN Béarnaise, fem. of Fr. béarnais ‘of Béarn’, a region of SW France.

bear pit

n. another term for bear garden.

bear's breech

n. a Mediterranean plant with large deep-cut leaves and tall spikes of purple-veined white flowers.   Acanthus mollis.

bear's ear

n. another term for auricula.

bear's foot

n. a hellebore with leaves that are said to resemble a bear's foot.

bearskin

n. a tall cap of black fur worn ceremonially by certain troops.

beast

n.
1 an animal, especially a large or dangerous mammal. a bovine farm animal.
2 an inhumanly cruel or depraved person.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. beste, based on L. bestia.

beastie

n. (pl. beasties) Scottish or humorous a small animal or insect.

beastly

Brit. informal

adj. (beastlier, beastliest) very unpleasant.
adv. dated to an extreme and unpleasant degree.

- DERIVATIVES beastliness n.

beast of burden

n. an animal that is used for carrying loads.

beast of prey

n. an animal, especially a mammal, that kills and eats other animals.

beat

v. (past beat; past part. beaten)
1 strike (a person or an animal) repeatedly and violently so as to hurt or punish them. strike repeatedly so as to make a noise. flatten or shape (metal) by striking it repeatedly with a hammer.
2 defeat in a game or other competitive situation. surpass (a record or score). overcome (a problem). informal baffle: it beats me how you manage it.
3 (of the heart) pulsate.
4 (of a bird) move (the wings) up and down.
5 stir (cooking ingredients) vigorously.
6 move across (an area of land) repeatedly striking at the ground cover in order to raise game birds for shooting.
7 Sailing sail into the wind, with repeated tacking.
n.
1 a main accent or rhythmic unit in music or poetry. a rhythm or rhythmic sound or movement. a pulsation of the heart. a periodic variation of sound or amplitude due to the combination of two sounds or other vibrations with similar but not identical frequencies.
2 the movement of a bird's wings.
3 an area allocated to a police officer and patrolled on foot. a spell of duty allocated to a police officer. a stretch of water fished by an angler.
4 a brief pause or moment of hesitation.
adj. informal completely exhausted.

- PHRASES
beat about the bush discuss a matter without coming to the point.
beat the bounds historical mark parish boundaries by walking round them and striking certain points with rods.
beat the clock perform a task within a fixed time limit.
beat a (hasty) retreat withdraw.
beat time indicate or follow a musical tempo with a baton or other means.
off the beaten track in or into an isolated place.
to beat the band informal, chiefly N. Amer. so as to surpass all competition.
- PHRASES
beat someone down force someone to reduce the price of something.
beat it informal leave a place.
beat off vulgar slang (of a man) masturbate.
beat someone/thing off succeed in resisting an attacker or an attack.
beat someone up assault someone by hitting them repeatedly. (beat oneself up) informal reproach or criticize oneself excessively.
beat up on someone North American way of saying beat someone up.

- DERIVATIVES beatable adj. beating n.

- ORIGIN OE batan, of Gmc origin.

beatbox

n. informal
1 a drum machine.
2 a radio or radio cassette player used to play loud music.

beater

n.
1 an implement or machine used for beating.
2 [in combination] a person who habitually hits someone: a wife-beater.
3 a person employed to raise game birds by beating the ground cover.
4 N. Amer. informal an old or dilapidated vehicle.

beat generation

n. a movement of young people in the 1950s and early 1960s who rejected conventional society, valuing self-expression and favouring modern jazz.

beatific

//

adj.
1 feeling or expressing blissful happiness.
2 Christian Theology imparting holy bliss.

- DERIVATIVES beatifically adv.

beatification

//

n. (in the Roman Catholic Church) declaration by the Pope that a dead person is in a state of bliss, constituting a first step towards canonization and permitting public veneration.

beatify

//

v. (beatifies, beatifying, beatified) (in the Roman Catholic Church) announce the beatification of.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. beatifier or eccles. L. beatificare, from L. beatus ‘blessed’.

beatitude

//

n.
1 supreme blessedness. (the Beatitudes) the blessings listed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3–11).
2 (His/Your Beatitude) a title given to patriarchs in the Orthodox Church.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. beatitude or L. beatitudo, from beatus ‘blessed’.

beatnik

n. a young person belonging to a subculture associated with the beat generation.

beat-up

adj. informal worn out by overuse.

beau

//

n. (pl. beaux or beaus //, //) dated
1 a boyfriend or male admirer.
2 a dandy.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘handsome’.

Beaufort scale

//

n. a scale of wind speed ranging from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane).

- ORIGIN C19: named after Sir Francis Beaufort, the English admiral who devised it.

beau geste

/ /

n. (pl. beaux gestes pronunc. same) a noble and generous act.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘splendid gesture’.

beau idéal

/ /

n. a person or thing representing the highest possible standard of excellence in a particular respect.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘ideal beauty’.

Beaujolais

//

n. a light red wine produced in the Beaujolais district of SE France.

Beaujolais Nouveau

/ /

n. a Beaujolais wine sold in the first year of a vintage.

- ORIGIN from Beaujolais + Fr. nouveau ‘new’.

beau monde

/ /

n. (the beau monde) fashionable society.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘fine world’.

Beaune

//

n. a red burgundy wine from the region around Beaune in eastern France.

beaut

// informal

n. an excellent or beautiful person or thing.
adj. Austral./NZ excellent.

beauteous

adj. literary beautiful.

beautician

n. a person whose job is to give facials and other beauty treatments.

beautiful

adj.
1 pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.
2 of a very high standard; excellent.

- DERIVATIVES beautifully adv.

beautify

v. (beautifies, beautifying, beautified) make beautiful.

- DERIVATIVES beautification n. beautifier n.

beauty

n. (pl. beauties)
1 a combination of qualities that delights the aesthetic senses.
2 [as modifier] denoting something intended to make someone more attractive: beauty treatment.
3 a beautiful woman.
4 an excellent example of something.
5 an attractive feature or advantage.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. beaute, based on L. bellus ‘beautiful, fine’.

beauty contest

n. a contest in which the winner is the woman judged the most beautiful.

beauty queen

n. a woman judged most beautiful in a beauty contest.

beauty salon

(also beauty parlour)

n. an establishment in which hairdressing, make-up, and similar cosmetic treatments are carried out professionally.

beauty sleep

n. humorous sleep considered to be essential in keeping one looking young and attractive.

beauty spot

n.
1 Brit. a place known for its beautiful scenery.
2 a small natural or artificial mole on a woman's face, considered to enhance her attractiveness.

beaux

plural form of beau.

beaux arts

/ /

pl. n.
1 fine arts.
2 (usu. Beaux Arts) [as modifier] relating to the classical decorative style maintained by the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the 19th century.

- ORIGIN from Fr. beaux-arts.

beaver^1

n. (pl. same or beavers)
1 a large semiaquatic broad-tailed rodent, noted for its habit of gnawing through trees to fell them in order to make lodges and dams.   Castor canadensis (N. America) and C. fiber (Eurasia). the soft light brown fur of the beaver. (also beaver hat) chiefly historical a hat made of felted beaver fur. (also beaver cloth) a heavy woollen cloth resembling felted beaver fur.
2 a very hard-working person.
3 (Beaver) a boy aged about 6 or 7 who is an affiliated member of the Scout Association.
v. (usu. beaver away) informal work hard.

- ORIGIN OE beofor, befor, of Gmc origin.

beaver^2

n. the lower part of the face guard of a helmet in a suit of armour.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. baviere ‘bib’, from baver ‘slaver’.

beaver^3

n.
1 vulgar slang, chiefly N. Amer. a woman's genitals or pubic area.
2 Brit. informal, dated a bearded man.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

beaverboard

n. chiefly N. Amer. a kind of fibreboard.

beaver lamb

n. lambskin made to look like beaver fur.

bebop

//

n. a type of jazz originating in the 1940s and characterized by complex harmony and rhythms.

- DERIVATIVES bebopper n.

- ORIGIN 1940s (orig. US): imitative of the typical rhythm of this music.

becalm

v. leave (a sailing ship) unable to move through lack of wind.

became

past participle of become.

becard

//, //

n. a small bird of the tyrant flycatcher family, found mainly in Central and South America.   Genus Pachyramphus: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. bécarde, from bec ‘beak’.

because

conj. for the reason that; since.

- PHRASES
because of by reason of.

- ORIGIN ME: from the phr. by cause, influenced by OFr. par cause de ‘by reason of’.

USAGE

When because follows a negative construction the meaning can be ambiguous. In the sentence he did not go because he was ill, for example, it is not clear whether it means either ‘the reason he did not go was that he was ill’ or ‘being ill wasn't the reason for him going; there was another reason’. Use a comma when the first interpretation is intended (he did not go, because he was ill), or avoid using because after a negative altogether. On the construction the reason … is because, see usage at reason.

béchamel

//

n. a rich white sauce made with milk infused with herbs and other flavourings.

- ORIGIN named after the Marquis Louis de Béchamel, who is said to have invented a similar sauce.

bêche-de-mer

//

n. (pl. same or bêches-de-mer pronunc. same)
1 a large sea cucumber which is eaten as a delicacy in China and Japan.
2 (Bêche-de-mer) another term for Bislama.

- ORIGIN C18: pseudo-Fr., alt. of Port. bicho do mar, lit. ‘sea worm’.

beck^1

n. N. English a stream.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON bekkr, of Gmc origin.

beck^2

n. archaic a gesture requesting attention, such as a nod or wave.

- PHRASES
at someone's beck and call always having to be ready to obey someone's orders.

- ORIGIN ME: abbreviated form of beckon.

becket

//

n. a loop of rope or similar device for securing loose items on a ship.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

beckon

v. make a gesture to encourage or instruct someone to approach or follow. summon in this way.

- ORIGIN OE becnan, bcnan, of W. Gmc origin.

becloud

v. literary make obscure or muddled.

become

v. (becomes, becoming; past became; past part. become)
1 begin to be. develop into. (of a person) qualify or be accepted as. (become of) (in questions) happen to.
2 (of clothing) look well on. be appropriate to (someone).

- ORIGIN OE becuman ‘come to a place, come to be or do something’ (see be-, come), of Gmc origin.

becoming

adj.
1 (of clothing) looking well on someone.
2 decorous.

- DERIVATIVES becomingly adv. becomingness n.

becquerel

// (abbrev.: Bq)

n. Physics the SI unit of radioactivity, corresponding to one disintegration per second.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French physicist A-H. Becquerel.

BEd

abbrev. Bachelor of Education.

bed

n.
1 a piece of furniture incorporating a mattress or other surface for sleeping or resting on. a place for a patient in a hospital. informal used with reference to a bed as a place for sexual activity.
2 an area of ground where flowers and plants are grown.
3 a flat base or foundation on which something rests or is supported. chiefly N. Amer. the open part of a truck or cart, where goods are carried.
4 a stratum or layer of rock.
5 the bottom of the sea or a lake or river. a place on the seabed where shellfish breed or are bred.
v. (beds, bedding, bedded)
1 provide with sleeping accommodation. (bed down) settle down for the night in an improvised place.
2 informal have sex with.
3 (bed something out) transfer a plant from a pot or seed tray to the ground.
4 fix firmly; embed. lay or arrange in a layer.

- PHRASES
bed and board lodging and food.
bed of nails a board with nails pointing out of it, as lain on by fakirs and ascetics.
a bed of roses [usu. with neg.] a situation or activity that is comfortable or easy.
be brought to bed archaic (of a woman) give birth to a child.
get out of bed on the wrong side start the day in a bad mood, which continues all day long.
put something to bed informal make a newspaper ready for press.

- DERIVATIVES bedded adj.

- ORIGIN OE bed, bedd (n.), beddian (v.), of Gmc origin.

bedabble

//

v. archaic stain or splash with dirty liquid or blood.

bedad

//

exclam. Irish used to express surprise or for emphasis.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of by God.

bed and breakfast

n. sleeping accommodation and breakfast provided in a guest house or hotel. a guest house.
v. (bed-and-breakfast) Brit. Stock Exchange sell (shares) and buy them back by agreement the next day.

bedaub

v. literary smear or daub with a sticky substance.

bedazzle

v. greatly impress with brilliance or skill.

- DERIVATIVES bedazzlement n.

bedbug

n. a bloodsucking wingless bug which sucks the blood of sleeping humans.   Cimex lectularius.

bedchamber

n. archaic a bedroom.

bedclothes

pl. n. coverings for a bed, such as sheets and blankets.

bedcover

n. Brit.
1 a bedspread.
2 (bedcovers) bedclothes.

beddable

//

adj. informal sexually attractive or available.

bedder

n.
1 a plant suitable for use as a bedding plant.
2 Brit. informal a servant employed to clean and tidy rooms in Cambridge colleges.
3 Brit. informal a house or flat with a specified number of bedrooms: a one-bedder.

bedding

n.
1 bedclothes. straw or similar material for animals to sleep on.
2 a base or bottom layer.
3 Geology the stratification or layering of rocks.

bedding plant

n. an annual plant produced for planting in a bed in the spring.

bedeck

v. decorate lavishly.

bedeguar

//

n. a reddish moss-like growth on rose bushes, caused by the developing larvae of a wasp.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. bédégar, from Pers. bd-war, lit. ‘wind-brought’.

bedel

//, // (also bedell)

n. (in some British universities) an official with largely ceremonial duties.

- ORIGIN ME: archaic spelling of beadle.

bedevil

v. (bedevils, bedevilling, bedevilled; US bedevils, bedeviling, bedeviled) cause continual trouble to.

- DERIVATIVES bedevilment n.

bedew

//

v. literary cover or sprinkle with drops of water.

bedfellow

n. a person or thing that is closely connected with another: politics can make strange bedfellows.

Bedford cord

n. a tough woven fabric with prominent ridges.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Bedford in central England.

bedhead

n. Brit. an upright board or panel fixed at the head of a bed.

bed-hop

v. informal engage in successive casual sexual affairs.

- DERIVATIVES bed-hopper n.

bedight

//

adj. archaic adorned.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of archaic bedight ‘equip, array’ (see be-, dight).

bedim

v. (bedims, bedimming, bedimmed) literary make dim.

bedizen

//, //

v. literary dress up or decorate gaudily.

- ORIGIN C17: from be- + obs. dizen ‘deck out’.

bedjacket

n. a soft loose jacket worn for extra warmth when sitting up in bed.

bed joint

n. a horizontal layer of mortar underneath a layer of masonry.

bedlam

//

n.
1 a scene of uproar and confusion.
2 archaic an asylum.

- ORIGIN ME: early form of Bethlehem, referring to the hospital of St Mary of Bethlehem in London, used as an asylum for the insane.

bedlinen

n. sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.

Bedlington terrier

//

n. a terrier of a breed with a narrow head, long legs, and curly grey hair.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the village of Bedlington in northern England, where the breed originated.

bedmaker

n. Brit. another term for bedder (in sense 2).

Bedouin

// (also Beduin)

n. (pl. same) a nomadic Arab of the desert.

- ORIGIN from OFr. beduin, based on Arab. badaw, (pl.) badawn ‘dwellers in the desert’, from badw ‘desert’.

bedpan

n. a receptacle used by a bedridden patient for urine and faeces.

bedplate

n. a metal plate forming the base of a machine.

bedpost

n. any of the four upright supports of a bedstead.

bedraggled

adj. dishevelled.

bedridden

adj. confined to bed by sickness or old age.

- ORIGIN ME: formed irregularly from archaic bedrid ‘bedridden person’, from the base of ride.

bedrock

n.
1 solid rock underlying loose deposits such as soil or alluvium.
2 the fundamental principles on which something is based.

bedroll

n. chiefly N. Amer. a sleeping bag or other bedding rolled into a bundle.

bedroom

n.
1 a room for sleeping in.
2 [as modifier] N. Amer. denoting a dormitory town or suburb.

Beds.

abbrev. Bedfordshire.

bedside

n. the space beside a bed.

- PHRASES
bedside manner a doctor's approach or attitude to a patient.

bedsit

(also bedsitter or bed-sitting room)

n. Brit. a rented room consisting of a combined bedroom and living room, with cooking facilities.

bedskirt

n. N. Amer. a valance for a bed.

bedsock

n. chiefly Brit. each of a pair of thick socks worn for extra warmth in bed.

bedsore

n. a sore that develops as a result of lying in bed in one position for a prolonged period.

bedspread

n. a decorative cloth used to cover a bed.

bedstead

n. the framework of a bed.

bedstraw

n. a herbaceous plant with small flowers and whorls of slender leaves, formerly used for stuffing mattresses.   Genus Galium: several species.

bedtime

n. the usual time when someone goes to bed.

Bedu

//

n. another term for Bedouin.

- ORIGIN from Arab. badw.

Beduin

n. variant spelling of Bedouin.

bed-warmer

n. a long-handled metal pan filled with warm coals, formerly used for warming a bed.

bed-wetting

n. involuntary urination during the night.

- DERIVATIVES bed-wetter n.

bee

n.
1 (also honeybee or hive bee) a stinging social insect which collects nectar and pollen from flowers and produces wax and honey.   Apis mellifera and other species.
2 an insect of a large group to which the honeybee belongs, including many solitary as well as social kinds.   Superfamily Apoidea.
3 a meeting for communal work or amusement: a sewing bee.

- PHRASES
the bee's knees informal an outstandingly good person or thing.
have a bee in one's bonnet informal be preoccupied or obsessed with something.

- ORIGIN OE bo, of Gmc origin.

bee bread

n. a compound of honey and pollen used as food by bees in the nest.

beech

n. a large tree with smooth grey bark, glossy leaves, and hard, pale, fine-grained wood.   Fagus sylvaticus (Europe) and other species.

- ORIGIN OE bce, of Gmc origin.

beechmast

n. the angular brown nuts of the beech tree, pairs of which are enclosed in a prickly case.

beechwood

n. the wood of the beech tree.

beedi

n. (pl. beedis) variant spelling of bidi.

bee-eater

n. a brightly coloured insectivorous bird with a downcurved bill and long central tail feathers.   Merops apiaster and other species.

beef

n.
1 the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox, used as food. (pl. beeves //) Farming a cow, bull, or ox fattened for its meat.
2 informal flesh with well-developed muscle. strength or power. the substance of a matter.
3 (pl. beefs) informal a complaint or grievance.
v. informal
1 (beef something up) give something more substance or strength.
2 complain.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boef, from L. bos, bov- ‘ox’.

beefalo

n. (pl. same or beefaloes) a hybrid animal of a cross between cattle and buffalo.

beefburger

n. a flat round cake of minced beef, fried or grilled and typically eaten in a bun.

beefcake

n. informal men with well-developed muscles.

beefeater

n. a Yeoman Warder or Yeoman of the Guard in the Tower of London.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. a derogatory term for a well-fed servant).

bee fly

n. a squat, hairy bee-like fly whose larvae are generally parasites of bees and wasps.   Family Bombyllidae: many species.

beefsteak

n. a thick slice of steak, especially rump steak.

beefsteak fungus

n. a reddish-brown bracket fungus which resembles raw beef.   Fistulina hepatica.

beef tea

n. Brit. a hot drink made with a beef extract.

beef tomato

(chiefly N. Amer. also beefsteak tomato)

n. a tomato of a large, firm variety.

beef Wellington

n. a dish consisting of beef coated in pâté and wrapped in puff pastry.

beefwood

n. a tropical hardwood tree with close-grained red wood.   Species in several families, in particular Casuarina equisetifolia.

beefy

adj. (beefier, beefiest)
1 informal muscular or robust. large and impressively powerful.
2 tasting like beef.

- DERIVATIVES beefily adv. beefiness n.

beehive

n.
1 a structure in which bees are kept, typically in the form of a dome or box.
2 a woman's domed and lacquered hairstyle popular in the 1960s.

- DERIVATIVES beehived adj.

bee-keeping

n. the occupation of owning and breeding bees for their honey.

- DERIVATIVES bee-keeper n.

beeline

n. (in phr. make a beeline for) hurry directly to.

- ORIGIN C19: with ref. to the straight line supposedly taken instinctively by a bee returning to the hive.

Beelzebub

//

n. a name for the Devil.

- ORIGIN from late L. Beëlzebub, translating Heb. baal zbb ‘lord of flies’, the name of a Philistine god, and Gk Beelzeboul ‘the Devil’.

Beemer

(also Beamer)

n. informal a car or motorcycle manufactured by BMW.

- ORIGIN representing a pronunc. of the first two letters of BMW.

been

past participle of be.

bee orchid

n. an orchid with a flower that resembles a bee.   Ophrys apifera and related species.

beep

n. a short, high-pitched sound emitted by electronic equipment or a vehicle horn.
v. produce a beep. chiefly N. Amer. summon with a device that beeps.

- DERIVATIVES beeper n.

- ORIGIN 1920s: imitative.

beer

n. an alcoholic drink made from yeast-fermented malt flavoured with hops.

- PHRASES
beer and skittles Brit. amusement or enjoyment.

- DERIVATIVES beerily adv. beeriness n. beery adj.

- ORIGIN OE bor, of W. Gmc origin, based on monastic L. biber ‘a drink’, from L. bibere ‘to drink’.

beer belly

(or beer gut)

n. informal a man's protruding stomach, caused by excessive consumption of beer.

- DERIVATIVES beer-bellied adj.

beer cellar

n.
1 an underground room for storing beer.
2 a basement bar where beer is served.

beer engine

n. Brit. a machine that draws up beer from a barrel in a cellar.

beer garden

n. a garden attached to a pub, where beer is served.

beerhouse

n. Brit. historical a pub licensed to sell beer but not spirits.

beer mat

n. a small cardboard mat for resting glasses on in a pub.

beer money

n. informal a small amount of money allowed or earned.

beer parlour

n. Canadian an establishment where beer is served.

beestings

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the first milk produced by a cow or goat after giving birth.

- ORIGIN OE bsting, of W. Gmc origin.

bee-stung

adj. informal (of a woman's lips) full and red.

beeswax

n.
1 the wax secreted by bees to make honeycombs, used in making wood polishes and candles.
2 N. Amer. informal a person's concern: that's none of your beeswax.
v. polish (furniture) with beeswax.

beeswing

//

n. a filmy crust on old port.

beet

n. a herbaceous plant cultivated as a source of food for humans and livestock, and for processing into sugar.   Beta vulgaris.

- ORIGIN OE bte, of W. Gmc origin, from L. beta, perh. of Celtic origin.

Beethovenian

//

adj. relating to the work of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827).

beetle^1

n.
1 an insect of a large order distinguished by having forewings modified into hard wing cases that cover and protect the hindwings and abdomen.   Order Coleoptera: many species.
2 Brit. a dice game in which a picture of a beetle is drawn or assembled.
v. informal make one's way hurriedly or with short, quick steps.

- ORIGIN OE bitula, bitela ‘biter’, from the base of btan ‘to bite’.

beetle^2

n.
1 a very heavy mallet.
2 a machine used for heightening the lustre of cloth by pressure from rollers.
v.
1 ram, crush, or drive in with a beetle.
2 finish (cloth) with a beetle.

- ORIGIN OE btel, of Gmc origin.

beetle^3

v. [usu. as adj. beetling] (especially of a person's eyebrows) project or overhang.

- DERIVATIVES beetle-browed adj.

- ORIGIN C16: back-form. from beetle-browed (ME).

beetle-crusher

n. Brit. humorous a large boot, shoe, or foot.

beetroot

n. chiefly Brit.
1 the edible dark-red spherical root of a variety of beet.
2 the variety of beet which produces beetroots.   Beta vulgaris.

beeves

plural form of beef (in sense 1 of the noun).

beezer

adj. Brit. informal, dated excellent.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from the earlier noun beezer, denoting something large or impressive.

BEF

abbrev. British Expeditionary Force.

befall

v. (past befell; past part. befallen) literary (especially of something bad) happen to.

- ORIGIN OE befeallan ‘to fall’.

befit

v. (befits, befitting, befitted) be appropriate for; suit.

- DERIVATIVES befitting adj. befittingly adv.

befog

v. (befogs, befogging, befogged) make confused.

befool

v. archaic make a fool of.

before

prep., conj., & adv.
1 during the period of time preceding.
2 in front of. in front of and required to answer to (a court of law, tribunal, or other authority).
3 in preference to; with a higher priority than.

- ORIGIN OE beforan (see by, fore), of Gmc origin.

beforehand

adv. in advance.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. influenced by OFr. avant main.

befoul

v. make dirty; pollute.

befriend

v. act as or become a friend to.

befuddle

v. [usu. as adj. befuddled] muddle or confuse.

- DERIVATIVES befuddlement n.

beg

v. (begs, begging, begged)
1 ask (someone) earnestly or humbly for something. ask for (something) earnestly or humbly: he begged their forgiveness. (beg off) withdraw from a promise or undertaking.
2 ask for food or money as charity.
3 (of a dog) sit up with the front paws raised expectantly in the hope of a reward.

- PHRASES
beg the question
1 (of a fact or action) invite an obvious question or point.
2 assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved, without arguing it.
beg yours Austral./NZ I beg your pardon.
go begging (of an article or opportunity) be available because unwanted by others.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from OE bedecian, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

The original meaning of the phrase beg the question is ‘assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved’. To some traditionalists this is still the only correct meaning. However, over the last 100 years or so another use has arisen: ‘invite an obvious question’. This is by far the commonest use today and is widely accepted.

begad

//

exclam. archaic expressing surprise or emphasis.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of by God; cf. bedad and gad^2.

began

past of begin.

begat

archaic past of beget.

beget

v. (begets, begetting; past begot; past part. begotten) archaic or literary
1 produce (a child).
2 bring about; cause.

- DERIVATIVES begetter n.

- ORIGIN OE begietan ‘get, obtain by effort’ (see be-, get).

beggar

n.
1 a person who lives by begging for food or money.
2 informal a person of a specified type: lucky beggar!
v. reduce to poverty.

- PHRASES
beggar belief (or description) be too extraordinary to be believed or described.

beggarly

adj.
1 meagre and ungenerous.
2 poverty-stricken.

- DERIVATIVES beggarliness n.

beggar-my-neighbour

n. a card game for two players in which the object is to acquire one's opponent's cards.
adj. (of national policy) self-aggrandizing at the expense of competitors.

beggary

n. a state of extreme poverty.

begging letter

n. a letter asking for a gift or donation.

begin

v. (begins, beginning; past began; past part. begun)
1 perform or undergo the first part of (an action or activity). (begin on/upon) set to work on. start speaking. (begin with) have as a first element. (begin at) (of a commodity) have as its lowest price.
2 come into being.
3 [with neg.] informal have any chance or likelihood of doing: I can't begin to describe my confusion.

- DERIVATIVES beginner n.

- ORIGIN OE beginnan, of Gmc origin.

beginning

n. the time or place at which something begins. the first or earliest part. (beginnings) a person's background or origin.

begone

exclam. archaic go away at once!

begonia

//

n. a herbaceous plant grown for its striking foliage and for its flowers, which have brightly coloured sepals but no petals.   Genus Begonia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the French amateur botanist Michel Bégon (1638–1710), who discovered the plant.

begorra

//

exclam. an exclamation of surprise traditionally attributed to the Irish.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of by God.

begot

past of beget.

begotten

past participle of beget.

begrime

v. blacken with ingrained dirt.

begrudge

v.
1 envy (someone) the possession or enjoyment of.
2 give reluctantly or resentfully.

- DERIVATIVES begrudger n. (chiefly Irish). begrudging adj. begrudgingly adv.

beguile

v.
1 charm or enchant. trick into doing something.
2 literary help (time) pass pleasantly.

- DERIVATIVES beguilement n. beguiler n. beguiling adj. beguilingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + obs. guile ‘to deceive’ (see guile).

beguine

//

n. a popular dance of Caribbean origin, similar to the foxtrot.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from W. Ind. Fr., from Fr. béguin ‘infatuation’.

begum

//

n. Indian a Muslim woman of high rank. (Begum) the title of a married Muslim woman, equivalent to Mrs.

- ORIGIN from Urdu begam, from Turk. bigim ‘princess’.

begun

past participle of begin.

behalf

n. (in phr. on (US also in) behalf of or on someone's behalf)
1 in the interests of a person, group, or principle.
2 as a representative of.

- ORIGIN ME: from a mixture of the earlier phrs on his halve and bihalve him, both meaning ‘on his side’.

behave

v.
1 act or conduct oneself in a specified way.
2 (also behave oneself) conduct oneself in accordance with accepted norms.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + have in the sense ‘bear oneself in a particular way’.

behaved

adj. conducting oneself in a specified way: a well-behaved child.

behaviour

(US behavior)

n. the way in which someone behaves. the way in which an animal or person responds to a situation or stimulus: the feeding behaviour of predators.

- ORIGIN ME: from behave, on the pattern of demeanour, and influenced by obs. haviour from have.

behavioural

(US behavioral)

adj. involving, relating to, or emphasizing behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES behaviourally adv.

behaviouralism

(US behavioralism)

n.
1 the methods and principles of the scientific study of animal (and human) behaviour.
2 advocacy of or adherence to a behavioural approach to social phenomena.

- DERIVATIVES behaviouralist n. & adj.

behavioural science

n. the scientific study of human and animal behaviour.

behaviourism

(US behaviorism)

n. Psychology the theory that human and animal behaviour can be explained in terms of conditioning, and that psychological disorders are best treated by altering behaviour patterns.

- DERIVATIVES behaviourist n. & adj. behaviouristic adj.

behaviour therapy

n. the treatment of neurotic symptoms by training the patient's reactions to stimuli.

behead

v. cut off the head of (someone), especially as a form of execution.

- ORIGIN OE behafdian; from be- + hafod (see head).

beheld

past and past participle of behold.

behemoth

//, //

n. a huge or monstrous creature.

- ORIGIN ME: from Heb. bhmt, intensive pl. of bhmh ‘beast’.

behest

//

n. (usu. at the behest of) literary a person's orders or command.

- ORIGIN OE behæs ‘a vow’, from a Gmc base meaning ‘bid’.

behind

prep. & adv.
1 at or to the far side of. hidden by.
2 further back than other members of a moving group.
3 in support of or giving guidance to. guiding, controlling, or responsible for (an event or plan).
4 after the departure or death of.
5 less advanced than in achievement or development.
6 having a lower score than (another competitor).
7 late in accomplishing a task. in arrears.
n.
1 informal a person's bottom.
2 Australian Rules a kick that sends the ball over a behind line, or a touch that sends it between the inner posts, scoring one point.

- ORIGIN OE behindan, bihindan, from bi ‘by’ + hindan ‘from behind’.

behindhand

adj. late or slow in doing something.

- ORIGIN C16: on the pattern of beforehand.

behind line

n. Australian Rules the line between an inner and outer goalpost.

behold

v. (past and past part. beheld) archaic or literary see or observe.

- DERIVATIVES beholder n.

- ORIGIN OE bihaldan, from bi- ‘thoroughly’ + haldan ‘to hold’.

beholden

adj. (usu. beholden to) owing gratitude for a service or favour.

- ORIGIN ME: archaic past part. of behold, in the otherwise unrecorded sense ‘bound’.

behoof

//

n. archaic benefit or advantage.

- ORIGIN OE behf, of W. Gmc origin.

behove

// (US behoove //)

v. (it behoves someone to do something) formal it is a duty, responsibility, or appropriate response for someone to do something.

- ORIGIN OE behfian, from behf (see behoof).

beige

n. a pale sandy fawn colour.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting a usu. undyed and unbleached woollen fabric of this colour): from Fr.

beignet

//

n. chiefly N. Amer.
1 a fritter.
2 a square of fried dough eaten hot sprinkled with icing sugar.

- ORIGIN Fr., from archaic buyne ‘hump, bump’.

being

n.
1 existence. living; being alive.
2 the nature or essence of a person.
3 a real or imaginary living creature: alien beings.

beira

//

n. a rare antelope found in Somalia and Ethiopia.   Dorcatragus megalotis.

- ORIGIN a local name.

beisa oryx

//

n. a gemsbok (antelope) native to the Horn of Africa.   Oryx gazella beisa.

- ORIGIN C19: from Amharic.

bejabers

// (also bejabbers //)

exclam. Irish expressing surprise.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of by Jesus.

bejesus

// (also bejeezus)

exclam. Irish & N. Amer. informal used to express surprise or for emphasis.

bejewelled

(US bejeweled)

adj. adorned with jewels.

bel

n. a unit of measurement used in comparing two sound intensities or electrical power levels, corresponding to an intensity ratio of 10 to 1.

- ORIGIN 1920s: named after Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone.

belabour

(US belabor)

v.
1 attack physically or verbally.
2 argue or discuss in excessive detail.

Belarusian

//, // (also Belarussian)

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Belarus in eastern Europe.
2 the Eastern Slavic language of Belarus.
adj. relating to Belarus, its people, or their language.

belated

adj. coming late or too late.

- DERIVATIVES belatedly adv. belatedness n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘overtaken by darkness’): past part. of obs. belate ‘delay’.

belay

//, //

v.
1 fix (a rope) round a rock, pin, or other object to secure it.
2 secure (a rock climber) using a belay.
3 nautical slang stop!
n.
1 an act of belaying.
2 a spike of rock or other object used for belaying.

- DERIVATIVES belayer n.

- ORIGIN C16: from be- + lay^1.

belaying pin

n. a fixed pin used on board ship and in rock climbing to secure a rope fastened around it.

bel canto

/ /

n. a lyrical style of operatic singing using a full, rich, broad tone.

- ORIGIN C19: Ital., lit. ‘fine song’.

belch

v.
1 emit wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth.
2 expel (smoke or flames) forcefully out or up.
n. an act of belching.

- ORIGIN OE belcettan, prob. imitative.

beldam

// (also beldame)

n. archaic an old woman.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bel ‘beautiful’ + dam^3.

beleaguer

v. [usu. as adj. beleaguered]
1 lay siege to.
2 put in a very difficult situation.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du. belegeren ‘camp round’.

belemnite

//

n. an extinct marine cephalopod mollusc with a bullet-shaped internal shell, typically found as fossils in deposits of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. belemnites, based on Gk belemnon ‘dart’.

belfry

n. (pl. belfries) the place in a bell tower or steeple in which bells are housed.

- ORIGIN ME berfrey, from OFr. berfrei, later belfrei, of W. Gmc origin.

Belgae

//, //

pl. n. an ancient Celtic people inhabiting Gaul north of the Seine and Marne Rivers.

- ORIGIN from L.

Belgian

n. a native or national of Belgium or a person of Belgian descent.
adj. relating to Belgium.

Belgian hare

n. a rabbit of a dark red long-eared domestic breed.

Belgic

//

adj. relating to the Belgae.

Belial

//

n. a name for the Devil.

- ORIGIN from Heb. bliyyaal ‘worthlessness’.

belie

v. (belies, belying, belied)
1 fail to give a true notion of.
2 fail to justify (a claim or expectation).

- ORIGIN OE belogan ‘deceive by lying’, from be- + logan ‘to lie’.

belief

n.
1 an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof. a firmly held opinion or conviction. a religious conviction.
2 (belief in) trust or confidence in.

- PHRASES
beyond belief astonishing; incredible.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of OE gelafa; cf. believe.

believe

v.
1 feel sure that (something) is true. accept the statement of (someone) as true. have religious faith.
2 (believe in) have faith in the truth or existence of.
3 (believe in) have confidence in.
4 think or suppose: I believe we've already met. (believe in) think that (something) is right or acceptable.

- DERIVATIVES believability n. believable adj. believably adv. believer n.

- ORIGIN OE belfan, belfan, alt. of gelfan, of Gmc origin.

Belisha beacon

//

n. (in the UK) an orange ball containing a flashing light, mounted on a post at each end of a zebra crossing.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after Leslie Hore-Belisha, Minister of Transport when the beacons were introduced.

belittle

v. dismiss as unimportant.

- DERIVATIVES belittlement n. belittler n. belittling adj. belittlingly adv.

Belizean

// (also Belizian)

n. a native or inhabitant of Belize, a country on the Caribbean coast of Central America.
adj. relating to Belize.

bell^1

n.
1 a hollow object, typically made of metal and in the shape of a deep inverted cup, that sounds a clear musical note when struck. the sound or stroke of a bell, used as a signal.
2 (bells) a musical instrument consisting of a set of metal tubes, suspended in a frame and played by being struck.
3 Nautical (preceded by a numeral) the time as indicated every half-hour of a watch by the striking of the ship's bell one to eight times: at five bells in the forenoon of June 11.
4 something bell-shaped, in particular the end of a trumpet.
v.
1 summon or indicate with a bell.
2 flare outwards in the shape of a bell.

- PHRASES
bell the cat take the danger of a shared enterprise upon oneself. [ORIGIN an allusion to a fable in which the mice suggest hanging a bell around the cat's neck to have warning of its approach.]
bells and whistles attractive additional features or trimmings.
(as) clear (or sound) as a bell perfectly clear (or sound).
give someone a bell Brit. informal telephone someone.
ring a bell informal revive a distant recollection.

- ORIGIN OE belle, of Gmc origin; perh. rel. to bell^2.

bell^2

n. the cry of a stag or buck at rutting time.
v. (of a stag or buck) make this cry.

- ORIGIN OE bellan ‘to bellow’, of Gmc origin.

belladonna

//

n. deadly nightshade. a drug made from belladonna, containing atropine.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L., from Ital. bella donna ‘fair lady’, perh. from the cosmetic use of its juice to dilate the pupils.

bellbird

n.
1 a tropical American bird of the cotinga family with a loud explosive call.   Genus Procnias.
2 an Australasian songbird with ringing bell-like calls.   Anthornis melanura (New Zealand) and other species.

bell-bottoms

pl. n. trousers with a wide flare below the knee.

- DERIVATIVES bell-bottomed adj.

bellboy

n. chiefly N. Amer. a porter in a hotel or club.

bell curve

n. Mathematics a graph of a normal (Gaussian) distribution, with a large rounded peak tapering away at each end.

belle

//

n. a beautiful girl or woman.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., fem. of beau ‘beautiful’.

belle époque

/ /

n. the period of settled and comfortable life preceding the First World War.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘fine period’.

belles-lettres

//

pl. n. literary works written and read for their aesthetic effect.

- DERIVATIVES belletrism // n. belletrist n. belletristic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘fine letters’.

bellflower

n. a plant with blue, purple, or white bell-shaped flowers.   Genus Campanula: many species.

bell heather

n. a common heather with purplish-red flowers.   Erica cinerea.

bellhop

n. N. Amer. another term for bellboy.

bellicose

//

adj. aggressive; ready to fight.

- DERIVATIVES bellicosity // n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. bellicosus, from bellicus ‘warlike’, from bellum ‘war’.

belligerence

// (also belligerency)

n. aggressive or warlike behaviour.

belligerent

adj. hostile and aggressive. engaged in a war or conflict.
n. a nation or person engaged in war or conflict.

- DERIVATIVES belligerently adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. belligerant-, belligerare ‘wage war’, from bellum ‘war’.

Bellini

//

n. (pl. Bellinis) a cocktail consisting of peach juice mixed with champagne.

- ORIGIN named after the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini (c.1430–1516): the cocktail is said to have been invented in Venice during an exhibition of his works.

bell jar

n. a bell-shaped glass cover for use in a laboratory.

bellman

n. (pl. bellmen) historical a town crier.

bell metal

n. an alloy of copper and tin for making bells, with a higher tin content than in bronze.

bellow

v. emit a loud, deep roar, typically in pain or anger. shout or sing very loudly.
n. a loud, deep shout or sound.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OE bylgan.

bellows

pl. n.
1 a device with an air bag that emits a stream of air when squeezed together with two handles, used for blowing air into a fire. a similar device used in a harmonium or small organ.
2 an object or device with concertinaed sides to allow it to expand and contract, such as a tube joining a lens to a camera body.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from OE belga, pl. of belig (see belly).

bell pepper

n. North American term for sweet pepper.

bell pull

n. a cord or handle which rings a bell when pulled.

bell push

n. Brit. a button that operates an electric bell when pushed.

bell-ringing

n. the activity or pastime of ringing church bells or handbells.

- DERIVATIVES bell-ringer n.

Bell's palsy

n. paralysis of the facial nerve causing muscular weakness in one side of the face.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Scottish anatomist Sir Charles Bell, who first described it.

bell tent

n. a cone-shaped tent supported by a central pole.

bellwether

n.
1 the leading sheep of a flock, often with a bell on its neck.
2 a leader or indicator of a trend.

belly

n. (pl. bellies)
1 the front part of the human trunk below the ribs, containing the stomach and bowels. the stomach. (also belly pork) a cut of pork from the underside between the legs.
2 the rounded underside of a ship or aircraft.
3 the top surface of an instrument of the violin family, over which the strings are placed.
v. (bellies, bellying, bellied) swell or cause to swell or bulge.

- PHRASES
go belly up informal go bankrupt.

- DERIVATIVES -bellied adj.

- ORIGIN OE belig ‘bag’, of Gmc origin.

bellyache

informal

n. a stomach pain.
v. complain noisily or persistently.

- DERIVATIVES bellyacher n.

belly button

n. informal a person's navel.

belly dance

n. a style of dance originating in the Middle East, performed by women and involving undulating movements of the belly and gyration of the hips.

- DERIVATIVES belly dancer n. belly dancing n.

bellyflop

informal

n. a dive into water, landing flat on one's front.
v. (bellyflops, bellyflopping, bellyflopped) perform a bellyflop.

bellyful

n. (pl. bellyfuls) a sufficient amount to eat.

- PHRASES
have a (or one's) bellyful informal have more than enough of something.

belly laugh

n. a loud unrestrained laugh.

belong

v.
1 (belong to) be the property of. be the rightful possession of; be due to.
2 (belong to) be a member of. (of a person) fit or be acceptable in a specified place or environment.
3 (of a thing) be rightly placed in or assigned to a specified position.

- DERIVATIVES belonging n. belongingness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + long ‘belong’, based on OE gelang ‘together with’.

belongings

pl. n. a person's movable possessions.

Belorussian

(also Byelorussian)

n. & adj. another term from Belarusian.

beloved

adj. dearly loved.
n. a much loved person.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of obs. belove ‘be pleasing’, later ‘love’.

below

prep. & adv.
1 at a lower level than. [as adv.] Nautical below deck.
2 lower than (a specified amount, rate, or norm).
3 (in printed text) mentioned further down.

- PHRASES
below stairs Brit. dated in the basement of a house as occupied by servants.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + low^1.

below decks

(also below deck)

adj. & adv. in or into the space below the main deck of a ship.
n. (belowdecks) the space below the main deck of a ship.

Bel Paese

/ /, //

n. trademark a rich, mild, creamy white cheese of a kind originally made in Italy.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘fair country’.

belt

n.
1 a strip of leather or other material worn round the waist to support or hold in clothes or to carry weapons. a belt worn as a sign of rank or achievement, as in judo, karate, or similar sports. (the belt) the punishment of being struck with a belt.
2 a continuous band of material used in machinery for transferring motion from one wheel to another.
3 a strip or encircling area of a specified kind: the asteroid belt.
4 informal a heavy blow.
v.
1 fasten or secure with a belt.
2 beat or hit very hard. (belt something out) informal sing or play something loudly and without finesse.
3 informal rush or dash in a specified direction.
4 (belt up) Brit. informal be quiet.

- PHRASES
below the belt unfair; disregarding the rules.
belt and braces Brit. providing double security, by using more than one means to the same end.
tighten one's belt cut one's expenditure.
under one's belt safely or satisfactorily achieved, experienced, or acquired.

- DERIVATIVES belted adj. belting n.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin, from L. balteus ‘girdle’.

Beltane

//

n. an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May Day.

- ORIGIN ME: from Sc. Gaelic bealltainn.

belted galloway

n. an animal belonging to a variety of the galloway breed of cattle, with a broad white band across its body.

belter

n. informal
1 an outstanding example of something.
2 a loud, forceful singer or song.

beltman

n. (pl. beltmen) Austral./NZ a member of a life-saving team who swims out, wearing a belt with a line attached, to help those in difficulty.

beltway

n. US a ring road.

beluga

//

n. (pl. same or belugas)
1 a small white toothed whale of Arctic coastal waters, related to the narwhal.   Delphinapterus leucas.
2 a very large sturgeon occurring in the inland seas and rivers of central Eurasia, from which caviar is obtained.   Huso huso.

- ORIGIN C16: from Russ. belukha, beluga, from bely ‘white’.

belvedere

//

n. a summer house or open-sided gallery positioned to command a fine view.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital., lit. ‘fair sight’.

belying

present participle of belie.

BEM

abbrev. British Empire Medal.

bema

//

n. (pl. bemas or bemata //)
1 the altar part in ancient and Orthodox churches.
2 the platform from which orators spoke in ancient Athens.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk bma ‘step, raised place’.

Bemba

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of an African people of Zambia.
2 the Bantu language of the Bemba.

- ORIGIN the name in Bemba.

bemire

//

v. archaic cover or stain with mud.

bemoan

v. lament or express sorrow for.

bemuse

v. [usu. as adj. bemused] confuse or bewilder.

- DERIVATIVES bemusedly adv. bemusement n.

- ORIGIN C18: from be- + muse^2.

ben^1

n. Scottish a high mountain: Ben Nevis.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sc. Gaelic and Ir. beann.

ben^2

n. (usu. in phr. but and ben) Scottish the inner room in a two-roomed cottage.

- ORIGIN C18: dial. var. of ME binne ‘within’, from OE binnan.

bench

n.
1 a long seat for more than one person.
2 a long, sturdy work table in a workshop or laboratory.
3 (the bench) the office of judge or magistrate. a judge or magistrate presiding over a particular case.
4 (the bench) a seat at the side of a sports field for coaches and players not taking part in a game.
5 a platform on which dogs are exhibited at shows.
v.
1 exhibit (a dog) at a show.
2 N. Amer. withdraw (a sports player) from play.

- ORIGIN OE benc, of Gmc origin; see word history at bank^1.

bencher

n. Law (in the UK) a senior member of any of the Inns of Court.

benchmark

n.
1 a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.
2 a surveyor's mark cut in a wall or building and used as a reference point in measuring altitudes.
v. evaluate or check by comparison with a benchmark.

bench press

n. a bodybuilding and weightlifting exercise in which a lifter lies on a bench with feet on the floor and raises a weight with both arms.
v. (bench-press) raise (a weight) in a bench press.

bench test

(also bench run)

n. a test carried out on a machine, a component, or software before it is released.
v. (bench-test) run a bench test on.

bend^1

v. (past and past part. bent)
1 shape or force (something straight) into a curve or angle. (of a road, river, or path) deviate from a straight line.
2 (of a person) incline the body downwards; stoop.
3 interpret or modify (a rule) to suit oneself.
4 direct (one's attention or energies) to a task.
5 Nautical attach (a sail or cable) by means of a knot.
n.
1 a curved or angled part. a curve in a road, path, or river.
2 a kind of knot used to join two ropes together, or one rope to another object.
3 (the bends) [treated as sing.] decompression sickness.

- PHRASES
bend someone's ear informal talk to someone, especially at length or to ask a favour.
bend one's elbow N. Amer. informal drink alcohol.
round (or US around) the bend informal mad.

- DERIVATIVES bendable adj. bendiness n. bendy adj. (bendier, bendiest).

- ORIGIN OE bendan ‘put in bonds, tension a bow by means of a string’, of Gmc origin.

bend^2

n. Heraldry a broad diagonal stripe from top left to bottom right of a shield.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. bande, OFr. bende ‘flat strip’.

bender

n.
1 a drinking bout.
2 Brit. a shelter made by covering a framework of bent branches with canvas.
3 Brit. informal, derogatory a male homosexual.

bendlet

n. Heraldry a bend of half the normal width, usually borne in groups of two or three.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from OFr. bendel ‘little bend’ + -et^1.

bend sinister

n. Heraldry a broad diagonal stripe from top right to bottom left of a shield (a supposed sign of bastardy).

beneath

prep. & adv.
1 extending or directly underneath.
2 [as prep.] of lower status or worth than: he is rather beneath her.

- ORIGIN OE binithan, bineothan, from bi (see by) + nithan, neothan ‘below’, of Gmc origin.

benedicite

//

n. a blessing, especially a grace said at table in religious communities.

- ORIGIN L., ‘bless you!’, pl. imper. from benedicere ‘wish well’; the first word of the Latin canticle Benedicte, omnia opera.

Benedictine

//

n.
1 a monk or nun of a Christian religious order following the rule of St Benedict.
2 trademark a liqueur based on brandy, originally made by Benedictine monks in France.
adj. of St Benedict or the Benedictines.

benediction

n. the utterance or bestowing of a blessing. (Benediction) a Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament. the state of being blessed.

- DERIVATIVES benedictory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. benedictio(n-), from benedicere ‘bless’, from bene ‘well’ + dicere ‘say’.

Benedictus

//

n. Christian Church
1 an invocation beginning Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini (Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord), forming a set part of the Mass.
2 a canticle beginning Benedictus Dominus Deus (Blessed be the Lord God), from Luke 1:68–79.

- ORIGIN L., ‘blessed’, past part. of benedicere ‘bless’.

benefaction

//

n. formal a donation or gift.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. benefactio(n-), from bene facere ‘do good (to)’.

benefactor

n. a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.

- DERIVATIVES benefactress n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from bene facere ‘do good (to)’.

benefice

//

n. a Church office, typically that of a rector or vicar, for which property and income are provided in respect of pastoral duties.

- DERIVATIVES beneficed adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. beneficium ‘favour, support’, from bene facere ‘do good (to)’.

beneficent

//

adj. doing good or resulting in good.

- DERIVATIVES beneficence n. beneficently adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. beneficent-, from bene facere ‘do good (to)’.

beneficial

adj.
1 favourable or advantageous.
2 Law relating to rights to the use or benefit of property, other than legal title.

- DERIVATIVES beneficially adv.

beneficiary

n. (pl. beneficiaries) a person who gains benefit from something, especially a trust or will.

benefit

n.
1 an advantage or profit gained from something.
2 a payment made by the state or an insurance scheme to someone entitled to receive it, e.g. an unemployed person.
3 a public performance designed to raise money for a charity.
v. (benefits, benefiting or benefitting, benefited or benefitted) receive an advantage; profit. bring advantage to.

- PHRASES
benefit of clergy
1 exemption of the English clergy and nuns from the jurisdiction of the ordinary civil courts (abolished in 1827).
2 ecclesiastical sanction or approval.
the benefit of the doubt a concession that a person or fact must be regarded as correct, if the contrary has not been proven.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bienfet, from L. benefactum ‘good deed’, from bene facere ‘do good (to)’.

benefit society

n. another term for friendly society.

benevolent

adj.
1 well meaning and kindly.
2 (of an organization) serving a charitable rather than a profit-making purpose.

- DERIVATIVES benevolence n. benevolently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. benivolent, from L. bene volent- ‘well wishing’, from bene ‘well’ + velle ‘to wish’.

BEng

abbrev. Bachelor of Engineering.

Bengali

//

n. (pl. Bengalis)
1 a native or inhabitant of Bengal.
2 the Indic language of Bangladesh and West Bengal, written in a script similar to the Devanagari script.
adj. relating to Bengal, its people, or their language.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bangl.

Bengal light

n. a kind of firework giving off a blue flame and used for lighting or signalling.

benighted

adj.
1 in a state of intellectual or moral ignorance.
2 archaic overtaken by darkness.

- DERIVATIVES benightedness n.

- ORIGIN C16: past part. of archaic benight.

benign

//

adj.
1 genial and kindly.
2 favourable; not harmful. Medicine (of a tumour) not malignant.

- DERIVATIVES benignity // n. benignly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. benigne, from L. benignus, prob. from bene ‘well’ + -genus ‘-born’.

benignant

//

adj. less common term for benign.

- DERIVATIVES benignancy n. benignantly adv.

benign neglect

n. non-interference which has the effect of being more beneficial than continual attention.

Beninese

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Benin, a country in West Africa.
adj. relating to Benin or its people.

benison

//, //

n. literary a blessing.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. beneiçun, from L. benedictio (see benediction).

benne

//

n. US term for sesame.

- ORIGIN C18: from Malay bene.

bent^1

past and past participle of bend^1.
adj.
1 sharply curved or having an angle.
2 Brit. informal dishonest; corrupt.
3 Brit. informal, derogatory homosexual.
4 (bent on) determined to do or have.
n. a natural talent or inclination.

- PHRASES
bent out of shape N. Amer. informal angry or agitated.

bent^2

n.
1 a stiff grass which is used for lawns and in hay grasses.   Agrostis capillaris and other species.
2 archaic or dialect a heath or unenclosed pasture.

- ORIGIN ME: from OE beonet, of W. Gmc origin.

Benthamism

//

n. the utilitarian philosophy of Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), which holds that the proper object of society is to secure the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

- DERIVATIVES Benthamite n. & adj.

benthos

//

n. Ecology the flora and fauna found on the bottom of a sea or lake.

- DERIVATIVES benthic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, ‘depth of the sea’.

bento

//

n. (pl. bentos) a lacquered or decorated wooden Japanese lunch box. a Japanese-style packed lunch, consisting of rice, vegetables, sashimi, etc.

- ORIGIN Japanese.

bentonite

//

n. a kind of absorbent clay formed by breakdown of volcanic ash, used especially as a filler.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of Fort Benton in Montana, US, where it is found, + -ite^1.

ben trovato

/ /

adj. (of a story) invented but appropriate or plausible.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘well found’.

bentwood

n. wood that is artificially shaped for use in making furniture.

Benue-Congo

//

n. a major branch of the Niger–Congo family of languages, including Efik and Fula.

- ORIGIN from the names of rivers.

benumb

v. deprive of feeling.

- ORIGIN C15: from obs. benome, past part. of benim ‘deprive’, from be- + OE niman ‘take’.

Benzedrine

//

n. trademark for amphetamine.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from benzoic acid and ephedrine.

benzene

//

n. Chemistry a volatile liquid hydrocarbon present in petroleum, having a hexagonal ring-shaped molecule which is the basis of most aromatic organic compounds.   C_6H_6.

- DERIVATIVES benzenoid adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from benzoic acid + -ene.

benzene ring

n. Chemistry the hexagonal unsaturated ring of six carbon atoms present in benzene and many other aromatic molecules.

benzine

// (also benzin //)

n. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting benzene): from benzoin + -ine^4.

benzoate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of benzoic acid.

benzodiazepine

//, //

n. Medicine any of a class of heterocyclic organic compounds used as tranquillizers, such as Librium and Valium.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from benzene + di-1 + azo- + epi- + -ine^4.

benzoic acid

n. Chemistry a white crystalline compound present in benzoin and other plant resins, used as a food preservative.

benzoin

//

n.
1 (also gum benzoin) a fragrant gum resin obtained from certain East Asian storax trees.
2 Chemistry a crystalline aromatic ketone present in benzoin.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. benjoin, based on Arab. lubnjw ‘incense of Java’.

benzol

// (also benzole //)

n. crude benzene, formerly used as a fuel.

benzopyrene

// (also benzpyrene)

n. Chemistry a polycyclic hydrocarbon which is the major carcinogen present in cigarette smoke.

benzoquinone

//

n. Chemistry a yellow crystalline compound related to benzene but having two hydrogen atoms replaced by oxygen.

benzoyl

/ /

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the acyl radical –C(O)C_6H_5, derived from benzoic acid.

benzyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the radical –CH_2C_6H_5, derived from toluene.

bequeath

//

v. leave (property) to a person or other beneficiary by a will. hand down or pass on.

- DERIVATIVES bequeathal n. bequeather n.

- ORIGIN OE becwethan, from be- + cwethan ‘say’ (see quoth).

bequest

n. the action of bequeathing. something that is bequeathed.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + OE cwis ‘speech’.

berate

v. scold or criticize angrily.

- ORIGIN C16: from be- + rate^2.

Berber

//

n.
1 a member of the indigenous people of North Africa.
2 the Afro-Asiatic language of the Berbers.

- ORIGIN from Arab. barbar, from Gk barbaros ‘foreigner’ (see barbarian).

berberis

//

n. a plant of a genus that comprises the barberries.   Genus Berberis.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. and OFr., from med. L. barbaris.

berceuse

//

n. (pl. berceuses pronunc. same) a lullaby.

- ORIGIN Fr., from bercer ‘to rock’.

bereave

v. (be bereaved) be deprived of a close relation or friend through their death.

- DERIVATIVES bereavement n.

- ORIGIN OE berafian (see be-, reave).

bereft

adj.
1 (bereft of) deprived of or lacking: her room was bereft of colour.
2 lonely and abandoned.

- ORIGIN C16: archaic past part. of bereave.

beret

//, //

n. a round flattish cap of felt or cloth.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. béret ‘Basque cap’, from Old Provençal berret, based on late L. birrus ‘hooded cape’.

berg^1

//

n. short for iceberg.

berg^2

//

n. S. African a mountain or hill.

- ORIGIN from Du.

bergamot^1

//

n.
1 an oily substance extracted from a variety of Seville orange, used in cosmetics and as flavouring in Earl Grey tea.
2 (also bergamot orange) the tree bearing this variety of orange.
3 an aromatic North American herb of the mint family.   Monarda didyma and other species.

- ORIGIN C17: named after Bergamo in northern Italy.

bergamot^2

//

n. a dessert pear of a rich, sweet variety.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. bergamotte, from Ital. bergamotta, from Turk. begarmudu ‘prince's pear’.

bergenia

//

n. an evergreen Asian plant with large, thick leaves and typically pink, red, or purple flowers.   Genus Bergenia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the 18th-cent. German botanist Karl A. von Bergen.

bergschrund

//

n. a crevasse at the head of a glacier.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., from Berg ‘mountain’ + Schrund ‘crevice’.

berg wind

n. S. African a hot dry northerly wind blowing from the interior to coastal districts.

beribboned

adj. decorated with many ribbons.

beriberi

//

n. a disease causing inflammation of the nerves and heart failure, ascribed to a deficiency of vitamin B_1.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sinhalese, from beri ‘weakness’.

Beringian

//

adj. relating to Beringia, the region surrounding the Bering Strait, especially in the geological past when a land bridge connected Siberia and Alaska in this area.

berk

//

n. Brit. informal a stupid person.

- ORIGIN 1930s: abbrev. of Berkeley or Berkshire Hunt, rhyming sl. for ‘cunt’.

berkelium

//, //

n. the chemical element of atomic number 97, an unstable radioactive metal of the actinide series. (Symbol: Bk)

- ORIGIN 1949: from the University of Berkeley in California (where it was first made) + -ium.

Berks.

abbrev. Berkshire.

Berliner

n. a native or citizen of Berlin.

berm

//

n. a raised bank or flat strip of land bordering a river, canal, or road. an artificial ridge or embankment. a narrow ledge, especially one between a ditch and the base of a parapet.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a narrow space): from Fr. berme.

Bermudan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Bermuda.
adj. relating to Bermuda or its people.

- DERIVATIVES Bermudian adj. & n.

Bermuda rig

n. Sailing a fore-and-aft yachting rig with a tall tapering mainsail.

Bermuda shorts

(also Bermudas)

pl. n. casual knee-length shorts.

berry

n. (pl. berries)
1 a small roundish juicy fruit without a stone. Botany any fruit that has its seeds enclosed in a fleshy pulp, for example a banana or tomato.
2 a fish egg or roe of a lobster or similar creature.

- DERIVATIVES berried adj. berrying n.

- ORIGIN OE berie, of Gmc origin.

berserk

//, //

adj. out of control; wild or frenzied.
n. (also berserker) an ancient Norse warrior who fought with frenzy.

- ORIGIN Berserk was first used in English in the early 19th century, in reference to ancient Norse warriors, berserkers, who fought with furious violence. The word derives from Old Norse berserkr, probably from bjorn ‘bear’ + serkr ‘coat’; it has been suggested that warriors performed a war dance wearing bearskins to imbue them with the bear's strength before battle. The word has also been explained as being from berr ‘bare’ (i.e. without armour).

berth

n.
1 a fixed bunk on a ship or train.
2 a ship's allotted place at a wharf or dock.
v.
1 moor or be moored in a berth.
2 provide a berth for (a passenger).

- PHRASES
give someone/thing a wide berth stay well away from someone or something.

- DERIVATIVES berthing n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘adequate sea room’): prob. from a naut. use of bear^1 + -th^2.

bertha

n. chiefly historical a deep collar, typically of lace, attached to the top of a low neckline.

- ORIGIN C19: from the given name Bertha.

beryl

//

n. a transparent pale green, blue, or yellow mineral consisting of a silicate of beryllium and aluminium, sometimes used as a gemstone.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. beril, via L. from Gk brullos.

beryllium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 4, a hard grey metal which is the lightest of the alkaline earth metals. (Symbol: Be)

beseech

v. (past and past part. besought or beseeched) literary ask (someone) urgently and fervently for something.

- DERIVATIVES beseeching adj. beseechingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + OE scan (see seek).

beset

v. (besets, besetting, beset)
1 trouble or harass persistently. surround or attack from all sides.
2 (be beset with) archaic be covered or studded with.

- ORIGIN OE besettan, from be- + settan (see set^1).

beside

prep.
1 at the side of; next to. compared with.
2 in addition to; apart from.

- PHRASES
beside oneself distraught.

- ORIGIN OE be sdan (adv.) ‘by the side’.

besides

prep. in addition to; apart from.
adv. in addition; as well. used to introduce an additional idea or explanation.

besiege

v.
1 surround (a place) with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender.
2 crowd round oppressively. (be besieged) be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints.

- DERIVATIVES besieger n.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of assiege, from OFr. asegier.

besmear

v. literary smear or cover with (something).

besmirch

//

v.
1 damage (someone's reputation).
2 literary make dirty; soil.

besom

//, //

n.
1 a broom made of twigs tied round a stick.
2 Scottish & N. English derogatory a woman or girl.

- ORIGIN OE besema, of W. Gmc origin.

besotted

//

adj.
1 strongly infatuated.
2 archaic intoxicated; drunk.

- ORIGIN C16: past part. of besot ‘make foolishly affectionate’, from be- + sot.

besought

past and past participle of beseech.

bespangle

v. literary adorn with something that sparkles.

bespatter

v. spatter with liquid.

bespeak

v. (past bespoke; past part. bespoken)
1 be evidence of.
2 order or reserve in advance.
3 archaic speak to.

- ORIGIN OE bisprecan ‘speak out’ (see be-, speak), later ‘discuss, decide on’.

bespectacled

adj. wearing glasses.

bespoke

adj. Brit. (of goods) made to order. (of a computer program) written or adapted for a specific user or purpose.

besprinkle

v. literary sprinkle with liquid, powder, etc.

Bessemer process

n. a steel-making process, now largely superseded, in which carbon, silicon, and other impurities are removed from molten pig iron by oxidation in a blast of air in a special tilting retort (a Bessemer converter).

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English engineer Sir Henry Bessemer, who developed it.

best

adj. of the most excellent or desirable type or quality. most appropriate, advantageous, or well advised.
adv. to the highest degree; most. to the highest standard. most suitably, appropriately, or usefully.
n. (the best) that which is the most excellent or desirable. (one's best) the highest standard or level attainable. (in sport) a record performance.
v. informal outwit or get the better of.

- PHRASES
all the best best wishes.
at best taking the most optimistic view.
be for the best be desirable in the end, although not at first seeming so.
the best of three (or five etc.) victory achieved by winning the majority of a specified odd number of games.
the best part of most of.
best wishes an expression of hope for someone's future happiness.
get the best of overcome (someone).
give someone/thing best Brit. admit the superiority of someone or something.
had best would find it most sensible.
make the best of derive what limited advantage one can from (something unsatisfactory).
six of the best Brit. a caning as a punishment, traditionally with six strokes of the cane.

- ORIGIN OE betest (adj.), betost (adv.), of Gmc origin.

best boy

n. the assistant to the chief electrician of a film crew.

best end

n. Brit. the rib end of a neck of lamb or other meat.

bestial

//

adj. of or like a beast. savagely cruel and depraved.

- DERIVATIVES bestialize (or bestialise) v. bestially adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. bestialis, from L. bestia ‘beast’.

bestiality

n.
1 savagely cruel or depraved behaviour.
2 sexual intercourse between a person and an animal.

bestiary

//

n. (pl. bestiaries) a treatise on animals, especially a medieval work with a moralizing tone.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L. bestiarium, from L. bestia ‘beast’.

bestir

v. (bestirs, bestirring, bestirred) (bestir oneself) exert or rouse oneself.

best man

n. a male friend or relative chosen by a bridegroom to assist him at his wedding.

bestow

v.
1 confer (an honour, right, or gift).
2 archaic put (something) in a specified place.

- DERIVATIVES bestowal n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘use for, devote to’): from be- + OE stw ‘place’.

bestrew

v. (past part. bestrewed or bestrewn) literary scatter or lie scattered over (a surface).

- ORIGIN OE bestrowian (see be-, strew).

bestride

v. (past bestrode; past part. bestridden) span or straddle.

- ORIGIN OE bestrdan (see be-, stride).

best-seller

n. a book or other product that sells in very large numbers.

- DERIVATIVES best-selling adj.

besuited

//

adj. (of a man) wearing a suit.

bet

v. (bets, betting; past and past part. bet or betted)
1 risk a sum of money or other valued item against someone else's on the basis of the outcome of an unpredictable event such as a race or game.
2 informal used to express certainty: he'll be surprised to see me, I'll bet.
n. an act of betting. a sum of money staked. informal a candidate or option offering a specified likelihood of success: Allen looked a good bet for victory. (one's bet) informal one's opinion.

- PHRASES
you bet! informal you may be sure; certainly.

- DERIVATIVES betting n. bettor (also better) n.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. a shortening of the obs. noun abet ‘abetment’.

beta

//

n.
1 the second letter of the Greek alphabet (, ), transliterated as ‘b’. [as modifier] denoting the second of a series of items or categories. Brit. a second-class mark given for a piece of work.
2 [as modifier] relating to beta decay or beta particles.
3 (also beta coefficient) a measure of the movement in price of a security relative to the stock market, used to indicate possible risk.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk.

beta blocker

n. any of a class of drugs which inhibit the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased cardiac action, used to control heart rhythm, treat angina, and reduce high blood pressure.

beta decay

n. radioactive decay in which an electron is emitted.

betake

v. (past betook; past part. betaken) (betake oneself to) literary go to.

beta particle

(also beta ray)

n. Physics a fast-moving electron emitted by radioactive decay of substances (originally regarded as rays).

beta rhythm

n. Physiology the normal electrical activity of the brain when conscious and alert, consisting of oscillations (beta waves) with a frequency of 18–25 hertz.

beta test

n. an independent trial of machinery or software, carried out in the final stages of development (after alpha-testing).
v. (beta-test) subject to a beta test.

betatron

//

n. Physics an apparatus for accelerating electrons in a circular path by magnetic induction.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from beta + -tron.

betel

//

n. an Asian evergreen climbing plant, whose leaves and astringent seeds (betel nuts) are chewed as a mild stimulant.   Piper betle.

- ORIGIN C16: via Port. from Malayalam verrila.

bête noire

/ /, //

n. (pl. bêtes noires pronunc. same) (one's bête noire) a person or thing that one particularly dislikes.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘black beast’.

Beth Din

/ / (also Beit Din)

n. a Jewish court of law composed of three rabbinic judges, responsible for matters of religious law and the settlement of civil disputes.

- ORIGIN from Heb. bt dn, lit. ‘house of judgement’.

bethink

v. (past and past part. bethought) (bethink oneself) formal come to think.

betide

v. literary happen; befall.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + obs. tide ‘befall’, from OE tdan ‘happen’, from td (see tide).

betimes

adv.
1 archaic in good time; early.
2 N. Amer. sometimes; on occasion.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. betime (see by, time).

bêtise

//, //

n. a foolish or ill-timed remark or action.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘stupidity’, from bête ‘foolish’.

betoken

v. literary be a warning or sign of.

- ORIGIN OE betcnian, from be- + tcnian ‘signify’, of Gmc origin; rel. to token.

betony

//

n. (pl. betonies) a plant of the mint family bearing spikes of showy purple flowers.   Stachys officinalis. used in names of other plants, e.g. water betony.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. betoine, based on L. betonica, perh. from the name of an Iberian tribe.

betook

past of betake.

betray

v.
1 act treacherously towards (one's country) by aiding the enemy. be disloyal to or inform on.
2 unintentionally reveal; be evidence of: she drew a deep breath that betrayed her indignation.

- DERIVATIVES betrayal n. betrayer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + obs. tray ‘betray’, from OFr. trair, based on L. tradere ‘hand over’.

betroth

//, //

v. (be betrothed) dated be formally engaged to be married.
n. (one's betrothed) the person to whom one is engaged.

- DERIVATIVES betrothal n.

- ORIGIN ME betreuthe: from be- + truth.

better

adj.
1 more desirable, satisfactory, or effective. [ORIGIN compar. of the adj. good.] more appropriate, advantageous, or well advised.
2 partly or fully recovered from illness or injury. [ORIGIN compar. of the adj. well^1.]
adv. more excellently or effectively. to a greater degree; more. more suitably or usefully.
n.
1 that which is better; the better one.
2 (one's betters) chiefly dated or humorous one's superiors in social class or ability.
v. improve on or surpass. (better oneself) achieve a higher social position or status. overcome or defeat (someone).

- PHRASES
one's better half informal one's wife, husband, or partner.
better off in a more advantageous position, especially in financial terms.
the better part of most of.
better than N. Amer. more than.
the better to —— so as to do the specified thing better.
for better or (for) worse whether the outcome is good or bad.
get the better of defeat or overcome.
go one better narrowly surpass.
had better would find it wiser to.

- ORIGIN OE betera (adj.), of Gmc origin.

USAGE

In the verb phrase had better do something the word had is often dropped in informal spoken contexts, as in you better not come tonight. In writing, the had may be contracted to 'd but it should not be dropped altogether.

betterment

n.
1 improvement.
2 Law the enhanced value of real property arising from local improvements.

bettong

//

n. a short-nosed Australian rat-kangaroo.   Genera Bettongia and Aepyprymnus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Dharuk.

between

prep. & adv.
1 at, into, or across the space separating (two objects, places, or points).
2 in the period separating (two points in time).
3 [as prep.] indicating a connection or relationship involving two or more parties.
4 [as prep.] by combining the resources or actions of (two or more parties).

- PHRASES
between ourselves (or you and me) in confidence.
(in) between times (or whiles) in the intervals between other actions.

- ORIGIN OE betwonum, from be ‘by’ + a Gmc word rel. to two.

USAGE

Say between you and me, rather than between you and I. A preposition such as between takes the object case and is correctly followed by object pronouns such as me, him, her, and us rather than subject pronouns such as I, he, she, and we. Thus it is right to say between us or between him and her and it is clearly wrong to say between we or between he and she.

betwixt

prep. & adv. archaic term for between.

- PHRASES
betwixt and between informal neither one thing nor the other.

- ORIGIN OE betwox, from be ‘by’ + a Gmc word rel. to two.

beurre blanc

/ /

n. a creamy sauce made with butter, onions, and vinegar or lemon juice.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘white butter’.

BeV

abbrev. another term for GeV.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from billion (10^9) electronvolts.

bevatron

//

n. a synchrotron used to accelerate protons to energies in the billion electronvolt range.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from BeV + -tron.

bevel

//

n.
1 (in carpentry) a surface or edge which slopes away from a horizontal or vertical surface.
2 (also bevel square) a tool for marking angles in carpentry and stonework.
v. (bevels, bevelling, bevelled; US bevels, beveling, beveled) [usu. as adj. bevelled] cut a bevel on.

- ORIGIN C16: from an OFr. dimin. of baif ‘open-mouthed’, from baer (see bay^3).

bevel gear

n. a gear working another gear at an angle to it by means of bevel wheels.

bevel wheel

n. a toothed wheel whose working face is oblique to the axis.

beverage

//

n. a drink other than water.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bevrage, based on L. bibere ‘to drink’.

bevvy

//

n. (pl. bevvies) Brit. informal an alcoholic drink.

- DERIVATIVES bevvied adj.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of beverage.

bevy

//

n. (pl. bevies) a large group of people or things.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bewail

v. greatly regret or lament.

- DERIVATIVES bewailer n.

beware

v. be cautious and alert to risks or dangers.

- ORIGIN ME: from the phr. be ware (see be-, ware^3).

bewhiskered

adj. having hair or whiskers growing on the face.

Bewick's swan

n. a bird of the Eurasian race of the tundra swan.   Cygnus columbianus bewickii.

- ORIGIN from the name of the English artist and engraver Thomas Bewick (1753–1828).

bewigged

adj. (of a person) wearing a wig.

bewilder

v. [often as adj. bewildered] perplex or confuse.

- DERIVATIVES bewilderedly adv. bewildering adj. bewilderingly adv. bewilderment n.

- ORIGIN C17: from be- + obs. wilder ‘lead or go astray’, of unknown origin.

bewitch

v.
1 cast a spell over.
2 enchant and delight.

- DERIVATIVES bewitcher n. bewitching adj. bewitchingly adv. bewitchment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from be- + witch.

bey

//

n. (pl. beys) historical the governor of a district or province in the Ottoman Empire.

- ORIGIN Turk., mod. form of beg ‘prince, governor’.

beyond

prep. & adv.
1 at or to the further side of. more extensive or extreme than.
2 happening or continuing after.
3 having reached or progressed further than (a specified level or amount).
4 to or in a degree where a specified action is impossible. too advanced for.
5 [with neg.] apart from; except.
n. (the beyond) the unknown, especially in references to life after death.

- ORIGIN OE begeondan, from be ‘by’ + geondan, of Gmc origin.

bezant

//

n.
1 historical a gold or silver coin originally minted at Byzantium.
2 Heraldry a roundel or (i.e. a solid gold circle).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. besant, from L. Byzantius ‘Byzantine’.

bezel

//

n. a grooved ring holding the cover of a watch face or other instrument in position. a groove holding the crystal of a watch or the stone of a gem in its setting.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr., of unknown origin.

bezique

//

n. a trick-taking card game for two, played with a double pack of sixty-four cards, including the seven to ace only in each suit. the holding of the queen of spades and the jack of diamonds in bezique.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. bésigue, perh. from Pers. bzgar ‘juggler’ or bz ‘game’.

bezoar

//, //

n.
1 a small stony concretion which may form in the stomachs of certain animals, formerly used as an antidote for various ailments.
2 a wild goat with flat scimitar-shaped horns, the ancestor of the domestic goat.   Capra aegagrus.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. bezoard, based on Arab. bzahr, from Pers. pdzahr ‘antidote’.

b.f.

abbrev. (in bookkeeping) brought forward.

BFPO

abbrev. British Forces (or Field) Post Office.

BG

abbrev. Bulgaria (international vehicle registration).

BGH

abbrev. bovine growth hormone.

BH

abbrev. Belize (international vehicle registration).

- ORIGIN from British Honduras (former name for Belize).

Bh

symb. the chemical element bohrium.

Bhagwan

//

n. Indian God.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bhagwn.

bhajan

//

n. Hinduism a devotional song.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit bhajana.

bhaji

// (also bhajia)

n. (pl. bhajis, bhajia) (in Indian cuisine) a small flat cake or ball of vegetables, fried in batter.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bhj ‘fried vegetables’.

bhakti

//

n. Hinduism devotional worship directed to one supreme deity, usually Vishnu or Shiva.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit.

bhang

// (also bang)

n. the leaves and flower-tops of cannabis, used as a narcotic in India.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bhng.

bhangra

//

n. a type of popular music combining Punjabi folk traditions with Western pop music.

- ORIGIN 1960s (denoting a traditional folk dance): from Punjabi bhngr.

bharal

//

n. a Himalayan wild sheep with a bluish coat and backward-curving horns.   Pseudois nayaur.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi.

bhelpuri

//

n. an Indian dish of puffed rice, onions, spices, and hot chutney.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bhel ‘mixture’ + pr ‘deep-fried bread’.

bhikkhu

// (also bhikku)

n. a Buddhist monk or devotee.

- ORIGIN Pali, from Sanskrit bhiksú ‘beg’.

bhindi

//

n. Indian term for okra.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bhind.

b.h.p.

abbrev. brake horsepower.

bhuna

// (also bhoona)

n. a medium-hot dry curry originating in Bengal.

- ORIGIN from Bengali, Urdu bhunn ‘to be fried’, ult. from Sanskrit bhrajj ‘fry, parch, roast’.

Bhutanese

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Bhutan, a small kingdom on the slopes of the Himalayas.
adj. relating to Bhutan or its people.

Bi

symb. the chemical element bismuth.

bi

//

abbrev. informal bisexual.

bi-

// (also bin- before a vowel)

comb. form two; having two: biathlon. occurring twice in every one or once in every two: bicentennial. lasting for two: biennial. Chemistry (in names of compounds) containing two atoms or groups of a specified kind: biphenyl. Chemistry denoting an acid salt: bicarbonate.

- ORIGIN from L., ‘doubly, having two’; rel. to Gk di- ‘two’.

USAGE

The meaning of bimonthly (and similar words such as biyearly) is ambiguous. Such words can either mean ‘occurring or produced twice a month’ or ‘occurring or produced every two months’. The only way to avoid this ambiguity is to use alternative expressions like every two months and twice a month.

bialy

//

n. (pl. bialys) US a flat bread roll topped with chopped onions.

- ORIGIN Yiddish, from Biaystok, the city in Poland where such bread was orig. made.

biannual

adj. occurring twice a year. Compare with biennial.

- DERIVATIVES biannually adv.

bias

n.
1 inclination or prejudice for or against one thing or person. a systematic distortion of a statistical result due to a factor not allowed for in its derivation.
2 a diagonal across the grain of a fabric.
3 Bowls the irregular shape given to one side of a bowl. the oblique course taken by such a bowl.
4 Electronics a steady voltage, magnetic field, or other factor applied to a system to cause it to operate over a predetermined range.
v. (biases, biasing, biased or biases, biassing, biassed)
1 influence unfairly; prejudice.
2 Electronics give a bias to.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘oblique line’): from Fr. biais, from Provençal.

bias binding

n. a narrow strip of fabric cut on the bias, used to bind edges or for decoration.

bias-ply

adj. North American term for cross-ply.

biathlon

n. a sporting event in which the competitors combine cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

- DERIVATIVES biathlete n.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from bi- + Gk athlon ‘contest’, on the pattern of pentathlon.

biaxial

adj. having or relating to two axes.

- DERIVATIVES biaxially adv.

bib^1

n.
1 a piece of cloth or plastic fastened round a child's neck to keep its clothes clean while eating. a loose-fitting sleeveless garment worn for identification, e.g. by competitors and officials at sporting events. the part above the waist of the front of an apron or pair of dungarees.
2 a common European inshore fish of the cod family.   Trisopterus luscus.

- PHRASES
one's best bib and tucker informal one's smartest clothes.
stick (or poke) one's bib in Austral. informal interfere.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from bib^2.

bib^2

v. (bibs, bibbing, bibbed) archaic drink (an alcoholic drink).

- DERIVATIVES bibber n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from L. bibere ‘to drink’.

bibb lettuce

n. N. Amer. a butterhead lettuce of a variety that has crisp dark green leaves.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the American horticulturalist Jack Bibb.

bib cock

(also bib tap)

n. a tap with a bent nozzle fixed at the end of a pipe.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from bib^1 and cock^1.

bibelot

//

n. a small ornament or trinket.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., based on bel ‘beautiful’.

bibi

//

n. (pl. bibis) Indian a man's wife. dated a man's non-European girlfriend.

- ORIGIN from Urdu bb, from Pers.

Bible

n.
1 (the Bible) the Christian scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments. the Jewish scriptures, consisting of the Torah or Law, the Prophets, and the Hagiographa or Writings.
2 (bible) informal a book regarded as authoritative.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from eccles. L. biblia, from Gk (ta) biblia ‘(the) books’, from biblion ‘book’.

Bible-basher

(also Bible-thumper)

n. informal a person who expounds the teachings of the Bible in an aggressively evangelical way.

- DERIVATIVES Bible-bashing n. & adj.

Bible Belt

n. those areas of the southern and middle western US and western Canada where Protestant fundamentalism is strong.

biblical

adj. relating to or contained in the Bible. resembling the language or style of the Bible.

- DERIVATIVES biblically adv.

biblio-

//

comb. form relating to a book or books: bibliophile.

- ORIGIN from Gk biblion ‘book’.

bibliography

//

n. (pl. bibliographies)
1 a list of sources referred to in a particular work. a list of the books of a specific author or on a specific subject.
2 the study of books in terms of their classification, printing, and publication.

- DERIVATIVES bibliographer n. bibliographic // adj. bibliographical adj. bibliographically adv.

bibliomancy

//

n. the practice of foretelling the future by interpreting a randomly chosen passage from a book, especially the Bible.

bibliomania

n. passionate enthusiasm for collecting and possessing books.

- DERIVATIVES bibliomaniac n. & adj.

bibliometrics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] statistical analysis of books or other publications.

- DERIVATIVES bibliometric adj.

bibliophile

n. a person who collects or has a great love of books.

- DERIVATIVES bibliophilic adj. bibliophily // n.

bibliopole

//

n. archaic a dealer in books.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk bibliopls, from biblion ‘book’ + pls ‘seller’.

bib tap

n. another term for bib cock.

bibulous

//

adj. formal excessively fond of drinking alcohol.

- DERIVATIVES bibulously adv. bibulousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. bibulus ‘freely drinking’.

bicameral

//

adj. (of a legislative body) having two chambers.

- DERIVATIVES bicameralism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from bi- + L. camera ‘chamber’ + -al.

bicarb

n. informal sodium bicarbonate.

bicarbonate

//, //

n.
1 Chemistry a salt containing the anion HCO_3-.
2 (also bicarbonate of soda) sodium bicarbonate.

bice

//

n. dated a blue or blue-green pigment made from basic copper carbonate.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bis ‘dark grey’.

bicentenary

//, //

n. (pl. bicentenaries) the two-hundredth anniversary of a significant event.

- DERIVATIVES bicentennial n. & adj.

bicephalous

//, //

adj. having two heads.

- ORIGIN C19: from bi- + Gk kephal ‘head’ + -ous.

biceps

//

n. (pl. same) a large muscle in the upper arm which turns the hand to face palm uppermost and flexes the arm and forearm. (also leg biceps) a muscle in the back of the thigh which helps to flex the leg.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘two-headed’ (because the muscle has two points of attachment).

bichir

//

n. an elongated African freshwater fish with hard shiny scales and a series of separate fins along its back.   Genus Polypterus: several species.

- ORIGIN 1960s: via Fr. from dial. Arab. abu shr.

bichon frise

/ /

n. a small dog of a breed with a fine, curly white coat.

- ORIGIN from Fr. barbichon ‘little water spaniel’ + frisé ‘curly-haired’.

bicker

v.
1 argue about petty and trivial matters.
2 literary (of water) flow with a gentle repetitive noise.

- DERIVATIVES bickerer n.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bicky

(also bikky)

n. (pl. bickies) informal a biscuit.

bicoastal

//

adj. US relating to or living on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the US.

bicolour

(also bicoloured, US bicolor)

adj. having two colours.

biconcave

adj. concave on both sides.

biconvex

adj. convex on both sides.

bicultural

adj. having or combining the cultures and customs of two nations or ethnic groups.

- DERIVATIVES biculturalism n.

bicuspid

adj. having two cusps or points.
n. a tooth with two cusps, especially a human premolar tooth.

- ORIGIN C19: from bi- + L. cuspis, cuspid- ‘sharp point’.

bicuspid valve

n. Anatomy the mitral valve.

bicycle

n. a vehicle consisting of two wheels held in a frame one behind the other, propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars attached to the front wheel.
v. ride a bicycle.

- DERIVATIVES bicyclist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from bi- + Gk kuklos ‘wheel’.

bicyclic

//, //

adj. Chemistry having two fused rings of atoms in its molecule.

bid^1

v. (bids, bidding; past and past part. bid)
1 offer (a certain price) for something, especially at an auction. (bid for) (of a contractor) tender for (work).
2 (often bid for) make an effort to obtain or achieve.
3 Bridge make a statement during the auction undertaking to make (a certain number of tricks).
n.
1 an offer to buy something. an offer to do work or supply goods at a stated price.
2 an effort to obtain or achieve.
3 Bridge an undertaking by a player in the auction to make a stated number of tricks with a stated suit as trumps.

- DERIVATIVES bidder n. bidding n.

- ORIGIN OE bodan ‘to offer, command’, of Gmc origin.

bid^2

v. (bids, bidding; past bid or bade; past part. bid)
1 utter (a greeting or farewell) to.
2 archaic command (someone) to do something.

- PHRASES
bid fair to archaic seem likely to.

- ORIGIN OE biddan ‘ask’, of Gmc origin.

biddable

adj.
1 meekly ready to accept and follow instructions.
2 Bridge strong enough to justify a bid.

- DERIVATIVES biddability // n.

bidden

archaic or literary past participle of bid^2.

biddy

n. (pl. biddies) informal a woman, especially an old one.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. denoting a chicken): of unknown origin.

bide

v. archaic or dialect remain or stay in a certain place.

- PHRASES
bide one's time wait quietly for a good opportunity to do something.

- ORIGIN OE bdan, of Gmc origin.

bidet

//

n. a low oval basin used for washing one's genital and anal area.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘pony’.

bidi

// (also beedi or biri)

n. (pl. bidis) (in the Indian subcontinent) a type of cheap cigarette.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bdi ‘betel plug, cigar’.

bidirectional

adj. functioning in two directions.

Biedermeier

//

adj. denoting a 19th-century German style of furniture and decoration characterized by restraint and utilitarianism.

- ORIGIN from the name of a fictitious German schoolmaster created by L. Eichrodt (1854).

biennial

//

adj.
1 taking place every other year. Compare with biannual.
2 (of a plant) taking two years to grow from seed to fruition and die. Compare with annual, perennial.
n.
1 a biennial plant.
2 an event celebrated or taking place every two years.

- DERIVATIVES biennially adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. biennis (from bi- ‘twice’ + annus ‘year’) + -al.

biennium

//

n. (pl. biennia // or bienniums) a period of two years.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: L., from bi- ‘twice’ + annus ‘year’.

bien pensant

/ /

adj. right-thinking; orthodox.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘well thinking’.

bier

//

n. a movable platform on which a coffin or corpse is placed before burial.

- ORIGIN OE br, of Gmc origin; rel. to bear^1.

bifacial

adj. having two faces, or two different faces.

biff

informal

v. strike (someone) roughly with the fist.
n. a sharp blow with the fist.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. imitative.

biffin

n. an English cooking apple of a dark red variety.

- ORIGIN C18: representing a dial. pronunc. of beefing, from beef + -ing^1, with ref. to the colour.

bifid

//

adj. Botany & Zoology (of a part of a plant or animal) divided by a deep cleft or notch into two parts.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. bifidus, from bi- ‘doubly’ + fidus (from findere ‘to split’).

bifocal

adj. denoting a lens having two parts each with a different focal length, one for distant and one for near vision.
n. (bifocals) a pair of glasses with bifocal lenses.

bifurcate

v. // divide into two branches or forks.
adj. // forked; branched.

- DERIVATIVES bifurcation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. bifurcat-, bifurcare ‘divide into two forks’, from L. bifurcus ‘two-forked’.

big

adj. (bigger, biggest)
1 of considerable size, power, or extent. larger than others of the same kind. informal exciting great interest or popularity.
2 of considerable importance or seriousness.
3 informal, often ironic generous.
v. (big someone/thing up) black slang praise or recommend someone or something highly.

- PHRASES
the Big Apple informal New York City.
big money (chiefly N. Amer. also big bucks) informal large amounts of money.
the big screen informal the cinema.
big tent a political party's policy of permitting and encouraging a broad spectrum of views among its members: [as modifier] a big-tent campaign.
big with child archaic advanced in pregnancy.
give someone the big E Brit. informal reject someone. [ORIGIN E from elbow.]
talk big informal talk confidently or boastfully.
think big informal be ambitious.
too big for one's boots informal conceited.

- DERIVATIVES biggish adj. bigness n.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bigamy

n. the offence of marrying someone while already married to another person.

- DERIVATIVES bigamist n. bigamous adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bigamie, from bigame ‘bigamous’, from late L. bigamus, from bi- ‘twice’ + Gk -gamos ‘married’.

big band

n. a large group of musicians playing jazz or swing music.

big bang

n.
1 Astronomy the rapid expansion of matter from a state of extremely high density and temperature which according to current cosmological theories marked the origin of the universe.
2 (Big Bang) (in the UK) the introduction in 1986 of major changes in trading in the Stock Exchange.

Big Brother

n. informal a person or organization exercising total control over people's lives.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from the name of the head of state in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four (1949).

big bud

n. a disease of blackcurrant bushes in which the buds become swollen due to the presence of mites.

big business

n. large-scale financial or commercial activity.

big cat

n. any of the large members of the cat family, including the lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, and puma.

big cheese

n. informal an important person.

- ORIGIN 1920s: cheese, prob. via Urdu from Pers. z ‘thing’.

big crunch

n. Astronomy a contraction of the universe to a state of extremely high density and temperature (a hypothetical opposite of the big bang).

big dipper

n.
1 Brit. a roller coaster.
2 (the Big Dipper) North American term for plough (in sense 2).

big end

n. (in a piston engine) the larger end of the connecting rod, encircling the crankpin.

bigeye

n.
1 a large migratory tuna found in warm seas.   Thunnus obesus.
2 a reddish fish with large eyes which lives in the tropical Atlantic and the western Indian Ocean.   Priacanthus arenatus.

Bigfoot

n. (pl. Bigfeet) a large, hairy ape-like creature supposedly found in NW America.

big game

n. large animals hunted for sport.

big gun

n. informal a powerful person.

bigha

//

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) a measure of land area varying locally from 1/3 to 1 acre (1/8 to 2/5 hectare).

- ORIGIN from Hindi bgh.

big-head

n. informal a conceited person.

- DERIVATIVES big-headed adj. big-headedness n.

bighorn

n. (pl. same or bighorns) a stocky brown wild sheep with large horns, found in the Rocky Mountains.   Ovis canadensis.

bight

//

n.
1 a curve or recess in a coastline or other geographical feature.
2 a loop of rope.

- ORIGIN OE byht ‘a bend or angle’, of Gmc origin.

big league

n. a top league in a professional sport, especially baseball.

- DERIVATIVES big leaguer n.

big mouth

n. informal an indiscreet or boastful person.

- DERIVATIVES big-mouthed adj.

bigot

//

n. a person who is prejudiced in their views and intolerant of the opinions of others.

- DERIVATIVES bigoted adj. bigotry n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., of unknown origin.

big shot

(also big noise)

n. informal an important person.

big-ticket

adj. N. Amer. informal constituting a major expense.

big time

n. (the big time) informal the highest or most successful level in a career.
adv. on a large scale; to a great extent.

- DERIVATIVES big-timer n.

big top

n. the main tent in a circus.

big wheel

n.
1 a Ferris wheel.
2 North American term for bigwig.

bigwig

n. informal an important person.

- ORIGIN C18: so named from the large wigs formerly worn by distinguished men.

Bihari

//

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of the state of Bihar in NE India.
2 a group of three closely related Indic languages spoken principally in Bihar.
adj. relating to Bihar or its languages.

bijou

//

adj. small and elegant.
n. (pl. bijoux pronunc. same) archaic a jewel or trinket.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Breton bizou ‘finger ring’, from biz ‘finger’.

bijouterie

//

n. jewellery or trinkets.

- ORIGIN Fr., from bijou.

bike

informal

n. a bicycle or motorcycle.
v. ride a bicycle or motorcycle.

- DERIVATIVES biker n.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev.

bikini

n. (pl. bikinis) a women's two-piece swimsuit.

- ORIGIN 1940s: named after Bikini, an atoll in the western Pacific, where an atom bomb was exploded in 1946 (because of the supposed ‘explosive’ effect created by the garment).

bikini briefs

pl. n. scanty women's knickers.

bikini line

n. the area of skin around the pubic mound as revealed by the high-cut legs of a bikini.

bikky

n. (pl. bikkies) variant spelling of bicky.

bilabial

adj. Phonetics denoting a speech sound formed by closure or near closure of the lips, e.g. p, b, m, w.

bilateral

adj.
1 having or relating to two sides.
2 involving two parties.

- DERIVATIVES bilaterally adv.

bilateral symmetry

n. the property of being divisible into symmetrical halves on either side of a unique plane.

bilayer

n. Biochemistry a film two molecules thick, especially one formed by lipid molecules with their hydrophilic ends directed outwards.

bilberry

n. (pl. bilberries)
1 the small blue edible berry of a hardy dwarf shrub found on heathland and high ground.
2 the shrub on which bilberries grow.   Vaccinium myrtilus and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. of Scand. origin.

bilbo

n. (pl. bilbos or bilboes) historical a sword noted for the temper and elasticity of its blade.

- ORIGIN C16: from Bilboa, an earlier English form of Bilbao, the Spanish seaport noted for the manufacture of fine blades.

bilboes

pl. n. an iron bar with sliding shackles, formerly used for confining a prisoner's ankles.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

bilby

//

n. (pl. bilbies) a burrowing Australian bandicoot with long ears.   Genus Macrotis: two species.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from an Aborig. lang.

Bildungsroman

//

n. a novel dealing with a person's formative years or spiritual education.

- ORIGIN Ger., from Bildung ‘education’ + Roman ‘a novel’.

bile

n.
1 a bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder, which aids digestion.
2 anger or bitterness.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. bilis.

bile duct

n. the duct which conveys bile from the liver and the gall bladder to the duodenum.

bi-level

adj. having or functioning on two levels.

bilge

n.
1 the area on the outer surface of a ship's hull where the bottom curves to meet the vertical sides. (bilges) the lowest internal portion of the hull. (also bilge water) dirty water that collects inside the bilges.
2 informal nonsense; rubbish.
v. archaic break a hole in the bilge of (a ship).

- ORIGIN C15: prob. a var. of bulge.

bilge keel

n. each of a pair of plates or timbers fastened under the sides of the hull of a ship to prevent rolling and support its weight in dry dock.

bilharzia

//

n. a chronic disease caused by infestation with blood flukes (schistosomes), endemic in parts of Africa and South America.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., former name of the genus Schistosoma, named after the German physician T. Bilharz, who discovered the parasite.

bilharziasis

//

n. Medicine another term for bilharzia.

biliary

//

adj. Medicine relating to bile or the bile duct.

bilinear

adj. Mathematics
1 rare relating to or contained by two straight lines.
2 denoting a function of two variables that is linear and homogeneous in both independently.

bilingual

adj. speaking two languages fluently. expressed in or using two languages.

- DERIVATIVES bilingualism n. bilingually adv.

bilious

//

adj.
1 affected by or associated with nausea or vomiting. (of a colour) lurid or sickly.
2 spiteful or bad-tempered.
3 Physiology relating to bile.

- DERIVATIVES biliously adv. biliousness n.

bilirubin

//

n. Biochemistry an orange-yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of haemoglobin and excreted in bile.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. bilis ‘bile’ + ruber ‘red’ + -in^1.

biliverdin

//

n. Biochemistry a green pigment excreted in bile, an oxidized precursor of bilirubin.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. bilis ‘bile’ + Fr. vert ‘green’ + -in^1.

bilk

v. informal
1 cheat or defraud. obtain (money) fraudulently.
2 archaic evade; elude.

- DERIVATIVES bilker n.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. used in cribbage meaning ‘spoil one's opponent's score’): perh. a var. of baulk.

Bill

n. (the Bill or the Old Bill) [treated as sing. or pl.] Brit. informal the police.

- ORIGIN 1960s: familiar form of the given name William.

bill^1

n.
1 a printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services.
2 a draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion.
3 a programme of entertainment at a theatre or cinema.
4 N. Amer. a banknote.
5 a poster or handbill.
v.
1 list (a person or event) in a programme. (bill someone/thing as) proclaim someone or something as.
2 send a bill to. charge (a sum of money).

- PHRASES
fit (or fill) the bill be suitable for a particular purpose.

- DERIVATIVES billable adj. billing n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a written list or catalogue): from Anglo-Norman Fr. bille, prob. based on med. L. bulla ‘seal, sealed document’.

bill^2

n.
1 the beak of a bird, especially when it is slender, flattened, or weak, or belongs to a web-footed bird or a bird of the pigeon family. the muzzle of a platypus.
2 N. Amer. the peak of a cap.
3 the point of an anchor fluke.
4 [in place names] a narrow promontory: Portland Bill.
v. (of birds, especially doves) stroke bill with bill during courtship.

- PHRASES
bill and coo informal behave or talk in a loving and sentimental way.

- DERIVATIVES -billed adj.

- ORIGIN OE bile, of unknown origin.

bill^3

n. a medieval weapon like a halberd with a hook instead of a blade.

- ORIGIN OE bil, of W. Gmc origin.

billabong

n. Austral. a branch of a river forming a backwater or stagnant pool.

- ORIGIN C19: from Wiradhuri bilabang ‘channel that is dry except after rain’.

billboard

n. a large board used to display advertisements; a hoarding.

billet^1

n. a civilian house where soldiers are lodged temporarily.
v. (billets, billeting, billeted) lodge (soldiers) in a civilian house.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a short written document, later a written order requiring a householder to lodge the bearer): from Anglo-Norman Fr. billette, dimin. of bille (see bill^1).

billet^2

n.
1 a thick piece of wood. a small bar of metal for further processing.
2 Architecture each of a series of short cylindrical pieces inserted at intervals in Norman decorative mouldings.
3 Heraldry a rectangle placed vertically as a charge.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. billette and billot, diminutives of bille ‘tree trunk’, from med. L. billa, billus ‘branch, trunk’, prob. of Celtic origin.

billet-doux

//

n. (pl. billets-doux //) chiefly humorous a love letter.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., lit. ‘sweet note’.

billfish

n. (pl. same or billfishes) a marlin, sailfish, spearfish, or similar fish.   Family Istiophoridae.

billfold

n. N. Amer. a wallet.

billhook

n. a tool having a sickle-shaped blade with a sharp inner edge, used for pruning or lopping branches.

billiards

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a game for two people played on a billiard table, using three balls.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. billard, denoting both the game and the cue, dimin. of bille (see billet^2).

billiard table

n. a rectangular cloth-covered table used for billiards, snooker, and some forms of pool, with six pockets at the corners and sides into which balls are struck with cues.

billion

cardinal number (pl. billions or (with numeral or quantifying word) same)
1 the number equivalent to the product of a thousand and a million; 1,000,000,000 or 10^9. Brit. dated a million million (1,000,000,000,000 or 10^12).
2 (billions) informal a very large number or amount.

- DERIVATIVES billionth ordinal number.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from million, by substitution of the prefix bi- ‘two’ for the initial letters.

billionaire

n. a person possessing assets worth at least a billion pounds or dollars.

- ORIGIN C19: from billion, on the pattern of millionaire.

bill of costs

n. Brit. a solicitor's account of charges and expenses incurred.

bill of exchange

n. a written order requiring a person to make a specified payment to the signatory or to a named payee.

bill of fare

n. dated a menu.

bill of goods

n. N. Amer. a consignment of merchandise.

- PHRASES
sell someone a bill of goods deceive someone.

bill of health

n. a certificate relating to the incidence of infectious disease on a ship or in a port.

- PHRASES
a clean bill of health a declaration or confirmation of good health or condition.

bill of indictment

n. historical or N. Amer. a written accusation as presented to a grand jury.

bill of lading

n. a detailed list of a ship's cargo given by the master of the ship to the person consigning the goods.

bill of quantities

n. a detailed statement of work, prices, dimensions, and other details, for the erection of a building by contract.

bill of rights

n. a statement of rights, in particular the English constitutional settlement of 1689 and the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the US, ratified in 1791.

bill of sale

n. a certificate of transfer of personal property, used especially where something is transferred as security for a debt.

billon

//

n. an alloy formerly used for coinage, containing gold or silver with a predominating amount of copper or other base metal.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘bronze or copper money’.

billow

n.
1 a large undulating mass of cloud, smoke, or steam.
2 archaic a large sea wave.
v. (of fabric) fill with air and swell outwards. (of smoke, cloud, or steam) move or flow outward with an undulating motion.

- DERIVATIVES billowy adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from ON bylgja.

billposter

(also billsticker)

n. a person who pastes up advertisements on hoardings.

- DERIVATIVES billposting n.

billy

(also billycan)

n. (pl. billies) Brit. a tin or enamel cooking pot with a lid and folding handle, used in camping.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Aborig. billa ‘water’.

billycart

n. Austral. a small handcart. a go-kart.

- ORIGIN 1920s: billy perh. from billy goat; formerly such carts were sometimes pulled by a goat.

billy club

n. N. Amer. a truncheon.

- ORIGIN C19: from Billy, familiar form of the given name William.

billycock

n. historical a kind of bowler hat.

- ORIGIN C19: said to be from the name of William Coke, nephew of Thomas William Coke, Earl of Leicester.

billy goat

n. a male goat.

billy-o

n. (in phr. like billy-o) Brit. informal very much, hard, or strongly: I had to run like billy-o.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bilobed

// (also bilobate //)

adj. having or consisting of two lobes.

bilocation

n. the supposed phenomenon of being in two places simultaneously.

biltong

//, //

n. chiefly S. African lean meat which is salted and dried in strips.

- ORIGIN Afrik., from Du. bil ‘buttock’ + tong ‘tongue’.

bimanual

adj. performed with both hands.

- DERIVATIVES bimanually adv.

bimbo

n. (pl. bimbos) informal, derogatory an attractive but unintelligent or frivolous young woman.

- DERIVATIVES bimbette n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent. (orig. in the sense ‘fellow, chap’): from Ital., lit. ‘little child’.

bimetallic

adj.
1 made or consisting of two metals.
2 historical relating to bimetallism.

bimetallism

//

n. historical a system of allowing the unrestricted currency of two metals as legal tender at a fixed ratio to each other.

- DERIVATIVES bimetallist n.

bimillenary

//, //, //

adj. relating to a period of two thousand years or a two-thousandth anniversary.
n. (pl. bimillenaries) a bimillenary period or anniversary.

bimodal

adj. having or involving two modes, in particular (of a statistical distribution) having two maxima.

bimolecular

adj. Chemistry consisting of or involving two molecules.

bimonthly

adj. & adv. appearing or taking place twice a month or every two months.

bin

Brit.

n.
1 a receptacle in which to deposit rubbish. a capacious receptacle for storing a specified substance. a partitioned stand for storing bottles of wine.
2 Statistics each of a series of ranges of numerical value into which data are sorted in statistical analysis.
v. (bins, binning, binned)
1 throw (something) away by putting it in a bin. store (wine) in a bin.
2 Statistics group together (data) in bins.

- ORIGIN OE bin(n), binne, of Celtic origin.

bin-

prefix variant form of bi- before a vowel (as in binaural).

binary

//

adj.
1 composed of or involving two things.
2 using or denoting a system of numerical notation with two as its base, employing the digits 0 and 1.
n. (pl. binaries)
1 the binary system of notation.
2 Astronomy a system of two stars revolving round their common centre.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘duality, a pair’): from late L. binarius, from bini ‘two together’.

binary tree

n. Computing a data structure in which each record is linked to two successor records.

binaural

//, //

adj.
1 of or involving both ears.
2 relating to sound recorded using two microphones and transmitted separately to the two ears of the listener.

bind

v. (past and past part. bound)
1 tie or fasten (something) tightly together. restrain (someone) by tying their hands and feet. wrap or encircle (something) tightly.
2 hold in a united or cohesive group or mass. hold or combine with (a substance) by chemical bonding.
3 impose a legal or contractual obligation on. indenture (someone) as an apprentice. secure (a contract), typically with a sum of money. (bind someone over) (of a court of law) require someone to fulfil an obligation, typically by paying a sum of money as surety.
4 fix together and enclose (the pages of a book) in a cover.
5 trim (the edge of a piece of material) with a fabric strip.
6 Logic (of a quantifier) be applied to (a given variable) so that the variable falls within its scope.
7 (of a food or medicine) make (someone) constipated.
n.
1 informal an annoyance. a problematical situation.
2 a statutory constraint.
3 Music another term for tie.
4 another term for bine.

- ORIGIN OE bindan, of Gmc origin.

binder

n.
1 a cover for holding magazines or loose sheets of paper together.
2 a reaping machine that binds grain into sheaves.
3 a bookbinder.

bindery

n. (pl. binderies) a workshop or factory in which books are bound.

bindi

//

n. (pl. bindis) a decorative mark worn in the middle of the forehead by Indian women, especially Hindus.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bind.

bindi-eye

//

n. a small perennial Australian plant of the daisy family, with a bur-like fruit.   Calotis cuneifolia.

- ORIGIN perh. from an Aborig. lang.

binding

n.
1 a strong covering holding the pages of a book together.
2 fabric cut or woven in a strip, used for binding the edges of a piece of material.
3 (also ski binding) Skiing a device fixed to a ski to grip a ski boot.
adj. (of an agreement) involving a contractual obligation.

binding energy

n. Physics the energy that holds a nucleus together, equal to the mass defect of the nucleus.

binding site

n. Biochemistry a location on a macromolecule or cellular structure at which chemical interaction with a specific active substance takes place.

bindlestiff

//

n. US informal a tramp.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: prob. from an alt. of bundle + stiff.

bindweed

//

n. a twining plant with trumpet-shaped flowers, several kinds of which are invasive weeds.   Convolvulus and other genera: many species.

bine

//

n. a long, flexible stem of a climbing plant, especially the hop.

- ORIGIN C19: orig. a dial. form of bind.

bin-end

n. Brit. one of the last bottles from a bin of wine.

bing

n. chiefly Scottish a heap of ore or waste material from a mine.

- ORIGIN C16: from ON bingr ‘heap’.

binge

informal

n. a period of excessive indulgence.
v. (binges, bingeing or US also binging, binged) indulge in an activity, especially eating or drinking, to excess.

- DERIVATIVES binger n.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bingo

n. a game in which players mark off randomly called numbers on printed cards, the winner being the first to mark off all their numbers.
exclam.
1 a call by someone who wins a game of bingo.
2 expressing satisfaction at a sudden positive event or outcome.

- ORIGIN 1920s (as an interjection): of unknown origin.

binnacle

//

n. a built-in housing for a ship's compass.

- ORIGIN C15 (as bittacle): from Sp. bitácula, bitácora or Port. bitacola, from L. habitaculum ‘dwelling place’.

binocular

//

adj. adapted for or using both eyes.

- DERIVATIVES binocularly adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. bini ‘two together’ + oculus ‘eye’, on the pattern of ocular.

binoculars

pl. n. an optical instrument with a lens for each eye, used for viewing distant objects.

binocular vision

n. vision using two eyes with overlapping fields of view, allowing good perception of depth.

binomial

//

n.
1 Mathematics an algebraic expression of the sum or the difference of two terms.
2 the two-part Latin name of a species of living organism (consisting of the genus followed by the specific epithet).
3 Grammar a noun phrase with two heads joined by a conjunction, in which the order is relatively fixed (as in knife and fork).
adj. consisting of or relating to a binomial.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. binôme or mod. L. binomium (from bi- ‘having two’ + Gk nomos ‘part, portion’) + -al.

binomial distribution

n. Statistics a frequency distribution of the possible number of successful outcomes in a given number of trials in each of which there is the same probability of success.

binomial theorem

n. a formula for finding any power of a binomial without multiplying at length.

binominal

adj. another term for binomial (in sense 2).

bint

n. Brit. informal, derogatory a girl or woman.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arab., lit. ‘daughter, girl’.

binturong

//

n. a tree-dwelling Asian civet with a blackish coat and a muscular prehensile tail.   Arctictis binturong.

- ORIGIN C19: from Malay.

binucleate

//

adj. Biology (of a cell) having two nuclei.

bio

n. (pl. bios) informal a biography.

bio-

//

comb. form relating to life: biosynthesis. biological; relating to biology: biohazard. of living beings: biogenesis.

- ORIGIN from Gk bios ‘human life’, the sense being extended in mod. scientific usage to mean ‘organic life’.

bioaccumulate

v. (of a substance) become concentrated inside the bodies of living things.

- DERIVATIVES bioaccumulation n.

bioactive

adj. (of a substance) having a biological effect.

- DERIVATIVES bioactivity n.

bioassay

//

n. measurement of the concentration or potency of a substance by its effect on living cells or tissues.

bioavailability

n. Physiology the proportion of a drug or other substance which enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.

- DERIVATIVES bioavailable adj.

biocenosis

n. US spelling of biocoenosis.

biocentrism

n. the view or belief that the rights and needs of humans are not more important than those of other living things.

- DERIVATIVES biocentric adj. biocentrist n.

biochemistry

n. the branch of science concerned with the chemical and physico-chemical processes which occur within living organisms.

- DERIVATIVES biochemical adj. biochemically adv. biochemist n.

biochip

n. a logical device analogous to the silicon chip, whose components are formed from biological molecules or structures.

biocide

n.
1 a substance that is poisonous to living organisms, such as a pesticide.
2 the destruction of life.

- DERIVATIVES biocidal adj.

biocircuit

n. an integrated circuit incorporating biological molecules or structures.

bioclimatic

adj. Ecology relating to the interrelation of climate and the activities and distribution of living organisms.

biocoenosis

// (US biocenosis)

n. (pl. biocoenoses //) Ecology an association of different organisms forming a closely integrated community.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from bio- + Gk koinsis ‘sharing’.

biocompatible

adj. not harmful to living tissue.

- DERIVATIVES biocompatibility n.

biocomputer

n. a computer based on circuits and components formed from biological molecules or structures. the brain regarded as a computer.

- DERIVATIVES biocomputing n.

biocontrol

n. short for biological control.

biodata

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] biographical details.

biodegradable

adj. capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

- DERIVATIVES biodegradability n. biodegradation n. biodegrade v.

biodiesel

n. a biofuel intended as a substitute for diesel.

biodiversity

n. the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.

biodynamics

pl. n. [treated as sing.]
1 the study of physical motion or dynamics in living systems.
2 a method of organic farming that incorporates certain astrological and spiritual principles and practices.

- DERIVATIVES biodynamic adj.

bioelectric

adj. relating to electricity or electrical phenomena produced within living organisms.

- DERIVATIVES bioelectrical adj.

bioenergetics

pl. n. [treated as sing.]
1 the study of the transformation of energy in living organisms.
2 a system of alternative psychotherapy based on the belief that emotional healing can be aided through resolution of bodily tension.

- DERIVATIVES bioenergetic adj.

bioengineering

n.
1 another term for genetic engineering.
2 the use of artificial tissues or organs in the body.
3 the use in engineering or industry of organisms or biological processes.
4 another term for biomechanics.

- DERIVATIVES bioengineer n. & v.

bioethics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the ethics of medical and biological research.

- DERIVATIVES bioethical adj. bioethicist n.

biofeedback

n. the use of electronic monitoring of a normally automatic bodily function in order to train someone to acquire voluntary control of that function.

bioflavonoid

//

n. any of a group of compounds occurring mainly in citrus fruits and blackcurrants, sometimes regarded as vitamins.

biofuel

n. fuel derived directly from living matter.

biog

n. informal a biography.

biogas

n. gaseous fuel, especially methane, produced by the fermentation of organic matter.

biogenesis

//

n.
1 the synthesis of substances by living organisms.
2 historical the hypothesis that living matter arises only from other living matter.

- DERIVATIVES biogenetic adj.

biogenic

//

adj. produced or brought about by living organisms.

biogeochemical

adj. relating to the cycle in which chemical elements and simple substances are transferred between living systems and the environment.

- DERIVATIVES biogeochemist n. biogeochemistry n.

biogeography

n. the branch of biology concerned with the geographical distribution of plants and animals.

- DERIVATIVES biogeographer n. biogeographic adj. biogeographical adj. biogeographically adv.

biographee

n. a person who is the subject of a biography.

biographical

adj. dealing with a particular person's life: biographical information.

- DERIVATIVES biographic adj. biographically adv.

biography

n. (pl. biographies) an account of someone's life written by someone else.

- DERIVATIVES biographer n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. biographie or mod. L. biographia, from med. Gk, from bios ‘life’ + -graphia ‘writing’.

biohazard

n. a risk to human health or the environment arising from biological research.

bioindicator

n. an organism used as an indicator of the quality of an ecosystem, especially with respect to pollution.

bioinformatics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the science of collecting and analysing complex biological data such as genetic codes.

biological

adj.
1 relating to biology or living organisms. (of a detergent) containing enzymes to assist the cleaning of washing.
2 (of a parent or child) related by blood; natural.
3 relating to or denoting the use of microorganisms or toxins of biological origin as weapons of war.
n. a biological product used for therapeutic purposes.

- DERIVATIVES biologic adj. biologically adv.

biological clock

n. an innate mechanism that controls the cyclical physiological activities of an organism.

biological control

n. the control of a pest by the introduction of a natural enemy or predator.

biologism

//

n. the interpretation of human life from a strictly biological point of view.

- DERIVATIVES biologistic adj.

biology

n.
1 the scientific study of living organisms.
2 the plants and animals of a particular area.
3 the features of a particular organism or class of organisms.

- DERIVATIVES biologist n.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger., via Fr. from Gk bios ‘life’ + -logy.

bioluminescence

n. the biochemical emission of light by living organisms such as glow-worms and deep-sea fishes.

- DERIVATIVES bioluminescent adj.

biomass

n.
1 the total quantity or weight of organisms in a given area or volume.
2 organic matter used as a fuel, especially in the generation of electricity.

biome

//

n. Ecology a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from bio- + -ome.

biomechanics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.

- DERIVATIVES biomechanical adj. biomechanically adv. biomechanist n.

biomedical

adj. relating to both biology and medicine.

- DERIVATIVES biomedicine n.

biometry

// (also biometrics //)

n. the application of statistical analysis to biological data.

- DERIVATIVES biometric adj. biometrical adj. biometrician n.

biomimetic

adj. Biochemistry relating to or denoting synthetic methods which mimic biochemical processes.

biomolecule

n. a molecule that is involved in the maintenance and metabolic processes of living organisms.

biomorph

n. a decorative form or object based on or resembling a living organism. a graphical representation of an organism generated on a computer.

- DERIVATIVES biomorphic adj.

bionic

adj.
1 relating to or denoting the use of electromechanical body parts instead of or as well as living ones.
2 informal having ordinary human powers increased by or as if by the aid of such devices.

- DERIVATIVES bionically adv. bionics pl. n.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from bio-, on the pattern of electronic.

bionomics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of the behaviour and adaptation of organisms in their natural habitat; ecology.

- DERIVATIVES bionomic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from bio-, on the pattern of economics.

biopharmaceutical

n. a biological macromolecule or cellular component, such as a blood product, used as a pharmaceutical.

biophysics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the science of the application of the laws of physics to biological phenomena.

- DERIVATIVES biophysical adj. biophysicist n.

biopic

n. informal a biographical film.

biopiracy

n. the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material while failing to pay fair compensation to the community from which it originates.

biopolymer

n. a polymeric substance occurring in living organisms, e.g. a protein, cellulose, or DNA.

bioprospecting

n. the search for plant and animal species from which medicinal drugs and other commercially valuable compounds can be obtained.

- DERIVATIVES bioprospector n.

biopsy

//

n. (pl. biopsies) an examination of tissue taken from the body, to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.
v. (biopsies, biopsying, biopsied) conduct a biopsy on.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Fr. from Gk bios ‘life’ + opsis ‘sight’.

bioreactor

n. an apparatus in which a biological reaction or process is carried out, especially on an industrial scale.

bioregion

n. a region defined by characteristics of the natural environment rather than by man-made divisions.

- DERIVATIVES bioregional adj.

bioregionalism

n. the belief that human activity should be constrained by ecological or geographical boundaries rather than political ones.

- DERIVATIVES bioregionalist n.

bioremediation

//

n. the use of either naturally occurring or deliberately introduced microorganisms to consume and break down environmental pollutants.

biorhythm

n. a recurring cycle in the physiology or functioning of an organism, such as the daily cycle of sleeping and waking.

- DERIVATIVES biorhythmic adj.

BIOS

//

n. a set of computer instructions in firmware which control input and output operations.

- ORIGIN acronym from Basic Input-Output System.

bioscience

n. any of the life sciences.

- DERIVATIVES bioscientist n.

bioscope

n. dated or S. African a cinema or film.

biosensor

n. a device which uses a living organism or biological molecules, especially enzymes or antibodies, to detect the presence of chemicals.

biosolids

pl. n. organic matter recycled from sewage, especially for use in agriculture.

biosphere

n.
1 the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the earth occupied by living organisms.
2 an artificial structure enclosing a self-contained ecosystem.

- DERIVATIVES biospheric adj.

biostratigraphy

//

n. the branch of stratigraphy concerned with fossils and their use in dating rock formations.

- DERIVATIVES biostratigrapher n. biostratigraphic adj. biostratigraphical adj. biostratigraphically adv.

biosynthesis

n. the production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells.

- DERIVATIVES biosynthetic adj.

biosystematics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of the classification of organisms, their relationships, and the processes by which they evolved.

- DERIVATIVES biosystematist n.

biota

//

n. Ecology the animal and plant life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: mod. L., from Gk biot ‘life’.

biotech

n. short for biotechnology.

biotechnology

n. the exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.

- DERIVATIVES biotechnological adj. biotechnologist n.

bioterrorism

//

n. the use of infectious agents or other harmful biological or biochemical substances as weapons of terrorism.

- DERIVATIVES bioterrorist n.

biotic

//

adj. relating to or resulting from living organisms.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. biotique, or via late L. from Gk bitikos, from bios ‘life’.

biotin

//

n. Biochemistry a vitamin of the B complex, found in egg yolk, liver, and yeast, involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and glucose.

- ORIGIN 1930s: coined in Ger. from Gk bios ‘life’ + -in^1.

biotite

//

n. a black, dark brown, or greenish-black micaceous mineral, occurring as a constituent of many igneous and metamorphic rocks.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French mineralogist J.-B. Biot.

biotope

//

n. Ecology the region of a habitat associated with a particular ecological community.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Ger. Biotop, based on Gk topos ‘place’.

biotransformation

//, //, //

n. the alteration of a substance, typically a drug, within the body.

bioturbation

//

n. Geology the disturbance of sedimentary deposits by living organisms.

- DERIVATIVES bioturbated adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from bio- + L. turbatio(n-), from turbare ‘disturb’.

biotype

n. a group of organisms having an identical genetic constitution.

biowarfare

n. biological warfare.

bioweapon

n. a harmful biological agent used as a weapon of war.

bipartisan

//

adj. of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties.

- DERIVATIVES bipartisanship n.

bipartite

//

adj.
1 involving or made by two separate parties.
2 technical consisting of two parts.

biped

//

n. an animal which walks on two feet.

- DERIVATIVES bipedal // adj. bipedalism n. bipedality // n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. bipes, biped- (from bi- ‘having two’ + pes, ped- ‘foot’).

biphasic

//

adj. technical having two phases.

biphenyl

//, //

n. Chemistry an organic compound containing two phenyl groups bonded together, e.g. the PCBs.

bipinnate

//

adj. Botany (of a pinnate leaf) having leaflets that are further subdivided in a pinnate arrangement.

biplane

n. an early type of aircraft with two pairs of wings, one above the other.

bipod

//

n. a two-legged stand or support.

bipolar

adj.
1 having or relating to two poles or extremities. (of a plant or animal species) of or occurring in both polar regions.
2 (of psychiatric illness) characterized by both manic and depressive episodes, or manic ones only.
3 (of a nerve cell) having two axons, one either side of the cell body.
4 Electronics (of a transistor or other device) using both positive and negative charge carriers.

- DERIVATIVES bipolarity n.

biracial

adj. concerning or containing members of two racial groups.

biramous

//

adj. Zoology (especially of crustacean limbs and antennae) dividing to form two branches.

- ORIGIN C19: from bi- + ramus + -ous.

birch

n.
1 a slender hardy tree with thin, peeling, silver-grey or white bark, which yields a hard pale wood.   Betula pendula (silver birch) and related species.
2 (the birch) chiefly historical a formal punishment in which a person is flogged with a bundle of birch twigs.
v. chiefly historical beat with the birch as a punishment.

- DERIVATIVES birchen adj. (archaic).

- ORIGIN OE bierce, birce, of Gmc origin.

birchbark

n. the impervious bark of the North American paper birch, formerly used by American Indians to make canoes and other items.

Bircher

//

n. a member or supporter of the John Birch Society, an extreme right-wing and anti-communist American organization.

- ORIGIN from the name of John Birch, a USAF officer, killed by Chinese communists in 1945.

bird

n.
1 a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animal of a class distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, and a beak, typically able to fly.   Class Aves.
2 informal a person of a specified kind or character: she's a sharp old bird.
3 Brit. informal a young woman or girlfriend.

- PHRASES
the bird has flown the person one is looking for has escaped or left.
the birds and the bees informal basic facts about sex and reproduction, as told to a child.
do (one's) bird Brit. informal serve a prison sentence. [ORIGIN bird from rhyming sl. birdlime ‘time’.]
flip someone the bird N. Amer. informal stick one's middle finger up at someone as a sign of contempt or anger.
(strictly) for the birds informal not worthy of consideration.
give someone the bird Brit. informal boo or jeer at someone.
have a bird N. Amer. informal be very shocked or agitated.

- DERIVATIVES birdlike adj.

- ORIGIN OE brid ‘chick, fledgling’, of unknown origin.

birdbrain

n. informal a silly or stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES birdbrained adj.

birdcage

n. a wire or cane cage for pet birds.

bird cherry

n. a small wild cherry tree, with bitter black fruit that is eaten by birds.   Prunus padus.

bird dog

N. Amer.

n.
1 a gun dog trained to retrieve birds.
2 informal a talent scout.
v. (bird-dog) informal search out or pursue with dogged determination.

bird-eating spider

n. another term for tarantula (in sense 1).

birder

n. informal a birdwatcher.

- DERIVATIVES birding n.

birdie

n. (pl. birdies)
1 informal a child's word for a bird.
2 Golf a score of one stroke under par at a hole.
v. (birdies, birdying, birdied) Golf play (a hole) with a score of one stroke under par.

- ORIGIN C18: dimin. of bird; the golf term from US sl. bird, denoting something excellent.

birdlime

n. a sticky substance spread on to twigs to trap small birds.

bird of paradise

n.
1 (pl. birds of paradise) a tropical Australasian bird, the male of which is noted for the beauty of its plumage and its spectacular courtship display.   Family Paradisaeidae: many species.
2 (also bird of paradise flower) a southern African plant which bears a showy flower with a long projecting tongue.   Strelitzia regina and related species.

bird of passage

n.
1 dated a migratory bird.
2 a person who passes through a place without staying long.

bird of prey

n. a bird that feeds on animal flesh and typically has a hooked bill and sharp talons (e.g. an eagle, hawk, or owl); a raptor.

bird pepper

n. a tropical American capsicum pepper which is thought to be the ancestor of both sweet and chilli peppers.   Capsicum annuumvar. glabriusculum. the small, red, very hot fruit of the bird pepper.

birdseed

n. a blend of seeds for feeding pet birds.

bird's-eye

n.
1 (also bird's-eye speedwell) North American term for germander speedwell.
2 a small geometric pattern woven with a dot in the centre.

bird's-eye chilli

n. a small very hot chilli pepper.

bird's-eye view

n. a general view from above.

bird's-foot

n. (pl. bird's-foots) a leguminous plant bearing pods shaped like the foot of a bird.   Ornithopus perpusillus.

bird's-foot trefoil

n. a small leguminous plant which has three-lobed leaves, yellow flowers streaked with red, and triple pods that resemble the feet of a bird.   Lotus corniculatus.

birdshot

n. the smallest size of shot for sporting rifles or other guns.

bird's-nest

n.
1 a brownish or yellowish saprophytic flowering plant with scale-like leaves.   Monotropa hypopitys (yellow bird's-nest) and Pterospora andromeda (giant bird's-nest, N. America).
2 a fungus with a small bowl-shaped fruiting body that opens to reveal egg-shaped organs containing the spores.   Crucibulum laeve and other species, family Nidulariaceae.

bird's-nesting

n. the practice of hunting for birds' nests in order to take the eggs.

bird's-nest orchid

n. a yellowish-brown saprophytic orchid with a mass of roots resembling a bird's nest.   Neottia nidus-avis.

bird's nest soup

n. (in Chinese cookery) a soup made from the dried gelatinous coating of the nests of swifts and other birds.

birdsong

n. the musical vocalizations of birds.

birdstrike

n. a collision of a bird and an aircraft.

bird table

n. Brit. a small platform or table in a garden on which food for birds is placed.

birdwatching

n. the practice of observing birds in their natural environment as a hobby.

- DERIVATIVES birdwatcher n.

birdwing

n. a very large boldly marked butterfly occurring in tropical Australasia.   Genus Ornithoptera: several species, including Queen Alexandra's birdwing (O. alexandrae), the world's largest butterfly.

birefringent

//

adj. Physics having two different refractive indices.

- DERIVATIVES birefringence n.

bireme

//

n. an ancient warship with two files of oarsmen on each side.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. biremis, from bi- ‘having two’ + remus ‘oar’.

biretta

//

n. a square cap with three flat projections on top, worn by Roman Catholic clergymen.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. berretta or Sp. birreta, based on late L. birrus ‘hooded cape’.

biri

n. (pl. biris) variant spelling of bidi.

biriani

// (also biriyani or biryani)

n. an Indian dish made with highly seasoned rice and meat, fish, or vegetables.

- ORIGIN Urdu, from Pers. biryni, from biriyn ‘fried, grilled’.

birl

// Scottish

v. spin or whirl.
n. a spin or whirl.

- ORIGIN C18: imitative.

Birman

//

n. a cat of a long-haired breed, typically with a cream body and dark head, tail, and legs.

- ORIGIN var. of Burman.

biro

//

n. (pl. biros) Brit. trademark a kind of ballpoint pen.

- ORIGIN 1940s: named after László József Biró, Hungarian inventor of the ballpoint.

birr

//

n. the basic monetary unit of Ethiopia, equal to 100 cents.

- ORIGIN from Amharic.

birth

n.
1 the emergence of a baby or other young from the body of its mother; the start of life as a physically separate being.
2 the beginning of something.
3 a person's ancestry or origin: he is of noble birth.
v. chiefly N. Amer. give birth to.

- PHRASES
give birth bear a child or young.

- DERIVATIVES birthing n.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON byrth; rel. to bear^1.

birth certificate

n. an official document recording a person's birth and identifying them by name, place and date of birth, and parentage.

birth control

n. the practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies, especially by use of contraception.

birthdate

n. the date on which a person is born.

birthday

n. the annual anniversary of the day on which a person was born. the day of one's birth.

- PHRASES
in one's birthday suit humorous naked.

Birthday Honours

pl. n. (in Britain) the titles and decorations awarded on a sovereign's official birthday.

birthing pool

n. a large circular bath in which a woman may give birth.

birthmark

n. an unusual, typically permanent, mark on the body which is there from birth.

birth mother

n. a woman who has given birth to a child, as opposed to an adoptive mother.

birth parent

n. a biological as opposed to an adoptive parent.

birthplace

n.
1 the place where a person was born.
2 the place where something began or originated.

birth rate

n. the number of live births per thousand of population per year.

birthright

n. a particular right of possession or privilege that a person has from birth, especially as an eldest son. a natural or moral right, possessed by everyone.

birth sign

n. Astrology the zodiacal sign through which the sun is passing when a person is born.

birthstone

n. a gemstone popularly associated with the month or astrological sign of a person's birth.

birthweight

n. the weight of a baby at birth.

birthwort

n. a climbing or herbaceous plant with heart-shaped leaves, formerly used as an aid to childbirth and to induce abortion.   Genus Aristolochia.

biryani

n. variant spelling of biriani.

BIS

abbrev. Bank for International Settlements.

bis

//

adv. Music to be repeated.

- ORIGIN via Fr. and Ital. from L., lit. ‘twice’.

bis-

//

comb. form Chemistry forming the names of compounds containing two groups identically substituted or coordinated: bis(2-aminoethyl) ether.

biscotti

//

pl. n. small rectangular Italian biscuits made with nuts.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

biscuit

n.
1 Brit. a small, flat, crisp unleavened cake. N. Amer. a small, soft round cake like a scone.
2 porcelain or other pottery which has been fired but not glazed.
3 a light brown colour.
4 Carpentry a small flat piece of wood used to join two larger pieces of wood together, fitting into slots in each.

- PHRASES
take the biscuit (or chiefly N. Amer. cake) informal be the most remarkable or foolish of its kind.

- DERIVATIVES biscuity adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bescuit, based on L. bis ‘twice’ + coctus, past part. of coquere ‘to cook’ (because biscuits were orig. cooked in a twofold process: first baked and then dried out in a slow oven).

bisect

v. divide into two parts.

- DERIVATIVES bisection n. bisector n.

- ORIGIN C17: from bi- + L. sect-, secare ‘to cut’.

biserial

adj. Botany & Zoology arranged in or consisting of two series or rows.

bisexual

adj.
1 sexually attracted to both men and women.
2 Biology having characteristics of both sexes.
n. a person who is sexually attracted to both men and women.

- DERIVATIVES bisexuality n.

bish

n. Brit. informal, dated a mistake or blunder.

- ORIGIN 1930s: of unknown origin.

bishop

n.
1 a senior member of the Christian clergy, usually in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders.
2 a chess piece, typically with its top shaped like a mitre, that can move in any direction along a diagonal.
3 mulled and spiced wine.

- ORIGIN OE biscop, bisceop, based on Gk episkopos ‘overseer’, from epi ‘above’ + -skopos ‘-looking’.

bishopric

//

n. the office or rank of a bishop. a diocese.

- ORIGIN OE bisceoprce, from bisceop (see bishop) + rce ‘realm’.

bishop suffragan

n. see suffragan.

Bislama

// (also Beach-la-mar or Bêche-de-mer)

n. an English-based pidgin language used as the national language of Vanuatu, where it shares official status with English and French.

- ORIGIN alt. of Port. bicho do mar ‘sea cucumber’ (traded as a commodity, the word later being applied to the language of trade).

bismillah

//

exclam. in the name of God (an invocation used by Muslims at the beginning of an undertaking).

- ORIGIN from Arab. bi-smi-llh, the first word of the Koran.

bismuth

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 83, a brittle reddish-tinged grey metal. (Symbol: Bi)

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. bisemutum, Latinization of Ger. Wismut, of unknown origin.

bison

//

n. (pl. same) a humpbacked shaggy-haired wild ox.   Bison bison (the N. American buffalo) and B. bonasus (Europe, now only Poland).

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ult. of Gmc origin.

bisphenol A

//

n. Chemistry a synthetic organic compound used in the manufacture of epoxy resins and other polymers.

bisque^1

//, //

n. a rich soup made from lobster or other shellfish.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘crayfish soup’.

bisque^2

//

n. an extra turn or stroke allowed to a weaker player in croquet.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. a term in real tennis): from Fr., of unknown ultimate origin.

bisque^3

//

n. another term for biscuit (in sense 2).

bistable

adj. denoting an electronic circuit or device which has two stable states.

bistort

//

n. a herbaceous plant with a spike of flesh-coloured flowers and a twisted root.   Polygonum bistorta and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bistorte or med. L. bistorta, from bis ‘twice’ + torta (fem. past part. of torquere ‘to twist’).

bistoury

//

n. (pl. bistouries) a surgical knife with a straight or curved narrow blade.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. bistouri, orig. bistorie ‘dagger’, of unknown origin.

bistre

// (US also bister)

n. a brownish-yellow pigment made from the soot of burnt wood.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., of unknown origin.

bistro

//, //

n. (pl. bistros) a small, inexpensive restaurant.

- ORIGIN 1920s: Fr.; perh. rel. to bistouille, a northern colloq. term meaning ‘bad alcohol’.

bisulphate

(US bisulfate)

n. Chemistry a salt of the anion HSO_4-.

bit^1

n.
1 a small piece, quantity, or extent of something.
2 informal a set of actions or ideas associated with a specific activity: she did her theatrical bit.
3 informal a girl or young woman.
4 N. Amer. informal a unit of 12^1/2 cents (used only in even multiples).

- PHRASES
a bit somewhat.
bit by bit gradually.
a bit of a ——
1 used to suggest that something is not severe or extreme: a bit of an accident.
2 denoting a young person or one of slight build: a bit of a girl.
a bit of all right Brit. informal an attractive or pleasing person or thing.
bit of fluff (or skirt or stuff) Brit. informal a woman regarded in sexual terms.
bit on the side Brit. informal
1 a person with whom one is unfaithful to one's partner.
2 money earned outside one's normal job.
do one's bit informal make a useful contribution.
in bits Brit. informal very upset or emotionally affected.
to bits
1 into pieces.
2 informal very much.

- ORIGIN OE bita ‘bite, mouthful’, of Gmc origin.

bit^2

past of bite.

bit^3

n.
1 a metal mouthpiece attached to a bridle, used to control a horse.
2 a tool or piece for boring or drilling. the cutting or gripping part of a plane, pincers, or other tool.
3 the part of a key that engages with the lock lever.
4 the copper head of a soldering iron.
v. put a bit into the mouth of (a horse).

- PHRASES
get (or take or have) the bit between (or N. Amer. in) one's teeth begin to tackle a task in a determined way.

- DERIVATIVES -bitted adj.

- ORIGIN OE bite ‘biting, a bite’, of Gmc origin.

bit^4

n. Computing a unit of information expressed as either a 0 or 1 in binary notation.

- ORIGIN 1940s: blend of binary and digit.

bitch

n.
1 a female dog, wolf, fox, or otter.
2 informal a disliked or spiteful woman. black English a woman (used in a non-derogatory sense).
3 (a bitch) informal a difficult or unpleasant thing or situation.
v. informal make spitefully critical comments.

- ORIGIN OE bicce, of Gmc origin.

bitchery

n. informal spiteful behaviour.

bitching

(also bitchen) N. Amer. informal

adj. excellent.
adv. extremely.

bitchy

adj. (bitchier, bitchiest) informal spitefully critical.

- DERIVATIVES bitchily adv. bitchiness n.

bite

v. (past bit; past part. bitten)
1 use the teeth to cut into something. (of a snake, insect, or spider) wound with a sting, pincers, or fangs.
2 (of a tool, tyre, boot, etc.) grip or take hold on a surface. (of an object) press painfully into part of the body.
3 (of an acid) corrode a surface.
4 take effect, with unpleasant consequences: the budget cuts were starting to bite. informal annoy or worry: what's biting you now?
5 (of a fish) take the bait or lure on the end of a fishing line into the mouth. informal be persuaded to accept an offer.
6 (bite something back) refrain with difficulty from saying something.
n.
1 an act or instance of biting. a piece cut off by biting. Dentistry the bringing together of the teeth in occlusion.
2 informal a quick snack.
3 a sharp or pungent flavour. a feeling of cold in the air.

- PHRASES
be bitten by the —— bug develop a passionate interest in a specified activity.
bite the big one N. Amer. informal
1 die.
2 be very unpleasant.
bite the bullet decide after hesitation to do something difficult or unpleasant. [ORIGIN from the old custom of giving wounded soldiers a bullet to bite on when undergoing surgery without anaesthetic.]
bite the dust informal die or be killed.
bite the hand that feeds one deliberately harm or offend a benefactor.
bite off more than one can chew take on a commitment one cannot fulfil.
the biter bitten (or bit) indicating that someone is being treated in the same way as they have treated others.
bite one's tongue make a desperate effort to avoid saying something.
once bitten, twice shy an unpleasant experience induces caution.
one could have bitten one's tongue off one profoundly regrets having said something.
put the bite on N. Amer. & Austral./NZ informal borrow or extort money from. [ORIGIN 1930s (orig. US): bite, from the sl. sense ‘deception’.]

- DERIVATIVES biter n.

- ORIGIN OE btan, of Gmc origin.

bite-sized

(also bite-size)

adj.
1 (of a piece of food) small enough to be eaten in one mouthful.
2 informal very small or short.

biting

adj.
1 (of wind or cold) painfully cold.
2 (of wit or criticism) harsh or cruel.

- DERIVATIVES bitingly adv.

bitmap

Computing

n. a representation in which each item corresponds to one or more bits of information, especially the information used to control the display of a computer screen.
v. (bitmaps, bitmapping, bitmapped) represent as a bitmap.

bitonal

//

adj. (of music) having parts in two different keys sounding together.

- DERIVATIVES bitonality n.

bit part

n. a small acting role in a play or a film.

bit rate

n. Electronics the number of bits per second that can be transmitted along a digital network.

Bitrex

//

n. trademark a bitter-tasting synthetic organic compound added to cleaning fluids or other products to make them unpalatable.

- ORIGIN 1960s: an invented name.

bitser

n. variant spelling of bitzer.

bitstream

//

n. Electronics a stream of data in binary form.

bitten

past participle of bite.

bitter

adj.
1 having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.
2 causing pain or unhappiness. feeling or showing angry hurt or resentment. (of a conflict) harsh and acrimonious.
3 (of wind or weather) intensely cold.
n.
1 Brit. beer that is strongly flavoured with hops and has a bitter taste.
2 (bitters) [treated as sing.] alcohol flavoured with bitter plant extracts, used as an additive in cocktails.

- PHRASES
to the bitter end to the very end, in spite of difficulties.

- DERIVATIVES bitterly adv. bitterness n.

- ORIGIN OE biter, of Gmc origin.

bitter apple

n. another term for colocynth.

bittercress

n. a plant with small white flowers, which grows as a weed in damp soils.   Genus Cardamine: several species.

bitter gourd

n. a climbing plant of the cucumber family, native to Africa and SE Asia and cultivated in India for its long, rough-skinned fruit. Also called karela.   Momordica charantia.

bitter lemon

n. Brit. a carbonated semi-sweet soft drink flavoured with lemons.

bitterling

n. a small brightly coloured freshwater fish of central Europe, whose eggs develop inside mussels.   Rhodeus amarus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Bitterling, from bitter ‘bitter’ (translating L. amarus) + -ling.

bittern^1

//

n. a marshbird of the heron family with brown streaked plumage, noted for the male's deep booming call.   Botaurus stellaris (Eurasia), B. lentiginosus (N. America), and other species.

- ORIGIN ME bitore, from OFr. butor, based on L. butio ‘bittern’ + taurus ‘bull’ (because of its call).

bittern^2

// (also bitterns)

n. a concentrated solution of various salts remaining after the crystallization of salt from seawater.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from bitter.

bitter orange

n. another term for Seville orange.

bittersweet

adj.
1 sweet with a bitter aftertaste.
2 arousing pleasure tinged with sadness or pain.
n.
1 another term for woody nightshade.
2 a vine-like American climbing plant bearing clusters of bright orange pods.   Celastrus scandens and other species.

bittersweet chocolate

n. North American term for plain chocolate.

bitty

adj. (bittier, bittiest) informal
1 Brit. made up of small parts that seem unrelated.
2 [in combination] N. Amer. tiny: a little-bitty girl.

- DERIVATIVES bittily adv. bittiness n.

bitumen

//

n. a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons obtained naturally or as a residue from petroleum distillation, used for road surfacing and roofing.

- DERIVATIVES bituminous adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting naturally occurring asphalt used as mortar): from L.

bituminize

(or bituminise) //

v. convert into or treat with bitumen.

- DERIVATIVES bituminization n.

bituminous coal

n. black coal having a relatively high volatile content and burning with a characteristically bright smoky flame.

bitwise

adj. Computing denoting an operator in a programming language which manipulates the individual bits in a byte or word.

bitzer

// (also bitser)

n. Austral./NZ informal
1 a contraption made from unrelated parts.
2 a mongrel dog.

- ORIGIN 1920s: abbrev. of the phr. bits and pieces.

bivalence

//

n. Logic the existence of only two states or truth values (e.g. true and false).

bivalent

adj.
1 // Biology (of homologous chromosomes) associated in pairs.
2 // Chemistry another term for divalent.
n. // Biology a pair of homologous chromosomes.

- ORIGIN C19: from bi- + L. valent-, valere ‘be strong’.

bivalve

n. an aquatic mollusc which has a compressed body enclosed within two hinged shells, such as an oyster, mussel, or scallop.   Class Bivalvia.
adj.
1 (also bivalved) (of a mollusc or other aquatic invertebrate) having a hinged double shell.
2 Botany (of a fruit) having two valves.

bivariate

//

adj. Statistics involving or depending on two variates.

bivouac

//, //

n. a temporary camp without tents or cover.
v. (bivouacs, bivouacking, bivouacked) stay in a bivouac.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., prob. from Swiss Ger. Bîwacht ‘additional guard at night’.

bivvy

informal

n. (pl. bivvies) a small tent or temporary shelter.
v. (bivvies, bivvying, bivvied) use a tent or temporary shelter.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: abbrev. of bivouac.

biweekly

adj. & adv. appearing or occurring every two weeks or twice a week.
n. (pl. biweeklies) a biweekly periodical.

bi-wiring

n. the use of two wires between an amplifier and a loudspeaker to operate the low- and high-frequency speaker circuits separately.

biyearly

adj. & adv. appearing or occurring every two years or twice a year.

biz

n. informal short for business.

bizarre

//

adj. very strange or unusual.

- DERIVATIVES bizarrely adv. bizarreness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. bizzarro ‘angry’, of unknown origin.

bizarrerie

//

n. (pl. bizarreries) a strange and unusual thing.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from bizarre.

bizzy

n. (pl. bizzies) variant spelling of busy.

Bk

symb. the chemical element berkelium.

bk

abbrev. book.

BL

abbrev.
1 (in Scotland and Ireland) Bachelor of Law.
2 bill of lading.
3 British Library.

blab

v. (blabs, blabbing, blabbed) informal reveal secrets by indiscreet talk.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Gmc origin; ult. imitative.

blabber

informal

v. talk indiscreetly or excessively.
n. a person who blabbers. indiscreet or excessive talk.

blabbermouth

n. informal a person who talks excessively or indiscreetly.

black

adj.
1 of the very darkest colour due to the absence of or complete absorption of light. (of coffee or tea) served without milk.
2 relating to or denoting a human group having dark-coloured skin, especially of African or Australian Aboriginal ancestry.
3 characterized by tragedy, disaster, or despair. (of humour) presenting tragic or harrowing situations in comic terms. full of anger or hatred.
4 Brit. dated (of goods or work) not to be handled or undertaken by trade union members, as an expression of solidarity with an industrial dispute elsewhere.
5 (of a ski run) of the highest level of difficulty.
6 of or denoting the suits spades and clubs in a pack of cards.
n.
1 black colour or pigment. black clothes or material, worn as a sign of mourning. (Black) the player of the black pieces in chess or draughts.
2 a member of a dark-skinned people, especially one of African or Australian Aboriginal ancestry.
3 Brit. informal blackcurrant cordial.
v.
1 make black, especially by the application of black polish or make-up.
2 (black something out) make a room or building dark by extinguishing lights, covering windows, etc. obscure something completely. (of a television company) decide not to broadcast a controversial programme.
3 (black out) undergo a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness.
4 Brit. dated refuse to deal with (goods or people) or undertake (work), as a form of industrial action.

- PHRASES
black someone's eye hit someone in the eye so as to cause bruising.
in the black not owing any money.
in someone's black books informal in disfavour with someone.
look on the black side informal take a pessimistic view of a situation.

- DERIVATIVES blackish adj. blackly adv. blackness n.

- ORIGIN OE blæc, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

Black has been used to refer to African peoples and their descendants since the 14th century, and it is the most widely used and generally accepted term in Britain today. In the US the currently preferred term is African American.

blackamoor

//, //

n. archaic a black African or a very dark-skinned person.

- ORIGIN C16: from black + Moor.

black and tan

n.
1 a terrier of a breed with a black back and tan markings on face, flanks, and legs.
2 Brit. a drink composed of stout and bitter.
3 (Black and Tans) an armed force recruited by the British government to fight Sinn Fein in Ireland in 1921. [ORIGIN so named because of the khaki and black colours of their uniform.]

black and white

adj.
1 consisting of or displaying images in black, white, and shades of grey rather than in colour.
2 (of a situation or debate) involving clearly defined opposing principles or issues.
n. US informal a police car.

black art

n.
1 (also black arts) another term for black magic.
2 a technique or practice considered mysterious and sinister.

blackball

v. reject or vote against (a candidate applying to become a member of a private club).

- ORIGIN C18: from the practice of registering an adverse vote by placing a black ball in a ballot box.

black bass

n. a North American freshwater sporting and food fish of the sunfish family.   Genus Micropterus: several species.

black bean

n.
1 a cultivated variety of soy bean, used fermented in oriental cooking.
2 a Mexican variety of the French bean.
3 a leguminous Australian liana with blackish flowers.   Kennedia nigricans.

black bear

n. a medium-sized forest-dwelling bear with blackish fur and a paler face.   Ursus americanus (America) and Selenarctos thibetanus (E. Asia).

black beetle

n. Brit. informal the common cockroach.

black belt

n. a black belt worn by an expert in judo, karate, and other martial arts.

blackberry

n. (pl. blackberries)
1 an edible soft fruit consisting of a cluster of soft purple-black drupels.
2 the prickly climbing shrub of the rose family which bears blackberries.   Rubus fruticosus.
v. (blackberries, blackberrying, blackberried) [usu. as noun blackberrying] gather blackberries.

black bile

n. (in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humours, believed to be associated with a melancholy temperament.

- ORIGIN C18: translation of Gk melankholia (see melancholy).

black bindweed

n. a twining weed related to the docks, with heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers.   Fallopia convolvulus.

blackbird

n.
1 a thrush of which the male has all-black plumage and a yellow bill, and the female is brown.   Turdus merula.
2 an American songbird with largely black plumage.   Agelaius phoeniceus (red-winged blackbird) and other species, family Icteridae.
3 historical a black or Polynesian captive on a slave ship.

blackboard

n. a large board with a smooth dark surface for writing on with chalk.

black body

n. Physics a hypothetical perfect absorber and radiator of energy, with no reflecting power.

black bottom

n. a popular American dance of the 1920s.

black box

n. a flight recorder in an aircraft.

blackboy

n. an Australian tree or erect shrub with long, stiff grass-like leaves.   Genus Xanthorrhoea: several species.

black bread

n. a coarse dark-coloured type of rye bread.

blackbuck

n. a small Indian gazelle, the horned male of which has a black back and white underbelly, the female being hornless.   Antilope cervicapra.

black bulgar

n. a cup-shaped stemless black fungus which grows on the fallen trunks and branches of broadleaved trees.   Bulgaria inquinans.

black bun

n. rich fruit cake in a pastry case, traditionally eaten in Scotland at New Year.

blackbutt

n. a tall straight-trunked Australian eucalyptus tree, typically with fire-charred fibrous bark on the lower trunk and with pale brown wood.   Eucalyptus pilularis.

- ORIGIN C19: from black + butt^3 in the sense ‘tree trunk’.

blackcap

n. a warbler with a black cap in the male and a reddish-brown one in the female.   Sylvia atricapilla.

blackcock

n. (pl. same) the male of the black grouse.

black consciousness

n. awareness of one's identify as a black person.

blackcurrant

n.
1 a small round edible black berry which grows in loose hanging clusters.
2 the widely cultivated shrub which bears blackcurrants.   Ribes nigrum.

black diamond

n.
1 informal a lump of coal.
2 a dark, opaque form of diamond.
3 N. Amer. a difficult ski slope.

black dog

n. melancholy or depression: I'm happier, but the black dog is still there.

- ORIGIN C18: orig. as a term for a bad shilling.

black economy

n. the part of a country's economic activity which is not recorded or taxed by its government.

blacken

v.
1 become or make black or dark.
2 damage or destroy (someone's reputation).

black eye

n. an area of bruised skin around the eye resulting from a blow.

black-eyed bean

(also black-eye bean, US black-eyed pea)

n.
1 a creamy-white edible bean with a black mark at the point where it was attached to the pod.
2 the plant which produces black-eyed beans.   Vigna sinensis.

black-eyed Susan

n.
1 a slender tropical climbing plant having flowers with yellowish petals and a dark centre.   Thunbergia alata.
2 a type of cultivated rudbeckia.   Rudbeckia hirta.

blackface

n.
1 a sheep of a breed with a black face.
2 the make-up used by a non-black performer playing a black role.

black-figure

n. a type of ancient Greek pottery in which figures are painted in black, details being added by incising through to the red clay background. Compare with red-figure.

blackfish

n. (pl. same or blackfishes)
1 a large, dark open-ocean fish related to the perches.   Centrolophus niger.
2 a salmon just after spawning.

black flag

n.
1 historical a pirate's ensign, featuring a white skull and crossbones on a black background.
2 historical a black flag hoisted outside a prison to announce an execution.
3 Motor Racing a black flag used to signal to a driver that he must stop at the pits as a punishment for a misdemeanour.

blackfly

n. (pl. same or blackflies)
1 a black or dark green aphid which is a common pest of crops and gardens.   Aphis fabae and other species.
2 a small black bloodsucking fly which can transmit a number of serious diseases.   Simulium and other genera.

Blackfoot

n. (pl. same or Blackfeet)
1 a member of a confederacy of North American Indian peoples of the north-western plains consisting of three closely related tribes: the Blackfoot proper or Siksika, the Bloods, and the Peigan.
2 the Algonquian language of the Blackfoot.

Black Forest gateau

(N. Amer. Black Forest cake)

n. a chocolate sponge layered with cherries and cream and topped with chocolate icing.

Black Friar

n. a friar of the Dominican order (who wear black habits).

black frost

n. frost which does not have a white surface.

black gold

n. N. Amer. informal oil.

black grouse

n. (pl. same) a large grouse, the male of which has glossy blue-black plumage and a lyre-shaped tail.   Tetrao tetrix.

blackguard

//, // dated

n. a man who behaves in a dishonourable or contemptible way.
v. disparage or denounce.

- DERIVATIVES blackguardly adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting a body of servants): from black + guard.

blackhead

n. a plug of sebum in a hair follicle, darkened by oxidation.

black hole

n. Astronomy a region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape.

black ice

n. a transparent coating of ice on a road surface.

blacking

n. black paste or polish, especially black shoe polish.

blackjack

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a gambling card game in which players try to acquire cards with a face value totalling 21 and no more.
2 a weed related to the bur-marigold, with barbed black seeds.   Bidens pilosa.
3 N. Amer. a flexible lead-filled truncheon.
4 historical a pirates' black flag.
5 historical a tarred-leather container used for alcoholic drink.

Black Jew

n. another term for Falasha.

blacklead

n. another term for graphite.
v. polish (metal, especially cast iron) with graphite.

blackleg

n.
1 Brit. derogatory a person who continues working when fellow workers are on strike.
2 a bacterial disease of cattle and sheep, causing necrosis in the leg.
3 a plant disease in which part of the stem blackens and decays.
v. (blacklegs, blacklegging, blacklegged) Brit. derogatory continue working when one's fellow workers are on strike.

black letter

n. an ornate early bold style of type.

black light

n. ultraviolet or infrared radiation, invisible to the eye.

blacklist

n. a list of people or groups regarded as unacceptable or untrustworthy.
v. put on a blacklist.

black lung

n. chiefly N. Amer. pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of coal dust.

black magic

n. magic involving the supposed invocation of evil spirits for evil purposes.

blackmail

n. the criminal offence of demanding money from someone in return for not revealing discreditable information. the use of threats or unfair manipulation in an attempt to influence someone: emotional blackmail.
v. subject to blackmail.

- DERIVATIVES blackmailer n.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting protection money levied by Scottish chiefs): from black + obs. mail ‘tribute, rent’, from ON mál ‘speech, agreement’.

Black Maria

n. informal a police vehicle for transporting prisoners.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): said to be named after a black woman, Maria Lee, who kept a boarding house in Boston and helped police in escorting drunk and disorderly customers to jail.

black mark

n. informal a note or record of a person's misdemeanour or discreditable action.

black market

n. an illegal trade in officially controlled or scarce commodities.

- DERIVATIVES black marketeer n. black marketeering n.

black mass

n. a travesty of the Roman Catholic Mass in worship of the Devil.

black money

n. income illegally obtained or not declared for tax purposes.

Black Monk

n. a member of the Benedictines (who wear black habits).

black Muslim

n. a member of the Nation of Islam, a black Islamic sect advocating a separate black nation.

black nationalism

n. the advocacy of the national civil rights of black people, especially in the US.

blackout

n.
1 a period when all lights must be turned out or covered to prevent them being seen by the enemy during an air raid. (blackouts) Brit. dark curtains put up in windows during an air raid. a sudden failure or dimming of electric lights.
2 a temporary loss of consciousness.
3 an official suppression of information: a total news blackout.

Black Panther

n. a member of a US Black Power organization.

black powder

n. gunpowder.

Black Power

n. a movement in support of rights and political power for black people.

black pudding

n. Brit. a black sausage containing pork, dried pig's blood, and suet.

Black Rod

(in full Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod)

n. (in the UK) the chief usher of the Lord Chamberlain's department of the royal household, who is also usher to the House of Lords.

black rot

n. a fungal or bacterial disease of plants producing blackening, shrivelling, and rotting.

black salsify

n. another term for scorzonera.

black sheep

n. informal a member of a family or group who is regarded as a disgrace to it.

blackshirt

n. a member of a Fascist organization, in particular of an Italian paramilitary group before and during the Second World War.

blacksmith

n. a person who makes and repairs things in iron by hand. a farrier.

black smoker

n. Geology a geothermal vent on the seabed which ejects superheated water containing black sulphide minerals.

black spot

n.
1 Brit. a place marked by a particular problem: an accident black spot.
2 a fungal or bacterial disease of plants, producing black blotches on the leaves.

black stump

n. Austral. informal a notional place regarded as the last outpost of civilization.

black swan

n.
1 a mainly black swan, native to Australia and introduced widely elsewhere.   Cygnus atratus.
2 archaic something extremely rare.

black tea

n. tea of the most usual type, that is fully fermented before drying. Compare with green tea.

blackthorn

n. a thorny shrub which bears white flowers before the leaves appear, followed by astringent blue-black fruits (sloes).   Prunus spinosa.

blackthorn winter

n. Brit. a spell of cold weather at the time in early spring when the blackthorn flowers.

black tie

n. men's formal evening wear.

blacktop

n. chiefly N. Amer. asphalt, tarmacadam, or other black material used for surfacing roads.

black tracker

n. Austral. an Aboriginal employed to help find people lost or hiding in the bush.

black velvet

n. a drink consisting of a mixture of stout and champagne.

black water

n. technical waste water and sewage from toilets. Compare with grey water.

blackwater fever

n. a severe form of malaria in which blood cells are rapidly destroyed, resulting in dark urine.

black widow

n. a highly venomous American spider having a black body with red markings.   Latrodectus mactans.

blackwood

n. a tropical hardwood tree which produces high-quality dark wood.   Dalbergia melanoxylon (Africa) and other species.

blackwork

n. a type of embroidery done in black thread on white cloth, popular in Tudor times.

bladder

n.
1 a muscular membranous sac in the abdomen which receives urine from the kidneys and stores it for excretion.
2 an inflated or hollow flexible bag or chamber.

- ORIGIN OE blædre, of Gmc origin, rel. to blow^1.

bladder campion

n. a white-flowered campion with a swollen bladder-like calyx behind the deeply cut petals.   Silene vulgaris.

bladdered

adj. Brit. informal extremely drunk.

bladderwort

//

n. an aquatic plant with small air-filled bladders which keep the plant afloat and trap tiny animals to provide nutrients.   Genus Utricularia.

bladderwrack

n. a common brown shoreline seaweed with tough strap-like fronds containing air bladders that give buoyancy.   Fucus vesiculosus.

blade

n.
1 the flat cutting edge of a knife or other tool or weapon.
2 the broad, flat part of an oar, propeller, or other object.
3 a long, narrow leaf of grass.
4 informal, dated a dashing or energetic young man.
5 a shoulder bone in a joint of meat, or the joint itself.
v. informal skate using Rollerblades.

- DERIVATIVES bladed adj.

- ORIGIN OE blæd, of Gmc origin.

blaeberry

//, //

n. (pl. blaeberries) Scottish and northern English term for bilberry.

- ORIGIN ME: from dial. blae ‘blackish-blue’.

blag

Brit. informal

n.
1 a violent robbery or raid.
2 an act of using clever talk or lying to obtain something.
v. (blags, blagging, blagged)
1 steal in a violent robbery or raid.
2 obtain by clever talk or lying.

- DERIVATIVES blagger n.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Fr. blaguer ‘tell lies’.

blague

//

n. literary a joke or piece of nonsense.

- DERIVATIVES blagueur n.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

blah

n. informal
1 used as a substitute for actual words where they are felt to be too tedious or lengthy to give in full.
2 (the blahs) N. Amer. depression.

blain

//

n. rare an inflamed swelling or sore on the skin.

- ORIGIN OE blegen, of W. Gmc origin.

Blairism

n. the policies of the British Labour statesman Tony Blair.

- DERIVATIVES Blairite n. & adj.

Blakey

n. (pl. Blakeys) Brit. a protective metal plate fitted to the sole of a shoe or boot.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the manufacturers.

blame

v. assign responsibility for a fault or wrong to.
n. responsibility for a fault or wrong.

- PHRASES
be to blame be responsible for a fault or wrong.

- DERIVATIVES blameable (US also blamable) adj. blameful adj. blameworthiness n. blameworthy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. blamer, blasmer, from pop. L. var. of eccles. L. blasphemare, from Gk blasphmein (see blaspheme).

blameless

adj. innocent of wrongdoing.

- DERIVATIVES blamelessly adv. blamelessness n.

blanc

//

adj. (of wine) white.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘white’.

blanch

//

v.
1 make or become white or pale.
2 prepare (vegetables) for freezing or further cooking by immersing briefly in boiling water. [often as adj. blanched] peel (almonds) by scalding them.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. blanchir, from blanc ‘white’, ult. of Gmc origin.

blancmange

//, //

n. Brit. a sweet opaque gelatinous dessert made with flavoured cornflour and milk.

- ORIGIN ME blancmanger: from OFr. blanc mangier, from blanc ‘white’ + mangier ‘eat’.

blanco

// Brit.

n. a white substance used for whitening belts and other items of military equipment.
v. (blancoes, blancoing, blancoed) whiten with blanco.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. blanc ‘white’, ult. of Gmc origin.

bland

adj.
1 lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting. (of food or drink) lacking flavour or seasoning; insipid.
2 showing no strong emotion.

- DERIVATIVES blandly adv. blandness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘gentle in manner’): from L. blandus ‘soft, smooth’.

blandish

//

v. archaic coax with kind words or flattery.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. blandiss-, blandir, from L. blandiri, from blandus ‘soft, smooth’.

blandishments

pl. n. flattery or kind words intended to persuade.

blank

adj.
1 not marked or decorated; bare, empty, or plain.
2 not comprehending or reacting: a blank look.
3 complete; absolute: a blank refusal to discuss the issue.
4 used euphemistically in place of an obscene word.
n.
1 a space left to be filled in a document.
2 (also blank cartridge) a cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet.
3 an empty space or period of time: my mind was a total blank.
4 an object with no mark or design on it, in particular a roughly cut disc or block intended for stamping or finishing.
5 a dash written instead of a word or letter, especially to avoid using an obscene word.
v.
1 make blank or empty.
2 Brit. informal deliberately ignore (someone).
3 N. Amer. defeat without allowing the opponent to score.
4 cut (a metal blank).

- PHRASES
draw a blank elicit no successful response.

- DERIVATIVES blankly adv. blankness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘white, colourless’): from OFr. blanc ‘white’, ult. of Gmc origin.

blank cheque

n.
1 a cheque with the amount left for the payee to fill in.
2 an unlimited freedom of action.

blanket

n.
1 a large piece of woollen material used as a covering for warmth, as on a bed.
2 a thick mass or layer: a blanket of cloud.
3 a rubber surface used for transferring the image in ink from the plate to the paper in offset printing.
adj. covering all cases; total: a blanket ban on tobacco advertising.
v. (blankets, blanketing, blanketed)
1 cover completely with a thick layer.
2 Sailing take wind from the sails of (another craft) by passing to windward.

- PHRASES
born on the wrong side of the blanket dated illegitimate.

- DERIVATIVES blanketing n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Old North. Fr. from OFr. blanc ‘white’, ult. of Gmc origin.

blanket bath

n. Brit. an all-over wash given to a person confined to bed.

blanket bog

n. an extensive flat peat bog formed in cool regions of high rainfall or humidity.

blanket finish

n. a very close finish in a race.

blanket stitch

n. a buttonhole stitch used on the edges of a blanket or other material too thick to be hemmed.

blanket weed

n. a common green freshwater alga forming mats of long filaments.   Genus Spirogyra.

blankety-blank

adj. & n. informal used euphemistically to replace an obscene or taboo word.

blanking plate

n. a plate that covers an opening to protect it from moisture or dust.

blank verse

n. verse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameters.

blanquette

//

n. a dish consisting of white meat in a white sauce.

- ORIGIN Fr., based on blanc ‘white’.

blare

v. make a loud, harsh sound.
n. a loud, harsh sound.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘roar, bellow’): from MDu. blaren, bleren, or Low Ger. blaren, of imitative origin.

blarney

n. talk intended to be charming or persuasive (often considered typical of Irish people).

- ORIGIN C18: named after Blarney Castle in Ireland, where there is a stone said to give the gift of persuasive speech to anyone who kisses it.

blasé

//

adj. unimpressed with or indifferent to something because of overfamiliarity.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., past part. of blaser ‘cloy’, prob. ult. of Gmc origin.

blaspheme

//

v. speak irreverently about God or sacred things.

- DERIVATIVES blasphemer n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from eccles. L. blasphemare ‘reproach, revile, blaspheme’, from Gk blasphmein, from blasphmos ‘evil-speaking’; cf. blame.

blasphemy

n. (pl. blasphemies) profane or sacrilegious talk about God or sacred things.

- DERIVATIVES blasphemous adj. blasphemously adv.

blast

//

n.
1 a destructive wave of highly compressed air spreading outwards from an explosion.
2 a strong gust of wind or air. a strong current of air used in smelting.
3 a single loud note of a horn or whistle.
4 informal a severe reprimand.
5 N. Amer. informal an enjoyable experience or lively party.
v.
1 blow up or break apart with explosives.
2 (blast off) (of a rocket or spacecraft) take off from a launching site.
3 produce loud continuous music or noise.
4 informal criticize fiercely.
5 kick or strike (a ball) hard.
6 literary (of wind) wither or shrivel (a plant).
7 strike with divine anger (used as a curse): damn and blast this awful place!
exclam. informal expressing annoyance.

- PHRASES
(at) full blast at maximum power or intensity.

- DERIVATIVES blaster n.

- ORIGIN OE blæst, of Gmc origin; rel. to blaze^3.

-blast

comb. form Biology denoting an embryonic cell or tissue: erythroblast. Compare with -cyte.

- ORIGIN from Gk blastos ‘germ, sprout’.

blasted

adj. informal
1 used to express annoyance: make your own blasted coffee!
2 drunk.

blast furnace

n. a smelting furnace in the form of a tower into which a blast of hot compressed air can be introduced, especially for smelting iron.

blasto-

//

comb. form relating to germination: blastoderm.

- ORIGIN from Gk blastos ‘germ, sprout’.

blastocyst

n. Embryology a mammalian blastula in which some differentiation of cells has occurred.

blastoderm

n. Embryology a blastula having the form of a disc of cells on top of the yolk.

blast-off

n. the launch of a rocket or spacecraft.

blastomere

//

n. Embryology a cell formed by cleavage of a fertilized ovum.

blastomycosis

//

n. Medicine a disease of the skin or internal organs caused by infection with parasitic fungi.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. genus name Blastomyces.

blastula

//

n. (pl. blastulae // or blastulas) Embryology an animal embryo at the early stage of development when it is a hollow ball of cells.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk blastos ‘sprout’.

blat

informal

v. (blats, blatting, blatted)
1 make a bleating sound.
2 travel quickly.
n. a bleat or similar noise.

blatant

//

adj. open and unashamed; flagrant.

- DERIVATIVES blatancy n. blatantly adv.

- ORIGIN The word blatant was first used by the poet Edmund Spenser in his romance The Faerie Queene (1596), in which he called a thousand-tongued monster produced by Cerberus and Chimaera the blatant beast. Spenser used the monster as a symbol of slander, and may have adopted the word blatant from Scots blatand ‘bleating’. Blatant was subsequently used to mean ‘loud and clamorous’; the sense ‘unashamed, flagrant’ arose in the late 19th century.

blather

// (also blither)

v. talk at length without making much sense.
n. rambling but empty talk.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. Scots and north. Engl. dial.): from ON blathra ‘talk nonsense’, from blathr ‘nonsense’.

blatherskite

// (also bletherskate)

n. chiefly N. Amer. a person who talks at great length without making much sense. foolish talk; nonsense.

- ORIGIN C17: from blather + Sc. skite ‘contemptible person’.

blatter

v. informal move or strike with a clatter.

- ORIGIN C18: orig. Scots.

blaxploitation

//

n. the exploitation of black people with regard to stereotyped roles in films.

blaze^1

n.
1 a very large or fiercely burning fire.
2 a very bright light or display of colour. a conspicuous display or outburst of something: they broke up in a blaze of publicity.
3 (blazes) informal used as a euphemism for ‘hell’.
v.
1 burn or shine fiercely or brightly.
2 shoot repeatedly or indiscriminately.

- PHRASES
like blazes informal very fast or forcefully.

- DERIVATIVES blazing adj. blazingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE blæse ‘torch, bright fire’, of Gmc origin.

blaze^2

n.
1 a white stripe down the face of a horse or other animal.
2 a cut made on a tree to mark a route.
v. (blaze a trail) mark out a path or route. be the first to do something; pioneer.

- ORIGIN C17: ult. of Gmc origin; rel. to blaze^1, and prob. to blemish.

blaze^3

v. present (news) in a prominent or sensational manner.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘blow out on a trumpet’): from Mid. Low Ger. or MDu. blzen ‘to blow’; rel. to blow^1.

blazer

n.
1 a coloured summer jacket worn by schoolchildren or sports players as part of a uniform.
2 a man's smart jacket not forming part of a suit.

blazing star

n.
1 a North American plant of the daisy family with tall spikes of purple or white flowers.   Genus Liatris.
2 a North American plant of the lily family bearing spikes of white flowers.   Chamaelirium luteum.

blazon

//

v.
1 display or report prominently or vividly.
2 describe or depict (armorial bearings) in a correct heraldic manner.
n. a correct description of armorial bearings. archaic a coat of arms.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a shield): from OFr. blason ‘shield’, of unknown origin; verb influenced by blaze^3.

blazonry

n. the art of describing or painting heraldic devices or armorial bearings. heraldic devices or armorial bearings.

bleach

v.
1 make white or much lighter by a chemical process or by exposure to sunlight.
2 clean or sterilize with bleach.
n. a chemical used for bleaching and also to sterilize drains, sinks, etc.

- ORIGIN OE blæcan (v.), blæce (n.), from blæc ‘pale’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bleak^1.

bleacher

n.
1 a person or thing that bleaches.
2 N. Amer. a cheap bench seat in an uncovered part of a sports ground.

bleacherite

n. N. Amer. a person sitting in the bleachers.

bleaching powder

n. a powder containing calcium hypochlorite, used to bleach materials.

bleak^1

adj.
1 bare and exposed to the elements: a bleak moor. charmless and inhospitable; dreary. (of the weather) cold and miserable.
2 (of a situation) not hopeful or encouraging.

- DERIVATIVES bleakly adv. bleakness n.

- ORIGIN OE blc ‘shining, white’, or from ON bleikr; ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to bleach.

bleak^2

n. a small silvery river fish of the carp family.   Alburnus alburnus and other species.

- ORIGIN C15: from ON bleikja.

blear

archaic

adj. dim or dull.
v. make (the eyes) dim or bleary.

- ORIGIN ME (as v.): prob. rel. to Mid. High Ger. blerre ‘blurred vision’ and Low Ger. blarroged ‘bleary-eyed’.

bleary

adj. (blearier, bleariest) (of the eyes) dull and unfocused from sleep or tiredness.

- DERIVATIVES blearily adv. bleariness n.

bleat

v.
1 (of a sheep or goat) make a characteristic weak, wavering cry.
2 speak or complain in a weak or foolish way.
n.
1 the weak, wavering cry of a sheep or goat.
2 a weak or foolish cry or complaint.

- DERIVATIVES bleater n.

- ORIGIN OE blætan, of imitative origin.

bleb

n.
1 a small blister on the skin. Biology a rounded outgrowth on the surface of a cell.
2 a small bubble in glass or in a fluid.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of blob.

bleed

v. (past and past part. bled)
1 lose blood from the body as a result of injury or illness.
2 draw blood from (someone) as a former method of medical treatment.
3 (often in phr. bleed someone dry) informal drain of money or resources.
4 (of dye or colour) seep into an adjacent colour or area. Printing (of a design) be printed so that it runs off the page after trimming.
5 allow (fluid or gas) to escape from a closed system through a valve.
n. the action or an instance of bleeding.

- ORIGIN OE bldan, of Gmc origin; rel. to blood.

bleeder

n.
1 Brit. informal a person regarded with contempt or pity.
2 informal a haemophiliac.
3 Baseball a ground ball hit that barely passes between two infielders.

bleeding

adj. Brit. informal used for emphasis, or to express annoyance.

bleeding edge

n. the very forefront of technological development.

- ORIGIN after leading edge, cutting edge.

bleeding heart

n.
1 informal, derogatory a person considered to be excessively soft-hearted or liberal.
2 a cultivated plant with red or partly red heart-shaped flowers.   Dicentra cucullaria and other species.

bleep

n. a short high-pitched sound made by an electronic device as a signal or to attract attention.
v.
1 (of an electronic device) make a bleep.
2 (in broadcasting) censor (a word or phrase) by substituting a bleep.

- DERIVATIVES bleeper n.

- ORIGIN 1950s: imitative.

blemish

n.
1 a small mark or flaw which spoils the appearance of something.
2 a moral defect or fault.
v. [often as adj. blemished] spoil the appearance of.

- ORIGIN ME (as v.): from OFr. ble(s)miss-, ble(s)mir ‘make pale, injure’; prob. of Gmc origin.

blench^1

//

v. make a sudden flinching movement out of fear or pain.

- ORIGIN OE blencan ‘deceive’, of Gmc origin.

blench^2

//

v. chiefly dialect variant spelling of blanch.

blend

v.
1 mix and combine (something) with something else. form a harmonious combination.
2 be an unobtrusive part of a whole: a bodyguard has to blend in.
n.
1 a mixture of different things or people.
2 a word made up of the parts and combining the meanings of two others, for example motel from motor and hotel.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin and rel. to ON blanda ‘to mix’.

blende

//

n. another term for sphalerite.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ger., from blenden ‘deceive’ (because it resembled galena but yielded no lead).

blender

n. an electric device used for liquidizing, chopping, or puréeing food.

Blenheim

//

n. a dog of a small red and white breed of spaniel.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Blenheim Orange

n. an English dessert apple of a golden or orange-red variety which ripens late in the season.

blenny

n. (pl. blennies) a small spiny-finned fish with scaleless skin and a blunt head, typically found in shallow coastal waters.   Blennius and other genera, family Blenniidae.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. blennius, from Gk blennos ‘mucus’ (because of its mucous coating).

blent

literary

past and past participle of blend.

bleomycin

//

n. Medicine a bacterial antibiotic used to treat Hodgkin's disease and other cancers.

- ORIGIN 1960s: an arbitrary alt. of earlier phleomycin, a related antibiotic.

blepharitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the eyelid.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk blepharon ‘eyelid’ + -itis.

blepharoplasty

//

n. Medicine surgical repair or reconstruction of an eyelid.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk blepharon ‘eyelid’ + -plasty.

blepharospasm

//

n. involuntary tight closure of the eyelids.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk blepharon ‘eyelid’ + spasm.

blesbok

//

n. an antelope with a mainly reddish-brown coat and white face, found in south-western South Africa.   Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi.

- ORIGIN C19: from Afrik., from Du. bles ‘blaze’ + bok ‘buck’.

bless

v.
1 consecrate or invoke divine favour upon (someone) by means of a religious rite. call (God) holy; praise (God). (bless oneself) archaic make the sign of the cross.
2 (bless someone with) endow someone with (a cherished thing or attribute).
3 used in expressions of surprise, endearment, etc.

- PHRASES
bless you! said to a person who has just sneezed. [ORIGIN from the phr. (may) God bless you.]

- ORIGIN OE bldsian, bltsian, based on bld ‘blood’ (orig. perh. ‘mark or consecrate with blood’).

blessed

//, //

adj.
1 made holy; consecrated. a title preceding the name of a dead person considered to have led a holy life, especially a person formally beatified by the Roman Catholic Church.
2 endowed with divine favour and protection.
3 informal used in mild expressions of annoyance or exasperation.

- DERIVATIVES blessedly adv. blessedness n.

blessing

n.
1 God's favour and protection. a prayer asking for such favour and protection. grace said before or after a meal.
2 a beneficial thing for which one is grateful: it's a blessing we're alive.
3 a person's sanction or support.

- PHRASES
a blessing in disguise an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

blest

adj. archaic or literary term for blessed.

blether

//

n. chiefly Scottish another term for blather.

bletherskate

//

n. variant spelling of blatherskite.

blew

past of blow^1 and blow^3.

blewit

// (also blewits)

n. an edible mushroom with a pale buff or lilac cap and a lilac stem.   Lepista saeva and other species.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from blue^1.

blight

n.
1 a plant disease, especially one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts.
2 a thing that spoils or damages something. ugly or neglected urban landscape.
v.
1 infect (plants) with blight.
2 spoil, harm, or destroy.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting inflammation of the skin): of unknown origin.

blighter

n. Brit. informal a person regarded with contempt, irritation, or pity.

Blighty

n. Brit. informal
1 Britain or England, as used by soldiers serving abroad in the First and Second World Wars.
2 military slang a wound suffered in the First World War, sufficiently serious to merit being shipped home to Britain.

- ORIGIN first used by soldiers in the Ind. army; Anglo-Ind. alt. of Urdu bilyat, wilyat ‘foreign, European’.

blimey

exclam. Brit. informal expressing surprise, excitement, or alarm.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. form of (God) blind (or blame) me!

blimp

n. informal
1 (also Colonel Blimp) Brit. a pompous, reactionary person.
2 a small airship or barrage balloon.
3 N. Amer. an obese person.
4 a soundproof cover for a film camera.

- DERIVATIVES blimpish adj.

- ORIGIN First World War (in sense 2); sense 1 derives from a character invented by the cartoonist David Low.

blin

//

singular form of blini.

blind

adj.
1 unable to see because of injury, disease, or a congenital condition.
2 done without being able to see or without certain information. (of flying) using instruments only.
3 lacking perception, judgement, or reason: they were blind to his potential.
4 concealed, closed, or blocked off. (of a corner or bend) impossible to see round.
5 (of a plant) without buds, eyes, or terminal flowers.
6 [with neg.] informal the slightest: it didn't do a blind bit of good.
v.
1 cause (someone) to be unable to see.
2 deprive of understanding or judgement. (blind someone with) confuse or overawe someone with (something they do not understand).
3 Brit. informal, dated move very fast and dangerously.
n.
1 a screen for a window, especially one on a roller or made of slats. Brit. an awning over a shop window.
2 something designed to conceal one's real intentions.
3 N. Amer. a hide, as used by hunters.
4 Brit. informal, dated a heavy drinking bout.
adv. without being able to see clearly.

- PHRASES
bake something blind bake a pastry case without a filling.
(as) blind as a bat informal having very bad eyesight.
blind drunk informal extremely drunk.
turn a blind eye pretend not to notice. [ORIGIN said to be in allusion to Nelson, who lifted a telescope to his blind eye at the Battle of Copenhagen (1801), thus not seeing the signal to ‘discontinue the action’.]

- DERIVATIVES blindly adv. blindness n.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

blind alley

n.
1 a cul-de-sac.
2 a course of action leading nowhere.

blind date

n. a date with a person one has not previously met, with a romantic or sexual aim.

blinder

n.
1 Brit. informal an excellent performance in a game or race.
2 (blinders) N. Amer. blinkers on a horse's bridle.

blindfold

n. a piece of cloth tied around a person's head to cover the eyes.
v. deprive of sight with a blindfold.
adv. Brit. with a blindfold covering the eyes.

- ORIGIN C16: alt., by assoc. with fold^1, of blindfeld, past part. of obs. blindfell ‘strike blind, blindfold’, from OE geblindfellan (see blind, fell^2).

blind gut

n. the caecum.

blinding

adj.
1 (of light) very bright.
2 suddenly and overwhelmingly obvious.
3 informal (of an action) remarkably skilful and exciting.
n. the process of covering a newly made road with grit to fill cracks. a thin bed of concrete laid before the main mass of concrete.

- DERIVATIVES blindingly adv.

blind man's buff

(US also blind man's bluff)

n. a game in which a blindfold player tries to catch others while being pushed about by them.

- ORIGIN C17: from buff ‘a blow’, from OFr. bufe (see buffet^2).

blind pig

(also blind tiger)

n. N. Amer. informal an illegal bar.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. so called to evade prohibiton laws, the bars being disguised as exhibition halls for the display of natural curiosities.

blind side

n. a direction in which a person has a poor view of approaching traffic or danger.
v. (blindside) N. Amer.
1 hit or attack on the blind side.
2 make unable to perceive the truth of a situation.

blindsight

n. Medicine a condition in which the sufferer responds to visual stimuli without consciously perceiving them.

blind snake

n. a small burrowing insectivorous snake of a group which lacks a distinct head and has very small inefficient eyes.   Typhlopidae and other families: many species.

blind spot

n.
1 Anatomy the point of entry of the optic nerve on the retina, insensitive to light.
2 an area where a person's view is obstructed. an area in which a person lacks understanding or impartiality.
3 Telecommunications a point within the normal range of a transmitter where there is unusually weak reception.

blind stamping

(also blind tooling)

n. the impressing of a design on a book cover without the use of colour or gold leaf.

blind stitch

n. a sewing stitch producing stitches visible on one side only.

blind tiger

n. another term for blind pig.

blind trust

n. chiefly N. Amer. a trust independently administering the private business interests of a person in public office to prevent conflict of interest.

blindworm

n. another term for slow-worm.

bling-bling

/ / (also bling)

n. & adj. informal used to refer to ostentatiously expensive clothing or jewellery, or the style or attitudes associated with them: the bling-bling mentality dominated his early songs.

- ORIGIN 1990s: perh. imitative of light reflecting off jewellery, or of jewellery clashing together.

blini

//, // (also bliny or blinis)

pl. n. (sing. blin) pancakes made from buckwheat flour and served with sour cream.

- ORIGIN from Russ.

blink

v.
1 shut and open the eyes quickly.
2 [usu. with neg.] react with surprise or disapproval: he doesn't blink at the unsavoury aspects of his subject.
3 (of a light) flash on and off.
n.
1 an act of blinking.
2 a momentary gleam of light.

- PHRASES
in the blink of an eye (or in a blink) very quickly.
on the blink informal (of a machine) not working properly; out of order.

- ORIGIN ME (in senses ‘deceive’, ‘flinch’, ‘open the eyes after sleep’): from blenk, Scots var. of blench^1.

blinker

n. chiefly Brit.
1 (blinkers) a pair of small screens attached to a horse's bridle to prevent the horse seeing sideways and behind and being startled during a race.
2 (blinkers) a thing that prevents someone from understanding a situation fully.
3 a vehicle indicator light that flashes on and off.
v.
1 put blinkers on (a horse).
2 [often as adj. blinkered] cause to have a narrow or limited outlook.

blinking

adj. Brit. informal used to express annoyance.

blinks

(also water blinks)

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] a small fleshy plant with tiny white flowers, growing in damp habitats.   Montia fontana.

- ORIGIN C17: from blink, with ref. to the gleaming white flowers.

blintze

//

n. a thin rolled pancake filled with cheese or fruit and then fried or baked.

- ORIGIN from Yiddish blintse, from Russ. blinets ‘little pancake’; cf. blini.

bliny

pl. n. variant spelling of blini.

blip

n.
1 a bleep made by an electronic device. a small flashing point of light on a radar screen representing an object.
2 an unexpected, minor, and usually temporary deviation from a trend: the company's success is a seasonal blip.
v. (blips, blipping, blipped)
1 (of an electronic device) make a blip.
2 open (the throttle of a motor vehicle) momentarily.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting a sudden rap or tap): imitative.

blipvert

n. a television advert of a few seconds' duration.

bliss

n. perfect happiness. a state of spiritual blessedness.
v. (bliss out or be blissed out) informal be in a state of perfect happiness, oblivious to everything else.

- ORIGIN OE blths, bliss, of Gmc origin; rel. to blithe.

blissful

adj. extremely happy; full of joy.

- DERIVATIVES blissfully adv. blissfulness n.

blister

n.
1 a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and typically caused by friction or burning.
2 a similar swelling, filled with air or fluid, on a surface.
3 Medicine, chiefly historical a preparation applied to the skin to form a blister.
4 Brit. informal, dated an annoying person.
v. be or cause to be affected with blisters.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OFr. blestre ‘swelling, pimple’.

blister beetle

n. a beetle that, when it is alarmed, secretes a substance that causes blisters.   Lytta and other genera: several species.

blistering

adj.
1 (of heat) intense.
2 (of criticism) very vehement.
3 (in sport) extremely fast, forceful, or impressive.

- DERIVATIVES blisteringly adv.

blister pack

n. another term for bubble pack.

blithe

//

adj.
1 cheerfully or thoughtlessly indifferent.
2 literary happy or joyous.

- DERIVATIVES blithely adv. blitheness n. blithesome // adj. (literary).

- ORIGIN OE blthe, of Gmc origin; rel. to bliss.

blither

//

v. & n. variant spelling of blather.

blithering

adj. informal complete; utter: a blithering idiot.

BLitt

abbrev. Bachelor of Letters.

- ORIGIN from L. Baccalaureus Litterarum.

blitz

n.
1 an intensive or sudden military attack. (the Blitz) the German air raids on Britain in 1940–1.
2 informal a sudden and concerted effort.
3 American Football a play in which one or more defensive backs charge the quarterback of the opposing team.
v.
1 attack or seriously damage in a blitz.
2 succeed in overwhelming or defeating utterly.
3 American Football charge in a blitz.

- ORIGIN abbrev. of blitzkrieg.

blitzkrieg

//

n. an intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory.

- ORIGIN Second World War: from Ger., lit. ‘lightning war’.

blizzard

n. a severe snowstorm with high winds.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US, denoting a violent blow): of unknown origin.

bloat^1

v. cause to swell with fluid or gas.
n. a disease of livestock characterized by an accumulation of gas in the stomach.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. bloat ‘swollen, soft’, perh. from ON blautr ‘soft, flabby’.

bloat^2

v. cure (a herring) by salting and smoking it lightly.

- ORIGIN C16: rel. to bloat herring ‘bloater’, of obscure origin.

bloated

adj.
1 swollen with fluid or gas.
2 excessively large or wealthy.

bloater

n. a herring cured by salting and light smoking.

bloatware

n. Computing, informal software whose usefulness is reduced because of the excessive memory it requires.

blob

n.
1 a drop of a thick liquid or viscous substance.
2 an indeterminate roundish mass or shape.
3 informal a score of 0 in a game.
v. (blobs, blobbing, blobbed) splash or mark with blobs.

- DERIVATIVES blobby adj. (blobbier, blobbiest).

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a bubble): cf. blotch, blubber^1, and plop.

bloc

n. a group of countries or political parties who have formed an alliance.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., lit. ‘block’.

block

n.
1 a large solid piece of hard material with flat surfaces on each side. a starting block. Printing a piece of wood or metal engraved for printing on paper or fabric. a head-shaped mould used for shaping hats or wigs.
2 Brit. a large single building subdivided into separate flats or offices: a block of flats. a group of buildings bounded by four streets. N. Amer. the length of one side of such a block: he lives a few blocks away.
3 a large quantity or allocation of things regarded as a unit.
4 an obstacle to progress. a chock for stopping the motion of a wheel.
5 a flat area, especially a solid area of colour.
6 a pulley or system of pulleys mounted in a case.
7 (also cylinder block or engine block) a large metal moulding containing the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine.
8 (also blockhole) Cricket the spot on which a batsman rests the end of the bat while waiting to receive a ball.
v.
1 prevent movement or flow in.
2 impede or prevent (an action or movement). (often block something out) exclude (something unpleasant) from one's mind. (in sport) impede with one's body. Cricket stop (a ball) with the bat defensively.
3 impress a design on (a book cover).
4 (block something out/in) mark out an outline or shade something in roughly. [as noun blocking] the physical arrangement of actors on a stage or film set.
5 shape (a hat) using a wooden mould.

- PHRASES
knock someone's block off informal hit someone very hard.
on the (auction) block for sale at auction.
put one's head (or neck) on the block informal put one's standing or reputation at risk by proceeding with an action.

- DERIVATIVES blocker n. blocky adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a log or tree stump): from OFr. bloc (n.), bloquer (v.), from MDu. blok, of unknown ultimate origin.

blockade

n.
1 an act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
2 an obstruction of a biochemical or other physiological function.
v. set up a blockade of.

- PHRASES
run a blockade (of a ship) manage to enter or leave a blockaded port.

- DERIVATIVES blockader n.

- ORIGIN C17: from block + -ade^1.

blockage

n. an obstruction which makes movement or flow difficult or impossible.

block and tackle

n. a lifting mechanism consisting of ropes, a pulley block, and a hook.

blockboard

n. Brit. a building material consisting of a core of wooden strips between two layers of plywood.

blockbuster

n. informal a film or book that is a great commercial success.

- DERIVATIVES blockbusting adj.

- ORIGIN 1940s (denoting a huge aerial bomb): from block + buster.

block capitals

pl. n. plain capital letters.

block diagram

n. a diagram showing the general arrangement of parts of a complex system or process.

blockhead

n. informal a very stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES blockheaded adj.

blockhole

n. see block (sense 8).

blockhouse

n.
1 a reinforced concrete shelter used as an observation point. historical a one-storeyed timber building used as a fort.
2 US a house made of squared logs.

blockish

adj.
1 bulky or crude in form.
2 unintelligent; stupid.

block letters

pl. n. block capitals.

block plane

n. a carpenter's plane with a blade set at an acute angle, used especially for planing across the end grain of wood.

block release

n. Brit. a system of allowing employees a period off work for education.

blockship

n. a ship which is moored or grounded in a channel in order to block it.

block system

n. a system of railway signalling which divides the track into sections and allows no train to enter a section that is not completely clear.

block vote

n. Brit. a vote proportional in power to the number of people a delegate represents, used particularly at a trade-union conference.

blog

n. a weblog.
v. (blogs, blogging, blogged) [usu. as noun blogging] add new material to or regularly update a weblog.

- DERIVATIVES blogger n.

blogosphere

//

n. (the blogosphere) informal personal websites and weblogs collectively.

bloke

n. Brit. informal a man.

- ORIGIN C19: from Shelta.

blokeish

(also blokish or blokey)

adj. Brit. informal stereotypically male in behaviour and interests.

- DERIVATIVES blokeishness n.

blonde

adj. (also blond) (of hair) fair or pale yellow. having fair hair and a light complexion.
n.
1 a woman with blonde hair.
2 the colour of blonde hair.

- DERIVATIVES blondish adj. blondness n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier as blond): from Fr., fem. of blond, from med. L. blundus ‘yellow’, perh. from Gmc.

USAGE

The alternative spellings blonde and blond correspond to the feminine and masculine forms in French, but in English the distinction is not always made, as English does not have such distinctions of grammatical gender. In the noun the spelling is typically blonde, however.

Blood

//

n. (pl. same or Bloods) a member of a North American Indian people belonging to the Blackfoot Confederacy.

blood

n.
1 the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body.
2 violence involving bloodshed.
3 fiery or passionate temperament.
4 family background; descent or lineage: she must have Irish blood.
5 dated a fashionable and dashing young man.
v.
1 initiate (someone) in a particular activity.
2 Hunting smear the face of (a novice hunter) with the blood of the kill. give (a hound) a first taste of blood.

- PHRASES
blood and thunder informal unrestrained and violent action or behaviour.
one's blood is up one is in a fighting mood.
blood, sweat, and tears extremely hard work.
first blood
1 the first shedding of blood in a fight or (formerly) a duel.
2 the first point or advantage gained in a contest.
give blood allow blood to be removed medically from one's body in order to be stored for use in transfusions.
have blood on one's hands be responsible for someone's death.
in one's blood ingrained in or fundamental to one's character.
make someone's blood boil informal infuriate someone.
make someone's blood run cold horrify someone.
new (or fresh) blood new members admitted to a group.
of the blood (royal) literary royal.
young blood a younger member or members of a group.

- ORIGIN OE bld, of Gmc origin.

blood bank

n. a place where supplies of blood or plasma for transfusion are stored.

bloodbath

n. an event in which many people are killed violently.

blood–brain barrier

n. Anatomy a semipermeable membrane separating the blood from the cerebrospinal fluid, and constituting a barrier to the passage of cells, particles, and large molecules.

blood brother

n. a man who has sworn to treat another man as a brother, typically by a ceremonial mingling of blood.

blood count

n. a determination of the number of corpuscles in a specific volume of blood.

blood-curdling

adj. horrifying; very frightening.

blood donor

n. a person who gives blood.

blood doping

(also blood boosting)

n. the injection of oxygenated blood into an athlete before an event in an (illegal) attempt to enhance performance.

blooded

adj.
1 having blood or a temperament of a specified kind: thin-blooded.
2 chiefly N. Amer. (of horses or cattle) of good pedigree.

blood feud

n. a lengthy conflict between families involving a cycle of retaliatory killings.

bloodfin

n. a small South American freshwater fish with bright red fins, popular in aquaria.   Aphyocharax rubripinnis.

blood fluke

n. another term for schistosome.

blood group

n. any of the various types of human blood whose antigen characteristics determine compatibility in transfusion, especially those of the ABO system.

blood horse

n. dated a thoroughbred horse.

bloodhound

n. a large hound of a breed with a very keen sense of smell, used in tracking.

blood knot

n. a type of knot used by anglers to join two fishing lines.

bloodless

adj.
1 (of a conflict) without violence or killing.
2 (of the skin) drained of colour. lacking in vitality; feeble.
3 (of a person) cold or ruthless.

- DERIVATIVES bloodlessly adv. bloodlessness n.

bloodletting

n.
1 historical the surgical removal of some of a patient's blood for therapeutic purposes.
2 violence during a conflict.
3 informal bitter quarrelling or severe staff reductions within an organization.

bloodline

n. a pedigree or set of ancestors.

bloodlust

n. uncontrollable desire to kill.

blood meal

n. dried blood used for feeding animals and as a fertilizer.

blood money

n.
1 money paid in compensation to the family of someone who has been killed.
2 money paid to a hired killer.

blood orange

n. an orange of a variety with red or red-streaked flesh.

blood poisoning

n. a diseased state due to the presence of microorganisms or their toxins in the blood.

blood pressure

n. the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system, which is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls.

blood pudding

(also chiefly N. Amer. blood sausage)

n. black pudding.

blood relation

(also blood relative)

n. a person who is related to another by birth rather than by marriage.

bloodshed

n. the killing or wounding of people.

bloodshot

adj. (of the eyes) inflamed or tinged with blood, typically as a result of tiredness.

blood sport

n. a sport involving the hunting, wounding, or killing of animals.

bloodstain

n. a mark or discoloration caused by blood.

- DERIVATIVES bloodstained adj.

bloodstock

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] thoroughbred horses collectively.

bloodstone

n. a green gemstone that is spotted or streaked with red, a variety of chalcedony.

bloodstream

n. the blood circulating through the body of a person or animal.

bloodsucker

n. an animal or insect that sucks blood, especially a leech or a mosquito.

- DERIVATIVES bloodsucking adj.

blood sugar

n. the concentration of glucose in the blood.

bloodthirsty

adj. (bloodthirstier, bloodthirstiest) eager to kill and maim.

- DERIVATIVES bloodthirstily adv. bloodthirstiness n.

blood vessel

n. a tubular structure carrying blood through the tissues and organs; a vein, artery, or capillary.

bloodwood

n. a hardwood tree with deep red wood.   Eucalyptus gummifera (Australia) and other species.

bloodworm

n.
1 the bright red aquatic larva of a midge.
2 another term for tubifex.

bloody^1

adj. (bloodier, bloodiest)
1 covered with or composed of blood.
2 involving much violence or cruelty.
v. (bloodies, bloodying, bloodied) cover or stain with blood.

- DERIVATIVES bloodily adv. bloodiness n.

bloody^2

adj. (bloodier, bloodiest) informal, chiefly Brit.
1 used to express anger or shock, or for emphasis.
2 dated unpleasant or perverse: don't be too bloody to poor Nigel.

- ORIGIN Although widely believed to be a blasphemous reference to the blood of God or Christ, as in the archaic oath 'S-blood or God's blood, the informal use of bloody was probably, in the first place, simply a reference to young bloods (that is ‘young aristocrats’, or children of ‘good blood’), who behaved in a rowdy manner; in the 17th century the phrase bloody drunk meant ‘drunk as a blood’ or ‘drunk as a lord’.

Bloody Mary

n. (pl. Bloody Marys) a drink consisting of vodka and tomato juice.

bloody-minded

adj. Brit. informal deliberately uncooperative.

- DERIVATIVES bloody-mindedly adv. bloody-mindedness n.

blooey

// (also blooie)

adv. & adj. US informal awry; amiss.

- ORIGIN 1920s: of unknown origin.

bloom^1

v.
1 produce flowers; be in flower.
2 be or become very healthy.
3 technical coat (a lens) with a special surface layer to reduce reflection.
n.
1 a flower, especially one cultivated for its beauty. the state or period of blooming: the apple trees were in bloom.
2 a youthful or healthy glow in a person's complexion.
3 a delicate powdery surface deposit on fruits, leaves, or stems.
4 a full, bright sound in a musical recording.
5 a rapid growth of microscopic algae or cyanobacteria in water resulting in a coloured scum on the surface.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON blóm ‘flower, blossom’, blómi ‘prosperity’, blómar ‘flowers’.

bloom^2

n. a mass of iron or steel hammered or rolled into a thick bar for further working. historical an unworked mass of puddled iron.
v. [usu. as noun blooming] make (metal) into such a mass.

- ORIGIN OE blma, of unknown origin.

bloomer^1

n. Brit. informal, dated a stupid mistake.

- ORIGIN C19: equivalent to blooming error.

bloomer^2

n. Brit. a large loaf with diagonal slashes on a rounded top.

- ORIGIN 1930s: of unknown origin.

bloomer^3

n. [in combination] a plant that blooms at a specified time.

bloomers

pl. n.
1 women's loose-fitting knee-length knickers.
2 historical women's loose-fitting trousers, gathered at the knee or ankle.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Mrs Amelia J. Bloomer, an American social reformer who advocated a similar garment.

bloomery

n. (pl. bloomeries) historical a forge or mill producing blooms of wrought iron.

blooming

adj. Brit. informal used to express annoyance or for emphasis.

bloop

N. Amer.

v.
1 Baseball hit (a ball) as a blooper.
2 informal make a mistake.
n. another term for blooper.

- DERIVATIVES bloopy adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: imitative.

blooper

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer.
1 an embarrassing error.
2 Baseball a fly ball hit just beyond the infield. a ball thrown high by the pitcher.

blossom

n. a flower or a mass of flowers on a tree or bush. the state or period of flowering.
v.
1 (of a tree or bush) produce blossom.
2 mature or develop in a promising or healthy way.

- DERIVATIVES blossomy adj.

- ORIGIN OE blstm, blstma (n.), blstmian (v.), of Gmc origin; rel. to bloom^1.

blot

n.
1 a dark mark or stain, especially one made by ink.
2 a thing that mars something that is otherwise good.
3 Biochemistry a procedure in which proteins or nucleic acids separated on a gel are transferred directly to an immobilizing medium for identification.
v. (blots, blotting, blotted)
1 dry with an absorbent material.
2 mark, stain, or mar.
3 (blot something out) obscure a view. disregard a painful memory or thought.
4 Biochemistry transfer by means of a blot.

- PHRASES
blot one's copybook Brit. tarnish one's good reputation.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin and rel. to ON blettr.

blotch

n. a large irregular patch or unsightly mark.
v. cover or mark with blotches.

- DERIVATIVES blotchiness n. blotchy adj.

- ORIGIN C17: partly alt. of obs. plotch, influenced by blot; partly a blend of blot and botch.

blotter

n.
1 a sheet or pad of blotting paper inserted into a frame and kept on a desk.
2 N. Amer. a temporary recording book, especially a police charge sheet.

blotting paper

n. absorbent paper used for soaking up excess ink when writing.

blotto

adj. informal extremely drunk.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from blot + -o.

blouse

n.
1 a woman's upper garment resembling a shirt.
2 a loose smock or tunic of a type formerly worn by peasants and manual workers.
3 a type of jacket worn as part of military uniform.
v. make (a garment) hang in loose folds.

- PHRASES
big girl's blouse Brit. informal a weak, cowardly, or oversensitive man.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., of unknown origin.

blouson

//

n. a short loose-fitting jacket, typically bloused and finishing at the waist.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., dimin. of blouse.

bloviate

//

v. US talk at length, especially in an inflated or empty way.

- DERIVATIVES bloviation n.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from blow^1.

blow^1

v. (past blew; past part. blown)
1 (of wind) move creating an air current. be carried or driven by the wind.
2 expel air through pursed lips. force air through the mouth into (an instrument) to make a sound. force air through a tube into (molten glass) to create an artefact. remove the contents of (an egg) by forcing air through it. (of a whale) eject air and vapour through the blowhole.
3 sound (the horn of a vehicle).
4 (of an explosion) displace violently or send flying. burst or burn out through pressure or overheating. (of a vehicle tyre) burst suddenly while the vehicle is in motion.
5 informal spend recklessly.
6 informal completely bungle (an opportunity). expose (a stratagem): his cover was blown.
7 (past part. blowed) Brit. informal damn: ‘Well, blow me’, he said.
8 N. Amer. informal leave.
9 (of flies) lay eggs in or on.
10 informal play jazz or rock music in an unrestrained style.
11 [as adj. blown] breathing hard; exhausted.
n.
1 a strong wind.
2 an act of blowing.
3 informal cannabis.

- PHRASES
blow a fuse (or gasket) informal lose one's temper.
blow hot and cold alternate inconsistently between two moods, attitudes, etc.
blow someone a kiss kiss the tips of one's fingers then blow across them towards someone as a gesture of affection.
blow someone's mind informal impress or otherwise affect someone very strongly.
blow one's nose clear one's nose of mucus by blowing through it into a handkerchief.
blow one's top (or chiefly N. Amer. lid or stack) informal lose one's temper.
blow with the wind be incapable of maintaining a consistent course of action.
- PHRASES
blow someone away informal
1 kill someone using a firearm.
2 cause someone to be extremely impressed.
blow in informal arrive casually and unannounced.
blow off informal
1 lose one's temper and shout.
2 break wind noisily.
blow someone off N. Amer. informal fail to keep an appointment with someone. end a romantic or sexual relationship with someone.
blow something off N. Amer. informal ignore or fail to attend something.
blow someone out N. Amer. informal defeat someone convincingly.
blow over (of trouble) fade away without serious consequences.
blow up
1 explode.
2 lose one's temper.
3 (of a wind or storm) begin to develop.
4 (of a scandal or dispute) emerge or become public.
5 inflate.
blow something up
1 cause something to explode.
2 inflate or enlarge something.

- ORIGIN OE blwan, of Gmc origin.

blow^2

n.
1 a powerful stroke with a hand or weapon.
2 a sudden shock or disappointment.

- PHRASES
blow-by-blow (of a description of an event) giving all the details in the order in which they occurred.
come to blows start fighting after a disagreement.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

blow^3

archaic or literary

v. (past blew; past part. blown) produce flowers or be in flower.
n. the state or period of flowering.

- ORIGIN OE blwan, of Gmc origin; rel. to bloom^1 and blossom.

blowback

n. a process in which gases expand or travel in a direction opposite to the usual one.

blowdown

n.
1 N. Amer. a tree that has been blown down by the wind.
2 the removal of solids or liquids from a container or pipe using pressure.

blow-dry

v. arrange (the hair) into a particular style while drying it with a hand-held dryer.

- DERIVATIVES blow-dryer n.

blower

n.
1 a device for creating a current of air to dry or heat something.
2 Brit. informal a telephone.

blowfish

n. (pl. same or blowfishes) a fish that is able to inflate its body when alarmed, especially a globefish.

blowfly

n. (pl. blowflies) a bluebottle or similar large fly which lays its eggs on meat and carcasses.   Family Calliphoridae.

blowgun

n. another term for blowpipe.

blowhard

n. N. Amer. informal a boastful or pompous person.

blowhole

n.
1 the nostril of a whale or dolphin on the top of its head.
2 a hole in ice for breathing or fishing through.
3 a vent for air or smoke in a tunnel or other structure.

blow-in

n. Irish & Austral. a newcomer or recent arrival.

blow job

n. vulgar slang an act of fellatio.

blowlamp

n. British term for blowtorch.

blown^1

past participle of blow^1.
adj. informal (of a vehicle) provided with a turbocharger.

blown^2

past participle of blow^3.

blowout

n.
1 an occasion when a vehicle tyre bursts or an electric fuse melts. an uprush of oil or gas from a well.
2 informal a large, lavish meal.
3 N. Amer. informal a decisive win in an election or sporting contest.
4 US informal an argument or outburst of anger.

blowpipe

n.
1 a primitive weapon consisting of a long tube through which an arrow or dart is blown.
2 a long tube by means of which molten glass is blown. a tube used to intensify the heat of a flame by blowing air or other gas through it at high pressure.

blowsy

// (also blowzy)

adj. (blowsier, blowsiest) (of a woman) coarse, untidy, and red-faced.

- DERIVATIVES blowsily adv. blowsiness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. blowze ‘beggar's female companion’, of unknown origin.

blowtorch

n. a portable device producing a hot flame which can be directed on to a surface, typically to burn off paint.

blow-up

n.
1 an enlargement of a photograph.
2 informal an outburst of anger.
adj. inflatable.

blowy

adj. (blowier, blowiest) windy or windswept.

BLT

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a sandwich filled with bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

blub

v. (blubs, blubbing, blubbed) informal cry noisily and uncontrollably; sob.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of blubber^2.

blubber^1

n. the fat of sea mammals, especially whales and seals.

- DERIVATIVES blubbery adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the foaming of the sea): perh. symbolic; cf. blob and blotch.

blubber^2

v. informal cry noisily and uncontrollably; sob.

- DERIVATIVES blubberer n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. symbolic; cf. blob and blubber^1.

bluchers

//

pl. n. historical strong leather half-boots or high shoes.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Prussian general G. L. von Blücher.

bludge

Austral./NZ informal

v. live off the efforts of others. cadge or scrounge.
n. an easy job or assignment.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from bludger.

bludgeon

//

n. a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon.
v.
1 beat with a bludgeon.
2 bully into doing something.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

bludger

n. Austral./NZ informal a scrounger or idler: a dole bludger.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. Brit. sl. denoting a pimp who robbed his prostitute's clients): abbrev. of bludgeoner.

blue^1

adj. (bluer, bluest)
1 of a colour intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day. (of a cat, fox, or rabbit) having fur of a smoky grey colour.
2 informal melancholy, sad, or depressed.
3 informal (of a film, joke, or story) with sexual or pornographic content.
4 Brit. informal politically conservative.
5 (of a ski run) of the second-lowest level of difficulty.
n.
1 blue colour, pigment, or material. (the blue) literary the sky or sea, or the unknown. another term for bluing.
2 Brit. a person who has represented Cambridge University or Oxford University in a particular sport in a match between the two universities.
3 used in names of small butterflies with predominantly blue wings.   Polyommatus icarus (common blue) and related species.
4 Austral./NZ informal a nickname for a red-headed person.
5 Austral./NZ informal an argument or fight.
v. (blues, bluing or blueing, blued)
1 make or become blue.
2 chiefly historical wash (white clothes) with bluing.

- PHRASES
blue on blue Military denoting or relating to an attack made by one's own side that accidentally harms one's own forces: blue-on-blue incidents. [ORIGIN from the use of blue to indicate friendly forces in military exercises.]
once in a blue moon informal very rarely. [ORIGIN because a ‘blue moon’ is a phenomenon (due to atmospheric dust) that occurs only very rarely.]
out of the blue (or out of a clear blue sky) informal without warning; unexpectedly.
talk a blue streak N. Amer. informal speak continuously and at great length.

- DERIVATIVES blueness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bleu, ult. of Gmc origin.

blue^2

v. (blues, bluing or blueing, blued) Brit. informal, dated squander or spend recklessly.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. a var. of blow^1.

blue baby

n. a baby with cyanosis, generally on account of a congenital heart or circulatory defect.

Bluebeard

n. a man who murders his wives.

- ORIGIN from the name of a fairy-tale character who killed several wives in turn for disobeying his order to avoid a locked room, which contained the bodies of his previous wives.

bluebeat

n. another term for ska.

bluebell

n.
1 a woodland plant of the lily family, which produces clusters of blue bell-shaped flowers in spring.   Hyacinthoides nonscripta.
2 Scottish term for harebell.
3 any of various other plants with blue bell-shaped flowers.   Genera Mertensia (N. America) and Wahlenbergia (Australia and S. Africa).

blueberry

n. (pl. blueberries)
1 the small blue-black berry of a North American dwarf shrub, related to the bilberry.
2 the shrub that produces blueberries.   Genus Vaccinium: several species.

bluebird

n. an American songbird, the male of which has a blue head, back, and wings.   Genus Sialia: three species.

blue blood

n. noble birth.

- DERIVATIVES blue-blooded adj.

blue book

n.
1 (in the UK) a report bound in a blue cover and issued by Parliament or the Privy Council.
2 (in the US) an official book listing government officials.

bluebottle

n.
1 a common blowfly with a metallic-blue body.   Calliphora vomitoria.
2 Austral. & S. African the Portuguese man-of-war.
3 Brit. the wild cornflower.
4 Brit. informal, dated a police officer.

blue cheese

n. cheese containing veins of blue mould, such as Stilton and Danish Blue.

blue-chip

adj.
1 denoting companies or their shares considered to be a reliable investment, though less secure than gilt-edged stock.
2 of the highest quality.

- DERIVATIVES blue chipper n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent. (orig. US): from the blue chip used in gambling games, which usu. has a high value.

bluecoat

n. a US soldier of the 19th century.

blue-collar

adj. chiefly N. Amer. relating to manual work or workers, particularly in industry.

blue crane

n. a large South African crane with blue-grey plumage, the national bird of South Africa.   Anthropoides paradisea.

blue ensign

n. a blue flag with the Union Jack in the top corner next to the flagstaff, flown chiefly by British naval auxiliary vessels.

blue-eyed boy

n. Brit. informal, chiefly derogatory a person highly regarded and treated with special favour.

blue-eyed Mary

n. a low-growing southern European plant of the borage family, with bright blue flowers.   Omphalodes verna.

bluefin

n. the commonest large tuna, which occurs worldwide in warm seas.   Thunnus thynnus.

bluefish

n. (pl. same or bluefishes) a predatory blue-coloured marine fish, which inhabits tropical and temperate waters and is popular as a game fish.   Pomatomus saltatrix, the only member of the family Pomatomidae.

blue flag

n.
1 a European award for beaches based on cleanliness and safety.
2 Motor Racing a blue flag used to indicate to a driver that there is another driver trying to lap him.

bluegill

//

n. an edible North American freshwater fish with a deep body and bluish cheeks and gill covers.   Lepomis macrochirus.

bluegrass

n.
1 (also Kentucky bluegrass) a European meadow grass introduced into North America and grown for fodder.   Poa pratensis and other species.
2 a kind of country music characterized by virtuoso playing of banjos and guitars.

blue-green algae

pl. n. another term for cyanobacteria.

blue ground

n. another term for kimberlite.

bluegum

n. a eucalyptus tree with blue-green aromatic leaves and smooth bark.   Genus Eucalyptus: several species.

blue heeler

n. Austral./NZ a cattle dog with a dark speckled body.

blue helmet

n. a member of a United Nations peacekeeping force.

blueing

n. variant spelling of bluing.

blueish

adj. variant spelling of bluish.

bluejacket

n. informal a sailor in the navy.

Blue John

n. a blue or purple banded variety of fluorite found in Derbyshire.

blue law

n. N. Amer. a law prohibiting certain activities, such as shopping, on a Sunday.

- ORIGIN C18: in ref. to strict puritanical laws in colonial New England, orig. printed on blue paper.

blue line

n. Ice Hockey either of the two lines running across the ice between the centre line and the goal line.

blue metal

n. Brit. broken blue stone used for road-making.

blue mould

n. a bluish fungus which grows on food, especially the mould producing blue cheeses.   Penicillium and other genera.

bluenose

n. informal
1 US a priggish or puritanical person.
2 (Bluenose) Canadian a person from Nova Scotia.

- DERIVATIVES bluenosed adj.

- ORIGIN prob. with ref. to blue law.

blue note

n. Music a minor interval where a major would be expected, used especially in jazz.

blue pencil

n. a blue pencil as traditionally used to censor a text.

Blue Peter

n. a blue flag with a white square in the centre, raised by a ship about to leave port.

blue-plate

adj. N. Amer. (of a restaurant meal) consisting of a full main course ordered as a single menu item.

- ORIGIN with ref. to blue plates on which fixed-price restaurant meals were formerly served.

blue pointer

n. another term for mako^1.

blueprint

n.
1 a design plan or other technical drawing.
2 something which acts as a plan, model, or template.
v. N. Amer. draw up (a plan or model).

- ORIGIN C19: from the original process in which prints were composed of white lines on a blue ground or of blue lines on a white ground.

blue riband

n.
1 (N. Amer. also blue ribbon) a ribbon of blue silk given to the winner of a competition or as a mark of great distinction. a badge worn by members of the Order of the Garter.
2 (Blue Riband or Ribbon) a trophy for the ship making the fastest eastward sea crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a regular commercial voyage.
adj. (blue-ribbon) N. Amer.
1 of the highest quality; first-class.
2 (of a jury or committee) carefully or specially selected.

blue rinse

n. a preparation used as a rinse on grey or white hair to give it a temporary blue tint.

blue roan

n. an animal with a coat of black and white hairs evenly mixed, giving it a blue-grey hue.

blues

pl. n.
1 [treated as sing. or pl.] melancholic music of black American folk origin, typically in a twelve-bar sequence.
2 (the blues) informal feelings of melancholy, sadness, or depression.

- DERIVATIVES bluesy adj. (bluesier, bluesiest).

- ORIGIN C18: from blue devils ‘depression or delirium tremens’.

blue shift

n. Astronomy the displacement of the spectrum to shorter wavelengths in the light coming from distant celestial objects moving towards the observer. Compare with red shift.

blue-sky

adj. informal creative or visionary and unconstrained by practicalities: blue-sky research.

bluesman

n. (pl. bluesmen) a male performer of blues music.

bluestocking

n. often derogatory an intellectual or literary woman.

- ORIGIN A bluestocking was originally a man wearing casual grey-blue worsted (instead of formal black silk) stockings. Later the word was used in reference to those who attended literary parties held around 1750 by three London society ladies, where some of the men wore informal dress. The women who attended became known as blue-stocking ladies or blue-stockingers.

bluestone

n.
1 a bluish or grey building stone.
2 any of the smaller dolerite stones forming the inner part of Stonehenge.

bluet

//

n. a low-growing evergreen North American plant with milky-blue flowers.   Hedyotis caerulea.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., dimin. of bleu ‘blue’.

bluethroat

n. a songbird resembling the robin, of which the male has a blue throat with a red or white spot in the centre.   Luscinia svecicus.

blue tit

n. a common tit (songbird) with a blue cap, greenish-blue back, and yellow underparts.   Parus caeruleus.

bluetongue

n. a viral disease of sheep, characterized by fever, lameness, and a blue, swollen mouth and tongue.

Bluetooth

n. trademark a standard for the short-range wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

- ORIGIN named after the 10th-cent. Viking king Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark and Norway.

blue vinny

// (also blue vinney)

n. a blue-mould skimmed-milk cheese from Dorset.

- ORIGIN C16: vinny from OE fynig ‘mouldy, musty’.

blue vitriol

n. archaic crystalline copper sulphate.

blue whale

n. a mottled bluish-grey rorqual which is the largest living animal and reaches lengths of up to 27 m (90 ft).   Balaenoptera musculus.

bluey

adj. almost or partly blue.
n. (pl. blueys) Austral./NZ informal, dated
1 a bundle of possessions carried by a bushman. [ORIGIN so named because the covering was generally a blue blanket.]
2 a nickname for a red-headed person.

bluff^1

n. an attempt to deceive someone into believing that one can or will do something.
v. try to deceive someone as to one's abilities or intentions.

- PHRASES
call someone's bluff
1 challenge someone to carry out a stated intention, in the expectation of being able to expose it as a pretence.
2 (in poker or brag) make an opponent show their hand in order to reveal that its value is weaker than their heavy betting suggests.

- DERIVATIVES bluffer n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘blindfold, hoodwink’): from Du. bluffen ‘brag’, or bluf ‘bragging’.

bluff^2

adj. good-naturedly frank and direct.

- DERIVATIVES bluffly adv. bluffness n.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘surly’): figurative use of bluff^3.

bluff^3

n.
1 a steep cliff, bank, or promontory.
2 Canadian a grove or clump of trees.
adj. (of a cliff or a ship's bows) having a vertical or steep broad front.

- ORIGIN C17 (in naut. use): of unknown origin.

bluing

(also blueing)

n.
1 chiefly historical blue powder used to preserve the whiteness of laundry.
2 a greyish-blue finish on metal produced by heating.

bluish

(also blueish)

adj. having a blue tinge.

blunder

n. a stupid or careless mistake.
v.
1 make a blunder.
2 move clumsily or as if unable to see.

- DERIVATIVES blunderer n. blundering adj. blunderingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin and rel. to blind.

blunderbuss

n.
1 historical a short large-bored gun firing balls or slugs.
2 an unsubtle and imprecise action or method.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. (by assoc. with blunder) of Du. donderbus, lit. ‘thunder gun’.

blunge

//

v. mix (clay or other materials) with water in a revolving apparatus, for use in ceramics.

- DERIVATIVES blunger n.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of blend and plunge.

blunt

adj.
1 lacking a sharp edge or point. having a flat or rounded end.
2 uncompromisingly forthright in manner.
v.
1 make or become less sharp.
2 weaken or reduce the force of.
n. black slang a hollowed-out cigar filled with cannabis.

- DERIVATIVES bluntly adv. bluntness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘dull, insensitive’): perh. of Scand. origin and rel. to ON blunda ‘shut the eyes’.

blunt instrument

n. a heavy object without a sharp edge or point, used as a weapon. an imprecise or heavy-handed way of doing something.

blur

v. (blurs, blurring, blurred) make or become unclear or less distinct.
n. something that cannot be seen, heard, or recalled clearly.

- DERIVATIVES blurry adj. (blurrier, blurriest).

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘smear’): perh. rel. to blear.

blurb

informal

n. a short description of a book, film, or other product written for promotional purposes.
v. chiefly N. Amer. write a blurb for.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: coined by the American humorist Gelett Burgess.

blurt

v. (usu. blurt out) say (something) suddenly and without careful consideration.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. imitative.

blush

v.
1 become red in the face through shyness, embarrassment, or shame.
2 literary be or become pink or pale red.
n.
1 an instance of blushing.
2 literary a pink or pale red tinge.
3 a wine with a slight pink tint made in the manner of white wine but from red grape varieties.
4 N. Amer. another term for blusher (in sense 1).

- PHRASES
at first blush at the first glimpse or impression.

- DERIVATIVES blushing adj. blushingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE blyscan, rel. to Du. blozen.

blusher

n.
1 a cosmetic used to give a warm reddish tinge to the cheeks.
2 a toadstool with white flesh that turns pink when bruised or cut.   Amanita rubescens.

bluster

v.
1 talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect.
2 (of wind or rain) blow or beat fiercely and noisily.
n. blustering talk.

- DERIVATIVES blusterer n. blustery adj.

- ORIGIN ME: ult. imitative.

Blu-tack

n. Brit. trademark a blue sticky material used to attach paper to walls.

B-lymphocyte

n. Physiology a lymphocyte of a type not processed by the thymus gland, responsible for producing antibodies. Compare with T-lymphocyte.

- ORIGIN B for bursa, referring to the organ in birds where it was first identified.

BM

abbrev.
1 Bachelor of Medicine.
2 British Museum.

BMA

abbrev. British Medical Association.

BMI

abbrev. body mass index.

B-movie

n. a low-budget film of poor quality made for use as a supporting feature in a cinema programme.

BMR

abbrev. basal metabolic rate.

BMus

abbrev. Bachelor of Music.

BMX

n. [as modifier] denoting or relating to bicycles of a robust design suitable for cross-country racing.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from bicycle motocross.

Bn

abbrev.
1 Baron.
2 Battalion.

bn

abbrev. billion.

BNP

abbrev. British National Party.

BO

abbrev. informal body odour.

bo^1

exclam. another term for boo.

bo^2

n. US informal used as a friendly form of address.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. an abbrev. of boy.

boa

//

n.
1 a large snake which kills its prey by constriction and bears live young.   Boa constrictor (tropical America) and other species, family Boidae.
2 a long, thin stole of feathers or fur worn around a woman's neck, usually as part of evening dress.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., of unknown ultimate origin.

boab

//

n. Austral. another term for baobab.

boak

//

v. variant spelling of boke.

boar

n. (pl. same or boars)
1 (also wild boar) a tusked wild pig from which domestic pigs are descended.   Sus scrofa.
2 an uncastrated domestic male pig.
3 the full-grown male of certain other animals, especially a badger, guinea pig, or hedgehog.

- ORIGIN OE br, of W. Gmc origin.

board

n.
1 a long, thin, flat piece of wood used for floors or other building purposes. (the boards) informal the stage of a theatre.
2 a thin, flat rectangular piece of stiff material, e.g. a chopping board or noticeboard. the piece of equipment on which one stands in surfing, skateboarding, etc.
3 [treated as sing. or pl.] the decision-making body of an organization.
4 the provision of regular meals in return for payment or services. archaic a table set for a meal.
5 Sailing a distance covered by a vessel in a single tack.
v.
1 get on or into (a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle). (be boarding) (of an aircraft) be ready for passengers to get on.
2 live in someone's house and receive meals in return for payment or services. (of a pupil) live in school during term time in return for payment.
3 (board something up/over) cover or seal a window or building with pieces of wood.
4 [as adj. boarded] made of wooden boards.
5 ride on a snowboard.

- PHRASES
go by the board (of a plan or principle) be abandoned, rejected, or ignored. [ORIGIN from naut. use meaning ‘fall overboard’, board meaning the side of the ship.]
on board on or in a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
take something on board informal fully consider or assimilate a new idea or situation.
tread the boards informal appear on stage as an actor.

- DERIVATIVES boarding n.

- ORIGIN OE bord, of Gmc origin; reinforced in ME by OFr. bort ‘edge, ship's side’ and ON borth ‘board, table’.

boarder

n.
1 a person who boards, in particular a pupil who lives in school during term time in return for payment.
2 a person who forces their way on to a ship in an attack.

board foot

n. (pl. board feet) a unit of volume for wood equal to 144 cu. in.

board game

n. a game that involves the movement of counters or other objects around a board.

boarding house

n. a private house providing food and lodging for paying guests.

boarding pass

(also boarding card)

n. a passenger's pass for boarding an aircraft.

boarding school

n. a school in which the pupils live during term time.

Board of Green Cloth

n. full form of Green Cloth.

Board of Trade

n.
1 North American term for Chamber of Commerce.
2 a now nominal British government department concerned with commerce and industry.

boardroom

n. a room in which a board of directors meets regularly.

boardsailing

n. another term for windsurfing.

- DERIVATIVES boardsailor n.

board school

n. historical an elementary school under the management of a school board.

board shorts

pl. n. long shorts of a kind originally worn by surfers.

boardwalk

n. a wooden walkway across sand or marshy ground. N. Amer. a promenade along a beach or waterfront.

boart

n. variant spelling of bort.

boast^1

v.
1 talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about oneself.
2 possess (a feature that is a source of pride).
n. an act of boasting.

- DERIVATIVES boaster n. boasting adj. boastingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

boast^2

n. (in squash) a stroke in which the ball hits a side wall before hitting the front wall.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Fr. bosse, denoting a rounded projection in the wall of a court for real tennis.

boastful

adj. showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, etc.

- DERIVATIVES boastfully adv. boastfulness n.

boat

n. a small vessel propelled by oars, sails, or an engine. a vessel of any size.
v. travel in a boat. transport in a boat.

- PHRASES
be in the same boat informal be in the same difficult circumstances as others.
push the boat out Brit. informal be extravagant.
rock the boat informal disturb an existing situation.

- DERIVATIVES boatful n. (pl. boatfuls). boating n. boatload n.

- ORIGIN OE bt, of Gmc origin.

boatbuilder

n. a person or company that designs and builds boats.

- DERIVATIVES boatbuilding n.

boat deck

n. the deck from which a ship's lifeboats are launched.

boatel

// (also botel)

n.
1 a waterside hotel with facilities for mooring boats.
2 a moored ship used as a hotel.

- ORIGIN 1950s (orig. US): blend of boat and hotel.

boater

n.
1 a flat-topped hardened straw hat with a brim. [ORIGIN orig. worn while boating.]
2 a person who travels in a boat.

boathook

n. a long pole with a hook and a spike at one end, used for moving boats.

boathouse

n. a shed at the edge of a river or lake used for housing boats.

boatie

n. (pl. boaties) informal a boating enthusiast.

boatman

n. (pl. boatmen) a person who provides transport by boat.

boat neck

n. a type of wide neckline on a garment that sits just below the collarbone.

boat people

pl. n. refugees who have left a country by sea.

boat race

n.
1 a race between rowing crews.
2 Brit. rhyming slang a person's face.

boatswain

// (also bo'sun or bosun)

n. a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew.

- ORIGIN OE btswegen (see boat, swain).

boatswain's chair

n. a seat suspended from ropes, used for work on the body or masts of a ship or the face of a building.

boat train

n. a train scheduled to connect with the arrival or departure of a boat.

boatyard

n. a place where boats are built or stored.

Bob

n. (in phr. Bob's your uncle) Brit. informal used to express the ease with which a task can be achieved.

bob^1

v. (bobs, bobbing, bobbed)
1 make or cause to make a quick, short movement up and down. (often bob up) make a sudden move so as to appear or disappear.
2 curtsy briefly.
n.
1 a quick, short movement up and down.
2 a brief curtsy.

- PHRASES
bob and weave (of a boxer) move rapidly up and down and from side to side as an evasive tactic.
bob for apples try to catch floating apples with one's mouth, as a game.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bob^2

n.
1 a short hairstyle that hangs evenly all round.
2 a weight on a pendulum, plumb line, or kite tail.
3 a bobsleigh.
4 a short line at or towards the end of a stanza.
v. (bobs, bobbing, bobbed)
1 cut (hair) in a bob.
2 ride on a bobsleigh.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a bunch or cluster): of unknown origin.

bob^3

n. (pl. same) Brit. informal a shilling.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

bob^4

n. a change of order in bell-ringing.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. connected with bob^1.

bobber

n.
1 a person who rides on a bobsleigh.
2 a float used in angling.

bobbin

n.
1 a cylinder, cone, or reel holding thread or yarn.
2 a small bar attached to a string used for raising a door latch.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bobine.

bobbinet

//

n. machine-made cotton net (imitating bobbin lace).

bobbin lace

n. lace made by hand with thread wound on bobbins.

bobble^1

n. a small ball made of strands of wool, as used as a decoration on a hat or as forming on the surface of knitted fabric. (bobbles) small plastic balls attached to elastic, used for fastening girls' hair.

- DERIVATIVES bobbly adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: dimin. of bob^2.

bobble^2

informal

v.
1 move with an irregular bouncing motion.
2 N. Amer. mishandle (a ball).
n.
1 an irregular bouncing motion.
2 N. Amer. a mishandling of a ball.

- ORIGIN C19: frequentative of bob^1.

bobby

n. (pl. bobbies) Brit. informal, dated a police officer.

- ORIGIN C19: after Sir Robert Peel, the British Prime Minister who established the Metropolitan Police.

bobby calf

n. an unweaned calf slaughtered for veal.

- ORIGIN 1920s: perh. from bob^2, in the sense ‘small, short’.

bobby-dazzler

n. Brit. informal, dated an excellent person or thing.

- ORIGIN C19: orig. north. Engl. dial.

bobby pin

n. N. Amer. & Austral./NZ a sprung hairpin or small clip.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from bob^2 (because orig. used with bobbed hair) + -y^2.

bobby socks

pl. n. N. Amer. socks reaching just above the ankle, worn by teenage girls in the 1940s and 1950s.

- ORIGIN cf. bob^2 in the sense ‘cut short’.

bobby-soxer

n. N. Amer. informal, dated a teenage girl.

bobcat

n. a small North American lynx with a barred and spotted coat and a short tail.   Felis rufus.

- ORIGIN C19: from bob^2 (with ref. to its short tail) + cat^1.

bobolink

//

n. a North American songbird with a finch-like bill.   Dolichonyx oryzivorus.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. Bob o'Lincoln, Bob Lincoln): imitative of its call.

bobotie

//, //

n. a South African dish of curried minced meat baked with a savoury custard topping.

- ORIGIN Afrik., prob. of Malay or Javanese origin.

bobsleigh

(N. Amer. bobsled)

n. a mechanically steered and braked sledge used for racing down an ice-covered run.

- DERIVATIVES bobsleighing (N. Amer. bobsledding) n.

- ORIGIN C19: from bob^2 in the sense ‘short’ + sleigh.

bobstay

n. a rope used to hold down the bowsprit of a ship and keep it steady.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from bob^1 + stay^2.

bobsy-die

//

n. dialect & NZ a great deal of fuss or trouble.

- ORIGIN C19: contr. of Bob's-a-dying.

bobtail

n. a docked tail of a horse or dog.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from bob^2 + tail^1.

bobweight

n. a counterweight to a moving part in a machine.

bobwhite

n. an American quail with mottled reddish-brown plumage and a pale throat and eye stripe.   Colinus virginianus.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative of its call.

bocage

//

n.
1 (in France) pastureland divided into small hedged fields interspersed with groves of trees.
2 the modelling of plants and flowers in clay.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from OFr. boscage (see boscage).

bocce

//, // (also boccia //)

n. an Italian game similar to bowls but played on a smaller green.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘bowls’, pl. of boccia ‘ball’.

Boche

//

n. (the Boche) informal, dated Germans, especially German soldiers, collectively.

- ORIGIN from Fr. soldiers' sl., orig. in the sense ‘rascal’; applied to Germans in the First World War.

bock

n. a strong, dark German beer.

- ORIGIN C19: via Fr. from an abbrev. of Ger. Eimbockbier ‘beer from Einbeck’, a town in Hanover.

BOD

abbrev. biochemical oxygen demand.

bod

n. informal
1 a body.
2 chiefly Brit. a person.

- ORIGIN C18: orig. Scots.

bodach

//

n. Scottish & Irish
1 an old man or peasant.
2 a ghost.

- ORIGIN C19 (earlier as buddough): from Sc. Gaelic.

bodacious

//

adj. N. Amer. informal excellent, admirable, or attractive.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. a var. of SW dial. boldacious, blend of bold and audacious.

bode

v. (bode well/ill) be a portent of a good or bad outcome.

- ORIGIN OE bodian ‘proclaim, foretell’, from boda ‘messenger’, of Gmc origin.

bodega

//

n. a cellar or shop selling wine and food, especially in a Spanish-speaking country.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., via L. from Gk apothk ‘storehouse’; cf. boutique.

Bode's law

//, //

n. Astronomy an empirical formula by which the distances of the first seven planets from the sun are roughly derived in terms of powers of two.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the German astronomer Johann E. Bode.

bodge

v. Brit. informal make or repair badly or clumsily.

- DERIVATIVES bodger n.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of botch.

bodgie

Austral./NZ informal

n. (pl. bodgies) historical a Teddy boy.
adj. flawed, worthless, or false.

- ORIGIN prob. from bodger (see bodge).

bodhisattva

//

n. (in Mahayana Buddhism) a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so through compassion for suffering beings.

- ORIGIN Sanskrit, ‘a person whose essence is perfect knowledge’, from bodhi ‘perfect knowledge’ + sattva ‘being, essence’.

bodhrán

//, //

n. a shallow one-sided Irish drum typically played using a short stick.

- ORIGIN from Ir.

bodh tree

n. variant of bo tree.

bodice

n. the part of a woman's dress (excluding sleeves) above the waist. a woman's sleeveless undergarment, often laced at the front.

- ORIGIN C16: orig. bodies, pl. of body, retaining the original pronunc.

bodice-ripper

n. humorous a sexually explicit historical novel or film.

- DERIVATIVES bodice-ripping adj.

bodiless

adj.
1 lacking a body.
2 having no material form or being; incorporeal.

bodily

adj.
1 of or concerning the body.
2 material or physical.
adv.
1 by taking hold of a person's body with force.
2 in one mass; as a whole.

bodkin

n.
1 a thick, blunt needle with a large eye, used for drawing tape through a hem. historical a long pin used to fasten women's hair.
2 Printing a pointed tool used for removing pieces of metal type for correction.
3 archaic a dagger.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense 3): perh. of Celtic origin and rel. to Ir. bod, Welsh bidog, Sc. Gaelic biodag ‘dagger’.

body

n. (pl. bodies)
1 the physical structure, including the bones, flesh, and organs, of a person or animal. the trunk apart from the head and the limbs. a corpse. informal, dated a person.
2 the main or central part of something: the main body of the text. a mass or collection: a large body of water.
3 an organized group of people with a common function: a regulatory body.
4 technical a material object.
5 a full flavour in wine. fullness of a person's hair.
6 Brit. a woman's close-fitting stretch garment for the upper body, usually fastening at the crotch.
v. (bodies, bodying, bodied) (body something forth) formal give material form to something abstract.

- PHRASES
in a body as a group.
keep body and soul together stay alive in difficult circumstances.
over my dead body informal used to express strong opposition.

- DERIVATIVES -bodied adj.

- ORIGIN OE bodig, of unknown origin.

body armour

n. clothing worn by the army and police to protect against gunfire.

body art

n. the practice of decorating the body by means of tattooing, piercing, etc.

body bag

n. a bag used for carrying a corpse from the scene of an accident or crime.

body blow

n.
1 a heavy punch to the body.
2 a severe setback.

bodyboard

n. a short, light surfboard ridden in a prone position.

- DERIVATIVES bodyboarder n. bodyboarding n.

bodybuilder

n. a person who strengthens and enlarges their muscles through exercise such as weightlifting.

- DERIVATIVES bodybuilding n.

body-check

n. (especially in ice hockey) an attempt to obstruct a player by bumping into them.
v. obstruct (a player) with a body-check.

body clock

n. a person's biological clock.

body colour

n. opaque pigment used in painting, especially gouache.

body corporate

n. formal term for corporation.

body double

n. a stand-in for a film actor during stunt or nude scenes.

body dysmorphic disorder

n. a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with imaginary defects in their appearance.

body English

n. N. Amer.
1 a follow-through motion after throwing a ball. [ORIGIN from English (in sense 2).]
2 another term for body language.

bodyguard

n. a person employed to protect a rich or famous person.

body language

n. the conscious and unconscious bodily movements and postures by which feelings are communicated.

bodyline

n. Cricket, historical fast short-pitched bowling on the leg side, threatening the batsman's body.

body louse

n. a louse which infests the human body and is able to transmit several diseases through its bite, including typhus.   Pediculus humanus humanus.

body mass index

n. (pl. body mass indices) an approximate measure of whether someone is over- or underweight, calculated by dividing their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.

body odour

n. the unpleasant smell of a person's unwashed body.

body piercing

n. the decorative piercing of parts of the body other than the ear lobes.

body politic

n. the people of a nation or society considered as an organized group of citizens.

body-popping

n. a kind of dancing characterized by jerky robotic movements of the joints.

body scrub

n. an exfoliating and cleansing cosmetic preparation applied to the skin.

bodyshell

n. the frame of a motor or railway vehicle, to which the panels are attached.

body shop

n. chiefly N. Amer. a garage where repairs to the bodywork of vehicles are carried out.

bodysnatcher

n. historical a person who illicitly disinterred corpses for dissection.

- DERIVATIVES bodysnatching n.

body stocking

n. a woman's one-piece undergarment covering the torso and legs.

bodysuit

n. another term for body (in sense 6).

bodysurf

v. surf without using a board.

- DERIVATIVES bodysurfer n.

body warmer

n. a sleeveless padded jacket worn outdoors.

body wave

n. a light permanent wave designed to give body to the hair.

bodywork

n.
1 the metal outer shell of a vehicle.
2 therapies in complementary medicine which involve touching or manipulating the body.

- DERIVATIVES bodyworker n.

body wrap

n. a beauty treatment involving wrapping the body in hot bandages, intended to make one slimmer.

Boeotian

//

n. a native of Boeotia, an area of ancient Greece north of Athens.
adj. relating to Boeotia.

Boer

//, //, //

n.
1 a member of the Dutch and Huguenot population which settled in southern Africa in the late 17th century.
2 (boer) S. African an Afrikaner farmer.

- ORIGIN from Du. boer ‘farmer’.

boerewors

//, //

n. S. African a traditional sausage containing coarsely ground beef and pork.

- ORIGIN Afrik., from boere ‘Afrikaner or farmer's’ + wors ‘sausage’.

boeuf bourguignon

/ /

n. a dish consisting of beef stewed in red wine.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘Burgundy beef’.

boff

N. Amer. informal

v.
1 hit or strike.
2 have sex with.
n.
1 a blow or punch.
2 an act of sexual intercourse.

- ORIGIN 1920s: imitative.

boffin

n. Brit. informal a person engaged in scientific or technical research.

- ORIGIN Second World War: of unknown origin.

boffo

N. Amer. informal

adj.
1 (of a play or film) resoundingly successful.
2 (of a laugh) deep and unrestrained.
n. (pl. boffos) a great success.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from US boff ‘roaring success’ + -o.

Bofors gun

//

n. a type of light anti-aircraft gun.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after Bofors in Sweden, where it was first manufactured.

bog

n.
1 an area of very soft wet muddy ground. Ecology wetland with acid, peaty soil. Compare with fen^1.
2 Brit. informal a toilet.
v. (bogs, bogging, bogged)
1 (usu. be bogged down) cause to become stuck; hinder the progress of.
2 (bog off) Brit. informal go away.
3 (bog in) Austral./NZ informal start a task enthusiastically.

- DERIVATIVES bogginess n. boggy adj. (boggier, boggiest).

- ORIGIN ME: from Ir. or Sc. Gaelic bogach, from bog ‘soft’.

bog arum

n. an arum with heart-shaped leaves, growing in boggy ground.   Calla palustris.

bog asphodel

n. a yellow-flowered marsh plant of the lily family.   Narthecium ossifragum.

bogbean

n. a plant of bogs and shallow water with creeping rhizomes, three-lobed leaves, and hairy flowers.   Menyanthes trifoliata.

bog cotton

n. another term for cotton grass.

bogey^1

Golf

n. (pl. bogeys) a score of one stroke over par at a hole. old-fashioned term for par (in sense 1).
v. (bogeys, bogeying, bogeyed) play (a hole) in one stroke over par.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Bogey (see bogey^2).

bogey^2

(also bogy)

n. (pl. bogeys)
1 an evil or mischievous spirit.
2 US military slang an enemy aircraft.
3 Brit. informal a piece of nasal mucus.

- ORIGIN C19 (as a name applied to the Devil): of unknown origin.

bogeyman

(also bogyman)

n. (pl. bogeymen) an evil spirit.

boggart

//

n. Scottish & N. English an evil or mischievous spirit.

- ORIGIN C16: rel. to obs. bog ‘bugbear’, boggle, and bogle.

boggle

v. informal be startled or baffled: the mind boggles at the spectacle. (boggle at) hesitate or be anxious at.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. of dial. origin and rel. to bogle and bogey^2.

bogie

//

n. (pl. bogies)
1 chiefly Brit. an undercarriage with four or six wheels pivoted beneath the end of a railway vehicle. Indian a railway carriage.
2 chiefly N. English a low truck on four small wheels.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. in north. Engl. dial. use): of unknown origin.

bog iron

n. an impure, porous form of limonite deposited in bogs.

bogland

n. marshy land.

bogle

n.
1 a phantom or goblin.
2 Scottish & N. English a scarecrow.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin; prob. rel. to bogey^2.

bog moss

n. another term for peat moss (in sense 1).

bog myrtle

n. a deciduous shrub of boggy places, with short upright catkins and aromatic grey-green leaves.   Myrica gale.

bog oak

n. an ancient oak tree preserved in peat, with hard black wood.

Bogomil

//, //

n. a member of a heretical medieval Balkan sect professing a modified form of Manichaeism.

- DERIVATIVES Bogomilism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. Gk Bogomilos, from Bogomil, lit. ‘beloved of God’, the name of the person who first spread the heresy.

bog rosemary

n. a pink-flowered evergreen dwarf shrub, growing in boggy soils.   Genus Andromeda: two species.

bog spavin

n. a soft swelling of the joint capsule of the hock, occurring in young horses.

bog-standard

adj. Brit. informal, derogatory ordinary; basic.

bogtrotter

n. informal, offensive an Irish person.

bogus

//

adj. not genuine or true.

- DERIVATIVES bogusly adv. bogusness n.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. US, denoting a machine for making counterfeit money): perh. from tantrabogus, used to denote any strange-looking apparatus, poss. rel. to Devon dial. tantarabobs ‘the Devil’.

bogy

n. (pl. bogies) variant spelling of bogey^2.

bogyman

n. variant spelling of bogeyman.

bohea

//

n. a low-quality black China tea from the last crop of the season.

- ORIGIN C18: named after the Bu-yi (Wuyi) hills in China.

Bohemian

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic.
2 a socially unconventional person, especially an artist or writer. [ORIGIN C19: from Fr. bohémien ‘gypsy’ (because gypsies were thought to come from Bohemia).]
adj.
1 relating to Bohemia or its people.
2 socially unconventional.

- DERIVATIVES Bohemianism n.

boho

//

n. (pl. bohos) & adj. informal term for Bohemian (in sense 2).

bohrium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 107, a very unstable element made by high-energy atomic collisions. (Symbol: Bh)

- ORIGIN 1990s (earlier (1970s) called nielsbohrium): named after the Danish physicist Niels Bohr.

bohunk

//

n. N. Amer. informal, derogatory an immigrant from central or SE Europe.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: appar. from Bohemian + -hunk, alt. of Hungarian.

boil^1

v.
1 (with reference to a liquid) reach or cause to reach the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapour.
2 (with reference to food) cook or be cooked by immersion in boiling water.
3 (of the sea or clouds) be turbulent and stormy. (of a person or emotion) be stirred up or inflamed. (boil over) become so excited or tense as to lose control.
4 (boil down to) amount to.
n.
1 the act or process of boiling. boiling point.
2 Fishing a sudden rise of a fish at a fly.

- PHRASES
keep the pot boiling maintain the brisk momentum or interest value of something.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boillir, from L. bullire ‘to bubble’, from bulla ‘bubble’.

boil^2

n. an inflamed pus-filled swelling on the skin.

- ORIGIN OE ble, bl, of W. Gmc origin.

boiled shirt

n. dated a dress shirt with a starched front.

boiled sweet

n. Brit. a hard sweet made of boiled sugar.

boiler

n.
1 a fuel-burning apparatus for heating water, especially a device providing a domestic hot-water supply or serving a central heating system. a tank for generating steam for a steam engine.
2 Brit. informal a chicken suitable for cooking only by boiling.
3 Brit. informal an unattractive or unpleasant woman.

boilermaker

n.
1 a person who makes boilers. a metalworker in heavy industry.
2 N. Amer. a shot of whisky followed immediately by a glass of beer.

boilerplate

n.
1 rolled steel plates for making boilers.
2 (boilerplates) Climbing smooth, overlapping slabs of rock.
3 chiefly N. Amer. stereotyped or clichéd writing. standardized pieces of text for use as clauses in contracts or as part of a computer program.

boiler suit

n. Brit. a one-piece suit worn as overalls for heavy manual work.

boilie

//

n. (pl. boilies) a flavoured fishing bait, spherical in shape, used to catch carp.

boiling

adj. at or near boiling point. informal extremely hot.
n. boiling point.

boiling point

n.
1 the temperature at which a liquid boils.
2 the point at which anger or excitement breaks out into violence.

boiling-water reactor

n. a nuclear reactor in which the coolant and moderator is water, which is boiled to produce steam.

boing

//

exclam. representing a reverberating sound, especially the noise of a compressed spring suddenly released.

boink

v. & n. N. Amer. variant spelling of bonk.

boisterous

adj.
1 noisy, energetic, and cheerful.
2 (of weather or water) wild or stormy.

- DERIVATIVES boisterously adv. boisterousness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘rough, stiff’): var. of earlier boistuous ‘rustic, coarse, boisterous’.

boîte

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) a small restaurant or nightclub.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘box’.

bok choy

/ /

n. US spelling of pak choi.

boke

// (also boak) Scottish

v. vomit.
n. a spell of vomiting.

- ORIGIN ME bolke; rel. to belch.

bokken

//

n. a wooden sword used as a practice weapon in kendo.

- ORIGIN from Japanese.

bokmakierie

//

n. (pl. bokmakieries) a shrike (bird) with yellow underparts and a black band across the breast, common in southern Africa.   Telophorus zeylonus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Afrik., imitative of its call.

Bokmål

//

n. one of two standard forms (the other being Nynorsk) of the Norwegian language, a modified form of Danish.

- ORIGIN from Norw. bok ‘book’ + mål ‘language’.

bolas

//

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] (especially in South America) a missile consisting of a number of balls connected by strong cord, thrown to entangle the limbs of cattle or other animals.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. and Port., pl. of bola ‘ball’.

bold

adj.
1 confident and daring or courageous. dated audacious; impudent.
2 (of a colour or design) strong or vivid. (of type) having thick strokes.
n. a typeface with thick strokes.

- PHRASES
be (or make) so bold as to do something dare to do something that might be considered audacious.
(as) bold as brass confident to the point of impudence.

- DERIVATIVES boldly adv. boldness n.

- ORIGIN OE bald, of Gmc origin.

boldface

n. a typeface with thick strokes.

- DERIVATIVES boldfaced adj.

bole^1

n. a tree trunk.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON bolr.

bole^2

n. a fine reddish clay containing iron oxide, used as a ground for oil painting.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. bolus (see bolus).

bolection

//

n. Architecture a decorative moulding above or around a panel.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

bolero

//

n. (pl. boleros)
1 a Spanish dance in simple triple time. the music for a bolero.
2 usu. // a woman's short open jacket.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp.

boletus

// (also bolete)

n. (pl. boletuses) a toadstool with pores rather than gills on the underside of the cap, and a thick stem.   Genus Boletus.

- ORIGIN from L., from Gk blits, perh. from blos ‘lump’.

bolide

//

n. a large meteor which explodes in the atmosphere.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from L. bolis, bolid-, from Gk bolis ‘missile’.

bolivar

//, //

n. the basic monetary unit of Venezuela, equal to 100 centimos.

- ORIGIN named after the Venezuelan Simon Bolívar, who liberated Venezuela from the Spanish.

Bolivian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Bolivia.
adj. relating to Bolivia or its inhabitants.

boliviano

//

n. (pl. bolivianos) the basic monetary unit of Bolivia, equal to 100 centavos or cents.

- ORIGIN Sp., lit. ‘Bolivian’.

boll

//

n. the rounded seed capsule of plants such as cotton or flax.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a bubble): from MDu. bolle ‘rounded object’; rel. to bowl^1.

bollard

//, //

n.
1 Brit. a short post used to prevent traffic from entering an area.
2 a short post on a ship or quayside for securing a rope.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from ON bolr (see bole^1) + -ard.

bollix

vulgar slang

v. (usu. bollix something up) bungle (a task).

1 [treated as pl.] variant spelling of bollocks.
2 [treated as sing.] Irish a foolish or contemptible man.

bollocking

(also ballocking)

n. Brit. vulgar slang a severe reprimand.

- DERIVATIVES bollock v.

bollocks

(also ballocks)

pl. n. Brit. vulgar slang
1 the testicles.
2 [treated as sing.] nonsense; rubbish.

- ORIGIN C18: pl. of bollock, var. of earlier ballock, of Gmc origin; rel. to ball^1.

bollocky

adj. Austral. informal naked.

boll weevil

n. a small weevil which feeds on the fibres of the cotton boll.   Anthonomus grandis.

bollworm

n. a moth caterpillar which is a pest of cotton and other crops in North America.

Bollywood

n. a name for the Indian popular film industry, based in Bombay.

bolo

//

n. (pl. bolos) a large single-edged knife used in the Philippines.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

bologna

//, //

n. N. Amer. a large smoked sausage made chiefly of bacon, veal, and pork suet.

- ORIGIN named after Bologna, a city in northern Italy.

bolometer

//

n. an electrical instrument for measuring radiant energy.

- DERIVATIVES bolometric adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk bol ‘ray of light’ + -meter.

boloney

n. variant spelling of baloney.

bolo tie

n. N. Amer. a tie consisting of a cord with a large ornamental fastening at the throat.

- ORIGIN alt. of bola tie, from its resemblance to the bolas.

Bolshevik

//

n. historical
1 a member of the majority faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party, which seized power in the Revolution of 1917.
2 a person with politically subversive or radical views.

- DERIVATIVES Bolshevism n. Bolshevist n.

- ORIGIN Russ., from bol'she ‘greater’ (with ref. to the greater faction).

bolshie

(also bolshy) Brit. informal

adj. deliberately combative or uncooperative.
n. (Bolshie) dated a Bolshevik or socialist.

- DERIVATIVES bolshiness n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: abbrev. of Bolshevik.

bolster^1

//

n.
1 a long, thick pillow.
2 a part on a vehicle or tool providing structural support or reducing friction. Building a short timber cap over a post increasing the bearing of the beams it supports.
v. support or strengthen.

- DERIVATIVES bolsterer n.

- ORIGIN OE: of Gmc origin.

bolster^2

//

n. a heavy chisel used for cutting bricks.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

bolt^1

n.
1 a long pin with a head that screws into a nut, used to fasten things together. a bar that slides into a socket to fasten a door or window. the sliding piece of the breech mechanism of a rifle.
2 a short, heavy arrow shot from a crossbow.
3 a flash of lightning across the sky.
v. fasten with a bolt.

- PHRASES
a bolt from (or out of) the blue a sudden and unexpected event.
bolt upright with the back very straight.
have shot one's bolt informal have done everything possible but still not succeeded.

- ORIGIN OE: of unknown origin.

bolt^2

v.
1 run away suddenly. (in hunting) cause (a rabbit or fox) to run out of its burrow or hole.
2 (of a plant) grow quickly upwards and stop flowering as seeds develop.
3 eat (food) quickly.

- PHRASES
make a bolt for try to escape by running suddenly towards.

- DERIVATIVES bolter n.

- ORIGIN ME: from bolt^1, expressing the sense ‘fly like an arrow’.

bolt^3

n.
1 a roll of fabric, originally as a measure.
2 a folded edge of a piece of paper that is trimmed off to allow it to be opened.

- ORIGIN ME: transferred use of bolt^1.

bolt^4

(also boult)

v. archaic pass through a sieve.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bulter.

bolt-action

adj. (of a gun) having a breech which is opened by turning a bolt and sliding it back.

bolt-hole

n. chiefly Brit. an escape route or hiding place.

Boltzmann's constant

n. Chemistry the ratio of the gas constant to Avogadro's constant, equal to 1.381 × 10-23 joules per kelvin.

- ORIGIN named after the Austrian physicist L. Boltzmann.

bolus

//

n. (pl. boluses)
1 a small rounded mass of a substance, especially of food being swallowed.
2 a large pill used in veterinary medicine. Medicine a single dose of a drug given all at once.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk blos ‘clod’.

boma

//

n. (in eastern and southern Africa) an enclosure, especially one for animals.

- ORIGIN from Kiswahili.

bomb

n.
1 a container of explosive or incendiary material, designed to explode on impact or when detonated by a timing or remote-control device. (the bomb) nuclear weapons collectively.
2 (a bomb) Brit. informal a large sum of money.
3 informal a thing that fails badly.
4 (also volcanic bomb) a lump of lava thrown out by a volcano.
5 a pear-shaped weight used to anchor a fishing line to the bottom.
6 informal a cannabis cigarette.
v.
1 attack with a bomb or bombs.
2 Brit. informal move very quickly.
3 informal fail badly.

- PHRASES
go down a bomb Brit. informal be very well received.
go like a bomb Brit. informal
1 be very successful.
2 move very fast.

- DERIVATIVES bomblet n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. bombe, from Ital. bomba, prob. from L. bombus ‘booming, humming’, from Gk bombos, of imitative origin.

bombard

v. //
1 attack continuously with bombs or other missiles.
2 subject to a continuous flow of questions or information.
3 Physics direct a stream of high-speed particles at (a substance).
n. // an early form of cannon.

- DERIVATIVES bombardment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bombarde, prob. based on L. bombus (see bomb).

bombarde

//

n.
1 a shawm (wind instrument) of alto pitch.
2 a powerful bass reed organ stop.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. (see bombard).

bombardier

//

n.
1 a rank of non-commissioned officer in certain artillery regiments, equivalent to corporal.
2 a member of a bomber crew in the US air force responsible for aiming and releasing bombs.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from OFr. bombarde (see bombard).

bombardier beetle

n. a beetle that discharges a puff of irritant vapour with an audible pop when alarmed.   Brachinus crepitans and other species.

bombardon

//

n. a bass tuba.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital. bombardone, from bombardo ‘cannon’.

bombast

//

n. high-sounding language with little meaning.

- DERIVATIVES bombastic // adj. bombastically adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting cotton wool used as padding, later used figuratively): from OFr. bombace, from med. L. bombax, bombac-, alt. of bombyx ‘silkworm’.

Bombay duck

n. the bummalo (fish), dried and eaten as an accompaniment to curries.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of bummalo by assoc. with the city of Bombay in India, from which bummalo were exported; the reason for the use of the term duck is unknown.

Bombay mix

n. a spiced snack consisting of lentils, peanuts, and deep-fried strands of gram flour.

bombazine

//

n. a twilled dress fabric of worsted and silk or cotton.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting raw cotton): from Fr. bombasin, from med. L. bombacinum, from bombycinus ‘silken’, based on Gk bombux ‘silkworm’.

bomb bay

n. a compartment in the fuselage of an aircraft used to hold bombs.

bomb disposal

n. the defusing or controlled detonation of unexploded bombs.

bombe

//

n. a frozen dome-shaped dessert.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘bomb’.

bombé

//

adj. (of furniture) rounded.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: Fr., lit. ‘swollen out’.

bombed

adj. informal intoxicated by drink or drugs.

bomber

n.
1 an aircraft that drops bombs.
2 a person who plants bombs, especially as a terrorist.
3 informal a large cannabis cigarette.

bomber jacket

n. a short jacket gathered at the waist and cuffs by elasticated bands and having a zip front.

bombinate

//

v. literary buzz; hum.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L. bombinat-, bombinare ‘buzz’, from L. bombus (see bomb).

bombora

//

n. Austral. a wave which forms over a submerged offshore reef or rock, producing a dangerous stretch of broken water.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from an Aborig. word, perh. Dharuk bumbora.

bombshell

n.
1 an overwhelming surprise or disappointment.
2 informal a very attractive woman.
3 dated an artillery shell.

bombsight

n. a device used in an aircraft for aiming bombs.

bomb squad

n. a division of a police force which investigates the planting of terrorist bombs.

Bon

// (also O-Bon)

n. a Japanese Buddhist festival held annually in August to honour the dead.

- ORIGIN from Japanese.

bona fide

/ /

adj. genuine; real.
adv. chiefly Law without intention to deceive.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘with good faith’, ablative sing. of bona fides.

bona fides

/ /

n.
1 honesty and sincerity of intention.
2 [treated as pl.] informal a person's credentials.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘good faith’.

bonanza

//

n. a source of wealth, good fortune, or profits.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US, with ref. to success when mining): from Sp., lit. ‘fair weather, prosperity’, from L. bonus ‘good’.

Bonapartism

//

n. attachment to or advocacy of the government and dynasty of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821).

- DERIVATIVES Bonapartist n. & adj.

bon appétit

/ /

exclam. used to wish someone an enjoyable meal.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘good appetite’.

bona vacantia

/ /

n. Law (in the UK) goods without an apparent owner, to which the Crown may have right.

- ORIGIN L., ‘ownerless goods’.

bonbon

n. a sweet.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., reduplication of bon ‘good’, from L. bonus.

bonbonnière

//

n. a small ornamental box or jar for confectionery.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

bonce

n. Brit. informal a person's head.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting a large marble): of unknown origin.

bond

n.
1 a thing used to tie or fasten things together. (bonds) physical restraints used to hold someone prisoner.
2 a force or feeling that unites people.
3 a binding agreement, especially one which commits someone to make a payment to another. a certificate issued by a government or a public company promising to repay borrowed money at a fixed rate of interest at a specified time. an insurance policy held by a company, which protects against losses resulting from circumstances such as bankruptcy. N. Amer. a sum of money paid as bail.
4 (also chemical bond) a strong force of attraction holding atoms together in a molecule.
5 Building a pattern in which bricks are laid to ensure the strength of a structure.
v.
1 join or be joined securely to something else.
2 establish a relationship based on shared feelings or experiences.
3 join or be joined by a chemical bond.
4 [usu. as adj. bonding] lay (bricks) in a strong overlapping pattern.
5 [usu. as noun bonding] place (dutiable goods) in bond.

- PHRASES
in bond (of dutiable goods) stored in a bonded warehouse.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of band^1.

bondage

n.
1 the state of being a slave or feudal serf.
2 sexual activity that involves the tying up or restraining of one partner.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Latin bondagium, from ME bond ‘serf’ from ON bóndi ‘tiller of the soil’, based on búa ‘dwell’; influenced by bond.

bondager

n. historical a person who performed services as a condition of feudal tenure.

bonded

adj.
1 joined securely together, especially by an adhesive, heat process, or pressure.
2 bound by a legal agreement.
3 (of dutiable goods) placed in bond.

bonded warehouse

n. a customs-controlled warehouse for the retention of imported goods until the duty owed is paid.

bond paper

n. high-quality writing paper.

bondsman

n. (pl. bondsmen)
1 a person who stands surety for a bond.
2 archaic a slave or feudal serf.

bone

n.
1 any of the pieces of hard, whitish tissue making up the skeleton in vertebrates. (one's bones) one's body.
2 the calcified material of which bones consist. a thing made of a substance resembling bone, e.g. a strip of stiffening for an undergarment.
3 (in southern Africa) one of a set of carved dice or bones used by traditional healers in divination.
v.
1 remove the bones from (meat or fish) before cooking.
2 (bone up on) informal study (a subject) intensively.

- PHRASES
bone of contention a source of continuing disagreement.
close to the bone (of a remark) accurate to the point of causing discomfort. (of a joke or story) near the limit of decency.
cut (or pare) something to the bone reduce something to the bare minimum.
have a bone to pick with someone informal have reason to disagree or be annoyed with someone.
in one's bones felt or believed deeply or instinctively.
make no bones about have no hesitation in stating or dealing with (something unpleasant).
off (or on) the bone (of meat or fish) having had the bones removed (or left in).
to the bone
1 (of a wound) so deep as to expose a bone.
2 (especially of cold) affecting a person in a penetrating way.
work one's fingers to the bone work very hard.

- DERIVATIVES boned adj. boneless adj.

- ORIGIN OE bn, of Gmc origin.

bone ash

n. the mineral residue of calcined bones.

bone china

n. white porcelain containing bone ash.

bone dry

adj. extremely dry.

bonefish

n. (pl. same or bonefishes) a silvery game fish of warm coastal waters.   Albula vulpes and other species.

bonehead

n. informal a stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES boneheaded adj.

bone idle

adj. extremely idle.

- ORIGIN C19: expressing idle through to the bone.

bonemeal

n. crushed or ground bones used as a fertilizer.

boner

n.
1 N. Amer. informal a stupid mistake.
2 N. Amer. vulgar slang an erection of the penis.

boneset

n.
1 a plant of the daisy family, bearing clusters of small white flowers and used in herbal medicine.   Eupatorium perfoliatum.
2 Brit. the common comfrey, the ground-up root of which was formerly used as a ‘plaster’ to set broken bones.

bone-setter

n. historical a person who set broken or dislocated bones without being a qualified surgeon.

boneshaker

n. Brit. informal an old vehicle with poor suspension. an early type of bicycle without rubber tyres.

bone spavin

n. osteoarthritis of the hock in horses.

bone-tired

(also bone-weary)

adj. extremely tired.

boneyard

n. informal a cemetery.

bonfire

n. an open-air fire lit to burn rubbish or as part of a celebration.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a fire on which bones were burnt, or for burning heretics): from bone + fire.

Bonfire Night

n. (in the UK) 5 November, on which fireworks are displayed and effigies of Guy Fawkes burnt in memory of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

bong^1

n. a low-pitched resonant sound.
v. make this sound.

- ORIGIN 1920s: imitative.

bong^2

n. a water pipe used for smoking cannabis.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Thai baung, lit. ‘cylindrical wooden tube’.

bongo^1

//

n. (pl. bongos or bongoes) each of a pair of small drums, held between the knees and played with the fingers.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Latin Amer. Sp. bongó.

bongo^2

//

n. (pl. same or bongos) an African forest antelope having a chestnut coat with white stripes.   Tragelaphus euryceros.

- ORIGIN C19: from Kikongo.

bonhomie

//, //

n. good-natured friendliness.

- DERIVATIVES bonhomous adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from bonhomme ‘good fellow’.

bonito

//

n. (pl. bonitos) a small tuna with dark stripes, important as a food and game fish.   Sarda sarda (Mediterranean), Katsuwonus pelamis (the skipjack, worldwide), and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp.

bonk

(N. Amer. also boink) informal

v.
1 hit so as to cause a reverberating sound.
2 have sex.
n.
1 a reverberating sound.
2 an act of sexual intercourse.

- ORIGIN 1930s: imitative.

bonkbuster

n. Brit. informal a type of popular novel characterized by frequent explicit sexual encounters.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from bonk, on the pattern of blockbuster.

bonkers

adj. informal mad; crazy.

- ORIGIN 1940s: of unknown origin.

bon mot

/ /

n. (pl. bon mots or bons mots pronunc. same or //) a clever or witty remark.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘good word’.

bonne bouche

/ /

n. (pl. bonne bouches or bonnes bouches pronunc. same) an appetizing item of food eaten at the end of a meal.

- ORIGIN Fr., from bonne, fem. of bon ‘good’, and bouche ‘mouth’.

bonne femme

/ /

adj. [postpos.] (of fish, stews, and soups) cooked in a simple way.

- ORIGIN Fr., from the phr. à la bonne femme ‘in the manner of a good housewife’.

bonnet

n.
1 a woman's or child's hat tied under the chin and with a brim framing the face.
2 a soft brimless hat like a beret, worn by men and boys in Scotland. Heraldry the velvet cap within a coronet.
3 (also war bonnet) the ceremonial headdress of an American Indian.
4 Brit. the hinged metal canopy covering the engine of a motor vehicle.
5 a cowl on a chimney.
6 Sailing, historical an additional canvas laced to the foot of a sail.

- DERIVATIVES bonneted adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bonet, from med. L. abonnis ‘headgear’.

bonnethead

n. a small American hammerhead shark with a narrow rounded head.   Sphyrna tiburo.

bonny

(also bonnie)

adj. (bonnier, bonniest) chiefly Scottish & N. English
1 physically attractive or healthy-looking.
2 sizeable; considerable: it's worth a bonny sum.

- DERIVATIVES bonnily adv. bonniness n.

- ORIGIN C15: perh. rel. to OFr. bon ‘good’.

bonobo

//

n. (pl. bonobos) a small chimpanzee found in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).   Pan paniscus.

- ORIGIN a local word.

bonsai

//

n. the art of growing ornamental, artificially dwarfed varieties of trees or shrubs.

- ORIGIN Japanese, from bon ‘tray’ + sai ‘planting’.

bonspiel

//

n. a curling match.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. of Low Ger. origin.

bontebok

//

n. (pl. same or bonteboks) an antelope with a reddish-brown coat and white face, found in eastern South Africa.   Damaliscus dorcas dorcas.

- ORIGIN C18: from Afrik., from Du. bont ‘pied’ + bok ‘buck’.

bonus

n.
1 a sum of money added to a person's wages for good performance. Brit. an extra dividend or issue paid to shareholders.
2 an extra and unexpected welcome event.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. bonus (masc.) ‘good’.

bonus issue

n. Brit. an issue of additional shares to shareholders instead of a dividend.

bon vivant

/ /

n. (pl. bon vivants or bons vivants pronunc. same) a person indulging in a sociable and luxurious lifestyle.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘person living well’.

bon viveur

/ /

n. (pl. bon viveurs or bons viveurs pronunc. same) another term for bon vivant.

- ORIGIN C19: pseudo-Fr., from Fr. bon ‘good’ and viveur ‘a living person’.

bon voyage

/ /

exclam. have a good journey.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., lit. ‘good journey’.

bonxie

//

n. (pl. bonxies) the great skua (seabird).

- ORIGIN C18: Shetland dial., from Norw. bunksi, from bunke ‘dumpy body’.

bony

adj. (bonier, boniest)
1 of, like, or containing bones.
2 so thin that the bones can be seen.

- DERIVATIVES boniness n.

bony fish

n. a fish of a large class distinguished by a skeleton of bone, and comprising the majority of modern fishes.   Class Osteichthyes.

bonze

//

n. a Japanese or Chinese Buddhist religious teacher.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from Japanese bonz, bons ‘priest’.

bonzer

(also bonza)

adj. Austral./NZ informal excellent.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: perh. an alt. of bonanza.

boo

exclam.
1 said suddenly to surprise someone.
2 said to show disapproval or contempt.
v. (boos, booing, booed) say ‘boo’ to show disapproval or contempt.

- PHRASES
wouldn't say boo to a goose used to emphasize that someone is very shy or reticent.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative of the lowing of oxen.

booay

// (also booai)

n. (the booay) NZ remote rural districts.

- PHRASES
up the booay informal completely wrong or astray.

- ORIGIN perh. from the place name Puhoi in North Auckland, New Zealand.

boob^1

informal

n.
1 Brit. an embarrassing mistake.
2 N. Amer. a stupid person.
v. Brit. make an embarrassing mistake.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: abbrev. of booby^1.

boob^2

n. informal a woman's breast.

- ORIGIN 1950s: abbrev. of booby^2.

boo-boo

n. informal
1 a mistake.
2 N. Amer. a minor injury.

- ORIGIN 1950s: reduplication of boob^1.

boobook owl

//

n. a small brown Australasian owl with a characteristic double hoot.   Ninox novaeseelandiae.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative of its call.

boob tube

n. informal
1 Brit. a woman's tight-fitting stretchy strapless top.
2 N. Amer. television or a television set.

booby^1

n. (pl. boobies)
1 informal a stupid person.
2 a large tropical seabird of the gannet family, with brown, black, or white plumage and brightly coloured feet.   Genus Sula: several species.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from Sp. bobo, from L. balbus ‘stammering’.

booby^2

n. (pl. boobies) informal a woman's breast.

- ORIGIN 1930s: alt. of dial. bubby, perh. rel. to Ger. dial. Bübbi ‘teat’.

booby prize

n. a prize given to the person who comes last in a contest.

booby trap

n. an object containing a concealed explosive device designed to detonate when someone touches it.
v. (booby-trap) place a booby trap in or on.

boodle

n. informal money, especially that gained or spent dishonestly.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a pack or crowd): from Du. boedel, boel ‘possessions, disorderly mass’.

boofhead

n. Austral. informal a fool.

- ORIGIN 1940s: prob. from bufflehead ‘simpleton’, based on obs. buffle ‘buffalo’.

boogaloo

//

n. a dance to rock-and-roll music performed with swivelling and shuffling movements of the body.

- ORIGIN 1960s: perh. an alt. of boogie-woogie (see boogie).

boogie

n. (also boogie-woogie) (pl. boogies)
1 a style of blues played on the piano with a strong, fast beat.
2 informal a dance to pop or rock music.
v. (boogies, boogieing, boogied) informal dance to pop or rock music.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent. (orig. US in the sense ‘party’): of unknown origin.

boogie board

n. a short, light surfboard ridden in a prone position.

- DERIVATIVES boogie-boarder n.

boohoo

exclam. representing the sound of someone crying noisily.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative.

boojum

//

n. an imaginary dangerous animal.

- ORIGIN 1876: nonsense word coined by Lewis Carroll in The Hunting of the Snark.

book

n.
1 a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. a main division of a literary work or of the Bible.
2 a bound set of blank sheets for writing in: an accounts book. (books) a set of records or accounts. a bookmaker's record of bets accepted and money paid out.
3 a set of tickets, stamps, matches, etc., bound together.
4 (the book) the first six tricks taken by the declarer in a hand of bridge.
v.
1 reserve (accommodation, a ticket, etc.). (book in) register one's arrival at a hotel. engage (a performer or guest) for an event. (be booked up) have all places reserved.
2 make an official note of the details of (someone who has broken a law or rule). Soccer (of a referee) note down the name of (a player) cautioned for foul play.

- PHRASES
bring someone to book chiefly Brit. officially call someone to account for their behaviour.
by the book strictly according to the rules.
in someone's bad (or good) books in disfavour (or favour) with someone.
in my book in my opinion.
make (or open) a book (N. Amer. make book) take bets and pay out winnings on the outcome of a contest or other event.
on the books contained in a list of members, employees, or clients.
People of the Book Jews and Christians as regarded by Muslims.
suit one's book Brit. dated be convenient to one.
take a leaf out of someone's book imitate or emulate someone in a particular way.
throw the book at informal charge or punish (someone) as severely as possible.

- DERIVATIVES booker n. booking n.

- ORIGIN OE bc, bcian ‘to grant by charter’, of Gmc origin.

bookable

adj.
1 able to be reserved.
2 Soccer (of an offence) serious enough for the offending player to be cautioned by the referee.

bookbinder

n. a person who binds books.

- DERIVATIVES bookbinding n.

bookcase

n. an open cabinet containing shelves on which to keep books.

book club

n. a society which sells its members selected books at reduced prices.

bookcrossing

n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.

bookend

n. a support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright.

book hand

n. a formal style of handwriting used by professional copiers of books before the invention of printing.

bookie

n. (pl. bookies) informal a bookmaker.

bookish

adj.
1 devoted to reading and studying.
2 (of language) literary in style.

- DERIVATIVES bookishly adv. bookishness n.

bookkeeping

n. the activity of keeping records of financial affairs.

- DERIVATIVES bookkeeper n.

bookland

n. Brit. historical an area of common land granted by charter to a private owner.

- ORIGIN OE, from bóc ‘charter’ + land.

book learning

n. knowledge gained from study rather than personal experience.

booklet

n. a small, thin book with paper covers.

booklouse

n. (pl. booklice) a minute insect with no or rudimentary wings, capable of causing damage to books and paper.   Liposcelis bostrychophilus and other species.

book lung

n. Zoology (in an arachnid) each of a pair of respiratory organs in the abdomen, composed of many fine leaves.

bookmaker

n. a person whose job is to take bets, calculate odds, and pay out winnings.

- DERIVATIVES bookmaking n.

bookman

n. (pl. bookmen) archaic a literary man.

bookmark

n. a strip of leather or card used to mark a place in a book. Computing a record of the address of a file, Internet page, etc., enabling quick access by a user.
v. Computing make a record of (the address of a file, Internet page, etc.) to enable quick access.

bookmobile

//

n. N. Amer. a mobile library.

book of hours

n. a book of prayers appointed for particular canonical hours or times of day, used by Roman Catholics for private devotions.

bookplate

n. a decorative label in the front of a book, bearing the name of its owner.

bookrest

n. Brit. a support for an open book on a table.

bookseller

n. a person who sells books.

bookshelf

n. (pl. bookshelves) a shelf on which books can be stored.

bookshop

n. a place where books are sold.

bookstall

n. a kiosk where books, magazines, etc. are sold.

booksy

adj. informal affectedly literary or bookish.

book token

n. Brit. a voucher which can be exchanged for books costing up to a specified amount.

book value

n. the value of a security or asset as entered in a firm's books. Often contrasted with market value.

bookwork

n.
1 the activity of keeping records of accounts.
2 the studying of textbooks, as opposed to practical work.

bookworm

n.
1 informal a person who enjoys reading.
2 the larva of a wood-boring beetle which feeds on the paper and glue in books.

Boolean

//

adj. denoting a system of algebraic notation used to represent logical propositions by means of the binary digits 0 (false) and 1 (true), especially in computing and electronics.
n. Computing a binary variable with these possible values.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of the English mathematician G. Boole + -an.

boom^1

n. a loud, deep, resonant sound.
v. make this sound.

- DERIVATIVES boominess n. booming adj. boomy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: ult. imitative; perh. from Du. bommen ‘to hum, buzz’.

boom^2

n. a period of great prosperity.
v. experience a boom: business is booming.

- DERIVATIVES boomy adj.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from boom^1.

boom^3

n.
1 a pivoted spar to which the foot of a vessel's sail is attached.
2 a movable arm carrying a microphone or film camera.
3 a floating beam used to contain oil spills or to form a barrier across a harbour mouth.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du., ‘beam, tree, pole’; rel. to beam.

boom box

n. informal a large portable radio and cassette player capable of powerful sound.

boomer

n.
1 Austral. informal a large male kangaroo.
2 a large wave.

boomerang

n. a curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown so that it will return to the thrower, traditionally used by Australian Aboriginals as a hunting weapon.

- ORIGIN C19: from Dharuk.

boomslang

n. a large, highly venomous southern African tree snake.   Dispholidus typus.

- ORIGIN C18: from Afrik., from Du. boom ‘tree’ + slang ‘snake’.

boon

n.
1 a thing that is helpful or beneficial.
2 archaic a favour or request.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON bón.

boon companion

n. a close friend.

- ORIGIN C16: boon from OFr. bon, from L. bonus ‘good’.

boondocks

//

pl. n. (the boondocks) N. Amer. informal rough or isolated country.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Tagalog bundok ‘mountain’.

boondoggle

// N. Amer. informal

n. an unnecessary, wasteful, or fraudulent project.
v. waste money or time on such projects.

- ORIGIN 1930s: of unknown origin.

boong

//

n. Austral. offensive an Aboriginal.

- ORIGIN 1920s: origin uncertain.

boonies

//

pl. n. short for boondocks.

boor

//, //

n. a rough and bad-mannered person.

- DERIVATIVES boorish adj. boorishly adv. boorishness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Low Ger. br or Du. boer ‘farmer’.

boost

v.
1 help or encourage to increase or improve.
2 N. Amer. push from below.
n.
1 a source of help or encouragement.
2 N. Amer. a push from below.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US, in sense 2): of unknown origin.

booster

n.
1 Medicine a dose of a vaccine increasing or renewing the effect of an earlier one.
2 the first stage of a rocket or spacecraft, used to give initial acceleration.
3 a source of help or encouragement.
4 a device for increasing electrical voltage or signal strength.

boosterism

n. chiefly N. Amer. the keen promotion of a person, organization, or cause.

- DERIVATIVES boosterish adj.

booster seat

n. an extra seat placed on an existing seat for a small child.

boot^1

n.
1 a sturdy item of footwear covering the foot and ankle, and sometimes the lower leg.
2 informal a hard kick.
3 Brit. a space at the back of a car for carrying luggage.
4 historical an instrument of torture for crushing the foot.
v.
1 kick hard.
2 (boot someone out) informal force someone to leave unceremoniously.
3 start (a computer) and put it into a state of readiness for operation. [ORIGIN from bootstrap.]

- PHRASES
the boot (or N. Amer. shoe) is on the other foot the situation has reversed.
die with one's boots on die in battle or while actively occupied.
give (or get) the boot informal dismiss (or be dismissed) from a job.
old boot informal an ugly or disliked old woman.
put the boot in Brit. informal kick or attack someone when they are already on the ground.

- DERIVATIVES bootable adj. booted adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON bóti or its source, OFr. bote.

boot^2

n. (in phr. to boot) as well.

- ORIGIN OE bt ‘advantage, remedy’, of Gmc origin.

bootblack

n. historical a person who polished boots and shoes.

bootboy

n.
1 informal a rowdy youth with close-cropped hair and heavy boots.
2 historical a boy who cleaned boots and shoes.

boot camp

n. chiefly N. Amer. a military training camp with very harsh discipline. a prison for young offenders, run on military lines.

boot-cut

adj. (of trousers) flared very slightly below the knee, so as to be worn comfortably over boots.

bootee

// (also bootie)

n.
1 a baby's soft woollen shoe.
2 a woman's short boot.

booth

//, //

n.
1 a small temporary structure used for selling goods or staging shows at a market or fair.
2 an enclosed compartment allowing privacy when telephoning, voting, etc.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON buth, based on búa ‘dwell’.

bootjack

n. a device for holding a boot by the heel to ease withdrawal of one's foot.

bootlace

n. a cord or leather strip for lacing boots.

bootlace tie

n. Brit. a narrow tie of a kind popular in the 1950s.

bootleg

adj. (of alcoholic drink or a recording) made or distributed illegally.
n. an illegal musical recording.

- DERIVATIVES bootlegger n. bootlegging n.

- ORIGIN C19: from the smugglers' practice of hiding bottles in their boots.

bootless

adj. archaic (of a task) ineffectual; useless.

- ORIGIN OE btlas ‘not able to be compensated for by payment’ (see boot^2).

bootlicker

n. informal an obsequious person.

- DERIVATIVES bootlicking n.

bootmaker

n. a maker of boots and shoes.

boots

n. Brit. dated a hotel employee performing menial tasks such as cleaning shoes.

- ORIGIN C18: pl. of boot^1, used as sing.

bootstrap

n.
1 a loop at the back of a boot, used to pull it on.
2 Computing the action of booting a computer.
v. Computing fuller form of boot^1 (in sense 3).

- PHRASES
pull oneself up by one's bootstraps improve one's position by one's own efforts.

booty^1

n. valuable stolen goods.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. bte, buite ‘exchange, distribution’.

booty^2

n. (pl. booties) N. Amer. informal a person's bottom.

- ORIGIN 1920s: alt. of body or botty.

bootylicious

//

adj. US informal sexually attractive.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from booty^2, on the pattern of delicious.

booze

informal

n. alcoholic drink.
v. drink large quantities of alcohol.

- ORIGIN ME bouse, from MDu. bsen ‘drink to excess’.

boozer

n. informal
1 a person who drinks large quantities of alcohol.
2 Brit. a pub.

booze-up

n. Brit. informal a heavy drinking session.

boozy

adj. (boozier, booziest) informal drinking or involving large quantities of alcohol.

- DERIVATIVES boozily adv. booziness n.

bop^1

informal

n.
1 chiefly Brit. a dance to pop music. an organized social occasion with such dancing.
2 short for bebop.
v. (bops, bopping, bopped) dance to pop music.

- DERIVATIVES bopper n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: shortening of bebop.

bop^2

informal

v. (bops, bopping, bopped) hit or punch quickly.
n. a quick blow or punch.

- ORIGIN 1930s (orig. US): imitative.

bora^1

//

n. a cold, dry NE wind blowing in the upper Adriatic.

- ORIGIN C19: dial. var. of Ital. borea, from L. boreas (see boreal).

bora^2

//

n. an Australian Aboriginal rite in which boys are initiated into manhood.

- ORIGIN C19: from Kamilaroi buuru.

boracic

//

adj.
1 consisting of or containing boric acid.
2 Brit. informal having no money. [ORIGIN from boracic lint, rhyming sl. for ‘skint’.]

- ORIGIN C18: from med. L. borax, borac- (see borax) + -ic.

borage

//

n. a herbaceous plant with bright blue flowers and hairy leaves.   Borago officinalis.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bourrache, from med. L. borrago, perh. from Arab. ab hurš ‘father of roughness’ (referring to the leaves).

borane

//

n. Chemistry any of a series of unstable compounds of boron and hydrogen.

borate

//

n. Chemistry a salt in which the anion contains both boron and oxygen, as in borax.

borax

//

n. a white mineral consisting of hydrated sodium borate, found in some alkaline salt deposits and used in making glass and as a metallurgical flux.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L., from Arab. brak, from Pahlavi brak.

borborygmus

//

n. (pl. borborygmi //) technical a rumbling noise made by fluid and gas in the intestines.

- DERIVATIVES borborygmic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk borborugmos.

Bordeaux

//

n. (pl. same //) a wine from Bordeaux, a district of SW France.

Bordeaux mixture

n. a fungicidal solution for plants, containing copper sulphate and calcium oxide.

- ORIGIN C19: first used in the vineyards of Bordeaux.

bordelaise

//

adj. denoting or served with a sauce of red wine and onions.

- ORIGIN Fr., from (à la) bordelaise ‘Bordeaux-style’.

bordello

//

n. (pl. bordellos) chiefly N. Amer. a brothel.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital., prob. from OFr. bordel, dimin. of borde ‘small farm, cottage’, ult. of Gmc origin.

border

n.
1 a line separating two countries or other areas. (the Border) the boundary between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (the Borders) the boundary and adjoining districts between Scotland and England.
2 a decorative band around the edge of something. a strip of ground along the edge of a lawn for planting flowers or shrubs.
v.
1 form a border around or along.
2 (of a country or area) be adjacent to (another).
3 (border on) come close to (an extreme condition).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bordeure; ult. of Gmc origin.

Border collie

n. a sheepdog, typically black and white, of a breed originating near the border between England and Scotland.

borderer

n. a person living near the border between two countries.

borderland

n. a district near the border between two countries or areas.

borderline

n. a boundary separating two countries or areas.
adj. only just acceptable in quality or as belonging to a category.

Border terrier

n. a small terrier of a breed with rough hair, originating in the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland.

bordure

//

n. Heraldry a broad border used as a charge in a coat of arms, often as a mark of difference.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of border.

bore^1

v.
1 make (a hole) in something with a drill or other tool. hollow out (a gun barrel or other tube).
2 (of an athlete or racehorse) push another competitor out of the way.
n. the hollow part inside a gun barrel or other tube. the diameter of this: a small-bore rifle.

- ORIGIN OE borian (v.), of Gmc origin.

bore^2

n. a dull and uninteresting person or activity.
v. cause (someone) to feel weary and uninterested by being dull and tedious.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

bore^3

n. a steep-fronted wave caused by the meeting of two tides or by a tide rushing up a narrow estuary.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from ON bára ‘wave’.

bore^4

past of bear^1.

boreal

//

adj.
1 chiefly Ecology of the North or northern regions, adjacent to or including the Arctic.
2 (Boreal) Geology relating to or denoting the second climatic stage of the postglacial period in northern Europe (about 9,000 to 7,500 years ago).

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. borealis, from L. Boreas, denoting the god of the north wind, from Gk.

bored

adj. weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in something.

USAGE

The normal constructions for bored are bored by or bored with. More recently, bored of has emerged, but this construction, though common in informal use, is not yet considered acceptable in standard English.

-bored

adj. (of a gun) having a specified bore.

bore da

/ /

exclam. Welsh good morning!

- ORIGIN Welsh, from bore ‘morning’ + da ‘good’.

boredom

n. the state of feeling bored.

boreen

//

n. Irish a narrow country road.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. bóithrín, dimin. of bóthar ‘road’.

borehole

n. a deep, narrow hole in the ground made to locate water or oil.

borer

n.
1 a worm, mollusc, or insect which bores into plant material or rock.
2 a tool for boring.

boric

//

adj. Chemistry of boron.

boric acid

n. Chemistry a weakly acid crystalline compound derived from borax, used as a mild antiseptic.   B(OH)3.

boride

//

n. a binary compound of boron with a metallic element.

boring

adj. not interesting; tedious.

- DERIVATIVES boringly adv. boringness n.

borlotti bean

//

n. a type of kidney bean with a pink speckled skin that turns brown when cooked.

- ORIGIN Ital. borlotti, pl. of borlotto ‘kidney bean’.

born

adj.
1 existing as a result of birth.
2 (-born) having a specific nationality: a German-born philosopher.
3 having a natural ability to do a particular job or task: a born engineer.
4 (born of) existing as a result of (a situation or feeling): his work is born of despair.

- PHRASES
born and bred by birth and upbringing.
in all one's born days throughout one's life (used for emphasis).
not know one is born Brit. not realize how easy one's life is.
I (or she, etc.) wasn't born yesterday I am (or she, etc. is) not foolish or gullible.

- ORIGIN OE boren, past part. of beran (see bear^1).

born-again

adj.
1 having converted to a personal faith in Christ.
2 newly converted to and very enthusiastic about (an idea, cause, etc.).

borne

past participle of bear^1.

-borne

adj. carried by the thing specified.

Bornean

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Borneo.
adj. relating to Borneo or its people.

Bornholm disease

n. a viral infection with fever and pain in the muscles of the ribs.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the Danish island of Bornholm, where it was first described.

boro-

//

comb. form Chemistry representing boron: borosilicate.

boron

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 5, a non-metal which can be isolated as a brown, amorphous powder or (if pure) a black crystalline semiconductor. (Symbol: B)

- ORIGIN C19: from borax, on the pattern of carbon (which it resembles).

boronia

//

n. a sweet-scented Australian shrub, cultivated for its perfume and flowers.   Genus Boronia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the Italian botanist Francesco Borone (1769–94).

borosilicate glass

//

n. a low-melting glass made from a mixture of silica and boric oxide.

borough

//

n.
1 Brit. a town (as distinct from a city) with a corporation and privileges granted by a royal charter. historical a town sending representatives to Parliament. an administrative division of London.
2 a municipal corporation in certain US states. each of five divisions of New York City.

- ORIGIN OE burg, burh ‘fortress, citadel’, later ‘fortified town’, of Gmc origin; cf. burgh.

borrow

v.
1 take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it. take and use (money) from a person or bank under agreement to pay it back later.
2 Golf allow (a certain distance) when playing a shot to compensate for a slope or other irregularity.
n. Golf a slope or other irregularity on a golf course.

- PHRASES
be (living) on borrowed time be surviving against expectations.
borrow trouble N. Amer. take needless action that may have detrimental effects.

- DERIVATIVES borrower n. borrowing n.

- ORIGIN OE borgian, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

Some people confuse the two words lend and borrow: see usage at lend.

borrow pit

n. a pit resulting from the excavation of material for use in embankments.

borscht

// (also borsch //)

n. a Russian or Polish soup made with beetroot.

- ORIGIN from Russ. borshch.

borstal

//

n. Brit. historical a custodial institution for young offenders.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the village of Borstal in southern England, where the first of these was established.

bort

// (also boart)

n. inferior diamonds used in cutting tools.

- ORIGIN C17: from Du. boort.

borzoi

//

n. (pl. borzois) a large Russian wolfhound of a breed with a narrow head and silky coat.

- ORIGIN C19: from Russ. borzo (adj.), borzaya (n.), from borzy ‘swift’.

boscage

// (also boskage)

n. a mass of trees or shrubs.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., ult. of Gmc origin.

bosh

n. informal nonsense.

- ORIGIN C19: from Turk. bos ‘empty, worthless’.

bosky

//

adj. literary covered by trees or bushes.

- ORIGIN C16: from ME bosk, var. of bush^1.

Bosnian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the Balkan country Bosnia–Herzegovina.
adj. relating to Bosnia–Herzegovina or its people.

bosom

n.
1 a woman's breast or chest. the breast as the seat of emotions: quivering dread was settling in her bosom.
2 a person's loving care or protection: Bruno went home each night to the bosom of his family.
adj. (of a friend) very close.

- DERIVATIVES -bosomed adj. bosomy adj.

- ORIGIN OE bsm, of W. Gmc origin.

boson

//

n. Physics a subatomic particle, such as a photon, which has zero or integral spin.

- ORIGIN 1940s: named after the Indian physicist S. N. Bose + -on.

boss^1

informal

n. a person who is in charge of an employee or organization.
v. (usu. boss someone about/around) give orders in a domineering manner.
adj. N. Amer. excellent.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): from Du. baas ‘master’.

boss^2

n.
1 a stud on the centre of a shield.
2 Architecture an ornamental carving at the point where the ribs in a ceiling cross.
3 the central part of a propeller.
4 Geology a large mass of igneous rock protruding through other strata.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boce.

bossa nova

/ /

n. a dance like the samba, originating in Brazil. a piece of music for the bossa nova.

- ORIGIN Port., from bossa ‘tendency’ and nova (fem. of novo) ‘new’.

boss-eyed

adj. Brit. informal cross-eyed; squinting.

- ORIGIN C19: cf. dial. boss ‘miss, bungle’.

bossism

n. US the controlling of a political party by party managers.

bossy^1

adj. (bossier, bossiest) informal fond of giving orders; domineering.

- DERIVATIVES bossily adv. bossiness n.

bossy^2

n. (pl. bossies) N. Amer. informal a cow or calf.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bossyboots

n. Brit. informal a bossy person.

Boston

n.
1 a card game resembling solo whist.
2 a variation of the waltz or the two-step.

Boston crab

n. Wrestling a hold in which a wrestler sits astride a prone opponent and pulls upwards on the opponent's legs.

Bostonian

n. a native or inhabitant of Boston, the state capital of Massachusetts.
adj. relating to Boston.

Boston ivy

n. a Virginia creeper with three-lobed leaves, cultivated for its foliage.   Parthenocissus tricuspidata.

bosun

// (also bo'sun)

n. variant spelling of boatswain.

bot^1

n. the larva of a botfly.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. of Low Ger. origin.

bot^2

n. Computing an autonomous program on a network which can interact with systems or users, especially in the manner of a player in some computer games.

- ORIGIN 1980s: shortening of robot.

bot.

abbrev.
1 botanic; botanical; botany.
2 bottle.
3 bought.

botanical

adj. relating to botany.
n. a substance obtained from a plant and used as an additive.

- DERIVATIVES botanically adv.

botanic garden

(also botanical garden)

n. a place where plants are grown for scientific study and display to the public.

botanizing

(or botanising)

n. the studying of plants in their natural habitat.

- DERIVATIVES botanize (or botanise) v.

Botany

// (also Botany wool)

n. merino wool.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Botany Bay in Australia, from where the wool orig. came.

botany

//

n. the scientific study of the structure, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance of plants. the plant life of a particular region or geological period.

- DERIVATIVES botanic adj. botanist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from earlier botanic (from Fr. botanique, based on Gk botanikos, from botan ‘plant’) + -y^3.

botch

informal

v. carry out (a task) badly or carelessly.
n. (also botch-up) a badly carried out task.

- DERIVATIVES botcher n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘repair’ but orig. not implying clumsiness): of unknown origin.

botel

n. variant spelling of boatel.

botfly

//

n. (pl. botflies) a stout hairy-bodied fly whose larvae are internal parasites of horses and other mammals.   Gasterophilus and other genera.

both

predet. , det., & pron. two people or things, regarded and identified together.
adv. applying equally to each of two alternatives.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON báthir.

bother

v.
1 [with neg.] take the trouble to do something: he didn't bother to ask why.
2 worry, disturb, or upset (someone). [usu. with neg.] feel concern about or interest in.
n. trouble; fuss. a cause of trouble or fuss.
exclam. chiefly Brit. used to express mild irritation.

- ORIGIN C17 (as a noun in the dial. sense ‘noise, chatter’): of Anglo-Ir. origin; prob. rel. to Ir. bodhaire ‘noise’, bodhraim ‘deafen, annoy’.

botheration

informal, dated

n. bother.
exclam. used to express irritation.

bothersome

adj. annoying; troublesome.

both ways

adv. & adj. another term for each-way.

- PHRASES
have it both ways benefit from two incompatible ways of thinking or behaving.

bothy

// (also bothie)

n. (pl. bothies) (in Scotland) a small hut for farm labourers or as a mountain refuge.

- ORIGIN C18: obscurely rel. to Ir. and Sc. Gaelic both, bothan, and perh. to booth.

Botox

//

n. trademark a drug prepared from botulin, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralysing facial muscles.

- DERIVATIVES Botoxed adj.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from botulinum toxin.

bo tree

// (also bodh tree)

n. a fig tree native to India and SE Asia, regarded as sacred by Buddhists.   Ficus religiosa.

- ORIGIN C19: representing Sinhalese bgaha ‘tree of knowledge’ (Buddha's enlightenment having occurred beneath such a tree), from b (from Sanskrit budh ‘understand thoroughly’) + gaha ‘tree’.

botryoidal

//

adj. (chiefly of minerals) shaped like a cluster of grapes.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk botruoeids (from botrus ‘bunch of grapes’) + -al.

botrytis

//

n. a greyish powdery mould, deliberately cultivated on the grapes for certain wines.

- ORIGIN mod. L. (name of a genus of moulds), from Gk botrus ‘cluster of grapes’.

Botswanan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Botswana, a country of southern Africa.
adj. relating to Botswana.

botte

//

n. Fencing an attack or thrust.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

bottle

n.
1 a container with a narrow neck, used for storing liquids. (the bottle) informal used in reference to the heavy drinking of alcohol: more women are taking to the bottle. a baby's feeding bottle. a large metal cylinder holding liquefied gas.
2 Brit. informal one's courage or confidence.
v.
1 place in bottles for storage.
2 (bottle something up) repress or conceal feelings.
3 (bottle out) Brit. informal lose one's nerve and decide not to do something.
4 informal hit with a glass bottle.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boteille, from med. L. butticula, dimin. of late L. buttis (see butt^4).

bottle bank

n. Brit. a place where used glass bottles may be deposited for recycling.

bottle blonde

adj. (of a woman's hair) of a shade of blonde that looks dyed.
n. a woman with such hair.

bottlebrush

n.
1 a cylindrical brush for cleaning inside bottles.
2 an Australian shrub or small tree with spikes of scarlet or yellow flowers resembling bottlebrushes.   Genus Callistemon.

bottle-feed

v. feed (a baby) with milk from a bottle.

bottle green

n. dark green.

bottleneck

n.
1 a narrow section of road where traffic flow is restricted.
2 a device worn on a guitarist's finger and used to produce sliding effects on the strings.

bottlenose dolphin

(also bottle-nosed dolphin)

n. a stout-bodied dolphin with a distinct short beak, found in tropical and temperate coastal waters.   Tursiops truncatus.

bottlenose whale

(also bottle-nosed whale)

n. a beaked whale with a bulbous forehead.   Genus Hyperoodon: two species.

bottler

n.
1 a person who bottles drinks.
2 Austral./NZ informal an admirable person or thing.

bottle tree

n. an Australian tree with a swollen bottle-shaped trunk containing water.   Adansonia gregorii (a baobab) and Brachychiton rupestre.

bottom

n.
1 the lowest point or part of something. the furthest part or point of something. (also bottoms) the lower half of a two-piece garment.
2 chiefly Brit. a person's buttocks.
3 archaic stamina or strength of character.
4 Physics one of six flavours of quark.
adj. in the lowest position. in the furthest position away in a downhill direction.
v.
1 (of a ship) touch the bottom of the sea.
2 (bottom out) (of a situation) reach the lowest point before stabilizing or improving.

- PHRASES
at bottom fundamentally.
be at the bottom of be the fundamental cause or origin of.
the bottom falls (or drops) out something suddenly fails or collapses.
bottoms up! informal said as a toast before drinking.
get to the bottom of find an explanation for (a mystery).
you (can) bet your bottom dollar informal a particular thing is bound to happen.

- DERIVATIVES -bottomed adj. bottomless adj. bottommost adj.

- ORIGIN OE botm, of Gmc origin.

bottom drawer

n. Brit. dated linen and other items stored by a woman in preparation for her marriage.

bottom feeder

n.
1 any marine creature that lives on the seabed and feeds by scavenging.
2 N. Amer. informal a member of a group of very low social status who survives by any means possible.

bottom fermentation

n. the process by which lagers are fermented, proceeding at low temperature with the yeast falling to the bottom.

bottomland

n. N. Amer. low-lying land, typically by a river.

bottom line

n. informal
1 the final total of an account or balance sheet.
2 the fundamental and deciding factor.

bottomry

n. dated a system of merchant insurance in which a ship is used as security against a loan to finance a voyage.

- ORIGIN C16: from bottom (in the sense ‘ship’) + -ry.

bottom-up

adj. proceeding from the bottom or beginning of a hierarchy or process upwards.

botty

n. (pl. botties) Brit. informal a person's bottom.

botulin

//

n. the bacterial toxin involved in botulism.

botulinum toxin

// (also botulinus toxin)

n. another term for botulin.

botulism

//

n. a dangerous form of food poisoning caused by a bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) growing on improperly sterilized foods.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Botulismus ‘sausage poisoning’, from L. botulus ‘sausage’.

bouclé

//

n. yarn with a looped or curled ply.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘buckled, curled’.

boudin

//

n. (pl. same) a French type of black pudding.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

boudoir

//

n. a woman's bedroom or small private room.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘sulking place’, from bouder ‘pout, sulk’.

bouffant

//

adj. (of hair) styled so as to stand out from the head in a rounded shape.
n. a bouffant hairstyle.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘swelling’, pres. part. of bouffer.

bougainvillea

// (also bougainvillaea)

n. an ornamental shrubby climbing plant widely cultivated in the tropics, with brightly coloured papery bracts surrounding the flowers.   Genus Bougainvillea.

- ORIGIN named after the French explorer L. A. de Bougainville.

bough

//

n. a main branch of a tree.

- ORIGIN OE bg, bh ‘bough or shoulder’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bow^3.

bought

//

past and past participle of buy.

boughten

//

archaic past participle of buy.
adj. dialect, chiefly N. Amer. bought rather than home-made.

bougie

//

n. (pl. bougies) Medicine a thin, flexible surgical instrument for exploring or dilating a passage of the body.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘wax candle’, from Arab. Bijya, the name of an Algerian town which traded in wax.

bouillabaisse

//

n. a rich, spicy stew or soup made with fish, originally from Provence.

- ORIGIN Fr., from mod. Provençal bouiabaisso.

bouilli

//

n. stewed or boiled meat.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘boiled’.

bouillon

//

n. thin soup or stock made by stewing meat, fish, or vegetables.

- ORIGIN Fr., from bouillir ‘to boil’.

boulder

n. a large rock.

- DERIVATIVES bouldery adj.

- ORIGIN ME: shortened from earlier boulderstone, of Scand. origin.

boulder clay

n. clay containing many large stones, formed by deposition from melting glaciers.

bouldering

n. Climbing climbing on large boulders, either for practice or as a sport in its own right.

boule^1

// (also boules pronunc. same)

n. a French form of bowls, played with metal balls.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘bowl’.

boule^2

//

n. a legislative body of ancient or modern Greece.

- ORIGIN from Gk boul ‘senate’.

boulevard

//

n. a wide street, typically one lined with trees.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., ‘a rampart’ (later ‘a promenade on the site of one’), from Ger. Bollwerk (see bulwark).

boulevardier

//

n. a wealthy, fashionable socialite.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., orig. in the sense ‘person who frequents boulevards’.

boulle

// (also buhl)

n. brass, tortoiseshell, or other material used for inlaying furniture.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. boule, from the name of the French cabinetmaker André Boulle.

boult

v. variant spelling of bolt^4.

bounce

v.
1 (of an object, especially a ball) spring quickly up or away from a surface after hitting it. (of light, sound, or an electronic signal) reflect back from a surface. (also bounce back) (of an email) be returned to its sender after failing to reach its destination. (bounce back) recover well after a setback or problem.
2 move or jump up and down repeatedly. move in an energetic or enthusiastic manner.
3 informal (of a cheque) be returned by a bank when there are insufficient funds in an account to meet it.
4 informal, chiefly N. Amer. dismiss from a job.
5 Brit. informal pressurize (someone) into doing something.
n.
1 a rebound of a ball or other object. an act of bouncing up and down.
2 exuberant self-confidence.
3 health and body in a person's hair.

- PHRASES
bounce an idea off someone informal discuss an idea with someone in order to test or improve it.

- ORIGIN ME bunsen ‘beat, thump’, perh. imitative, or from Low Ger. bunsen ‘beat’, Du. bons ‘a thump’.

bouncer

n.
1 a person employed by a nightclub, bar, or pub to prevent troublemakers entering or to eject them from the premises.
2 Cricket a ball bowled fast and short so as to rise high after pitching.

bouncing

adj. (of a baby) vigorous and healthy.

bouncing Bet

(also bouncing Betty)

n. another term for soapwort.

bouncy

adj. (bouncier, bounciest)
1 able to bounce or making something bounce well.
2 confident and lively.

- DERIVATIVES bouncily adv. bounciness n.

bouncy castle

n. Brit. a large inflatable structure on which children can jump and play.

bound^1

v. walk or run with leaping strides.
n. a leaping movement towards or over something.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bond (n.), bondir (v.) ‘resound’, later ‘rebound’, from late L. bombitare, from L. bombus ‘humming’.

bound^2

n.
1 a boundary.
2 a limitation or restriction. technical a limiting value.
v.
1 form the boundary of.
2 restrict.

- PHRASES
out of bounds
1 beyond the acceptable or permitted limits.
2 (in sport) beyond the field of play.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bodne, from med. L. bodina, earlier butina.

bound^3

adj. going towards somewhere: a train bound for Edinburgh. destined to have a particular experience: they were bound for disaster.

- ORIGIN ME boun (in the sense ‘ready, dressed’), from ON búinn, past part. of búa ‘get ready’.

bound^4

past and past participle of bind.
adj.
1 (-bound) restricted or confined to or by a place or situation: his job kept him city-bound.
2 certain to be or to do or have something. obliged to do something.
3 (-bound) (of a book) having a specified binding.
4 (of a grammatical element) occurring only in combination with another form.

- PHRASES
I'll be bound Brit. I am sure.

boundary

n. (pl. boundaries)
1 a line marking the limits of an area.
2 Cricket a hit crossing the limits of the field, scoring four or six runs.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of dial. bounder, from bound^2 + -er^1.

boundary layer

n. a layer of stationary fluid (such as water or air) surrounding an immersed moving object.

bounden

//

archaic past participle of bind.

- PHRASES
a (or one's) bounden duty an obligatory responsibility.

bounder

n. Brit. informal, dated a dishonourable man.

boundless

adj. unlimited or immense.

- DERIVATIVES boundlessly adv. boundlessness n.

bounteous

adj. archaic bountiful.

- DERIVATIVES bounteously adv. bounteousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bontif, -ive ‘benevolent’ (from bonte ‘bounty’), on the pattern of plenteous.

bountiful

adj.
1 abundant.
2 giving generously.

- PHRASES
Lady Bountiful a woman who engages in ostentatious acts of charity. [ORIGIN C19: from the name of a character in Farquhar's The Beaux' Stratagem (1707).]

- DERIVATIVES bountifully adv.

bounty

n. (pl. bounties)
1 a reward paid for killing or capturing someone.
2 historical a sum paid by the state to encourage trade. a sum paid by the state to army or navy recruits on enlistment.
3 literary something given or occurring in generous amounts. generosity.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bonte ‘goodness’, from L. bonitas, from bonus ‘good’.

bounty hunter

n. a person who pursues a criminal for a reward.

bouquet

//, //, //

n.
1 a bunch of flowers.
2 the characteristic scent of a wine or perfume.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. (earlier ‘clump of trees’), from a dial. var. of OFr. bos ‘wood’.

bouquet garni

/ /, //, //

n. (pl. bouquets garnis) a bunch of herbs used for flavouring a stew or soup.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘garnished bouquet’.

Bourbon

//

n.
1 US a reactionary.
2 Brit. a chocolate-flavoured biscuit with a chocolate-cream filling.

- ORIGIN C19: from Bourbon, the surname of a branch of the French royal family.

bourbon

//, //

n. a kind of American whisky distilled from maize and rye.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was first made.

bourdon

//

n. Music a low-pitched stop in an organ or harmonium.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘drone of a bagpipe’): from OFr., ‘drone’, of imitative origin.

bourgeois

// (also bourgeoise //)

adj. of or characteristic of the middle class, especially in having materialistic values or conventional attitudes. (in Marxist contexts) capitalist.
n. (pl. same) a bourgeois person.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from late L. burgus ‘castle’ (in med. L. ‘fortified town’), ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to borough; cf. burgess.

bourgeoisie

//

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] the middle class. (in Marxist contexts) the capitalist class.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from bourgeois.

bourn^1

//, //

n. dialect a small stream.

- ORIGIN ME: S. Engl. var. of burn^2.

bourn^2

//, // (also bourne)

n. literary
1 a boundary.
2 a goal; a destination.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. borne, from OFr. bodne (see bound^2).

bourrée

//

n.
1 a lively French dance like a gavotte.
2 Ballet a series of very fast little steps performed on the tips of the toes with the feet close together.
v. perform a bourrée.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., lit. ‘faggot of twigs’ (the dance being performed around a twig fire).

bourse

//

n. a stock market in a non-English-speaking country, especially France.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., lit. ‘purse’, via med. L. from Gk bursa ‘leather’.

Boursin

//

n. trademark a kind of soft cheese from France.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

boustrophedon

//, //

adj. & adv. (of words) written from right to left and from left to right in alternate lines.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk, lit. ‘as an ox turns in ploughing’.

bout

//

n.
1 a short period of intense activity. an attack of illness or strong emotion.
2 a wrestling or boxing match.
3 a curve in the side of a violin or other musical instrument.

- ORIGIN C16: from dial. bought ‘bend, loop’; prob. of Low Ger. origin.

boutade

//

n. formal a sudden outburst.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., from bouter ‘to thrust’.

boutique

//

n. a small shop selling fashionable clothes.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., ‘small shop’, via L. from Gk apothk ‘storehouse’.

boutique hotel

n. a stylish small hotel, typically one situated in a fashionable urban location.

bouton

//

n. Anatomy an enlarged part of a nerve fibre or cell where it forms a synapse with another nerve.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr., lit. ‘button’.

boutonnière

//

n. a spray of flowers worn in a buttonhole.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., ‘buttonhole’, from bouton ‘button’.

bouvier

//

n. a large, powerful dog of a rough-coated breed originating in Belgium.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘cowherd’.

bouzouki

//

n. (pl. bouzoukis) a long-necked Greek form of mandolin.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from mod. Gk mpouzouki, perh. rel. to Turk. bozuk ‘spoilt’ (with ref. to roughly made instruments).

bovid

//

n. Zoology a mammal of the cattle family (Bovidae).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Bovidae, from L. bos, bov- ‘ox’.

bovine

//

adj. relating to or resembling cattle.
n. an animal of the cattle family.

- DERIVATIVES bovinely adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L. bovinus, from L. bos, bov- ‘ox’.

bovine spongiform encephalopathy

n. see BSE.

Bovril

n. trademark a concentrated essence of beef diluted with hot water to make a drink.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. bos, bov- ‘ox’.

bovver

n. Brit. informal hooliganism or troublemaking: [as modifier] a bovver boy.

- ORIGIN 1960s: cockney pronunc. of bother.

bovver boots

n. Brit. informal heavy laced boots extending to the mid-calf, typically worn by skinheads.

bow^1

//

n.
1 a knot tied with two loops and two loose ends.
2 a weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood joined at both ends by a taut string.
3 a partially curved rod with horsehair stretched along its length, used for playing some stringed instruments.
4 a curved stroke forming part of a letter (e.g. b, p).
5 a metal ring forming the handle of a key or pair of scissors.
6 N. Amer. a side piece or lens frame of a pair of glasses.
v. play (a stringed instrument) using a bow.

- PHRASES
have (or add) another string to one's bow Brit. have a further resource available.

- ORIGIN OE boga ‘bend, bow, arch’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bow^2.

bow^2

//

v.
1 bend the head or upper body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.
2 bend or cause to bend with age or under a heavy weight.
3 submit to pressure or demands.
4 (bow out) withdraw or retire from something.
n. an act of bowing.

- PHRASES
bow and scrape behave obsequiously.
make one's bow make one's first formal appearance in a particular role.
take a bow acknowledge applause by bowing.

- ORIGIN OE bgan ‘bend, stoop’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bow^1.

bow^3

// (also bows)

n. the front end of a ship.

- PHRASES
on the bow Nautical within 45° of the point directly ahead.
a shot across the bows a warning statement or gesture.

- ORIGIN ME: from Low Ger. boog, Du. boeg, ‘shoulder or ship's bow’; rel. to bough.

bow compass

n. a compass with jointed legs.

bowdlerize

(or bowdlerise) //

v. remove from (a text) material regarded as improper or offensive.

- DERIVATIVES bowdlerism n. bowdlerization n.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of Dr Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare.

bowel

//

n.
1 (often bowels) the intestine.
2 (the bowels of) the deepest inner parts of something.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bouel, from L. botellus, dimin. of botulus ‘sausage’.

bowel movement

n. an act of defecation.

bower^1

//

n.
1 a pleasant shady place under trees.
2 literary a summer house or country cottage.
3 literary a lady's private room.
v. literary shade; enclose.

- ORIGIN OE br, of Gmc origin.

bower^2

//

n. an anchor carried at a ship's bow.

- ORIGIN C15: from bow^3 + -er^1.

bowerbird

n. an Australasian bird noted for the male's habit of constructing an elaborate bower adorned with feathers, shells, etc. to attract the female.   Family Ptilonorhynchidae: several species.

bowfin

//

n. a predatory American freshwater fish with a large blunt head and a long dorsal fin, able to survive long periods out of water.   Amia calva.

bow-fronted

adj. having a convexly curved front.

- DERIVATIVES bow front n.

bowhead whale

//

n. a black Arctic right whale, feeding by skimming the surface for plankton.   Balaena mysticetus.

bowie knife

//

n. a long knife with a blade double-edged at the point.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the American frontiersman Jim Bowie.

bowl^1

n.
1 a round, deep dish or basin. a rounded, concave part of an object. Geography a natural basin.
2 [in names] chiefly N. Amer. a stadium for sporting or musical events. an American football game played after the season between leading teams.

- DERIVATIVES bowlful n. (pl. bowlfuls).

- ORIGIN OE bolle, bolla, of Gmc origin; rel. to boll.

bowl^2

n.
1 a wooden or hard rubber ball used in the game of bowls. a large ball used in tenpin bowling or skittles.
2 a spell of bowling in cricket.
v.
1 roll (a round object) along the ground.
2 Cricket (of a bowler) propel (the ball) towards the wicket for the batsman to attempt to hit. dismiss (a batsman) by knocking down the wicket with a bowled ball.
3 move rapidly and smoothly.
4 (bowl someone over) knock someone down. informal completely overwhelm or astonish someone.

- DERIVATIVES bowling n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boule, from L. bulla ‘bubble’.

bow-legged

adj. having legs that curve outwards at the knee.

- DERIVATIVES bow legs pl. n.

bowler^1

n.
1 Cricket a member of the fielding side who bowls.
2 a player at bowls, tenpin bowling, or skittles.

bowler^2

(also bowler hat)

n. a man's hard felt hat with a round dome-shaped crown.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English hatter William Bowler.

bowline

//

n.
1 a rope attaching the weather side of a square sail to a ship's bow.
2 a simple knot for forming a non-slipping loop at the end of a rope.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. blne, MDu. boechlijne, from boeg ‘ship's bow’ + lijne ‘line’.

bowling alley

n. a long, narrow track along which balls are rolled in skittles or tenpin bowling.

bowling crease

n. Cricket the line from behind which a bowler delivers the ball.

bowling green

n. an area of closely mown grass on which the game of bowls is played.

bowls

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a game played with heavy wooden bowls, the object of which is to propel one's bowl as close as possible to a small white ball (the jack).

bowman^1

//

n. (pl. bowmen) an archer.

bowman^2

//

n. (pl. bowmen) the rower who sits nearest the bow of a boat.

bowsaw

//

n. a saw with a narrow blade stretched on a light curved frame.

bowser

//

n. trademark
1 a tanker used for fuelling aircraft or supplying water.
2 Austral./NZ a petrol pump.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from the name of a company of oil storage engineers.

bowshot

//

n. the distance to which a bow can send an arrow.

bowsie

//

n. (pl. bowsies) Irish a low-class or unruly person.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bowsprit

//

n. a spar running out from a ship's bow, to which the forestays are fastened.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. bgsprt, MDu. boechspriet, from boech ‘bow’ + spriet ‘sprit’.

Bow Street Runner

//

n. historical, informal a London policeman.

- ORIGIN named after Bow Street in London, site of the chief metropolitan magistrates' court.

bowstring

n. the string of an archer's bow.

bow tie

n. a man's tie in the form of a bow.

bow window

n. a curved bay window.

bow-wow

exclam. // an imitation of a dog's bark.
n. // informal a child's word for a dog.

bowyer

//

n. a person who makes or sells archers' bows.

box^1

n.
1 a container with a flat base and sides and a lid. (the box) informal, chiefly Brit. television.
2 an area enclosed within straight lines on a page or computer screen, to be filled in with or containing information.
3 (the box) Soccer the penalty area. Baseball the area occupied by the batter.
4 an enclosed area reserved for people in a theatre or sports ground, or for witnesses or the jury in a law court.
5 a protective casing for part of a mechanism. Brit. a shield for protecting a man's genitals in sport, especially cricket.
6 a facility at a newspaper office for receiving replies to an advertisement. a facility at a post office whereby letters are kept until collected by the addressee.
7 Brit. a small country house used when shooting or fishing.
8 historical a coachman's seat.
v.
1 [often as adj. boxed] put in or provide with a box.
2 (box someone in) restrict someone's ability to move freely.

- PHRASES
out of one's box Brit. informal intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
think outside the box informal have ideas that are original or creative.

- DERIVATIVES boxful n. (pl. boxfuls). box-like adj.

- ORIGIN OE, prob. from late L. buxis, from L. pyxis ‘boxwood box’, from Gk puxos (see box^3).

box^2

v. fight an opponent with the fists in padded gloves as a sport.
n. a slap on the side of a person's head.

- PHRASES
box clever Brit. informal outwit someone.
box someone's ears slap someone on the side of the head.

- DERIVATIVES boxing n.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

box^3

(also box tree)

n. a slow-growing evergreen shrub with small glossy leaves, yielding hard wood.   Buxus sempervirens. any of various other trees with similar foliage or wood.   Casearia praecox (tropical America) and other species.

- ORIGIN OE, via L. from Gk puxos.

box^4

v. (in phr. box the compass) recite the compass points in correct order.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from Sp. bojar ‘sail round’, from Mid. Low Ger. bgen ‘bend’, from the base of bow^1.

Box and Cox

Brit.

n. an arrangement whereby people make use of the same facilities at different times.
v. share facilities in this way.

- ORIGIN the title of a play (1847) by J. M. Morton, in which two characters, John Box and James Cox, unknowingly share a room.

box beam

n. another term for box girder.

boxboard

n. stiff cardboard used to make boxes.

box camera

n. a simple box-shaped hand camera.

box canyon

n. N. Amer. a narrow canyon with a flat bottom and vertical walls.

boxcar

n. N. Amer. an enclosed railway freight wagon.

box elder

n. an American maple with leaves resembling those of the elder and green or purplish twigs.   Acer negundo.

Boxer

n. a member of a fiercely nationalistic Chinese secret society which flourished in the 19th century.

- ORIGIN from boxer, translating Chin. yì hé quán, lit. ‘righteous harmony fists’.

boxer

n.
1 a person who boxes as a sport.
2 a medium-sized dog of a breed with a smooth brown coat and pug-like face.

boxer shorts

pl. n. men's underpants resembling shorts.

boxfish

n. (pl. same or boxfishes) a tropical marine fish with a shell of bony plates covered in spines enclosing the body.   Tetrosomus gibbosus and other species.

box girder

n. a hollow girder that is square or rectangular in cross section.

Boxing Day

n. Brit. a public holiday on the first day (or first weekday) after Christmas Day.

- ORIGIN C19: from the former custom of giving tradespeople a Christmas box (gift) on this day.

boxing glove

n. a heavily padded mitten worn in boxing.

box jellyfish

n. a jellyfish with a box-shaped swimming bell, living in warm seas.   Class Cubozoa.

box junction

n. Brit. a road area at a junction marked with a yellow grid, which a vehicle should enter only if its exit is clear.

box kite

n. a tailless kite in the form of a long box open at each end.

box number

n. a number identifying a private advertisement in a newspaper, used as an address for replies.

box office

n. a place at a theatre, cinema, etc. where tickets are sold.

box pew

n. a church pew enclosed by wooden partitions.

box pleat

n. a pleat consisting of two parallel creases facing opposite directions and forming a raised panel.

box room

n. Brit. a very small room.

box score

n. N. Amer. the tabulated results of a baseball game or other sporting event.

box spanner

n. Brit. a cylindrical spanner with a hexagonal end fitting over the head of a nut.

box spring

n. each of a set of vertical springs housed in a frame in a mattress.

boxthorn

n. a thorny shrub bearing red berries, some kinds of which are used for hedging.   Genus Lycium: several species.

box turtle

n. a land-living turtle having a lower shell with hinged lobes that can be drawn up tightly.   Genus Terrapene: several species.

boxty

//

n. a type of Irish bread made using grated raw potatoes and flour.

- ORIGIN from Ir. bacstaí.

boxy

adj. (boxier, boxiest)
1 squarish in shape.
2 (of a room or space) cramped.

boy

n.
1 a male child or youth.
2 (boys) informal men who mix socially or belong to a particular group.
3 dated, offensive a black male servant or worker.
exclam. informal used to express strong feelings: Oh boy, that's wonderful!

- DERIVATIVES boyhood n. boyish adj. boyishly adv. boyishness n.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

boyar

//, //

n. a member of the former aristocracy in Russia, next in rank to a prince.

- ORIGIN C16: from Russ. boyarin ‘grandee’.

boycott

v. withdraw from commercial or social relations with (someone) as a punishment or protest. refuse to buy or handle (goods) for this reason.
n. an act of boycotting.

- ORIGIN from the name of Captain Charles C. Boycott, an Irish land agent so treated in 1880 in an attempt to get rents reduced.

boyfriend

n. a person's regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship.

Boyle's law

n. Chemistry a law stating that the pressure of a given mass of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to its volume at a constant temperature.

- ORIGIN from the name of the English scientist Robert Boyle (1627–91).

boyo

n. (pl. boyos) Welsh & Irish informal a boy or man.

boy racer

n. Brit. informal a young man fond of driving very fast in high-powered cars.

Boy Scout

n. North American or old-fashioned term for scout^1 (in sense 2).

boysenberry

//, //

n. (pl. boysenberries)
1 a large red edible blackberry-like fruit.
2 the shrubby hybrid bramble plant that bears boysenberries.   Rubus loganobaccus.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the American horticulturalist Robert Boysen.

boy wonder

n. informal an exceptionally talented young man.

bozo

//

n. (pl. bozos) informal, chiefly N. Amer. a stupid or insignificant man.

- ORIGIN 1920s: of unknown origin.

BP

abbrev.
1 before the present (era).
2 blood pressure.
3 British Petroleum.
4 British Pharmacopoeia.

Bp

abbrev. Bishop.

bp

abbrev.
1 Biochemistry base pair(s).
2 Finance basis point(s).
3 boiling point.

BPC

abbrev. British Pharmaceutical Codex.

BPH

abbrev. Medicine benign prostatic hyperplasia (or hypertrophy).

BPhil

abbrev. Bachelor of Philosophy.

bpi

abbrev. Computing bits per inch, used to indicate the density of data that can be stored on magnetic tape.

bpm

abbrev. beats per minute.

bps

abbrev. Computing bits per second.

Bq

abbrev. becquerel.

BR

abbrev.
1 Brazil (international vehicle registration).
2 (formerly) British Rail.

Br

symb. the chemical element bromine.

Br.

abbrev.
1 British.
2 (in religious orders) Brother.

bra

n. a woman's undergarment worn to support the breasts.

- DERIVATIVES braless adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: abbrev. of brassiere.

braai

// S. African

n. (pl. braais) short for braaivleis.
v. (braais, braaiing or braaing, braaied) grill (meat) over an open fire.

- ORIGIN from Afrik.

braaivleis

//

n. S. African a picnic or barbecue where meat is grilled over an open fire.

- ORIGIN Afrik., ‘grilled meat’, from braai ‘to grill’ + vleis ‘meat’.

brace

n.
1 a device supporting a weak or injured part of the body. a wire device fitted in the mouth to straighten the teeth. a strengthening piece of iron or timber in building or carpentry.
2 (braces) Brit. a pair of straps passing over the shoulders and fastening to the top of trousers at the front and back to hold them up.
3 (pl. same) a pair of things, especially birds or mammals killed in hunting.
4 (also brace and bit) a drilling tool with a crank handle and a socket to hold a bit.
5 either of two connecting marks { and }, used in printing. Music a similar mark connecting staves to be performed at the same time.
6 a rope attached to the yard of a ship for trimming the sail.
v.
1 make stronger or firmer with wood, iron, etc.
2 press (one's body) firmly against something in order to stay balanced.
3 (brace oneself) prepare for something difficult or unpleasant.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bracier ‘embrace’, from brace ‘two arms’, from L. bracchia, pl. of bracchium ‘arm’, from Gk brakhin.

bracelet

n.
1 an ornamental band or chain worn on the wrist or arm.
2 (bracelets) informal handcuffs.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from bras ‘arm’, from L. bracchium.

bracer^1

n. informal an alcoholic drink taken to prepare one for something difficult.

bracer^2

n. a wrist guard used in archery and other sports. historical a piece of armour covering the arm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. braciere, from bras (see bracelet).

brachial

//

adj.
1 Anatomy relating to the arm or an arm-like structure.
2 Zoology denoting the upper valve of a brachiopod's shell.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. brachialis, from brac(c)hium ‘arm’.

brachiate

v. // (of apes) swing from branch to branch by the arms.
adj. //, // Biology
1 branched.
2 having arms.

- DERIVATIVES brachiation n. brachiator n.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. brachium ‘arm’ + -ate^2.

brachiopod

//

n. Zoology a marine invertebrate of the phylum Brachiopoda, which comprises the lamp shells.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Brachiopoda, from Gk brakhin ‘arm’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.

brachiosaurus

//

n. a huge herbivorous dinosaur of the late Jurassic to mid Cretaceous periods, with forelegs much longer than the hind legs.   Genus Brachiosaurus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk brakhin ‘arm’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

brachistochrone

//

n. Mathematics a curve between two points along which a body can move under gravity in a shorter time than for any other curve.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk brakhistos ‘shortest’ + khronos ‘time’.

brachy-

//

comb. form short: brachycephalic.

- ORIGIN from Gk brakhus ‘short’.

brachycephalic

//, //

adj. having a relatively broad, short skull. Often contrasted with dolichocephalic.

- DERIVATIVES brachycephaly n.

brachytherapy

//

n. the treatment of cancer, especially prostate cancer, by the insertion of radioactive implants directly into the tissue.

bracing

adj. fresh and invigorating: bracing sea air.

- DERIVATIVES bracingly adv.

brack

n. Irish a cake or bun containing dried fruit.

- ORIGIN shortening of barmbrack.

bracken

n. a tall fern with coarse lobed fronds.   Pteridium aquilinum.

- ORIGIN ME: of Scand. origin.

bracket

n.
1 each of a pair of marks ( ) [ ] { } < > used to enclose words or figures and separate them from the surrounding context.
2 a category of similar people or things.
3 a right-angled support projecting from a wall, holding a shelf, lamp, etc.
4 Military the distance between two artillery shots fired either side of the target to establish range.
v. (brackets, bracketing, bracketed)
1 enclose (words or figures) in brackets. Mathematics enclose (a complex expression) in brackets to denote that the whole of the expression has a particular relation to another expression.
2 place in the same category.
3 attach by means of a bracket.
4 Military establish the range of (a target) by firing preliminary shots short of and beyond it.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. braguette or Sp. bragueta ‘codpiece, bracket, corbel’, from Provençal braga, from L. braca, (pl.) bracae ‘breeches’.

bracket fungus

n. a fungus which forms shelf-like projections on the trunks of trees.   Order Aphyllophorales: many species.

brackish

adj. (of water) slightly salty, as in river estuaries. living in or requiring brackish water.

- DERIVATIVES brackishness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. brack ‘salty’, from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. brac.

bract

n. Botany a modified leaf or scale with a flower or flower cluster in its axil.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. bractea ‘thin plate of metal’.

bracteate

//, //

adj. Botany having or bearing bracts.
n. Archaeology a coin or ornament of thinly beaten precious metal.

brad

n. a nail of rectangular cross section with a flat tip and a small asymmetrical head.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON broddr ‘spike’.

bradawl

//

n. a tool for boring holes, resembling a screwdriver.

Bradshaw

n. a timetable of all passenger trains in Britain, issued 1839–1961.

- ORIGIN named after its first publisher, George Bradshaw.

bradycardia

//

n. Medicine abnormally slow heart action.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk bradus ‘slow’ + kardia ‘heart’.

bradykinin

//

n. Biochemistry a compound released in the blood which causes contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of blood vessels.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk bradus ‘slow’ + kinsis ‘motion’ + -in^1.

brae

//

n. Scottish a steep bank or hillside.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON brá ‘eyelash’, of Gmc origin; cf. brow^1.

Braeburn

//

n. a New Zealand dessert apple of a variety with crisp flesh.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Braeburn Orchards, where it was first grown commercially.

brag

v. (brags, bragging, bragged) say something boastfully.
n.
1 a simplified form of poker.
2 an act of bragging.

- DERIVATIVES bragger n. bragging adj. braggingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

braggadocio

//

n. boastful or arrogant behaviour.

- ORIGIN C16: from Braggadocchio, a braggart in Spenser's The Faerie Queene, from brag or braggart + the Ital. suffix -occio, denoting something large.

braggart

//, //

n. a person who brags.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bragard, from braguer ‘to brag’.

Brahman

//

n. (pl. Brahmans)
1 (also Brahmin) a member of the highest Hindu caste, that of the priesthood.
2 (also Brahma) the ultimate reality underlying all phenomena in the Hindu scriptures.
3 US spelling of Brahmin (in sense 3).

- DERIVATIVES Brahmanic // adj. Brahmanical adj.

- ORIGIN sense 1 from Sanskrit brhmana; sense 2 from Sanskrit brahman.

Brahmana

//

n. (in Hinduism) any of the lengthy commentaries on the Vedas.

Brahmanism

// (also Brahminism)

n. the early form of Hinduism that emerged in India (c.900 bc) under the influence of the Brahmans.

brahmaputra

//

n. a chicken of a large Asian breed.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Brahmaputra, a river of southern Asia.

Brahmin

//

n.
1 variant spelling of Brahman (in sense 1).
2 US a socially or culturally superior person.
3 (also Brahminy bull or US Brahman) an ox of a humped breed originally domesticated in India.

- DERIVATIVES Brahminical adj.

Brahms and Liszt

adj. Brit. informal drunk.

- ORIGIN 1930s: rhyming sl. for ‘pissed’.

Brahui

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a pastoral people of western Pakistan.
2 the Dravidian language of the Brahui.

- ORIGIN from Brahui.

braid

n.
1 threads of silk, cotton, etc. woven into a decorative band.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a plaited length of hair.
v.
1 plait (hair).
2 [usu. as adj. braided] edge or trim with braid.
3 [usu. as adj. braided] (of a river or stream) flow into shallow interconnected channels divided by deposited earth.

- DERIVATIVES braiding n.

- ORIGIN OE bregdan ‘make a sudden movement’, also ‘interweave’, of Gmc origin.

brail

Sailing

n. (brails) small ropes that are led from the leech of a fore-and-aft sail to pulleys on the mast for temporarily furling it.
v. (brail something up) furl a sail by hauling on the brails.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. braiel, from med. L. bracale ‘girdle’, from braca ‘breeches’.

Braille

//

n. a written language for the blind, in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots.
v. print or transcribe in Braille.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the blind French educationist Louis Braille, who developed it.

brain

n.
1 an organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull, functioning as the coordinating centre of sensation and intellectual and nervous activity. (brains) the substance of an animal's brain used as food.
2 intellectual capacity.
3 (the brains) informal a clever person who is the main organizer within a group.
v. informal hit hard on the head with an object.

- PHRASES
have something on the brain informal be obsessed with something.

- DERIVATIVES -brained adj.

- ORIGIN OE brægen, of W. Gmc origin.

brainbox

n. Brit. informal a very clever person.

braincase

n. the cranium.

brainchild

n. (pl. brainchildren) informal an idea or invention considered to be the creation of a particular person.

brain coral

n. a compact coral with a convoluted surface resembling that of the brain.   Diploria and other genera.

brain-dead

adj.
1 having suffered brain death.
2 informal extremely stupid.

brain death

n. irreversible brain damage causing the end of independent respiration.

brain drain

n. informal the emigration of highly skilled or qualified people from a country.

brainfever bird

n. the common hawk cuckoo of India and Sri Lanka, which has a monotonous persistent call.   Cuculus varius.

brainiac

n. N. Amer. informal a very intelligent person.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from the name of a superintelligent alien character of the Superman comic strip.

brainless

adj. stupid; very foolish.

- DERIVATIVES brainlessly adv. brainlessness n.

brainpan

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a person's skull.

brainpower

n. intellectual power or ability.

brainstem

n. Anatomy the central trunk of the mammalian brain, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.

brainstorm

n.
1 Brit. informal a moment in which one is suddenly unable to think clearly.
2 a spontaneous group discussion to produce ideas and solutions to problems. N. Amer. informal a sudden clever idea.
v. [often as noun brainstorming] produce an idea or solution by having a group discussion.

brains trust

n.
1 Brit. a group of experts who give impromptu answers to questions in front of an audience.
2 (usu. brain trust) N. Amer. a group of experts appointed to advise a government or politician.

brain-teaser

(also brain-twister)

n. informal a problem or puzzle.

- DERIVATIVES brain-teasing adj.

brainwash

v. indoctrinate systemically and so completely as to effect a radical transformation of attitudes and beliefs.

brainwave

n.
1 an electrical impulse in the brain.
2 informal a sudden clever idea.

brainwork

n. mental activity; thought.

brainy

adj. (brainier, brainiest) informal intelligent.

- DERIVATIVES brainily adv. braininess n.

braise

v. fry (food) lightly and then stew slowly in a closed container.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. braiser, from braise ‘live coals’ (in which the container was placed).

brake^1

n. a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels.
v. slow or stop a moving vehicle using a brake.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

brake^2

n. historical an open horse-drawn carriage with four wheels.

- ORIGIN C19: var. of break^2.

brake^3

n.
1 a toothed instrument used for crushing flax and hemp.
2 (also brake harrow) a heavy machine formerly used for breaking up large lumps of earth.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. rel. to break^1.

brake^4

n. a thicket.

- ORIGIN OE bracu (orig. in the pl. in fearnbraca ‘thickets of fern’), rel. to Mid. Low Ger. brake ‘branch, stump’.

brake^5

n. a coarse fern of warm countries, typically with fronds divided into long segments.   Genus Pteris. archaic bracken.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. an abbrev. of bracken (interpreted as pl.).

brake^6

archaic past of break^1.

brake block

n. a block of hard material pressed against the rim of a wheel to slow it down by friction.

brake disc

n. the disc attached to the wheel in a disc brake.

brake drum

n. a broad, short cylinder attached to a wheel, against which the brake shoes press to cause braking.

brake horsepower

n. (pl. same) an imperial unit equal to one horsepower, used in expressing the power available at the shaft of an engine.

brake lining

n. a layer of hard material attached to a brake shoe or pad to increase friction against the drum or disc.

brakeman

n. (pl. brakemen)
1 (Brit. also brakesman) chiefly N. Amer. a railway worker responsible for a train's brakes.
2 a person in charge of the brakes in a bobsleigh.

brake pad

n. a thin block which presses on to the disc in a disc brake.

brake shoe

n. a long curved block which presses on to a brake drum.

bramble

n. a prickly scrambling shrub of the rose family, especially a blackberry. Brit. the fruit of the blackberry.
v. [usu. as noun brambling] Brit. gather blackberries.

- DERIVATIVES brambly adj.

- ORIGIN OE bræmbel, bræmel, of Gmc origin; rel. to broom.

brambling

//

n. a finch with a white rump, related to the chaffinch.   Fringilla montifringilla.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from or rel. to the obs. Ger. synonym Brämling, rel. to bramble, or a var. of brandling (because both are streaked).

Bramley

(also Bramley's seedling)

n. (pl. Bramleys) an English cooking apple of a large variety with green skin and firm flesh.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the English butcher Matthew Bramley, in whose garden it first grew.

bran

n. pieces of grain husk separated from flour after milling.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., of unknown origin.

branch

n.
1 a part of a tree which grows out from the trunk or a bough.
2 a part of a river, road, or railway that extends from the main part.
3 a division of a large organization. a subdivision of a subject, group of languages, etc.
v.
1 (of a road or path) divide into one or more subdivisions.
2 (of a tree or plant) bear or send out branches.
3 (branch out) extend one's activities or interests in a new direction.

- DERIVATIVES branchlet n. branch-like adj. branchy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. branche, from late L. branca ‘paw’.

branchia

//

n. (pl. branchiae //) the gills of fish and some invertebrates.

- DERIVATIVES branchial adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. branchia, (pl.) branchiae, from Gk brankhia (pl.).

branchiopod

//

n. Zoology a small aquatic crustacean of the class Branchiopoda, with gills on the feet, e.g. a water flea or fairy shrimp.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Branchiopoda, from Gk brankhia ‘gills’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.

branch line

n. a secondary railway line running from a main line to a terminus.

brand

n.
1 a type of product manufactured by a company under a particular name. a brand name. a particular type of something: the Finnish brand of socialism.
2 an identifying mark burned on livestock with a branding iron.
3 a piece of burning or smouldering wood.
4 literary a sword.
v.
1 mark with a branding iron.
2 mark out as having a particular shameful quality: she was branded a liar.
3 [usu. as adj. branded] assign a brand name to.

- DERIVATIVES brander n.

- ORIGIN OE brand ‘burning’, of Gmc origin; rel. to burn^1.

brandade

//

n. a Provençal dish consisting of salt cod puréed with olive oil and milk.

- ORIGIN Fr., from mod. Provençal brandado ‘something that has been shaken’.

branding iron

n. a metal implement which is heated and used to brand livestock.

brandish

v. wave or flourish (something) as a threat or in anger or excitement.

- DERIVATIVES brandisher n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. brandir, ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to brand.

brand leader

n. the best-selling or most highly regarded product of its type.

brandling

n. a red earthworm with rings of a brighter colour, used in compost and as bait by anglers.   Eisenia fetida.

brand name

n. a name given by the maker to a product or range of products.

brand new

adj. completely new.

- ORIGIN C16: from brand + new, with the idea ‘straight from the fire’.

brandy

n. (pl. brandies) a strong alcoholic spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice.

- ORIGIN C17: from earlier brandwine, from Du. brandewijn, from branden ‘burn, distil’ + wijn ‘wine’.

brandy butter

n. Brit. a stiff sauce of brandy, butter, and sugar.

brandy snap

n. Brit. a crisp rolled gingerbread wafer.

brane

n. Physics an extended object analogous to the strings of string theory but having any number of dimensions rather than one dimension.

- ORIGIN 1980s: short for membrane.

branks

//

pl. n. historical an instrument of punishment for a scolding woman, consisting of an iron framework for the head and a sharp metal gag for restraining the tongue.

- ORIGIN C16: origin uncertain; cf. Ger. Pranger ‘a pillory or bit for a horse’.

brant

n. North American term for brent goose.

bran tub

n. Brit. a lucky dip in which items are buried in bran.

brash^1

adj.
1 confident in a rude or overbearing way.
2 showy or tasteless in appearance.

- DERIVATIVES brashly adv. brashness n.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. dial.); perh. a form of rash^1.

brash^2

n.
1 loose broken rock or ice.
2 clippings from hedges or other plants.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

brass

n.
1 a yellow alloy of copper and zinc. (also horse brass) Brit. a flat brass ornament for the harness of a draught horse. a memorial consisting of a flat piece of inscribed brass set into the wall or floor of a church. a brass block used for stamping a design on a book binding.
2 brass wind instruments forming a band or section of an orchestra.
3 (also top brass) informal people in authority.
4 Brit. informal money.

- PHRASES
brassed off Brit. informal exasperated.
brass monkey Brit. informal used to indicate extremely cold weather: cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. [ORIGIN from a type of brass rack or ‘monkey’ in which cannonballs were stored and which contracted in very cold weather, ejecting the balls.]
get down to brass tacks informal start to consider the basic facts or practical details.

- ORIGIN OE bræs, of unknown origin.

brassard

//

n.
1 a band or badge worn on the upper sleeve.
2 historical a piece of armour for the upper arm.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from bras ‘arm’.

brass band

n. a group of musicians playing brass instruments.

brasserie

//

n. (pl. brasseries) a restaurant in France or in a French style, serving inexpensive food.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., orig. ‘brewery’.

brass hat

n. Brit. informal a high-ranking officer in the armed forces.

brassica

//

n. a plant of a genus that includes cabbage, swede, rape, and mustard.   Genus Brassica.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L. ‘cabbage’.

brassie

//, // (also brassy)

n. (pl. brassies) Golf, informal a number two wood.

- ORIGIN C19: so named because the wood was orig. shod with brass.

brassiere

//, //

n. full form of bra.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., lit. ‘bodice, child's vest’.

brass rubbing

n. the action of rubbing heelball or chalk over paper laid on an engraved brass to reproduce its design.

brassy^1

adj. (brassier, brassiest)
1 resembling brass in colour.
2 sounding harsh or loud like a brass instrument.
3 tastelessly showy or loud.

- DERIVATIVES brassily adv. brassiness n.

brassy^2

n. variant spelling of brassie.

brat

n. derogatory or humorous a badly behaved child.

- DERIVATIVES brattish adj. brattishness n. bratty adj.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. an abbrev. of synonymous Scots bratchet, from OFr. brachet ‘hound, bitch’.

brat pack

n. informal a rowdy and ostentatious group of young celebrities.

- DERIVATIVES brat packer n.

brattice

//

n. a partition or shaft lining in a coal mine.

- DERIVATIVES bratticed adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a wooden gallery for use in a siege): from OFr. bretesche, from med. L. britisca, from OE brittisc ‘British’.

bratwurst

//

n. a type of fine German pork sausage.

- ORIGIN Ger., from Brat ‘a spit’ + Wurst ‘sausage’.

bravado

//

n. boldness intended to impress or intimidate.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. bravada, from bravo (see brave, -ado).

brave

adj. having or showing courage.
n. dated an American Indian warrior.
v. endure or face (unpleasant conditions) with courage.

- DERIVATIVES bravely adv. braveness n. bravery n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr., from Ital. bravo ‘bold’ or Sp. bravo ‘courageous, untamed, savage’.

bravo^1

//, //

exclam. used to express approval for a performer.
n. (pl. bravos) a code word representing the letter B, used in radio communication.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital., lit. ‘bold’ (see brave).

bravo^2

//

n. (pl. bravos or bravoes) dated a thug or hired assassin.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital., from bravo ‘bold (one)’ (see brave).

bravura

//

n.
1 great skill and brilliance, typically shown in a performance.
2 the display of great daring.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., from bravo ‘bold’.

braw

//

adj. Scottish fine, good, or pleasing.

- DERIVATIVES brawly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: var. of brave.

brawl

n. a rough or noisy fight or quarrel.
v. take part in a brawl.

- DERIVATIVES brawler n.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. ult. imitative and rel. to bray^1.

brawn

n.
1 physical strength as opposed to intelligence.
2 Brit. cooked meat from a pig's or calf's head, pressed with jelly.

- DERIVATIVES brawniness n. brawny adj. (brawnier, brawniest).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. braon ‘fleshy part of the leg’, of Gmc origin.

Braxton Hicks contractions

/ /

pl. n. Medicine intermittent weak contractions of the uterus occurring during pregnancy.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the English gynaecologist John Braxton Hicks.

braxy

//

n. a fatal bacterial infection of young sheep.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from obs. brack ‘break, rupture, flaw’, from Gmc base of break^1.

bray^1

n. the loud, harsh cry of a donkey.
v. utter a bray. speak or laugh loudly and harshly.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. brait ‘a shriek’, braire ‘to cry’, perh. ult. of Celtic origin.

bray^2

v. archaic crush to small pieces, especially with a pestle and mortar.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. breier, of Gmc origin; rel. to break^1.

braze

v. form, fix, or join by soldering with an alloy of copper and zinc.
n. a brazed joint.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. braser ‘solder’.

brazen

//

adj.
1 bold and shameless.
2 chiefly literary made of brass.
v. (brazen it out) endure a difficult situation with apparent confidence and lack of shame.

- DERIVATIVES brazenly adv. brazenness n.

- ORIGIN OE bræsen ‘made of brass’, from bræs ‘brass’.

brazier^1

//, //

n.
1 a portable heater consisting of a pan or stand holding lighted coals.
2 N. Amer. a barbecue.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. brasier, from braise ‘hot coals’.

brazier^2

//, //

n. a worker in brass.

- DERIVATIVES braziery n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from brass + -ier.

Brazil

n.
1 (also Brazil nut) the large three-sided nut of a South American forest tree (Bertholletia excelsa).
2 (also Brazil wood) the hard red wood of a tropical tree (genus Caesalpinia) from which dye is obtained.

Brazilian

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Brazil.
2 a style of waxing a woman's pubic hair so that only a narrow central strip remains.
adj. relating to Brazil.

breach

n.
1 an act of breaking a law, agreement, or code of conduct. a break in relations.
2 a gap in a wall or barrier, especially one made by an attacking army.
v.
1 make a breach in.
2 break (a law, agreement, or code of conduct).

- PHRASES
breach of the peace public disturbance, or an act considered likely to cause one.
breach of promise the action of breaking a sworn assurance.
step into the breach replace someone who is suddenly unable to do a job.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. breche, ult. of Gmc origin; rel. to break^1.

bread

n.
1 food made of flour, water, and yeast mixed together and baked.
2 informal money.

- PHRASES
bread and butter a person's livelihood or main source of income.
bread and circuses entertainment or political policies intended to keep the masses happy and docile.
break bread celebrate the Eucharist.
cast one's bread upon the waters do good without expecting gratitude or reward. [ORIGIN with biblical allusion to Eccles. 11:1.]
know which side one's bread is buttered informal know where one's advantage lies.

- ORIGIN OE brad, of Gmc origin.

bread-and-butter letter

n. a letter expressing thanks for hospitality.

breadbasket

n.
1 a region that supplies cereals to another.
2 informal a person's stomach.

breadboard

n. Electronics a board for making an experimental model of an electric circuit.

breadcrumb

n. a small fragment of bread.

- DERIVATIVES breadcrumbed adj.

breaded

adj. (of food) coated with breadcrumbs and fried.

breadfruit

n. the large round starchy fruit of a tree (Artocarpus altilis) native to Pacific islands, used as a vegetable and to make a substitute for flour.

breadhead

n. informal a person who is motivated by, or obsessed with, making money.

breadline

n.
1 Brit. the poorest condition in which it is acceptable to live.
2 N. Amer. a queue of people waiting to receive free food.

bread sauce

n. sauce made with milk and breadcrumbs, typically eaten with roast turkey.

breadstick

n. a crisp stick of baked dough.

breadth

n.
1 the distance or measurement from side to side of something. wide range: her breadth of experience.
2 dated a piece of cloth of standard or full width.

- DERIVATIVES breadthways (also breadthwise) adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. brede (rel. to broad), on the pattern of length.

bread tree

(also bread palm)

n. a cycad native to tropical and southern Africa, which yields an edible sago-like starch.   Genus Encephalartos.

breadwinner

n. a person who earns money to support their family.

- DERIVATIVES breadwinning n.

break^1

v. (past broke; past part. broken)
1 separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. (of waves) curl over and dissolve into foam. (of the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus) be discharged when the sac is ruptured in the first stages of labour.
2 make or become inoperative.
3 interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or journey). stop so as to have a rest or holiday: they broke for coffee. lessen the impact of (a fall). disconnect or interrupt (an electric circuit).
4 fail to observe (a law, regulation, or agreement).
5 crush the strength, spirit, or resistance of.
6 surpass (a record).
7 (of an attacking player or a military force) make a rush or dash: Mitchell broke quickly, allowing Hughes to score.
8 (of the weather) change suddenly, especially after a fine spell. (of a storm) begin violently. (of dawn or a day) begin as the sun rises.
9 (of a person's voice) falter and change tone. (of a boy's voice) change in tone and register at puberty.
10 (of news) suddenly become public. (break something to) make bad news known to.
11 succeed in deciphering (a code).
12 use (a banknote) to pay for something and receive change.
13 (of two boxers or wrestlers) come out of a clinch.
14 make the first stroke at the beginning of a game of billiards, pool, or snooker.
15 unfurl (a flag or sail).
16 Phonetics (of a vowel) develop into a diphthong, under the influence of an adjacent sound.
n.
1 an interruption or pause: a break with the past. Brit. an interval during the school day. a short holiday. a change of line, paragraph, or page: a page break.
2 a rush or dash, especially by an attacking player or team.
3 informal an opportunity or chance.
4 a gap or opening: a break in the hedge.
5 an instance of breaking, or the point where something is broken.
6 (also break of serve or service break) Tennis the winning of a game against an opponent's serve.
7 Snooker & Billiards a consecutive series of successful shots, which scores a specified number of points. a player's turn to make the opening shot of a game.
8 a short solo or instrumental passage in jazz or popular music.

- PHRASES
break one's back (or neck) put great effort into achieving something.
break the back of accomplish the main or hardest part of (a task).
break even reach a point in a business when profits are equal to costs.
breaking and entering (in North American, and formerly also British, law) the crime of entering a building by force to commit burglary.
break a leg! theatrical slang good luck!
break of day dawn.
break someone's serve win a game in a tennis match against an opponent's service.
break ship Nautical fail to rejoin one's ship after absence on leave.
break wind release gas from the anus.
give someone a break informal stop putting pressure on someone.
make a clean break remove oneself completely from a situation.
- PHRASES
break away escape from the control or influence of a person or practice.
break down
1 cease to function or continue; fail.
2 lose control of one's emotions when in distress.
break in
1 force entry to a building.
2 interject.
break something in
1 accustom a horse to being ridden.
2 wear shoes until they become supple and comfortable.
break into
1 enter forcibly.
2 suddenly burst into (laughter, song, or faster movement).
break something off abruptly end or discontinue something.
break out
1 (of something undesirable) start suddenly.
2 escape.
break out in be suddenly affected by an unpleasant sensation or condition.
break something out informal open and start using something.
break up
1 (of a gathering or relationship) end or part company. chiefly Brit. end the school term.
2 chiefly N. Amer. start laughing uncontrollably.
3 chiefly N. Amer. become upset.
break with
1 quarrel or cease relations with.
2 act in a way that is not in accordance with (a custom or tradition).

- DERIVATIVES breakable adj. & n. breakage n.

- ORIGIN OE brecan (v.), of Gmc origin.

break^2

n.
1 former term for breaking cart.
2 historical another term for brake^2.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from C16 brake ‘cage’, later ‘framework’.

breakaway

n.
1 a divergence or secession from something established or long-standing.
2 a sudden attack or forward movement, especially in sport.

breakbeat

n. a sample of a syncopated drum beat, usually repeated to form a rhythm used as a basis for dance music, hip hop, etc. dance music featuring breakbeats.

break-dancing

n. an energetic and acrobatic style of street dancing, developed by black people in the US.

- DERIVATIVES break-dance v. & n. break-dancer n.

breakdown

n.
1 a failure or collapse. a sudden collapse in mental health.
2 chemical or physical decomposition.
3 an explanatory analysis.

breaker

n.
1 a large sea wave that breaks on the shore.
2 a person or thing that breaks.
3 a person who interrupts a conversation on a Citizens' Band radio channel, indicating that they wish to transmit a message. any CB radio user.

break-even

n. the point or state at which profits are equal to costs.

breakfall

n. (in martial arts) a controlled fall in which most of the impact is absorbed by the arms or legs.

breakfast

n. a meal eaten in the morning, the first of the day.
v. eat breakfast.

- PHRASES
have (or eat) someone for breakfast informal deal with or defeat someone with contemptuous ease.

- DERIVATIVES breakfaster n.

- ORIGIN ME: from break^1 + fast^2.

breakfront

n. [usu. as modifier] a piece of furniture having the line of its front broken by a curve or angle.

break-in

n. an illegal forced entry in order to steal something.

breaking cart

n. a two-wheeled carriage with a skeleton body, used for breaking in young horses.

breakneck

adj. dangerously or extremely fast.

breakout

n.
1 a forcible escape, especially from prison.
2 an outbreak: a breakout of hostilities.
adj. informal, chiefly N. Amer.
1 suddenly and extremely popular or successful.
2 denoting a group which breaks away from a gathering for discussion.

break point

n. Tennis the state of a game when the player receiving service needs only one more point to win the game.

breakthrough

n. a sudden important development or discovery.

breakthrough bleeding

n. bleeding from the uterus occurring abnormally between menstrual periods.

break-up

n.
1 the separation or breaking up of something into several parts.
2 an end to a relationship.

breakwater

n. a barrier built out into the sea to protect a coast or harbour from the force of waves.

bream^1

n. (pl. same) a greenish-bronze deep-bodied freshwater fish.   Abramis brama. used in names of other fishes, e.g. sea bream.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bresme, of Gmc origin.

bream^2

v. Nautical, archaic clear (a ship's bottom) of accumulated matter by burning and scraping it.

- ORIGIN C15: prob. of Low Ger. origin and rel. to broom.

breast

n.
1 either of the two soft protruding organs on the upper front of a woman's body which secrete milk after childbirth.
2 a person's or animal's chest region. a joint of meat or poultry cut from an animal's breast.
v. face and move forwards against or through. reach the top of (a hill).

- DERIVATIVES -breasted adj.

- ORIGIN OE brost, of Gmc origin.

breastbone

n. a thin, flat bone running down the centre of the chest, to which the ribs are attached; the sternum.

breast drill

n. a drill on which pressure is brought to bear by the operator's chest.

breastfeed

v. (past and past part. breastfed) feed (a baby) with milk from the breast. (of a baby) feed from the breast.

breast implant

n. a prosthesis implanted behind or in place of a female breast in reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.

breastpin

n. archaic a small brooch or badge worn on the breast.

breastplate

n.
1 a piece of armour covering the chest.
2 a set of straps attached to the front of a saddle and passing across the horse's chest.

breast pump

n. a device for drawing milk from a woman's breasts by suction.

breaststroke

n. a style of swimming on one's front, in which the arms are pushed forwards and then swept back in a circular movement, while the legs are alternately tucked in and kicked out.

- DERIVATIVES breaststroker n.

breastsummer

n. Architecture a beam across a broad opening, sustaining a superstructure.

- ORIGIN C17: from breast and summer^2.

breastwork

n. a low temporary defence or parapet.

breath

n.
1 air taken into or expelled from the lungs. an inhalation or exhalation of air from the lungs.
2 a slight movement of air.
3 a hint or suggestion: he avoided the slightest breath of scandal.

- PHRASES
breath of fresh air a refreshing change.
catch one's breath
1 cease breathing momentarily in surprise or fear.
2 rest after exercise to restore normal breathing.
draw breath breathe in.
hold one's breath cease breathing temporarily.
out of breath gasping for air, typically after exercise.
take someone's breath away astonish someone with awed respect or delight.
under (or below) one's breath in a very quiet voice.
waste one's breath talk or give advice without effect.

- ORIGIN OE bræth ‘smell, scent’, of Gmc origin; rel. to brood.

breathable

adj.
1 (of air) fit to breathe.
2 (of clothing) admitting air to the skin and allowing sweat to evaporate.

- DERIVATIVES breathability n.

breathalyser

(N. Amer. trademark Breathalyzer)

n. a device used by police for measuring the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath.

- DERIVATIVES breathalyse (US breathalyze) v.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of breath and analyse, + -er^1.

breathe

v.
1 take air into the lungs and then expel it as a regular physiological process. (of a plant or invertebrate animal) respire or exchange gases.
2 say with quiet intensity.
3 give an impression of: the room breathed an air of efficiency.
4 (of wine) be exposed to fresh air.
5 (of material or soil) admit or emit air or moisture.

- PHRASES
breathe (freely) again relax after being frightened or tense.
breathe down someone's neck follow closely behind. constantly check up on someone.
breathe one's last die.
breathe (new) life into reinvigorate.
not breathe a word remain silent about something secret.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘exhale, steam’): from breath.

breather

n.
1 informal a brief pause for rest.
2 a vent or valve to release pressure or to allow air to move freely.

breathing

n. a sign in Greek ( or ) indicating the presence of an aspirate (rough breathing) or the absence of an aspirate (smooth breathing) at the beginning of a word.

breathing space

n. an opportunity to pause, relax, or decide what to do next.

breathless

adj.
1 gasping for breath, typically due to exertion. feeling or causing great excitement, fear, etc.
2 (of air) stiflingly still.

- DERIVATIVES breathlessly adv. breathlessness n.

breathtaking

adj. astonishing or awe-inspiring.

- DERIVATIVES breathtakingly adv.

breath test

n. a test in which a driver is made to blow into a breathalyser.
v. (breath-test) test with a breathalyser.

breathy

adj. (breathier, breathiest) (of a voice) having an audible sound of breathing.

- DERIVATIVES breathily adv. breathiness n.

breccia

//, //

n. Geology rock consisting of angular fragments of stones cemented by finer calcareous material.

- DERIVATIVES brecciate v. brecciation n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., lit. ‘gravel’, ult. rel. to break^1.

Brechtian

//

adj. relating to the work of the German dramatist Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956).

bred

past and past participle of breed.

breech

n.
1 the part of a cannon behind the bore.
2 the back part of a rifle or gun barrel.
3 archaic a person's buttocks.

- ORIGIN OE brc ‘garment covering the loins and thighs’, pl. of brc (of Gmc origin), interpreted as a sing. form.

breech birth

(also breech delivery)

n. a delivery of a baby which is so positioned in the womb that the buttocks or feet are delivered first.

breechblock

n. a metal block which closes the aperture at the breech of a rifle or gun barrel.

breechclout

n. North American term for loincloth.

breeches

pl. n. short trousers fastened just below the knee, now chiefly worn for riding or as part of ceremonial dress. informal trousers.

breeches buoy

n. a lifebuoy on a rope with a canvas support resembling a pair of breeches, by means of which a person may be transferred from a ship.

breeching

n.
1 a strong leather strap passing round the hindquarters of a horse harnessed to a vehicle and enabling the horse to push backwards.
2 historical a thick rope used to secure the carriages of cannon on a ship.

breech-loader

n. a gun designed to have ammunition inserted at the breech rather than through the muzzle.

- DERIVATIVES breech-loading adj.

breed

v. (past and past part. bred)
1 (of animals) mate and then produce offspring. cause (an animal) to produce offspring. develop (a variety of plant or animal).
2 bring up to behave in a particular way.
3 produce or lead to: success had bred a certain arrogance.
4 Physics create (fissile material) by nuclear reaction.
n.
1 a distinctive stock of animals or plants within a species, typically one deliberately developed.
2 a sort or kind.

- ORIGIN OE brdan, of Gmc origin; rel. to brood.

breeder

n.
1 a person or animal that breeds.
2 derogatory (in gay slang) a heterosexual person.
3 a nuclear reactor which creates another fissile material (plutonium-239) as a by-product of energy production by fission of uranium-238.

breeding

n. good manners regarded as characteristic of the aristocracy and conferred by heredity.

breeding ground

n. a place or situation that favours the development of something.

breeks

pl. n. chiefly Scottish & N. English another term for breeches.

breeze^1

n.
1 a gentle wind.
2 informal something easy to do.
v. informal come or go in a casual or cheerful manner. (breeze through) deal with or accomplish with ease.

- ORIGIN C16 (in sense ‘NE wind’): prob. from Old Sp. and Port. briza.

breeze^2

n. small cinders mixed with sand and cement to make breeze blocks.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. braise, brese ‘live coals’.

breeze block

n. Brit. a lightweight building brick made from breeze.

breezeway

n. N. Amer. a roofed outdoor passage, as between a house and a garage.

breezy

adj. (breezier, breeziest)
1 pleasantly windy.
2 relaxed, informal, and cheerily brisk.

- DERIVATIVES breezily adv. breeziness n.

brekkie

(also brekky)

n. Brit. informal breakfast.

bremsstrahlung

//

n. Physics electromagnetic radiation emitted by a charged particle on passing through the electric and magnetic fields of a nucleus.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Ger., from bremsen ‘to brake’ + Strahlung ‘radiation’.

Bren gun

n. a lightweight quick-firing machine gun used by the Allied forces in the Second World War.

- ORIGIN blend of Brno in the Czech Republic (where it was orig. made) and Enfield (where it was later made).

brent goose

n. a small northern goose with a mainly black head and neck.   Branta bernicla.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bresaola

//

n. an Italian dish of sliced raw beef cured by salting and air-drying.

- ORIGIN Ital., from bresada, past part. of brasare ‘braise’.

brethren

archaic plural of brother.
pl. n. fellow Christians or members of a male religious order.

Breton

//

n.
1 a native of Brittany.
2 the Celtic language of Brittany, derived from Cornish.

- ORIGIN OFr., ‘Briton’.

breve

n.
1 Music a note having the time value of two semibreves, represented as a semibreve with two short bars either side, or as a square.
2 a written or printed mark () indicating a short or unstressed vowel.
3 historical an authoritative letter from a pope or monarch.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of brief: the musical term was orig. used in a series where a long was of greater time value than a breve.

brevet

//

n. a former type of military commission conferred especially for outstanding service, by which an officer was promoted to a higher rank without the corresponding pay.
v. (brevets, breveting or brevetting, breveted or brevetted) confer a brevet rank on.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting an official letter): from OFr. brievet ‘little letter’, dimin. of bref.

breviary

//

n. (pl. breviaries) a book containing the service for each day, to be recited by those in orders in the Roman Catholic Church.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. breviarium ‘summary, abridgement’, from breviare ‘abridge’.

brevity

//

n.
1 concise and exact use of words.
2 shortness of time.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. brievete, from L. brevitas, from brevis ‘brief’.

brew

v.
1 make (beer) by soaking, boiling, and fermentation.
2 make (tea or coffee) by mixing it with hot water.
3 (of an unwelcome situation) begin to develop.
n.
1 a kind of beer.
2 informal a drink of tea.

- DERIVATIVES brewer n.

- ORIGIN OE browan, of Gmc origin.

brewery

n. (pl. breweries) a place where beer is made commercially.

brewpub

n. chiefly US an establishment selling beer brewed on the premises.

brewski

n. (pl. brewskis or brewskies) N. Amer. informal a beer.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from brew + a fanciful ending.

briar^1

(also brier)

n. a prickly scrambling shrub, especially a wild rose.   Rosa eglanteria (sweet briar) and other species.

- DERIVATIVES briary adj.

- ORIGIN OE brær, brr, of unknown origin.

briar^2

(also brier)

n.
1 (also briar pipe) a tobacco pipe made from woody nodules borne by the tree heath.
2 another term for tree heath.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. bruyère ‘heath, heather’.

bribe

v. dishonestly persuade (someone) to act in one's favour by a payment or other inducement.
n. an inducement offered in an attempt to bribe.

- DERIVATIVES bribable adj. briber n. bribery n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘rob, extort’): from OFr. briber, brimber ‘beg’, of unknown origin.

bric-a-brac

n. miscellaneous objects and ornaments of little value.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from obs. à bric et à brac ‘at random’.

brick

n.
1 a small rectangular block of fired or sun-dried clay, used in building. bricks collectively as a building material.
2 Brit. informal, dated a generous, helpful, and reliable person.
v. block or enclose with a wall of bricks.

- PHRASES
bricks and mortar
1 buildings, especially housing.
2 [as modifier] denoting a business that operates conventionally rather than (or as well as) via the Internet.
like a ton of bricks informal with crushing weight, force, or authority.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. bricke, brike; prob. reinforced by OFr. brique; of unknown ultimate origin.

brickbat

n.
1 a highly critical remark.
2 a piece of brick used as a missile.

brickfield

n. an area of ground where bricks are made.

brickie

n. (pl. brickies) Brit. informal a bricklayer.

bricklayer

n. a person whose job is to build walls, houses, and other structures with bricks.

- DERIVATIVES bricklaying n.

brick red

n. a deep brownish red.

brickwork

n. the bricks in a wall, house, etc.

brickyard

n. a place where bricks are made.

bricolage

//

n. (pl. same or bricolages)
1 (in art or literature) construction or creation from a diverse range of available things.
2 a thing created from a diverse range of things.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

bricoleur

//

n. a person who engages in bricolage.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘handyman’.

bridal

adj. relating to a bride or a newly married couple.

- ORIGIN ME: from OE brd-ealu ‘wedding feast’, from brd ‘bride’ + ealu ‘ale-drinking’.

bride

n. a woman on her wedding day or just before and after the event.

- ORIGIN OE brd, of Gmc origin.

bridegroom

n. a man on his wedding day or just before and after the event.

- ORIGIN OE brdguma, from brd ‘bride’ + guma ‘man’; the second syllable influenced by groom.

bride price

n. (in tribal societies) a payment made to a bride's family by that of the groom.

bridesmaid

n.
1 a girl or woman who accompanies a bride on her wedding day.
2 informal a person who never attains a desired goal. [ORIGIN from the saying ‘always the bridesmaid and never the bride’.]

bridewell

n. archaic a prison or reform school for petty offenders.

- ORIGIN C16: named after St Bride's Well in London, near which such a building stood.

bridge^1

n.
1 a structure carrying a road, path, or railway across a river, road, etc.
2 the platform on a ship from which the captain and officers direct operations.
3 the upper bony part of a person's nose.
4 a partial denture supported by natural teeth on either side.
5 Music the part on a stringed instrument over which the strings are stretched.
6 Music a bridge passage or middle eight.
7 an electric circuit used chiefly to measure an unknown resistance by equalizing the potentials in two parts of the circuit.
v.
1 be or make a bridge over.
2 reduce or eliminate (a difference between two groups).

- DERIVATIVES bridgeable adj.

- ORIGIN OE brycg, of Gmc origin.

bridge^2

n. a card game related to whist, played by two partnerships of two players who at the beginning of each hand bid for the right to name the trump suit, the highest bid also representing a contract to make a specified number of tricks.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bridge-and-tunnel

adj. US informal (of a person) living in the suburbs and perceived as unsophisticated.

- ORIGIN with ref. to the means used to commute into New York.

bridge-building

n. the promotion of friendly relations between groups.

- DERIVATIVES bridge-builder n.

bridgehead

n. a strong position secured by an army inside enemy territory from which to advance or attack.

bridge passage

n. a transitional section in a musical composition leading to a new section or theme.

bridge roll

n. Brit. a small, soft bread roll with a long, thin shape.

bridging loan

(N. Amer. bridge loan)

n. a sum of money lent by a bank to cover an interval between two transactions, typically the buying of one house and the selling of another.

bridie

//

n. (pl. bridies) Scottish a meat pasty.

- ORIGIN perh. from obs. bride's pie.

bridle

n.
1 the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached.
2 Nautical a mooring cable.
v.
1 put a bridle on.
2 bring under control.
3 show resentment or anger.

- ORIGIN OE brdel (n.), brdlian (v.), of Gmc origin.

bridleway

(also bridle path)

n. Brit. a path or track along which horse riders have right of way.

bridoon

//

n. a snaffle bit which is frequently used in conjunction with a curb bit in a double bridle.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. bridon, from bride ‘bridle’.

Brie

//

n. a kind of soft, mild, creamy cheese with a firm white skin.

- ORIGIN named after Brie in northern France.

brief

adj.
1 of short duration.
2 concise; using few words.
3 (of clothing) not covering much of the body.
n.
1 Brit. a summary of the facts and legal points in a case given to a barrister to argue in court. a piece of work for a barrister. N. Amer. a written statement of the facts and legal points supporting one side of a case, for presentation to a court.
2 Brit. informal a solicitor or barrister.
3 chiefly Brit. a set of instructions given to a person about a task.
4 a letter from the Pope on a matter of discipline.
v. instruct or inform thoroughly in preparation for a task. Brit. instruct (a barrister) by brief.

- PHRASES
hold a brief for Brit. be retained as counsel for.
hold no brief for Brit. not support.
in brief in short.

- DERIVATIVES briefer n. briefly adv. briefness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. brief, from L. brevis ‘short’; the noun is via late L. breve ‘note, dispatch’.

briefcase

n. a rectangular case with a handle for carrying books and documents.

briefing

n. a meeting for giving information or instructions.

briefs

pl. n. short, close-fitting underpants or knickers.

brier^1

n. variant spelling of briar^1.

brier^2

n. variant spelling of briar^2.

Brig.

abbrev. Brigadier.

brig^1

n.
1 a two-masted square-rigged ship, typically having an additional lower fore-and-aft sail on the gaff and a boom to the mainmast.
2 informal a prison, especially on a warship.

- ORIGIN C18: abbrev. of brigantine.

brig^2

n. Scottish & N. English a bridge.

- ORIGIN from ON bryggja.

brigade

n.
1 a subdivision of an army, typically consisting of a small number of battalions and forming part of a division.
2 an organization with a quasi-military structure.
3 informal, often derogatory a group of people with a characteristic in common: the anti-smoking brigade.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. brigata ‘company’.

brigade major

n. the principal staff officer to the brigadier in command at the headquarters of a brigade.

brigadier

//

n. a rank of officer in the British army, above colonel and below major general.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. (see brigade, -ier).

brigadier general

n. a rank of officer in the US army, air force, and marine corps, above colonel and below major general.

brigalow

//

n. an Australian acacia tree.   Genus Acacia: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: from an Aborig. word, perh. Kamilaroi burigal.

brigand

//

n. a member of a gang that ambushes and robs people in forests and mountains.

- DERIVATIVES brigandage n. brigandry n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from Ital. brigante, lit. ‘(person) contending’, from brigare (see brigade).

brigantine

//

n. a two-masted sailing ship with a square-rigged foremast and a mainmast rigged fore and aft.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr., from Ital. brigantino, from brigante (see brigand).

bright

adj.
1 giving out much light, or filled with light.
2 (of colour) vivid and bold.
3 intelligent and quick-witted.
4 cheerfully lively.
5 (of prospects) good.
6 (of sound) clear and typically high-pitched.
n. (brights) N. Amer. headlights switched to full beam.

- PHRASES
bright and early very early in the morning.
(as) bright as a button informal intelligently alert and lively.
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed informal alert and lively.
look on the bright side be optimistic or cheerful in spite of difficulties.

- DERIVATIVES brighten v. brightish adj. brightly adv. brightness n.

- ORIGIN OE beorht, of Gmc origin.

Bright's disease

n. a disease involving chronic inflammation of the kidneys.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English physician Richard Bright.

bright spark

n. informal, often ironic a clever or witty person.

brightwork

n. polished metalwork on ships or other vehicles.

brill^1

n. a flatfish similar to the turbot.   Scophthalmus rhombus.

- ORIGIN C15: of unknown origin.

brill^2

adj. Brit. informal excellent; marvellous.

brilliant

adj.
1 (of light or colour) very bright or vivid.
2 exceptionally clever or talented.
3 Brit. informal excellent; marvellous.
n. a diamond of brilliant cut.

- DERIVATIVES brilliance (also brilliancy) n. brilliantly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. brillant, from briller ‘shine’, prob. ult. from L. beryllus (see beryl).

brilliant cut

n. a circular cut for gemstones in the form of two many-faceted pyramids joined at their bases, the upper one truncated near its apex.

brilliantine

n.
1 dated scented oil used on men's hair to make it look glossy.
2 US shiny dress fabric made from cotton and mohair or cotton and worsted.

- DERIVATIVES brilliantined adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. brillantine, from brillant (see brilliant).

brim

n.
1 the projecting edge around the bottom of a hat.
2 the lip of a cup, bowl, etc.
v. (brims, brimming, brimmed) [often as adj. brimming] fill or be full to the point of overflowing.

- DERIVATIVES brimful adj. brimless adj. -brimmed adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the edge of a body of water): perh. rel. to Ger. Bräme ‘trimming’.

brimstone

//, //

n.
1 archaic sulphur.
2 a large butterfly, the male of which is bright yellow and the female greenish-white.   Gonepteryx rhamni.

- ORIGIN OE brynstn, prob. from bryne ‘burning’ + stn ‘stone’.

brimstone moth

n. a small bright yellow moth.   Opisthograptis luteolat.

brindle

adj. (also brindled) (especially of a domestic animal) brownish or tawny with streaks of other colour.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of ME brinded, prob. of Scand. origin.

brine

n. water containing dissolved salt. technical a strong solution of a salt or salts.
v. [often as adj. brined] soak or preserve in brine.

- ORIGIN OE brne, of unknown origin.

brine shrimp

n. a small fairy shrimp which lives in brine pools and salt lakes and is used as food for aquarium fish.   Artemia salina.

bring

v. (past and past part. brought)
1 carry or accompany to a place.
2 cause to move or to come into existence.
3 cause to be in a particular state or condition: take an aspirin to bring down your temperature.
4 cause someone to receive (money) as income or profit: five novels brought him £150,000.
5 [usu. with neg.] (bring oneself to do something) force oneself to do something unpleasant.
6 initiate (legal action).

- PHRASES
bring the house down make an audience laugh or applaud very enthusiastically.
bring something to bear exert influence or pressure.
bring something to pass chiefly literary cause something to happen.
- PHRASES
bring something about
1 cause something to happen.
2 cause a ship to head in a different direction.
bring someone down cause someone to lose power.
bring someone/thing forth archaic give birth to someone or something.
bring something forward
1 propose an idea for consideration.
2 [often as adj. brought forward] (in bookkeeping) transfer a total sum from the bottom of one page to the top of the next.
bring something off achieve something successfully.
bring someone on encourage someone who is learning to develop or improve.
bring something on
1 cause something unpleasant to occur. (bring something on/upon) be responsible for something unpleasant that happens to (someone).
2 (of the weather) promote the growth of crops.
bring someone out encourage someone to feel more confident.
bring something out
1 produce and launch a new product or publication.
2 emphasize a feature.
bring someone round (or US around)
1 restore someone to consciousness.
2 persuade someone to agree to something.
bring someone to restore someone to consciousness.
bring something to cause a boat to stop, especially by turning into the wind.
bring up (chiefly of a ship) come to a stop.
bring someone up look after a child until it is an adult.
bring something up
1 vomit something.
2 raise a matter for discussion or consideration.

- DERIVATIVES bringer n.

- ORIGIN OE bringan, of Gmc origin.

bring-and-buy sale

n. Brit. a charity sale at which people donate things to sell and buy those brought by others.

brinjal

//, //

n. Indian & S. African an aubergine.

- ORIGIN based on Port. berinjela, from Arab. al-bdinjn (see aubergine).

brink

n.
1 the extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body of water.
2 the verge of a state or situation, typically an undesirable one: the country was on the brink of a crisis.

- ORIGIN ME: of Scand. origin.

brinkmanship

// (US also brinksmanship)

n. the pursuit of a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping.

briny

//

adj. (brinier, briniest) of salty water or the sea; salty.
n. (the briny) Brit. informal the sea.

brio

//

n. vigour or vivacity.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital.

brioche

//, //

n. a small round French roll made from a light sweet yeast bread.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Norman Fr. brier, synonym of broyer, lit. ‘split up into small pieces’.

briquette

// (also briquet)

n. a block of compressed coal dust or peat used as fuel.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., dimin. of brique ‘brick’.

bris

//

n. the ceremony in which a Jewish baby boy is circumcised.

- ORIGIN Heb. brt, short for brt milah ‘covenant of circumcision’.

brisé

//

n. Ballet a jump in which the dancer sweeps one leg into the air to the side while jumping off the other and brings both legs together in the air before landing.
adj. (of a fan) consisting entirely of pierced sticks of ivory, horn, or tortoiseshell.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘broken’.

brisk

adj.
1 active and energetic.
2 slightly brusque.

- DERIVATIVES brisken v. briskly adv. briskness n.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from Fr. brusque (see brusque).

brisket

n. meat from the chest of a cow.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from ON brjósk ‘cartilage, gristle’.

brisling

//, //

n. (pl. same or brislings) a sprat, especially one seasoned and smoked in Norway and sold in a can.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Norw. and Dan.

bristle

//

n. a short, stiff hair on an animal's skin or a man's face. a stiff animal hair, or a man-made substitute, used to make a brush.
v.
1 (of hair or fur) stand upright away from the skin, as a sign of anger or fear.
2 react angrily or defensively.
3 (bristle with) be covered with or abundant in.

- DERIVATIVES bristly adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OE byrst (of Gmc origin) + -le^1.

bristlecone pine

n. a very long-lived shrubby pine of western North America.   Pinus longaeva.

bristletail

n. a small primitive wingless insect which has two or three bristles at the end of the abdomen.   Orders Thysanura (with three bristles, including the silverfish) and Diplura (with two bristles).

bristle worm

n. a marine annelid worm of a class including ragworms, lugworms, and fan worms, which have a segmented body with numerous bristles on the fleshy lobes of each segment.   Class Polychaeta.

Bristol board

n. a type of stiff, smooth cardboard used as a drawing surface or for cutting and shaping.

Bristol fashion

adj. Brit. informal, dated in good order.

- ORIGIN C19: orig. in naut. use, referring to the prosperity brought to the English port of Bristol by its shipping.

bristols

pl. n. Brit. informal a woman's breasts.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from rhyming sl. Bristol Cities ‘titties’.

Brit

informal

n. a British person.
adj. British.

Britannia

//

n. the personification of Britain, usually depicted as a helmeted woman with shield and trident.

- ORIGIN the L. name for Britain.

Britannia metal

n. a silvery alloy consisting of tin with about 5–15 per cent antimony and usually some copper, lead, or zinc.

Britannia silver

n. hallmarked silver that is at least 95.8 per cent pure.

Britannic

//

adj. dated (chiefly in names or titles) of Britain or the British Empire.

Briticism

// (also Britishism //)

n. an idiom used in Britain but not in other English-speaking countries.

British

adj.
1 relating to Great Britain or the United Kingdom.
2 of the British Commonwealth or (formerly) the British Empire.

- DERIVATIVES Britishness n.

- ORIGIN OE Brettisc, from Bret ‘Briton’, from L. Britto, or its Celtic equivalent.

Britisher

n. informal (especially in North America) a native or inhabitant of Britain.

British thermal unit

n. a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat needed to raise 1 lb of water at maximum density through one degree Fahrenheit.   1.055 × 10^3 joules.

Briton

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Great Britain, or a person of British descent.
2 a Celtic inhabitant of southern Britain before and during Roman times.

- ORIGIN from OFr. Breton, from L. Britto, Britton-, or its Celtic equivalent.

Britpop

n. pop music by British groups of the mid 1990s, typically influenced by the Beatles and other British groups of the 1960s.

brittle

adj.
1 hard but liable to break easily.
2 (of a voice) unpleasantly hard and sharp and showing signs of nervousness or instability.
n. a brittle sweet made from nuts and set melted sugar.

- DERIVATIVES brittlely (or brittly) adv. brittleness n.

- ORIGIN ME, ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to OE brotan ‘break up’.

brittle bone disease

n. another term for osteogenesis imperfecta or osteoporosis.

brittlestar

n. a marine animal related to a starfish, with long, thin, flexible arms radiating from a small central disc.   Ophiura and other genera, class Ophiuroidea.

Brittonic

//

adj. & n. variant of Brythonic.

BRN

abbrev. Bahrain (international vehicle registration).

bro

//

n. informal short for brother. chiefly N. Amer. a friendly greeting or form of address.

broach^1

v.
1 raise (a sensitive subject) for discussion.
2 pierce or open (a cask or other container) to draw alcohol.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense ‘prick or pierce’): from OFr. brochier, based on L. brocchus, broccus ‘projecting’.

broach^2

v. Nautical (of a ship) veer and pitch forward, presenting a side to the wind and waves and losing steerage control.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

broach spire

n. an octagonal church spire rising from a square tower without a parapet.

broad

adj.
1 having a distance larger than usual from side to side; wide. of a specified distance wide.
2 large in area or scope: a broad range of experience.
3 without detail; general.
4 (of a hint) clear and unambiguous.
5 (of a regional accent) very noticeable; strong.
6 rather coarse and indecent.
n. N. Amer. informal a woman.

- PHRASES
broad daylight full daylight; day.

- DERIVATIVES broaden v. broadly adv. broadness n.

- ORIGIN OE brd, of Gmc origin.

broadband

adj. of or using signals over a wide range of frequencies in high-capacity telecommunications.

broad bean

n.
1 a large flat edible green bean which is usually eaten without the pod.
2 the plant which yields broad beans.   Vicia faba.

broadbill

n. a small, colourful songbird of the Old World tropics, with a large head and a wide, flattened bill.   Family Eurylaimidae: numerous species.

broad-brush

adj. lacking in detail and finesse.

broadcast

v. (past broadcast; past part. broadcast or broadcasted)
1 transmit by radio or television.
2 make known to many people.
3 scatter (seeds) rather than placing in drills or rows.
n. a radio or television programme or transmission.
adv. by scattering.

- DERIVATIVES broadcaster n.

Broad Church

n. a tradition or group within the Anglican Church favouring a liberal interpretation of doctrine. a group or doctrine which encompasses a wide range of views and people.

broadcloth

n. clothing fabric of fine twilled wool or worsted, or plain-woven cotton.

broad gauge

n. a railway gauge which is wider than the standard gauge of 4 ft 8^1/2 in (1.435 m).

broad jump

n. North American term for long jump.

broadleaved

(also broadleaf)

adj. denoting trees or herbaceous plants with relatively wide flat leaves, as opposed to conifers or grasses.

broadloom

n. carpet woven in wide widths.

- DERIVATIVES broadloomed adj.

broad-minded

adj. tolerant or liberal.

- DERIVATIVES broad-mindedly adv. broad-mindedness n.

broad money

n. Economics money in any form, including bank or other deposits as well as notes and coins.

broad pennant

(also broad pendant)

n. a short swallow-tailed pennant distinguishing the commodore's ship in a squadron.

broadsheet

n.
1 a newspaper with a large format, regarded as more serious than tabloids.
2 a large piece of paper printed with information on one side only.

broadside

n.
1 a fierce verbal attack.
2 historical a firing of all the guns from one side of a warship.
3 the side of a ship above the water between the bow and quarter.
4 another term for broadsheet (sense 2).
adv. with the side turned in a particular direction. on the side.
v. N. Amer. collide with the side of (a vehicle).

- PHRASES
broadside on sideways on.

broad-spectrum

adj. denoting antibiotics, pesticides, etc. effective against a large variety of organisms.

broadsword

n. a sword with a wide blade, used for cutting rather than thrusting.

broadtail

n. a karakul sheep.

broadway

n. a large open or main road.

broast

v. N. Amer. cook (food) by a combination of broiling and roasting.

- ORIGIN 1980s: blend of broil and roast.

Brobdingnagian

//

adj. very large; gigantic.
n. a giant.

- ORIGIN C18: from Brobdingnag, a land in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels (1726) where everything is of huge size.

brocade

n. a rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, usually with gold or silver thread.
v. [usu. as adj. brocaded] weave with this design.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. and Port. brocado, from Ital. broccato, from brocco ‘twisted thread’.

Broca's area

//

n. Anatomy a region of the brain concerned with the production of speech, located in the cortex of the dominant frontal lobe.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French surgeon Paul Broca.

broccoli

//

n. a cultivated variety of cabbage with heads of small green or purplish flower buds, eaten as a vegetable.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital., pl. of broccolo ‘cabbage sprout, head’.

broch

//, //

n. a prehistoric circular stone tower in northern Scotland.

- ORIGIN C15 (in sense ‘borough or town’): alt. of burgh.

brochette

//

n.
1 a skewer or spit on which chunks of meat or fish are barbecued, grilled, or roasted.
2 a dish of meat or fish chunks cooked in such a way.

- ORIGIN Fr., dimin. of broche ‘skewer’.

brochure

//, //

n. a small book or magazine containing pictures and information about a product or service.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘something stitched’, from brocher (see broach^1).

brock

n. Brit. a name for the badger.

- ORIGIN OE brocc, broc, of Celtic origin.

Brocken spectre

n. a magnified shadow of an observer thrown on to a bank of cloud in high mountain areas when the sun is low.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Brocken, the highest of the Harz Mountains in Germany.

brocket

n. a small deer with short straight antlers, found in Central and South America.   Genus Mazama: four species.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a red deer stag in its second year, with straight antlers): from Anglo-Norman Fr. broquet, dimin. of broque, var. of broche (see brooch).

broderie anglaise

/ /

n. open embroidery, typically in floral patterns, on fine white cotton or linen.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘English embroidery’.

brogan

//

n. a coarse stout leather shoe reaching to the ankle.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. brógán, Sc. Gaelic brógan, lit. ‘small brogue’.

brogue^1

n. a strong outdoor shoe with ornamental perforated patterns in the leather. a rough shoe of untanned leather, formerly worn in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sc. Gaelic and Ir. bróg, from ON brók (rel. to breech).

brogue^2

n. a marked accent, especially Irish or Scottish, when speaking English.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. allusively from brogue^1, referring to the rough footwear of Irish peasants.

broil^1

v. N. Amer.
1 cook (meat or fish) by exposure to direct heat.
2 become very hot, especially from the sun.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bruler ‘to burn’, of unknown origin.

broil^2

n. archaic a quarrel or a commotion.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. broil ‘to muddle’; cf. embroil.

broiler

n.
1 a young chicken suitable for roasting, grilling, or barbecuing.
2 N. Amer. a gridiron, grill, or special part of a stove for broiling meat or fish.

broke

past (and archaic past participle) of break^1.
adj. informal having no money.

- PHRASES
go for broke informal risk everything in an all-out effort.

broken

past participle of break^1.

adj. (of a language) spoken falteringly and with many mistakes, as by a foreigner.

- DERIVATIVES brokenly adv. brokenness // n.

broken chord

n. Music a chord in which the notes are played successively.

broken-down

adj.
1 worn out and dilapidated.
2 not working.

broken field

n. American Football the area beyond the line of scrimmage, where the defenders are relatively scattered.

broken-hearted

adj. overwhelmed by grief or disappointment.

- DERIVATIVES broken-heartedness n.

broken home

n. a family in which the parents are divorced or separated.

broken reed

n. see reed.

broken wind

n. another term for COPD in horses.

- DERIVATIVES broken-winded adj.

broker

n. a person who buys and sells goods or assets for others. Compare with broker-dealer.
v. arrange or negotiate (a deal or plan).

- DERIVATIVES brokerage n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a retailer or pedlar): from Anglo-Norman Fr. brocour, of unknown ultimate origin.

broker-dealer

n. (in the UK) a person combining the former functions of a broker and jobber on the Stock Exchange (now the official term on the UK Stock Exchange).

broking

n. Brit. the business or service of buying and selling goods or assets for others.

brolga

//

n. a large grey Australian crane with an elaborate courtship display.   Grus rubicundus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Kamilaroi burralga (also found in other Aborig. languages).

brolly

n. (pl. brollies) Brit. informal an umbrella.

brome

//

n. an oat-like grass which is sometimes grown for fodder or ornamental purposes.   Genus Bromus.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. Bromus, from Gk bromos ‘oat’.

bromeliad

//

n. a plant of a tropical and subtropical American family (Bromeliaceae), typically having short stems with rosettes of stiff, spiny leaves.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Bromelia (a genus, named after the Swedish botanist Olaf Bromel), + -ad^1.

bromide

//

n.
1 Chemistry a compound of bromine with another element or group: methyl bromide.
2 a reproduction or piece of typesetting on bromide paper.
3 dated a sedative preparation containing potassium bromide.
4 a trite statement intended to soothe or placate.

- DERIVATIVES bromidic adj.

bromide paper

n. photographic printing paper coated with silver bromide emulsion.

bromine

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 35, a dark red toxic liquid halogen with a choking, irritating smell. (Symbol: Br)

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. brome, from Gk brmos ‘a stink’, + -ine^4.

bromo-

// (usu. brom- before a vowel)

comb. form Chemistry representing bromine.

bronchi

plural form of bronchus.

bronchial

//

adj. relating to the bronchi or bronchioles.

bronchial tree

n. the branching system of bronchi and bronchioles, conducting air from the windpipe into the lungs.

bronchiole

//

n. Anatomy any of the minute branches into which a bronchus divides.

- DERIVATIVES bronchiolar adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. bronchiolus, bronchiolum, diminutives of late L. bronchia, denoting the branches of the main bronchi.

bronchiolitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the bronchioles.

bronchitis

//

n. inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes, typically with spasm of bronchial muscle and coughing.

- DERIVATIVES bronchitic adj. & n.

broncho-

//

comb. form relating to the bronchi: bronchopneumonia.

- ORIGIN from Gk bronkho-, from bronkhos ‘windpipe’.

bronchodilator

//

n. Medicine a drug that causes widening of the bronchi, e.g. any of those taken by inhalation for the alleviation of asthma.

- DERIVATIVES bronchodilation n.

bronchopneumonia

//

n. inflammation of the lungs, arising in the bronchi or bronchioles.

bronchoscope

n. a fibre-optic cable that is passed into the windpipe in order to view the bronchi.

- DERIVATIVES bronchoscopy n.

bronchospasm

n. Medicine spasm of bronchial smooth muscle, producing narrowing of the bronchi.

bronchus

//

n. (pl. bronchi //) any of the major air passages of the lungs which diverge from the windpipe.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L., from Gk bronkhos ‘windpipe’.

bronco

n. (pl. broncos) a wild or half-tamed horse of the western US.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., lit. ‘rough, rude’.

brontosaurus

// (also brontosaur //)

n. another term for apatosaurus.

- ORIGIN mod. L. (former genus name), from Gk bront ‘thunder’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

Bronx cheer

n. N. Amer. informal a sound of derision made by blowing through closed lips with the tongue between them.

- ORIGIN 1920s: named after the Bronx in New York.

bronze

n.
1 a yellowish-brown alloy of copper with up to one-third tin.
2 a yellowish-brown colour.
3 a work of sculpture or other object made of bronze.
v.
1 give a bronze surface to.
2 make suntanned.

- DERIVATIVES bronzy adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (as v.): from Fr. bronze (n.), bronzer (v.), from Ital. bronzo, prob. from Pers. birinj ‘brass’.

Bronze Age

n. a prehistoric period that followed the Stone Age and preceded the Iron Age, when weapons and tools were made of bronze rather than stone.

bronze medal

n. a medal made of or coloured bronze, customarily awarded for third place in a race or competition.

bronzer

n. a cosmetic liquid or powder applied to the skin to give it colour or shine, typically to give the appearance of a suntan.

bronzewing

n. an Australian pigeon with a metallic bronze band on the wing.   Phaps chalcoptera and related species.

broo

//

n. (in phr. on the broo) Scottish informal claiming unemployment benefit.

- ORIGIN 1930s: alt. of bureau.

brooch

//

n. an ornament fastened to clothing with a hinged pin and catch.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of broach ‘skewer, bodkin’, from OFr. broche ‘spit for roasting’, based on L. brocchus, broccus ‘projecting’; cf. broach^1.

brood

n.
1 a family of young animals, especially birds, produced at one hatching or birth.
2 bee or wasp larvae.
v.
1 think deeply about something that makes one unhappy.
2 [as adj. brooding] appearing darkly menacing.
3 (of a bird) sit on (eggs) to hatch them. (of a fish, frog, or invertebrate) hold (developing eggs) within the body.
adj. (of an animal) kept to be used for breeding: a brood mare.

- DERIVATIVES broodingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE brd, of Gmc origin; rel. to breed.

brooder

n. a heated house for chicks or piglets.

broody

adj. (broodier, broodiest)
1 (of a hen) inclined to incubate eggs.
2 informal (of a woman) having a strong desire to have a baby.
3 thoughtful and unhappy.

- DERIVATIVES broodily adv. broodiness n.

brook^1

n. a small stream.

- DERIVATIVES brooklet n.

- ORIGIN OE brc, of unknown origin.

brook^2

v. [with neg.] formal tolerate or allow (opposition).

- ORIGIN OE brcan ‘use, possess’ or ‘digest, stomach’, of Gmc origin.

brooklime

n. a speedwell with smooth fleshy leaves and deep blue flowers, growing in wet areas.   Veronica beccabunga.

- ORIGIN ME broklemok, from brook^1 + hleomoce, the name of the plant in OE.

brookweed

n. a small white-flowered plant which grows in wet ground.   Samolus valerandi.

broom

n.
1 a long-handled brush of bristles or twigs, used for sweeping.
2 a shrub typically having many yellow flowers, long, thin green stems, and small or few leaves.   Cytisus scoparius and many other species, especially in the genera Cytisus and Genista.

- ORIGIN OE brm (in sense 2), of Gmc origin; rel. to bramble.

broomball

n. N. Amer. a game similar to ice hockey in which players run rather than skate and use rubber brooms or broom handles to push a ball into the goal.

broomrape

n. a leafless parasitic plant with tubular flowers, which attaches itself to the roots of its host plant.   Genus Orobanche.

- ORIGIN C16: from broom + L. rapum ‘tuber’.

broomstick

n. the handle of a broom, on which witches are said to fly.

Bros

//

pl. n. brothers (in names of companies).

brose

//

n. chiefly Scottish a kind of porridge made with oatmeal or dried peas.

- ORIGIN C17: orig. a Scots form of ME brewis ‘broth’, from OFr. brouez.

broth

n.
1 a thin soup of meat or vegetable stock, sometimes thickened with barley or other cereals. meat or fish stock.
2 Microbiology a liquid nutrient medium for the culture of bacteria.

- PHRASES
a broth of a boy Irish a very lively boy or young man.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin; rel. to brew.

brothel

n. a house where men visit prostitutes.

- ORIGIN C16: from ME brothel ‘worthless man, prostitute’.

brothel creepers

pl. n. informal soft-soled suede shoes.

brother

n.
1 a man or boy in relation to other sons and daughters of his parents.
2 a male associate or fellow member of an organization.
3 N. Amer. informal a black man.
4 something which resembles or is equivalent to another.
5 (pl. also brethren) Christian Church a (male) fellow Christian. a member of a religious order of men.
exclam. chiefly N. Amer. used to express annoyance or surprise.

- DERIVATIVES brotherliness n. brotherly adj.

- ORIGIN OE brthor, of Gmc origin.

brother-german

n. (pl. brothers-german) archaic a brother sharing both parents, as opposed to a half-brother or stepbrother.

brotherhood

n.
1 the relationship between brothers. a feeling of kinship and closeness.
2 an association or community of people with a common interest, religion, or trade. N. Amer. a trade union.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from obs. brotherred (based on OE -ræden ‘condition, state’), assoc. with words ending in -hood and -head^1.

brother-in-law

n. (pl. brothers-in-law)
1 the brother of one's wife or husband.
2 the husband of one's sister or sister-in-law.

brougham

//

n. historical
1 a horse-drawn carriage with a roof, four wheels, and an open driver's seat in front.
2 a car with an open driver's seat.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Lord Brougham, who designed the carriage.

brought

past and past participle of bring.

brouhaha

//

n. a noisy and overexcited reaction.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., prob. imitative.

brow^1

n.
1 a person's forehead.
2 an eyebrow.
3 the summit of a hill or pass.

- DERIVATIVES -browed adj.

- ORIGIN OE br ‘eyelash, eyebrow’, of Gmc origin.

brow^2

n. a ship's gangway or landing platform.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Norw. bru, from ON brú ‘bridge’.

browbeat

v. (past browbeat; past part. browbeaten) intimidate or cajole with words or looks.

- DERIVATIVES browbeater n.

brown

adj.
1 of a colour produced by mixing red, yellow, and blue, as of dark wood or rich soil.
2 dark-skinned or suntanned.
n.
1 brown colour, pigment, or material.
2 used in names of various butterflies with mainly brown wings, e.g. meadow brown.
v.
1 make or become brown by cooking.
2 (be browned off) Brit. informal be irritated or depressed.

- PHRASES
(as) brown as a berry very suntanned.

- DERIVATIVES brownish adj. brownness n. browny adj.

- ORIGIN OE brn, of Gmc origin.

brown ale

n. Brit. a dark, mild beer.

brown algae

pl. n. a large group of algae that are typically olive brown or greenish in colour, including many seaweeds.   Class Phaeophyceae.

brown bag lunch

N. Amer.

n. a packed lunch carried to work, school, etc.
v. (brown-bag it) take a packed lunch to work, school, etc.

brown bear

n. a large bear with a coat colour ranging from cream to black.   Ursus arctos.

brown belt

n. a belt of a brown colour marking a level of proficiency below that of a black belt in judo, karate, or other martial arts.

brown coal

n. another term for lignite.

brown dwarf

n. Astronomy a celestial object which is intermediate in size between a giant planet and a small star, believed to emit mainly infrared radiation.

brown fat

n. dark-coloured adipose tissue with many blood vessels, able to provide bodily heat quite rapidly.

brownfield

adj. (of an urban site) having had previous development on it. Compare with greenfield.

brown goods

pl. n. television sets, audio equipment, and similar household appliances. Compare with white goods.

brown holland

n. unbleached holland linen.

Brownian motion

//

n. Physics the erratic random movement of microscopic particles in a fluid, as a result of continuous bombardment from molecules of the surrounding medium.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Scottish botanist Robert Brown.

Brownie

n. (pl. Brownies)
1 (Brit. also Brownie Guide) a member of the junior branch of the Guides Association, for girls aged between about 7 and 10.
2 (brownie) a small square of rich chocolate cake, with nuts. Austral./NZ a piece of sweet currant bread.
3 (brownie) a benevolent elf supposedly haunting houses and doing housework secretly.

- PHRASES
brownie point humorous a notional award given for a good deed or an attempt to please.

Browning

n.
1 a type of water-cooled automatic machine gun.
2 a type of automatic pistol.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the American designer John M. Browning.

browning

n. Brit. darkened flour for colouring gravy.

brown-nose

informal

n. (also brown-noser) a person who acts in a grossly obsequious way.
v. obsequiously curry favour with (someone).

brownout

n. chiefly N. Amer. a partial blackout.

brown owl

n.
1 another term for tawny owl.
2 (Brown Owl) informal (in the UK) the adult leader of a group of Brownies (officially termed the Brownie Guider).

brown rice

n. unpolished rice with only the husk of the grain removed.

brown rot

n.
1 a fungal disease producing discoloration and shrivelling of apples, pears, and other fruit.
2 a fungal disease resulting in the softening and cracking of timber.

brown sauce

n. a commercially prepared relish containing vinegar and spices.

Brownshirt

n. a member of a Nazi militia founded by Hitler in 1921 and suppressed in 1934, with brown uniforms.

brownstone

n. N. Amer.
1 a kind of reddish-brown sandstone used for building.
2 a building faced with brownstone.

brown sugar

n. unrefined or partially refined sugar.

brown trout

n. (pl. same) the common trout of European lakes and rivers, typically with dark spotted skin.   Salmo trutta.

browse

//

v.
1 survey goods or text in a leisurely and casual way. Computing read or survey (data files) via a network.
2 (of an animal) feed on leaves, twigs, etc.
n.
1 an act of browsing.
2 vegetation eaten by animals.

- DERIVATIVES browsable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. broster, from brost ‘young shoot’, prob. of Gmc origin.

browser

n.
1 a person or animal that browses.
2 Computing a program with an interface for displaying HTML files, used to navigate the World Wide Web.

brrr

exclam. used to express a reaction to feeling cold.

BRU

abbrev. Brunei (international vehicle registration).

brucellosis

//

n. a bacterial disease chiefly affecting cattle and causing undulant fever in humans.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from mod. L. Brucella, genus name of the bacterium responsible (named after the Scottish physician Sir David Bruce) + -osis.

brucite

//

n. a white, grey, or greenish mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium hydroxide.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the American mineralogist Archibald Bruce.

bruin

//

n. a name for a bear, especially in stories.

- ORIGIN C15: from Du. bruin ‘brown’; used as a name for the bear in the fable Reynard the Fox.

bruise

n. an injury appearing as an area of discoloured skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels. a similar area of damage on a fruit, vegetable, or plant.
v.
1 inflict a bruise on. be susceptible to bruising.
2 crush or pound (food).

- ORIGIN OE brsan ‘crush, injure or damage with a blow’, reinforced in ME by OFr. bruisier ‘break’.

bruiser

n. informal, derogatory a tough, aggressive person.

bruising

adj. (of a contest) aggressively conducted and likely to be damaging.
n. bruises on the skin.

- DERIVATIVES bruisingly adv.

bruit

//

v. spread (a report or rumour) widely.
n.
1 archaic a report or rumour.
2 Medicine a sound, especially an abnormal one, heard through a stethoscope.

- ORIGIN ME (as n.): from OFr. bruit ‘noise’, from bruire ‘to roar’.

brumby

//

n. (pl. brumbies) (in Australia) a wild or unbroken horse.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

brume

//

n. literary mist or fog.

- DERIVATIVES brumous adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from L. bruma ‘winter’.

Brummagem

//

adj. informal
1 Brit. relating to Birmingham.
2 dated cheap, showy, or counterfeit.

- ORIGIN C17: dial. form.

Brummie

(also Brummy) informal

n. (pl. Brummies) Brit. a person from Birmingham.
adj. informal
1 Brit. from or relating to Birmingham.
2 (brummy) Austral./NZ counterfeit, showy, or cheaply made.

brunch

n. a late morning meal eaten instead of breakfast and lunch.

Bruneian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the sultanate of Brunei on the NW coast of Borneo.
adj. relating to Brunei.

brunette

//, // (US also brunet)

n. a woman or girl with dark brown hair.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., fem. of brunet, dimin. of brun ‘brown’.

brung

dialect past and past participle of bring.

brunt

//

n. (usu. in phr. bear the brunt) the chief impact of something bad.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a blow or attack, also the force or shock of something): of unknown origin.

bruschetta

//

n. toasted Italian bread drenched in olive oil, usually served with garlic or tomatoes.

- ORIGIN Ital., from bruscare ‘to toast’.

brush^1

n.
1 an implement with a handle and a block of bristles, hair, or wire, used for cleaning, smoothing, or painting. an act of brushing.
2 a slight and fleeting touch. a brief encounter with something bad or unwelcome: a brush with death.
3 the bushy tail of a fox.
4 (usu. brushes) a drumstick with long wire bristles, used to make a soft hissing sound.
5 a piece of carbon or metal serving as an electrical contact with a moving part in a motor or alternator.
6 Austral./NZ informal girls or women regarded sexually.
v.
1 clean, smooth, or apply with a brush.
2 touch or push lightly and gently.
3 (brush someone/thing off) dismiss someone or something in an abrupt, contemptuous way.
4 (brush up on or brush something up) work to regain a previously learned skill.

- DERIVATIVES brushless adj. (chiefly technical). brushy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: noun from OFr. broisse; verb partly from OFr. brosser ‘to sweep’.

brush^2

n. chiefly N. Amer. & Austral./NZ undergrowth, small trees, and shrubs. N. Amer. cut brushwood. Austral./NZ dense forest.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. broce, perh. based on L. bruscum, denoting an excrescence on a maple.

brush discharge

n. a broad electrical discharge from a conductor occurring when the potential difference is high but not sufficient for a spark or arc.

brushed

adj.
1 (of fabric) having a soft raised nap.
2 (of metal) finished with a non-reflective surface.

brush-off

n. informal a rejection or dismissal.

brushstroke

n. a mark made by a paintbrush drawn across a surface.

brushtail

(also brushtail possum)

n. a mainly tree-dwelling nocturnal Australian marsupial with a pointed muzzle and a furred tail with a naked tip.   Trichosurus vulpecula and related species.

brush-turkey

n. a large mound-building bird resembling a turkey, found mainly in New Guinea.   Family Megapodiidae: several species.

brush wolf

n. North American term for coyote.

brushwood

n. undergrowth, twigs, and small branches.

brushwork

n. the way in which a painter uses their brush.

brusque

//, //

adj. abrupt or offhand.

- DERIVATIVES brusquely adv. brusqueness n. brusquerie //, // n. (archaic).

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., ‘lively, fierce’, from Ital. brusco ‘sour’.

Brussels carpet

n. a carpet with a heavy woollen pile and a strong linen back.

Brussels lace

n. an elaborate kind of lace, typically with a raised design.

Brussels sprout

(also Brussel sprout)

n. a vegetable consisting of the small compact bud of a variety of cabbage which bears many such buds along a tall single stem.

brut

//

adj. (of sparkling wine) very dry.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘raw, rough’.

brutal

adj.
1 savagely violent.
2 without any attempt to disguise unpleasantness: brutal honesty.
3 N. Amer. informal very bad.

- DERIVATIVES brutality // n. brutally adv.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘relating to the lower animals’): from OFr., or from med. L. brutalis, from brutus (see brute).

brutalism

n.
1 cruelty and savageness.
2 a stark style of functionalist architecture that makes use of steel and concrete in massive blocks.

- DERIVATIVES brutalist n. & adj.

brutalize

(or brutalise)

v.
1 make brutal by repeated exposure to violence.
2 treat brutally.

- DERIVATIVES brutalization n.

brute

n.
1 a violent or savage person or animal. informal a cruel or insensitive person.
2 an animal as opposed to a human being.
adj.
1 unreasoning and animal-like.
2 merely physical: brute force.
3 harsh or inescapable: brute necessity.

- DERIVATIVES brutish adj. brutishly adv. brutishness n.

- ORIGIN ME (as adj.): from OFr. brut(e), from L. brutus ‘dull, stupid’.

bruxism

//

n. Medicine involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth, typically during sleep.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk brukhein ‘gnash the teeth’ + -ism.

Brylcreem

//

n. trademark a cream used on men's hair to give it a smooth, shiny appearance.

- DERIVATIVES Brylcreemed adj.

bryology

//

n. the study of mosses and liverworts.

- DERIVATIVES bryological adj. bryologist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk bruon ‘moss’ + -logy.

bryony

//

n. (pl. bryonies) a climbing hedgerow plant with red berries.   Bryonia dioica (white bryony) and Tamus communis (black bryony).

- ORIGIN OE, via L. from Gk brunia.

bryophyte

//

n. Botany a small flowerless green plant of the division Bryophyta, which comprises the mosses and liverworts.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Bryophyta, from Gk bruon ‘moss’ + phuta ‘plants’.

bryozoan

// Zoology

n. a sedentary aquatic invertebrate of the phylum Bryozoa, which comprises the moss animals.
adj. relating to the bryozoans.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Bryozoa, from Gk bruon ‘moss’ + zia ‘animals’.

Brythonic

// (also Brittonic)

n. the southern group of Celtic languages, consisting of Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. Compare with Goidelic.
adj. denoting or relating to Brythonic.

- ORIGIN from Welsh Brython ‘Britons’ + -ic.

BS

abbrev.
1 US Bachelor of Science.
2 Bachelor of Surgery.
3 Blessed Sacrament.
4 British Standard(s).
5 N. Amer. vulgar slang bullshit.

BSc

abbrev. Bachelor of Science.

BSE

abbrev. bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a fatal disease of cattle which affects the central nervous system, causing agitation and staggering, and is believed to be related to Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans.

BSI

abbrev. British Standards Institution.

B-side

n. the less important side of a pop single.

BSL

abbrev. British Sign Language.

BST

abbrev.
1 bovine somatotrophin, especially as an additive in cattle feed.
2 British Summer Time.

BT

abbrev. British Telecom.

Bt

abbrev. Baronet.

B2B

abbrev. business-to-business, denoting trade conducted via the Internet between businesses.

B2C

abbrev. business-to-consumer, denoting trade conducted via the Internet between businesses and consumers.

Btu

(also BTU)

abbrev. British thermal unit(s).

BTW

abbrev. by the way.

bub

n. N. Amer. informal a rude or aggressive way of addressing a boy or man.

- ORIGIN C19: from earlier bubby (perh. a child's form of brother), or from Ger. Bube ‘boy’.

bubba

//

n. N. Amer. informal
1 a form of address to a brother.
2 derogatory an uneducated conservative white male of the southern US.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of brother; cf. bub.

bubble

n.
1 a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or another gas. an air- or gas-filled spherical cavity in a liquid or a solidified liquid such as glass.
2 a transparent domed cover or enclosure.
v.
1 (of a liquid) be agitated by rising bubbles of air or gas.
2 (bubble with) be filled with (an irrepressible positive feeling).
3 (bubble up) (of a feeling) intensify to the point of being expressed.

- ORIGIN ME: partly imitative, partly an alt. of burble.

bubble and squeak

n. Brit. a dish of cooked cabbage fried with cooked potatoes.

bubble bath

n. fragrant liquid added to bathwater to make it foam.

bubble car

n. a small car with a transparent domed canopy and typically three wheels.

bubble chamber

n. Physics an apparatus in which the tracks of ionizing particles are visible as a row of bubbles in a liquid.

bubblegum

n.
1 chewing gum that can be blown into bubbles.
2 chiefly N. Amer. simple, catchy pop music aimed particularly at teenagers.

bubblehead

n. informal a foolish person.

bubblejet printer

n. a form of inkjet printer.

bubble pack

n. a small package enclosing goods in transparent dome-shaped plastic on a flat cardboard backing.

bubbler

n. Austral. & US a drinking fountain.

bubble shell

n. a marine mollusc with a thin scroll-like shell.   Bullidae and related families: many species.

bubble wrap

n. (trademark in the US) plastic packaging in sheets containing numerous small air cushions.

bubbly

adj. (bubblier, bubbliest)
1 containing bubbles.
2 cheerful and high-spirited.
n. informal champagne.

bubo

//

n. (pl. buboes) a swollen inflamed lymph node in the armpit or groin.

- DERIVATIVES bubonic // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from Gk boubn ‘groin or swelling in the groin’.

bubonic plague

n. a form of plague transmitted by rat fleas and characterized by fever, delirium, and the formation of buboes.

buccal

//

adj. technical relating to the cheek or mouth.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. bucca ‘cheek’ + -al.

buccaneer

//

n.
1 historical a pirate, originally one preying on ships in the Caribbean.
2 a recklessly adventurous and unscrupulous person.

- DERIVATIVES buccaneering adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. denoting European hunters in the Caribbean): from Fr. boucanier, from boucan ‘a frame on which to cook or cure meat’, from Tupi mukem.

buccinator

//

n. Anatomy a flat, thin muscle in the wall of the cheek.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from buccinare ‘blow a trumpet’.

buchu

//

n.
1 a heather-like South African shrub, cultivated for its essential oil and as an ornamental.   Agathosma betulina and other species.
2 a diuretic drug made from buchu leaves.

- ORIGIN C18: from Khoikhoi.

buck^1

n.
1 the male of some animals, especially deer and antelopes. S. African an antelope (of either sex).
2 a vertical jump performed by a horse, with the head lowered, back arched, and back legs thrown out behind.
3 archaic a fashionable and daring young man.
v.
1 (of a horse) perform a buck.
2 oppose or resist: buck the trend.
3 (buck someone up or buck up) informal make or become more cheerful.
adj. US military slang lowest of a particular rank: a buck private.

- PHRASES
buck up one's ideas become more serious, energetic, and hard-working.

- ORIGIN OE: partly from buc ‘male deer’, of Gmc origin; reinforced by bucca ‘male goat’.

buck^2

n. informal
1 N. Amer. & Austral./NZ a dollar.
2 S. African a rand.
3 Indian a rupee.

- PHRASES
a fast buck easily and quickly earned money.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

buck^3

n. an object placed as a reminder in front of a poker player whose turn it is to deal.

- PHRASES
the buck stops here informal the responsibility for something cannot be passed to someone else.
pass the buck informal shift responsibility to someone else.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

buckaroo

//

n. N. Amer. dated a cowboy.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of vaquero.

buckbean

n. another term for bogbean.

- ORIGIN C16: from Flemish bocks boonen ‘goat's beans’.

buckboard

n. N. Amer. an open horse-drawn carriage with four wheels and seating that is attached to a plank between the front and rear axles.

- ORIGIN C19: from buck ‘body of a cart’ (perh. a var. of obs. bouk ‘belly, body’) + board.

buckeen

//

n. historical a poor but aspiring young man of the lower Anglo-Irish gentry.

bucket

n.
1 a cylindrical open container with a handle, used to carry liquids. a compartment on the outer edge of a waterwheel. the scoop of a dredger or grain elevator, or one attached to the front of a digger or tractor.
2 (buckets) informal large quantities of liquid.
v. (buckets, bucketing, bucketed) informal
1 (bucket down) Brit. rain heavily.
2 (of a vehicle) move quickly and jerkily.

- DERIVATIVES bucketful n. (pl. bucketfuls).

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. buquet ‘tub, pail’, perh. from OE bc ‘belly, pitcher’.

bucketload

n. as much as can be held by a bucket. informal a large amount or number.

bucket seat

n. a vehicle seat with a rounded back to fit one person.

bucket shop

n. informal, derogatory
1 an unauthorized office speculating in stocks or currency using the funds of unwitting investors.
2 Brit. a travel agency providing cheap air tickets.

buckeye

n.
1 an American tree or shrub related to the horse chestnut.   Genus Aesculus: several species. the shiny brown nut of the buckeye.
2 an orange and brown New World butterfly with conspicuous eyespots on the wings.   Junonia coenia.
3 (Buckeye) US informal a native of the state of Ohio.

buckhorn

n. horn of a deer used for knife handles and rifle sights.

buckjump

Austral./NZ

v. (of a horse) jump vertically with its head lowered, back arched, and legs drawn together.
n. an act of buckjumping.

- DERIVATIVES buckjumper n.

buckle

n. a flat rectangular or oval frame with a hinged pin, used for joining the ends of a belt or strap.
v.
1 fasten or decorate with a buckle.
2 bend and give way under pressure.
3 (buckle down) tackle a task with determination.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bocle, from L. buccula ‘cheek strap of a helmet’, from bucca ‘cheek’; sense 2 is from Fr. boucler ‘to bulge’.

buckler

n. historical a small round shield held by a handle or worn on the forearm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. (escu) bocler, lit. ‘(shield) with a boss’, from bocle (see buckle).

Buckley's

n. (in phr. have Buckley's chance) Austral./NZ informal have little or no chance.

- ORIGIN C19: of uncertain origin.

buckling

n. a smoked herring.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger. Bückling ‘bloater’.

buckminsterfullerene

//

n. Chemistry a form of carbon having molecules of 60 atoms arranged in a polyhedron resembling a geodesic sphere. See also fullerene.

- ORIGIN 1980s: named after the American designer and architect Richard Buckminster Fuller.

buck naked

adj. informal, chiefly N. Amer. completely naked.

bucko

n. (pl. buckoes or buckos) informal a young man.

buckra

//

n. (pl. same or buckras) US & W. Indian informal, chiefly derogatory a white man.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ibibio and Efik (m)bakara ‘European, master’.

buckram

//

n. coarse linen or other cloth stiffened with paste, used as interfacing and in bookbinding.

- PHRASES
men in buckram archaic non-existent people. [ORIGIN with allusion to Shakespeare's 1 Henry IV II. iv. 210–50.]

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boquerant, perh. from Bukhoro, a city in Uzbekistan.

Bucks.

abbrev. Buckinghamshire.

Buck's Fizz

n. Brit. champagne or sparkling white wine mixed with orange juice as a cocktail.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from the name Buck's Club, in London.

buckshee

//, //

adj. informal, chiefly Brit. free of charge.

- ORIGIN First World War: alt. of baksheesh.

buckshot

n. coarse lead shot used in shotgun shells.

buckskin

n.
1 the skin of a male deer. (buckskins) clothes or shoes made from buckskin.
2 thick smooth cotton or woollen fabric.
3 N. Amer. a horse of a greyish-yellow colour.

- DERIVATIVES buckskinned adj.

buckthorn

n. a thorny shrub or small tree which bears black berries.   Rhamnus cathartica and other species.

buck tooth

n. an upper tooth that projects over the lower lip.

- DERIVATIVES buck-toothed adj.

buckwheat

n. an Asian plant of the dock family, producing starchy seeds used for fodder or milled into flour.   Fagopyrum esculentum.

- ORIGIN C16: from MDu. boecweite ‘beech wheat’, its grains being shaped like beechmast.

buckyballs

pl. n. Chemistry, informal spherical molecules of a fullerene, especially buckminsterfullerene.

buckytubes

pl. n. Chemistry, informal cylindrical molecules of a fullerene.

bucolic

//

adj. relating to rural or pastoral life.
n. a pastoral poem.

- DERIVATIVES bucolically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk boukolikos, from boukolos ‘herdsman’, from bous ‘ox’.

bud^1

n.
1 a compact knob-like growth on a plant which develops into a leaf, flower, or shoot.
2 Biology an outgrowth from an organism that separates to form a new individual asexually.
3 Zoology a rudimentary leg or other appendage of an animal which has not yet grown, or never will grow, to full size.
v. (buds, budding, budded) Biology form a bud. graft a bud of (a plant) on to another plant.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bud^2

n. N. Amer. informal another term for buddy.

Buddhism

//

n. a widespread Asian religion or philosophy, founded by Siddartha Gautama (Buddha; c.563–c.460 bc) in NE India in the 5th century BC, which teaches that enlightenment may be reached by elimination of earthly desires and of the idea of the self.

- DERIVATIVES Buddhist n. & adj. Buddhistic adj.

budding

adj. beginning and showing signs of promise.

buddle

n. a shallow container in which ore is washed.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

buddleia

//

n. a shrub with clusters of fragrant lilac, white, or yellow flowers.   Buddleia davidii (butterfly bush) and other species.

- ORIGIN mod. L.: named in honour of the English botanist Adam Buddle (died 1715).

buddy

informal, chiefly N. Amer.

n. (pl. buddies) a close friend. a working companion with whom close cooperation is required. a person who befriends and helps an Aids sufferer.
v. (buddies, buddying, buddied) (often buddy up with/to) become friendly with.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. an alt. of brother, or a var. of butty^2.

budge

v.
1 [usu. with neg.] make or cause to make the slightest movement. (budge up or over) informal make room for another person by moving.
2 change or cause to change an opinion.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bouger ‘to stir’, based on L. bullire ‘to boil’.

budgerigar

n. a small gregarious Australian parakeet which is green with a yellow head in the wild, but has been bred in a variety of colours as a pet.   Melopsittacus undulatus.

- ORIGIN C19: of Aborig. origin, perh. an alt. of Kamilaroi gijirrigaa.

budget

n.
1 an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. (Budget) a regular estimate of national revenue and expenditure put forward by a finance minister.
2 the amount of money needed or available for a purpose.
3 archaic a quantity of written or printed material.
v. (budgets, budgeting, budgeted) allow a certain amount in a budget.
adj. inexpensive: budget holidays.

- DERIVATIVES budgetary adj.

- ORIGIN The word budget entered Middle English from Old French in the sense ‘a leather pouch or bag’. In the 18th century the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, in presenting his annual statement, was said to ‘open the budget’, thus giving rise to the modern financial sense. The word itself comes from Old French bougette, meaning ‘small leather bag’, from Latin bulga ‘leather bag’. Bulge, which also derives from bulga, was similarly first used in the sense ‘leather sack or bag’.

budgie

n. (pl. budgies) informal term for budgerigar.

budo

//

n. martial arts. the code on which martial arts are all based.

- ORIGIN Japanese bud, from bu ‘military’ + d ‘way’.

budwood

n. lengths of young branches with buds prepared for grafting on to the rootstock of another plant.

budworm

n. a moth caterpillar that is destructive to buds, especially of spruce and other conifers.

buff^1

n.
1 a yellowish-beige colour.
2 a dull yellow leather with a velvety surface.
3 a cloth or pad used for polishing.
v. polish (something). give (leather) a velvety finish by removing the surface of the grain.
adj. (also buffed) N. Amer. informal in good physical shape; muscular.

- PHRASES
in the buff informal naked.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from Fr. buffle, from Ital. bufalo, from late L. bufalus (see buffalo).

buff^2

n. informal a person who is interested in and very knowledgeable about a particular subject: a computer buff.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from buff^1, orig. applied to fire-watchers, because of the buff uniforms worn by New York firemen.

buffalo

n. (pl. same or buffaloes)
1 a heavily built wild ox with swept-back horns.   Synceros caffer (sub-Saharan Africa) and genus Bubalus (India and SE Asia, four species).
2 the North American bison.
v. (buffaloes, buffaloing, buffaloed) N. Amer. informal overawe; intimidate. baffle.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from Port. bufalo, from late L. bufalus, from earlier bubalus, from Gk boubalos ‘antelope, wild ox’.

buffalo grass

n.
1 a creeping grass of the North American plains.   Buchloe dactyloides.
2 a grass of Australia and New Zealand.   Stenotaphrum secundatum.

Buffalo wings

pl. n. N. Amer. deep-fried chicken wings in a spicy sauce, served with blue-cheese dressing.

buffer^1

n.
1 (buffers) Brit. a pair of shock-absorbing pistons projecting from a cross-beam at the end of a railway track or on a railway vehicle.
2 a person or thing that reduces a shock or forms a barrier between adversaries.
3 (also buffer solution) Chemistry a solution which resists changes in pH when acid or alkali is added to it.
4 Computing a temporary memory area or queue used when creating or editing text, or when transferring data.
v.
1 lessen or moderate the impact of.
2 treat with a chemical buffer.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from obs. buff (v.), imitative of the sound of a blow to a soft body.

buffer^2

n. Brit. informal a foolishly old-fashioned or incompetent elderly man.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from obs. buff (see buffer^1), or from dial. buff ‘stutter, splutter’.

buffer state

n. a small neutral country situated between two larger hostile countries.

buffer stock

n. a reserve of a commodity that can be used to offset price fluctuations.

buffet^1

//, //

n.
1 a meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves.
2 a room or counter in a station, hotel, etc. selling light meals or snacks. (also buffet car) Brit. a railway carriage selling light meals or snacks.
3 also // a piece of dining-room furniture with cupboards and open shelves for crockery.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from OFr. bufet ‘stool’.

buffet^2

//

v. (buffets, buffeting, buffeted) (especially of wind or waves) strike repeatedly and violently.
n.
1 dated a blow.
2 Aeronautics another term for buffeting.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. buffeter (v.), buffet (n.), dimin. of bufe ‘a blow’.

buffet^3

//

n. Scottish & N. English a low stool or hassock.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bufet, of unknown origin.

buffeting

n. Aeronautics irregular oscillation of part of an aircraft, caused by turbulence.

bufflehead

//

n. a small diving duck related to the goldeneye, with a large puffy head.   Bucephala albeola.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘simpleton’): from obs. buffle ‘buffalo’ + head.

buffo

//

n. (pl. buffos) a comic part or actor in Italian opera.
adj. of or typical of Italian comic opera.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., ‘puff of wind, buffoon’.

buffoon

//

n. a ridiculous but amusing person.

- DERIVATIVES buffoonery n. (pl. buffooneries). buffoonish adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bouffon, from Ital. buffone, from med. L. buffo ‘clown’.

bug

n.
1 informal a harmful microorganism. an illness caused by a microorganism.
2 Entomology an insect of a large order having piercing and sucking mouthparts, including aphids, leafhoppers, cicadas, and many other insects.   Order Hemiptera. chiefly N. Amer. any small insect.
3 informal an enthusiasm for something: they caught the sailing bug. a concealed miniature microphone as used for secret recording.
4 an error in a computer program or system.
v. (bugs, bugging, bugged)
1 conceal a miniature microphone in.
2 informal annoy; bother.
3 (bug off) N. Amer. informal go away. (bug out) leave quickly.
4 (bug out) N. Amer. informal bulge outwards.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

bugaboo

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. an object of fear; a bogey.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. of Celtic origin and rel. to Welsh bwci bo ‘bogey, the Devil’, bwci ‘hobgoblin’, and Cornish bucca.

bugbane

n. a tall plant with spikes of cream or yellow flowers and fern-like leaves, formerly used to drive away bedbugs.   Cimifuga foetida and related species.

bugbear

n.
1 a cause of obsessive fear, anxiety, or irritation.
2 archaic an imaginary being invoked to frighten children.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from obs. bug ‘bogey’ (of unknown origin) + bear^2.

bug-eyed

adj. having bulging eyes.

bugger

vulgar slang, chiefly Brit.

n.
1 a contemptible or pitied person. an annoyingly awkward thing.
2 derogatory a person who commits buggery.
v.
1 practise buggery with.
2 cause serious harm or trouble to. (bugger about/around) act stupidly or carelessly.
3 (bugger off) go away.
exclam. (also buggeration) used to express annoyance.

- PHRASES
bugger all nothing.

- ORIGIN The word bugger entered Middle English in the sense ‘heretic’, from Old French bougre. It was used of members of a heretical Christian sect based in Albi in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries (the Albigensians). The word ultimately comes from Latin Bulgarus, meaning ‘Bulgarian’: Bulgarians belonging to the Orthodox Church were regarded as heretical by Roman Catholics. The sexual meaning of the term arose in the 16th century from an association of heresy with forbidden sexual practices.

buggery

n. anal intercourse.

Buggins's turn

n. Brit. informal a system by which appointments or awards are made in rotation rather than by merit.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Buggins, used to represent a typical surname.

buggy^1

n. (pl. buggies)
1 a small motor vehicle with an open top.
2 (also baby buggy) a light collapsible pushchair.
3 historical a light horse-drawn vehicle for one or two people.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

buggy^2

adj. (buggier, buggiest)
1 infested with bugs.
2 N. Amer. informal mad.

bughouse

n. N. Amer. informal a psychiatric hospital.

bugle^1

n. (also bugle-horn) a brass instrument like a small trumpet, traditionally used for military signals.
v. sound a bugle.

- DERIVATIVES bugler n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘wild ox’): via OFr. from L. buculus, dimin. of bos ‘ox’; hence bugle-horn, denoting the horn of an ox used to give signals.

bugle^2

(N. Amer. also bugleweed)

n. a creeping plant with blue flowers on upright stems.   Ajuga reptans and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. bugula.

bugle^3

n. an ornamental tube-shaped bead on clothing.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

bugloss

//

n. a bristly plant of the borage family, with bright blue flowers.   Anchusa arvensis and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. buglosse or L. buglossus, from Gk bouglssos ‘ox-tongued’, from bous ‘ox’ + glssa ‘tongue’.

buhl

//

n. variant spelling of boulle.

build

v. (past and past part. built)
1 construct by putting parts or materials together. (build something in/into) incorporate something as a permanent part of.
2 increase in size or intensity over time. (build on) use as a basis for further development.
n.
1 the proportions of a person's or animal's body.
2 the style or form of construction of something.

- DERIVATIVES builder n.

- ORIGIN OE byldan, from bold, botl ‘dwelling’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bower^1.

building

n.
1 a structure with a roof and walls.
2 the process or trade of building houses and other structures.

building society

n. Brit. a financial organization which pays interest on members' investments and lends capital for mortgages.

build-up

n.
1 a gradual accumulation or increase.
2 a period of excitement and preparation before a significant event.

built

past and past participle of build.
adj. of a specified physical build: a slightly built woman.

built-in

adj. forming an integral part of a structure. inherent; innate.

built-up

adj.
1 (of an area) densely covered by buildings.
2 increased in height by the addition of parts.

bulb

n.
1 a rounded underground storage organ present in lilies and some other plants, consisting of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaf bases and lying dormant over winter.
2 short for light bulb.
3 an expanded or rounded part at the end of something.
4 a hollow container from which air can be expelled by squeezing, used to fill a syringe, pipette, etc.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk bolbos ‘onion, bulbous root’.

bulbil

//

n. Botany a small bulb-like structure, especially in the axil of a leaf, which may fall to form a new plant.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. bulbillus, dimin. of bulbus ‘onion, bulbous root’.

bulbous

adj.
1 round or bulging in shape.
2 (of a plant) growing from a bulb.

bulbul

//

n. a tropical African and Asian songbird, typically with drab plumage.   Family Pycnonotidae: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Pers., of imitative origin.

Bulgar

//

n. a member of a Slavic people who settled in what is now Bulgaria in the 7th century.

- ORIGIN from med. L. Bulgarus, from Old Church Slavonic Blgarin.

Bulgarian

n.
1 a native or national of Bulgaria.
2 the Southern Slavic language spoken in Bulgaria.
adj. relating to Bulgaria, its people, or their language.

bulgar wheat

// (also bulgur wheat)

n. a cereal food made from whole wheat partially boiled then dried.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Turk. bulgur ‘bruised grain’.

bulge

n.
1 a rounded swelling distorting a flat surface.
2 Military a piece of land projecting outwards from an otherwise regular line.
3 informal a temporary increase: a bulge in the birth rate.
v. swell or protrude to an unnatural extent. be full of and distended with.

- DERIVATIVES bulging adj. bulgingly adv. bulgy adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘wallet or bag’): from OFr. boulge, from L. bulga (see budget).

bulimarexia

//, //

n. chiefly US another term for bulimia.

- DERIVATIVES bulimarexic adj. & n.

bulimia

//, // (also bulimia nervosa)

n. an emotional disorder characterized by bouts of overeating, typically alternating with fasting or self-induced vomiting or purging.

- DERIVATIVES bulimic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN ME (as bolisme, later bulimy): mod. L., or from med. L. bolismos, from Gk boulimia ‘ravenous hunger’, from bous ‘ox’ + limos ‘hunger’.

bulk

n.
1 the mass or magnitude of something large. a large mass or shape. [as modifier] large in quantity: a bulk supplier.
2 the greater part: the bulk of the traffic had passed.
3 roughage in food.
4 cargo in an unpackaged mass.
v.
1 treat (a product) so that its quantity appears greater than it is.
2 combine (shares or commodities for sale).

- PHRASES
bulk large be of great size or importance.
in bulk
1 (of goods) in large quantities.
2 (of a cargo or commodity) not packaged.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from ON búlki ‘cargo’; perh. also by alt. of obs. bouk ‘belly, body’.

bulk buying

n. the purchase of goods in large amounts, typically at a discount.

- DERIVATIVES bulk-buy v.

bulk carrier

n. a ship that carries non-liquid cargoes in bulk.

bulkhead

n. a barrier between separate compartments inside a ship, aircraft, etc.

- ORIGIN C15: from ON bálkr ‘partition’ + head.

bulk modulus

n. Physics the relative change in the volume of a body produced by a unit compressive or tensile stress acting uniformly over its surface.

bulky

adj. (bulkier, bulkiest) large and unwieldy.

- DERIVATIVES bulkily adv. bulkiness n.

bull^1

n.
1 an uncastrated male bovine animal.
2 a large male animal, e.g. a whale or elephant.
3 Brit. a bullseye.
4 Stock Exchange a person who buys shares hoping to sell them at a higher price later. Often contrasted with bear^2.
v.
1 informal move powerfully or violently.
2 (be bulling) (of a cow) be on heat.

- PHRASES
like a bull at a gate acting hastily and without thought.
like a bull in a china shop behaving clumsily in a delicate situation.
take the bull by the horns deal decisively with a difficult or unpleasant situation.

- ORIGIN OE bula, from ON boli; cf. bullock.

bull^2

n. a papal edict.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bulle, from L. bulla ‘bubble, rounded object’ (in med. L. ‘seal or sealed document’).

bull^3

n. informal nonsense.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

bulla

//

n. (pl. bullae //)
1 Medicine a large blister or other cavity containing fluid or air.
2 Anatomy a rounded prominence.
3 a round seal attached to a papal bull.

- DERIVATIVES bullate adj. (Botany). bullous adj. (Medicine).

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘bubble’.

bullace

//

n. a thorny shrub with small purple-black fruits, of which the damson is a cultivated form.   Prunus insititia.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. buloce ‘sloe’: of unknown origin.

bull bar

n. a strong metal grille fitted to the front of a motor vehicle to protect against impact damage.

bulldog

n.
1 a dog of a sturdy breed with a powerful protruding lower jaw, a flat wrinkled face, and a broad chest.
2 informal (at Oxford and Cambridge Universities) a proctor's assistant.
v. (bulldogs, bulldogging, bulldogged) N. Amer. wrestle (a steer) to the ground by holding its horns and twisting its neck.

- DERIVATIVES bulldogger n.

bulldog ant

(also bull ant)

n. a large Australian ant with large jaws and a powerful sting.   Genus Myrmecia.

bulldog bond

n. a sterling bond issued on the UK market by a foreign borrower.

bulldog clip

n. Brit. trademark a sprung metal device with two flat plates that close to hold papers together.

bulldoze

v.
1 clear or destroy with a bulldozer.
2 informal intimidate or coerce.

- ORIGIN C19: from bull^1 + -doze, alt. of the noun dose.

bulldozer

n. a powerful tractor with caterpillar tracks and a broad curved blade at the front for clearing ground.

bullet

n.
1 a metal projectile fired from a small firearm, typically cylindrical and pointed.
2 (the bullet) informal dismissal from employment.
3 Printing a small solid circle printed before each in a list of items.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. boulet, boulette ‘small ball’, dimin. of boule, from L. bulla ‘bubble’.

bulletin

n. a short official statement or summary of news. a regular newsletter or report.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. bullettino, dimin. of bulletta ‘passport’, dimin. of bulla ‘seal, bull’.

bulletin board

n.
1 N. Amer. a noticeboard.
2 a computer-based system, typically dedicated to a particular topic, by which users can read or download files supplied by others and add their own files.

bulletproof

adj. able to resist the penetration of bullets.

bullet train

n. a Japanese high-speed passenger train.

bull fiddle

n. informal, chiefly US a double bass.

bullfighting

n. the sport of baiting and killing a bull as a public spectacle.

- DERIVATIVES bullfight n. bullfighter n.

bullfinch

n. a stocky finch with mainly grey and black plumage and a white rump, of which the male has a pink breast.   Pyrrhula pyrrhula and other species.

bullfrog

n. a very large frog with a deep booming croak.   Rana catesbiana (N. America) and other species elsewhere.

bullhead

n.
1 a small, mainly freshwater fish with a broad flattened head and spiny fins.   Cottus gobio (miller's thumb) and other species.
2 an American freshwater catfish.   Ictalurus nebulosus and related species.

bullheaded

adj. determined and obstinate.

- DERIVATIVES bullheadedly adv. bullheadedness n.

bullhorn

n. N. Amer. a megaphone.

bullion

n. gold or silver in bulk before coining, or valued by weight.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., in the sense ‘a mint’, var. of OFr. bouillon, based on L. bullire ‘to boil’.

bullish

adj.
1 aggressively confident and self-assertive.
2 Stock Exchange characterized or influenced by rising share prices.

- DERIVATIVES bullishly adv. bullishness n.

bull market

n. Stock Exchange a market in which share prices are rising.

bull-necked

adj. (of a man) having a thick, strong neck.

- DERIVATIVES bull neck n.

bull-nosed

n. having a rounded edge or end.

- DERIVATIVES bull nose n.

bullock

n. a castrated male bovine animal raised for beef.
v. Austral./NZ informal work very hard.

- ORIGIN OE bulluc, dimin. of bula (see bull^1).

bullocky

n. (pl. bullockies) Austral./NZ informal, historical a bullock driver.

bullpen

n. chiefly N. Amer.
1 an exercise area for baseball pitchers.
2 a large cell in which prisoners are held before a court hearing.

bullring

n. an arena where bullfights are held.

bullrush

n. variant spelling of bulrush.

bullseye

n.
1 the centre of the target in sports such as archery and darts.
2 a large, hard peppermint-flavoured sweet.
3 dated a thick disc of glass forming a small window in a ship or the glass of a lamp.

bullshit

vulgar slang

n. nonsense.
v. (bullshits, bullshitting, bullshitted) talk nonsense in an attempt to deceive.

- DERIVATIVES bullshitter n.

bull snake

n. a large constricting snake of the North American plains.   Pituophis catenifer sayi.

bull terrier

n. a dog that is a cross-breed of bulldog and terrier.

bull trout

n. a North American trout of cold rivers and lakes.   Salvelinus confluentus.

bullwhip

N. Amer.

n. a whip with a long heavy lash.
v. (bullwhips, bullwhipping, bullwhipped) strike with a bullwhip.

bully^1

n. (pl. bullies) a person who deliberately intimidates or persecutes those who are weaker.
v. (bullies, bullying, bullied) intimidate or persecute (someone weaker).

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. as a term of endearment, then a form of address to a male friend): prob. from MDu. boele ‘lover’.

bully^2

adj. informal, chiefly N. Amer. excellent.

- PHRASES
bully for you! (or him etc.) often ironic an expression of admiration or approval.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. meaning ‘admirable, gallant, jolly’): from bully^1.

bully^3

n. (pl. bullies) (also bully-off) the start of play in field hockey, in which two opponents strike each other's sticks three times and then go for the ball.
v. (bullies, bullying, bullied) start play in this way.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bully^4

(also bully beef)

n. informal corned beef.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of bouilli.

bullyrag

(also ballyrag)

v. (bullyrags, bullyragging, bullyragged) N. Amer. informal treat in a scolding or intimidating way.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

bulrush

(also bullrush)

n. a reed mace, clubrush, or similar waterside plant.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from bull^1 meaning ‘large, coarse’.

bulwark

//

n.
1 a defensive wall.
2 an extension of a ship's sides above deck level.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. bolwerk.

bum^1

n. Brit. informal a person's buttocks or anus.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bum^2

informal

n. N. Amer.
1 a vagrant.
2 a lazy or worthless person.
3 a devotee of a particular activity: a ski bum.
v. (bums, bumming, bummed)
1 get by asking or begging.
2 (bum around) chiefly N. Amer. pass one's time idly.
3 (usu. be bummed out) N. Amer. make (someone) feel upset or disappointed.
adj. bad; wrong: not one bum note was played.

- PHRASES
give someone the bum's rush chiefly N. Amer. forcibly eject someone.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from bummer.

bumbag

n. Brit. informal a small pouch for valuables on a belt, worn round the hips.

bum-bailiff

n. historical, derogatory a bailiff who collected debts or arrested debtors.

- ORIGIN C17: from bum^1, so named from the idea of an approach from behind.

bumbershoot

n. US informal an umbrella.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of umbrella + (para)chute.

bumble

v.
1 act or speak in an awkward or confused manner.
2 (of an insect) buzz or hum.

- DERIVATIVES bumbler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from boom^1 + -le^4.

bumblebee

n. a large hairy bee with a loud hum, living in small colonies underground.   Genus Bombus: many species.

bumf

(also bumph)

n. Brit. informal
1 useless or tedious printed information.
2 dated toilet paper.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of sl. bum-fodder.

bumfluff

n. Brit. informal the first beard growth of an adolescent.

bumiputra

//

n. (pl. same or bumiputras) a Malaysian of indigenous Malay origin.

- ORIGIN Malay, lit. ‘son of the soil’.

bummalo

//

n. (pl. same) a small elongated South Asian fish, dried as food.   Harpodon nehereus.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from Marathi bombl.

bummer

n. informal
1 an annoying or disappointing thing.
2 N. Amer. a vagrant or loafer.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Ger. Bummler, from bummeln ‘stroll, loaf about’.

bump

n.
1 a light blow or a jolting collision. Rowing (in races where boats make a spaced start one behind another) the point at which a boat begins to overtake or touch the boat ahead, thereby defeating it.
2 a protuberance on a level surface. dated a lump on a person's skull, formerly thought to indicate a particular mental faculty.
3 Aeronautics a rising air current causing an irregularity in an aircraft's motion.
v.
1 knock or run into with a jolt. (bump into) meet by chance. Rowing gain a bump against.
2 move or travel with much jolting.
3 (bump someone off) informal murder someone.
4 (bump something up) informal make something larger or appear to be larger.
5 refuse (a passenger) a reserved place on a flight because of deliberate overbooking by the airline. N. Amer. displace from a job or position.

- ORIGIN C16 (as v.): imitative, perh. of Scand. origin.

bumper

n.
1 a horizontal bar across the front or back of a motor vehicle to reduce damage in a collision.
2 (also bumper race) Horse Racing a flat race for inexperienced horses intended for future steeplechases.
3 archaic a generous glass of an alcoholic drink.
adj. exceptionally large or successful: a bumper crop.

- PHRASES
bumper-to-bumper very close together.

bumper car

n. a dodgem.

bumph

n. variant spelling of bumf.

bumpkin

n. an unsophisticated country person.

- DERIVATIVES bumpkinish adj.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from Du. boomken ‘little tree’ or MDu. bommekijn ‘little barrel’, denoting a dumpy person.

bump-start

n. & v. another term for push-start.

bumptious

adj. irritatingly self-assertive.

- DERIVATIVES bumptiously adv. bumptiousness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from bump, on the pattern of fractious.

bumpy

adj. (bumpier, bumpiest) (of a surface) uneven. (of movement) involving sudden jolts and jerks.

- DERIVATIVES bumpily adv. bumpiness n.

bum rap

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a false charge leading to imprisonment.

bum-rush

v. US informal force or barge one's way into.

bum steer

n. N. Amer. informal a piece of false information.

bumsters

pl. n. trousers that are cut very low on the hips.

bun

n.
1 a small cake or bread roll.
2 a woman's hairstyle in which the hair is drawn into a tight coil at the back of the head.
3 (buns) N. Amer. informal a person's buttocks.

- PHRASES
have a bun in the oven informal be pregnant.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bunce

n. Brit. informal money or profit gained by someone.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

bunch

n.
1 a number of things growing or fastened together. informal a group of people. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a large amount; a lot.
2 (bunches) Brit. a girl's hairstyle in which the hair is tied back into two clumps.
v. collect, form, or fasten into a bunch.

- PHRASES
bunch of fives Brit. informal a punch.

- DERIVATIVES bunchy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bunch grass

n. a grass that grows in clumps, especially on the North American plains.   Schizachyrium scoparium and other species.

bunco

N. Amer. informal

n. (pl. buncos) a swindle or confidence trick.
v. (buncoes, buncoing, buncoed) dated swindle or cheat.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Sp. banca, a card game.

buncombe

n. variant spelling of bunkum.

bund

n. (in India and Pakistan) an embankment or causeway.

- ORIGIN C19: via Urdu from Pers.

bundle

n.
1 a collection of things or quantity of material tied or wrapped up together. Anatomy a set of nerve, muscle, or other fibres running in parallel close together.
2 informal a large amount of money.
v.
1 tie or roll up in or as if in a bundle.
2 (usu. be bundled up) dress in many warm clothes.
3 informal push or carry forcibly. (of a group) move in a disorganized way.
4 sleep fully clothed with another person, as a former local custom during courtship.

- PHRASES
a bundle of fun (or laughs) informal, often ironic something extremely amusing or pleasant.
drop one's bundle Austral./NZ informal go to pieces.
go a bundle on [usu. with neg.] Brit. informal be very keen on.

- DERIVATIVES bundler n.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. orig. from OE byndelle ‘a binding’, reinforced by Low Ger. and Du. bundel.

bundobust

// (also bandobast //, //)

n. Indian arrangements or organization.

- ORIGIN Urdu, from Pers. band-o-bast ‘tying and binding’.

bundu

//

n. S. African a distant or wilderness region.

- ORIGIN prob. from Shona bundo ‘grasslands’.

bunfight

n. Brit. humorous a grand or official tea party or other function.

bung^1

n. a stopper for a hole in a container.
v. close with a bung. (bung something up) block something up.

- ORIGIN ME: from MDu. bonghe (n.).

bung^2

Brit. informal

v. put or throw (something) somewhere carelessly or casually.
n. a bribe.

- ORIGIN C19: symbolic; the noun sense dates from the 1950s.

bung^3

adj. Austral./NZ informal
1 ruined or useless.
2 dated dead.

- PHRASES
go bung fail completely or die.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. Austral. pidgin): from Yagara (an extinct Aborig. lang.).

bungalow

//

n. a house with only one main storey.

- ORIGIN C17: from Hindi bangl ‘belonging to Bengal’, from a type of cottage built for early European settlers in Bengal.

bungee

//

n. (also bungee cord or rope) a long nylon-cased rubber band used for securing luggage and in the sport of bungee jumping.

- ORIGIN 1930s: of unknown origin.

bungee jumping

n. the sport of leaping from a high place, secured by a bungee around the ankles.

- DERIVATIVES bungee jump n. bungee jumper n.

bunghole

n. a hole through which a cask can be filled or emptied.

bungle

v. carry out (a task) clumsily or incompetently. [as adj. bungling] prone to making mistakes.
n. a mistake or failure.

- DERIVATIVES bungler n.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin; cf. bumble.

bunion

//

n. a painful swelling on the first joint of the big toe.

- ORIGIN C18: ult. from OFr. buignon, from buigne ‘bump on the head’.

bunk^1

n. a narrow shelf-like bed.
v. chiefly N. Amer. sleep in a bunk or improvised bed in shared quarters.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin; perh. rel. to bunker.

bunk^2

v. (bunk off) Brit. informal abscond from school or work.

- PHRASES
do a bunk make a hurried departure.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

bunk^3

n. informal, dated nonsense.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: abbrev. of bunkum.

bunk bed

n. a piece of furniture consisting of two beds, one above the other.

bunker

n.
1 a large container or compartment for storing fuel.
2 a reinforced underground shelter for use in wartime.
3 a hollow filled with sand, used as an obstacle on a golf course.
v.
1 refuel (a ship).
2 Golf hit (the ball) into a bunker.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. Scots, denoting a seat or bench): perh. rel. to bunk^1.

bunkhouse

n. a building with basic sleeping accommodation for workers.

bunkum

(also buncombe)

n. informal, dated nonsense.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Buncombe County in North Carolina, mentioned in a speech made by its congressman solely to please his constituents.

bunk-up

n. informal a helping push or pull up.

bunny

n. (pl. bunnies) informal
1 a child's term for a rabbit.
2 (also bunny girl) a club hostess or waitress wearing a skimpy costume with ears and a tail.
3 Austral. a victim or dupe.

- ORIGIN C17: from dial. bun ‘squirrel, rabbit’.

bunny-hop

v. jump forward in a crouched position.
n. an act of bunny-hopping.

Bunsen burner

n. a small adjustable gas burner used in laboratories.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the German chemist R. Bunsen.

bunt^1

//

v.
1 Baseball (of a batter) gently tap (a pitched ball) without swinging.
2 butt with the head or horns.
n. Baseball an act of bunting a ball.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. rel. to butt^1.

bunt^2

//

n. the baggy centre of a fishing net or a sail.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

bunt^3

//

n. a disease of wheat caused by a smut fungus, the spores of which smell of rotten fish.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

buntal

//

n. the straw from a talipot palm used for making hats.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Tagalog.

bunting^1

n. a seed-eating songbird related to the finches, typically with brown streaked plumage and a boldly marked head.   Emberiza and other genera, family Emberizidae: numerous species.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

bunting^2

n. flags and other colourful festive decorations.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

buntline

//

n. a line for restraining the loose centre of a sail while it is furled.

bunya

// (also bunya bunya //)

n. a tall Australian tree related to the monkey puzzle, bearing large cones containing edible seeds.   Araucaria bidwillii.

- ORIGIN C19: from Wiradhuri (an Aborig. lang.).

bunyip

//

n. Austral.
1 a mythical monster said to inhabit inland waterways.
2 an impostor or pretender.

- ORIGIN from an Aborig. word.

buoy

//

n. an anchored float serving as a navigation mark, to show hazards, or for mooring.
v.
1 (usu. be buoyed up) keep afloat. cause (a price) to rise to or remain high.
2 mark with a buoy.

- DERIVATIVES buoyage n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from MDu. boye, boeie, from a Gmc base meaning ‘signal’.

buoyancy aid

n. a sleeveless jacket lined with buoyant material, worn for water sports.

buoyant

adj.
1 able or tending to keep afloat.
2 cheerful and optimistic.
3 (of an economy or market) engaged in much activity.

- DERIVATIVES buoyancy n. buoyantly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. bouyant or Sp. boyante, boyar ‘to float’.

BUPA

//

abbrev. British United Provident Association, a private health insurance organization.

bupkis

//

n. US informal nothing at all.

- ORIGIN Yiddish, probably from Russ. bobki ‘beans’.

BUR

abbrev. Burma (international vehicle registration).

bur

n. see burr.

burb

n. N. Amer. informal short for suburb.

Burberry

//

n. (pl. Burberries) trademark a lightweight belted raincoat with a distinctive tartan lining.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Burberrys Ltd, the manufacturer.

burble

v.
1 make a continuous murmuring noise.
2 speak unintelligibly and at unnecessary length.
3 (of an airflow) break up into turbulence.
n.
1 continuous murmuring noise.
2 rambling speech.

- DERIVATIVES burbler n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘to bubble’): imitative.

burbot

//

n. an elongated bottom-dwelling fish that is the only freshwater member of the cod family.   Lota lota.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. borbete, prob. from borbe ‘mud’.

burden

n.
1 a heavy load.
2 a cause of hardship, worry, or grief. the main responsibility for a task.
3 a ship's carrying capacity.
4 the main theme of a speech, book, or argument.
5 archaic the refrain or chorus of a song.
v.
1 load heavily.
2 cause worry, hardship, or grief to.

- PHRASES
burden of proof the obligation to prove an assertion.

- DERIVATIVES burdensome adj.

- ORIGIN OE byrthen, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to bear^1.

burdock

//

n. a herbaceous plant of the daisy family, with large leaves and prickly flowers which cling to fur or clothing.   Arctium pubens and other species.

bureau

//

n. (pl. bureaux or bureaus)
1 Brit. a writing desk with drawers and an angled top that opens downwards to form a writing surface. N. Amer. a chest of drawers.
2 an office for transacting particular business. a government department.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., orig. ‘baize’ (often used to cover writing desks).

bureaucracy

//

n. (pl. bureaucracies)
1 a system of government in which most decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
2 excessively complicated administrative procedure.

- DERIVATIVES bureaucratization (or bureaucratisation) n. bureaucratize (or bureaucratise) v.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. bureaucratie, from bureau (see bureau).

bureaucrat

n. a government official perceived as being overly concerned with procedural correctness.

- DERIVATIVES bureaucratic adj. bureaucratically adv.

bureau de change

/ /

n. (pl. bureaux de change pronunc. same) a place where one can exchange foreign money.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘office of exchange’.

burette

// (US also buret)

n. a graduated glass tube with a tap at one end, for delivering known volumes of a liquid.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from buire ‘jug’.

burg

//

n.
1 an ancient or medieval fortress or walled town.
2 N. Amer. informal a town or city.

- ORIGIN C18: from late L. burgus (see burgess); sense 2 is from Ger. Burg ‘castle, city’ (rel. to borough).

burgage

//

n. historical (in England and Scotland) tenure of land in a town held in return for service or annual rent.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. burgagium, from burgus ‘fortified town’, of Gmc origin.

burgee

//

n. a triangular flag flown from the mast of a yacht to indicate the owner's membership of a particular sailing club.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from Fr. bourgeois (see burgess) in the sense ‘owner, master’.

burgeon

//

v. [often as adj. burgeoning] grow or increase rapidly.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bourgeonner ‘put out buds’, from borjon ‘bud’, based on late L. burra ‘wool’.

burger

n. a hamburger.

burgess

n.
1 archaic an inhabitant of a town or borough with full rights of citizenship.
2 Brit. historical a Member of Parliament for a borough, corporate town, or university.
3 (in the US and historically in the UK) a magistrate or member of the governing body of a town.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. burgeis, from late L. burgus ‘castle, fort’ (in med. L. ‘fortified town’); rel. to borough.

burgh

//

n. archaic or Scottish a borough or chartered town.

- DERIVATIVES burghal // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: Scots form of borough.

burgher

//

n.
1 archaic a citizen of a town or city.
2 historical (in southern Africa) a citizen of a Boer Republic.
3 (Burgher) a descendant of a Dutch or Portuguese colonist in Sri Lanka.

- ORIGIN ME: from burgh, reinforced by Du. burger, from burg (see borough).

burghul

//

n. another term for bulgar wheat.

- ORIGIN from Pers.

burglar

n. a person who commits burglary.

- DERIVATIVES burglarious // adj. (archaic).

- ORIGIN C16: from legal Fr. burgler or Anglo-Latin burgulator, burglator; rel. to OFr. burgier ‘pillage’.

burglarize

(or burglarise)

v. North American term for burgle.

burglary

n. (pl. burglaries) illegal entry into a building with intent to commit a crime such as theft.

burgle

v. chiefly Brit. commit burglary in (a building).

- ORIGIN C19: orig. a colloq. back-form. from burglar.

burgomaster

//

n. the mayor of a Dutch, Flemish, German, Austrian, or Swiss town.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du. burgemeester, from burg (see borough) + meester ‘master’.

burgoo

//

n.
1 US a stew or thick soup, typically one served at a picnic.
2 chiefly Nautical a thick porridge.

- ORIGIN from Arab. burgul (see burghul).

burgrave

//

n. historical the governor or hereditary ruler of a German town or castle.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ger. Burggraf, from Burg (see borough) + Graf ‘count, noble’.

Burgundian

//

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Burgundy, a region of east central France.
2 a member of a Germanic people that invaded Gaul and established the kingdom of Burgundy in the 5th century AD.
adj. relating to Burgundy or the Burgundians.

burgundy

n. (pl. burgundies)
1 a red wine from Burgundy in east central France.
2 a deep red colour.

burial

n.
1 the burying of a dead body. a funeral.
2 Archaeology a grave or the remains found in it.

- ORIGIN OE byrgels ‘place of burial, grave’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bury.

burin

//

n.
1 a hand-held steel tool used for engraving.
2 Archaeology a flint tool with a chisel point.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr.

burka

//, // (also burkha or burqa)

n. a long, loose garment covering the whole body, worn in public by some Muslim women.

- ORIGIN from Urdu and Pers. burka, from Arab. burku.

Burkinan

//

n. a native of Burkina, a country in western Africa.
adj. relating to Burkina or its people.

Burkitt's lymphoma

//

n. Medicine cancer of the lymphatic system, caused by the Epstein–Barr virus.

- ORIGIN 1960s: named after the British surgeon Denis P. Burkitt.

burl^1

//

n.
1 a lump in wool or cloth.
2 N. Amer. a rounded knotty growth on a tree.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bourle ‘tuft of wool’, dimin. of bourre ‘coarse wool’, from late L. burra ‘wool’.

burl^2

//

n. Austral./NZ an attempt.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: regional usage of birl.

burlap

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. coarse canvas woven from jute or hemp, used for sacking. a similar, lighter material used in dressmaking and furnishing.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

burlesque

//

n.
1 a comically exaggerated imitation, especially in a literary or dramatic work; a parody.
2 N. Amer. a variety show, typically including striptease.
v. (burlesques, burlesquing, burlesqued) parody or imitate in a comically exaggerated way.

- DERIVATIVES burlesquer n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. burlesco, from burla ‘mockery’.

burly

adj. (burlier, burliest) (of a person) large and strong.

- DERIVATIVES burliness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘dignified, imposing’): prob. from an unrecorded OE word meaning ‘stately, fit for the bower’ (see bower^1, -ly^1).

Burman

n. (pl. Burmans) & adj. another term for Burmese.

bur-marigold

n. a plant of the daisy family, with small yellow flowers and barbed fruit which cling to passing animals.   Bidens frondosa and other species.

Burmese

n. (pl. same)
1 a native or national of Burma (Myanmar) in SE Asia. a member of the largest ethnic group of Burma.
2 the Sino-Tibetan official language of Burma.
3 (also Burmese cat) a cat of a short-coated breed originating in Asia.
adj. relating to Burma, its people, or their language.

burn^1

v. (past and past part. burned or chiefly Brit. burnt)
1 (of a fire) flame or glow while consuming a fuel. use (a fuel) as a source of heat or energy.
2 be or cause to be harmed or destroyed by fire. (of the skin) become red and painful through exposure to the sun. feel hot as a result of illness, injury, or emotion.
3 (be burning with) be entirely possessed by (a desire or emotion).
4 (burn out) become exhausted through overwork.
5 informal drive very fast.
6 (burn someone up) N. Amer. informal make someone very angry.
7 produce (a CD) by copying from an original or master copy.
n.
1 an injury or area of damage caused by burning. a painful sensation in the muscles experienced as a result of sustained exercise.
2 a firing of a rocket engine in flight.
3 N. Amer. & Austral./NZ an act of clearing of vegetation by burning.

- PHRASES
burn one's boats (or bridges) do something which makes turning back impossible.
burn the candle at both ends go to bed late and get up early.
burn a hole in one's pocket (of money) tempt one to spend it quickly or extravagantly.
burn the midnight oil work late into the night.
burn rubber informal drive very fast.

- ORIGIN OE birnan ‘be on fire’ and bærnan ‘consume by fire’, both from the same Gmc base.

burn^2

n. Scottish & N. English a small stream.

- ORIGIN OE burna, burn(e), of Gmc origin.

burner

n.
1 a part of a cooker, lamp, etc. that emits a flame. N. Amer. the heating element of an electric cooker.
2 an apparatus for burning something.

- PHRASES
on the back burner having low priority.

burnet

//

n.
1 a plant of the rose family, with globular pinkish flower heads and leaves composed of many small leaflets.   Genus Sanguisorba: several species.
2 a day-flying moth, typically having greenish-black wings with crimson markings.   Zygaena and other genera.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. brunete, burnete (denoting brown cloth or a plant with brown flowers), dimin. of brun ‘brown’.

burnet rose

n. a small wild rose with white flowers and leaves like those of burnet.   Rosa pimpinellifolia.

burning

adj.
1 very deeply felt: a burning ambition.
2 of urgent interest and importance.

- DERIVATIVES burningly adv.

burning bush

n.
1 a shrub with bright red fruit or autumn foliage.
2 another term for gas plant.

- ORIGIN C19: with biblical allusion to Exod. 3:2.

burning glass

n. a lens for concentrating the sun's rays on an object so as to set fire to it.

burnish

v. [usu. as adj. burnished] polish by rubbing.
n. the shine on a polished surface.

- DERIVATIVES burnisher n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. burniss-, burnir, var. of brunir ‘make brown’, from brun ‘brown’.

burnous

// (US also burnoose)

n. a long, loose hooded cloak worn by Arabs.

- ORIGIN C16: Fr., from Arab. burnus, from Gk birros ‘cloak’.

burnout

n.
1 the reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing.
2 overheating of an electrical device or component.
3 physical or mental collapse.

burnt

chiefly Brit.

past and past participle of burn^1.

burnt ochre

n. a deep yellow-brown pigment made by calcining ochre.

burnt offering

n.
1 a religious sacrifice burnt on an altar.
2 humorous an overcooked or charred item of food.

burnt sienna

n. see sienna.

burnt umber

n. see umber.

bur oak

n. a North American oak with large fringed acorn cups and wood formerly used in shipbuilding.   Quercus macrocarpa.

burp

informal

v. belch. make (a baby) belch after feeding.
n. a belch.

- ORIGIN 1930s: imitative.

burpee

//

n. a squat thrust made from and ending in a standing position.

- ORIGIN 1930s (orig. in Burpee test, a test of agility in which a series of burpees were executed rapidly): named after the American psychologist Royal H. Burpee.

burp gun

n. US informal a lightweight sub-machine gun.

burqa

n. variant spelling of burka.

burr

n.
1 a whirring sound. a rough pronunciation of the letter r, as in some regional accents.
2 (also bur) a rough edge left on a metal object by the action of a tool.
3 (also bur) a small drill used in woodworking, dentistry, or surgery.
4 a siliceous rock used for millstones. a whetstone.
5 (also bur) a prickly seed case or flower head that clings to clothing and animal fur.
6 (also bur) [as modifier] denoting wood containing a pattern of dense swirls in the grain.
7 the coronet of a deer's antler.
v.
1 make a whirring sound. speak with a burr.
2 form a rough edge on (metal).

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin; the accent sense is prob. imitative.

burra

//

adj. Indian big or important.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bar ‘great, greatest’.

Burra Din

/ /

n. Indian Christmas.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bar ‘great’ and din ‘day’.

burrawang

// (also burrawong)

n.
1 an Australian cycad with palm-like leaves and a sunken underground trunk.   Macrozamia spiralis.
2 the poisonous nut of the burrawang, which becomes edible after prolonged soaking.

- ORIGIN C19: from Dharuk.

bur-reed

n. an aquatic reed-like plant with rounded flower heads and oily seeds.   Genus Sparganium.

burrito

//

n. (pl. burritos) a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla rolled round a filling of minced beef or beans.

- ORIGIN Latin Amer. Sp., dimin. of Sp. burro, lit. ‘donkey’.

burro

//

n. (pl. burros) chiefly US a small donkey used as a pack animal.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp.

burrow

n. a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal as a dwelling.
v.
1 make a burrow. dig into or through something solid.
2 hide underneath or delve into something.

- DERIVATIVES burrower n.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of borough.

bursa

//

n. (pl. bursae // or bursas) Anatomy a fluid-filled sac or cavity, especially one countering friction at a joint.

- DERIVATIVES bursal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L., ‘bag, purse’.

bursar

n.
1 chiefly Brit. a person who manages the financial affairs of a college or school.
2 Scottish a student holding a bursary.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. boursier or med. L. bursarius, from bursa (see bursa).

bursary

//

n. (pl. bursaries) chiefly Brit.
1 a grant, especially one awarded to a student.
2 a bursar's room.

- DERIVATIVES bursarial // adj. bursarship n.

burse

//

n. a flat, square fabric-covered case in which a corporal cloth is carried to and from a church altar.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. bourse or med. L. bursa (see bourse, bursa).

bursitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of a bursa, typically in a shoulder joint.

burst

v. (past and past part. burst)
1 break or cause to break suddenly and violently apart.
2 be very full: the wardrobe was bursting with clothes. (be bursting with) feel (an irrepressible emotion or impulse).
3 move or be opened suddenly and forcibly. suddenly begin doing or producing something: an aircraft crashed and burst into flames.
4 separate (stationery) into single sheets.
n.
1 an instance or the result of bursting.
2 a sudden brief outbreak of something violent or noisy.
3 a period of continuous effort.

- PHRASES
burst someone's bubble shatter someone's illusions.

- ORIGIN OE berstan, of Gmc origin.

burster

n. Astronomy a cosmic source of powerful short-lived bursts of X-rays or other radiation.

bursty

adj. informal or technical occurring in bursts.

burthen

n. archaic form of burden.

- DERIVATIVES burthensome adj.

burton^1

n. (in phr. go for a burton) Brit. informal be ruined, destroyed, or killed.

- ORIGIN Second World War (orig. RAF sl.): perh. referring to Burton ale, from Burton-upon-Trent.

burton^2

(also burton-tackle)

n. historical a light two-block tackle for hoisting.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of ME Breton tackle, a naut. term in the same sense (see Breton).

Burundian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Burundi, a country in central Africa.
adj. relating to Burundi or its people.

bury

v. (buries, burying, buried)
1 put or hide underground. place (a dead body) in the earth or a tomb.
2 cover completely. cause to disappear or become unnoticeable.
3 (bury oneself) involve oneself deeply in something.

- PHRASES
bury one's head in the sand ignore unpleasant realities.

- ORIGIN OE byrgan, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to borrow and borough.

Buryat

//

n. (pl. same or Buryats)
1 a member of a people living in southern Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China.
2 the language of the Buryat, related to Mongolian.

burying beetle

n. a black beetle which buries small animal carcasses to provide food for its larvae.   Nicrophorus and other genera.

bus

n. (pl. buses; US also busses)
1 a large motor vehicle carrying paying passengers on a fixed route.
2 Computing a distinct set of conductors within a computer system, to which pieces of equipment may be connected in parallel.
v. (busses, bussing, bussed or buses, busing, bused)
1 transport or travel in a bus. US transport (a child of one ethnic group) to a school where another is predominant.
2 N. Amer. clear (dirty crockery) in a restaurant or cafeteria.

- DERIVATIVES busload n.

- ORIGIN C19: shortening of omnibus.

busbar

//

n. a system of electrical conductors in a generating or receiving station into which power is fed for distribution.

busboy

//

n. N. Amer. a man who clears tables in a restaurant or cafe.

busby

//

n. (pl. busbies) a tall fur hat with a cloth flap hanging down on the right-hand side, worn by certain regiments of hussars and artillerymen. popular term for bearskin (the cap).

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a bushy wig): of unknown origin.

bush^1

n.
1 a shrub or clump of shrubs with stems of moderate length.
2 (the bush) (in Australia and Africa) wild or uncultivated country. the vegetation of such a district. [as modifier] chiefly S. African uncivilized; primitive.
3 vulgar slang a woman's pubic hair.
4 historical a bunch of ivy as a vintner's sign.
v. spread out into a thick clump.

- PHRASES
go bush Austral./NZ informal run wild.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bos, bosc, vars of bois ‘wood’, reinforced by ON buski, of Gmc origin.

bush^2

n. Brit.
1 a metal lining for a round hole, especially one in which an axle revolves.
2 a sleeve that protects an electric cable where it passes through a panel.

- ORIGIN C15: from MDu. busse.

bushbaby

n. (pl. bushbabies) a small nocturnal tree-dwelling African primate with very large eyes.   Genus Galago: several species.

bushbuck

n. a small antelope having a reddish-brown coat with white markings, found in southern Africa.   Tragelaphus scriptus.

- ORIGIN C19: from bush^1 + buck^1, influenced by Du. bosbok.

bushcraft

n. skill at living in the bush.

bush cricket

n. a mainly carnivorous insect related to the grasshoppers, with very long antennae.   Family Tettigoniidae: many species.

bushed

adj. informal
1 exhausted.
2 Austral./NZ lost in the bush. flummoxed or bewildered.
3 Canadian psychologically disturbed on account of isolation.

bushel

// (abbrev.: bu.)

n.
1 Brit. a measure of capacity equal to 8 gallons (equivalent to 36.4 litres).
2 US a measure of capacity equal to 64 US pints (equivalent to 35.2 litres).

- DERIVATIVES bushelful n. (pl. bushelfuls).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boissel, perh. of Gaulish origin.

bush fire

n. a fire in scrub or a forest.

bushido

//, //

n. the code of honour and morals of the Japanese samurai.

- ORIGIN Japanese bushid, from bushi ‘samurai’ + d ‘way’.

bushing

n. another term for bush^2.

bush jacket

n. a safari jacket.

bush lawyer

n. Austral./NZ informal a person claiming legal or other knowledge without the qualifications to do so.

bush league

N. Amer.

n. a minor league of a sport, especially baseball.
adj. (bush-league) informal second-rate.

- DERIVATIVES bush-leaguer n.

Bushman

n. (pl. Bushmen)
1 a member of any of several aboriginal peoples of southern Africa, especially of the Kalahari Desert.
2 old-fashioned term for San (the languages of the Bushmen).
3 (bushman) a person who lives or travels in the Australian bush.

bushmaster

n. a very large American pit viper.   Lachesis muta.

bush pig

n. a wild pig native to the forests and savannahs of Africa and Madagascar.   Potamochoerus porcus.

bushranger

n.
1 US a person living far from civilization.
2 Austral./NZ historical an outlaw living in the bush.

bush sickness

n. a deficiency disease of animals caused by a lack of cobalt in the soil.

bush telegraph

n. a rapid informal network by which information or gossip is spread.

Bushveld

//, //

n. (the Bushveld) a region in the hot, dry north-east of South Africa and adjoining countries.

bushwa

//

n. N. Amer. informal nonsense.

- ORIGIN 1920s: appar. a euphemism for bullshit.

bushwalking

n. chiefly Austral./NZ hiking or backpacking.

- DERIVATIVES bushwalker n.

bushwhack

v.
1 [often as noun bushwhacking] N. Amer. & Austral./NZ live or travel in the bush. work clearing scrub and felling trees.
2 N. Amer. engage in guerrilla warfare. ambush (someone).

- DERIVATIVES bushwhacker n.

bushwhacked

adj. informal exhausted.

bushy^1

adj. (bushier, bushiest)
1 growing thickly.
2 covered with bush or bushes.

- DERIVATIVES bushily adv. bushiness n.

bushy^2

(also bushie)

n. (pl. bushies) Austral./NZ informal a person who lives in the bush.

business

n.
1 a person's regular occupation or trade. work to be done or matters to be attended to.
2 a person's concern.
3 commercial activity. a commercial organization.
4 informal a matter: the business of trying to find her mother.
5 Theatre actions other than dialogue in a play.
6 (the business) Brit. informal an excellent person or thing.

- PHRASES
in business informal able to begin something.
in the business of engaged in or prepared to engage in.
like nobody's business informal extraordinarily.
send someone about their business dated tell someone to go away.

- ORIGIN OE bisignis ‘anxiety’ (see busy, -ness); sense 2 dates from ME and is the root of current senses.

business card

n. a small card printed with one's name, occupation, and business address.

business end

n. informal the functional part of a tool or device.

businesslike

adj. efficient and practical.

businessman

(or businesswoman)

n. (pl. businessmen or businesswomen) a person who works in commerce, especially at executive level.

business park

n. an area composed of company offices and light industrial premises.

business studies

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of economics and management.

busk^1

v.
1 play music in the street for voluntary donations.
2 (busk it) informal improvise.

- DERIVATIVES busker n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the naut. sense ‘cruise about’): from obs. Fr. busquer ‘seek’.

busk^2

n. historical a stiffening strip for a corset.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. busc, from Ital. busco ‘splinter’.

buskin

n. historical a calf-high or knee-high boot. a thick-soled laced boot worn by an ancient Athenian tragic actor to gain height. (the buskin) the style or spirit of tragic drama.

- DERIVATIVES buskined adj.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from OFr. bouzequin, var. of brousequin, from MDu. broseken.

busman

n. (pl. busmen) a bus driver.

- PHRASES
a busman's holiday leisure time spent doing the same thing that one does at work.

buss

archaic or N. Amer. informal

n. a kiss.
v. kiss.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of ME bass (n. and v.), prob. from Fr. baiser, from L. basiare.

bus stop

n. a regular stopping place on a bus route.

bust^1

n.
1 a woman's breasts.
2 a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. buste, from Ital. busto, from L. bustum ‘tomb, sepulchral monument’.

bust^2

informal

v. (past and past part. busted or bust)
1 break, split, or burst. (bust up) (of a group or couple) separate.
2 chiefly N. Amer. strike violently.
3 chiefly N. Amer. raid or search (premises). arrest.
4 chiefly US demote (a soldier).
n.
1 a period of economic difficulty or depression.
2 a police raid.
3 a worthless thing.
4 chiefly N. Amer. a violent blow.
adj.
1 damaged or broken.
2 bankrupt: firms will go bust.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. US): var. of burst.

bustard

//

n. a large, heavily built, swift-running bird of open country.   Family Otididae: several species.

- ORIGIN C15: perh. an Anglo-Norman Fr. blend of OFr. bistarde and oustarde, both from L. avis tarda ‘slow bird’.

bustee

//

n. Indian a slum or shanty town.

- ORIGIN from Hindi bast ‘dwelling’.

buster

n. informal
1 chiefly N. Amer. a mildly disrespectful form of address to a man or boy.
2 a person or thing that stops a specified thing: a crime-buster.
3 an impressive person or thing.

bustier

//, //

n. a woman's close-fitting sleeveless top, usually without straps.

- ORIGIN Fr., from buste (see bust^1).

bustle^1

v. move in an energetic and busy manner. [often as adj. bustling] (of a place) be full of activity.
n. excited activity and movement.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. a var. of obs. buskle, frequentative of busk ‘prepare’, from ON.

bustle^2

n. historical a pad or frame worn under a skirt to puff it out behind.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

bustline

n. the measurement round a woman's body at the bust.

bust-up

n. informal a serious quarrel or fight.

busty

adj. (bustier, bustiest) informal (of a woman) having large breasts.

- DERIVATIVES bustiness n.

busway

n. a road or section of a road set apart exclusively for buses, typically one with tracks or grooves for guiding them.

busy

adj. (busier, busiest)
1 having a great deal to do. (of a place) full of activity or people.
2 (of a person) presently occupied; engaged. chiefly N. Amer. (of a telephone line) engaged.
3 excessively detailed or decorated.
v. (busies, busying, busied) (busy oneself) keep occupied.
n. (also bizzy) (pl. busies or bizzies) Brit. informal a police officer.

- DERIVATIVES busily adv. busyness n.

- ORIGIN OE bisgian (v.), bisig (n.).

busy bee

n. informal an industrious person.

busybody

n. (pl. busybodies) a meddling or prying person.

busy Lizzie

n. (pl. busy Lizzies) Brit. an East African plant with abundant red, pink, or white flowers, grown as a house plant.   Impatiens walleriana.

busywork

n. chiefly N. Amer. work that keeps a person busy but has little value in itself.

but^1

conj.
1 used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has come before or with what is expected.
2 [with neg. or in questions] other than; otherwise than.
3 [with neg.] archaic without it being the case that.
prep. except; apart from.
adv.
1 only.
2 Austral./NZ & Scottish informal though; however: he was a nice bloke but.
n. an objection: no ifs and buts.

- PHRASES
but for except for. if it were not for.

- ORIGIN OE be-tan, btan, bta ‘outside, without, except’ (see by, out).

but^2

n. Scottish an outer room, especially in a two-roomed cottage.

- PHRASES
but and ben see ben^2.

- ORIGIN C18: from but^1 in the early sense ‘outside’.

butadiene

//

n. Chemistry a gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon, used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber.   C_4H_6.

butane

//

n. Chemistry a flammable hydrocarbon gas of the alkane series, present in petroleum and natural gas and used as a fuel.   C_4H_10.

- ORIGIN C19: from butyl + -ane^2.

butanoate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of butanoic acid.

butanoic acid

//

n. systematic chemical name for butyric acid.

butch

informal

adj. aggressively or ostentatiously masculine in appearance or behaviour.
n. a mannish lesbian.

- ORIGIN 1940s: perh. an abbrev. of butcher.

butcher

n. a person whose trade is cutting up and selling meat in a shop. a person who slaughters and cuts up animals for food. a person who kills brutally.
v.
1 slaughter or cut up (an animal) for food. kill (someone) brutally.
2 ruin deliberately or through incompetence.

- PHRASES
have (or take) a butcher's Brit. informal have a look. [ORIGIN butcher's from butcher's hook, rhyming sl. for a ‘look’.]

- DERIVATIVES butchery n. (pl. butcheries).

- ORIGIN ME: from an Anglo-Norman Fr. var. of OFr. bochier, from boc ‘he-goat’, prob. of the same ultimate origin as buck^1.

butcher-bird

n.
1 a shrike, so called from its habit of impaling prey on thorns.
2 a crow-like predacious Australasian songbird, with a heavy hook-tipped bill.   Genus Cracticus: several species.

butcher's broom

n. a low evergreen shrub, with flat shoots that give the appearance of stiff spine-tipped leaves.   Ruscus aculeatus.

butcher's meat

(also butcher meat)

n. Brit. fresh uncured meat excluding game and poultry.

Buteyko

//

adj. of or denoting a technique of controlled breathing claimed to alleviate asthma.

- ORIGIN 1990s: named after the Russian physiologist Konstantin Buteyko.

butler

n. the chief manservant of a house.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bouteillier ‘cup-bearer’, from bouteille ‘bottle’.

butt^1

v.
1 hit with the head or horns.
2 (butt in) interrupt or intrude on a conversation or activity. (butt out) N. Amer. informal stop interfering.
n. a rough push with the head.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. boter, of Gmc origin.

butt^2

n.
1 an object of criticism or ridicule.
2 an archery or shooting target or range. a mound on or in front of which a target is set up for archery or shooting. a grouse-shooter's stand.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. but, of unknown origin.

butt^3

n.
1 (also butt end) the thicker end of something, especially a tool or a weapon. the square end of a plank or plate meeting the end or side of another.
2 (also butt end) the stub of a cigar or a cigarette.
3 N. Amer. informal a person's bottom.
4 the trunk of a tree, especially the part just above the ground.
v. meet end to end: the shop butted up against the row of houses. join (pieces of stone, timber, etc.) with the ends or sides flat against each other.

- PHRASES
butt naked informal completely naked.

- ORIGIN ME: the noun appar. rel. to Du. bot ‘stumpy’, also to buttock; the verb partly from butt^2, reinforced by abut.

butt^4

n.
1 a cask used for wine, ale, or water.
2 US a liquid measure equal to 126 US gallons (equivalent to 477.5 litres).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bot, from late L. buttis.

butte

//

n. N. Amer. or technical an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., ‘mound’, from OFr. but (cf. butt^2).

butter

n. a pale yellow edible fatty substance made by churning cream and used as a spread or in cooking.
v.
1 spread with butter.
2 (butter someone up) informal flatter someone.

- PHRASES
look as if butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth informal appear innocent while being the opposite.

- ORIGIN OE butere, of W. Gmc origin, based on L. butyrum, from Gk bouturon.

butter-and-eggs

n. any of a number of plants having two shades of yellow in the flower, especially toadflax.

butterball

n. N. Amer.
1 a plump bird, especially a turkey or bufflehead.
2 informal, derogatory a fat person.

butter bean

n. a lima bean, especially one of a variety with large flat white seeds.

butterbur

//

n. a waterside plant with pale purple flowers and large soft leaves formerly used to wrap butter.   Petasites hybridus and related species.

buttercream

n. a mixture of butter and icing sugar used as a filling or topping for a cake.

buttercup

n. a herbaceous plant with bright yellow cup-shaped flowers, common in grassland and as a garden weed.   Genus Ranunculus: many species.

butterfat

n. the natural fat contained in milk and dairy products.

butterfingers

n. (pl. same) informal a clumsy person, especially one who fails to hold a catch.

- DERIVATIVES butterfingered adj.

butterfish

n. (pl. same or butterfishes) any of various fishes with oily flesh or slippery skin, especially the gunnel.

butterfly

n. (pl. butterflies)
1 any of a large group of nectar-feeding lepidopterous insects with two pairs of large, typically colourful wings, distinguished from moths by having clubbed or dilated antennae, holding their wings erect when at rest, and being active by day.
2 [as modifier] having a two-lobed shape resembling the spread wings of a butterfly: a butterfly clip.
3 a showy or frivolous person: a social butterfly.
4 (butterflies) informal a fluttering and nauseous sensation felt in the stomach when one is nervous.
5 a stroke in swimming in which both arms are raised out of the water and lifted forwards together.
v. (butterflies, butterflying, butterflied) split (a piece of meat) almost in two and spread it out flat.

- ORIGIN OE: perh. from the cream or yellow colour of common species, or from a former belief that the insects stole butter.

butterfly bush

n. a buddleia cultivated for its large spikes of fragrant purplish-lilac or white flowers.   Buddleia davidii.

butterfly effect

n. (with reference to chaos theory) the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from the notion that a butterfly fluttering in Rio de Janeiro could change the weather in Chicago.

butterfly fish

n.
1 a brightly coloured reef-dwelling fish popular in marine aquaria.   Chaetodon and related genera.
2 a predatory marine fish with long venomous spines.   Genus Pterois.
3 a West African freshwater fish with large pectoral fins used in leaping out of the water.   Pantodon buchholzi.

butterfly knife

n. a long, broad knife used in pairs in some forms of kung fu.

butterfly nut

n. another term for wing nut.

butterfly valve

n. a valve consisting of a rotating circular plate or a pair of hinged semicircular plates, mounted inside a pipe.

butterhead lettuce

n. a class of lettuce varieties having soft leaves that grow in a loose head and are said to have the flavour of butter.

butter icing

n. another term for buttercream.

buttermilk

n.
1 the slightly sour liquid left after butter has been churned, used in baking or consumed as a drink.
2 a pale yellow colour.

butter muslin

n. Brit. loosely woven cotton cloth, formerly used for wrapping butter.

butternut

n.
1 a North American walnut tree cultivated as an ornamental and also for its quality wood.   Juglans cinerea.
2 the edible oily nut of the butternut tree.

butternut squash

n. a winter squash of a pear-shaped variety with light yellowish-brown rind and orange flesh.

butterscotch

n. a brittle yellow-brown sweet made with butter and brown sugar.

butterwort

//

n. a carnivorous bog plant with violet flowers and leaves that trap and digest small insects.   Genus Pinguicula: several species.

- ORIGIN C16: named from the plant's supposed ability to keep cows in milk.

buttery^1

adj. containing, tasting like, or covered with butter.

- DERIVATIVES butteriness n.

buttery^2

n. (pl. butteries) Brit. a room in a college where food is kept and sold to students.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. boterie ‘butt-store’, from OFr. bot (see butt^4).

buttie

n. (pl. butties) variant spelling of butty^1.

buttle

v. humorous work as a butler.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from butler.

buttock

n. either of the two round fleshy parts of the human body that form the bottom.

- ORIGIN OE buttuc, prob. from the base of butt^3 + -ock.

button

n.
1 a small disc or knob sewn on to a garment, either to fasten it by being pushed through a buttonhole or for decoration.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a decorative badge pinned to clothing.
3 a knob on a piece of electrical or electronic equipment which is pressed to operate it.
4 Fencing a knob fitted to the point of a foil to make it harmless.
v.
1 fasten or be fastened with buttons.
2 (button it) informal stop talking.
3 (button something up) informal complete something satisfactorily.

- PHRASES
button one's lip informal stop or refrain from talking.
on the button informal, chiefly N. Amer. precisely.
push (or press) someone's buttons informal provoke a reaction in someone.

- DERIVATIVES -buttoned adj. buttonless adj. buttony adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. bouton, of Gmc origin and rel. to butt^1.

button-back

n. [as modifier] denoting a chair or sofa with a quilted back, the stitching being hidden by buttons.

button chrysanthemum

n. a variety of chrysanthemum with small spherical flowers.

button-down

adj.
1 (of a shirt collar) having points which are buttoned to the garment.
2 (also buttoned down or buttoned up) N. Amer. informal (of a person) conservative or inhibited.

buttonhole

n.
1 a slit made in a garment to receive a button for fastening.
2 Brit. a flower or spray worn in a lapel buttonhole.
v.
1 informal accost and detain (a reluctant person) in conversation.
2 make buttonholes in.

- DERIVATIVES buttonholer n.

buttonhole stitch

n. a looped stitch used for edging buttonholes or pieces of material.

buttonhook

n. a small hook with a long handle for fastening tight buttons (often formerly on buttoned boots).

button mushroom

n. a young unopened mushroom.

button-quail

n. a small quail-like bird related to the rails.   Genus Turnix: several species.

Buttons

n. Brit. informal a nickname for a liveried pageboy, especially in a pantomime.

- ORIGIN C19: from the rows of buttons on his jacket.

button-through

adj. Brit. (of clothing) fastened with buttons from top to bottom.

buttonwood

n.
1 N. Amer. a plane tree.
2 a tropical American mangrove, used in the production of tanbark and charcoal.   Conocarpus erectus and Laguncularia racemosa.

buttress

//

n.
1 a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall.
2 a projecting portion of a hill or mountain.
v. support with buttresses. support or strengthen: authority was buttressed by religious belief.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. (ars) bouterez ‘thrusting (arch)’, from boter (see butt^1).

butty^1

(also buttie)

n. (pl. butties) informal, chiefly N. English a sandwich.

- ORIGIN C19: from butter + -y^2.

butty^2

n. (pl. butties) Brit.
1 informal (among miners) a friend or workmate.
2 historical a middleman negotiating between the miners and mine owner.
3 (also butty boat) an unpowered freight barge intended to be towed.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from booty^1 in the phr. play booty ‘join in sharing plunder’.

butut

//

n. (pl. same or bututs) a monetary unit of Gambia, equal to one hundredth of a dalasi.

- ORIGIN a local word.

butyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting an alkyl radical –C_4H_9, derived from butane: butyl acetate.

- ORIGIN C19: from butyric acid + -yl.

butyl rubber

n. a synthetic rubber made by polymerizing isobutylene and isoprene.

butyrate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of butyric acid.

butyric acid

//

n. Chemistry a syrupy liquid organic acid present in rancid butter and in arnica oil; butanoic acid.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. butyrum (see butter) + -ic.

buxom

//

adj. (of a woman) full-figured with large breasts.

- DERIVATIVES buxomness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘compliant’, later ‘lively and good-tempered’, influenced by the assoc. of plumpness with an easy-going nature): from the stem of OE bgan ‘to bend’ (see bow^2) + -some^1.

buy

v. (buys, buying; past and past part. bought)
1 obtain in exchange for payment. (buy someone out) pay someone to give up an ownership, interest, or share. (buy oneself out) obtain one's release from the armed services by payment. (buy something in) withdraw something at auction because it fails to reach the reserve price.
2 get by sacrifice or great effort.
3 informal accept the truth of.
n. informal a purchase.

- PHRASES
buy the farm N. Amer. informal die.
buy it informal be killed.
buy time delay an event temporarily so as to have longer to improve one's own position.

- ORIGIN OE bycgan, of Gmc origin.

buy-back

n. the buying back of goods by the original seller, especially a form of borrowing in which shares are sold with an agreement to repurchase them later.

buyer

n. a person who buys. a person employed to select and purchase stock for a business.

- PHRASES
buyer's (or buyers') market an economic situation in which goods or shares are plentiful and buyers can keep prices down.

buy-in

n.
1 a purchase of shares by a broker after a seller has failed to deliver similar shares.
2 a purchase of shares in a company by managers who are not employed by it.
3 the buying back by a company of its own shares.

buyout

n. the purchase of a controlling share in a company, especially by its own managers.

buzz

n.
1 a low, continuous humming or murmuring sound, made by or similar to that made by an insect. the sound of a buzzer or telephone. informal a telephone call.
2 an atmosphere of excitement and activity. informal a thrill.
3 informal a rumour.
v.
1 make a low, continuous humming sound. signal with a buzzer.
2 move quickly. (buzz off) informal go away. informal (of an aircraft) fly very close to (something) at high speed.
3 (often be buzzing with) have an air of excitement or purposeful activity.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative.

buzzard

//

n.
1 a large hawklike bird of prey with broad wings and a rounded tail, typically seen soaring in wide circles.   Buteo buteo and other species.
2 N. Amer. a vulture.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. busard, based on L. buteo ‘falcon’.

buzz bomb

n. informal term for flying bomb.

buzz cut

n. a very short haircut in which the hair is clipped close to the head.

buzzer

n. an electrical device that makes a buzzing noise to attract attention.

buzz saw

n. North American term for circular saw.

buzzword

n. informal a technical word or phrase that has become fashionable.

buzzy

adj. (buzzier, buzziest) informal (of a place or atmosphere) lively and exciting.

BVM

abbrev. Blessed Virgin Mary.

b/w

abbrev. black and white (printing, film, photographs, or television pictures).

bwana

//

n. (in East Africa) a boss or master (often used as a title or form of address).

- ORIGIN from Kiswahili.

BWR

abbrev. boiling-water reactor.

by

prep.
1 through the agency or means of. indicating how something happens.
2 indicating a quantity or amount, or the size of a margin. identifying a parameter. expressing multiplication, especially in dimensions.
3 indicating the end of a time period.
4 near to; beside. past and beyond.
5 during.
6 according to.
7 used in mild oaths: by God!
adv. so as to go past.
n. (pl. byes) variant spelling of bye^1.

- PHRASES
by and by before long.
by the by (or bye) incidentally.
by and large on the whole. [ORIGIN orig. in naut. use, describing the handling of a ship both to the wind and off it.]
by oneself
1 alone.
2 unaided.
by way of see way.

- ORIGIN OE b, bi, be, of Gmc origin.

by-

(also bye-)

prefix subordinate; incidental; secondary: by-election.

by-blow

n. Brit. dated a man's illegitimate child.

by-catch

n. the unwanted fish and other marine creatures trapped by commercial fishing nets during fishing for a different species.

bye^1

n.
1 the transfer of a competitor directly to the next round of a competition in the absence of an assigned opponent.
2 Cricket a run scored from a ball that passes the batsman without being hit (recorded as an extra).
3 Golf one or more holes remaining unplayed after a match has been decided.

- PHRASES
by the bye variant spelling of by the by (see by).

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting an incidental matter): from by.

bye^2

exclam. informal goodbye.

bye-

prefix variant spelling of by-.

bye-bye

exclam. informal goodbye.

- ORIGIN C18: child's reduplication.

bye-byes

n. a child's word for sleep.

- ORIGIN C19: from the sound bye-bye, long used as a refrain in lullabies.

by-election

n. Brit. the election of an MP in a single constituency to fill a vacancy arising during a government's term of office.

byeline

n. variant spelling of byline (in sense 2).

Byelorussian

//

adj. & n. variant spelling of Belorussian.

by-form

n. a secondary form of a word.

bygone

adj. belonging to an earlier time.

- PHRASES
let bygones be bygones forget past differences or offences and be reconciled.

by-law

(also bye-law)

n.
1 Brit. a regulation made by a local authority or corporation.
2 a rule made by a company or society to control the actions of its members.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from obs. byrlaw ‘local law or custom’, from ON býjar, genitive sing. of býr ‘town’, but assoc. with by.

byline

n.
1 a line in a newspaper naming the writer of an article.
2 (also byeline) (chiefly in soccer) the part of the goal line to either side of the goal.

byname

n. a nickname.

BYOB

abbrev. bring your own bottle (used on party invitations).

bypass

n.
1 a road passing round a town to provide an alternative route for through traffic.
2 a secondary channel, pipe, or connection to allow a flow when the main one is closed or blocked.
3 a surgical operation to make an alternative passage to aid the circulation of blood.
v. go past or round. provide (a town) with a bypass.

byplay

n. subsidiary action in a play or film.

by-product

n.
1 an incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture of something else.
2 an unintended but inevitable secondary result.

byre

n. Brit. a cowshed.

- ORIGIN OE bre; perh. rel. to bower^1.

byroad

n. a minor road.

Byronic

//

adj. characteristic of Lord Byron (1788–1824) or his poetry. (of a man) alluringly dark, mysterious, and moody.

byssinosis

//

n. a lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of textile fibre dust.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. byssinus ‘made of byssus’ + -osis.

byssus

//

n. (pl. byssuses or byssi //)
1 historical a fine textile fibre and fabric of flax.
2 Zoology a tuft of tough silky filaments by which mussels and some other bivalves adhere to rocks and other objects.

- DERIVATIVES byssal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from Gk bussos, of Semitic origin.

bystander

n. a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.

byte

//

n. Computing a group of binary digits or bits (usually eight) operated on as a unit. such a group as a unit of memory size.

- ORIGIN 1960s: an arbitrary formation based on bit^4 and bite.

by-the-wind sailor

n. a surface-dwelling colonial marine coelenterate of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, with a disc-like float bearing a sail.  Velella velella. Velella velella. ">

byway

n.
1 a minor road or path.
2 a little-known area of knowledge.

byword

n.
1 a person or thing cited as a notable example or embodiment of something.
2 a word or expression summarizing a thing's characteristics or a person's principles.

Byzantine

//, //

adj.
1 relating to Byzantium (later called Constantinople, now Istanbul), the Byzantine Empire, or the Eastern Orthodox Church. of a rich and highly decorated artistic and architectural style which developed in the Byzantine Empire and spread to Italy, Russia, and elsewhere.
2 excessively complicated and detailed. characterized by deviousness or underhand methods.
n. a citizen of Byzantium or the Byzantine Empire.

- DERIVATIVES Byzantinism //, // n. Byzantinist n.

C^1

(also c)

n. (pl. Cs or C's)
1 the third letter of the alphabet.
2 denoting the third in a set of items, categories, sizes, etc.
3 Music the first note of the diatonic scale of C major, the major scale having no sharps or flats.
4 the Roman numeral for 100. [ORIGIN abbrev. of L. centum ‘hundred’.]
5 (C) a computer programming language originally developed for implementing the Unix operating system. [ORIGIN formerly known as B, abbrev. of BCPL.]

C^2

abbrev.
1 (C.) Cape (chiefly on maps).
2 cargo (in designations of US aircraft types): a C-130.
3 Celsius or centigrade.
4 (in names of sports clubs) City.
5 (C.) Brit. Command Paper (second series, 1870–99).
6 (in Britain) Conservative.
7 (©) copyright.
8 Physics coulomb(s).
9 Cuba (international vehicle registration).
symb.
1 Physics capacitance.
2 the chemical element carbon.

- PHRASES
the Big C informal cancer.

c

abbrev.
1 Cricket caught by.
2 cent(s).
3 centi-: cSt (centistokes).
4 (c.) century or centuries.
5 (preceding a date or amount) circa.
6 colt.
symb. Physics the speed of light in a vacuum: E = mc^2.

c/-

abbrev. Austral./NZ care of (used chiefly in addresses on envelopes).

CA

abbrev.
1 California (in official postal use).
2 Scottish & Canadian chartered accountant.

Ca

symb. the chemical element calcium.

ca

abbrev. (preceding a date or amount) circa.

CAA

abbrev. (in the UK) Civil Aviation Authority.

caatinga

//

n. (in Brazil) vegetation in semi-arid country consisting of thorny shrubs and stunted trees.

- ORIGIN via Port. from Tupi, from caá ‘natural vegetation’ + tinga ‘white’.

CAB

abbrev.
1 Citizens' Advice Bureau.
2 US Civil Aeronautics Board.

cab^1

n.
1 (also taxi cab) a taxi.
2 the driver's compartment in a truck, bus, or train.
3 historical a horse-drawn vehicle for public hire.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of cabriolet.

cab^2

n. informal a cabinet containing a speaker or speakers for a guitar amplifier.

cabal

//

n. a secret political clique or faction. archaic a secret intrigue.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting the Kabbalah): from Fr. cabale, from med. L. cabala (see Kabbalah).

Cabala

n. variant spelling of Kabbalah.

cabaletta

//

n. (pl. cabalettas or cabalette) a simple aria with a repetitive rhythm. the uniformly quick final section of an aria.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital., var. of coboletta ‘short stanza’.

caballero

//

n. (pl. caballeros)
1 a Spanish gentleman.
2 US (in the south-western states) a horseman.

- ORIGIN C19: Sp., ‘gentleman, horseman’, based on L. caballus ‘horse’; cf. cavalier, chevalier.

cabana

//

n. N. Amer. a hut, cabin, or shelter at a beach or swimming pool.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. cabaña.

cabaret

//, //

n. entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eat or drink at tables. a nightclub or restaurant where cabaret is performed.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a French inn): from OFr., lit. ‘wooden structure’.

cabbage

n.
1 a cultivated plant eaten as a vegetable, having thick green or purple leaves surrounding a spherical heart or head of young leaves.   Brassica oleracea.
2 Brit. offensive a person whose physical or mental activity is impaired or destroyed as a result of injury or illness.

- DERIVATIVES cabbagy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dial. caboche ‘head’, var. of OFr. caboce.

cabbage lettuce

n. a lettuce of a variety which has broad, rounded leaves forming a globular head close to the ground.

cabbage palm

n.
1 a Caribbean palm with edible buds that resemble a cabbage.   Roystonea oleraceae.
2 an evergreen plant of warm regions, resembling a cabbage and cultivated as a greenhouse or house plant.   Genus Cordyline.

cabbage roll

n. N. Amer. a boiled cabbage leaf formed into a roll with a stuffing of rice and minced meat and baked.

cabbage rose

n. a kind of rose with a large, round, compact double flower.

cabbage tree

n. a cabbage palm, especially a New Zealand tree grown for its sugary sap or for ornament.   Cordyline australis.

cabbage white

n. a white butterfly whose caterpillars are pests of cabbages and related plants (see white).

Cabbala

n. variant spelling of Kabbalah.

cabbalistic

//

adj. relating to or associated with mystical interpretation or esoteric doctrine. See also Kabbalah.

- DERIVATIVES cabbalism n. cabbalist n.

- ORIGIN var. of Kabbalistic: see Kabbalah.

cabby

(also cabbie)

n. (pl. cabbies) informal a taxi driver.

caber

//

n. a roughly trimmed tree trunk used in the Scottish Highland sport of tossing the caber.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sc. Gaelic cabar ‘pole’.

Cabernet Franc

/ /

n. a variety of black wine grape grown chiefly in parts of the Loire Valley and NE Italy. a red wine made from this grape.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

Cabernet Sauvignon

/ /

n. a variety of black wine grape originally from the Bordeaux area of France. a red wine made from this grape.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

cabildo

//

n. (pl. cabildos) (in Spanish-speaking countries) a town council or local government council. a town hall.

- ORIGIN Sp., from late L. capitulum ‘chapter house’.

cabin

n.
1 a private room or compartment on a ship.
2 the passenger compartment in an aircraft.
3 a small wooden shelter or house.
v. (cabins, cabining, cabined) [often as adj. cabined] dated confine in a small place.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cabane, from Provençal cabana, from late L. capanna, cavanna.

cabin boy

n. chiefly historical a boy employed to wait on a ship's officers or passengers.

cabin class

n. the intermediate class of accommodation on a passenger ship.

cabin crew

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] the members of an aircraft crew who attend to passengers or cargo.

cabin cruiser

n. a motorboat with living accommodation.

cabinet

n.
1 a cupboard with drawers or shelves for storing or displaying articles. a wooden box, container, or piece of furniture housing a radio, television set, or speaker.
2 (also Cabinet) (in the UK, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries) the committee of senior ministers responsible for controlling government policy. (in the US) a body of advisers to the President, composed of the heads of the executive departments of the government.

- DERIVATIVES cabinetry n.

- ORIGIN C16: from cabin + -et^1, influenced by Fr. cabinet; sense 2 derives from the obs. sense ‘a small private room’.

cabinetmaker

n. a skilled joiner who makes furniture or similar high-quality woodwork.

- DERIVATIVES cabinetmaking n.

cabinet pudding

n. Brit. a steamed suet pudding containing dried fruit.

cabin fever

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. lassitude and irritability resulting from long confinement indoors during the winter.

cable

n.
1 a thick rope of wire or hemp, typically used for construction, mooring ships, and towing vehicles. the chain of a ship's anchor. (also cable moulding) Architecture a moulding resembling twisted rope.
2 an insulated wire or wires having a protective casing and used for transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals.
3 a cablegram.
4 Nautical a length of 200 yards (182.9 m) or (in the US) 240 yards (219.4 m).
v.
1 dated send a cablegram to.
2 provide (an area) with power lines or other equipment necessary for cable television.

- ORIGIN ME: from an Anglo-Norman Fr. var. of OFr. chable, from late L. capulum ‘halter’.

cable car

n.
1 a transport system, typically one on a mountainside, in which cabins are suspended on a continuous moving cable driven by a motor at one end of the route.
2 a carriage on a cable railway.

cablegram

n. historical a telegraph message sent by cable.

cable-knit

adj. (of a garment) knitted using cable stitch.

cable-laid

adj. (of rope) made of three triple strands.

cable railway

n. a railway along which carriages are drawn by a continuous cable.

cable release

n. Photography a cable attached to the shutter release of a camera, allowing the photographer to open the shutter without touching the camera.

cable-stayed bridge

n. a bridge in which the weight of the deck is supported by a number of cables running directly to one or more towers.

cable stitch

n. a combination of knitted stitches resembling twisted rope.

cable television

n. a system in which television programmes are transmitted to subscribers' sets by cable.

cableway

n. a transport system in which goods are carried suspended from a continuous moving cable.

cabochon

//

n. a gem polished but not faceted.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., dimin. of caboche ‘head’.

caboclo

//

n. (pl. caboclos) (in Brazil) an American Indian. a Brazilian of mixed white and Indian or Indian and black ancestry.

- ORIGIN Brazilian Port., perh. from Tupi Kaa-boc ‘person having copper-coloured skin’.

caboodle

n. (in phr. the whole caboodle or the whole kit and caboodle) informal the whole number or quantity of people or things in question.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): perh. from the phr. kit and boodle, in the same sense.

caboose

n.
1 N. Amer. a railway wagon with accommodation for the train crew, typically attached to the end of the train.
2 archaic a kitchen on a ship's deck.

- ORIGIN C18: from Du. kabuis, kombuis.

cabotage

//, //

n.
1 the right to operate sea, air, or other transport services within a particular territory.
2 restriction of the operation of transport services within or into a particular country to that country's own transport services.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from caboter ‘sail along a coast’.

cabriole

//

n. Ballet a jump in which one leg is extended into the air, the other is brought up to meet it, and the dancer lands on the second foot.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘light leap’, from cabrioler (earlier caprioler), from Ital. capriolare (see capriole).

cabriole leg

n. a kind of curved leg characteristic of Chippendale and Queen Anne furniture.

- ORIGIN C18: so named from the resemblance to the front leg of a leaping animal (see cabriole).

cabriolet

//

n.
1 a car with a roof that folds down.
2 a light two-wheeled carriage with a hood, drawn by one horse.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from cabriole (see cabriole); so named because of the carriage's motion.

ca'canny

//

n. Brit. dated a policy of deliberately limiting output at work.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. Scots in the sense ‘proceed warily’): from ca' (var. of the verb call) and canny.

cacao

//, //

n. (pl. cacaos)
1 bean-like seeds from which cocoa, cocoa butter, and chocolate are made.
2 the small tropical American evergreen tree that bears cacao seeds, which are contained in large oval pods growing on the trunk.   Theobroma cacao.

- ORIGIN C16: via Sp. from Nahuatl cacaua.

cacciatore

//, // (also cacciatora //)

adj. [postpos.] prepared in a spicy tomato sauce with mushrooms and herbs: chicken cacciatore.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘hunter’ (because of the use of ingredients that a hunter might have to hand).

cachaca

//

n. a Brazilian white rum made from sugar cane.

- ORIGIN Brazilian Port., from Port. cacaça ‘(white) rum’.

cachalot

//

n. old-fashioned term for sperm whale.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Sp. and Port. cachalote, from cachola ‘big head’.

cache

//

n.
1 a hidden store of things.
2 Computing an auxiliary memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible.
v. (caches, cacheing or caching, cached) store in a cache.

- DERIVATIVES cacheable adj. cacheless adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from cacher ‘to hide’.

cachectic

//

adj. Medicine relating to or having the symptoms of cachexia.

cachepot

//, //

n. (pl. pronounced same) an ornamental holder for a flowerpot.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cache-pot, from cacher ‘to hide’ + pot ‘pot’.

cache-sexe

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) a covering for a person's genitals, typically worn by erotic dancers or tribal peoples.

- ORIGIN Fr., from cacher ‘to hide’ and sexe ‘genitals’.

cachet

//

n.
1 prestige.
2 a distinguishing mark or seal.
3 a flat capsule enclosing a dose of unpleasant-tasting medicine.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from cacher in the sense ‘to press’.

cachexia

//

n. Medicine weakness and wasting of the body due to severe chronic illness.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk kakhexia, from kakos ‘bad’ + hexis ‘habit’.

cachinnate

//

v. literary laugh loudly.

- DERIVATIVES cachinnation n.

- ORIGIN C19 (earlier (C17) as cachinnation): from L. cachinnat-, cachinnare ‘laugh loudly’.

cachou

//, //

n. (pl. cachous) dated a pleasant-smelling lozenge sucked to mask bad breath.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘catechu’): from Fr., from Port. cachu, from Malay kacu.

cachucha

//

n. a lively Spanish solo dance in triple time, performed with castanet accompaniment.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

cacique

//

n.
1 (in Latin America or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean) a native chief.
2 (in Spain or Latin America) a local political boss.
3 a gregarious tropical American bird that has black plumage with patches of red or yellow.   Genus Cacicus.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. or Fr., from Taino.

cack

n. Brit. informal excrement.

- ORIGIN OE (as cac- in cachs ‘privy’); based on L. cacare ‘defecate’.

cack-handed

adj. Brit. informal
1 inept; clumsy.
2 derogatory left-handed.

- DERIVATIVES cack-handedly adv. cack-handedness n.

cackle

v.
1 (of a hen or goose) give a raucous clucking cry. laugh in a loud, harsh way.
2 talk inconsequentially and at length.
n. a cackling sound.

- PHRASES
cut the cackle informal stop talking aimlessly and come to the point.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from Mid. Low Ger. kkelen, partly imitative, reinforced by kke ‘jaw, cheek’.

cacodemon

//

n. a malevolent spirit or person.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk kakodaimn, from kakos ‘bad’ + daimn ‘spirit’.

cacodyl

//, //

n. Chemistry a malodorous, toxic, spontaneously flammable liquid organic compound containing arsenic.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kakds ‘stinking’ (from kakos ‘bad’) + -yl.

cacodylate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of cacodylic acid.

cacodylic acid

//, //

n. Chemistry a toxic crystalline acid containing arsenic, used as a herbicide.

cacoethes

//

n. rare an urge to do something inadvisable.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk kakothes ‘ill-disposed’.

cacomistle

//

n. a nocturnal raccoon-like animal with a dark-ringed tail, found in North and Central America.   Genus Bassariscus: two species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Latin Amer. Sp. cacomixtle, from Nahuatl tlacomiztli.

cacophony

//

n. (pl. cacophonies) a harsh discordant mixture of sounds.

- DERIVATIVES cacophonous adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cacophonie, from Gk kakophnia, from kakophnos ‘ill-sounding’.

cactus

n. (pl. cacti // or cactuses) a succulent plant of a large family native to arid regions of the New World, with a thick fleshy stem which typically bears spines, lacks leaves, and has brilliantly coloured flowers.   Family Cactaceae.

- DERIVATIVES cactaceous adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘cardoon’): from L., from Gk kaktos ‘cardoon’.

cacuminal

//

adj. Phonetics another term for retroflex.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cacuminare ‘make pointed’ + -al.

CAD

abbrev. computer-aided design.

cad

n. dated or humorous a man who behaves dishonourably, especially towards a woman.

- DERIVATIVES caddish adj. caddishly adv. caddishness n.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a passenger picked up by the driver of a horse-drawn coach for personal profit): abbrev. of caddie or cadet.

cadastral

//

adj. (of a map or survey) showing the extent, value, and ownership of land, especially for taxation.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from cadastre ‘register of property’.

cadaver

//, //

n. Medicine or literary a corpse.

- DERIVATIVES cadaveric adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from cadere ‘to fall’.

cadaverous

adj. resembling a corpse in being very pale, thin, or bony.

- DERIVATIVES cadaverously adv. cadaverousness n.

CADCAM

abbrev. computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacture.

caddie

(also caddy)

n. (pl. caddies) a person who carries a golfer's clubs and provides other assistance during a match.
v. (caddies, caddying, caddied) work as a caddie.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. Scots, denoting a gentleman who joined the army without a commission, later coming to mean ‘odd-job man’): from Fr. cadet.

caddis

// (also caddis fly)

n. a small moth-like insect of an order having aquatic larvae that build protective cases of sticks, stones, etc.   Order Trichoptera.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

caddis worm

n. the soft-bodied aquatic larva of a caddis fly, used as fishing bait.

Caddoan

//

n.
1 a member of a group of American Indian peoples formerly inhabiting the Midwest.
2 the family of languages spoken by the Caddoans, which includes Pawnee, now all virtually extinct.
adj. relating to the Caddoans or their languages.

- ORIGIN from Caddo (a Caddoan lang.) kaduhdacu, denoting a band belonging to this group, + -an.

caddy^1

n. (pl. caddies) a small storage container.

- ORIGIN C18: from earlier catty, denoting a unit of weight of 1^1/3 lb (0.61 kg), from Malay kati.

caddy^2

n. & v. variant spelling of caddie.

cadence

//

n.
1 a modulation or inflection of the voice.
2 Music a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase.
3 rhythm.

- DERIVATIVES cadenced adj.

- ORIGIN Cadence entered Middle English from Italian cadenza, in the sense ‘the rhythm and flow of music or verse’. With its connotations of sweet music, it is an unlikely relative of the word cadaver. However, both come ultimately from the same Latin verb, cadere, meaning ‘to fall’: the shared notion is that of the voice or a note ‘falling’ and of the body ‘fallen’ in death. Several other words, similarly wide-ranging in meaning, also have their origin in cadere, including accident, cadenza, case^1, chance, chute, and decay.

cadency

n. chiefly Heraldry the status of a younger branch of a family.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘rhythm or metrical beat’): based on L. cadent-, cadere ‘to fall’; the current sense is appar. by assoc. with cadet.

cadential

adj. Music relating to a cadenza or cadence.

cadenza

//

n. Music a virtuoso solo passage inserted into a movement in a concerto or other work, typically near the end.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital. (see cadence).

cadet

n.
1 a young trainee in the armed services or police. a secondary school pupil who undergoes voluntary training in the armed services.
2 formal or archaic a younger son or daughter. a junior branch of a family.

- DERIVATIVES cadetship n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Gascon dial. capdet, a dimin. based on L. caput ‘head’.

cadge

v. informal, chiefly Brit. ask for or obtain (something to which one is not strictly entitled).
n. Falconry a padded wooden frame on which hooded hawks are carried to the field.

- PHRASES
on the cadge informal seeking to obtain something without paying for it.

- DERIVATIVES cadger n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the dial. sense ‘carry about’): back-form. from the noun cadger, which denoted an itinerant dealer; the noun is appar. an alt. of cage, perh. confused with the dial. verb cadge ‘carry about’.

cadi

//, // (also kadi)

n. (pl. cadis) (in Islamic countries) a judge.

- ORIGIN C16: from Arab. kd, from kad ‘to judge’.

cadmium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 48, a silvery-white metal resembling zinc. (Symbol: Cd)

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cadmia ‘calamine’, so named because it is found with calamine in zinc ore.

cadmium yellow

n. a bright yellow pigment containing cadmium sulphide.

cadre

//, //, //

n.
1 a small group of people trained for a particular purpose or profession.
2 also // a group of activists in a communist or other revolutionary organization.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Ital. quadro, from L. quadrus ‘square’.

caduceus

//

n. (pl. caducei //) an ancient Greek or Roman herald's wand, typically one with two serpents twined round it, carried by the messenger god Hermes or Mercury.

- ORIGIN L., from Doric Gk karukeion, from Gk krux ‘herald’.

caducity

//

n. literary frailty or transitory nature. the infirmity of old age; senility.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. caducité, from L. caducus (see caducous).

caducous

//

adj. chiefly Botany (of an organ or part) easily detached and shed at an early stage.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘epileptic’): from L. caducus ‘liable to fall’ (from cadere ‘to fall’) + -ous.

CAE

abbrev. computer-aided engineering.

caecilian

// (also coecilian)

n. Zoology a burrowing worm-like amphibian of a tropical order distinguished by poorly developed eyes and the lack of limbs.   Order Gymnophiona: many species.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Caecilia (genus name), from L. caecilia ‘slow-worm’, + -an.

caecum

// (US cecum)

n. (pl. caeca) Anatomy a pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines.

- DERIVATIVES caecal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. (intestinum) caecum ‘blind (gut)’, translation of Gk tuphlon enteron.

Caerns.

abbrev. Caernarfonshire.

Caerphilly

//, //, //

n. a kind of mild white cheese, originally made in Caerphilly in Wales.

Caesar

//

n.
1 a title of Roman emperors, especially those from Augustus to Hadrian.
2 Brit. informal a Caesarean section.

- PHRASES
Caesar's wife a person required to be above suspicion. [ORIGIN with ref. to Plutarch's Caesar (X. 6) ‘I thought my wife ought not even to be under suspicion’.]

- ORIGIN ME: from L. Caesar, family name of the Roman statesman Gaius Julius Caesar.

Caesarean

// (also Caesarian)

adj.
1 (US also Cesarean) of or effected by Caesarean section.
2 of or connected with Julius Caesar or the Caesars.
n. a Caesarean section.

Caesarean section

n. a surgical operation for delivering a child by cutting through the wall of the mother's abdomen.

- ORIGIN C17: from the story that Julius Caesar was delivered by this method.

Caesar salad

n. a salad consisting of cos lettuce and croutons served with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, raw egg, and Worcester sauce.

- ORIGIN named after Caesar Cardini, the Mexican restaurateur who invented it.

caesium

// (US cesium)

n. the chemical element of atomic number 55, a soft, silvery, rare, extremely reactive metal of the alkali metal group. (Symbol: Cs)

- ORIGIN C19: from L. caesius ‘greyish-blue’ (because it has characteristic lines in the blue part of the spectrum).

caesium clock

n. an atomic clock that uses the vibrations of caesium atoms as a time standard.

caesura

//

n. (in Greek and Latin verse) a break between words within a metrical foot. (in modern verse) a pause near the middle of a line.

- DERIVATIVES caesural adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from caes-, caedere ‘cut, hew’.

CAF

abbrev. N. Amer. cost and freight.

cafard

//

n. melancholia.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

cafe

//, // (also café)

n.
1 a small restaurant selling light meals and drinks.
2 N. Amer. a bar or nightclub.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. café ‘coffee or coffee house’.

cafe au lait

/ /, //

n.
1 coffee with milk.
2 a light brown colour.

- ORIGIN from Fr. café au lait.

cafe curtain

n. a curtain covering the lower half of a window.

cafe noir

/ /, //

n. black coffee.

- ORIGIN from Fr. café noir.

cafe society

n. the regular patrons of fashionable restaurants and nightclubs.

cafeteria

n. a self-service restaurant.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): from Latin Amer. Sp. cafetería ‘coffee shop’.

cafetière

//

n. a coffee pot containing a plunger with which the grounds are pushed to the bottom before the coffee is poured.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from café ‘coffee’.

caff

n. Brit. informal a cafe.

caffeine

//

n. a crystalline compound of the alkaloid type which is found in tea and coffee plants and is a stimulant of the central nervous system.

- DERIVATIVES caffeinated adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. caféine, from café ‘coffee’.

caffè latte

/ /, //

n. see latte.

caffè macchiato

/ /

n. see macchiato.

caftan

n. variant spelling of kaftan.

cage

n.
1 a structure of bars or wires in which birds or other animals are confined.
2 a structure of crossing bars or wires designed to hold or support something. an open framework forming the compartment in a lift. Baseball a portable mesh backstop used for batting practice.
v. confine in or as in a cage.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. cavea.

cage bird

n. a bird of a kind customarily kept in a cage.

cagey

(also cagy)

adj. (cagier, cagiest) informal uncommunicative owing to caution or suspicion.

- DERIVATIVES cagily adv. caginess (also cageyness) n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent. (orig. US): of unknown origin.

cagoule

// (also kagoul)

n. Brit. a lightweight, hooded, thigh-length waterproof jacket.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Fr., lit. ‘cowl’.

cahoots

//

pl. n. (in phr. in cahoots) informal colluding or conspiring together secretly.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): of unknown origin.

CAI

abbrev. computer-assisted (or -aided) instruction.

caiman

// (also cayman)

n. a semiaquatic tropical American reptile similar to an alligator, with a heavily armoured belly.   Caiman sclerops (spectacled caiman) and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. caimán, Port. caimão, from Carib acayuman.

Cain

n. (in phr. raise Cain) informal create trouble or a commotion.

- ORIGIN from the name of Cain, eldest son of Adam and Eve and murderer of his brother Abel (Genesis 4).

Cainozoic

//

adj. variant spelling of Cenozoic.

caipirinha

//

n. a Brazilian cocktail made with cachaca, lime or lemon juice, sugar, and crushed ice.

- ORIGIN Brazilian Port., from caipira ‘yokel’.

caique

//, //

n.
1 a light rowing boat used on the Bosporus.
2 a small eastern Mediterranean sailing ship.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. caïque, from Ital. caicco, from Turk. kayk.

Cairene

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Cairo.
adj. relating to Cairo or its inhabitants.

cairn

n.
1 a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark. a prehistoric burial mound made of stones.
2 (also cairn terrier) a small terrier of a breed with short legs, a longish body, and a shaggy coat.

- ORIGIN ME: from Sc. Gaelic carn.

cairngorm

//

n. another term for smoky quartz.

- ORIGIN C18: named after the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland.

caisson

//, //

n.
1 a large watertight chamber in which underwater construction work may be carried out.
2 a vessel or watertight structure used as a gate across the entrance of a dry dock or basin.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘large chest’, from Ital. cassone, the spelling alt. in Fr. by assoc. with caisse ‘case’.

caisson disease

n. another term for decompression sickness.

caitiff

//

n. archaic a contemptible or cowardly person.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a captive or prisoner): from OFr. caitif ‘captive’, based on L. captivus (see captive).

cajole

//

v. persuade (someone) to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.

- DERIVATIVES cajolement n. cajolery n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cajoler.

Cajun

//

n. a member of any of the communities in the bayou areas of southern Louisiana formed by descendants of French Canadians, speaking an archaic form of French.
adj. relating to the Cajuns, especially with reference to their folk music or cuisine.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of Acadian.

cajuput

// (also cajeput)

n.
1 an aromatic medicinal oil resembling eucalyptus oil, obtained from an Australasian tree with papery bark.
2 the tree from which cajuput oil is obtained.   Melaleuca cajuputi.

- ORIGIN C18: from Malay kayu putih, lit. ‘white tree’.

cake

n.
1 an item of soft sweet food made from baking a mixture of flour, fat, eggs, sugar, etc.
2 an item of savoury food formed into a flat round shape, and baked or fried. a flattish compact mass of something: a cake of soap.
3 the amount of money or assets regarded as available for sharing: a fair slice of the education cake.
v. (of a thick or sticky substance) cover and become encrusted on.

- PHRASES
cakes and ale dated merrymaking.
a piece of cake informal something easily achieved.
sell like hot cakes informal be sold quickly and in large quantities.
take the cake see take the biscuit at biscuit.

- DERIVATIVES cakey adj. (informal).

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a small flat bread roll): of Scand. origin.

cake flour

n. North American term for plain flour.

cakehole

n. Brit. informal a person's mouth.

cakewalk

n.
1 informal a very easy task.
2 a strutting dance popular in the 19th century, developed from an American black contest in graceful walking which had a cake as a prize.
v.
1 informal achieve something easily.
2 do a cakewalk.

CAL

abbrev. computer-assisted (or -aided) learning.

Cal

abbrev. large calorie(s).

Cal.

abbrev. California.

cal

abbrev. small calorie(s).

Calabar bean

n. the poisonous seed of a tropical West African climbing plant (Physostigma venosum).

- ORIGIN C19: named after Calabar in Nigeria.

calabash

//

n.
1 (also calabash tree) an evergreen tropical American tree which bears fruit in the form of large woody gourds.   Crescentia cujete.
2 a water container, tobacco pipe, or other object made from the dried shell of a gourd.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. calebasse, from Sp. calabaza, perh. from Pers. karbuz ‘melon’.

calabaza

//

n. West Indian and US term for calabash.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp.

calaboose

//

n. US informal a prison.

- ORIGIN C18: from black Fr. calabouse, from Sp. calabozo ‘dungeon’.

calabrese

//, //, //

n. a bright green dense-headed variety of broccoli.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Ital., lit. ‘of or from Calabria’, a region of SW Italy.

calamanco

//

n. (pl. calamancoes) historical a glossy woollen cloth chequered on one side only.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

calamander

//

n. another term for coromandel.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sinhalese kalu-madriya, perh. from Coromandel ebony (see coromandel), changed by assoc. with Sinhalese kalu ‘black’.

calamari

// (also calamares //)

pl. n. squid served as food.

- ORIGIN Ital., pl. of calamaro, from med. L. calamarium ‘pen case’, from Gk kalamos ‘pen’ (with ref. to the squid's long tapering internal shell and its ink).

calamine

//

n. a pink powder consisting of zinc carbonate and ferric oxide, used to make a soothing lotion or ointment.

- ORIGIN ME (referring to zinc ore): via OFr. from med. L. calamina, alt. of L. cadmia, from Gk kadmeia (g) ‘Cadmean (earth)’, from Kadmos ‘Cadmus’, the name of the legendary founder of Thebes.

calamint

//

n. an aromatic herbaceous plant or shrub with blue or lilac flowers.   Genus Calamintha.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. calament, from med. L. calamentum, from late L. calaminthe, from Gk kalaminth.

calamity

n. (pl. calamities) an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.

- DERIVATIVES calamitous adj. calamitously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. calamite, from L. calamitas.

calamus

//

n. (pl. calami //)
1 another term for sweet flag. (also calamus root) a preparation of the aromatic root of the sweet flag.
2 Zoology the hollow lower part of the shaft of a feather.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a reed or an aromatic plant mentioned in the Bible): from L., from Gk kalamos.

calando

//

adv. Music gradually decreasing in speed and volume.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘slackening’.

calandra lark

//

n. a large lark with a stout bill and a black patch on each side of the neck.   Melanocorypha calandra.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. calandre, via med. L. from Gk kalandros.

calash

//

n. another term for caleche.

calathea

//

n. a tropical American plant which typically has variegated and ornamental leaves, often grown as a greenhouse or pot plant.   Genus Calathea: many species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kalathos ‘basket’.

calc-

comb. form (used chiefly in geological terms) of lime or calcium: calcrete.

- ORIGIN from Ger. Kalk ‘lime’, with spelling influenced by L. calx (see calx).

calcaneus

// (also calcaneum //)

n. (pl. calcanei // or calcanea //) Anatomy the bone forming the heel.

- ORIGIN C18: from L.

calcareous

//

adj.
1 containing calcium carbonate; chalky.
2 Ecology (of vegetation) occurring on chalk or limestone.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. calcarius (from calx, calc- ‘lime’) + -eous.

calceolaria

//

n. a South American plant which is cultivated for its brightly coloured slipper- or pouch-shaped flowers.   Genus Calceolaria.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from L. calceolus, dimin. of calceus ‘shoe’.

calces

plural form of calx.

calci-

comb. form relating to calcium or its compounds: calcifuge.

- ORIGIN from L. calx, calc- ‘lime’.

calcic

//

adj. (chiefly of minerals) containing or relatively rich in calcium.

calcicole

//

n. Botany a plant that grows best in calcareous soil.

- DERIVATIVES calcicolous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from calci- + L. colere ‘inhabit’.

calciferol

//

n. Biochemistry vitamin D_2, essential for the deposition of calcium in bones.

calciferous

//

adj. containing or producing calcium salts, especially calcium carbonate.

calcifuge

//

n. Botany a plant that is not suited to calcareous soil.

- ORIGIN C19: from calci- + -fuge.

calcify

//

v. (calcifies, calcifying, calcified) [usu. as adj. calcified] harden by deposition of or conversion into calcium carbonate or some other insoluble calcium compounds.

- DERIVATIVES calcific adj. calcification n.

calcine

//, //

v. [usu. as adj. calcined] reduce, oxidize, or desiccate by roasting or strong heat.

- DERIVATIVES calcination n.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. calcinare, from late L. calcina ‘lime’, from L. calx, calc- (see calx).

calcite

//

n. a white or colourless mineral consisting of calcium carbonate.

- DERIVATIVES calcitic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Calcit, from L. calx, calc- (see calx).

calcitonin

//

n. Biochemistry a polypeptide hormone secreted by the thyroid that has the effect of lowering blood calcium.

calcium

n. the chemical element of atomic number 20, a soft grey reactive metal of the alkaline earth metal group. (Symbol: Ca)

- ORIGIN C19: from L. calx, calc- (see calx) + -ium.

calcium carbonate

n. a white insoluble compound occurring naturally as chalk, limestone, marble, and calcite, and forming mollusc shells.   CaCO_3.

calcium hydroxide

n. a soluble white crystalline compound commonly produced in the form of slaked lime.   Ca(OH)2.

calcium oxide

n. a white caustic alkaline solid commonly produced in the form of quicklime.   CaO.

calcrete

//

n. Geology a breccia or conglomerate cemented together by calcareous material, formed in soils in semi-arid conditions.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from calc- + a shortened form of concrete.

calculable

adj. able to be measured or assessed.

- DERIVATIVES calculability n. calculably adv.

calculate

v.
1 determine mathematically.
2 (calculate on) include as an essential element in one's plans.
3 intend (an action) to have a particular effect.
4 US dialect suppose.

- DERIVATIVES calculative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. calculat-, calculare ‘count’, from calculus ‘a small pebble (as used on an abacus)’.

calculated

adj. done with awareness of the likely consequences: a vicious and calculated assault.

- DERIVATIVES calculatedly adv.

calculating

adj. selfishly scheming.

- DERIVATIVES calculatingly adv.

calculation

n.
1 a mathematical determination of quantity or extent.
2 an assessment of the risks or effects of a course of action.

calculator

n. something used for making mathematical calculations, in particular a small electronic device with a keyboard and a visual display.

calculus

//

n.
1 (pl. calculuses) (also infinitesimal calculus) the branch of mathematics concerned with the determination and properties of derivatives and integrals of functions, by methods based on the summation of infinitesimal differences. a particular method or system of calculation or reasoning.
2 (pl. calculi //, //) Medicine a concretion of minerals formed in the kidney, gall bladder, or other organ. another term for tartar.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., lit. ‘small pebble’.

caldarium

//

n. (pl. caldaria //) a hot room in an ancient Roman bath.

- ORIGIN from L.

caldera

//, //

n. a large volcanic crater, especially one formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of the volcano.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., from late L. caldaria ‘boiling pot’.

caldron

n. chiefly US variant spelling of cauldron.

caleche

// (also calash)

n. historical
1 a light low-wheeled carriage with a removable folding hood.
2 a woman's hooped silk hood.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. calèche, via Ger. from Polish kolasa, from koo ‘wheel’.

Caledonian

//

adj. (chiefly in names or geographical terms) relating to Scotland or the Scottish Highlands.
n. humorous or literary a person from Scotland.

- ORIGIN from Caledonia, the L. name for northern Britain, + -an.

calendar

//

n.
1 a chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year.
2 a system by which the beginning, length, and subdivisions of the year are fixed. See also Julian calendar and Gregorian calendar.
3 a list or schedule of special days, events, etc.
v. enter in a calendar.

- DERIVATIVES calendric // adj. calendrical adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. calendier, from L. kalendarium ‘account book’, from kalendae (see calends).

calendar month

n. see month.

calendar year

n. see year (sense 2).

calender

//

n. a machine in which cloth or paper is pressed by rollers to glaze or smooth it.
v. press in a calender.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. calendre (n.), calendrer (v.).

calends

// (also kalends)

pl. n. the first day of the month in the ancient Roman calendar.

- ORIGIN OE (denoting an appointed time): from OFr. calendes, from L. kalendae, calendae ‘first day of the month’ (when the order of days was proclaimed).

calendula

//

n. a plant of a genus that includes the common or pot marigold.   Genus Calendula.

- ORIGIN mod. L., dimin. of calendae (see calends); perh. because it flowers for most of the year.

calenture

//

n. feverish delirium supposedly caused by the heat in the tropics.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Sp. calentura ‘fever’.

calf^1

n. (pl. calves)
1 a young bovine animal, especially a domestic cow or bull in its first year.
2 the young of some other large mammals, such as elephants.
3 a floating piece of ice detached from an iceberg.

- DERIVATIVES calf-like adj.

- ORIGIN OE cælf, of Gmc origin.

calf^2

n. (pl. calves) the fleshy part at the back of a person's leg below the knee.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON kálfi.

calf love

n. another term for puppy love.

calfskin

n. leather made from the hide or skin of a calf.

calibrate

//

v.
1 mark (a gauge or instrument) with a standard scale of readings.
2 correlate the readings of (an instrument) with those of a standard.
3 adjust (experimental results) to take external factors into account or to allow comparison with other data.

- DERIVATIVES calibration n. calibrator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from calibre + -ate^3.

calibre

// (US caliber)

n.
1 quality of character or level of ability. the standard reached by something.
2 the internal diameter of a gun barrel. the diameter of a bullet, shell, or rocket.

- DERIVATIVES calibred adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘social standing’): from Fr., from Ital. calibro, perh. from Arab. klib ‘mould’.

caliche

//

n.
1 a mineral deposit of gravel, sand, and nitrates, found in dry areas of America.
2 another term for calcrete.

- ORIGIN C19: from Latin Amer. Sp.

calico

//

n. (pl. calicoes or US also calicos) Brit. a type of plain white or unbleached cotton cloth. N. Amer. printed cotton fabric.
adj. N. Amer. (of an animal, typically a cat) multicoloured or piebald.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. also calicut): alt. of Calicut, a seaport in SW India where the fabric originated.

Calif.

abbrev. California.

Californian

n. a native or inhabitant of California.
adj. relating to California.

California poppy

n. an annual poppy native to western North America, cultivated for its brilliant yellow or orange flowers.   Eschscholtzia californica.

californium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 98, an unstable, artificially made radioactive metal of the actinide series. (Symbol: Cf)

- ORIGIN 1950s: named after California University (where it was first made) + -ium.

caliper

// (also calliper)

n.
1 an instrument for measuring external or internal dimensions, typically with two hinged legs and in-turned or out-turned points.
2 a motor-vehicle or bicycle brake consisting of two or more hinged components.
3 a metal support for a person's leg.

- ORIGIN C16: appar. an alt. of calibre.

caliph

//, //

n. historical the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of Muhammad.

- DERIVATIVES caliphate n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. caliphe, from Arab. kalfa ‘deputy (of God)’ (from the title kalfat Allh), or ‘successor (of Muhammad)’ (from the title kalfat rasl Allh ‘of the Messenger of God’).

calisthenics

pl. n. US spelling of callisthenics.

calix

n. variant spelling of calyx.

calk

n. & v. US spelling of caulk.

call

v.
1 cry out to (someone) in order to summon them or attract their attention. telephone. bring (a witness) into court to give evidence. Bridge make (a particular bid) during the auction.
2 (of an animal, especially a bird) make its characteristic cry.
3 give a specified name to. address by a specified name, title, etc. consider or describe (someone or something) as being: he's the only person I would call a friend.
4 pay a brief visit. (call for) stop to collect. (call at) (of a train or coach) stop at (a specified station) on a particular route.
5 fix a date or time for (a meeting, strike, or election). predict the outcome of (a future event).
6 dated inspire or urge to do something.
7 Computing cause the execution of (a subroutine).
8 Cricket (of an umpire) no-ball (a bowler) for throwing.
n.
1 a cry made as a summons or to attract attention. a telephone communication. Bridge a bid, response, or double.
2 the characteristic cry of a bird or other animal.
3 (call for) an appeal or demand for. [usu. with neg.] demand or need for: there is little call for antique furniture.
4 a brief visit.
5 a vocation: his call to be a disciple.
6 a shout by an official in a game indicating that the ball has gone out of play or that a rule has been breached.

- PHRASES
at call see on call (sense 2).
call attention to cause people to notice.
call something into (or in) question cast doubt on something.
the call of nature euphemistic a need to urinate or defecate.
call the shots (or tune) take the initiative in deciding how something should be done.
call someone/thing to order ask those present at a meeting to be silent so that business may proceed.
on call
1 available to provide a professional service if necessary, but not formally on duty.
2 (of money lent) repayable on demand.

- PHRASES
call for require; demand.
call someone/thing down cause someone or something to appear or occur.
call something in require payment of a loan or promise of money.
call something off cancel an event or agreement.
call on/upon have recourse to.
call someone up summon someone to serve in the army or to play in a team.
call something up summon for use something that is stored or kept available.

- DERIVATIVES caller n.

- ORIGIN OE ceallian, from ON kalla ‘summon loudly’.

calla

//

n.
1 (also water calla) another term for bog arum.
2 (usu. calla lily) chiefly N. Amer. another term for arum lily.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L.

callaloo

// (also callalou)

n.
1 the spinach-like leaves of a tropical American plant, widely used in Caribbean cookery. a soup or stew made with callaloo leaves.
2 the plant from which callaloo leaves are obtained.   Genus Xanthosoma.

- ORIGIN C18: from Amer. Sp. calalú.

Callanetics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] trademark a system of physical exercises based on small repeated movements.

- ORIGIN 1980s: named after Callan Pinckney, the American deviser of the system.

callback

n. chiefly N. Amer. an invitation to return for a second audition or interview.

call box

n. Brit. a public telephone booth.

call centre

n. an office in which large numbers of telephone calls are handled, especially one providing the customer services functions of a large organization.

call girl

n. a female prostitute who accepts appointments by telephone.

calligraph

//

v. write decoratively.

calligraphy

//

n. decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering. the art of producing this.

- DERIVATIVES calligrapher n. calligraphic adj. calligraphist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk kalligraphia, from kalligraphos ‘person who writes beautifully’.

calling

n. a strong urge towards a particular way of life or career; a vocation. a profession or occupation.

calling card

n. N. Amer.
1 a visiting card or business card.
2 a phonecard or telephone charge card.

calliope

//

n. chiefly historical an American keyboard instrument resembling an organ but with the notes produced by steam whistles.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk Kalliop, the name of the Muse of epic poetry (lit. ‘having a beautiful voice’).

calliper

//

n. variant spelling of caliper.

callipygian

// (also callipygean)

adj. rare having well-shaped buttocks.

- DERIVATIVES callipygous // adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk kallipgos, from kallos ‘beauty’ + pg ‘buttocks’, + -ian.

callistemon

//

n. a plant of a genus that comprises the bottlebrushes.   Genus Callistemon.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kallos ‘beauty’ + stmn ‘thread or stamen’.

callisthenics

// (US calisthenics)

pl. n. gymnastic exercises to achieve bodily fitness and grace of movement.

- DERIVATIVES callisthenic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kallos ‘beauty’ + sthenos ‘strength’ + -ics.

call letters

pl. n. N. Amer. a sequence of letters used by a television or radio station as an identifying code.

call money

n. money loaned by a bank or other institution which is repayable on demand.

callop

//

n. an edible deep-bodied gold and green freshwater fish found in Australia.   Plectroplites ambiguus.

- ORIGIN 1920s: perh. from an Aborig. lang. of southern Australia.

call option

n. Stock Exchange an option to buy assets at an agreed price on or before a particular date.

callosity

//

n. (pl. callosities) technical a callus.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. callosité, from L. callositas, from callosus ‘hard-skinned’, from callum, callus ‘hardened skin’.

callous

adj. insensitive and cruel.
n. variant spelling of callus.

- DERIVATIVES callously adv. callousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. callosus ‘hard-skinned’.

calloused

(also callused)

adj. (of a part of the body) having an area of hardened skin.

call-out

n. an instance of being summoned to deal with an emergency or to do repairs.

callow

adj. (of a young person) inexperienced and immature.

- DERIVATIVES callowly adv. callowness n.

- ORIGIN OE calu ‘bald’, of W. Gmc origin, prob. from L. calvus ‘bald’, later ‘unfledged’.

call sign

(also call signal)

n. a message, code, or tune that is broadcast by radio to identify the broadcaster or transmitter.

call-up

n. an instance of being summoned to serve in the armed forces or a sports team.

callus

// (also callous)

n.
1 a thickened and hardened part of the skin or soft tissue, especially one caused by friction.
2 Medicine the bony healing tissue which forms around the ends of broken bone.
3 Botany a hard formation of tissue, especially new tissue formed over a wound.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. callum, callus ‘hardened skin’.

callused

adj. variant spelling of calloused.

call waiting

n. a service whereby someone making a telephone call is notified of an incoming call on the line that they are already using.

calm

adj.
1 not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other emotions.
2 (of a place) peaceful and undisturbed. (of weather or the sea) free from wind.
n.
1 the state or fact of being peaceful or tranquil.
2 the absence of wind. (calms) an area of the sea without wind.
v. (often calm down) make or become tranquil and quiet.

- DERIVATIVES calmly adv. calmness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via one of the Romance languages from Gk kauma ‘heat (of the day)’.

calmative

//, //

adj. (of a drug) having a sedative effect.
n. a calmative drug.

calomel

//

n. mercurous chloride, a white powder formerly used as a purgative.   Hg_2Cl_2.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., perh. from Gk kalos ‘beautiful’ + melas ‘black’ (perh. because orig. obtained from a black mixture of mercury and mercuric chloride).

Calor gas

//

n. Brit. trademark liquefied butane stored under pressure in portable containers, used as a substitute for mains gas and in camping.

- ORIGIN 1930s: Calor from L. calor ‘heat’.

caloric

//, //

adj. chiefly N. Amer. or technical relating to heat; calorific.
n. Physics a hypothetical fluid substance formerly thought to be responsible for the phenomenon of heat.

- DERIVATIVES calorically adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. calorique, from L. calor ‘heat’.

calorie

n. (pl. calories)
1 (also small calorie) the energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water through 1°C (now usually defined as 4.1868 joules).
2 (also large calorie) the energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water through 1°C, equal to one thousand small calories and often used to measure the energy value of foods.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from L. calor ‘heat’ + -ie (see -y^3).

calorific

adj. chiefly Brit. relating to the amount of energy contained in food or fuel. high in calories.

- DERIVATIVES calorifically adv.

calorific value

n. the energy contained in a fuel or food (now usually expressed in joules per kilogram).

calorimeter

//

n. an apparatus for measuring the amount of heat involved in a chemical reaction or other process.

- DERIVATIVES calorimetric adj. calorimetry n.

calotype process

//

n. historical an early photographic process in which negatives were made using paper coated with silver iodide.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kalos ‘beautiful’ + type.

calque

// Linguistics

n. another term for loan translation.
v. (be calqued on) be a calque of.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr., lit. ‘copy, tracing’.

caltrop

// (also caltrap)

n.
1 a spiked metal ball thrown on the ground to impede wheeled vehicles or (formerly) cavalry horses.
2 a creeping plant with woody carpels that typically have hard spines.   Genus Tribulus.
3 (also water caltrop) another term for water chestnut (in sense 2).

- ORIGIN OE calcatrippe, from med. L. calcatrippa, from calx ‘heel’ or calcare ‘to tread’ + a word rel. to trap^1.

calumet

//

n. a North American Indian peace pipe.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from late L. calamellus ‘little reed’.

calumniate

//

v. formal make false and defamatory statements about.

- DERIVATIVES calumniation n. calumniator n.

calumny

//

n. (pl. calumnies) the making of false and defamatory statements about someone.
v. (calumnies, calumnying, calumnied) formal calumniate.

- DERIVATIVES calumnious // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. calumnia.

calutron

//

n. a device that uses large electromagnets to separate uranium isotopes from uranium ore.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Cal(ifornia) U(niversity) (cyclo)tron.

Calvados

//

n. apple brandy, traditionally made in the Calvados region of Normandy.

calve

v.
1 give birth to a calf.
2 (of a mass of ice) split off from an iceberg or glacier.

- ORIGIN OE calfian, from cælf ‘calf’.

calves

plural form of calf^1, calf^2.

Calvin cycle

n. another term for dark reaction.

- ORIGIN named after the American biochemist Melvin Calvin (1911–97).

Calvinism

n. the Protestant theological system of John Calvin (1509–64) and his successors, a development of Lutheranism centring on the doctrine of predestination.

- DERIVATIVES Calvinist n. Calvinistic adj.

calx

//

n. (pl. calces //) Chemistry, archaic a powdery metallic oxide formed when an ore or mineral has been heated.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘lime’, prob. from Gk khalix ‘pebble, limestone’.

calypso

//

n. (pl. calypsos) a kind of West Indian music or song in syncopated African rhythm, typically with words improvised on a topical theme.

- DERIVATIVES calypsonian adj. & n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: of unknown origin.

calyx

//, // (also calix)

n. (pl. calyces // or calyxes)
1 Botany the sepals of a flower, typically forming a whorl that encloses the petals and forms a protective layer around a flower in bud.
2 Zoology a cup-like cavity or structure, in particular part of the pelvis of a mammalian kidney.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from Gk kalux ‘case of a bud, husk’, rel. to kaluptein ‘to hide’.

calzone

//, //

n. (pl. calzoni or calzones) a type of pizza that is folded in half before cooking to contain a filling.

- ORIGIN Ital. dial., prob. a special use of calzone ‘trouser leg’.

CAM

abbrev. computer-aided manufacturing.

cam

n.
1 a projection on a rotating part in machinery, designed to make sliding contact with another part while rotating and impart reciprocal or variable motion to it.
2 short for camshaft.

- ORIGIN C18: from Du. kam ‘comb’, as in kamrad ‘cog wheel’.

camaraderie

//

n. mutual trust and friendship.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from camarade ‘comrade’.

camarilla

//

n. derogatory a group of advisers to a ruler or politician that have a shared purpose.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., dimin. of camara ‘chamber’.

camas

// (also camass or quamash)

n. a North American plant of the lily family, cultivated for its starlike blue or purple flowers.   Genera Camassia and Zigadenus: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Chinook Jargon kamass.

cambazola

// (also cambozola)

n. trademark a type of German blue soft cheese with a rind like Camembert.

- ORIGIN blend of Camembert and Gorgonzola.

camber

//

n.
1 a slightly convex or arched shape of a road or other horizontal surface. Brit. a tilt built into a road at a bend or curve.
2 the slight sideways inclination of the front wheels of a motor vehicle.
3 the extent of curvature of a section of an aerofoil.

- DERIVATIVES cambered adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cambre, dial. var. of chambre ‘arched’, from L. camurus ‘curved inwards’.

Camberwell beauty

n. a migratory butterfly with deep purple yellow-bordered wings.   Nymphalis antiopa.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Camberwell in London.

cambium

//

n. (pl. cambia or cambiums) Botany a cellular plant tissue from which phloem, xylem, or cork grows by division.

- DERIVATIVES cambial adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting one of the alimentary humours once supposed to nourish the body): from med. L., ‘change, exchange’.

Cambodian

n.
1 a native or national of Cambodia, or a person of Cambodian descent.
2 another term for Khmer (the language).
adj. relating to Cambodia.

Cambrian

//

adj.
1 (chiefly in names or geographical terms) Welsh.
2 Geology relating to or denoting the first period in the Palaeozoic era (between the Precambrian aeon and the Ordovician period, about 570 to 510 million years ago), a time when there was extensive invertebrate life.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. Cambria ‘Wales’, var. of Cumbria, from Welsh Cymry ‘Welshman’ or Cymru ‘Wales’.

cambric

//

n. a lightweight, closely woven white linen or cotton fabric.

- ORIGIN ME: from Kamerijk, Flemish form of Cambrai, a town in northern France, where it was orig. made; cf. chambray.

Cambridge blue

n. Brit.
1 a pale blue colour.
2 a person who has represented Cambridge University in a particular sport in a match against Oxford University.

Cambs.

abbrev. Cambridgeshire.

camcorder

n. a portable combined video camera and video recorder.

came^1

past tense of come.

came^2

n. each of a number of strips forming a framework for enclosing a pane of glass, especially in a leaded window.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

camel

n.
1 a large, long-necked, mainly domesticated ungulate mammal of arid country, with long slender legs, broad cushioned feet, and either one or two humps on the back.   Camelus dromedarius (Arabian camel, N. Africa and SW Asia, with one hump) and C. ferus (Bactrian camel, central Asia, two humps).
2 a fabric made from camel hair.
3 an apparatus for raising a sunken ship, consisting of one or more watertight chests to provide buoyancy.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. camelus, from Gk kamlos, of Semitic origin.

camelback

n. a back with a hump-shaped curve on a sofa or other piece of furniture.

camel cricket

n. a humpbacked wingless insect related to the grasshoppers, typically living in caves or holes.   Family Raphidophoridae: many species.

cameleer

//

n. a person who controls or rides a camel.

camel hair

(also camel's hair)

n.
1 a fabric made from the hair of a camel.
2 fine, soft hair from a squirrel's tail, used in artists' brushes.

camelid

//, //

n. Zoology a mammal of a family (Camelidae) comprising the camels together with the llama and its relatives.

camellia

//, //

n. an evergreen East Asian shrub related to the tea plant, grown for its showy flowers and shiny leaves.   Camellia japonica and related species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named by Linnaeus after the 17th-cent. Moravian botanist Joseph Kamel (Latinized as Camellus).

camelopard

//, //

n. archaic a giraffe.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk kamlopardalis, from kamlos ‘camel’ + pardalis (see pard).

Camelot

//

n. a place associated with romance and optimism.

- ORIGIN the place where King Arthur held his legendary court.

camel spider

n. another term for sun spider.

Camembert

//

n. a kind of rich, soft, creamy cheese with a whitish rind, originally made near Camembert in Normandy.

cameo

//

n. (pl. cameos)
1 a piece of jewellery consisting of a portrait in profile carved in relief on a background of a different colour.
2 a short piece of writing which neatly encapsulates something.
3 a small distinctive part in a play or film, played by a distinguished actor.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. camahieu, cama(h)u; later influenced by Ital. cam(m)eo, from med. L. cammaeus.

cameo glass

n. decorative glass consisting of layers of different colours, the outermost being cut away to leave a design in relief.

camera^1

n. a device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, cinema film, or video signals.

- PHRASES
on (or off) camera while being (or not being) filmed or televised.

- DERIVATIVES cameraman n. (pl. cameramen).

- ORIGIN The two meanings of the word camera, though apparently quite different, are closely linked historically, both deriving from Latin camera, ‘vaulted roof or chamber’, also the root of English chamber. Camera entered English in the 17th century in the sense ‘legislative chamber’, and is still used in the phrase in camera, now meaning ‘in private chambers’; the Latin sense is also retained in names such as that of the Radcliffe Camera, the circular domed building which forms part of the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The application of the word to the device for taking photographs dates from the earliest years of photography; the precursor of the cameras of today was the camera obscura or ‘dark chamber’.

camera^2

n. [in names] a chamber or round building.

- PHRASES
in camera chiefly Law in private, in particular taking place in the private chambers of a judge, with the press and public excluded.

camera lucida

/ /

n. an instrument in which rays of light are reflected by a prism to produce an image on a sheet of paper, from which a drawing can be made.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., ‘bright chamber’, on the pattern of camera obscura.

camera obscura

//

n.
1 a darkened box with a convex lens or aperture for projecting the image of an external object on to a screen inside.
2 a small round building with a rotating angled mirror at the apex of the roof, projecting an image of the landscape on to a horizontal surface inside.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., ‘dark chamber’.

camera-ready

adj. Printing in the right form to be reproduced photographically on to a printing plate.

camerawork

n. the way in which cameras are used in a film or television programme.

Cameroonian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Cameroon, a country on the west coast of Africa.
adj. relating to Cameroon.

cam follower

n. the part of a machine in sliding or rolling contact with a rotating cam and given motion by it.

camiknickers

pl. n. Brit. a woman's one-piece undergarment which combines a camisole and a pair of French knickers.

Camisard

//, //

n. a member of the French Protestant insurgents who rebelled against the persecution that followed the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Provençal camisa, from late L. camisia ‘shirt’, because of the Camisards' white shirts.

camisole

//

n. a woman's loose-fitting undergarment for the upper body.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., either from Ital. camiciola, dimin. of camicia, or from Sp. camisola, dimin. of camisa, both from late L. camisia ‘shirt or nightgown’.

camomile

n. variant spelling of chamomile.

Camorra

//

n. a secret criminal society originating in Naples and Neapolitan emigrant communities in the 19th century.

- ORIGIN Ital., perh. from Sp. camorra ‘dispute, quarrel’.

camouflage

//

n.
1 the disguising of military personnel and equipment by painting or covering them to make them blend in with their surroundings. the clothing or materials used for such a purpose.
2 the natural colouring or form of an animal which enables it to blend in with its surroundings.
v. hide or disguise by means of camouflage.

- ORIGIN First World War: from Fr., from camoufler ‘to disguise’.

camp^1

n.
1 a place with temporary accommodation used by soldiers, refugees, or travelling people. a complex of buildings for holiday accommodation.
2 (also summer camp) N. Amer. a summer holiday programme for children, offering a range of activities.
3 the supporters of a particular party or doctrine regarded collectively.
4 Brit. Archaeology a prehistoric enclosed or fortified site, especially an Iron Age hill fort.
5 S. African a fenced field or enclosed area for grazing. Austral./NZ a place where livestock regularly congregate.
v.
1 live or stay temporarily, especially in a tent or caravan while on holiday.
2 Austral./NZ (of livestock) assemble together.
3 S. African divide (land) and enclose it with fences.

- PHRASES
break camp take down a tent or the tents of an encampment ready to leave.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. camp, champ, from Ital. campo, from L. campus ‘level ground’.

camp^2

informal

adj. (of a man) ostentatiously and extravagantly effeminate. deliberately exaggerated and theatrical in style.
n. camp behaviour or style.
v. (usu. camp it up) (of a man) behave in a camp way.

- DERIVATIVES campery n. campily adv. campiness n. campy adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

campaign

n.
1 a series of military operations intended to achieve an objective in a particular area.
2 an organized course of action to achieve a goal.
v. work in an organized and active way towards a goal.

- DERIVATIVES campaigner n.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a tract of open country): from Fr. campagne, via Ital. from late L. campania, from campus (see camp^1).

campanile

//

n. a bell tower, especially a free-standing one.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital., from campana ‘bell’.

campanology

//

n. the art or practice of bell-ringing.

- DERIVATIVES campanological adj. campanologist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. campanologia, from late L. campana ‘bell’.

campanula

//

n. another term for bellflower.

- ORIGIN mod. L., dimin. of late L. campana ‘bell’.

campanulate

//

adj. Botany (of a flower) bell-shaped, like a campanula.

Campari

//

n. trademark a reddish pink aperitif flavoured with bitters.

camp bed

n. Brit. a folding portable bed.

campcraft

n. knowledge and skill required for a simple outdoor life.

camper

n.
1 a person who spends a holiday in a tent or holiday camp. informal a person in a specified mood: I am not a happy camper.
2 (also camper van) a large motor vehicle with living accommodation.

campesino

//

n. (pl. campesinos) (in Spanish-speaking countries) a peasant farmer.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

campfire

n. an open-air fire in a camp.

camp follower

n.
1 a civilian working in or attached to a military camp.
2 a person who associates with a group without being a full member of it.

campground

n. North American term for campsite.

camphor

//

n. a white volatile crystalline substance with an aromatic smell and bitter taste, used in insect repellents and the manufacture of celluloid.

- DERIVATIVES camphoric // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. camphore or med. L. camphora, from Arab. kfr, via Malay from Sanskrit karpra.

camphorate

v. impregnate or treat with camphor.

camphor tree

n. an East Asian tree, the chief natural source of camphor.   Cinnamomum camphora.

campion

//

n. a plant of the pink family, typically having pink or white flowers with notched petals.   Genera Silene and Lychnis.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. rel. to champion, applied to a plant of this kind said to have been used for victors' garlands in ancient times.

campo

//

n. (pl. campos)
1 (the campo) (in South America, especially Brazil) a grass plain with occasional stunted trees.
2 a square in an Italian or Spanish town.

- ORIGIN from Sp., Port., and Ital. campo, lit. ‘field’.

campsite

n. a place used for camping, especially one equipped for holidaymakers.

campus

n. (pl. campuses) the grounds and buildings of a university or college. a branch or area of a university away from the main site.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. US): from L. campus (see camp^1).

campylobacter

//, //

n. a bacterium of a genus including species responsible for abortion in animals and food poisoning in humans.   Genus Campylobacter.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kampulos ‘bent’ + bacterium.

camshaft

n. a shaft with one or more cams attached to it, especially one operating the valves in an internal-combustion engine.

camwood

n. the hard red wood of the African padauk tree.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from Temne k'am + wood.

Can.

abbrev. Canada or Canadian.

can^1

modal v. (3rd sing. present can; past could)
1 be able to. [with neg. or in questions] used to express doubt or surprise: he can't have finished. used to indicate that something is typically the case: he could be very moody.
2 be permitted to.

- ORIGIN OE cunnan ‘know’.

USAGE

The use of can rather than may to request or express permission, as in may/can I ask you a few questions?, is not incorrect in standard English, although some people object to it. May is, generally speaking, a more polite way of asking for something, however, and is the better choice in more formal contexts.

can^2

n.
1 a cylindrical metal container, in particular one in which food or drink is hermetically sealed for storage over long periods.
2 (the can) N. Amer. informal prison.
3 (the can) N. Amer. informal a toilet.
4 (cans) informal headphones.
v. (cans, canning, canned)
1 preserve in a can.
2 N. Amer. informal dismiss from a job or reject as inadequate.

- PHRASES
a can of worms a complicated matter likely to prove awkward or embarrassing.
in the can informal on tape or film and ready to be broadcast or released.

- DERIVATIVES canner n.

- ORIGIN OE canne, either of Gmc origin or from late L. canna.

Canaanite

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Canaan, the biblical name for the area of ancient Palestine west of the River Jordan, the Promised Land of the Israelites.

Canada balsam

n. a yellowish resin obtained from the balsam fir, used for mounting specimens on microscope slides.

Canada goose

n. a common brownish-grey North American goose, introduced in Britain and elsewhere.   Branta canadensis.

Canadian

n. a native or inhabitant of Canada.
adj. relating to Canada.

- DERIVATIVES Canadianism n.

Canadian football

n. a form of football played in Canada, resembling American football.

Canadien

// Canadian

n. a French Canadian.
adj. French Canadian.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

canaille

//

n. (the canaille) derogatory the common people; the masses.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Ital. canaglia ‘pack of dogs’, from cane ‘dog’.

canal

n.
1 an artificial waterway allowing the passage of boats inland or conveying water for irrigation.
2 a tubular duct in a plant or animal conveying food, liquid, or air.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., alt. of chanel ‘channel’, from L. canalis ‘pipe, groove, channel’, from canna ‘cane’.

canalize

(or canalise) //

v.
1 convert (a river) into a navigable canal.
2 convey through a duct or channel.

- DERIVATIVES canalization n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. canaliser, from canal (see canal).

canapé

//

n.
1 a small piece of bread or pastry with a savoury topping, often served with drinks.
2 a decorative French antique sofa.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

canard

//, //

n.
1 an unfounded rumour or story.
2 a small wing-like projection on an aircraft forward of the main wing, for extra stability or control.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘duck’, also ‘hoax’, from OFr. caner ‘to quack’.

Canarese

n. & adj. variant spelling of Kanarese.

canary

n. (pl. canaries)
1 a bright yellow finch with a melodious song, popular as a cage bird.   Serinus canaria (Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira) and related species in Africa.
2 (also canary yellow) a bright yellow colour.
3 historical a sweet wine from the Canary Islands, similar to Madeira.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. canari, from Sp. canario ‘canary’ or ‘person from the Canary Islands’.

canary creeper

n. a South American climbing plant bearing bright yellow flowers.   Tropaeolium peregrinum.

canary grass

n. a tall grass of NW Africa and the Canary Islands, grown for its seeds which are fed to cage birds.   Genus Phalaris: several species.

canasta

//

n. a card game resembling rummy, using two packs and usually played by two pairs of partners. a meld of seven cards in canasta.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Sp. (of Uruguayan origin), lit. ‘basket’, based on L. canistrum (see canister).

cancan

n. a lively, high-kicking stage dance originating in 19th-century Parisian music halls and performed by women in long skirts and petticoats.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., child's word for canard ‘duck’, from OFr. caner ‘to quack’.

cancel

v. (cancels, cancelling, cancelled; US also cancels, canceling, canceled)
1 decide that (a planned event) will not take place. annul or revoke: his visa had been cancelled.
2 mark or tear (a ticket or stamp) to show that it has been used or invalidated.
3 (often cancel something out) (of a factor or circumstance) neutralize or negate the effect of (another).
4 Mathematics delete (an equal factor) from both sides of an equation or from the numerator and denominator of a fraction.
n.
1 a mark made on a postage stamp to show that it has been used.
2 Printing a new page or section inserted in a book to replace the original text.
3 US (in music) a natural sign ().

- DERIVATIVES cancellation n. canceller n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. canceller, from L. cancellare, from cancelli ‘crossbars’.

cancelbot

//

n. Computing a program that searches for and deletes email messages originating from specified addresses.

cancellous

//

adj. Anatomy (of bone tissue) having a porous, mesh-like structure, typical of the interior of mature bones.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cancelli ‘crossbars’ + -ous.

Cancer

n.
1 Astronomy a constellation (the Crab), said to represent a crab crushed under the foot of Hercules.
2 Astrology the fourth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters at the northern summer solstice (about 21 June).

- DERIVATIVES Cancerian //, // n. & adj.

- ORIGIN from L.

cancer

n.
1 a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. a malignant growth or tumour resulting from such a division of cells.
2 something evil or destructive that is hard to contain or eradicate: the cancer of racism.

- DERIVATIVES cancerous adj.

- ORIGIN OE, from L., ‘crab or creeping ulcer’, translating Gk karkinos, said to have been applied to tumours because the swollen veins around them resembled the limbs of a crab.

cancer stick

n. informal, humorous a cigarette.

candela

//, //, // (abbrev.: cd)

n. Physics the SI unit of luminous intensity.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from L., ‘candle’.

candelabra tree

n. a tree with upward-curving boughs, resembling a candelabrum.   Genus Euphorbia (Africa) and Araucaria angustifolia (S. America).

candelabrum

//

n. (pl. candelabra //) a large branched candlestick or holder for several candles or lamps.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from candela (see candle).

USAGE

Based on the Latin forms, the correct singular is candelabrum and the correct plural is candelabra, but these forms are often not observed in practice: the singular form is assumed to be candelabra and hence its plural is interpreted as candelabras.

candid

adj.
1 truthful and straightforward; frank.
2 (of a photograph or film) taken informally, especially without the subject's knowledge.

- DERIVATIVES candidly adv. candidness n.

- ORIGIN The word candid was first used, in the 17th century, in the sense ‘white, glistening’, this being the meaning of Latin candidus, from which it derived. It then acquired a number of figurative senses based on associations between whiteness and the qualities of purity and goodness, such as ‘pure, innocent’, ‘unbiased’, and ‘free from malice’, before taking on its modern meanings. Candid is related to candle and incandescent, and also to candidate (from candidatus ‘white-robed’): a person seeking office in Roman times traditionally wore a white toga.

candida

//

n. a yeast-like parasitic fungus that sometimes causes thrush.   Genus Candida.

- ORIGIN mod. L., fem. of L. candidus ‘white’.

candidate

//, //

n.
1 a person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
2 Brit. a person taking an examination.
3 a person or thing suitable for or likely to receive a particular fate, treatment, or position.

- DERIVATIVES candidacy n. candidature n. (Brit.).

- ORIGIN C17: from L. candidatus ‘white-robed’, from candidus ‘white’; see word history at candid.

candidiasis

//

n. infection with candida, especially as causing oral or vaginal thrush.

candiru

//

n. a minute, slender bloodsucking catfish of the Amazon region, sometimes entering the body orifices of mammals.   Vandellia cirrhosa.

- ORIGIN C19: via Port. from Tupi candirú.

candle

n.
1 a cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick which is lit to produce light as it burns.
2 (also international candle) Physics a unit of luminous intensity, superseded by the candela.
v. test (an egg) for freshness or fertility by holding it to the light.

- PHRASES
be unable to hold a candle to informal be not nearly as good as.
(the game's) not worth the candle the potential advantages to be gained from doing something do not justify the cost or trouble involved.

- DERIVATIVES candler n.

- ORIGIN OE candel, from L. candela, from candere ‘be white or glisten’.

candleberry

n. (pl. candleberries) a bayberry, candlenut, or other tree or shrub whose berries yield wax.

candlefish

n. (pl. same or candlefishes) a small edible marine fish with oily flesh, occurring on the west coast of North America.   Thaleichthys pacificus.

candlelight

n. dim light provided by a candle or candles.

- DERIVATIVES candlelit adj.

Candlemas

//, //

n. a Christian festival held on 2 February to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary (after childbirth, according to Jewish law) and the presentation of Christ in the Temple.

- ORIGIN OE Candelmæsse (see candle, Mass).

candlenut

n. an evergreen tree native to SE Asia and the South Pacific islands, with large seeds that yield an oil used for lighting.   Aleurites moluccana.

candlepower

n. illuminating power expressed in candelas or candles.

candlestick

n. a support or holder for one or more candles.

candlewick

n. a thick, soft cotton fabric with a raised tufted pattern.

can-do

adj. informal willing or determined to take action and achieve results: a can-do attitude.

candomblé

//

n. a Brazilian sect of the macumba cult.

- ORIGIN from Brazilian Port.

candour

(US candor)

n. the quality of being open and honest.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘whiteness’, hence ‘purity’, ‘lack of bias’, ‘honesty’): from L. candor.

C & W

abbrev. country and western (music).

candy

n. (pl. candies) (also sugar candy)
1 N. Amer. sweets; confectionery.
2 chiefly Brit. sugar crystallized by repeated boiling and slow evaporation.
v. (candies, candying, candied) [often as adj. candied] preserve (fruit) by coating and impregnating it with a sugar syrup.

- ORIGIN C17 (as v.): as n. from ME sugar-candy, from Fr. sucre candi ‘crystallized sugar’, from Arab. sukkar ‘sugar’ + kand ‘candied’.

candy apple

n. N. Amer.
1 a toffee apple.
2 (also candy-apple red) a bright red colour.

candy-ass

n. N. Amer. informal a timid, cowardly, or despicable person.

- DERIVATIVES candy-assed adj.

candyfloss

n. Brit.
1 a mass of pink or white fluffy spun sugar wrapped round a stick.
2 something worthless or insubstantial.

candyman

n. (pl. candymen) N. Amer. informal a person who sells illegal drugs.

candy-striped

adj. patterned with alternating stripes of white and another colour, typically pink.

- DERIVATIVES candy-stripe adj. & n.

candy-striper

n. N. Amer. informal a female voluntary nurse in a hospital.

- ORIGIN so named because of their candy-striped uniforms.

candytuft

n. a plant with small heads of white, pink, or purple flowers, grown as a garden or rockery plant.   Genus Iberis.

- ORIGIN C17: from Candy (obs. form of Candia, former name of Crete) + tuft.

cane

n.
1 the hollow jointed stem of tall reeds, grasses, etc., especially bamboo or the slender, pliant stem of plants such as rattan. a woody stem of a raspberry or related plant.
2 a length of cane or a slender stick used as a support for plants, a walking stick, or an instrument of punishment.
v.
1 beat with a cane as a punishment.
2 Brit. informal take (drink or drugs) in large quantities.

- DERIVATIVES caner n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., via L. from Gk kanna, kann, of Semitic origin.

canebrake

n. US a piece of ground covered with a dense growth of canes.

caned

adj.
1 (of furniture) made or repaired with cane.
2 Brit. informal intoxicated with drink or drugs.

cane rat

n. a large rat-like African rodent found in wetlands south of the Sahara.   Genus Thryonomys.

cane toad

n. a large brown toad of tropical America, introduced elsewhere for pest control.   Bufo marinus.

canid

//

n. Zoology a mammal of the dog family (Canidae).

canine

//, //

adj. relating to or resembling a dog.
n.
1 a dog or other animal of the dog family.
2 (also canine tooth) a pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars, often greatly enlarged in carnivores.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from L. caninus, from canis ‘dog’.

caning

n.
1 a beating with a cane as a punishment.
2 Brit. informal a resounding defeat. a severe reprimand.

canister

n.
1 a round or cylindrical container used for storing food, chemicals, rolls of film, etc.
2 historical small bullets packed in cases that fit the bore of a gun.

- ORIGIN C15 (denoting a basket): from L. canistrum, from Gk kanastron ‘wicker basket’, from kanna (see cane).

canker

n.
1 a destructive fungal disease of trees that results in damage to the bark. an open lesion in plant tissue caused by infection or injury. fungal rot in parsnips, tomatoes, or other vegetables.
2 an ulcerous condition of an animal, especially an inflammation of the ear caused by a mite infestation. (also canker sore) N. Amer. a small ulcer of the mouth or lips.
v.
1 become infected with canker.
2 [usu. as adj. cankered] infect with a corrupting bitterness.

- DERIVATIVES cankerous adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a tumour): from OFr. chancre, from L. cancer (see cancer).

cankerworm

n. the caterpillar of a North American moth that feeds on the buds and leaves of trees.

canna

//

n. a lily-like tropical American plant with bright flowers and ornamental strap-like leaves.   Genus Canna: several species.

- ORIGIN from mod. L., from L. canna (see cane).

cannabinol

//, //

n. Chemistry a crystalline compound whose derivatives, especially THC, are the active constituents of cannabis.

- DERIVATIVES cannabinoid n.

cannabis

n.
1 a dried preparation or resinous extract made from a plant, used (generally illegally) as a psychotropic drug (chiefly in cigarettes).
2 the plant from which cannabis comes, also used to produce hemp fibre.   Cannabis sativa.

- ORIGIN from L., from Gk kannabis.

canned

adj.
1 preserved in a sealed can.
2 informal, chiefly derogatory (of music, applause, etc.) pre-recorded.
3 informal drunk.

cannel coal

//

n. a hard, compact kind of bituminous coal.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from north. Engl. cannel ‘candle’.

cannellini bean

//

n. a kidney-shaped bean of a medium-sized creamy-white variety.

- ORIGIN Ital. cannellini, lit. ‘small tubes’.

cannelloni

//

pl. n. rolls of pasta stuffed with a meat or vegetable mixture, usually cooked in a cheese sauce.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘large tubes’, from cannello ‘tube’.

cannelure

//

n. a groove round the cylindrical part of a bullet.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from canneler ‘provide with a channel’, from canne ‘reed, cane’.

cannery

n. (pl. canneries) a factory where food is canned.

cannibal

n. a person who eats the flesh of other human beings. an animal that eats the flesh of its own species.

- DERIVATIVES cannibalism n. cannibalistic adj. cannibalistically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. Canibales, var. of Caribes, a West Indian people reputed to eat humans (see Carib).

cannibalize

(or cannibalise)

v.
1 use (a machine) as a source of spare parts for another, similar machine.
2 (of a company) reduce (the sales of one of its products) by introducing a similar, competing product.
3 (of an animal) eat (an animal of its own kind).

- DERIVATIVES cannibalization n.

cannon

n.
1 (pl. usu. same) a large, heavy piece of artillery formerly used in warfare. an automatic heavy gun that fires shells from an aircraft or tank.
2 Billiards & Snooker, chiefly Brit. a stroke in which the cue ball strikes two balls successively. [ORIGIN C19: alt. of carom.]
3 Engineering a heavy cylinder or hollow drum rotating independently on a shaft.
v. chiefly Brit.
1 collide with something forcefully or at an angle.
2 Billiards & Snooker make a cannon shot.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. canon, from Ital. cannone ‘large tube’, from canna (see cane).

cannonade

//

n. a period of continuous heavy gunfire.
v. discharge heavy guns continuously.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. cannonata, from cannone (see cannon).

cannonball

n.
1 a round metal or stone projectile fired from a cannon.
2 (also cannonball dive) N. Amer. a jump into water feet first with the knees clasped to the chest.

cannon bone

n. a long tube-shaped bone between a horse's fetlock and the knee or hock.

cannoneer

n. historical an artilleryman who positioned and fired a cannon.

cannon fodder

n. soldiers regarded merely as material to be expended in war.

cannot

contr. can not.

USAGE

Both the one-word form cannot and the two-word form can not are acceptable, but cannot is far more common. Reserve the two-word form for constructions in which not is part of a set phrase, such as ‘not only … but (also)’: Paul can not only sing well, he also paints brilliantly.

cannula

//

n. (pl. cannulae // or cannulas) Surgery a thin tube inserted into the body to administer medication, drain off fluid, or introduce a surgical instrument.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘small reed’, dimin. of canna (see cane).

cannulate

v. Surgery introduce a cannula into.

- DERIVATIVES cannulation n.

canny

adj. (cannier, canniest)
1 shrewd, especially in financial or business matters.
2 N. English & Scottish pleasant; nice.

- DERIVATIVES cannily adv. canniness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. Scots): from can^1 (in the obs. sense ‘know’) + -y^1.

canoe

n. a narrow keelless boat with pointed ends, propelled with a paddle.
v. (canoes, canoeing, canoed) travel in or paddle a canoe.

- DERIVATIVES canoer n. canoeing n. canoeist n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. canoa, from Arawak, from Carib canaoua.

canola

//

n. oilseed rape of a variety grown in North America.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Canada + -ola (based on L. oleum ‘oil’).

canon^1

n.
1 a general rule or principle by which something is judged. a Church decree or law.
2 a collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine. the works of a particular author or artist that are recognized as genuine. a list of literary works considered to be permanently established as being of the highest quality.
3 the part of the Roman Catholic Mass containing the words of consecration.
4 Music a piece in which the same melody is begun in different parts successively, so that the imitations overlap.

- PHRASES
in canon Music with different parts successively beginning the same melody.

- ORIGIN OE: from L., from Gk kann ‘rule’, reinforced in ME by OFr. canon.

canon^2

n.
1 a member of the clergy on the staff of a cathedral, especially one who is a member of the chapter.
2 (also canon regular or regular canon) (fem. canoness) a member of certain orders of Roman Catholic clergy that live communally like monks or nuns.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. canonie, from L. canonicus (see canonic).

canon cancrizans

//

n. Music a canon in which the theme or subject is repeated backwards in the second part.

- ORIGIN C19: from canon^1 + med. L. cancrizans ‘walking backwards’ (from cancer ‘crab’).

canonic

//

adj.
1 Music in the form of a canon.
2 another term for canonical.

- DERIVATIVES canonicity n.

- ORIGIN OE (as n.): from OFr. canonique or L. canonicus ‘canonical’, based on Gk kanon ‘rule’ (cf. canon^1).

canonical

//

adj.
1 according to or ordered by canon law.
2 accepted as being accurate and authoritative.
3 relating to a cathedral chapter or a member of it.
n. (canonicals) the prescribed official dress of the clergy.

- DERIVATIVES canonically adv.

canonical hours

pl. n.
1 the times of daily Christian prayer appointed in the breviary, or the offices set for them (matins with lauds, prime, terce, sext, nones, vespers, and compline).
2 (in the Church of England) the time during which a marriage may lawfully be celebrated (usually between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.).

canonist

n. an expert in canon law.

- DERIVATIVES canonistic adj.

canonize

(or canonise)

v.
1 (in the Roman Catholic Church) officially declare (a dead person) to be a saint.
2 sanction by Church authority.

- DERIVATIVES canonization n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. canonizare ‘admit as authoritative’, from L. canon (see canon^1).

canon law

n. ecclesiastical law, especially that laid down by papal pronouncements.

canon regular

n. see canon^2.

canonry

n. (pl. canonries) the office or benefice of a canon.

canoodle

v. informal kiss and cuddle amorously.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): of unknown origin.

Canopic jar

//

n. a covered urn used in ancient Egyptian burials to hold the visceral organs from an embalmed body.

- ORIGIN C19: Canopic from L. Canopicus, from Canopus, a town in ancient Egypt.

canopy

n. (pl. canopies)
1 a cloth covering over a throne, bed, etc. a roof-like projection or shelter. the expanding, umbrella-like part of a parachute.
2 the transparent plastic or glass cover of an aircraft's cockpit.
3 the uppermost branches of the trees in a forest, forming a more or less continuous layer of foliage.
v. (canopies, canopying, canopied) [usu. as adj. canopied] cover or provide with a canopy.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. canopeum, alt. of L. conopeum ‘mosquito net over a bed’, from Gk knpeion ‘couch with mosquito curtains’, from knps ‘mosquito’.

canorous

//

adj. rare melodious or resonant.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. canorus (from canere ‘sing’) + -ous.

canst

archaic second person singular present of can^1.

Cant.

abbrev. Canticles (the Song of Songs) (in biblical references).

cant^1

//

n.
1 hypocritical and sanctimonious talk.
2 derogatory language peculiar to a specified group: thieves' cant. [as modifier] denoting a phrase or catchword temporarily current.
v. dated talk hypocritically and sanctimoniously.

- ORIGIN C16 (in sense ‘singing’, later ‘whining speech’, as of a beggar), hence ‘jargon’: prob. from L. cantare (see chant).

cant^2

//

v. be or cause to be in a slanting or oblique position; tilt. (of a ship) swing round.
n.
1 a slope or tilt.
2 a wedge-shaped block of wood remaining after the better-quality pieces have been cut off.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting an edge or brink): from Mid. Low Ger. kant, kante, MDu. cant, ‘point, side, edge’, rel. to med. L. cantus ‘corner, side’.

can't

contr. cannot.

Cantab.

//

abbrev. of Cambridge University.

- ORIGIN from L. Cantabrigiensis, from Cantabrigia ‘Cambridge’.

cantabile

//

adv. & adj. Music in a smooth singing style.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘singable’.

Cantabrigian

//

adj. relating to Cambridge or Cambridge University.
n. a member of Cambridge University.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. Cantabrigia ‘Cambridge’ + -ian.

cantal

//

n. a hard, strong cheese made chiefly in the Auvergne.

- ORIGIN named after Cantal, a department of Auvergne, France.

cantaloupe

//

n. a small round melon of a variety with orange flesh and ribbed skin.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. cantaloup, from Cantaluppi near Rome.

cantankerous

adj. bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.

- DERIVATIVES cantankerously adv. cantankerousness n.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin; perh. a blend of Anglo-Irish cant ‘auction’ and rancorous (see rancour).

cantata

//

n. a medium-length narrative or descriptive piece of music with vocal solos and normally a chorus and orchestra.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital. cantata (aria) ‘sung (air)’, from cantare ‘sing’.

cant dog

n. another term for cant hook.

canteen

n.
1 a restaurant in a workplace or educational establishment.
2 Brit. a specially designed case or box containing a set of cutlery.
3 a small water bottle, as used by soldiers or campers.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting a shop selling provisions or alcohol in a barracks): from Fr. cantine, from Ital. cantina ‘cellar’.

canter

n. a pace of a horse between a trot and a gallop, with not less than one foot on the ground at any time. a ride on a horse at a canter.
v. move at a canter.

- PHRASES
in (or at) a canter Brit. without much effort; easily.

- ORIGIN C18 (as v.): short for Canterbury pace, from the supposed easy pace taken by medieval pilgrims to Canterbury.

canterbury

n. (pl. canterburies) a low open-topped cabinet with partitions for holding music or books.

Canterbury bell

n. a tall cultivated bellflower with large pale blue flowers.   Campanula medium.

- ORIGIN C16: named after the bells on Canterbury pilgrims' horses.

cantharides

//

pl. n. another name for Spanish fly.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., pl. of cantharis, from Gk kantharis.

cantharus

//

n. (pl. canthari) (in ancient Greece and Rome) a large two-handled drinking cup.

- ORIGIN L., from Gk kantharos.

cant hook

n. a hinged metal hook at the end of a long handle, used for gripping and rolling logs.

canthus

//

n. (pl. canthi //) the outer or inner corner of the eye, where the upper and lower lids meet.

- DERIVATIVES canthic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from Gk kanthos.

canticle

//

n. a hymn or chant forming a regular part of a church service.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. canticulum ‘little song’, dimin. of canticum, from canere ‘sing’.

cantilena

//, //

n. Music the part carrying the melody in a composition.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., from L., ‘song’.

cantilever

//

n. a long projecting beam or girder fixed at only one end, used chiefly in bridge construction. a bracket or beam projecting from a wall to support a balcony, cornice, etc.
v. [usu. as adj. cantilevered] support by a cantilever or cantilevers.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

cantillate

//

v. rare chant or intone.

- DERIVATIVES cantillation n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cantillat-, cantillare ‘hum’, from cantare (see chant).

cantina

//

n.
1 (in a Spanish-speaking area) a bar.
2 (in Italy) a wine shop.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. and Ital.

canting arms

pl. n. Heraldry arms containing an allusion to the name of the bearer.

- ORIGIN C17: canting from cant^1, in the obs. sense ‘speak, say’.

cantle

//

n. the raised curved part at the back of a horse's saddle.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘a corner’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. cantel, var. of OFr. chantel, from med. L. cantellus, from cantus ‘corner, side’.

canto

//

n. (pl. cantos) each of the sections into which some long poems are divided.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital., lit. ‘song’, from L. cantus.

canton

n.
1 //, // a political or administrative subdivision of a country. a state of the Swiss Confederation.
2 // Heraldry a square charge smaller than a quarter and positioned in the upper (usually dexter) corner of a shield.

- DERIVATIVES cantonal //, // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr., lit. ‘corner’, from Provençal, rel. to med. L. cantus (see cant^2).

Cantonese

n. (pl. same)
1 a native or inhabitant of Canton (Guangzhou), a city in China.
2 a form of Chinese spoken mainly in SE China and Hong Kong.
adj. relating to Canton or Cantonese.

cantonment

//, //

n. (especially in the Indian subcontinent) a military garrison or camp.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. cantonnement, from cantonner ‘to quarter’.

cantor

//, //

n.
1 (in Jewish worship) an official who sings liturgical music and leads prayer in a synagogue.
2 (in formal Christian worship) a person who sings solo verses to which the choir or congregation respond.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘singer’, from canere ‘sing’.

cantorial

adj.
1 relating to a cantor.
2 relating to or denoting the north side of the choir in a church, on which the cantor sits. The opposite of decanal.

cantoris

//

n. the section of a church choir conventionally placed on the north side and taking the second or lower part in antiphonal singing. Compare with decani.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., lit. ‘of the cantor’ (see cantor).

cantrail

//

n. Brit. a length of wood or metal supporting the roof of a railway carriage.

cantrip

//

n. Scottish archaic a mischievous or playful act; a trick.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

cantus

//

n. the highest voice in polyphonic choral music.

- ORIGIN C16: from L.

cantus firmus

/ /

n. (pl. cantus firmi / /) Music an existing melody used as the basis for a polyphonic composition.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘firm song’.

Canuck

//

n. informal a Canadian, especially a French Canadian.

- ORIGIN C19: appar. from Canada.

canvas

n. (pl. canvases or canvasses)
1 a strong, coarse unbleached cloth used to make sails, tents, etc. and as a surface for oil painting. a piece of canvas prepared for use as the surface for an oil painting. (the canvas) the floor of a boxing or wrestling ring, having a canvas covering.
2 either of a racing boat's tapering ends, originally covered with canvas.
v. (canvases, canvassing, canvassed; US canvases, canvasing, canvased) cover with canvas.

- PHRASES
under canvas
1 in a tent or tents.
2 with sails spread.

- ORIGIN The word canvas came into Middle English, via Old Northern French canevas, from the Latin name for hemp, cannabis: hemp is the raw material traditionally used in making canvas, and is also the source of cannabis itself. The noun canvas (earlier spelled with a double -s) is also linked with the verb canvass, which originally meant ‘toss in a canvas sheet’ (a practice carried out both in fun and as a punishment); canvass then came to mean ‘assault, attack’ or ‘criticize’, and later ‘scrutinize in order to reject invalid votes’, from which developed the modern sense, ‘solicit votes’.

canvasback

n. a North American diving duck related to the pochard.   Aythya valisineria.

canvass

v.
1 solicit votes from (electors). question (someone) in order to ascertain their opinion on something.
2 Brit. propose (an idea or plan) for discussion.
n. an act of canvassing.

- DERIVATIVES canvasser n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘toss in a canvas sheet’): from canvas.

canyon

n. a deep gorge, especially one with a river flowing through it.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. cañón ‘tube’, based on L. canna ‘reed, cane’.

canyoning

n. the sport of jumping into a fast-flowing mountain stream and being carried downstream.

canzone

//, //

n. (pl. canzoni //)
1 an Italian or Provençal song or ballad.
2 a type of lyric resembling a madrigal.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital., ‘song’, from L. cantio(n-) ‘singing’, from canere ‘sing’.

canzonetta

//, //

n. (pl. canzonettas or canzonette //) a short, light vocal piece, especially in the Italian style of the 17th century.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital., dimin. of canzone (see canzone).

caoutchouc

//

n. natural rubber that has not been vulcanized.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from obs. Sp. cauchuc, from Quechua kauchuk.

CAP

abbrev. Common Agricultural Policy.

cap^1

n.
1 a soft, flat hat without a brim and usually with a peak. a soft, close-fitting head covering worn for a particular purpose: a shower cap. an academic mortar board.
2 a protective lid or cover for a bottle, pen, etc. Dentistry an artificial protective covering for a tooth.
3 an upper limit imposed on spending or borrowing.
4 Brit. a cap awarded to members of a sports team, especially a national team.
5 (also Dutch cap) Brit. informal a contraceptive diaphragm.
6 the broad upper part of the fruiting body of a mushroom or toadstool.
7 short for percussion cap.
v. (caps, capping, capped)
1 put or form a lid or cover on. put a cap on (a tooth).
2 provide a fitting climax or conclusion to. follow or reply to (a story or remark) with a better one.
3 place a limit on (prices, expenditure, etc.).
4 (be capped) Brit. be chosen as a member of a sports team, especially a national one.
5 Scottish & NZ confer a university degree on.

- PHRASES
cap in hand (N. Amer. hat in hand) humbly asking for a favour.
cap of liberty a conical cap given to Roman slaves when they were freed, later used as a republican symbol.
cap of maintenance Brit. a cap or hat worn or carried as a symbol of official dignity.
set one's cap at (or US for) dated (of a woman) try to attract (a particular man) as a suitor.
to cap it all as the final unfortunate incident in a long series.

- DERIVATIVES capful n. (pl. capfuls). capper n.

- ORIGIN OE cæppe ‘hood’, from late L. cappa, perh. from L. caput ‘head’.

cap^2

n. Finance short for capitalization (see capitalize): [as modifier] small-cap stocks.

cap.

abbrev.
1 capacity.
2 capital (city).
3 capital letter.

capability

n. (pl. capabilities) power or ability to do something. an undeveloped or unused faculty.

capable

adj.
1 (capable of doing something) having the ability or quality necessary to do something. open to or admitting of something.
2 (of a person) competent.

- DERIVATIVES capably adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from late L. capabilis, from L. capere ‘take or hold’.

capacious

adj. having a lot of space inside; roomy.

- DERIVATIVES capaciously adv. capaciousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. capax, capac- ‘capable’ + -ious.

capacitance

//

n. Physics ability to store electric charge, equivalent to the ratio of the change in electric charge in a system or component to the corresponding change in electric potential.

- ORIGIN C19: from capacity + -ance.

capacitate

v.
1 formal or archaic make capable or legally competent.
2 (be capacitated) Physiology (of spermatozoa) undergo changes inside the female reproductive tract enabling them to penetrate and fertilize an ovum.

- DERIVATIVES capacitation n.

capacitor

//

n. a device used to store electric charge, consisting of one or more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator.

capacity

n. (pl. capacities)
1 the maximum amount that something can contain or produce. [as modifier] fully occupying the available space: a capacity crowd. the total cylinder volume that is swept by the pistons in an internal-combustion engine.
2 the ability or power to do something. a person's legal competence.
3 a specified role or position.
4 dated electrical capacitance.

- DERIVATIVES capacitive (also capacitative) adj. (chiefly Physics).

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. capacité, from L. capacitas, from capax, capac- ‘that can contain’, from capere ‘take or hold’.

caparison

//

n. an ornamental covering spread over a horse's saddle or harness.
v. (be caparisoned) be decked out in rich decorative coverings.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr. caparasson, from Sp. caparazón ‘saddlecloth’, from capa ‘hood’.

cape^1

n.
1 a sleeveless cloak, especially a short one. a part of a longer coat or cloak that falls loosely over the shoulders from the neckband.
2 N. Amer. the pelt from the head and neck of an animal.
v. N. Amer. skin the head and neck of (an animal) to prepare a hunting trophy.

- DERIVATIVES caped adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Provençal capa, from late L. cappa ‘covering for the head’.

cape^2

n. a headland or promontory. (the Cape) the Cape of Good Hope. (the Cape) the former Cape Province of South Africa.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cap, from Provençal, based on L. caput ‘head’.

Cape doctor

n. S. African informal the strong prevailing SE wind in Western Cape Province.

Cape Dutch

n. historical the form of Dutch spoken by the early settlers at the Cape of Good Hope, which developed into Afrikaans.

capeesh

//

exclam. informal, chiefly US do you understand?: Upstairs is off limits. Capeesh?

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Ital. capisce, third person singular present tense of capire ‘understand’.

Cape gooseberry

n.
1 a soft edible yellow berry enclosed in a lantern-shaped husk.
2 the tropical South American plant which bears this fruit.   Physalis peruviana.

Cape jasmine

n. a fragrant Chinese gardenia with flowers that are used to perfume tea.   Gardenia jasminioides.

capelin

//, // (also caplin)

n. a small fish of North Atlantic coastal waters, important as a food fish.   Mallotus villosus.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Provençal capelan, from med. L. cappellanus (see chaplain).

capellini

//

pl. n. pasta in the form of very thin strands.

- ORIGIN Ital., dimin. of capello ‘hair’.

Cape Malay

(also Cape Muslim)

n. (in South Africa) a member of a predominantly Afrikaans-speaking and Muslim group resident mainly in the Western Cape Province.

Cape primrose

n. a streptocarpus.

caper^1

v. skip or dance about in a lively or playful way.
n.
1 a playful skipping movement.
2 informal an illicit or ridiculous activity or escapade.

- PHRASES
cut a caper make a playful, skipping movement.

- DERIVATIVES caperer n.

- ORIGIN C16: abbrev. of capriole.

caper^2

n.
1 a cooked and pickled flower bud of a bramble-like southern European shrub, used in pickles and sauces.
2 the shrub from which capers are taken.   Capparis spinosa.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. câpres or L. capparis, from Gk kapparis; later interpreted as pl.

capercaillie

// (Scottish also capercailzie //)

n. (pl. capercaillies) a large turkey-like grouse of mature pine forests in northern Europe.   Tetrao urogallus.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sc. Gaelic capull coille, lit. ‘horse of the wood’.

caper spurge

n. an ornamental European spurge which has become naturalized in North America.   Euphorbia lathyris.

Capetian

//

adj. relating to or denoting a dynasty ruling France 987–1328.
n. a member of the Capetian dynasty.

- ORIGIN named after Hugh Capet, founder of the dynasty.

Cape Verdean

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the Cape Verde Islands, a small country off the coast of Senegal.
adj. relating to the Cape Verde Islands.

capias

//, //

n. (pl. capiases) Law a writ ordering the arrest of a named person.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. capias (ad respondendum), lit. ‘you are to seize (until reply is made)’.

capillarity

n. the tendency of a liquid in a narrow tube or pore to rise or fall as a result of surface tension.

capillary

//

n. (pl. capillaries)
1 Anatomy any of the fine branching blood vessels that form a network between the arterioles and venules.
2 (also capillary tube) a tube with an internal diameter of hair-like thinness.
adj. relating to capillaries or capillarity.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. capillaris, from capillus ‘hair’, influenced by OFr. capillaire.

capillary action

n. another term for capillarity.

capillary joint

n. a joint made between two pipes by putting their ends into a slightly larger joining piece and filling the gaps with molten solder.

capital^1

n.
1 the most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative centre. a place particularly associated with a specified activity: the fashion capital of the world.
2 wealth owned by a person or organization or invested, lent, or borrowed. the excess of a company's assets over its liabilities.
3 a capital letter.
adj.
1 (of an offence or charge) liable to the death penalty.
2 (of a letter of the alphabet) large in size and of the form used to begin sentences and names.
3 informal, dated excellent.

- PHRASES
make capital out of use to one's own advantage.
with a capital —— used for emphasis: she was ugly with a capital U.

- DERIVATIVES capitally adv.

- ORIGIN ME (as adj. in the sense ‘relating to the head or top’): via OFr. from L. capitalis, from caput ‘head’.

capital^2

n. Architecture the distinct, typically broader section at the head of a pillar or column.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. capitel, from late L. capitellum ‘little head’, dimin. of L. caput.

capital gain

n. a profit from the sale of property or an investment.

capital gains tax

n. a tax levied on capital gains.

capital goods

pl. n. goods that are used in producing other goods, rather than being bought by consumers.

capital-intensive

adj. requiring the investment of large sums of money.

capitalism

n. an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

- DERIVATIVES capitalist n. & adj. capitalistic adj. capitalistically adv.

capitalize

(or capitalise)

v.
1 (capitalize on) take the chance to gain advantage from.
2 provide with capital.
3 convert into capital. reckon (the value of an asset) by setting future benefits against the cost of maintenance.
4 write or print (a word or letter) in capital letters. begin (a word) with a capital letter.

- DERIVATIVES capitalization n.

capital levy

n. a tax by means of which the state appropriates a fixed proportion of private wealth.

capital punishment

n. the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime.

capital ship

n. a large warship such as a battleship or aircraft carrier.

capital sum

n. a lump sum of money payable to an insured person or paid as an initial fee or investment.

capital territory

n. a territory containing the capital city of a country, as in Australia, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

capitate

//

adj. Botany & Zoology ending in a distinct compact head.
n. (also capitate bone) Anatomy the largest of the carpal bones, situated at the base of the palm of the hand.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. capitatus, from caput, capit-, ‘head’.

capitation

n. the payment of a fee or grant to a doctor, school, etc., the amount being determined by the number of patients, pupils, etc.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting the counting of heads): from late L. capitatio ‘poll tax’, from caput ‘head’.

capitol

//

n.
1 (in the US) a building housing a legislative assembly. (the Capitol) the seat of the US Congress in Washington DC.
2 (the Capitol) the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in ancient Rome.

- ORIGIN from OFr. capitolie, capitoile, later assimilated to L. Capitolium (from caput, capit- ‘head’).

capitular

//

adj.
1 relating to a cathedral chapter.
2 Anatomy & Biology relating to a capitulum.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. capitularis, from L. capitulum ‘small head’.

capitulary

//

n. (pl. capitularies) historical a royal ordinance, especially under the Merovingian dynasty.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. capitularius, from L. capitulum in the sense ‘section of a law’.

capitulate

//

v. cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.

- DERIVATIVES capitulator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘parley, draw up terms’): from Fr. capituler, from med. L. capitulare ‘draw up under headings’, from L. capitulum, dimin. of caput ‘head’.

capitulation

n.
1 the action of capitulating.
2 (capitulations) historical an agreement or set of conditions.

capitulum

//

n. (pl. capitula //) Anatomy & Biology a compact head of a structure, in particular a dense flat cluster of small flowers or florets.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., dimin. of caput ‘head’.

caplet

n. trademark a coated oral medicinal tablet.

- ORIGIN 1930s: blend of capsule and tablet.

caplin

n. variant spelling of capelin.

cap'n

//

n. informal contraction of captain.

capo^1

// (also capo tasto)

n. (pl. capos) a clamp fastened across all the strings of a fretted musical instrument to raise their tuning.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital. capo tasto, lit. ‘head stop’.

capo^2

//

n. (pl. capos) chiefly N. Amer. the head of a crime syndicate, especially the Mafia, or a branch of one.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Ital., from L. caput ‘head’.

Capo di Monte

/ /, //

n. a type of porcelain that is generally white with richly coloured rococo decoration.

- ORIGIN from the Capo di Monte palace near Naples.

capoeira

//

n. a system of physical discipline and movement originating among Brazilian slaves.

- ORIGIN from Port.

capon

//

n. a castrated domestic cock fattened for eating.

- DERIVATIVES caponize (or caponise) v.

- ORIGIN OE: from OFr., based on L. capo, capon-.

caponata

//

n. a dish of aubergines, olives, and onions seasoned with herbs.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

caponier

//

n. a covered passage across a ditch round a fort.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. caponera, lit. ‘capon enclosure’.

capot

//

n. (in piquet) the winning of all twelve tricks in the hand by one player, for which a bonus is awarded.
v. (capots, capotting, capotted) score a capot against.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., perh. from a dial. var. of chapoter ‘castrate’.

capo tasto

/ /

n. (pl. capo tastos) see capo^1.

capote

//

n. N. Amer. historical a long cloak or coat with a hood.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., dimin. of cape (see cape^1).

cappelletti

//

pl. n. small pieces of pasta folded and stuffed with meat or cheese.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘little hats’.

cappuccino

//

n. (pl. cappuccinos) a type of coffee made with milk that has been frothed up with pressurized steam.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘Capuchin’, because its colour resembles that of a Capuchin's habit.

capriccio

//

n. (pl. capriccios)
1 a lively piece of music, especially one that is short and free in form.
2 a painting representing a fantasy or a mixture of real and imaginary features.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘caprice or capriciousness’): from Ital., lit. ‘head with the hair standing on end’, hence ‘horror’, later ‘sudden start’, from capo ‘head’ + riccio ‘hedgehog’.

capriccioso

//, //

adv. & adj. Music in a free and impulsive style.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘capricious’, from capriccio.

caprice

//

n.
1 a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behaviour.
2 Music another term for capriccio.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. capriccio.

capricious

//

adj. given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES capriciously adv. capriciousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. capricieux, from Ital. capriccioso.

Capricorn

//

n. Astrology the tenth sign of the zodiac (the Goat), which the sun enters at the northern winter solstice (about 21 December).

- DERIVATIVES Capricornian n. & adj.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. capricornus, from caper, capr- ‘goat’ + cornu ‘horn’.

caprine

//

adj. relating to or resembling a goat or goats.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. caprinus, from caper, capr- ‘goat’.

capriole

//

n.
1 a movement performed in classical riding, in which the horse leaps from the ground and kicks out with its hind legs.
2 a leap or caper in dancing, especially a cabriole.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr., from Ital. capriola ‘leap’, from capriolo ‘roebuck’, from L. capreolus, dimin. of caper, capr- ‘goat’.

capri pants

// (also capris)

pl. n. women's close-fitting tapered trousers, extending to just above the ankle.

- ORIGIN 1950s: named after the island of Capri.

caproate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of caproic acid.

caproic acid

//

n. Chemistry a liquid fatty acid present in milk fat and coconut and palm oils.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. caper, capr- ‘goat’ (because of its smell) + -ic.

caprolactam

//

n. Chemistry a synthetic crystalline compound which is an intermediate in nylon manufacture.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from caproic acid + lactam.

caps

abbrev. capital letters.

capsaicin

//

n. Chemistry a cyclic compound responsible for the pungency of capsicums.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of capsicine, another substance formerly thought to have the same property.

Capsian

//

adj. Archaeology relating to or denoting a Palaeolithic culture of North Africa and southern Europe, dated to c.8000–4500 bc.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L. Capsa (now Gafsa in Tunisia), where objects from this culture were found, + -ian.

capsicum

//

n. (pl. capsicums)
1 the fruit of a tropical American plant, of which sweet peppers and chilli peppers are varieties.
2 the plant of the nightshade family which bears capsicums.   Genus Capsicum.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., perh. from L. capsa (see case^2).

capsid^1

n. another term for mirid.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Capsidae (former synonym of the family Miridae), from Capsus (genus name).

capsid^2

n. Microbiology the protein coat or shell of a virus particle.

- ORIGIN 1960s: coined in Fr. from L. capsa (see case^2).

capsize

v. (of a boat) be overturned in the water.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. based on Sp. capuzar ‘sink a ship by the head’, from cabo ‘head’ + chapuzar ‘to dive or duck’.

cap sleeve

n. a short sleeve which tapers to nothing under the arm.

- DERIVATIVES cap-sleeved adj.

capstan

//

n.
1 a broad revolving cylinder with a vertical axis used for winding a rope or cable.
2 the motor-driven spindle on a tape recorder that makes the tape travel past the head.

- ORIGIN ME: from Provençal cabestan, from cabestre ‘halter’, from L. capistrum, from capere ‘seize’.

capstan lathe

n. a lathe with a revolving tool holder on which several tools can be permanently mounted.

capstone

n. a stone placed on top of a wall, tomb, or other structure.

capsule

//, //

n.
1 a small case or container, especially a round or cylindrical one. a small soluble case of gelatin containing a dose of medicine, swallowed whole.
2 Anatomy a sheath or membrane that encloses an organ or other structure, such as a kidney.
3 Botany a dry fruit that releases its seeds by bursting open when ripe. the spore-producing structure of mosses and liverworts.
4 the foil or plastic covering the cork of a wine bottle.

- DERIVATIVES capsular adj. capsulate adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. capsula, dimin. of capsa (see case^2).

capsulize

(or capsulise)

v. put (information) in compact form; summarize.

Capt.

abbrev. Captain.

captain

n.
1 the person in command of a ship. the pilot in command of a civil aircraft. a rank of naval officer above commander and below commodore.
2 a rank of officer in the army and in the US and Canadian air forces, above lieutenant and below major. (in the US) a police officer in charge of a precinct.
3 the leader of a team, especially in sports. a powerful or influential person in a particular field: a captain of industry.
v. serve as the captain of.

- DERIVATIVES captaincy n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. capitain (superseding earlier chevetaigne ‘chieftain’), from late L. capitaneus ‘chief’, from L. caput, capit- ‘head’.

captain general

n. an honorary rank of senior officer in the British army, especially in an artillery regiment.

caption

n.
1 a title or brief explanation appended to an illustration or cartoon. a piece of text appearing on screen as part of a film or broadcast.
2 Law the heading of a legal document.
v. provide with a caption.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘seizing, capture’, later ‘warrant for arrest’ and so ‘statement of the authority issuing the warrant’): from L. captio(n-), from capere ‘take, seize’.

captious

//

adj. formal tending to find fault or raise petty objections.

- DERIVATIVES captiously adv. captiousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. captieux or L. captiosus, from captio(n-) (see caption).

captivate

v. attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm.

- DERIVATIVES captivating adj. captivatingly adv. captivation n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. captivat-, captivare ‘take captive’, from captivus (see captive).

captive

n. a person who has been taken prisoner or confined.
adj.
1 imprisoned or confined.
2 having no freedom to choose an alternative: a captive audience.
3 (of a facility or service) controlled by and reserved for a particular organization.

- DERIVATIVES captivity n. (pl. captivities).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. captivus, from capere ‘seize, take’.

captor

n. a person who imprisons or confines another.

capture

v.
1 take into one's possession or control by force. (in chess and other board games) make a move that secures the removal of (an opposing piece).
2 record or express accurately in words or pictures.
3 cause (data) to be stored in a computer.
4 Physics absorb (a particle).
n. the action of capturing or the fact of being captured. a person or thing that has been captured.

- DERIVATIVES capturer n.

- ORIGIN C16 (as n.): from Fr., from L. captura, from capt-, capere ‘seize, take’.

Capuchin

//

n.
1 a friar belonging to a strict branch of the Franciscan order.
2 a cloak and hood formerly worn by women.
3 (capuchin) a South American monkey with a cowl-like cap of hair on the head.   Genus Cebus: four species.
4 (capuchin) a pigeon of a breed with head and neck feathers resembling a cowl.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr., earlier form of capucin, from Ital. cappuccino, from cappuccio ‘hood, cowl’, from cappa (see cape^1).

capybara

//

n. (pl. same or capybaras) a large South American rodent resembling a long-legged guinea pig.   Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. capibara or Port. capivara, from Tupi capiuára, from cap ‘grass’ + uára ‘eater’.

car

n.
1 a powered road vehicle designed to carry a small number of people.
2 a railway carriage or (N. Amer.) wagon. the passenger compartment of a lift, cableway, or balloon.
3 literary a chariot.

- DERIVATIVES carful n. (pl. carfuls). carload n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Old North. Fr. carre, based on L. carrum, carrus, of Celtic origin.

carabid

//

n. Entomology a beetle of a family (Carabidae) comprising the predatory ground beetles.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L Carabidae, from L. carabus, denoting a kind of crab.

carabineer

// (also carabinier)

n. historical a cavalry soldier whose principal weapon was a carbine.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. carabinier, from carabine (see carbine).

carabiner

n. variant spelling of karabiner.

carabiniere

//

n. (pl. carabinieri pronunc. same) a member of the Italian paramilitary police.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘carabineer’.

caracal

//

n. a long-legged lynx-like cat with black tufted ears, native to Africa and western Asia.   Felis caracal.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. or Sp., from Turk. karakulak, from kara ‘black’ + kulak ‘ear’.

caracara

//

n. (pl. same or caracaras) a large New World bird of prey with a bare face, feeding largely on carrion.   Polyborus plancus and other species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. or Port. caracará, from Tupi-Guarani, imitating its cry.

caracole

//

n. a half turn to the right or left by a horse.
v. perform a caracole.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. caracole, caracol ‘snail's shell, spiral’.

caracul

n. variant spelling of karakul.

carafe

//, //

n. an open-topped glass flask typically used for serving wine in a restaurant.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. caraffa, prob. based on Arab. garafa ‘draw water’.

caragana

//

n. a central Asian or Siberian shrub or small tree, sometimes planted as an ornamental.   Genus Caragana.

- ORIGIN mod. L., of Turkic origin.

caramba

//

exclam. informal, often humorous an expression of surprise or dismay.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp.

carambola

//

n.
1 a golden-yellow fruit with a star-shaped cross section; a starfruit.
2 the tropical tree which bears carambolas.   Averrhoa carambola.

- ORIGIN C16: from Port., prob. from Marathi karambal.

caramel

//, //

n.
1 sugar or syrup heated until it turns brown, used as a flavouring or colouring for food or drink.
2 a soft toffee made with sugar and butter that have been melted and further heated.

- DERIVATIVES caramelization (or caramelisation) n. caramelize (or caramelise) v.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Sp. caramelo.

carangid

//

n. Zoology a marine fish of the jack family (Carangidae), typically with a sloping forehead and two dorsal fins.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Carangidae, from the genus name Caranx.

carapace

//

n. the hard upper shell of a tortoise or crustacean.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Sp. carapacho, of unknown origin.

carat

//

n.
1 a unit of weight for precious stones and pearls, equivalent to 200 milligrams.
2 (US also karat) a measure of the purity of gold, pure gold being 24 carats.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from Ital. carato, from Arab. krt, from Gk keration ‘fruit of the carob’.

caravan

n.
1 Brit. a vehicle equipped for living in, usually designed to be towed.
2 N. Amer. a covered motor vehicle with living accommodation.
3 historical a group of people travelling together across a desert in Asia or North Africa.

- DERIVATIVES caravanner n. caravanning n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. caravane, from Pers. krwn.

caravanette

n. Brit. a motor vehicle with a rear compartment equipped for living in.

caravanserai

//, // (US also caravansary)

n. (pl. caravanserais or caravansaries)
1 historical an inn with a central courtyard for travellers in the desert regions of Asia or North Africa.
2 a group of people travelling together.

- ORIGIN C16: from Pers. krwnsary, from krwn ‘caravan’ + sary ‘palace’.

caravel

// (also carvel)

n. historical a small, fast Spanish or Portuguese ship of the 15th–17th centuries.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. caravelle, from Port. caravela, dimin. of caravo, via L. from Gk karabos ‘horned beetle’ or ‘light ship’.

caraway

//

n.
1 the seeds of a plant of the parsley family, used for flavouring and as a source of oil.
2 the white-flowered Mediterranean plant which bears caraway seeds.   Carum carvi.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. carui, from Arab. alkarwiy, prob. from Gk karon ‘cumin’.

carb^1

n. informal short for carburettor.

carb^2

n. informal short for carbohydrate.

carbamate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester containing the anion NH_2COO- or the group –OOCNH_2.

- ORIGIN C19: from carbo- + amide + -ate^1.

carbamazepine

//

n. Medicine a synthetic compound used as an anticonvulsant and analgesic drug.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from carbo- + amide, on the pattern of benzodiazepine.

carbanion

//

n. Chemistry an organic ion with a negative charge located on a carbon atom.

carbaryl

//

n. a synthetic insecticide used to protect crops and in the treatment of fleas and lice.

- ORIGIN C20: from carbamate + -yl.

carbide

//

n. Chemistry a compound of carbon with a metal or other element: silicon carbide.

carbine

//

n. a light automatic rifle. historical a short rifle or musket used by cavalry.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. carabine, from carabin ‘mounted musketeer’.

carbo-

comb. form representing carbon.

carbocation

//

n. Chemistry another term for carbonium ion.

carbohydrate

n. Biochemistry any of a large group of compounds (including sugars, starch, and cellulose) which contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, occur in foods and living tissues, and can be broken down to release energy in the body.

carbolic

n.
1 (also carbolic acid) phenol, especially when used as a disinfectant.
2 (also carbolic soap) disinfectant soap containing phenol.

carbo-load

v. informal (of a sports player or athlete) saturate the muscles with stored glycogen by exercising and dieting and then shortly before a competition eating a large amount of carbohydrates.

car bomb

n. a terrorist bomb concealed in a parked car.
v. (car-bomb) attack with a car bomb.

- DERIVATIVES car bomber n.

carbon

n.
1 the chemical element of atomic number 6, a non-metal which has two main forms (diamond and graphite), occurs in impure form in charcoal, soot, and coal, and is present in all organic compounds. (Symbol: C)
2 a rod of carbon in an arc lamp.
3 a piece of carbon paper, or a carbon copy.

- DERIVATIVES carbonaceous adj. carbonless adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. carbone, from L. carbo, carbon- ‘coal, charcoal’.

carbon-12

n. the commonest natural carbon isotope, of mass 12, which is the basis for the accepted scale of atomic mass units.

carbon-14

n. a long-lived naturally occurring radioactive carbon isotope of mass 14, used in carbon dating and as a tracer in biochemistry.

carbonado

//

n. (pl. carbonados) a dark opaque diamond.

- ORIGIN C19: from Port.

carbonara

//

adj. [postpos.] denoting a pasta sauce made with bacon or ham, egg, and cream: spaghetti carbonara.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘charcoal kiln’, perh. influenced by carbonata, a dish of charcoal-grilled salt pork.

carbonate

//

n. a salt of the anion CO_32-, typically formed by reaction of carbon dioxide with bases.
v. [usu. as adj. carbonated] dissolve carbon dioxide in.

- DERIVATIVES carbonation n.

carbonatite

//

n. Geology a lava or other igneous rock composed chiefly of carbonates.

carbon black

n. a fine carbon powder used as a pigment.

carbon copy

n. a copy made with carbon paper. a person or thing identical to another.

carbon cycle

n. the series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, involving the incorporation of carbon dioxide into living tissue by photosynthesis and its return to the atmosphere through respiration, the decay of dead organisms, and the burning of fossil fuels.

carbon dating

n. the determination of the age of an organic object from the relative proportions of the isotopes carbon-12 and carbon-14 that it contains.

carbon dioxide

n. a colourless, odourless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration, and absorbed by plants in photosynthesis.   CO_2.

carbon disulphide

n. a colourless toxic flammable liquid used as a solvent.   CS_2.

carbon fibre

n. a material consisting of thin, strong crystalline filaments of carbon.

carbonic

//

adj. relating to carbon or carbon dioxide.

carbonic acid

n. a very weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water.   H_2CO_3.

Carboniferous

//

adj. Geology relating to or denoting the fifth period of the Palaeozoic era (between the Devonian and Permian periods, about 363 to 290 million years ago), a time when extensive coal-bearing strata were formed.

carbonium ion

//

n. Chemistry an organic ion with a positive charge located on a carbon atom.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from carbo-, on the pattern of ammonium.

carbonize

(or carbonise)

v. convert into carbon, by heating or burning.

- DERIVATIVES carbonization n.

carbon monoxide

n. a colourless, odourless toxic flammable gas formed by incomplete combustion of carbon.   CO.

carbonnade

//, //

n. a rich beef stew made with onions and beer.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a piece of meat or fish cooked on hot coals): from Fr., from L. carbo, -onis ‘coal, charcoal’.

carbon paper

n. thin paper coated with carbon, used for making a copy of a document as it is being written or typed.

carbon sink

n. Ecology a forest, ocean, or other natural environment viewed in terms of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

carbon steel

n. steel in which the main alloying element is carbon, and whose properties depend on the percentage of carbon present.

carbon tax

n. a tax on petrol and other fossil fuels.

carbon tetrachloride

n. a colourless toxic volatile liquid used as a solvent.   CCl_4.

carbonyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the divalent radical :C=O, present in aldehydes, ketones, and many other organic compounds.

car boot sale

n. Brit. an outdoor sale at which people sell unwanted possessions, typically from the boots of their cars.

carborundum

//

n. a very hard black solid consisting of silicon carbide, used as an abrasive.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of carbon and corundum.

carboxyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the radical –COOH, present in organic acids.

- ORIGIN C19: from carbo- + ox- + -yl.

carboxylate

// Chemistry

n. a salt or ester of a carboxylic acid.
v. add a carboxyl group to (a compound).

- DERIVATIVES carboxylation n.

carboxylic acid

//

n. Chemistry an acid containing a carboxyl group, such as formic and acetic acids.

carboy

n. a large globular glass bottle with a narrow neck, used for holding acids or other corrosive liquids.

- ORIGIN C18: from Pers. karba ‘large glass flagon’.

carbuncle

//

n.
1 a severe abscess or multiple boil in the skin.
2 a bright red gem, in particular a cabochon garnet.

- DERIVATIVES carbuncular adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. charbuncle, from L. carbunculus ‘small coal’, from carbo ‘coal, charcoal’.

carburation

//

n. the process of mixing air with a fine spray of liquid hydrocarbon fuel, as in a carburettor.

carburettor

//, // (also carburetter, US carburetor)

n. a device in an internal-combustion engine for mixing air with a fine spray of liquid fuel.

- DERIVATIVES carburetted (US carbureted) adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from archaic carburet ‘combine or charge with carbon’ + -or^1.

carburize

(or carburise) //, //

v. add carbon to the surface of (iron or steel) by heating with carbon.

- DERIVATIVES carburization n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. carbure ‘carbide’ + -ize.

carcajou

//, //

n. North American term for wolverine.

- ORIGIN C18: from Canad. Fr., appar. of Algonquian origin (cf. kinkajou).

carcass

(Brit. also carcase)

n.
1 the dead body of an animal, especially one prepared for cutting up as meat. the remains of a cooked bird after all the edible parts have been removed.
2 the structural framework of a building, ship, or piece of furniture.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. carcois, var. of OFr. charcois; in later use from Fr. carcasse; of unknown ultimate origin.

carceral

//

adj. rare relating to a prison.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. carceralis, from carcer ‘prison’.

carcinogen

//

n. a substance capable of causing cancer.

carcinogenic

//

adj. having the potential to cause cancer.

- DERIVATIVES carcinogenesis n. carcinogenicity n.

carcinoid

//

n. Medicine a tumour of a type occurring especially in the appendix and sometimes secreting hormones.

carcinoma

//

n. (pl. carcinomas or carcinomata //) a cancer arising in the epithelial tissue of the skin or of the lining of the internal organs.

- DERIVATIVES carcinomatous adj.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk karkinma, from karkinos ‘crab’ (cf. cancer).

carcinomatosis

//

n. the widespread dissemination of carcinomas in the body.

car coat

n. a short, square-cut style of coat designed to be worn when driving a car.

Card.

abbrev. Cardinal.

card^1

n.
1 thick, stiff paper or thin cardboard.
2 a piece of card for writing on, especially a postcard or greetings card. a business card or visiting card.
3 a small rectangular piece of plastic containing machine-readable personal data, e.g. a credit card or cash card.
4 a playing card. (cards) [treated as sing.] a game played with playing cards.
5 (cards) Brit. informal documents relating to an employee, especially for tax and national insurance, held by the employer.
6 a scorecard, in particular a list of holes on a golf course. a programme of events at a race meeting.
7 Computing a circuit board that can be inserted in a computer to give extra facilities.
8 informal, dated or N. Amer. a person regarded as odd or amusing.
v.
1 write (something) on a card, especially for indexing.
2 N. Amer. check the identity card of (someone), especially to verify their age.

- PHRASES
a card up one's sleeve Brit. a plan or asset that is kept secret until it is needed.
give someone their cards (or get one's cards) Brit. informal dismiss someone (or be dismissed) from employment.
hold all the cards be in a very strong position.
on (or N. Amer. in) the cards informal possible or likely.
play the —— card exploit the specified issue or idea mentioned, especially for political advantage: he saw an opportunity to play the peace card.
play one's cards right make the best use of one's assets and opportunities.
put (or lay) one's cards on the table be completely open in declaring one's intentions.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. carte, from L. carta, charta, from Gk kharts ‘papyrus leaf’.

card^2

v. comb and clean (raw wool or similar material) with a sharp-toothed instrument to disentangle the fibres before spinning.
n. a toothed implement or machine for this purpose.

- DERIVATIVES carder n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. carde, from Provençal carda, from cardar ‘tease, comb’, based on L. carere ‘to card’.

cardamom

// (also cardamum)

n.
1 the aromatic seeds of a plant of the ginger family, used as a spice.
2 the SE Asian plant which bears cardamom seeds.   Elettaria cardamomum.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cardamome or L. cardamomum, from Gk kardammon, from kardamon ‘cress’ + ammon, the name of a kind of spice plant.

cardan joint

//

n. Brit. a universal joint.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after Gerolamo Cardano (1501–76), Italian mathematician.

cardan shaft

//

n. Brit. a shaft with a universal joint at one or both ends.

cardboard

n.
1 pasteboard or stiff paper.
2 [as modifier] (of a fictional character) lacking depth and realism: superficial, cardboard characters.

cardboard city

n. an urban area where homeless people congregate under makeshift shelters.

card-carrying

adj. registered as a member of a political party or trade union.

card game

n. a game in which playing cards are used.

cardholder

n. a person who has a credit card or debit card.

cardia

//

n. Anatomy the upper opening of the stomach, where the oesophagus enters.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk kardia.

cardiac

//

adj.
1 relating to the heart.
2 relating to the cardia of the stomach.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. cardiaque or L. cardiacus, from Gk kardiakos, from kardia ‘heart, cardia’.

cardigan

n. a knitted jumper fastening with buttons down the front.

- ORIGIN C19 (Crimean War): named after the 7th Earl of Cardigan, whose troops first wore such garments.

cardinal

n.
1 a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church, nominated by and having the power to elect the Pope.
2 a deep scarlet colour like that of a cardinal's cassock.
3 an American songbird of which the male is partly or mostly red and which typically has a crest.   Cardinalis cardinalis and other species, subfamily Cardinalinae.
adj. of the greatest importance; fundamental: two cardinal points must be borne in mind.

- DERIVATIVES cardinalate n. cardinally adv. cardinalship n.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. cardinalis, from cardo, cardin- ‘hinge’; sense 1 has arisen from the function of such priests as ‘pivots’ of church life.

cardinal flower

n. a tall scarlet-flowered lobelia found in North America.   Lobelia cardinalis.

cardinality

n. (pl. cardinalities) Mathematics the number of elements in a particular set or other grouping.

cardinal number

n. a number denoting quantity (one, two, three, etc.), as opposed to an ordinal number (first, second, third, etc.).

cardinal point

n. each of the four main points of the compass (north, south, east, and west).

cardinal sin

n. any of the seven deadly sins. chiefly humorous a serious error of judgement: he committed the cardinal sin of criticizing his teammates.

cardinal virtue

n. each of the chief moral attributes of scholastic philosophy: justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude.

cardinal vowel

n. Phonetics each of a series of vowel sounds used as a standard reference point to assist in the description and classification of vowel sounds.

card index

n. a catalogue in which each item is entered on a separate card.
v. (card-index) catalogue (information) in the form of a card index.

carding wool

n. short-stapled pieces of wool which result from the carding process, spun and woven to make standard-quality fabrics. Compare with combing wool.

cardio-

//

comb. form relating to the heart: cardiograph.

- ORIGIN from Gk kardia ‘heart’.

cardiogram

//

n. a record of muscle activity within the heart made by a cardiograph.

cardiograph

//

n. an instrument for recording heart muscle activity.

- DERIVATIVES cardiographer n. cardiography n.

cardioid

n.
1 Mathematics a heart-shaped curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle as it rolls around another identical circle.
2 a directional microphone with a pattern of sensitivity of this shape.
adj. of the shape of a cardioid.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk kardioeids ‘heart-shaped’, from kardia ‘heart’ + eidos ‘form’.

cardiology

n. the branch of medicine concerned with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.

- DERIVATIVES cardiological adj. cardiologist n.

cardiomegaly

//

n. Medicine abnormal enlargement of the heart.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from cardio- + Gk megas, megal- ‘great’.

cardiomyopathy

//

n. Medicine chronic disease of the heart muscle.

cardiopulmonary

adj. Medicine relating to the heart and the lungs.

cardiorespiratory

adj. Medicine relating to the action of both heart and lungs.

cardiothoracic

adj. Medicine relating to the heart and chest or lungs.

cardiovascular

adj. Medicine relating to the heart and blood vessels.

carditis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the heart.

cardoon

//

n. a tall thistle-like plant related to the globe artichoke, with edible leaves and roots.   Cynara cardunculus.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cardon, from carde ‘edible part of an artichoke’, from mod. Provençal cardo, based on L. carduus, cardus ‘thistle, artichoke’.

card sharp

(also card sharper)

n. a person who cheats at cards.

card swipe

n. an electronic reader through which a swipe card is passed.

card table

n. a table for playing cards on, typically having legs that fold flat for storage and a baize surface.

card vote

n. Brit. another term for block vote.

cardy

(also cardie)

n. (pl. cardies) Brit. informal a cardigan.

care

n.
1 the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something. Brit. protective custody or guardianship provided for children by a local authority.
2 serious attention or consideration applied to an action or plan.
3 a feeling of or occasion for anxiety: she hadn't a care in the world.
v.
1 feel concern or interest: I don't care what she says.
2 (care for) feel affection or liking.
3 (care for/to do something) like to have or be willing to do something.
4 (care for) look after and provide for the needs of.

- PHRASES
care in the community another term for community care.
care of at the address of.
take care
1 be cautious; keep oneself safe.
2 make sure of doing something.
take care of
1 keep safe and provided for.
2 deal with.

- DERIVATIVES caring n. & adj. caringly adv.

- ORIGIN OE caru (n.), carian (v.), of Gmc origin.

careen

//

v.
1 turn (a ship) on its side for cleaning or repair. (of a ship) tilt; lean over.
2 chiefly N. Amer. move in a swift and uncontrolled way.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. carène, from Ital. carena, from L. carina ‘a keel’.

career

n. an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life, usually with opportunities for progress. the progress through history of an institution or organization. [as modifier] working with commitment in a particular profession: a career diplomat. [as modifier] (of a woman) pursuing a profession.
v. move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a road or racecourse): from Fr. carrière, from Ital. carriera, based on L. carrus ‘wheeled vehicle’.

careerist

n. a person whose main concern is for advancement in their profession.

- DERIVATIVES careerism n.

carefree

adj. free from anxiety or responsibility.

- DERIVATIVES carefreeness n.

careful

adj.
1 taking care to avoid mishap or harm; cautious. (careful of/about) protective of. (careful with) prudent in the use of.
2 done with or showing thought and attention.

- DERIVATIVES carefully adv. carefulness n.

- ORIGIN OE carful (see care, -ful).

caregiver

n. N. Amer. another term for carer.

- DERIVATIVES caregiving n. & adj.

careless

adj.
1 not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or mistakes.
2 (careless of/about) not concerned or worried about. showing no interest or effort; casual.

- DERIVATIVES carelessly adv. carelessness n.

- ORIGIN OE carlas ‘free from care’ (see care, -less).

carer

n. Brit. a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a sick, elderly, or disabled person.

caress

v. touch or stroke gently or lovingly.
n. a gentle or loving touch.

- DERIVATIVES caressing adj. caressingly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. caresser (v.), caresse (n.), from Ital. carezza, based on L. carus ‘dear’.

caret

//

n. a mark (, ) placed below a line of text to indicate a proposed insertion.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘is lacking’.

caretaker

n.
1 a person employed to look after a public building.
2 [as modifier] holding power temporarily: he was to act as caretaker Prime Minister.
3 chiefly N. Amer. a person employed to look after people or animals.

careworn

adj. tired and unhappy because of prolonged worry.

carex

//

n. (pl. carices //) a sedge of a large genus found chiefly in temperate and cold regions.   Genus Carex.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L., ‘sedge’.

carfare

n. N. Amer. the fare for travel on a bus, underground train, or similar public transport.

cargo

n. (pl. cargoes or cargos) goods carried commercially on a ship, aircraft, or truck.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. cargo, carga, from late L. carricare, carcare ‘to load’, from L. carrus ‘wheeled vehicle’.

cargo cult

n. (in the Melanesian Islands) a system of beliefs based around the expected arrival of benevolent spirits in aircraft or ships bringing cargoes of food and other goods.

cargo pants

pl. n. loose-fitting casual cotton trousers with large patch pockets halfway down each leg.

carhop

n. N. Amer. informal, dated a waiter or waitress at a drive-in restaurant.

Carib

//

n.
1 a member of an indigenous South American people living mainly in coastal regions of French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela.
2 the language of the Carib. the Cariban family of languages.
3 (also Island Carib) an unrelated Arawakan language, now extinct, formerly spoken in the Lesser Antilles.

- ORIGIN from Sp. caribe, from Haitian Creole.

Cariban

//

n. a family of South American languages including Carib, mostly extinct or nearly so.
adj. denoting the Cariban languages.

Caribbean

//, //

adj. relating to the region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands (including the West Indies), and the surrounding coasts.

USAGE

There are two possible pronunciations of the word Caribbean. The first, found in the US and the Caribbean itself, puts the stress on the -rib-, while the second, more familiar to most British people, puts the stress on the -be-.

caribou

//

n. (pl. same) N. Amer. a reindeer.

- ORIGIN C17: from Canad. Fr., from Micmac alipu, lit. ‘snow shoveller’.

caricature

//, //

n. a depiction of a person in which distinguishing characteristics are exaggerated for comic or grotesque effect.
v. make a caricature of.

- DERIVATIVES caricatural adj. caricaturist n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. caricatura, from caricare ‘load, exaggerate’, from L. carricare (see charge).

CARICOM

//

abbrev. Caribbean Community and Common Market.

caries

//

n. decay and crumbling of a tooth or bone.

- ORIGIN C16: from L.

carillon

//, //, //

n.
1 a set of bells sounded from a keyboard or by an automatic mechanism.
2 a tune played on such bells.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from OFr. quarregnon ‘peal of four bells’, based on L. quattuor ‘four’.

carina

//, //

n. (pl. carinae // or carinas)
1 Zoology a keel-shaped structure, especially the ridge of a bird's breastbone to which the main flight muscles are attached.
2 Anatomy a cartilage situated at the point where the trachea (windpipe) divides into the two bronchi.

- DERIVATIVES carinal adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., ‘keel’.

carinate

//, //

adj. Ornithology denoting a bird having a carina. Contrasted with ratite.

- DERIVATIVES carinated adj. carination n.

carioca

//

n.
1 a native of Rio de Janeiro.
2 a Brazilian dance resembling the samba.

- ORIGIN C19: from Port., from Tupi kari'oka ‘house of the white man’.

cariogenic

//, //

adj. causing tooth decay.

cariole

n. variant spelling of carriole.

carious

//

adj. (of bones or teeth) decayed.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cariosus (see caries).

caritas

//

n. Christian love of humankind; charity.

- ORIGIN C19: from L.

carjacking

n. the action of stealing a car after violently ejecting its driver.

- DERIVATIVES carjack v. carjacker n.

- ORIGIN 1990s: blend of car and hijacking (see hijack).

carking

adj. archaic causing distress or worry.

- ORIGIN C16: pres. part. of ME cark ‘worry, burden’, from Old North. Fr. carkier, based on late L. carcare (see charge).

carl

n. archaic a man of low birth. Scottish a man; a fellow.

- ORIGIN OE: from ON karl ‘man, freeman’, of Gmc origin.

carline

// (also carlin or carling)

n. any of the pieces of squared timber fitted fore and aft between the deck beams of a wooden ship to support the deck planking.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘(old) woman, witch’): from ON karling; the reason for naut. use of the word remains obscure.

carline thistle

//, //

n. a spiny plant with long-lived flower heads bearing shiny straw-coloured bracts.   Carlina vulgaris and related species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from med. L. carlina, perh. an alt. of cardina (from L. carduus ‘thistle’) by assoc. with Carolus Magnus, i.e. Charlemagne.

Carlovingian

//

adj. & n. another term for Carolingian.

- ORIGIN from Fr. carlovingien, from Karl ‘Charles’, on the pattern of mérovingien ‘Merovingian’.

Carmelite

//

n. a friar or nun of an order founded at Mount Carmel during the Crusades.
adj. relating to the Carmelites.

carminative

//, // Medicine

adj. relieving flatulence.
n. a carminative drug.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. carminatif, -ive, or med. L. carminat-, carminare ‘heal (by incantation)’ from L. carmen (see charm).

carmine

//, //

n. a vivid crimson pigment made from cochineal.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. carmin, based on Arab. kirmiz (see kermes).

carnage

//

n. the killing of a large number of people.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. carnaggio, from med. L. carnaticum, from L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

carnal

//

adj. relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities.

- DERIVATIVES carnality n. carnally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Christian L. carnalis, from caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

carnal knowledge

n. dated, chiefly Law sexual intercourse.

carnallite

//

n. a white or reddish mineral consisting of a chloride of potassium and magnesium.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Rudolf von Carnall, German mining engineer, + -ite^1.

carnassial

//

adj. Zoology denoting the large upper premolar and lower molar teeth of a carnivore, adapted for shearing flesh.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. carnassier ‘carnivorous’, based on L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

Carnatic

//

adj. of or denoting the main style of classical music in southern India, as distinct from the Hindustani music of the north.

- ORIGIN Anglicization of Karnataka, a state in SW India.

carnation

n. a double-flowered cultivated variety of clove pink, with grey-green leaves and showy pink, white, or red flowers.

- ORIGIN C16 (also in sense ‘flesh colour’): perh. based on a misreading of Arab. karanful ‘clove or clove pink’, influenced by Fr. carnation ‘flesh colour or rosy pink’, based on L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

carnauba

//, //

n.
1 a NE Brazilian fan palm, the leaves of which exude a yellowish wax.   Copernicia cerifera.
2 wax from the carnauba palm.

- ORIGIN C19: from Port., from Tupi.

carnelian

// (also cornelian)

n. a dull red or reddish-white semi-precious variety of chalcedony.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. corneline; the prefix car- being suggested by L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

carnet

//

n.
1 a permit for a particular purpose, especially one allowing a motor vehicle to be taken across a frontier for a limited period.
2 a book of tickets for use on public transport in some countries.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Fr., ‘notebook’.

carnival

n.
1 an annual period of public revelry involving processions, music, dancing, etc.
2 N. Amer. a travelling funfair or circus.

- DERIVATIVES carnivalesque adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. carnevale, carnovale, from med. L. carnelevamen, carnelevarium ‘Shrovetide’, from L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’ + levare ‘put away’.

carnivore

//

n. an animal that feeds on flesh. Zoology a mammal of the order Carnivora, which comprises the cats, dogs, bears, hyenas, weasels, civets, raccoons, and mongooses.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from L. carnivorus (see carnivorous).

carnivorous

//

adj. (of an animal) feeding on flesh.

- DERIVATIVES carnivorously adv. carnivorousness n. carnivory // n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. carnivorus, from caro, carn- ‘flesh’ + -vorus (see -vorous).

carnosaur

//

n. a large bipedal carnivorous dinosaur of a group including tyrannosaurus, allosaurus, and megalosaurus.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from mod. L., from L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’ + Gk sauros ‘lizard’.

carnotite

//

n. a lemon-yellow radioactive mineral consisting of a vanadate of uranium, potassium, and other elements.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Marie Adolphe Carnot, French inspector of mines, + -ite^1.

carob

//

n.
1 the edible brownish-purple pod of an Arabian tree, from which a powder is extracted for use as a substitute for chocolate.
2 the tree which yields carob pods.   Ceratonia siliqua.

- ORIGIN ME from OFr. carobe, from med. L. carrubia, from Arab. karrba.

carol

n. a religious song or popular hymn associated with Christmas.
v. (carols, carolling, carolled; US carols, caroling, caroled)
1 (go carolling) sing carols in the streets.
2 sing or say (something) happily.

- DERIVATIVES caroller (US caroler) n. carolling (US caroling) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. carole (n.), caroler (v.), of unknown origin.

Caroline

//

adj.
1 (also Carolean //) relating to the reigns of Charles I and II of England (1625–49; 1660–85).
2 another term for Carolingian.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. Carolus ‘Charles’.

Carolingian

// (also Carlovingian)

adj.
1 relating to or denoting the Frankish dynasty founded by Charlemagne's father (Pepin III), which ruled in western Europe from 750 to 987.
2 denoting a minuscule script developed in France during the time of Charlemagne, on which modern lower-case letters are largely based.
n. a member of the Carolingian dynasty.

- ORIGIN alt. of earlier Carlovingian, by assoc. with med. L. Carolus ‘Charles’.

Carolinian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the US states of South or North Carolina.
adj.
1 relating to South or North Carolina.
2 denoting a forest region extending from South Ontario to South Carolina.

carol singing

n. the singing of carols, especially by groups going from door to door at Christmas with the object of raising money.

- DERIVATIVES carol singer n.

carom

// chiefly N. Amer.

n.
1 a cannon shot in billiards or pool.
2 (also carom billiards) a game resembling billiards and depending on cannon shots for scoring.
v. make a carom.

- ORIGIN C18: abbrev. of carambole, from Sp. carambola, appar. from bola ‘ball’.

carotene

//

n. Chemistry an orange or red plant pigment found notably in carrots and of which one form (beta-carotene) is important in the diet as a precursor of vitamin A.

- DERIVATIVES carotenoid // n.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from L. carota ‘carrot’.

carotid

//

adj. Anatomy relating to or denoting the two main arteries carrying blood to the head and neck.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. carotide or mod. L. carotides, from Gk kartides, pl. of kartis ‘drowsiness’, from karoun ‘stupefy’ (because compression of these arteries was thought to cause stupor).

carouse

//

v. drink alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way.
n. a noisy, lively drinking party.

- DERIVATIVES carousal n. carouser n. carousing n.

- ORIGIN C16: orig. as adv. meaning ‘right out, completely’ in the phr. drink carouse, from Ger. gar aus trinken.

carousel

//, //

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a merry-go-round at a fair.
2 a rotating machine or device, in particular a conveyor system for baggage collection at an airport.
3 historical an equestrian tournament among knights.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. carrousel, from Ital. carosello.

carp^1

n. (pl. same) a deep-bodied freshwater fish, often kept in ponds and sometimes farmed for food.   Cyprinus carpio and other species, family Cyprinidae.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. carpe, from late L. carpa.

carp^2

v. complain or find fault continually.

- DERIVATIVES carper n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘talk, chatter’): from ON karpa ‘brag’; later influenced by L. carpere ‘pluck at, slander’.

carpaccio

//

n. an Italian hors d'oeuvre consisting of thin slices of raw beef or fish served with a sauce.

- ORIGIN Ital., named after the painter Vittore Carpaccio (c.1455–1525) (from his use of red pigments, resembling raw meat in colour).

carpal

// Anatomy & Zoology

adj. relating to the carpus.
n. a bone of the carpus.

carpal tunnel syndrome

n. a painful condition of the hand and fingers caused by compression of a major nerve where it passes over the carpal bones.

car park

n. Brit. an area or building where cars or other vehicles may be left temporarily.

carpe diem

/ /, //

exclam. make the most of the present time.

- ORIGIN L., ‘seize the day!’, a quotation from Horace (Odes I.xi).

carpel

//

n. Botany the female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an ovary, a stigma, and usually a style.

- DERIVATIVES carpellary // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. carpelle or mod. L. carpellum, from Gk karpos ‘fruit’.

carpenter

n. a person who makes wooden objects and structures.
v. make by shaping wood.

- DERIVATIVES carpentry n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., from OFr. carpentier, charpentier, from late L. carpentarius (artifex) ‘carriage (maker)’, from carpentum ‘wagon’, of Gaulish origin.

carpenter ant

n. a large ant which burrows into wood to make a nest.   Genus Camponotus.

carpenter bee

n. a large solitary black bee with purplish wings, which nests in tunnels bored in dead wood or plant stems.   Genus Xylocopa.

carpenter trousers

pl. n. loose-fitting trousers with many pockets of various sizes and loops for tools at the tops or sides of the legs.

carpet

n.
1 a floor covering made from thick woven fabric. a large rug.
2 a thick or soft expanse or layer: a carpet of bluebells.
3 used in names of geometrid moths with variegated wings.
v. (carpets, carpeting, carpeted)
1 cover with a carpet.
2 Brit. informal reprimand severely.

- PHRASES
on the carpet informal being severely reprimanded by someone in authority. [ORIGIN from carpet referring to the covering of the table before which one would be summoned for reprimand.]
sweep something under the carpet conceal or ignore a problem or difficulty in the hope that it will be forgotten.

- DERIVATIVES carpeting n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a thick fabric used as a cover for a table or bed): from OFr. carpite or med. L. carpita, from obs. Ital. carpita ‘woollen counterpane’, based on L. carpere ‘pluck, pull to pieces’.

carpet bag

n. a travelling bag of a kind originally made of carpet-like material.
v. (carpet-bag) N. Amer. act as a carpetbagger.

carpetbagger

n. informal, derogatory
1 a politician who seeks election in an area where they have no local connections (originally a northerner who went to the South after the American Civil War).
2 Brit. a person who becomes a member of a mutually owned building society or insurance company in order to gain financially in the event of the organization demutualizing.

carpet beetle

n. a small beetle whose larva (a woolly bear) is destructive to carpets, fabrics, etc.   Genus Anthrenus.

carpet-bomb

v. bomb (an area) intensively.

- DERIVATIVES carpet-bombing n.

carpet shark

n. a small shallow-water shark of the Indo-Pacific region, typically with a conspicuous colour pattern.   Family Orectolobidae: several species.

carpet slipper

n. a soft slipper whose upper part is made of wool or thick cloth.

carpet sweeper

n. a manual household implement with revolving brushes for sweeping carpets.

car phone

n. a mobile phone designed for use in a motor vehicle.

carpology

//

n. the study of fruits and seeds.

- DERIVATIVES carpological adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk karpos ‘fruit’ + -logy.

carpool

chiefly N. Amer.

n. a group of people who arrange to make a journey or journeys in a single car.
v. take part in a carpool.

carpophore

//

n. Botany
1 (in a flower) an elongated axis that raises the stem of the pistil above the stamens.
2 (in a fungus) the stem of the fruiting body.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk karpos ‘fruit’ + -phore.

carport

n. a shelter for a car consisting of a roof supported on posts, built beside a house.

carpus

//

n. (pl. carpi //) the group of small bones between the main part of the forelimb and the metacarpus, forming the wrist in humans.

- ORIGIN ME: from mod. L., from Gk karpos ‘wrist’.

carr

n. fen woodland or scrub that is typically dominated by alder or willow.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON kjarr ‘brushwood’, in kjarr-mýrr ‘marsh overgrown with brushwood’.

carrack

//

n. a large European merchant ship of a kind operating from the 14th to the 17th century.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. caraque; perh. from Sp. carraca, from Arab.

carrageen

// (also carragheen or carrageen moss)

n. an edible red shoreline seaweed with flattened branching fronds.   Chondrus crispus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. carraigín.

carrageenan

//

n. a carbohydrate extracted from carrageen and used as a thickening or emulsifying agent in food products.

carrel

//

n.
1 a small cubicle with a desk for the use of a reader in a library.
2 historical a small enclosure or study in a cloister.

- ORIGIN C16: appar. rel. to carol in the old sense ‘ring’.

carriage

n.
1 a four-wheeled passenger vehicle pulled by two or more horses. a wheeled support for moving a heavy object such as a gun.
2 Brit. any of the separate vehicles of a passenger train.
3 Brit. the conveying of items or merchandise from one place to another.
4 a moving part of a machine that carries other parts into the required position.
5 a person's bearing or deportment.

- ORIGIN ME: from Old North. Fr. cariage, from carier (see carry).

carriage and pair

n. a carriage pulled by two horses.

carriage clock

n. Brit. a portable clock in a rectangular case with a handle on top.

carriage dog

n. archaic a Dalmatian dog.

- ORIGIN C19: because Dalmatians were formerly trained to run behind a carriage as guard dogs.

carriage release

n. a function or lever which enables the carriage on a typewriter to be moved freely.

carriage return

n. see return (sense 5).

carriage trade

n. N. Amer. the wealthy clientele of a business.

carriageway

n. Brit.
1 each of the two sides of a dual carriageway or motorway, consisting of two or more lanes.
2 the part of a road intended for vehicles.

carrick bend

n. a kind of knot used on a ship to join ropes end to end.

- ORIGIN C19: from bend^2: carrick perh. an alt. of carrack.

carrier

n.
1 a person or thing that carries, holds, or conveys something.
2 a person or company that undertakes the professional conveyance of goods or people.
3 a person or animal that transmits a disease-causing organism to others, especially without suffering from it themselves. Genetics an individual possessing a particular gene, especially as a single copy whose effect is masked by a dominant allele, so that the associated characteristic is not displayed but may be passed to offspring.

carrier bag

n. Brit. a plastic or paper bag with handles, for carrying purchased goods.

carrier pigeon

n. a pigeon trained to carry messages tied to its neck or leg.

carrier wave

n. a high-frequency electromagnetic wave modulated in amplitude or frequency to convey a signal.

carriole

// (also cariole)

n.
1 historical a small open horse-drawn carriage for one person. a light covered cart.
2 (in Canada) a kind of sledge pulled by a horse or dogs, with space for one or more passengers.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. carriuola, dimin. of carro, from L. carrum (see car).

carrion

n. the decaying flesh of dead animals.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. and Old North. Fr. caroine, caroigne, OFr. charoigne, based on L. caro ‘flesh’.

carrion beetle

n. a beetle that feeds on decaying animal and plant matter.   Family Silphidae: many species.

carrion crow

n. a common black crow.   Corvus corone.

carronade

//

n. historical a short large-calibre cannon, chiefly in naval use.

- ORIGIN C18: from Carron, near Falkirk in Scotland, where this kind of cannon was first made.

carrot

n.
1 a tapering orange-coloured root eaten as a vegetable.
2 a cultivated plant of the parsley family with feathery leaves, which yields carrots.   Daucus carota.
3 an offer of something enticing as a means of persuasion (as contrasted with the ‘stick’ or punishment).
4 (carrots) informal, chiefly derogatory a nickname for a red-haired person.

- DERIVATIVES carroty adj.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. carotte, from L. carota, from Gk karton.

carry

v. (carries, carrying, carried)
1 move or transport from one place to another. have on one's person wherever one goes. conduct; transmit. be infected with (a disease) and liable to transmit it to others.
2 support the weight of. be pregnant with.
3 propel (a missile) to a specified distance. take or develop (an idea or activity) to a specified point.
4 (of a sound or voice) be audible at a distance.
5 (carry oneself) stand and move in a specified way.
6 have as a feature or consequence. (of a newspaper, television station, etc.) publish or broadcast. (of a retailing outlet) keep a regular stock of.
7 assume or accept (responsibility or blame).
8 approve (a proposed measure) by a majority of votes. persuade to support one's policy. N. Amer. gain (a state or district) in an election.
9 transfer (a figure) to an adjacent column during an arithmetical operation.
n. (pl. carries)
1 an act of carrying. American Football an act of running or rushing with the ball. chiefly N. Amer. the action of keeping a gun on one's person.
2 Golf the distance a ball travels before reaching the ground. the range of a gun or similar weapon.
3 N. Amer. a portage for boats or supplies.

- PHRASES
carry all before one overcome all opposition.
carry one's bat Cricket (especially of an opening batsman) be not out at the end of one's side's completed innings.
carry the can Brit. informal take responsibility for a mistake or misdeed.
carry the day be victorious or successful.
carry weight be influential or important.
- PHRASES
be/get carried away lose self-control.
carry something away Nautical lose a mast or other part of a ship through breakage.
carry something forward
1 transfer figures to a new page or account.
2 keep to use or deal with at a later time.
carry someone off take someone away by force. (of a disease) kill someone.
carry something off succeed in doing something difficult.
carry on
1 continue an activity or task. continue to move in the same direction.
2 informal behave in a specified way. behave in an overemotional way.
3 informal, chiefly derogatory be engaged in a love affair.
carry something out perform a task or planned operation.
carry over extend beyond the normal or original area of application.
carry something over keep to use or deal with in a new context. postpone.
carry something through bring something to completion.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. and Old North. Fr. carier, based on L. carrus ‘wheeled vehicle’.

carryall

n.
1 N. Amer. a large bag or case.
2 historical a light carriage. [ORIGIN C18: prob. from Fr. carriole (see carriole).]
3 US a large car or truck with seats facing each other along the sides.

carrycot

n. Brit. a small portable cot for a baby.

carry-on

n. Brit. informal a display of excitement or fuss. (also carryings-on) questionable or improper behaviour.

carry-out

n. chiefly Scottish & US another term for takeaway.

carry-over

n. something transferred or resulting from a previous situation or context.

carse

//

n. Scottish fertile lowland beside a river.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. an alt. of carrs, pl. of carr.

carsick

adj. affected with nausea caused by the motion of a car in which one is travelling.

- DERIVATIVES carsickness n.

cart

n.
1 a horse-drawn open vehicle with two or four wheels, used for carrying loads. a light two-wheeled open vehicle for driving in, pulled by a single horse.
2 a shallow open container on wheels, pulled or pushed by hand. N. Amer. a supermarket trolley.
v.
1 convey or put in a cart or similar vehicle.
2 informal carry (a heavy or cumbersome object) somewhere with difficulty. convey or propel unceremoniously.

- PHRASES
in the cart Brit. informal in trouble or difficulty.
put the cart before the horse reverse the proper order or procedure.

- DERIVATIVES carter n. cartful n. (pl. cartfuls). cartload n.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON kartr, prob. influenced by Anglo-Norman Fr. and Old North. Fr. carete, dimin. of carre (see car).

cartage

n. the conveyance of something in a cart or other vehicle.

carte

n. variant spelling of quart (in sense 2).

carte blanche

/ /

n.
1 complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best.
2 (in piquet) a hand containing no court cards as dealt.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., lit. ‘blank paper’.

cartel

//

n.
1 an association of manufacturers or suppliers formed to maintain high prices and restrict competition.
2 chiefly historical a political coalition intended to promote a mutual interest.

- DERIVATIVES cartelize (or cartelise) v.

- ORIGIN C19 (used orig. with ref. to the coalition of the Conservative and National Liberal parties in Germany (1887)): from Ger. Kartell, from Fr. cartel, from Ital. cartello, dimin. of carta, from L. carta (see card^1).

Cartesian

//, //

adj. relating to the French philosopher René Descartes (1596–1650) and his ideas.
n. a follower of Descartes.

- DERIVATIVES Cartesianism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. Cartesianus, from Cartesius, Latinized form of the name Descartes.

Cartesian coordinates

pl. n. coordinates which locate a point in terms of its perpendicular distance from two (or three) mutually perpendicular axes.

Carthaginian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the ancient city of Carthage on the coast of North Africa.
adj. relating to Carthage or its people.

carthorse

n. a large, strong horse suitable for heavy work.

Carthusian

//

n. a monk or nun of an austere contemplative order founded by St Bruno in 1084.
adj. relating to the Carthusians.

- ORIGIN from med. L. Carthusianus, from Cart(h)usia, L. name of Chartreuse, near Grenoble, where the order was founded.

cartilage

//

n. a firm, flexible connective tissue which is the main component of the articulating surfaces of joints and of structures such as the larynx and respiratory tract and the external ear.

- DERIVATIVES cartilaginoid // adj. cartilaginous // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from L. cartilago, cartilagin-.

cartilaginous fish

n. a fish of a large class distinguished by having a skeleton of cartilage rather than bone and including the sharks, rays, and chimaeras.   Class Chondrichthyes.

cartogram

//

n. a map on which statistical information is shown in diagrammatic form.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cartogramme, from carte ‘map or card’ + -gramme (from Gk gramma ‘thing written’).

cartography

//

n. the science or practice of drawing maps.

- DERIVATIVES cartographer n. cartographic adj. cartographical adj. cartographically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cartographie, from carte (see card^1) + -graphie (see -graphy).

cartomancy

//

n. fortune telling involving the interpretation of playing cards.

- DERIVATIVES cartomancer n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cartomancie, from carte ‘card’ + -mancie (see -mancy).

carton

n. a light cardboard container.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Ital. cartone (see cartoon).

cartoon

n.
1 a drawing executed in an exaggerated style for humorous or satirical effect.
2 (also cartoon strip) a comic strip.
3 a film made using animation techniques to produce the appearance of movement.
4 a full-size drawing made as a preliminary design for a painting or other work of art.
v. represent in a cartoon.

- DERIVATIVES cartooning n. cartoonish adj. cartoonist n. cartoony adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. cartone, from carta, from L. carta, charta (see card^1).

cartophily

//

n. the collecting of picture cards, such as postcards or cigarette cards, as a hobby.

- DERIVATIVES cartophilist n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr. carte or Ital. carta ‘card’ + -phily.

cartouche

//

n.
1 a carved tablet or drawing representing a scroll with rolled-up ends, used ornamentally or bearing an inscription. a decorative architectural feature resembling a scroll. an ornate frame around a design or inscription.
2 Archaeology an oval or oblong enclosing a group of Egyptian hieroglyphs, typically representing the name and title of a monarch.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cartouche (masc.), earlier cartoche, from Ital. cartoccio, from carta, from L. carta, charta (see card^1).

cartridge

n.
1 a container holding a spool of photographic film, a quantity of ink, or other item or substance, designed for insertion into a mechanism.
2 a casing containing a charge and a bullet or shot for small arms or an explosive charge for blasting.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. cartouche (fem.), from Ital. cartoccio (see cartouche).

cartridge belt

n. a belt holding cartridges of ammunition.

cartridge paper

n. Brit. thick, rough-textured paper used for drawing and for strong envelopes.

- ORIGIN C17: orig. used to make cartridge casing.

cartwheel

n.
1 the wheel of a cart.
2 a circular sideways handspring with the arms and legs extended.
v. perform cartwheels.

cartwright

n. chiefly historical a person whose job is making carts.

caruncle

//, //

n.
1 a wattle of a bird such as a turkeycock.
2 the red prominence at the inner corner of the eye.
3 Botany a coloured waxy or oily outgrowth from a seed near the micropyle.

- DERIVATIVES caruncular adj.

- ORIGIN C16: obs. Fr., from L. caruncula, from caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

carve

v.
1 cut into or shape (a hard material) in order to produce an object or design. produce (an object or design) by carving.
2 cut (cooked meat) into slices for eating.
3 (carve something out) develop a career, reputation, etc. through painstaking effort.
4 (carve something up) cut into or divide up something ruthlessly. (carve someone up) informal aggressively overtake another driver.
5 Skiing make (a turn) by tilting one's skis on to their edges and using one's weight to bend them so that they slide into an arc.

- DERIVATIVES carving n.

- ORIGIN OE ceorfan ‘cut, carve’, of W. Gmc origin.

carvel

//

n. variant spelling of caravel.

carvel-built

adj. (of a boat) having external planks which do not overlap. Compare with clinker-built.

carven

archaic past participle of carve.

carver

n.
1 a person or tool that carves.
2 Brit. the principal chair, with arms, in a set of dining chairs, intended for the person carving meat.

carvery

n. (pl. carveries) a buffet or restaurant where cooked joints are carved as required.

car wash

n. a structure containing equipment for washing vehicles automatically.

caryatid

//

n. (pl. caryatides // or caryatids) Architecture a pillar in the form of a draped female figure, supporting an entablature.

- ORIGIN C16: via Fr. and Ital. from L. caryatides, from Gk karuatides, pl. of karuatis ‘priestess of Artemis at Caryae’, from Karuai (Caryae) in Laconia.

caryopsis

//

n. (pl. caryopses //) Botany a dry one-seeded fruit in which the ovary wall is united with the seed coat, typical of grasses and cereals.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L., from Gk karuon ‘nut’ + opsis ‘appearance’.

casaba

//

n. N. Amer. a winter melon of a variety with a wrinkled yellow rind and sweet flesh.

- ORIGIN named after Kasaba (now Turgutlu) in Turkey, from which the melons were first exported.

Casanova

//, //

n. a man notorious for seducing women.

- ORIGIN from the name of the Italian adventurer Giovanni Jacopo Casanova (1725–98).

casareep

n. variant spelling of cassareep.

casbah

n. variant spelling of kasbah.

cascabel

//

n. a small red chilli pepper of a mild-flavoured variety.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., from Catalan cascavel, from med. L. cascabellus ‘little bell’.

cascade

n.
1 a small waterfall, especially one in a series.
2 a mass of something that falls, hangs, or occurs in copious quantities: a cascade of pink bougainvillea.
3 a process by which information or knowledge is passed on successively.
4 a succession of devices or stages in a process, each of which triggers or initiates the next.
v.
1 pour downwards rapidly and in large quantities.
2 pass (information or knowledge) on to a succession of others.
3 arrange in a series or sequence.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. cascata, from cascare ‘to fall’, based on L. casus (see case^1).

cascara

// (also cascara sagrada //)

n.
1 a purgative made from the dried bark of a North American buckthorn.
2 the tree from which cascara is obtained.   Rhamnus purshiana.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. cáscara (sagrada) ‘(sacred) bark’.

case^1

n.
1 an instance of a particular situation; an example of something occurring: a case of mistaken identity. the situation affecting or relating to a particular person or thing: I'll make an exception in your case. an incident under official investigation by the police.
2 an instance of a disease, injury, or problem. a person or their particular problem as a subject of medical or welfare attention.
3 a legal action, especially one that is to be decided in a court of law. a set of facts or arguments supporting one side in such a legal action. a legal action that has been decided and may be cited as a precedent.
4 a set of facts or arguments supporting one side of a debate or controversy.
5 Grammar any of the inflected forms of a noun, adjective, or pronoun that express the semantic relation of the word to other words in the sentence. such a relation whether indicated by inflection or not.

- PHRASES
be the case be so.
on (or off) someone's case informal continually (or no longer) criticizing or harassing someone.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cas, from L. casus ‘fall’, rel. to cadere ‘to fall’.

case^2

n.
1 a container designed to hold or protect something. the outer protective covering of a natural or manufactured object.
2 a suitcase.
3 a box containing twelve bottles of wine or other drink, sold as a unit.
4 Printing a partitioned container for loose metal type. each of the two forms, capital or minuscule, in which a letter of the alphabet may be written or printed.
v.
1 enclose within a case.
2 informal reconnoitre (a place) before carrying out a robbery.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. casse, chasse (mod. caisse ‘trunk, chest’, châsse ‘reliquary, frame’), from L. capsa, rel. to capere ‘to hold’.

caseation

//

n. Medicine a form of necrosis characteristic of tuberculosis, in which diseased tissue forms a firm, dry mass like cheese.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L. caseatio(n-), from L. caseus ‘cheese’.

casebook

n.
1 Brit. a written record of cases, kept by a doctor, investigator, lawyer, etc. a book containing extracts of important legal cases.
2 US a book containing a selection of source materials on a particular subject.

case-bound

adj. (of a book) hardback.

case-harden

v.
1 harden the surface of (a material).
2 [as adj. case-hardened] made callous or tough by experience.

case history

n. a record of a person's background or medical history kept by a doctor or social worker.

casein

//, //

n. the main protein present in milk and (in coagulated form) in cheese.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. caseus ‘cheese’.

case knife

n. a type of dagger carried in a sheath.

case law

n. the law as established by the outcome of former cases.

caseload

n. the number of cases with which a doctor, lawyer, or social worker is concerned at one time.

casemate

//

n. historical
1 a small room in the thickness of the wall of a fortress, with embrasures from which guns or missiles can be fired.
2 an armoured enclosure for guns on a warship.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. casamatta, perh. from Gk khasma, khasmat- (see chasm).

casement

n. a window set on a vertical hinge so that it opens like a door.

- ORIGIN ME (as an architectural term denoting a hollow moulding): from Anglo-Latin cassimentum, from cassa, from L. capsa (see case^2).

caseous

//

adj. Medicine characterized by caseation.

case-sensitive

adj. Computing differentiating between capital and lower-case letters.

case-shot

n. historical bullets or pieces of metal in an iron case, fired from a cannon.

case study

n.
1 a detailed study of the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time.
2 a particular instance of something illustrating a thesis or principle.

casework

n. social work directly concerned with individuals and their personal circumstances.

- DERIVATIVES caseworker n.

cash^1

n. money in coins or notes. money in any form as an available resource.
v.
1 give or obtain notes or coins for (a cheque or money order).
2 (cash something in or N. Amer. cash out) convert an insurance policy, savings account, etc. into money. (cash in on) informal take advantage of or exploit (a situation).
3 (cash up) Brit. count and check takings at the end of a day's trading.

- PHRASES
cash and carry a system of wholesale trading whereby goods are paid for in full at the time of purchase and taken away by the purchaser.
cash in one's chips informal die.
cash in hand Brit. payment in cash rather than by cheque or other means.
cash on delivery the system of paying for goods when they are delivered.

- DERIVATIVES cashable adj. cashless adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a box for money): from OFr. casse or Ital. cassa ‘box’, from L. capsa (see case^2).

cash^2

n. (pl. same) historical a coin of low value from China, southern India, or SE Asia.

- ORIGIN C16: from Port. caixa, from Tamil ksu, influenced by cash^1.

cashback

n.
1 a cash refund offered as an incentive to buyers.
2 a facility whereby a customer may withdraw cash when making a debit card purchase.

cash book

n. a book in which receipts and payments of money are recorded.

cash card

n. Brit. a plastic card issued by a bank or building society which enables the holder to withdraw money from a cash dispenser.

cash cow

n. informal a business or investment that provides a steady income or profit.

cash crop

n. a crop produced for its commercial value rather than for use by the grower.

- DERIVATIVES cash cropping n.

cash desk

n. Brit. a counter or compartment in a shop or restaurant where payments are made.

cash dispenser

n. Brit. another term for automated teller machine.

cashew

//, //

n.
1 (also cashew nut) an edible kidney-shaped nut, rich in oil and protein.
2 the bushy tropical American tree that bears cashew nuts.   Anacardium occidentale.

- ORIGIN C16: from Port., from Tupi acajú, cajú.

cashew apple

n. the swollen edible fruit of the cashew tree, from which the cashew nut hangs.

cash flow

n. the total amount of money passing into and out of a business, especially as affecting liquidity.

cashier^1

n. a person handling payments and receipts in a shop, bank, or business.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du. cassier or Fr. caissier, from caisse ‘cash’.

cashier^2

v. dismiss from the armed forces because of a serious misdemeanour.

- ORIGIN C16: from Flemish kasseren ‘disband troops’ or ‘revoke a will’, from Fr. casser ‘revoke, dismiss’, from L. quassare (see quash).

cashmere

n. fine soft wool, originally that from the Kashmir goat.

- ORIGIN C17: an early spelling of Kashmir.

cash nexus

n. the relationship constituted by monetary transactions.

cashpoint

n. Brit. trademark another term for automated teller machine.

cash ratio

n.
1 the ratio of the liquid assets of a company to its current liabilities.
2 the ratio of cash to deposits in a bank.

cash register

n. a machine used in shops for totalling and recording the amount of each sale and storing the money received.

cash-strapped

adj. informal extremely short of money.

casing

n.
1 a cover or shell that protects or encloses something.
2 the frame round a door or window.

casino

n. (pl. casinos) an establishment where gambling games are played.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., dimin. of casa ‘house’, from L. casa ‘cottage’.

cask

n. a large barrel-like container for the storage of liquid, especially alcoholic drinks.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. casque or Sp. casco ‘helmet’.

cask beer

n. draught beer brewed and stored in the traditional way, maturing naturally in the cask from which it is served.

cask-conditioned

adj. (of beer) undergoing a secondary fermentation in the cask and not further processed before serving.

casket

n. a small ornamental box or chest for holding valuable objects. Brit. a small wooden box for cremated ashes. chiefly N. Amer. a coffin.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. an Anglo-Norman Fr. form of OFr. cassette, dimin. of casse (see case^2).

casque

//

n.
1 historical a helmet.
2 Zoology a helmet-like structure, such as that on the bill of a hornbill.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Sp. casco.

Cassandra

//

n. a person who prophesies disaster.

- ORIGIN from the name in Gk mythology of Cassandra, who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo.

cassareep

// (also casareep)

n. W. Indian a thick brown syrup made by boiling down the juice of grated cassava with sugar and spices.

- ORIGIN from Arawak casiripe.

cassata

//

n. Neapolitan ice cream containing candied or dried fruit and nuts.

- ORIGIN 1920s: Ital.

cassation

//

n. Music an informal instrumental composition of the 18th century, similar to a divertimento and often for outdoor performance.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Kassation ‘serenade’, from Ital. cassazione.

cassava

//

n.
1 a starchy tuberous root used as food in tropical countries but requiring careful preparation to remove traces of cyanide.
2 the shrubby tree from which cassava is obtained, native to tropical America.   Genus Manihot: several species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Taino casávi, cazábbi, influenced by Fr. cassave.

Cassegrain telescope

//

n. a reflecting telescope in which light reflected from a secondary mirror passes through a hole in the primary mirror.

- ORIGIN C19: named after N. Cassegrain, the French astronomer who devised it.

casserole

n.
1 a large dish with a lid, used for cooking food slowly in an oven.
2 a kind of stew cooked slowly in an oven.
v. cook slowly in a casserole.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., dimin. of casse ‘spoon-like container’, from Old Provençal casa, from late L. cattia ‘ladle, pan’, from Gk kuathion, dimin. of kuathos ‘cup’.

cassette

n. a sealed plastic unit containing a length of audio tape, videotape, film, etc. wound on a pair of spools, for insertion into a recorder, playback device, etc.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., dimin. of casse (see case^2).

cassette player

(also cassette recorder)

n. a machine for playing back or recording audio cassettes.

cassette tape

n. a cassette of audio tape.

cassia

//

n.
1 a leguminous tree or plant of warm climates, producing senna and other valuable products.   Genus Cassia: numerous species.
2 the aromatic bark of an East Asian tree (Cinnamomum aromaticum), yielding an inferior kind of cinnamon.

- ORIGIN from L., prob. orig. denoting wild cinnamon, via Gk from Heb. qsh.

cassis^1

//, // (also crème de cassis)

n. a syrupy blackcurrant liqueur produced mainly in Burgundy.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘blackcurrant’, appar. from L. cassia (see cassia).

cassis^2

//

n. a wine produced in the region of Cassis, a small town near Marseilles.

cassiterite

//

n. a reddish, brownish, or yellowish mineral consisting of tin dioxide.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kassiteros ‘tin’ + -ite^1.

cassock

n. a long garment worn by some Christian clergy and members of church choirs.

- DERIVATIVES cassocked adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. casaque ‘long coat’, from Ital. casacca ‘riding coat’, prob. from Turkic kazak ‘vagabond’.

cassoulet

//

n. a stew made with meat and beans.

- ORIGIN Fr., dimin. of dial. cassolo ‘stew pan’, from Old Provençal cassa ‘pan’.

cassowary

//, //

n. (pl. cassowaries) a very large flightless bird related to the emu, native mainly to New Guinea.   Genus Casuarius: five species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Malay kesuari.

cast^1

v. (past and past part. cast)
1 throw forcefully in a specified direction. throw so as to spread over an area.
2 cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface. direct (one's eyes or thoughts) towards something. cause to be associated with something: journalists cast doubt on this version of events.
3 shed or discard (something).
4 shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mould while molten. arrange and present in a specified form or style.
5 register (a vote).
6 throw the hooked and baited end of (a fishing line) out into the water.
7 cause (a magic spell) to take effect.
8 calculate and record details of (a horoscope).
9 Hunting let loose (hounds) on a scent. search around for a scent.
n.
1 an object made by casting metal or other material.
2 (also plaster cast) a mould used to make such an object. a bandage stiffened with plaster of Paris, moulded to support and protect a broken limb.
3 an act of casting something. Brit. the leader of a fishing line.
4 form, appearance, or character: she had a somewhat masculine cast of countenance.
5 a slight squint.
6 short for worm cast.
7 a pellet regurgitated by a hawk or owl.
8 a wide sweep made by a dog or pack of hounds.

- PHRASES
cast about (or around or round) search far and wide.
be cast away be stranded after a shipwreck.
be cast down feel depressed.
cast off (or cast something off)
1 Knitting take the stitches off the needle by looping each over the next to finish the edge.
2 set a boat or ship free from her moorings.
3 let loose a hunting hound or hawk.
4 Printing estimate the space that will be taken in print by manuscript copy.
cast on (or cast something on) Knitting make the first row of a specified number of loops on the needle.

- DERIVATIVES casting n.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON kasta ‘to cast or throw’.

cast^2

n. the actors taking part in a play or film.
v. (past and past part. cast) assign a part to (an actor). allocate parts in (a play or film).

- ORIGIN C17: a special use of cast^1.

castanets

pl. n. small concave pieces of wood, ivory, or plastic, joined in pairs by a cord and clicked together by the fingers as a rhythmic accompaniment to Spanish dancing.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. castañeta, dimin. of castaña, from L. castanea ‘chestnut’.

castaway

n. a person who has been shipwrecked and stranded in an isolated place.

caste

n.
1 each of the hereditary classes of Hindu society, distinguished by relative degrees of ritual purity or pollution and of social status.
2 Entomology (in some social insects) a physically distinct kind of individual with a particular function.

- PHRASES
lose caste descend in status.

- DERIVATIVES casteism n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. and Port. casta ‘lineage, breed’, fem. of casto ‘pure, unmixed’, from L. castus ‘chaste’.

castellan

//

n. historical the governor of a castle.

- ORIGIN ME: from Old North. Fr. castelain, from med. L. castellanus, from L. castellum (see castle).

castellated

//

adj.
1 having battlements.
2 (of a nut or other mechanical part) having grooves or slots on its upper face.

- DERIVATIVES castellation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. castellatus, from L. castellum (see castle).

caste mark

n. a symbol on the forehead denoting membership of a particular Hindu caste.

caster

n.
1 a person or machine that casts.
2 Fishing a fly pupa used as bait.
3 variant spelling of castor^1.

caster sugar

(also castor sugar)

n. Brit. finely granulated white sugar.

- ORIGIN C19: so named because it was suitable for sprinkling using a castor.

castigate

//

v. reprimand severely.

- DERIVATIVES castigation n. castigator n. castigatory adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as castigation): from L. castigare ‘reprove’, from castus ‘pure, chaste’.

Castilian

//

n.
1 a native of the central Spanish region of Castile.
2 the language of Castile, being the standard spoken and literary Spanish.
adj. relating to Castile or Castilian.

casting couch

n. informal a couch supposedly used by a film producer who awards parts in return for sexual favours.

casting vote

n. an extra vote used by a chairperson to decide an issue when votes on each side are equal.

- ORIGIN C17: from an obs. sense of cast ‘turn the scale’.

cast iron

n.
1 a hard, relatively brittle alloy of iron and carbon which can be readily cast in a mould.
2 [as modifier] firm and unchangeable: there are no cast-iron guarantees.

castle

n.
1 a large building, typically of the medieval period, which is (or was formerly) fortified as a stronghold.
2 Chess, informal old-fashioned term for rook^2.
v. Chess move one's king from its original square two squares along the back rank towards a rook on its corner square which is simultaneously moved to the square passed over by the king.

- PHRASES
castles in the air (or in Spain) visionary unattainable schemes; daydreams.

- DERIVATIVES castled adj.

- ORIGIN OE: from Anglo-Norman Fr. and Old North. Fr. castel, from L. castellum, dimin. of castrum ‘fort’.

cast net

n. Fishing a net that is thrown out and drawn in again, as opposed to one that is set up and left.

cast-off

adj. no longer wanted; abandoned or discarded.
n. a cast-off garment.

castor^1

// (also caster)

n.
1 each of a set of small swivelling wheels fixed to the legs or base of a heavy piece of furniture.
2 a small container with holes in the top, used for sprinkling the contents.

- ORIGIN C17: orig. a var. of caster.

castor^2

//

n. a reddish-brown oily substance secreted by beavers, used in medicine and perfumes.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘beaver’): from OFr. or L., from Gk kastr.

castor bean

n. the seed of the castor oil plant, containing the poisonous compound ricin.

castor oil

n. a pale yellow purgative oil obtained from the seeds of an African shrub (Ricinus communis).

- ORIGIN C18: perh. so named because it succeeded castor^2 in medicinal use.

castor sugar

n. variant spelling of caster sugar.

castrate

v. // remove the testicles of (a man or male animal).
n. // a castrated man or male animal.

- DERIVATIVES castration n. castrator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as castration): from L. castrare.

castrato

//

n. (pl. castrati //) historical a male singer castrated in boyhood so as to retain a soprano or alto voice.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., past part. of castrare (see castrate).

casual

//, //

adj.
1 relaxed and unconcerned. made, done, or acting without much care or thought: a casual remark.
2 not regular or firmly established. (of a worker) employed on a temporary or irregular basis. (of a sexual relationship or encounter) occurring between people who are not established sexual partners.
3 happening by chance; accidental: a casual meeting.
4 without formality of style, manner, or procedure.
n.
1 Brit. a casual worker.
2 (casuals) clothes or shoes suitable for everyday wear rather than formal occasions.
3 Brit. a youth belonging to a subculture characterized by the wearing of expensive casual clothing.

- DERIVATIVES casually adv. casualness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. casuel and L. casualis, from casus ‘fall’.

casual Friday

n. US term for dress-down Friday.

casualization

(or casualisation)

n. the replacement of a permanently employed workforce by casual workers.

- DERIVATIVES casualize v.

casualty

n. (pl. casualties)
1 a person killed or injured in a war or accident. Brit. the casualty department of a hospital.
2 (chiefly in insurance) an accident, mishap, or disaster.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘chance, a chance occurrence’): from med. L. casualitas, from casualis (see casual), on the pattern of words such as penalty.

casualty department

(also casualty ward)

n. Brit. the department of a hospital providing immediate treatment for emergency cases.

casual water

n. Golf a temporary expanse of water which is not a recognized hazard of the course and from which a player may remove a ball without penalty.

casuarina

//

n. a tree with slender, jointed, drooping twigs bearing tiny scale-like leaves, native to Australia and SE Asia.   Genus Casuarina.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. casuarius ‘cassowary’ (from the resemblance of the branches to the bird's feathers).

casuist

//, //

n. a person who uses clever but false reasoning.

- DERIVATIVES casuistic adj. casuistical adj. casuistically adv. casuistry n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. casuiste, from Sp. casuista, from L. casus (see case^1).

casus belli

/ /, / /

n. (pl. same) an act or situation provoking or justifying war.

- ORIGIN L., from casus (see case^1) and belli, genitive of bellum ‘war’.

CAT

abbrev.
1 clear air turbulence.
2 computer-assisted testing.
3 Medicine computerized axial tomography.

cat^1

n.
1 a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws.   Felis catus. any member of the cat family (Felidae), which includes the lion, tiger, leopard, etc.
2 informal a malicious or spiteful woman.
3 historical short for cat-o'-nine-tails.
v. (cats, catting, catted) Nautical raise (an anchor) from the surface of the water to the cathead.

- PHRASES
the cat's pyjamas (or the cat's meow) chiefly N. Amer. another term for the cat's whiskers (see cat's whisker).
let the cat out of the bag informal reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
like a cat on a hot tin roof (Brit. also on hot bricks) informal very agitated or anxious.
not have a cat in hell's chance informal have no chance at all.
put (or set) the cat among the pigeons Brit. say or do something likely to cause trouble or controversy.
see which way the cat jumps informal see what direction events are taking before committing oneself.

- DERIVATIVES catlike adj.

- ORIGIN OE catt, catte, of Gmc origin.

cat^2

n. a catalytic converter.

cat^3

n. a catamaran.

cata-

(also cat-)

prefix
1 down; downwards: catadromous.
2 wrongly; badly: catachresis.
3 completely: cataclysm.
4 against; alongside: catechize.

- ORIGIN from Gk kata ‘down’.

catabolism

// (also katabolism)

n. Biology the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy.

- DERIVATIVES catabolic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk katabol ‘throwing down’.

catachresis

//

n. (pl. catachreses //) the incorrect use of a word.

- DERIVATIVES catachrestic //, // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk katakhrsis, from katakhrsthai ‘misuse’.

cataclasis

//

n. Geology the fracture and breaking up of rock by natural processes.

- DERIVATIVES cataclastic // adj.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from cata- + Gk klasis ‘breaking’.

cataclysm

//

n. a violent upheaval or disaster.

- DERIVATIVES cataclysmic adj. cataclysmically adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. denoting the biblical Flood): from Fr. cataclysme, via L. from Gk kataklusmos ‘deluge’.

catacomb

//

n. an underground cemetery consisting of a gallery with recesses for tombs.

- ORIGIN OE, from late L. catacumbas, the name of the subterranean cemetery of St Sebastian near Rome.

catadioptric

//

adj. Optics denoting an optical system which involves both the reflecting and refracting of light, in order to reduce aberration.

catadromous

//

adj. Zoology (of a fish) migrating down rivers to the sea to spawn. The opposite of anadromous.

- ORIGIN C19: from cata- + Gk dromos ‘running’, on the pattern of anadromous.

catafalque

//

n. a decorated wooden framework to support a coffin.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. catafalco, of unknown origin.

Catalan

//

n.
1 a native of Catalonia in NE Spain.
2 the Romance language of Catalonia closely related to Castilian Spanish and Provençal.
adj. relating to Catalonia, its people, or their language.

- ORIGIN from Fr., from Sp. catalán, rel. to Catalan català ‘Catalan’, Catalunya ‘Catalonia’.

catalase

//

n. Biochemistry an enzyme that plays an important role in the removal of hydrogen peroxide from animal and plant cells.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from catalysis + -ase.

catalectic

//

adj. Prosody denoting a metrical line of verse lacking one syllable in the last foot.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. catalecticus, from Gk katalktikos, from katalgein ‘leave off’.

catalepsy

//

n. a medical condition characterized by a trance or seizure with a loss of sensation and consciousness accompanied by rigidity of the body.

- DERIVATIVES cataleptic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. catalepsie or late L. catalepsia, from Gk katalpsis, from katalambanein ‘seize upon’.

catalogue

(US also catalog)

n.
1 a complete list of items arranged in alphabetical or other systematic order. a publication containing details of items for sale.
2 a series of unfortunate or bad things: a catalogue of dismal failures.
v. (catalogues, cataloguing, catalogued; US also catalogs, cataloging, cataloged) list in a catalogue.

- DERIVATIVES cataloguer (US also cataloger) n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. catalogus, from Gk katalogos, from katalegein ‘pick out or enrol’.

catalogue raisonné

//

n. (pl. catalogues raisonnés pronunc. same) a descriptive catalogue of works of art with explanations and comments.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., ‘explained catalogue’.

Catalonian

//

adj. & n. another term for Catalan.

catalpa

//

n. a tree with heart-shaped leaves, trumpet-shaped flowers, and slender seed pods, native to North America and east Asia.   Genus Catalpa.

- ORIGIN from Creek.

catalyse

// (US catalyze)

v. cause or accelerate (a reaction) by acting as a catalyst.

- DERIVATIVES catalyser n.

- ORIGIN C19: from catalysis, on the pattern of analyse.

catalysis

//

n. Chemistry & Biochemistry the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.

- DERIVATIVES catalytic // adj. catalytically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L., from Gk katalusis, from kataluein ‘dissolve’.

catalyst

n. a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. a person or thing that precipitates an event.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from catalysis, on the pattern of analyst.

catalytic converter

n. a device in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, containing a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into less harmful ones.

catamaran

n. a yacht or other boat with twin hulls in parallel.

- ORIGIN C17: from Tamil kattumaram, lit. ‘tied wood’.

catamite

//

n. archaic a boy kept for homosexual practices.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. catamitus, via Etruscan from Gk Ganumds ‘Ganymede’ (the name of Zeus's cup-bearer in Gk mythology).

catamount

// (also catamountain //)

n. N. Amer. a puma. archaic any medium-sized or large wild cat.

- ORIGIN ME (as catamountain): from the phr. cat of the mountain.

cataphatic

//

adj. Theology (of knowledge of God) obtained through defining God with positive statements. The opposite of apophatic.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kataphatikos ‘affirmative’, from kataphasis ‘affirmation’.

cataphora

//

n. Grammar the use of a word referring to a word used later (e.g. the pronoun he in he may be approaching 37, but Jeff has no plans to retire yet). Compare with anaphora.

- DERIVATIVES cataphoric // adj. cataphorically adv.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from cata- on the pattern of anaphora.

cataplasm

//

n. archaic a plaster or poultice.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cataplasme or late L. cataplasma, from Gk kataplasma, from kataplassein ‘plaster over’.

cataplexy

//

n. a medical condition in which strong emotion or laughter causes a person to suffer sudden physical collapse though remaining conscious.

- DERIVATIVES cataplectic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kataplxis ‘stupefaction’, from kataplessein, from kata- ‘down’ + plssein ‘strike’.

catapult

n.
1 chiefly Brit. a forked stick with an elastic band fastened to the two prongs, used for shooting small stones.
2 historical a machine worked by a lever and ropes for hurling large stones or other missiles.
3 a mechanical device for launching a glider or aircraft.
v. hurl or launch with or as if with a catapult. move suddenly or at great speed.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. catapulte or L. catapulta, from Gk katapelts, from kata- ‘down’ + pallein ‘hurl’.

cataract

//

n.
1 a large waterfall.
2 a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cataracta ‘waterfall, floodgate’, also ‘portcullis’, from Gk katarakts ‘down-rushing’.

catarrh

//

n. excessive discharge of mucus in the nose or throat.

- DERIVATIVES catarrhal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. catarrhe, from late L. catarrhus, from Gk katarrhous, from katarrhein ‘flow down’.

catarrhine

//

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting primates of a group distinguished by having close, downwardly directed nostrils and lacking a prehensile tail, comprising the Old World monkeys, gibbons, great apes, and humans. Compare with platyrrhine.

- ORIGIN C19: from cata- + Gk rhis, rhin- ‘nose’.

catastrophe

//

n.
1 an event causing great damage or suffering.
2 the denouement of a drama, especially a classical tragedy.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. catastropha, from Gk katastroph ‘overturning, sudden turn’.

catastrophe theory

n. a branch of mathematics concerned with systems displaying abrupt discontinuous change.

catastrophic

//

adj. involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering. extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful.

- DERIVATIVES catastrophically adv.

catastrophism

n. Geology the theory that changes in the earth's crust during geological history have resulted chiefly from sudden violent and unusual events. Often contrasted with uniformitarianism.

- DERIVATIVES catastrophist n. & adj.

catatonia

//

n. Psychiatry abnormality of movement and behaviour arising from a disturbed mental state. informal a state of immobility and stupor.

- DERIVATIVES catatonic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from cata- + Gk tonos ‘tone or tension’.

catawba

//

n. a North American variety of grape. a white wine made from the catawba grape.

- ORIGIN named after the river Catawba in North and South Carolina.

catbird

n. a songbird with catlike mewing calls.   Dumetella carolinensis (N. America) and other species.

catboat

n. a sailing boat with a single mast placed well forward and carrying only one sail.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from cat (denoting a type of merchant ship formerly in NE England) + boat.

cat burglar

n. a thief who enters a building by climbing to an upper storey.

catcall

n. a shrill whistle or shout of mockery or disapproval.
v. make a catcall.

- ORIGIN C17: from cat^1 + call.

catch

v. (past and past part. caught)
1 intercept and hold (something which has been thrown, propelled, or dropped). seize or take hold of. Cricket dismiss (a batsman) by catching the ball before it touches the ground.
2 capture (a person or animal that tries or would try to escape). (also catch up or catch someone up) succeed in reaching (a person who is ahead of one). surprise (someone) in an awkward or incriminating situation.
3 accidentally become entangled or trapped in something. have (a part of one's body or clothing) become entangled or trapped in something.
4 reach in time and board (a train, bus, or aircraft). reach or be in a place in time to see (a person, performance, etc.).
5 (be caught (up) in) become involved in (something, especially an unwelcome situation).
6 engage (a person's interest or imagination). perceive fleetingly. hear or understand (something said), especially with effort. succeed in evoking or representing.
7 strike (someone) on a part of the body. accidentally strike (a part of one's body) against something.
8 contract (an illness) through infection or contagion.
9 become ignited and start burning.
n.
1 an act or instance of catching. an amount of fish caught. informal a person considered desirable as a partner or spouse.
2 a game in which a ball is thrown back and forth between two or more players.
3 a device for securing something such as a door, window, or box.
4 a hidden problem or disadvantage.
5 an unevenness in a person's voice caused by emotion.
6 Music a round, typically one with words arranged to produce a humorous effect.

- PHRASES
catch someone's eye
1 be noticed by someone.
2 attract someone's attention by making eye contact.
catch the light shine or glint in the light.
catch sight of suddenly notice; glimpse.
catch the sun
1 be in a sunny position.
2 Brit. become tanned or sunburned.
play catch-up N. Amer. try to equal a competitor in a sport or game.
- PHRASES
catch on informal
1 (of a practice or fashion) become popular.
2 understand what is meant or how to do something.
catch someone out Brit.
1 detect that someone has done something wrong.
2 put someone in a difficult situation for which they are unprepared.
catch up do work or other tasks which one should have done earlier.
catch up with
1 exchange news with (someone whom one has not seen for some time).
2 begin to have a damaging effect on.

- DERIVATIVES catchable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. and Old North. Fr. cachier, var. of OFr. chacier, based on L. captare ‘try to catch’.

catch-all

n. a term or category that includes a variety of different possibilities.

catch-as-catch-can

n.
1 archaic wrestling in which all holds are permitted.
2 [usu. as modifier] a situation of using whatever is available.

catch crop

n. a crop grown in the space or interval between two main crops.

catcher

n. a person or thing that catches. Baseball a fielder positioned to catch pitches not hit by the batter.

catchfly

n. (pl. catchflies) a campion or related plant with a sticky stem.   Silene, Lychnis, and other genera.

catching

adj. informal (of a disease) infectious.

catchline

n. Brit.
1 a short, eye-catching headline or title.
2 an advertising slogan.

catchment area

(also catchment)

n.
1 the area from which a hospital's patients or a school's pupils are drawn.
2 the area from which rainfall flows into a river, lake, or reservoir.

catchpenny

adj. having a cheap superficial attractiveness designed to encourage quick sales.

catchphrase

n. a well-known sentence or phrase.

catch-22

n. a difficult situation from which there is no escape because it involves mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.

- ORIGIN title of a novel by Joseph Heller (1961).

catchup

//

n. variant spelling of ketchup.

catchweight

n. chiefly historical unrestricted weight, as a weight category in sport.

catchword

n.
1 a popular word or phrase encapsulating a particular concept.
2 a word printed or placed so as to attract attention. Printing, chiefly historical the first word of a page given at the foot of the previous one, below the last line.

catchy

adj. (catchier, catchiest) (of a tune or phrase) instantly appealing and memorable.

- DERIVATIVES catchily adv. catchiness n.

catechesis

//

n. religious instruction given in preparation for Christian baptism or confirmation. (in Roman Catholic use) religious instruction in general.

- ORIGIN C18: via eccles. L. from Gk katkhsis ‘oral instruction’.

catechetical

//

adj.
1 relating to catechesis.
2 denoting religious teaching by means of questions and answers.

- DERIVATIVES catechetic adj. catechetically adv. catechetics pl. n.

- ORIGIN C17: from eccles. Gk katkhtikos, from katkhts ‘catechist’, from katkhein (see catechize).

catechin

//

n. Chemistry a crystalline organic compound which is the major constituent of catechu.

catechism

//

n. a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for teaching. (in Roman Catholic use) religious instruction in general.

- DERIVATIVES catechismal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from eccles. L. catechismus, from eccles. Gk, from katkhizein (see catechize).

catechist

n. a Christian teacher, especially one using a catechism.

- ORIGIN C16: via eccles. L. from eccles. Gk katkhists, from katkhein (see catechize).

catechize

(or catechise)

v. instruct by means of question and answer, especially by using a catechism.

- DERIVATIVES catechizer n.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from eccles. Gk katkhizein, from katkhein ‘instruct orally, make hear’.

catechol

//, //

n. Chemistry a crystalline organic compound obtained by distilling catechu.

- ORIGIN C19: from catechu + -ol.

catecholamine

//

n. Biochemistry any of a class of aromatic amines including neurotransmitters such as adrenalin and dopamine.

catechu

//

n. a vegetable extract containing tannin, chiefly obtained from an Indian acacia tree and used for tanning and dyeing.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Malay kacu.

catechumen

//

n. a Christian preparing for baptism or confirmation.

- ORIGIN ME: via eccles. L. from Gk katkhoumenos ‘being instructed’, pres. part. of katkhein (see catechize).

categorical

adj. unambiguously explicit and direct: a categorical assurance.

- DERIVATIVES categoric adj. categorically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. categoricus (from Gk katgorikos, from katgoria: see category) + -al.

categorical imperative

n. Philosophy (in Kantian ethics) an unconditional and binding moral obligation which is not dependent on a person's inclination or purpose.

categorize

(or categorise)

v. place in a particular category; classify.

- DERIVATIVES categorization n.

category

n. (pl. categories)
1 a class or division of people or things having particular shared characteristics.
2 Philosophy each of a possibly exhaustive set of classes among which all things might be distributed. each of the a priori conceptions applied by the mind to sense impressions.

- DERIVATIVES categorial adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. catégorie or late L. categoria, from Gk katgoria ‘statement, accusation’, from katgoros ‘accuser’.

catena

//

n. (pl. catenae // or catenas) a chain or connected series, especially a series of texts written by early Christian theologians.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘chain’.

catenary

//

n. (pl. catenaries) a curve formed by a chain hanging freely from two points on the same horizontal level. a chain forming such a curve.
adj. of, involving, or denoting a catenary.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. catenarius ‘relating to a chain’, from catena ‘chain’.

catenated

//

adj. connected in a chain or series.

- DERIVATIVES catenation n.

- ORIGIN C19: past part. of catenate, from L. catenat-, catenare ‘chain, fetter’.

cater

v.
1 Brit. provide food and drink at a social event. N. Amer. provide food and drink for (an event).
2 (cater for/to) provide with what is needed or required. (cater for) take into account or make allowances for. (cater to) satisfy (a need or demand).

- DERIVATIVES caterer n. catering n.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. cater ‘caterer’, from OFr. acateor ‘buyer’, from acater ‘buy’.

cateran

//

n. historical a warrior or raider from the Scottish Highlands.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting the peasantry as fighters): from Sc. Gaelic ceathairne ‘peasantry’.

cater-cornered

// (also cater-corner, catty-cornered, kitty-corner)

adj. & adv. N. Amer. situated diagonally opposite.

- ORIGIN C19: from dial. cater ‘diagonally’, from cater denoting the four on dice, from Fr. quatre ‘four’, from L. quattuor.

caterpillar

n.
1 the larva of a butterfly or moth.
2 (also caterpillar track or tread) trademark an articulated steel band passing round the wheels of a vehicle for travel on rough ground.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from a var. of OFr. chatepelose, lit. ‘hairy cat’, influenced by obs. piller ‘ravager’.

caterwaul

//

v. make a shrill howling or wailing noise.
n. a shrill howling or wailing noise.

- DERIVATIVES caterwauling n. & adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from cat^1 + imitative waul.

catfight

n. informal a fight between women.

- DERIVATIVES catfighting n.

catfish

n. (pl. same or catfishes) a freshwater or marine fish with whisker-like barbels round the mouth, typically bottom-dwelling.   Order Siluriformes: many species.

cat flap

n. a small hinged flap through which a cat may enter or leave a building.

catgut

n. a material used for the strings of musical instruments and for surgical sutures, made of the dried twisted intestines of sheep or horses (but not cats).

- ORIGIN C16: the assoc. with cat^1 remains unexplained.

Cath.

abbrev.
1 Cathedral.
2 Catholic.

Cathar

//

n. (pl. Cathars or Cathari //) a member of a heretical medieval Christian sect which sought to achieve great spiritual purity.

- DERIVATIVES Catharism n. Catharist n. & adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. Cathari (pl.), from Gk katharoi ‘the pure’.

catharsis

//

n. (pl. catharses //)
1 the process of releasing pent-up emotions, for example through drama.
2 Medicine, rare purgation.

- DERIVATIVES cathartic adj. & n. cathartically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk katharsis, from kathairein ‘cleanse’, from katharos ‘pure’.

cathead

n. a horizontal beam at each side of a ship's bow, used for raising and carrying an anchor.

cathectic

//

adj. Psychoanalysis relating to cathexis.

cathedral

n. the principal church of a diocese.

- ORIGIN The word cathedral was first used in the 13th century as an adjective in the term cathedral church or church cathedral, ‘the church which contains the bishop's throne’. It comes from the Latin word for a seat or throne, cathedra, from Greek kathedra, and is closely related to chair. Its use as a noun to mean the principal church of a diocese dates from the 16th century.

Catherine wheel

n.
1 Brit. a firework in the form of a spinning coil.
2 Heraldry a wheel with curved spikes projecting around the circumference.

- ORIGIN C16: named after St Catherine, with ref. to her martyrdom on a spiked wheel.

catheter

//

n. Medicine a flexible tube inserted through a narrow opening into a body cavity, particularly the bladder, for removing fluid.

- DERIVATIVES catheterization (or catheterisation) n. catheterize (or catheterise) v.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L., from Gk kathetr, from kathienai ‘send or let down’.

cathetometer

//

n. a telescope mounted on a graduated scale, used for measurement of small vertical distances.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cathetus (from Gk kathetos ‘perpendicular line’, from kathienai ‘send or let down’) + -meter.

cathexis

//

n. Psychoanalysis the undesirable concentration of mental energy in one direction.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Gk kathexis ‘retention’, translating Ger. Libidobesetzung, coined by Freud.

cathode

//

n. a negatively charged electrode. The opposite of anode. the positively charged electrode of an electrical device, such as a primary cell, that supplies current.

- DERIVATIVES cathodal adj. cathodic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kathodos ‘way down’, from kata- ‘down’+ hodos ‘way’.

cathode ray

n. a beam of electrons emitted from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube.

cathode ray tube

n. a high-vacuum tube in which cathode rays produce a luminous image on a fluorescent screen.

cathodic protection

n. protection of a metal structure from corrosion under water by making it act as an electrical cathode.

cathodoluminescence

//

n. Physics luminescence excited by the impact of an electron beam.

catholic

adj.
1 including a wide variety of things.
2 (Catholic) of the Roman Catholic faith. of or including all Christians. relating to the historic doctrine and practice of the Western Church.
n. (Catholic) a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

- DERIVATIVES Catholicism n. catholicity n. Catholicize (or Catholicise) v. catholicly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. catholique or late L. catholicus, from Gk katholikos ‘universal’, from kata ‘in respect of’ + holos ‘whole’.

Catholicos

//

n. (pl. Catholicoses // or Catholicoi //) the Patriarch of the Armenian or the Nestorian Church.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. Gk katholikos (see catholic).

cathouse

n. N. Amer. informal a brothel.

cat ice

n. thin ice from under which the water has receded.

cation

//

n. Chemistry a positively charged ion. The opposite of anion.

- DERIVATIVES cationic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from cata- or from cathode, + ion.

catkin

n. a downy, hanging, wind-pollinated flowering spike of trees such as willow and hazel.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Du. katteken ‘kitten’.

cat ladder

n. a ladder used for working on a sloping roof, with a hook at one end.

catlick

n. Brit. informal a perfunctory wash.

catlinite

//

n. a red clay of the Upper Missouri region, the sacred pipestone of the American Indians.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of the American artist George Catlin + -ite^1.

catmint

n. a plant with downy leaves, purple-spotted white flowers, and a pungent smell attractive to cats.   Nepeta cataria and related species.

catnap

n. a short sleep during the day.
v. (catnaps, catnapping, catnapped) have a catnap.

catnip

n. another term for catmint.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. US): from cat^1 + nip, var. of dial. nep, nept, from med. L. nepta, from L. nepeta ‘catmint’.

cat-o'-nine-tails

n. historical a rope whip with nine knotted cords, used for flogging.

catoptric

//

adj. Physics relating to a mirror or reflection.

- DERIVATIVES catoptrics pl. n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk katoptrikos, from katoptron ‘mirror’.

cat's cradle

n. a child's game in which patterns are constructed in a loop of string held between the fingers of each hand.

cat's eye

n.
1 a semi-precious stone, especially chalcedony, with a band of bright lustre.
2 (catseye) Brit. trademark a light-reflecting stud set in a series into a road to mark traffic lanes or the edge of the carriageway.

cat's foot

n. a small white-flowered creeping plant of the daisy family, with soft white hairs on the stems and leaves.   Antennaria dioica.

cat's paw

n. a person who is used by another to carry out an unpleasant or dangerous task.

cat's tail

(also cattail)

n. a reed mace or other plant with long thin parts suggestive of cats' tails.

catsuit

n. a woman's close-fitting one-piece garment with trouser legs.

catsup

//

n. US another term for ketchup.

cat's whisker

n. a fine adjustable wire in a crystal radio receiver.

- PHRASES
the cat's whiskers informal an excellent person or thing.

cattery

n. (pl. catteries) a boarding or breeding establishment for cats.

cattish

adj. another term for catty.

- DERIVATIVES cattishly adv. cattishness n.

cattle

pl. n. large ruminant animals with horns and cloven hoofs, chiefly domesticated for meat or milk or as beasts of burden; cows and oxen.   Bos taurus and other species, family Bovidae.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. catel, var. of OFr. chatel (see chattel).

cattle cake

n. Brit. concentrated food for cattle in a compressed flat form.

cattle call

n. N. Amer. informal an open audition for parts in a play or film.

cattle egret

n. a small egret which normally feeds around grazing cattle and game herds.   Bubulcus ibis.

cattle grid

(N. Amer. cattle guard)

n. a metal grid covering a ditch, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to cross but not animals.

cattleya

//

n. a tropical American orchid with brightly coloured showy flowers and thick leaves.   Genus Cattleya.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., named after William Cattley, English patron of botany.

catty

adj. (cattier, cattiest)
1 spiteful.
2 relating to cats; catlike.

- DERIVATIVES cattily adv. cattiness n.

catty-cornered

adj. see cater-cornered.

CATV

abbrev. community antenna television (cable television).

catwalk

n.
1 a platform extending into an auditorium, along which models walk to display clothes.
2 a narrow walkway or open bridge, especially in an industrial installation.

caubeen

//

n. Irish a hat or beret.

- ORIGIN C19: Ir., lit. ‘old hat’, from cáibín ‘little cape’, dimin. of cába ‘cape’.

Caucasian

//, //

adj.
1 relating to or denoting a broad division of humankind covering peoples from Europe, western Asia, and parts of India and North Africa. white-skinned; of European origin.
2 relating to the region of the Caucasus in SE Europe.
n. a Caucasian person.

USAGE

Caucasian (or Caucasoid) belonged to a set of terms introduced by 19th-century anthropologists attempting to categorize human races. Although such classification is now outdated and potentially offensive, the term Caucasian has acquired a more restricted meaning, especially in the US, as a synonym for ‘white or of European origin’, as in the police are looking for a Caucasian male in his forties.

Caucasoid

//

adj. relating to the Caucasian division of humankind.
n. a Caucasian.

caucus

//

n. (pl. caucuses)
1 a meeting of the members of a legislative body who belong to a particular political party, to select candidates or decide policy.
2 a group of people with shared concerns within a larger organization.
v. (caucuses, caucusing, caucused) chiefly N. Amer. hold or form a caucus.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from Algonquian cau'-cau'-as'u ‘adviser’.

cauda equina

/ /

n. Anatomy & Zoology the bundle of nerves descending from the lower end of the spinal cord.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘horse's tail’.

caudal

//

adj. of or like a tail. at or near the tail or the posterior part of the body.

- DERIVATIVES caudally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. caudalis, from L. cauda ‘tail’.

caudal fin

n. Zoology another term for tail fin.

caudate

//

adj. Anatomy relating to or denoting the upper of the two grey nuclei of the corpus striatum in the cerebrum of the brain.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. caudatus, from cauda ‘tail’.

caudillo

//, //

n. (pl. caudillos) (in Spanish-speaking countries) a military or political leader.

- ORIGIN Sp., from late L. capitellum, dimin. of caput ‘head’.

caught

past and past participle of catch.

caul

//

n.
1 the amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus. part of this membrane occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck.
2 Anatomy the omentum.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OFr. cale ‘head covering’.

cauldron

(also caldron)

n.
1 a large metal pot, used for cooking over an open fire.
2 a situation characterized by instability and strong emotions: a cauldron of repressed anger.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. caudron, based on L. caldarium, calidarium ‘cooking pot’, from calidus ‘hot’.

cauliflower

n. a cabbage of a variety which bears a large immature flower head of small creamy-white flower buds, eaten as a vegetable.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr. chou fleuri ‘flowered cabbage’, prob. from Ital. cavolfiore or mod. L. cauliflora.

cauliflower cheese

n. Brit. a savoury dish of cauliflower in a cheese sauce.

cauliflower ear

n. a person's ear that has become thickened or deformed as a result of repeated blows.

caulk

// (US also calk)

n. a waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs.
v.
1 seal with caulk.
2 make (a boat or its seams) watertight.

- DERIVATIVES caulker n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘copulate’, used of birds): from Old North. Fr. cauquer, caukier, var. of cauchier ‘tread, press with force’, from L. calcare ‘tread’, from calx, calc- ‘heel’.

causal

adj. relating to or acting as a cause.

- DERIVATIVES causally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. causalis, from L. causa ‘cause’.

causalgia

//

n. severe burning pain in a limb caused by injury to a peripheral nerve.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kausos ‘heat, fever’ + -algia.

causality

n.
1 the relationship between cause and effect.
2 the principle that everything has a cause.

causation

n.
1 the action of causing something.
2 the relationship between cause and effect.

causative

adj.
1 acting as a cause.
2 Grammar expressing causation.

- DERIVATIVES causatively adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. causatif, -ive, or late L. causativus, from causare ‘to cause’.

cause

n.
1 a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition. reasonable grounds for a belief or action.
2 a principle or movement which one is prepared to defend or advocate. something deserving of support.
3 a matter to be resolved in a court of law. an individual's case offered at law.
v. make (something, especially something bad) happen; be the cause of.

- PHRASES
cause and effect the relationship between an action or event and the effect that it produces.
make common cause unite in order to achieve a shared aim.

- DERIVATIVES causeless adj. causer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. causa (n.), causare (v.).

'cause

conj. informal because.

cause célèbre

/ /

n. (pl. causes célèbres pronunc. same) a controversial issue that attracts a great deal of public attention.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘famous case’.

causerie

//

n. (pl. causeries pronunc. same) an informal article or talk, typically on a literary subject.

- ORIGIN Fr., from causer ‘to talk’.

causeway

n. a raised road or track across low or wet ground.

- DERIVATIVES causewayed adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from causey + way.

causey

//, //

n. (pl. causeys) archaic or dialect term for causeway.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. causee, based on L. calx ‘lime, limestone’ (used for paving roads).

caustic

//, //

adj.
1 able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action.
2 scathingly sarcastic.
3 Physics formed by the intersection of reflected or refracted parallel rays from a curved surface.
n.
1 a caustic substance.
2 Physics a caustic surface or curve.

- DERIVATIVES caustically adv. causticity n.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk kaustikos, from kaustos ‘combustible’, from kaiein ‘to burn’.

caustic potash

n. potassium hydroxide.

caustic soda

n. sodium hydroxide.

cauterize

(or cauterise) //

v. burn the skin or flesh of (a wound) to stop bleeding or prevent infection.

- DERIVATIVES cauterization n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cauteriser, from late L. cauterizare, from Gk kautriazein, from kautrion ‘branding iron’, from kaiein ‘to burn’.

cautery

//

n. (pl. cauteries) Medicine
1 an instrument or caustic substance used for cauterizing.
2 the action of cauterizing.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk kautrion (see cauterize).

caution

n.
1 care taken to avoid danger or mistakes.
2 Brit. an official or legal warning given to someone who has committed a minor offence but has not been charged.
3 informal, dated an amusing or surprising person.
v.
1 say something as a warning. (caution against) warn or advise against.
2 Brit. issue an official or legal warning to. (of a police officer) advise (someone) of their legal rights when arresting them.

- PHRASES
throw caution to the wind (or winds) act in a reckless manner.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cautio(n-), from cavere ‘take heed’.

cautionary

adj. serving as a warning: a cautionary tale.

cautious

adj. careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

- DERIVATIVES cautiously adv. cautiousness n.

cava

//

n. a Spanish sparkling wine made in the same way as champagne.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

cavalcade

//, //

n. a procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a ride or raid on horseback): from Fr., from Ital. cavalcata, from cavalcare ‘to ride’, based on L. caballus ‘horse’.

cavalier

//

n.
1 (Cavalier) historical a supporter of King Charles I in the English Civil War.
2 archaic or literary a courteous gentleman.
3 archaic a cavalryman.
adj. showing a lack of proper concern.

- DERIVATIVES cavalierly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. cavaliere, based on L. caballus ‘horse’.

cavalry

n. (pl. cavalries) [usu. treated as pl.] historical soldiers who fought on horseback. modern soldiers who fight in armoured vehicles.

- DERIVATIVES cavalryman n. (pl. cavalrymen).

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. cavallerie, from Ital. cavalleria, from cavallo ‘horse’, from L. caballus.

cavalry twill

n. strong woollen twill of a khaki or light brown colour.

cavatina

//

n. (pl. cavatine //, cavatinas) Music a simple operatic aria or lyrical instrumental piece without repeated sections.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital.

cave^1

//

n. a large natural underground chamber.
v.
1 explore caves as a sport.
2 (cave in or US also cave) (of a roof or walls) subside or collapse.

- DERIVATIVES caver n. caving n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. cava, from cavus ‘hollow’.

cave^2

//

exclam. Brit. school slang, dated look out!

- PHRASES
keep cave act as lookout.

- ORIGIN L., imper. of cavere ‘beware’.

caveat

//, //

n. a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., lit. ‘let a person beware’.

caveat emptor

//

n. the principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before purchase.

- ORIGIN L., ‘let the buyer beware’.

caveman

(or cavewoman)

n. (pl. cavemen or cavewomen) a prehistoric person who lived in caves.

cavern

//

n.
1 a large cave or chamber in a cave.
2 a vast, dark space.

- DERIVATIVES cavernous adj. cavernously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. caverne or from L. caverna, from cavus ‘hollow’.

caviar

// (also caviare)

n. the pickled roe of sturgeon or other large fish, eaten as a delicacy.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. caviale (earlier caviaro) or Fr. caviar, prob. from med. Gk khaviari.

cavil

//

v. (cavils, cavilling, cavilled; US cavils, caviling, caviled) make petty or unnecessary objections.
n. a petty or unnecessary objection.

- DERIVATIVES caviller n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. caviller, from L. cavillari, from cavilla ‘mockery’.

cavitation

//

n. Physics
1 the formation of an empty space within a solid object or body.
2 the formation of bubbles in a liquid by the movement of an object through it.

cavity

n. (pl. cavities) an empty space within a solid object. a decayed part of a tooth.

- DERIVATIVES cavitary adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. cavité or late L. cavitas, from L. cavus ‘hollow’.

cavity wall

n. a wall formed from two thicknesses of bricks with a space between them.

cavolo nero

/ /

n. a dark-leaved variety of kale used in Tuscan cookery.

- ORIGIN Ital., from cavolo ‘cabbage’ + nero ‘black’.

cavort

v. prance around excitedly or self-indulgently.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. US): perh. an alt. of curvet.

cavy

//

n. (pl. cavies) a guinea pig or related South American rodent.   Family Caviidae: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. cavia, from Galibi cabiai.

caw

n. the harsh cry of a rook, crow, or similar bird.
v. utter a caw.

- ORIGIN C16: imitative.

cay

//, //

n. (in Spanish America) a low bank or reef of coral, rock, or sand.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. cayo ‘shoal, reef’, from Fr. quai ‘quay’.

cayenne

// (also cayenne pepper)

n. a pungent, hot-tasting red powder prepared from dried chillies.

- ORIGIN C18: from Tupi kyynha, quiynha, later assoc. with Cayenne in French Guiana.

cayman

n. variant spelling of caiman.

Cayuga

//, //

n. (pl. same or Cayugas)
1 a member of an American Indian people formerly inhabiting part of New York State.
2 the extinct Iroquoian language of the Cayuga.

- ORIGIN from an Iroquoian place name.

Cayuse

//

n. (pl. same or Cayuses)
1 a member of an American Indian people of Washington State and Oregon.
2 the extinct Penutian language of the Cayuse.
3 (cayuse) an American Indian pony.

- ORIGIN the name in Chinook Jargon.

CB

abbrev.
1 Citizens' Band.
2 (in the UK) Companion of the Order of the Bath.

CBC

abbrev. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

CBE

abbrev. (in the UK) Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

CBI

abbrev. Confederation of British Industry.

CBS

abbrev. (in the US) Columbia Broadcasting System.

CC

abbrev.
1 Brit. City Council.
2 Companion of the Order of Canada.
3 Brit. County Council.
4 Brit. County Councillor.
5 Cricket Club.

cc

(also c.c.)

abbrev.
1 carbon copy (an indication that a duplicate has been or should be sent to another person).
2 cubic centimetre(s).

CCD

abbrev. Electronics charge-coupled device.

CCJ

abbrev. (in the UK) county court judgement, issued by a court after a person's failure to repay a debt and recorded in that person's credit history.

CCTV

abbrev. closed-circuit television.

CD

abbrev.
1 civil defence.
2 compact disc.
3 corps diplomatique.

Cd

symb. the chemical element cadmium.

Cd.

abbrev. (in the UK) Command Paper (third series, 1900–18).

cd

abbrev. candela.

CDC

abbrev.
1 (in the US) Centers for Disease Control.
2 Commonwealth Development Corporation.

CDN

abbrev. Canada (international vehicle registration).

cDNA

abbrev. complementary DNA.

CD-R

abbrev. compact disc recordable, a CD which can be recorded on once only.

Cdr

abbrev. (in the navy or air force) Commander.

Cdre

abbrev. Commodore.

CD-ROM

n. a compact disc used in a computer as a read-only device for displaying data.

- ORIGIN 1980s: acronym from compact disc read-only memory.

CD-RW

abbrev. compact disc rewritable, a CD on which recordings can be made and erased a number of times.

CDT

abbrev.
1 Central Daylight Time.
2 craft, design, and technology (as a subject taught in schools in the UK).

CDV

abbrev. compact disc video.

CE

abbrev.
1 Church of England.
2 civil engineer.
3 Common Era.

Ce

symb. the chemical element cerium.

ceanothus

//

n. a shrub with dense clusters of small blue flowers, native to North America.   Genus Ceanothus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk keanthos, a kind of thistle.

cease

v. come or bring to an end; stop.

- PHRASES
without cease without stopping.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cesser, from L. cessare, from cedere ‘to yield’.

ceasefire

n. a temporary suspension of fighting.

ceaseless

adj. constant and unending.

- DERIVATIVES ceaselessly adv.

cecropia

//

n.
1 a fast-growing tropical American tree.   Genus Cecropia.
2 (also cecropia moth) a very large reddish-brown North American silk moth.   Platysamia cecropia.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from the name Cecrops, a king of Attica.

cecum

n. (pl. ceca) US spelling of caecum.

cedar

n. a tall coniferous tree that typically yields fragrant, durable wood.   Cedrus libani (cedar of Lebanon) and other species in the genera Cedrus and Thuja.

- DERIVATIVES cedarn adj. (literary).

- ORIGIN OE, from OFr. cedre or L. cedrus, from Gk kedros.

cede

//

v. give up (power or territory).

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. céder or L. cedere ‘to yield’.

cedi

//

n. (pl. same or cedis) the basic monetary unit of Ghana, equal to 100 pesewas.

- ORIGIN of Ghanaian origin, perh. an alt. of shilling.

cedilla

//

n. a mark (¸) written under the letter c, especially in French, to show that it is pronounced like an s rather than a k (e.g. façade). a similar mark under s in Turkish and other languages.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Sp., earlier form of zedilla, dimin. of zeda (the letter Z), from Gk zta.

Ceefax

//

n. Brit. trademark a teletext service provided by the BBC.

ceiba

//

n. a very tall tropical American tree from which kapok is obtained.   Ceiba pentandra.

- ORIGIN via Sp. from Taino, lit. ‘giant tree’.

ceil

//

v. archaic line or plaster the roof of (a building).

- ORIGIN ME: perh. rel. to L. celare, Fr. céler ‘conceal’.

ceilidh

//

n. a social event with Scottish or Irish folk music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sc. Gaelic ceilidh and Ir. célidhe (earlier form of céilí), from Old Ir. céilide ‘visit, visiting’, from céile ‘companion’.

ceiling

//

n.
1 the upper interior surface of a room.
2 an upper limit set on prices, wages, etc.
3 the maximum altitude that an aircraft can reach. the altitude of the base of a cloud layer.
4 the inside planking of a ship's bottom and sides.

- ORIGIN ME: from ceil + -ing^1.

ceiling rose

n. a circular mounting on a ceiling, through which the wiring of an electric light passes.

cel

//

n. a transparent sheet of celluloid or similar film material, used in the production of cartoons.

- ORIGIN mid 20th cent.: abbrev. of celluloid.

celadon

//

n. a pale greyish shade of green. a grey-green glaze used in pottery.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. céladon, a colour named after the hero in Honoré d'Urfé's pastoral romance L'Astrée (1607–27).

celandine

//

n.
1 (also lesser celandine) a common plant of the buttercup family, which produces yellow flowers in the early spring.   Ranunculus ficaria.
2 (greater celandine) a yellow-flowered plant of the poppy family, with toxic sap.   Chelidonium majus.

- ORIGIN ME, from OFr. celidoine, from med. L. celidonia, based on Gk khelidn ‘swallow’ (the flowering of the plant being assoc. with the arrival of swallows).

-cele

(also -coele)

comb. form Medicine denoting a swelling or hernia in a specified part: hydrocele.

- ORIGIN from Gk kl ‘tumour’.

celeb

//

n. informal a celebrity.

celebrant

//

n.
1 a person who performs a rite, especially a priest at the Eucharist.
2 N. Amer. a person who celebrates something.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. célébrant or L. celebrant-, celebrare (see celebrate).

celebrate

v.
1 mark (a significant time or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.
2 perform (a religious ceremony), in particular officiate at (the Eucharist).
3 [often as adj. celebrated] honour or praise publicly: a celebrated mathematician.

- DERIVATIVES celebration n. celebrator n. celebratory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. celebrat-, celebrare ‘celebrate’, from celeber, celebr- ‘frequented or honoured’.

celebrity

n. (pl. celebrities)
1 a famous person.
2 the state of being famous.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘solemn ceremony’): from OFr. celebrite or L. celebritas, from celeber, celebr- ‘frequented or honoured’.

celeriac

//

n. celery of a variety which forms a large swollen turnip-like root.

- ORIGIN C18: from celery + an arbitrary use of -ac.

celerity

//

n. archaic or literary swiftness of movement.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. celerite, from L. celeritas, from celer ‘swift’.

celery

n. a cultivated plant of the parsley family, with closely packed succulent leaf stalks that are eaten raw or cooked.   Apium graveolensvar. dulce.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. céleri, from Ital. dial. selleri, based on Gk selinon ‘parsley’.

celery pine

(also celery-top pine)

n. a slow-growing Australasian tree with shoots that resemble celery leaves.   Genus Phyllocladus.

celery salt

n. a mixture of salt and ground celery seed used for seasoning.

celesta

// (also celeste //)

n. a small keyboard instrument in which felted hammers strike a row of steel plates suspended over wooden resonators, giving an ethereal bell-like sound.

- ORIGIN C19: pseudo-Latin, based on Fr. céleste ‘heavenly’.

celestial

adj.
1 positioned in or relating to the sky or outer space.
2 belonging or relating to heaven.

- DERIVATIVES celestially adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. caelestialis, from L. caelestis, from caelum ‘heaven’.

celestial equator

n. the projection into space of the earth's equator.

celestial latitude

n. Astronomy the angular distance of a point north or south of the ecliptic.

celestial longitude

n. Astronomy the angular distance of a point east of the First Point of Aries, measured along the ecliptic.

celestial mechanics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of astronomy concerned with the calculation of the motions of celestial objects such as planets.

celestial navigation

n. navigation using the sun, moon, and stars.

celestial pole

n. Astronomy the point on the celestial sphere directly above either of the earth's geographic poles, around which the stars appear to rotate.

celestial sphere

n. an imaginary sphere of which the observer is the centre and on which all celestial objects are considered to lie.

celiac

n. US spelling of coeliac.

celibate

//

adj.
1 abstaining from marriage and sexual relations for religious reasons.
2 having or involving no sexual relations.
n. a person who is celibate.

- DERIVATIVES celibacy n.

- ORIGIN C19: from celibacy (C17, from Fr. célibat or L. caelibatus ‘unmarried state’) + -ate^2.

cell

n.
1 a small room in which a prisoner is locked up or in which a monk or nun sleeps. historical a small monastery dependent on a larger one.
2 a small compartment in a larger structure such as a honeycomb.
3 Biology the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
4 a small group forming a nucleus of political activity: terrorist cells.
5 a device containing electrodes immersed in an electrolyte, used for current generation or electrolysis. a unit in a device for converting chemical energy or light into electricity.
6 the local area covered by one of the short-range transmitters in a cellular telephone system.

- DERIVATIVES -celled adj.

- ORIGIN OE, from OFr. celle or L. cella ‘storeroom or chamber’.

cella

//

n. (pl. cellae //) the inner area of an ancient temple.

- ORIGIN from L.

cellar

n. a storage space or room below ground level in a house. a stock of wine.
v. store in a cellar.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. celier, from late L. cellarium ‘storehouse’, from cella ‘storeroom or chamber’.

cellarage

n.
1 cellars collectively.
2 money charged for the use of a cellar or storehouse.

cellarer

//

n.
1 the person in a monastery who is responsible for provisions and catering.
2 a cellarman.

cellaret

// (also cellarette)

n. historical a cabinet or sideboard for keeping alcoholic drinks and glasses in a dining room.

cellarman

n. (pl. cellarmen) Brit. a person in charge of a wine cellar.

cell line

n. Biology a cell culture developed from a single cell, consisting of cells with a uniform genetic make-up.

cellmate

n. a person with whom one shares a cell.

cell-mediated

adj. Physiology (of immunity) involving the action of white blood cells. Often contrasted with humoral.

cello

//

n. (pl. cellos) a bass instrument of the violin family, held upright on the floor between the legs of the seated player.

- DERIVATIVES cellist n.

- ORIGIN C19: shortening (perh. earlier in Ger.) of violoncello.

cellophane

//

n. trademark a thin transparent wrapping material made from viscose.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from cellulose + -phane, from diaphane, a kind of semi-transparent woven silk (from med. L. diaphanus ‘diaphanous’).

cellphone

n. a mobile phone.

cellular

//

adj.
1 relating to or consisting of living cells.
2 denoting or relating to a mobile telephone system that uses a number of short-range radio stations: a cellular phone.
3 (of fabric) knitted so as to form holes or hollows that trap air and provide extra insulation.
4 consisting of small compartments or rooms.

- DERIVATIVES cellularity n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. cellulaire, from mod. L. cellularis, from cellula ‘little chamber’, dimin. of cella.

cellular phone

n. chiefly N. Amer. a mobile phone.

cellulase

//

n. Biochemistry an enzyme that converts cellulose into glucose or a disaccharide.

cellulite

//

n. persistent subcutaneous fat causing dimpling of the skin.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from Fr., from cellule ‘small cell’.

cellulitis

n. Medicine inflammation of subcutaneous connective tissue.

celluloid

n. a transparent flammable plastic made in sheets from camphor and nitrocellulose, formerly used for cinematographic film. the cinema as a genre.

- ORIGIN C19: from cellulose + -oid.

cellulose

//, //

n.
1 an insoluble substance which is a polysaccharide derived from glucose and is the main constituent of plant cell walls and of vegetable fibres such as cotton.
2 paint or lacquer consisting principally of cellulose acetate or nitrate in solution.

- DERIVATIVES cellulosic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from cellule ‘small cell’ + -ose^2.

cellulose acetate

n. Chemistry a non-flammable polymer made by acetylating cellulose, used as the basis of artificial fibres and plastic.

cellulose nitrate

n. nitrocellulose.

Celsius

//

adj. [postpos. when used with a numeral] of or denoting a scale of temperature on which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.

- ORIGIN from the name of the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius (1701–44).

USAGE

Celsius rather than centigrade is the standard accepted term when giving temperatures: use 25° Celsius rather than 25° centigrade.

Celt

//

n.
1 a member of a group of peoples inhabiting much of Europe and Asia Minor in pre-Roman times.
2 a native of a modern nation or region in which a Celtic language is (or was until recently) spoken.

- ORIGIN from L. Celtae (pl.), from Gk Keltoi.

celt

//

n. Archaeology a prehistoric stone or metal implement with a bevelled cutting edge.

- ORIGIN C18: from med. L. celtis ‘chisel’.

Celtiberian

//, //, //

n. another term for Iberian (in sense 3).

Celtic

//

n. a group of languages including Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Breton, Manx, and Cornish.
adj. relating to Celtic or to the Celts.

- DERIVATIVES Celticism // n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. Celticus (from Celtae ‘Celts’), or from Fr. Celtique (from Celte ‘Breton’).

USAGE

In standard English the normal pronunciation of Celt and Celtic is with an initial k- rather than an s-, except in the name of the Glaswegian football club Celtic.

Celtic Church

n. the early Christian Church in the British Isles.

Celtic cross

n. a Latin cross with a circle round the centre.

Celtic fringe

n. the Highland Scots, Irish, Welsh, and Cornish or their land, in relation to the rest of Britain.

Celtic harp

n. another term for clarsach.

cembalo

//

n. (pl. cembalos) another term for harpsichord.

- DERIVATIVES cembalist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital., shortening of clavicembalo, from med. L. clavicymbalum, from L. clavis ‘key’ + cymbalum ‘cymbal’.

cement

n.
1 a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, used in making mortar and concrete. concrete.
2 a soft glue that hardens on setting.
3 (also cementum) Anatomy a thin layer of bony material that fixes teeth to the jaw.
4 Geology the material which binds particles together in sedimentary rock.
v. fix with cement. settle or establish firmly.

- DERIVATIVES cementer n. cementitious adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ciment (n.), cimenter (v.), from L. caementum ‘quarry stone’, from caedere ‘hew’.

cementation

//

n.
1 the binding together of particles or other things by cement.
2 Metallurgy a process of heating iron in contact with charcoal to make steel.

cementite

//

n. Metallurgy a hard, brittle iron carbide present in cast iron and most steels.

- ORIGIN C19: from cement + -ite^1.

cement mixer

n. a machine with a revolving drum used for mixing cement with sand, gravel, and water to make concrete.

cemetery

n. (pl. cemeteries) a large burial ground.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk koimtrion ‘dormitory’, from koiman ‘put to sleep’.

cenacle

//

n.
1 a discussion group or literary clique.
2 the room in which the Last Supper was held.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cenacle, from L. cenaculum, from cena ‘dinner’.

CEng

abbrev. (in the UK) chartered engineer.

cenobite

n. variant spelling of coenobite.

cenotaph

//, //

n. a monument to someone buried elsewhere, especially a war memorial.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cénotaphe, from late L. cenotaphium, from Gk kenos ‘empty’ + taphos ‘tomb’.

Cenozoic

// (also Cainozoic)

adj. Geology relating to or denoting the era following the Mesozoic era (from about 65 million years ago to the present).

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kainos ‘new’ + zion ‘animal’ + -ic.

cense

//

v. ritually perfume with burning incense.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. encenser.

censer

n. a container in which incense is burnt.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. censier, from encensier, from encens (see incense^1).

censor

n.
1 an official who examines material that is to be published and suppresses parts considered offensive or a threat to security. Psychoanalysis an aspect of the superego which prevents certain ideas and memories from emerging into consciousness.
2 (in ancient Rome) a magistrate who held censuses and supervised public morals.
v. examine (a book, film, etc.) officially and suppress unacceptable parts of it.

- DERIVATIVES censorial adj. censorship n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from censere ‘assess’.

censorious

//

adj. severely critical.

- DERIVATIVES censoriously adv. censoriousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. censorius (from censor ‘magistrate’) + -ious.

censure

//

v. express severe disapproval of; formally reprove.
n. formal disapproval.

- DERIVATIVES censurable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. censurer (v.), censure (n.), from L. censura ‘judgement, assessment’, from censere ‘assess’.

USAGE

Censure and censor are frequently confused. Censure means ‘express severe disapproval of’ (the country was censured for human rights abuses) or ‘the expression of severe disapproval’, while censor means ‘examine (a book, film, etc.) and suppress unacceptable parts of it’ or ‘an official who censors books, films, etc.’.

census

n. (pl. censuses) an official count or survey of a population.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a poll tax): from L., from censere ‘assess’.

cent

n.
1 a monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a dollar or other decimal currency unit.
2 Music one hundredth of a semitone.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘a hundred’): from Fr. cent, Ital. cento, or L. centum ‘hundred’.

cent.

abbrev. century.

centas

//

n. (pl. same) a monetary unit of Lithuania, equal to one hundredth of a litas.

- ORIGIN from Lithuanian.

centaur

//

n. Greek Mythology a creature with the head, arms, and torso of a man and the body and legs of a horse.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk kentauros, the Gk name for a Thessalonian tribe of expert horsemen.

centaury

//

n. (pl. centauries) a plant of the gentian family, typically having pink flowers.   Centaurium minus and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. centaurea, based on Gk kentauros ‘centaur’.

centavo

//

n. (pl. centavos) a monetary unit of Mexico, Brazil, and certain other countries (formerly including Portugal), equal to one hundredth of the basic unit.

- ORIGIN Sp. and Port., from L. centum ‘a hundred’.

centenarian

//

n. a person a hundred or more years old.
adj. a hundred or more years old.

centenary

//, //

n. (pl. centenaries) Brit. the hundredth anniversary of a significant event.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. centenarius ‘containing a hundred’, based on L. centum ‘a hundred’.

centennial

//

adj. relating to a hundredth anniversary.
n. a hundredth anniversary.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. centum ‘a hundred’, on the pattern of biennial.

center etc.

n. US spelling of centre etc.

centesimal

//

adj. relating to division into hundredths.

- DERIVATIVES centesimally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. centesimus ‘hundredth’, from centum ‘a hundred’.

centesimo

//

n. (pl. centesimos) a former monetary unit of Italy (used only in calculations), worth one hundredth of a lira.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

centésimo

//

n. (pl. centésimos) a monetary unit of Uruguay and Panama, equal to one hundredth of the basic unit.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

centi-

comb. form
1 one hundredth: centilitre.
2 hundred: centipede.

- ORIGIN from L. centum ‘hundred’.

centigrade

adj. [postpos. when used with a numeral] of or denoting a scale of a hundred degrees, in particular the Celsius scale of temperature.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from L. centum ‘a hundred’ + gradus ‘step’.

USAGE

In giving temperatures, use Celsius rather than centigrade in all contexts.

centigram

(also centigramme) (abbrev.: cg)

n. a metric unit of mass equal to one hundredth of a gram.

centile

//

n. another term for percentile.

centilitre

(US centiliter) (abbrev.: cl)

n. a metric unit of capacity equal to one hundredth of a litre.

centime

//

n. a monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a franc or some other decimal currency units, used in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg until the introduction of the euro in 2002.

- ORIGIN Fr., from L. centesimus ‘hundredth’, from centum ‘a hundred’.

centimetre

(US centimeter) (abbrev.: cm)

n. a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a metre (0.394 in.).

centimo

//

n. (pl. centimos) a monetary unit of a number of Latin American countries (and formerly of Spain), equal to one hundredth of the basic unit.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

centimorgan

//

n. Genetics a unit of distance between two gene loci on a chromosome, one centimorgan indicating a one per cent chance that two genes will be separated by crossing over.

- ORIGIN C20: from centi- (denoting a factor of one hundredth) + the name of the American zoologist T. H. Morgan.

centipede

//

n. an arthropod with a flattened, elongated body composed of many segments, most of which bear a pair of legs.   Class Chilopoda: many species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. centipède or L. centipeda, from centum ‘a hundred’ + pes, ped- ‘foot’.

cento

//

n. (pl. centos) rare a literary work made up of quotations from other authors.

- ORIGIN C17: L., lit. ‘patchwork garment’.

centra

plural form of centrum.

central

adj.
1 in or near the centre of something.
2 most important; principal.
n. N. Amer. informal a place with a high concentration of a specified type of person or thing: you're in workaholic central here.

- DERIVATIVES centrality n. centrally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., or from L. centralis, from centrum (see centre).

Central American

adj. relating to the countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, in the southernmost part of North America.
n. a native or inhabitant of a Central American country.

central bank

n. a national bank that provides financial and banking services for its country's government and commercial banking system, and issues currency.

central casting

n. N. Amer. the department of a film production company that hires actors, especially for bit parts as stock characters.

central heating

n. a system for warming a building by heating water or air in one place and circulating it through pipes and radiators or vents.

centralize

(or centralise)

v. [often as adj. centralized] concentrate (control or power) under a single authority.

- DERIVATIVES centralism n. centralist n. & adj. centralization n.

central locking

n. a locking system in a motor vehicle which enables the locks of all doors to be operated simultaneously.

central nervous system

n. Anatomy the complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body, in vertebrates comprising the brain and spinal cord.

central processing unit

(also central processor)

n. Computing the part of a computer in which operations are controlled and executed.

central reservation

n. Brit. the strip of land between the carriageways of a motorway or other major road.

centre

(US center)

n.
1 a point or part in the middle of something that is equally distant from all of its sides, ends, or surfaces. the middle player in some team games. (in some team games) a kick, hit, or throw of the ball from the side to the middle of the field.
2 a point to or from which an activity or process is directed: the city was a centre of discontent.
3 a place or group of buildings where a specified activity is concentrated: a conference centre.
v.
1 place in the centre. (in some team games) kick, hit, or throw (the ball) from the side to the middle of the field. chiefly N. Amer. play as the middle player in some team games.
2 (centre on/around) have as a major concern or theme. (be centred in) occur mainly in or around.

- PHRASES
centre of attention a person or thing that excites everyone's interest or concern.
centre of attraction
1 Physics the point to which bodies tend by gravity.
2 another term for centre of attention.
centre of curvature Mathematics the centre of a circle which passes through a curve at a given point and has the same tangent and curvature at that point.
centre of excellence a place where the highest standards are maintained.
centre of gravity a point from which the weight of a body or system may be considered to act. In uniform gravity it is the same as the centre of mass.
centre of mass a point representing the mean position of the matter in a body or system.
centre of pressure Physics a point on a surface through which the resultant force due to pressure passes.

- DERIVATIVES centremost adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. centrum, from Gk kentron ‘sharp point, stationary point of a pair of compasses’, rel. to kentein ‘to prick’.

centre back

n. Soccer a defender who plays in the middle of the field.

centre bit

n. a drill bit with a central point and side cutters.

centreboard

(US centerboard)

n. a pivoted board that can be lowered through the keel of a sailing boat to reduce sideways movement.

centred

(US centered)

adj.
1 (-centred) taking a specified subject as the most important element: a child-centred school.
2 chiefly N. Amer. (of a person) well balanced and confident.

- DERIVATIVES centredness n.

centrefield

(US centerfield)

n. Baseball the central part of the outfield.

- DERIVATIVES centrefielder n.

centrefold

(US centerfold)

n. the two middle pages of a magazine. an illustration on a centrefold, typically a picture of a naked or scantily clad model.

centre forward

n. Soccer & Hockey an attacker who plays in the middle of the field.

centre half

n. Soccer another term for centre back.

centrepiece

n. an item serving as a central or principal ornament or display.

centre punch

n. a punch with a conical point for making an indentation in a surface.

centre spread

n. the two facing middle pages of a newspaper or magazine.

centre stage

n. the centre of a stage. the most prominent position.
adv. in or towards this position.

centric

adj.
1 in or at the centre; central.
2 Botany (of a diatom) radially symmetrical. Compare with pennate.

- DERIVATIVES centrical adj. centricity // n.

-centric

comb. form
1 having a specified centre: geocentric.
2 originating from a specified viewpoint: Eurocentric.

- DERIVATIVES -centricity comb. form.

- ORIGIN from Gk kentrikos, on the pattern of words such as (con)centric.

centrifugal

//, //

adj. Physics moving away from a centre.

- DERIVATIVES centrifugally adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. centrifugus, from L. centrum (see centre) + -fugus ‘fleeing’ (from fugere ‘flee’).

centrifugal force

n. Physics a force, arising from the body's inertia, which appears to act on a body moving in a circular path and is directed away from the centre around which the body is moving.

centrifugal pump

n. a pump that uses an impeller to move water or other fluids.

centrifuge

//

n. a machine with a rapidly rotating container that applies centrifugal force to its contents, used chiefly to separate liquids from solids.
v. subject to the action of a centrifuge.

- DERIVATIVES centrifugation // n.

centring

(US centering)

n.
1 the action or process of placing in the centre.
2 Architecture framing used to support an arch or dome under construction.

centriole

//

n. Biology each of a pair of minute cylindrical structures near the nucleus in eukaryotic cells, involved in the development of spindle fibres in cell division.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. centriolum, dimin. of centrum (see centre).

centripetal

//, //

adj. Physics moving towards a centre.

- DERIVATIVES centripetally adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. centripetus, from L. centrum (see centre) + -petus ‘seeking’ (from petere ‘seek’).

centripetal force

n. Physics a force which acts on a body moving in a circular path and is directed towards the centre around which the body is moving.

centrist

n. a person having moderate political views or policies.

- DERIVATIVES centrism n.

centroid

n. Mathematics the centre of mass of a geometric object of uniform density.

centromere

//

n. Biology the point on a chromosome by which it is attached to a spindle fibre during cell division.

- DERIVATIVES centromeric adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L. centrum (see centre) + Gk meros ‘part’.

centrosome

//

n. Biology a structure near the nucleus of a cell which contains the centrioles and from which the spindle fibres develop in cell division.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. centrum (see centre) + Gk sma ‘body’.

centrum

//

n. (pl. centrums or centra //) Anatomy the solid central part of a vertebra.

- ORIGIN C19: from L.

centuple

//

v. multiply by a hundred.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., or from eccles. L. centuplus, alt. of L. centuplex, from L. centum ‘hundred’.

centurion

//

n. the commander of a century in the ancient Roman army.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. centurio(n-), from centuria (see century).

century

n. (pl. centuries)
1 a period of one hundred years, in particular each of a number of such periods reckoned from the date of the birth of Christ.
2 a batsman's score of a hundred runs in cricket.
3 a company of a hundred men in the ancient Roman army. an electoral division of ancient Rome.

- DERIVATIVES centurial adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. centuria, from centum ‘hundred’.

century plant

n. a large agave which produces a very tall flowering stem after many years of growth and then dies.   Agave americana.

CEO

abbrev. chief executive officer.

cep

//

n. an edible mushroom with a smooth brown cap and pores rather than gills.   Boletus edulis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cèpe, from Gascon cep ‘tree trunk, mushroom’, from L. cippus ‘stake’.

cephalic

//, //

adj. technical in or relating to the head.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cephalique, from L. cephalicus, from Gk kephalikos, from kephal ‘head’.

-cephalic

comb. form (used in medical terms) -headed: leptocephalic.

cephalic index

n. Anthropology the ratio of the maximum breadth of a skull to its maximum length.

cephalo-

//, //

comb. form relating to the head or skull: cephalometry.

- ORIGIN from Gk kephal ‘head’.

cephalopod

//, //

n. Zoology an active predatory mollusc of the large class Cephalopoda, which comprises octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Cephalopoda, from Gk kephal ‘head’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.

cephalosporin

//, //

n. any of a group of natural and semi-synthetic antibiotics resembling penicillin.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from mod. L. Cephalosporium (the genus providing moulds for this) + -in^1.

cephalothorax

//, //

n. (pl. cephalothoraces // or cephalothoraxes) Zoology the fused head and thorax of spiders and other chelicerate arthropods.

-cephalous

comb. form equivalent to -cephalic.

cepheid

//, //

n. Astronomy a variable star having a regular cycle of brightness with a frequency related to its luminosity, so allowing estimation of its distance from the earth.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from the name of the variable star Delta Cephei, which typifies this class.

ceramic

//

adj.
1 made of clay that is permanently hardened by heat.
2 relating to ceramics.
n. (ceramics)
1 ceramic articles. [usu. treated as sing.] the art of making ceramics.
2 clay used to make ceramics. any non-metallic solid which remains hard when heated.

- DERIVATIVES ceramicist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk keramikos, from keramos ‘pottery’.

ceramic hob

n. an electric cooker hob made of ceramic, with heating elements fixed to its underside.

cerastium

//

n. (pl. cerastiums) a plant of a genus that includes chickweed and snow-in-summer.   Genus Cerastium.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kerasts ‘horned’ (with ref. to the shape of many seed capsules) + -ium.

ceratite

//, //

n. Palaeontology an ammonoid fossil of a type with partly frilled and partly lobed suture lines.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Ceratites (from Gk keras, kerat- ‘horn’) + -ite^1.

ceratopsian

//, //

n. Palaeontology a gregarious quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur of a group including triceratops, with a bony frill protecting the neck.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from mod. L. Ceratopsia (pl., from Gk keras, kerat- ‘horn’ + ops ‘face’) + -an.

cercaria

//

n. (pl. cercariae //) Zoology a free-swimming larval stage in which a parasitic fluke passes from an intermediate host (typically a snail) to another host.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., formed irregularly from Gk kerkos ‘tail’.

cercopithecine

// Zoology

adj. relating to or denoting monkeys of a subfamily (Cercopithecinae) that includes the macaques, mangabeys, baboons, and guenons.
n. a cercopithecine monkey.

- ORIGIN based on Gk kerkopithkos ‘long-tailed monkey’, from kerkos ‘tail’ + pithkos ‘ape’.

cercus

//

n. (pl. cerci //) Zoology either of a pair of small appendages at the end of the abdomen of some insects and other arthropods.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L., from Gk kerkos ‘tail’.

cere

//

n. Ornithology a waxy fleshy covering at the base of the upper beak in some birds.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. cera ‘wax’.

cereal

n.
1 a grain used for food, for example wheat, maize, or rye. a grass producing such grain, grown as an agricultural crop.
2 a breakfast food made from a cereal grain or grains.

- ORIGIN C19 (as adj.): from L. cerealis, from Ceres, the name of the Roman goddess of agriculture.

cerebellum

//

n. (pl. cerebellums or cerebella) Anatomy the part of the brain at the back of the skull, which coordinates and regulates muscular activity.

- DERIVATIVES cerebellar adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., dimin. of cerebrum.

cerebral

//, //

adj.
1 of the cerebrum of the brain. intellectual rather than emotional or physical.
2 Phonetics another term for retroflex.

- DERIVATIVES cerebrally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cerebrum ‘brain’ + -al.

cerebral palsy

n. a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination and spastic paralysis, caused by damage to the brain before or at birth.

cerebration

//

n. technical or formal the working of the brain; thinking.

- DERIVATIVES cerebrate v.

cerebro-

comb. form relating to the brain: cerebrospinal.

- ORIGIN from L. cerebrum ‘brain’.

cerebroside

//

n. Biochemistry any of a group of complex lipids present in the sheaths of nerve fibres.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cerebrum ‘brain’ + -ose^2 + -ide.

cerebrospinal

//

adj. Anatomy relating to the brain and spine.

cerebrospinal fluid

n. Anatomy clear watery fluid which fills the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater.

cerebrovascular

//

adj. Anatomy relating to the brain and its blood vessels.

cerebrum

//

n. (pl. cerebra //) Anatomy the principal part of the brain, located in the front area of the skull and consisting of left and right hemispheres.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘brain’.

cerecloth

//

n. historical waxed cloth used for wrapping a corpse.

- ORIGIN ME: from earlier cered cloth, from cere ‘to wax’, from L. cerare, from cera ‘wax’.

cerement

//

n. (cerements) historical waxed cloth for wrapping a corpse.

- ORIGIN C17: from cere (see cerecloth).

ceremonial

adj.
1 relating to or used for ceremonies.
2 (of a post or role) involving only nominal authority or power.
n.
1 the ritual procedures observed at grand formal occasions.
2 a ceremony.

- DERIVATIVES ceremonialism n. ceremonialist n. ceremonially adv.

ceremonious

adj. relating or appropriate to grand formal occasions.

- DERIVATIVES ceremoniously adv. ceremoniousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. cérémonieux or late L. caerimoniosus, from L. caerimonia (see ceremony).

ceremony

n. (pl. ceremonies)
1 a formal religious or public occasion, typically celebrating a particular event or achievement. an act or series of acts performed according to a traditional or prescribed form.
2 the ritual procedures observed at grand formal occasions: the new Queen was proclaimed with due ceremony.

- PHRASES
stand on ceremony insist on the observance of formalities.
without ceremony without preamble or politeness.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ceremonie or L. caerimonia ‘religious worship’, (pl.) ‘ritual observances’.

Cerenkov radiation

n. variant spelling of Cherenkov radiation.

cereology

//

n. the study or investigation of crop circles.

- DERIVATIVES cereologist n.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from Ceres (see cereal) + -logy.

ceresin

//

n. a hard whitish paraffin wax used with or instead of beeswax.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. ceres (from L. cera ‘wax’) + -in^1.

cerise

//, //

n. a light, clear red colour.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘cherry’.

cerium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 58, a silvery-white metal of the lanthanide series. (Symbol: Ce)

- ORIGIN C19: named after the asteroid Ceres, discovered shortly before the element.

cermet

//

n. any of a class of heat-resistant materials made of ceramic and sintered metal.

- ORIGIN 1950s: blend of ceramic and metal.

CERN

//

abbrev. Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, former title of the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

cero-

//

comb. form relating to wax: ceroplastic.

- ORIGIN from L. cera or Gk kros ‘wax’.

ceroc

//

n. a type of modern dance having elements of rock and roll, jive, and salsa.

- ORIGIN 1990s: invented word, apparently coined in English from Fr. ce (as in c'est ‘this is’) + roc ‘rock’.

ceroplastic

adj. relating to modelling in wax.

cert

n. Brit. informal
1 an event regarded as inevitable.
2 a competitor, candidate, etc. regarded as certain to be successful.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of certainty.

cert.

abbrev.
1 certificate.
2 certified.

certain

//, //

adj.
1 able to be firmly relied on to happen or be the case.
2 completely convinced of something.
3 specific but not explicitly named or stated: certain problems. not known to the reader or hearer: a certain Mr Percy.
pron. (certain of) some but not all.

- PHRASES
for certain without any doubt.
make certain take action to ensure that something happens. establish whether something is definitely correct.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. certus ‘settled, sure’.

certainly

adv. definitely; undoubtedly. yes; by all means.

certainty

n. (pl. certainties)
1 the quality or state of being certain.
2 a true fact or an event that is definitely going to take place.

- PHRASES
for a certainty beyond the possibility of doubt.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. certainete, from certain (see certain).

CertEd

abbrev. (in the UK) Certificate in Education.

certifiable

adj. able or needing to be certified.

- DERIVATIVES certifiably adv.

certificate

n. //
1 an official document attesting or recording a particular fact or event, a level of achievement, the fulfilment of a legal requirement, etc.
2 an official classification awarded to a cinema film by a board of censors, indicating its suitability for a particular age group.
v. // provide with or attest in an official document.

- DERIVATIVES certification n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. certificat or med. L. certificat-, certificare (see certify).

certified cheque

n. a cheque which is guaranteed by a bank.

certified mail

n. North American term for recorded delivery.

certify

v. (certifies, certifying, certified) formally attest or confirm. chiefly Brit. officially recognize as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards. officially declare (someone) insane.

- DERIVATIVES certifier n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. certifier, from late L. certificare, from L. certus ‘certain’.

certiorari

//

n. Law a writ by which a higher court reviews a case tried in a lower court.

- ORIGIN ME: from Law L., ‘to be informed’, a phr. orig. occurring at the start of the writ, from certiorare ‘inform’, from certior, compar. of certus ‘certain’.

certitude

//

n. a feeling of absolute certainty. something considered with certainty to be true.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. certitudo, from certus ‘certain’.

cerulean

//

adj. of a deep blue colour, like a clear sky.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. caeruleus, from caelum ‘sky’.

cerumen

//

n. technical term for earwax.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from L. cera ‘wax’.

ceruse

//, //

n. archaic term for white lead.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. cerussa, perh. from Gk kros ‘wax’.

cervelat

//, //

n. a kind of smoked pork sausage.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. Fr., earlier form of cervelas, from Ital. cervellata.

cervical

//, //

adj. Anatomy
1 relating to the neck of the womb.
2 relating to the neck.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., or from mod. L. cervicalis, from L. cervix, cervic- ‘neck’.

cervical smear

n. Brit. a specimen of cellular material from the neck of the womb spread on a microscope slide for examination for cancerous cells.

cervicitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the cervix.

cervid

//

n. Zoology a mammal of the deer family (Cervidae).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Cervidae, from L. cervus ‘deer’.

cervine

//

adj. rare relating to or like deer.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cervinus, from cervus ‘deer’, + -ine^1.

cervix

//

n. (pl. cervices //)
1 the narrow neck-like passage forming the lower end of the womb.
2 technical the neck.

- ORIGIN C18: from L.

Cesarean

(also Cesarian)

adj. & n. US spelling of Caesarean.

cesium

n. US spelling of caesium.

cess^1

// (also sess)

n. (in Scotland, Ireland, and India) a tax or levy.

- ORIGIN C15: shortened from the obs. noun assess ‘assessment’.

cess^2

//

n. (in phr. bad cess to) chiefly Irish a curse on.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. Anglo-Ir.): perh. from cess^1.

cessation

//

n. the fact or process of ceasing.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cessatio(n-), from cessare ‘cease’.

cesser

//

n. Law termination or cessation, especially of a period of tenure or legal liability.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. cesser ‘cease’, used as n.

cession

//

n. the formal giving up of rights, property, or territory by a state.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cessio(n-), from cedere ‘cede’.

cesspit

n. a pit for the disposal of liquid waste and sewage.

- ORIGIN C19: from cess (the supposed base of cesspool) + pit^1.

cesspool

n. an underground container for the temporary storage of liquid waste and sewage.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a trap under a drain to catch solids): prob. an alt., influenced by pool^1, of archaic suspiral ‘vent, water pipe, settling tank’, from OFr. souspirail ‘air hole’, based on L. sub- ‘from below’ + spirare ‘breathe’.

c'est la vie

/ /

exclam. expressing resignation in the face of an undesirable situation.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘that's life’.

cestode

//

n. Zoology a parasitic flatworm of the class Cestoda; a tapeworm.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Cestoda, from L. cestus, from Gk kestos, lit. ‘stitched’, used as a noun in the sense ‘girdle’.

CET

abbrev. Central European Time.

cetacean

// Zoology

n. a marine mammal of the order Cetacea; a whale, dolphin, or porpoise.
adj. relating to the cetaceans.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Cetacea, from L. cetus, from Gk ktos ‘whale’.

cetane

//

n. Chemistry a colourless liquid hydrocarbon of the alkane series, present in petroleum spirit.   C_16H_34.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cetus ‘whale’ (because rel. compounds were first derived from spermaceti) + -ane^2.

cetane number

n. a quantity indicating the ignition properties of diesel fuel relative to cetane as a standard.

ceteris paribus

/ /, //, //

adv. other things being equal.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L.

ceviche

// (also seviche)

n. a South American dish of marinaded raw fish or seafood.

- ORIGIN from Latin Amer. Sp.

CF

abbrev.
1 (in the UK) Chaplain to the Forces.
2 cystic fibrosis.

Cf

symb. the chemical element californium.

cf.

abbrev. compare with.

- ORIGIN from L. confer ‘compare’.

c.f.

abbrev. carried forward (referring to figures transferred to a new page or account).

CFA

(also CFA franc)

n. the basic monetary unit of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and the Central African Republic, equal to 100 centimes.

- ORIGIN CFA from Fr. Communauté Financière Africaine ‘African Financial Community’.

CFC

abbrev. Chemistry chlorofluorocarbon, any of a class of synthetic compounds of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine formerly used as refrigerants and aerosol propellants and known to be harmful to the ozone layer.

CFE

abbrev. (in the UK) College of Further Education.

CFS

abbrev. chronic fatigue syndrome.

CG

abbrev. Democratic Republic of Congo (international vehicle registration).

cg

abbrev. centigram(s).

CGI

abbrev. Computing
1 Common Gateway Interface, an interface standard by which World Wide Web servers may access external programs so that data is returned automatically in the form of a web page.
2 computer-generated imagery.

CGS

abbrev. (in the UK) Chief of the General Staff.

cgs

abbrev. centimetre-gram-second (denoting a system of measurement using these as basic units).

CGT

abbrev. capital gains tax.

CH

abbrev.
1 (in the UK) Companion of Honour.
2 Switzerland (international vehicle registration). [ORIGIN from Fr. Confédération Helvétique ‘Swiss Confederation’.]

ch.

abbrev.
1 chapter.
2 (of a horse) chestnut in colour.
3 church.

cha

n. variant spelling of char^3.

chaat

//

n. an Indian dish of boiled vegetables or raw fruit, with spices.

- ORIGIN from Hindi ct.

Chablis

//

n. a dry white burgundy wine from Chablis in eastern France.

chacha

//

n. Indian uncle.

- ORIGIN from Hindi cc.

cha-cha

//

n. a ballroom dance with small steps and swaying hip movements, performed to a Latin American rhythm.
v. (cha-chas, cha-chaing //, cha-cha'd or cha-chaed //) dance the cha-cha.

- ORIGIN 1950s: Latin Amer. Sp.

chacham

//

n. variant spelling of haham.

chacma baboon

//

n. a dark grey baboon inhabiting savannah in southern Africa.   Papio ursinus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Khoikhoi.

chaconne

//

n. Music
1 a composition in a series of varying sections in slow triple time.
2 a stately dance performed to a chaconne.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Sp. chacona.

chacun à son goût

/ /

exclam. each to their own taste.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

chad

n. a small piece of waste paper produced by punching a hole in punched card or tape.

- ORIGIN 1950s: of unknown origin.

Chadian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Chad in central Africa.
adj. relating to Chad or Chadians.

Chadic

//

n. a group of Afro-Asiatic languages spoken in the region of Lake Chad in north central Africa, of which the most important is Hausa.
adj. relating to Chadic.

chador

//, //, // (also chaddar or chuddar)

n. a large piece of cloth that is wrapped around the head and upper body leaving only the face exposed, worn especially by Muslim women.

- ORIGIN C17: from Urdu chdar, chaddar, from Pers. dar ‘sheet or veil’.

chaebol

//

n. (pl. same or chaebols) (in the Republic of Korea) a large family-owned business conglomerate.

- ORIGIN 1980s: Korean, lit. ‘money clan’.

chaeta

//

n. (pl. chaetae //) Zoology a stiff bristle made of chitin, especially in an annelid worm.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk khait ‘long hair’.

chafe

//

v.
1 make or become sore by rubbing. (of an object) rub abrasively against another.
2 rub (a part of the body) to restore warmth or sensation.
3 become impatient because of a restriction or inconvenience.
n.
1 wear or damage caused by rubbing.
2 archaic a state of annoyance.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chaufer ‘make hot’, based on L. calefacere, from calere ‘be hot’ + facere ‘make’.

chafer

//

n. a large flying beetle of a group within the scarab family including many kinds destructive to plants, such as the cockchafer and June bug.

- ORIGIN OE ceafor, cefer, of Gmc origin.

chaff^1

//, //

n.
1 the husks of grain or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing. chopped hay and straw used as fodder.
2 strips of metal foil released in the air to obstruct radar detection.

- PHRASES
separate (or sort) the wheat from the chaff distinguish valuable people or things from worthless ones.

- ORIGIN OE cæf, ceaf, prob. from a Gmc base meaning ‘gnaw’; rel. to chafer.

chaff^2

//, //

n. light-hearted joking.
v. tease (someone).

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from chafe.

chaffer

//

v. haggle about the price or terms of something.

- DERIVATIVES chafferer n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘trade or trading’): from OE cap ‘a bargain’ + faru ‘journey’.

chaffinch

n. a common finch, the male of which has a bluish head, pink underparts, and dark wings with a white flash.   Fringilla coelebs.

- ORIGIN OE ceaffinc ‘chaff finch’.

chafing dish

n.
1 a cooking pot with an outer pan of hot water, used for keeping food warm.
2 a metal pan with a spirit lamp, used for cooking at the table.

Chagas' disease

//

n. a disease caused by a trypanosome transmitted by bloodsucking bugs, endemic in Central and South America and causing damage to the heart and central nervous system.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas.

chagrin

//

n. annoyance or shame at having failed.
v. (be chagrined) feel annoyed or ashamed.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘melancholy’): from Fr. chagrin (n.), lit. ‘rough skin, shagreen’, chagriner (v.).

chai

//

n. Indian tea made by boiling tea leaves with milk, sugar, and sometimes spices.

- ORIGIN a term in various Indian languages.

chain

n.
1 a connected flexible series of metal links used for fastening, pulling, etc., or in jewellery. a restricting force or factor.
2 a sequence of items of the same type forming a line. a series of connected things: a chain of events. a group of hotels, shops, or restaurants owned by the same company. a part of a molecule consisting of a number of atoms bonded together in a linear sequence.
3 a jointed measuring line consisting of linked metal rods. the length of this (66 ft).
4 (chains) a structure projecting horizontally from a sailing ship's sides abreast of the masts, used to widen the basis for the shrouds.
v. fasten, secure, or confine with a chain.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chaine, chaeine, from L. catena ‘a chain’.

chain drive

n. a mechanism in which power is transmitted from an engine to the wheels of a vehicle or a boat's propeller by means of an endless chain.

- DERIVATIVES chain-driven adj.

chain gang

n. a group of convicts chained together while working outside the prison.

chain gear

n. a gear transmitting motion by means of a moving endless chain, as typically used in bicycles.

chain letter

n. one of a sequence of letters, each recipient in the sequence being requested to send copies to a specific number of other people.

chain-link

adj. made of wire in a diamond-shaped mesh.

chain mail

n. historical armour made of small metal rings linked together.

chain reaction

n.
1 a chemical or other reaction in which the products themselves promote or spread the reaction, especially a self-sustaining nuclear fission process spread by neutrons.
2 a series of events, each caused by the previous one.

chainsaw

n. a mechanical power-driven saw with teeth set on a chain moving around the edge of a blade.

chain shot

n. historical pairs of cannonballs or half balls joined by a chain, fired from cannons in sea battles.

chain-smoke

v. smoke continually, typically by lighting a cigarette from the stub of the last one smoked.

- DERIVATIVES chain-smoker n.

chain stitch

n. an embroidery or crochet stitch resembling a chain.

chain store

n. one of a series of shops owned by one firm and selling the same goods.

chain wheel

n. a wheel transmitting power by means of a chain fitted to its edges.

chair

n.
1 a separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs.
2 the person in charge of a meeting or an organization (used as a neutral alternative to chairman or chairwoman). the role of a chairperson.
3 a professorship.
4 (the chair) US short for electric chair.
5 chiefly Brit. a metal socket holding a rail in place on a railway sleeper.
v.
1 act as chairperson of.
2 Brit. carry (someone) aloft in a chair or in a sitting position to celebrate a victory.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chaiere (mod. chaire ‘bishop's throne’, chaise ‘chair’), from L. cathedra ‘seat’, from Gk kathedra; cf. cathedral.

chairlift

n.
1 a series of chairs hung from a moving cable, used for carrying passengers up and down a mountain.
2 a device for carrying people in wheelchairs from one floor of a building to another.

chairman

(or chairwoman)

n. (pl. chairmen or chairwomen) a person in charge of a meeting, committee, company, or other organization.

- DERIVATIVES chairmanship n.

chairperson

n. a chairman or chairwoman (used as a neutral alternative).

chaise

//

n.
1 chiefly historical a horse-drawn carriage for one or two people, especially one with an open top and two wheels. another term for post-chaise.
2 US term for chaise longue.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., var. of chaire (see chair).

chaise longue

// (US also chaise lounge)

n. (pl. chaises longues pronunc. same)
1 a sofa with a backrest at only one end.
2 N. Amer. a sunbed or other chair with a lengthened seat for reclining on.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘long chair’.

chakra

//

n. (in Indian thought) each of seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit cakra ‘wheel or circle’.

chalaza

//

n. (pl. chalazae //) Zoology (in a bird's egg) each of two twisted membranous strips joining the yolk to the ends of the shell.

- DERIVATIVES chalazal adj.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk khalaza ‘small knot’.

Chalcedonian

//

adj. relating to the ecumenical council of the Christian Church, held at Chalcedon in ancient Bithynia in 451, which affirmed the dual but united nature of Christ as god and man.

chalcedony

//

n. (pl. chalcedonies) quartz occurring in a microcrystalline form such as onyx and agate.

- DERIVATIVES chalcedonic // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. calcedonius, chalcedonius, from Gk khalkdn.

chalcid

//

n. Entomology a minute parasitic wasp of a large group (superfamily Chalcidoidea) typically having a metallic coloration.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Chalcis (genus name), from Gk khalkos ‘copper, brass’, + -id^3.

Chalcolithic

//

adj. Archaeology relating to or denoting a period in the 4th and 3rd millennia BC, during which some weapons and tools were made of copper.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk khalkos ‘copper’ + lithos ‘stone’ + -ic.

chalcopyrite

//

n. a yellow mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron, the principal ore of copper.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. chalcopyrites, from Gk khalkos ‘copper’ + purits (see pyrites).

Chaldean

//

n.
1 a member of a people who lived in Chaldea, an ancient country in what is now southern Iraq.
2 the Semitic language of the ancient Chaldeans. a language related to Aramaic and spoken in parts of Iraq.
3 a member of a Syrian Uniate Church based mainly in Iran and Iraq.
adj.
1 relating to ancient Chaldea or its people or language.
2 relating to the East Syrian Uniate Church.

Chaldee

//, //

n.
1 the language of the ancient Chaldeans. dated the Aramaic language as used in some books of the Old Testament.
2 a Chaldean.

- ORIGIN from L. Chaldaei ‘Chaldeans’.

chalet

//

n.
1 a wooden house with overhanging eaves, typically in the Swiss Alps.
2 a small cabin used by holidaymakers, forming a unit within a holiday complex.

- ORIGIN C18: from Swiss Fr., dimin. of OFr. chasel ‘farmstead’.

chalice

n.
1 historical a goblet.
2 the wine cup used in the Christian Eucharist.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. calix, calic- ‘cup’.

chalicothere

//

n. a horse-like fossil mammal of the late Tertiary period, with stout claws instead of hoofs.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from mod. L. Chalicotherium (genus name), from Gk khalix, khalik- ‘gravel’ + thrion ‘wild animal’.

chalk

n. a white soft earthy limestone (calcium carbonate) formed from the skeletal remains of sea creatures. a similar substance (calcium sulphate), made into sticks and used for drawing or writing.
v.
1 draw or write with chalk. rub the tip of (a snooker cue) with chalk.
2 Brit. charge (drinks bought in a pub or bar) to a person's account.
3 (chalk something up) achieve something noteworthy.

- PHRASES
as different as chalk and cheese Brit. fundamentally different or incompatible.
by a long chalk Brit. by far.
chalk and talk Brit. teaching by traditional methods focusing on the blackboard.
not by a long chalk Brit. not at all. [ORIGIN with ref. to the chalk used for marking up scores in competitive games.]

- DERIVATIVES chalkiness n. chalky adj.

- ORIGIN OE cealc, from L. calx (see calx).

chalkboard

n. North American term for blackboard.

chalk-stripe

adj. (of a garment or material) having a pattern of thin white stripes on a dark background.

- DERIVATIVES chalk-striped adj.

challah

//, //

n. (pl. challahs or chalot, chaloth //) a plaited loaf of white leavened bread, traditionally baked to celebrate the Jewish sabbath.

- ORIGIN from Heb. hallah.

challenge

n.
1 a call to someone to participate in a contest or fight to decide who is superior. a demanding task or situation. an attempt to win a sporting contest.
2 a call to prove or justify something.
3 Medicine exposure of the immune system to pathogenic organisms or antigens.
v.
1 dispute the truth or validity of. Law object to (a jury member). (of a guard) order (someone) to prove their identity.
2 invite (someone) to engage in a contest or fight. make a rival claim to (a position). [usu. as adj. challenging] test the abilities of.
3 Medicine expose (the immune system) to pathogenic organisms or antigens.

- DERIVATIVES challengeable adj. challenger n. challengingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chalenge (n.), chalenger (v.), from L. calumnia ‘calumny’, calumniari ‘calumniate’.

challenged

adj.
1 euphemistic suffering from impairment or disability in a specified respect: physically challenged.
2 humorous lacking or deficient in a specified respect: vertically challenged.

challis

//, //

n. a lightweight soft clothing fabric made from silk and worsted.

- ORIGIN C19: origin uncertain.

chalumeau

//

n. (pl. chalumeaux pronunc. same)
1 a reed instrument of the early 18th century from which the clarinet was developed.
2 (also chalumeau register) the lowest octave of the clarinet's range.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from L. calamellus ‘little reed’.

chalybeate

//

adj. of or denoting natural mineral springs containing iron salts.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. chalybeatus, from L. chalybs, from Gk khalups, khalub- ‘steel’.

Cham

//

n. (pl. same or Chams)
1 a member of an indigenous people of Vietnam and Cambodia, whose culture is strongly influenced by that of India.
2 the Austronesian language of the Cham.

chamaeleon

n. variant spelling of chameleon.

chamaephyte

//

n. Botany a woody plant whose resting buds are on or near the ground.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk khamai ‘on the ground’ + -phyte.

chamber

n.
1 a large room used for formal or public events.
2 one of the houses of a parliament.
3 (chambers) Law, Brit. rooms used by a barrister or barristers, especially in the Inns of Court. Law a judge's office, where proceedings may be held if not required to be held in open court.
4 archaic a private room, especially a bedroom.
5 an enclosed space or cavity. the part of a gun bore that contains the charge.
6 [as modifier] Music of or for a small group of instruments: a chamber orchestra.
v. place (a bullet) into the chamber of a gun.

- DERIVATIVES chambered adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chambre, from L. camera ‘vault, arched chamber’, from Gk kamara ‘object with an arched cover’.

chamberlain

//

n. historical
1 an officer who managed the household of a monarch or noble.
2 Brit. an officer who received revenue on behalf of a corporation or public body.

- DERIVATIVES chamberlainship n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a servant in a bedchamber): via OFr. from Old Saxon kamera, from L. camera (see chamber).

chambermaid

n. a woman who cleans bedrooms and bathrooms in a hotel.

chamber music

n. instrumental music played by a small ensemble, such as a string quartet, with one player to a part.

Chamber of Commerce

n. a local association to promote and protect the interests of the business community.

Chamber of Deputies

n. the lower legislative assembly in some parliaments.

chamber of horrors

n. a place of entertainment containing instruments or scenes of torture or execution.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name given to a room in Madame Tussaud's waxwork exhibition.

chamber organ

n. a movable pipe organ for playing in a small concert hall, chapel, or private house.

chamber pot

n. a bowl kept in a bedroom and used as a toilet.

Chambertin

//

n. a dry red burgundy wine of high quality from Gevrey Chambertin in eastern France.

chambray

//

n. a cloth with a white weft and a coloured warp.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): formed irregularly from Cambrai (see cambric).

chambré

//, //

adj. (of red wine) at room temperature.

- ORIGIN 1950s: Fr., past part. of chambrer ‘bring to room temperature’, from chambre (see chamber).

chamcha

//

n. Indian informal an obsequious person.

- ORIGIN from Bengali and Hindi chamra, cham, lit. ‘skin, hide’ (perh. from the idea of an obsequious person staying very close to a superior).

chameleon

// (also chamaeleon)

n. a small slow-moving lizard with a prehensile tail, long extensible tongue, protruding eyes, and the ability to change colour.   Chamaeleo and other genera, family Chamaeleonidae: numerous species.

- DERIVATIVES chameleonic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. chamaeleon from Gk khamailen, from khamai ‘on the ground’ + len ‘lion’.

chametz

//, // (also chometz)

n. Judaism leaven or food mixed with leaven, prohibited during Passover.

- ORIGIN C19: from Heb. hms.

chamfer

// Carpentry

v. cut away (a right-angled edge or corner) to make a symmetrical sloping edge.
n. a chamfered edge or corner.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘flute or furrow’): back-form. from chamfering, from Fr. chamfrain, from chant (see cant^2) + fraint ‘broken’.

chamise

// (also chamiso)

n. (pl. chamises or chamisos) an evergreen shrub with small narrow leaves, common in the chaparral of California.   Adenostoma fasciculatum.

- ORIGIN C19: from Mex. Sp. chamiso.

chamois

n.
1 // (pl. same //) an agile goat-antelope with short hooked horns, found in mountainous areas of southern Europe.   Genus Rupicapra: two species.
2 //, // (pl. same //, //) (also chamois leather) soft pliable leather made from the skin of sheep, goats, or deer.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr.

chamomile

// (also camomile)

n. an aromatic plant of the daisy family, with white and yellow flowers.   Chamaemelum nobile (sweet chamomile) and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. camomille, from late L. chamomilla, from Gk khamaimlon ‘earth apple’ (because of the apple-like smell of its flowers).

Chamorro

//

n. (pl. same or Chamorros)
1 a member of the indigenous people of Guam.
2 the Austronesian language of the Chamorro.

champ^1

v.
1 munch enthusiastically or noisily. (of a horse) make a noisy biting or chewing action.
2 fret impatiently.

- PHRASES
champ (or chafe) at the bit be restlessly impatient to start doing something.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. imitative.

champ^2

n. informal a champion.

champagne

//

n. a white sparkling wine from Champagne, a region in NE France.

champagne socialist

n. Brit. derogatory a person who espouses socialist ideals while enjoying a wealthy and luxurious lifestyle.

- DERIVATIVES champagne socialism n.

champaign

//

n. archaic open level countryside.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. champagne, from late L. campania, based on L. campus ‘level ground’.

champak

//, //

n. an Asian evergreen tree bearing fragrant orange flowers, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.   Michelia champaca.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit campaka.

champers

n. informal, chiefly Brit. champagne.

champerty

//

n. Law an illegal agreement in which a person with no previous interest in a lawsuit finances it with a view to sharing the disputed property if the suit succeeds.

- DERIVATIVES champertous adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. champartie, from OFr. champart ‘feudal lord's share of produce’, from L. campus ‘field’ + pars ‘part’.

champion

n.
1 a person who has surpassed all rivals in a sporting contest or other competition.
2 a defender of a cause or person. historical a knight who fought in single combat on behalf of the monarch.
v. support the cause of.
adj. Brit. informal or dialect excellent.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from med. L. campio(n-) ‘fighter’, from L. campus (see camp^1).

Champion of England

n. (in the UK) a hereditary official who at coronations offers to defend the monarch's title to the throne.

championship

n.
1 a sporting contest for the position of champion.
2 the vigorous defence of a person or cause.

champlevé

//, //

n. enamelwork in which hollows made in a metal surface are filled with coloured enamels.

- ORIGIN Fr., from champ ‘field’ + levé ‘raised’.

chana

// (also channa)

n. Indian chickpeas.

- ORIGIN from Hindi can.

chance

n.
1 a possibility of something happening.
2 (chances) the probability of something desirable happening.
3 an opportunity.
4 the occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause: he met his brother by chance.
v.
1 do something by accident. (chance upon/on/across) find or see by accident.
2 informal risk doing (something).

- PHRASES
by any chance possibly.
chance one's arm (or luck) Brit. informal risk doing something.
on the (off) chance just in case.
stand a chance [usu. with neg.] have a prospect of success or survival.
take a chance (or chances) expose oneself to the risk of danger or failure. (take a chance on) risk trusting.
take one's chance do something risky with the hope of success.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cheance, from cheoir ‘fall, befall’, based on L. cadere.

chancel

//

n. the part of a church near the altar, reserved for the clergy and choir, and typically separated from the nave by steps or a screen.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. cancelli ‘crossbars’.

chancellery

//, //

n. (pl. chancelleries)
1 the position, office, or department of a chancellor.
2 US an office attached to an embassy or consulate.

chancellor

n. a senior state or legal official. (Chancellor) the head of the government in some European countries, e.g. Germany. chiefly Brit. the honorary head of a university. US the presiding judge of a chancery court. (in the UK) an officer of an order of knighthood who seals commissions.

- DERIVATIVES chancellorship n.

- ORIGIN OE from OFr. cancelier, from late L. cancellarius ‘porter, secretary’ (orig. a court official stationed at the grating separating public from judges), from cancelli ‘crossbars’.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

n. (in the UK) a member of the government legally representing the Crown as Duke of Lancaster, typically a cabinet minister employed on non-departmental work.

Chancellor of the Exchequer

n. the finance minister of the United Kingdom.

chance-medley

n. Law, rare the accidental killing of a person in a fight.

- ORIGIN C15: from Anglo-Norman Fr. chance medlee, lit. ‘mixed chance’.

chancer

n. Brit. informal a person who exploits any opportunity to the utmost.

chancery

n. (pl. chanceries)
1 (Chancery or Chancery Division) Law (in the UK) the Lord Chancellor's court, a division of the High Court of Justice.
2 US a court of equity. equity.
3 chiefly Brit. an office attached to an embassy or consulate.
4 a public record office.

- ORIGIN ME: contr. of chancellery.

chancre

//

n. Medicine a painless ulcer, particularly one developing on the genitals in venereal disease.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. cancer ‘creeping ulcer’.

chancroid

//

n. a venereal infection causing ulceration of the lymph nodes in the groin.

chancy

adj. (chancier, chanciest) informal uncertain; risky.

- DERIVATIVES chancily adv. chanciness n.

chandelier

//

n. a large decorative hanging light with branches for several light bulbs or candles.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from chandelle ‘candle’.

chandler

//

n.
1 (also ship chandler) a dealer in supplies and equipment for ships and boats.
2 historical a dealer in household items such as oil and groceries.

- DERIVATIVES chandlery n. (pl. chandleries).

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a candle maker or candle seller): from OFr. chandelier, from chandelle (see chandelier).

change

v.
1 make or become different. (of the moon) arrive at a fresh phase; become new.
2 take or use another instead of: she decided to change her name. move from one to (another). (change over) move from one system or situation to another. remove (something dirty or faulty) and replace it with another of the same kind. engage (a different gear) in a motor vehicle. (change down or up) Brit. engage a lower (or higher) gear in a vehicle or on a bicycle.
3 put different clothes on.
4 exchange (a sum of money) for the same sum in a different currency or denomination.
n.
1 the action of changing. an instance of becoming different. (the change or the change of life) informal the menopause.
2 a clean garment or garments as a replacement for something one is wearing.
3 coins as opposed to banknotes. money given in exchange for the same sum in larger units. money returned to someone as the balance of the sum paid.
4 an order in which a peal of bells can be rung.

- PHRASES
change colour blanch or flush.
change hands (of a business or building) pass to a different owner. (of money or a marketable commodity) pass to another person in the course of a business transaction.
a change of air a different climate, typically as a means of improving one's health.
change step alter one's step so that the opposite leg is the one that marks time when marching.
change one's tune express a very different opinion or behave in a very different way.
for a change contrary to how things usually happen or in order to introduce variety.
get no change out of Brit. informal fail to get information or a desired reaction from.
ring the changes vary the ways of doing something. [ORIGIN with allusion to the different orders in which a peal of bells may be rung.]

- DERIVATIVES changeful adj. changeless adj. changelessly adv. changelessness n. changer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. change (n.), changer (v.), from late L. cambiare, from L. cambire ‘barter’.

changeable

adj.
1 liable to unpredictable variation.
2 able to be changed or exchanged.

- DERIVATIVES changeability n. changeableness n. changeably adv.

changeling

n. a child believed to have been secretly substituted by fairies for the parents' real child in infancy.

changeover

n. a change from one system or situation to another.

change-ringing

n. the ringing of sets of church bells or handbells in a constantly varying order.

- DERIVATIVES change-ringer n.

change-up

n. Baseball an unexpectedly slow pitch designed to throw off the batter's timing.

channa

//

n. variant spelling of chana.

channel

n.
1 a length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas of water, especially two seas. (the Channel) the English Channel. a navigable passage in a stretch of water otherwise unsafe for vessels.
2 a band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission, especially as used by a particular station.
3 a medium for communication or the passage of information.
4 an electric circuit which acts as a path for a signal.
5 Biology a tubular passage or duct for liquid.
v. (channels, channelling, channelled; US channels, channeling, channeled)
1 direct towards a particular end. cause to pass along or through a specified route or medium: many countries channel their aid through charities.
2 [usu. as adj. channelled] form channels or grooves in.
3 serve as a medium for (a spirit).

- DERIVATIVES channeller n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chanel, from L. canalis ‘pipe, groove, channel’, from canna (see cane); cf. canal.

channel-hop

v. informal
1 change frequently from one television channel to another, using a remote control device.
2 make frequent or brief trips across the English Channel and back to Britain.

- DERIVATIVES channel-hopper n.

channelize

(or channelise)

v. chiefly N. Amer. another term for channel (in sense 1).

channel-surf

v. informal, chiefly N. Amer. another term for channel-hop (in sense 1).

chanson

//

n. a French song.

- ORIGIN Fr., from L. cantio(n-) ‘singing’, from canere ‘sing’.

chanson de geste

/ /

n. (pl. chansons de geste pronunc. same) a French historical verse romance of the Middle Ages.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘song of heroic deeds’, from chanson (see chanson) and geste from L. gesta ‘actions, exploits’.

chant

n.
1 a repeated rhythmic phrase, typically one shouted or sung in unison by a crowd.
2 a monotonous or repetitive song, typically an incantation or part of a ritual.
3 Music a short musical passage in two or more phrases used for singing unmetrical words; a psalm or canticle sung to such music.
v. say or shout repeatedly in a sing-song tone. sing or intone (a psalm, canticle, or sacred text).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chanter ‘sing’, from L. cantare, frequentative of canere ‘sing’.

chanter

n. Music the pipe of a bagpipe with finger holes, on which the melody is played.

chanterelle

//, //

n. an edible woodland mushroom which has a yellow funnel-shaped cap and a faint smell of apricots.   Cantharellus cibarius.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from mod. L. cantharellus, dimin. of cantharus, from Gk kantharos, denoting a kind of drinking container.

chanteuse

//

n. a female singer of popular songs.

- ORIGIN Fr., from chanter ‘sing’.

chantey

//

n. US spelling of shanty^2.

chanticleer

//

n. literary a name given to a domestic cock, especially in fairy tales.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. Chantecler, the name of the cock in the fable Reynard the Fox, from chanter (see chant) + cler ‘clear’.

Chantilly cream

//

n. sweetened or flavoured whipped cream.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Chantilly, a town near Paris, where it originated.

Chantilly lace

n. a delicate kind of bobbin lace.

chantry

//

n. (pl. chantries) a chapel, altar, or other part of a church endowed for the celebration of masses for the donor's soul.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chanterie, from chanter ‘to sing’.

chanty

// (also chantey)

n. (pl. chanties) archaic or N. Amer. variant spellings of shanty^2.

Chanukkah

n. variant spelling of Hanukkah.

chaology

//

n. Physics the study of chaotic systems.

- DERIVATIVES chaologist n.

chaos

//

n.
1 complete disorder and confusion. Physics the property of a complex system whose behaviour is so unpredictable as to appear random, owing to great sensitivity to small changes in conditions.
2 the formless matter supposed to have existed before the creation of the universe.

- ORIGIN C15 (denoting a gaping void): via Fr. and L. from Gk khaos ‘vast chasm, void’.

chaos theory

n. the branch of mathematics that deals with complex systems whose behaviour is highly sensitive to slight changes in conditions, so that small alterations can give rise to strikingly great consequences.

chaotic

adj. in a state of complete confusion and disorder. Physics relating to systems which exhibit chaos.

- DERIVATIVES chaotically adv.

chap^1

v. (chaps, chapping, chapped) (of the skin) crack and become sore, typically through exposure to cold weather. [usu. as adj. chapped] (of the wind or cold) cause (skin) to crack in this way.
n. a chapped area.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

chap^2

n. informal, chiefly Brit. a man or a boy.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a buyer or customer): abbrev. of chapman.

chap^3

n. the lower jaw or half of the cheek, especially that of a pig used as food.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin; cf. chops.

chap.

abbrev. chapter.

chaparajos

//, // (also chaparejos)

pl. n. N. Amer. fuller form of chaps.

- ORIGIN C19: from Mex. Sp. chaparreras, from chaparra ‘dwarf evergreen oak’ (with ref. to protection from thorny vegetation: see chaparral).

chaparral

//, //

n. N. Amer. vegetation consisting chiefly of tangled shrubs and thorny bushes.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., from chaparra ‘dwarf evergreen oak’.

chapatti

//, //

n. (pl. chapattis) (in Indian cookery) a thin pancake of unleavened wholemeal bread cooked on a griddle.

- ORIGIN from Hindi capt, from capn ‘roll out’.

chapbook

n.
1 historical a small pamphlet containing tales, ballads, or tracts, sold by pedlars.
2 N. Amer. a small paper-covered booklet containing poems or fiction.

- ORIGIN C19: from chapman + book.

chape

//

n.
1 historical the metal point of a scabbard.
2 the metal pin of a buckle.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., lit. ‘cape, hood’, from late L. cappa ‘cap’.

chapel

n.
1 a small building or room used for Christian worship in an institution or private house. a part of a large church or cathedral with its own altar and dedication. Brit. a place of worship for Nonconformist congregations.
2 Brit. the members or branch of a print or newspaper trade union at a particular place of work.

- ORIGIN The words chapel and cape are closely linked, both deriving from Latin cappa ‘covering for the head; cap or cape’. The first sanctuary to be called a chapel was in 6th-century France; it was named after the cape of St Martin preserved within it, highly valued as a sacred relic by the Frankish kings. The Latin word cappella, ‘little cape’, was applied to the sanctuary itself, and eventually to any holy oratory or sanctuary, entering English in the 13th century (via Old French chapele) in the forms chapele and chapel. The word chaplain comes from Latin cappellanus, that is, an attendant charged with guarding the cape.

chapel of ease

n. an Anglican chapel situated for the convenience of parishioners living a long distance from the parish church.

chapel of rest

n. Brit. an undertaker's mortuary.

chapelry

n. (pl. chapelries) a district served by an Anglican chapel.

chaperone

// (also chaperon //)

n. dated an older woman responsible for the decorous behaviour of a young unmarried girl at social occasions.
v. accompany and look after.

- DERIVATIVES chaperonage // n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a hood or cap): from Fr., fem. of chaperon ‘hood’, dimin. of chape (see chape).

chap-fallen

adj. archaic with one's lower jaw hanging due to extreme exhaustion or dejection.

chaplain

n. a member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, regiment, etc.

- DERIVATIVES chaplaincy n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chapelain, from med. L. cappellanus, orig. denoting a custodian of the cloak of St Martin, from cappella (see chapel).

chaplet

//

n.
1 a circlet for a person's head.
2 a string of 55 beads (one third of the rosary number) for counting prayers.
3 a metal support for the core of a hollow casting mould.

- DERIVATIVES chapleted adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chapelet, dimin. of chapel ‘hat’, based on late L. cappa ‘cap’.

chapman

n. (pl. chapmen) archaic a pedlar.

- ORIGIN OE capman, from cap ‘bargaining, trade’ (see cheap) + man.

chappal

//

n. Indian a slipper.

- ORIGIN from Hindi cappal.

chaps

pl. n. leather trousers without a seat, worn by a cowboy over ordinary trousers to protect the legs.

- ORIGIN C19: from chaparajos.

chaptalization

(or chaptalisation) //

n. (in winemaking) the correction or improvement of must by the addition of calcium carbonate or sugar.

- DERIVATIVES chaptalize (or chaptalise) v.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French chemist Jean A. Chaptal, who invented the process.

chapter

n.
1 a main division of a book. an Act of Parliament numbered as part of a session's proceedings.
2 a distinctive period in history or in a person's life.
3 the governing body of a cathedral or other religious community, or of a knightly order.
4 chiefly N. Amer. a local branch of a society.

- PHRASES
chapter and verse an exact reference or authority.
a chapter of accidents a series of unfortunate events.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chapitre, from L. capitulum, dimin. of caput ‘head’.

Chapter 11

n. (in the US) protection from creditors given to a company in financial difficulties for a limited period to allow it to reorganize.

- ORIGIN with allusion to chapter 11 of the US bankruptcy code.

chapter house

n. a building used for the meetings of a religious chapter. US a place where a college fraternity or sorority meets.

char^1

//

v. (chars, charring, charred) partially burn so as to blacken the surface.
n. charred material.

- ORIGIN C17: appar. a back-form. from charcoal.

char^2

// Brit. informal

n. a charwoman.
v. (chars, charring, charred) work as a charwoman.

char^3

// (also cha //)

n. Brit. informal tea.

- ORIGIN C16 (as cha): from Chin. (Mandarin dial.) chá.

char^4

n. variant spelling of charr.

charabanc

//

n. Brit. an early form of bus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. char-à-bancs ‘carriage with benches’.

characin

//

n. a small freshwater fish of a tropical family (Characidae) including the piranhas and tetras.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Characinus (genus name), from Gk kharax ‘pointed stake’.

character

n.
1 the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. strength and originality in a person's nature. a person's good reputation.
2 the distinctive nature of something: gas lamps give the area its character.
3 a person in a novel, play, or film. a part played by an actor.
4 informal an unusual or amusing person.
5 a printed or written letter or symbol. Computing a symbol representing a letter or number.
6 chiefly Biology a characteristic, especially one that assists in the identification of a species.
v. archaic inscribe or write (something). describe.

- DERIVATIVES characterful adj. characterfully adv. characterless adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘distinctive mark’, later ‘feature or trait’): from OFr. caractere, via L. from Gk kharaktr ‘a stamping tool’.

character actor

n. an actor who specializes in playing eccentric or unusual people rather than leading roles.

characteristic

adj. typical of a particular person, place, or thing.
n.
1 a feature or quality typical of a person, place, or thing.
2 Mathematics the whole number or integral part of a logarithm.

- DERIVATIVES characteristically adv.

characteristic curve

n. a graph showing the relationship between two variable but interdependent quantities.

characteristic radiation

n. radiation consisting of wavelengths which are peculiar to the element which emits them.

characterize

(or characterise)

v.
1 describe the distinctive character of.
2 (of a feature or quality) be typical or characteristic of.

- DERIVATIVES characterization n.

character recognition

n. the identification by electronic means of printed or written characters.

charade

//

n.
1 an absurd pretence intended to create a pleasant impression.
2 (charades) [treated as sing.] a game of guessing a word or phrase from a written or acted clue given for each syllable and for the whole item.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from mod. Provençal charrado ‘conversation’.

charango

//

n. (pl. charangos) a small Andean guitar, traditionally made from an armadillo shell.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Latin Amer. Sp.

charas

//

n. cannabis resin.

- ORIGIN from Hindi caras.

charbroil

v. [usu. as adj. charbroiled] N. Amer. grill (food, especially meat) on a rack over charcoal.

charcoal

n.
1 a porous black form of carbon obtained as a residue when wood or other organic matter is heated in the absence of air. a stick of charcoal used for drawing.
2 a dark grey colour.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. rel. to coal in the early sense ‘charcoal’.

charcuterie

//

n. (pl. charcuteries)
1 cold cooked meats.
2 a shop selling cold cooked meats.

- ORIGIN Fr., from obs. char (earlier form of chair) ‘flesh’ + cuite ‘cooked’.

chard

// (also Swiss chard)

n. a beet of a variety with broad edible white leaf stalks and green blades.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. carde, perh. influenced by chardon ‘thistle’.

Chardonnay

//

n. a variety of white wine grape used for making champagne and other wines. a wine made from the Chardonnay grape.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

charentais

//

n. a melon of a small variety with a pale green rind and orange flesh.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘from the Charentes region’.

charge

v.
1 demand (an amount) as a price for a service rendered or goods supplied.
2 formally accuse (someone) of something, especially an offence under law.
3 entrust with a task or responsibility.
4 store electrical energy in (a battery or battery-operated device).
5 technical or formal load or fill (a container, gun, etc.) to the full or proper extent. fill with a quality or emotion: the air was charged with menace.
6 rush forward in attack. move quickly and forcefully.
7 Heraldry place a charge on.
n.
1 a price asked. a financial liability or commitment.
2 a formal accusation made against a prisoner brought to trial.
3 responsibility for care or control. a person or thing entrusted to someone's care.
4 the property of matter that is responsible for electrical phenomena, existing in a positive or negative form. the quantity of this carried by a body. energy stored chemically in a battery for conversion into electricity.
5 a quantity of explosive to be detonated in order to fire a gun or similar weapon.
6 a headlong rush forward, typically in attack.
7 an official instruction given by a judge to a jury regarding points of law.
8 Heraldry a device or bearing placed on a shield or crest.

- PHRASES
press (or prefer) charges accuse someone formally of a crime so that they can be brought to trial.
put someone on a charge Brit. charge someone with a specified offence.

- DERIVATIVES chargeable adj. charged adj.

- ORIGIN ME, from OFr. charger (v.), charge (n.), from late L. carricare, carcare ‘to load’, from L. carrus ‘wheeled vehicle’.

charge account

n. N. Amer. an account to which goods and services may be charged on credit.

charge-cap

v. [often as noun charge-capping] Brit. (of a government) subject (a local authority) to an upper limit on the charges it may levy on the public for services.

charge card

n. a credit card for use with an account which must be paid in full when a statement is issued.

charge carrier

n. an electron, ion, etc. which carries electric charge in a conductor or semiconductor.

charge-coupled device

n. a high-speed semiconductor device used chiefly in image detection.

chargé d'affaires

/ / (also chargé)

n. (pl. chargés d'affaires pronunc. same) an ambassador's deputy. a state's diplomatic representative in a minor country.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., ‘(a person) in charge of affairs’.

chargehand

n. Brit. a worker with supervisory duties ranking below a foreman.

charge nurse

n. Brit. a nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital.

charger^1

n.
1 a device for charging a battery or battery-powered equipment.
2 historical a horse ridden by a knight or cavalryman.

charger^2

n. archaic a large flat dish.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. chargeour, from chargier ‘to load’, from late L. carricare, carcare (see charge).

chargrill

v. [usu. as adj. chargrilled] grill (food, typically meat or fish) quickly at a very high heat.

chariot

n.
1 a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used in ancient warfare and racing.
2 historical a four-wheeled carriage with back seats and a coachman's seat.
3 literary a stately or triumphal carriage.
v. literary convey in or as in a chariot.

- DERIVATIVES charioteer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., augmentative of char ‘cart’, based on L. carrus ‘wheeled vehicle’.

charisma

//

n.
1 compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion.
2 (pl. charismata //) a divinely conferred power or talent.

- ORIGIN C17: via eccles. L. from Gk kharisma, from kharis ‘favour, grace’.

charismatic

adj.
1 having charisma.
2 relating to the charismatic movement. (of a power or talent) divinely conferred.
n. an adherent of the charismatic movement. a person who claims divine inspiration.

- DERIVATIVES charismatically adv.

charismatic movement

n. a fundamentalist movement within the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other Christian Churches that emphasizes talents believed to be conferred by the Holy Spirit.

charitable

adj.
1 relating to the assistance of those in need. officially recognized as a charity. generous in giving to those in need.
2 tolerant in judging others.

- DERIVATIVES charitableness n. charitably adv.

charity

n. (pl. charities)
1 an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
2 the voluntary giving of money to those in need. help or money given in this way.
3 tolerance in judging others.
4 archaic love of humankind, typically in a Christian context.

- ORIGIN OE: from OFr. charite, from L. caritas, from carus ‘dear’.

charivari

// (chiefly US also shivaree)

n. (pl. charivaris)
1 chiefly historical a noisy mock serenade, performed by a group of people to mock an unpopular person or to celebrate a marriage.
2 a series of discordant noises.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr.

charkha

// (also charka)

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) a domestic spinning wheel used chiefly for cotton.

- ORIGIN from Urdu charka ‘spinning wheel’, from Pers.

charlady

n. (pl. charladies) Brit. a charwoman.

charlatan

//

n. a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill.

- DERIVATIVES charlatanism n. charlatanry n.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting an itinerant seller of supposed remedies): from Fr., from Ital. ciarlatano, from ciarlare ‘to babble’.

Charles's law

n. Chemistry a law stating that the volume of an ideal gas at constant pressure is directly proportional to the absolute temperature.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French physicist Jacques A. C. Charles.

charleston

n. a lively dance of the 1920s which involved turning the knees inwards and kicking out the lower legs.

- ORIGIN 1920s: named after the city of Charleston in South Carolina, US.

charley horse

n. N. Amer. informal a cramp or feeling of stiffness in a limb.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

charlie

n. (pl. charlies)
1 Brit. informal a fool.
2 (charlies) Brit. informal a woman's breasts.
3 informal cocaine.
4 a code word representing the letter C, used in radio communication.

- ORIGIN C19: dimin. of the male given name Charles.

charlock

//

n. a wild mustard with yellow flowers.   Sinapis arvensis.

- ORIGIN OE cerlic, cyrlic; of unknown origin.

charlotte

n. a pudding made of stewed fruit with a casing or covering of bread, sponge cake, biscuits, or breadcrumbs.

- ORIGIN Fr., from the female given name Charlotte.

charlotte russe

//

n. a pudding consisting of custard enclosed in sponge cake or a casing of sponge fingers.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘Russian charlotte’.

charm

n.
1 the power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others. an attractive characteristic or feature.
2 a small ornament worn on a necklace or bracelet.
3 an object, act, or saying believed to have magic power.
4 Physics one of six flavours of quark.
v.
1 delight greatly. use one's charm in order to influence (someone).
2 control or achieve by or as if by magic.

- DERIVATIVES charmer n. charmless adj. charmlessly adv. charmlessness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. charme (n.), charmer (v.), from L. carmen ‘song, verse, incantation’.

charmed

adj. (of a person's life) unusually lucky as though protected by magic.
exclam. dated expressing polite pleasure at an introduction: charmed, I'm sure.

charmeuse

//

n. a soft, smooth silky dress fabric.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., fem. of charmeur ‘charmer’.

charming

adj.
1 delightful; attractive.
2 very polite, friendly, and likeable.
exclam. used as an ironic expression of displeasure or disapproval.

- DERIVATIVES charmingly adv.

charm offensive

n. a campaign of flattery, friendliness, and cajolement designed to achieve the support of others.

charm school

n. dated or humorous a school where young women are taught social graces such as deportment and etiquette.

charnel house

n. historical a building or vault in which corpses or bones are piled.

- ORIGIN C16: from ME charnel ‘burying place’, from OFr., from med. L. carnale, from late L. carnalis ‘relating to flesh’, from caro, carn- ‘flesh’.

Charolais

//

n. (pl. same) an animal of a breed of large white beef cattle.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Monts du Charollais, hills in eastern France where the breed originated.

charophyte

//, //, //

n. Botany a plant of a division (Charophyta) that includes the stoneworts.

- ORIGIN mod. L. Charophyta, from Chara (genus name) + phuta ‘plants’.

charpoy

//

n. Indian a light bedstead.

- ORIGIN C17: from Urdu crp ‘four-legged’, from Pers.

charr

// (also char)

n. (pl. same) a trout-like northern freshwater or marine fish.   Genus Salvelinus: several species.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. of Celtic origin.

charro

//

n. (pl. charros) a Mexican cowboy.

- ORIGIN Mex. Sp., from Sp., lit. ‘rustic’.

chart

n.
1 a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram. (the charts) a weekly listing of the current best-selling pop records.
2 a geographical map, especially one used for navigation by sea or air.
v.
1 make a map of. plot (a course) on a chart.
2 (of a record) sell enough copies to enter the charts at a particular position.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. charte, from L. charta (see card^1).

charter

n.
1 a written grant by a sovereign or legislature, by which a body such as a university is created or its rights and privileges defined.
2 a written constitution or description of an organization's functions.
3 (in the UK) a written statement of the rights of a specified group of people: the patient's charter.
4 the hiring of an aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle.
v.
1 [usu. as adj. chartered] grant a charter to (a city, university, etc.).
2 hire (an aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle).

- DERIVATIVES charterer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chartre, from L. chartula, dimin. of charta (see card^1).

chartered

adj. Brit. (of an accountant, engineer, etc.) qualified as a member of a professional body that has a royal charter.

charter flight

n. a flight by an aircraft chartered for a specific journey, not part of an airline's regular schedule.

charter member

n. N. Amer. an original or founding member of a society or organization.

charter party

n. a deed between a shipowner and a merchant for the hire of a ship and the delivery of cargo.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. charte partie, from med. L. charta partita ‘divided charter’.

charter school

n. (in North America) a publicly funded independent school established by teachers, parents, or community groups under the terms of a charter with a local or national authority.

Chartism

n. a UK parliamentary reform movement of 1837–48, the principles of which were set out in a manifesto called The People's Charter.

- DERIVATIVES Chartist n. & adj.

chartreuse

//

n.
1 a pale green or yellow liqueur made from brandy and aromatic herbs.
2 a pale green or yellow colour.
3 a dish of fruit set in jelly.

- ORIGIN named after La Grande Chartreuse, the Carthusian monastery near Grenoble where the liqueur was first made.

charwoman

n. (pl. charwomen) Brit. dated a woman employed as a cleaner in a house or office.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. char or chare ‘a chore’ (obscurely rel. to chore) + woman.

chary

//

adj. (charier, chariest) cautiously or suspiciously reluctant: leaders are chary of major reform.

- DERIVATIVES charily adv.

- ORIGIN OE cearig ‘sorrowful, anxious’, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to care.

Chas

abbrev. Charles.

chase^1

v.
1 pursue in order to catch or catch up with.
2 rush or cause to go in a specified direction.
3 try to obtain (something owed or required). (chase something up) (US chase something down) investigate an unresolved matter further.
n.
1 an act of chasing.
2 (the chase) hunting as a sport. Brit. (in place names) an area of unenclosed land formerly reserved for hunting: Cannock Chase.

- PHRASES
give chase go in pursuit.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chacier (v.), chace (n.), based on L. captare ‘continue to take’, from capere ‘take’.

chase^2

v. [usu. as adj. chased] decorate (metal) by engraving or inlaying.

- ORIGIN ME: appar. from earlier enchase, from OFr. enchasser (see enchase).

chase^3

n. (in letterpress printing) a metal frame for holding the composed type and blocks being printed at one time.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. châsse, from L. capsa (see case^2).

chase^4

n.
1 the part of a gun enclosing the bore.
2 a groove or furrow cut in the face of a wall or other surface to receive a pipe.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. chas ‘enclosed space’.

chaser

n.
1 a person or thing that chases.
2 a horse for steeplechasing.
3 informal a strong alcoholic drink taken after a weaker one.

Chasid

//

n. variant spelling of Hasid.

Chasidism

//

n. variant spelling of Hasidism.

chasm

//

n.
1 a deep fissure.
2 a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.

- DERIVATIVES chasmic adj. (rare).

- ORIGIN C16: from L. chasma, from Gk khasma ‘gaping hollow’.

chasse

//

n. a liqueur drunk after coffee.

- ORIGIN Fr., abbrev. of chasse-café, lit. ‘chase-coffee’.

chassé

//

n. a gliding step in dancing in which one foot displaces the other.
v. (chassés, chasséing, chasséd) perform a chassé.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘chased’.

Chasselas

//

n. a variety of white grape, grown for wine or for eating. a wine made from the Chasselas grape.

- ORIGIN named after a village near Mâcon, France.

chasseur

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) historical a soldier equipped and trained for rapid movement, especially in the French army.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘huntsman’, from chasser ‘to chase’.

chasseur sauce

n. a rich, dark sauce with wine and mushrooms, typically served with poultry or game.

Chassid

//

n. variant spelling of Hasid.

Chassidism

//

n. variant spelling of Hasidism.

chassis

//

n. (pl. same //)
1 the base frame of a motor vehicle, carriage, or other wheeled conveyance.
2 the outer structural framework of a piece of audio, radio, or computer equipment.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr. châssis ‘frame’, based on L. capsa (see case^2).

chaste

adj.
1 abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse.
2 without unnecessary ornamentation.

- DERIVATIVES chastely adv. chasteness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. castus.

chasten

//

v.
1 (of a reproof or misfortune) have a restraining or demoralizing effect on.
2 archaic (especially of God) discipline; punish.

- DERIVATIVES chastener n.

- ORIGIN C16: from an obs. verb chaste, from OFr. chastier, from L. castigare ‘castigate’, from castus ‘chaste’.

chaste tree

n. an ornamental shrub with blue or white flowers.   Vitex agnus-castus.

- ORIGIN C16: so named because of its assoc. with chastity in sacrifices to Ceres (the Roman goddess of agriculture).

chastise

v. reprimand severely. dated punish, especially by beating.

- DERIVATIVES chastisement n. chastiser n.

- ORIGIN ME: appar. formed irregularly from the obs. verb chaste (see chasten).

chastity

n. the state or practice of abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse.

chastity belt

n. historical a garment or device designed to prevent the woman wearing it from having sexual intercourse.

chasuble

//

n. an ornate sleeveless outer vestment worn by a Catholic or High Anglican priest when celebrating Mass.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chesible, later chasuble, from late L. casubla, alt. of L. casula ‘hooded cloak or little cottage’, dimin. of casa ‘house’.

chat^1

v. (chats, chatting, chatted) talk in a friendly and informal way. (chat someone up) informal engage someone in flirtatious conversation.
n. an informal conversation.

- ORIGIN ME: shortening of chatter.

chat^2

n. used in names of various songbirds with harsh, chattering calls, e.g. stonechat.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. imitative of their calls.

chateau

//

n. (pl. chateaux or chateaus pronunc. same or //) a large French country house or castle.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from OFr. chastel (see castle).

chateaubriand

//

n. a thick fillet of beef steak.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French writer and statesman François-René, Vicomte de Chateaubriand, whose chef is said to have created the dish.

chatelaine

//

n.
1 dated a woman in charge of a large house.
2 historical a set of short chains attached to a woman's belt, used for carrying keys or other items.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. châtelaine, fem. of châtelain ‘castellan’, ult. rel. to castle.

chatline

n. a telephone service which allows conversation among a number of separate callers.

chatoyant

//

adj. (of a gem) showing a band of bright lustre caused by reflection from inclusions in the stone.

- DERIVATIVES chatoyance n. chatoyancy n.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., pres. part. of chatoyer ‘to shimmer’.

chat room

n. an area on the Internet or other computer network where users can communicate, typically one dedicated to a particular topic.

chat show

n. Brit. a television or radio programme in which celebrities are invited to talk informally about various topics.

chattel

//

n. (in general use) a personal possession. Law an item of property other than freehold land, including tangible goods (chattels personal) and leasehold interests (chattels real). See also goods and chattels.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chatel, from med. L. capitale, from L. capitalis, from caput ‘head’; cf. capital^1 and cattle.

chattel mortgage

n. N. Amer. a mortgage on a movable item of property.

chatter

v.
1 talk informally about minor matters.
2 (of a bird, monkey, or machine) make a series of short, quick high-pitched sounds.
3 (of a person's teeth) click repeatedly together from cold or fear.
n.
1 informal talk.
2 a series of short, quick high-pitched sounds.

- PHRASES
the chattering classes derogatory educated or intellectual people considered as a social group given to the expression of liberal opinions.

- DERIVATIVES chatterer n. chattery adj.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative.

chatterbot

n. a computer program designed to interact with people by simulating human conversation.

chatterbox

n. informal a person who chatters.

chatty

adj. (chattier, chattiest)
1 fond of chatting.
2 (of a conversation, letter, etc.) informal and lively.

- DERIVATIVES chattily adv. chattiness n.

Chaucerian

//

adj. relating to Geoffrey Chaucer (c.1342–1400) or his writing.
n. a student or admirer of Chaucer.

chauffeur

n. a person employed to drive a car.
v. drive (a car or a passenger in a car) as a chauffeur.

- DERIVATIVES chauffeuse n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘stoker’ (by assoc. with steam engines).

chaulmoogra

//

n. a tropical Asian evergreen tree whose seeds yield an oil used medically and as a preservative.   Hydnocarpus kurzii.

- ORIGIN C19: from Bengali cul-mugr.

chausses

//

pl. n. historical close-fitting coverings for the legs and feet, in particular those forming part of a knight's armour.

- ORIGIN C15: Fr., lit. ‘clothing for the legs’.

chautauqua

//, //

n. N. Amer. historical a cultural programme for adults that combined lectures with music and theatre.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Chautauqua, a county in New York State, where the movement originated.

chauvinism

//

n.
1 exaggerated or aggressive patriotism.
2 excessive or prejudiced support or loyalty for one's own cause, group, or sex.

- DERIVATIVES chauvinist n. & adj. chauvinistic adj. chauvinistically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Nicolas Chauvin, a Napoleonic veteran noted for his extreme patriotism.

chawl

//

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) a large building divided into separate tenements, offering cheap, basic accommodation.

- ORIGIN from Marathi cl, denoting a long narrow building.

chayote

//

n.
1 a succulent green pear-shaped tropical fruit resembling a cucumber in flavour.
2 the tropical American vine which yields chayotes, also producing an edible yam-like tuberous root.   Sechium edule.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., from Nahuatl chayotli.

ChB

abbrev. Bachelor of Surgery.

- ORIGIN from L. Chirurgiae Baccalaureus.

CHD

abbrev. coronary heart disease.

cheap

adj.
1 low in price. charging low prices. inexpensive because of inferior quality.
2 of little worth because achieved in a discreditable way requiring little effort: her moment of cheap triumph. contemptible.
3 N. Amer. informal miserly.
adv. at or for a low price.

- PHRASES
on the cheap informal at a low cost.

- DERIVATIVES cheapish adj. cheaply adv. cheapness n.

- ORIGIN The word cheap derives from the Old English noun cap, meaning ‘bargaining, trade, market’, which goes back to Latin caupo ‘small trader, innkeeper’. It was frequently found in phrases such as good or great cheap, meaning ‘a good deal, a bargain’. The ‘market’ sense is retained in old place names such as Cheapside and Eastcheap, and the element Chipping in the names of the Cotswold towns Chipping Norton and Chipping Campden. The use of cheap as an adjective dates from the 16th century.

cheapen

v.
1 reduce the price of.
2 degrade (something).

cheapjack

adj. chiefly N. Amer. of inferior quality.
n. a seller of cheap inferior goods, typically one at a fair or market.

cheapo

(also cheapie) informal

adj. cheap and inferior.
n. (pl. cheapos) a cheap and inferior item.

cheapskate

n. informal a miserly person.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): from cheap + skate^3.

cheat

v.
1 act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage. deprive of something by deceitful or unfair means.
2 avoid (something undesirable) by luck or skill: she cheated death in a spectacular crash.
n.
1 a person who cheats.
2 an act of cheating.

- ORIGIN ME: shortening of escheat.

cheater

n. chiefly N. Amer.
1 a person who cheats.
2 (cheaters) informal a pair of glasses or sunglasses.

cheat grass

n. chiefly N. Amer. a tough wild grass which sometimes grows as a weed among cereal crops and in pasture.   Bromus tectorum and other species.

- ORIGIN C18: a local word for various wild plants, perh. from their resemblance to the cereals among which they grew.

Chechen

//

n. (pl. same or Chechens)
1 a member of the largely Muslim people inhabiting Chechnya, an autonomous republic in SW Russia.
2 the North Caucasian language of the Chechen.

check^1

v.
1 examine the accuracy, quality, or condition of. verify or establish to one's satisfaction. informal, chiefly N. Amer. take notice of.
2 stop or slow the progress of. Ice Hockey hamper or neutralize (an opponent) with one's body or stick. (of a hound) pause to make sure of or regain a scent. (of a trained hawk) abandon the intended quarry and fly after other prey.
3 Chess move a piece or pawn to a square where it attacks (the opposing king).
4 (in poker) choose not to make a bet when called upon, allowing another player to do so instead.
n.
1 an examination to check accuracy, quality, or condition: a health check.
2 an act of checking progress. a means of control or restraint. a temporary loss of the scent in hunting. Falconry a false stoop when a hawk abandons its intended quarry and pursues other prey.
3 a part of a piano which catches the hammer and prevents it retouching the strings.
4 Chess an act of checking the opposing king.
5 N. Amer. the bill in a restaurant.
6 (also baggage/luggage check) a token of identification for left luggage.
7 a counter used as a stake in a gambling game.
8 (also check mark) North American term for tick^1 (in sense 1).
9 a crack or flaw in timber.
exclam.
1 informal, chiefly N. Amer. expressing assent or agreement.
2 Chess used by a player to announce that the opponent's king has been placed in check.

- PHRASES
in check
1 under control.
2 Chess (of a king) directly attacked by an opponent's piece or pawn.

- PHRASES
check in arrive and register at a hotel or airport.
check something in have one's baggage weighed and consigned to the hold of an aircraft.
check into register one's arrival at (a hotel).
check something off N. Amer. mark an item on a list to show that it has been dealt with.
check on verify, ascertain, or monitor the state or condition of.
check out settle one's hotel bill before leaving.
check someone/thing out establish the truth or inform oneself about someone or something.
check up on investigate to establish the truth about or accuracy of.

- DERIVATIVES checkable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: the noun and exclamation from OFr. eschec, from med. L. scaccus, via Arab. from Pers. šh ‘king’; the verb from OFr. eschequier ‘play chess, put in check’.

check^2

n. a pattern of small squares.
adj. (also checked) having a pattern of small squares.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from chequer.

check^3

n. US spelling of cheque.

checkbox

n. Computing a small area on a computer screen which, when selected by the user, shows that a particular feature has been enabled.

checker^1

n.
1 a person or thing that checks.
2 US a cashier in a supermarket.

checker^2

n. & v. US spelling of chequer.

checkerberry

n. (pl. checkerberries)
1 a creeping evergreen North American shrub with spiny scented leaves and waxy white flowers.   Gaultheria procumbens.
2 the edible red fruit of the checkerberry plant.

- ORIGIN C18: from checkers or chequers ‘berries of the service tree’ (so named from their colour) + berry.

checkerboard

n. US spelling of chequerboard.

check-in

n. the point at which a person registers as a passenger at an airport.

checking account

(Canadian chequing account)

n. N. Amer. a current account at a bank.

checklist

n. a list of items required, things to be done, or points to be considered.

check mark

n. another term for check^1 (in sense 8).

checkmate

n.
1 Chess a position of check from which a king cannot escape.
2 a final defeat or deadlock.
v.
1 Chess put into checkmate.
2 defeat or frustrate totally.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. eschec mat, from Arab. šh mta, from Pers. šh mt ‘the king is dead’.

checkout

n. a point at which goods are paid for in a supermarket or similar store.

checkpoint

n. a barrier or manned entrance, typically at a border, where security checks are carried out on travellers.

check rein

n. a bearing rein.

checksum

n. a digit representing the sum of the correct digits in a piece of data, against which comparisons can be made to detect errors.

check-up

n. a thorough medical or dental examination to detect any problems.

check valve

n. a valve that closes to prevent backward flow of liquid.

Cheddar

n. a kind of firm smooth yellow, white, or orange cheese, originally made in Cheddar in SW England.

cheder

// (also heder)

n. (pl. chedarim //, cheders) a school for Jewish children in which Hebrew and religious knowledge are taught.

- ORIGIN C19: from Heb. heder ‘room’.

cheek

n.
1 either side of the face below the eye.
2 either of the buttocks.
3 either of two side pieces or parts arranged in lateral pairs in a structure.
4 rude or disrespectful talk or behaviour.
v. informal speak impertinently to.

- PHRASES
cheek by jowl close together.
cheek to cheek (of a couple dancing) with their heads close together in a romantic way.
turn the other cheek refrain from retaliating after an attack or insult. [ORIGIN with biblical allusion to Matt. 5:39.]

- DERIVATIVES -cheeked adj.

- ORIGIN OE c(a)ce, coce ‘cheek, jaw’, of W. Gmc origin.

cheekbone

n. the bone below the eye.

cheekpiece

n.
1 a smooth block fitted to the stock of a rifle or shotgun and resting against the face when aiming from the shoulder.
2 either of the two straps of a horse's bridle joining the bit and the headpiece.

cheeky

adj. (cheekier, cheekiest) impudent or irreverent.

- DERIVATIVES cheekily adv. cheekiness n.

cheep

n.
1 a shrill squeaky cry made by a young bird.
2 [with neg.] informal the slightest sound: there hasn't been a cheep from anybody.
v. make a cheep.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. Scots): imitative.

cheer

v.
1 shout in praise, joy, or encouragement. praise or encourage with shouts.
2 give comfort or support to. (cheer someone up or cheer up) make or become less miserable.
n.
1 a shout of encouragement, praise, or joy.
2 (also good cheer) cheerfulness; optimism.
3 food and drink provided for a festive occasion.

- PHRASES
three cheers three successive hurrahs expressing appreciation or congratulation.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘face’, hence ‘expression, mood’, later ‘a good mood’): from OFr. chiere ‘face’, from late L. cara, from Gk kara ‘head’.

cheerful

adj.
1 noticeably happy and optimistic.
2 causing happiness; pleasant.

- DERIVATIVES cheerfully adv. cheerfulness n.

cheerio

exclam. Brit. informal goodbye.

cheerleader

n. a member of a team of girls who perform organized cheering, chanting, and dancing in support of a sports team at matches in the US and elsewhere.

- DERIVATIVES cheerleading n. & adj.

cheerless

adj. gloomy; depressing.

- DERIVATIVES cheerlessly adv. cheerlessness n.

cheerly

adv. archaic heartily (used as a cry of encouragement among sailors).

cheers

exclam. informal expressing good wishes before drinking or (Brit.) on parting. chiefly Brit. expressing gratitude or acknowledgement.

cheery

adj. (cheerier, cheeriest) happy and optimistic.

- DERIVATIVES cheerily adv. cheeriness n.

cheese^1

n.
1 a food made from the pressed curds of milk, either firm or soft in texture.
2 Brit. a conserve having the consistency of soft cheese: lemon cheese.

- PHRASES
say cheese said by a photographer to encourage the subject to smile.

- ORIGIN OE cse, cse, of W. Gmc origin; from L. caseus.

cheese^2

v. (cheese someone off) Brit. informal exasperate, frustrate, or bore.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

cheeseboard

n.
1 a board on which cheese is served and cut.
2 a selection of cheeses served as a course of a meal.

cheeseburger

n. a beefburger with a slice of cheese on it, served in a bread roll.

cheesecake

n.
1 a kind of rich sweet tart made with cream and soft cheese on a biscuit base.
2 informal images portraying women according to a stereotypical ideal of sexual attractiveness.

cheesecloth

n. thin, loosely woven, unsized cotton cloth, used for light clothing and in preparing or protecting food.

cheese head

n. Brit. a type of screw head with vertical sides and a slightly domed top.

cheese-paring

adj. very careful or mean with money.
n. meanness.

cheese plant

n. see Swiss cheese plant.

cheese straw

n. a thin strip of cheese-flavoured pastry, eaten as a snack.

cheesewood

n. a small tropical evergreen tree with white flowers and yellowish-orange fruit.   Pittosporum undulatum (Australia), P. viridifolium (South Africa), and other species.

cheesy

adj. (cheesier, cheesiest)
1 like cheese in taste, smell, or consistency.
2 informal cheap and of low quality. hackneyed and trite. (of a smile) exaggerated and insincere.

- DERIVATIVES cheesily adv. cheesiness n.

cheetah

//

n. a large swift-running spotted cat found in Africa and parts of Asia.   Acinonyx jubatus.

- ORIGIN C18: from Hindi ct, perh. from Sanskrit citraka ‘leopard’.

chef

n. a professional cook, typically the chief cook in a restaurant or hotel.
v. (chefs, cheffing, cheffed) work as a chef.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘head’.

chef-d'œuvre

/ /

n. (pl. chefs-d'œuvre pronunc. same) a masterpiece.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘chief work’.

cheiro-

comb. form variant spelling of chiro-.

Chekhovian

//

adj. relating to or characteristic of the work of the Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov (1860–1904).

chela^1

//

n. (pl. chelae //) Zoology a pincer-like claw, especially of a crab or other crustacean.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from L. chele or Gk khl ‘claw’.

chela^2

//

n. a follower and pupil of a guru.

- ORIGIN from Hindi cel.

chelate

//

n. Chemistry a compound containing an organic ligand bonded to a central metal atom at two or more points.
adj. Zoology (of an appendage) bearing chelae.
v. Chemistry form a chelate with.

- DERIVATIVES chelation n. chelator n.

chelicera

//

n. (pl. chelicerae //) Zoology either of a pair of appendages in front of the mouth in arachnids and some other arthropods, usually modified as pincer-like claws.

- DERIVATIVES cheliceral adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk khl ‘claw’ + keras ‘horn’.

chelicerate

//, // Zoology

n. a member of the Chelicerata, a large subphylum of arthropods which possess chelicerae, comprising the arachnids, sea spiders, and horseshoe crabs.
adj. relating to chelicerates.

Chelsea boot

n. an elastic-sided boot with a pointed toe.

- ORIGIN named after Chelsea, a district of London.

Chelsea bun

n. Brit. a flat, spiral-shaped currant bun sprinkled with sugar.

Chelsea pensioner

n. (in the UK) an inmate of the Chelsea Royal Hospital for old or disabled soldiers.

chemi-

comb. form representing chemical. See also chemo-.

chemical

adj. relating to chemistry or chemicals. relating to or denoting the use of poison gas or other chemicals as weapons of war.
n. a distinct compound or substance, especially one which has been artificially prepared or purified. an addictive drug.

- DERIVATIVES chemically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. chimique or mod. L. chimicus, chymicus, from med. L. alchymicus, from alchimia (see alchemy).

chemical bond

n. see bond (sense 4).

chemical engineering

n. the branch of engineering concerned with the design and operation of industrial chemical plants.

- DERIVATIVES chemical engineer n.

chemical formula

n. see formula (sense 1).

chemico-

comb. form representing chemical.

chemiluminescence

n. the emission of light during a chemical reaction which does not produce significant quantities of heat.

- DERIVATIVES chemiluminescent adj.

chemin de fer

/ /

n. a card game which is a variety of baccarat.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘railway’.

chemise

//

n.
1 a dress hanging straight from the shoulders, popular in the 1920s.
2 a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or nightdress.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from late L. camisia ‘shirt or nightgown’.

chemisorption

//, //

n. Chemistry adsorption in which the adsorbed substance is held by chemical bonds.

- DERIVATIVES chemisorbed adj.

chemist

n.
1 Brit. a shop where medicinal drugs are dispensed and sold, and in which toiletries and other medical goods can be purchased. a person who is authorized to dispense medicinal drugs.
2 a person engaged in chemical research or experiments.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. chimiste, from mod. L. chimista, from alchimista ‘alchemist’, from alchimia (see alchemy).

chemistry

n. (pl. chemistries)
1 the branch of science concerned with the properties and interactions of the substances of which matter is composed.
2 the chemical properties of a substance or body.
3 the emotional or psychological interaction between two people, especially when experienced as a powerful mutual attraction.

chemo

//

n. informal chemotherapy.

chemo-

comb. form representing chemical. See also chemi-.

chemoreceptor

//, //

n. Physiology a sensory cell or organ responsive to chemical stimuli.

- DERIVATIVES chemoreception n.

chemosynthesis

//, //

n. Biology the metabolic synthesis of organic compounds by living organisms using energy derived from reactions involving inorganic chemicals.

- DERIVATIVES chemosynthetic adj.

chemotaxis

//, //

n. Biology movement of an organism in response to the changing concentration of a particular substance.

- DERIVATIVES chemotactic adj.

chemotherapy

//, //

n. the treatment of disease, especially cancer, by the use of chemical substances.

- DERIVATIVES chemotherapist n.

chenille

//

n. a tufty velvety cord or yarn, used for trimming furniture and made into carpets or clothing.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘hairy caterpillar’.

Chenin

// (also Chenin blanc)

n. a variety of wine grape native to the Loire valley but widely cultivated elsewhere. a white wine made from this grape.

- ORIGIN Fr., perh. from the name of the manor of Mont-Chenin, Touraine.

cheongsam

//, //

n. a straight, close-fitting silk dress with a high neck and slit skirt, worn by Chinese and Indonesian women.

- ORIGIN Chin. (Cantonese dial.).

cheque

(US check)

n. an order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer's account, written on a specially printed form.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting a counterfoil, or a form with a counterfoil): var. of check^1, in the sense ‘device for checking the amount of an item’.

chequebook

n. a book of forms for writing cheques.

chequebook journalism

n. the payment of a large amount of money to acquire the exclusive right to publish a person's story in a newspaper.

cheque card

n. Brit. a card issued by a bank to guarantee the honouring of cheques up to a stated amount.

chequer

(US checker)

n.
1 (chequers) a pattern of alternately coloured squares.
2 (checkers) [treated as sing.] N. Amer. the game of draughts. (checker) a piece used in this game.
v.
1 divide into or mark with chequers.
2 [as adj. chequered] marked by periods of fluctuating fortune: a chequered career.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘chessboard’, giving rise to chequered meaning ‘marked like a chessboard’): from exchequer.

chequerboard

(US checkerboard)

n. a board for playing checkers and similar games, having a regular chequered pattern, typically in black and white.

chequered flag

n. Motor Racing a flag with a black-and-white chequered pattern, displayed to drivers at the end of a race.

Cherenkov radiation

// (also Cerenkov radiation)

n. Physics electromagnetic radiation emitted by particles moving in a medium at speeds faster than that of light in the same medium.

- ORIGIN 1940s: named after the Soviet physicist Pavel Cherenkov.

cherimoya

// (also chirimoya)

n. a green-skinned custard apple produced by an Andean tree (Annona cherimola).

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp., from Quechua, from chiri ‘cold or refreshing’ + muya ‘circle’.

cherish

v.
1 protect and care for lovingly.
2 nurture (a hope or ambition).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cheriss-, lengthened stem of cherir, from cher ‘dear’, from L. carus.

chernozem

//

n. a fertile black soil rich in humus, typical of temperate grassland.

- ORIGIN C19: from Russ., from chërny ‘black’ + zemlya ‘earth’.

Cherokee

//

n. (pl. same or Cherokees)
1 a member of an American Indian people formerly inhabiting much of the southern US.
2 the Iroquoian language of the Cherokee.

- ORIGIN from obs. Cherokee tsaraki, earlier form of tsaliki.

Cherokee rose

n. a climbing Chinese rose with fragrant white flowers, which has become naturalized in the southern US.   Rosa laevigata.

cheroot

//

n. a cigar with both ends open.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cheroute, from Tamil curuttu ‘roll of tobacco’.

cherry

n. (pl. cherries)
1 a small, soft round stone fruit that is typically bright or dark red.
2 the tree that bears cherries.   Prunus avium (wild cherry), P. cerasus (sour cherry), and other species and varieties.
3 a bright deep red colour.
4 (one's cherry) informal one's virginity.

- PHRASES
a bite at the cherry Brit. an attempt or opportunity.
a bowl of cherries [with neg.] a very pleasant situation.
the cherry on the cake a desirable thing providing the finishing touch to something already very good.

- ORIGIN ME: from Old North. Fr. cherise (taken as pl.), from med. L. ceresia, based on Gk kerasos ‘cherry tree, cherry’.

cherry brandy

n. a sweet, dark red cherry-flavoured liqueur made with brandy in which cherries have been steeped, or with crushed cherry stones.

cherry laurel

n. an evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery leaves, white flowers, and cherry-like fruits, native to the Balkans.   Prunus laurocerasus.

cherry-pick

v. selectively choose (the best things or people) from those available.

cherry picker

n. informal
1 a hydraulic crane with a railed platform for raising and lowering people.
2 a person who cherry-picks.

cherry pie

n. a garden heliotrope with fragrant blue flowers.   Heliotropium arborescens.

cherry plum

n.
1 a SW Asian shrub or small tree with white flowers and small red and yellow edible fruit.   Prunus cerasifera.
2 the fruit of the cherry plum tree.

cherry tomato

n. a miniature tomato with a strong flavour.

chert

//

n. a hard, dark, opaque rock composed of silica (chalcedony) with an amorphous or microscopically fine-grained texture.

- DERIVATIVES cherty adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. dial.): of unknown origin.

cherub

n. (pl. cherubim)
1 (pl. cherubim or cherubs) an angelic being described in biblical tradition as attending on God, conventionally represented as a chubby child with wings.
2 (pl. cherubs) a beautiful or innocent-looking child.

- DERIVATIVES cherubic adj. cherubically adv.

- ORIGIN OE cherubin, ult. (via L. and Gk) from Heb. krb, pl. krbm.

chervil

//

n. a plant of the parsley family, with delicate fern-like leaves which are used as a culinary herb.   Anthriscus cerefolium.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. chaerephylla, from Gk khairephullon.

Ches.

abbrev. Cheshire.

Cheshire

//

n. a kind of firm crumbly cheese, originally made in Cheshire.

Cheshire cat

n. a cat depicted with a broad fixed grin, as popularized through Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865).

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin, but it is said that Cheshire cheeses used to be marked with the face of a smiling cat.

chess

n. a board game of strategic skill for two players, the object of which is to put the opponent's king under a direct attack, leading to checkmate.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. esches, pl. of eschec (see check^1).

chessboard

n. a square board divided into sixty-four alternating dark and light squares, used for playing chess or draughts.

chessman

n. (pl. chessmen) a solid figure used as a chess piece.

chest

n.
1 the front surface of a person's or animal's body between the neck and the stomach. the whole of a person's upper trunk.
2 a large strong box for storage or transport.
3 Brit. the treasury or financial resources of an institution.
v. Soccer propel (the ball) by means of one's chest.

- PHRASES
get something off one's chest informal say something that one has wanted to say for a long time.
keep (or play) one's cards close to one's chest (or US vest) informal be extremely secretive about one's intentions.

- DERIVATIVES -chested adj.

- ORIGIN OE cest, cyst, based on Gk kist ‘box’.

chesterfield

n.
1 a sofa having a padded back and padded arms that are of the same height and curve outwards. Canadian any sofa.
2 a man's plain straight overcoat, typically with a velvet collar.

- ORIGIN C19: named after an Earl of Chesterfield.

chestnut

n.
1 a glossy hard brown nut which develops within a bristly case and can be roasted and eaten.
2 (also chestnut tree, sweet chestnut, or Spanish chestnut) the large tree that produces chestnuts.   Castanea sativa. used in names of similar nuts, and trees and plants that produce them, e.g. horse chestnut, water chestnut.
3 a deep reddish-brown colour.
4 a horse of a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown colour.
5 a small horny patch on the inside of a horse's leg.

- PHRASES
an old chestnut a joke, story, or subject that has become uninteresting through constant repetition.

- ORIGIN C16: from OE chesten (from OFr. chastaine, via L. from Gk kastanea) + nut.

chest of drawers

n. a piece of furniture used for storage, consisting of an upright frame into which drawers are fitted.

chest voice

n. the lowest register of the voice in singing or speaking.

chesty

adj. (chestier, chestiest) informal
1 Brit. having a lot of catarrh in the lungs.
2 (of a woman) having large or prominent breasts.
3 N. Amer. conceited and arrogant.

- DERIVATIVES chestily adv. chestiness n.

Chetnik

//

n. a member of a Slavic nationalist guerrilla force in the Balkans, especially during the Second World War.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Serbo-Croat etnik, from eta ‘band, troop’.

chetrum

//

n. (pl. same or chetrums) a monetary unit of Bhutan, equal to one hundredth of a ngultrum.

- ORIGIN from Dzongkha.

cheval glass

// (also cheval mirror)

n. a tall mirror fitted at its middle to an upright frame so that it can be tilted.

- ORIGIN C19: cheval from Fr., in the sense ‘frame’.

chevalier

//

n. historical a knight. a member of certain orders of knighthood or of modern French orders such as the Legion of Honour.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from med. L. caballarius, from L. caballus ‘horse’.

chevet

//

n. Architecture an apse with an ambulatory giving access behind the high altar to a series of chapels set in bays.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘pillow’.

Cheviot

//, //

n.
1 a large sheep of a breed with short thick wool.
2 (cheviot) the wool or tweed cloth obtained from Cheviots.

- ORIGIN from the Cheviot Hills in northern England and Scotland.

chèvre

//

n. French cheese made with goat's milk.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘goat, she-goat’.

chevron

n. a V-shaped line or stripe, especially one on the sleeve of a uniform indicating rank or length of service. Heraldry an ordinary in the form of a broad inverted V-shape.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. caper ‘goat’; cf. L. capreoli (dimin. of caper) used to mean ‘pair of rafters’.

chevrotain

//

n. a small deer-like mammal with small tusks, found in tropical rainforests.   Genera Tragulus (Asia) and Hyemoschus (Africa): four species.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., dimin. of OFr. chevrot, dimin. of chèvre ‘goat’.

chew

v.
1 bite and work (food) in the mouth to make it easier to swallow.
2 (chew something over) discuss or consider something at length.
3 (chew someone out) N. Amer. informal reprimand someone severely.
n. a period of chewing. a thing, especially a sweet, for chewing.

- PHRASES
chew the fat (or rag) informal chat in a leisurely way.

- DERIVATIVES chewable adj. chewer n.

- ORIGIN OE cowan, of W. Gmc origin.

chewing gum

n. flavoured gum for chewing.

chewy

adj. (chewier, chewiest) (of food) needing to be chewed for some time before being swallowed.

- DERIVATIVES chewiness n.

Cheyenne

//

n. (pl. same or Cheyennes)
1 a member of an American Indian people formerly living between the Missouri and Arkansas Rivers.
2 the Algonquian language of the Cheyenne.

- ORIGIN Canad. Fr., from Dakota šahíyena, from šaia ‘speak incoherently’.

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

//

n. Medicine an abnormal cyclical pattern of breathing in which the rate gradually decreases to a complete stop and then increases again.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the physicians John Cheyne and William Stokes.

chez

//

prep. chiefly humorous at the home of: I spent one summer chez Grandma.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from OFr. chiese, from L. casa ‘cottage’.

chi^1

//

n. the twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet (, ), transliterated as ‘kh’ or ‘ch’.

- PHRASES
chi-square test a statistical method assessing the goodness of fit between a set of observed values and those expected theoretically.

- ORIGIN from Gk.

chi^2

// (also qi or ki)

n. the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine.

- ORIGIN from Chin. qì, lit. ‘air, breath’.

Chianti

//

n. (pl. Chiantis) a dry red Italian wine produced in Tuscany.

- ORIGIN named after the Chianti Mountains, Italy.

chiaroscuro

//

n. the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital., from chiaro ‘clear, bright’ + oscuro ‘dark, obscure’.

chiasma

//, //

n. (pl. chiasmata //)
1 (also optic chiasma) Anatomy the X-shaped structure formed at the point below the brain where the two optic nerves cross over each other.
2 Biology a point at which paired chromosomes remain in contact during the first metaphase of meiosis.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk chiasma ‘crosspiece, cross-shaped mark’, from khiazein ‘mark with the letter chi’.

chiasmus

//, //

n. the inversion in a second phrase or clause of the order of words in the first.

- DERIVATIVES chiastic adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘crosswise arrangement’): mod. L., from Gk khiasmos, from khiazein (see chiasma).

chiastolite

//, //

n. a variety of the mineral andalusite containing dark carbonaceous inclusions giving a cross-shaped appearance.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khiastos ‘arranged crosswise’ + -lite.

Chibcha

//

n. (pl. same or Chibchas)
1 a member of a native people of Colombia whose ancient civilization was destroyed by Europeans.
2 the extinct Chibchan language of the Chibcha.

- ORIGIN Amer. Sp., from Chibcha zipa ‘chief’.

Chibchan

//

n. a language family of Colombia and Central America, most members of which are now extinct or nearly so.
adj. relating to Chibchan.

chibouk

// (also chibouque)

n. a long Turkish tobacco pipe.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr. chibouque, from Turk. çubuk, lit. ‘tube’.

chic

//

adj. (chicer, chicest) elegantly and stylishly fashionable.
n. stylishness and elegance.

- DERIVATIVES chicly adv. chicness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., prob. from Ger. Schick ‘skill’.

chicane

//

n.
1 a sharp double bend created to form an obstacle on a motor-racing track.
2 dated (in card games) a hand without cards of one particular suit; a void.
3 archaic chicanery.
v. archaic employ chicanery.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. chicane (n.), chicaner (v.) ‘quibble’.

chicanery

n. the use of trickery to achieve one's purpose.

Chicano

//, //, //

n. (fem. Chicana) (pl. Chicanos or Chicanas) chiefly US a North American of Mexican origin or descent.

- ORIGIN Mex. Sp., alt. of Sp. mejicano (masc.) ‘Mexican’.

chicha

//

n. (in South and Central America) a kind of beer made typically from maize.

- ORIGIN Amer. Sp., from Kuna.

Chichewa

//

n. another term for Nyanja (the language).

chichi

//

adj. attempting stylish elegance but achieving only an over-elaborate affectedness.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., of imitative origin.

Chichimec

//

n. (pl. same or Chichimecs)
1 a member of a group of native peoples, including the Toltecs and the Aztecs, formerly dominant in central Mexico.
2 a Uto-Aztecan language of the Chichimec peoples.

- ORIGIN Sp., from Nahuatl.

chick^1

n.
1 a young bird, especially one newly hatched. a newly hatched young domestic fowl.
2 informal a young woman.

- ORIGIN ME: abbrev. of chicken.

chick^2

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) a bamboo screen for a doorway.

- ORIGIN from Urdu chik, from Pers. igh.

chickadee

n. North American term for tit^1.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative of its call.

chickaree

n. a squirrel with red fur, found in the coniferous forests of North America.   Genus Tamiasciurus: three species.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative of its call.

Chickasaw

//

n. (pl. same or Chickasaws)
1 a member of an American Indian people formerly resident in Mississippi and Alabama.
2 the Muskogean language of the Chickasaw.

- ORIGIN the name in Chickasaw.

chicken

n.
1 a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one.
2 informal a coward. a game in which the first person to lose their nerve and withdraw from a dangerous situation is the loser.
adj. informal cowardly.
v. (chicken out) informal be too scared to do something.

- PHRASES
chicken-and-egg denoting a situation in which each of two things appears to be necessary to the other. [ORIGIN from the question ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’]
like a headless chicken informal in a panic-stricken and unthinking manner.

- ORIGIN OE ccen, ccen, of Gmc origin; prob. rel. to cock^1.

chicken brick

n. Brit. an earthenware container for roasting a chicken in its own juices.

chicken feed

n. informal a paltry sum of money.

chicken-fried steak

n. US a thin piece of beef which is lightly battered and fried until crisp.

chickenpox

n. an infectious disease causing a mild fever and a rash of itchy inflamed pimples, caused by the varicella zoster virus; varicella.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. so named because of its mildness, as compared to smallpox.

chickenshit

N. Amer. vulgar slang

adj. worthless or contemptible.
n. a worthless or contemptible person.

chicken wire

n. light wire netting with a hexagonal mesh.

chick flick

n. informal, chiefly derogatory a film which appeals to young women.

chick lit

n. informal, chiefly derogatory literature which appeals to young women.

chickpea

n.
1 a round yellowish seed which is a pulse of major importance as food.
2 the leguminous plant which bears chickpeas.   Cicer arietinum.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier as chiche-pease): from ME chiche (from OFr. chiche, cice, from L. cicer ‘chickpea’) + pease.

chickweed

n. a small white-flowered plant, often growing as a garden weed.   Stellaria media and numerous related species.

chicle

//, //

n. the milky latex of the sapodilla tree, used to make chewing gum. another term for sapodilla.

- ORIGIN C19: via Latin Amer. Sp., from Nahuatl tzictli.

chicory

//

n. (pl. chicories)
1 a blue-flowered Mediterranean plant of the daisy family, cultivated for its edible salad leaves and its carrot-shaped root, which is used as an additive to or substitute for coffee.   Cichorium intybus.
2 North American term for endive.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. Fr. cicorée (earlier form of chicorée) ‘endive’, via L. from Gk kikhorion.

chide

//

v. (past chided or archaic chid //; past part. chided or archaic chidden //) scold or rebuke.

- DERIVATIVES chider n. chiding adj. chidingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE cdan, of unknown origin.

chief

n.
1 a leader or ruler of a people. the head of an organization.
2 Heraldry an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across the top of the shield. the upper third of the field.
adj.
1 having the highest rank or authority.
2 most important: the chief reason.

- DERIVATIVES chiefdom n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chief, chef, based on L. caput ‘head’.

chief constable

n. Brit. the head of the police force of a county or other region.

chief inspector

n. Brit. a police officer ranking above inspector and below superintendent.

chiefly

adv. mainly; especially. mostly.

chief of staff

n. the senior staff officer of a service, command, or formation.

chief petty officer

n. a rank of non-commissioned officer in a navy, above petty officer.

chieftain

n. the leader of a people or clan.

- DERIVATIVES chieftaincy // n. (pl. chieftaincies). chieftainship n.

- ORIGIN ME and OFr. chevetaine, from late L. capitaneus (see captain); the spelling was assimilated to chief.

chief technician

n. a rank of non-commissioned officer in the RAF, above sergeant and below flight sergeant.

chief warrant officer

n. a rank in the US armed forces, above warrant officer and below the lowest-ranking commissioned officer.

chiffchaff

n. a common warbler with drab plumage and a repetitive call.   Phylloscopus collybita.

- ORIGIN C18: imitative of its call.

chiffon

n. a light, transparent fabric typically made of silk or nylon.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. pl., denoting trimmings on a woman's dress): from Fr., from chiffe ‘rag’.

chiffonade

// (also chiffonnade)

n. (pl. same) a preparation of shredded or finely cut leaf vegetables, used as a garnish for soup.

- ORIGIN Fr., from chiffonner ‘to crumple’.

chiffonier

//

n.
1 Brit. a low cupboard either used as a sideboard or with a raised bookshelf on top.
2 N. Amer. a tall chest of drawers.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. chiffonnier, chiffonnière, lit. ‘ragpicker’, also denoting a chest of drawers for oddments.

chigger

//, // (also jigger)

n.
1 a tropical flea, the female of which burrows and lays eggs beneath the host's skin, causing painful sores.   Tunga penetrans.
2 N. Amer. a harvest mite.

- ORIGIN C18: var. of chigoe.

chignon

//

n. a knot or coil of hair arranged on the back of a woman's head.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., orig. ‘nape of the neck’.

chigoe

//

n. another term for chigger (in sense 1).

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. chique, from a W. Afr. lang.

chihuahua

//

n. a very small dog of a smooth-haired large-eyed breed originating in Mexico.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Chihuahua in northern Mexico.

chikungunya

//

n. a viral disease resembling dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes and endemic in East Africa and parts of Asia.

- ORIGIN a local Afr. word.

chilblain

n. a painful, itching swelling on a hand or foot caused by poor circulation in the skin when exposed to cold.

- DERIVATIVES chilblained adj.

child

n. (pl. children)
1 a young human being below the age of full physical development. a son or daughter of any age.
2 derogatory an immature or irresponsible person.
3 (children) archaic the descendants of a family or people.

- PHRASES
child's play a task which is easily accomplished.
with child archaic pregnant.

- DERIVATIVES childhood n. childless adj. childlessness n.

- ORIGIN OE cild, of Gmc origin.

child abuse

n. physical maltreatment or sexual molestation of a child.

childbearing

n. the process of giving birth to children.

childbed

n. archaic term for childbirth.

child benefit

n. (in the UK) regular payment by the state to the parents of a child up to a certain age.

childbirth

n. the action of giving birth to a child.

childcare

n. the care of children, especially by a crèche, nursery, etc. while the parents are working.

Childe

//

n. archaic a youth of noble birth.

- ORIGIN OE, var. of child.

Childermas

//

n. archaic the feast of the Holy Innocents, 28 December.

- ORIGIN OE cildramæsse, from cildra ‘of children’ + mæsse (see Mass).

childish

adj. of, like, or appropriate to a child. silly and immature.

- DERIVATIVES childishly adv. childishness n.

childlike

adj. (of an adult) having the good qualities, such as innocence, associated with a child.

childminder

n. Brit. a person who looks after children in their own house for payment.

- DERIVATIVES child-minding n.

childproof

adj. designed to prevent children from injuring themselves or doing damage.

children

plural form of child.

chile

n. variant spelling of chilli.

Chilean

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Chile.
adj. relating to Chile.

Chile pine

n. another term for monkey puzzle.

chile relleno

/ /

n. (pl. chiles rellenos) (in Mexican cuisine) a stuffed chilli pepper, typically battered and deep-fried.

- ORIGIN Sp., ‘stuffed chilli’.

chili

n. (pl. chilies) US spelling of chilli.

chiliad

//

n. rare a group of a thousand things. a thousand years; a millennium.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk khilias (see chiliast).

chiliarch

//

n. (in ancient Greece) a commander of a thousand men.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk khiliarkhs, from khilioi ‘thousand’.

chiliast

//

n. another term for millenarian.

- DERIVATIVES chiliasm n. chiliastic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk khiliasts, from khilias ‘a thousand years’, from khilioi ‘thousand’.

chill

n.
1 an unpleasant feeling of coldness.
2 a feverish cold.
3 a metal mould designed to aid cooling of metal during casting.
v.
1 make cold. cool (food or drink) in a refrigerator.
2 horrify or frighten.
3 (usu. chill out) informal calm down and relax.
adj. chilly.

- DERIVATIVES chilling adj. chillingly adv. chillness n. chillsome adj. (literary).

- ORIGIN OE cele, ciele ‘cold, coldness’, of Gmc origin; rel. to cold.

chill-cast

v. Metallurgy rapidly solidify (cast metal) by contact with a cooled metal mould in order to produce a hard, dense surface.

chiller

n.
1 a cold cabinet or refrigerator for keeping stored food a few degrees above freezing point.
2 short for spine-chiller.

chill factor

n. a quantity expressing the perceived lowering of the air temperature caused by the wind.

chilli

// (also chilli pepper, chile, US chili)

n. (pl. chillies, chiles, or US chilies)
1 a small hot-tasting pod of a variety of capsicum, used in sauces, relishes, and spice powders.
2 short for chilli powder or chilli con carne.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. chile, from Nahuatl chilli.

chilli con carne

/ /, //

n. a stew of minced beef and beans flavoured with chilli powder.

- ORIGIN from Sp. chile con carne, lit. ‘chilli pepper with meat’.

chilli powder

n. a hot-tasting mixture of ground dried red chillies and other spices.

chillum

//

n. (pl. chillums)
1 a hookah.
2 a pipe used for smoking cannabis.

- ORIGIN from Hindi cilam.

chilly

adj. (chillier, chilliest)
1 unpleasantly cold.
2 unfriendly.

- DERIVATIVES chilliness n.

Chilopoda

//

pl. n. Zoology a class of myriapod arthropods which comprises the centipedes.

- DERIVATIVES chilopod // n.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kheilos ‘lip’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.

chimaera

n. variant spelling of chimera.

chime^1

n.
1 a bell or a metal bar or tube tuned and used in a set to produce melodious ringing sounds when struck. a sound made by such an instrument.
2 Bell-ringing a stroke of the clapper against one or both sides of a scarcely moving bell.
v.
1 (of a bell or clock) make chimes.
2 (chime with) Brit. be in agreement with.
3 (chime in) interject a remark.

- DERIVATIVES chimer n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the senses ‘cymbal’ and ‘ring out’): prob. from OE cimbal (see cymbal), later interpreted as chime bell.

chime^2

(also chimb)

n. the projecting rim at the end of a cask.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from an OE word rel. to Du. kim and Ger. Kimme; cf. chine^3.

chimenea

//, //

n. a free-standing clay fireplace or oven which consists of a hollow bulbous body tapering to a short chimney-like smoke vent.

- ORIGIN 1990s: Sp., ‘chimney’.

chimera

//, // (also chimaera)

n.
1 Greek Mythology a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.
2 something hoped for but illusory or impossible to achieve.
3 Biology an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues, formed by processes such as fusion of early embryos, grafting, or mutation.
4 (chimaera) a long-tailed cartilaginous marine fish with an erect spine before the first dorsal fin.   Chimaera and other genera, family Chimaeridae.

- DERIVATIVES chimeric // adj. chimerical adj. chimerically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk khimaira ‘she-goat or chimera’.

chimichanga

//

n. a tortilla rolled round a savoury filling and deep-fried.

- ORIGIN Mex. Sp., lit. ‘trinket’.

chimney

n. (pl. chimneys)
1 a vertical pipe which conducts smoke and gases up from a fire or furnace. a chimney stack.
2 a glass tube protecting the flame of a lamp.
3 a very steep narrow cleft by which a rock face may be climbed.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cheminee, from late L. caminata, perh. from camera caminata ‘room with a fireplace’, from L. caminus ‘forge, furnace’, from Gk kaminos ‘oven’.

chimney breast

n. a part of an interior wall that projects to surround a chimney.

chimney corner

n. a warm seat within an old-fashioned fireplace.

chimney piece

n. Brit. a mantelpiece.

chimney pot

n. an earthenware or metal pipe at the top of a chimney.

chimney stack

n. the part of a chimney that projects above a roof.

chimney sweep

n. a person whose job is cleaning out the soot from chimneys.

chimonanthus

//

n. a shrub of a Chinese genus including the wintersweet.   Genus Chimonanthus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kheimn ‘winter’ + anthos ‘flower’.

chimp

n. informal term for chimpanzee.

chimpanzee

n. an anthropoid ape with large ears, mainly black coloration, and lighter skin on the face, native to west and central Africa.   Pan troglodytes and P. paniscus (the bonobo or pygmy chimpanzee).

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. chimpanzé, from Kikongo.

Chimu

//

n. (pl. same or Chimus)
1 a member of a native people of Peru that developed the most important civilization before the Incas.
2 the extinct language of the Chimu.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

Chin

//

n. (pl. same or Chins)
1 a member of a people of SW Burma (Myanmar) and neighbouring parts of India and Bangladesh.
2 the Tibeto-Burman language of the Chin.

- ORIGIN from Burmese, ‘hill man’.

chin

n. the protruding part of the face below the mouth, formed by the apex of the lower jaw.
v.
1 informal hit or punch (someone) on the chin.
2 draw one's body up so that one's chin is level with (a horizontal bar), as an exercise.

- PHRASES
keep one's chin up informal remain cheerful in difficult circumstances.
take it on the chin informal accept misfortune stoically.

- DERIVATIVES -chinned adj.

- ORIGIN OE cin, cinn, of Gmc origin.

china

n.
1 a fine white or translucent vitrified ceramic material. household tableware or other objects made from china.
2 Brit. informal a friend. [ORIGIN from rhyming sl. china plate ‘mate’.]

- ORIGIN C16: from Pers. chn ‘relating to China’.

China aster

n. a Chinese plant of the daisy family, cultivated for its bright showy flowers.   Callistephus chinensis.

chinaberry

n. (pl. chinaberries)
1 a tall tree bearing fragrant lilac flowers and yellow berries, native to Asia and Australasia.   Melia azedarach.
2 the fruit of the chinaberry.

china blue

n. a pale greyish blue.

china clay

n. another term for kaolin.

chinagraph pencil

n. Brit. a waxy pencil used to write on china, glass, or other hard surfaces.

Chinaman

n. (pl. Chinamen)
1 chiefly archaic or derogatory a native of China.
2 Cricket a ball that spins from off to leg, bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman.

China rose

n.
1 a Chinese rose from which various garden rose varieties have been derived.   Rosa chinensis.
2 a shrubby tropical hibiscus cultivated for its large showy flowers.   Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

china stone

n. partly kaolinized granite containing plagioclase feldspar, which is ground and mixed with kaolin to make porcelain.

China syndrome

n. a hypothetical sequence of events following the meltdown of a nuclear reactor, in which the core melts through its containment structure and sinks deep into the earth.

- ORIGIN 1970s: so named because China is on the opposite side of the earth from a reactor in the US.

China tea

n. tea made from a small-leaved type of tea plant grown in China, typically flavoured by smoke curing or the addition of flower petals.

Chinatown

n. a district of a non-Chinese town in which the population is predominantly of Chinese origin.

chinch bug

//

n. a plant-eating ground bug that forms large swarms on grasses and rushes.   Blissus leucopterus (America) and Ischnodemus sabuleti (Europe).

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘bedbug’): from Sp. chinche, from L. cimex, cimic-.

chincherinchee

//

n. a white-flowered South African lily.   Ornithogalum thyrsoides.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: imitative of the squeaky sound made by rubbing its stalks together.

chinchilla

//

n.
1 a small South American rodent with soft grey fur and a long bushy tail.   Genus Chinchilla: two species.
2 a cat or rabbit of a breed with silver-grey or grey fur.
3 the highly valued fur of the chinchilla, or of the chinchilla rabbit.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., from Aymara or Quechua.

chin-chin

exclam. Brit. informal, dated a toast made before drinking.

- ORIGIN C18: representing a pronunc. of Chin. qing qing.

Chindit

//

n. a member of the Allied forces behind the Japanese lines in Burma (Myanmar) in 1943–5.

- ORIGIN Second World War: from Burmese chinthé, a mythical creature.

chine^1

//

n.
1 the backbone of an animal as it appears in a joint of meat. a joint of meat containing all or part of the backbone.
2 a mountain ridge.
v. cut (meat) across or along the backbone.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. eschine, based on a blend of L. spina ‘spine’ and a Gmc word meaning ‘narrow piece’; rel. to shin.

chine^2

//

n. (in the Isle of Wight or Dorset) a deep narrow ravine.

- ORIGIN OE cinu ‘cleft, chink’, of Gmc origin; rel. to chink^1.

chine^3

//

n. the angle where the strakes of the bottom of a boat or ship meet the side.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of chime^2.

Chinese

n. (pl. same)
1 the language of China.
2 a native or national of China, or a person of Chinese descent.
adj. relating to China, its people, or their language. belonging to the dominant ethnic group of China (the Han).

Chinese box

n. each of a nest of boxes.

Chinese burn

n. informal a burning sensation inflicted on a person by placing both hands on their arm and then twisting it.

Chinese cabbage

n. another term for Chinese leaves.

Chinese chequers

(US Chinese checkers)

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] a board game for two to six players who attempt to move marbles or counters from one corner to the opposite one on a star-shaped board.

Chinese fire drill

n. N. Amer. informal, often offensive a state of disorder or confusion.

Chinese gooseberry

n. former term for kiwi fruit.

Chinese lantern

n.
1 a collapsible paper lantern.
2 a plant with globular orange fruits enclosed in an orange-red papery calyx.   Physalis alkekengi.

Chinese leaves

(also Chinese cabbage)

pl. n. an oriental variety of cabbage which does not form a firm heart.   Brassica chinensis (pak choi) and B. pekinenis (pe tsai).

Chinese puzzle

n. an intricate puzzle consisting of many interlocking pieces.

Chinese red

n. a vivid orange-red.

Chinese wall

n. an insurmountable barrier, especially to the passage of information.

Chinese whispers

pl. n. [treated as sing.] Brit. a game in which a message is distorted by being passed around in a whisper.

Chinese white

n. white pigment consisting of zinc oxide.

ching

n. an abrupt high-pitched ringing sound.

Chink

n. informal, offensive a Chinese person.

chink^1

n.
1 a narrow opening or crack.
2 a beam of light admitted by a chink.

- ORIGIN C16: rel. to chine^2.

chink^2

v. make a light, high-pitched ringing sound, as of glasses or coins striking together.
n. a high-pitched ringing sound.

- ORIGIN C16: imitative.

chinkapin

n. variant spelling of chinquapin.

chinkara

//

n. (pl. same) the Indian gazelle.   Gazella bennettii.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi cikr, from Sanskrit chikkra.

Chinky

n. (pl. Chinkies) informal
1 offensive a Chinese person.
2 Brit. a Chinese restaurant.

chinless

adj.
1 lacking a well-defined chin.
2 informal lacking strength of character.

chin music

n. US informal idle chatter.

chino

//

n. (pl. chinos)
1 a cotton twill fabric, typically khaki-coloured.
2 (chinos) casual trousers made from chino.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Latin Amer. Sp., lit. ‘toasted’ (referring to the typical colour).

Chino-

//

comb. form equivalent to Sino-.

chinoiserie

//

n. (pl. chinoiseries) a style in Western art, furniture, and architecture characterized by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques. objects or decorations in this style.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from chinois ‘Chinese’.

Chinook

//, //, //

n. (pl. same or Chinooks)
1 a member of an American Indian people originally inhabiting the region around the Columbia River in Oregon.
2 the extinct Penutian language of the Chinook.

- ORIGIN from Salish tsinúk.

chinook

//, //, //

n.
1 (also chinook wind) a warm, dry wind which blows down the east side of the Rocky Mountains at the end of winter.
2 (also chinook salmon) a large North Pacific salmon which is an important commercial food fish.   Oncorhynchus tshawytscha.

Chinook Jargon

n. an extinct pidgin composed of elements from Chinook, Nootka, English, French, and other languages, formerly used in the Pacific North-West of North America.

chinquapin

// (also chinkapin)

n.
1 a North American chestnut tree.   Castanea pumila and other species.
2 the edible nut of the chinquapin.

- ORIGIN C17: from Virginia Algonquian.

chinstrap

n. a strap attached to a hat, helmet, etc., to keep it in place by fitting under the wearer's chin.

chintz

n. printed multicoloured cotton fabric with a glazed finish, used especially for curtains and upholstery.

- ORIGIN C17 (as chints, pl. of chint, denoting a stained or painted calico cloth imported from India): from Hindi chmt ‘spattering, stain’.

chintzy

adj. (chintzier, chintziest)
1 Brit. decorated with or resembling chintz.
2 N. Amer. informal cheap and of poor quality. miserly.

- DERIVATIVES chintzily adv. chintziness n.

chin-up

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for pull-up.

chinwag

Brit. informal

n. a chat.
v. (chinwags, chinwagging, chinwagged) have a chat.

chionodoxa

//

n. a bulbous plant of the lily family, with early blooming blue flowers.   Genus Chionodoxa.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk khin ‘snow’ + doxa ‘glory’.

chip

n.
1 a small, thin piece removed in the course of chopping, cutting, or breaking a hard material. a blemish left by the removal of a chip. Brit. wood or woody fibre split into thin strips and used for weaving hats or baskets.
2 Brit. a long rectangular piece of deep-fried potato. (also potato chip) N. Amer. a potato crisp.
3 short for microchip.
4 a counter used in certain gambling games to represent money.
5 (in soccer or golf) a short lofted kick or shot.
v. (chips, chipping, chipped)
1 cut or break (a chip) from a hard material. (of a hard material or object) break at the edge or on the surface.
2 (chip away at) gradually and relentlessly make (something) smaller or weaker: rivals may chip away at one's profits.
3 (chip in) contribute one's share of a joint activity. informal make an interjection.
4 [usu. as adj. chipped] Brit. cut (a potato) into chips.
5 (in soccer or golf) strike (the ball) to produce a short lofted shot or pass.

- PHRASES
a chip off the old block informal someone who resembles their parent in character.
a chip on one's shoulder informal a deeply ingrained grievance.
have had one's chips Brit. informal be dead or out of contention.
when the chips are down informal when a very serious situation arises.

- ORIGIN ME: rel. to OE forcippian ‘cut off’.

chipboard

n. material made in rigid sheets from compressed wood chips and resin and used for furniture and in buildings.

Chipewyan

//

n. (pl. same or Chipewyans)
1 a member of a Dene people of NW Canada. Compare with Chippewa.
2 the Athabaskan language of the Chipewyan.

- ORIGIN from Cree, lit. ‘(wearing) pointed-skin (garments)’.

chipmunk

n. a burrowing ground squirrel with cheek pouches and light and dark stripes running down the body, found in North America and northern Eurasia.   Genus Tamias: many species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ojibwa.

chipolata

n. Brit. a small thin sausage.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Ital. cipollata ‘a dish of onions’, from cipolla ‘onion’.

chipotle

//

n. a smoked hot chilli pepper which is used in Mexican cooking.

- ORIGIN Mex. Sp., from Nahuatl.

Chippendale

//

adj. (of furniture) designed by or in the style of the English furniture-maker Thomas Chippendale (1718–79), neoclassical with elements of French rococo and chinoiserie.

chipper^1

adj. informal cheerful and lively.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from north. Engl. dial. kipper ‘lively’.

chipper^2

n.
1 a thing that turns something into chips.
2 Irish informal a fish-and-chip shop.

Chippewa

//, // (also Chippeway //)

n. (pl. same) chiefly N. Amer. another term for Ojibwa. Compare with Chipewyan.

- ORIGIN alt. of Ojibwa.

chipping

n. Brit. a small fragment of stone, wood, or similar material.

chippy

informal

n. (also chippie) (pl. chippies)
1 Brit. a fish-and-chip shop.
2 Brit. a carpenter.
3 N. Amer. a prostitute.
adj. touchy and irritable.

chiral

//

adj. Chemistry (of a molecule) not able to be superimposed on its mirror image.

- DERIVATIVES chirality n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kheir ‘hand’ + -al.

chi-rho

n. a monogram of chi () and rho () as the first two letters of Greek Khristos ‘Christ’.

chirimoya

//

n. variant spelling of cherimoya.

chiro-

// (also cheiro-)

comb. form of the hand or hands: chiromancy.

- ORIGIN from Gk kheir ‘hand’.

chirography

//

n. handwriting, especially as distinct from typography.

- DERIVATIVES chirographic adj.

chiromancy

//

n. the prediction of a person's future from interpreting the lines on the palms of their hands; palmistry.

chironomid

//

n. Entomology an insect of a family (Chironomidae) which comprises the non-biting midges.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Chironomus (genus name), from Gk kheironomos ‘pantomime dancer’.

chiropody

n. the treatment of the feet and their ailments.

- DERIVATIVES chiropodist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from chiro- + Gk pous, pod- ‘foot’.

chiropractic

//

n. a system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column.

- DERIVATIVES chiropractor n.

- ORIGIN C19: from chiro- + Gk praktikos ‘practical’.

chiropteran

//

n. Zoology a mammal of the order Chiroptera; a bat.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Chiroptera, from chiro- + Gk pteron ‘wing’.

chirp

v.
1 (of a small bird or a grasshopper) utter a short, sharp, high-pitched sound.
2 say something in a lively and cheerful way.
n. a chirping sound.

- DERIVATIVES chirper n.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative.

chirpy

adj. (chirpier, chirpiest) informal cheerful and lively.

- DERIVATIVES chirpily adv. chirpiness n.

chirr

// (also churr)

v. (especially of an insect) make a prolonged low trilling sound.
n. a low trilling sound.

- ORIGIN C17: imitative.

chirrup

v. (chirrups, chirruping, chirruped) (of a small bird) make repeated short high-pitched sounds.
n. a chirruping sound.

- DERIVATIVES chirrupy adj.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of chirp.

chiru

//

n. (pl. same) a sandy-coloured Tibetan gazelle with black horns.   Pantholops hodgsoni.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Tibetan.

chisel

//

n. a long-bladed hand tool with a bevelled cutting edge, struck with a hammer or mallet to cut or shape wood, stone, or metal.
v. (chisels, chiselling, chiselled; US chisels, chiseling, chiseled)
1 cut or shape with a chisel.
2 [as adj. chiselled] (of a man's facial features) strongly and clearly defined.
3 informal, chiefly N. Amer. cheat or swindle (someone) out of something.

- DERIVATIVES chiseller n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Old North. Fr., based on L. cis- (as in late L. cisorium), var. of caes-, caedere ‘to cut’.

chit^1

n. Brit. derogatory an impudent or arrogant young woman: a chit of a girl.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a whelp, cub, or kitten): perh. rel. to dial. chit ‘a sprout’.

chit^2

n. a short official note, memorandum, or voucher, typically recording a sum owed.

- ORIGIN C18: Anglo-Ind., from Hindi citth ‘note, pass’.

chit^3

v. (chits, chitting, chitted) Brit. induce (a potato) to sprout by placing it in a cool light place.

- ORIGIN C17: from dial. chit ‘a shoot, sprout’.

chital

//

n. a deer that has lyre-shaped antlers and a fawn coat with white spots, native to India and Sri Lanka.   Cervus axis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi ctal, from Sanskrit citrala ‘spotted’.

chitarrone

//, //

n. a very large lute similar to a theorbo, used in Italy in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘large guitar’.

chit-chat

informal

n. inconsequential conversation.
v. talk about trivial matters.

- ORIGIN C17: reduplication of chat^1.

chitin

//

n. Biochemistry a fibrous substance which forms the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

- DERIVATIVES chitinous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. chitine, from Gk khitn (see chiton).

chiton

//, //

n.
1 a long woollen tunic worn in ancient Greece.
2 a marine mollusc that has an oval flattened body with a shell of overlapping plates.   Chiton and other genera, class Polyplacophora.

- ORIGIN from Gk khitn ‘tunic’.

chitter

v.
1 make a twittering or chattering sound.
2 Scottish & dialect shiver with cold.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative; cf. chatter.

chitterlings

//

pl. n. the smaller intestines of a pig, cooked for food.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. rel. to synonymous Ger. Kutteln.

chitty

n. (pl. chitties) Brit. informal term for chit^2.

chivalrous

//

adj. (of a man) courteous and gallant, especially towards women.

- DERIVATIVES chivalrously adv. chivalrousness n.

chivalry

//

n.
1 the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honour, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak. courteous behaviour, especially that of a man towards women.
2 archaic knights, noblemen, and horsemen collectively.

- DERIVATIVES chivalric adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chevalerie, from med. L. caballerius, for late L. caballarius (see chevalier).

chives

pl. n. a small plant related to the onion, with long tubular leaves used as a culinary herb.   Allium schoenoprasum.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., var. of cive, from L. cepa ‘onion’.

chivvy

(also chivy)

v. (chivvies, chivvying, chivvied) chiefly Brit. repeatedly tell (someone) to do something.

- ORIGIN C18: orig. a noun denoting a hunting cry, prob. from the ballad Chevy Chase, celebrating a skirmish on the Scottish border.

chlamydia

//

n. (pl. same or chlamydiae //) a very small parasitic bacterium which, like a virus, requires the biochemical mechanisms of another cell in order to reproduce.   Genus Chlamydia, order Chlamydiales.

- DERIVATIVES chlamydial adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: mod. L., from Gk khlamus, khlamud- ‘cloak’.

chlamydomonas

//

n. Biology a common single-celled green alga living in water and moist soil.   Genus Chlamydomonas.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk khlamus, khlamud- ‘cloak’ + monas (see monad).

chlamydospore

//

n. Botany (in certain fungi) a thick-walled hyphal cell which functions like a spore.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khlamus, khlamud- ‘cloak’ + spore.

chlamys

//

n. a short cloak worn by men in ancient Greece.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk khlamus.

chloasma

//

n. Medicine a temporary condition, typically caused by hormones, in which large brown patches form on the skin.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khloazein ‘become green’.

chlor-

comb. form variant spelling of chloro- before a vowel: chloracne.

chloracne

//

n. Medicine a skin disease resembling severe acne, caused by exposure to chlorinated chemicals.

chloral

//

n. Chemistry a viscous liquid made by chlorinating acetaldehyde and used as a sedative in the form of a crystalline hydrate.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., blend of chlore ‘chlorine’ and alcool ‘alcohol’.

chlorambucil

//

n. Medicine a drug used in the treatment of cancer.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from chlor(oethyl)am(inophenyl)bu(tyric acid), the systematic name, + -cil.

chloramphenicol

//

n. Medicine a bacterial antibiotic used against serious infections such as typhoid fever.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from chlor- + am(ide) + pheno- + ni(tro-) + (gly)col.

chlorate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of chloric acid.

chlordane

//

n. a toxic, viscous, synthetic compound used as an insecticide.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from chlor- + (in)dene + -ane^2.

chlordiazepoxide

//

n. Medicine a tranquillizer used chiefly to treat anxiety and alcoholism.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from chlor- + diazo + epoxide.

chlorella

//

n. Biology a common single-celled green alga, responsible for turning stagnant water an opaque green.   Genus Chlorella.

- ORIGIN mod. L., dimin. of Gk khlros ‘green’.

chlorhexidine

//

n. a synthetic compound used as a mild antiseptic.

- ORIGIN mid 20th cent.: from chlor- + hex(ane) + -id(e) + (am)ine.

chloric acid

//

n. Chemistry a colourless liquid acid with strong oxidizing properties.   HClO_3.

chloride

//

n. Chemistry a compound of chlorine with another element or group: sodium chloride.

chlorinate

//, //

v. impregnate or treat with chlorine.

- DERIVATIVES chlorination n. chlorinator n.

chlorine

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 17, a toxic, irritant, pale green gas of the halogen group. (Symbol: Cl)

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khlros ‘green’ + -ine^4.

chlorite^1

//

n. a dark green mineral found in many rocks, consisting of an aluminosilicate of magnesium and iron.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk khlritis, a green precious stone.

chlorite^2

//

n. Chemistry a salt of chlorous acid, containing the anion ClO_2-.

chloro-

comb. form
1 Biology & Mineralogy green: chlorophyll.
2 Chemistry representing chlorine: chloroquine.

chlorofluorocarbon

//, //

n. see CFC.

chloroform

n. a volatile sweet-smelling liquid used as a solvent and formerly as a general anaesthetic.   CHCl_3.
v. make unconscious with chloroform.

- ORIGIN C19: from chloro- + form- from formic acid.

chlorophyll

//, //

n. a green pigment which is responsible for the absorption of light by plants to provide energy for photosynthesis.

- DERIVATIVES chlorophyllous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Fr. from Gk khlros ‘green’ + phullon ‘leaf’.

chlorophyte

//, //

n. Botany a lower plant of the division Clorophyta, which comprises the green algae.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Clorophyta, from Gk khlros ‘green’ + phuton ‘plant’.

chloroplast

//, //, //

n. Botany a structure in green plant cells which contains chlorophyll and in which photosynthesis takes place.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khlros ‘green’ + plastos ‘formed’.

chloroquine

//, //

n. Medicine a synthetic drug related to quinoline, chiefly used against malaria.

chlorosis

//

n. (pl. chloroses)
1 Botany loss of the normal green coloration of leaves, caused by mineral deficiency, disease, or lack of light.
2 Medicine anaemia caused by iron deficiency, causing a pale, faintly greenish complexion.

- DERIVATIVES chlorotic adj.

chlorous acid

//

n. Chemistry a weak acid with oxidizing properties, formed when chlorine dioxide dissolves in water.   HClO_2.

chlorpromazine

//, //

n. Medicine a synthetic drug used as a tranquillizer, sedative, and anti-emetic.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from chloro- + prom(eth)azine.

ChM

abbrev. Master of Surgery.

- ORIGIN from L. Chirurgiae Magister.

chocaholic

n. variant spelling of chocoholic.

choccy

//

n. (pl. choccies) informal chocolate. a chocolate sweet.

choc ice

n. Brit. a small bar of ice cream with a thin coating of chocolate.

chock

n.
1 a wedge or block placed against a wheel or rounded object to prevent it from moving or to support it.
2 a ring with a gap at the top, through which a rope or line is run.
v. support or make fast with a chock.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from Old North. Fr. var. of OFr. çouche, çoche ‘block, log’, of unknown ult. origin.

chock-a-block

adj. informal, chiefly Brit. crammed full.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. in naut. use, with ref. to tackle having the two blocks run close together): from chock (in chock-full) and block.

chocker

adj. Brit. informal
1 (also chocka) full.
2 tired of or disgusted with something.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from chock-a-block.

chock-full

adj. informal filled to overflowing.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin; later assoc. with chock.

chockstone

n. Climbing a stone that has become wedged in a vertical cleft.

chocoholic

(also chocaholic)

n. informal a person who is very fond of chocolate.

chocolate

n.
1 a food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds, typically sweetened and eaten as confectionery. a sweet made of or covered with chocolate.
2 a drink made by mixing milk or water with chocolate.
3 a deep brown colour.

- DERIVATIVES chocolatey (also chocolaty) adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. chocolat or Sp. chocolate, from Nahuatl chocolatl, influenced by unrelated cacaua-atl ‘drink made from cacao’.

chocolate-box

adj. Brit. (of a view or picture) pretty in a trite, conventional way.

chocolate spot

n. a fungal disease of field and broad beans, characterized by dark brown spots.

chocolatier

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) a maker or seller of chocolate.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr.

Choctaw

//

n. (pl. same or Choctaws)
1 a member of an American Indian people now living mainly in Mississippi.
2 the Muskogean language of the Choctaw.
3 (in skating) a step from one edge of a skate to the other edge of the other skate in the opposite direction.

- ORIGIN from Choctaw ahta.

choice

n.
1 an act of choosing. the right or ability to choose.
2 a range from which to choose. something chosen.
adj.
1 (especially of food) of very good quality.
2 (of language) rude and abusive.

- DERIVATIVES choicely adv. choiceness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. chois, from choisir ‘choose’, of Gmc origin and rel. to choose.

choir

n.
1 an organized group of singers, especially one that takes part in church services.
2 a group of instruments of one family playing together.
3 the part of a cathedral or large church between the altar and the nave, used by the choir and clergy.

- ORIGIN ME quer, quere, from OFr. quer, from L. chorus (see chorus).

choirboy

(or choirgirl)

n. a boy (or girl) who sings in a church or cathedral choir.

choir organ

n. a separate division of many large organs, played using a third manual (keyboard).

choisya

//

n. an evergreen Mexican shrub with sweet-scented white flowers, grown as an ornamental.   Choisya ternata.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Swiss botanist Jacques D. Choisy.

choke^1

v.
1 prevent from breathing by constricting or obstructing the throat or depriving of air. have difficulty in breathing because of an obstructed throat or lack of air.
2 fill (a space) so as to make movement difficult or impossible.
3 make (someone) speechless with strong emotion.
4 enrich the fuel mixture in (a petrol engine) by reducing the intake of air.
n.
1 a valve in the carburettor of a petrol engine used to reduce the amount of air in the fuel mixture.
2 a narrowed part of a shotgun bore serving to restrict the spread of the shot.
3 an inductance coil used to smooth the variations of an alternating current or to alter its phase.

- ORIGIN ME: from OE cocian (v.), from coce (see cheek).

choke^2

n. the inedible mass of silky fibres at the centre of a globe artichoke.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. a confusion of the ending of artichoke with choke^1.

chokeberry

n. (pl. chokeberries) a North American shrub with white flowers, bitter scarlet berries, and red autumn foliage.   Genus Aronia.

choke chain

n. a chain formed into a loop by passing one end through a ring on the other, placed round a dog's neck to exert control.

choke cherry

n. a North American cherry with astringent fruit which is edible when cooked.   Prunus virginiana.

choke-damp

n. choking or suffocating gas, typically carbon dioxide, that is found in mines and other underground spaces.

chokehold

n. a tight grip round a person's neck, used to restrain them by restricting their breathing.

choker

n.
1 a close-fitting necklace or ornamental neckband. dated a clerical or other high collar.
2 N. Amer. a cable looped round a log to drag it.

chokey

(also choky)

n. (pl. chokeys or chokies) Brit. informal, dated prison.

- ORIGIN C17: Anglo-Ind., from Hindi cauk ‘customs or toll house, police station’; influenced by choke^1.

chokidar

n. variant spelling of chowkidar.

choko

//

n. (pl. chokos) Austral./NZ the fruit of the chayote, eaten as a vegetable.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp. chocho, from a Brazilian Indian word.

chokra

//

n. chiefly derogatory (in the Indian subcontinent) a boy, especially one employed as a servant.

- ORIGIN from Hindi chokr.

choky^1

adj. (chokier, chokiest)
1 having or causing difficulty in breathing.
2 breathless with emotion.

choky^2

n. variant spelling of chokey.

chola

//

n. fem. of cholo.

cholangiography

//

n. Medicine X-ray examination of the bile ducts, used to locate and identify an obstruction.

- DERIVATIVES cholangiogram n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: coined in Sp. from Gk khole ‘bile’ + angeion ‘vessel’ + -graphia (see -graphy).

chole-

// (also chol- before a vowel)

comb. form Medicine & Chemistry relating to bile or the bile ducts: cholesterol.

- ORIGIN from Gk khol ‘gall, bile’.

cholecalciferol

//

n. Biochemistry vitamin D_3, a compound essential for the deposition of calcium in bones and formed in the skin by the action of sunlight on dehydrocholesterol.

cholecyst-

//

comb. form relating to the gall bladder: cholecystectomy.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. cholecystis ‘gall bladder’.

cholecystectomy

//

n. (pl. cholecystectomies) surgical removal of the gall bladder.

cholelithiasis

//

n. Medicine the formation of gallstones.

cholent

//, //

n. a Jewish Sabbath dish of slowly baked meat and vegetables.

- ORIGIN from Yiddish tsholnt.

choler

//

n.
1 (in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humours, identified with bile, believed to be associated with a peevish or irascible temperament.
2 archaic anger or irascibility.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. colere, from L. cholera ‘diarrhoea’ (from Gk kholera), which in late L. acquired the senses ‘bile or anger’, from Gk khol ‘bile’.

cholera

//

n.
1 an infectious and often fatal bacterial disease of the small intestine, typically contracted from infected water supplies and causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
2 (usu. chicken cholera) an infectious form of pasteurellosis affecting fowls.

- DERIVATIVES choleraic // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. (see choler).

choleric

//

adj.
1 bad-tempered or irritable.
2 (in medieval belief) influenced by or predominating in choler.

- DERIVATIVES cholerically adv.

cholesterol

//

n. a compound which is present in most body tissues and is important in metabolism, and of which high concentrations in the blood are thought to promote atherosclerosis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khol ‘bile’ + stereos ‘stiff’ + -ol.

choli

//

n. (pl. cholis) a short-sleeved bodice worn under a sari by Indian women.

- ORIGIN from Hindi col.

choliamb

//

n. Prosody another term for scazon.

- DERIVATIVES choliambic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: via late L. from Gk khliambos, from khlos ‘lame’ + iambos (see iambus).

choline

//, //

n. Biochemistry a strongly basic compound important in the synthesis and transport of lipids in the body.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from Gk khol ‘bile’.

cholinergic

//

adj. Physiology relating to or denoting nerve cells in which acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from choline + Gk ergon ‘work’ + -ic.

cholinesterase

//

n. Biochemistry an enzyme which breaks down esters of choline.

cholla

//

n. a cactus with a cylindrical stem, native to Mexico and the south-western US.   Genus Opuntia.

- ORIGIN C19: Mex. Sp. use of Sp. cholla ‘skull, head’.

cholo

//

n. (fem. chola) (pl. cholos or cholas)
1 a Latin American with Indian blood; a mestizo.
2 US derogatory a lower-class Mexican, especially in an urban area.

- ORIGIN C19: Amer. Sp., from Cholollán (now Cholula), in Mexico.

chometz

//, //

n. variant spelling of chametz.

chomp

v. munch or chew noisily or vigorously.

- ORIGIN C17: imitative.

Chomskyan

// (also Chomskian)

adj. relating to the American theoretical linguist Noam Chomsky (b. 1928).
n. a follower of Chomsky.

chondrite

//

n. a stony meteorite containing small mineral granules (chondrules).

- DERIVATIVES chondritic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khondros ‘granule’ + -ite^1.

chondro-

//

comb. form relating to cartilage: chondrocyte.

- ORIGIN from Gk khondros ‘grain or cartilage’.

chondrocyte

//

n. Biology a cell which has secreted the matrix of cartilage and become embedded in it.

chondroitin

//

n. Biochemistry a substance which is the major constituent of cartilage and other connective tissue.

chondrule

//

n. a spheroidal mineral grain present in large numbers in some stony meteorites.

- ORIGIN C19: from chondrite + -ule.

chook

// (also chookie)

n. informal, chiefly Austral./NZ
1 a chicken or fowl.
2 derogatory an older woman.

- ORIGIN 1920s: prob. from Engl. dial. chuck ‘chicken’, of imitative origin.

choose

v. (past chose; past part. chosen)
1 pick out as being the best of two or more alternatives.
2 decide on a course of action.

- DERIVATIVES chooser n.

- ORIGIN OE cosan, of Gmc origin.

choosy

adj. (choosier, choosiest) informal overly fastidious in making a choice.

- DERIVATIVES choosily adv. choosiness n.

chop^1

v. (chops, chopping, chopped)
1 cut with repeated sharp, heavy blows of an axe or knife. strike with a short, heavy blow.
2 ruthlessly abolish or reduce in size.
n.
1 a downward cutting blow or movement.
2 a thick slice of meat, especially pork or lamb, adjacent to and usually including a rib.
3 (the chop) Brit. informal dismissal, cancellation, or killing.
4 N. Amer. crushed or ground grain used as animal feed.
5 a broken motion of waves.

- PHRASES
chop logic argue in a tiresomely pedantic way. [ORIGIN C16: from a dial. use of chop meaning ‘bandy words’.]

- ORIGIN ME: var. of chap^1.

chop^2

v. (chops, chopping, chopped) (in phr. chop and change) Brit. informal change one's opinions or behaviour repeatedly and abruptly.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘barter, exchange’): perh. rel. to OE cap ‘bargaining, trade’; cf. chap- in chapman.

chop^3

n. archaic a trademark or brand of goods.

- PHRASES
not much chop Austral./NZ informal unsatisfactory.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi chp ‘stamp, brand’.

chop-chop

exclam. & adv. quickly (said to urge someone to hurry up).

- ORIGIN C19: pidgin Engl., based on Chin. dial. kuaì-kuaì; cf. chopstick.

chophouse

n. a restaurant specializing in steak, chops, etc.

chopper

n.
1 a short axe with a large blade. a machine for chopping.
2 a device for regularly interrupting a current or beam.
3 (choppers) informal teeth.
4 informal a helicopter.
5 informal a type of motorcycle with high handlebars.
6 Brit. vulgar slang a man's penis.

choppy

adj. (choppier, choppiest)
1 (of the sea) having many small waves.
2 (of music) disjointed or jerky.

- DERIVATIVES choppily adv. choppiness n.

chops

pl. n. informal
1 a person's or animal's mouth, jaws, or cheeks.
2 the technical skill of a jazz or rock musician.

- PHRASES
bust one's chops N. Amer. informal exert oneself.
bust someone's chops N. Amer. informal nag or criticize someone.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of chap^3.

chopsocky

//

n. N. Amer. informal kung fu or a similar martial art, especially as depicted in violent action films.

- ORIGIN 1970s: humorous, perh. suggested by chop suey.

chopstick

n. each of a pair of small, thin, tapered sticks held in one hand and used as eating utensils by the Chinese and Japanese.

- ORIGIN C17: pidgin Engl., from chop ‘quick’ + stick^1, translating Chin. dial. kuaìzi, lit. ‘nimble ones’.

chop suey

//

n. a Chinese-style dish of meat stewed and fried with bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and onions.

- ORIGIN C19: from Chin. tsaâp suì ‘mixed bits’.

choral

adj. of, for, or sung by a choir or chorus.

- DERIVATIVES chorally adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. choralis, from L. chorus (see chorus).

chorale

n.
1 a simple, stately hymn tune, or a composition consisting of a harmonized version of one.
2 US a choir or choral society.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Choral(gesang), translating med. L. cantus choralis.

chord^1

n. a group of notes (usually three or more) sounded together in harmony.
v. [usu. as noun chording] play, sing, or arrange notes in chords.

- DERIVATIVES chordal adj.

- ORIGIN ME cord, from accord; the spelling changed due to confusion with chord^2.

chord^2

n.
1 a straight line joining the ends of an arc.
2 Aeronautics the width of an aerofoil from leading to trailing edge.
3 Engineering each of the two principal members of a truss.
4 Anatomy variant spelling of cord.
5 literary a string on a harp or other instrument.

- PHRASES
strike (or touch) a chord affect or stir someone's emotions.

- ORIGIN C16: a later spelling (influenced by L. chorda ‘rope’) of cord.

chordate

// Zoology

n. an animal of the large phylum Chordata, comprising the vertebrates together with the sea squirts and lancelets, all of which are distinguished by possessing a notochord.
adj. relating to chordates.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Chordata, from L. chorda (see chord^2), on the pattern of words such as Vertebrata (see vertebrate).

chordotonal

//

adj. Entomology denoting sense organs responsive to mechanical and sound vibrations.

chore

n. a routine or tedious task.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. dial. and US): var. of obs. char or chare (see charwoman).

chorea

//

n. Medicine a neurological disorder characterized by jerky involuntary movements affecting especially the shoulders, hips, and face.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk khoreia ‘dancing in unison’, from khoros ‘chorus’.

choreograph

//

v. compose the sequence of steps and moves for (a ballet or other dance performance).

- DERIVATIVES choreographer n.

choreography

//

n. the sequence of steps and movements in dance, especially ballet. the practice of designing steps and movements in dance.

- DERIVATIVES choreographic adj. choreographically adv.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘written notation of dancing’): from Gk khoreia ‘dancing in unison’ (from khoros ‘chorus’) + -graphy.

choreology

//

n. the notation of dance movement.

- DERIVATIVES choreologist n.

choriambus

//

n. (pl. choriambi //) Prosody a metrical foot consisting of two short (or unstressed) syllables between two long (or stressed) ones.

- DERIVATIVES choriambic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: via late L. from Gk khoriambos, from khoreios ‘of the dance’ + iambos (see iambus).

choric

//, //

adj. of or resembling a chorus in drama or recitation.

chorine

//

n. a chorus girl.

chorio-

//

comb. form representing chorion or choroid.

chorioallantoic

//, //

adj. Embryology relating to or denoting fused chorionic and allantoic membranes around a fetus.

choriocarcinoma

//, //

n. (pl. choriocarcinomas or choriocarcinomata //) Medicine a malignant tumour of the uterus originating in the fetal chorion.

chorion

//

n. Embryology the outermost membrane surrounding the embryo of a reptile, bird, or mammal.

- DERIVATIVES chorionic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk khorion.

chorister

n.
1 a member of a choir, especially a choirboy or choirgirl.
2 US a person who leads the singing of a church choir or congregation.

- ORIGIN ME queristre, from an Anglo-Norman Fr. var. of OFr. cueriste, from quer (see choir), assoc. with obs. chorist ‘member of a choir or chorus’.

chorizo

//

n. (pl. chorizos) a spicy Spanish pork sausage.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

chorography

//

n. historical the systematic description and mapping of regions or districts.

- DERIVATIVES chorographer n. chorographic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk khrographia, from khra or khros ‘region’.

choroid

//, // Anatomy

adj. resembling the chorion, particularly in containing many blood vessels.
n. (also choroid coat) the pigmented vascular layer of the eyeball between the retina and the sclera.

- DERIVATIVES choroidal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk khoroeids, from khorion (see chorion).

choroid plexus

//, //

n. (pl. same or choroid plexuses) a network of blood vessels in each ventricle of the brain, producing the cerebrospinal fluid.

choropleth map

//

n. a map which uses shading, colouring, or symbols to show the average values of a particular quantity in different areas.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk khra ‘region’ + plthos ‘multitude’.

chorten

//

n. a Buddhist shrine.

- ORIGIN from Tibetan.

chortle

v. laugh in a gleeful way.
n. a gleeful laugh.

- ORIGIN 1871: coined by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking Glass; prob. a blend of chuckle and snort.

chorus

n. (pl. choruses)
1 a part of a song which is repeated after each verse.
2 a piece of choral music, especially one forming part of an opera or oratorio.
3 a large group of singers, especially one performing with an orchestra. a group of singers or dancers performing together in a supporting role in a musical or opera.
4 (in ancient Greek tragedy) a group of performers who comment on the main action, typically speaking and moving together. a character who speaks the prologue and links parts of the play, especially in Elizabethan drama.
5 a simultaneous utterance by many people.
6 a device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played.
v. (choruses, chorusing, chorused) (of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk khoros.

chorus girl

n. a young woman who sings or dances in the chorus of a musical.

chose

past of choose.

chosen

past participle of choose.

chota

//

adj. Indian small or unimportant.

- ORIGIN from Hindi chot.

choucroute

//

n. sauerkraut.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Ger. dial. Surkrut ‘sauerkraut’, influenced by Fr. chou ‘cabbage’.

chough

//

n.
1 a black bird of the crow family with a red or yellow downcurved bill, typically frequenting mountains and sea cliffs.   Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and other species.
2 (white-winged chough) a black and white Australian songbird.   Corcorax melanorhamphos.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. imitative.

choux pastry

//

n. very light pastry made with egg, typically used for eclairs and profiteroles.

- ORIGIN C19: from choux or chou, denoting a round cream-filled pastry, from Fr. chou (pl. choux) ‘cabbage, rosette’.

chow

//

n.
1 informal food.
2 (also chow chow) a dog of a sturdy Chinese breed with a tail curled over its back, a bluish-black tongue, and typically a dense thick coat.
v. (chow down) N. Amer. informal eat.

- ORIGIN C19: shortened from chow chow.

chow chow

n.
1 another term for chow (in sense 2).
2 a Chinese preserve of ginger, orange peel, and other ingredients, in syrup.
3 a mixed vegetable pickle.

- ORIGIN C18: pidgin Engl., of unknown ult. origin.

chowder

n. a rich soup typically containing fish, clams, or corn with potatoes and onions.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from Fr. chaudière ‘stew pot’, rel. to Old North. Fr. caudron (see cauldron).

chowderhead

n. N. Amer. informal a stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES chowderheaded adj.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. a var. of obs. jolter-head ‘thick-headed person’.

chowhound

n. US informal a very enthusiastic eater.

chowk

//

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) an open market area at the junction of two roads.

- ORIGIN from Hindi cauk.

chowkidar

// (also chokidar //)

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) a watchman or gatekeeper.

- ORIGIN from Urdu caukdr, from cauk ‘toll house’ + -dr ‘keeper’.

chow mein

/ /

n. a Chinese-style dish of fried noodles with shredded meat or seafood and vegetables.

- ORIGIN C19: from Chin. cho miàn ‘stir-fried noodles’.

CHP

abbrev. combined heat and power.

Chr.

abbrev. Chronicles (in biblical references).

chrestomathy

//

n. (pl. chrestomathies) formal a selection of passages used to help in learning a language.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khrstomatheia, from khrstos ‘useful’ + -matheia ‘learning’.

Chrimbo

(also Crimbo)

n. Brit. informal Christmas.

- ORIGIN 1920s: child's alt.

chrism

//

n. a consecrated oil used for anointing in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches.

- ORIGIN OE, from med. L. crisma, eccles. L. chrisma, from Gk khrisma ‘anointing’, from khriein ‘anoint’.

chrismation

//

n. Christian Church ceremonial anointing with chrism, especially (in the Orthodox Church) immediately after baptism.

chrisom

// (also chrisom-cloth)

n. historical a white robe put on a child at baptism, and used as its shroud if it died within the month.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of chrism, representing a popular pronunc.

Chrissake

// (also Chrissakes)

n. (in phr. for Chrissake) informal for Christ's sake (used as an exclamation of annoyance or exasperation).

- ORIGIN 1920s: representing a pronunc.

Christ

n. the title, also treated as a name, given to Jesus.
exclam. an oath used to express irritation, dismay, or surprise.

- DERIVATIVES Christhood n. Christlike adj. Christly adj.

- ORIGIN OE Crst, from L. Christus, from Gk Khristos, noun use of an adjective meaning ‘anointed’, from khriein ‘anoint’, translating Heb. mšah ‘Messiah’.

Christadelphian

//

n. a member of a Christian sect claiming to return to the beliefs and practices of the earliest disciples and expecting a second coming of Christ.
adj. relating to the Christadelphians.

- ORIGIN from late Gk Khristadelphos ‘in brotherhood with Christ’ (from Gk Khristos ‘Christ’ + adelphos ‘brother’) + -ian.

christen

v.
1 name (a baby) at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church.
2 informal use (something) for the first time.

- DERIVATIVES christener n. christening n.

- ORIGIN OE crstnian ‘make Christian’, from crsten ‘Christian’, from L. Christianus, from Christus ‘Christ’.

Christendom

n. literary the worldwide body or society of Christians.

Christian

//, //

adj.
1 relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings.
2 informal having qualities associated with Christians, e.g. kindness.
n. a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.

- DERIVATIVES Christianization (or Christianisation) n. Christianize (or Christianise) v. Christianly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. Christianus, from Christus ‘Christ’.

Christian era

n. the era beginning with the traditional date of Christ's birth.

Christianity

n. the religion based on the person and teachings of Christ.

Christian name

n. a forename, especially one given at baptism.

USAGE

In recognition of the fact that English-speaking societies have many religions and cultures, not just Christian ones, the term Christian name has largely given way, at least in official contexts, to alternative terms such as given name, first name, or forename.

Christian Science

n. the beliefs and practices of the Church of Christ Scientist, a Christian sect holding that only God and the mind have ultimate reality.

- DERIVATIVES Christian Scientist n.

Christingle

//

n. a lighted candle symbolizing Christ, held by children at Advent services.

- ORIGIN 1950s: prob. from Ger. dial. Christkindl ‘Christ-child, Christmas gift’.

Christmas

n. (pl. Christmases)
1 (also Christmas Day) the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on 25 December.
2 the period immediately before and after Christmas Day.

- DERIVATIVES Christmassy adj.

- ORIGIN OE Crstes mæsse (see Christ, Mass).

Christmas box

n. Brit. a present given at Christmas to tradespeople and employees.

Christmas cactus

n. a succulent South American plant with red, pink, or white flowers, grown as a house plant.   Schlumbergera bridgesii.

- ORIGIN so named because it flowers at about the northern midwinter.

Christmas cake

n. Brit. a rich fruit cake covered with marzipan and icing, eaten at Christmas.

Christmas disease

n. a form of haemophilia caused by deficiency of a blood-clotting factor (Factor IX) different from the one usually implicated in the disease.

- ORIGIN 1950s: Christmas, from the surname of the first patient studied.

Christmas Eve

n. the day or evening before Christmas Day.

Christmas pudding

n. Brit. a rich boiled pudding eaten at Christmas, made with flour, suet, and dried fruit.

Christmas rose

n. a small white-flowered winter-blooming hellebore.   Helleborus niger.

Christmas tree

n. an evergreen or artificial tree decorated with lights and ornaments at Christmas.

Christocentric

adj. having Christ as its centre.

Christology

n. the branch of Christian theology relating to Christ.

- DERIVATIVES Christological adj. Christologically adv.

Christ's thorn

n. a thorny shrub, popularly held to have formed Christ's crown of thorns.   Ziziphus spina-christi (Mediterranean region) and other species.

chroma

//

n. purity or intensity of colour.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khrma ‘colour’.

chromakey

//

n. a digital technique by which a block of a particular colour in a video image can be replaced by another colour or image.
v. (chromakeys, chromakeying, chromakeyed) manipulate using chromakey.

chromate

//

n. Chemistry a salt in which the anion contains both chromium and oxygen.

chromatic

adj.
1 Music relating to or using notes not belonging to the diatonic scale of the key of a passage. (of a scale) ascending or descending by semitones.
2 relating to or produced by colour.

- DERIVATIVES chromatically adv. chromaticism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. chromatique or L. chromaticus, from Gk khrmatikos, from khrma, khrmat- ‘colour, chromatic scale’.

chromatic aberration

n. Optics the effect produced by the refraction of different wavelengths of light through slightly different angles, resulting in a failure to focus.

chromaticity

//

n. the quality of colour, independent of brightness.

chromatid

//

n. Biology each of the two identical thread-like strands into which a chromosome divides during cell division.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk khrma, khrmat- ‘colour’ + -id^2.

chromatin

//

n. Biology the material of which eukaryotic chromosomes are composed, consisting of DNA and protein (and RNA at certain times).

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khrma, khrmat- ‘colour’.

chromato-

// (also chromo-)

comb. form colour; of or in colours: chromatopsia.

- ORIGIN from Gk khrma, khrmat- ‘colour’.

chromatography

//

n. Chemistry a technique for the separation of a mixture by passing it in solution or suspension through a medium in which the components move at different rates.

- DERIVATIVES chromatogram n. chromatograph n. chromatographic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from chromato- + -graphy (early separations being displayed as a number of coloured bands or spots).

chromatopsia

//

n. Medicine abnormally coloured vision.

- ORIGIN C19: from chromato- + Gk -opsia ‘seeing’.

chrome

n.
1 chromium plate as a decorative or protective finish.
2 [as modifier] denoting compounds or alloys of chromium: chrome steel.

- DERIVATIVES chromed adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Gk khrma ‘colour’ (some chromium compounds having brilliant colours).

chrome leather

n. leather tanned with chromium salts.

chrome yellow

n. a bright yellow pigment made from lead chromate.

chrominance

//

n. the colorimetric difference between a given colour in a television picture and a standard colour of equal luminance.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk khrma ‘colour’, on the pattern of luminance.

chromite

//

n. the main ore of chromium, a brownish-black oxide of chromium and iron.

chromium

n. the chemical element of atomic number 24, a hard white metal used in stainless steel and other alloys. (Symbol: Cr)

- DERIVATIVES chromic adj. chromous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from chrome + -ium.

chromium plate

n. metallic chromium electroplated on to an object as a decorative or protective coating.

chromo

//

n. (pl. chromos) N. Amer. shortened form of chromolithograph.

chromo-1

//

comb. form Chemistry representing chromium.

chromo-2

//

comb. form variant spelling of chromato-.

chromodynamics

pl. n. see quantum chromodynamics.

chromogenic

adj.
1 involving the production of colour or pigments.
2 Photography denoting a modern process of developing film which uses couplers to produce black-and-white images of very high definition.

chromolithograph

historical

n. a coloured picture printed by lithography.
v. produce (a coloured picture) by lithography.

- DERIVATIVES chromolithographer n. chromolithographic adj. chromolithography n.

chromoly

//

n. steel containing chromium and molybdenum, used to make strong, lightweight components such as bicycle frames.

- ORIGIN 1980s: blend of chromium and molybdenum.

chromosome

n. Biology a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nuclei of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

- DERIVATIVES chromosomal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from Gk khrma ‘colour’ + sma ‘body’.

chromosphere

n. a reddish gaseous layer immediately above the photosphere of the sun or another star.

- DERIVATIVES chromospheric adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from chromo-2 + sphere.

Chron.

abbrev. Chronicles (in biblical references).

chronic

adj.
1 (of an illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. (of a problem) long-lasting. having a bad habit: a chronic liar.
2 Brit. informal of a very poor quality.

- DERIVATIVES chronically adv. chronicity n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. chronique, via L. from Gk khronikos ‘of time’, from khronos ‘time’.

chronic fatigue syndrome

n. a medical condition of unknown cause, with fever, aching, and prolonged tiredness and depression.

chronicle

n. a written account of important events in the order of their occurrence.
v. record (a series of events) in a factual and detailed way.

- DERIVATIVES chronicler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. cronicle, var. of OFr. cronique, via L. from Gk khronika ‘annals’, from khronikos (see chronic).

chrono-

//

comb. form relating to time: chronometry.

- ORIGIN from Gk khronos ‘time’.

chronobiology

n. the branch of biology concerned with cyclical physiological phenomena.

- DERIVATIVES chronobiologist n.

chronograph

n. an instrument for recording time with great accuracy.

- DERIVATIVES chronographic adj.

chronological

//

adj.
1 relating to the establishment of dates of past events.
2 (of a record of events) following the order in which they occurred.

- DERIVATIVES chronologically adv.

chronology

//

n. (pl. chronologies)
1 the study of records to establish the dates of past events.
2 the arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence. a list of events or dates in chronological order.

- DERIVATIVES chronologist n.

- ORIGIN C16: from mod. L. chronologia, from Gk khronos ‘time’ + -logia (see -logy).

chronometer

//

n. an instrument for measuring time accurately in spite of motion or variations in temperature, humidity, and air pressure.

chronometry

n. the science of accurate time measurement.

- DERIVATIVES chronometric adj. chronometrical adj. chronometrically adv.

chronotherapy

n. the treatment of an illness or disorder by administering a drug at a time of day believed to be in harmony with the body's natural rhythms.

chrysalid

//

n. another term for chrysalis.

chrysalis

//

n. (pl. chrysalises) a dormant insect pupa, especially of a butterfly or moth. the hard outer case enclosing a chrysalis.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. chrysal(l)is, chrysal(l)id-, from Gk khrusallis, from khrusos ‘gold’ (because of the metallic sheen of some pupae).

chrysanthemum

//, //

n. (pl. chrysanthemums) a plant of the daisy family with brightly coloured ornamental flowers.   Genera Chrysanthemum or (most cultivated species) Dendranthema.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting the corn marigold): from L., from Gk khrusanthemon, from khrusos ‘gold’ + anthemon ‘flower’.

chryselephantine

//

adj. (of ancient Greek sculpture) overlaid with gold and ivory.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khruselephantinos, from khrusos ‘gold’ + elephas, elephant- ‘elephant’ or ‘ivory’.

chrysoberyl

//

n. a greenish or yellowish-green mineral consisting of an oxide of beryllium and aluminium.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. chrysoberyllus, from Gk khrusos ‘gold’ + brullos ‘beryl’.

chrysolite

//

n. a yellowish-green or brownish variety of olivine, used as a gemstone.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crisolite, from med. L. crisolitus, from L. chrysolithus, based on Gk khrusos ‘gold’ + lithos ‘stone’.

chrysoprase

//

n. an apple-green gemstone consisting of a variety of chalcedony that contains nickel.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crisopace, via L. from Gk khrusoprasos, from khrusos ‘gold’ + prason ‘leek’.

chrysotile

//

n. a fibrous form of the mineral serpentine.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khrusos ‘gold’ + tilos ‘fibre’.

chthonic

// (also chthonian //)

adj. relating to or inhabiting the underworld.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk khthn ‘earth’ + -ic.

chub

n. (pl. same or chubs) a thick-bodied river fish with a grey-green back and white underparts.   Leuciscus cephalus.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

Chubb

n. trademark a lock with a device for fixing the bolt immovably to prevent it from being picked.

- ORIGIN C19: after the London locksmith Charles Chubb.

chubby

adj. (chubbier, chubbiest) plump and rounded.

- DERIVATIVES chubbily adv. chubbiness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from chub.

chuck^1

informal

v.
1 throw carelessly or casually. (chuck something away/out) throw something away. (chuck someone out) force someone to leave a building.
2 end a relationship with (a partner). (usu. chuck something in) give up.
3 (chuck up) vomit.
n. (the chuck) Brit. a dismissal or rejection.

- PHRASES
chuck it down rain heavily.

- DERIVATIVES chucker n.

- ORIGIN C17: from chuck^2.

chuck^2

v. touch (someone) playfully under the chin.
n. a playful touch under the chin.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from OFr. chuquer, later choquer ‘to knock, bump’.

chuck^3

n.
1 a device for holding a workpiece in a lathe or a tool in a drill.
2 (also chuck steak) a cut of beef extending from the neck to the ribs.

- ORIGIN C17, as a var. of chock; see also chunk^1.

chuck^4

n. N. English informal used as a familiar form of address.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. of chick^1.

chuckhole

n. US a hole or rut in a road.

chuckle

v. laugh quietly or inwardly.
n. a quiet or suppressed laugh.

- DERIVATIVES chuckler n.

- ORIGIN C16: from chuck meaning ‘to cluck’ in ME.

chucklehead

n. informal a stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES chuckleheaded adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from chuckle ‘big and clumsy’, prob. rel. to chuck^3 (see sense 2).

chuck wagon

n. N. Amer. a wagon with cooking facilities providing food on a ranch or by a roadside.

- ORIGIN C19: chuck, in the informal sense ‘food, provisions’.

chuddar

n. variant spelling of chador.

chuddies

//

pl. n. informal (chiefly among British Asians) underpants.

- ORIGIN 1990s: Anglo-Indian, perh. an alt. of churidars.

chuddy

n. Austral./NZ informal or dialect chewing gum.

- ORIGIN 1940s: origin uncertain; prob. an alt. of chewed.

chuff

v. (of a steam engine) move with a regular sharp puffing sound.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: imitative.

chuffed

adj. Brit. informal very pleased.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from dial. chuff ‘plump or pleased’.

chug^1

v. (chugs, chugging, chugged) move with a series of regular muffled explosive sounds, as of an engine running slowly.
n. a chugging sound.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative.

chug^2

v. (chugs, chugging, chugged) N. Amer. informal consume (a drink) in large gulps without pausing.

- ORIGIN 1980s: imitative.

chukar

// (also chukor)

n. a partridge similar to the red-legged partridge, but with a call like a domestic hen.   Genus Alectoris: two species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sanskrit cakora.

Chukchi

//

n. (pl. same or Chukchis)
1 a member of an indigenous people of extreme NE Siberia.
2 the language of the Chukchi, belonging to a small family also including Koryak.

- ORIGIN from Russ.

chukka

// (US also chukker)

n. each of a number of periods (typically six, of 7^1/2 minutes each) into which play in a game of polo is divided.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi cakkar, from Sanskrit cakra ‘circle or wheel’.

chum^1

informal

n. a close friend.
v. (chums, chumming, chummed)
1 (chum up) form a friendship with someone.
2 Scottish accompany (someone) somewhere.

- DERIVATIVES chummily adv. chumminess n. chummy adj.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. short for chamber-fellow; cf. comrade and crony.

chum^2

chiefly N. Amer.

n. chopped fish and other material used as bait. the remains of fish, especially after oil has been expressed.
v. (chums, chumming, chummed) fish using chum as bait.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

chum^3

n. (pl. same or chums) a large North Pacific salmon that is commercially important as a food fish.   Oncorhynchus keta.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Chinook Jargon tzum (samun), lit. ‘spotted (salmon)’.

Chumash

//

n. (pl. same or Chumashes)
1 a member of an American Indian people of coastal parts of southern California.
2 the extinct Hokan language of the Chumash.

chumble

v. dialect nibble; chew.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. imitative.

chump

n.
1 informal a foolish person.
2 Brit. the thick end of something, especially a loin of lamb or mutton.

- PHRASES
off one's chump Brit. informal, dated mad.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. a blend of chunk^1 and lump^1 or stump.

chump change

n. US informal a very small amount of money.

chunder

informal, chiefly Austral./NZ

v. vomit.
n. vomit.

- ORIGIN 1950s: prob. from rhyming sl. Chunder Loo ‘spew’, from the name of a cartoon character Chunder Loo of Akim Foo in the Sydney Bulletin.

chunk^1

n. a thick, solid piece. a large amount.
v. N. Amer. divide into chunks.

- ORIGIN C17: appar. an alt. of chuck^3.

chunk^2

v. make a muffled, metallic sound.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative.

chunky

adj. (chunkier, chunkiest)
1 bulky and thick. (of a person) short and sturdy.
2 containing chunks.

- DERIVATIVES chunkily adv. chunkiness n.

chunter

v. Brit. informal
1 chatter or grumble monotonously.
2 move slowly and noisily.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. imitative.

chuppah

// (also chuppa)

n. (pl. chuppot //) a canopy beneath which Jewish marriage ceremonies are performed.

- ORIGIN C19: from Heb. hupph ‘cover, canopy’.

church

n.
1 a building used for public Christian worship.
2 (Church) a particular Christian organization with its own distinctive doctrines.
3 institutionalized religion as a political or social force: the separation of church and state.
v. archaic take (a woman who has recently given birth) to church for a service of thanksgiving.

- PHRASES
the Church Militant the body of living Christian believers, regarded as striving to combat evil on earth (contrasted with the Church Triumphant in heaven).

- ORIGIN OE cir(i)ce, cyr(i)ce, based on med. Gk kurikon, from Gk kuriakon (dma) ‘Lord's (house)’, from kurios ‘master or lord’.

Church Commissioners

pl. n. a body managing the finances of the Church of England.

churchgoer

n. a person who goes to church regularly.

- DERIVATIVES churchgoing n. & adj.

Churchillian

//

adj. relating to or characteristic of the British statesman Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965).

churchman

(or churchwoman)

n. (pl. churchmen or churchwomen) a member of the Christian clergy or of a Church.

Church of England

n. the English branch of the Western Christian Church, which combines Catholic and Protestant traditions, rejects the Pope's authority, and has the monarch as its titular head.

Church of Scotland

n. the national (Presbyterian) Christian Church in Scotland.

church school

n. (in the UK) a school founded by or associated with the Church of England. (in the US) a private school supported by a Church.

Church Slavonic

n. the liturgical language used in the Orthodox Church in Russia, Serbia, and some other countries.

churchwarden

n.
1 either of two elected lay representatives in an Anglican parish. US a church administrator.
2 Brit. a long-stemmed clay pipe.

churchy

adj.
1 excessively pious.
2 resembling a church.

- DERIVATIVES churchiness n.

churchyard

n. an enclosed area surrounding a church, especially as used for burials.

churidars

//

pl. n. tight trousers worn by people from the Indian subcontinent.

- ORIGIN from Hindi crdr ‘having a series of gathered rows’ (the trousers traditionally being worn too long and tucked up).

churinga

//

n. (pl. same or churingas) (among Australian Aboriginals) a sacred object.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arrernte, lit. ‘object from the Dreaming’.

churl

n.
1 an impolite and mean-spirited person. archaic a miser.
2 archaic a peasant.

- ORIGIN OE ceorl, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to carl.

churlish

adj. rude, mean-spirited, and surly.

- DERIVATIVES churlishly adv. churlishness n.

churn

n.
1 a machine for making butter by agitating milk or cream.
2 Brit. a large metal milk can.
v.
1 agitate (milk or cream) in a churn to produce butter.
2 move (liquid) about vigorously.
3 (churn something out) produce something in large quantities and without much thought.
4 [as adj. churned up] upset or nervous.

- ORIGIN OE cyrin, of Gmc origin.

churn rate

n. the rate at which customers discontinue using a service, in particular cable and satellite television or Internet providers.

churr

v. & n. variant spelling of chirr.

churrasco

//

n. a South American dish of steak barbecued over a wood or charcoal fire.

- ORIGIN Latin Amer. Sp., prob. from Sp. dial. churrascar ‘to burn’, rel. to Sp. soccarar ‘to scorch’.

Churrigueresque

//

adj. Architecture relating to the lavishly ornamented late Spanish baroque style.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of the 17th-cent. Spanish architect José Benito de Churriguera.

chute^1

(also shoot)

n. a sloping channel or slide for conveying things to a lower level. a water slide into a swimming pool.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., ‘fall’ (of water or rocks); influenced by shoot.

chute^2

n. informal
1 a parachute.
2 Sailing a spinnaker.

- DERIVATIVES chutist n.

chutney

n. (pl. chutneys) a spicy condiment made of fruits or vegetables with vinegar, spices, and sugar.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi catn.

chutzpah

//, //

n. informal extreme self-confidence or audacity.

- ORIGIN C19: Yiddish, from Aramaic hu sp.

Chuvash

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a people living in Chuvashia, an autonomous republic in Russia.
2 the Turkic language of the Chuvash.

chyle

//

n. Physiology a milky fluid which drains from the small intestine into the lymphatic system during digestion.

- DERIVATIVES chylous adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. chylus, from Gk khlos ‘juice’.

chyme

//

n. Physiology the fluid which passes from the stomach to the small intestine, consisting of gastric juices and partly digested food.

- DERIVATIVES chymous adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. chymus, from Gk khmos ‘juice’.

chymotrypsin

//

n. a pancreatic enzyme which breaks down proteins in the small intestine.

chypre

//

n. a heavy perfume made from sandalwood.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘Cyprus’, perh. where it was first made.

CI

abbrev.
1 Channel Islands.
2 Ivory Coast (international vehicle registration). [ORIGIN from Fr. Côte d'Ivoire.]

Ci

abbrev. curie.

CIA

abbrev. (in the US) Central Intelligence Agency.

ciabatta

//

n. a flattish, open-textured Italian bread, made with olive oil.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘slipper’ (from its shape).

ciao

//

exclam. informal used as a greeting at meeting or parting.

- ORIGIN Ital., dial. alt. of schiavo ‘(I am your) slave’.

ciborium

//

n. (pl. ciboria //)
1 a receptacle with an arched cover, used in the Christian Church to hold the Eucharist.
2 a canopy over an altar in a church, standing on four pillars.

- ORIGIN C16: via med. L. from Gk kibrion ‘seed vessel of the water lily, or a cup made from it’.

cicada

//

n. a large bug with long transparent wings, the males of which make a loud shrill droning noise after dark.   Family Cicadidae: many species.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cicada, cicala.

cicatrix

// (also cicatrice //)

n. (pl. cicatrices //)
1 a scar.
2 Botany a mark on a stem left after a leaf or other part has become detached.

- DERIVATIVES cicatricial // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cicatrix or OFr. cicatrice.

cicatrize

(or cicatrise) //

v. heal by scar formation.

- DERIVATIVES cicatrization n.

cicely

// (also sweet cicely)

n. (pl. cicelies) an aromatic white-flowered plant of the parsley family, with fern-like leaves.   Myrrhis odorata (Europe), Osmorhiza claytoni (N. America), and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. seselis, from Gk; influenced by the given name Cicely.

cicerone

//, //

n. (pl. ciceroni pronunc. same) a guide who gives information to sightseers.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., from L. Cicero, Ciceron- (see Ciceronian), appar. alluding to the guides' learning.

Ciceronian

//

adj.
1 characteristic of the work and thought of Cicero (106–43 bc), a writer and orator of ancient Rome.
2 (of speech or writing) eloquent and rhythmic.

cichlid

//

n. Zoology a perch-like freshwater fish of a large tropical family (Cichlidae).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Cichlidae, from Gk kikhl, denoting a kind of fish.

cicisbeo

//

n. (pl. cicisbei //or cicisbeos) a married woman's male companion or lover.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., of unknown origin.

CID

abbrev. (in the UK) Criminal Investigation Department.

-cide

comb. form
1 denoting a person or substance that kills: insecticide.
2 denoting an act of killing: suicide.

- DERIVATIVES -cidal comb. form. -cidally comb. form.

- ORIGIN via Fr.; sense 1 from L. -cida; sense 2 from L. -cidium, both from caedere ‘kill’.

cider

n. Brit. an alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice. (also sweet cider) N. Amer. an unfermented drink made from crushed fruit, typically apples.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. sidre, via eccles. L. from eccles. Gk sikera, from Heb. škr ‘strong drink’.

ci-devant

//

adj. former: her ci-devant pupil.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘heretofore’.

c.i.f.

abbrev. cost, insurance, freight (as included in a price).

cigar

n. a cylinder of tobacco rolled in tobacco leaves for smoking.

- PHRASES
close but no cigar N. Amer. informal almost but not quite successful.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. cigare, or from Sp. cigarro, prob. from Mayan sik'ar ‘smoking’.

cigarette

n. a thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., dimin. of cigare (see cigar).

cigarette card

n. Brit. a small collectable card with a picture on it, formerly included in packets of cigarettes.

cigarette pants

pl. n. women's trousers with straight, very narrow legs.

cigarillo

//

n. (pl. cigarillos) a small cigar.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., dimin. of cigarro (see cigar).

ciggy

n. (pl. ciggies) informal a cigarette.

ciguatera

//

n. poisoning caused by eating tropical marine fish that carry a toxic dinoflagellate.

- ORIGIN C19: from Amer. Sp., from cigua ‘sea snail’.

cilantro

//

n. N. Amer. coriander.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Sp., from L. coliandrum ‘coriander’.

cilia

plural form of cilium.

ciliary

//

adj.
1 Biology relating to or involving cilia.
2 Anatomy relating to the eyelashes or eyelids.

ciliary body

n. Anatomy the part of the eye that connects the iris to the choroid.

ciliate

//

n. Zoology a single-celled animal of a phylum (Ciliophora) distinguished by the possession of cilia.
adj.
1 Zoology bearing cilia.
2 Botany having a fringe of hairs.

- DERIVATIVES ciliated adj. ciliation n.

cilice

//

n. haircloth.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. cilicium, from Gk kilikion, from Kilikia, the Gk name for Cilicia, an ancient region of SE Asia Minor (because the cloth was made of Cilician goats' hair).

cilium

//

n. (usu. in pl. cilia //)
1 Biology a short microscopic hair-like vibrating structure, occurring in large numbers on the surface of certain cells.
2 Anatomy an eyelash.

- ORIGIN C18: from L.

cill

n. chiefly Building variant spelling of sill.

cimbalom

//

n. a large Hungarian dulcimer.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hungarian, from Ital. cembalo, cimbalo, from L. cymbalum (see cymbal).

cimetidine

//

n. Medicine a drug used to treat stomach acidity and peptic ulcers.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from ci- (alt. of cy- in cyano-) + met(hyl) + -ide + -ine^4.

C.-in-C.

abbrev. Commander-in-Chief.

cinch

n.
1 informal an extremely easy task. chiefly N. Amer. a certainty.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a girth for a Western saddle or pack, used in Mexico and the western US.
v. chiefly N. Amer. secure with a belt. fix (a saddle) securely by means of a girth.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. cincha ‘girth’.

cinchona

//

n. a medicinal drug containing quinine and related compounds, made from the dried bark of various South American trees.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L. (genus name), named after the Countess of Chinchón, who brought the drug to Spain.

cincture

//

n.
1 literary a girdle or belt.
2 Architecture a ring at either end of a column shaft.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cinctura, from cinct-, cingere ‘encircle’.

cinder

n. a piece of burnt coal or wood that has stopped giving off flames but still has combustible matter in it.

- DERIVATIVES cindery adj.

- ORIGIN OE sinder ‘slag’, of Gmc origin (cf. sinter); influenced by Fr. cendre (from L. cinis ‘ashes’).

cinder block

n. N. Amer. a breeze block.

cinder cone

n. a cone formed round a volcanic vent by fragments of lava from eruptions.

Cinderella

//

n. a person or thing that is undeservedly neglected or ignored.

- ORIGIN a girl in a fairy tale who is exploited as a servant by her family but is enabled by a fairy godmother to attend a ball, where she meets Prince Charming.

cine

//

adj. Brit. cinematographic: a cine camera.

cine-

//

comb. form representing cinematographic (see cinematography).

cineaste

// (also cineast)

n. a person who is fond of or knowledgeable about the cinema.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Fr. cinéaste, from ciné (from cinéma).

cinema

n. chiefly Brit.
1 a theatre where films are shown.
2 the production of films as an art or industry.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr. cinéma, abbrev. of cinématographe (see cinematograph).

cinematic

adj. relating to or characteristic of the cinema.

- DERIVATIVES cinematically adv.

cinematograph

// (also kinematograph)

n. historical, chiefly Brit. an early film projector.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cinématographe, from Gk kinma, kinmat- ‘movement’, from kinein ‘to move’.

cinematography

//

n. the art of photography and camerawork in film-making.

- DERIVATIVES cinematographer n. cinematographic adj. cinematographically adv.

cinéma-vérité

//

n. a style of film-making characterized by realistic films avoiding artistic effect.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘cinema truth’.

cinephile

n. an enthusiast of the cinema.

cineplex

n. trademark, chiefly N. Amer. a multiplex cinema.

cineraria

//

n. a plant of the daisy family, cultivated as a winter-flowering pot plant.   Genus Pericallis (formerly Cineraria).

- ORIGIN mod. L., fem. of L. cinerarius ‘of ashes’ (because of the ash-coloured down on the leaves).

cinerarium

//

n. (pl. cinerariums) a place where a cinerary urn is kept.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L., neut. of cinerarius ‘of ashes’.

cinerary urn

//

n. an urn for holding a person's ashes after cremation.

- ORIGIN C18: cinerary from L. cinerarius ‘of ashes’.

cinereous

//

adj. ash-grey.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cinereus ‘similar to ashes’ (from cinis, ciner- ‘ashes’) + -ous.

cingulum

//

n. (pl. cingula //) Anatomy
1 a curved bundle of nerve fibres in the brain.
2 a ridge of enamel on the crown of a tooth.

- DERIVATIVES cingulate adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘belt’, from cingere ‘gird’.

cinnabar

//

n.
1 a bright red mineral consisting of mercury sulphide.
2 (also cinnabar moth) a day-flying moth with black and red wings.   Tyria jacobaeae.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cinnabaris, from Gk kinnabari, of oriental origin.

cinnamon

n.
1 an aromatic spice made from the dried and rolled bark of a SE Asian tree.
2 the tree which yields cinnamon.   Cinnamomum zeylanicum and related species.
3 a yellowish-brown colour.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cinnamome (from Gk kinnammon), and L. cinnamon, both from a Semitic lang. and perh. based on Malay.

cinque

// (also cinq)

n.
1 the five on dice.
2 (cinques) Bell-ringing a system of change-ringing using eleven bells, with five pairs changing places each time.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cinc, cink, from L. quinque ‘five’.

cinquecento

//

n. the 16th century as a period of Italian art and literature with a reversion to classical forms.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘500’ (shortened from milcinquecento ‘1500’) used with ref. to the years 1500–99.

cinquefoil

//

n.
1 a herbaceous plant of the rose family, with compound leaves of five leaflets and five-petalled yellow flowers.   Genus Potentilla.
2 Art an ornamental design of five lobes arranged in a circle.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. quinquefolium, from quinque ‘five’ + folium ‘leaf’.

Cinzano

//

n. trademark an Italian vermouth.

CIO

abbrev. Congress of Industrial Organizations.

cipher^1

// (also cypher)

n.
1 a code. a key to a code.
2 dated a zero.
3 an unimportant person or thing.
4 a monogram.
v.
1 encode (a message).
2 archaic do arithmetic.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cifre, based on Arab. sifr ‘zero’.

cipher^2

n. a continuous sounding of an organ pipe, caused by a defect.
v. (of an organ pipe) sound continuously.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from cipher^1.

cipolin

//

n. an Italian marble with veins of talc, mica, or quartz, showing white and green streaks.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. cipollino, from cipolla ‘onion’ (because the veins of other minerals resemble those of onion skin).

circa

//

prep. approximately.

- ORIGIN C19: from L.

circadian

//

adj. (of biological processes) recurring naturally on a twenty-four-hour cycle.

- ORIGIN 1950s: formed irregularly from L. circa ‘about’ + dies ‘day’.

Circassian

//

n.
1 a member of a group of mainly Sunni Muslim peoples of the NW Caucasus.
2 either of two North Caucasian languages of the Circassians, Adyghe and Kabardian.
adj. relating to the Circassians.

- ORIGIN from Circassia, Latinized form of Russ. Cherkes, denoting a district in the northern Caucasus.

circinate

//, //

adj.
1 Botany rolled up with the tip in the centre.
2 Medicine circular.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. circinat-, circinare ‘make round’.

circle

n.
1 a round plane figure whose boundary consists of points equidistant from the centre. a group of people or things forming a circle.
2 a curved upper tier of seats in a theatre.
3 a group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances.
v. move or be situated all the way around. draw a line around.

- PHRASES
circle the wagons N. Amer. informal unite in defence of something. [ORIGIN with ref. to the defensive position of a wagon train under attack.]
come (or turn) full circle return to a past position or situation.
go (or run) round in circles informal do something for a long time without achieving anything.

- ORIGIN OE, from OFr. cercle, from L. circulus ‘small ring’, dimin. of circus ‘ring’.

circlet

n.
1 an ornamental circular band worn on the head.
2 a small circular arrangement or object.

circlip

//

n. Brit. a metal ring sprung into a slot in a bar to hold something in place.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: blend of circle or circular and clip^1.

circs

pl. n. Brit. informal circumstances.

circuit

n.
1 a roughly circular line, route, or movement.
2 Brit. a track used for motor racing, horse racing, or athletics.
3 a system of electrical conductors and components forming a complete path around which an electric current can flow.
4 an established series of sporting events or entertainments. a series of athletic exercises performed in one training session. a regular journey by a judge around a district to hear court cases.
5 a group of Methodist Churches forming an administrative unit.
v. move all the way around.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. circuitus, from circuire, var. of circumire ‘go round’.

circuit board

n. a thin rigid board containing an electric circuit.

circuit-breaker

n. an automatic safety device for stopping the flow of current in an electric circuit.

circuitous

//

adj. (of a route) longer than the most direct way.

- DERIVATIVES circuitously adv. circuitousness n.

circuitry

n. (pl. circuitries) electric circuits collectively.

circular

adj.
1 having the form of a circle.
2 Logic (of an argument) already containing an assumption of what is to be proved.
3 (of a letter or advertisement) for distribution to a large number of people.
n. a circular letter or advertisement.

- DERIVATIVES circularity n. circularly adv.

circular breathing

n. a technique of inhaling through the nose while blowing air through the lips, used especially by players of wind instruments.

circularize

(or circularise)

v.
1 distribute a large number of letters or leaflets to.
2 make circular.

- DERIVATIVES circularization n.

circular polarization

n. Physics polarization in which either the electric or the magnetic vector of the light rotates in a circle perpendicular to the path of propagation.

circular saw

n. a power saw with a rapidly rotating toothed disc.

circulate

v.
1 move or cause to move continuously or freely through a closed area. move around a social function and talk to many people.
2 pass or cause to pass from place to place or person to person.

- DERIVATIVES circulative adj. circulator n.

- ORIGIN C15 (as an alchemical term meaning ‘distil something, allowing condensed vapour to return to the original liquid’): from L. circulat-, circulare ‘move in a circular path’, from circulus (see circle).

circulating library

n. historical a small library with books lent for a fee.

circulating medium

n. a commodity used in commercial exchange, especially coins or gold.

circulation

n.
1 movement to and fro or around something. the continuous motion by which blood travels through the body.
2 the public availability or knowledge of something: his music has achieved wide circulation.
3 the number of copies sold of a newspaper or magazine.

- PHRASES
in (or out of) circulation
1 available (or unavailable) for general use.
2 (of a person) seen (or not seen) in public.

- DERIVATIVES circulatory adj.

circum-

//

prefix about; around: circumambulate | circumpolar.

- ORIGIN from L. circum ‘round’.

circumambient

//

adj. literary or formal surrounding.

- DERIVATIVES circumambience n. circumambiency n.

circumambulate

//

v. formal walk all the way round.

- DERIVATIVES circumambulation n. circumambulatory adj.

circumcircle

n. Geometry a circle touching all the vertices of a triangle or polygon.

circumcise

//

v.
1 cut off the foreskin of (a young boy or man) as a Jewish or Islamic rite, or as a medical treatment.
2 cut off the clitoris, and sometimes the labia, of (a girl or young woman) as a traditional practice in some cultures.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. circonciser, or from L. circumcis-, circumcidere ‘cut around’.

circumcision

n.
1 the action or practice of circumcising. (also female circumcision) (in some cultures) the traditional practice of cutting off the clitoris and sometimes the labia of girls or young women.
2 (Circumcision) (in church use) the feast of the Circumcision of Christ, 1 January.

circumference

//

n.
1 the enclosing boundary of a circle.
2 the distance around something.

- DERIVATIVES circumferential adj. circumferentially adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. circonference, from L. circumferentia, from circum ‘around’ + ferre ‘carry’.

circumflex

//

n. a mark (^) placed over a vowel in some languages to indicate contraction, length, or another quality.
adj. Anatomy curved.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. circumflexus (from circum ‘around’ + flectere ‘to bend’), translating Gk perispmenos ‘drawn around’.

circumfluent

//

adj. rare flowing round; surrounding.

- DERIVATIVES circumfluence n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. circumfluent-, circumfluere ‘flow around’.

circumfuse

//

v. archaic pour (a liquid) so as to encircle something.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. circumfus-, circumfundere ‘pour around’.

circumjacent

//

adj. archaic surrounding.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. circumjacent-, circumjacere ‘lie round about, border upon’.

circumlocution

//

n. the use of many words where fewer would do.

- DERIVATIVES circumlocutory // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. circumlocutio(n-) (translating Gk periphrasis), from circum ‘around’ + locutio(n-) from loqui ‘speak’.

circumlunar

adj. moving or situated around the moon.

circumnavigate

v. sail all the way around.

- DERIVATIVES circumnavigation n. circumnavigator n.

circumpolar

//

adj.
1 situated or occurring around one of the earth's poles.
2 Astronomy (of a star) above the horizon at all times in a given latitude.

circumscribe

v.
1 restrict; limit.
2 Geometry draw (a figure) round another, touching it at points but not cutting it. Compare with inscribe.

- DERIVATIVES circumscriber n. circumscription n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. circumscribere, from circum ‘around’ + scribere ‘write’.

circumsolar

//

adj. moving or situated around the sun.

circumspect

adj. cautious or prudent.

- DERIVATIVES circumspection n. circumspectly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. circumspectus, from circumspicere ‘look around’.

circumstance

n.
1 a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.
2 (circumstances) one's state of financial or material welfare.
3 archaic ceremony and public display: pomp and circumstance.

- PHRASES
under (or in) the circumstances given the difficult nature of the situation.
under (or in) no circumstances never.

- DERIVATIVES circumstanced adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. circonstance or L. circumstantia, from circumstare ‘encircle, encompass’.

circumstantial

adj.
1 (of evidence or a legal case) pointing indirectly towards someone's guilt.
2 (of a description) containing full details.

- DERIVATIVES circumstantiality n. circumstantially adv.

circumterrestrial

adj. moving or situated around the earth.

circumvallate

//

v. literary surround with or as if with a rampart.
adj.
1 literary surrounded or surrounding as if by a rampart.
2 Anatomy denoting papillae near the back of the tongue, surrounded by taste receptors.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. circumvallat-, circumvallare ‘surround with a rampart’.

circumvent

//

v.
1 find a way around (an obstacle or problem).
2 archaic outwit.

- DERIVATIVES circumvention n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cirumvent- ‘skirted around’, from circumvenire, from circum ‘around’ + venire ‘come’.

circumvolution

//

n. a winding movement of one thing round another.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. circumvolut-, circumvolvere ‘roll around’.

circus

n. (pl. circuses)
1 a travelling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances typically in a large tent.
2 (in ancient Rome) a circular or oval sporting arena lined with tiers of seats.
3 informal a scene of lively activity.
4 Brit. a circular open space in a town where several streets converge: Piccadilly Circus.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., ‘ring or circus’.

ciré

//

n. fabric with a shiny surface obtained by waxing and heating.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘waxed’.

cire perdue

/ /

n. a method of casting bronze using a clay core and a wax coating placed in a mould; the wax is melted in the mould and bronze poured into the space left, producing a hollow bronze figure when the core is discarded.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘lost wax’.

cirl bunting

//

n. a bunting related to the yellowhammer, the male having a distinctive facial pattern and a black throat.   Emberiza cirlus.

- ORIGIN C18: cirl from Ital. cirlo, prob. from zirlare ‘whistle as a thrush’.

cirque

//

n.
1 Geology a steep-sided hollow at the head of a valley or on a mountainside.
2 literary a ring, circlet, or circle.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from L. circus.

cirrhosis

//

n. a chronic liver disease marked by degeneration of cells, inflammation, and thickening of tissue.

- DERIVATIVES cirrhotic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk kirrhos ‘tawny’ (the colour of the liver in many cases).

cirriped

// (also cirripede //)

n. Zoology a crustacean of a class (Cirripedia) that comprises the barnacles.

- ORIGIN mod. L. Cirripedia, from L. cirrus ‘a curl’ (because of the form of the legs) + pes, ped- ‘foot’.

cirrocumulus

//

n. cloud forming a broken layer of small fleecy clouds at high altitude.

cirrostratus

//, //

n. cloud forming a thin, uniform semi-translucent layer at high altitude.

cirrus

//

n. (pl. cirri //)
1 cloud forming wispy streaks at high altitude.
2 Zoology a slender tendril or hair-like filament, e.g. the barbel of a fish. Botany a tendril.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., lit. ‘a curl’.

CIS

abbrev. Commonwealth of Independent States.

cis-

prefix
1 on this side of: cislunar. historical on the side nearer to Rome: cisalpine.
2 closer to the present: cis-Elizabethan.
3 Chemistry (usu. cis-) denoting molecules in which two particular atoms or groups lie on the same side of a given plane, in particular denoting an isomer in which substituents at opposite ends of a carbon–carbon double bond are on the same side of the bond: cis-1,2-dichloroethene.

- ORIGIN from L. cis.

cisalpine

//

adj. on the southern side of the Alps.

cisatlantic

//

adj. on the same side of the Atlantic as the speaker.

cisco

//

n. (pl. ciscoes) a northern freshwater whitefish, important as a food fish.   Genus Coregonus, several species.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

cislunar

//

adj. between the earth and the moon.

cisplatin

//

n. Medicine a compound of platinum used in cancer chemotherapy.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from cis- + platinum.

cispontine

//

adj. archaic on the north side of the Thames bridges in London.

- ORIGIN C19: from cis- + L. pons, pont- ‘bridge’.

cissing

//

n. (in decorating) failure of paint to adhere properly to a surface.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

cissy

n. & adj. Brit. variant spelling of sissy.

cist^1

// (also kist)

n. Archaeology a coffin or burial chamber made from stone or a hollowed tree.

- ORIGIN Welsh, lit. ‘chest’.

cist^2

//

n. (in ancient Greece) a box for sacred utensils.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cista, from Gk kist ‘box’.

Cistercian

//

n. a monk or nun of an order that is a stricter branch of the Benedictines.
adj. relating to the Cistercians.

- ORIGIN from Fr. cistercien, from Cistercium, the L. name of Cîteaux near Dijon in France, where the order was founded.

cistern

n.
1 a water storage tank, especially as part of a flushing toilet.
2 an underground reservoir for rainwater.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cisterne, from L. cisterna, from cista (see cist^2).

cistron

//

n. Biochemistry a section of a DNA molecule that codes for a specific polypeptide or protein.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from cis- + trans- (because of the possibility of two genes being on the same or different chromosomes) + -on.

cistus

//

n. a shrub with large white or red flowers, the twigs of which yield ladanum.   Genus Cistus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kistos.

citadel

//, //

n.
1 a fortress protecting or dominating a city.
2 a meeting hall of the Salvation Army.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. citadelle, or from Ital. cittadella, based on L. civitas (see city).

citation

//

n.
1 a quotation from or reference to a book or author.
2 a mention of a praiseworthy act in an official report. a note accompanying an award, giving reasons for it.
3 Law a reference to a former case, used as guidance or in support of an argument.
4 N. Amer. a summons to appear in court.

cite

//

v.
1 quote (a book or author) as evidence for an argument. mention as an example.
2 mention (someone, especially a soldier) in an official report for a praiseworthy act.
3 Law summon to appear in a law court.

- DERIVATIVES citable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. citer, from L. citare, from ciere, cire ‘to call’.

CITES

//

abbrev. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

citified

(also cityfied)

adj. chiefly derogatory characteristic of or adjusted to a city.

citizen

n.
1 a legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth.
2 an inhabitant of a town or city.

- DERIVATIVES citizenry n. citizenship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. citezein, alt. of OFr. citeain, based on L. civitas (see city).

Citizens' Advice Bureau

n. (in the UK) an office providing free advice on civil matters.

citizen's arrest

n. an arrest by an ordinary person without a warrant, allowable in certain cases.

Citizens' Band

n. a range of radio frequencies which are allocated for local communication by private individuals.

Citizen's Charter

n. a document setting out the rights of citizens, especially a British government document guaranteeing citizens the right of redress where a public service fails to meet certain standards.

citole

//

n. a lute-like medieval stringed instrument, forerunner of the cittern.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. cithara (see cittern).

citral

//

n. Chemistry a fragrant liquid occurring in citrus and lemon grass oils and used in flavourings and perfumes.

citrate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of citric acid.

citric

adj. derived from or related to citrus fruit.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. citrus ‘citron tree’ + -ic.

citric acid

n. Chemistry a sharp-tasting crystalline acid present in the juice of lemons and other sour fruits, used commercially as a flavouring and setting agent.

citrine

//

n. a glassy yellow variety of quartz.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. citrin ‘lemon-coloured’, from med. L. citrinus, from L. citrus ‘citron tree’.

citron

//

n.
1 a shrubby Asian tree bearing large lemon-like fruits with thick fragrant peel.   Citrus medica.
2 the fruit of the citron tree.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. citrus ‘citron tree’, on the pattern of limon ‘lemon’.

citronella

n.
1 a fragrant natural oil used as an insect repellent and in perfume.
2 the South Asian grass from which citronella is obtained.   Cymbopogon nardus.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from citron + the dimin. suffix -ella.

citrus

n. (pl. citruses)
1 a tree of a genus that includes citron, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit.   Genus Citrus.
2 (also citrus fruit) a fruit from a citrus tree.

- DERIVATIVES citrous adj. citrusy adj.

- ORIGIN L., ‘citron tree, thuja’.

cittern

//

n. a lute-like stringed instrument with a flattened back and wire strings, used in 16th- and 17th-century Europe.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cithara, from Gk kithara, denoting a kind of harp; the spelling has been influenced by gittern.

city

n. (pl. cities)
1 a large town, in particular (Brit.) a town created a city by charter and typically containing a cathedral. N. Amer. a municipal centre incorporated by the state or province.
2 (the City) the part of London governed by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation. the financial and commercial institutions in the City of London.

- DERIVATIVES cityward adj. & adv. citywards adv.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a town): from OFr. cite, from L. civitas, from civis ‘citizen’.

City Company

n. (in the UK) a corporation descended from an ancient trade guild of London.

city desk

n. Brit. the department of a newspaper dealing with business news. N. Amer. the department of a newspaper dealing with local news.

city father

n. a person concerned with the administration of a city.

cityfied

adj. variant spelling of citified.

city hall

n. [treated as sing.] N. Amer. municipal offices or officers collectively.

cityscape

n. a city landscape.

city slicker

n. informal, derogatory a person with the sophisticated tastes or values associated with city dwellers.

city state

n. chiefly historical a city and surrounding territory that forms an independent state.

City Technology College

n. (in the UK) a type of secondary school set up to teach technology and science in inner-city areas.

citywide

adj. & adv. extending throughout a city.

civet

//

n.
1 a slender nocturnal cat with a barred and spotted coat, native to Africa and Asia.   Viverra civetta (Africa), and other species.
2 a strong musky perfume obtained from the scent glands of the civet.
3 US the ring-tailed cat or cacomistle.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. civette, ult. from Arab. zabd.

civic

adj. relating to a city or town or to the duties or activities of its citizens.

- DERIVATIVES civically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. civique or L. civicus, from civis ‘citizen’.

civic centre

n.
1 Brit. a building containing municipal offices.
2 N. Amer. a large public building or complex for meetings, sport, etc.

civics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of the rights and duties of citizenship.

civil

adj.
1 relating to ordinary citizens, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters.
2 Law non-criminal: a civil court.
3 courteous and polite.
4 (of time measurement) fixed by custom or law, not natural or astronomical.

- DERIVATIVES civilly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. civilis, from civis ‘citizen’.

civil commotion

n. English Law a riot.

civil defence

n. the organization and training of civilians to prepare for attacks in wartime.

civil disobedience

n. the refusal to comply with certain laws as a political protest.

civil engineer

n. an engineer who designs roads, bridges, dams, etc.

- DERIVATIVES civil engineering n.

civilian

n. a person not in the armed services or the police force.
adj. denoting or relating to civilians.

- DERIVATIVES civilianization (or civilianisation) n. civilianize (or civilianise) v.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a practitioner of civil law): from OFr. civilien, in the phr. droit civilien ‘civil law’.

civility

n. (pl. civilities) politeness and courtesy. (civilities) polite remarks used in formal conversation.

civilization

(or civilisation)

n.
1 an advanced stage or system of human social development. the process of achieving civilization.
2 a civilized nation or region.

civilize

(or civilise)

v.
1 [usu. as adj. civilized] bring to an advanced stage of social development.
2 [as adj. civilized] polite and good-mannered.

- DERIVATIVES civilizable adj. civilizer n.

civil law

n.
1 law concerned with ordinary citizens, rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs.
2 the system of law predominant on the European continent, influenced by that of ancient Rome.

civil liberty

n. freedom of action and speech subject to laws established for the good of the community. (civil liberties) one's rights to this.

- DERIVATIVES civil libertarian n.

Civil List

n. (in the UK) a fixed annual allowance voted by Parliament to meet the official expenses incurred by the Queen in her role as head of state.

civil marriage

n. a marriage without religious ceremony.

civil rights

pl. n. the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

civil servant

n. a member of the civil service.

civil service

n. the permanent professional branches of state administration, excluding military and judicial branches and elected politicians.

civil union

n. (in some countries) a legally recognized union of a same-sex couple, with rights similar to those of marriage.

civil war

n. a war between citizens of the same country.

civil wrong

n. Law an infringement of a person's rights.

civvy

n. (pl. civvies) informal
1 a civilian.
2 (civvies) civilian clothes, as opposed to uniform.

- PHRASES
Civvy Street Brit. informal civilian life.

CJ

abbrev. Chief Justice.

CJD

abbrev. Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease.

CL

abbrev.
1 chemiluminescence.
2 Sri Lanka (international vehicle registration). [ORIGIN from Ceylon (former name for Sri Lanka).]

Cl

symb. the chemical element chlorine.

cl

abbrev. centilitre.

clabber

chiefly US

n. milk that has clotted on souring.
v. curdle or cause to curdle.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. bainne clabair, denoting thick milk for churning.

clack

v.
1 make or cause to make a sharp sound as of a hard object striking another.
2 archaic chatter loudly.
n.
1 a clacking sound.
2 archaic loud chatter.

- DERIVATIVES clacker n.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative.

clad^1

archaic or literary past participle of clothe.
adj.
1 clothed.
2 provided with cladding.

clad^2

v. (clads, cladding; past and past part. cladded or clad) cover with cladding.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘clothe’): appar. from clad^1.

Claddagh ring

//

n. a ring in the form of two hands clasping a heart, given in Ireland as a token of love.

- ORIGIN from the name of a small fishing village on the edge of Galway city.

cladding

n. a covering or coating on a structure or material.

clade

//

n. Biology a group of organisms comprising all the evolutionary descendants of a common ancestor.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk klados ‘a branch’.

cladistics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] Biology a method of classification of animals and plants into groups based on characteristics which originated in a common evolutionary ancestor.

- DERIVATIVES cladism // n. cladistic adj.

clado-

//, //

comb. form relating to a branch or branching: cladogram.

- ORIGIN from Gk klados ‘a branch or shoot’.

cladoceran

// Zoology

n. a minute branchiopod crustacean of the order Cladocera, which includes the water fleas.
adj. relating to cladocerans.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Cladocera, from Gk klados ‘a branch or root’ + keras ‘horn’ (because of the branched antennae).

cladode

//

n. Botany a flattened leaf-like stem.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kladds ‘with many shoots’.

cladogenesis

//, //

n. Biology the formation of a new species by evolutionary divergence from an ancestral form.

- DERIVATIVES cladogenetic adj.

cladogram

//, //

n. Biology a branching diagram showing the cladistic relationship between species.

clafoutis

//

n. (pl. same) a type of flan made of fruit, typically cherries, baked in a sweet batter.

- ORIGIN Fr., from dial. clafir ‘to stuff’.

claggy

adj. Brit. dialect tending to form sticky lumps.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. of Scand. origin; cf. Dan. klag ‘sticky mud’.

claim

v.
1 assert that something is the case.
2 demand as one's property or earnings. request (money) under the terms of an insurance policy.
3 call for (someone's attention).
4 cause the loss of (someone's life).
n.
1 an assertion of the truth of something. (also statement of claim) a statement of the novel features in a patent.
2 a demand for something considered one's due. a request for compensation under the terms of an insurance policy.
3 (also mining claim) a piece of land allotted to or taken by someone in order to be mined.

- DERIVATIVES claimable adj. claimant n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. claime (n.), clamer (v.), from L. clamare ‘call out’.

claimer

n. Horse Racing
1 (N. Amer. also claiming race) a race in which every horse may be claimed by a buyer for a predetermined price related to the weight that the horse carries.
2 a jockey claiming a weight allowance in a race.

clairaudience

//

n. the supposed faculty of perceiving, as if by hearing, what is inaudible.

- DERIVATIVES clairaudient adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. clair ‘clear’ + audience.

clairvoyance

n. the supposed faculty of perceiving events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from clair ‘clear’ + voir ‘to see’.

clairvoyant

n. a person claiming to have clairvoyance.
adj. having clairvoyance.

- DERIVATIVES clairvoyantly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from clair ‘clear’ + voyant ‘seeing’.

clam

n.
1 a large marine bivalve mollusc with shells of equal size, several kinds of which are edible.   Mya arenaria (softshell clam), Venus mercenaria (hardshell clam, both N. America), Tridacna gigas (giant clam, Indo-Pacific), and many other species.
2 US informal a dollar.
v. (clams, clamming, clammed)
1 chiefly N. Amer. dig for or collect clams.
2 (clam up) informal abruptly stop talking.

- ORIGIN C16: appar. from earlier clam ‘a clamp’, from OE clam, clamm ‘a bond or bondage’, of Gmc origin; rel. to clamp^1; sense 2 of the noun is of unknown origin.

clamant

//, //

adj. literary urgently demanding attention.

- DERIVATIVES clamantly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. clamant-, clamare ‘cry out’.

clambake

n. N. Amer. a social gathering outdoors, especially for eating seafood.

clamber

v. climb or move in an awkward and laborious way.
n. an act of clambering.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from clamb, obs. past tense of climb.

clamdiggers

pl. n. women's close-fitting calf-length trousers.

clammy

adj. (clammier, clammiest) unpleasantly damp and sticky or slimy. (of air) cold and damp.

- DERIVATIVES clammily adv. clamminess n.

- ORIGIN ME: from dial. clam ‘to be sticky or adhere’, of Gmc origin; rel. to clay.

clamour

(US clamor)

n. a loud and confused noise, especially of shouting. a vehement protest or demand.
v. (of a group) shout or demand loudly: the surging crowds clamoured for attention.

- DERIVATIVES clamorous adj. clamorously adv. clamorousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. clamor, from clamare ‘cry out’.

clamp^1

n.
1 a brace, band, or clasp for strengthening or holding things together.
2 an electric circuit maintaining the voltage limits of a signal at prescribed levels.
v.
1 fasten in place or together with a clamp. hold (something) tightly against something else. fit a wheel clamp to (an illegally parked car).
2 (clamp down) suppress or prevent something.
3 maintain the voltage limits of (an electrical signal) at prescribed values.

- DERIVATIVES clamper n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Du. or Low Ger. origin and rel. to clam.

clamp^2

n. Brit.
1 a heap of potatoes or other root vegetables stored under straw or earth.
2 a three-sided structure used to store silage.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a pile of bricks for firing): prob. from Du. klamp ‘heap’; rel. to clump.

clampdown

n. informal a concerted attempt to suppress something.

clamshell

n. a thing with hinged parts resembling the shell of a clam, such as a mobile phone or a box for takeaway food.

clan

n.
1 a close-knit group of interrelated families, especially in the Scottish Highlands.
2 a group with a strong common interest.

- DERIVATIVES clanship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Sc. Gaelic clann ‘offspring, family’, from Old Ir. cland, from L. planta ‘sprout’.

clandestine

//, //

adj. done secretly or kept secret.

- DERIVATIVES clandestinely adv. clandestinity n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. clandestin or L. clandestinus, from clam ‘secretly’.

clang

n. a loud, resonant metallic sound.
v. make or cause to make a clang.

- ORIGIN C16: imitative, influenced by L. clangere ‘resound’.

clanger

n. Brit. informal an embarrassing mistake.

clangour

// (US clangor)

n. a continuous clanging sound.

- DERIVATIVES clangorous adj. clangorously adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. clangor, from clangere ‘resound’.

clank

n. a loud, sharp sound as of pieces of metal being struck together.
v. make or cause to make a clank.

- DERIVATIVES clanking adj. clankingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative.

clannish

adj. (of a group) tending to exclude others outside the group.

- DERIVATIVES clannishly adv. clannishness n.

clansman

(or clanswoman)

n. (pl. clansmen or clanswomen) a member of a clan.

clap^1

v. (claps, clapping, clapped)
1 strike the palms of (one's hands) together repeatedly, especially to applaud. (of a bird) flap (its wings) audibly.
2 slap encouragingly on the back.
3 place (a hand) briefly over one's face as a gesture of dismay or regret.
4 (clap something on) abruptly impose a restrictive or punitive measure on.
n.
1 an act of clapping.
2 an explosive sound, especially of thunder.

- PHRASES
clap someone in jail (or irons) put someone in prison (or in chains).

- ORIGIN OE clappan ‘throb, beat’, of imitative origin.

clap^2

n. informal a venereal disease, especially gonorrhoea.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. clapoir ‘venereal bubo’.

clapboard

//, //

n. chiefly N. Amer. one of a series of long planks of wood with edges horizontally overlapping, covering the outer walls of buildings.

- DERIVATIVES clapboarded adj.

- ORIGIN C16: partial translation of Low Ger. klappholt ‘barrel stave’, from klappen ‘to crack’ + holt ‘wood’.

clapped-out

adj. informal, chiefly Brit. worn out from age or heavy use.

clapper

n. the tongue or striker of a bell.

- PHRASES
like the clappers Brit. informal very fast or hard.

clapperboard

n. a device of hinged boards that are struck together at the beginning of filming to synchronize the starting of picture and sound machinery.

clapper bridge

n. a simple bridge consisting of planks or stone slabs laid across a series of rocks.

claptrap

n. nonsense: such sentiments are just pious claptrap.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting something designed to elicit applause): from clap^1 + trap^1.

claque

//, //

n.
1 a group of sycophantic followers.
2 a group of people hired to applaud or heckle a performer.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from claquer ‘to clap’.

claqueur

//, //

n. a member of a claque.

clarabella

//

n. an organ stop with the quality of a flute.

- ORIGIN C19: from the fem. forms of L. clarus ‘clear’ and bellus ‘pretty’.

clarence

n. historical a closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, seating four inside and two outside.

- ORIGIN C19: named in honour of the Duke of Clarence, later William IV.

claret

//

n.
1 a red wine, especially from Bordeaux.
2 a deep purplish red colour.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. (vin) claret and med. L. claratum (vinum) ‘clarified (wine)’, from L. clarus ‘clear’.

clarify

//

v. (clarifies, clarifying, clarified)
1 make more comprehensible.
2 [usu. as adj. clarified] melt (butter) to separate out the impurities.

- DERIVATIVES clarification n. clarificatory adj. clarifier n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. clarifier, from late L. clarificare, from L. clarus ‘clear’.

clarinet

n. a woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece, a cylindrical tube of dark wood with a flared end, and holes stopped by keys.

- DERIVATIVES clarinettist (US clarinetist) n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. clarinette, dimin. of clarine, denoting a kind of bell; rel. to clarion.

clarion

//

n. historical a shrill narrow-tubed war trumpet.
adj. literary loud and clear.

- PHRASES
clarion call a strongly expressed demand for action.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. clario(n-), from L. clarus ‘clear’.

clarity

n.
1 the state or quality of being clear, distinct, and easily perceived or understood.
2 the quality of transparency or purity: the crystal clarity of water.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘glory, divine splendour’): from L. claritas, from clarus ‘clear’.

clarkia

//

n. a North American plant with showy white, pink, or purple flowers.   Genus Clarkia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the US explorer William Clark (1770–1838), who discovered it.

clarsach

//, //

n. a small harp with wire strings, used in the folk and early music of Scotland and Ireland.

- ORIGIN C15: from Sc. Gaelic, perh. based on clar ‘table, board’.

clart

// (also clarts)

n. Scottish & N. English sticky mud; filth.

- DERIVATIVES clarty adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (as a verb in the sense ‘smear, plaster’): of unknown origin.

clary

//

n. an aromatic plant of the mint family, used as a culinary and medicinal herb.   Salvia sclarea (S. Europe) and related species.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. Fr. clarie.

clash

v.
1 (of opposing groups) meet and come into violent conflict. have a forceful disagreement.
2 be incompatible.
3 (of colours) appear discordant when placed together.
4 (of dates or events) occur inconveniently at the same time.
5 strike (cymbals) together, producing a loud discordant sound.
n.
1 an instance of clashing.
2 a loud discordant sound.

- DERIVATIVES clasher n.

- ORIGIN C16: imitative.

clasp

v.
1 grasp tightly with one's hand. place (one's arms) around something so as to hold it tightly. embrace (someone) closely.
2 fasten with a clasp.
n.
1 a device with interlocking parts, for fastening things together.
2 an inscribed silver bar on a medal ribbon.
3 an act of clasping.

- PHRASES
clasp hands shake hands with fervour or affection.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

claspers

pl. n. Zoology a pair of appendages under the abdomen of a male shark or ray, or at the end of the abdomen of a male insect, used to hold the female during copulation.

clasp knife

n. a knife with a blade that folds into the handle.

class

n.
1 a set or category of things having a property or feature in common and differentiated from others by kind or quality. Biology a principal taxonomic grouping that ranks above order and below phylum or division, such as Mammalia. Brit. a division of candidates according to merit in a university examination.
2 a system that divides members of a society into sets based on perceived social or economic status. a social division based on economic or social status.
3 a group of students or pupils who are taught together. a lesson. chiefly N. Amer. all of the college or school students graduating in a particular year.
4 informal impressive stylishness in appearance or behaviour.
v. assign or regard as belonging to a particular category.
adj. informal stylish or excellent: he's a class player.

- PHRASES
class A (or B or C) drug Brit. an illegal narcotic drug classified as being of the most harmful and addictive (or a less harmful and addictive) kind.
class act informal a person or thing displaying impressive and stylish excellence.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. classis ‘a division of the Roman people, a grade, or a class of pupils’.

class action

n. Law, N. Amer. a lawsuit filed or defended by an individual acting on behalf of a group.

class consciousness

n. awareness of one's place in a system of social class, especially (in Marxist terms) as it relates to the class struggle.

- DERIVATIVES class-conscious adj.

classic

adj.
1 judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality. (of a garment) of a simple, elegant style not greatly subject to changes in fashion.
2 remarkably typical: the classic symptoms of flu.
n.
1 a work of art of recognized and established value. a very good example of its kind: tomorrow's game should be a classic.
2 (Classics) the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, and history. (the classics) the works of ancient Greek and Latin writers and philosophers.
3 (Classic) a major sports tournament or competition, especially in golf or tennis.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. classique or L. classicus ‘belonging to a class or division’, later ‘of the highest class’.

classical

adj.
1 relating to ancient Greek or Latin literature, art, or culture. (of art or architecture) influenced by ancient Greek or Roman forms or principles.
2 (of a form of art or a language) representing an exemplary standard within a traditional and long-established form or style: a classical ballet. (of music) of traditional and long-established form or style or (more specifically) written in the European tradition during a period lasting approximately from 1750 to 1830, when forms such as the symphony were standardized.
3 relating to the first significant period of an area of study: classical Marxism. Physics relating to or based upon concepts and theories which preceded the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics; Newtonian.

- DERIVATIVES classicalism n. classicality n. classically adv.

classicism

n. the following of ancient Greek or Roman principles and style in art and literature, generally associated with harmony, restraint, and adherence to recognized standards of form and craftsmanship.

classicist

n.
1 a person who studies Classics.
2 a follower of classicism.

classicize

(or classicise)

v. [usu. as adj. classicizing] imitate a classical style: the classicizing strains in Guercino's art.

Classico

//

adj. (of Italian wine) produced in the region from which the type takes its name, and of a higher standard than an ordinary regional wine: Chianti Classico.

- ORIGIN from Ital. classico ‘classic, traditional, genuine’.

classic race

n. (in the UK) each of the five main flat races of the horse-racing season.

classification

n.
1 the action or process of classifying.
2 a category into which something is put.

- DERIVATIVES classificatory adj.

classified

adj.
1 arranged in classes or categories. (of newspaper or magazine advertisements) organized in categories according to what is being advertised. Brit. (of a road) assigned to a category according to its importance within the overall system of road numbering.
2 (of information or documents) designated as officially secret.
n. (classifieds) classified advertisements.

classify

v. (classifies, classifying, classified)
1 arrange (a group) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics. assign to a particular class or category.
2 designate (documents or information) as officially secret.

- DERIVATIVES classifiable adj. classifier n.

- ORIGIN C18: back-form. from classification, from Fr., from classe ‘class’, from L. classis ‘division’.

classifying

adj. Grammar (of an adjective) describing the class that a head noun belongs to and not having a comparative or superlative.

classism

n. prejudice against people who belong to a particular social class.

- DERIVATIVES classist adj. & n.

classless

adj.
1 (of a society) not divided into social classes.
2 not showing characteristics of a particular social class: a classless accent.

- DERIVATIVES classlessness n.

classmate

n. a fellow member of one's school class.

classroom

n. a room in which a class of pupils or students is taught.

class struggle

n. (in Marxist ideology) the conflict of interests between the workers and the ruling class in a capitalist society.

classy

adj. (classier, classiest) informal stylish and sophisticated.

- DERIVATIVES classily adv. classiness n.

clast

//

n. Geology a constituent fragment of a clastic rock.

- ORIGIN mid 20th cent.: back-form. from clastic.

clastic

adj. Geology denoting rocks composed of broken pieces of older rocks.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. clastique, from Gk klastos ‘broken in pieces’.

clathrate

//

n. Chemistry a compound in which molecules of one component are physically trapped within the crystal structure of another.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from L. clathratus, from clathri ‘lattice-bars’.

clatter

n. a loud rattling sound as of hard objects falling or striking each other.
v. make or cause to make a clatter.

- ORIGIN OE (as v.), of imitative origin.

claudication

//

n. Medicine
1 limping.
2 (also intermittent claudication) a condition in which cramping pain in the leg is induced by exercise, typically caused by obstruction of the arteries.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. claudicatio(n-), from claudicare ‘to limp’, from claudus ‘lame’.

clause

n.
1 a unit of grammatical organization next below the sentence in rank, and in traditional grammar said to consist of a subject and predicate.
2 a particular and separate article, stipulation, or proviso in a treaty, bill, or contract.

- DERIVATIVES clausal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. clause, based on L. claus-, claudere ‘shut, close’.

claustral

//

adj.
1 relating to a cloister or religious house.
2 literary enveloping; confining.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. claustralis, from L. claustrum (see cloister).

claustration

//

n. literary confinement, as if in a cloister.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. claustrum ‘lock, bolt’ + -ation.

claustrophobia

//

n. extreme or irrational fear of confined places.

- DERIVATIVES claustrophobe n.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from L. claustrum ‘lock, bolt’ + -phobia.

claustrophobic

adj. suffering from claustrophobia. (of a place or situation) inducing claustrophobia.
n. a claustrophobic person.

- DERIVATIVES claustrophobically adv.

clavate

//

adj. Botany & Zoology club-shaped; thicker at the apex than the base.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. clavatus, from L. clava ‘club’.

clave

archaic past of cleave^2.

claves

//, //

pl. n. a pair of hardwood sticks used in music to make a hollow sound when struck together.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Latin Amer. Sp., from Sp. clave ‘keystone’, from L. clavis ‘key’.

clavichord

//

n. a small, rectangular keyboard instrument with a soft tone.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. clavichordium, from L. clavis ‘key’ + chorda ‘string’.

clavicle

//

n. Anatomy technical term for collarbone.

- DERIVATIVES clavicular // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. clavicula ‘small key’, dimin. of clavis (because of its shape).

clavier

//, //

n. Music a keyboard instrument.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ger. Klavier, from Fr. clavier, from med. L. claviarius ‘key-bearer’, from L. clavis ‘key’.

claviform

//

adj. another term for clavate.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. clava ‘club’ + -iform.

claw

n.
1 a curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals. either of a pair of small hooked appendages on an insect's foot.
2 the pincer of a crab, scorpion, or other arthropod.
3 a mechanical device resembling a claw, used for gripping or lifting.
v.
1 (usu. claw at) scratch or tear at with the claws or fingernails. clutch at with the hands.
2 (claw something back) regain money, power, etc. laboriously and gradually.
3 (of a sailing ship) beat to windward.

- DERIVATIVES -clawed adj. clawless adj.

- ORIGIN OE clawu (n.), clawian (v.), of W. Gmc origin.

clawback

n. an act of recovering money already paid out, typically by taxation.

claw hammer

n. a hammer with one side of the head split and curved, used for extracting nails.

clay

n.
1 a stiff, sticky fine-grained impermeable earth that can be moulded when wet and baked to make bricks and pottery.
2 literary the substance of the human body: this lifeless clay.

- DERIVATIVES clayey adj. clayish adj.

- ORIGIN OE clæg, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to cleave^2 and climb.

claymore

n.
1 historical a broadsword used by Scottish Highlanders, typically double-edged.
2 a type of anti-personnel mine.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sc. Gaelic claidheamh ‘sword’ + mór ‘great’.

claypan

n. Austral. a shallow depression or hollow in the ground with an impermeable clay base, which holds water after rain.

clay pigeon

n. a saucer-shaped piece of baked clay or other material thrown up in the air from a trap as a target for shooting.

clay pipe

n. a tobacco pipe made of hardened clay.

-cle

suffix forming nouns such as article, particle, which were originally diminutives.

- ORIGIN via Fr. from L. -culus, -cula, -culum.

clean

adj.
1 free from dirt, marks, or pollutants. attentive to personal hygiene.
2 morally pure. not offensive or obscene: good clean fun. showing or having no record of offences or crimes. done according to the rules.
3 free from irregularities; smooth; well defined: a clean fracture of the leg.
4 (of an action) smoothly and skilfully done.
5 (of a taste, sound, or smell) distinctive and fresh.
adv.
1 so as to be free from dirt.
2 informal completely: I clean forgot her birthday.
v.
1 remove dirt or marks from; make clean.
2 (clean someone out) informal use up or take all someone's money. (clean something out) strip a place of and steal all its contents.
3 (clean up) informal make a substantial gain or profit.
n. an act of cleaning.

- PHRASES
clean and jerk a weightlifting exercise in which a weight is raised above the head following an initial lift to shoulder level.
clean someone's clock N. Amer. informal beat or decisively defeat someone.
a clean sheet (or slate) an absence of existing restraints or commitments. (keep a clean sheet) (in a soccer match) prevent the opposing side from scoring.
come clean informal fully confess something.
keep one's hands clean remain uninvolved in an immoral or illegal act.
make a clean breast of it fully confess one's mistakes or wrongdoings.
make a clean sweep
1 remove all unwanted people or things ready to start afresh.
2 win all of a group of related sporting contests.

- DERIVATIVES cleanable adj. cleaning n. cleanish adj. cleanness n.

- ORIGIN OE clæne, of W. Gmc origin.

clean-cut

adj.
1 sharply outlined.
2 (of a person, especially a man) neat and respectable.

cleaner

n. a person or thing that cleans. (the cleaners) a shop where clothes and fabrics are dry-cleaned.

- PHRASES
take someone to the cleaners informal
1 unscrupulously take all someone's money or possessions.
2 inflict a crushing defeat on someone.

cleaner fish

n. a small fish that removes parasites from the skin, gills, and mouth of larger fishes.   Labroides dimidiatus and other species.

clean-limbed

adj. (of a person) slim and well formed.

cleanly

adv. // in a clean manner.
adj. // (cleanlier, cleanliest) archaic habitually clean.

- DERIVATIVES cleanliness // n.

clean room

n. an environment free from dust and other contaminants, used chiefly for the manufacture of electronic components.

cleanse

v.
1 make thoroughly clean.
2 archaic (in biblical translations) cure (a leper).
n. an act of cleansing.

- DERIVATIVES cleanser n. cleansing adj.

- ORIGIN OE clænsian (v.), from clæne (see clean).

clean-shaven

adj. (of a man) without a beard or moustache.

cleansing department

n. Brit. a local government department that collects refuse.

cleanskin

n. another term for clearskin.

clean-up

n.
1 an act of cleaning a place.
2 Baseball the fourth position in a team's batting order, usually reserved for a strong batter whose hits are likely to enable any runner who is on base to score.

clear

adj.
1 easy to perceive or understand. leaving or feeling no doubt: it was clear that they were in a trap.
2 transparent; unclouded. free of mist; having good visibility. (of a person's skin) free from blemishes. (of a colour) pure and intense.
3 free of any obstructions or unwanted objects: a clear view in both directions. (of a period of time) free of any commitments.
4 free from disease, contamination, or guilt.
5 (clear of) not touching; away from.
6 complete: seven clear days' notice. (of a sum of money) net.
adv.
1 so as to be out of the way of, away from, or uncluttered by.
2 with clarity.
v.
1 make or become clear. cause people to leave (a building or place). chiefly Soccer send (the ball) away from the area near one's goal. discharge (a debt).
2 get past or over (something) safely or without touching it: the plane rose high enough to clear the trees.
3 show or declare officially to be innocent.
4 give official approval or authorization to or for. satisfy the necessary requirements to pass through (customs). (with reference to a cheque) pass through a clearing house so that the money goes into the payee's account.
5 earn or gain (an amount of money) as a net profit.
6 (of a person's face or expression) assume a happier or less confused aspect.

- PHRASES
clear the air
1 make the air less humid.
2 defuse a tense situation by frank discussion.
clear the decks prepare for something by dealing beforehand with anything that might hinder progress.
clear one's lines chiefly Rugby make a kick sending the ball well upfield from near one's own goal line.
in clear not in code.
in the clear no longer in danger or under suspicion.
out of a clear sky as a complete surprise.
- PHRASES
clear away remove the remains of a meal from the table.
clear off informal go away.
clear out informal leave quickly.
clear something out empty something.
clear up
1 (of a medical condition) become cured.
2 (of the weather) become brighter; stop raining.
clear something up
1 (also clear up) tidy something up by removing unwanted items.
2 solve or explain something.
3 cure a medical condition.

- DERIVATIVES clearable adj. clearness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cler, from L. clarus.

clearance

n.
1 the action or process of clearing or of being dispersed. (in soccer and other sports) a kick or hit that sends the ball out of a defensive zone.
2 official authorization for something to proceed or take place.
3 clear space allowed for a thing to move past or under another: give cyclists plenty of clearance.
4 Snooker the potting of all the balls remaining on the table in a single break.

clearcole

//

n. historical a mixture of size and whiting or white lead, formerly used as a primer for distemper.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. claire colle ‘clear glue’.

clear-cut

adj.
1 sharply defined; easy to perceive or understand.
2 (of an area) from which every tree has been cut down and removed.
v. cut down and remove every tree from (an area).

clearer

n.
1 a person or thing that clears away obstructions.
2 Brit. a clearing bank.

clear-eyed

adj. shrewd and perceptive.

clear-fell

v. another term for clear-cut.

clear-headed

adj. alert and thinking logically.

- DERIVATIVES clear-headedness n.

clearing

n. an open space in a forest.

clearing bank

n. Brit. a bank which is a member of a clearing house.

clearing house

n.
1 a bankers' establishment where cheques and bills from member banks are exchanged, so that only the balances need be paid in cash.
2 an agency which collects and distributes something, especially information.

clearly

adv.
1 with clarity.
2 obviously; without doubt.

clear-out

n. chiefly Brit. a removal and disposal of unwanted items or people.

clear-sighted

adj. thinking clearly; perspicacious.

- DERIVATIVES clear-sightedness n.

clearskin

(also cleanskin)

n. Austral./NZ
1 an unbranded animal.
2 informal a person without a police record.

clearstory

n. (pl. clearstories) US spelling of clerestory.

clearway

n. Brit. a main road other than a motorway on which vehicles are not permitted to stop.

clearwing

n. a day-flying moth with mainly transparent wings, resembling a wasp or bee.   Family Sesiidae: many species.

cleat

//

n.
1 a T-shaped or similar projection to which a rope may be attached.
2 a projecting wedge on a spar, tool, etc., to prevent slippage. one of a number of projections on the sole of a boot, to increase its grip. (cleats) N. Amer. athletic shoes with cleats on the soles.

- DERIVATIVES cleated adj.

- ORIGIN ME: of W. Gmc origin; rel. to clot and clout.

cleavage

n.
1 a marked difference or division between people.
2 the cleft between a woman's breasts.
3 Biology cell division, especially of a fertilized egg cell.
4 the splitting of rocks or crystals in a preferred plane or direction.

cleave^1

v. (past clove or cleft or cleaved; past part. cloven or cleft or cleaved)
1 split or sever along a natural grain or line. split (a molecule) by breaking a particular chemical bond. Biology (of a cell) divide.
2 move through (something) forcefully: they watched a coot cleave the smooth water.

- DERIVATIVES cleavable adj.

- ORIGIN OE clofan, of Gmc origin.

cleave^2

v. (cleave to) literary
1 stick fast to.
2 adhere strongly to or become very involved with: most schools cleave strongly to received policy.

- ORIGIN OE cleofian, clifian, clfan, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to clay and climb.

cleaver

n. a tool with a heavy broad blade, used for chopping meat.

cleavers

pl. n. [treated as sing. or pl.] another term for goosegrass.

- ORIGIN OE clfe; rel. to cleave^2.

clef

n. Music any of several symbols placed at the left-hand end of a stave, indicating the pitch of the notes written on the stave.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. clavis ‘key’.

cleft^1

past participle of cleave^1.
adj. split, divided, or partially divided into two.

- PHRASES
be (or be caught) in a cleft stick be in a situation in which any action one takes will have adverse consequences.

cleft^2

n.
1 a fissure or split in rock or the ground.
2 an indentation or deep hollow in a person's forehead or chin, or between two parts of the body.

- ORIGIN ME clift: of Gmc origin; rel. to cleave^1 and alt. by assoc. with cleft^1.

cleft lip

n. a congenital split in the upper lip on one or both sides of the centre, often associated with a cleft palate.

cleft palate

n. a congenital split in the roof of the mouth.

cleg

//

n. Brit. another term for horsefly.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON kleggi.

cleistogamy

//

n. Botany self-fertilization that occurs within a permanently closed flower.

- DERIVATIVES cleistogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kleistos ‘closed’ + gamos ‘marriage’.

clematis

//, //

n. an ornamental climbing plant of the buttercup family which bears white, pink, or purple flowers and feathery seeds.   Genus Clematis.

- ORIGIN L. (also denoting the periwinkle), from Gk klmatis, from klma ‘vine branch’.

clemency

n. the quality of being clement or merciful; lenience.

clement

adj.
1 (of weather) mild.
2 merciful or lenient.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. clemens, clement-.

clementine

//, //

n. a tangerine of a deep orange-red North African variety which is grown around the Mediterranean and in South Africa.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Fr. clémentine, from the male given name Clément.

clenbuterol

//

n. Medicine a synthetic drug used to treat respiratory diseases, also used illegally by athletes to enhance performance.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from c(h)l(oro-) + (ph)en(yl) + but(yl) + er + -ol.

clench

v.
1 (with reference to one's fist or teeth) close or press together tightly, in response to stress or anger.
2 hold tightly and firmly.
3 (of muscles or a muscular part of the body) contract sharply.
n. the action of clenching or the state of being clenched.

- DERIVATIVES clenched adj.

- ORIGIN OE (in the sense of clinch ‘fix securely’): of Gmc origin; rel. to cling.

clepsydra

//

n. (pl. clepsydras or clepsydrae //) an ancient time-measuring device worked by a flow of water.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk klepsudra, based on kleptein ‘steal’ + hudr ‘water’.

clerestory

// (US also clearstory)

n. (pl. clerestories)
1 the upper part of the nave, choir, and transepts of a large church, containing a series of windows.
2 a raised section of roof running down the centre of a railway carriage, with small windows or ventilators.

- ORIGIN ME: from clear + storey.

clerestory window

n. a window with no crosspiece dividing the light.

clergy

//

n. (pl. clergies) [usu. treated as pl.] the body of people ordained for religious duties, especially in the Christian Church.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on eccles. L. clericus (see cleric).

clergyman

(or clergywoman)

n. (pl. clergymen or clergywomen) a priest or minister of a Christian church.

cleric

n. a priest or religious leader, especially a Christian or Muslim one.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C15) as clerical): from eccles. L. clericus ‘clergyman’, from Gk klrikos ‘belonging to the Christian clergy’, from klros ‘lot, heritage’ (Acts 1:26).

clerical

adj.
1 concerned with or relating to the routine work of an office clerk.
2 relating to the clergy.

- DERIVATIVES clericalism n. clericalist n. clerically adv.

clerical collar

n. a stiff upright white collar which fastens at the back, worn by the clergy in some Christian Churches.

clerical error

n. a mistake made in copying or writing out a document.

clerihew

//

n. a short comic or nonsensical verse, typically in two rhyming couplets with lines of unequal length and referring to a famous person.

- ORIGIN 1920s: named after the English writer Edmund Clerihew Bentley, who invented it.

clerisy

//

n. [usu. treated as pl.] learned or literary people regarded as a social group.

- ORIGIN C19: appar. influenced by Ger. Klerisei, based on Gk klros (see cleric).

clerk

//

n.
1 a person employed in an office or bank to keep records or accounts and to undertake other routine administrative duties.
2 an official in charge of the records of a local council or court. a senior official in Parliament. a lay officer of a cathedral, church, or chapel.
3 (also desk clerk) N. Amer. a hotel receptionist. (also sales clerk) a shop assistant.
4 (also clerk in holy orders) formal a member of the clergy.
5 archaic a literate or scholarly person.
v. N. Amer. work as a clerk.

- PHRASES
clerk of the course an official who assists the judges in horse racing or motor racing.
clerk of (the) works Brit. a person who oversees building work in progress.

- DERIVATIVES clerkess n. (chiefly Scottish). clerkish adj. clerkly adj. clerkship n.

- ORIGIN OE cleric, clerc, from eccles. L. clericus (see cleric); reinforced by OFr. clerc, from the same source.

clever

adj. (cleverer, cleverest)
1 quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas. skilful; adroit.
2 [with neg.] Brit. informal healthy or well: I didn't feel too clever.

- PHRASES
too clever by half informal annoyingly proud of one's cleverness, and liable to overreach oneself.

- DERIVATIVES cleverly adv. cleverness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘quick to catch hold’, later ‘manually skilful’, then ‘mentally agile’): perh. of Du. or Low Ger. origin, and rel. to cleave^2.

clever-clever

adj. derogatory seeking to appear clever.

clever Dick

(also clever clogs)

n. Brit. informal a person who is irritatingly and ostentatiously knowledgeable or intelligent.

clevis

//

n. a U-shaped or forked metal connector within which another part can be fastened by means of a bolt or pin.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. rel. to cleave^1.

clew

//

n.
1 the lower or after corner of a sail.
2 (clews) Nautical the cords by which a hammock is suspended.
3 archaic a ball of thread.
4 archaic variant of clue.
v. (clew a sail up/down) draw a sail up or let it down by the clews when furling or unfurling.

- ORIGIN OE cliwen, cleowen (denoting a rounded mass, also a ball of thread), of Gmc origin; cf. clue.

clianthus

//, //

n. an Australasian leguminous plant which bears drooping clusters of large scarlet flowers.   Genus Clianthus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., appar. from Gk kleos, klei- ‘glory’ + anthos ‘flower’.

cliché

// (also cliche)

n.
1 a phrase or opinion that is overused and shows a lack of original thought. an unoriginal thing: each building is a mishmash of tired clichés.
2 Printing, chiefly Brit. a stereotype or electrotype.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., past part. (used as n.) of clicher ‘to stereotype’.

clichéd

(also cliched)

adj. showing a lack of originality; hackneyed or overused.

click

n. a short, sharp sound as of two hard objects coming smartly into contact. a speech sound produced by sudden withdrawal of the tongue from the soft palate, front teeth, or back teeth and hard palate, occurring in some southern African and other languages. Computing an act of pressing one of the buttons on a mouse.
v.
1 make or cause to make a click. Computing press (one of the buttons on a mouse).
2 informal become suddenly clear and understandable. become friends or be compatible from the outset.

- DERIVATIVES clickable adj. clicker n. clicky adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (as v.): imitative.

click beetle

n. a long, narrow beetle which can spring up with a click as a means of startling predators and escaping.   Family Elateridae.

click-clack

n. a repeated clicking sound as of shoe heels on a hard surface.
v. move with a click-clack.

click rate

(also click-through rate)

n. the number of users who follow a hypertext link to a commercial website, as a percentage of those who download the web page on which the link appears.

client

n.
1 a person using the services of a professional person or organization.
2 (in a network) a computer or workstation that obtains information and applications from a server. (also client application or program) a computer program that obtains a service provided by another program.
3 (in ancient Rome) a plebeian under the protection of a patrician. archaic a dependant; a hanger-on.

- DERIVATIVES clientship n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a person under the protection and patronage of another): from L. cliens, client-, var. of cluent-, cluere ‘hear or obey’.

clientele

//

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] clients collectively. the customers of a shop, restaurant, etc.

- ORIGIN C16: via Fr. from L. clientela ‘clientship’, from cliens, client- (see client).

clientelism

// (also clientism //)

n. a social order which depends on relations of patronage.

- DERIVATIVES clientelistic adj.

Clifden nonpareil

n. a large moth of mostly subdued coloration, with a pale blue band on the underwing.   Catocala fraxini.

- ORIGIN C18: from Clifden (now Cliveden), a village in Buckinghamshire and nonpareil.

cliff

n. a steep or vertical rock face, especially at the edge of the sea.

- DERIVATIVES cliffy adj.

- ORIGIN OE clif, of Gmc origin.

cliffhanger

n. a dramatic ending to an episode of a serial, leaving an audience in suspense. a situation in which the outcome is uncertain.

- DERIVATIVES cliffhanging adj.

climacteric

//, //

n.
1 a critical period or event.
2 Medicine the period of life when fertility is in decline; (in women) the menopause.
3 Botany the ripening period while still on the tree of certain fruits such as apples, involving increased metabolism.
adj.
1 having extreme and far-reaching implications or results; critical.
2 Medicine & Botany relating to or undergoing a climacteric.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. climactérique or via L. from Gk klimaktrikos, from klimaktr ‘critical period’, from klimax ‘ladder, climax’.

climactic

//

adj. forming an exciting climax.

- DERIVATIVES climactically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: formed irregularly from climax + -ic, prob. influenced by climacteric.

climate

n.
1 the general weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period.
2 a prevailing trend or public attitude: the current economic climate.

- DERIVATIVES climatic adj. climatical adj. climatically adv.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a zone of the earth between two lines of latitude, later a region considered with ref. to its atmospheric conditions): from OFr. climat or late L. clima, climat-, from Gk klima ‘slope, zone’.

climate control

n. another term for air conditioning.

climatology

n. the scientific study of climate.

- DERIVATIVES climatological adj. climatologically adv. climatologist n.

climax

n.
1 the most intense, exciting, or important point: a thrilling climax to the game.
2 an orgasm.
3 Rhetoric a sequence of propositions or ideas in order of increasing importance, force, or effectiveness of expression.
4 Ecology the final stage in a succession in a given environment, at which a plant community reaches a state of equilibrium.
v. reach or bring to a climax.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L., from Gk klimax ‘ladder, climax’.

climb

v.
1 go or come up (a slope, stairs, etc.). rise or slope upwards. (of a plant) grow up (a structure).
2 move with effort into or out of somewhere.
3 increase or rise in scale, value, or status.
4 (climb down) withdraw from a position taken up in argument or negotiation.
n.
1 an instance of climbing; an ascent. a recognized route up a mountain or cliff.
2 a rise in status or increase in value.

- PHRASES
be climbing the walls informal feel frustrated and trapped.

- DERIVATIVES climbable adj. climber n. climbing n.

- ORIGIN OE climban, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to clay and cleave^2.

climbdown

n. a withdrawal from a position taken up in argument or negotiation.

climbing frame

n. Brit. a structure of joined bars for children to climb on.

climbing irons

pl. n. a set of spikes attached to boots for climbing trees or ice slopes.

climbing perch

n. a small edible freshwater fish which is able to breathe air and move over land, native to Africa and Asia.   Anabas testudinens and other species.

climbing wall

n. a wall simulating a rock face, used for climbing practice.

clime

//

n. chiefly literary a region considered with reference to its climate: jetting off to sunnier climes.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. clima (see climate).

clinch

v.
1 conclusively settle (a contract, contest, or debate).
2 secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when it has penetrated.
3 grapple at close quarters. (of two people) embrace.
4 fasten (a rope or angling line) with a clinch knot.
n.
1 a struggle at close quarters. an embrace.
2 (also clinch knot) a knot used to fasten ropes or angling lines, using a half hitch with the end seized back on its own part.

- ORIGIN C16: var. of clench.

clincher

n. informal a fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively.

cline

//

n. a continuum with an infinite number of gradations from one extreme to the other. Biology a gradation in one or more characteristics within a species or other taxon, especially between different populations.

- DERIVATIVES clinal adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk klinein ‘to slope’.

cling

v. (past and past part. clung) (cling to/on to)
1 hold tightly to. be hard to remove from; adhere to.
2 remain persistently faithful to: she clung to her convictions.
3 be emotionally dependent on.
n. (also cling peach) a clingstone peach.

- DERIVATIVES clinger n. clinging adj.

- ORIGIN OE clingan ‘stick together’, of Gmc origin; rel. to clench.

cling film

n. Brit. a thin transparent plastic film that adheres to surfaces and to itself, used as a wrapping or covering for food.

clingfish

n. (pl. same or clingfishes) a small fish with a sucker for attachment to rocks and other surfaces.   Lepadogaster lepadogaster and other species.

clingstone

n. a peach or nectarine of a variety in which the flesh adheres to the stone. Contrasted with freestone.

clingy

adj. (clingier, clingiest)
1 (of a garment) liable to cling to the body.
2 too emotionally dependent.

- DERIVATIVES clinginess n.

clinic

n.
1 a place where specialized medical treatment or advice is given. chiefly Brit. an occasion when medical treatment or advice is given. a gathering at a hospital bedside for the teaching of medicine or surgery.
2 a conference or short course on a particular subject: a drum clinic.

- ORIGIN C19 (earlier (C18) as clinical): from Fr. clinique, from Gk klinik (tekhn) ‘bedside (art)’, from klin ‘bed’.

clinical

adj.
1 relating to the observation and treatment of patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies. (of a disease or condition) causing observable and recognizable symptoms.
2 efficient and coldly detached. (of a place) bare, functional, and clean.

- DERIVATIVES clinically adv.

clinical death

n. death as judged by the medical observation of the cessation of respiration and the beating of the heart.

clinical psychology

n. the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness.

- DERIVATIVES clinical psychologist n.

clinician

n. a doctor having direct contact with patients rather than being involved with theoretical or laboratory studies.

clink^1

n. a sharp ringing sound, such as that made when metal or glass are struck.
v. make or cause to make a clink.

- ORIGIN ME (as v.): prob. from MDu. klinken.

clink^2

n. informal prison.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting a prison in Southwark, London): of unknown origin.

clinker^1

n.
1 the stony residue from burnt coal or from a furnace.
2 a brick with a vitrified surface.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. Du. klinckaerd (earlier form of klinker), from klinken ‘to clink’.

clinker^2

n. informal
1 N. Amer. something that is unsatisfactory; a failure.
2 Brit. dated an excellent or outstanding person or thing.

- ORIGIN C17: from clink^1 + -er^1.

clinker-built

adj. (of a boat) having external planks which overlap downwards and are secured with clinched nails. Compare with carvel-built.

- ORIGIN C18: clinker from clink (north. Engl. var. of clinch).

clinometer

//, //

n. Surveying an instrument used for measuring the angle or elevation of slopes.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk klinein ‘to slope’ + -meter.

clint

n. a block forming part of a natural limestone pavement.

- ORIGIN ME: of Scand. origin.

cliometrics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a technique for the interpretation of economic history, based on the statistical analysis of numerical data from population censuses, parish registers, etc.

- DERIVATIVES cliometric adj. cliometrician n.

- ORIGIN 1960s (orig. US): from Clio, the Muse of history in Gk and Roman mythology, on the pattern of words such as econometrics.

clip^1

n.
1 a flexible or spring-loaded device for holding an object or objects together or in place.
2 a piece of jewellery fastened by a clip.
3 a metal holder containing cartridges for an automatic firearm.
v. (clips, clipping, clipped) fasten or be fastened with a clip or clips.

- ORIGIN OE clyppan (v.), of W. Gmc origin.

clip^2

v. (clips, clipping, clipped)
1 cut short or cut out with shears or scissors. trim the hair or wool of (an animal).
2 strike smartly or with a glancing blow.
3 informal, chiefly N. Amer. swindle or rob.
4 informal, chiefly US move quickly.
5 Electronics truncate the amplitude of (a signal) above or below predetermined levels.
n.
1 an act of clipping. the quantity of wool clipped from a sheep or flock.
2 a short sequence taken from a film or broadcast.
3 informal a smart or glancing blow.
4 informal a rapid speed or rate: I trotted on at a fair clip.

- PHRASES
at a clip US informal at a time; all at once.
clip the wings of trim the feathers of (a bird) to disable it from flight. hamper the aspirations of.

- DERIVATIVES clipping n.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON klippa, prob. imitative.

clip art

n. pre-drawn pictures and symbols provided with word-processing software and drawing packages.

clipboard

n.
1 a small board with a spring clip at the top, used for holding papers and providing support for writing.
2 Computing a temporary storage area where text or other data cut or copied from a file is kept until it is pasted into another file.

clip-clop

n. the sound of a horse's hoofs beating on a hard surface.
v. move with a clip-clop.

clip joint

n. informal a nightclub or bar that charges exorbitant prices.

clip-on

adj. attached by a clip so as to be easy to fasten or remove.

clipped

adj. (of speech) having short, sharp vowel sounds and clear pronunciation.

clipper

n.
1 (clippers) an instrument for clipping.
2 a fast sailing ship, especially one of 19th-century design with concave bows and raked masts.
3 (also clipper chip) a microchip which inserts an identifying code into encrypted transmissions that allows them to be deciphered by a third party having access to a Government-held key.

clippie

n. (pl. clippies) Brit. informal a bus conductress.

clique

//

n. a small close-knit group of people who do not readily allow others to join them.

- DERIVATIVES cliquey adj. cliquish adj. cliquishness n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from OFr. cliquer ‘make a noise’.

CLit

abbrev. (in the UK) Companion of Literature.

clitic

//

n. Grammar an unstressed word that normally occurs only in combination with another word, for example 'm in I'm.

- DERIVATIVES cliticization (or cliticisation) // n. cliticize (or cliticise) v.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from (en)clitic and (pro)clitic.

clitoridectomy

//

n. (pl. clitoridectomies) excision of the clitoris; female circumcision.

clitoris

//

n. a small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the anterior end of the vulva.

- DERIVATIVES clitoral adj.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk kleitoris.

Cllr

abbrev. (in the UK) Councillor.

cloaca

//

n. (pl. cloacae //, //)
1 Zoology a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract for the release of both excretory and genital products in vertebrates (except most mammals) and certain invertebrates.
2 archaic a sewer.

- DERIVATIVES cloacal adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., rel. to cluere ‘cleanse’.

cloak

n.
1 an overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders.
2 something that hides or covers: a cloak of secrecy.
3 (cloaks) Brit. a cloakroom.
v.
1 dress in a cloak.
2 cover or hide: snow cloaked everything.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cloke, dial. var. of cloche ‘bell, cloak’, from med. L. clocca ‘bell’.

cloak-and-dagger

adj. involving intrigue and secrecy.

cloakroom

n.
1 a room in a public building where outdoor clothes and bags may be left.
2 Brit. a room that contains a toilet or toilets.

clobber^1

n. Brit. informal clothing and personal belongings.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

clobber^2

v. informal
1 hit hard.
2 defeat heavily.

- ORIGIN Second World War: of unknown origin.

cloche

//, //

n.
1 a small translucent cover for protecting or forcing outdoor plants.
2 (also cloche hat) a woman's close-fitting, bell-shaped hat.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘bell’ (see cloak).

clock^1

n.
1 an instrument that measures and indicates the time by means of a dial or a digital display. informal a measuring device resembling a clock, such as a speedometer.
2 (also dandelion clock) Brit. the downy spherical seed head of a dandelion. [ORIGIN from the child's game of blowing away the seeds to find out what time it is.]
3 Brit. informal a person's face.
v.
1 attain or register (a specified time, distance, or speed). achieve (a victory): he clocked up his first win of the year.
2 (clock in/out or Brit. on/off) register one's arrival at or departure from work by means of an automatic recording clock.
3 Brit. informal notice or watch.
4 informal, chiefly Brit. hit on the head.
5 Brit. informal illegally wind back the milometer of (a car).

- PHRASES
round (or around) the clock all day and all night.
turn (or put) back the clock return to the past or to a previous way of doing things.

- DERIVATIVES clocker n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. klocke, based on med. L. clocca ‘bell’.

clock^2

n. an ornamental pattern woven or embroidered on the side of a stocking or sock near the ankle.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

clock golf

n. a lawn game in which the players putt to a hole in the centre of a circle from successive points on its circumference.

clockmaker

n. a person who makes and repairs clocks and watches.

- DERIVATIVES clockmaking n.

clock radio

n. a combined bedside radio and alarm clock.

clock speed

n. the operating speed of a computer or its microprocessor, expressed in cycles per second (megahertz).

clock tower

n. a tower, especially that of a church or civic building, displaying a large clock.

clock-watch

v. be overly keen not to work more than one's allotted hours.

- DERIVATIVES clock-watcher n. clock-watching n.

clockwise

adv. & adj. in a curve corresponding in direction to the movement of the hands of a clock.

clockwork

n. a mechanism with a spring and toothed gearwheels, used to drive a mechanical clock, toy, or other device.

- PHRASES
like clockwork very smoothly and easily.

clod

n.
1 a lump of earth or clay.
2 informal a stupid person.
3 Brit. a coarse cut of meat from the lower neck of an ox.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of clot.

cloddish

adj. foolish, awkward, or clumsy.

- DERIVATIVES cloddishly adv. cloddishness n.

clodhopper

n. informal
1 a large, heavy shoe.
2 a foolish, awkward, or clumsy person.

- DERIVATIVES clodhopping adj.

clodpole

n. informal, dated a foolish or clumsy person.

clog

n.
1 a shoe with a thick wooden sole.
2 an obstacle or impediment.
v. (clogs, clogging, clogged) (often clog up) block or become blocked.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘block of wood to impede an animal's movement’): of unknown origin.

clog dance

n. a traditional dance for which clogs are worn.

- DERIVATIVES clog dancer n. clog dancing n.

clogger

n.
1 a person who makes clogs.
2 Brit. informal a footballer who habitually fouls other players when tackling.

cloggy

adj. thick and sticky.

cloisonné

//

n. enamel work in which different colours are separated by strips of flattened wire placed edgeways on a metal backing.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘partitioned’, past part. of cloisonner, from cloison ‘a partition or division’.

cloister

//

n.
1 a covered, and typically colonnaded, passage round an open court in a convent, monastery, college, or cathedral.
2 a convent or monastery. (the cloister) monastic life.
v. seclude or shut up in a convent or monastery.

- DERIVATIVES cloistral adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cloistre, from L. claustrum, clostrum ‘lock, enclosed place’, from claudere, ‘to close’.

cloistered

adj.
1 having or enclosed by a cloister.
2 sheltered from the outside world: a cloistered upbringing.

clomiphene

//

n. Medicine a synthetic non-steroidal drug used to treat infertility in women by stimulating ovulation.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from chlo(ro-) + (a)mi(ne) + phen(yl).

clomp

v. walk with a heavy tread.
n. the sound of a heavy tread.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative; cf. clump.

clompy

adj. variant spelling of clumpy (in sense 1).

clone

n.
1 Biology an organism or cell, or a group of organisms or cells, produced asexually from one ancestor to which they are genetically identical.
2 a person or thing regarded as an exact copy of another.
3 informal (within gay culture) a homosexual man who adopts an exaggeratedly macho appearance.
v.
1 propagate (an organism or cell) as a clone. Biochemistry replicate (a fragment of DNA placed in an organism).
2 make an identical copy of.
3 illegally copy the security codes from (a mobile phone) to others as a way of obtaining free calls.

- DERIVATIVES clonal adj. clonality n. cloner n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk kln ‘twig’.

clonk

n. a sound made by an abrupt and heavy impact.
v.
1 move with or make a clonk.
2 informal hit.

- DERIVATIVES clonky adj.

clonus

//

n. Medicine muscular spasm involving repeated, often rhythmic, contractions.

- DERIVATIVES clonic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk klonos ‘turmoil’.

clop

n. a sound made by a horse's hoofs on a hard surface.
v. (clops, clopping, clopped) move with a clop.

cloqué

//

n. a fabric with an irregularly raised or embossed surface.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘blistered’.

close^1

//

adj.
1 only a short distance away or apart in space or time. dense: close print. (close to) very near to (being or doing something).
2 denoting someone who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling. on very affectionate or intimate terms. (of a connection or resemblance) strong.
3 (of observation or examination) done carefully and thoroughly.
4 (of information) carefully guarded: a close secret. not willing to give away money or information.
5 uncomfortably humid or airless.
6 Phonetics another term for high (sense 7).
adv. so as to be very near; with very little space between.
n.
1 Brit. a residential street without through access.
2 Brit. the precinct surrounding a cathedral.
3 Scottish an entry from the street to a common stairway or to a court at the back of a building.

- PHRASES
at (or from) close quarters (or range) very or overly close to someone or something.
close-fisted unwilling to spend money; mean.
close-knit (of a group of people) united by strong relationships and common interests.
close-mouthed reticent; discreet.
close-run (of a contest or objective) won or lost by a very small margin.
close-set (of things) having little space in between.
close shave (also close call) informal a narrow escape from danger or disaster.

- DERIVATIVES closely adv. closeness n. closish adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. clos, from L. clausum ‘enclosure’ and clausus ‘closed’ (past part. of claudere).

close^2

//

v.
1 move so as to cover an opening.
2 (also close something up) bring two parts of (something) together. make or become narrower or blocked: she felt her throat close up.
3 (close on/in on/up on) gradually get nearer to or surround. (close with) come near, especially so as to engage with (an enemy force). (close in) (of days) get successively shorter with the approach of the winter solstice.
4 (close around/over) encircle and hold.
5 bring or come to an end. finish speaking or writing. satisfactorily conclude (a business transaction).
6 (often close down/up) (of a business or other organization) cease to be open to the public or in operation.
7 make (an electric circuit) continuous.
n.
1 the end of an event or of a period of time or activity: the day drew to a close.
2 the shutting of a door.

- DERIVATIVES closable adj. closer n. closing adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. clos-, stem of clore, from L. claudere ‘to shut’.

closed

adj.
1 not open or allowing access. not open to all: the UN Security Council met in closed session.
2 not communicating with or influenced by others: a closed society.
3 Mathematics (of a set) having the property that the result of a specified operation on any element of the set is itself a member of the set.
4 Geometry (of a curve or figure) formed from a single unbroken line.
5 Phonetics (of a syllable) ending in a consonant.

- PHRASES
behind closed doors taking place secretly.
a closed book a subject or person about which one knows nothing.

closed caption

chiefly N. Amer.

n. one of a series of subtitles to a television programme, accessible through a decoder.
v. (closed-caption) [usu. as noun closed-captioning] provide (a programme) with closed captions.

- DERIVATIVES closed-captioned adj.

closed-circuit television

n. a television system in which the video signals are transmitted from one or more cameras by cable to a set of monitors, used especially for security purposes.

closed-end

adj.
1 having a predetermined and fixed extent.
2 N. Amer. denoting an investment trust or company that issues a fixed number of shares.

closed season

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for close season.

closed shop

n. a place of work where all employees must belong to an agreed trade union.

close harmony

n. Music harmony in which the notes of the chord are close together, typically in vocal music.

close-hauled

adj. & adv. Sailing with the sails hauled aft to sail close to the wind.

close season

n. (also chiefly N. Amer. closed season)
1 a period in the year when fishing or the killing of particular game is officially forbidden.
2 Brit. a part of the year when a particular sport is not played.

close-stool

n. historical a covered chamber pot enclosed in a wooden stool.

closet

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a tall cupboard or wardrobe.
2 a small room. archaic a toilet.
3 (the closet) (especially with reference to homosexuality) a state of secrecy or concealment. [as modifier] secret; covert: a closet socialist.
v. (closets, closeting, closeted)
1 shut away in private conference or study: he was closeted with the king.
2 [as adj. closeted] keeping something, especially one's homosexuality, secret.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., dimin. of clos (see close^1).

closet play

(also closet drama)

n. a play to be read rather than acted.

close-up

n. a photograph or film sequence taken at close range and showing the subject on a large scale.

closing order

n. English Law an order by a local authority prohibiting the use of premises for specified purposes.

clostridium

//

n. (pl. clostridia //) Biology an anaerobic bacterium of a large genus that includes many pathogenic species, e.g. those causing tetanus and botulism.

- DERIVATIVES clostridial adj.

- ORIGIN mod. L., based on Gk klstr ‘spindle’.

closure

n.
1 an act or process of closing.
2 a device that closes or seals something.
3 (in a legislative assembly) a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
4 a feeling that an emotional or traumatic experience has been resolved.
v. apply the closure to (a debate or speaker) in a legislative assembly.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from late L. clausura, from claus-, claudere ‘to close’.

clot

n.
1 a thick mass of coagulated liquid, especially blood, or of material stuck together.
2 Brit. informal a foolish or clumsy person.
v. (clots, clotting, clotted) form or cause to form into clots. cover with sticky matter.

- ORIGIN OE clott, clot, of Gmc origin.

cloth

n. (pl. cloths)
1 woven, knitted, or felted fabric made from a soft fibre such as wool or cotton.
2 a piece of cloth for a particular purpose.
3 (the cloth) the clergy; the clerical profession.

- ORIGIN OE clth, of unknown origin.

cloth cap

n. Brit. a man's flat woollen cap with a peak. [as modifier] relating to or associated with the working class: Labour's traditional cloth-cap image.

clothe

v. (past and past part. clothed or archaic or literary clad) (often be clothed in) put clothes on; dress. provide with clothes.

- ORIGIN OE (only recorded in the past part. geclded), from clth (see cloth).

cloth-eared

adj. Brit. informal, derogatory unable to hear or understand clearly.

clothes

pl. n. items worn to cover the body.

- ORIGIN OE clthas, pl. of clth (see cloth).

clothes horse

n.
1 a frame on which washed laundry is hung to dry.
2 informal a person who models or is over-concerned with wearing fashionable clothes.

clothes line

n. a rope or wire on which washed clothes are hung to dry.

clothes moth

n. a small drab moth whose larvae can be destructive to textile fibres.   Tineola biselliella and related species.

clothes peg

(also N. Amer. clothespin)

n. Brit. a clip or forked device for securing clothes to a clothes line.

clothier

//

n. a person who makes or sells clothes or cloth.

- ORIGIN ME clother, from cloth; the change in the ending was due to assoc. with -ier.

clothing

n. clothes collectively.

cloth of gold

n. fabric made of wool or silk interwoven with gold threads.

clotted cream

n. chiefly Brit. thick cream obtained by heating milk slowly and then allowing it to cool while the cream content rises to the top in coagulated lumps.

clotting factor

n. Physiology any of a number of substances in blood plasma which are involved in the clotting process, such as factor VIII.

cloture

//

n. & v. US term for closure (in sense 3 of the noun and as a verb).

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. clôture, from OFr. closure.

clou

//

n. literary the chief attraction, point of greatest interest, or central idea.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘nail’.

cloud

n.
1 a visible mass of condensed watery vapour floating in the atmosphere, typically high above the general level of the ground. an indistinct or billowing mass, especially of smoke or dust.
2 a state or cause of gloom or anxiety.
3 an opaque patch within a transparent substance.
v.
1 (usu. cloud over) (of the sky) become full of clouds.
2 make or become less clear or transparent.
3 make unclear or uncertain. spoil (something).
4 (of the face or eyes) show sadness, anxiety, or anger.

- PHRASES
in (or with one's head in) the clouds out of touch with reality.
on cloud nine (or seven) extremely happy. [ORIGIN with ref. to a ten-part classification of clouds in which ‘nine’ was next to the highest.]
under a cloud under suspicion or discredited.

- DERIVATIVES cloudless adj. cloudlessly adv. cloudlet n.

- ORIGIN The earliest use of cloud is recorded in Old English, in the sense ‘a mass of rock; a hill’; from this sense arose a number of place names, such as Thorp Cloud, a hill in Derbyshire. Later it was used in the same sense as clod to mean ‘a lump of earth or clay’; indeed it is likely that cloud, clod, and clot come ultimately from the same root. The current sense, ‘mass of watery vapour’, is first recorded in a reference in the medieval work the Cursor Mundi to the sun climbing the clouds.

cloud base

n. the level or altitude of the lowest part of a general mass of clouds.

cloudberry

n. (pl. cloudberries) a dwarf bramble with white flowers and edible orange fruit, growing on high, open land.   Rubus chamaemorus.

- ORIGIN C16: appar. from cloud in the obs. sense ‘hill’ + berry.

cloudburst

n. a sudden violent rainstorm.

cloud chamber

n. Physics an apparatus in which the tracks of ionizing particles are visible as condensation trails in gas supersaturated with water or other vapour.

cloud cover

n. a mass of cloud covering all or most of the sky.

cloud cuckoo land

n. a state of absurdly over-optimistic fantasy.

- ORIGIN C19: translation of Gk Nephelokokkugia, a city built by the birds in Aristophanes' comedy Birds, from nephel ‘cloud’ + kokkux ‘cuckoo’.

clouded leopard

n. a large spotted cat found in forests in SE Asia.   Neofelis nebulosa.

clouded yellow

n. a migratory butterfly which has yellowish wings with black margins.   Colias croceus and related species.

cloudy

adj. (cloudier, cloudiest)
1 (of the sky or weather) covered with or characterized by clouds.
2 (of a liquid) not transparent or clear.
3 uncertain or unclear.

- DERIVATIVES cloudily adv. cloudiness n.

clough

//

n. N. English a steep valley or ravine.

- ORIGIN OE clh (recorded in place names), of Gmc origin.

clout

n.
1 informal a heavy blow.
2 informal influence or power.
3 archaic a piece of cloth or clothing.
4 Archery a large target placed flat on the ground with a flag marking its centre and used in long-distance shooting.
5 (also clout nail) a nail with a large, flat head, used especially in securing roofing felt.
v.
1 informal hit hard.
2 archaic mend with a patch.

- ORIGIN OE clt (in the sense ‘a patch or metal plate’); rel. to cleat and clot.

clove^1

n.
1 the dried flower bud of a tropical tree, used as an aromatic spice. (oil of cloves) aromatic analgesic oil extracted from cloves and used medicinally to relieve dental pain.
2 the Indonesian tree from which cloves are obtained.   Syzygium aromaticum (also called Eugenia caryophyllus).
3 (also clove pink or clove gillyflower) a clove-scented pink which is the original type from which the carnation and other double pinks have been bred.   Dianthus caryophyllus.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. clou de girofle, lit. ‘nail of gillyflower’ (from its shape), gillyflower being orig. the name of the spice and later applied to the similarly scented pink.

clove^2

n. any of the small bulbs making up a compound bulb of garlic, shallot, etc.

- ORIGIN OE clufu, of Gmc origin, corresp. to the base of cleave^1.

clove^3

past of cleave^1.

clove hitch

n. a knot by which a rope is secured by passing it twice round a spar or another rope that it crosses at right angles in such a way that both ends pass under the loop of rope at the front.

- ORIGIN C18: clove, past tense of cleave^1 (because the rope appears as separate parallel lines at the back of the knot).

cloven

past participle of cleave^1.

cloven hoof

(also cloven foot)

n. the divided hoof or foot of ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.

- DERIVATIVES cloven-hoofed adj.

clover

n. a herbaceous leguminous plant with dense white or red globular flower heads and leaves which are typically three-lobed.   Genus Trifolium: many species.

- PHRASES
in clover in ease and luxury.

- ORIGIN OE clfre, of Gmc origin.

cloverleaf

n. N. Amer. a junction of roads intersecting at different levels and forming the pattern of a four-leaved clover.

Clovis

//

n. [as modifier] Archaeology denoting a Palaeo-Indian culture of Central and North America, dated to about 11,500–11,000 years ago and earlier.

- ORIGIN named after Clovis in New Mexico.

clown

n.
1 a comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated make-up. a playful, amusing person.
2 a foolish or incompetent person.
3 archaic an unsophisticated country person.
v. act comically or playfully.

- DERIVATIVES clownish adj. clownishly adv. clownishness n.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. of Low Ger. origin.

clownfish

n. (pl. same or clownfishes) a small, brightly coloured tropical fish that lives in close association with sea anemones.   Amphiprion percula and other species.

cloy

v. [usu. as adj. cloying] disgust or sicken with an excess of sweetness, richness, or sentiment.

- DERIVATIVES cloyingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: shortening of obs. accloy ‘stop up, choke’, from OFr. encloyer ‘drive a nail into’.

clozapine

//

n. Medicine a drug used to treat schizophrenia.

- ORIGIN mid 20th cent.: from c(h)lo(ro)- + elements of benzodiazepine.

cloze test

//

n. a procedure in which a subject is asked to supply words that have been removed from a passage as a test of their ability to comprehend text.

- ORIGIN 1950s: cloze representing a spoken abbrev. of closure.

club^1

n.
1 an association dedicated to a particular interest or activity. an organization constituted to play matches in a particular sport.
2 an organization offering members social amenities, meals, and temporary residence.
3 a nightclub with dance music.
v. (clubs, clubbing, clubbed)
1 (club together) combine with others to collect a sum of money.
2 (usu. go clubbing) informal go out to nightclubs.

- PHRASES
join the club informal a remark addressed to someone who is in a similar difficult situation to oneself.

- DERIVATIVES clubber n. clubbing n.

- ORIGIN C17: formed obscurely from club^2.

club^2

n.
1 a heavy stick with a thick end, used as a weapon.
2 (also golf club) a club used to hit the ball in golf, with a heavy wooden or metal head on a slender shaft.
3 (clubs) one of the four suits in a conventional pack of playing cards, denoted by a black trefoil. a card of such a suit.
v. (clubs, clubbing, clubbed) beat with a club or similar implement.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON clubba, var. of klumba; rel. to clump.

clubbable

adj. suitable for membership of a club because of one's sociability or popularity.

- DERIVATIVES clubbability n.

clubby

adj. informal friendly and sociable with fellow members of a group but not with outsiders.

club car

n. N. Amer. a railway carriage equipped with a lounge and other amenities.

club class

n. Brit. the intermediate class of seating on an aircraft, designed especially for business travellers.

club foot

n. a deformed foot which is twisted so that the sole cannot be placed flat on the ground.

- DERIVATIVES club-footed adj.

clubhouse

n. a building having facilities for the members of a club, especially a sports club.

clubland

n. an area with many nightclubs. the world of nightclubs and clubbers.

clubmoss

n. a low-growing flowerless plant belonging to a group of pteridophytes resembling large mosses.   Class Lycopsida: many species.

clubroot

n. a fungal disease of cabbages, turnips, etc. in which the root becomes swollen and distorted.

club sandwich

n. a sandwich consisting typically of chicken and bacon, tomato, and lettuce, layered between three slices of bread.

club soda

n. trademark North American term for soda (in sense 1).

cluck

v.
1 (of a hen) make a short, low sound.
2 (cluck over/around) express fussy concern about.
n.
1 the short, low sound made by a hen.
2 N. Amer. informal a foolish person.

- DERIVATIVES clucky adj.

- ORIGIN C15: imitative.

clue

n. a fact or piece of evidence used to solve a crime or that serves to reveal something.
v. (clues, clueing, clued) (clue someone in) informal inform someone about something.

- PHRASES
have a clue [usu. with neg.] informal know about something or about how to do something.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. ‘a ball of thread’, hence one used to guide a person out of a labyrinth): var. of clew.

clued-up

(N. Amer. clued-in)

adj. informal well informed about a particular subject.

clueless

adj. informal having no knowledge, understanding, or ability.

- DERIVATIVES cluelessly adv. cluelessness n.

Clumber spaniel

//

n. a spaniel of a heavily built breed.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire.

clump

n.
1 a small group of trees or plants growing closely together. a compacted mass or lump. Physiology an agglutinated mass of blood cells or bacteria, especially as an indicator of the presence of an antibody to them.
2 another term for clomp.
v.
1 form into a clump or mass.
2 another term for clomp.

- ORIGIN ME: partly imitative; rel. to club^2.

clumpy

adj.
1 (also clompy) Brit. (of shoes or boots) heavy and inelegant.
2 forming or showing a tendency to form clumps.

clumsy

adj. (clumsier, clumsiest)
1 awkward in movement or performance. difficult to handle or use; unwieldy.
2 lacking tact or social skills.

- DERIVATIVES clumsily adv. clumsiness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. clumse ‘make or be numb’, prob. of Scand. origin.

clunch

n. Brit. soft limestone that is capable of being easily worked.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from dial. clunch ‘lumpy, thickset’.

clung

past and past participle of cling.

Cluniac

//

n. a monk of a reformed Benedictine monastic order founded at Cluny in eastern France.

clunk

n.
1 a dull sound such as that made by heavy objects striking together.
2 US informal a foolish person.
v. move with or make a clunk.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. Scots): imitative; cf. clank, clink^1, and clonk.

clunker

n. N. Amer. informal
1 a dilapidated vehicle or machine.
2 a thing that is totally unsuccessful.

clunky

adj. (clunkier, clunkiest) informal
1 solid, heavy, and old-fashioned. (of shoes) clumpy.
2 making a clunking sound.

clupeoid

//

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting fish of an order (Clupeiformes) including the herrings and anchovies.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Clupeoidei (a suborder), from L. clupea, the name of a river fish.

cluster

n.
1 a group of similar things or people positioned or occurring closely together. a natural subgroup of a population, used for statistical sampling or analysis.
2 Chemistry a group of atoms of the same element, typically a metal, bonded closely together in a molecule.
v. form a cluster. Statistics (of data points) have similar numerical values.

- DERIVATIVES clustered adj.

- ORIGIN OE clyster; prob. rel. to clot.

cluster bean

n. another term for guar.

cluster bomb

n. a bomb which releases a number of projectiles on impact.

cluster fly

n. a fly which forms clusters in buildings before overwintering.   Pollenia rudis and Thaumatomyia notata.

cluster pine

n. another term for maritime pine.

clutch^1

v. grasp tightly. (clutch at) seize eagerly or in desperation: he clutched at the idea.
n.
1 a tight grasp.
2 (clutches) power or control: she was about to fall into his clutches.
3 a mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the engine and the transmission system in a vehicle, or the working parts of any machine.
4 N. Amer. a clutch bag.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘bend, crook’): var. of obs. clitch ‘close the hand’, from OE clyccan ‘crook, clench’, of Gmc origin.

clutch^2

n.
1 a group of eggs fertilized at the same time, laid in a single session and (in birds) incubated together. a brood of chicks.
2 a small group of people or things.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. a southern var. of north. Engl. dial. cletch, rel. to ME cleck ‘to hatch’, from ON klekja.

clutch bag

(N. Amer. also clutch)

n. a slim, flat handbag without handles or a strap.

clutter

v. cover or fill with an untidy collection of things: the lounge was cluttered with books and newspapers.
n. things lying about untidily. an untidy state.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of dial. clotter ‘to clot’, influenced by cluster and clatter.

Clydesdale

n.
1 a horse of a heavy, powerful breed, used for pulling heavy loads.
2 a dog of a small breed of terrier.

- ORIGIN named after the area around the river Clyde in Scotland, where they were orig. bred.

clypeus

//

n. (pl. clypei //) Entomology a broad plate at the front of an insect's head.

- DERIVATIVES clypeal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘round shield’.

clyster

//

n. archaic term for enema.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. clystere or L. clyster, from Gk klustr ‘syringe’.

CM

abbrev.
1 command module.
2 common metre.
3 Member of the Order of Canada.

Cm

symb. the chemical element curium.

Cm.

abbrev. (in the UK) Command Paper (sixth series, 1986–).

cm

abbrev. centimetre(s).

Cmd.

abbrev. (in the UK) Command Paper (fourth series, 1918–56).

Cmdr

abbrev. Commander.

Cmdre

abbrev. Commodore.

CMG

abbrev. (in the UK) Companion (of the Order) of St Michael and St George.

Cmnd.

abbrev. (in the UK) Command Paper (fifth series, 1956–86).

CMOS

n. Electronics a technology for making low-power integrated circuits. a chip based on such technology.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor.

CMV

abbrev. cytomegalovirus.

CNAA

abbrev. Council for National Academic Awards.

CND

abbrev. Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

CNG

abbrev. compressed natural gas.

cnidarian

// Zoology

n. an aquatic invertebrate animal of the phylum Cnidaria, which comprises the coelenterates.
adj. relating to cnidarians.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Cnidaria, from Gk knid ‘nettle’.

CNN

abbrev. Cable News Network.

CNS

abbrev. central nervous system.

CO

abbrev.
1 Colombia (international vehicle registration).
2 Colorado (in official postal use).
3 Commanding Officer.
4 conscientious objector.

Co

symb. the chemical element cobalt.

Co.

abbrev.
1 company.
2 county.

c/o

abbrev. care of.

co-

//

prefix
1 (forming nouns) joint; mutual; common: co-author.
2 (forming adjectives) jointly; mutually: coequal.
3 (forming verbs) together with another or others: co-produce.
4 Mathematics of the complement of an angle: cosine. the complement of: co-latitude.

- ORIGIN from L., orig. a form of com-.

coacervate

//

n. Chemistry a colloid-rich viscous liquid phase which may separate from a colloidal solution on addition of a third component.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: back-form. from coacervation, based on L. cum ‘(together) with’ + acervus ‘heap’.

coach^1

n.
1 Brit. a comfortably equipped single-decker bus used for longer journeys.
2 a railway carriage.
3 (also coach class) N. Amer. economy-class seating in an aircraft or train.
4 a closed horse-drawn carriage.
v. travel or convey by coach.

- DERIVATIVES coachload n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. coche, from Hungarian kocsi (szekér) ‘(wagon) from Kocs’, a town in Hungary.

coach^2

n.
1 an instructor or trainer in sport.
2 a tutor who gives private or specialized teaching.
3 Austral. another term for coacher.
v. train or teach as a coach.

- ORIGIN C18: figuratively from coach^1.

coach bolt

n. Brit. a large bolt with a round head, used chiefly for fixing wooden panels to masonry or to one another.

coach-built

adj. Brit. (of a vehicle) having specially or individually built bodywork.

- DERIVATIVES coachbuilder n.

coacher

n. Austral. a docile cow or bullock used as a decoy to attract wild cattle.

coach house

n. a building formerly used for the storage of coaches.

coaching inn

n. historical an inn along a route followed by horse-drawn coaches, at which horses could be changed.

coachman

n. (pl. coachmen) a driver of a horse-drawn carriage.

coachroof

n. a raised part of the cabin roof of a yacht.

coachwhip

n.
1 a harmless North American snake, whose scales form a pattern said to resemble a braided whip.   Masticophis flagellum.
2 Austral. the whipbird.

coachwood

n. a slender tree of the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea, with close-grained timber that is used for cabinetmaking and veneers.   Ceratopetalum apetalum.

coachwork

n. the bodywork of a road or railway vehicle.

coadjutor

//

n. a bishop appointed to assist and often to succeed a diocesan bishop.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. coadjutor, from co- + adjutor ‘assistant’.

coagulant

//

n. a substance that causes coagulation.

coagulase

//, //

n. Biochemistry a bacterial enzyme which brings about the coagulation of blood or plasma and is produced by disease-causing forms of staphylococcus.

coagulate

//

v. (of a fluid, especially blood) change to a solid or semi-solid state.

- DERIVATIVES coagulable adj. coagulation n. coagulative adj. coagulator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. coagulat-, coagulare ‘curdle’.

coagulum

//

n. (pl. coagula //) a mass of coagulated matter.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a coagulant): from L., lit. ‘rennet’.

coal

n. a combustible black rock consisting mainly of carbonized plant matter and used as fuel. Brit. a piece of coal.
v. provide with or extract coal.

- PHRASES
coals to Newcastle something supplied to a place where it is already plentiful.
haul (also N. Amer. rake) someone over the coals reprimand someone severely.

- DERIVATIVES coaly adj.

- ORIGIN OE col (in the senses ‘glowing ember’ and ‘charred remnant’), of Gmc origin.

coaler

n.
1 a ship that transports coal.
2 a large mechanized structure for loading coal.

coalesce

//

v. come or bring together to form one mass or whole: the puddles had coalesced into shallow streams.

- DERIVATIVES coalescence n. coalescent adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. coalescere, from co- + alescere ‘grow up’.

coalface

n. an exposed surface of coal in a mine.

- PHRASES
at the coalface engaged in work at an active rather than theoretical level.

coalfield

n. an extensive area containing a number of underground coal strata.

coalfish

n. (pl. same or coalfishes) another term for saithe.

coal gas

n. a mixture of gases (chiefly hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide) obtained by distilling coal and formerly used for lighting and heating.

coalition

//

n. a temporary alliance, especially of political parties forming a government.

- DERIVATIVES coalitionist n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘fusion’): from med. L. coalitio(n-), from L. coalescere (see coalesce).

coal measures

pl. n. Geology a series of strata of the Carboniferous period, including coal seams.

Coalport

n. a kind of porcelain produced at Coalport in Shropshire, England, from the late 18th century.

coal tar

n. a thick black liquid produced by distilling bituminous coal, containing organic chemicals including benzene, naphthalene, phenols, and aniline.

coal tit

(also cole tit)

n. a small tit (songbird) with a grey back, black cap and throat, and white cheeks.   Parus ater.

coaming

// (also coamings)

n. a raised border round the cockpit or hatch of a yacht or other boat to keep out water.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

coaptation

//

n.
1 the adaptation of things or people to each other.
2 Medicine the drawing together of the separated tissue in a wound or fracture.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. coaptatio(n-), from coaptare (from aptus ‘apt’).

coarctate

//

adj. chiefly Anatomy & Biology compressed; contracted.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. coarctat-, coarctare ‘press or draw together’.

coarctation

n. Medicine congenital narrowing of a short section of the aorta.

coarse

adj.
1 rough or harsh in texture; unrefined. consisting of large grains or particles: a coarse white powder.
2 (of a person's features) not elegantly formed or proportioned.
3 rude or vulgar.
4 Brit. relating to the sport of angling for coarse fish.

- DERIVATIVES coarsely adv. coarseness n. coarsish adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘ordinary or inferior’): origin uncertain; perh. rel. to course.

coarse fish

n. (pl. same) Brit. any freshwater fish other than salmon and trout. Compare with game fish.

coarsen

v. make or become coarse.

coast

n.
1 the part of the land adjoining or near the sea.
2 the easy movement of a vehicle without the use of power.
v.
1 (of a vehicle) move easily without using power. be successful with little effort: they coasted to victory.
2 sail along the coast.

- PHRASES
the coast is clear there is no danger of being observed or caught.

- DERIVATIVES coastal adj. coastwise adj. & adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘side of the body’), from OFr. coste (n.), costeier (v.), from L. costa ‘rib, flank, side’.

coaster

n.
1 a small mat for a glass.
2 a ship carrying cargo along the coast from port to port.
3 N. Amer. a toboggan.
4 a roller coaster.

coastguard

n. a person or organization that keeps watch over coastal waters to assist people or ships in danger and to prevent smuggling.

coastline

n. a length of coast: a rugged coastline.

coast to coast

adj. & adv. all the way across an island or continent.

coat

n.
1 a full-length outer garment with sleeves. a man's jacket.
2 an animal's covering of fur or hair.
3 an enclosing or covering layer or structure. a single application of paint or similar material.
v. provide with or form a layer or covering.

- DERIVATIVES -coated adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cote, of unknown origin.

coat armour

n. heraldic arms.

coat check

n. N. Amer. a cloakroom with an attendant.

- DERIVATIVES coat-checker n.

coat dress

n. a woman's tailored dress that resembles a coat.

coatee

//

n. Brit. a woman's or infant's short coat.

coati

//

n. (pl. coatis) a raccoon-like animal found in Central and South America, with a long flexible snout and a ringed tail.   Genera Nasua and Nasuella: three or four species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. and Port., from Tupi kua'ti, from cua ‘belt’ + tim ‘nose’.

coatimundi

//

n. (pl. coatimundis) another term for coati.

- ORIGIN C17: from Port., from Tupi kuatimu'ne, from kua'ti (see coati) + mu'ne ‘snare or trick’.

coating

n. a thin layer or covering of something.

coat of arms

n. the distinctive heraldic bearings or shield of a person, family, corporation, or country.

coat of mail

n. historical a jacket composed of metal rings or plates, serving as armour.

coatroom

n. N. Amer. a cloakroom.

coat-tail

n. each of the flaps formed by the back of a tailcoat.

co-author

n. a joint author.
v. be a joint author of.

coax^1

//

v. persuade (someone) gradually or by flattery to do something. use such persuasion to obtain (something). arrange (something) carefully into a particular shape or position.

- DERIVATIVES coaxer n. coaxing adj. coaxingly adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘pet, fondle’): from obs. cokes ‘simpleton’, of unknown origin.

coax^2

//

n. informal coaxial cable.

coaxial

//

adj.
1 having a common axis.
2 (of a cable or line) transmitting by means of two concentric conductors separated by an insulator.

- DERIVATIVES coaxially adv.

cob^1

n.
1 Brit. a round loaf of bread.
2 short for corncob.
3 (also cobnut) a hazelnut or filbert.
4 a powerfully built, short-legged horse.
5 a male swan.
6 Brit. a roundish lump of coal.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a strong man or leader): of unknown origin.

cob^2

n. Brit. a mixture of compressed clay and straw used, especially formerly, for building walls.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

cobalamin

//

n. Biochemistry any of the vitamin B_12 group of cobalt-containing substances or their derivatives, a deficiency of which can cause pernicious anaemia.

- ORIGIN 1950s: blend of cobalt and vitamin.

cobalt

//, //

n. the chemical element of atomic number 27, a hard silvery-white magnetic metal. (Symbol: Co)

- DERIVATIVES cobaltic //, // adj. cobaltous //, // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ger. Kobalt ‘imp, demon’ (from the belief that cobalt was harmful to the ores with which it occurred).

cobalt blue

n. a deep blue pigment containing cobalt and aluminium oxides.

cobber

n. Austral./NZ informal a companion or friend.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. rel. to Engl. dial. cob ‘take a liking to’.

cobble^1

n. (also cobblestone) a small round stone used to cover road surfaces.

- DERIVATIVES cobbled adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from cob^1 + -le^2.

cobble^2

v.
1 (cobble something together) roughly assemble something from available parts or elements.
2 dated repair (shoes).

- ORIGIN C15: back-form. from cobbler.

cobbler

n.
1 a person whose job is mending shoes.
2 an iced drink made with wine or sherry, sugar, and lemon.
3 chiefly N. Amer. a fruit pie with a rich, cake-like crust.
4 (cobblers) Brit. informal a man's testicles. [ORIGIN from rhyming sl. cobbler's awls ‘balls’.] nonsense.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

cobby

adj. (of a horse or other animal) stocky.

co-belligerent

n. any of two or more nations engaged in war as allies.

- DERIVATIVES co-belligerence n.

cobia

//

n. (pl. same) a large edible game fish living in the open ocean.   Rachycentron canadum.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

coble

//

n. a flat-bottomed fishing boat of a type used in Scotland and NE England.

- ORIGIN OE, perh. of Celtic origin.

cobnut

n. see cob^1 (sense 3).

cobra

//, //

n. a highly venomous African or Asian snake that spreads the skin of its neck into a hood when disturbed.   Naja naja (spectacled cobra), N. haje (Egyptian cobra), and other species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Port. cobra de capello, lit. ‘snake with hood’.

co-branded

adj. (of a product or service) marketed under or carrying two or more brand names.

- DERIVATIVES co-branding n.

cobweb

n. a spider's web, especially an old or dusty one.

- DERIVATIVES cobwebbed adj. cobwebby adj.

- ORIGIN ME coppeweb, from obs. coppe ‘spider’ + web.

coca

//

n.
1 a tropical American shrub grown for its leaves, which are the source of cocaine.   Erythroxylum coca.
2 the dried leaves of the coca shrub mixed with lime and chewed as a stimulant by the native people of western South America.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp., from Aymara kuka or Quechua koka.

Coca-Cola

n. trademark a carbonated non-alcoholic drink.

cocaine

//

n. an addictive drug derived from coca or prepared synthetically, used as an illegal stimulant and sometimes medicinally as a local anaesthetic.

- ORIGIN C19: from coca + -ine^4.

coccidia

//

pl. n. Biology parasitic protozoans of a group responsible for toxoplasmosis and other diseases.   Suborder Eimeriorina.

- DERIVATIVES coccidian adj. & n. coccidiosis n.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. (former order name), from Gk kokkis, dimin. of kokkos ‘berry’.

coccidioidomycosis

//

n. a serious fungal disease of the lungs and other tissues, endemic in the warmer, arid regions of America.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from mod. L. Coccidioides (genus name of the fungus) + mycosis.

coccolith

//

n. Biology a minute rounded calcareous platelet, numbers of which form the spherical shells of coccolithophores.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kokkos ‘grain or berry’ + lithos ‘stone’.

coccolithophore

//

n. Biology a single-celled planktonic flagellate that secretes a calcareous shell.  Order Coccolithophorida. Order Coccolithophorida. ">

- DERIVATIVES coccolithophorid n. & adj.

coccus

//

n. (pl. cocci //, //) Biology any spherical or roughly spherical bacterium.

- DERIVATIVES coccal adj. coccoid adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a scale insect): mod. L., from Gk kokkos ‘berry’.

coccyx

//

n. (pl. coccyges // or coccyxes) a small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes, formed of fused vestigial vertebrae.

- DERIVATIVES coccygeal // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk kokkux ‘cuckoo’ (because the shape of the human bone resembles the cuckoo's bill).

Cochin^2

//, // (also Cochin China)

n. a chicken of an Asian breed with feathery legs.

cochineal

//, //

n.
1 a scarlet dye used for colouring food, made from the crushed dried bodies of a female scale insect.
2 (cochineal insect) the scale insect that is used for cochineal, native to Mexico and formerly widely cultivated on cacti.   Dactylopius coccus.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. cochenille or Sp. cochinilla, from L. coccinus ‘scarlet’.

cochlea

//

n. (pl. cochleae //) the spiral cavity of the inner ear containing the organ of Corti, which produces nerve impulses in response to sound vibrations.

- DERIVATIVES cochlear adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘snail shell or screw’.

cock^1

n.
1 a male bird, especially of a domestic fowl. used in names of birds, especially game birds, e.g. snowcock. Brit. a male lobster, crab, or salmon. Brit. informal a friendly form of address among men.
2 vulgar slang a man's penis.
3 Brit. informal nonsense.
4 a firing lever in a gun which can be raised to be released by the trigger.
5 a stopcock.
v.
1 tilt (something) in a particular direction. bend or raise a (limb or joint) at an angle.
2 raise the cock of (a gun) in order to make it ready for firing.
3 (cock something up) Brit. informal spoil or ruin something.

- PHRASES
cock one's ear (of a dog) raise its ears to an erect position.
cock one's eye glance in a quizzical or knowing manner with a raised eyebrow.
cock of the walk someone who dominates others within a group.

- ORIGIN OE cocc, from med. L. coccus; reinforced in ME by OFr. coq.

cock^2

n. dated a small pile of hay or other material, with vertical sides and a rounded top.
v. archaic pile (hay or other material) into a cock.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. of Scand. origin.

cockabully

//

n. (pl. cockabullies) NZ a small blunt-nosed freshwater fish related to the sleepers.   Genus Gobiomorphus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Maori kokopu.

cockade

//

n. a rosette or knot of ribbons worn in a hat as a badge of office or as part of a livery.

- DERIVATIVES cockaded adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cocarde, orig. in bonnet à la coquarde, from the fem. of obs. coquard ‘saucy’.

cock-a-doodle-doo

exclam. used to represent the sound made by a cock when it crows.

cock-a-hoop

adj. extremely pleased.

- ORIGIN C17: from the phr. set cock a hoop, of unknown origin, appar. denoting the action of turning on a tap and allowing liquor to flow.

cock-a-leekie

n. a soup traditionally made in Scotland with chicken and leeks.

cockalorum

//

n. (pl. cockalorums) informal, dated a self-important man.

- ORIGIN C18: an arbitrary formation from cock^1.

cockamamie

// (also cockamamy)

adj. N. Amer. informal ridiculous; nonsensical.

- ORIGIN 1940s (orig. denoting a design left by a transfer): prob. an alt. of decalcomania.

cock and bull story

n. informal a ridiculous and implausible story.

cockatiel

//

n. a slender long-crested Australian parrot related to the cockatoos, with a mainly grey body and a yellow and orange face.   Nymphicus hollandicus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Du. kaketielje, prob. a dimin. of kaketoe ‘cockatoo’.

cockatoo

//

n. a parrot with an erectile crest, found in Australia, eastern Indonesia, and neighbouring islands.   Family Cacatuidae: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Du. kaketoe, from Malay kakatua.

cockatrice

//, //

n. another term for basilisk (in sense 1). Heraldry a mythical animal depicted as a two-legged dragon (or wyvern) with a cock's head.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cocatris, from L. calcatrix ‘tracker’, translating Gk ikhneumn (see ichneumon).

cockboat

n. a small boat towed behind a larger vessel.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. cock ‘small boat’ (from OFr. coque, based on L. caudex, codex ‘block of wood’) + boat.

cockchafer

//

n. a large brown dusk-flying beetle which is a destructive plant pest.   Melolontha melolontha.

- ORIGIN C18: from cock^1 (expressing size) + chafer.

cockcrow

n. literary dawn.

cocked hat

n. a brimless triangular hat pointed at the front, back, and top. historical a hat with a wide brim permanently turned up towards the crown.

- PHRASES
knock something into a cocked hat utterly defeat or outdo something.

cockerel

n. a young domestic cock.

- ORIGIN ME: dimin. of cock^1.

cocker spaniel

n. a small spaniel of a breed with a silky coat.

- ORIGIN C19: from cock^1 + -er^1 (because the dog was bred to flush game birds such as woodcock).

cockeyed

adj. informal
1 crooked or askew; not level. absurd; impractical.
2 having a squint.

cockfighting

n. the sport (illegal in the UK and some other countries) of setting two cocks to fight each other.

- DERIVATIVES cockfight n.

cockle^1

n.
1 an edible burrowing bivalve mollusc with a strong ribbed shell.   Genus Cardium.
2 (also cockleshell) literary a small shallow boat.

- PHRASES
warm the cockles of one's heart give one a comforting feeling of contentment.

- DERIVATIVES cockler n. cockling n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coquille ‘shell’, based on Gk konkhulion, from konkh ‘conch’.

cockle^2

v. (of paper) wrinkle or pucker.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. coquiller ‘blister (bread in cooking)’, from coquille (see cockle^1).

cocklebur

n. a plant of the daisy family with broad leaves and burred fruits, native to tropical America.   Xanthium strumarium.

- ORIGIN C19: from cockle^2 + bur.

cockney

//

n. (pl. cockneys)
1 a native of the East End of London, traditionally one born within hearing of Bow Bells. the dialect or accent typical of cockneys.
2 Austral. a young snapper (fish).

- DERIVATIVES cockneyism n.

- ORIGIN The word cockney entered English in the 14th century, when it was used to mean a hen's egg. A little later it began to be used of a child who was breastfed for a long period, and from this developed the sense ‘a pampered child’. From this cockney came to signify a feeble person, and then a town-dweller regarded as affected or puny when compared to the hardier inhabitants of the country. The current sense arose in the 17th century.

cock-of-the-rock

n. (pl. cocks-of-the-rock) a crested cotinga (bird) found in the tropical forests of South America, the male of which has brilliant orange or red plumage.   Genus Rupicola: two species.

cockpit

n.
1 a compartment for the pilot and crew in an aircraft or spacecraft. the driver's compartment in a racing car.
2 a place where cockfights are held. a place of conflict.

- ORIGIN C16: from cock^1 + pit^1; sense 1 derives from a C18 naut. use denoting an area in the aft lower deck of a ship where the wounded were taken, later coming to mean ‘the ‘pit’ or well from which a yacht was steered’.

cockroach

//

n. a beetle-like scavenging insect with long antennae and legs, some kinds of which are household pests.   Blatta orientalis and other species, suborder Blattodea.

- ORIGIN C17 (as cacaroch): from Sp. cucaracha.

cockscomb

n.
1 the crest or comb of a domestic cock.
2 (also coxcomb) a tropical plant with a crest of tiny yellow, orange, or red flowers, grown as a pot plant.   Celosia cristata.
3 a brightly coloured orchid related to the coralroots, native to southern North America.   Genus Hexalectris.

cocksfoot

n. (pl. cocksfoots) Brit. a pasture grass with broad leaves and green or purplish flowering spikes.   Dactylis glomerata.

cockshy

//

n. (pl. cockshies) Brit. dated a target for throwing sticks or stones at as a game.

- ORIGIN from the original use of a replica of a cockerel as a target.

cocksure

adj. presumptuously or arrogantly confident.

- DERIVATIVES cocksurely adv. cocksureness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from archaic cock (a euphemism for God) + sure; later assoc. with cock^1.

cocktail

n.
1 an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice. [as modifier] relating to or associated with cocktail drinking or formal social occasions: a cocktail dress.
2 a dish consisting of small pieces of food, typically served as an hors d'oeuvre: a prawn cocktail.
3 a mixture of substances or factors, especially when dangerous or unpleasant: a potent cocktail of drugs.

- ORIGIN C17: from cock^1 + tail^1; earlier denoting a horse with a docked tail, later a racehorse which was not a thoroughbred (through having a cock-tailed horse in its pedigree).

cock-up

n. Brit. informal something done badly or inefficiently.

cocky^1

adj. (cockier, cockiest) conceited or confident in a bold or cheeky way.

- DERIVATIVES cockily adv. cockiness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘lecherous’): from cock^1 + -y^1.

cocky^2

n. (pl. cockies) Austral./NZ informal a cockatoo.

coco

n. (pl. cocos)
1 coconut.
2 W. Indian the root of the taro.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. and Port., lit. ‘grinning face’ (because of the appearance of the base of the coconut).

cocoa

n. a powder made from roasted and ground cacao seeds. a hot drink made from cocoa powder mixed with milk or water.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of cacao.

cocoa bean

n. a cacao seed.

cocoa butter

n. a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in making confectionery and cosmetics.

cocoanut

n. old-fashioned spelling of coconut.

cocobolo

//

n. (pl. cocobolos) a tropical American tree with hard reddish wood.   Dalbergia retusa.

- ORIGIN C19: via Sp. from Arawak kakabali.

coco de mer

//

n. a tall palm tree native to the Seychelles, having an immense nut in a hard woody shell.   Lodoicea maldivica.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. coco-de-mer, lit. ‘coco from the sea’ (because the tree was first known from nuts found floating in the sea).

coconut

n.
1 the large oval brown seed of a tropical palm, consisting of a hard woody husk surrounded by fibre, lined with edible white flesh and containing a clear liquid (coconut milk). the flesh of a coconut, often shredded and used as food.
2 (also coconut palm or tree) the tall palm tree that yields coconuts, and also other products such as copra and coir.   Cocos nucifera.

coconut butter

n. a solid fat obtained from the flesh of the coconut, and used in the manufacture of soap, candles, ointment, etc.

coconut ice

n. Brit. a sweet made from sugar and desiccated coconut.

coconut shy

n. Brit. a fairground sideshow where balls are thrown at coconuts in an attempt to knock them off stands.

cocoon

//

n.
1 a silky case spun by the larvae of many insects for protection as pupae. something that envelops someone in a protective or comforting way.
2 a covering that prevents the corrosion of metal equipment.
v.
1 wrap in a cocoon.
2 N. Amer. retreat from the stressful conditions of public life into the private world of the family.

- DERIVATIVES cocooner n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cocon, from med. Provençal coucoun ‘eggshell, cocoon’, dimin. of coca ‘shell’.

cocotte^1

//

n. (usu. in phr. en cocotte) a small casserole in which individual portions of food can be cooked and served.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr. cocasse, from L. cucuma ‘cooking container’.

cocotte^2

//

n. dated a fashionable prostitute.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from a child's name for a hen.

COD

abbrev.
1 cash on delivery.
2 N. Amer. collect on delivery.

cod^1

(also codfish)

n. (pl. same) a large marine fish with a small barbel on the chin, important as a food fish.   Gadus morhua (N. Atlantic) and other species, family Gadidae.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. the same word as OE cod(d) ‘bag’, because of the fish's appearance.

cod^2

Brit. informal

adj. not authentic; fake: a cod French accent.
n. a joke or hoax.
v. (cods, codding, codded) play a joke on.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from sl. cod ‘a fool’.

cod^3

n. Brit. informal, dated nonsense.

- ORIGIN 1960s: abbrev. of codswallop.

coda

//

n.
1 Music the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition to the basic structure.
2 a concluding event, remark, or section.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., from L. cauda ‘tail’.

coddle

v.
1 treat in an indulgent or overprotective way.
2 cook (an egg) in water below boiling point.

- DERIVATIVES coddler n.

- ORIGIN C16: origin uncertain; sense 1 is prob. a dial. var. of obs. caudle ‘administer invalids' gruel’.

code

n.
1 a system of words, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy. a series of letters or numbers assigned to something to classify or identify it. short for dialling code.
2 Computing program instructions.
3 a systematic collection of laws or statutes: the penal code. a set of conventions or principles governing behaviour or activity in a particular sphere.
v.
1 convert into a code. assign a code to for purposes of classification or identification.
2 (code for) Genetics be the genetic code for (an amino acid or protein). be the genetic determiner of (a characteristic).
3 enter code into a computer; program.

- DERIVATIVES coder n. coding n. & adj.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a systematic collection of statutes made by one of the later Roman emperors): via OFr. from L. codex, codic- (see codex).

codec

//

n. Electronics a microchip that compresses data to enable faster transmission or decompresses received data.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of coder (see code) and decoder (see decode).

codeine

//, //

n. Medicine an analgesic drug derived from morphine.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kdeia ‘poppy head’ + -ine^4.

codependency

n. excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one with an illness or addiction who requires support.

- DERIVATIVES codependence n. codependent adj. & n.

code-sharing

n. agreement between two or more airlines to list certain flights in a reservation system under each other's names.

- DERIVATIVES code-share v.

codex

//

n. (pl. codices //, // or codexes)
1 an ancient manuscript text in book form.
2 an official list of medicines, chemicals, etc.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a collection of statutes): from L., lit. ‘block of wood’, later denoting a block split into tablets for writing on, hence a book.

codfish

n. (pl. same or codfishes) another term for cod^1.

codger

n. informal, derogatory an elderly man.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. a var. of cadger (see cadge).

codicil

//, //

n. an addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one.

- DERIVATIVES codicillary // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. codicillus, dimin. of codex (see codex).

codicology

//

n. the study of manuscripts and their interrelationships.

- DERIVATIVES codicological adj. codicologically adv.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Fr. codicologie, from L. codex (see codex).

codify

//

v. (codifies, codifying, codified) organize (procedures or rules) into a system or code.

- DERIVATIVES codification n. codifier n.

codling^1

n. an immature cod.

codling^2

n. any of several varieties of cooking apple having a long tapering shape.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. quer de lion ‘lionheart’.

codling moth

n. a small greyish moth whose larvae feed on apples.   Cydia pomonella.

cod liver oil

n. oil pressed from the fresh liver of cod, which is rich in vitamins D and A.

codomain

//

n. Mathematics a set that includes all the possible values of a given function.

codon

//

n. Biochemistry a sequence of three nucleotides which together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or messenger RNA molecule.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from code + -on.

codpiece

n. a pouch to cover the genitals on a pair of man's breeches, worn in the 15th and 16th centuries.

- ORIGIN from earlier cod ‘scrotum’ (from OE codd ‘bag, pod’) + piece.

codswallop

n. Brit. informal nonsense.

- ORIGIN 1960s: origin uncertain, but perh. named after Hiram Codd, who invented a bottle for fizzy drinks (1875).

coecilian

n. variant spelling of caecilian.

co-ed

//, // informal

n. N. Amer. dated a female student at a co-educational institution.
adj. co-educational.

co-education

n. the education of pupils of both sexes together.

- DERIVATIVES co-educational adj.

coefficient

//

n.
1 Mathematics a numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g. 4 in 4xy).
2 Physics a multiplier or factor that measures some property.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. coefficient-, from com- ‘together’ + efficient- (see efficient).

coelacanth

//

n. a large bony marine fish with a three-lobed tail fin and fleshy pectoral fins, known only from fossils until one was found alive in 1938.   Latimeria chalumnae.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Coelacanthus (genus name), from Gk koilos ‘hollow’ + akantha ‘spine’ (because its fins have hollow spines).

-coele

comb. form variant spelling of -cele.

coelenterate

//, //

n. Zoology an aquatic invertebrate animal, typically having a tube- or cup-shaped body with a single opening ringed with tentacles, belonging to a phylum (Cnidaria, formerly Coelenterata) that includes jellyfishes, corals, and sea anemones.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Coelenterata, from Gk koilos ‘hollow’ + enteron ‘intestine’.

coeliac

// (US celiac)

adj. Anatomy & Medicine relating to the abdomen.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. coeliacus, from Gk koiliakos, from koilia ‘belly’.

coeliac disease

n. a disease in which chronic failure to digest food is triggered by hypersensitivity of the small intestine to gluten.

coelom

//

n. (pl. coeloms or coelomata //) Zoology the principal body cavity in most animals, located between the intestinal canal and the body wall.

- DERIVATIVES coelomate adj. & n. coelomic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk koilma ‘cavity’.

coelurosaur

//

n. a small slender bipedal carnivorous dinosaur with long forelimbs, believed to be an evolutionary ancestor of birds.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk koilos ‘hollow’ + oura ‘tail’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

coenobite

// (also cenobite)

n. a member of a monastic community.

- DERIVATIVES coenobitic // adj. coenobitical adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cenobite or eccles. L. coenobita, via late L. from Gk koinobion ‘convent’.

coenocyte

//

n. Botany a body of algal or fungal cytoplasm containing several nuclei, enclosed in a single membrane.

- DERIVATIVES coenocytic // adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk koinos ‘common’ + -cyte.

coenzyme

//

n. Biochemistry a non-protein organic compound that is necessary for the functioning of an enzyme.

coequal

adj. having the same rank or importance.
n. a person or thing equal with another.

- DERIVATIVES coequality // n.

coerce

//

v. persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats.

- DERIVATIVES coercible adj. coercion n. coercive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. coercere ‘restrain’, from co- ‘jointly, together’ + arcere ‘restrain’.

coercivity

//

n. Physics the resistance of a magnetic material to changes in magnetization, equivalent to the field intensity necessary to demagnetize the fully magnetized material.

coeval

//

adj. having the same age or date of origin; contemporary.
n. a person of roughly the same age as oneself; a contemporary.

- DERIVATIVES coevality n. coevally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. coaevus, from co- ‘jointly, in common’ + L. aevum ‘age’.

coexist

v. exist at the same time or in the same place. exist in harmony.

- DERIVATIVES coexistence n. coexistent adj.

coextensive

adj. extending over the same area, extent, or time.

cofactor

n. Biochemistry a non-protein substance whose presence is essential for the activity of an enzyme.

C. of E.

abbrev. Church of England.

coffee

n.
1 a hot drink made from the roasted and ground bean-like seeds of a tropical shrub. coffee seeds roasted and ground, or a powder made from them.
2 the shrub which yields coffee seeds.   Genus Coffea: several species.

- ORIGIN C16: from Turk. kahveh, from Arab. kahwa.

coffee morning

n. Brit. a morning social gathering at which coffee is served.

coffee table

n. a small, low table.

coffee-table book

n. a large, lavishly illustrated book, intended especially for casual reading.

coffer

n.
1 a small chest for holding valuables. (coffers) the funds or financial reserves of an institution.
2 a decorative sunken panel in a ceiling.
v. [usu. as adj. coffered] decorate (a ceiling) with a coffer or coffers.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coffre ‘chest’, via L. from Gk kophinos ‘basket’.

cofferdam

n. a watertight enclosure pumped dry to permit construction work below the waterline, as when building bridges or repairing a ship.

coffin

n. a long, narrow box in which a dead body is buried or cremated.
v. (coffins, coffining, coffined) place in a coffin.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cofin ‘little basket’, from L. cophinus (see coffer).

coffin bone

n. the terminal bone in a horse's hoof (the distal phalanx).

coffle

//

n. literary a line of animals or slaves fastened or driven along together.

- ORIGIN C18: from Arab. kfila ‘caravan’.

coffret

//

n. a small container.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr., ‘small chest’, dimin. of coffre (see coffer).

cog

n. a wheel or bar with a series of projections on its edge, which transfers motion by engaging with projections on another wheel or bar. each of such a series of projections.

- DERIVATIVES cogged adj.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin.

cogeneration

n. the generation of electricity and useful heat jointly, especially the utilization of the steam left over from electricity generation for heating.

cogent

//

adj. (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing.

- DERIVATIVES cogency n. cogently adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. cogent-, cogere ‘compel’.

cogitate

//

v. formal meditate or reflect.

- DERIVATIVES cogitation n. cogitative adj. cogitator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as cogitation): from L. cogitat-, cogitare ‘to consider’.

cogito

//, //

n. Philosophy the principle establishing the existence of a being from the fact of its thinking or awareness.

- ORIGIN L., as in Descartes' formula (1641) cogito, ergo sum ‘I think, therefore I am’.

cognac

//

n. a high-quality brandy, strictly speaking that distilled in Cognac in western France.

cognate

//

adj.
1 Linguistics (of a word) having the same linguistic derivation as another (e.g. English father, German Vater, Latin pater).
2 formal related; connected. related to or descended from a common ancestor. Compare with agnate.
n.
1 Linguistics a cognate word.
2 Law a blood relative, especially on the mother's side.

- DERIVATIVES cognately adv. cognateness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. cognatus, from co- ‘together with’ + natus ‘born’.

cognition

//

n. the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge through thought, experience, and the senses. a perception, sensation, or intuition resulting from this.

- DERIVATIVES cognitional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cognitio(-), from cognoscere ‘get to know’.

cognitive

//

adj. relating to cognition.

- DERIVATIVES cognitively adv.

cognitive dissonance

n. Psychology the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes.

cognitive science

n. the study of thought, learning, and mental organization.

- DERIVATIVES cognitive scientist n.

cognitive therapy

n. a type of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged.

cognizable

(or cognisable) //

adj.
1 formal perceptible; clearly identifiable.
2 Law within the jurisdiction of a court.

cognizance

(or cognisance) //

n.
1 formal knowledge or awareness. Law the action of taking judicial notice.
2 Heraldry a distinctive device or mark, especially as formerly worn by retainers of a noble house.

- PHRASES
take cognizance of formal attend to; take account of.

- DERIVATIVES cognizant adj. cognize (or cognise) v.

- ORIGIN ME conisance, from OFr. conoisance, based on L. cognoscere ‘get to know’.

cognomen

//

n. an extra personal name given to an ancient Roman citizen, functioning rather like a nickname and often passed from father to son.

- ORIGIN L., from co- ‘together with’ + gnomen, nomen ‘name’.

cognoscenti

//

pl. n. people who are especially well informed about a particular subject.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., lit. ‘people who know’, from L. cognoscent-, cognoscere ‘to get to know’.

cohabit

v. (cohabits, cohabiting, cohabited)
1 live together and have a sexual relationship without being married.
2 coexist.

- DERIVATIVES cohabitant n. cohabitation // n. cohabitee // n. cohabiter n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as cohabitation): from L. cohabitare, from co- ‘together’ + habitare ‘dwell’.

cohen

n. variant spelling of kohen.

cohere

//

v.
1 hold firmly together; form a whole.
2 (of an argument or theory) be logically consistent.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cohaerere, from co- ‘together’ + haerere ‘to stick’.

coherent

adj.
1 (of an argument or theory) logical and consistent. able to speak clearly and logically.
2 holding together to form a whole.
3 Physics (of waves) having a constant phase relationship.

- DERIVATIVES coherence n. coherency n. coherently adv.

coherer

//

n. an early form of radio detector consisting of a glass tube filled with metal filings.

cohesion

//

n. the action or fact of forming a united whole. Physics the sticking together of particles of the same substance.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. cohaes-, cohaerere (see cohere).

cohesive

adj. characterized by or causing cohesion.

- DERIVATIVES cohesively adv. cohesiveness n.

coho

// (also cohoe)

n. (pl. same, cohos, or cohoes) a deep-bodied North Pacific salmon with small black spots.   Oncorhynchus kisutch.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Salish.

cohort

//

n.
1 [treated as sing. or pl.] an ancient Roman military unit, comprising six centuries, equal to one tenth of a legion.
2 [treated as sing. or pl.] a group of people with a shared characteristic.
3 a supporter or companion.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cohorte, or from L. cohors, cohort- ‘yard, retinue’.

USAGE

Cohort in the sense ‘a companion’, as in young Jack arrived with three of his cohorts, is well established, but there are still some people who object to it on the grounds that the word should only be used for groups of people, never for individuals.

cohosh

//

n. a North American plant with medicinal properties.   Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and other species.

- ORIGIN C18: from Eastern Abnaki.

co-host

n. a person who hosts an event or broadcast with another or others.
v. be the co-host of.

coif

//

n.
1 a woman's close-fitting cap, now worn under a veil by nuns. historical a protective metal skullcap worn under armour.
2 also // informal, chiefly N. Amer. short for coiffure.
v. //, // (coifs, coiffing, coiffed; US also coifs, coifing, coifed) style or arrange (someone's hair).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coife ‘headdress’, from late L. cofia ‘helmet’.

coiffeur

//, //

n. (fem. coiffeuse //, //) a hairdresser.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from coiffer ‘arrange the hair’.

coiffure

//, //

n. a person's hairstyle.

- DERIVATIVES coiffured adj.

coign

//

n. a projecting corner or angle of a wall.

- PHRASES
coign of vantage literary a favourable position for observation or action.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of coin.

coil^1

n.
1 a length of something wound in a joined sequence of concentric rings.
2 an intrauterine contraceptive device in the form of a coil.
3 an electrical device consisting of a coiled wire, for converting the level of a voltage, producing a magnetic field, or adding inductance to a circuit.
v. arrange or form into a coil.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. coillir, from L. colligere (see collect^1).

coil^2

n. archaic or dialect a confusion or turmoil.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

coin

n.
1 a flat disc or piece of metal with an official stamp, used as money. money in the form of coins.
2 (coins) one of the suits in some tarot packs, corresponding to pentacles in others.
v.
1 make (coins) by stamping metal. Brit. informal earn (large amounts of money) quickly and easily: the company was coining it in.
2 invent or devise (a new word or phrase).

- PHRASES
pay someone back in their own coin retaliate by similar behaviour.
to coin a phrase said when introducing a new expression or a variation on a familiar one.

- DERIVATIVES coiner n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coin ‘wedge, corner, die’, coigner ‘to mint’, from L. cuneus ‘wedge’.

coinage

n.
1 coins collectively. the action or process of producing coins. a system or type of coins in use.
2 the invention of a new word or phrase. a newly invented word or phrase.

coincide

//

v.
1 occur at the same time or place.
2 correspond in nature; tally. be in agreement.

- ORIGIN C18: from med. L. coincidere, from co- ‘together with’ + incidere ‘fall upon or into’.

coincidence

n.
1 a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.
2 correspondence in nature or in time of occurrence.
3 Physics the presence of ionizing particles or other objects in two or more detectors simultaneously, or of two or more signals simultaneously in a circuit.

- DERIVATIVES coincidental adj. coincidentally adv.

coincident

adj.
1 occurring together in space or time.
2 in agreement or harmony.

- DERIVATIVES coincidently adv.

coin-op

n. a machine operated by the insertion of coins.

Cointreau

//

n. trademark a colourless orange-flavoured liqueur.

- ORIGIN named after the Cointreau family, French liqueur producers.

coir

//

n. fibre from the outer husk of the coconut, used in potting compost and for making ropes and matting.

- ORIGIN C16: from Malayalam kayaru ‘cord, coir’.

coition

//

n. another term for coitus.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. coitio(n-), from coire ‘go together’.

coitus

//

n. technical sexual intercourse.

- DERIVATIVES coital adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from coire ‘go together’.

coitus interruptus

//

n. sexual intercourse in which the penis is withdrawn before ejaculation.

cojones

//

pl. n. informal, chiefly N. Amer.
1 a man's testicles.
2 courage; guts.

- ORIGIN from Sp.

Coke

n. trademark short for Coca-Cola.

coke^1

n. a solid fuel made by heating coal in the absence of air so that the volatile components are driven off. carbon residue left after the incomplete combustion or distillation of petrol or other fuels.
v. [usu. as noun coking] convert (coal) into coke.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘charcoal’): of unknown origin.

coke^2

n. informal term for cocaine.

Col.

abbrev.
1 Colonel.
2 the Epistle to the Colossians (in biblical references).

col

n.
1 the lowest point of a ridge or saddle between two peaks.
2 Meteorology a region of slightly elevated pressure between two anticyclones.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘neck’, from L. collum.

col-

prefix variant spelling of com- assimilated before l (as in collocate, collude).

cola

n.
1 a brown carbonated drink that is flavoured with an extract of cola nuts, or with a similar flavouring.
2 (also kola) a small evergreen African tree cultivated in the tropics, whose seed (the cola nut) contains caffeine.   Cola acuminata and related species.

- ORIGIN from Temne k'ola ‘cola nut’.

colander

//, //

n. a perforated bowl used to strain off liquid from food.

- ORIGIN ME: based on L. colare ‘to strain’.

co-latitude

n. Astronomy the difference between a given latitude and 90°.

colcannon

//

n. an Irish and Scottish dish of cabbage and potatoes boiled and mashed together.

- ORIGIN C18: from cole + an uncertain second element.

colchicine

//, //

n. Chemistry a yellow compound present in the corms of colchicums, used to relieve pain in cases of gout.

colchicum

//, //

n. (pl. colchicums) a plant of a genus that includes the autumn crocuses.   Genus Colchicum. the dried corm or seed of meadow saffron, which is used medicinally.

- ORIGIN from L., from Gk kolkhikon ‘of Colchis’, an ancient region east of the Black Sea, alluding to the skills as a poisoner of Medea of Colchis in classical mythology.

cold

adj.
1 of or at a low or relatively low temperature.
2 lacking affection or warmth of feeling; unemotional. not affected by emotion; objective.
3 (of a colour) containing pale blue or grey and giving no impression of warmth.
4 (of a scent or trail) no longer fresh and easy to follow: the trail went cold. (in children's games) far from finding or guessing what is sought.
5 without preparation or rehearsal.
6 informal unconscious: she was out cold.
n.
1 a low temperature; cold weather; a cold environment.
2 a common infection in which the mucous membrane of the nose and throat becomes inflamed, causing running at the nose and sneezing.

- PHRASES
catch a cold informal encounter difficulties.
cold comfort poor consolation.
cold feet loss of nerve or confidence.
the cold shoulder a show of intentional unfriendliness; rejection.
in cold blood without feeling or mercy.
in the cold light of day when one has had time to consider a situation objectively.
leave someone cold fail to interest or excite someone.
out in the cold ignored; neglected.

- DERIVATIVES coldish adj. coldly adv. coldness n.

- ORIGIN OE cald, of Gmc origin; rel. to L. gelu ‘frost’.

cold-blooded

adj.
1 denoting animals whose body temperature varies with that of the environment (e.g. reptiles and fish); poikilothermic.
2 without emotion; deliberately cruel.

- DERIVATIVES cold-bloodedly adv. cold-bloodedness n.

cold-call

v. [usu. as noun cold-calling] make an unsolicited visit or telephone call to (someone), in an attempt to sell goods or services.

- DERIVATIVES cold-caller n.

cold cathode

n. Electronics a cathode that emits electrons without being heated.

cold chisel

n. a toughened chisel used for cutting metal.

cold cream

n. a cosmetic preparation used for cleansing and softening the skin.

cold cuts

pl. n. chiefly N. Amer. slices of cold cooked meats.

cold frame

n. a frame with a glass top in which small plants are grown and protected without artificial heat.

cold fusion

n. nuclear fusion supposedly occurring at or close to room temperature.

cold-hearted

adj. lacking affection or warmth; unfeeling.

- DERIVATIVES cold-heartedly adv. cold-heartedness n.

cold-rolled

adj. (of metal) having been rolled into sheets while cold, resulting in a smooth, hard finish.

- DERIVATIVES cold-rolling n.

cold-short

adj. (of a metal) brittle in its cold state.

- ORIGIN C17: from Swed. kallskör, from kall ‘cold’ + skör ‘brittle’, later assoc. with short in the same sense.

cold sore

n. an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus.

cold storage

n. the keeping of something in a refrigerator or other cold place for preservation.

cold store

n. a large refrigerated room for preserving food stocks at very low temperatures.

cold sweat

n. a state of sweating induced by nervousness or illness.

cold turkey

informal

n. the abrupt and complete cessation of taking a drug to which one is addicted. withdrawal symptoms, typically sweating and nausea, caused by this.
adv. chiefly N. Amer. in a sudden and abrupt manner.

cold war

n. (the cold war) a state of political hostility existing between the Soviet bloc countries and the Western powers after the Second World War.

cole

n. chiefly archaic a brassica, especially cabbage, kale, or rape.

- ORIGIN OE cwel, caul, from L. caulis ‘stem, cabbage’; cf. kale.

colectomy

//

n. (pl. colectomies) surgical removal of all or part of the colon.

coleopteran

// Entomology

n. an insect of the order Coleoptera, which comprises the beetles and is the largest order of animals on the earth.
adj. relating to coleopterans.

- DERIVATIVES coleopterist n. coleopterous adj.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Coleoptera, from Gk koleopteros, from koleos ‘sheath’ + pteron ‘wing’.

coleoptile

//

n. Botany a sheath protecting a young shoot tip in a grass or cereal.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk koleon ‘sheath’ + ptilon ‘feather’.

coleslaw

n. a salad dish of shredded raw cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables mixed with mayonnaise.

- ORIGIN C18: from Du. koolsla, from kool ‘cabbage’ + sla (see slaw).

cole tit

n. variant spelling of coal tit.

coleus

//

n. a tropical SE Asian plant of the mint family, with brightly coloured variegated leaves.   Genus Solenostemon (formerly Coleus).

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk koleos ‘sheath’ (because the stamens are joined together, resembling a sheath).

coley

//

n. (pl. coleys) another term for saithe.

- ORIGIN 1960s: perh. from coalfish.

colic

n. severe pain in the abdomen caused by wind or obstruction in the intestines.

- DERIVATIVES colicky adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. colique, from late L. colicus, from colon (see colon^2).

coliform

//

adj. Biology belonging to a group of rod-shaped bacteria typified by E. coli.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from mod. L. coli ‘of the colon’ + -iform.

coliseum

// (also colosseum)

n. [in names] a large theatre, cinema, or stadium.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L., alt. of L. Colosseum (the name given to the vast amphitheatre of ancient Rome), neut. of colosseus ‘gigantic’.

colitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the lining of the colon.

collaborate

//

v.
1 work jointly on an activity or project.
2 cooperate traitorously with an enemy.

- DERIVATIVES collaboration n. collaborationist n. & adj. collaborative adj. collaboratively adv. collaborator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. collaborat-, collaborare ‘work together’.

collage

//, //

n.
1 a form of art in which various materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric are arranged and stuck to a backing.
2 a combination or collection of various things.

- DERIVATIVES collagist n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., lit. ‘gluing’.

collagen

//

n. Biochemistry any of a group of insoluble fibrous proteins that constitute the main structural component of animal connective tissue.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. collagène, from Gk kolla ‘glue’ + Fr. -gène (see -gen).

collapsar

//

n. Astronomy an old star that has collapsed under its own gravity to form a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole.

- ORIGIN late 20th cent.: from collapse, on the pattern of words such as pulsar.

collapse

v.
1 (of a structure) suddenly fall down or give way. [usu. as adj. collapsed] (of a lung or blood vessel) fall inwards and become flat and empty.
2 fall down as a result of illness or injury.
3 fail suddenly and completely.
n.
1 an instance of a structure collapsing.
2 a sudden failure or breakdown.

- ORIGIN C17: from medical L. collaps-, collabi, from col- ‘together’ + labi ‘to slip’.

collapsible

adj. able to be folded down.

- DERIVATIVES collapsibility n.

collar

n.
1 a band of material around the neck of a shirt or other garment, either upright or turned over.
2 a band put around the neck of a domestic animal, used to restrain or control it.
3 a connecting band or pipe in a piece of machinery.
4 Brit. a piece of meat rolled up and tied. a cut of bacon taken from the neck of a pig.
v. informal seize or apprehend (someone).

- DERIVATIVES collared adj. collarless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. colier, from L. collare ‘band for the neck’, from collum ‘neck’.

collarbone

n. either of the pair of bones joining the breastbone to the shoulder blades; the clavicle.

collard

//

n. dialect or N. Amer. a cabbage of a variety that does not develop a heart.

- ORIGIN C18: reduced form of archaic colewort, in the same sense, from cole + wort.

collared dove

n. a grey-brown dove with a narrow black band on the neck.   Streptopelia decaocto.

collate

//

v.
1 collect and combine (texts or information). compare and analyse (two or more sources of information). Printing verify the number and order of (the sheets of a book).
2 appoint (a clergyman) to a benefice.

- DERIVATIVES collator n.

collateral

//

n.
1 something pledged as security for repayment of a loan.
2 a person descended from the same ancestor as another but through a different line.
adj.
1 descended from the same stock but by a different line.
2 additional but subordinate; secondary.
3 situated side by side; parallel: collateral veins.

- DERIVATIVES collaterality n. collaterally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. collateralis, from col- ‘together with’ + lateralis (from latus, later- ‘side’).

collateral damage

n. inadvertent casualties and destruction in civilian areas caused by military operations.

collateralize

(or collateralise)

v. provide something as collateral for (a loan).

collation

//

n.
1 the action of collating.
2 formal a light informal meal. (in the Roman Catholic Church) a light meal allowed during a fast.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. collatio(n-), from conferre (see confer); sense 2 from a text entitled Collationes Patrum in Scetica Eremo Commorantium, from which a reading would be given in Benedictine communities prior to a light meal.

colleague

n. a person with whom one works in a profession or business.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. collègue, from L. collega ‘partner in office’.

collect^1

//

v.
1 bring or gather together. systematically seek and acquire (items of a particular kind) as a hobby.
2 call for and take away; fetch. call for and receive (something) as a right or due.
3 (collect oneself) regain control of oneself, typically after a shock.
4 archaic conclude; infer.
5 Austral./NZ informal collide with.
adv. & adj. N. Amer. (with reference to a telephone call) to be paid for by the person receiving it.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. collecter or med. L. collectare, from L. collect-, colligere ‘gather together’.

collect^2

//, //

n. (in church use) a short prayer, especially one assigned to a particular day or season.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. collecte, from L. collecta ‘gathering’, fem. past part. of colligere ‘gather together’.

collectable

// (also collectible)

adj.
1 worth collecting; of interest to a collector.
2 able to be collected.
n. an item valued and sought by collectors.

- DERIVATIVES collectability // n.

collected

adj.
1 not perturbed or distracted.
2 (of works) brought together in one volume or edition.

collection

n.
1 the action or process of collecting. a regular removal of mail for dispatch or of refuse for disposal. an instance of collecting money, as in a church service.
2 a group of things collected or accumulated.
3 (collections) Brit. college examinations held at the beginning or end of a term, especially at Oxford University.

collective

adj. done by or belonging to all the members of a group. taken as a whole; aggregate.
n. a cooperative enterprise. a collective farm.

- DERIVATIVES collectively adv. collectiveness n. collectivity n.

collective bargaining

n. negotiation of wages and other conditions of employment by an organized body of employees.

collective farm

n. a jointly operated amalgamation of several smallholdings, especially one owned by the state.

collective noun

n. Grammar a count noun that denotes a group of individuals (e.g. assembly, family, crew).

USAGE

A collective noun can be used with either a singular verb (my family was always hard-working) or a plural verb (his family were disappointed in him). Generally speaking, in Britain it is more usual for collective nouns to be followed by a plural verb while in the US the opposite is true.

collective unconscious

n. (in Jungian psychology) the part of the unconscious mind which is derived from ancestral memory and experience and is common to all humankind, as distinct from the individual's unconscious.

collectivism

n.
1 the practice or principle of giving the group priority over each individual in it.
2 the ownership of land and the means of production by the people or the state.

- DERIVATIVES collectivist adj. & n. collectivization (or collectivisation) n. collectivize (or collectivise) v.

collector

//

n.
1 a person who collects things of a specified type, professionally or as a hobby.
2 an official who is responsible for collecting money owed.
3 Electronics the region in a bipolar transistor that absorbs charge carriers.

colleen

//, //

n. Irish a girl or young woman.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ir. cailin, dimin. of caile ‘countrywoman’.

college

n.
1 an educational establishment providing higher education or specialized professional or vocational training. (in Britain) any of the independent institutions into which some universities are separated.
2 an organized group of professional people with particular aims, duties, and privileges.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. collegium ‘partnership’, from collega (see colleague).

College of Arms

n. (in the UK) a corporation which officially records and grants armorial bearings.

college of education

n. an institution where schoolteachers are trained.

collegial

//, //

adj.
1 another term for collegiate (in sense 1).
2 relating to or involving shared responsibility.

- DERIVATIVES collegiality n.

collegian

//, //

n. a member of a college.

collegiate

//

adj.
1 belonging or relating to a college or its students.
2 (of a British university) composed of different colleges.

- DERIVATIVES collegiately adv.

collegiate church

n. a church endowed for a chapter of canons but without a bishop's see. US & Scottish a church or group of churches established under two or more pastors.

col legno

/ /

adv. Music (with reference to a bowed instrument) played by hitting the strings with the back of the bow.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘with the wood (of the bow)’.

collenchyma

//

n. Botany tissue strengthened by the thickening of cell walls, as in young shoots.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kolla ‘glue’ + enkhuma ‘infusion’.

Colles' fracture

//

n. Medicine a fracture of the radius in the wrist with a characteristic backward displacement of the hand.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Irish surgeon Abraham Colles.

collet

//

n.
1 a segmented band put round a shaft and tightened so as to grip it.
2 a small collar in a clock to which the inner end of a balance spring is attached.
3 a flange or socket for setting a gem in jewellery.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., dimin. of col ‘neck’, from L. collum.

colliculus

//

n. (pl. colliculi //, //) Anatomy any of a number of small swellings in the roof of the midbrain, involved in vision and hearing.

- DERIVATIVES collicular adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., dimin. of collis ‘hill’.

collide

v.
1 hit by accident when moving.
2 come into conflict or opposition.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. collidere, from col- ‘together’ + laedere ‘to strike’.

collider

n. Physics an accelerator in which two beams of particles are made to collide.

collie

n. (pl. collies) a sheepdog of a breed having a long, pointed nose and thick long hair.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from coal (the breed orig. being black).

collier

//

n. chiefly Brit.
1 a coal miner.
2 a ship carrying coal.

- ORIGIN ME: from coal + -ier.

colliery

n. (pl. collieries) chiefly Brit. a coal mine and the buildings and equipment associated with it.

colligative

//

adj. Chemistry relating to the binding together of molecules.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L. colligat-, colligare ‘bind together’.

collimate

//

v.
1 make (rays of light or particles) accurately parallel.
2 accurately set the alignment of (an optical or other system).

- DERIVATIVES collimation n. collimator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. collimare, an erroneous reading of collineare ‘align or aim’.

collinear

//

adj. Geometry (of points) lying in the same straight line.

- DERIVATIVES collinearity n.

collision

n. an instance of colliding.

- DERIVATIVES collisional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. collisio(n-), from L. collidere (see collide).

collocation

n.
1 Linguistics the habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words with a frequency greater than chance.
2 the action of placing things together according to a system or order.

- DERIVATIVES collocate v.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. collocatio(n-), from collocare ‘place together’.

collocutor

//, //

n. rare a person who converses with another.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L., from collocut-, colloqui ‘to converse’.

collodion

//

n. a syrupy solution of nitrocellulose in a mixture of alcohol and ether, used as a coating, especially in surgery.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kollds ‘glue-like’.

collogue

//

v. (collogues, colloguing, collogued) archaic talk confidentially.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. an alt. of obs. colleague ‘conspire’, by assoc. with L. colloqui ‘to converse’.

colloid

//

n. a homogeneous non-crystalline substance consisting of large molecules or ultramicroscopic particles of one substance dispersed in a second substance, as in gels, sols, and emulsions. Anatomy & Medicine a substance of gelatinous consistency.

- DERIVATIVES colloidal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kolla ‘glue’ + -oid.

collop

//

n. dialect & N. Amer. a slice of meat.

- ORIGIN ME: of Scand. origin.

colloquial

//

adj. (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

- DERIVATIVES colloquially adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. colloquium ‘conversation’ + -al.

colloquialism

n. a colloquial word or phrase.

colloquium

//

n. (pl. colloquiums or colloquia //) an academic conference or seminar.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a conversation): from L., from colloqui ‘to converse’.

colloquy

//

n. (pl. colloquies)
1 formal a conversation.
2 a gathering for discussion of theological questions.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. colloquium ‘conversation’.

collotype

//

n. a process for making high-quality prints using a sheet of light-sensitive gelatin.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kolla ‘glue’ + type.

collude

//

v. come to a secret agreement in order to deceive others; conspire.

- DERIVATIVES colluder n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. colludere ‘have a secret agreement’, from col- ‘together’ + ludere ‘to play’.

collusion

n. secret or illegal cooperation in order to cheat or deceive others.

- DERIVATIVES collusive adj. collusively adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. collusio(n-), from colludere (see collude).

collywobbles

pl. n. informal, chiefly humorous stomach pain or queasiness. intense anxiety.

- ORIGIN C19: formed from colic and wobble.

Colo.

abbrev. Colorado.

colobus

//

n. (pl. same) a slender leaf-eating African monkey with silky fur.   Genera Colobus and Procolobus: several species.

- DERIVATIVES colobine n.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kolobos ‘curtailed’ (with ref. to its shortened thumbs).

colocynth

//

n. a tropical climbing plant with pulpy fruit which yield a bitter purgative drug.   Citrullus colocynthis.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk kolokunthis.

cologne

//

n. eau de cologne or similarly scented toilet water.

Colombian

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Colombia.
adj. relating to Colombia or its people.

colon^1

//

n.
1 a punctuation mark (:) used to precede a list of items, a quotation, or an expansion or explanation.
2 this mark used in various technical and formulaic contexts, for example a statement of proportion between two numbers.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk klon ‘limb, clause’.

colon^2

//, //

n. Anatomy the main part of the large intestine, which passes from the caecum to the rectum.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk kolon.

colón

//

n. (pl. colones //) the basic monetary unit of Costa Rica and El Salvador, equal to 100 centimos in Costa Rica and 100 centavos in El Salvador.

- ORIGIN from Cristóbal Colón, the Spanish name of Christopher Columbus.

colonel

//

n. a rank of officer in the army and in the US air force, above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier or brigadier general.

- DERIVATIVES colonelcy n. (pl. colonelcies).

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr. coronel, from Ital. colonnello ‘column of soldiers’.

colonial

adj.
1 relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonies.
2 (of architecture or furniture) in the style of the period of the British colonies in America before independence.
3 (of animals or plants) living in colonies.
n. a person who lives in a colony.

- DERIVATIVES colonially adv.

colonialism

n. the policy or practice of acquiring political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

- DERIVATIVES colonialist n. & adj.

colonic

//

adj. Anatomy relating to or affecting the colon.

colonic irrigation

n. the practice of inserting water via the anus to flush out the colon, used as a therapeutic treatment.

colonist

n. a settler in or inhabitant of a colony.

colonize

(or colonise)

v.
1 establish a colony in (a place). establish control over (the indigenous people of a colony).
2 appropriate (a place or domain) for one's own use.
3 Ecology (of a plant or animal) establish itself in (an area).

- DERIVATIVES colonization n. colonizer n.

colonnade

//

n. a row of evenly spaced columns supporting a roof or other structure.

- DERIVATIVES colonnaded adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from colonne ‘column’, from L. columna.

colonoscopy

//

n. (pl. colonoscopies) Medicine examination of the colon with a fibre-optic instrument inserted through the anus.

colony

n. (pl. colonies)
1 a country or area under the political control of another country and occupied by settlers from that country. (the colonies) all the foreign places formerly under British political control. (the colonies) the thirteen areas on the east coast of North America that gained independence and founded the United States of America.
2 a group of people of one nationality or race living in a foreign place. a place where a group of people with the same occupation or interest live together: a nudist colony.
3 Biology a community of animals or plants of one kind living close together or forming a physically connected structure.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. colonia ‘settlement, farm’, from colonus ‘settler, farmer’, from colere ‘cultivate’.

colophon

//

n.
1 a publisher's emblem or imprint.
2 historical a statement at the end of a book giving information about its authorship and printing.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk kolophn ‘summit or finishing touch’.

colophony

//, //

n. another term for rosin.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. colophonia (resina) ‘(resin) from Colophon’, a town in Lydia, Asia Minor.

color

n. & v. US spelling of colour.

Coloradan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Colorado.
adj. relating to Colorado.

Colorado beetle

n. a yellow- and black-striped beetle, native to America, whose larvae are highly destructive to potato plants.   Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

coloration

(also colouration)

n.
1 arrangement or scheme of colour; colouring.
2 the character or tone of something, especially musical expression.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. coloratio(n-), from colorare ‘to colour’.

coloratura

//

n. elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody. a soprano skilled in coloratura singing.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘colouring’.

colorectal

//

adj. relating to or affecting the colon and the rectum.

colorific

//, //

adj. rare having much colour; colourful.

colorimeter

//, //

n. an instrument for measuring the intensity of colour.

- DERIVATIVES colorimetric adj. colorimetry n.

colossal

adj.
1 extremely large. Sculpture (of a statue) at least twice life size.
2 Architecture (of an order) having more than one storey of columns.

- DERIVATIVES colossally adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from colosse, from L. colossus (see colossus).

colosseum

n. variant spelling of coliseum.

colossus

//

n. (pl. colossi // or colossuses) a person or thing of enormous size, in particular a statue that is much bigger than life size.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk kolossos (applied by Herodotus to the statues of Egyptian temples).

colostomy

//

n. (pl. colostomies) a surgical operation in which the colon is shortened to remove a damaged part and the cut end diverted to an opening in the abdominal wall.

- ORIGIN C19: from colon^2 + Gk stoma ‘mouth’.

colostrum

//

n. the first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth, rich in antibodies.

- ORIGIN C16: from L.

colour

(US color)

n.
1 the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light. one, or any mixture, of the constituents into which light can be separated in a spectrum or rainbow. the use of all colours, not only black and white, in photography or television. Heraldry any of the major conventional colours used in coats of arms (gules, vert, sable, azure, purpure). Snooker any of the balls other than the white cue ball and the reds.
2 pigmentation of the skin, especially as an indication of someone's race.
3 redness of the complexion, as indicating health or an emotion such as anger.
4 interest, excitement, and vitality: a town full of colour and character.
5 (colours) an item of a particular colour worn to identify or distinguish, in particular the clothes worn by a jockey or the members of sports team. a badge or cap awarded to a pupil representing a school in sport. the flag of a regiment or ship.
6 Physics a property of quarks which can take three values designated blue, green, and red.
v.
1 give a colour to.
2 show embarrassment by becoming red; blush.
3 influence, especially in a negative way; distort: the experiences had coloured her whole existence.

- PHRASES
show one's true colours reveal one's real character or intentions, especially when these are disreputable.
under colour of under the pretext of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. colour (n.), colourer (v.), from L. color (n.), colorare (v.).

colourable

(US colorable)

adj.
1 capable of being coloured.
2 apparently correct or justified. counterfeit; pretended.

colourant

(US colorant)

n. a dye or pigment used to colour something.

colouration

n. variant spelling of coloration.

colour-blind

adj. unable to distinguish certain colours.

- DERIVATIVES colour blindness n.

colour code

n. a system of marking things with different colours as a means of identification.
v. (colour-code) mark using a colour code.

coloured

(US colored)

adj.
1 having a colour or colours.
2 (also Coloured) wholly or partly of non-white descent (now usually offensive, except in South African use). S. African historical of mixed ethnic origin.
n.
1 (also Coloured) dated or offensive a person who is wholly or partly of non-white descent. S. African a person of mixed descent, usually speaking Afrikaans or English as their mother tongue.
2 (coloureds) clothes, sheets, etc. that are any colour but white.

USAGE

Coloured referring to skin colour was adopted in the US by emancipated slaves as a term of racial pride after the end of the American Civil War. In Britain it was the accepted term until the 1960s, when it was superseded (as in the US) by black. In South Africa, the term is used to refer to people of mixed descent, and in this context is not considered offensive.

colour-fast

adj. dyed in colours that will not fade or be washed out.

- DERIVATIVES colour fastness n.

colourful

(US colorful)

adj.
1 having many or varied colours.
2 lively and exciting. (of language) vulgar or rude.

- DERIVATIVES colourfully adv. colourfulness n.

colouring

(US coloring)

n.
1 the process or art of applying colour.
2 visual appearance with regard to colour. the natural hues of a person's skin, hair, and eyes.
3 a substance used to colour something, especially food.

colourist

(US colorist)

n. an artist or designer who uses colour in a special or skilful way.

colouristic

(US coloristic)

adj.
1 showing or relating to a special use of colour.
2 having or showing a variety of musical expression.

- DERIVATIVES colouristically adv.

colourless

(US colorless)

adj.
1 without colour.
2 lacking character or interest; dull.

- DERIVATIVES colourlessly adv. colourlessness n.

colour scheme

n. an arrangement or combination of colours.

colour sergeant

n. a rank of non-commissioned officer in the Army and Royal Marines, above sergeant and below warrant officer.

- ORIGIN with ref. to the sergeant's responsibility for carrying one of the regiment's colours in a guard of honour.

colour supplement

n. Brit. a magazine printed in colour and issued with a newspaper.

colour temperature

n. another term for effective temperature.

colourway

(US colorway)

n. any of a range of combinations of colours in which something is available.

colporteur

//, //

n. a person who sells or distributes books, newspapers, or religious material.

- DERIVATIVES colportage // n.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from colporter, prob. an alt. of comporter, from L. comportare ‘carry with one’.

colposcope

//

n. a surgical instrument used to examine the vagina and the cervix of the womb.

- DERIVATIVES colposcopy // n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk kolpos ‘womb’ + -scope.

colt

//

n.
1 a young uncastrated male horse, in particular one less than four years old.
2 Brit. a member of a junior sports team.

- ORIGIN OE; perh. rel. to Swed. kult, applied to boys or half-grown animals.

colter

n. US spelling of coulter.

coltish

adj. energetic but awkward in one's movements or behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES coltishly adv. coltishness n.

coltsfoot

n. (pl. coltsfoots) a plant of the daisy family, with yellow flowers and large leaves.   Tussilago farfara.

colubrid

//

n. Zoology a snake of a very large family (Colubridae) which includes the majority of harmless species, such as grass snakes.

colubrine

//

adj. relating to or resembling a snake.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. colubrinus, from coluber ‘snake’.

colugo

//

n. (pl. colugos) another term for flying lemur.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

columbarium

//

n. (pl. columbaria) a room or building with niches for funeral urns to be stored.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., lit. ‘pigeon house’.

columbine

//

n. a plant with long-spurred, typically purplish-blue flowers.   Aquilegia vulgaris and related species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. colombine, ult. from L. columba ‘dove’ (from the supposed resemblance of the flower to a cluster of five doves).

columbite

//

n. a black mineral consisting of an oxide of iron, manganese, niobium, and tantalum.

- ORIGIN C19: from columbium + -ite^1.

columbium

//

n. old-fashioned term for niobium.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Columbia, a poetic name for America from the name of Christopher Columbus.

columella

//

n. (pl. columellae //)
1 Zoology an ossicle (small bone) of the middle ear of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Anatomy the pillar around which the cochlea spirals.
2 Zoology the axis of a spiral shell.
3 Botany the axis of the spore-producing body of some lower plants.

- DERIVATIVES columellar adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘small column’.

column

n.
1 an upright pillar supporting an arch or other structure or standing alone as a monument. an upright shaft used for controlling a machine.
2 a vertical division of a page or text. a regular section of a newspaper or magazine on a particular subject or by a particular person.
3 a line of people or vehicles moving in the same direction. Military a narrow-fronted deep formation of troops in successive lines.

- DERIVATIVES columnar adj. columned adj.

- ORIGIN ME: partly from OFr. columpne, reinforced by its source, L. columna ‘pillar’.

columnated

//

adj. supported on or having columns.

columnist

//

n. a journalist who writes a column in a newspaper or magazine.

colure

//

n. Astronomy either of two great circles intersecting at right angles at the celestial poles and passing through the ecliptic at either the equinoxes or the solstices.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. coluri (pl.), from Gk kolourai (grammai) ‘truncated (lines)’, so named because the lower part is permanently cut off from view.

coly

//

n. (pl. colies) another term for mousebird.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Colius, from Gk kolios, denoting a type of woodpecker.

colza

//

n. another term for rape^2.

- ORIGIN C18: from Walloon Fr. kolza, from Low Ger. klst, Du. koolzaad, from kool ‘cole’ + zaad ‘seed’.

com-

(also co-, col-, con-, or cor-)

prefix with; together; jointly; altogether: combine.

- ORIGIN from L. cum ‘with’.

coma^1

//

n. a state of prolonged deep unconsciousness, caused especially by severe injury or illness.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk kma ‘deep sleep’.

coma^2

//

n. (pl. comae //)
1 Astronomy a diffuse cloud of gas and dust surrounding the nucleus of a comet.
2 Optics aberration which causes an off-axis image to be flared like a comet.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk kom ‘hair of the head’.

Comanche

//

n. (pl. same or Comanches)
1 a member of an American Indian people of the south-western US.
2 the Uto-Aztecan language of the Comanche.

- ORIGIN Sp., from Comanche.

comatose

//, //

adj. of or in a state of coma. humorous extremely tired or lethargic.

comb

n.
1 an article with a row of narrow teeth, used for untangling or styling the hair. a short curved comb worn by women to hold the hair in place.
2 a device for separating and dressing textile fibres. Austral./NZ the lower, fixed cutting piece of a sheep-shearing machine.
3 the red fleshy crest on the head of a domestic fowl, especially a cock.
4 a honeycomb.
v.
1 untangle or style (the hair) with a comb.
2 prepare (wool, flax, or cotton) for manufacture with a comb.
3 search carefully and systematically.

- ORIGIN OE camb, of Gmc origin.

combat

n. fighting between armed forces.
v. (combats, combating or combatting, combated or combatted)
1 take action to reduce or prevent (something undesirable).
2 archaic engage in a fight with.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. combattre, from late L. combattere, from com- ‘together with’ + battere, var. of L. batuere ‘to fight’.

combatant

//, //

n. a person or nation engaged in fighting during a war.

combat fatigue

n.
1 more recent term for shell shock.
2 (combat fatigues) uniform worn by soldiers in combat.

combative

//, //

adj. ready or eager to fight or argue.

- DERIVATIVES combatively adv. combativeness n.

combat trousers

pl. n. loose trousers with large patch pockets halfway down each leg.

combe

// (also coomb or coombe)

n. Brit. a short valley or hollow on a hillside or coastline, especially in southern England. Geology a dry valley in a limestone or chalk escarpment.

- ORIGIN OE cumb, of Celtic origin, rel. to cwm.

comber^1

//

n.
1 a long curling sea wave.
2 a person or machine that combs cotton or wool.

comber^2

//

n. a small coastal sea bass.   Serranus cabrilla.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

combi

n. a machine or appliance with two or more functions.

combination

n.
1 the action of combining different things.
2 a union in which the component elements are individually distinct.
3 Mathematics a group of things chosen from a larger number without regard to their arrangement.
4 a sequence of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock.
5 (combinations) dated a single undergarment covering the body and legs.

- DERIVATIVES combinational adj. combinative adj. combinatory adj.

combination lock

n. a lock that is opened by rotating a set of numbered or lettered dials to show a specific sequence.

combination therapy

n. treatment in which a patient is given two or more drugs for one disease.

combinatorial

//

adj. technical relating to combinations of items.

- DERIVATIVES combinatorially adv.

combinatorics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of mathematics dealing with combinations of objects belonging to a finite set in accordance with certain constraints.

combine^1

v. //
1 unite or merge to form a whole: combine the flour with the margarine. Chemistry unite to form a compound.
2 join with others for a common purpose.
n. // a group of people or companies acting together for a commercial purpose.

- DERIVATIVES combinable adj. combiner n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. combiner or late L. combinare ‘join two by two’, from com- ‘together’ + L. bini ‘two together’.

combine^2

//

v. harvest (a crop) with a combine harvester.
n. a combine harvester.

combined pill

n. an oral contraceptive containing both an oestrogen and a progestogen.

combine harvester

n. a machine that reaps, threshes, and cleans a cereal crop in one operation.

combing wool

n. long-stapled wool with straight, parallel fibres, suitable for combing and making into high-quality fabrics. Compare with carding wool.

combining form

n. Grammar a form of a word normally used in compounds in combination with another element to form a word (e.g. bio- ‘life’ in biology).

comb jelly

n. a marine animal with a jellyfish-like body bearing rows of fused cilia for propulsion.   Phylum Ctenophora.

combo

n. (pl. combos) informal
1 a small jazz, rock, or pop band.
2 a combination. a guitar amplifier with an integral speaker rather than a separate one.

combust

//

v. burn or be burnt by fire.

- DERIVATIVES combustible adj. & n. combustor n.

- ORIGIN C15 (earlier (ME) as combustion): from obs. combust ‘burnt’, from L. combust-, comburere ‘burn up’.

combustion

n. the process of burning. Chemistry rapid chemical combination with oxygen, involving the production of heat and light.

- DERIVATIVES combustive adj.

combustion chamber

n. an enclosed space in which combustion takes place, especially in an engine or furnace.

come

v. (past came; past part. come)
1 move or travel towards or into a place near or familiar to the speaker. arrive. join in a specified activity: do you want to come fishing?
2 occur; happen.
3 occupy or achieve a specified position or placing: she came second. reach or extend to a specified point. (come along/on) make progress; develop. [as adj. coming] likely to be important or successful in the future: a coming man. said to correct, reassure, or urge on someone.
4 pass into a specified state, especially one of separation: his shirt had come undone. (come to/into) reach or be brought to (a specified situation). (come across or chiefly Brit. over or US off) give a specified impression.
5 be sold or available in a specified form: the shirt comes in three sizes.
6 informal have an orgasm.
prep. informal when a specified time is reached or event happens.
n. informal semen ejaculated at an orgasm.

- PHRASES
come again? informal could you repeat or explain that?
come off it informal said when vigorously expressing disbelief.
come the —— informal behave like: don't come the innocent with me.
come to nothing have no significant or successful result.
come to pass literary happen.
come to that Brit. informal in fact.
come what may no matter what happens.
have it coming (to one) informal be due for retribution.
how come? informal said when asking how or why something happened.
to come in the future.
- PHRASES
come about
1 take place.
2 (of a ship) change direction.
come across
1 meet or find by chance.
2 informal provide what is wanted.
come around see come round.
come at launch oneself at; attack.
come away be left with a specified feeling or result.
come back respond, especially vigorously.
come before be dealt with by (a judge or court).
come by manage to acquire.
come down on
1 criticize or punish harshly.
2 reach a decision in favour of (one side or another).
come down to be dependent on (a factor).
come for launch oneself at in order to attack.
come forward volunteer for a task or to give evidence.
come from have as a source or birthplace.
come in
1 have a useful role or function.
2 (of money) be earned or received regularly.
3 join others in an enterprise.
4 (of the tide) rise.
come in for receive (a reaction), typically a negative one.
come into inherit (money or property).
come of
1 result from.
2 be descended from.
come off
1 be accomplished; succeed. fare in a specified way: he always came off worse in an argument.
2 Brit. informal have an orgasm.
come on
1 (of a state or condition) start to arrive or happen.
2 (also come upon) meet or find by chance.
3 said to encourage or correct someone.
come on to informal make sexual advances towards.
come out
1 (of a fact) become known. happen as a result. (of a photograph) be produced satisfactorily or in a specified way. (of the result of a calculation or measurement) emerge at a specified figure.
2 (of a book or other work) be released or published.
3 declare oneself as being for or against something.
4 achieve a specified placing in an examination or contest. acquit oneself in a specified way.
5 (of a stain) be removed or able to be removed.
6 Brit. go on strike.
7 informal openly declare that one is homosexual.
8 Brit. dated (of a young upper-class woman) make one's debut in society.
come out in Brit. (of the skin) break out in (spots or a similar condition).
come out with say in a sudden or rude way.
come over
1 (of a feeling) begin to affect. Brit. informal suddenly start to feel a specified way.
2 change to another side or point of view.
come round chiefly Brit. (chiefly US also come around)
1 recover consciousness.
2 be converted to another person's opinion.
3 (of a date or regular occurrence) recur.
come through
1 succeed in surviving or dealing with.
2 (of a message) be sent and received. (of an official decree) be processed and notified.
come to
1 recover consciousness.
2 (of an expense) reach in total.
3 (of a ship) come to a stop.
come under
1 be classified as or among.
2 be subject to.
come up (of a situation or problem) occur, especially unexpectedly. (of a time or event) draw near.
come up against be faced with or opposed by.
come up with produce (something), especially when pressured or challenged.
come upon
1 attack by surprise.
2 see come on (sense 2).

- ORIGIN OE cuman, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

The use of come followed by and, as in come and see for yourself, dates back to Old English, but is seen by some as incorrect or only suitable for informal English: for more details see usage at and.

come-along

n. N. Amer. informal a hand-operated winch.

comeback

n.
1 a return to prominence or fashionability.
2 informal a quick reply to a critical remark. opportunity to seek redress.

comedian

n. (fem. comedienne) an entertainer whose act is designed to arouse laughter. a comic playwright.

comedo

//, //

n. (pl. comedones //) technical term for blackhead.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘glutton’ (a former name for parasitic worms, later referring to worm-like matter squeezed from a blackhead).

comedogenic

//

adj. tending to cause blackheads by blocking the pores of the skin.

comedown

n. informal
1 a loss of status or importance.
2 a feeling of disappointment or depression. a lessening of the sensations generated by a narcotic drug as its effects wear off.

comedy

n. (pl. comedies)
1 entertainment consisting of jokes and sketches intended to make an audience laugh. a film, play, or programme intended to arouse laughter.
2 a play with a humorous or satirical tone, in which the characters ultimately triumph over adversity.

- DERIVATIVES comedic //, // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comedie, via L. from Gk kmidia, based on kmos ‘revel’ + aoidos ‘singer’.

comedy of manners

n. a play, novel, or film that gives a satirical portrayal of behaviour in a particular social group.

come-hither

adj. informal flirtatious or coquettish: a come-hither look.

comely

//

adj. (comelier, comeliest)
1 archaic or humorous (typically of a woman) pleasant to look at; attractive.
2 archaic agreeable; suitable.

- DERIVATIVES comeliness n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. shortened from becomely ‘fitting, becoming’, from become.

come-on

n. informal
1 a gesture or remark intended to attract someone sexually.
2 a marketing ploy, such as a free or cheap offer.

comer

n.
1 [with adj.] a person who arrives.
2 N. Amer. informal a person or thing likely to succeed.

comestible

// formal or humorous

n. an item of food.
adj. edible.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr., from med. L. comestibilis, from L. comest-, comedere ‘eat up’.

comet

//

n. a celestial object which consists of a nucleus of ice and dust and, when near the sun, a diffuse tail, and typically follows a highly eccentric orbit around the sun.

- DERIVATIVES cometary adj.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. cometa, from Gk komts ‘long-haired (star)’, from kom ‘hair’; reinforced by OFr. comete.

comeuppance

n. informal a punishment or fate that someone deserves.

comfit

//

n. dated a sweet consisting of a nut, seed, or other centre coated in sugar.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confit, from L. confect-, conficere (see confect).

comfort

n.
1 a state of ease and freedom from pain or constraint. (comforts) things that contribute to comfort. prosperity and a pleasant lifestyle.
2 consolation for grief or anxiety. a person or thing that gives such consolation.
v. cause to feel less unhappy; console.

- DERIVATIVES comforting adj. comfortingly adv. comfortless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confort (n.), conforter (v.), from late L. confortare ‘strengthen’.

comfortable

adj.
1 providing or enjoying ease or relaxation: comfortable shoes. relaxed and free from constraint.
2 free from stress or financial worry.
3 (of a victory) with a wide margin.

- DERIVATIVES comfortableness n. comfortably adv.

comforter

n.
1 a person or thing that provides consolation. Brit. a baby's dummy.
2 dated a woollen scarf.
3 N. Amer. a warm quilt.

comfort station

n. N. Amer. euphemistic a public toilet.

comfrey

//

n. (pl. comfreys) a plant with large hairy leaves and clusters of purplish or white bell-shaped flowers.   Symphytum officinale and related species.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. cumfirie, based on L. conferva, from confervere ‘heal’ (referring to the plant's medicinal use).

comfy

adj. (comfier, comfiest) informal comfortable.

- DERIVATIVES comfily adv. comfiness n.

comic

adj. causing or meant to cause laughter. relating to or in the style of comedy.
n.
1 a comedian.
2 a children's periodical containing comic strips. (comics) N. Amer. comic strips.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk kmikos, from kmos ‘revel’.

comical

adj. causing laughter; amusing.

- DERIVATIVES comicality n. (archaic). comically adv.

Comice

//

n. a large yellow dessert pear of a late-fruiting variety.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘association, cooperative’, referring to the Comice Horticole of Angers, France.

comic opera

n. an opera that portrays humorous situations and characters, with much spoken dialogue.

comic relief

n. humorous content in a dramatic or literary work which offsets more serious portions.

comic strip

n. a sequence of drawings in boxes that tell an amusing story.

COMINT

abbrev. communications intelligence.

comital

//

adj. chiefly historical relating to a count or earl.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L. comitalis, from comes, comit- ‘a count’.

comity

//

n. (pl. comities) formal
1 an association of nations for their mutual benefit. (also comity of nations) the mutual recognition by nations of the laws and customs of others.
2 courtesy and considerate behaviour towards others.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. comitas, from comis ‘courteous’.

comm

(also comms)

n. communication, especially to and from a computer.

comma

n.
1 a punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause between parts of a sentence or separating items in a list.
2 Music a minute interval or difference of pitch.
3 a widespread butterfly that has orange and brown wings and a white comma-shaped mark on the underside of the hindwing.   Polygonia c-album.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk komma ‘piece cut off, short clause’, from koptein ‘cut’.

command

v.
1 give an authoritative or peremptory order. Military be in charge of (a unit). archaic control or restrain (oneself or one's feelings).
2 dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height.
3 be in a strong enough position to have or secure: they command a majority in Parliament.
n.
1 an authoritative order. authority, especially over armed forces: the officer in command. a group of officers exercising control over a group or operation. a body of troops or a district under the control of a particular officer.
2 the ability to use or control something: his command of English.
3 an instruction causing a computer to perform one of its basic functions.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comander, from late L. commandare, from com- (expressing intensive force) + mandare ‘commit, command’.

commandant

//

n. an officer in charge of a particular force or institution.

command economy

n. another term for planned economy.

commandeer

//

v. officially take possession or control of for military purposes. seize for one's own purposes.

- ORIGIN C19: from Afrik. kommandeer, from Du. commanderen, from Fr. commander ‘command’.

commander

n.
1 a person in authority, especially in a military context. a rank of naval officer, above lieutenant commander and below captain. an officer in charge of a Metropolitan Police district in London.
2 a member of a higher class in some orders of knighthood.

- DERIVATIVES commandership n.

commander-in-chief

n. (pl. commanders-in-chief) an officer in charge of all of the armed forces of a country, or a major subdivision of them.

Commander of the Faithful

n. one of the titles of a caliph.

commanding

adj.
1 having a position of authority. indicating or expressing authority.
2 possessing or giving superior strength: a commanding lead.

- DERIVATIVES commandingly adv.

command language

n. Computing a source language composed chiefly of a set of commands or operators, used especially for communicating with the operating system of a computer.

commandment

n. a divine rule, especially one of the Ten Commandments.

command module

n. the detachable control compartment of a manned spacecraft.

commando

n. (pl. commandos) a soldier specially trained for carrying out raids. a unit of commandos.

- ORIGIN C18: from Port. (earlier form of comando), from commandar ‘to command’.

Command Paper

n. (in the UK) a document laid before Parliament by order of the Crown, though in practice by the government.

command performance

n. a presentation of a play, concert, or film at the request of royalty.

comme ci, comme ça

/ /

adv. neither very good nor very bad.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘like this, like that’.

commedia dell'arte

/ /

n. an improvised kind of popular comedy in Italian theatres in the 16th–18th centuries, based on stock characters.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘comedy of art’.

comme il faut

/ /

adj. correct in behaviour or etiquette.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘as is necessary’.

commemorate

v. remember and show respect for, especially with a ceremony or memorial.

- DERIVATIVES commemoration n. commemorative adj. & n. commemorator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as commemoration): from L. commemorat-, commemorare ‘bring to remembrance’.

commence

v. start or cause to start; begin.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. commencier, comencier, based on L. com- (expressing intensive force) + initiare ‘begin’.

commencement

n.
1 the beginning of something.
2 N. Amer. a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred.

commend

v.
1 praise formally or officially.
2 present as suitable or good; recommend.
3 (commend someone/thing to) archaic or formal entrust someone or something to. (commend someone to) pass on someone's good wishes to.

- DERIVATIVES commendation n. commendatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. commendare, from com- (expressing intensive force) + mandare ‘commit, entrust’.

commendable

adj. deserving praise.

- DERIVATIVES commendably adv.

commensal

// Biology

adj. relating to or denoting an association between two organisms in which one benefits and the other derives neither benefit nor harm.
n. a commensal organism, such as many bacteria.

- DERIVATIVES commensalism n. commensality // n.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L. commensalis, from com- ‘sharing’ + mensa ‘a table’.

commensurable

//, //

adj.
1 measurable by the same standard: the finite is not commensurable with the infinite.
2 Mathematics (of numbers) in a ratio equal to a ratio of integers.

- DERIVATIVES commensurability n. commensurably adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. commensurabilis, from com- ‘together’ + mensurabilis, from mensurare ‘to measure’.

commensurate

//, //

adj. corresponding in size or degree; in proportion: salary will be commensurate with experience.

- DERIVATIVES commensurately adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. commensuratus, from com- ‘together’ + mensurat-, mensurare ‘to measure’.

comment

n.
1 a remark expressing an opinion or reaction. discussion, especially of a critical nature.
2 an explanatory note in a text. archaic a written explanation or commentary.
v. express an opinion or reaction.

- DERIVATIVES commenter n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. commentum ‘contrivance’ (in late L. also ‘interpretation’), neut. past part. of comminisci ‘devise’.

commentary

n. (pl. commentaries)
1 the expression of opinions or offering of explanations about an event or situation.
2 a descriptive spoken account (especially on radio or television) of a sports match or other event as it happens.
3 a set of explanatory or critical notes on a text.

commentate

v. provide a commentary on a sports match or other event.

commentator

n.
1 a person who comments on an event or text, especially in the media.
2 a person who commentates on a sports match or other event.

commerce

n.
1 the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale.
2 dated social dealings between people.
3 archaic sexual intercourse.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., or from L. commercium ‘trade, trading’, based on merx, merc- ‘merchandise’.

commercial

adj.
1 concerned with or engaged in commerce.
2 making or intended to make a profit.
3 (of television or radio) funded by the revenue from broadcast advertisements.
4 (of chemicals) supplied in bulk and not of the highest purity.
n. a television or radio advertisement.

- DERIVATIVES commerciality n. commercially adv.

commercial art

n. art used in advertising and selling.

commercial bank

n. a bank that offers services to the general public and to companies.

commercial bill

n. a bill of exchange issued by a commercial organization to raise money for short-term needs.

commercial break

n. an interruption in a radio or television broadcast for advertisements.

commercialism

n. emphasis on the maximizing of profit.

commercialize

(or commercialise)

v. manage or exploit in a way designed to make a profit.

- DERIVATIVES commercialization n.

commercial paper

n. short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by companies.

commercial traveller

n. Brit. dated a travelling sales representative.

commercial vehicle

n. a vehicle used for carrying goods or fare-paying passengers.

commère

//

n. Brit. a female compère.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘godmother’, fem. of compère.

Commie

n. (pl. Commies) informal, derogatory a communist.

commination

//

n. the action of threatening divine vengeance. the recital of divine threats against sinners in the Anglican Liturgy for Ash Wednesday.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. comminatio(n-), from comminari, from com- (expressing intensive force) + minari ‘threaten’.

comminatory

//

adj. rare threatening, punitive, or vengeful.

commingle

//

v. literary mix; blend.

comminuted

//

adj.
1 technical reduced to minute particles or fragments.
2 Medicine (of a fracture) producing multiple bone splinters.

- DERIVATIVES comminution n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as comminution): past part. of comminute, from L. comminut-, comminuere ‘break into pieces’.

commis chef

//

n. a junior chef.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr., lit. ‘deputy chef’.

commiserate

//

v. express sympathy or pity; sympathize: Karl commiserated with me about losing.

- DERIVATIVES commiseration n. commiserative adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. commiserat-, commiserari, from com- ‘with’ + miserari ‘to lament’.

commissaire

//

n. a senior police officer in France.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from med. L. commissarius (see commissary).

commissar

//

n. a Communist official, especially in Soviet Russia or China, responsible for political education. a head of a government department in the Soviet Union before 1946.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Russ. komissar, from Fr. commissaire.

commissariat

//

n.
1 chiefly Military a department for the supply of food and equipment.
2 a government department of the Soviet Union before 1946.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. commissariat, reinforced by med. L. commissariatus, both from med. L. commissarius (see commissary).

commissary

//

n. (pl. commissaries)
1 a deputy or delegate. a representative or deputy of a bishop.
2 N. Amer. a restaurant or food store in a military base or other institution.

- DERIVATIVES commissarial // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. commissarius ‘person in charge’, from L. commiss-, committere (see commit).

commission

n.
1 an instruction or command. a formal request to design or create a building or work of art. archaic the authority to perform a task.
2 a group given official authority to control or investigate something.
3 a sum paid to an agent in a commercial transaction.
4 a warrant conferring the rank of military officer.
5 the action of committing a crime or offence.
v.
1 order or authorize the production of. order or authorize (someone) to do or produce something.
2 bring into working order.
3 appoint to the rank of military officer.

- PHRASES
in (or out of) commission in (or not in) use or working order.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. commissio(n-), from committere (see commit).

commissionaire

//

n. Brit. a uniformed door attendant at a hotel, theatre, or other building.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from med. L. commissarius (see commissary).

commissioner

n. a person appointed to a role on or by a commission. a representative of the supreme authority in an area. the head of the Metropolitan Police in London. N. Amer. a person appointed to regulate a particular sport.

commissioner for oaths

n. Brit. a solicitor authorized to administer an oath to a person making an affidavit.

commission of the peace

n. Brit., chiefly historical the Justices of the Peace in a particular jurisdiction considered collectively.

commissure

//

n. Anatomy
1 the joint between two bones.
2 a band of nerve tissue connecting the hemispheres of the brain, the two sides of the spinal cord, etc.
3 the line where the upper and lower lips or eyelids meet.

- DERIVATIVES commissural // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. commissura ‘junction’, from committere (see commit).

commit

v. (commits, committing, committed)
1 perpetrate or carry out (a mistake, crime, or immoral act).
2 pledge or bind to a course, policy, or use. [often as adj. committed] dedicate to a cause: a committed Christian. (be committed to) be in a long-term emotional relationship with.
3 transfer for safe keeping or permanent preservation. send to prison or psychiatric hospital, or for trial in a higher court.
4 refer (a parliamentary or legislative bill) to a committee.

- DERIVATIVES committable adj. committer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. committere ‘join, entrust’ (in med. L. ‘put into custody’), from com- ‘with’ + mittere ‘put or send’.

commitment

n.
1 the state or quality of being committed to a cause, policy, or person. a pledge or undertaking.
2 an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.

committal

n.
1 the sending of someone to prison or psychiatric hospital, or for trial.
2 the burial of a corpse.

committee

n.
1 // [treated as sing. or pl.] a group of people appointed for a specific function by a larger group. a committee appointed by Parliament to consider proposed legislation. (Committee of the whole House) the whole House of Commons when sitting as a committee.
2 // Law a person entrusted with the charge of another person or another person's property. chiefly US a person who has been judicially committed to the charge of another because of insanity or mental disability.

committee stage

n. Brit. the third of five stages of a bill's progress through Parliament, when it may be debated and amended.

commix

//

v. archaic mix; mingle.

- DERIVATIVES commixture n.

commode

n.
1 a piece of furniture containing a concealed chamber pot. N. Amer. a toilet.
2 a chest of drawers or chiffonier of a decorative type popular in the 18th century.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘convenient, suitable’.

commodify

//

v. (commodifies, commodifying, commodified) turn into or treat as a mere commodity.

- DERIVATIVES commodification n.

commodious

//

adj.
1 formal roomy and comfortable.
2 archaic convenient.

- DERIVATIVES commodiously adv. commodiousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. commodieux or med. L. commodiosus, based on L. commodus ‘convenient’.

commodity

//

n. (pl. commodities)
1 a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.
2 a useful or valuable thing.

- DERIVATIVES commoditize (or commoditise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. commodite or L. commoditas, from commodus (see commodious).

commodore

//

n. a naval rank above captain and below rear admiral, generally given temporarily to an officer commanding a squadron or division of a fleet. the president of a yacht club. the senior captain of a shipping line.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from Du. komandeur, from Fr. commandeur ‘commander’.

common

adj. (commoner, commonest)
1 occurring, found, or done often; not rare. without special rank or position; ordinary. (of a quality) of a sort to be generally expected: common decency. of the most familiar type.
2 shared by two or more people or things. belonging to or affecting the whole of a community: common land. Mathematics belonging to two or more quantities.
3 showing a lack of taste and refinement supposedly typical of the lower classes; vulgar.
4 Grammar of or denoting a noun that refers to individuals of either sex (e.g. teacher) or belongs to a gender conventionally regarded as masculine or feminine.
5 Prosody (of a syllable) able to be either short or long.
6 Law (of a crime) of lesser severity.
n.
1 a piece of open land for public use.
2 a form of Christian service used for each of a group of occasions.
3 (also right of common) English Law a person's right over another's land, e.g. for pasturage.

- PHRASES
common ground views shared by each of two or more parties.
common or garden Brit. informal of the usual or ordinary type.
the common touch the ability to get on with ordinary people.
in common in joint use or possession; shared.
in common with in the same way as.

- DERIVATIVES commonness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comun, from L. communis.

commonable

adj. Brit., chiefly historical (of land) allowed to be jointly used or owned. (of an animal) allowed to be pastured on public land.

commonage

n. chiefly Brit.
1 the right of pasturing animals on common land. land held in common.
2 the common people; the commonalty.

commonality

n. (pl. commonalities)
1 the state of sharing features or attributes. a shared feature or attribute.
2 (the commonality) another term for commonalty.

commonalty

//

n. [treated as pl.] (the commonalty) chiefly historical people without special rank or position, regarded as an estate of the realm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comunalte, from med. L. communalitas, from L. communis (see common).

common carrier

n.
1 a person or company undertaking to transport any goods or passengers on regular routes at agreed rates.
2 N. Amer. a company providing public telecommunications facilities.

common chord

n. Music a triad containing a root, a major or minor third, and a perfect fifth.

common denominator

n.
1 Mathematics a common multiple of the denominators of several fractions.
2 a feature shared by all members of a group.

Common Entrance

n. Brit. an examination taken, usually at 13, by pupils wishing to enter public schools.

commoner

n.
1 a member of the ordinary or common people, as opposed to the aristocracy or to royalty.
2 a person who has the right of common.
3 (at some British universities) an undergraduate without a scholarship.

Common Era

n. another term for Christian era.

commonhold

n. Brit. a system of freehold tenure of a unit within a multi-occupancy building, but with shared responsibility for common services.

common jury

n. Brit. historical a jury for which no qualification of property or social standing was required. Compare with special jury.

common law

n.
1 the part of English law that is derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes. the body of English law as adopted and adapted by the different states of the US.
2 [as modifier] denoting a partner in a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions (excluding the UK) as valid by common law, though not brought about by a civil or ecclesiastical ceremony. denoting a partner in a relationship in which a man and woman cohabit for a period long enough to suggest stability.

common logarithm

n. a logarithm to the base 10.

commonly

adv. very often; frequently.

common market

n. a group of countries imposing few or no duties on trade with one another and a common tariff on trade with other countries. (the Common Market) a name for the European Economic Community or European Union, used especially in the 1960s and 1970s.

common metre

n. a metrical pattern for hymns in which the stanzas have four lines containing eight and six syllables alternately.

common noun

n. Grammar a noun denoting a class of objects or a concept as opposed to a particular individual. Often contrasted with proper noun.

commonplace

adj. not unusual; ordinary. not interesting or original; trite.
n.
1 a usual or ordinary thing. a trite saying or topic.
2 a passage copied into a commonplace book.

- DERIVATIVES commonplaceness n.

- ORIGIN C16: translation of L. locus communis, rendering Gk koinos topos ‘general theme’.

commonplace book

n. a book into which notable extracts from other works are copied for personal use.

common room

n. chiefly Brit. a room in an educational institution for use of students or staff outside teaching hours.

commons

pl. n.
1 (the Commons) short for House of Commons. historical the common people regarded as a part of a political system.
2 [treated as sing.] land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community.
3 US a dining hall in a school or college.
4 archaic provisions shared in common; rations.

- PHRASES
short commons archaic insufficient allocation of food.

common seal

n. an official seal of a corporate body.

common sense

n. good sense and sound judgement in practical matters.

- DERIVATIVES commonsensical adj.

Common Serjeant

n. a circuit judge of the Central Criminal Court with duties in the City of London.

common stock

(also common stocks)

pl. n. N. Amer. ordinary shares.

common time

n. Music a rhythmic pattern in which there are two or four beats, especially four crotchets, in a bar.

commonweal

//

n. (the commonweal) archaic the welfare of the public.

commonwealth

n.
1 an independent state or community, especially a democratic republic. a grouping of states or other bodies. a self-governing unit voluntarily grouped with the US, such as Puerto Rico. a formal title of certain US states. the title of the federated Australian states.
2 (the Commonwealth) (in full the Commonwealth of Nations) an international association consisting of the UK together with states that were previously part of the British Empire, and dependencies.
3 (the Commonwealth) the republican period of government in Britain between the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the Restoration of Charles II in 1660.
4 (the commonwealth) archaic the general good.

commotion

n.
1 a state of confused and noisy disturbance.
2 civil insurrection.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. commotio(n-), from com- ‘altogether’ + motio (see motion).

communal

//, //

adj.
1 shared or done by all members of a community. involving the sharing of work and property: communal living.
2 (of conflict) between communities having different religions or ethnic origins.

- DERIVATIVES communality n. communalization (or communalisation) n. communalize (or communalise) v. communally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from late L. communalis, from communis (see common).

communalism

n.
1 a principle of political organization based on federated communes. the principle or practice of living together communally.
2 allegiance to one's own ethnic group rather than to the wider society.

- DERIVATIVES communalist adj. & n. communalistic adj.

communard

//

n.
1 a member of a commune.
2 (Communard) historical a supporter of the Paris Commune.

commune^1

//

n.
1 a group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities. a communal settlement in a communist country.
2 the smallest French territorial division for administrative purposes.
3 (the Commune) the group which seized the municipal government of Paris in the French Revolution and played a leading part in the Terror. the municipal government organized on communalistic principles elected in Paris in 1871.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from med. L. communia, neut. pl. of L. communis (see common).

commune^2

//

v. (commune with) share one's intimate thoughts or feelings with. feel in close spiritual contact with.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comuner ‘to share’, from comun (see common).

communicable

adj. (especially of a disease) able to be communicated to others.

- DERIVATIVES communicability n. communicably adv.

communicant

n.
1 a person who receives Holy Communion.
2 archaic a person who imparts information.

communicate

v.
1 share or exchange information or ideas. convey (an emotion or feeling) in a non-verbal way.
2 pass on (an infectious disease). transmit (heat or motion).
3 [often as adj. communicating] (of two rooms) have a common connecting door.
4 receive Holy Communion.

- DERIVATIVES communicator n. communicatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as communication): from L. communicat-, communicare ‘share’, from communis (see common).

communication

n.
1 the action of communicating. a letter or message containing information.
2 (communications) the means of sending or receiving information, such as telephone lines or computers.
3 (communications) the means of travelling or of transporting goods, such as roads or railways.

- DERIVATIVES communicational adj.

communication cord

n. Brit. a cord or chain which a train passenger may pull in an emergency, causing the train to brake.

communications satellite

n. a satellite placed in orbit round the earth in order to relay television, radio, and telephone signals.

communicative

adj.
1 willing, eager, or able to talk or impart information.
2 relating to the conveyance or exchange of information.

- DERIVATIVES communicatively adv.

communion

n.
1 the sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings.
2 (also Holy Communion) the service of Christian worship at which bread and wine are consecrated and shared; the Eucharist.
3 a relationship of recognition and acceptance between Christian Churches or denominations. a group of Christian Churches or communities which recognize one another's ministries or that of a central authority: the Anglican communion.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. communio(n-), from communis (see common).

communion of saints

n. a fellowship between Christians living and dead.

communiqué

//

n. an official announcement or statement, especially one made to the media.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., past part. of communiquer ‘communicate’.

communism

n. a theory or system of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs. a theory or system of this kind derived from Marxism and established in the former Soviet Union, China, and elsewhere.

- DERIVATIVES communist n. & adj. communistic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. communisme, from commun (see common).

communitarianism

//

n.
1 a system of social organization based on small self-governing communities.
2 an ideology which emphasizes the responsibility of the individual to the community and the social importance of the family unit.

- DERIVATIVES communitarian adj. & n.

community

n. (pl. communities)
1 a group of people living together in one place, especially one practising common ownership. a place considered together with its inhabitants: a rural community. (the community) the people of an area or country considered collectively; society.
2 a group of people having a religion, race, profession, or other characteristic in common: the scientific community. a body of countries unified by common interests.
3 the condition of having certain attitudes and interests in common. joint ownership or liability.
4 Ecology a group of interdependent plants or animals growing or living together.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comunete, reinforced by its source, L. communitas, from communis (see common).

community care

n. long-term care for the mentally ill, the elderly, and people with disabilities provided within the community rather than in hospitals or institutions.

community centre

n. a place providing educational or recreational activities for a neighbourhood.

community charge

n. (in the UK) a tax levied locally on every adult in a community, replaced in 1993 by the council tax; the poll tax.

community chest

n. a fund for charitable activities among the people in a particular area.

community college

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a college providing further and higher education for a particular area.
2 Brit. a secondary school whose facilities are available to adults living locally.

community home

n. Brit. a home for young offenders and other young people in need of custodial care.

community service

n. unpaid work, intended to be of social use, that an offender is required to do instead of going to prison.

community singing

n. singing by a large crowd.

communize

(or communise) //

v. rare organize on communist principles.

- DERIVATIVES communization n.

commutate

//

v. regulate or reverse the direction of (an alternating electric current), especially to make it a direct current.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. commutat-, commutare (see commute).

commutation

n.
1 the action or process of commuting a judicial sentence or a legal obligation or entitlement.
2 the process of commutating an electric current.
3 Mathematics the property of having a commutative relation.

commutative

//, //

adj. Mathematics involving the condition that a group of quantities connected by operators gives the same result whatever the order of the quantities involved, e.g. a × b = b × a.

commutator

//

n.
1 an attachment, connected with the armature of a motor or dynamo, through which electrical connection is made and which ensures the current flows as direct current.
2 a device for reversing the direction of flow of electric current.

commute

v.
1 travel some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis.
2 reduce (a judicial sentence, especially a sentence of death) to a less severe one. change one kind of payment or obligation for (another). replace (an annuity or other series of payments) with a single payment.
3 Mathematics (of two operations or quantities) have a commutative relation.

- DERIVATIVES commutable adj. commuter n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. commutare, from com- ‘altogether’ + mutare ‘to change’; sense 1 derives from commutation ticket, the US term for a season ticket (because the daily fare is commuted to a single payment).

Comoran

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the Comoros, a country consisting of a group of islands to the north of Madagascar.
adj. relating to the Comoros.

co-morbid

adj. Medicine relating to or denoting a medical condition that co-occurs with another.

- DERIVATIVES co-morbidity n.

comp

abbrev. informal
1 Brit. a competition.
2 Brit. a comprehensive school.
3 a composition.
4 Brit. a compositor.
5 a compilation.
6 a musical accompaniment.
7 N. Amer. a complimentary ticket or voucher.
v.
1 play (music) as an accompaniment, especially in jazz or blues.
2 [as noun comping] Brit. informal the practice of entering competitions.
3 N. Amer. give away as part of a promotion.

- DERIVATIVES comper n. (Brit. informal).

compact^1

adj. //
1 closely set or packed together; dense. having all the necessary components or features neatly fitted into a small space.
2 (compact of) archaic composed or made up of.
v. // exert force on to make more dense; compress. archaic form by pressing the component parts together.
n. // a small flat case containing face powder, a mirror, and a powder puff.

- DERIVATIVES compaction n. compactly adv. compactness n. compactor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. compact-, compingere, from com- ‘together’ + pangere ‘fasten’.

compact^2

//

n. a formal agreement or contract between two or more parties.
v. make or enter into (a formal agreement).

- ORIGIN C16: from L. compact-, compacisci, from com- ‘with’ + pacisci ‘make a covenant’; cf. pact.

compact car

n. N. Amer. a medium-sized car.

compact disc

n. a small plastic disc on which music or other digital information is stored in the form of a pattern of metal-coated pits from which it can be read using laser light reflected off the disc.

compadre

//

n. (pl. compadres) informal a friend or companion.

- ORIGIN Sp., lit. ‘godfather’.

compander

// (also compandor)

n. a device that improves the signal-to-noise ratio of an electrical signal by compressing the range of amplitudes of the signal before transmission, and then expanding it on reproduction or reception.

- DERIVATIVES compand v.

- ORIGIN 1930s: blend of compressor and expander.

companion^1

n.
1 a person with whom one spends time or travels. a person employed to live with and assist someone old or unwell.
2 each of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other. Brit. dated a piece of equipment containing several objects used in a particular activity.
3 (Companion) a member of the lowest grade of certain orders of knighthood.
v. formal accompany.

- DERIVATIVES companionship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compaignon, lit. ‘one who breaks bread with another’, based on L. com- ‘together with’ + panis ‘bread’.

companion^2

n. Nautical
1 a covering over the hatchway leading to a companionway. archaic a raised frame with windows on the quarterdeck to allow light into the decks below.
2 a companionway.

- ORIGIN C18: from obs. Du. kompanje (earlier form of kampanje) ‘quarterdeck’.

companionable

adj. friendly and sociable.

- DERIVATIVES companionableness n. companionably adv.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of obs. companiable, influenced by companion^1.

companionate

//

adj. formal (of a marriage or relationship) between partners or spouses as equal companions.

companion-in-arms

n. a fellow soldier.

companion ladder

n. a companionway.

Companion of Honour

n. a member of an order of knighthood founded in 1917.

Companion of Literature

n. a holder of an honour awarded by the Royal Society of Literature.

companion set

n. Brit. a collection of fireside implements on a stand.

companionway

n. a set of steps leading from a ship's deck down to a cabin or lower deck.

company

n. (pl. companies)
1 a commercial business.
2 the fact or condition of being with another or others. a person as a source of friendship and entertainment: she is excellent company. a visitor or visitors: I'm expecting company.
3 a group of people gathered together. a body of soldiers, especially the smallest subdivision of an infantry battalion. a group of actors, singers, or dancers who perform together. Brit. a group of Guides.
v. (companies, companying, companied) archaic associate with or accompany.

- PHRASES
in company with together with.
keep (or archaic bear) someone company spend time with someone to prevent them feeling lonely or bored.
keep company with associate with habitually.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compainie; rel. to compaignon (see companion^1).

company car

n. a car provided by a firm for the business and private use of an employee.

company officer

n. an army officer serving within an infantry company.

company sergeant major

n. the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer of an infantry company.

comparable

//

adj. able to be likened to another; similar. of equivalent quality.

- DERIVATIVES comparability n. comparably adv.

USAGE

Although the correct pronunciation in standard English is with the stress on the first syllable rather than the second (comparable), an alternative pronunciation with the stress on the second syllable (comparable) is gaining in currency.

comparatist

//

n. a person who carries out comparative study, especially of language or literature.

comparative

//

adj.
1 measured or judged by comparison; relative.
2 involving comparison between two or more subjects or branches of science: comparative religion.
3 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a higher degree of a quality, but not the highest possible (e.g. braver; more fiercely). Contrasted with positive, superlative.

comparative advantage

n. Economics the ability of an individual or group to carry out a particular economic activity more efficiently than another activity.

comparative linguistics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of the similarities and differences between languages, in particular the comparison of related languages with a view to reconstructing forms in their lost parent languages.

comparatively

adv. to a moderate degree as compared to something else; relatively.

comparator

//

n. a device for comparing something measurable with a reference or standard.

compare

v.
1 (often compare something to/with) estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between. (compare something to) liken something to. (usu. compare with) be similar to or have a specified relationship with another thing or person: salaries compare favourably with those of other professions.
2 Grammar form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb).

- PHRASES
beyond (or without) compare surpassing all others of the same kind.
compare notes exchange ideas or information about something.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comparer, from L. comparare, from compar ‘like, equal’.

comparison

n.
1 an act of comparing. the quality of being similar or equivalent.
2 Grammar the formation of the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs.

- PHRASES
beyond comparison another way of saying beyond compare (see compare).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comparesoun, from L. comparatio(n-), from comparare (see compare).

compartment

n.
1 a separate section of a structure or container. a division of a railway carriage marked by partitions.
2 Heraldry a grassy mound or other support depicted below a shield.
v. divide into compartments.

- DERIVATIVES compartmental adj. compartmentally adv. compartmentation n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. compartiment, based on late L. compartiri ‘divide’.

compartmentalize

(or compartmentalise)

v. divide into categories or sections.

- DERIVATIVES compartmentalism n. compartmentalization n.

compass

n.
1 an instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.
2 (also compasses) an instrument for drawing circles and arcs and measuring distances between points, consisting of two arms linked by a movable joint.
3 range or scope: the event had repercussions which are beyond the compass of this book.
v. archaic
1 encircle or surround.
2 manage to accomplish.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compas (n.), compasser (v.), based on L. com- ‘together’ + passus ‘a step or pace’.

compass card

n. a circular rotating card showing the thirty-two principal bearings, forming the indicator of a magnetic compass.

compassion

n. sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from eccles. L. compassio(n-), from compati ‘suffer with’.

compassionate

adj. feeling or showing compassion.

- DERIVATIVES compassionately adv.

compassionate leave

n. a period of absence from work granted as the result of particular personal circumstances, especially the death of a close relative.

compassion fatigue

n. indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of people in need, experienced as a result of the frequency of such appeals.

compass rose

n. a graduated circle printed on a map or chart from which bearings can be taken.

compass saw

n. a handsaw with a narrow blade for cutting curves.

compass window

n. a bay window with a semicircular curve.

compatible

adj.
1 able to exist or be used together without problems or conflict. (of two people) able to have a harmonious relationship; well suited.
2 (usu. compatible with) consistent or in keeping.

- DERIVATIVES compatibility n. compatibly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from med. L. compatibilis, from compati ‘suffer with’.

compatriot

//, //

n. a fellow citizen or national of a country.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. compatriote, based on late L. com- ‘together with’ + patriota (see patriot).

compeer

//

n.
1 formal a person of equal rank, status, or ability.
2 archaic a companion or associate.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comper, from com- ‘with’ + per, from L. par ‘equal’ (cf. peer^2).

compel

v. (compels, compelling, compelled)
1 force or oblige to do something. bring about by force or pressure.
2 [as adj. compelling] powerfully evoking attention or admiration.

- DERIVATIVES compellingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. compellere, from com- ‘together’ + pellere ‘drive’.

compellable

adj. Law (of a witness) able to be made to attend court or give evidence.

compendious

adj. formal presenting the essential facts in a comprehensive but concise way.

- DERIVATIVES compendiously adv. compendiousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compendieux, from L. compendiosus ‘advantageous, brief’, from compendium ‘profit, saving, abbreviation’.

compendium

n. (pl. compendiums or compendia //)
1 a a book or other publication containing a collection of information about a subject.
2 a collection of similar items. a package of stationery for writing letters.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘profit, saving’ (lit. ‘what is weighed together’), from compendere ‘weigh together’.

compensable

//

adj. (of a loss or hardship) for which compensation can be obtained.

compensate

v.
1 give (someone) something in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred.
2 (compensate for) reduce or counteract (something undesirable) by exerting an opposite force or effect.

- DERIVATIVES compensative adj. compensator n. compensatory adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as compensation): from L. compensat-, compensare ‘weigh against’.

compensation

n.
1 something awarded to compensate for loss, suffering, or injury. a thing that counteracts an undesirable situation: getting older has some compensations. the action or process of compensating.
2 chiefly N. Amer. money received as salary or wages.

- DERIVATIVES compensational adj.

compensation pendulum

n. Physics a pendulum constructed from metals with differing coefficients of expansion in order to neutralize the effects of temperature variation.

compère

// Brit.

n. a person who introduces the acts in a variety show.
v. act as a compère for.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: Fr., lit. ‘godfather’.

compete

v. strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others: universities are competing for applicants.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as competitor): from L. competere, from com- ‘together’ + petere ‘aim at, seek’.

competence

(also competency)

n.
1 the quality or extent of being competent. Linguistics a person's subconscious knowledge of the rules governing the formation of speech in their first language. Often contrasted with performance. Biology & Medicine effective performance of the normal function.
2 dated an income large enough to live on.

competent

adj.
1 having the necessary ability or knowledge to do something successfully. acceptable and satisfactory: he spoke quite competent French.
2 (of a court or other body) having legal authority to deal with a particular matter.

- DERIVATIVES competently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. competent-, competere in the sense ‘be fit or proper’ (see compete).

competition

n.
1 the activity or condition of competing against others. Ecology interaction between species or organisms which share a limited environmental resource.
2 an event or contest in which people compete. those with whom one is competing: you have to innovate to stay ahead of the competition.

competitive

adj.
1 relating to or characterized by competition. strongly desiring to be more successful than others.
2 as good as or better than others of a comparable nature.

- DERIVATIVES competitively adv. competitiveness n.

competitor

n.
1 a person who takes part in a sporting contest.
2 an organization engaged in commercial or economic competition with others.

compilation

n.
1 the action or process of compiling.
2 a thing, especially a book or record, compiled from different sources.

compile

v.
1 produce (a collection) by assembling material from other sources.
2 Computing convert (a program) into a lower-level form in which the program can be executed.

- DERIVATIVES compiler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compiler or its apparent source, L. compilare ‘plunder or plagiarize’.

complacent

//

adj. smug and uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements.

- DERIVATIVES complacency (also complacence) n. complacently adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as complacence), in the sense ‘pleasant’: from L. complacent-, complacere ‘to please’.

USAGE

The words complacent and complaisant are sometimes confused: complacent means ‘smug and self-satisfied’, whereas complaisant means ‘willing to please’.

complain

v.
1 express dissatisfaction or annoyance.
2 (complain of) state that one is suffering from (a symptom of illness).

- DERIVATIVES complainer n. complaining adj. complainingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. complaindre, from med. L. complangere ‘bewail’, from L. com- (expressing intensive force) + plangere ‘to lament’.

complainant

n. Law a plaintiff in certain lawsuits.

complaint

n.
1 an act or the action of complaining. a reason for dissatisfaction. Law the plaintiff's reasons for proceeding in a civil action.
2 an illness or medical condition, especially a minor one.

complaisant

//

adj. willing to please others or to accept their behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES complaisance n.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., from complaire ‘acquiesce in order to please’, from L. complacere ‘to please’.

USAGE

On the confusion of complaisant with complacent, see complacent.

compleat

adj. & v. archaic spelling of complete.

complected

//

adj. N. Amer. having a specified complexion.

complement

n. //
1 a thing that contributes extra features to something else so as to enhance or improve it.
2 the number or quantity that makes something complete: we have a full complement of staff.
3 Grammar a word, phrase, or clause governed by a verb that completes the meaning of the predicate. an adjective or noun that has the same reference as either the subject or object (as mad in he is mad or he drove her mad).
4 Physiology a system of proteins present in blood plasma which combines with antigen–antibody complexes and phagocytes to bring about the destruction of microorganisms and foreign cells.
5 Geometry the amount by which a given angle is less than 90°.
v. // add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves.

- DERIVATIVES complemental adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘completion’): from L. complementum, from complere (see complete).

USAGE

Complement and compliment (together with related words such as complementary and complimentary) are frequently confused. Complement means ‘add to in a way that enhances or improves’, while compliment means ‘politely congratulate or praise’.

complementarity

n. (pl. complementarities)
1 a situation in which two or more different things enhance each other or form a balanced whole.
2 Physics the concept that two contrasted theories may be able to explain a set of phenomena, although each separately only accounts for some aspects.

complementary

adj.
1 (of two or more different things) combining in such a way as to form a complete whole or enhance each other.
2 relating to complementary medicine.

- DERIVATIVES complementarily adv. complementariness n.

complementary angle

n. either of two angles whose sum is 90°.

complementary colour

n. a colour that combined with a given colour makes white or black.

complementary DNA

n. synthetic DNA in which the sequence of bases is complementary to that of a given sequence of messenger RNA.

complementary medicine

n. medical therapy that falls beyond the scope of scientific medicine but may be used alongside it in the treatment of disease and ill health, e.g. acupuncture and osteopathy.

complementation

n.
1 the action of complementing.
2 Grammar all the clause constituents that are governed by a verb.
3 Genetics the phenomenon by which the effects of two different non-allelic mutations in a gene are partly or entirely cancelled out when they occur together.

complete

adj.
1 having all the necessary or appropriate parts; entire. (complete with) having as an additional feature.
2 having run its full course; finished.
3 to the greatest extent or degree; total: a complete surprise.
4 (also compleat) chiefly humorous fully competent in an activity; consummate.
v.
1 finish making or doing. Brit. conclude the sale of a property.
2 provide with the items necessary to make (something) complete. write the required information on (a form).

- DERIVATIVES completeness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. complet, or L. complet-, complere ‘fill up, finish, fulfil’, from com- (expressing intensive force) + plere ‘fill’.

completely

adv. totally; utterly.

completion

n. the action of completing or the state of being completed. Brit. the final stage in the sale of a property, at which point it legally changes ownership.

completist

n. an obsessive, typically indiscriminate, collector or fan.

complex

adj.
1 consisting of many different and connected parts.
2 not easy to understand; complicated.
3 Mathematics (of a number) containing both a real and an imaginary part.
n.
1 an interlinked system; a network. a group of similar buildings or facilities on the same site.
2 Psychoanalysis a related group of repressed or partly repressed emotionally significant ideas which lead to abnormal mental states or behaviour. informal a feeling of disproportionate anxiety about something.
3 Chemistry an ion or molecule in which one or more groups are linked to a metal atom by coordinate bonds.
v. Chemistry make (an atom or compound) form a complex with another.

- DERIVATIVES complexation n. (Chemistry). complexity n. (pl. complexities). complexly adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (as n.): from L. complexus, from complectere ‘embrace, comprise’, later assoc. with complexus ‘plaited’; the adjective is partly via Fr. complexe.

complexion

n.
1 the natural tone and texture of the skin of a person's face.
2 the general character of something: the complexion of the game changed.

- DERIVATIVES -complexioned adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting temperament or constitution as determined by combination of the bodily humours): via OFr. from L. complexio(n-) ‘combination’, from complectere ‘embrace, comprise’.

complex sentence

n. a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses.

compliance

//

n.
1 the action or fact of being compliant.
2 Physics the capacity of a material or object of yielding when subjected to an applied force.

compliant

adj.
1 disposed to agree with others or obey rules, especially to an excessive degree; acquiescent.
2 meeting or in accordance with rules or standards.
3 Physics having the property of compliance.

- DERIVATIVES compliantly adv.

complicate

//

v.
1 make more complex or confusing.
2 Medicine introduce complications in (an existing condition).

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘combine, entangle’): from L. complicat-, complicare ‘fold together’.

complicated

adj.
1 consisting of many interconnecting parts; intricate. involving many different and confusing aspects.
2 Medicine involving complications.

- DERIVATIVES complicatedly adv.

complication

n.
1 a circumstance that complicates something; a difficulty. a confused or complex state.
2 Medicine a secondary disease or condition aggravating an already existing one.

complicit

//

adj. involved with others in an unlawful activity: the minister was not complicit in the corruption.

complicity

n. the fact or condition of being involved with others in an unlawful activity.

- ORIGIN C17: from ME complice ‘an associate’, from OFr., from late L. complex, complic- ‘allied’, from L. complicare ‘fold together’; cf. accomplice.

compliment

n. // a polite expression of praise or admiration. (compliments) congratulations or praise expressed to someone. (compliments) formal greetings sent as a message.
v. //
1 politely congratulate or praise.
2 (compliment someone with) archaic present someone with (something) as a mark of courtesy.

- PHRASES
return the compliment retaliate or respond in kind.
with one's compliments provided free of charge.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. compliment (n.), complimenter (v.), from Ital. complimento ‘fulfilment of the requirements of courtesy’, from L. complementum ‘completion, fulfilment’.

USAGE

On the confusion of compliment with complement, see complement.

complimentary

adj.
1 expressing praise or admiration.
2 given or supplied free of charge.

compliments slip

n. Brit. a small piece of paper printed with a company's name and address, sent out with goods or information in place of a covering letter.

compline

//, //

n. a service of evening prayers forming part of the Divine Office of the Western Christian Church, traditionally said before retiring for the night.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. complie, fem. past part. of complir, from L. complere (see complete).

comply

//

v. (complies, complying, complied) (often comply with)
1 act in accordance with a wish or command.
2 meet specified standards.

- ORIGIN C16 (in sense ‘fulfil, accomplish’, later ‘fulfil the requirements of courtesy’): from Ital. complire, Catalan complir, Sp. cumplir, from L. complere (see complete); cf. compliment.

compo

n. (pl. compos)
1 a composite material.
2 (also compo rations) Brit. military rations consisting of a supply of tinned food designed to last a specified number of days and carried in a pack.

component

//

n.
1 a part or element of a larger whole, especially a part of a machine or vehicle.
2 Physics each of two or more forces, velocities, or other vectors acting in different directions which are together equivalent to a given vector.
adj. constituting part of a larger whole; constituent.

- DERIVATIVES componentize (or componentise) v.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. component-, componere ‘put together’; cf. compound^1.

compony

//

adj. Heraldry divided into a single row of squares in alternating tinctures.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. componé, from OFr. compondre, from L. componere ‘put together’.

comport^1

//

v.
1 (comport oneself) formal conduct oneself; behave.
2 (comport with) archaic accord or agree with.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘tolerate’): from L. comportare, from com- ‘together’ + portare ‘carry, bear’.

comport^2

//

n. another term for compote (in sense 2).

- ORIGIN C19: appar. an abbrev. of Fr. comportier.

comportment

n. formal behaviour or bearing.

compose

v.
1 write or create (a musical or written work). arrange so as to form an artistic whole.
2 (of elements) constitute or make up (a whole).
3 [often as adj. composed] calm or settle (one's features or thoughts).
4 prepare (a text) for printing by setting up the characters to be printed.
5 archaic settle (a dispute).

- DERIVATIVES composedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. composer, from L. componere (see component), but influenced by L. compositus ‘composed’ and OFr. poser ‘to place’.

composer

n. a person who writes music.

composite

//

adj.
1 made up of several parts or elements. (of a constructional material) made up of recognizable constituents.
2 (Composite) relating to or denoting a classical order of architecture consisting of elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders.
3 usu. // Botany relating to or denoting plants of the family Compositae, which have composite flower heads consisting of numerous florets and include daisies, dandelions, and chrysanthemums.
4 Mathematics (of an integer) being the product of two or more factors greater than unity; not prime.
n.
1 a thing made up of several parts or elements. // a motion for debate composed of two or more related resolutions.
2 usu. // Botany a plant of the daisy family (Compositae).
v. [usu. as noun compositing] combine (two or more images) to make a single picture, especially electronically.

- DERIVATIVES compositely adv. compositeness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. composit-, componere ‘put together’.

composition

n.
1 the nature of the ingredients or constituents of a whole or mixture. a thing composed of various elements.
2 a work of music, literature, or art. the artistic arrangement of the elements of a picture.
3 the action of composing.
4 archaic mental constitution; character.
5 a legal agreement to pay a sum in lieu of a larger debt or other obligation.
6 Mathematics the successive application of functions to a variable.
7 Physics the process of finding the resultant of a number of forces.

- DERIVATIVES compositional adj. compositionally adv.

compositor

//

n. a person who arranges type for printing or keys text into a composing machine.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense ‘arbiter’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. compositour, from L. compositor, from composit-, componere (see compose).

compos mentis

/ /

adj. having full control of one's mind.

- ORIGIN C17: L.

compossible

adj. rare (of one thing) compatible or possible in conjunction with another.

- ORIGIN C17: from OFr., from med. L. compossibilis, from com- ‘together with’ + possibilis (see possible).

compost

n. decayed organic material used as a fertilizer for growing plants. a mixture of compost with loam soil used as a growing medium.
v. make into or treat with compost.

- DERIVATIVES composter n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. composte, from L. composita, compositum ‘something put together’, fem. and neut. past part. of componere.

compost heap

(N. Amer. also compost pile)

n. a pile of garden and kitchen refuse which decomposes to produce compost.

composure

n. the state or feeling of being calm and composed.

compote

//, //

n.
1 fruit preserved or cooked in syrup.
2 a bowl-shaped dessert dish with a stem.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from OFr. composte (see compost).

compound^1

n. // a thing composed of two or more separate elements. a substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions. a word made up of two or more existing words.
adj. // made up of several elements. (of interest) payable on both capital and the accumulated interest. Compare with simple. Biology (of a leaf, flower, or eye) consisting of two or more simple parts or individuals in combination.
v. //
1 make up (a composite whole); constitute. mix or combine (ingredients or constituents). reckon (interest) on previously accumulated interest.
2 make (something bad) worse.
3 Law forbear from prosecuting (a felony) in exchange for money or other consideration. settle (a debt or other matter) in this way.

- DERIVATIVES compoundable adj. compounder n.

- ORIGIN ME compoune (v.), from OFr. compoun-, compondre, from L. componere ‘put together’; the final -d was added on the pattern of expound.

compound^2

//

n. a large open area enclosed by a fence, e.g. around a factory or within a prison. S. African an area containing single-sex living quarters for migrant workers, especially miners. another term for pound^3.

- ORIGIN C17: from Port. campon or Du. kampoeng, from Malay kampong ‘enclosure, hamlet’; cf. kampong.

compound eye

n. an eye consisting of an array of numerous small visual units, as found in insects and crustaceans. Contrasted with simple eye.

compound fracture

n. an injury in which a broken bone pierces the skin.

compound interval

n. Music an interval greater than an octave.

compound sentence

n. a sentence with more than one subject or predicate.

compound time

n. Music musical rhythm or metre in which each beat in a bar is subdivided into three smaller units, so having the value of a dotted note. Compare with simple time.

comprador

// (also compradore)

n. a person who acts as an agent for foreign businesses.

- ORIGIN C17: from Port., ‘buyer’.

comprehend

//

v.
1 grasp mentally; understand.
2 formal include, comprise, or encompass.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comprehender, or L. comprehendere, from com- ‘together’ + prehendere ‘grasp’.

comprehensible

adj. able to be understood; intelligible.

- DERIVATIVES comprehensibility n. comprehensibly adv.

comprehension

n.
1 the ability to understand something. Brit. the school exercise of answering questions on a set text to test understanding.
2 archaic inclusion. historical the proposed inclusion of Nonconformists within the Established Church of England.

comprehensive

adj.
1 including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something. of large content or scope. (of a victory or defeat) by a large margin. (of motor-vehicle insurance) providing cover for most risks, including damage to the policyholder's own vehicle.
2 Brit. denoting a system of secondary education in which children of all abilities from an area are educated in one school.
3 archaic relating to understanding.
n. Brit. a comprehensive school.

- DERIVATIVES comprehensively adv. comprehensiveness n.

compress

v. //
1 flatten by pressure; squeeze into less space. squeeze or press (two things) together. [as adj. compressed] chiefly Biology having a narrow shape as if flattened, especially sideways.
2 reduce the dynamic range of (a sound signal).
3 Computing alter the form of (data) to reduce the amount of storage necessary.
n. // a pad of absorbent material pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation or stop bleeding.

- DERIVATIVES compressibility // n. compressible // adj. compressive // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compresser or late L. compressare, frequentative of L. compress-, comprimere.

compressed air

n. air that is at more than atmospheric pressure.

compression

n. the action of compressing or being compressed. the reduction in volume (causing an increase in pressure) of the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine before ignition.

- DERIVATIVES compressional adj.

compression ratio

n. the ratio of the maximum to minimum volume in the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine.

compressive strength

n. the resistance of a material to breaking under compression. Compare with tensile strength.

compressor

n.
1 an instrument or device for compressing something. a machine used to supply air or other gas at increased pressure.
2 an electrical device which reduces the dynamic range of a sound signal.

comprise

v. consist of; be made up of. (also be comprised of) make up; constitute.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., ‘comprised’, fem. past part. of comprendre (see comprehend).

USAGE

According to traditional usage, comprise means ‘consist of’ and should not be used to mean ‘constitute or make up (a whole)’. However, a passive use of comprise is fast becoming part of standard English: this use (as in the country is comprised of twenty states) is more or less synonymous with the traditional active sense (as in the country comprises twenty states).

compromise

n.
1 an agreement that is reached by each side making concessions. an intermediate state between conflicting alternatives.
2 the expedient acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable.
v.
1 settle a dispute by mutual concession.
2 expediently accept standards that are lower than is desirable.
3 bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet or reckless behaviour. [as adj. compromising] revealing an embarrassing or incriminating secret: a compromising situation.

- DERIVATIVES compromiser n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. compromis, from late L. compromiss-, compromittere, from com- ‘together’ + promittere (see promise).

compte rendu

/ /

n. (pl. comptes rendus pronunc. same) a formal report or review.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘account rendered’.

comptroller

//, //

n. a controller (used in the title of some financial officers).

- ORIGIN C15: var. of controller (see control), by assoc. with Fr. compte ‘calculation’ or its source, late L. computus.

compulsion

n.
1 the action of compelling or the state of being compelled; constraint.
2 an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way.

compulsive

adj.
1 resulting from or acting on an irresistible urge.
2 irresistibly interesting or exciting; compelling.

- DERIVATIVES compulsively adv. compulsiveness n.

compulsory

adj. required by law or a rule; obligatory. involving or exercising compulsion; coercive.

- DERIVATIVES compulsorily adv. compulsoriness n.

compulsory purchase

n. Brit. the officially enforced purchase of privately owned land or property for public use.

compunction

n. a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows a bad action.

- DERIVATIVES compunctious adj. compunctiously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. componction, from eccles. L. compunctio(n-), from L. compungere ‘prick sharply’.

compurgation

//

n. Law, historical acquittal from a charge or accusation obtained by statements of innocence given by witnesses under oath.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. compurgatio(n-), from L. compurgare, from com- (expressing intensive force) + purgare ‘purify’.

compurgator

//

n. Law, historical a sworn witness to the innocence or good character of an accused person.

computation

n.
1 mathematical calculation.
2 the use of computers, especially as a subject of research.

- DERIVATIVES computational adj. computationally adv.

computational linguistics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of linguistics in which the techniques of computer science are applied to the analysis and synthesis of language and speech.

compute

v.
1 reckon or calculate (a figure or amount).
2 [with neg.] informal seem reasonable; make sense.

- DERIVATIVES computability n. computable adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. computer or L. computare, from com- ‘together’ + putare ‘to settle (an account)’.

computer

n. an electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) and performing a sequence of logical operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in the form of information or signals.

computerate

//

adj. informal another term for computer-literate.

computer dating

n. the use of computer databases to identify potentially compatible partners for people.

computer game

n. a game played using a computer, especially a video game.

computerize

(or computerise)

v. [often as adj. computerized] convert to a system or form which is controlled, stored, or processed by computer.

- DERIVATIVES computerization n.

computer-literate

adj. having sufficient knowledge and skill to be able to use computers.

- DERIVATIVES computer literacy n.

computer science

n. the study of the principles and use of computers.

computing

n. the use or operation of computers.

comrade

n. (among men) a colleague or a fellow member of an organization. (also comrade-in-arms) a fellow soldier or serviceman. a fellow socialist or communist.

- DERIVATIVES comradely adj. comradeship n.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. also camerade): from Fr. camerade, camarade, from Sp. camarada ‘room-mate’.

Comsat

n. trademark a communications satellite.

Con

abbrev. Brit.
1 Conservative (as a political affiliation).
2 constable (as part of a police officer's title).

con^1

informal

v. (cons, conning, conned) deceive (someone) into doing or believing something by lying to them.
n. a deception of this kind.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): abbrev. of confidence, as in confidence trick.

con^2

n. (usu. in phr. pros and cons) a disadvantage of or argument against something.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. contra ‘against’.

con^3

n. informal a convict.

con^4

(US also conn) Nautical

v. (cons, conning, conned) direct the steering of (a ship).
n. (the con) the action or post of conning a ship.

- ORIGIN C17: appar. a weakened form of obs. cond ‘conduct, guide’, from OFr. conduire.

con^5

v. (cons, conning, conned) archaic study attentively or learn by heart (a piece of writing).

- ORIGIN ME cunne, conne, con, vars of can^1.

con-

prefix variant spelling of com- assimilated before c, d, f, g, j, n, q, s, t, v, and sometimes before vowels (as in concord, condescend, confide, etc.).

conacre

//

n. (in Ireland) the letting by a tenant of small portions of land for crops or grazing.

- ORIGIN C19: from corn^1 + acre.

con amore

/ /

adv. Music with tenderness.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘with love’.

conation

//

n. Philosophy & Psychology desire or will to perform an action; volition.

- DERIVATIVES conative adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting an attempt or endeavour): from L. conatio(n-), from conari ‘to try’.

con brio

/ /

adv. Music with vigour.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

concatenate

//

v. formal or technical link together in a chain or series.

- DERIVATIVES concatenation n.

- ORIGIN C15 (as adj.): from late L. concatenat-, concatenare ‘link together’.

concave

//

adj. having an outline or surface that curves inwards like the interior of a circle or sphere. Compare with convex.

- DERIVATIVES concavely adv. concavity n. (pl. concavities).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. concavus, from con- ‘together’ + cavus ‘hollow’.

conceal

v. not allow to be seen; hide. keep secret; prevent from being known.

- DERIVATIVES concealment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conceler, from L. concelare, from con- ‘completely’ + celare ‘hide’.

concealer

n. a flesh-toned cosmetic used to cover spots and blemishes.

concede

v.
1 finally admit that something is true. admit (defeat) in a match or contest.
2 surrender or yield (a possession, advantage, or right). fail to prevent an opponent scoring (a goal or point).

- DERIVATIVES conceder n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. concéder or L. concedere, from con- ‘completely’ + cedere ‘yield’.

conceit

n.
1 excessive pride in oneself.
2 an elaborate metaphor or artistic effect. a fanciful notion.

- ORIGIN ME: from conceive, on the pattern of deceive, deceit.

conceited

adj. excessively proud of oneself.

- DERIVATIVES conceitedly adv. conceitedness n.

conceivable

adj. capable of being imagined or understood.

- DERIVATIVES conceivability n. conceivably adv.

conceive

v.
1 become pregnant with (a child).
2 devise in the mind; imagine.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. concevoir, from L. concipere, from com- ‘together’ + capere ‘take’.

concelebrate

//

v. Christian Church officiate jointly at (a Mass).

- DERIVATIVES concelebrant n. concelebration n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. concelebrat-, concelebrare ‘celebrate together’.

concentrate

v.
1 (often concentrate on) focus all one's attention on something.
2 bring together in numbers or a mass in one place.
3 increase the strength of (a solution).
n. a concentrated form of something, especially food.

- DERIVATIVES concentrated adj. concentratedly adv. concentrative adj. concentrator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘bring towards a centre’): Latinized form of concentre, or from Fr. concentrer ‘to concentrate’.

concentration

n.
1 the action or power of concentrating.
2 a close gathering of people or things.
3 the relative amount of a particular substance contained within a solution or mixture.

concentration camp

n. a camp for detaining political prisoners or persecuted minorities, especially in Nazi Germany.

concentre

(US concenter)

v. concentrate in a small space. collect at a common centre.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. concentrer, from L. con- ‘together’ + centrum ‘centre’.

concentric

adj. of or denoting circles, arcs, or other shapes which share the same centre.

- DERIVATIVES concentrically adv. concentricity n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. concentrique or med. L. concentricus, from con- ‘together’ + centrum ‘centre’.

concept

n.
1 an abstract idea. an idea to help sell or publicize a commodity.
2 Philosophy an idea or mental picture of a group or class of objects, formed by combining all their aspects.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. conceptum ‘something conceived’, from L. concept-, concipere (see conceive).

concept album

n. a rock album featuring songs expressing a particular theme.

conception

n.
1 the action of conceiving a child or of one being conceived.
2 the devising of a plan or idea. the way in which something is perceived. a concept.
3 ability to imagine or understand.

- DERIVATIVES conceptional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. conceptio(n-), from concipere (see conceive).

conceptual

adj. relating to or based on mental concepts.

- DERIVATIVES conceptually adv.

conceptualism

n. Philosophy the theory that universals can be said to exist, but only as concepts in the mind.

- DERIVATIVES conceptualist n.

conceptualize

(or conceptualise)

v. form a concept or idea of.

- DERIVATIVES conceptualization n.

conceptus

//

n. (pl. conceptuses) technical the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., ‘conception, embryo’, from concept-, concipere ‘conceive’.

concern

v.
1 relate to; be about. affect or involve.
2 worry (someone).
3 (be concerned) regard it as important to do something.
n.
1 worry; anxiety.
2 a matter of interest or importance.
3 a business.

- PHRASES
as (or so) far as someone/thing is concerned as regards the interests or case of someone or something.
have no concern with have nothing to do with.
to whom it may concern used to address a reader whose identity is unknown.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. concerner or late L. concernere (in med. L. ‘be relevant to’), from con- (expressing intensive force) + cernere ‘sift, discern’.

concerned

adj. worried; anxious.

- DERIVATIVES concernedly adv.

concerning

prep. relating to; about.

concernment

n. archaic importance. a matter of interest or importance.

concert

n. //
1 a musical performance given in public, typically of several compositions.
2 formal agreement; harmony. Law joint action, especially in committing a crime.
v. // formal arrange by mutual agreement or coordination.

- PHRASES
in concert
1 acting jointly.
2 giving a live public performance.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. concerter, from Ital. concertare ‘harmonize’; the noun is from Fr. concert.

concertante

//, //

adj.
1 denoting a piece of music containing one or more solo parts, of less prominence than in a concerto.
2 denoting prominent instrumental parts throughout a piece of music.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘harmonizing’.

concerted

adj.
1 jointly arranged or carried out. done with great effort.
2 (of music) arranged in several parts of equal importance.

concert grand

n. the largest size of grand piano, used for concerts.

concertina

//

n.
1 a small musical instrument played by stretching and squeezing a central bellows between the hands to blow air over reeds, each note being sounded by a button.
2 [as modifier] opening or closing in multiple folds.
v. (concertinas, concertinaing, concertinaed or concertina'd) extend or compress in folds like those of a concertina.

concertino

//

n. (pl. concertinos)
1 a simple or short concerto.
2 a solo instrument playing with an orchestra.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., dimin. of concerto (see concerto).

concertmaster

n. chiefly N. Amer. the leading first-violin player in some orchestras.

concerto

//, //

n. (pl. concertos or concerti) a musical composition for a solo instrument accompanied by an orchestra.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., from concertare ‘harmonize’.

concerto grosso

//

n. (pl. concerti grossi //) a musical composition for a group of solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., lit. ‘big concerto’.

concert overture

n. a piece of music in the style of an overture but intended for independent performance.

concert party

n. a group of performers giving variety concerts.

concert performance

n. Brit. a performance of a piece of music written for an opera or ballet without the accompanying dramatic action.

concert pitch

n.
1 Music a standard for the tuning of musical instruments, in which the note A above middle C has a frequency of 440 Hz.
2 a state of readiness and keenness.

concession

n.
1 a thing that is conceded. the action of conceding. a gesture in recognition of a prevailing standard.
2 a preferential allowance, rate, or price, especially for a particular category of person: tax concessions.
3 the right to use land or other property for a specified purpose. a commercial operation set up within the premises of a larger concern.

- DERIVATIVES concessional adj. concessionary adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. concessio(n-), from concedere (see concede).

concessionaire

// (also concessionnaire)

n. the holder of a concession or grant, especially for the use of land or trading rights.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. concessionnaire, from L. concessio (see concession).

concessive

adj.
1 characterized by or tending to concession.
2 Grammar (of a preposition or conjunction) introducing a phrase or clause denoting a circumstance which might be expected to preclude the action of the main clause, but does not (e.g. in spite of, although).

conch

//, //

n. (pl. conchs // or conches //)
1 a tropical marine mollusc with a robust spiral shell which may bear long projections and have a flared lip.   Strombus and other genera: many species.
2 Architecture the roof of a semicircular apse.
3 another term for concha.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. concha ‘shellfish, shell’, from Gk konkh ‘mussel, cockle, or shell-like cavity’.

concha

//

n. (pl. conchae //) Anatomy & Zoology a part resembling a spiral shell, in particular the depression in the external ear leading to its central opening.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. (see conch).

conchie

//

n. (pl. conchies) Brit. informal, derogatory a conscientious objector.

conchoidal

//

adj. chiefly Mineralogy denoting a type of fracture in a solid which results in a smooth rounded surface resembling a scallop shell.

conchology

//

n. the scientific study or collection of mollusc shells.

- DERIVATIVES conchological adj. conchologist n.

concierge

//

n.
1 (especially in France) a resident caretaker of a block of flats or small hotel.
2 a hotel employee who assists guests by booking tours, making theatre and restaurant reservations, etc.

- ORIGIN C16: Fr., prob. based on L. conservus ‘fellow slave’.

conciliar

//

adj. relating to a council, especially an ecclesiastical one.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. consiliarius ‘counsellor’, from L. concilium (see council).

conciliate

//

v. placate (someone); pacify. act as a mediator. formal reconcile.

- DERIVATIVES conciliation n. conciliative adj. conciliator n. conciliatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. conciliat-, conciliare ‘combine, gain’, from concilium (see council).

concinnity

//

n. rare elegance of literary or artistic style.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. concinnitas, from concinnus ‘skilfully put together’.

concise

adj. giving information clearly and in few words.

- DERIVATIVES concisely adv. conciseness n. concision n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as concision): from Fr. concis or L. concisus, past part. of concidere ‘cut up, cut down’.

conclave

//

n.
1 a private meeting.
2 (in the Roman Catholic Church) the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. conclave ‘lockable room’, from con- ‘with’ + clavis ‘key’.

conclude

v.
1 bring or come to an end. formally settle or arrange (an agreement).
2 arrive at a judgement or opinion by reasoning.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘convince’): from L. conclus-, concludere, from con- ‘completely’ + claudere ‘to shut’.

conclusion

n.
1 the end or finish of something. the summing-up of an argument or text. the settling of an agreement.
2 a judgement or decision reached by reasoning. Logic a proposition that is reached from given premises.

- PHRASES
jump to conclusions make a hasty judgement before considering all the facts.
try conclusions with formal engage in a trial of skill or argument with.

conclusive

adj. (of evidence or argument) decisive or convincing.

- DERIVATIVES conclusively adv. conclusiveness n.

concoct

//

v.
1 make (a dish or meal) by combining ingredients.
2 invent or devise (a story or plan).

- DERIVATIVES concocter (also concoctor) n. concoction n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. concoct-, concoquere ‘cook together’.

concomitance

// (also concomitancy)

n.
1 the fact of existing or occurring with something else.
2 Theology the doctrine that the body and blood of Christ are each present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. concomitantia, from concomitant-, concomitari ‘accompany’.

concomitant

// formal

adj. naturally accompanying or associated.
n. a concomitant phenomenon.

- DERIVATIVES concomitantly adv.

concord

n.
1 literary agreement; harmony.
2 a treaty.
3 Grammar agreement between words in gender, number, case, or person.
4 Music a chord that is pleasing or satisfactory in itself.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. concorde, from L. concordia, from concors ‘of one mind’.

concordance

//

n.
1 an alphabetical list of the important words in a text, usually with citations of the passages concerned.
2 formal agreement or consistency.
3 Medicine the inheritance by two related individuals of the same genetic characteristic.
v. [often as adj. concordanced] make a concordance of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from med. L. concordantia, from L. concordant-, concordare ‘agree on’.

concordant

adj.
1 in agreement; consistent. Music in harmony.
2 Medicine (of twins) inheriting the same genetic characteristic.

- DERIVATIVES concordantly adv.

concordat

//

n. an agreement or treaty, especially one between the Vatican and a secular government.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., or from L. concordatum ‘something agreed upon’.

concours

// (also concours d'élégance //)

n. (pl. same) an exhibition of vintage or classic motor vehicles, with prizes awarded to those in the best condition.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘contest (of elegance)’.

concourse

n.
1 a large open central area inside or in front of a public building.
2 formal a crowd or assembly. the action of coming together.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. concours, from L. concursus, from concurs-, concurrere (see concur).

concrescence

//

n. Biology the coalescence or growing together of separate parts.

- DERIVATIVES concrescent adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from con- + -crescence, on the pattern of words such as excrescence.

concrete

adj. // existing in a material or physical form. specific; definite. (of a noun) denoting a material object as opposed to an abstract quality, state, or action.
n. a building material made from a mixture of gravel, sand, cement, and water, forming a stone-like mass on hardening.
v.
1 // cover or fix solidly with concrete.
2 // archaic solidify. make real.

- DERIVATIVES concretely adv. concreteness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. concret or L. concretus, past part. of concrescere ‘grow together’.

concrete jungle

n. an urban area with a high density of large, unattractive, modern buildings.

concrete music

n. another term for musique concrète.

concrete poetry

n. poetry in which part of the meaning is conveyed visually, using patterns of words or letters.

concretion

n. a hard solid mass formed by accumulation of matter.

- DERIVATIVES concretionary adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. concretio(n-), from concrescere ‘grow together’.

concretize

(or concretise) //

v. make concrete instead of abstract.

- DERIVATIVES concretization n.

concubinage

//

n. chiefly historical the practice of keeping or the state of being a concubine.

concubine

//

n.
1 chiefly historical (in polygamous societies) a woman who lives with a man but has lower status than his wife or wives.
2 archaic a mistress.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. concubina, from con- ‘with’ + cubare ‘to lie’.

concupiscence

//

n. formal lust.

- DERIVATIVES concupiscent adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. concupiscentia, from L. concupiscent-, concupiscere ‘begin to desire’.

concur

v. (concurs, concurring, concurred)
1 (often concur with) agree.
2 happen at the same time.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. concurrere ‘run together, assemble in crowds’.

concurrent

adj.
1 existing or happening at the same time.
2 agreeing or consistent.
3 Mathematics (of three or more lines) meeting at or tending towards one point.

- DERIVATIVES concurrence n. concurrently adv.

concussion

n.
1 temporary unconsciousness or confusion caused by a blow on the head.
2 a violent shock as from a heavy blow.

- DERIVATIVES concuss v. concussive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. concussio(n-), from concutere ‘dash together, shake’.

condemn

v.
1 express complete disapproval of.
2 (usu. condemn someone to) sentence to a punishment, especially death. force (someone) to endure something unpleasant. prove the guilt of.
3 officially declare to be unfit for use.

- DERIVATIVES condemnable adj. condemnation n. condemnatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. condemner, from L. condemnare, from con- (expressing intensive force) + damnare (see damn).

condemned cell

n. Brit. a cell for a prisoner who is condemned to death.

condensate

//

n. technical a substance produced by condensation.

condensation

n.
1 water from humid air collecting as droplets on a cold surface.
2 the conversion of a vapour or gas to a liquid.
3 Chemistry a reaction in which two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, producing a small molecule such as H_2O as a by-product.
4 a concise version of something.

condense

v.
1 change from a gas or vapour to a liquid.
2 [usu. as adj. condensed] thicken (a liquid) by heating it to reduce the water content.
3 make denser or more concentrated. express (a piece of writing or speech) in fewer words; make concise.

- DERIVATIVES condensable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. condenser or L. condensare, from condensus ‘very thick’.

condensed milk

n. milk that has been thickened by evaporation and sweetened.

condenser

n.
1 an apparatus for condensing vapour.
2 a lens or system of lenses for collecting and directing light.
3 another term for capacitor.

condescend

v. show that one feels superior. do something despite regarding it as below one's dignity: he condescended to see me at my hotel.

- DERIVATIVES condescending adj. condescendingly adv. condescension n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘give way, defer’): from OFr. condescendre, from eccles. L. condescendere, from con- ‘together’ + descendere ‘descend’.

condign

//

adj. formal (of punishment) fitting and deserved.

- DERIVATIVES condignly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. condigne, from L. condignus, from con- ‘altogether’ + dignus ‘worthy’.

condiment

n. a substance such as salt, mustard, or pickle that is used to flavour food.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. condimentum, from condire ‘to pickle’.

condition

n.
1 the state of something or someone, with regard to appearance, fitness, or working order. an illness or medical problem. archaic social position.
2 (conditions) circumstances affecting the functioning or existence of something.
3 a state of affairs that must exist before something else is possible.
v.
1 have a significant influence on. train or accustom to behave in a certain way. [as adj. conditioned] relating to or denoting automatic responses established by training to an ordinarily neutral stimulus.
2 bring into the desired state for use. [often as adj. conditioned] make fit and healthy.
3 apply conditioner to (the hair).
4 set prior requirements on (something) before it can occur.

- PHRASES
in (or out of) condition in a fit (or unfit) physical state.
on condition that with the stipulation that.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. condicion (n.), condicionner (v.), from L. condicio(n-) ‘agreement’, from condicere ‘agree upon’, from con- ‘with’ + dicere ‘say’.

conditional

adj.
1 subject to one or more conditions being met.
2 Grammar expressing a condition.
n.
1 Grammar & Philosophy a conditional clause or conjunction.
2 Grammar the conditional mood of a verb, for example should in if I should die.

- DERIVATIVES conditionality n. conditionally adv.

conditional discharge

n. an order made by a criminal court whereby an offender will not be sentenced for an offence unless a further offence is committed within a stated period.

conditioner

n. a thing used to improve the condition of something, especially a liquid applied to the hair after shampooing.

condo

//

n. (pl. condos) N. Amer. informal short for condominium (in sense 2).

condole

//

v. (condole with) express sympathy for.

- ORIGIN C16: from Christian L. condolere, from con- ‘with’ + dolere ‘grieve, suffer’.

condolence

n. an expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of a death.

condom

n. a thin rubber sheath worn on the penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or to protect against infection.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

condominium

//

n. (pl. condominiums)
1 the joint control of a state's affairs by other states.
2 N. Amer. a building or complex containing a number of individually owned flats or houses. each of the flats or houses in a condominium.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from con- ‘together with’ + dominium (see dominion).

condone

//

v.
1 [usu. with neg.] accept or forgive (behaviour considered wrong or offensive).
2 approve or sanction, especially reluctantly.

- DERIVATIVES condonation // n. condoner n.

- ORIGIN C19 (earlier (C17) as condonation): from L. condonare ‘refrain from punishing’.

condor

n. a very large American vulture with a bare head and mainly black plumage.   Vultur gryphus (Andean condor, S. America), and Gymnogyps californianus (California condor, endangered).

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp. cóndor, from Quechua kuntur.

condottiere

//, //

n. (pl. condottieri pronunc. same) historical (in Italy) a leader or member of a troop of mercenaries.

- ORIGIN Ital., from condotto ‘troop under contract’.

conduce

v. (conduce to) formal help to bring about.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conducere (see conduct).

conducive

adj. (conducive to) contributing or helping towards (a particular outcome).

conduct

n. //
1 the manner in which a person behaves.
2 the directing or managing of something.
v. //
1 organize and carry out.
2 guide to or around a place.
3 Physics transmit by conduction.
4 direct the performance of (a piece of music or an orchestra or choir).
5 (conduct oneself) behave in a specified way.

- DERIVATIVES conductible // adj.

- ORIGIN ME (as conduit): from OFr. conduit (n.), conduire (v.), from L. conduct-, conducere ‘bring together’; cf. conduit.

conductance

n. the degree to which a material conducts electricity.

conduction

n.
1 the transmission of heat through a medium from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.
2 the transmission of electricity or sound through a medium.
3 the conveying of fluid through a channel.

- DERIVATIVES conductive adj. conductively adv.

conductive education

n. Brit. a system of training for people with motor disorders, aiming to reduce dependence on artificial aids.

conductivity

n. (pl. conductivities) the degree to which a specified material conducts electricity or heat.

conductor

n.
1 a person who conducts an orchestra or choir.
2 a person who collects fares on a bus. N. Amer. a guard on a train.
3 Physics a material or device that conducts heat or electricity.

- DERIVATIVES conductorship n. conductress n.

conductor rail

n. a rail transmitting current to an electric train or other vehicle.

conduct sheet

n. a military form recording someone's offences and punishments.

conductus

//

n. (pl. conducti //) a musical setting of a metrical Latin text, of the 12th or 13th century.

- ORIGIN from med. L., from L. conducere (see conduct).

conduit

//, //

n.
1 a channel for conveying water or other fluid.
2 a tube or trough protecting electric wiring.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from med. L. conductus, from L. conducere (see conduct).

condyle

//, //

n. Anatomy a rounded protuberance at the end of some bones, forming an articulation with another bone.

- DERIVATIVES condylar adj. condyloid adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from L. condylus, from Gk kondulos ‘knuckle’.

condyloma

//

n. (pl. condylomas or condylomata //) Medicine a raised growth on the skin resembling a wart, typically in the genital region, caused by viral infection or syphilis.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk kondulma ‘callous lump’, from kondulos ‘knuckle’.

cone

n.
1 an object which tapers from a circular or roughly circular base to a point. (also traffic cone) a plastic cone-shaped object used to separate off sections of a road. a cone-shaped wafer container in which ice cream is served. the peak of a volcano.
2 the cone-shaped dry fruit of a conifer, formed of a tight array of overlapping scales on a central axis.
3 Anatomy one of two types of light-sensitive cell present in the retina of the eye, responding to bright light and responsible for sharpness of vision and colour perception. Compare with rod (in sense 6).
v. (cone something off) Brit. separate off part of a road with traffic cones.

- DERIVATIVES coned adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. cône, via L. from Gk knos.

coneflower

n. a North American plant of the daisy family with cone-shaped flowers.   Rudbeckia, Echinacea, and other genera.

cone shell

n. a predatory marine mollusc with a conical shell.   Genus Conus: numerous species.

coney

// (also cony)

n. (pl. coneys)
1 Brit. & Heraldry a rabbit. (in biblical use) a hyrax.
2 a small grouper (fish) of the tropical western Atlantic.   Epinephelus fulvus.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conin, from L. cuniculus.

confab

informal

n. an informal private conversation or discussion.
v. (confabs, confabbing, confabbed) engage in conversation.

confabulate

//

v.
1 formal converse.
2 Psychiatry fabricate imaginary experiences as compensation for loss of memory.

- DERIVATIVES confabulation n. confabulatory adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as confabulation): from L. confabulat-, confabulari ‘chat together’.

confect

//

v. make (something elaborate or dainty).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. confect-, conficere ‘put together’.

confection

n.
1 an elaborate sweet dish or delicacy.
2 an elaborate article of women's dress.
3 the action of mixing or compounding something.

confectioner

n. a person who makes or sells confectionery.

confectioner's custard

n. thick sweet custard used as a filling for cakes and pastries.

confectioner's sugar

n. US term for icing sugar.

confectionery

n. (pl. confectioneries) sweets and chocolates collectively.

confederacy

n. (pl. confederacies)
1 a league or alliance, especially of confederate states. (the Confederacy) the Confederate States of America.
2 a league formed for an unlawful purpose.

confederal

adj. relating to or denoting a confederation.

confederate

adj. // joined by an agreement or treaty. (Confederate) denoting the southern states which separated from the US in 1860–1.
n. //
1 an accomplice or fellow worker.
2 (Confederate) a supporter of the Confederate States of America.
v. // [usu. as adj. confederated] bring into an alliance.

- ORIGIN ME: from late (eccles.) L. confoederatus, from con- ‘together’ + foederatus (see federate).

confederation

n.
1 an alliance of a number of parties or groups. a more or less permanent union of states with some political power vested in a central authority.
2 the action of confederating or state of being confederated.

confer

//

v. (confers, conferring, conferred)
1 (often confer something on) grant (a title, degree, benefit, or right).
2 have discussions.

- DERIVATIVES conferment n. conferrable adj. conferral n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conferre, from con- ‘together’ + ferre ‘bring’.

conferee

n.
1 a person who attends a conference.
2 a person on whom something is conferred.

Conference

n. a dessert pear of a firm-fleshed variety.

- ORIGIN C19: appar. named after the National Pear Conference of 1885.

conference

n.
1 a formal meeting of people with a shared interest, typically taking place over several days. a linking of several telephones or computers, so that each user may communicate with the others simultaneously.
2 an association in commerce for regulation or exchange of information. a league of sports teams or clubs.
3 the governing body of Methodist and other Christian Churches.
v. [usu. as noun conferencing] take part in a conference.

- PHRASES
in conference in a meeting.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. conférence or med. L. conferentia, from L. conferre (see confer).

confess

v.
1 (often confess to/that) admit to a crime or wrongdoing. acknowledge reluctantly: I must confess that I was surprised.
2 declare one's sins formally to a priest. (of a priest) hear the confession of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confesser, from L. confess-, confiteri ‘acknowledge’.

confessant

n. a person who confesses to a priest.

confessedly

adv. by one's own admission.

confession

n.
1 a formal statement admitting to a crime. a reluctant acknowledgement.
2 a formal admission of one's sins privately to a priest.
3 (also confession of faith) a statement setting out essential religious doctrine. the religious body or Church sharing a confession of faith.

- DERIVATIVES confessionary adj.

confessional

n.
1 an enclosed stall in a church, divided by a screen, in which a priest sits to hear confessions.
2 a confession.
adj.
1 (of speech or writing) in which a person reveals or admits to private thoughts or incidents in their past.
2 relating to religious confession.
3 relating to confessions of faith.

- DERIVATIVES confessionally adv.

confessor

n.
1 a priest who hears confessions.
2 a person who makes a confession.
3 a person who avows religious faith in the face of opposition.

confetti

n. small pieces of coloured paper traditionally thrown over a bride and groom after a marriage ceremony.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. denoting real or imitation sweets thrown during Italian carnivals): from Ital.

confidant

//, //, //

n. (fem. confidante pronunc. same) a person in whom one confides.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of confident (as a noun in the same sense), prob. to represent the pronunc. of Fr. confidente ‘having full trust’.

confide

//

v.
1 (often confide in) tell someone about a secret or private matter in confidence.
2 (confide something to) dated entrust something to the care of.

- DERIVATIVES confiding adj. confidingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. confidere ‘have full trust’.

confidence

n.
1 the belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. a positive feeling arising from an appreciation of one's own abilities; self-assurance.
2 the telling of private matters or secrets with mutual trust. a secret or private matter told to someone under a condition of trust.

- PHRASES
in someone's confidence in a position of trust with someone.
take someone into one's confidence tell someone one's secrets.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. confidentia, from confidere (see confident).

confidence interval

n. Statistics a range of values so defined that there is a specified probability that the value of a parameter lies within it.

confidence man

n. dated a confidence trickster.

confidence trick

(N. Amer. also confidence game)

n. an act of cheating or tricking someone by persuading them to believe something that is not true.

- DERIVATIVES confidence trickster n.

confident

adj.
1 feeling confidence in oneself.
2 feeling certainty about something.
n. archaic a confidant.

- DERIVATIVES confidently adv.

confidential

adj.
1 intended to be kept secret.
2 entrusted with private information: a confidential secretary.

- DERIVATIVES confidentiality n. confidentially adv.

configuration

//, //

n.
1 an arrangement of parts or elements in a particular form or figure. Computing an arrangement or manner of interconnection of items of computer hardware or software. Chemistry the fixed three-dimensional relationship of the atoms in a molecule.
2 Psychology another term for gestalt.

- DERIVATIVES configurational adj.

configure

v. arrange in a particular configuration. Computing arrange or order (a computer system) so as to fit it for a designated task.

- DERIVATIVES configurable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. configurare ‘shape after a pattern’, from con- ‘together’ + figurare ‘to shape’ (from figura ‘shape or figure’).

confine

v. // (confine someone/thing to) keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of (space, scope, or time). (be confined to) be unable to leave (one's bed, home, etc.) due to illness or disability. (be confined) dated (of a woman) remain in bed for a period before, during, and after giving birth.
n. // (confines) limits or boundaries.

- ORIGIN ME (as n.): from Fr. confins (pl. n.), from L. confinia, from confinis ‘bordering’, from con- ‘together’ + finis ‘end, limit’ (pl. fines ‘territory’); the verb is from Fr. confiner, based on L. confinis.

confined

adj. (of a space) enclosed; cramped.

confinement

n.
1 the action of confining or state of being confined.
2 dated the condition of being in childbirth.

confirm

v.
1 establish the truth or correctness of. state with assurance that something is true. (confirm someone in) reinforce someone in (an opinion or feeling).
2 make (a provisional arrangement) definite. formally declare that (someone) is appointed to a post.
3 administer the religious rite of confirmation to.

- DERIVATIVES confirmative adj. confirmatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confermer, from L. confirmare, from con- ‘together’ + firmare ‘strengthen’ (from firmus ‘firm’).

confirmand

//

n. a person about to undergo the religious rite of confirmation.

confirmation

n.
1 the action of confirming or state of being confirmed.
2 (in the Christian Church) the rite at which a baptized person affirms Christian belief and is admitted as a full member of the Church.
3 the Jewish ceremony of bar mitzvah.

confirmed

adj. firmly established in a habit, belief, or way of life: a confirmed bachelor.

confiscate

//

v. take or seize (property) with authority. appropriate to the public treasury as a penalty.

- DERIVATIVES confiscation n. confiscator n. confiscatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (C15) as confiscation): from L. confiscat-, confiscare ‘put away in a chest, consign to the public treasury’, based on con- ‘together’ + fiscus ‘chest, treasury’.

confit

//

n. duck or other meat cooked very slowly in its own fat.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘conserved’, from confire ‘prepare’.

conflab

n. & v. informal another term for confab.

conflagration

//

n. an extensive and destructive fire.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. conflagratio(n-), from conflagrare, from con- (expressing intensive force) + flagrare ‘to blaze’.

conflate

v. combine into one.

- DERIVATIVES conflation n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘fuse or melt down metal’): from L. conflat-, conflare ‘kindle, fuse’, from con- ‘together’ + flare ‘to blow’.

conflict

n. // a serious disagreement or argument. a prolonged armed struggle. an incompatibility between opinions, principles, etc.
v. // [often as adj. conflicting] be incompatible or at variance; clash.

- DERIVATIVES conflictual adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conflict-, confligere ‘strike together, fight’, from con- ‘together’ + fligere ‘to strike’; the noun is via L. conflictus ‘a contest’.

confluence

//

n.
1 the junction of two rivers.
2 an act or process of merging.

- DERIVATIVES confluent adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. confluentia, from L. confluere ‘flow together’, from con- ‘together’ + fluere ‘to flow’.

conflux

//

n. another term for confluence.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. confluxus, from con- ‘together’ + fluxus (see flux).

confocal

//

adj. having a common focus.

conform

v.
1 (often conform to/with) comply with rules, standards, or laws. behave according to social convention.
2 (often conform to) be similar in form or type.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conformer, from L. conformare, from con- ‘together’ + formare ‘to form’.

conformable

adj. (usu. conformable to)
1 disposed or accustomed to conform.
2 similar in nature; consistent.
3 Geology (of strata) deposited in a continuous sequence, and having the same direction of stratification.

- DERIVATIVES conformability n. conformably adv.

conformal

adj. (of a map) preserving the correct angles between directions within small areas, though distorting distances.

- DERIVATIVES conformally adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘conformable’): from late L. conformalis, from con- ‘together’ + formalis ‘formal’.

conformance

n. another term for conformity.

conformation

n. the shape or structure of something. Chemistry any of the spatial arrangements which the atoms in a molecule may adopt, especially by rotation about individual single bonds.

- DERIVATIVES conformational adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. conformatio(n-), from conformare (see conform).

conformer

n. Chemistry a form of a compound having a particular molecular conformation.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of conformational (see conformation) and isomer.

conformist

n. a person who conforms to social convention. Brit. historical a person who conformed to the practices of the Church of England.
adj. conforming to accepted behaviour or established practices.

- DERIVATIVES conformism n.

conformity

n.
1 compliance with conventions, rules, or laws. Brit. historical compliance with the practices of the Church of England.
2 similarity in form or type.

confound

v.
1 surprise or confuse. prove wrong. defeat (a plan, aim, or hope).
2 (often be confounded with) mix up with something else.
exclam. informal, dated used to express annoyance: oh confound it, where is the thing?

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confondre, from L. confundere ‘pour together, mix up’; cf. confuse.

confounded

adj. informal, dated used to express annoyance: a confounded nuisance.

- DERIVATIVES confoundedly adv.

confraternity

n. (pl. confraternities) a brotherhood, especially with a religious or charitable purpose.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confraternite, from med. L. confraternitas, from confrater (see confrère).

confrère

//

n. a fellow member of a profession.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from med. L. confrater, from con- ‘together with’ + frater ‘brother’.

confront

v.
1 stand or meet face to face with hostile intent.
2 (of a problem) present itself to (someone). face up to and deal with (a problem). compel (someone) to face or consider something.

- DERIVATIVES confrontation n. confrontational adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. confronter, from med. L. confrontare, from L. con- ‘with’ + frons, front- ‘face’.

Confucian

//

adj. relating to Confucius or Confucianism.
n. an adherent of Confucianism.

Confucianism

//

n. a system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 bc).

- DERIVATIVES Confucianist n. & adj.

confusable

//

adj. able or liable to be confused with something else.
n. a word or phrase that is easily confused with another.

- DERIVATIVES confusability n.

confuse

v.
1 make (someone) bewildered or perplexed.
2 make (something) less easy to understand. identify wrongly.

- DERIVATIVES confusing adj. confusingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. confus, from L. confusus, past part. of confundere (see confound).

confused

adj.
1 bewildered or perplexed.
2 lacking order and so difficult to understand or distinguish.

- DERIVATIVES confusedly adv.

confusion

n.
1 uncertainty about what is happening, intended, or required. a situation of panic or disorder. a disorderly jumble.
2 the state of being bewildered. the mistaking of one person or thing for another.

confute

v. formal prove to be wrong.

- DERIVATIVES confutation n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as confutation): from L. confutare ‘restrain, answer conclusively’, from con- ‘altogether’ + the base of refutare ‘refute’.

conga

//

n.
1 a Latin American dance performed by several people in a line, one behind the other.
2 (also conga drum) a tall, narrow drum beaten with the hands.
v. (congas, congaing, congaed or conga'd) perform the conga.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Latin Amer. Sp., from Sp., fem. of congo ‘Congolese’.

congé

//

n. an unceremonious dismissal or rejection.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. congie, from L. commeatus ‘leave of absence’, from commeare ‘go and come’.

congeal

//

v. become semi-solid, especially on cooling.

- DERIVATIVES congelation // n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. congeler, from L. congelare, from con- ‘together’ + gelare ‘freeze’ (from gelu ‘frost’).

congee

//

n. (in Chinese cookery) broth or porridge made from rice.

- ORIGIN from Tamil kañci.

congener

//, //

n.
1 a person or thing of the same kind as another. an animal or plant of the same genus as another.
2 a minor chemical constituent, especially one giving a distinctive character to a wine or spirit.

- DERIVATIVES congeneric // adj. congenerous // adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., from con- ‘together with’ + genus, gener- ‘race, stock’.

congenial

//

adj. (of a person) pleasing through having qualities or interests similar to one's own. suited to one's taste or inclination.

- DERIVATIVES congeniality n. congenially adv.

congenital

//

adj. (especially of a disease or abnormality) present from birth. having a particular trait from birth or by established habit: a congenital liar.

- DERIVATIVES congenitally adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. congenitus, from con- ‘together’ + genitus (past part. of gignere ‘beget’) + -al.

conger

// (also conger eel)

n. a large edible predatory eel of shallow coastal waters.   Conger conger (Europe), C. oceanica (America), and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. congre, via L. from Gk gongros.

congeries

//, //

n. (pl. same) a disorderly collection.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. congeries ‘heap, pile’, from congerere ‘heap up’.

congested

adj.
1 so crowded as to hinder freedom of movement.
2 (of a part of the body) abnormally full of blood. (of the respiratory tract) blocked with mucus.

- DERIVATIVES congest v. congestion n. congestive adj.

- ORIGIN ME (as congest in the sense ‘heap up, accumulate’): from L. congest-, congerere ‘heap up’, from con- ‘together’ + gerere ‘bring’.

congestion charge

n. Brit. a charge made to drive into an area, typically a city centre, that suffers heavy traffic.

conglobulate

//

v. rare join closely together.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. globulus ‘globule’, on the pattern of earlier conglobate ‘make into a ball’.

conglomerate

n. //
1 something consisting of a number of different and distinct things grouped together. a large corporation formed by the merging of separate firms.
2 Geology a coarse-grained sedimentary rock composed of rounded fragments cemented together.
adj. // relating to a conglomerate.
v. // gather into or form a conglomerate.

- DERIVATIVES conglomeration n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conglomerat-, conglomerare, from con- ‘together’ + glomus, glomer- ‘ball’.

Congolese

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a native or inhabitant of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
2 any of the Bantu languages spoken in the Congo region.
adj. relating to the Congo or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

congrats

pl. n. informal congratulations.

congratulate

v. express pleasure at the happiness or good fortune of. praise for an achievement. (congratulate oneself) feel pride or satisfaction.

- DERIVATIVES congratulator n. congratulatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as congratulation): from L. congratulat-, congratulari ‘congratulate’, from con- ‘with’ + gratulari ‘show joy’ (from gratus ‘pleasing’).

congratulation

n.
1 (congratulations) praise or good wishes on a special occasion.
2 the action of congratulating.

congregant

//

n. a member of a congregation.

congregate

v. gather into a crowd or mass.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. congregat-, congregare ‘collect (into a flock), unite’, from con- ‘together’ + gregare (from grex, greg- ‘a flock’).

congregation

n.
1 a group of people assembled for religious worship. a group of people obeying a common religious rule.
2 a gathering or collection of people or things. the action of congregating.
3 (in the Roman Catholic Church) a permanent committee of the College of Cardinals. Brit. (in some universities) a general assembly of resident senior members.

congregational

adj.
1 relating to a congregation.
2 (Congregational) of or adhering to Congregationalism.

Congregationalism

n. a system of organization among Christian churches whereby individual churches are largely self-governing.

- DERIVATIVES Congregationalist n. & adj.

congress

n.
1 a formal meeting or series of meetings between delegates.
2 (Congress) a national legislative body, especially that of the US.
3 a society or organization.
4 formal the action of coming together.

- DERIVATIVES congressional adj. congressionally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. congressus, from congredi ‘meet’, from con- ‘together’ + gradi ‘walk’.

congressman

(or congresswoman)

n. (pl. congressmen or congresswomen) a member of the US Congress.

congruent

//

adj.
1 in agreement or harmony.
2 Geometry (of figures) identical in form.

- DERIVATIVES congruence n. congruency n. congruently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. congruent-, congruere ‘agree, meet together’, from con- ‘together’ + ruere ‘fall or rush’.

congruous

//

adj. in agreement or harmony.

- DERIVATIVES congruity // n. congruously adv.

conic

// Mathematics

adj. of a cone.
n. short for conic section.

- ORIGIN C16: from mod. L. conicus, from Gk knikos, from knos ‘cone’.

conical

adj. shaped like a cone.

- DERIVATIVES conically adv.

conical projection

n. a map projection in which an area of the earth is projected on to a cone.

conic section

n. the figure of a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola formed by the intersection of a plane and a circular cone.

conidium

//

n. (pl. conidia //) Botany a spore produced asexually by various fungi at the tip of a specialized hypha.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk konis ‘dust’ + the dimin. suffix -idium.

conifer

//, //

n. a tree bearing cones and evergreen needle-like or scale-like leaves, e.g. a pine, fir, or cypress.   Order Coniferales.

- DERIVATIVES coniferous // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘cone-bearing’, from conus (see cone).

conjecture

//

n. an opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information. an unproven mathematical or scientific theorem. (in textual criticism) the suggestion of a reading not present in the original source.
v. form a conjecture. (in textual criticism) propose (a reading).

- DERIVATIVES conjecturable adj. conjectural adj. conjecturally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. conjectura, from conicere ‘put together in thought’, from con- ‘together’ + jacere ‘throw’.

conjoin

v. formal join or combine.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conjoindre, from L. conjungere, from con- ‘together’ + jungere ‘to join’.

conjoined twins

pl. n. technical term for Siamese twins.

conjoint

adj. combining all people or things involved.

- DERIVATIVES conjointly adv.

conjugal

//

adj. relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife.

- DERIVATIVES conjugality n. conjugally adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. conjugalis, from conjux, conjug- ‘spouse’, from con- ‘together’+ jugum ‘a yoke’.

conjugal rights

pl. n. the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in a marriage.

conjugate

v. //
1 Grammar give the different forms of (a verb).
2 Biology (of bacteria or unicellular organisms) become temporarily united in order to exchange genetic material. (of gametes) fuse.
3 Chemistry be combined with or joined to reversibly.
adj. //
1 Chemistry (of an acid or base) related by loss or gain of a proton.
2 Mathematics joined in a reciprocal relation, especially having the same real parts and equal magnitudes but opposite signs of imaginary parts.
3 Geometry (of angles) adding up to 360°.
4 Biology (of gametes) fused.
n. //
1 chiefly Biochemistry a conjugated substance.
2 Mathematics a conjugate value or entity.

- DERIVATIVES conjugacy n.

- ORIGIN C15 (earlier (ME) as conjugation): from L. conjugat-, conjugare ‘yoke together’, from con- ‘together’ + jugum ‘yoke’.

conjugated

adj. Chemistry relating to or denoting double or triple bonds in a molecule which are separated by a single bond, across which some sharing of electrons occurs.

conjugation

//

n.
1 Grammar the variation of the form of a verb, by which the voice, mood, tense, number, and person are identified. the class in which a verb is put according to the manner of this variation.
2 Biology the temporary union of two bacteria or unicellular organisms for the exchange of genetic material. the fusion of two gametes.
3 Chemistry the sharing of electron density between nearby multiple bonds in a molecule.

- DERIVATIVES conjugational adj.

conjunct

adj. //
1 joined together, combined, or associated.
2 Music relating to the movement of a melody between adjacent notes of the scale.
n. //
1 each of two or more joined or associated things.
2 Logic each of the terms of a conjunctive proposition.
3 Grammar an adverbial joining two sentences or clauses (e.g. however).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conjunctus, past part. of conjungere (see conjoin).

conjunction

n.
1 Grammar a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause (e.g. and, if).
2 an instance of two or more events occurring at the same point in time or space. Astronomy & Astrology an alignment of two planets so that they appear to be in the same place in the sky.

- PHRASES
in conjunction together.

- DERIVATIVES conjunctional adj.

conjunctiva

//, //

n. Anatomy the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.

- DERIVATIVES conjunctival adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. (membrana) conjunctiva ‘conjunctive (membrane)’, from late L. conjunctivus, from conjungere (see conjoin).

conjunctive

adj. relating to or forming a conjunction. involving the combination or co-occurrence of two or more things.
n. Grammar a conjunction.

- DERIVATIVES conjunctively adv.

conjunctivitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the conjunctiva.

conjuncture

n.
1 a combination of events.
2 a state of affairs.

conjure

//

v.
1 (often conjure something up) call upon (a spirit) to appear by means of a magic ritual. cause to appear as if by magic. call to the mind.
2 // archaic implore (someone) to do something.

- PHRASES
a name to conjure with a name of great importance within a particular field.

- DERIVATIVES conjuration //, // n. conjuring n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conjurer ‘to plot or exorcize’, from L. conjurare ‘band together by an oath, conspire’ (in med. L. ‘invoke’), from con- ‘together’ + jurare ‘swear’.

conjuror

(also conjurer)

n. a performer of conjuring tricks.

conk^1

v. (conk out) informal
1 (of a machine) break down.
2 faint or go to sleep. die.

- ORIGIN First World War: of unknown origin.

conk^2

informal

n.
1 Brit. a person's nose.
2 dated a person's head.
v. hit on the head.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. an alt. of conch.

conker

n. Brit. the hard, shiny dark brown nut of a horse chestnut tree. (conkers) [treated as sing.] a children's game in which each has a conker on a string and tries to break another's with it.

- ORIGIN C19 (a dial. word denoting a snail shell, with which the game was orig. played): perh. from conch, but assoc. with conquer.

con man

n. informal a man who cheats others using confidence tricks.

con moto

/ /

adv. Music with movement.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

Conn.

abbrev. Connecticut.

conn

v. US spelling of con^4.

connate

//

adj.
1 Philosophy innate.
2 Biology (of parts) united so as to form a single part.
3 Geology (of water) trapped in sedimentary rock during its deposition.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. connatus, past part. of connasci, from con- ‘together’ + nasci ‘be born’.

connatural

adj. belonging naturally; innate.

- DERIVATIVES connaturally adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. connaturalis, from con- ‘together’+ L. naturalis ‘natural’.

connect

v.
1 bring together so as to establish a link. join together so as to provide access and communication. put into contact by telephone.
2 associate or relate (something) in some respect: bonuses are connected to the firm's performance.
3 (of a train, bus, etc.) arrive at its destination just before another departs so that passengers can transfer.
4 informal (of a blow) hit the intended target.

- DERIVATIVES connectable adj. connectedly adv. connectedness n. connector n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. connectere, from con- ‘together’ + nectere ‘bind’.

Connecticutter

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Connecticut.

connecting rod

n. the rod connecting the piston and the crankpin in an engine or pump.

connection

(Brit. also connexion)

n.
1 a link or relationship between people or things.
2 an opportunity for catching a connecting train, bus, etc.
3 (connections) people with whom one has contact.
4 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a supplier of narcotics.
5 chiefly historical an association of Methodist churches.

- PHRASES
in connection with concerning.
in this (or that) connection with reference to this (or that).

- DERIVATIVES connectional adj.

connectionism

n. a theory of cognition which regards the brain as a massive interactive network with multiple connections between nodes.

connective

adj. connecting.
n.
1 Grammar a word or phrase linking other linguistic units.
2 Anatomy a bundle of nerve fibres connecting two nerve centres or ganglia, especially in invertebrates.

connective tissue

n. Anatomy tissue that connects, supports, binds, or separates other tissues or organs, including cartilaginous, fatty, and elastic tissues.

connectivity

n. the state or extent of being connected. Computing capacity for the interconnection of platforms, systems, and applications.

connexion

n. Brit. variant spelling of connection.

conning tower

//

n. the superstructure of a submarine, containing the periscope.

conniption

//

n. N. Amer. informal a fit of rage or hysterics.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. an invented word.

connive

//

v. (connive at/in) secretly allow (a wrongdoing). [often as adj. conniving] conspire to do something unlawful or harmful.

- DERIVATIVES connivance n. conniver n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as connivance): from Fr. conniver or L. connivere ‘shut the eyes (to)’, from con- ‘together’ + an unrecorded word rel. to nictare ‘to wink’.

connoisseur

//

n. an expert judge in matters of taste.

- DERIVATIVES connoisseurship n.

- ORIGIN C18: from obs. Fr., from conoistre ‘know’.

connotation

//

n. an idea or feeling which a word invokes in addition to its primary meaning. Philosophy the abstract meaning of a term, determining which objects or concepts it applies to.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. connotatio(n-), from connotare (see connote).

connote

//

v. (of a word) imply or suggest (an idea or feeling) in addition to the literal or primary meaning. imply as a consequence or condition.

- DERIVATIVES connotative //, // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. connotare ‘mark in addition’, from con- ‘together with’ + notare ‘to note’.

connubial

//

adj. literary conjugal.

- DERIVATIVES connubiality n. connubially adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. connubialis, from connubium ‘marriage’, from con- ‘with’ + nubere ‘marry’.

conodont

//

n. Palaeontology an extinct marine creature with a long worm-like body and numerous small teeth, now believed to be the earliest vertebrate. (also conodont element) a tooth of a conodont, often found as a fossil.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Conodonta (name of a class), from Gk knos ‘cone’ + odous, odont- ‘tooth’.

conoid

//

adj. (also conoidal) chiefly Zoology approximately conical in shape.
n. a conoid object.

conquer

v.
1 overcome and take control of by military force.
2 successfully overcome (a problem). climb (a mountain) successfully.

- DERIVATIVES conquerable adj. conqueror n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conquerre, based on L. conquirere ‘gain, win’, from con- (expressing completion) + quaerere ‘seek’.

conquest

n.
1 the action of conquering. a territory gained by conquering.
2 a person whose affection or favour has been won.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conquest(e), based on L. conquirere (see conquer).

conquistador

//, //

n. (pl. conquistadores // or conquistadors) any of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico or Peru in the 16th century.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp.

con rod

n. Brit. informal term for connecting rod.

Cons.

abbrev. Conservative.

consanguineous

//

adj. relating to or denoting people descended from the same ancestor.

- DERIVATIVES consanguine adj. consanguinity n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. consanguineus ‘of the same blood’ (from con- ‘together’ + sanguis ‘blood’) + -ous.

conscience

n. a person's moral sense of right and wrong.

- PHRASES
in (all) conscience in fairness.
on one's conscience causing feelings of guilt.

- DERIVATIVES conscienceless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. conscientia, from conscient-, conscire ‘be privy to’, from con- ‘with’ + scire ‘know’.

conscience clause

n. chiefly N. Amer. a clause in a law providing for exemption or other allowances on the grounds of moral or religious conscience.

conscience money

n. money paid because of feelings of guilt.

conscientious

//

adj.
1 wishing to do what is right.
2 relating to a person's conscience.

- DERIVATIVES conscientiously adv. conscientiousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. consciencieux, from med. L. conscientiosus, from L. conscientia (see conscience).

conscientious objector

n. a person who for reasons of conscience objects to serving in the armed forces.

- DERIVATIVES conscientious objection n.

conscious

adj.
1 aware of and responding to one's surroundings.
2 (usu. conscious of) having knowledge of something. [in combination] concerned about a matter: security-conscious.
3 deliberate and intentional: a conscious effort. (of the mind or a thought) directly perceptible and under one's control.

- DERIVATIVES consciously adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. conscius ‘knowing with others or in oneself’ (from conscire ‘be privy to’) + -ous.

consciousness

n.
1 the state of being conscious. the fact of awareness by the mind of itself and the world.
2 one's awareness or perception of something.

conscript

v. // enlist compulsorily, typically into the armed services.
n. // a conscripted person.

- DERIVATIVES conscription n.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (ME) as conscription): from Fr. conscrit, from L. conscriptus, past part. of conscribere ‘enrol’.

consecrate

//

v.
1 make or declare sacred. (in Christian belief) make (bread or wine) into the body and blood of Christ.
2 ordain to a sacred office, typically that of bishop.

- DERIVATIVES consecration n. consecrator n. consecratory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. consecrat-, consecrare ‘dedicate, devote as sacred’, from con- (expressing intensive force) + sacrare ‘dedicate’, from sacer ‘sacred’.

consecutive

//

adj.
1 following continuously. in sequence.
2 Grammar expressing consequence or result.
3 Music denoting intervals of the same kind occurring in succession between two parts or voices.

- DERIVATIVES consecutively adv. consecutiveness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. consécutif, -ive, from med. L. consecutivus, from L. consecut-, consequi ‘follow closely’.

consensual

//, //

adj. relating to or involving consent or consensus.

- DERIVATIVES consensually adv.

consensus

//

n. general agreement.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘agreement’, from consens-, consentire ‘agree’.

consent

n. permission for something to happen or be done.
v. (often consent to) give permission. agree to do something.

- PHRASES
informed consent permission granted in the knowledge of the possible consequences.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. consente (n.), consentir (v.), from L. consentire, from con- ‘together’ + sentire ‘feel’.

consentient

//

adj. archaic in agreement.

consenting adult

n. an adult who willingly agrees to engage in a sexual act.

consequence

n.
1 a result or effect.
2 [usu. with neg.] importance or relevance. dated social distinction.
3 (consequences) [treated as sing.] a game in which a narrative is made up by the players in turn, each ignorant of what has already been contributed.

- PHRASES
in consequence as a result.
take (or bear) the consequences accept responsibility for negative results or effects.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. consequentia, from consequent-, consequi ‘follow closely’.

consequent

adj.
1 following as a consequence. archaic logically consistent.
2 Geology (of a stream or valley) having a direction or character determined by the original slope of the land before erosion.
n.
1 Logic the second part of a conditional proposition, whose truth is stated to be implied by that of the antecedent.
2 Music the second or imitating voice or part in a canon.

- DERIVATIVES consequential adj. consequentiality n. consequentially adv.

consequentialism

n. Philosophy the doctrine that the morality of an action is to be judged solely by its consequences.

- DERIVATIVES consequentialist adj. & n.

consequently

//

adv. as a result; therefore.

conservancy

//

n. (pl. conservancies)
1 a body concerned with the preservation of natural resources.
2 a commission controlling a port, river, or catchment area.
3 conservation.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of obs. conservacy, from Anglo-Norman Fr. conservacie, via Anglo-Latin from L. conservatio (see conservation).

conservation

n.
1 preservation or restoration of the natural environment and wildlife. preservation and repair of archaeological, historical, and cultural sites and artefacts.
2 careful use of a resource.
3 Physics the principle by which the total value of a quantity remains constant in a system which is not subject to external influence.

- DERIVATIVES conservational adj. conservationist n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conservatio(n-), from conservare (see conserve).

conservative

adj.
1 averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values. (of dress or taste) sober and conventional.
2 (in a political context) favouring free enterprise, private ownership, and socially conservative ideas. (Conservative) relating to a Conservative Party.
3 (of an estimate) purposely low for the sake of caution.
4 (of surgery or medical treatment) intended to control rather than eliminate a condition, and preserve existing tissue.
n.
1 a conservative person.
2 (Conservative) a supporter or member of a Conservative Party.

- DERIVATIVES conservatism n. conservatively adv. conservativeness n.

Conservative Judaism

n. a form of Judaism seeking to preserve Jewish tradition and ritual but with a more flexible approach than Orthodox Judaism.

conservatoire

//

n. a college for the study of classical music or other arts.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from Ital. conservatorio.

conservator

//, //

n. a person involved in conservation.

conservatorium

//

n. (pl. conservatoriums or conservatoria) Australian term for conservatoire.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Konservatorium and mod. L.

conservatory

n. (pl. conservatories)
1 Brit. a room with a glass roof and walls, attached to a house and used as a sun lounge or for growing delicate plants.
2 N. Amer. another term for conservatoire.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. conservatorium, from conservare (see conserve).

conserve

//

v.
1 protect from harm or destruction. prevent the wasteful overuse of.
2 Physics maintain (a quantity) at a constant overall total. Biochemistry retain (a particular amino acid, nucleotide, or sequence) unchanged in different protein or DNA molecules.
n. also // jam or marmalade.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conserver (v.), conserve (n.), from L. conservare ‘to preserve’, from con- ‘together’ + servare ‘to keep’.

consider

v.
1 think carefully about. believe to be. take into account when making a judgement.
2 look attentively at.

- PHRASES
all things considered taking everything into account.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. considerer, from L. considerare ‘examine’, perh. based on sidus, sider- ‘star’.

considerable

adj.
1 notably large.
2 having merit or distinction.

- DERIVATIVES considerably adv.

considerate

adj.
1 careful not to harm or inconvenience others.
2 archaic careful.

- DERIVATIVES considerately adv. considerateness n.

consideration

n.
1 careful thought. a fact that is taken into account when making a decision.
2 thoughtfulness towards others.
3 a payment or reward. Law anything given or promised by one party in exchange for the promise or undertaking of another.
4 archaic importance.

- PHRASES
in consideration of in return for.
take into consideration take into account.
under consideration being considered.

considering

prep. & conj. taking into consideration.
adv. informal taking everything into account.

consign

//

v. deliver to someone's custody. send (goods) by a public carrier. (consign someone/thing to) put someone or something in (a place) in order to be rid of them.

- DERIVATIVES consignee n. consignor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. consigner or L. consignare ‘mark with a seal’.

consignment

n. a batch of goods consigned.

consilience

//

n. agreement between the approaches to a topic of different academic subjects, especially science and the humanities.

- DERIVATIVES consilient adj.

- ORIGIN from con- + L. -silient-, -siliens ‘jumping’ (as in resilient- resilient), after concurrent.

consist

v. //
1 (consist of) be composed of. (consist in) have as an essential feature.
2 (consist with) archaic be consistent with.
n. // Railways the set of vehicles forming a complete train.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. consistere ‘stand firm or still, exist’, from con- ‘together’ + sistere ‘stand (still)’.

consistency

(also consistence)

n. (pl. consistencies)
1 the state of being consistent.
2 the thickness or viscosity of a substance.

consistent

adj.
1 acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate. unchanging in standard over time.
2 (usu. consistent with) compatible or in agreement.
3 not containing any logical contradictions.

- DERIVATIVES consistently adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘consisting or composed of’): from L. consistent-, consistere (see consist).

consistory

//

n. (pl. consistories)
1 (in the Roman Catholic Church) the council of cardinals, with or without the Pope.
2 (also consistory court) (in the Church of England) a court presided over by a bishop, for the administration of ecclesiastical law in a diocese.
3 (in other Churches) a local administrative body.

- DERIVATIVES consistorial // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. consistorie, from late L. consistorium, from consistere (see consist).

consociation

n.
1 a political system formed by the cooperation of different social groups on the basis of shared power. dated close association or fellowship.
2 Ecology a small climax community of plants having a characteristic dominant species.

- DERIVATIVES consociational adj. consociationalism n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. consociatio(n-), from consociare, from con- ‘together’ + sociare ‘to associate’ (from socius ‘fellow’).

consolation

//

n. comfort received by someone after a loss or disappointment. a source of consolation.

- DERIVATIVES consolatory //, // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. consolatio(n-), from consolari (see console^1).

consolation prize

n. a prize given to a competitor who just fails to win.

console^1

//

v. give consolation to.

- DERIVATIVES consolable adj. consoler n. consoling adj. consolingly adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. consolate): from Fr. consoler, from L. consolari, from con- ‘with’ + solari ‘soothe’.

console^2

//

n.
1 a panel or unit that accommodates a set of controls. a cabinet for television or radio equipment. (also games console) a small machine for playing computerized video games. the cabinet or enclosure containing the keyboards, stops, etc. of an organ.
2 an ornamented bracket or corbel.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., perh. from consolider, from L. consolidare (see consolidate).

console table

n. a table top supported by ornamented brackets against a wall.

consolidate

//

v.
1 make stronger or more solid.
2 combine into a single unit.

- DERIVATIVES consolidation n. consolidator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as consolidation): from L. consolidare, from con- ‘together’ + solidare ‘make firm’ (from solidus ‘solid’).

Consols

//

pl. n. British government securities without redemption date and with fixed annual interest.

- ORIGIN C18: contr. of consolidated annuities.

consommé

//

n. a clear soup made with concentrated stock.

- ORIGIN Fr., past part. of consommer ‘consume or consummate’, from L. consummare (see consummate).

consonance

//

n.
1 agreement or compatibility.
2 the recurrence of similar-sounding consonants, especially in prosody.
3 Music a harmonious combination of notes.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. consonantia, from consonant-, consonare (see consonant).

consonant

//

n. a speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed and which can be combined with a vowel to form a syllable. a letter representing a consonant.
adj.
1 denoting or relating to a consonant.
2 (consonant with) in agreement or harmony with.
3 Music making a harmonious interval or chord.

- DERIVATIVES consonantal adj. consonantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. consonare ‘sound together’, from con- ‘with’ + sonare ‘to sound’ (from sonus ‘sound’).

con sordino

/ /

adv. Music using a mute.

- ORIGIN from Ital.

consort^1

n. //
1 a wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a monarch.
2 a ship sailing in company with another.
v. //
1 (consort with) habitually associate with.
2 (consort with/to) archaic agree or be in harmony with.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. consors ‘sharing, partner’, from con- ‘together with’ + sors, sort- ‘lot, destiny’.

consort^2

//

n. a small group of musicians performing together, typically playing Renaissance music.

- ORIGIN C16: earlier form of concert.

consortium

//

n. (pl. consortia //, // or consortiums)
1 an association, typically of several companies.
2 Law the right of association and companionship with one's spouse.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from consors (see consort^1).

conspecific

// Biology

adj. belonging to the same species.
n. a member of the same species.

- DERIVATIVES conspecificity n.

conspectus

//

n. a summary or overview of a subject.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., past part. (used as n.) of conspicere (see conspicuous).

conspicuous

//

adj. clearly visible. attracting notice or attention.

- PHRASES
conspicuous by one's absence obviously not present where one should be.

- DERIVATIVES conspicuity n. conspicuously adv. conspicuousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. conspicuus (from conspicere ‘look at attentively’, from con- (expressing intensive force) + spicere ‘look at’) + -ous.

conspiracist

n. a supporter of a conspiracy theory.

conspiracy

n. (pl. conspiracies) a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. the action of conspiring.

- PHRASES
a conspiracy of silence an agreement to say nothing.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. conspiracie, alt. of OFr. conspiration, based on L. conspirare (see conspire).

conspiracy theory

n. a belief that some covert but influential organization is responsible for an unexplained event.

conspire

v. make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful or harmful act. (of circumstances) seem to be acting together, especially with unfortunate results.

- DERIVATIVES conspirator n. conspiratorial adj. conspiratorially adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conspirer, from L. conspirare ‘agree, plot’, from con- ‘together with’ + spirare ‘breathe’.

Const.

abbrev. constable.

constable

//, //

n.
1 Brit. a police officer. (also police constable) a police officer of the lowest rank.
2 the governor of a royal castle. historical the highest-ranking official in a royal household.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conestable, from late L. comes stabuli ‘count (head officer) of the stable’.

constabulary

//

n. (pl. constabularies) chiefly Brit. a police force.

- ORIGIN C15: from med. L. constabularia (dignitas) ‘(rank) of constable’, from constabulus, based on L. comes stabuli (see constable).

constant

adj.
1 occurring continuously.
2 remaining the same. faithful and dependable.
n. an unchanging situation. Mathematics a component of a relationship between variables that does not change its value. Physics a number expressing a relation or property which remains the same in all circumstances, or for the same substance under the same conditions.

- DERIVATIVES constancy n. constantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. constant-, constare ‘stand firm’, from con- ‘with’ + stare ‘stand’.

constantan

//

n. a copper–nickel alloy used in electrical work for its high resistance.

constative

//, // Linguistics

adj. denoting a statement declaring something to be the case.
n. a constative speech act or sentence.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L. constat-, constare ‘establish’ + -ive.

constellation

n.
1 a group of stars forming a recognized pattern and typically named after a mythological or other figure.
2 a group of associated people or things.

- DERIVATIVES constellate v. (literary).

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. constellatio(n-), based on L. stella ‘star’.

consternate

//

v. fill with anxiety.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. consternat-, consternare ‘terrify, prostrate’.

consternation

n. anxiety or dismay.

constipated

//

adj. affected with constipation.

- DERIVATIVES constipate v.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. constipat-, constipare ‘crowd or press together’, from con- ‘together’ + stipare ‘press, cram’.

constipation

n. a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels.

constituency

//

n. (pl. constituencies)
1 a body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body. chiefly Brit. an area represented in a legislative body.
2 a body of customers or supporters.

constituent

adj.
1 being a part of a whole.
2 having the power to appoint or elect. able to make or change a political constitution.
n.
1 a member of a constituency.
2 a component part.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. constituent- (partly via Fr. constituant), constituere (see constitute).

constitute

//

v.
1 be (a part) of a whole. be or be equivalent to.
2 establish by law.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. constitut-, constituere ‘establish, appoint’, from con- ‘together’ + statuere ‘set up’.

constitution

n.
1 a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed. historical a decree, ordinance, or law.
2 the composition or forming of something.
3 a person's general state of health or temperament.

constitutional

adj.
1 relating to or in accordance with a constitution.
2 relating to a person's physical or mental state.
n. dated a walk taken regularly to maintain good health.

- DERIVATIVES constitutionality n. constitutionalize (or constitutionalise) v. constitutionally adv.

constitutionalism

n. constitutional government. adherence to a system of constitutional government.

- DERIVATIVES constitutionalist n.

constitutive

adj.
1 having the power to establish something.
2 forming a constituent of something.

- DERIVATIVES constitutively adv.

constrain

v.
1 compel or force towards a course of action. [as adj. constrained] appearing forced. severely restrict the scope, extent, or activity of.
2 literary imprison.
3 archaic bring about by compulsion.

- DERIVATIVES constrainedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. constraindre, from L. constringere ‘bind tightly together’.

constraint

n.
1 a limitation or restriction.
2 stiffness of manner and inhibition.

constrict

v. make or become narrower, especially by encircling pressure. (of a snake) coil round (prey) in order to asphyxiate it.

- DERIVATIVES constriction n. constrictive adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (ME) as constriction): from L. constrict-, constringere (see constrain).

constrictor

n.
1 a snake that kills by constricting its prey, such as a boa or python.
2 Anatomy a muscle whose contraction narrows a vessel or passage.

construct

v. //
1 build or erect.
2 form (a theory) from various conceptual elements.
3 Grammar form (a sentence) according to grammatical rules.
4 Geometry draw or delineate (a geometrical figure).
n. //
1 an idea or theory.
2 Linguistics a group of words forming a phrase.
3 a thing constructed.

- DERIVATIVES constructor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. construct-, construere ‘heap together, build’, from con- ‘together’ + struere ‘pile, build’.

construction

n.
1 the action or process of constructing. the industry of erecting buildings.
2 an interpretation or explanation.

- DERIVATIVES constructional adj. constructionally adv.

constructionism

n. another term for constructivism.

constructionist

n.
1 another term for constructivist (see constructivism).
2 US a person who puts a particular interpretation upon a legal document.

constructive

adj.
1 serving a useful purpose.
2 Law not stated explicitly.
3 relating to construction.

- DERIVATIVES constructively adv. constructiveness n.

constructive dismissal

n. the changing of an employee's job or working conditions with the aim of forcing their resignation.

constructivism

n. Art a style in which mechanical objects are combined into abstract mobile forms.

- DERIVATIVES constructivist n.

construe

v. (construes, construing, construed)
1 interpret in a particular way.
2 dated analyse the construction of (a text, sentence, or word). translate word for word.

- DERIVATIVES construable adj. construal n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. construere (see construct).

consubstantial

adj. (especially of the three persons of the Trinity in Christian theology) of the same substance.

- DERIVATIVES consubstantiality n.

- ORIGIN ME: from eccles. L. consubstantialis (translating Gk homoousios ‘of one substance’), from con- ‘with’ + substantialis (see substantial).

consubstantiation

//, //

n. Christian Theology the doctrine that the substance of the bread and wine coexists with the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Compare with transubstantiation.

consuetude

//

n. chiefly Scottish a custom, especially one with legal force.

- DERIVATIVES consuetudinary // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. consuetudo (see custom).

consul

//

n.
1 a state official living in a foreign city and protecting the state's citizens and interests there.
2 (in ancient Rome) each of the two annually elected chief magistrates who ruled the republic. any of the three chief magistrates of the first French republic (1799–1804).

- DERIVATIVES consular // adj. consulship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., rel. to consulere ‘take counsel’.

consulate

n.
1 the place where a consul works.
2 the period of office of an ancient Roman consul. the system of government by consuls in ancient Rome.
3 (the Consulate) the government of the first French republic by consuls.

consult

v. seek information or advice from (someone, especially an expert or professional). seek permission or approval from. [as adj. consulting] engaged in the business of giving advice to others in the same field: a consulting engineer.

- DERIVATIVES consultative adj. consultee n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as consultation): from Fr. consulter, from L. consultare, frequentative of consulere ‘take counsel’.

consultancy

n. (pl. consultancies) a professional practice giving expert advice in a particular field.

consultant

n.
1 a person who provides expert advice professionally.
2 Brit. a hospital doctor of senior rank.

consultation

//

n. the action or process of formally consulting or discussing. a meeting with an expert or professional in order to seek advice.

consumable

adj. intended to be used up and then replaced.
n. a consumable commodity.

consume

v.
1 eat, drink, or ingest. use up. (especially of a fire) completely destroy.
2 buy (goods or services) for personal use.
3 (of a feeling) absorb all of the attention and energy of.

- DERIVATIVES consuming adj. consumingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. consumere, from con- ‘altogether’ + sumere ‘take up’.

consumer

n.
1 a person or thing that eats or uses something.
2 a person who buys goods and services for personal use: [as modifier] consumer demand.

consumer durables

pl. n. products expected to have a long useful life.

consumerism

n.
1 the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers.
2 the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of goods.

- DERIVATIVES consumerist adj. & n. consumeristic adj.

consummate

v. //, //
1 make (a marriage or relationship) complete by having sexual intercourse.
2 complete (a transaction).
adj. //, // showing great skill and flair.

- DERIVATIVES consummately adv. consummation n. consummator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. consummat-, consummare ‘bring to completion’, from con- ‘altogether’ + summa ‘sum total’, fem. of summus ‘highest, supreme’.

consumption

n.
1 the action or process of consuming. an amount consumed.
2 dated a wasting disease, especially tuberculosis.

- DERIVATIVES consumptive adj. & n. (dated). consumptively adv. (dated).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. consumptio(n-), from consumere (see consume).

cont.

abbrev.
1 contents.
2 continued.

contact

n. //
1 the state or condition of physical touching. [as modifier] caused by or operating through physical touch: contact dermatitis.
2 the action of communicating or meeting. a communication or relationship. a person whom one may ask for information or assistance. a person who has associated with a patient with a contagious disease.
3 a connection for the passage of an electric current from one thing to another.
4 (contacts) contact lenses.
v. //, //
1 get in touch or communication with.
2 touch.

- DERIVATIVES contactable adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. contactus, from contact-, contingere ‘touch, grasp, border on’, from con- ‘together with’ + tangere ‘to touch’.

contactee

n. a person who claims to have been contacted by alien beings.

contact flight

(also contact flying)

n. navigation of an aircraft by the observation of landmarks.

contact lens

n. a thin plastic lens placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct visual defects.

contact print

n. a photographic print made by placing a negative directly on to sensitized paper, glass, or film and illuminating it.

contact sheet

n. a sheet of contact prints.

contact sport

n. a sport in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact with one another.

contagion

//

n. the communication of disease from one person or organism to another by close contact. dated a disease spread by close contact.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contagio(n-), from con- ‘together with’ + the base of tangere ‘to touch’.

contagious

adj.
1 (of a disease) spread by direct or indirect contact of people or organisms. having a contagious disease.
2 (of an emotion, attitude, etc.) likely to spread to and affect others: her enthusiasm is contagious.

- DERIVATIVES contagiously adv. contagiousness n.

contagious abortion

n. a type of brucellosis which causes spontaneous abortion in cattle.

contain

v.
1 have or hold within.
2 control or restrain. prevent (a problem) from becoming worse.
3 (of a number) be divisible by (a factor) without a remainder.

- DERIVATIVES containable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contenir, from L. continere, from con- ‘altogether’ + tenere ‘to hold’.

container

n. an object for holding or transporting something. a large standard-sized metal box for the transport of goods by road, rail, sea, or air.

containerize

(or containerise)

v. [usu. as adj. containerized] pack into or transport by container.

- DERIVATIVES containerization n.

containment

n. the action of keeping something harmful under control. the action of preventing the expansion of a hostile country or influence.

contaminate

v. make (something) impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance.

- DERIVATIVES contaminant n. contamination n. contaminator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contaminat-, contaminare ‘make impure’, from contamen ‘contact, pollution’, from con- ‘together with’ + the base of tangere ‘to touch’.

contango

//

n. Brit. Stock Exchange the normal situation in which the spot or cash price of a commodity is lower than the forward price. historical a percentage paid by a buyer of stock to postpone transfer to a future settling day.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. an arbitrary formation on the pattern of Latin verbs ending in -o in the first person sing., perh. with the idea ‘I make contingent’ (see contingent).

Conté

//

n. a kind of hard grease-free crayon used for artwork.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French inventor Nicolas J. Conté.

conte

//

n. a short story as a form of literary composition. a medieval narrative tale.

- ORIGIN Fr., based on L. computare ‘reckon, sum up’.

contemn

//

v. archaic treat or regard with contempt.

- DERIVATIVES contemner //, // n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contemnere, from con- (expressing intensive force) + temnere ‘despise’.

contemplate

//, //

v. look at thoughtfully. think about. think profoundly and at length. have as a probable intention.

- DERIVATIVES contemplator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. contemplat-, contemplari ‘survey, observe, contemplate’, based on templum ‘place for observation’.

contemplation

n.
1 the action of contemplating.
2 religious meditation. (in Christian spirituality) a form of prayer in which a person seeks a direct experience of the divine.

contemplative

//

adj. expressing or involving contemplation.
n. a person whose life is devoted to prayer, especially in a monastery or convent.

- DERIVATIVES contemplatively adv.

contemporaneous

//, //

adj. existing at or occurring in the same period of time.

- DERIVATIVES contemporaneity //, // n. contemporaneously adv. contemporaneousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from con- ‘together with’ + temporaneus (from tempus, tempor- ‘time’) + -ous.

contemporary

//

adj.
1 living, occurring, or originating at the same time.
2 belonging to or occurring in the present. modern in style or design.
n. (pl. contemporaries) a person or thing existing at the same time as another. a person of roughly the same age as another.

- DERIVATIVES contemporarily adv. contemporariness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. contemporarius, from con- ‘together with’ + tempus, tempor- ‘time’ (on the pattern of L. contemporaneus and late L. contemporalis).

contempt

n.
1 the feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath consideration.
2 (also contempt of court) the offence of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law.

- PHRASES
beneath contempt utterly worthless or despicable.
hold someone in contempt judge someone to be in contempt of court.
hold someone/thing in contempt despise someone or something.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contemptus, from contemnere (see contemn).

contemptible

adj. deserving contempt.

- DERIVATIVES contemptibly adv.

contemptuous

adj. showing contempt; scornful.

- DERIVATIVES contemptuously adv. contemptuousness n.

contend

v.
1 (contend with/against) struggle to surmount (a difficulty). (contend for) engage in a struggle or campaign to achieve.
2 assert something as a position in an argument.

- DERIVATIVES contender n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contendre or L. contendere, from con- ‘with’ + tendere ‘stretch, strive’.

content^1

//

adj. in a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction.
v. satisfy (someone). (content oneself with) accept as adequate despite wanting more or better.
n.
1 a state of satisfaction.
2 a member of the British House of Lords who votes for a motion.

- PHRASES
to one's heart's content as much as one wants.

- DERIVATIVES contentment n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. contentus ‘satisfied’, past part. of continere (see contain).

content^2

//

n.
1 (also contents) the things that are contained in something. (contents) a list of chapters or sections at the front of a book or periodical.
2 the material dealt with in a speech, literary work, etc. as distinct from its form or style. information made available by a website or other electronic medium.

- DERIVATIVES contentless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. contentum (pl. contenta ‘things contained’), neut. past part. of continere (see contain).

contented

//

adj. feeling or expressing happiness or satisfaction. willing to accept something; satisfied: I was never contented with half measures.

- DERIVATIVES contentedly adv. contentedness n.

contention

n.
1 heated disagreement.
2 an assertion.

- PHRASES
in (or out of) contention having (or not having) a good chance of success in a contest.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contentio(n-), from contendere (see contend).

contentious

adj. causing or likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Law relating to or involving differences between contending parties. given to provoking argument.

- DERIVATIVES contentiously adv. contentiousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contentieux, from L. contentiosus, from content-, contendere ‘strive’.

conterminous

//

adj.
1 sharing a common boundary.
2 having the same area, context, or meaning.

- DERIVATIVES conterminously adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. conterminus (from con- ‘with’ + terminus ‘boundary’) + -ous.

contessa

//

n. an Italian countess.

- ORIGIN Ital., from late L. comitissa, fem. of comes (see count^2).

contest

n. // an event in which people compete for supremacy. a dispute or conflict.
v. //
1 compete to attain (a position of power). take part in (a competition or election).
2 challenge or dispute.

- PHRASES
no contest
1 chiefly US another term for nolo contendere.
2 a decision to declare a boxing match invalid on the grounds that one or both of the boxers are not making serious efforts. a competition or comparison of which the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

- DERIVATIVES contestability n. contestable adj. contester n.

- ORIGIN C16 (as v. ‘swear to, attest’): from L. contestari ‘call upon to witness, initiate an action (by calling witnesses)’, from con- ‘together’ + testare ‘to witness’.

contestant

n. a person who takes part in a contest.

contestation

n. formal the action or process of disputing or arguing.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. contestatio(n-), from contestari (see contest); reinforced by Fr. contestation.

context

//

n. the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea. the parts that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning.

- DERIVATIVES contextual adj. contextualization (or contextualisation) n. contextualize (or contextualise) v. contextually adv.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the construction of a text): from L. contextus, from con- ‘together’ + texere ‘to weave’.

contextualism

n. Philosophy a doctrine which emphasizes the importance of the context of enquiry in a particular question.

- DERIVATIVES contextualist n.

contiguity

//

n.
1 the state of being contiguous with something.
2 Psychology the sequential occurrence or proximity of stimulus and response, causing their association in the mind.

contiguous

//

adj. sharing a common border. next or together in sequence.

- DERIVATIVES contiguously adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. contiguus ‘touching’, from contingere (see contingent) + -ous.

continent^1

n.
1 any of the world's main continuous expanses of land (Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, Australia, Antarctica).
2 (also the Continent) the mainland of Europe as distinct from the British Isles.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. terra continens ‘continuous land’.

continent^2

adj.
1 able to control movements of the bowels and bladder.
2 exercising self-restraint, especially sexually.

- DERIVATIVES continence n. continently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. continent-, continere (see contain).

continental

adj.
1 forming or belonging to a continent.
2 (also Continental) coming from or characteristic of mainland Europe.
n. an inhabitant of mainland Europe.

- DERIVATIVES continentally adv.

continental breakfast

n. a light breakfast of coffee and bread rolls with butter and jam.

continental climate

n. a relatively dry climate with very hot summers and very cold winters, characteristic of the central parts of Asia and North America.

continental day

n. Brit. a school day lasting from early morning to early afternoon.

continental drift

n. the gradual movement of the continents across the earth's surface through geological time.

continental quilt

n. British term for duvet.

continental shelf

n. an area of seabed around a large land mass where the sea is relatively shallow.

contingency

//

n. (pl. contingencies)
1 a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. a provision for such an event or circumstance.
2 the absence of certainty in events.
3 Philosophy the absence of necessity.

contingency table

n. Statistics a table showing the distribution of one variable in rows and another in columns, used to study the correlation between the two.

contingent

//

adj.
1 subject to chance. (contingent on/upon) dependent on. (of losses, liabilities, etc.) that can be anticipated to arise if a particular event occurs.
2 Philosophy true by virtue of the way things in fact are and not by logical necessity.
n. a group of people within a larger group. a body of troops or police sent to join a larger force.

- DERIVATIVES contingently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contingere ‘befall’, from con- ‘together with’ + tangere ‘to touch’.

continual

adj. constantly or frequently occurring.

- DERIVATIVES continually adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. continuel, from continuer ‘continue’, from L. continuare, from continuus (see continuous).

USAGE

For an explanation of the difference between continual and continuous, see usage at continuous.

continuance

n.
1 formal the state of continuing. the time for which a situation or action lasts.
2 US Law a postponement or adjournment.

continuant

n.
1 Phonetics a consonant which is sounded with the vocal tract only partly closed, allowing the breath to pass through and the sound to be prolonged (as with f, l, m, n, r, s, v).
2 Philosophy & Psychology a thing that retains its identity even though its states and relations may change.
adj. relating to or denoting a continuant.

continuation

n.
1 the action of continuing or state of being continued.
2 a part that is attached to and is an extension of something else.

continuative

// Linguistics

adj. (of a word or phrase) having the function of moving a discourse or conversation forward.
n. a continuative word or phrase (e.g. yes, well, as I was saying).

continue

v. (continues, continuing, continued)
1 persist in an activity or process. remain in existence, operation, or a specified state.
2 carry on with. carry on travelling in the same direction.
3 recommence or resume.
4 US Law postpone or adjourn (a legal proceeding).

- DERIVATIVES continuable adj. continuator n. continuer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. continuer, from L. continuare, from continuus (see continuous).

continuing education

n. education provided for adults after they have left the formal education system.

continuity

//

n. (pl. continuities)
1 unbroken and consistent existence or operation. a connection or line of development with no sharp breaks.
2 the maintenance of continuous action and self-consistent detail in the scenes of a film or broadcast.
3 the linking of broadcast items by a spoken commentary.

continuo

// (also basso continuo)

n. (pl. continuos) (in baroque music) an accompanying part which includes a bass line and harmonies, typically played on a keyboard instrument.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital. basso continuo ‘continuous bass’.

continuous

adj.
1 without interruption. forming a series with no exceptions or reversals. Mathematics denoting a function of which the graph is a smooth unbroken curve.
2 Grammar another term for progressive (in sense 3).

- DERIVATIVES continuously adv. continuousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. continuus ‘uninterrupted’, from continere ‘hang together’ (from con- ‘together with’ + tenere ‘hold’) + -ous.

USAGE

Continuous and continual can both mean roughly ‘without interruption’ (five years of continuous/continual warfare), but continuous is much more prominent in this sense and can be used to refer to space as well as time, as in the development forms a continuous line along the coast. Continual, on the other hand, typically means ‘happening frequently, with intervals between’, as in the bus service has been disrupted by continual breakdowns.

continuous assessment

n. Brit. the evaluation of a pupil's progress throughout a course of study, as distinct from by examination.

continuous creation

n. the creation of matter as a continuing process throughout time, especially as postulated in steady-state theories of the universe.

continuum

n. (pl. continua) a continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, but the extremes are quite distinct.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., neut. of continuus (see continuous).

contort

//

v. twist or bend out of the normal shape.

- DERIVATIVES contortion n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. contort-, contorquere ‘twist round, brandish’, from con- ‘together’ + torquere ‘twist’.

contortionist

n. an entertainer who twists and bends their body into strange and unnatural positions.

contour

n.
1 an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something. (also contour line) a line on a map joining points of equal height above or below sea level. a line joining points on a diagram at which some property has the same value.
2 a way in which something varies, especially the pitch of music or the pattern of tones in an utterance.
v.
1 mould into a specific shape.
2 [usu. as adj. contoured] mark (a map or diagram) with contours.
3 (of a road or railway) follow the outline of (a topographical feature).

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. contorno, from contornare ‘draw in outline’, from con- ‘together’+ tornare ‘to turn’.

contour feather

n. any of the mainly small feathers which form the outline of an adult bird's plumage.

contour ploughing

n. ploughing along the contours of the land in order to minimize soil erosion.

contra

//

n. a member of a US-supported guerrilla force in Nicaragua which opposed the left-wing Sandinista government 1979–90.

- ORIGIN abbrev. of Sp. contrarevolucionario ‘counter-revolutionary’.

contra-

//

prefix
1 against; opposite: contraception.
2 Music (of instruments or organ stops) pitched an octave below: contrabass.

- ORIGIN from L. contra ‘against’.

contraband

//

n. goods that have been imported or exported illegally. trade in smuggled goods. (also contraband of war) goods forbidden to be supplied by neutrals to those engaged in war.
adj. imported or exported illegally.

- DERIVATIVES contrabandist n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. contrabanda, from Ital. contrabando, from contra- ‘against’ + bando ‘proclamation, ban’.

contrabass

n. another term for double bass.
adj. denoting a musical instrument with a range an octave lower than the normal bass range.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital. contrabasso, from contra- ‘pitched an octave below’ + basso (see bass^1).

contrabassoon

n. another term for double bassoon.

contraception

n. the use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy.

contraceptive

adj. serving to prevent pregnancy. relating to contraception.
n. a contraceptive device or drug.

contract

n. //
1 a written or spoken agreement intended to be enforceable by law.
2 informal an arrangement for someone to be killed by a hired assassin.
3 Bridge the declarer's undertaking to win the number of tricks bid with a stated suit as trumps.
v. //
1 decrease in size, number, or range. (of a muscle) become shorter and tighter in order to effect movement of part of the body. shorten (a word or phrase) by combination or elision.
2 enter into a formal and legally binding agreement. (contract in/into) Brit. choose to be involved in. (contract out) Brit. choose to withdraw from or not become involved in. (contract something out) arrange for work to be done by another organization.
3 catch or develop (a disease).
4 become liable to pay (a debt).

- DERIVATIVES contractee n. contractive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. contractus, from contract-, contrahere ‘draw together, tighten’.

contractable

adj. (of a disease) able to be caught.

contract bridge

n. the standard form of the card game bridge, in which only tricks bid and won count towards the game.

contractible

adj. able to be shrunk or capable of contracting.

contractile

//

adj. Biology & Physiology capable of or producing contraction.

- DERIVATIVES contractility n.

contraction

n.
1 the process of contracting.
2 a shortening of the uterine muscles occurring at intervals before and during childbirth.
3 a word or group of words resulting from contracting an original form.

contract note

n. a certificate confirming the terms of a sale of specified assets or securities.

contractor

n. a person who undertakes a contract to provide materials or labour for a job.

contractorization

(or contractorisation)

n. Brit. the provision of a public service by an external contractor.

- DERIVATIVES contractorize v.

contractual

//

adj. relating to or agreed by a contract.

- DERIVATIVES contractually adv.

contractural

adj.
1 Medicine relating to or involving contracture.
2 another term for contractual.

contracture

//

n. Medicine a condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., or from L. contractura, from L. contract-, contrahere ‘draw together’.

contradict

v. deny the truth of (a statement) by asserting the opposite. assert the opposite of a statement made by (someone).

- DERIVATIVES contradictor n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. contradict-, contradicere ‘speak against’.

contradiction

n.
1 a combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another.
2 the statement of a position opposite to one already made.

- PHRASES
contradiction in terms a statement or group of words associating incompatible objects or ideas.

contradictory

adj. mutually opposed or inconsistent. containing inconsistent elements. Logic (of two propositions) so related that one and only one must be true. Compare with contrary.

- DERIVATIVES contradictorily adv. contradictoriness n.

contradistinction

n. distinction made by contrasting the different qualities of two things.

contraflow

n. Brit. a temporary arrangement where traffic on a road is transferred from its usual side to share the other half of the carriageway with traffic moving in the opposite direction.

contrail

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for vapour trail.

- ORIGIN 1940s: abbrev. of condensation trail.

contraindicate

v. Medicine (of a condition or circumstance) suggest or indicate that (a particular technique or drug) should not be used.

- DERIVATIVES contraindication n.

contralateral

//

adj. Medicine relating to or denoting the side of the body opposite to that on which a particular structure or condition occurs.

contralto

//

n. (pl. contraltos) the lowest female singing voice.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital.

contraposition

n. Logic conversion of a proposition from all A is B to all not-B is not-A.

- DERIVATIVES contrapositive adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. contrapositio(n-), from contraponere ‘place against’.

contrapposto

//

n. (pl. contrapposti //) Sculpture an asymmetrical arrangement of the human figure in which the line of the arms and shoulders contrasts with, while balancing, that of the hips and legs.

- ORIGIN Ital., past part. of contrapporre, from L. contraponere ‘place against’.

contraption

n. a machine or device that appears strange or unnecessarily complicated.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from contrive (on the pattern of pairs such as conceive, conception), by assoc. with trap^1.

contrapuntal

//

adj. Music of or in counterpoint.

- DERIVATIVES contrapuntally adv. contrapuntist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital. contrapunto (see counterpoint) + -al.

contrarian

//

n. a person who opposes or rejects popular opinion, especially in stock exchange dealing.

- DERIVATIVES contrarianism n.

contrariety

//

n.
1 Logic contrary opposition.
2 opposition or inconsistency between two things.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contrariete, from late L. contrarietas, from contrarius (see contrary).

contrariwise

//, //

adv. in the opposite way. on the other hand.

contra-rotating

adj. rotating in the opposite direction or in opposite directions, especially about the same shaft.

contrary

//

adj.
1 (often contrary to) opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
2 (of two or more statements, beliefs, etc.) opposed to one another. Logic (of two propositions) so related that one or neither but not both must be true. Compare with contradictory.
3 // perversely inclined to do the opposite of what is expected or desired.
n. (the contrary) the opposite.

- PHRASES
on (or quite) the contrary used to intensify a denial of what has just been implied or stated.
to the contrary with the opposite meaning or implication.

- DERIVATIVES contrarily adv. contrariness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. contrarie, from L. contrarius, from contra ‘against’.

contrast

n. //
1 the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association. the degree of difference between tones in a television picture, photograph, etc. enhancement of the apparent brightness or clarity of a design provided by the juxtaposition of different colours or textures.
2 a thing or person noticeably different from another.
v. // (often contrast with) differ strikingly. compare so as to emphasize differences.

- DERIVATIVES contrasting adj. contrastingly adv. contrastive adj. contrasty adj. (informal).

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. contraste (n.), contraster (v.), via Ital. from med. L. contrastare, from L. contra- ‘against’ + stare ‘stand’.

contrast medium

n. Medicine a substance introduced into a part of the body in order to improve the visibility of internal structures during radiography.

contra-suggestible

adj. tending to respond to a suggestion by believing or doing the contrary.

contrate wheel

//

n. another term for crown wheel.

- ORIGIN C17: contrate (a rare adj. meaning ‘opposed, contrary’) from med. L. contrata ‘lying opposite’.

contravene

//

v. offend against the requirements of (a law, treaty, etc.); infringe. conflict with (a right, principle, etc.), especially to its detriment.

- DERIVATIVES contravener n. contravention n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. contravenire, from L. contra- ‘against’ + venire ‘come’.

contredanse

//, //

n. (pl. same) a French form of country dance, originating in the 18th century and related to the quadrille.

- ORIGIN Fr., alt. of country dance, by assoc. with contre ‘against, opposite’.

contretemps

//

n. (pl. same //) a minor dispute or disagreement.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. ‘motion out of time’, denoting a thrust in fencing made at an inopportune moment): Fr., from contre- ‘against’ + temps ‘time’.

contribute

//, //

v. give in order to help achieve or provide something. (contribute to) help to cause or bring about.

- DERIVATIVES contribution n. contributive // adj. contributor n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as contribution): from L. contribut-, contribuere ‘bring together, add’, from con- ‘with’ + tribuere ‘bestow’.

USAGE

The first pronunciation, which puts the stress on -tri-, is held to be the only correct one, despite the fact that the alternative, with the stress on con-, is older.

contributory

adj.
1 playing a part in bringing something about.
2 (of a pension or insurance scheme) operated by means of a fund into which people pay.
n. (pl. contributories) Brit. Law a person liable to contribute towards the payment of a wound-up company's debts.

contributory negligence

n. Law failure of an injured party to act prudently, considered to be a contributory factor in the injury suffered.

con trick

n. informal term for confidence trick.

contrite

/ /

adj. feeling or expressing remorse.

- DERIVATIVES contritely adv. contriteness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contrit, from L. contritus, past part. of conterere ‘grind down, wear away’.

contrition

n. the state of feeling contrite. (in the Roman Catholic Church) the repentance of past sins during or after confession.

contrivance

n.
1 the action of contriving something.
2 an ingenious device or scheme.

contrive

//

v.
1 devise or plan using skill and artifice.
2 manage to do something foolish.

- DERIVATIVES contrivable adj. contriver n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contreuve-, stressed stem of controver ‘imagine, invent’, from med. L. contropare ‘compare’.

contrived

adj. deliberately created rather than arising spontaneously.

control

n.
1 the power to influence people's behaviour or the course of events. the restriction of an activity, tendency, or phenomenon.
2 a device by which a machine is regulated: the volume control.
3 a person or thing used as a standard of comparison for checking the results of a survey or experiment.
4 a member of an intelligence organization who personally directs the activities of a spy.
5 Bridge a high card that will prevent the opponents from establishing a particular suit.
v. (controls, controlling, controlled)
1 have control or command of. regulate.
2 [as adj. controlled] (of a drug) restricted by law in respect of use and possession.
3 (control for) take into account (an extraneous factor that might affect the results of an experiment).

- PHRASES
in control able to direct a situation, person, or activity.
out of control no longer able to be managed.
under control (of a danger or emergency) being dealt with or contained successfully.

- DERIVATIVES controllability n. controllable adj. controllably adv. controller n. controllership n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘verify accounts’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. contreroller ‘keep a copy of a roll of accounts’, from med. L. contrarotulare, from contrarotulus ‘copy of a roll’, from contra- ‘against’ + rotulus ‘a roll’.

control character

n. Computing a character that does not represent a printable character but serves to initiate a particular action.

control freak

n. informal a person who feels an obsessive need to exercise control over themselves and others.

- DERIVATIVES control freakery n.

control key

n. Computing a key which alters the function of another key if the two keys are pressed at the same time.

controlling interest

n. the holding by one person or group of a majority of the stock of a business.

control rod

n. a rod of a neutron-absorbing substance used to vary the output power of a nuclear reactor.

control tower

n. a tall building at an airport from which the movements of air traffic are controlled.

controversial

adj. causing or likely to cause controversy.

- DERIVATIVES controversialist n. controversially adv.

controversy

//, //

n. (pl. controversies) prolonged public disagreement or heated debate.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. controversia, from controversus ‘turned against, disputed’.

USAGE

The second pronunciation, putting the stress on -trov-, is widely held to be incorrect in standard English.

controvert

v. deny the truth of.

- DERIVATIVES controvertible adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. controversus (see controversy).

contumacious

//

adj. archaic or Law stubbornly or wilfully disobedient to authority.

- DERIVATIVES contumaciously adv. contumacy n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. contumax, contumac- (perh. from con- ‘with’ + tumere ‘to swell’) + -ious.

contumely

//, //

n. (pl. contumelies) archaic insolent or insulting language or treatment.

- DERIVATIVES contumelious // adj. contumeliously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contumelie, from L. contumelia, perh. from con- ‘with’ + tumere ‘to swell’.

contusion

//

n. Medicine a bruise.

- DERIVATIVES contuse v.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from L. contusio(n-), from contundere, from con- ‘together’ + tundere ‘to beat, thump’.

conundrum

//

n. (pl. conundrums) a confusing and difficult problem or question. a riddle.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘a crank or pedant’): of unknown origin.

conurbation

//

n. an extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from con- + L. urbs, urb- ‘city’ + -ation.

conure

//

n. a Central and South American parakeet, typically green with patches of other colours.   Aratinga, Pyrrhura, and other genera.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. conurus (former genus name), from Gk knos ‘cone’ + oura ‘tail’.

conus

//

n. (pl. coni //) Anatomy
1 (also conus arteriosus //) the upper front part of the right ventricle of the heart.
2 (also conus medullaris //) the conical lower extremity of the spinal cord.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘cone’.

convalesce

//

v. gradually recover one's health after an illness or medical treatment.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. convalescere, from con- ‘altogether’ + valescere ‘grow strong’.

convalescent

adj. recovering from an illness or medical treatment.
n. a convalescent person.

- DERIVATIVES convalescence n.

convection

n. transference of mass or heat within a fluid caused by the tendency of warmer and less dense material to rise.

- DERIVATIVES convect v. convectional adj. convective adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L. convectio(n-), from L. convehere, from con- ‘together’ + vehere ‘carry’.

convector

n. a heating appliance that circulates warm air by convection.

convenance

// (also convenances)

n. archaic conventional propriety.

- ORIGIN Fr., from convenir ‘be fitting’, from L. convenire (see convene).

convene

//

v. come or bring together for a meeting or activity.

- DERIVATIVES convenable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. convenire ‘assemble, agree, fit’, from con- ‘together’ + venire ‘come’.

convener

(also convenor)

n.
1 a person who convenes meetings of a committee.
2 Brit. a senior trade union official at a workplace.

convenience

n.
1 freedom from effort or difficulty. a useful or helpful device or situation.
2 Brit. a public toilet.

- PHRASES
at one's convenience when or where it suits one.
at one's earliest convenience as soon as one can without difficulty.

- DERIVATIVES conveniency n. (rare).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. convenientia, from convenient-, convenire (see convene).

convenience food

n. a food that has been pre-prepared commercially and so requires little preparation by the consumer.

convenience store

n. chiefly N. Amer. a small local shop with extended opening hours.

convenient

adj. fitting in well with a person's needs, activities, and plans. (convenient for) offering easy access to.

- DERIVATIVES conveniently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. convenient-, convenire (see convene).

convenor

n. variant spelling of convener.

convent

n. a Christian community of nuns living under monastic vows. (also convent school) a school attached to and run by a convent.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. conventus ‘assembly, company’, from convenire (see convene).

conventicle

//

n. historical a secret or unlawful religious meeting, typically of nonconformists.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conventiculum ‘(place of) assembly’, dimin. of conventus ‘assembly, company’, from convenire (see convene).

convention

n.
1 a way in which something is usually done. socially acceptable behaviour.
2 an agreement between states, especially one less formal than a treaty.
3 a large meeting, especially of members of a political party or a profession. N. Amer. an assembly of the delegates of a political party to select candidates for office. a body set up by agreement to deal with a particular issue. historical a meeting of Parliament without a summons from the sovereign.
4 Bridge a bid or system of bidding by which the bidder tries to convey specific information about the hand to their partner.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. conventio(n-) ‘meeting, covenant’, from convenire (see convene).

conventional

adj.
1 based on or in accordance with convention. overly concerned with convention.
2 (of weapons or power) non-nuclear.
3 Bridge (of a bid) intended to convey a particular meaning according to an agreed convention. Often contrasted with natural.

- DERIVATIVES conventionalism n. conventionalist n. conventionality n. conventionalize (or conventionalise) v. conventionally adv.

conventioneer

n. N. Amer. a person attending a convention.

conventual

//

adj. relating or belonging to a convent. relating to the less strict order of the Franciscans, living in large convents.
n. a person who lives in or is a member of a convent.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. conventualis, from L. conventus (see convent).

converge

//

v.
1 come together from different directions so as eventually to meet. (converge on/upon) come from different directions and meet at.
2 Mathematics (of a series) approximate in the sum of its terms towards a definite limit.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. convergere, from con- ‘together’ + L. vergere ‘incline’.

convergent

adj.
1 coming closer together; converging.
2 Biology (of unrelated animals and plants) showing a tendency to evolve superficially similar characteristics under similar environmental conditions.
3 Psychology (of thought) tending to follow well-established patterns.

- DERIVATIVES convergence n. convergency n.

conversant

adj. (often conversant with) familiar with or knowledgeable about something.

- DERIVATIVES conversance n. conversancy n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., pres. part. of converser (see converse^1).

conversation

n. a spoken exchange of news and ideas between people.

- DERIVATIVES conversational adj. conversationally adv.

conversationalist

n. a person who is good at or fond of engaging in conversation.

conversation piece

n.
1 a type of genre painting in which groups of figures are posed in a landscape or domestic setting.
2 an object whose unusual quality makes it a topic of conversation.

conversazione

//

n. (pl. conversaziones or conversazioni //) a scholarly social gathering held for discussion of literature and the arts.

- ORIGIN Ital., from L. conversatio, from conversari (see converse^1).

converse^1

v. // engage in conversation.
n. // archaic conversation.

- DERIVATIVES converser n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘live among, be familiar with’): from OFr. converser, from L. conversari ‘keep company (with)’, from con- ‘with’ + versare, frequentative of vertere ‘to turn’.

converse^2

//

n. a situation, fact, or statement that is the opposite of another. Mathematics a theorem whose hypothesis and conclusion are the conclusion and hypothesis of another.
adj. opposite.

- DERIVATIVES conversely adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. conversus ‘turned about’, past part. of convertere (see convert).

conversion

n.
1 the process of converting or of being converted. Brit. a building that has been converted to a new purpose. Law the changing of real property into personalty, or of joint into separate property, or vice versa.
2 Rugby a successful kick at goal after a try. American Football an act of converting a touchdown or a down.
3 Psychiatry the manifestation of a mental disturbance as a physical disorder or disease.
4 Law the action of wrongfully dealing with goods in a manner inconsistent with the owner's rights.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. conversio(n-), from convers-, convertere (see convert).

conversion factor

n.
1 an arithmetical multiplier for converting a quantity expressed in one set of units into an equivalent expressed in another.
2 Economics the manufacturing cost of a product relative to the cost of raw materials.

convert

v. //
1 change or cause to change in form, character, or function. change (money, stocks, or units in which a quantity is expressed) into others of a different kind. adapt (a building) to make it suitable for a new purpose.
2 change one's religious faith or other belief.
3 Logic transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) according to certain rules to form a new proposition by inference.
4 Rugby score extra points after (a try) by a successful kick at goal. American Football make an extra score after (a touchdown) by kicking a goal or running another play into the end zone. American Football advance the ball far enough after (a down) to get another try for a first down.
n. // a person who has changed their religious faith or other belief.

- PHRASES
convert something to one's own use Law wrongfully make use of another's property.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. convertir, based on L. convertere ‘turn about’.

converter

(also convertor)

n.
1 a person or thing that converts something.
2 a retort used in steel-making.

converter reactor

n. a nuclear reactor that converts fertile material into fissile material.

convertible

adj.
1 able to be converted. (of currency) able to be converted, especially into gold or US dollars. (of a bond or stock) able to be converted into ordinary or preference shares.
2 (of a car) having a folding or detachable roof.
3 Logic (of terms) synonymous.
n.
1 a convertible car.
2 a convertible bond or stock.

- DERIVATIVES convertibility n.

convex

//

adj. having an outline or surface curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere. Compare with concave.

- DERIVATIVES convexity n. convexly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. convexus ‘vaulted, arched’.

convey

//

v.
1 transport or carry to a place.
2 communicate (an idea, impression, or feeling).
3 Law transfer the title to (property).

- DERIVATIVES conveyable adj. conveyor (also conveyer) n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘escort’; cf. convoy): from OFr. conveier, from med. L. conviare, from con- ‘together’ + L. via ‘way’.

conveyance

n.
1 the action or process of conveying.
2 formal or humorous a vehicle.
3 the legal process of transferring property from one owner to another.

- DERIVATIVES conveyancer n. conveyancing n.

conveyor belt

n. a continuous moving band of flexible material for transporting objects from one part of a building to another.

convict

v. // declare to be guilty of a criminal offence by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law.
n. // a person convicted of a criminal offence and serving a sentence of imprisonment.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. convict-, convincere (see convince).

conviction

n.
1 an instance of formally being found guilty of a criminal offence in a court of law.
2 a firmly held belief or opinion. the quality of showing that one is firmly convinced of something.

convince

v. cause to believe firmly in the truth of something. persuade to do something. [as adj. convinced] firm in one's belief with regard to a particular cause: a convinced pacifist.

- DERIVATIVES convincer n. convincible adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. convincere, from con- ‘with’ + vincere ‘conquer’; cf. convict.

USAGE

Some traditionalists deplore the use of convince to mean persuade, as in she convinced my father to branch out on his own, maintaining that convince should be reserved for situations in which someone's belief is changed but no action is taken as a result, while persuade should be used for situations in which action results. In practice this use is well established.

convincing

adj.
1 able to convince.
2 (of a victory or winner) leaving no margin of doubt.

- DERIVATIVES convincingly adv.

convivial

//

adj. (of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable. cheerful and sociable.

- DERIVATIVES conviviality n. convivially adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘fit for a feast’): from L. convivialis, from convivium ‘a feast’.

convocation

//

n.
1 (in the Church of England) a representative assembly of clergy of the province of Canterbury or York.
2 Brit. a legislative or deliberative assembly of a university. N. Amer. a formal ceremony for the conferment of university awards.
3 the action of convoking a large formal assembly.

- DERIVATIVES convocational adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. convocatio(n-), from convocare (see convoke).

convoke

//

v. formal call together (an assembly or meeting).

- ORIGIN C16: from L. convocare.

convoluted

//

adj.
1 (especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex.
2 chiefly technical intricately folded, twisted, or coiled.

- DERIVATIVES convolutedly adv.

convolution

n.
1 a coil or twist. a sinuous fold in the surface of the brain. the state of being or process of becoming coiled or twisted.
2 a complex thing.

- DERIVATIVES convolutional adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. convolutio(n-), from convolvere (see convolve).

convolve

//

v. rare roll or coil together.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘enclose in folds’): from L. convolvere ‘roll together’.

convolvulus

//

n. (pl. convolvuluses) a twining plant with trumpet-shaped flowers, some kinds of which are invasive weeds; bindweed.   Genus Convolvulus.

- ORIGIN L., ‘bindweed’, from convolvere (see convolve).

convoy

//

n. a group of ships or vehicles travelling together and accompanied by armed troops or warships for protection.
v. (of a warship or armed troops) accompany (a group of ships or vehicles) for protection.

- PHRASES
in convoy (of travelling vehicles) as a group.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. Scots, in the senses ‘convey’, ‘conduct’, and ‘act as escort’): from Fr. convoyer, from med. L. conviare (see convey).

convulsant

adj. (chiefly of drugs) producing convulsions.
n. a convulsant drug.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from convulser, from L. convuls-, convellere (see convulse).

convulse

//

v. suffer convulsions. (of an emotion or physical stimulus) cause to make sudden, violent, uncontrollable movements.

- DERIVATIVES convulsive adj. convulsively adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. convuls-, convellere ‘pull violently, wrench’.

convulsion

n.
1 a sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles.
2 (convulsions) uncontrollable laughter.
3 a violent social or natural upheaval.

cony

n. (pl. conies) variant spelling of coney.

coo^1

v. (coos, cooing, cooed)
1 (of a pigeon or dove) make a soft murmuring sound.
2 speak in a soft gentle voice.
n. a cooing sound.

- ORIGIN C17: imitative.

coo^2

exclam. Brit. informal used to express surprise.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: imitative.

co-occur

v. occur together or simultaneously.

- DERIVATIVES co-occurrence n.

cooee

informal

exclam. used to attract attention.
v. (cooees, cooeeing, cooeed) make such a call.

- PHRASES
within cooee Austral./NZ within reach.

- ORIGIN C18: imitative of a signal used by Australian Aboriginals and copied by settlers.

cook

v.
1 prepare (food) by mixing, combining, and heating the ingredients. (of food) be heated so as to reach an edible state.
2 informal alter dishonestly. (cook something up) concoct a clever or devious story, excuse, or plan.
3 (be cooking) informal be happening or planned.
4 N. Amer. informal perform or proceed vigorously or very well.
n. a person who cooks, especially as a job.

- PHRASES
cook someone's goose informal spoil someone's plans.

- DERIVATIVES cookable adj. cooking n.

- ORIGIN OE cc (n.), from pop. L. cocus, from L. coquus.

cookbook

n. a cookery book.

cook-chill

adj. Brit. relating to or denoting a procedure whereby food is cooked and refrigerated by the manufacturer ready for reheating by the consumer.

cooker

n. Brit.
1 an appliance for cooking food, typically consisting of an oven, hob, and grill.
2 informal an apple or other fruit more suitable for cooking than for eating raw.

cookery

n. (pl. cookeries)
1 the practice or skill of preparing and cooking food.
2 N. Amer. a kitchen.

cookhouse

n. a building used for cooking, especially on a ranch or military camp.

cookie

n. (pl. cookies)
1 N. Amer. a sweet biscuit.
2 informal a person of a specified kind: she's a tough cookie.
3 Scottish a plain bun.
4 Computing a packet of data sent by an Internet server to a browser and used to identify the user or track their access to the server.

- PHRASES
that's the way the cookie crumbles informal, chiefly N. Amer. that's the situation, and it must be accepted, however undesirable.

- ORIGIN C18: from Du. koekje ‘little cake’, dimin. of koek.

cookie cutter

n. N. Amer.
1 a device with sharp edges for cutting biscuit dough into a particular shape.
2 [as modifier] denoting something mass-produced or lacking any distinguishing characteristics.

cookout

n. N. Amer. a party or gathering where a meal is cooked and eaten outdoors.

cookshop

n. archaic a shop where cooked food is sold.

Cook's tour

n. informal a rapid tour of many places.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from the name of the English travel agent Thomas Cook.

cooktop

n. N. Amer. a cooking unit with hot plates or burners, built into or fixed on the top of a cabinet or other surface.

cookware

n. pots, pans, or dishes in which food can be cooked.

cool

adj.
1 of or at a fairly low temperature. (especially of clothing) keeping one from becoming too hot.
2 not excited, anxious, or emotional. unfriendly or unenthusiastic. (of jazz) restrained and relaxed.
3 informal fashionably attractive or impressive. excellent. used to express acceptance or agreement.
4 (a cool ——) informal used to emphasize the size of a sum of money: they pocketed a cool $1 million each.
n. (the cool) a cool temperature, place, or time.
v.
1 become or make less hot.
2 become less emotional or enthusiastic.

- PHRASES
keep (or lose) one's cool informal maintain (or fail to maintain) a calm and controlled attitude.

- DERIVATIVES coolish adj. coolly adv. coolness n.

- ORIGIN OE cl (n.), clian (v.), of Gmc origin; rel. to cold.

coolant

n. a fluid used to cool an engine, nuclear reactor, or other device.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from cool, on the pattern of lubricant.

cooler

n.
1 a device or container for keeping things cool.
2 N. Amer. a long drink, especially a mixture of wine, fruit juice, and soda water.
3 (the cooler) informal prison or a prison cell.

coolibah

//

n. a North Australian gum tree which typically grows near watercourses and yields very strong, hard wood.   Eucalyptus microtheca.

- ORIGIN C19: from Kamilaroi (and related languages) gulubaa.

coolie

//

n. (pl. coolies)
1 dated an unskilled native labourer in India, China, and some other Asian countries.
2 offensive a person from the Indian subcontinent or of Indian descent.

- ORIGIN C17: from Hindi and Telugu kl ‘day labourer’, prob. assoc. with Urdu kul ‘slave’.

coolie hat

n. a broad conical hat as worn by labourers in some Asian countries.

cooling tower

n. a tall, open-topped, cylindrical concrete tower, used for cooling water or condensing steam from an industrial process.

coolth

//

n.
1 pleasantly low temperature.
2 informal the quality of being fashionable.

coombe

(also coomb)

n. variant spelling of combe.

coon

n.
1 N. Amer. short for raccoon.
2 informal, offensive a black person. [ORIGIN sl. use of sense 1, from an earlier sense ‘(sly) fellow’.]

cooncan

//

n. a card game for two players, originally from Mexico, similar to rummy.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Sp. con quién ‘with whom?’

coonhound

n. a dog of a black-and-tan American breed, used to hunt raccoons.

coonskin

n. the pelt of a raccoon.

coop

n.
1 a cage or pen for confining poultry.
2 Brit. a basket used in catching fish.
v. (usu. be cooped up) confine in a small space.

- ORIGIN ME cowpe, based on L. cupa; cf. cooper.

co-op

//

n. informal a cooperative organization.

cooper

n. a maker or repairer of casks and barrels.
v. make or repair (a cask or barrel).

- DERIVATIVES cooperage n. coopery n. (pl. cooperies).

- ORIGIN ME cowper, from MDu., Mid. Low Ger. kper, from kpe ‘tub, vat’, based on L. cupa.

cooperate

// (also co-operate)

v. work together towards the same end. help someone or comply with their requests.

- DERIVATIVES cooperant n. cooperator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from eccles. L. cooperat-, cooperari ‘work together’.

cooperation

(also co-operation)

n.
1 the action or process of cooperating.
2 Economics the formation and operation of cooperatives.

cooperative

(also co-operative)

adj.
1 involving cooperation.
2 willing to be of assistance.
3 (of a farm, business, etc.) owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits.
n. a cooperative organization.

- DERIVATIVES cooperatively adv. cooperativeness n.

Cooper pair

n. Physics a loosely bound pair of electrons with opposite spins, held to be responsible for superconductivity.

- ORIGIN 1960s: named after the American physicist Leon N. Cooper.

co-opt

v.
1 appoint to membership of a committee or other body by invitation of the existing members.
2 divert to a role different from the usual or original one. adopt (an idea or policy) for one's own use.

- DERIVATIVES co-optation n. co-option n. co-optive adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. cooptare, from co- ‘together’ + optare ‘choose’.

coordinate

(also co-ordinate)

v. //
1 bring the different elements of (a complex activity or organization) into an efficient relationship. negotiate with others in order to work together effectively.
2 match or harmonize attractively.
3 Chemistry form a coordinate bond to.
adj. //
1 equal in rank or importance. Grammar (of parts of a compound sentence) equal in rank and fulfilling identical functions.
2 Chemistry denoting a covalent bond in which one atom provides both the shared electrons.
n. //
1 Mathematics each of a group of numbers used to indicate the position of a point, line, or plane.
2 (coordinates) matching items of clothing.

- DERIVATIVES coordinative adj. coordinator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from co- + L. ordinare (from ordo ‘order’).

coordinating conjunction

n. a conjunction placed between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of equal rank, e.g. and, but, or. Contrasted with subordinating conjunction.

coordination

(also co-ordination)

n.
1 the action or process of coordinating. the ability to move different parts of the body smoothly and at the same time.
2 Chemistry the linking of atoms by coordinate bonds.

coot

n.
1 (pl. same) an aquatic bird of the rail family with black plumage and a white bill that extends back on to the forehead as a horny shield.   Fulica atra and related species.
2 (usu. old coot) informal a stupid or eccentric person, typically an old man.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Du. or Low Ger. origin.

cooter

n. a North American river turtle with yellow stripes on the head.   Pseudemys concinna and related species.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

cootie

//

n. N. Amer. informal a body louse.

- ORIGIN First World War: perh. from Malay kutu, denoting a parasitic biting insect.

co-own

v. own jointly.

- DERIVATIVES co-owner n. co-ownership n.

cop^1

informal

n. a police officer.
v. (cops, copping, copped)
1 catch or arrest (an offender).
2 incur (something unwelcome).
3 (cop off) Brit. have a sexual encounter.
4 (cop out) avoid doing something that one ought to do.
5 US obtain (an illegal drug).
6 N. Amer. strike (an attitude or pose).
7 (cop to) US accept or admit to.

- PHRASES
cop hold of Brit. take hold of.
cop it Brit.
1 get into trouble.
2 be killed.
cop a plea N. Amer. engage in plea bargaining.
not much cop Brit. not very good.

- ORIGIN C18 (as v.): perh. from obs. cap ‘arrest’, from OFr. caper ‘seize’, from L. capere.

cop^2

n. a conical mass of thread wound on to a spindle.

- ORIGIN C18: possibly from OE cop ‘summit, top’.

copacetic

//, //

adj. N. Amer. informal in excellent order.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

copaiba

//

n. an aromatic oil or resin used in medicines and perfumes, obtained from plants of the genus Copaifera.

- ORIGIN C17: via Port. from Tupi copaiba, Guarani cupaiba.

copal

//

n. resin from any of a number of tropical trees, used to make varnish.

- ORIGIN C16: via Sp. from Nahuatl copalli ‘incense’.

coparcener

//

n. English Law a person who shares equally with others in the inheritance of an undivided estate or in the rights to it (in the UK now as equitable interests).

- DERIVATIVES coparcenary n. (pl. coparcenaries).

- ORIGIN ME: from co- + parcener, legal term for partner.

co-parent

v. (especially of a separated or unmarried couple) share the duties of bringing up (a child).
n. a person who co-parents a child.

co-partner

n. a partner or associate, especially an equal partner in a business.

- DERIVATIVES co-partnership n.

COPD

abbrev. Medicine chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, involving constriction of the airways and difficulty or discomfort in breathing.

cope^1

v. deal effectively with something difficult.

- DERIVATIVES coper n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘meet in battle, come to blows’): from OFr. coper, colper, from cop, colp ‘a blow’, via L. from Gk kolaphos ‘a blow with the fist’.

cope^2

n. a long, loose cloak worn by a priest or bishop on ceremonial occasions.
v. [usu. as adj. coped] (in building) cover (a joint or structure) with a coping.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. capa, var. of late L. cappa (see cap and cape^1).

copeck

n. variant spelling of kopek.

copepod

//

n. Zoology a small or microscopic aquatic crustacean of the large class Copepoda.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Copepoda, from Gk kp ‘handle, oar’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’ (because of their paddle-like feet).

Copernican

//

adj. relating to the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) or to the Copernican system.

Copernican system

// (also Copernican theory)

n. Astronomy the theory proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus that the sun is the centre of the solar system, with the planets (including the earth) orbiting round it. Compare with Ptolemaic system.

copiable

adj. able to be copied, especially legitimately.

copier

n. a machine that makes exact copies of something.

co-pilot

n. a second pilot in an aircraft.

coping

n. the top, typically sloping or curved, course of a brick or stone wall.

- ORIGIN C16: from cope^2, orig. meaning ‘dress in a cope’, hence ‘to cover’.

coping saw

n. a saw with a very narrow blade stretched across a D-shaped frame, used for cutting curves in wood.

coping stone

n. a flat stone forming part of a coping.

copious

adj. abundant in quantity or supply.

- DERIVATIVES copiously adv. copiousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. copieux or L. copiosus, from copia ‘plenty’.

copita

//

n. a slim stemmed glass that narrows slightly towards the top, used for sherry.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., dimin. of copa ‘cup’, from pop. L. cuppa (see cup).

coplanar

//

adj. Geometry in the same plane.

- DERIVATIVES coplanarity n.

copolymer

//

n. Chemistry a polymer made by reaction of two different monomers, with units of more than one kind.

- DERIVATIVES copolymerization (or copolymerisation) n. copolymerize (or copolymerise) v.

cop-out

n. informal an instance of avoiding a commitment or responsibility.

copper^1

n.
1 a red-brown metal, the chemical element of atomic number 29, which is a good conductor of electricity and heat and is alloyed to form brass and bronze. (Symbol: Cu)
2 (coppers) Brit. coins of low value made of copper or bronze.
3 Brit. dated a large copper or iron container for boiling laundry.
4 a reddish-brown colour.
5 a small butterfly with bright reddish-brown wings.   Lycaena phlaeas (small copper) and related species.
v. cover or coat with copper.

- DERIVATIVES coppery adj.

- ORIGIN OE copor, coper, based on late L. cuprum, from L. cyprium aes ‘Cyprus metal’ (so named because Cyprus was the chief source).

copper^2

n. Brit. informal a police officer.

- ORIGIN C19: from cop^1 + -er^1.

copperas

//

n. green crystals of hydrated ferrous sulphate, especially as an industrial product.

- ORIGIN ME coperose, from OFr. couperose, from med. L. cuperosa, lit. ‘flower of copper’, from late L. cuprum (see copper^1) + rosa ‘rose’, translating Gk khalkanthon.

copper beech

n. a beech tree of a variety with purplish-brown leaves.

copper-bottomed

adj. Brit. thoroughly reliable.

- ORIGIN orig. referring to the copper sheathing of the bottom of a ship.

copperhead

n. a reddish-brown venomous snake.   Agkistrodon contortrix (N. America) and Austrelaps superbus (Australia).

copperplate

n.
1 a polished copper plate with a design engraved or etched into it.
2 a style of neat, round handwriting, usually slanted and looped. [ORIGIN the copybooks for this were orig. printed from copperplates.]
adj. of or in copperplate writing.

copper pyrites

n. another term for chalcopyrite.

coppersmith

n. a person who makes things out of copper.

copper sulphate

n. a blue crystalline solid used in electroplating and as a fungicide.

coppice

n. an area of woodland in which the trees or shrubs are periodically cut back to ground level to stimulate growth and provide wood.
v. cut back (a tree or shrub) in this way.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. copeiz, based on med. L. colpus (see cope^1); cf. copse.

copra

//

n. dried coconut kernels, from which oil is obtained.

- ORIGIN C16: via Port. and Sp. from Malayalam koppara ‘coconut’.

co-precipitation

n. Chemistry the simultaneous precipitation of more than one compound from a solution.

- DERIVATIVES co-precipitate v.

copro-

comb. form relating to dung or faeces: coprophagy.

- ORIGIN from Gk kopros ‘dung’.

coprocessor

n. Computing a microprocessor designed to supplement the capabilities of the primary processor.

co-produce

v. produce (a theatrical work or a radio or television programme) jointly.

- DERIVATIVES co-producer n. co-production n.

coprolalia

//

n. Psychiatry the involuntary and repetitive use of obscene language, as a symptom of mental illness or organic brain disease.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kopros ‘dung’ + lalia ‘speech, chatter’.

coprolite

//

n. Palaeontology a piece of fossilized dung.

coprophagy

// (also coprophagia //)

n. Zoology the eating of faeces.

- DERIVATIVES coprophagic adj. coprophagous adj.

coprophilia

//

n. abnormal interest and pleasure in faeces and defecation.

copse

n. a small group of trees.

- ORIGIN C16: shortened form of coppice.

cop shop

n. Brit. informal a police station.

Copt

//

n.
1 a native Egyptian in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
2 a member of the Coptic Church, the native Christian Church in Egypt.

- ORIGIN from Fr. Copte or mod. L. Coptus, from Arab. al-kibt, al-kubt ‘Copts’, from Coptic Gyptios, from Gk Aiguptios ‘Egyptian’.

copter

n. informal a helicopter.

Coptic

n. the language of the Copts, which survives only in the Coptic Church.
adj. relating to the Copts or their language.

copula

//

n. Logic & Grammar a connecting word, in particular a form of the verb be connecting a subject and complement.

- DERIVATIVES copular adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘connection, linking of words’, from co- ‘together’ + apere ‘fasten’.

copulate

//

v. have sexual intercourse.

- DERIVATIVES copulation n. copulatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. copulat-, copulare ‘fasten together’, from copula (see copula).

copulative

adj.
1 Grammar (of a word) connecting words or clauses linked in sense. connecting a subject and predicate.
2 relating to sexual intercourse.

- DERIVATIVES copulatively adv.

copy

n. (pl. copies)
1 a thing made to be similar or identical to another.
2 a single specimen of a particular book, record, etc.
3 matter to be printed. material for a newspaper or magazine article.
v. (copies, copying, copied)
1 make a copy of.
2 imitate the behaviour or style of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. copie (n.), copier (v.), from L. copia ‘abundance’ (in med. L. ‘transcript’, from such phrs as copiam describendi facere ‘give permission to transcribe’).

copybook

n. a book containing models of handwriting for learners to imitate.
adj. exactly in accordance with established standards.

copycat

n. informal a person who copies another, especially slavishly. [as modifier] denoting an action, typically a crime, carried out in imitation of another.

copy-edit

v. edit (text) by checking its consistency and accuracy.

- DERIVATIVES copy editor n.

copyhold

n. Brit. historical tenure of land based on manorial records.

copyholder

n.
1 Brit. historical a person who held land in copyhold.
2 a clasp or stand for holding sheets of text while it is keyed or typed.

copyist

n.
1 a person who makes copies.
2 a person who imitates the styles of others, especially in art.

copyleft

n. Computing an arrangement whereby software or artistic work may be used and distributed freely on condition that anything derived from it is bound by the same conditions.

- DERIVATIVES copylefted adj.

- ORIGIN 1980s: after copyright.

copyread

v. read and edit (text) for a newspaper, magazine, or book.

- DERIVATIVES copyreader n.

copyright

n. the exclusive and assignable legal right, given to the originator for a fixed number of years, to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material.
v. secure copyright for.

copyright library

n. a library entitled to a free copy of each book published in the UK.

copy typist

n. a person whose job is to type transcripts of written drafts.

copywriter

n. a person who writes the text of advertisements or publicity material.

- DERIVATIVES copywriting n.

coq au vin

/ /

n. a casserole of chicken pieces cooked in red wine.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘cock in wine’.

coquette

//

n.
1 a flirtatious woman.
2 a crested Central and South American hummingbird.   Lophornis and other genera.

- DERIVATIVES coquetry n. coquettish adj. coquettishly adv. coquettishness n.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., fem. of coquet ‘wanton’, dimin. of coq ‘cock’.

coquina

//

n.
1 a soft limestone of broken shells, used in road-making in the Caribbean and Florida.
2 a small American bivalve mollusc with a wedge-shaped shell.   Donax variabilis and related species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., lit. ‘cockle’, based on L. concha (see conch).

coquito

//

n. (pl. coquitos) a thick-trunked Chilean palm tree which yields large amounts of sweet sap and fibre.   Jubaea chilensis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., dimin. of coco ‘coconut’.

Cor.

abbrev.
1 US coroner.
2 Epistle to the Corinthians (in biblical references).

cor

exclam. Brit. informal expressing surprise, excitement, admiration, or alarm.

- ORIGIN 1930s: alt. of God.

cor-

prefix variant spelling of com- assimilated before r (as in corrode, corrugate).

coracle

//

n. (especially in Wales and Ireland) a small round boat made of wickerwork covered with a watertight material, propelled with a paddle.

- ORIGIN C16: from Welsh corwgl, cwrwgl, rel. to Sc. Gaelic and Ir. curach ‘small boat’; cf. currach.

coracoid

// (also coracoid process)

n. Anatomy a short projection from the shoulder blade in mammals, to which part of the biceps is attached.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. coracoides, from Gk korakoeids ‘raven-like’, from korax ‘raven’ (because of the resemblance to a raven's beak).

coral

n.
1 a hard stony substance secreted by certain colonial marine animals as an external skeleton, typically forming large reefs. precious red coral, used in jewellery.
2 the pinkish-red colour of red coral.
3 an anthozoan of a large group including those that form coral reefs, secreting a calcareous, horny, or soft skeleton.   Orders Scleractinia or Madreporaria (the reef-forming stony corals), Alcyonacea (soft corals), and Gorgonacea (horny corals).
4 the edible unfertilized roe of a lobster or scallop, reddening when cooked.

- DERIVATIVES coralloid adj. (chiefly Biology & Zoology).

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. corallum, from Gk korallion, kouralion.

Corallian

//

adj. Geology denoting an age in the Upper Jurassic period when extensive coral-derived limestone deposits were laid down.

- ORIGIN from L. corallium ‘coral’ + -an.

coralline

//

adj.
1 Geology derived or formed from coral.
2 resembling coral in colour or form.
n. a branching reddish seaweed with a calcareous jointed stem.   Corallina officinalis and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: the adjective from Fr. corallin or late L. corallinus, the noun from Ital. corallina, dimin. of corallo ‘coral’, both based on L. corallum ‘coral’.

corallite

//

n. Palaeontology the cup-like calcareous skeleton of a single coral polyp. a fossil coral.

coralroot

n.
1 a leafless saprophytic orchid with inconspicuous flowers.   Genus Corallorhiza: several species. another term for cockscomb (in sense 3).
2 (also coralroot bittercress) a woodland plant with purple flowers and bud-like swellings at the base of the stem.   Cardamine bulbifera.

coral snake

n. a brightly banded venomous snake of the cobra family.   Micrurus and other genera: numerous species.

coral tree

n. a tropical or subtropical thorny shrub or tree with showy red or orange flowers.   Genus Erythrina.

cor anglais

/ /, //

n. (pl. cors anglais pronunc. same) an alto woodwind instrument of the oboe family, having a bulbous bell and sounding a fifth lower than the oboe.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘English horn’.

corbel

//

n. a projection jutting out from a wall to support a structure above it.
v. (corbels, corbelling, corbelled; US corbels, corbeling, corbeled) [often as adj. corbelled] support on corbels.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., dimin. of corp ‘crow’, from L. corvus ‘raven’.

corbel table

n. a projecting course of bricks or stones resting on corbels.

corbicula

//

n. (pl. corbiculae //) Entomology another term for pollen basket.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L.

corbie

//

n. (pl. corbies) Scottish a raven, crow, or rook.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. corb, var. of corp (see corbel).

cord

n.
1 thin string or rope made from several twisted strands. a length of cord.
2 (also chord) an anatomical structure resembling a cord (e.g. the spinal cord).
3 an electric flex.
4 corduroy. (cords) corduroy trousers.
5 a measure of cut wood (usually 128 cu. ft, 3.62 cubic metres).
v. [usu. as adj. corded] attach a cord to.

- DERIVATIVES cording n. cord-like adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. corde, from L. chorda, from Gk khord ‘gut, string of a musical instrument’.

cordage

n. cords or ropes, especially in a ship's rigging.

cordate

//

adj. Botany & Zoology heart-shaped.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘wise’): from L. cordatus ‘wise’ (in mod. L. ‘heart-shaped’), from cor, cord- ‘heart’.

corded

adj.
1 (of cloth) ribbed.
2 (of a muscle) tensed and standing out.
3 equipped with a cord or flex.

Cordelier

//

n. a Franciscan Observant.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from cordelle ‘small rope’, dimin. of corde (see cord), from the knotted cord worn by the Cordeliers around the waist.

cordgrass

n. a coarse wiry coastal grass which is used to stabilize mudflats.   Genus Spartina.

cordial

adj.
1 warm and friendly.
2 strongly felt: cordial loathing.
n.
1 Brit. a sweet fruit-flavoured drink.
2 N. Amer. another term for liqueur.
3 a pleasant-tasting medicine.

- DERIVATIVES cordiality n. cordially adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. cordialis, from L. cor, cord- ‘heart’.

cordierite

//

n. a dark blue mineral consisting of an aluminosilicate of magnesium and iron.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French geologist Pierre L. A. Cordier.

cordillera

//

n. a system or group of parallel mountain ranges together with the intervening plateaux and other features, especially in the Andes or the Rocky Mountains.

- ORIGIN C18: Sp., from cordilla, dimin. of cuerda ‘cord’, from L. chorda (see cord).

cordite

n. a smokeless explosive made from nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and petroleum jelly.

- ORIGIN C19: from cord (because of its appearance) + -ite^1.

cordless

adj. (of an electrical appliance or telephone) working without connection to a mains supply or central unit.

cordoba

//

n. the basic monetary unit of Nicaragua, equal to 100 centavos.

- ORIGIN named after F. Fernández de Córdoba, a 16th-cent. Spanish governor of Nicaragua.

cordon

//

n.
1 a line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access to or from a place.
2 a fruit tree trained to grow as a single stem.
3 Architecture another term for string course.
v. (cordon something off) prevent access to or from a place by means of a cordon.

- ORIGIN ME: from Ital. cordone, augmentative of corda, and Fr. cordon, dimin. of corde, both from L. chorda (see cord).

cordon bleu

/ /

adj. (of cooking or a cook) of the highest class.
n. (pl. cordons bleus pronunc. same) a cordon bleu cook.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘blue ribbon’ (once signifying the highest order of chivalry in the reign of the Bourbon kings).

cordon sanitaire

/ /

n. (pl. cordons sanitaires pronunc. same)
1 a guarded line preventing anyone from leaving an area infected by a disease.
2 a measure designed to prevent communication or the spread of undesirable influences.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘sanitary line’.

cordovan

//

n. a kind of soft leather made originally from goatskin and now from horse hide.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. cordován, former spelling of cordobán ‘of Cordoba’ (a city in southern Spain).

corduroy

//, //

n. a thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from cord + duroy, denoting a former kind of lightweight worsted.

corduroy road

n. historical a road made of tree trunks laid across a swamp.

cordwainer

//

n. archaic a shoemaker (still used in the names of guilds).

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. cordewaner, from OFr. cordewan (see cordovan).

cordwood

n. wood cut into cords or uniform lengths.

CORE

abbrev. (in the US) Congress of Racial Equality.

core

n.
1 the tough central part of various fruits, containing the seeds.
2 the central or most important part. the dense metallic or rocky central region of a planet. the central part of a nuclear reactor, which contains the fissile material. a piece of soft iron forming the centre of an electromagnet or an induction coil.
3 an internal mould filling a space to be left hollow in a casting.
4 Archaeology a piece of flint from which flakes or blades have been removed.
5 a cylindrical sample of rock, ice, or other material obtained by boring with a hollow drill.
v. remove the core from (a fruit).

- PHRASES
to the core to the depths of one's being.

- DERIVATIVES corer n.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

-core

comb. form denoting types of rock or dance music that have an aggressive presentation.

- ORIGIN from core, on the pattern of hard core.

core dump

n. Computing a dump of the contents of main memory, carried out typically as an aid to debugging.

coreferential

//

adj. Linguistics (of two elements or units) having the same reference.

- DERIVATIVES coreference n.

co-religionist

(also coreligionist)

n. an adherent of the same religion as another person.

corella

//

n. a white Australasian cockatoo with some pink feathers on the face and bare blue skin around the eye.   Cacatua sanguinea (little corella) and other species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Wiradhuri.

coreopsis

//

n. (pl. coreopses) a plant of the daisy family, cultivated for its rayed, typically yellow, flowers.   Genus Coreopsis.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk koris ‘bug’ + opsis ‘appearance’ (because of the shape of the seed).

co-respondent

n. a person cited in a divorce case as having committed adultery with the respondent.

co-respondent shoes

pl. n. dated, humorous men's two-toned shoes.

core time

n. Brit. the central part of the working day in a flexitime system, when an employee must be present.

corf

//

n. (pl. corves) Brit. a wagon or large basket, formerly used for bringing coal out of a mine.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. korf, from L. corbis ‘basket’.

corgi

(also Welsh corgi)

n. (pl. corgis) a dog of a short-legged breed with a foxlike head.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Welsh, from cor ‘dwarf’ + ci ‘dog’.

coriaceous

//

adj. technical resembling or having the texture of leather.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. coriaceus (from L. corium ‘leather’) + -ous.

coriander

//

n. an aromatic Mediterranean plant of the parsley family, the leaves and seeds of which are used as culinary herbs.   Coriandrum sativum.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coriandre, from L. coriandrum, from Gk koriannon.

Corinthian

//

adj.
1 relating to Corinth, a city in southern Greece and a city state in ancient Greece.
2 relating to or denoting the most ornate of the classical orders of architecture, characterized by flared capitals with rows of acanthus leaves.
3 involving the highest standards of amateur sportsmanship.
n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Corinth.
2 the Corinthian order of architecture.

Coriolis effect

//

n. Physics an effect whereby a mass moving in a rotating system experiences a force perpendicular to the direction of motion and to the axis of rotation (influencing, for example, the formation of cyclonic weather systems).

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the French engineer Gaspard Coriolis.

corium

//

n. chiefly Zoology another term for dermis.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘skin’.

cork

n.
1 a buoyant, light brown substance obtained from the outer layer of the bark of the cork oak.
2 a bottle stopper made of cork.
3 a piece of cork used as a float for a fishing line or net.
4 Botany a protective layer of dead cells immediately below the bark of woody plants.
v.
1 close or seal (a bottle) with a cork. [as adj. corked] (of wine) spoilt by tannin from the cork.
2 Baseball illicitly hollow out (a bat) and fill it with cork to make it lighter.

- DERIVATIVES cork-like adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Du. and Low Ger. kork, from Sp. alcorque ‘cork-soled sandal’, from Arab. al- ‘the’ and (prob.) Sp. Arab. kurk, kork, based on L. quercus ‘oak, cork oak’.

corkage

n. a charge made by a restaurant or hotel for serving wine that has been brought in by a customer.

corker

n. informal an excellent person or thing.

- DERIVATIVES corking adj.

cork oak

n. an evergreen Mediterranean oak, the outer layer of the bark of which is the source of cork.   Quercus suber.

corkscrew

n. a device for pulling corks from bottles, consisting of a spiral metal rod that is inserted into the cork, and a handle.
v. move or twist in a spiral.

corkwood

n. a small tree yielding light porous wood.   Leitneria floridana (America) or Entelea arborescens (New Zealand).

corky

adj. (corkier, corkiest)
1 cork-like.
2 (of wine) corked.

corm

n. a rounded underground storage organ present in plants such as crocuses and cyclamens, consisting of a swollen stem base covered with scale leaves.

- DERIVATIVES cormlet n.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. cormus, from Gk kormos ‘trunk stripped of its boughs’.

cormorant

//

n. a large diving seabird with a long neck, long hooked bill, short legs, and mainly black plumage.   Phalacrocorax carbo and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cormaran, from med. L. corvus marinus ‘sea raven’; the final -t is on the pattern of words such as peasant.

corn^1

n.
1 Brit. the chief cereal crop of a district, especially (in England) wheat or (in Scotland) oats. the grain of any cereal crop. N. Amer. & Austral./NZ maize.
2 informal something banal or sentimental.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

corn^2

n. a small, painful area of thickened skin on the foot, especially on the toes, caused by pressure.

- ORIGIN ME: via Anglo-Norman Fr. from L. cornu ‘horn’.

cornball

adj. N. Amer. informal trite and sentimental.

cornbrash

n. Geology an earthy fossiliferous limestone occurring widely in England in a thin formation of Jurassic age.

- ORIGIN C19: from corn^1 + brash^2.

cornbread

n. a type of bread made from maize meal.

corn bunting

n. a large thickset bunting with brown streaked plumage, inhabiting open grassland and arable land.   Miliaria calandra.

corn circle

n. another term for crop circle.

corncob

n. the central cylindrical woody part of the maize ear to which the grains are attached.

corncockle

n. a pink-flowered Mediterranean plant which became a cornfield weed in Britain but is now rare.   Agrostemma githago.

- ORIGIN C18: from corn^1 + cockle (from OE coccul ‘corncockle’, perh. via L. from Gk kokkos ‘berry’).

corncrake

n. a secretive crake inhabiting coarse grasslands, with mainly brown streaked plumage and a distinctive double rasping call.   Crex crex.

corn dog

n. N. Amer. a hot dog covered in maize-flour batter, fried, and served on a stick.

corn dolly

n. Brit. a symbolic or decorative model of a human figure, made of plaited straw.

cornea

//

n. the transparent layer forming the front of the eye.

- DERIVATIVES corneal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. cornea tela ‘horny tissue’, from L. cornu ‘horn’.

corned

adj. (of food) preserved in brine.

corned beef

n.
1 Brit. beef preserved in brine, chopped and pressed and sold in tins.
2 N. Amer. beef brisket cured in brine and boiled, typically served cold.

cornel

//

n. a dogwood, especially of a dwarf variety.   Cornus suecica and other species.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the wood of the cornelian cherry): from OFr. corneille, from L. cornus.

cornelian

//

n. variant spelling of carnelian.

cornelian cherry

n.
1 a flowering shrub or small tree of the dogwood family, cultivated as an ornamental.   Cornus mas.
2 the edible oval red berry of the cornelian cherry.

- ORIGIN C17: cornelian from cornel + -ian.

corneous

//

adj. formal horn-like; horny.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. corneus (from cornu ‘horn’) + -ous.

corner

n.
1 a place or angle where two or more sides or edges meet. a place where two streets meet.
2 a secluded or remote region or area.
3 a difficult or awkward position.
4 a position in which one dominates the supply of a particular commodity.
5 (also corner kick) Soccer a free kick taken by the attacking side from a corner of the field after the ball has been sent over the byline by a defender. a similar free hit in field hockey.
6 Boxing & Wrestling each of the diagonally opposite ends of the ring, where a contestant rests between rounds. a contestant's supporters or seconds.
7 Brit. a triangular cut from the hind end of a side of bacon.
v.
1 force into a place or situation from which it is hard to escape.
2 go round a bend in a road.
3 control (a market) by dominating the supply of a particular commodity.

- PHRASES
(just) around the corner very near.
fight one's corner defend one's position or interests.
in someone's corner supporting and encouraging someone.

- DERIVATIVES -cornered adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., based on L. cornu ‘horn, tip, corner’.

cornerback

n. American Football a defensive back positioned to the outside of the linebackers.

corner boy

n. chiefly Irish a disreputable man or youth who spends his time loitering on the street.

cornerman

n. (pl. cornermen) a person whose job is to assist a boxer or wrestler at the corner between rounds.

corner shop

n. Brit. a small shop selling groceries and general goods in a mainly residential area.

cornerstone

n.
1 a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls.
2 an important quality or feature on which something is based: a minimum wage remained the cornerstone of policy.

cornerwise

adv. at an angle of 45°; diagonally.

cornet^1

//

n.
1 a brass instrument resembling a trumpet but shorter and wider.
2 Brit. a cone-shaped wafer for holding ice cream.

- DERIVATIVES cornetist // (also cornettist) n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a wind instrument made of a horn): from OFr., dimin. of a var. of L. cornu ‘horn’.

cornet^2

//

n. (formerly) the fifth grade of commissioned officer in a cavalry troop, who carried the colours. (in some British cavalry regiments) an officer of the rank of second lieutenant.

- DERIVATIVES cornetcy n. (pl. cornetcies).

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier denoting the pennant of a cavalry troop): from Fr. cornette, dimin. of corne (orig. a collective term), based on L. cornua ‘horns’.

cornetto

// (also cornett //, //)

n. (pl. cornetti or cornetts) a former woodwind instrument with finger holes and a cup-shaped mouthpiece.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital., dimin. of corno ‘horn’, from L. cornu.

corn exchange

n. (in the UK) a building where corn is or was traded.

corn-fed

adj. fed on grain, especially maize. US informal plump; well fed. US informal provincial; unsophisticated.

cornfield

n. a field in which corn is being grown.

cornflakes

pl. n. a breakfast cereal consisting of toasted flakes made from maize flour.

cornflour

n. Brit. finely ground maize flour, used for thickening sauces.

cornflower

n. a slender plant related to the knapweeds, with flowers that are typically a deep, vivid blue.   Centaurea cyaneus and related species.

cornice

//

n.
1 an ornamental moulding round the wall of a room just below the ceiling. a horizontal moulded projection crowning a building or structure, especially the uppermost member of the entablature of an order, surmounting the frieze.
2 an overhanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a mountain precipice.

- DERIVATIVES corniced adj. cornicing n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. corniche, from Ital. cornice, perh. from L. cornix ‘crow’ (cf. corbel), but influenced by Gk kornis ‘coping stone’.

corniche

//, //

n. a road cut into the edge of a cliff, especially one running along a coast.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. (see cornice).

Cornish

adj. relating to Cornwall, or its people or language.
n. the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, belonging to the Brythonic branch of the Celtic language group.

- DERIVATIVES Cornishman n. (pl. Cornishmen). Cornishwoman n. (pl. Cornishwomen).

Cornish pasty

n. Brit. a pasty containing seasoned meat and vegetables, especially potato.

corn marigold

n. a daisy-like yellow-flowered plant, formerly a common weed of cornfields.   Chrysanthemum segetum.

cornmeal

n. meal made from corn, especially (in the US) maize flour or (in Scotland) oatmeal.

corn oil

n. an oil obtained from the germ of maize, used in cookery and salad dressings.

corn pone

US

n. unleavened maize bread, originally as prepared by North American Indians.
adj. (cornpone) informal rustic; unsophisticated.

cornrows

pl. n. (especially among black people) a style of plaiting the hair in narrow strips to form geometric patterns on the scalp.

corn salad

n. another term for lamb's lettuce.

corn snake

n. a long North American rat snake with a spear-shaped mark between the eyes.   Elaphe guttata.

corn snow

n. chiefly N. Amer. snow with a rough granular surface resulting from alternate thawing and freezing.

- ORIGIN from corn in the dial. sense ‘granule’.

cornstarch

n. North American term for cornflour.

cornstone

n. a mottled red and green limestone.

cornu

//

n. (pl. cornua //) Anatomy
1 a horn-shaped projection of the thyroid cartilage or of certain bones.
2 either of the two lateral cavities of the womb, into which the Fallopian tubes pass.
3 each of three elongated parts of the lateral ventricles of the brain.

- DERIVATIVES cornual adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘horn’.

cornucopia

//

n.
1 a symbol of plenty consisting of a goat's horn overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn.
2 an abundant supply of good things: the festival offers a cornucopia of pleasures.

- DERIVATIVES cornucopian adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L., from L. cornu copiae ‘horn of plenty’ (a mythical horn able to provide whatever is desired).

corny

adj. (cornier, corniest) informal trite or mawkishly sentimental.

- DERIVATIVES cornily adv. corniness n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from an earlier sense ‘rustic, appealing to country folk’.

corolla

//

n. Botany the petals of a flower, typically forming a whorl within the sepals and enclosing the reproductive organs.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., dimin. of corona ‘wreath, crown’.

corollary

//

n. (pl. corollaries)
1 Logic a proposition that follows from (and is often appended to) one already proved.
2 a direct consequence or result.
adj.
1 Logic forming a corollary.
2 associated; supplementary.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. corollarium ‘money paid for a garland or chaplet; gratuity’ (in late L. ‘deduction’), from corolla (see corolla).

coromandel

//

n.
1 (also coromandel wood or coromandel ebony) a fine-grained, greyish-brown ebony streaked with black, used in furniture; calamander.
2 the Sri Lankan tree that yields coromandel.   Diospyros quaesita.
adj. denoting a form of oriental lacquerware with intaglio designs.

- ORIGIN C19: from the Coromandel Coast, the southern part of India's east coast, from which oriental lacquerware was orig. transported.

corona^1

//

n. (pl. coronae //)
1 Astronomy the rarefied gaseous envelope of the sun or a star. (also corona discharge) Physics the glow around a conductor at high potential. a small circle of light seen round the sun or moon.
2 Anatomy a crown or crown-like structure.
3 Botany the trumpet-shaped central part of a daffodil or narcissus flower.
4 a circular chandelier in a church.
5 Architecture a part of a cornice having a broad vertical face.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘wreath, crown’.

corona^2

//

n. a long, straight-sided cigar.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. La Corona, lit. ‘the crown’, orig. a proprietary name.

coronach

//, //

n. (in Scotland or Ireland) a funeral song.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sc. Gaelic corranach (Ir. coranach), from comh- ‘together’ + rànach ‘outcry’.

coronagraph

n. an instrument that blocks out light emitted by the sun's actual surface so that the corona can be observed.

coronal^1

//, //

adj.
1 relating to the crown or corona of something.
2 Anatomy of or in the coronal plane.
3 Phonetics (of a consonant) formed by raising the tip or blade of the tongue towards the hard palate.
n. Phonetics a coronal consonant.

coronal^2

//

n. a garland or wreath for the head. archaic a coronet.

- ORIGIN ME: appar. from Anglo-Norman Fr., from corune (see crown).

coronal bone

n. former term for frontal bone.

coronal plane

n. Anatomy an imaginary plane dividing the body into dorsal and ventral parts.

coronal suture

n. Anatomy the transverse suture in the skull separating the frontal bone from the parietal bones.

coronary

adj. Anatomy
1 relating to or denoting the arteries which surround and supply the heart.
2 relating to or denoting a structure encircling a part of the body.
n. (pl. coronaries) short for coronary thrombosis.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. coronarius, from corona ‘wreath, crown’.

coronary thrombosis

n. a blockage of the flow of blood to the heart, caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery.

coronation

n. the ceremony of crowning a sovereign or a sovereign's consort.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. coronatio(n-), from coronare ‘to crown’, from corona (see crown).

coronation chicken

n. a cold dish of cooked chicken served in a sauce flavoured with apricots and curry powder.

- ORIGIN so named because the dish was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

coronavirus

//

n. Medicine any of a group of RNA viruses that cause a variety of diseases in humans and other animals.

coroner

//

n.
1 an official who holds inquests into violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths.
2 historical an official responsible for safeguarding the private property of the Crown.

- DERIVATIVES coronership n. coronial adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. coruner, from corune (see crown); reflecting the L. title custos placitorum coronae ‘guardian of the pleas of the Crown’.

coronet

//

n.
1 a small or simple crown, especially as worn by lesser royalty and nobles. a circular decoration for the head.
2 a ring of bone at the base of a deer's antler.
3 the band of tissue containing the horn-producing cells from which a horse's hoof grows.

- DERIVATIVES coroneted adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coronete, dimin. of corone (see crown).

coronoid process

n. Anatomy
1 a flattened triangular projection above the angle of the jaw where the temporalis muscle is attached.
2 a projection from the front of the ulna.

- ORIGIN C18: coronoid from Gk korn (denoting something hooked) + -oid.

Corp.

abbrev.
1 (Corp) informal Corporal.
2 N. Amer. Corporation.

corpora

plural form of corpus.

corporal^1

n.
1 a rank of non-commissioned officer in the army, above lance corporal or private first class and below sergeant.
2 (also ship's corporal) Brit. historical a petty officer who attended solely to police matters, under the master-at-arms.
3 North American term for fallfish.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., obs. var. of caporal, from Ital. caporale, prob. based on L. corpus, corpor- ‘body (of troops)’.

corporal^2

adj. relating to the human body.

- DERIVATIVES corporally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. corporalis, from corpus, corpor- ‘body’.

corporal^3

n. a cloth on which the chalice and paten are placed during the celebration of the Eucharist.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. corporale (pallium) ‘body (cloth)’, from L. corpus, corpor- ‘body’.

corporality

n. rare material or corporeal existence.

corporal punishment

n. physical punishment, such as caning or flogging.

corporate

adj.
1 relating to a large company or group. Law (of a large company or group) authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law.
2 of or shared by all the members of a group.
n. a corporate company or group.

- DERIVATIVES corporately adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. corporat-, corporare ‘form into a body’, from corpus, corpor- ‘body’.

corporate raider

n. a financier who makes a practice of making hostile takeover bids for companies.

corporate state

n. a state governed by representatives of trades, professions, or industries rather than of geographical areas.

corporation

n.
1 a large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law.
2 Brit. a group of people elected to govern a city, town, or borough.
3 humorous, dated a paunch.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. corporatio(n-), from L. corporare (see corporate).

corporation tax

n. Brit. tax levied on companies' profits.

corporatism

n. the control of a state or organization by large interest groups.

- DERIVATIVES corporatist adj. & n.

corporative

adj. relating to or denoting a state, typically a fascist one, organized into corporations representing employers and workers in various spheres.

- DERIVATIVES corporativism n. corporativist adj. & n.

corporatize

(or corporatise)

v. convert (a state organization) into an independent commercial company.

- DERIVATIVES corporatization n.

corporator

n. Indian an elected member of a municipal corporation.

corporeal

//

adj.
1 relating to the body rather than the spirit. having a body.
2 Law consisting of material objects.

- DERIVATIVES corporeality // n. corporeally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. corporealis, from L. corporeus ‘bodily, physical’, from corpus, corpor- ‘body’.

corporeity

//, //

n. rare the quality of having a physical body or existence.

corposant

//

n. archaic an appearance of St Elmo's fire on a ship.

- ORIGIN C16: from Old Sp., Port., and Ital. corpo santo ‘holy body’.

corps

//

n. (pl. corps //)
1 a main subdivision of an army in the field, consisting of two or more divisions. a branch of an army assigned to particular work.
2 a group of people engaged in a particular activity: the press corps.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from L. corpus ‘body’.

corps de ballet

/ /

n. [treated as sing. or pl.] the members of a ballet company who dance together as a group. the lowest rank of dancers in a ballet company.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr.

corpse

n. a dead body, especially of a human.
v. theatrical slang spoil a piece of acting by forgetting one's lines or laughing uncontrollably.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of corse by assoc. with L. corpus.

corpse candle

n. a flickering flame seen just above the ground in a churchyard, regarded as an omen of death.

corpulent

//

adj. (of a person) fat.

- DERIVATIVES corpulence n. corpulency n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. corpulentus, from corpus ‘body’.

cor pulmonale

/ /, //

n. Medicine abnormal enlargement of the right side of the heart as a result of disease of the lungs or the pulmonary blood vessels.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cor ‘heart’ and mod. L. pulmonalis (from L. pulmo(n-) ‘lung’).

corpus

//

n. (pl. corpora or corpuses)
1 a collection of written texts. a collection of written or spoken material in machine-readable form.
2 Anatomy the main body or mass of a structure. the central part of the stomach, between the fundus and the antrum.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., lit. ‘body’.

corpus callosum

//

n. (pl. corpora callosa //) Anatomy a broad band of nerve fibres joining the two hemispheres of the brain.

- ORIGIN C18: from corpus and L. callosum, neut. of callosus ‘tough’.

corpus cavernosum

//

n. (pl. corpora cavernosa //) Anatomy either of two masses of erectile tissue forming the bulk of the penis and the clitoris.

- ORIGIN from corpus and L. cavernosum, neut. of cavernosus ‘containing hollows’.

Corpus Christi

/ /

n. a feast that commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘body of Christ’.

corpuscle

//

n.
1 Biology a minute body or cell in an organism, especially a red or white blood cell.
2 historical a minute particle regarded as the basic constituent of matter or light.

- DERIVATIVES corpuscular // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. corpusculum ‘small body’, dimin. of corpus.

corpus delicti

//

n. Law the facts and circumstances constituting a crime.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘body of offence’.

corpus luteum

//

n. (pl. corpora lutea //) Anatomy a hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary after an ovum has been discharged but degenerates after a few days unless pregnancy has begun.

- ORIGIN C18: from corpus and L. luteum, neut. of luteus ‘yellow’.

corpus spongiosum

//

n. (pl. corpora spongiosa //) Anatomy a mass of erectile tissue alongside the corpora cavernosa of the penis and terminating in the glans.

- ORIGIN from corpus and L. spongiosum, neut. of spongiosus ‘porous’.

corpus striatum

//

n. (pl. corpora striata //) Anatomy part of the basal ganglia of the brain, comprising the caudate and lentiform nuclei.

- ORIGIN from corpus and L. striatum, neut. of striatus ‘grooved’.

corral

//

n. N. Amer.
1 a pen for livestock on a farm or ranch.
2 historical a defensive enclosure of wagons in an encampment.
v. (corrals, corralling, corralled)
1 chiefly N. Amer. put or keep (livestock) in a corral. gather (a group) together.
2 N. Amer. historical form (wagons) into a corral.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. and Old Port. (now curral), perh. based on L. currere ‘to run’; cf. kraal.

correct

adj.
1 free from error; true or right.
2 conforming to accepted social standards. conforming to a particular political or ideological orthodoxy: environmentally correct.
v. put right. mark the errors in (a text). adjust (a numerical result or reading) to allow for departure from standard conditions.

- DERIVATIVES correctable adj. correctly adv. correctness n. corrector n.

- ORIGIN ME (as v.; the adj. is via Fr.): from L. correct-, corrigere, ‘make straight, amend’, from cor- ‘together’ + regere ‘guide’.

correction

n.
1 the action or process of correcting. a change that rectifies an error or inaccuracy. a quantity adjusting a numerical result to allow for a departure from standard conditions.
2 N. Amer. or dated punishment, especially that of criminals in prison.

- DERIVATIVES correctional adj. (chiefly N. Amer.).

correction fluid

n. an opaque liquid that may be painted over a typed or written error.

correctitude

//

n. conscious correctness in one's behaviour.

corrective

adj. intended to correct or counteract something undesirable.
n. a corrective measure.

- DERIVATIVES correctively adv.

correlate

//, //

v. have a relationship in which one thing affects or depends on another: most jobs do not directly correlate with GCSE subjects. establish a correlation between.
n. each of two or more related or complementary things.

- ORIGIN C17: back-form. from correlation and correlative.

correlation

n. a mutual relationship of interdependence between two or more things. the process of correlating. Statistics interdependence of variable quantities.

- DERIVATIVES correlational adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. correlatio(n-), from cor- ‘together’ + relatio (see relation).

correlation coefficient

n. Statistics a number between +1 and -1 calculated so as to represent the linear interdependence of two variables or sets of data.

correlative

//

adj.
1 having a correlation.
2 Grammar (of words such as neither and nor) corresponding to each other and regularly used together.
n. a correlative word or concept.

- DERIVATIVES correlatively adv. correlativity n.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. correlativus, from cor- ‘together’ + late L. relativus ‘having reference or relation’ (see relate).

correspond

v.
1 have a close similarity; match or agree almost exactly. be analogous or equivalent.
2 communicate by exchanging letters.

- DERIVATIVES corresponding adj. correspondingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. correspondre, from med. L. correspondere, from cor- ‘together’ + L. respondere (see respond).

correspondence

n.
1 the action of corresponding. a close similarity or equivalence.
2 letters sent or received.

correspondence course

n. a course of study in which student and tutors communicate by post.

correspondence principle

n. Physics the principle that states that for very large quantum numbers the laws of quantum theory merge with those of classical physics.

correspondent

n.
1 a person who writes letters on a regular basis.
2 a journalist reporting on a particular subject or from a particular country.
adj. corresponding.

corresponding member

n. an honorary member of a learned society who has no voice in the society's affairs.

corrida

//

n. a bullfight.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp. corrida de toros ‘running of bulls’.

corridor

n.
1 a long passage from which doors lead into rooms. Brit. a passage along the side of a railway carriage giving access to compartments.
2 a belt of land linking two other areas or following a road or river.

- PHRASES
the corridors of power the senior levels of government or administration.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Ital. corridore, alt. (by assoc. with corridore ‘runner’) of corridoio ‘running-place’, from correre ‘to run’, from L. currere.

corrie

//

n. (pl. corries) a cirque, especially one in the mountains of Scotland.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sc. Gaelic and Ir. coire ‘cauldron, hollow’.

corrigendum

//

n. (pl. corrigenda //) a thing to be corrected, especially an error in a book.

- ORIGIN C19: L., neut. gerundive of corrigere (see correct).

corrigible

//

adj. capable of being corrected or reformed.

- DERIVATIVES corrigibility n.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from med. L. corrigibilis, from L. corrigere ‘to correct’.

corroborate

//

v. confirm or give support to (a statement or theory).

- DERIVATIVES corroboration n. corroborative adj. corroborator n. corroboratory adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as corroboration in the sense ‘strengthening’): from L. corroborat-, corroborare, from cor- ‘together’ + roborare, from robur ‘strength’.

corroboree

//

n. an Australian Aboriginal dance ceremony in the form of a sacred ritual or informal gathering.

- ORIGIN from Dharuk garaabara, denoting a style of dancing.

corrode

//

v. (with reference to metal or other hard material) destroy or be destroyed slowly by chemical action. gradually weaken or erode.

- DERIVATIVES corrodible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. corrodere, from cor- (expressing intensive force) + rodere ‘gnaw’.

corrody

//

n. (pl. corrodies) historical a pension or provision for maintenance.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. corodie, from a Romance word meaning ‘preparation’.

corrosion

n. the process of corroding or being corroded. damage caused by corrosion.

corrosive

adj. tending to cause corrosion.
n. a corrosive substance.

- DERIVATIVES corrosively adv. corrosiveness n.

corrugate

//

v. contract into wrinkles or folds.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. corrugat-, corrugare ‘to wrinkle’, from cor- (expressing intensive force) + rugare (from ruga ‘a wrinkle’).

corrugated

adj. shaped into alternate ridges and grooves.

- DERIVATIVES corrugation n.

corrupt

adj.
1 willing to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain. evil or morally depraved.
2 (of a text or a computer database or program) made unreliable by errors or alterations.
3 archaic rotten or putrid.
v.
1 make corrupt: he was corrupted by power.
2 debase (a text, database, etc.) by introducing errors.
3 archaic infect or contaminate.

- DERIVATIVES corrupter n. corruptibility n. corruptible adj. corruptive adj. corruptly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. corrupt-, corrumpere ‘mar, bribe, destroy’, from cor- ‘altogether’ + rumpere ‘to break’.

corruption

n.
1 the action of corrupting or the state of being corrupt.
2 archaic the process of decay.

corsac fox

//

n. a russet-grey fox found on the steppes of central Asia.   Vulpes corsac.

- ORIGIN C19: corsac from Russ. korsak, from Turkic karsak.

corsage

//, //

n.
1 a spray of flowers worn pinned to a woman's clothes.
2 the upper part of a dress.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from OFr. cors ‘body’, from L. corpus.

corsair

//, //

n. archaic a pirate. historical a privateer, especially one operating along the southern shore of the Mediterranean.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. corsaire, from med. L. cursarius, from cursus ‘a raid, plunder’, special use of L. cursus ‘course’, from currere ‘to run’.

corse

//

n. archaic a corpse.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cors ‘body’, from L. corpus; cf. corpse.

corselet

n.
1 // historical a piece of armour covering the trunk.
2 variant spelling of corselette.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. corslet, dimin. of cors ‘body’.

corselette

//, // (also corselet)

n. a woman's undergarment combining corset and bra.

corset

n. a woman's tightly fitting undergarment extending from below the chest to the hips, worn to shape the figure. a similar garment worn to support a weak or injured back. historical a tightly fitting laced or stiffened outer bodice or dress.

- DERIVATIVES corseted adj. corsetry n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., dimin. of cors ‘body’, from L. corpus.

corsetière

//, //

n. a woman who makes or fits corsets.

- ORIGIN Fr., fem. of corsetier, from corset (see corset).

Corsican

n.
1 a native of Corsica.
2 the language of Corsica, originally a dialect of Italian.
adj. relating to Corsica or its language.

cortège

//, //

n.
1 a solemn procession, especially for a funeral.
2 a person's entourage.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Ital. corteggio, from corteggiare ‘attend court’, from corte ‘court’, from L. cohors, cohort- ‘retinue’.

Cortes

//, //

n. the legislative assembly of Spain and formerly of Portugal.

- ORIGIN Sp. and Port., pl. of corte ‘court’, from L. cohors, cohort- ‘retinue’.

cortex

//

n. (pl. cortices //)
1 Anatomy the outer layer of an organ or structure, such as a kidney or adrenal gland. (also cerebral cortex) the outer, folded layer of the cerebrum, which plays an important role in consciousness.
2 Botany an outer layer of tissue immediately below the epidermis of a stem or root.

- DERIVATIVES cortical adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., lit. ‘bark’.

corticate

//

adj. Botany having a cortex, bark, or rind.

- DERIVATIVES cortication n.

cortico-

comb. form representing cortex, used especially with reference to the adrenal and cerebral cortices.

corticosteroid

//, //

n. Biochemistry any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex.

corticosterone

//

n. Biochemistry a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex, one of the glucocorticoids.

corticotrophin

// (also corticotropin //)

n. Biochemistry another term for adrenocorticotrophic hormone.

cortisol

//

n. Biochemistry another term for hydrocortisone.

cortisone

//

n. Biochemistry a steroid hormone formed from hydrocortisone in the liver or made synthetically, used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy agent.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from elements of its chemical name 17-hydroxy-11-dehydrocorticosterone.

corundum

//

n. extremely hard crystallized alumina, used as an abrasive.

- ORIGIN C18: from Tamil kuruntam and Telugu kuruvindam.

coruscate

//

v. literary (of light) flash or sparkle.

- DERIVATIVES coruscant adj. coruscation n.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C15) as coruscation): from L. coruscat-, coruscare ‘glitter’.

corvée

//

n. historical
1 a day's unpaid labour owed by a vassal to his feudal lord.
2 forced labour exacted in lieu of taxes.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. corrogare ‘ask for, collect’.

corves

plural form of corf.

corvette

//

n. a small warship designed for convoy escort duty. historical a sailing warship with one tier of guns.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Du. korf, denoting a kind of ship, + the dimin. suffix -ette.

corvid

//

n. Ornithology a bird of the crow family (Corvidae).

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Corvidae, from L. corvus ‘raven’.

corvine

//

adj. of or like a raven or crow, especially in colour.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. corvinus, from corvus ‘raven’.

corybantic

//

adj. literary wild; frenzied.

- ORIGIN C17: from Corybantes, L. name of the priests of Cybele, a Phrygian goddess of nature, who performed wild dances, from Gk Korubantes + -ic.

corydalis

//

n. a herbaceous plant with spurred tubular flowers.   Corydalis lutea (yellow corydalis) and related species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk korudallis ‘crested lark’, from a similarity between the flower and the bird's spur.

corymb

//

n. Botany a flower cluster whose lower stalks are proportionally longer so that the flowers form a flat or slightly convex head.

- DERIVATIVES corymbose adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. corymbe or L. corymbus, from Gk korumbos ‘cluster’.

corynebacterium

//, //

n. (pl. corynebacteria //) a bacterium of a genus including the causative agent of diphtheria.   Genus Corynebacterium.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk korun ‘club’ + bacterium.

coryphée

//

n. a leading dancer in a corps de ballet.

- ORIGIN Fr., via L. from Gk koruphaios ‘leader of a chorus’, from koruph ‘head’.

coryza

//

n. Medicine catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, as caused by a cold.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk koruza ‘nasal mucus’.

cos^1

//

n. Brit. a variety of lettuce with crisp narrow leaves that form a tall head.

- ORIGIN C17: named after the Aegean island of Kos, where it originated.

cos^2

//, //

abbrev. cosine.

cos^3

//, // (also 'cos or coz)

conj. Brit. informal because.

Cosa Nostra

/ /

n. a US criminal organization resembling and related to the Mafia.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘our affair’.

cosec

//

abbrev. cosecant.

cosecant

//, //

n. Mathematics the ratio of the hypotenuse (in a right-angled triangle) to the side opposite an acute angle; the reciprocal of sine.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. cosecant-, from co- + L. secant-, secare ‘to cut’; cf. secant.

coset

//

n. Mathematics a set composed of all the products obtained by multiplying each element of a subgroup in turn by one particular element of the group containing the subgroup.

cosh^1

Brit.

n. a thick, heavy stick or bar used as a weapon.
v. hit on the head with a cosh.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

cosh^2

//, //

abbrev. Mathematics hyperbolic cosine.

- ORIGIN from cos^2 + -h for hyperbolic; cf. coth.

COSHH

abbrev. Brit. control of substances hazardous for health.

co-signatory

n. a person or state signing a treaty or other document jointly with others.

cosine

//

n. Mathematics the trigonometric function that is equal to the ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a right-angled triangle) to the hypotenuse.

co-sleeping

n. the practice of parents allowing a young child to sleep in the same bed as them.

- DERIVATIVES co-sleep v.

cosmetic

adj.
1 relating to treatment or products intended to improve a person's appearance.
2 affecting only the appearance of something: the reform package was merely a cosmetic exercise.
n. (usu. cosmetics) a cosmetic preparation, especially for the face.

- DERIVATIVES cosmetically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cosmétique, from Gk kosmtikos, from kosmein ‘arrange or adorn’, from kosmos ‘order or adornment’.

cosmetician

//

n. N. Amer. a person who sells or applies cosmetics as an occupation.

cosmetology

//

n. the professional skill or practice of cosmetic preparations and techniques.

- DERIVATIVES cosmetological adj. cosmetologist n.

cosmic

adj. relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from the earth.

- DERIVATIVES cosmical adj. cosmically adv.

cosmic dust

n. small particles of matter distributed throughout space.

cosmic radiation

n. radiation consisting of cosmic rays.

cosmic ray

n. a highly energetic atomic nucleus or other particle travelling through space at a speed approaching that of light.

cosmic string

n. see string (in sense 8).

cosmo-

//

comb. form relating to the world or the universe: cosmography.

- ORIGIN from Gk kosmos ‘order, world’.

cosmogenesis

//

n. the origin or evolution of the universe.

- DERIVATIVES cosmogenic adj.

cosmogony

//

n. (pl. cosmogonies) the branch of science concerned with the origin of the universe, especially the solar system.

- DERIVATIVES cosmogonic // adj. cosmogonical // adj. cosmogonist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk kosmogonia, from kosmos ‘order or world’ + -gonia ‘-begetting’.

cosmography

n. (pl. cosmographies)
1 the branch of science which deals with the general features of the universe, including the earth.
2 a description or representation of the universe or the earth.

- DERIVATIVES cosmographer n. cosmographic adj. cosmographical adj.

cosmology

n. (pl. cosmologies) the science of the origin and development of the universe. an account or theory of the origin of the universe.

- DERIVATIVES cosmological adj. cosmologist n.

cosmonaut

n. a Russian astronaut.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from cosmos^1, on the pattern of astronaut and Russ. kosmonavt.

cosmopolis

//

n. a city inhabited by people from many different countries.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kosmos ‘world’ + polis ‘city’.

cosmopolitan

//

adj.
1 familiar with or representative of many different countries and cultures. having an exciting and glamorous character associated with travel and a mixture of cultures.
2 (of a plant or animal) found all over the world.
n.
1 a cosmopolitan person, plant, or animal.
2 a cocktail made with Cointreau, lemon vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

- DERIVATIVES cosmopolitanism n. cosmopolitanize (or cosmopolitanise) v.

- ORIGIN C17 (as n.): from cosmopolite + -an.

cosmopolite

//

n. a cosmopolitan person.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Gk kosmopolits, from kosmos ‘world’ + polits ‘citizen’.

cosmos^1

n. the universe seen as a well-ordered whole.

- ORIGIN ME: from Gk kosmos ‘order or world’.

cosmos^2

n. an ornamental plant of the daisy family, which bears single dahlia-like flowers and is native to Mexico and warm regions of America.   Genus Cosmos.

- ORIGIN from Gk kosmos in the sense ‘ornament’.

Cossack

//

n. a member of a people of southern Russia, Ukraine, and Siberia, noted for their horsemanship and military skill.

- ORIGIN from Russ. kazak from Turkic, ‘vagabond, nomad’; later influenced by Fr. Cosaque (cf. Kazakh).

cosset

v. (cossets, cosseting, cosseted) care for and protect in an overindulgent way.

- ORIGIN C16 (as n. denoting a lamb brought up by hand, later a spoiled child): prob. from Anglo-Norman Fr. coscet ‘cottager’, from OE cotsæta ‘cottar’.

cossie

(also cozzie)

n. (pl. cossies) informal a swimming costume or a pair of swimming trunks.

cost

v. (past and past part. cost)
1 require the payment of (a specified sum) in order to be bought or obtained. cause or require the expenditure or loss of. informal be expensive for: it'll cost you.
2 (past and past part. costed) estimate the price or cost of.
n. the amount that something costs. the effort or loss necessary to achieve something. (costs) legal expenses, especially those allowed in favour of the winning party or against the losing party in a suit.

- PHRASES
at all costs (or at any cost) regardless of the price or the effort needed.
at cost at cost price.
cost someone dear (or dearly) involve someone in a serious loss or a heavy penalty.
to someone's cost with loss or disadvantage to someone.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coust (n.), couster (v.), based on L. constare ‘stand firm, stand at a price’.

costa

n. (pl. costae //)
1 Botany & Zoology a rib, midrib, or rib-like structure.
2 Entomology the main vein running along the leading edge of an insect's wing.

- DERIVATIVES costal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L.

cost accounting

n. the recording of all the costs incurred in a business in a way that can be used to improve its management.

- DERIVATIVES cost accountant n.

co-star

n. a performer appearing with another or others of equal importance.
v. appear in a production as a co-star. (of a production) include as a co-star.

Costard

//, //

n. Brit. a cooking apple of a large ribbed variety.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., from coste ‘rib’, from L. costa.

Costa Rican

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Costa Rica, a republic in Central America.
adj. relating to Costa Rica.

costate

//

adj. Botany & Zoology ribbed; possessing a costa.

cost–benefit

adj. relating to or denoting a process that assesses the relation between the cost of an undertaking and the value of the resulting benefits: a cost–benefit analysis.

cost centre

n. a department or other unit within an organization to which costs may be charged for accounting purposes.

cost-effective

adj. effective or productive in relation to its cost.

- DERIVATIVES cost-effectively adv. cost-effectiveness n.

cost-efficient

adj. another term for cost-effective.

- DERIVATIVES cost-efficiency n.

coster

n. short for costermonger.

costermonger

//

n. Brit. dated a person who sells goods, especially fruit and vegetables, from a handcart in the street.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting an apple seller): from Costard + -monger.

costing

n. the estimated cost of producing or undertaking something.

costive

//

adj. constipated.

- DERIVATIVES costively adv. costiveness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. constipare (see constipated).

costly

adj. (costlier, costliest)
1 expensive.
2 causing suffering, loss, or disadvantage.

- DERIVATIVES costliness n.

costmary

//

n. (pl. costmaries) an aromatic plant of the daisy family, formerly used in medicine and for flavouring ale prior to the use of hops.   Balsamita major.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. cost (via L. from Gk kostos, via Arab. from Sanskrit kustha, denoting an aromatic plant) + Mary, the mother of Christ.

cost-of-carry

n. Finance the difference between the cost and the financial benefit of holding a particular asset for a specified period.

cost of living

n. the level of prices relating to a range of everyday items.

cost-of-living index

n. another term for retail price index.

cost-plus

adj. denoting a method of pricing something in which a fixed profit factor is added to the costs.

cost price

n. the price at which goods are bought by a retailer.

costume

n. a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period. a set of clothes worn by an actor or performer for a role. Brit. dated a woman's matching jacket and skirt.
v. dress in a particular set of clothes.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Ital. costume ‘custom, fashion, habit’, from L. consuetudo (see custom).

costume drama

n. a television or cinema production set in a historical period.

costume jewellery

n. jewellery made with inexpensive materials or imitation gems.

costumier

// (US also costumer //)

n. a maker or supplier of theatrical or fancy-dress costumes.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from costumer (see costume).

cosy

(US cozy)

adj. (cosier, cosiest)
1 comfortable, warm, and secure.
2 not seeking or offering challenge or difficulty. informal, derogatory (of a transaction or arrangement) beneficial to all those involved and possibly somewhat unscrupulous.
n. (pl. cosies)
1 a cover to keep a teapot or a boiled egg hot.
2 Brit. a canopied corner seat for two.
v. (cosies, cosying, cosied) informal make (someone) feel cosy. (cosy up to) snuggle up to or ingratiate oneself with.

- DERIVATIVES cosily adv. cosiness n.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. Scots): of unknown origin.

cot^1

n. Brit. a small bed with high barred sides for a baby or very young child. a plain narrow bed. N. Amer. a camp bed. Nautical a bed resembling a hammock hung from deck beams, formerly used by officers.

- ORIGIN C17: from Hindi kht ‘bedstead, hammock’.

cot^2

n.
1 a small shelter for livestock.
2 archaic a small, simple cottage.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin; rel. to cote.

cot^3

abbrev. Mathematics cotangent.

cotangent

//

n. Mathematics (in a right-angled triangle) the ratio of the side (other than the hypotenuse) adjacent to a particular acute angle to the side opposite the angle.

cot death

n. Brit. the unexplained death of a baby in its sleep.

cote

n. a shelter for mammals or birds, especially pigeons.

- ORIGIN OE (in the sense ‘cottage’), of Gmc origin; rel. to cot^2.

coterie

//

n. (pl. coteries) a small exclusive group of people with shared interests or tastes.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., based on Mid. Low Ger. kote ‘cote’.

coterminous

//

adj. having the same boundaries or extent.

- ORIGIN C18: alt. of conterminous.

coth

//, //

abbrev. hyperbolic cotangent.

- ORIGIN from cot^3 + -h for hyperbolic.

co-tidal line

n. a line on a map connecting points at which a tidal level, especially high tide, occurs simultaneously.

cotillion

//

n.
1 an 18th-century French dance based on the contredanse. US a quadrille.
2 US a formal ball, especially one at which debutantes are presented.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. cotillon, lit. ‘petticoat dance’, dimin. of cotte, from OFr. cote.

cotinga

//

n. a perching bird found in the forests of Central and South America, the male of which is typically brilliantly coloured.   Cotinga and other genera: numerous species.

- ORIGIN via Fr. from Tupi cutinga.

cotoneaster

//

n. a small-leaved shrub of the rose family, cultivated as a hedging plant or for its bright red berries.   Genus Cotoneaster.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from L. cotoneum (see quince) + -aster.

Cotswold

//

n. a sheep of a breed with fine wool, often used to produce cross-bred lambs.

- ORIGIN from the Cotswold Hills in central England.

cotta

//

n. a short garment resembling a surplice, worn typically by Catholic priests and servers.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ital.; rel. to coat.

cottage

n.
1 a small, simple house, typically one in the country.
2 informal (in the context of casual homosexual encounters) a public toilet.
v. [usu. as noun cottaging] informal perform homosexual acts in a public toilet.

- DERIVATIVES cottagey adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. cotage and Anglo-Latin cotagium, from cot^2 or cote.

cottage cheese

n. soft, lumpy white cheese made from the curds of skimmed milk.

cottage garden

n. an informal garden stocked typically with colourful flowering plants.

cottage hospital

n. Brit. a small local hospital.

cottage industry

n. a business or manufacturing activity carried on in people's homes.

cottage loaf

n. Brit. a loaf made from two round pieces of dough, the smaller on top of the larger.

cottage pie

n. Brit. a dish of minced meat topped with browned mashed potato.

cottager

n. a person living in a cottage.

cottar

// (also cotter)

n. historical (in Scotland and Ireland) a farm labourer or tenant occupying a cottage in return for labour.

- ORIGIN OE, from cot^2 + -ar^4.

cotter pin

n. a metal pin used to fasten two parts of a mechanism together. a split pin that is opened out after being passed through a hole.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

cottier

//

n.
1 archaic a rural labourer living in a cottage.
2 historical an Irish peasant holding land by cottier tenure.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cotier, ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to cot^2.

cottier tenure

n. historical (in Ireland) the letting of land in small portions direct to the labourers, at a rent fixed by competition.

cottise

// (also cotise)

n. Heraldry a narrow band adjacent and parallel to an ordinary such as a bend or chevron.

- DERIVATIVES cottised adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. cotice ‘leather thong’.

cotton

n.
1 a soft white fibrous substance which surrounds the seeds of the cotton plant and is used as textile fibre and thread for sewing. fabric made from cotton fibre.
2 (also cotton plant) the tropical and subtropical plant commercially grown to make cotton fabric and thread.   Genus Gossypium.
3 (also cotton batting) N. Amer. cotton wool.
v. informal
1 (cotton on) begin to understand.
2 (cotton to) N. Amer. have a liking for.

- DERIVATIVES cottony adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coton, from Arab. kutn.

cotton bud

n. Brit. a small wad of cotton wool on a short, thin stick, used for cosmetic purposes or for cleaning the ears.

cotton cake

n. compressed cotton seed, used as food for cattle.

cotton candy

n. N. Amer. candyfloss.

cotton grass

n. a sedge producing tufts of long white silky hairs which aid in the dispersal of the seeds.   Genus Eriophorum.

cotton lavender

n. a small aromatic shrubby plant of the daisy family, with silvery or greenish foliage and yellow button flowers.   Genus Santolina: several species.

cottonmouth

(also cottonmouth moccasin)

n. a large, dangerous semiaquatic pit viper of the south-eastern US, which opens its mouth wide to display the white interior when threatening.   Agkistrodon piscivorus.

cotton-picking

adj. N. Amer. informal used for emphasis: just a cotton-picking minute!

cotton spinner

n. a dark sea cucumber of shallow seas which ejects long sticky threads when disturbed.   Holothuria forskali.

cotton swab

n. N. Amer. a cotton bud.

cottontail

n. an American rabbit which has a speckled brownish coat and a white underside to the tail.   Genus Sylvilagus.

cotton waste

n. scraps of waste cotton yarn used to clean machinery.

cottonweed

n. a yellow-flowered aromatic plant of the daisy family, with silvery felted leaves and stems.   Otanthus maritimus.

cottonwood

n.
1 a North American poplar with seeds covered in white cottony hairs.   Populus deltoides and other species.
2 any of a number of downy-leaved Australasian shrubs.   Pomaderris phylicifolia (a buckthorn) and Bedfordia salicina (daisy family).

cotton wool

n.
1 Brit. fluffy wadding of a kind originally made from raw cotton, used especially for cleaning the skin or bathing wounds.
2 US raw cotton.

- PHRASES
wrap someone in cotton wool be overprotective towards someone.

cotyledon

//

n.
1 Botany an embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants, one or more of which are the first leaves to appear from a germinating seed.
2 a succulent plant of the stonecrop family.   Genus Cotyledon.

- DERIVATIVES cotyledonary adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘navelwort’, from Gk kotuldn ‘cup-shaped cavity’.

coucal

//, //

n. a large, ungainly ground-dwelling bird of the cuckoo family.   Genera Centropus and Coua: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., perh. a blend of coucou ‘cuckoo’ and alouette ‘lark’.

couch^1

//

n. a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on. a reclining seat with a headrest at one end on which a psychoanalyst's subject or doctor's patient lies while undergoing treatment.
v.
1 (usu. be couched in) express in language of a specified style.
2 literary lie down.
3 archaic lower (a spear) to the position for attack.
4 chiefly historical treat (a cataract) by pushing the lens of the eye downwards and backwards, out of line with the pupil.
5 (in embroidery) fix (a thread) to a fabric by stitching it down flat with another thread.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. couche (n.), coucher (v.), from L. collocare (see collocation).

couch^2

//, // (also couch grass)

n. a coarse grass with long creeping roots.   Elymus repens and other species.

- ORIGIN C16: var. of quitch.

couchant

//

adj. [usu. postpos.] Heraldry (of an animal) lying with the body resting on the legs and the head raised.

- ORIGIN ME: Fr., ‘lying’, pres. part. of coucher (see couch^1).

couchette

//

n. a railway carriage with seats that are convertible into sleeping berths. a berth in such a carriage.

- ORIGIN Fr., dimin. of couche ‘a couch’.

couch potato

n. informal a person who spends a great deal of their leisure time watching television.

cougar

//

n. North American term for puma.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. couguar, abbrev. of mod. L. cuguarcarana, from Guarani guaçuarana.

cough

v.
1 expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound.
2 (of an engine) make a sudden harsh noise, especially as a sign of malfunction.
3 (cough up) informal give something, especially money, reluctantly. Brit. reveal information; confess.
n. an act or sound of coughing. a condition of the respiratory organs causing coughing.

- DERIVATIVES cougher n.

- ORIGIN ME: of imitative origin.

cough drop

(also cough sweet)

n. a medicated lozenge sucked to relieve a cough.

cough mixture

n. Brit. liquid medicine taken to relieve a cough.

could

modal v. past of can^1. used in making suggestions or polite requests: could I use the phone?

USAGE

For a discussion on the use of could of instead of could have, see usage at have.

couldn't

contr. could not.

coulee

//

n. N. Amer. a deep ravine.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. coulée ‘(lava) flow’.

coulibiac

// (also koulibiac)

n. a Russian fish or meat pie.

- ORIGIN from Russ. kulebyaka.

coulis

//

n. (pl. same) a thin fruit or vegetable purée, used as a sauce.

- ORIGIN Fr., from couler ‘to flow’.

coulisse

//

n. a flat piece of scenery at the side of the stage in a theatre. (the coulisses) the wings.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., fem. of coulis ‘sliding’.

couloir

//

n. a steep, narrow gully on a mountainside.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., ‘gully, corridor’.

coulomb

// (abbrev.: C)

n. Physics the SI unit of electric charge, equal to the quantity of electricity conveyed in one second by a current of one ampere.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French military engineer Charles-Augustin de Coulomb.

Coulomb's law

//

n. Physics a law stating that like electric charges repel and opposite charges attract, with a force proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

coulter

// (US colter)

n. a vertical cutting blade fixed in front of a ploughshare. the part of a seed drill that makes the furrow for the seed.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. culter ‘knife or ploughshare’.

coumarin

//

n. Chemistry a vanilla-scented organic compound found in many plants.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. coumarine, from coumarou, via Port. and Sp. from Tupi cumarú ‘tonka bean’.

coumarone

//

n. Chemistry an organic compound used to make thermoplastic resins for paints and varnishes.

- ORIGIN C19: from coumarin + -one.

council

n.
1 a formally constituted advisory, deliberative, or administrative body. a body elected to manage the affairs of a city, county, or district.
2 [as modifier] Brit. denoting housing provided by a local council.

- ORIGIN OE: from Anglo-Norman Fr. cuncile, from L. concilium ‘convocation, assembly’; cf. counsel.

councillor

(US also councilor)

n. a member of a council.

- DERIVATIVES councillorship n.

USAGE

On the difference between councillor and counsellor, see usage at counsellor.

councilman

(or councilwoman)

n. (pl. councilmen or councilwomen) US a councillor.

council of war

n. a gathering of military officers in wartime. a meeting held to plan a response to an emergency.

council tax

n. a tax levied on households by local authorities in the UK, based on the estimated value of a property.

counsel

n.
1 advice, especially that given formally. archaic consultation.
2 (pl. same) a barrister or other legal adviser conducting a case.
v. (counsels, counselling, counselled; US counsels, counseling, counseled)
1 give advice to. recommend (a course of action).
2 [often as noun counselling] give professional help and advice to (someone) to resolve personal, social, or psychological problems.

- PHRASES
a counsel of despair an action to be taken when all else fails.
a counsel of perfection advice that is ideal but not feasible.
keep one's own counsel not confide in others.
take counsel discuss a problem.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. counseil (n.), conseiller (v.), from L. consilium ‘consultation, advice’, rel. to consulere (see consult); cf. council.

counsellor

(US counselor)

n.
1 a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems.
2 a senior officer in the diplomatic service.
3 (also counselor-at-law) US & Irish a barrister.

USAGE

The words counsellor and councillor are often confused. A counsellor is a person who gives advice or counsel, especially on personal problems (a marriage counsellor), whereas a councillor is a member of a city, county, or other council (she stood as a Labour candidate for city councillor).

Counsellor of State

n. (in the UK) a temporary regent during a sovereign's absence.

count^1

v.
1 determine the total number of.
2 recite numbers in ascending order. (count down) recite or display numbers backwards to zero to indicate remaining time, especially before the launch of a rocket. (count something out) take out items one by one, keeping a note of how many one takes. (count someone out) complete a count of ten seconds over a fallen boxer to indicate defeat. (count something out) Brit. procure the adjournment of the House of Commons when fewer than forty members are present.
3 take into account; include. (count someone in or out) include (or not include) someone in a planned activity.
4 regard or be regarded as possessing a quality or fulfilling a role: people she had counted as her friends.
5 matter; be significant: it was the critics that counted.
6 (count on/upon) rely on.
n.
1 an act of counting. the total determined by counting. a referee's count of up to ten seconds when a boxer is knocked down.
2 a point for discussion or consideration. Law a separate charge in an indictment.
3 the measure of the fineness of a yarn or woven fabric.

- PHRASES
count one's blessings be grateful for what one has.
count the cost calculate the consequences of a careless or foolish action.
count the days (or hours) be impatient for time to pass.
keep (or lose) count take note of (or forget) the number or amount when counting.
out (or N. Amer. also down) for the count Boxing defeated by being knocked to the ground and unable to rise within ten seconds.

- DERIVATIVES countable adj. countably adv.

- ORIGIN ME (as n.): from OFr. counte (n.), counter (v.), from L. computare (see compute).

count^2

n. a foreign nobleman whose rank corresponds to that of an earl.

- DERIVATIVES countship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conte, from L. comes, comit- ‘companion, overseer, attendant’.

countback

n. a method of deciding the winner of a tied game or competition by awarding it to the contestant with the better score in the later part.

countdown

n.
1 an act of counting down to zero, especially before the launching of a rocket.
2 the final moments before a significant event.
3 a digital display that counts down.

countenance

//, //

n.
1 a person's face or facial expression.
2 formal support or approval.
v. admit as acceptable or possible.

- PHRASES
keep one's countenance maintain one's composure.
out of countenance disconcerted or unpleasantly surprised.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contenance ‘bearing, behaviour’, from contenir (see contain).

counter^1

n.
1 a long flat-topped fitment across which business is conducted in a shop or food and drinks are served. N. Amer. a worktop.
2 a small disc used in board games for keeping the score or as a place marker. a token representing a coin.
3 a factor used to give one party an advantage in negotiations.
4 a person or thing that counts something. Physics an apparatus used for counting individual ionizing particles or events.

- PHRASES
over the counter by ordinary retail purchase, with no need for a prescription or licence. (of share transactions) taking place outside the stock exchange system.
under the counter (or table) (with reference to goods bought or sold) surreptitiously and illegally.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense 2): from OFr. conteor, from med. L. computatorium, from L. computare (see compute).

counter^2

v.
1 speak or act in opposition or response to.
2 Boxing give a return blow while parrying.
adv. (counter to) in the opposite direction to or in conflict with.
adj. responding to something of the same kind, especially in opposition: argument and counter argument.
n.
1 an act or speech which counters something else.
2 Boxing a counterpunch.
3 the curved part of the stern of a ship projecting aft above the waterline.
4 Printing the white space enclosed by a letter such as O or c.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contre, from L. contra ‘against’.

counter^3

n. the back part of a shoe or boot, enclosing the heel.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of counterfort ‘buttress’, from Fr. contrefort.

counter-

prefix denoting opposition, retaliation, or rivalry: counter-attack. denoting movement or effect in the opposite direction: counterpoise. denoting correspondence, duplication, or substitution: counterpart.

- ORIGIN from Anglo-Norman Fr. countre-, OFr. contre, from L. contra ‘against’.

counteract

v. act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it.

- DERIVATIVES counteraction n. counteractive adj.

counter-attack

n. an attack made in response to one by an enemy or opponent.
v. attack in response.

- DERIVATIVES counter-attacker n.

counter-attraction

n. a rival attraction.

counterbalance

n. //
1 a weight that balances another.
2 a factor having the opposite effect to that of another, preventing it from exercising a disproportionate influence.
v. // be a counterbalance to.

counterblast

n. a strongly worded reply to someone else's views.

counterbore

n.
1 a drilled hole which has a wider section at the top.
2 a drill whose bit has a uniform smaller diameter near the tip, for drilling counterbores.
v. drill a counterbore in.

counterchange

v. literary chequer with contrasting colours. Heraldry interchange the tinctures of (a charge) with that of a divided field.
n.
1 change that is opposite in effect to a previous change.
2 patterning in which a dark motif on a light ground alternates with the same motif light on a dark ground.

countercharge

n. an accusation made in turn by someone against their accuser.

counterclaim

n. a claim made to rebut a previous claim. Law a claim made by a defendant against a plaintiff.
v. chiefly Law make a counterclaim.

counterclockwise

adv. & adj. North American term for anticlockwise.

counterculture

n. a way of life and set of attitudes at variance with the prevailing social norm.

countercurrent

n. a current flowing in an opposite direction to another.

counter-espionage

n. activities designed to prevent or thwart spying by an enemy.

counterfactual

Philosophy

adj. relating to or expressing what has not happened or is not the case.
n. a counterfactual conditional statement (e.g. If kangaroos had no tails, they would topple over).

counterfeit

adj. made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud. archaic pretended; sham.
n. a forgery.
v. imitate fraudulently. literary resemble closely.

- DERIVATIVES counterfeiter n.

- ORIGIN ME (as v.): from Anglo-Norman Fr. countrefeter, from OFr. contrefait, contrefaire, from L. contra- ‘in opposition’ + facere ‘make’.

counterfoil

n. Brit. the part of a cheque, ticket, etc. that is kept as a record by the person issuing it.

counter-insurgency

n. military or political action taken against guerrillas or revolutionaries.

counter-intelligence

n. counter-espionage.

counter-intuitive

adj. contrary to intuition or to common-sense expectation.

- DERIVATIVES counter-intuitively adv.

counterirritant

n. chiefly historical something such as heat or an ointment that is used to produce surface irritation of the skin, thereby counteracting underlying pain or discomfort.

- DERIVATIVES counterirritation n.

countermand

//

v. revoke (an order). declare (voting) invalid.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contremander (v.), contremand (n.), from med. L. contramandare, from L. contra- ‘against’ + mandare ‘to order’.

countermeasure

n. an action taken to counteract a danger or threat.

countermove

n. a move or other action made in opposition to another.

- DERIVATIVES countermovement n.

counteroffensive

n. an attack made in response to one from an enemy.

counterpane

n. dated a bedspread.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of counterpoint, based on med. L. culcitra puncta ‘quilted mattress’.

counterpart

n.
1 a person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another.
2 Law each of two copies of a legal document.

counterplot

n. a plot intended to thwart another plot.

counterpoint

n.
1 Music the technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules. a melody played in conjunction with another.
2 a thing forming a pleasing or notable contrast with something else.
v.
1 Music add counterpoint to (a melody).
2 emphasize by contrast.
3 compensate for.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contrepoint, from med. L. contrapunctum in sense ‘(song) marked over against (the original melody)’.

counterpoise

n. a factor or force that balances or neutralizes another. archaic a state of equilibrium. a counterbalancing weight.
v. have an opposing and balancing effect on. bring into contrast.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. contrepois from contre ‘against’ + pois from L. pensum ‘weight’; cf. poise^1.

counterpose

v. set against or in opposition to.

- DERIVATIVES counterposition n.

counterproductive

adj. having the opposite of the desired effect.

counterpunch

Boxing

n. a punch thrown in return for one received.
v. throw a counterpunch.

- DERIVATIVES counterpuncher n.

Counter-Reformation

n. the reform of the Church of Rome in the 16th and 17th centuries which was stimulated by the Protestant Reformation.

counter-revolution

n. a revolution opposing a former one or reversing its results.

- DERIVATIVES counter-revolutionary adj. & n.

counterrotate

v. rotate in opposite directions, especially about the same axis.

- DERIVATIVES counterrotation n.

counterscarp

n. the outer wall of a ditch in a fortification.

countershading

n. Zoology protective coloration used by some animals in which parts normally in shadow are light and those exposed to the sky are dark.

- DERIVATIVES countershaded adj.

countershaft

n. a machine driveshaft that transmits motion from the main shaft to where it is required.

countersign

v. add a signature to (a document already signed by another person).
n. archaic a signal or password given in reply to a soldier on guard.

- DERIVATIVES countersignature n.

countersink

v. (past and past part. countersunk) enlarge and bevel the rim of (a drilled hole) so that a screw or bolt can be inserted flush with the surface. drive (a screw or bolt) into such a hole.

counterstroke

n. an attack carried out in retaliation.

countertenor

n. Music the highest male adult singing voice.

counterterrorism

n. political or military activities designed to prevent or thwart terrorism.

- DERIVATIVES counterterrorist n.

countertop

n. N. Amer. a worktop.

countertrade

n. international trade by exchange of goods rather than by currency purchase.

counter-transference

n. Psychoanalysis the emotional reaction of the analyst to the subject's contribution.

countervail

//

v. [usu. as adj. countervailing] offset the effect of (something) by countering it with something of equal force.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. contrevaloir, from L. contra valere ‘be of worth against’.

countervailing duty

n. an import tax imposed on certain goods in order to prevent dumping or counter export subsidies.

countervalue

n. Brit. an equivalent or equal, especially in military strategy.

counterweight

n. a counterbalancing weight.

countess

n. the wife or widow of a count or earl. a woman holding the rank of count or earl.

countian

n. US an inhabitant of a specified county.

counting

prep. taking account of; including: there were three of us, or four counting the baby.

counting house

n. historical a place where the accounts and money of a person or company were kept.

countless

adj. too many to be counted; very many.

count noun

n. Grammar a noun that can form a plural and, in the singular, can be used with the indefinite article (e.g. books, a book). Contrasted with mass noun.

Count Palatine

n. historical a feudal lord having royal authority within a region of a kingdom. a high official of the Holy Roman Empire with royal authority within his domain.

countrified

(also countryfied)

adj. characteristic of the country, especially in being unsophisticated.

country

n. (pl. countries)
1 a nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory.
2 (often the country) districts outside large urban areas.
3 an area or region with regard to its physical features: a tract of wild country.

- PHRASES
across country not keeping to roads.
go to the country Brit. dissolve Parliament and hold a general election.
one's line of country Brit. a subject in which one is skilled or knowledgeable.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cuntree, from med. L. contrata (terra) ‘(land) lying opposite’, from L. contra ‘against, opposite’.

country and western

n. country music.

country club

n. a club with sporting and social facilities, set in a rural area.

country cousin

n. an unsophisticated and provincial person.

country dance

n. a traditional type of social English dance, in particular one performed by couples facing each other in long lines.

countryfied

adj. variant spelling of countrified.

country house

n. Brit. a large house in the country, typically the seat of a wealthy or aristocratic family.

countryman

(or countrywoman)

n. (pl. countrymen or countrywomen)
1 a person living or born in the country.
2 a person from the same country as someone else: my fellow countryman.

country mile

n. informal a very long way.

country music

n. a form of popular music that originates in the rural southern US, characteristically featuring guitar and pedal steel guitar.

country rock^1

n. Geology the rock which encloses a mineral deposit, igneous intrusion, or other feature.

country rock^2

n. a type of popular music that is a blend of rock and country music.

countryside

n. the land and scenery of a rural area.

countrywide

adj. & adv. extending throughout a nation.

county

n. (pl. counties)
1 a territorial division of some countries, forming the chief unit of local administration. US a political and administrative division of a state.
2 [as modifier] Brit. of or denoting aristocratic people with an ancestral home in a particular county.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. conte, from L. comitatus, from comes, comit- (see count^2).

county borough

n. (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) a large town formerly having the administrative status of a county.

county commissioner

n. Brit. a Justice of the Peace on the commission of the peace of a county.

county corporate

n. Brit. historical a city or town that ranks as an administrative county.

county council

n. (in the UK) the elected governing body of an administrative county.

- DERIVATIVES county councillor n.

county court

n. (in England and Wales) a judicial court for civil cases. US a court for civil and criminal cases.

County Palatine

n. historical (in England and Ireland) a county in which royal privileges and exclusive rights of jurisdiction were held by its earl or lord.

county town

(N. Amer. county seat)

n. the town that is the administrative capital of a county.

coup

//

n. (pl. coups //)
1 (also coup d'état) a sudden violent seizure of power from a government.
2 an unexpected and notably successful act.
3 Billiards a direct pocketing of the cue ball, which is a foul stroke.
4 historical (among North American Indians) an act of touching an enemy, as a deed of bravery.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from med. L. colpus (see cope^1).

coup de foudre

/ /

n. (pl. coups de foudre pronunc. same) a sudden unforeseen event, especially love at first sight.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘stroke of lightning’.

coup de grâce

/ /

n. (pl. coups de grâce pronunc. same) a final blow or shot given to kill a wounded person or animal.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘stroke of grace’.

coup de main

/ /

n. (pl. coups de main pronunc. same) a sudden surprise attack.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘stroke of hand’.

coup d'état

/ /

n. (pl. coups d'état pronunc. same) see coup (sense 1).

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘blow of state’.

coup de théâtre

/ /

n. (pl. coups de théâtre pronunc. same)
1 a dramatically sudden action or turn of events, especially in a play.
2 a successful theatrical production.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘blow of theatre’.

coup d'œil

/ /

n. (pl. coups d'œil pronunc. same) a glance that takes in a comprehensive view.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘stroke of eye’.

coupe

//

n.
1 a shallow glass or glass dish, typically with a stem, in which desserts or champagne are served.
2 a dessert served in such a dish.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘goblet’.

coupé

// (also coupe //)

n.
1 a car with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sloping rear.
2 historical a four-wheeled enclosed carriage for two passengers and a driver.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. carrosse coupé, lit. ‘cut carriage’.

couped

//

adj. Heraldry cut off or truncated in a straight line.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. couper ‘to cut’ + -ed^2.

couple

n.
1 two individuals of the same sort considered together.
2 [treated as sing. or pl.] two people who are married or otherwise closely associated romantically or sexually.
3 informal an indefinite small number: a couple of days ago.
4 Mechanics a pair of equal and parallel forces acting in opposite directions, and tending to cause rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane containing them.
v.
1 join to form a pair. (often be coupled to/with) combine. connect (a railway vehicle or a piece of equipment) to another.
2 have sexual intercourse.

- DERIVATIVES coupledom n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cople (n.), copler (v.), from L. copula (n.), copulare (v.), from co- ‘together’ + apere ‘fasten’; cf. copula and copulate.

coupler

n.
1 something that connects or couples two things.
2 Photography a compound in a developer or an emulsion which combines with the products of development to form an insoluble dye, part of the image.
3 (also acoustic coupler) a modem which converts digital signals into audible signals and vice versa so that they can be transmitted and received over telephone lines.

couplet

n. a pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., dimin. of couple, from OFr. cople (see couple).

coupling

n. a device for coupling railway vehicles or parts of machinery together.

coupling constant

n. Physics a constant representing the strength of the interaction between a particle and a field.

coupling rod

n. a rod which couples the driving wheels of a locomotive, enabling them to act as a unit.

couply

// (also coupley)

adj. informal, often derogatory relating to or characteristic of a couple in a romantic or sexual relationship.

coupon

n.
1 a voucher entitling the holder to a discount on a product or a quantity of something rationed.
2 a detachable form used to send for a purchase or information or to enter a competition.
3 a detachable portion of a bond which is given up in return for a payment of interest. the nominal rate of interest on a fixed-interest security.
4 Scottish & Irish a person's face.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘piece cut off’, from couper ‘cut’.

courage

n. the ability to do something that frightens one. strength in the face of pain or grief.

- PHRASES
have the courage of one's convictions act on one's beliefs despite danger or disapproval.
take courage make an effort to do something that frightens one.
take one's courage in both hands nerve oneself to do something that frightens one.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. corage, from L. cor ‘heart’.

courageous

adj. having courage; brave.

- DERIVATIVES courageously adv. courageousness n.

courant

//

adj. Heraldry represented as running.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., ‘running’, pres. part. of courir.

courante

//, //

n. a rapid gliding dance in quick triple time.

- ORIGIN C16: Fr., lit. ‘running’, fem. pres. part. of courir.

courbette

//

n. (in classical riding) a movement in which the horse performs a series of jumps on the hind legs without the forelegs touching the ground.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., from Ital. corvetta ‘little curve’ based on L. curvus ‘curved’.

courgette

//

n. Brit. a variety of marrow harvested and eaten at an early stage of growth.

- ORIGIN Fr., dimin. of courge ‘gourd’, from L. cucurbita.

courier

//

n.
1 a messenger who transports goods or documents.
2 chiefly Brit. a person employed to guide and assist a group of tourists.
v. send or transport by courier.

- ORIGIN ME: orig. from OFr. coreor; later from Fr. courier (now courrier), from Ital. corriere; based on L. currere ‘to run’.

course

n.
1 the route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river.
2 the way in which something progresses or develops. (also course of action) a procedure adopted to deal with a situation.
3 a dish forming one of the successive parts of a meal.
4 a series of lectures or lessons in a particular subject. Medicine a series of repeated treatments or doses of medication.
5 an area of land prepared for racing, golf, or another sport.
6 a continuous horizontal layer of brick or stone.
7 Bell-ringing a series of changes which brings the bells back to their original order, or the changes of a particular bell.
8 a sail on the lowest yards of a square-rigged ship.
v.
1 (of liquid) flow.
2 [often as noun coursing] pursue (game, especially hares) with greyhounds using sight rather than scent.

- PHRASES
the course of nature normal and expected events or processes.
in (the) course of
1 undergoing (the specified process).
2 during (the specified period).
of course as expected. used to give or emphasize agreement or permission. admittedly.
on (or off) course following (or not following) the intended route.
run (or take) its course complete its natural development without interference.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cours, from L. cursus, from curs-, currere ‘run’.

coursebook

n. Brit. a textbook designed for use on a particular course of study.

courser^1

n. literary a swift horse.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. corsier, based on L. cursus (see course).

courser^2

n. a fast-running plover-like bird found in open country in Africa and Asia.   Cursorius cursor (cream-coloured courser) and other species.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. Cursorius ‘adapted for running’, from L. cursor ‘runner’.

courser^3

n. a person who goes coursing with greyhounds.

courseware

n. computer programs or other material designed for use in an educational or training course.

coursework

n. work done during a course of study, typically counting towards a final mark.

court

n.
1 (also court of law) a body of people before whom judicial cases are heard. the place where a court meets.
2 a quadrangular area marked out for ball games such as tennis. a quadrangle surrounded by a building or group of buildings.
3 the establishment, retinue, and courtiers of a sovereign.
4 the qualified members of a company or a corporation.
v.
1 dated be involved with romantically, typically with the intention of marrying. (of a male bird or other animal) try to attract (a mate).
2 attempt to win the support or favour of. go to great lengths to win (favourable attention).
3 risk incurring (misfortune) because of the way one behaves.

- PHRASES
out of court before a legal hearing can take place.
pay court to pay flattering attention to.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cort, from L. cohors, cohort- ‘yard or retinue’; the verb is influenced by Old Ital. corteare, OFr. courtoyer.

court bouillon

/ /

n. a stock made from wine and vegetables, typically used in fish dishes.

- ORIGIN Fr., from court ‘short’ and bouillon.

court card

n. Brit. a playing card that is a king, queen, or jack of a suit.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of C16 coat card, from the decorative dress of the figures depicted.

court circular

n. Brit. a daily report of the activities and public engagements of royal family members.

courteous

//

adj. polite, respectful, and considerate.

- DERIVATIVES courteously adv. courteousness n.

- ORIGIN ME (meaning ‘having manners fit for a royal court’): from OFr. corteis, based on L. cohors (see court).

courtesan

//, //

n. a prostitute, especially one with wealthy or upper-class clients.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. courtisane, from obs. Ital. cortigiana, fem. of cortigiano ‘courtier’.

courtesy

//

n. (pl. courtesies)
1 courteous behaviour. a polite speech or action, especially one required by convention.
2 archaic a curtsy.

- PHRASES
(by) courtesy of given or allowed by.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cortesie.

courtesy light

n. a small light in a car that is automatically switched on when one of the doors is opened.

courtesy title

n. a title given to someone, especially the son or daughter of a peer, that has no legal validity.

courthouse

n.
1 a building in which a judicial court is held.
2 US a building containing the administrative offices of a county.

courtier

//

n. a companion or adviser to a king or queen.

- ORIGIN ME: via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. cortoyer ‘be present at court’, from cort (see court).

courtly

adj. (courtlier, courtliest) very polite and refined.

- DERIVATIVES courtliness n.

courtly love

n. a highly conventionalized medieval tradition of love between a knight and a married noblewoman.

court martial

n. (pl. courts martial or court martials) a judicial court for trying members of the armed services accused of offences against military law.
v. (court-martial) (court-martials, court-martialling, court-martialled; US court-martials, court-martialing, court-martialed) try by court martial.

court of appeal

n. (in England and Wales) a court of law that hears appeals against judgements from the Crown courts, High Court, and county courts. (court of appeals) US a court of law in a federal circuit or state to which appeals are taken.

Court of Claims

n. US a federal court that tries claims against the government.

court of first instance

n. a court in which legal proceedings are begun or first heard.

court of record

n. a court whose proceedings are recorded and available as evidence of fact.

court of review

n. a court before which sentences previously imposed come for revision.

Court of St James's

n. the British sovereign's court.

Court of Session

n. the supreme civil court in Scotland.

court of summary jurisdiction

n. Brit. a court, especially a magistrate's court, that tries summary offences without a jury.

court order

n. a direction issued by a court or a judge requiring a person to do or not do something.

court plaster

n. historical adhesive sticking plaster made of silk or other cloth.

- ORIGIN C18: so named because it was formerly used by ladies at court for beauty spots.

court roll

n. Brit. historical the record kept by a manorial court of rent paid and property held by tenants.

courtroom

n. the room or building in which a court of law meets.

courtship

n.
1 a period of courting, especially with a view to marriage. the courting behaviour of male birds and other animals.
2 the process of courting favour or support.

court shoe

n. Brit. a woman's plain, lightweight shoe that has a low-cut upper and no fastening.

court tennis

n. N. Amer. real tennis.

courtyard

n. an open area enclosed by walls or buildings, especially in a castle or large house.

couscous

//, //

n. a North African dish of steamed or soaked semolina, usually served with spicy meat or vegetables.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from Arab. kuskus, from kaskasa ‘to pound’, prob. of Berber origin.

cousin

n.
1 (also first cousin) a child of one's uncle or aunt.
2 a person of a kindred people or nation.
3 historical a title formerly used by a sovereign in addressing another sovereign or a noble of their own country.

- PHRASES
first cousin once removed
1 a child of one's first cousin.
2 one's parent's first cousin.
first cousin twice removed
1 a grandchild of one's first cousin.
2 one's grandparent's first cousin.
second cousin a child of one's parent's first cousin.
second cousin once removed
1 a child of one's second cousin.
2 one's parent's second cousin.
third cousin a child of one's parent's second cousin.

- DERIVATIVES cousinhood n. cousinly adj. cousinship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cosin, from L. consobrinus ‘mother's sister's child’, from con- ‘with’ + sobrinus ‘second cousin’ (from soror ‘sister’).

cousin-german

n. (pl. cousins-german) old-fashioned term for cousin.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. cousin germain (see german).

couth

//

adj. humorous refined and well mannered.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from uncouth.

couthy

// (also couthie)

adj. Scottish (of a person) warm and friendly. (of a place) cosy and comfortable.

- ORIGIN C18: appar. from OE cth ‘known’ + -y^1.

couture

//

n. the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘sewing, dressmaking’.

couturier

//

n. (fem. couturière //) a person who makes and sells couture clothes.

couvade

//

n. the custom in some cultures in which a man takes to his bed and goes through certain rituals when his child is being born.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from couver ‘to hatch’, from L. cubare ‘lie down’.

couvert

//

n. another term for cover (in sense 7).

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., past part. of couvrir ‘to cover’.

couverture

//

n. chocolate with extra cocoa butter to give a high gloss, used to cover sweets and cakes.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘covering’, from couvrir ‘to cover’.

covalent

//

adj. Chemistry relating to or denoting chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. Often contrasted with ionic.

- DERIVATIVES covalence n. covalency n. covalently adv.

covariance

//

n.
1 Mathematics the property of a function of retaining its form when the variables are linearly transformed.
2 Statistics the mean value of the product of the deviations of two variates from their respective means.

covariant

adj. Mathematics changing in such a way that mathematical interrelations with another simultaneously changing quantity remains unchanged.

covariation

n. Mathematics correlated variation.

cove^1

n.
1 a small sheltered bay.
2 Architecture a concave arch or arched moulding, especially one formed at the junction of a wall with a ceiling.
v. [usu. as adj. coved] Architecture fit with a cove.

- DERIVATIVES coving n.

- ORIGIN OE cofa ‘chamber, cave’, of Gmc origin.

cove^2

n. Brit. informal, dated a man: he's a decent cove.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from Romany kova ‘thing or person’.

coven

//

n. a group of witches who meet regularly.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of covin.

covenant

//

n.
1 a solemn agreement. Theology an agreement held to be the basis of a relationship of commitment with God.
2 Law a formal agreement or contract in writing, especially one undertaking to make regular payments to a charity.
v. agree or pay by covenant.

- DERIVATIVES covenantal adj. covenantor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., pres. part. of covenir ‘agree’, from L. convenire (see convene).

Covenanter

//

n. (in 17th-century Scotland) an adherent of the National Covenant or of the Solemn League and Covenant, upholding Presbyterianism.

Coventry

n. (in phr. send someone to Coventry) chiefly Brit. refuse to associate with or speak to someone.

- ORIGIN The origins of the phrase send someone to Coventry, recorded since the 18th century, are uncertain. It is sometimes said to derive from the treatment suffered in the past by soldiers stationed in the west Midlands city of Coventry, who were unpopular with the townspeople. Alternatively, it may have arisen because Royalist prisoners were sent there during the English Civil War (1642–9): the city was held by Parliamentary forces and was thus unlikely to give the prisoners a warm welcome.

cover

v.
1 put something on top of or in front of (something) in order to protect or conceal it. envelop in a layer of something.
2 extend over (an area).
3 deal with (a subject). (of a rule or law) apply to.
4 travel (a specified distance).
5 (of money) be enough to pay (a cost). (of insurance) protect against a liability, loss, or accident. (cover oneself) take precautions against future blame or liability.
6 disguise or conceal. (cover something up) try to hide or deny the fact of (a wrongful action). (cover for) temporarily take over the job or role of.
7 aim a gun at. protect (an exposed person) by shooting at the enemy. (in team games) take up a position ready to defend against (an opponent). Baseball be in position at (a base) ready to catch the ball.
8 Bridge play a higher card on (a high card).
9 record or perform a cover version of (a song).
10 (of a male animal, especially a stallion) copulate with (a female animal).
n.
1 something that covers or protects. a thick protective outer part or page of a book or magazine. (covers) bedclothes.
2 physical shelter: they ran for cover. vegetation used as a shelter by hunted animals.
3 military support for someone in danger.
4 a means of concealing an illegal or secret activity. an identity adopted by a spy to conceal their true activities.
5 Ecology the amount of ground covered by a vertical projection of the vegetation.
6 Brit. protection by insurance.
7 a place setting at a table in a restaurant.
8 Cricket short for cover point. (the covers) an area of the field consisting of cover point and extra cover.
9 (also cover version) a recording or performance of a song previously recorded by a different artist.

- PHRASES
break cover suddenly leave a place of shelter when being hunted or pursued.
cover one's back informal take steps to avoid attack or criticism.
cover one's tracks conceal evidence of one's actions.
cover the waterfront N. Amer. informal cover every aspect of something.
from cover to cover from beginning to end of a book or magazine.
take cover take shelter from an attack.
under cover under a roof or other shelter.
under cover of concealed by. while pretending to do something.
under separate cover in a separate envelope.

- DERIVATIVES coverable adj. covering n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. covrir, from L. cooperire, from co- + operire ‘to cover’; sense 7 of the noun from Fr. couvert.

coverage

n.
1 the extent to which something is covered.
2 the treatment of an issue by the media.
3 US the amount of protection given by an insurance policy.

coverall

n. (usu. coveralls) N. Amer. overalls.

cover charge

n. a fee paid for admission to a restaurant, bar, or club.

cover crop

n. a crop grown to protect and enrich the soil.

covering letter

(N. Amer. cover letter)

n. a letter sent with, and explaining the contents of, another document or a parcel.

coverlet

n. a bedspread.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. covrelet, from OFr. covrir ‘to cover’ + lit ‘bed’.

cover note

n. Brit. a temporary certificate showing that a person has a current insurance policy.

cover point

n. Cricket a fielding position a little in front of the batsman on the off side and halfway to the boundary.

coverslip

n. a thin piece of glass used to cover and protect a specimen on a microscope slide.

covert

adj. //, // not openly acknowledged or displayed.
n. //, //
1 a thicket in which game can hide.
2 Ornithology a feather covering the base of a main flight or tail feather of a bird.

- DERIVATIVES covertly adv. covertness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., ‘covered’, past part. of covrir (see cover).

covert coat

n. Brit. a short, light overcoat worn for shooting or other outdoor sports.

coverture

//

n. literary protective or concealing covering.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from covrir ‘to cover’.

cover-up

n. an attempt to conceal the truth about a mistake or crime.

covet

//

v. (covets, coveting, coveted) yearn to possess (something belonging to someone else).

- DERIVATIVES covetable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cuveitier, based on L. cupiditas (see cupidity).

covetous

//

adj. having a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else.

- DERIVATIVES covetously adv. covetousness n.

covey

//

n. (pl. coveys) a small flock of birds, especially partridge.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. covee, fem. past part. of cover, from L. cubare ‘lie down’.

covin

//

n. archaic fraud; deception.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a company or band): from OFr., from med. L. convenium, from L. convenire (see convene).

cow^1

n.
1 a fully grown female animal of a domesticated breed of ox. (in farming) an animal of this type which has borne more than one calf. Compare with heifer. the female of certain other large animals, e.g. elephant, rhinoceros, or whale.
2 informal, derogatory an unpleasant or disliked woman. Austral./NZ an unpleasant person or thing.

- PHRASES
have a cow N. Amer. informal become angry or excited.
till the cows come home informal for an indefinitely long time.

- ORIGIN OE c, of Gmc origin.

cow^2

v. cause (someone) to submit to one's wishes by intimidation.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from ON kúga ‘oppress’.

coward

n. a person contemptibly lacking in courage.

- DERIVATIVES cowardice n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. couard, based on L. cauda ‘tail’, perh. with ref. to an animal with its tail between its legs.

cowardly

adj. lacking courage.

- DERIVATIVES cowardliness n.

cowbane

n. a tall poisonous plant of the parsley family, growing in wet habitats.   Cicuta virosa and related species.

cowbell

n. a bell hung round a cow's neck.

cowberry

n. (pl. cowberries)
1 a low-growing evergreen northern shrub bearing dark red berries.   Vaccinium vitis-idaea.
2 the berry of the cowberry.

cowbird

n. an American songbird with dark plumage, most kinds of which lay their eggs in other birds' nests.   Molothrus ater (brown-headed cowbird) and related species.

cowboy

n.
1 a man on horseback who herds cattle, especially in the western US.
2 Brit. informal an unscrupulous or unqualified tradesman.

cowboy boot

n. a high-heeled boot of a style originally worn by cowboys, typically with a pointed toe and decorative stitching.

cowcatcher

n. N. Amer. a metal frame at the front of a locomotive for pushing aside obstacles on the line.

cower

v. crouch down in fear.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. kren ‘lie in wait’.

cowfish

n. (pl. same or cowfishes) a boxfish with horn-like spines on its head.   Lactoria diaphana and other species.

cowgirl

n. a female equivalent of a cowboy.

cowherd

n. a person who tends grazing cattle.

- ORIGIN OE, from cow^1 + obs. herd ‘herdsman’.

cowhide

n. leather made from the hide of a cow.

cowl

n.
1 a large loose hood forming part of a monk's habit.
2 a hood-shaped covering for a chimney or ventilation shaft. another term for cowling.

- DERIVATIVES cowled adj.

- ORIGIN OE cugele, cle, from eccles. L. cuculla, from L. cucullus.

cowlick

n. a lock of hair hanging over the forehead.

cowling

n. a removable cover for a vehicle or aircraft engine.

cowl neck

n. a neckline on a woman's garment that hangs in draped folds.

cowman

n. (pl. cowmen) a cowherd. N. Amer. a cowboy.

co-worker

n. a fellow worker.

cow parsley

n. a hedgerow plant of the parsley family with fern-like leaves and large, lacy heads of tiny white flowers.   Anthriscus sylvestris.

cow parsnip

n. another term for hogweed.

cowpat

n. Brit. a flat round piece of cow dung.

cowpea

n.
1 a tropical leguminous plant cultivated for its edible pods and seeds.   Vigna unguiculata.
2 the seed of the cowpea as food.

Cowper's gland

n. Anatomy either of a pair of small glands at the base of the penis which secrete a constituent of seminal fluid.

- ORIGIN C18: named after the English anatomist William Cowper.

cowpoke

n. N. Amer. informal a cowboy.

cowpox

n. a viral disease of cows' udders which can be contracted by humans and resembles mild smallpox.

cowpuncher

n. N. Amer. informal a cowboy.

cowrie

// (also cowry)

n. (pl. cowries) a marine gastropod mollusc having a smooth, domed shell with a long narrow opening.   Genus Cypraea: numerous species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Hindi kaur.

co-write

v. write together with another person.

- DERIVATIVES co-writer n.

cowshed

n. a farm building in which cattle are kept when not at pasture, or in which they are milked.

cowslip

n. a wild primula with clusters of drooping fragrant yellow flowers in spring.   Primula veris. North American term for marsh marigold.

- ORIGIN OE cslyppe, from c ‘cow’ + slipa, slyppe ‘slime’.

Cox

(in full Cox's orange pippin)

n. an English eating apple of a variety with a red-tinged green skin.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the English fruit grower R. Cox.

cox

n. a coxswain.
v. act as a coxswain for.

- DERIVATIVES coxless adj.

coxa

//

n. (pl. coxae //) Anatomy the hip bone or hip joint. Entomology the first or basal segment of the leg of an insect.

- DERIVATIVES coxal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘hip’.

coxcomb

//

n.
1 archaic a vain and conceited man; a dandy.
2 variant spelling of cockscomb (in sense 2).

- DERIVATIVES coxcombry // n.

- ORIGIN C16: var. of cockscomb.

Coxsackie virus

//, //

n. Medicine an enterovirus of a group causing various respiratory, neurological, and muscular diseases.

- ORIGIN 1940s: named after Coxsackie, New York State, where the first cases were diagnosed.

coxswain

//

n. the steersman of a boat. the senior petty officer in a small ship or submarine in the Royal Navy.

- DERIVATIVES coxswainship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. cock (see cockboat) + swain.

Coy

abbrev. chiefly Military Company.

coy

adj. (coyer, coyest) pretending shyness or modesty. reluctant to give details about something sensitive.

- DERIVATIVES coyly adv. coyness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘quiet, still’): from OFr. coi, quei, from L. quietus (see quiet).

coyote

//, //

n. (pl. same or coyotes) a wolf-like wild dog native to North America.   Canis latrans.

- ORIGIN C18: from Mex. Sp., from Nahuatl coyotl.

coypu

//

n. (pl. coypus) a large semiaquatic beaver-like South American rodent, farmed for its fur (nutria).   Myocastor coypus.

- ORIGIN C18: from Araucanian.

coz^1

//

n. informal, archaic or N. Amer. cousin.

coz^2

//, //

conj. variant spelling of cos^3.

cozen

//

v. literary trick or deceive.

- DERIVATIVES cozenage n. cozener n.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from obs. Ital. cozzonare ‘to cheat’.

cozy

adj. US spelling of cosy.

cozzie

n. (pl. cozzies) variant spelling of cossie.

CP

abbrev.
1 cerebral palsy.
2 Finance commercial paper.
3 Communist Party.

cp.

abbrev. compare.

CPA

abbrev. US certified public accountant.

CPI

abbrev. (in the US) consumer price index.

Cpl

abbrev. Corporal.

CPO

abbrev. Chief Petty Officer.

CPR

abbrev. cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

CPS

abbrev. (in the UK) Crown Prosecution Service.

cps

(also c.p.s.)

abbrev.
1 Computing characters per second.
2 cycles per second.

CPU

abbrev. Computing central processing unit.

CPVC

abbrev. chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

CR

abbrev. Costa Rica (international vehicle registration).

Cr^1

symb. the chemical element chromium.

Cr^2

abbrev.
1 Councillor.
2 credit.

crab^1

n.
1 a crustacean, found chiefly on seashores, with a broad carapace, stalked eyes, and five pairs of legs, the first of which are modified as pincers.   Order Decapoda: many species.
2 (crabs) informal an infestation of crab lice.
3 a machine with pincer-like arms for picking up heavy weights.
v.
1 move sideways or obliquely.
2 fish for crabs.

- PHRASES
catch a crab Rowing make a faulty stroke.

- DERIVATIVES crabber n. crablike adj. & adv.

- ORIGIN OE crabba, of Gmc origin.

crab^2

v. (crabs, crabbing, crabbed) informal grumble.

- ORIGIN C16 (referring to hawks, meaning ‘claw or fight each other’): from Low Ger. krabben; rel. to crab^1.

crab apple

n.
1 a small, sour kind of apple.
2 (also crab tree) a small tree bearing crab apples.   Malus sylvestris and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. an alt. of Scots and north. Engl. scrab.

crabbed

adj.
1 (of writing) hard to read or understand.
2 crabby.

- DERIVATIVES crabbedly adv. crabbedness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from crab^1, because of the crab's sideways gait and habit of snapping.

crabby

adj. (crabbier, crabbiest) bad-tempered; irritable.

- DERIVATIVES crabbily adv. crabbiness n.

crabgrass

n. N. Amer. a creeping grass that can become a serious weed.   Digitaria sanguinalis and other species.

crab louse

n. a louse that infests human body hair.   Phthirus pubis.

crabmeat

n. the flesh of a crab as food.

crab spider

n. a spider with long front legs that moves with a crablike sideways motion.   Family Thomisidae: many species.

crab stick

n. a stick of mixed compressed fish pieces flavoured with crab.

crabwise

adv. & adj. (of movement) sideways, especially in an awkward way.

crack

n.
1 a narrow opening between two parts of something which has split or been broken.
2 a sudden sharp or explosive noise. a sharp blow.
3 informal a joke or jibe.
4 (also craic) chiefly Irish enjoyable entertainment; a good time. Scottish & N. English a conversation.
5 informal an attempt to do something.
6 (also crack cocaine) a potent hard crystalline form of cocaine broken into small pieces.
v.
1 break or cause to break with little or no separation of the parts.
2 give way under pressure or strain. (crack up) informal suffer an emotional breakdown under pressure. (crack up) informal burst into laughter.
3 make or cause to make a sudden sharp or explosive sound. hit hard.
4 (of a person's voice) suddenly change in pitch, especially through strain.
5 (crack down on) informal take severe measures against.
6 informal solve, interpret, or decipher. break into (a safe).
7 (crack on) Brit. informal proceed or progress quickly.
8 tell (a joke).
9 decompose (hydrocarbons) by heat and pressure to produce lighter hydrocarbons.
adj. very good or skilful: a crack shot.

- PHRASES
be cracked up to be [with neg.] informal be asserted to be: acting is not as glamorous as it's cracked up to be.
crack a crib archaic, informal break into a house.
crack of dawn daybreak.
crack of doom a thunder peal announcing the Day of Judgement.
crack of the whip Brit. informal a chance to try or participate in something.
get cracking informal act quickly and energetically.

- DERIVATIVES cracky adj.

- ORIGIN OE cracian ‘make an explosive noise’; of Gmc origin.

crackbrained

adj. informal extremely foolish.

crackdown

n. a series of severe measures against undesirable or illegal behaviour.

cracked

adj.
1 having cracks.
2 informal crazy.

cracked wheat

n. grains of wheat that have been crushed into small pieces.

cracker

n.
1 a decorated paper cylinder which, when pulled apart, makes a sharp noise and releases a small toy or other novelty.
2 a firework that explodes with a crack.
3 a thin dry biscuit, typically eaten with cheese.
4 Brit. informal a fine example of something.
5 a person or thing that cracks something.

cracker-barrel

adj. US simple and unsophisticated.

- ORIGIN C19: with ref. to the barrels of soda crackers formerly found in country stores.

crackerjack

N. Amer. informal

adj. exceptionally good.
n. an exceptionally good person or thing.

crackers

adj. Brit. informal insane; crazy.

cracking

adj. Brit. informal excellent. fast and exciting: a cracking pace.

crackle

v. make a rapid succession of slight cracking noises.
n.
1 a sound of this type.
2 a pattern of minute surface cracks.

- DERIVATIVES crackly adj. (cracklier, crackliest).

- ORIGIN ME: from crack + -le^4.

crackling

n. (US also cracklings) the crisp fatty skin of roast pork.

cracknel

//

n.
1 a light, crisp savoury biscuit.
2 a brittle sweet made from set melted sugar.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of OFr. craquelin, from MDu. krkelinc, from krken ‘to crack’.

crackpot

informal

n. an eccentric or foolish person.
adj. eccentric; completely impractical.

cracksman

n. (pl. cracksmen) informal, dated a safe-breaker.

crack willow

n. a large willow of damp or riverside habitats, with long glossy leaves and brittle branches.   Salix fragilis.

-cracy

comb. form denoting a particular form of government or rule: democracy.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -cratie, via med. L. from Gk -kratia ‘power, rule’.

cradle

n.
1 a baby's bed or cot, especially one mounted on rockers.
2 a supporting framework resembling a cradle, in particular for a boat under repair or for workers on the side of high building.
v.
1 hold gently and protectively.
2 place in a cradle.

- DERIVATIVES cradling n.

- ORIGIN OE cradol, of uncertain origin.

cradle cap

n. a skin condition in babies in which there are areas of yellowish or brownish scales on the top of the head.

cradle-snatcher

n. informal, derogatory a person who marries or has a sexual relationship with a much younger person.

craft

n.
1 an activity involving skill in making things by hand. (crafts) things made by hand. skill in carrying out one's work. the members of a skilled profession.
2 cunning.
3 (pl. same) a boat or ship. an aircraft or spaceship.
v. exercise skill in making (something).

- DERIVATIVES crafter n. craftwork n. craftworker n.

- ORIGIN OE cræft ‘strength, skill’, of Gmc origin; sense 3 perh. with ref. to vessels requiring skill to handle.

craftsman

(or craftswoman)

n. (pl. craftsmen or craftswomen)
1 a worker skilled in a particular craft.
2 (Craftsman) a qualified private soldier in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

- DERIVATIVES craftsmanship n.

crafty

adj. (craftier, craftiest)
1 cunning or deceitful.
2 informal relating to the making of objects by hand.

- DERIVATIVES craftily adv. craftiness n.

- ORIGIN OE cræftig ‘strong, powerful’ (see craft, -y^1).

crag

n.
1 a steep or rugged cliff or rock face.
2 Geology a shelly sandstone occurring in eastern England.

- ORIGIN ME: of Celtic origin.

craggy

adj. (craggier, craggiest)
1 having many crags. (of a rock face) rough and uneven.
2 (of a man's face) attractively rugged and rough-textured.

- DERIVATIVES craggily adv. cragginess n.

cragsman

n. (pl. cragsmen) a skilled rock climber.

craic

n. variant spelling of crack (in sense 4).

crake

n. a bird of the rail family with a short bill, such as the corncrake.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON kráka, krákr, of imitative origin.

cram

v. (crams, cramming, crammed)
1 force too many (people or things) into a room or container. fill to the point of overflowing.
2 study intensively just before an examination.

- ORIGIN OE crammian, of Gmc origin.

crambo

n. a game in which a player gives a word or line of verse to which other players must find a rhyme.

- ORIGIN C17: from earlier crambe ‘cabbage’, appar. from L. crambe repetita ‘cabbage served up again’, applied by the Roman satirist Juvenal to distasteful repetition.

cram-full

adj. very full; packed.

crammer

n. Brit. a college or school that prepares pupils intensively for a particular examination.

cramp

n.
1 painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles, typically caused by fatigue or strain. (cramps) N. Amer. abdominal pain caused by menstruation.
2 a tool, typically shaped like a capital G, for clamping two objects together. (also cramp-iron) a metal bar with bent ends for holding masonry together.
v.
1 restrict or inhibit the development of.
2 fasten with a cramp or cramps.
3 suffer from cramp.

- PHRASES
cramp someone's style informal prevent a person from acting freely or naturally.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. krampe; sense 1 of the noun is via OFr. crampe.

cramped

adj.
1 uncomfortably small or crowded.
2 (of handwriting) small and difficult to read.

crampon

//, //

n. a metal plate with spikes fixed to a boot for climbing on ice or rock.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘grappling hook’): from OFr., of Gmc origin.

cran

n. historical a measure of fresh herrings, equivalent to 37^1/2 gallons.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sc. Gaelic crann.

cranberry

n. (pl. cranberries)
1 a small red acid berry used in cooking.
2 an evergreen dwarf shrub which yields cranberries.   Vaccinium oxycoccos (Europe), V. macrocarpon (N. America), and other species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ger. Kranbeere or Low Ger. kranebeere ‘crane-berry’.

crane^1

n. a large, tall machine used for moving heavy objects by suspending them from a projecting arm. a moving platform supporting a camera.
v.
1 stretch out (one's neck) in order to see something.
2 move (an object) by means of a crane.

- DERIVATIVES cranage n.

- ORIGIN ME: figuratively from crane^2.

crane^2

n. a tall, long-legged, long-necked bird, typically with white or grey plumage and tail plumes.   Grus grus (common crane, Eurasia) and related species, family Gruidae.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

crane fly

n. a slender two-winged fly with very long legs; a daddy-long-legs.   Tipula maxima and related species, family Tipulidae.

cranesbill

n. a herbaceous plant with lobed leaves and typically purple or violet five-petalled flowers.   Geranium pratense (meadow cranesbill) and related species.

- ORIGIN C16: so named because of the long spur on the fruit, thought to resemble a crane's beak.

cranial

//

adj. Anatomy relating to the skull or cranium.

cranial index

n. another term for cephalic index.

cranial nerves

pl. n. Anatomy the twelve pairs of nerves which arise directly from the brain and pass through separate apertures in the skull.

craniate

//

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting animals that possess a skull.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. craniatus, from med. L. cranium.

cranio-

//

comb. form relating to the cranium: craniotomy.

craniology

//

n. historical the scientific study of the shape and size of the human skull.

- DERIVATIVES craniological adj. craniologist n.

craniometry

//

n. the measurement of the dimensions of skulls.

- DERIVATIVES craniometric adj.

craniosacral therapy

//, //

n. a system of alternative medicine intended to relieve pain and tension by gentle manipulations of the skull.

craniotomy

//

n. a surgical removal of part of the skull, performed in order to operate on the brain.

cranium

//

n. (pl. craniums or crania //) Anatomy the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain.

- ORIGIN ME: via med. L. from Gk kranion.

crank^1

v.
1 turn a crankshaft or handle, especially in order to start an engine.
2 (crank something up) informal increase the intensity of something.
3 (crank something out) informal, derogatory produce something regularly and routinely.
4 give a bend to (a shaft or bar).
n. a part of an axle or shaft bent out at right angles, for converting reciprocal to circular motion and vice versa.

- ORIGIN OE cranc, rel. to crincan (see cringe).

crank^2

n.
1 a person with eccentric or obsessive views. N. Amer. a bad-tempered person.
2 literary a fanciful turn of speech.

- ORIGIN back-form. from cranky; sense 2 is perh. from a base meaning ‘bent together, curled up’, shared by crank^1.

crank^3

adj. Nautical, archaic (of a sailing ship) liable to heel over.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from dial. crank ‘weak, shaky’.

crankcase

n. a case or covering enclosing a crankshaft.

crankpin

n. a pin by which a connecting rod is attached to a crank.

crankshaft

n. a shaft driven by a crank.

cranky

adj. (crankier, crankiest) informal
1 Brit. eccentric or strange.
2 chiefly N. Amer. ill-tempered; irritable.
3 (of a machine) working erratically.

- DERIVATIVES crankily adv. crankiness n.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘sickly, in poor health’): perh. ult. from Du. or Ger. krank ‘sick’.

crannog

//

n. an ancient Scottish or Irish fortified dwelling constructed in a lake or marsh.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ir. crannóg, Sc. Gaelic crannag, from crann ‘tree, beam’.

cranny

n. (pl. crannies) a small, narrow space or opening.

- DERIVATIVES crannied adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crane ‘notched’, from cran, from pop. L. crena ‘notch’.

crap^1

vulgar slang

n.
1 nonsense; rubbish.
2 excrement. an act of defecation.
v. (craps, crapping, crapped) defecate.
adj. Brit. extremely poor in quality.

- DERIVATIVES crappy adj. (crappier, crappiest).

- ORIGIN ME, in sense ‘chaff’: rel. to Du. krappe, from krappen ‘pluck or cut off’, and perh. also to OFr. crappe ‘siftings’, Anglo-Latin crappa ‘chaff’.

crap^2

N. Amer.

n. a losing throw in craps.
v. (crap out) informal make a losing throw at craps. give up; fail.

crape

n.
1 variant spelling of crêpe.
2 black silk, formerly used for mourning clothes.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. crêpe (see crêpe).

crape hair

n. Brit. artificial hair used by actors, chiefly for false beards and moustaches.

crapper

n. vulgar slang a toilet.

crappie

n. (pl. crappies) a North American freshwater fish, the male of which builds a nest and guards the eggs and young.   Genus Pomoxis: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

craps

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a North American gambling game played with two dice, in which 7 or 11 is a winning throw, 2, 3, or 12 is a losing throw.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from crab^1 or crab's eyes, denoting a throw of two ones.

crapshoot

n. N. Amer. a game of craps.

crapulent

//

adj. literary relating to the drinking of alcohol or drunkenness.

- DERIVATIVES crapulence n. crapulous adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. crapulentus ‘very drunk’, from L. crapula ‘inebriation’.

craquelure

//, //

n. a network of fine cracks in the paint or varnish of a painting.

- ORIGIN Fr., from craqueler ‘to crackle’.

crash^1

v.
1 collide violently with an obstacle or another vehicle. (of an aircraft) fall from the sky and violently hit the land or sea. informal (of a company's shares) fall suddenly and disastrously in value. Computing fail suddenly.
2 move with force, speed, and sudden loud noise. make a sudden loud, deep noise.
3 (also crash out) informal fall deeply asleep.
4 informal gatecrash (a party).
n.
1 an instance of crashing.
2 a sudden loud, discordant noise.
adj. done rapidly and involving a concentrated effort: a crash course in Italian.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative, perh. partly suggested by craze and dash.

crash^2

n. dated a coarse plain linen, woollen, or cotton fabric.

- ORIGIN C19: from Russ. krashenina ‘dyed coarse linen’.

crash barrier

n. Brit. a strong fence at the side of a road or in the middle of a dual carriageway or motorway.

crash-dive

v.
1 (of a submarine) dive rapidly to a deeper level in an emergency.
2 (of an aircraft) plunge steeply downwards into a crash.
n. (crash dive) a steep dive of this kind.

crash helmet

n. a helmet worn by a motorcyclist to protect the head in case of a crash.

crashing

adj. informal complete; total: a crashing bore.

- DERIVATIVES crashingly adv.

crash-land

v. land roughly in an emergency.

crash pad

n. informal a place to sleep, especially for emergency use.

crash-test

v. deliberately crash (a new vehicle) in order to evaluate and improve its ability to withstand impact.
n. (crash test) a test of this kind.

crashworthiness

n. the degree to which a vehicle will protect its occupants from the effects of an accident.

- DERIVATIVES crashworthy adj.

crasis

//

n. (pl. crases //) Phonetics a contraction of two adjacent vowels into one long vowel or diphthong.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk krasis ‘mixture’.

crass

adj. showing a gross lack of intelligence or sensitivity.

- DERIVATIVES crassitude n. crassly adv. crassness n.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘dense or coarse’): from L. crassus ‘solid, thick’.

-crat

comb. form denoting a member or supporter of a particular form of government or rule: plutocrat.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -crate, from adjectives ending in -cratique (see -cratic).

crate

n.
1 a slatted wooden case used for transporting goods. a square container divided into small individual units for holding bottles.
2 informal an old and dilapidated vehicle.
v. pack in a crate for transportation.

- DERIVATIVES crateful n. (pl. cratefuls).

- ORIGIN ME: perh. rel. to Du. krat ‘tailboard of a wagon’.

crater

n.
1 a large bowl-shaped cavity, especially one caused by an explosion or impact or forming the mouth of a volcano.
2 a large bowl used in ancient Greece for mixing wine.
v. form a crater or craters in.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk kratr ‘mixing bowl’.

-cratic

comb. form relating to a particular kind of government or rule: democratic.

- DERIVATIVES -cratically comb. form.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -cratique, from -cratie (see -cracy).

craton

//

n. Geology a large stable block of the earth's crust forming the nucleus of a continent.

- DERIVATIVES cratonic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: alt. of kratogen in the same sense, from Gk kratos ‘strength’.

cravat

n. a short, wide strip of fabric worn by men round the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt.

- DERIVATIVES cravatted adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cravate, from Cravate ‘Croat’, because of the scarf worn by Croatian mercenaries.

crave

v.
1 feel a powerful desire for.
2 archaic ask for: I must crave your indulgence.

- DERIVATIVES craver n. craving n.

- ORIGIN OE crafian (in the sense ‘demand, claim as a right’), of Gmc origin.

craven

adj. contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly.
n. archaic a cowardly person.

- DERIVATIVES cravenly adv. cravenness n.

- ORIGIN ME cravant ‘defeated’, perh. via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. cravanter ‘crush, overwhelm’, based on L. crepare ‘burst’.

craw

n. dated the crop of a bird or insect.

- PHRASES
stick in one's craw see stick^2.

- ORIGIN ME: rel. to MDu. crghe or Mid. Low Ger. krage ‘neck, throat’.

crawdad

// (also crawdaddy)

n. US a freshwater crayfish.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: fanciful alt. of crawfish.

crawfish

n. (pl. same or crawfishes)
1 another term for spiny lobster.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a freshwater crayfish.
v. US informal retreat from a position.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of crayfish.

crawl

v.
1 move forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground. (of an insect or small animal) move slowly along a surface. move at an unusually slow pace.
2 informal behave obsequiously or ingratiatingly.
3 (be crawling with) be unpleasantly covered or crowded with: the place was crawling with soldiers.
n.
1 an act of crawling. a slow rate of movement.
2 a swimming stroke involving alternate overarm movements and rapid kicks of the legs.

- PHRASES
make one's skin crawl cause one to feel an unpleasant sensation resembling something moving over the skin.

- DERIVATIVES crawling adj. crawlingly adv. crawly adj.

- ORIGIN ME: possibly rel. to Swed. kravla and Dan. kravle.

crawler

n.
1 a person or thing that crawls. a vehicle moving on an endless caterpillar track.
2 Computing a program that searches the Internet in order to create an index of data.

crayfish

n. (pl. same or crayfishes)
1 a nocturnal freshwater crustacean resembling a lobster.   Astacus (Europe), Cambarus (N. America), and other genera.
2 another term for spiny lobster.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crevice, rel. to Ger. Krebs ‘crab’.

crayon

n. a pencil or stick of coloured chalk or wax, used for drawing.
v. draw with a crayon or crayons.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from craie ‘chalk’.

craze

n. a widespread but short-lived enthusiasm for something.
v.
1 [usu. as adj. crazed] make or become wildly insane: a crazed killer.
2 produce a network of fine cracks on (a surface).

- DERIVATIVES crazing n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘break, shatter, produce cracks’): perh. of Scand. origin.

crazy

adj. (crazier, craziest)
1 insane or unbalanced, especially as manifested in wild or aggressive behaviour. extremely foolish.
2 informal extremely enthusiastic about something.
3 appearing absurdly out of place or unlikely: the monument leant at a crazy angle.
4 archaic full of cracks or flaws.
n. (pl. crazies) chiefly N. Amer. an insane person.

- PHRASES
like crazy to a great degree.

- DERIVATIVES crazily adv. craziness n.

crazy bone

n. US term for funny bone.

crazy paving

n. Brit. paving made of irregular pieces of flat stone.

CRC

abbrev.
1 (in printing) camera-ready copy.
2 Computing cyclic redundancy check or code.

creak

v.
1 make a harsh sound when being moved or when pressure is applied.
2 show weakness or frailty under strain.
n. a creaking sound.

- DERIVATIVES creaking adj. creakingly adv. creaky adj. (creakier, creakiest).

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘croak’): imitative.

cream

n.
1 the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid which rises to the top when milk is left to stand. a sauce, soup, dessert, or other food containing cream or having the consistency of cream.
2 a thick liquid or semi-solid cosmetic or medical preparation.
3 the very best of a group of people or things: the cream of American society.
4 a very pale yellow or off-white colour.
v.
1 work (butter) to form a smooth soft paste. mash (a cooked vegetable) and mix with milk or cream. add cream to (coffee).
2 (cream something off) take away the best part of a group of people or things.
3 rub a cosmetic cream into (the skin).
4 informal, chiefly N. Amer. defeat heavily. hit or beat.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cresme, from a blend of late L. cramum and eccles. L. chrisma (see chrism).

cream cheese

n. soft, rich cheese made from unskimmed milk and cream.

cream cracker

n. Brit. a dry unsweetened biscuit eaten chiefly with cheese.

creamer

n.
1 a cream or milk substitute for adding to coffee or tea.
2 N. Amer. a jug for cream.
3 historical a flat dish for skimming the cream off milk. a machine for separating cream from milk.

creamery

n. (pl. creameries) a factory that produces butter and cheese.

cream puff

n.
1 a cake made of puff pastry filled with cream.
2 informal a weak or ineffectual person.

cream sherry

n. a full-bodied mellow sweet sherry.

cream soda

n. a carbonated vanilla-flavoured soft drink.

cream tea

n. Brit. an afternoon meal consisting of tea to drink with scones, jam, and cream.

creamware

n. glazed earthenware pottery of a rich cream colour.

creamy

adj. (creamier, creamiest) resembling cream in consistency or colour. containing a lot of cream.

- DERIVATIVES creamily adv. creaminess n.

creance

//

n. Falconry a long fine cord attached to a hawk's leash to prevent escape during training.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. créance, lit. ‘faith’.

crease

n.
1 a line or ridge produced on paper or cloth by folding, pressing, or crushing. a wrinkle or furrow in the skin, especially of the face.
2 Cricket any of a number of lines marked on the pitch at specified places.
v.
1 make a crease in. (of a bullet) graze.
2 Brit. informal hit or punch hard.
3 (crease up) Brit. informal burst out laughing.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. a var. of crest.

create

v.
1 bring into existence.
2 invest (someone) with a title of nobility.
3 Brit. informal make a fuss; complain.

- DERIVATIVES creatable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. creat-, creare ‘produce’.

creatine

//

n. Biochemistry a compound formed in protein metabolism and involved in the supply of energy for muscular contraction.

- ORIGIN C19: formed irregularly from Gk kreas ‘meat’ + -ine^4.

creation

n.
1 the action or process of creating. a thing which has been made or invented, especially something showing artistic talent.
2 (the Creation) the creating of the universe, especially when regarded as an act of God. the universe.

creationism

n. the belief that the universe and living organisms originated from specific acts of divine creation.

- DERIVATIVES creationist n. & adj.

creation science

n. the reinterpretation of scientific knowledge in accord with belief in the literal truth of the Bible.

creative

adj. relating to or involving the use of imagination or original ideas in order to create something.
n. informal a person engaged in creative work.

- DERIVATIVES creatively adv. creativeness n. creativity n.

creative accountancy

(also creative accounting)

n. informal the exploitation of loopholes in financial regulation to gain advantage or to present figures in a misleadingly favourable light.

creator

n. a person or thing that creates. (the Creator) God.

creature

n.
1 an animal, as distinct from a human being. an animal or person. archaic anything living or existing.
2 a person or organization under the complete control of another: the village teacher was expected to be the creature of his employer.

- DERIVATIVES creaturely adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘something created’): via OFr. from late L. creatura, from creare (see create).

creature comforts

pl. n. material comforts that contribute to physical ease and well-being, such as good food and accommodation.

crèche

//, //

n.
1 Brit. a nursery where babies and young children are cared for during the working day.
2 N. Amer. a representation of the nativity scene.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to crib.

cred

n. informal short for credibility (in sense 2).

credal

// (also creedal)

adj. relating to a creed.

credence

//

n.
1 belief in or acceptance of something as true. the likelihood of something being true; plausibility.
2 a small side table, shelf, or niche in a church for holding the elements of the Eucharist before they are consecrated.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. credentia, from L. credent-, credere ‘believe’.

credential

//

n.
1 a qualification, achievement, etc., especially when used to indicate a person's suitability for something.
2 a letter of introduction given by a government to an ambassador before a new posting.

- DERIVATIVES credentialed adj. (chiefly N. Amer.).

- ORIGIN ME (as an adj.): from med. L. credentialis, from credentia (see credence).

credenza

//

n. a sideboard or cupboard.

- ORIGIN C19: Ital., from med. L. credentia (see credence).

credibility

n.
1 the quality of being credible.
2 (also street credibility) acceptability among fashionable young urban people.

credibility gap

n. an apparent difference between what is said or promised and what happens or is true.

credible

adj. able to be believed; convincing.

- DERIVATIVES credibly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. credibilis, from credere ‘believe’.

USAGE

People sometimes confuse the words credible and creditable. Credible chiefly means ‘able to be believed; convincing’ (few people found his story credible), while creditable means ‘deserving acknowledgement and praise but not necessarily outstanding’ (a very creditable 2–4 defeat).

credit

n.
1 the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future. money lent or made available under such an arrangement.
2 an entry in an account recording a sum received.
3 public acknowledgement or praise given for an achievement or quality. a source of pride: the fans are a credit to the club.
4 (also credit title) an item in a list displayed at the beginning or end of a film or programme, acknowledging a contributor's role.
5 chiefly N. Amer. the acknowledgement of a student's completion of a course or activity that counts towards a degree or diploma. Brit. a grade above a pass in an examination.
6 archaic credibility. good reputation.
v. (credits, crediting, credited)
1 publicly acknowledge someone as a participant in the production of (something published or broadcast). (credit someone with) ascribe (an achievement or good quality) to someone.
2 add (an amount of money) to an account.
3 Brit. believe (something surprising or unlikely).

- PHRASES
be in credit (of an account) have money in it.
do someone credit make someone worthy of praise or respect.
have something to one's credit have achieved something notable.
on credit with an arrangement to pay later.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. crédit, prob. via Ital. credito from L. creditum, neut. past part. of credere ‘believe, trust’.

creditable

adj. deserving public acknowledgement and praise but not necessarily outstanding or successful.

- DERIVATIVES creditability n. creditably adv.

credit card

n. a small plastic card issued by a bank or building society, allowing the holder to make purchases on credit.

creditor

n. a person or company to whom money is owing.

credit rating

n. an estimate of how suitable a person or organization is to be given commercial credit.

credit title

n. see credit (sense 4).

credit transfer

n. Brit. a direct payment of money from one bank account to another.

credit union

n. a non-profit-making cooperative whose members can borrow money from pooled deposits at low interest rates.

creditworthy

adj. considered suitable to receive commercial credit.

- DERIVATIVES creditworthiness n.

credo

//, //

n. (pl. credos)
1 a statement of a person's beliefs or aims.
2 (Credo) a creed of the Christian Church in Latin. (Credo) a musical setting of the Nicene Creed.

- ORIGIN ME: L., ‘I believe’; cf. creed.

credulous

//

adj. having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.

- DERIVATIVES credulity // n. credulously adv. credulousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. credulus (from credere ‘believe’) + -ous.

Cree

//

n. (pl. same or Crees)
1 a member of an American Indian people living in central Canada.
2 the Algonquian language of the Cree.

- ORIGIN from Canad. Fr. Cris, abbrev. of Cristinaux, from Algonquian.

creed

n.
1 a system of religious belief; a faith. a formal statement of Christian beliefs.
2 a credo.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. credo.

creedal

adj. variant spelling of credal.

Creek

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a confederacy of American Indian peoples of the south-eastern US in the 16th to 19th centuries.
2 the Muskogean language spoken by the Creek.

- ORIGIN from creek, because they lived beside the waterways of the flatlands of Georgia and Alabama.

creek

n. chiefly Brit. a narrow, sheltered waterway such as an inlet in a shoreline or channel in a marsh. N. Amer. & Austral./NZ a stream or minor tributary of a river.

- PHRASES
up the creek informal
1 in severe difficulty or trouble.
2 Brit. stupid or misguided.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crique or from ON kriki ‘nook’.

creel

n.
1 a large basket for carrying fish.
2 a rack holding bobbins or spools when spinning.

- ORIGIN ME; orig. Scots and north. Engl.: of unknown origin.

creep

v. (past and past part. crept //)
1 move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being heard or noticed. move or progress very slowly and steadily. (of a plant) grow along the ground or other surface by extending stems or branches.
2 (of a plastic solid) undergo gradual deformation under stress.
3 (creep to) informal behave obsequiously towards.
n.
1 informal a contemptible person, especially one who behaves obsequiously in the hope of advancement.
2 very slow, steady movement or progress. gradual deformation of a plastic solid under stress.
3 Brit. an opening in a hedge or wall for an animal to pass through. a feeding enclosure for young animals, with a long, narrow entrance.

- PHRASES
give someone the creeps informal induce a feeling of revulsion or fear in someone.
make one's flesh creep cause one to feel revulsion and have a sensation like that of something crawling over the skin.

- DERIVATIVES creeping adj.

- ORIGIN OE cropan, of Gmc origin.

creeper

n.
1 any plant that grows along the ground, around another plant, or up a wall by means of extending stems or branches.
2 any of a number of small birds that creep around in trees or vegetation.
3 (creepers) informal short for brothel creepers.

creeping Jenny

n. a trailing evergreen plant with round glossy leaves and yellow flowers, growing in damp places.   Lysimachia nummularia.

creeping Jesus

n. Brit. informal a person who is obsequious or hypocritically pious.

creepy

adj. (creepier, creepiest) informal causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease.

- DERIVATIVES creepily adv. creepiness n.

creepy-crawly

n. (pl. creepy-crawlies) informal a spider, worm, or other small flightless creature.

creese

n. archaic spelling of kris.

cremaster

//

n.
1 Anatomy the muscle of the spermatic cord, by which the testicle can be partially raised.
2 Entomology the hook-like tip of a butterfly pupa.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk kremastr, from krema- ‘hang’.

cremate

v. dispose of (a dead person's body) by burning it to ashes.

- DERIVATIVES cremation n. cremator n.

- ORIGIN C19 (earlier (C17) as cremation): from L. cremare ‘burn’.

crematorium

//

n. (pl. crematoria or crematoriums) a building where the dead are cremated.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from cremare ‘burn’.

crematory

//

adj. relating to cremation.
n. (pl. crematories) North American term for crematorium.

creme

//

n. a substance or product with a thick, creamy consistency.

- ORIGIN from Fr. crème ‘cream’.

crème anglaise

/ /

n. a rich egg custard.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘English cream’.

crème brûlée

/ /

n. (pl. crèmes brûlées pronunc. same or crème brûlées //) a dessert of custard topped with caramelized sugar.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘burnt cream’.

crème caramel

/ /, //

n. (pl. crèmes caramel pronunc. same or crème caramels) a custard dessert made with whipped cream and eggs and topped with caramel.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

crème de cassis

/ /

n. see cassis^1.

crème de la crème

/ /

n. the best person or thing of a particular kind.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘cream of the cream’.

crème de menthe

/ /, //

n. a green peppermint-flavoured liqueur.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘cream of mint’.

crème fraiche

/ /

n. a type of thick cream made from double cream with the addition of buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt.

- ORIGIN from Fr. crème fraîche, lit. ‘fresh cream’.

crenate

//

adj. Botany & Zoology having a round-toothed or scalloped edge.

- DERIVATIVES crenated adj. crenation n.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. crenatus, from pop. L. crena ‘notch’.

crenel

// (also crenelle //)

n. an indentation in the battlements of a building.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr., based on pop. L. crena ‘notch’.

crenellate

// (also crenelate)

v. [usu. as adj. crenellated] provide with battlements.

crenellations

pl. n. battlements.

crenulate

//

adj. technical having a finely scalloped or notched outline or edge.

- DERIVATIVES crenulated adj. crenulation n.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. crenulatus, from crenula, dimin. of crena ‘notch’.

creodont

//

n. a fossil carnivorous mammal of the early Tertiary period, ancestral to modern carnivores.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Creodonta (name of an order), from Gk kreas ‘flesh’ + odous, odont- ‘tooth’.

Creole

//

n.
1 a person of mixed European and black descent.
2 a descendant of European settlers in the Caribbean or Central or South America. a white descendant of French settlers in Louisiana.
3 a mother tongue formed from the contact of a European language with a local language (especially African languages spoken by slaves in the West Indies).
adj. relating to a Creole or Creoles.

- ORIGIN from Fr. créole, criole, from Sp. criollo, prob. from Port. crioulo ‘black person born in Brazil’.

creolize

(or creolise) //, //

v. transform (a language) into a Creole.

- DERIVATIVES creolization // n.

creosol

//

n. Chemistry a colourless liquid which is the chief constituent of wood-tar creosote.

- ORIGIN C19: from creosote + -ol.

creosote

n. a dark brown oil containing various phenols and other compounds, used as a wood preservative.
v. treat with creosote.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from Gk kreas ‘flesh’ + str ‘preserver’, with ref. to its antiseptic properties.

creosote bush

n. a common shrub of arid parts of Mexico and the western US, whose leaves yield a pungent antiseptic.   Larrea tridentata.

crêpe

// (also crepe, crape)

n.
1 a light, thin fabric with a wrinkled surface.
2 (also crêpe rubber) hard-wearing wrinkled rubber, used especially for the soles of shoes.
3 also // a thin pancake.

- DERIVATIVES crêpey (also crêpy) adj.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from OFr. crespe ‘curled, frizzed’.

crêpe de Chine

/ /

n. a fine crêpe of silk or similar fabric.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘crêpe of China’.

crêpe paper

n. thin, crinkled paper used chiefly for making decorations.

crêperie

//

n. (pl. crêperies) a small restaurant in which crêpes are served.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

crêpe Suzette

n. (pl. crêpes Suzette pronunc. same) a thin dessert pancake flamed and served in alcohol.

crepitate

//

v. make a crackling sound.

- DERIVATIVES crepitant adj. crepitation n.

- ORIGIN C17 from L. crepitat-, crepitare, from crepare ‘to rattle’.

crepitus

//

n. Medicine a grating sound or sensation produced by friction between bone and cartilage or the fractured parts of a bone. the production of rattling sounds in the lungs.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from crepare ‘rattle’.

crept

past and past participle of creep.

crepuscular

//, //

adj. relating to or resembling twilight.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. crepusculum ‘twilight’ + -ar^1.

Cres.

abbrev. crescent.

cresc.

(also cres.)

abbrev. Music crescendo.

crescendo

//

n.
1 (pl. crescendos or crescendi //) a gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music.
2 the loudest or climactic point.
adv. & adj. Music with a gradual increase in loudness.
v. (crescendoes, crescendoing, crescendoed) increase in loudness or intensity.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., pres. part. of crescere ‘to increase’.

crescent

//, //

n.
1 the curved shape of the waxing or waning moon.
2 a thing which has the shape of a single curve, especially when broad in the centre and tapering to a point at each end. chiefly Brit. a street or terrace of houses forming an arc.
3 (the Crescent) chiefly historical the political power of Islam or of the Ottoman Empire.
adj.
1 having the shape of a crescent: a crescent moon.
2 literary growing, increasing, or developing.

- DERIVATIVES crescentic // adj.

- ORIGIN ME cressant, from OFr. creissant, from L. crescere ‘grow’; sense 3 is from the crescent-shaped emblem of Islam or Turkey.

cresol

//

n. Chemistry each of three isomeric crystalline compounds present in coal-tar creosote.

- ORIGIN C19: from creosote + -ol.

cress

n. a plant of the cabbage family with small white flowers and pungent leaves.   Barbarea and other genera. young sprouts of garden cress eaten in salads.

- ORIGIN OE cresse, cærse, of W. Gmc origin.

cresset

//

n. historical a metal container of oil, grease, wood, or coal set alight for illumination and typically mounted on a pole.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from craisse, var. of graisse ‘oil, grease’.

crest

n.
1 a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal. a plume of feathers on a helmet.
2 the top of a ridge, wave, etc. Anatomy a ridge along the surface of a bone.
3 a distinctive heraldic device representing a family or corporate body, displayed above the shield of a coat of arms or separately.
v. reach the top of. (of a wave) form a curling foamy top. (be crested with) have (something) attached at the top.

- PHRASES
on the crest of a wave at a very successful point.

- DERIVATIVES crested adj. crestless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. creste, from L. crista ‘tuft, plume’.

crestfallen

adj. sad and disappointed.

- ORIGIN C16: orig. with ref. to an animal with a fallen or drooping crest.

cresting

n. an ornamental decoration at the top of a roof or wall.

cresyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting a radical derived from a cresol.

Cretaceous

//

adj. Geology relating to or denoting the last period of the Mesozoic era (between the Jurassic and Tertiary periods, about 146 to 65 million years ago), a time when the first flowering plants appeared and at the end of which dinosaurs, ammonites, and many other organisms died out.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. cretaceus (from creta ‘chalk’) + -ous.

Cretan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the Greek island of Crete.
adj. relating to Crete or its inhabitants.

cretic

//

n. Prosody a metrical foot containing one short or unstressed syllable between two long or stressed ones.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. Creticus, from Gk Krtikos ‘of Crete’.

cretin

//

n.
1 a stupid person.
2 Medicine, dated a person who is physically deformed and has learning difficulties because of congenital thyroid deficiency.

- DERIVATIVES cretinism n. cretinous adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. crétin, from Swiss Fr. crestin ‘Christian’, appar. used to convey a reminder that such people are human.

cretonne

//, //

n. a heavy cotton fabric, typically with a floral pattern, used for upholstery.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr.

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease

//

n. a fatal degenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain, believed to be caused by a prion.

- PHRASES
new variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease a form of the disease characterized by an early age of onset and possibly linked to BSE.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the German neurologists H. G. Creutzfeldt and A. Jakob.

crevasse

//

n. a deep open crack in a glacier or ice field.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from OFr. crevace (see crevice).

crevice

//

n. a narrow opening or fissure, especially in a rock or wall.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crevace, from crever ‘to burst’, from L. crepare ‘to rattle, crack’.

crew^1

n. [treated as sing. or pl.]
1 a group of people who work on and operate a ship, boat, aircraft, or train. such a group other than the officers.
2 informal, often derogatory a group of people.
v. provide with a crew. act as a member of a crew.

- DERIVATIVES crewman n. (pl. crewmen).

- ORIGIN ME, in sense ‘band of soldiers’: from OFr. creue ‘augmentation, increase’, fem. past part. of croistre ‘grow’, from L. crescere.

crew^2

past of crow^2.

crew cut

n. a very short haircut for men and boys.

- ORIGIN 1940s: appar. first adopted by boat crews of Harvard and Yale universities.

crewel

//

n. a thin, loosely twisted worsted yarn used for tapestry and embroidery.

- ORIGIN C15: of unknown origin.

crew neck

n. a close-fitting round neckline.

- DERIVATIVES crew-necked adj.

crib

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a child's bed with barred or latticed sides; a cot. a manger. Brit. a model of the Nativity of Christ.
2 informal a translation of a text for use by students, especially in a surreptitious way. a thing that has been plagiarized.
3 informal, chiefly N. Amer. an apartment or house.
4 short for cribbage. the cards discarded by the players at cribbage.
5 (also cribwork) a heavy timber framework used in foundations.
6 Austral./NZ a snack.
v. (cribs, cribbing, cribbed)
1 informal copy illicitly or without acknowledgement. archaic steal.
2 archaic restrain.
3 Brit. dated grumble.

- DERIVATIVES cribber n.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

cribbage

n. a card game for two players, in which the objective is to play so that the pip value of one's cards played reaches exactly 15 or 31.

- ORIGIN C17: rel. to crib.

crib-biting

n. a repetitive habit of some horses involving biting and chewing of wood in the stable.

crib death

n. North American term for cot death.

cribellum

//

n. (pl. cribella //) Zoology (in some spiders) an additional spinning organ with numerous fine pores, situated in front of the spinnerets.

- DERIVATIVES cribellate adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L., dimin. of cribrum ‘sieve’.

cribo

//, //

n. (pl. cribos) another term for indigo snake.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

cribriform

//

adj. Anatomy pierced by numerous small holes.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. cribrum ‘sieve’ + -iform.

cribwork

n. see crib (sense 5).

crick

n. a painful stiff feeling in the neck or back.
v. twist or strain (one's neck or back), causing painful stiffness.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

cricket^1

n. an open-air game played on a large grass field with bat and ball between teams of eleven players, the batsmen attempting to score runs by hitting the ball and running between the wickets.

- PHRASES
not cricket Brit. informal contrary to traditional standards of fairness or rectitude.

- DERIVATIVES cricketer n. cricketing adj.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

cricket^2

n. an insect related to the grasshoppers but with shorter legs, of which the male produces a characteristic musical chirping sound.   Family Gryllidae: many species. used in names of similar insects of related families, e.g. bush cricket.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. criquet, from criquer ‘to crackle’, of imitative origin.

cricoid

//

n. (also cricoid cartilage) Anatomy the ring-shaped cartilage of the larynx.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. cricoides ‘ring-shaped’.

cri de cœur

/ /

n. (pl. cris de cœur pronunc. same) a passionate appeal or complaint.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘cry from the heart’.

cried

past and past participle of cry.

crier

n. an officer who makes public announcements in a court of justice.

crikey

exclam. Brit. informal an expression of surprise.

- ORIGIN C19: euphemism for Christ.

crim

n. & adj. informal, chiefly Austral./NZ short for criminal.

Crimbo

n. variant spelling of Chrimbo.

crime

n.
1 an action which constitutes a serious offence against an individual or the state and is punishable by law. such actions collectively: the victims of crime.
2 informal a shameful or deplorable action or state of affairs.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘sin’): via OFr. from L. crimen ‘judgement, offence’, based on cernere ‘to judge’.

Crimean

//

adj. relating to the Crimea, a peninsula of Ukraine between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

crime passionnel

/ /

n. (pl. crimes passionnels pronunc. same) a crime committed in a fit of sexual jealousy.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘crime of passion’.

criminal

n. a person who has committed a crime.
adj.
1 relating to or constituting a crime.
2 informal deplorable and shocking.

- DERIVATIVES criminality // n. criminally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. criminalis, from L. crimen, crimin- (see crime).

criminal conversation

n. Law, historical adultery.

criminalistics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] another term for forensics (see forensic).

criminalize

(or criminalise) //

v. make (an activity) illegal. turn (someone) into a criminal by making their activities illegal.

- DERIVATIVES criminalization // n.

criminal law

n. a system of law concerned with the punishment of offenders.

criminal libel

n. Law the offence of making a malicious defamatory statement in a permanent form.

criminal record

n. a list of a person's previous criminal convictions. a history of being convicted for crime.

criminogenic

//

adj. causing or likely to cause criminal behaviour.

criminology

//

n. the scientific study of crime and criminals.

- DERIVATIVES criminological adj. criminologist n.

crimp

v.
1 compress into small folds or ridges. connect by squeezing together. [often as adj. crimped] make waves in (hair) with a hot iron.
2 (also put a crimp in) N. Amer. informal have a limiting or adverse effect on.
n.
1 a curl, wave, or folded or compressed edge.
2 a small connecting piece for crimping wires or lines together.

- DERIVATIVES crimpy adj.

- ORIGIN OE gecrympan, of Gmc origin.

crimper

n.
1 a person or thing that crimps.
2 informal a hairdresser.

crimplene

//

n. trademark a synthetic crease-resistant fibre and fabric.

- ORIGIN 1950s: prob. from crimp + a shortened form of terylene.

crimson

//

n. a rich deep red colour.
v. become flushed, especially through embarrassment.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. Fr. cramoisin or Old Sp. cremesin, based on Arab. kirmiz, from kirmiz (see kermes).

cringe

//

v. (cringes, cringing, cringed)
1 bend one's head and body in fear or apprehension or in a servile manner.
2 experience an inward shiver of embarrassment or disgust.
n. an act of cringing.

- DERIVATIVES cringer n.

- ORIGIN ME crenge, crenche, rel. to OE cringan, crincan ‘bend, yield, fall in battle’, of Gmc origin and rel. to crank^1.

cringeworthy

(also cringe-making)

adj. informal causing embarrassment.

cringle

n. Sailing a ring of rope containing a thimble, for another rope to pass through.

- ORIGIN C17: from Low Ger. kringel, dimin. of kring ‘ring’.

crinkle

v. form or cause to form small creases or wrinkles.
n. a small crease or wrinkle.

- DERIVATIVES crinkly adj. (crinklier, crinkliest).

- ORIGIN ME: rel. to OE crincan (see cringe).

crinkum-crankum

//

n. archaic elaborate decoration or detail.

- ORIGIN C17: fanciful reduplication of crank^1 or crank^2.

crinoid

//, //

n. Zoology an echinoderm of a class (Crinoidea) that comprises the sea lilies and feather stars.

- DERIVATIVES crinoidal // adj.

- ORIGIN mod. L. Crinoidea, from Gk krinoeids ‘lily-like’, from krinon ‘lily’.

crinoline

//

n.
1 historical a stiffened or hooped petticoat worn to make a long skirt stand out.
2 a stiff fabric made of horsehair and cotton or linen thread, used for stiffening petticoats or as a lining.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., formed irregularly from L. crinis ‘hair’ + linum ‘thread’.

criollo

//, //

n. (pl. criollos)
1 a person from Spanish South or Central America, especially one of pure Spanish descent.
2 (also criollo tree) a cacao tree of a variety producing high-quality beans.

- ORIGIN C19: Sp., lit. ‘native to the locality’ (see Creole).

cripes

//

exclam. informal an expression of surprise.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: euphemism for Christ.

cripple

n. archaic or offensive a person who is unable to walk or move properly through disability or injury.
v. make unable to move or walk properly. cause severe and disabling damage to.

- DERIVATIVES crippledom n. crippler n.

- ORIGIN OE: from two words, crypel and cropel, both of Gmc origin and rel. to creep.

USAGE

The word cripple in the sense ‘a person unable to walk through disability or injury’ has acquired offensive connotations and has now largely been replaced by broader terms such as disabled person.

crisis

n. (pl. crises)
1 a time of intense difficulty or danger.
2 the turning point of a disease when an important change takes place, indicating either recovery or death.

- ORIGIN ME: medical L., from Gk krisis ‘decision’, from krinein ‘decide’.

crisp

adj.
1 firm, dry, and brittle, especially in a way considered pleasing. (of hair) having tight curls.
2 (of the weather) cool, fresh, and invigorating.
3 (of a way of speaking) briskly decisive and matter-of-fact.
n. (also potato crisp) Brit. a wafer-thin slice of potato fried until crisp and eaten as a snack.
v.
1 give (food) a crisp surface by placing it in an oven or grill.
2 archaic curl into short, stiff, wavy folds or crinkles.

- PHRASES
burn to a crisp burn so as to leave only a charred remnant.

- DERIVATIVES crispiness n. crisply adv. crispness n. crispy adj. (crispier, crispiest).

- ORIGIN OE: from L. crispus ‘curled’.

crispate

adj. Botany having a wavy or curly edge.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. crispatus, past part. of crispare ‘to curl’.

crispbread

n. a thin crisp biscuit made from crushed rye or wheat.

crisper

n. a compartment at the bottom of a refrigerator for storing fruit and vegetables.

criss-cross

n. a pattern of intersecting straight lines or paths.
adj. (of a pattern) containing a number of intersecting straight lines or paths.
v.
1 form a criss-cross pattern on (a place).
2 move or travel around (a place) by going back and forth repeatedly.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a figure of a cross preceding the alphabet in a hornbook): from Christ-cross, later treated as a reduplication of cross.

crista

//

n. (pl. cristae //)
1 Anatomy & Zoology a ridge or crest.
2 Biology each of the partitions in a mitochondrion formed by folding of the inner membrane.

- DERIVATIVES cristate adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘tuft, plume, crest’.

cristobalite

//

n. a form of silica which is the main component of opal.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Cerro San Cristóbal in Mexico, where it was discovered.

criterion

//

n. (pl. criteria //) a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.

- DERIVATIVES criterial adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk kritrion ‘means of judging’, from krits (see critic).

USAGE

The singular form is criterion and the plural form is criteria. It is a common mistake to use criteria as if it were a singular, as in a further criteria needs to be considered.

critic

n.
1 a person who expresses an unfavourable opinion of something.
2 a person who judges the merits of literary or artistic works, especially one who does so professionally.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. criticus, from Gk kritikos, from krits ‘a judge’.

critical

adj.
1 expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgements.
2 expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature or art.
3 (of a situation or problem) at a point of crisis. extremely ill and at risk of death. having a decisive importance in the success or failure of something.
4 Mathematics & Physics relating to or denoting a point of transition from one state to another.
5 (of a nuclear reactor or fuel) maintaining a self-sustaining chain reaction.

- DERIVATIVES criticality n. critically adv. criticalness n.

critical angle

n. Optics the angle of incidence beyond which rays of light passing through a denser medium to the surface of a less dense medium are no longer refracted but totally reflected.

critical apparatus

n. see apparatus (sense 3).

critical damping

n. Physics damping just sufficient to prevent oscillations.

critical mass

n.
1 Physics the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction.
2 the minimum size or amount of resources required to start or maintain a venture.

critical path

n. the sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for a complex operation.

critical point

n.
1 Chemistry a set of conditions at which both the liquid and gas phases of a substance have the same density, and are therefore indistinguishable.
2 US term for stationary point.

critical pressure

n. Chemistry the pressure of a gas or vapour in its critical state.

critical state

n. Chemistry the state of a substance when it is at the critical point.

critical temperature

n. Chemistry the temperature of a gas in its critical state, above which it cannot be liquefied by pressure alone.

critical theory

n. a philosophical approach to culture, and especially to literature, seen from a modified Marxist perspective.

criticism

n.
1 the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
2 the critical assessment of a literary or artistic work.

criticize

(or criticise)

v.
1 disapprovingly indicate the faults of.
2 form and express a critical assessment of (a literary or artistic work).

- DERIVATIVES criticizable adj. criticizer n.

critique

//

n. a detailed analysis and assessment.
v. (critiques, critiquing, critiqued) evaluate in a detailed and analytical way.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., based on Gk kritik tekhn ‘critical art’.

critter

n. informal or dialect, chiefly N. Amer. a living creature.

- ORIGIN C19: var. of creature.

croak

n. a characteristic deep hoarse sound made by a frog or a crow.
v.
1 (of a frog or crow) utter a croak.
2 informal die.
3 archaic prophesy evil or misfortune.

- DERIVATIVES croakily adv. croaky adj.

- ORIGIN ME: imitative.

croaker

n. a person or animal that croaks. another term for drum^2.

Croatian

//

n. (also Croat //)
1 a native or national of Croatia, or a person of Croatian descent.
2 the Southern Slavic language of the Croats, almost identical to Serbian but written in the Roman alphabet.
adj. relating to Croatia, its people, or their language.

crochet

//, //

n. a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a patterned fabric by means of a hooked needle. fabric or items made in this way.
v. (crochets //, crocheting //, crocheted //) make (a garment or piece of fabric) in this way.

- DERIVATIVES crocheter // n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., dimin. of croc ‘hook’.

croci

plural form of crocus.

crocidolite

//

n. a fibrous blue or green mineral consisting of a silicate of iron and sodium.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk krokis, krokid- ‘nap of cloth’ + -lite.

crock^1

informal

n. Brit. an old person considered to be feeble and useless. an old and worn-out vehicle.
v.
1 Brit. cause an injury to.
2 [as adj. crocked] N. Amer. drunk.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting an old ewe, later an old or broken-down horse): perh. from Flemish, and prob. rel. to crack.

crock^2

n.
1 an earthenware pot or jar. a broken piece of earthenware. a plate, cup, or other item of crockery.
2 (also vulgar slang crock of shit) chiefly N. Amer. something considered to be complete nonsense.

- ORIGIN OE croc, crocca, of Gmc origin.

crockery

n. plates, dishes, cups, and similar items made of earthenware or china.

- ORIGIN C18: from obs. crocker ‘potter’, from crock^2.

crocket

//

n. (in Gothic architecture) a small carved ornament on the inclined side of a pinnacle or gable.

- ORIGIN ME: from Old North. Fr., var. of OFr. crochet (see crotchet).

crocodile

n.
1 a large predatory semiaquatic reptile with long jaws, long tail, short legs, and a horny textured skin.   Crocodylus and other genera.
2 leather made from crocodile skin, used especially to make bags and shoes.
3 Brit. informal a line of schoolchildren walking in pairs.

- ORIGIN ME cocodrille, cokadrill, from OFr. cocodrille, via med. L. from L. crocodilus, from Gk krokodilos ‘worm of the stones’.

crocodile clip

n. chiefly Brit. a sprung metal clip with long serrated jaws, used to connect an electric cable temporarily to a battery or other component.

crocodile tears

pl. n. tears or expressions of sorrow that are insincere.

- ORIGIN C16: said to be so named from a belief that crocodiles wept while devouring or luring their prey.

crocodilian

//

n. Zoology a reptile of the order Crocodylia, comprising the crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharial.

crocus

//

n. (pl. crocuses or croci //, //) a small spring-flowering plant of the iris family, which grows from a corm and bears bright yellow, purple, or white flowers.   Genus Crocus.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk krokos, of Semitic origin.

croeso

//

exclam. Welsh welcome!

- ORIGIN Welsh.

Croesus

//

n. a person of great wealth.

- ORIGIN C17: from the name of a famously wealthy king of Lydia, who reigned c.560–546 bc.

croft

Brit.

n.
1 a small rented farm, especially in Scotland, having a right of pasturage held in common with other such farms.
2 a small enclosed field, typically attached to a house.
v. farm (land) as a croft or crofts.

- DERIVATIVES crofter n. crofting n.

- ORIGIN OE: of unknown origin.

Crohn's disease

//

n. a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines, especially the colon and ileum, associated with ulcers and fistulae.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the American pathologist Burrill B. Crohn.

croissant

//

n. a French crescent-shaped roll made of sweet flaky yeast dough, eaten for breakfast.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr. (see crescent).

Cro-Magnon

//, //

n. [as modifier] denoting the earliest form of modern human in Europe, appearing c.35,000 years ago and associated with the Aurignacian flint industry.

- ORIGIN the name of a hill in the Dordogne, France.

cromlech

//

n.
1 (in Wales) a megalithic tomb consisting of a large flat stone laid on upright ones; a dolmen.
2 (in Brittany) a circle of standing stones.

- ORIGIN Welsh, from crom, fem. of crwm ‘arched’ + llech ‘flat stone’ (sense 1); sense 2 via Fr. from Breton krommlec'h.

crone

n. an ugly old woman.

- ORIGIN ME: via MDu. croonje, caroonje ‘carcass, old ewe’ from Old North. Fr. caroigne (see carrion).

cronk

adj. Austral./NZ informal, dated unfit or unsound. fraudulent.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. rel. to crank^3.

crony

//

n. (pl. cronies) informal, often derogatory a close friend or companion.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. Cambridge university sl.): from Gk khronios ‘long-lasting’ (here used to mean ‘contemporary’); cf. chum^1.

cronyism

(also croneyism)

n. derogatory the improper appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority.

crook

n.
1 a shepherd's hooked staff. a bishop's crozier.
2 a bend, especially at the elbow in a person's arm.
3 informal a person who is dishonest or a criminal.
v. bend (something, especially a finger as a signal).
adj. Austral./NZ informal bad, unsound, or unwell. dishonest or illegal.

- DERIVATIVES crookery n.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON krókr ‘hook’.

crookback

n. archaic a person with a hunchback.

- DERIVATIVES crookbacked adj.

crooked

//

adj. (crookeder, crookedest)
1 bent or twisted out of shape or position.
2 informal dishonest or illegal.
3 Austral./NZ informal annoyed; exasperated.

- DERIVATIVES crookedly adv. crookedness n.

croon

v. hum, sing, or speak in a soft, low voice.
n. a soft, low voice or tone.

- DERIVATIVES crooner n.

- ORIGIN C15 (orig. Scots and north. Engl.): from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. krnen ‘groan, lament’.

crop

n.
1 a plant cultivated on a large scale for food or other use, especially a cereal, fruit, or vegetable. an amount of a crop harvested at one time.
2 an amount of related people or things appearing at one time: the current crop of politicians.
3 a hairstyle in which the hair is cut very short.
4 a riding crop or hunting crop.
5 a pouch in a bird's gullet where food is stored or prepared for digestion.
6 the entire tanned hide of an animal.
v. (crops, cropping, cropped)
1 cut (something, especially a person's hair) very short. (of an animal) bite off and eat the tops of (plants). trim off the edges of (a photograph).
2 harvest (a crop) from an area. sow or plant (land) with plants that will produce a crop. (of land or a plant) yield a harvest.
3 (crop up) appear or occur unexpectedly.
4 (crop out) (of rock) appear or be exposed at the surface of the earth.

- ORIGIN The word crop has a complex history. In Old English it meant ‘pouch in a bird's gullet’ (modern sense 5) and ‘flower head, ear of corn’ (now obsolete); this latter sense gave rise to sense 1 and to other senses referring to the top of something, from which came its application to the upper part of a whip and so to its use to refer to short whips in hunting crop and riding crop. Crop shares a Germanic root with German, Dutch, and Scandinavian words signifying something protruding, swollen, or bunched together; it is also related to group, and to croup ‘rump or hindquarters of a horse’.

crop circle

n. an area of standing crops which has been flattened in the form of a circle or more complex pattern by an unexplained agency.

crop dusting

n. the spraying of powdered insecticide or fertilizer on crops, especially from the air.

- DERIVATIVES crop duster n.

crop-eared

adj. historical
1 having the tops of the ears cut off.
2 (especially of a Roundhead in the English Civil War) having the hair cut very short.

cropland

(also croplands)

n. land used for growing crops.

crop-over

n. a West Indian celebration marking the end of the sugar-cane harvest.

cropper

n.
1 a plant which yields a specified crop.
2 a machine or person that cuts or trims something.
3 chiefly US a person who raises a crop, especially as a sharecropper.

- PHRASES
come a cropper informal fall heavily. suffer a defeat or disaster.

crop top

(also cropped top)

n. a woman's casual garment for the upper body, cut short so that it reveals the stomach.

croque-monsieur

/ /

n. a fried or grilled cheese and ham sandwich.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘bite (a) man’.

croquet

//, //

n. a game played on a lawn, in which wooden balls are driven through a series of square-topped hoops by means of mallets. an act of croqueting a ball.
v. (croquets //, croqueting //, croqueted //) drive away (an opponent's ball) by holding one's own ball against it and striking one's own.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. a dial. form of Fr. crochet ‘hook’.

croquette

//

n. a small ball or roll of vegetables, minced meat, or fish, fried in breadcrumbs.

- ORIGIN Fr., from croquer ‘to crunch’.

crore

//

cardinal number Indian ten million; one hundred lakhs.

- ORIGIN from Hindi karor, based on Sanskrit koti ‘ten millions’.

crosier

//, //

n. variant spelling of crozier.

cross

n.
1 a mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces (+ or ×).
2 an upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion. (the Cross) the cross on which Christ was crucified.
3 a thing that is unavoidable and has to be endured: she's just a cross we have to bear.
4 a cross-shaped decoration awarded for personal valour or indicating rank in some orders of knighthood.
5 an animal or plant resulting from cross-breeding; a hybrid. (a cross between) a mixture or compromise of two things.
6 (in soccer) a pass of the ball across the field towards the centre close to one's opponents' goal.
7 (in boxing) a blow given with a crosswise movement of the fist.
v.
1 go or extend across or to the other side of (a path, obstacle, or area). (cross over) (of an artist) begin to appeal to a wider audience.
2 pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect. place crosswise: Michele crossed her arms.
3 draw a line or lines across; mark with a cross. Brit. mark or annotate (a cheque), typically with a pair of parallel lines, to indicate that it must be paid into a named bank account. (cross something off) delete an item on a list. (cross something out/through) delete a word or phrase by drawing a line through it.
4 (cross oneself) make the sign of the cross in front of one's chest as a sign of Christian reverence or to invoke divine protection.
5 Soccer pass (the ball) across the field towards the centre when attacking.
6 cause (an animal of one species, breed, or variety) to interbreed with one of another. cross-fertilize (a plant).
7 oppose or stand in the way of.
adj. annoyed.

- PHRASES
at cross purposes misunderstanding or having different aims from one another.
cross one's fingers put one finger across another as a sign of hoping for good luck.
cross the floor Brit. join the opposing side in Parliament.
cross my heart (and hope to die) used to emphasize the truthfulness and sincerity of what one is saying.
cross someone's palm with silver often humorous pay someone for a favour or service, especially having one's fortune told.
cross swords have an argument or dispute.
crossed line a telephone connection that has been wrongly made with the result that another call can be heard.
get one's wires (or lines) crossed have a misunderstanding.

- DERIVATIVES crosser n. crossly adv. crossness n.

- ORIGIN OE: from ON kross, from Old Ir. cros, from L. crux.

cross-

comb. form
1 denoting movement or position across: cross-country. denoting interaction: cross-pollinate. passing from side to side; transverse: crosspiece.
2 describing the form of a cross: crossroads.

crossbar

n. a horizontal bar, in particular one between the two upright posts of a football goal or between the handlebars and saddle on a bicycle.

cross-beam

n. a transverse beam.

cross-bedding

n. Geology layering within a stratum and at an angle to the main bedding plane.

cross-bencher

n. a member of the House of Lords who is independent of any political party.

- DERIVATIVES cross-bench adj.

crossbill

n. a thickset finch with a crossed bill adapted for extracting seeds from the cones of conifers.   Loxia curvirostra and related species.

crossbones

n. see skull and crossbones at skull.

crossbow

n. a medieval bow of a kind fixed across a wooden support, having a groove for the bolt and a mechanism for drawing and releasing the string.

- DERIVATIVES crossbowman n. (pl. crossbowmen).

cross-breed

v. produce (an animal or plant) by mating or hybridizing two different species, breeds, or varieties.
n. an animal or plant produced by cross-breeding.

cross-check

v.
1 verify (figures or information) by using an alternative source or method.
2 Ice Hockey obstruct (an opponent) illegally with the stick held horizontally in both hands.
n. an instance of cross-checking figures or information.

cross-contamination

n. the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another.

- DERIVATIVES cross-contaminate v.

cross-country

adj.
1 across fields or countryside, as opposed to on roads or tracks: cross-country running.
2 across a region or country, in particular not keeping to main or direct routes.
n. the sport of cross-country running, riding, skiing, or motoring.

cross-cousin

n. each of two cousins who are children of a brother and sister.

cross-cultural

adj. relating to different cultures or comparison between them.

cross-current

n.
1 a current in a river or sea which flows across another.
2 a process or tendency which is in conflict with another.

cross-cut

v.
1 cut (wood or stone) across its main grain or axis.
2 alternate (one sequence) with another when editing a film.
n. an instance of cross-cutting.
adj. (of a file) having two sets of grooves crossing each other diagonally.

cross-cut saw

n. a saw with a handle at each end, used by two people for cutting across the grain of timber.

cross-dating

n. Archaeology the dating of objects by correlation with the chronology of another culture or site.

cross-dress

v. wear clothing typical of the opposite sex.

- DERIVATIVES cross-dresser n.

crosse

//

n. the stick used in women's field lacrosse.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from OFr. croce ‘bishop's crook’.

cross-examine

v. question (a witness called by the other party) in a court of law to challenge or extend testimony already given.

- DERIVATIVES cross-examination n. cross-examiner n.

cross-eyed

adj. having one or both eyes turned inwards towards the nose, either temporarily or as a permanent condition (convergent strabismus).

cross-fade

v. (in sound or film editing) make a picture or sound appear or be heard gradually as another disappears or becomes silent.
n. an act or instance of cross-fading.

cross-fertilize

(or cross-fertilise)

v.
1 fertilize (a plant) using pollen from another plant of the same species.
2 stimulate the development of (something) with an exchange of ideas or information.

- DERIVATIVES cross-fertilization n.

crossfire

n. gunfire from two or more directions passing through the same area.

cross-grained

adj.
1 (also cross-grain) (of timber) having a grain that runs across the regular grain.
2 stubbornly contrary or bad-tempered.

cross hairs

pl. n. a pair of fine wires crossing at right angles at the focus of an optical instrument or gunsight.

cross-hatch

v. shade (an area) with intersecting sets of parallel lines.

- DERIVATIVES cross-hatching n.

cross head

n.
1 a bar or block between the piston rod and connecting rod in a steam engine.
2 a screw with an indented cross shape in its head.
3 a paragraph heading printed across a column in the body of a newspaper article.

cross index

n. a note or cross reference which refers the reader to other material.
v. (cross-index) index (something) under another heading as a cross reference.

cross-infection

n. the transfer of infection, especially to a hospital patient or between different species of animal or plant.

crossing

n.
1 a place where things, especially roads or railway lines, cross. Architecture the intersection of a church nave and the transepts.
2 a place at which one may safely cross something, especially a street.

crossing over

n. Genetics the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, resulting in a mixture of parental characteristics in offspring.

cross-legged

adj. & adv. (of a seated person) with the legs crossed at the ankles and the knees bent outwards.

cross link

n. a transverse link, especially between chains of atoms in a polymeric molecule.
v. (cross-link) connect by a series of transverse links.

- DERIVATIVES cross-linkage n.

crossmatch

v. Medicine test the compatibility of (a donor's and a recipient's blood or tissue).

crossover

n.
1 a point or place of crossing from one side to the other.
2 the process of producing work or achieving success in a new field or style, especially in popular music.

cross-ownership

n. the ownership by one corporation of different companies with related interests or commercial aims.

cross-party

adj. involving or relating to two or more political parties.

crosspatch

n. Brit. informal a bad-tempered person.

- ORIGIN C18: from cross + obs. patch ‘fool, clown’, perh. from Ital. pazzo ‘madman’.

crosspiece

n. a beam or bar fixed or placed across something else.

cross-platform

adj. Computing able to be used on different types of computers or with different software packages.

cross-ply

adj. Brit. (of a tyre) having fabric layers with their threads running diagonally, crosswise to each other.

cross-pollinate

v. pollinate (a flower or plant) with pollen from another flower or plant.

- DERIVATIVES cross-pollination n.

cross-post

v. send (a message) to more than one Internet newsgroup simultaneously.
n. a message that has been cross-posted.

cross product

n. another term for vector product.

cross-question

v. question in great detail.

cross-rate

n. an exchange rate between two currencies computed by reference to a third currency, usually the US dollar.

cross reference

n. a reference to another text or part of a text.
v. (cross-reference) provide with cross references.

- DERIVATIVES cross-refer v.

cross-rhythm

n. Music a rhythm used simultaneously with another rhythm or rhythms.

crossroads

n. (pl. same)
1 an intersection of two or more roads.
2 (crossroad) N. Amer. a road that crosses a main road or joins two main roads.

cross section

n.
1 a surface or shape exposed by making a straight cut through something, especially at right angles to an axis.
2 a typical or representative sample of a larger group.
3 Physics a quantity having the dimensions of an area which expresses the probability of a given interaction between particles.
v. (cross-section) make a cross section of.

- DERIVATIVES cross-sectional adj.

cross-sell

v. sell (a different product or service) to an existing customer.

cross stitch

Needlework

n. a stitch formed of two stitches crossing each other.
v. (cross-stitch) sew or embroider using cross stitch.

cross-subsidize

(or cross-subsidise)

v. subsidize (a business or activity) out of the profits of another business or activity.

- DERIVATIVES cross-subsidization n. cross-subsidy n.

crosstalk

n.
1 unwanted transfer of signals between communication channels.
2 witty conversation.

cross tie

n. US a railway sleeper.

cross-train

v.
1 learn another skill, especially one related to one's current job.
2 [as noun cross-training] training in two or more sports in order to improve fitness and performance.

crosstrees

pl. n. a pair of horizontal struts attached to a sailing ship's mast to spread the rigging, especially at the head of a topmast.

cross-voting

n. voting for a party one does not belong to, or for more than one party.

crosswalk

n. N. Amer. & Austral. a pedestrian crossing.

crosswind

n. a wind blowing across one's direction of travel.

crosswise

(also crossways)

adv.
1 in the form of a cross.
2 diagonally or transversely.

crossword

n. a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.

crostini

//

pl. n. small pieces of toasted or fried bread served with a topping as a starter or canapé.

- ORIGIN Ital., pl. of crostino ‘little crust’.

crotal

n. variant spelling of crottle.

crotale

//

n. a small tuned cymbal.

- ORIGIN 1930s: Fr.

crotch

n.
1 the part of the human body between the legs where they join the torso.
2 a fork in a tree, road, or river.

- DERIVATIVES crotched adj. crotchless adj.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. rel. to OFr. croche ‘shepherd's crook’, based on ON krókr ‘hook’; partly also a var. of crutch.

crotchet

//

n.
1 Music, Brit. a musical note having the time value of a quarter of a semibreve or half a minim, represented by a large solid dot with a plain stem.
2 a perverse or unfounded belief or notion.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘hook’): from OFr. crochet, dimin. of croc, from ON krókr.

crotchety

adj. bad-tempered; irritable.

- DERIVATIVES crotchetiness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from sense 2 of crotchet + -y^1.

croton

//

n.
1 a strong-scented tree, shrub, or herbaceous plant, native to tropical and warm regions.   Genus Croton.
2 a small evergreen tree or shrub of the Indo-Pacific region, with colourful foliage.   Genus Codiaeum.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk krotn ‘sheep tick’ (from the shape of the seeds of the croton in sense 1).

crottle

// (also crotal)

n. a common lichen found on rocks, used in Scotland to make a dye for making tweed.   Parmelia saxatilis and other species.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sc. Gaelic and Ir. crotal, crotan.

crouch

v. adopt a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down.
n. a crouching stance or posture.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OFr. crochir ‘be bent’, from croche (see crotch).

croup^1

//

n. inflammation of the larynx and trachea in children, associated with infection and causing breathing difficulties.

- DERIVATIVES croupy adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from dial. croup ‘to croak’, of imitative origin.

croup^2

//

n. the rump or hindquarters of a horse.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. croupe, ult. of Gmc origin and rel. to crop.

croupier

//, //

n.
1 the person in charge of a gaming table, gathering in and paying out money or tokens.
2 historical the assistant chairman at a public dinner.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a person standing behind a gambler to give advice): Fr., from OFr. cropier ‘pillion rider’, rel. to OFr. croupe (see croup^2).

croustade

//

n. a crisp piece of bread or pastry hollowed to receive a savoury filling.

- ORIGIN Fr., from OFr. crouste or Ital. crostata ‘tart’.

crouton

//

n. a small piece of fried or toasted bread served with soup or used as a garnish.

- ORIGIN Fr. croûton, from croûte (see crust).

Crow

n. (pl. same or Crows)
1 a member of an American Indian people inhabiting eastern Montana.
2 the Siouan language of the Crow.

- ORIGIN suggested by Fr. gens de corbeaux, translating Siouan apsáaloke ‘crow people’.

crow^1

n.
1 a large perching bird with mostly glossy black plumage, a heavy bill, and a raucous voice.   Corvus corone (carrion crow) and related species, family Corvidae.
2 informal an old or ugly woman.

- PHRASES
as the crow flies in a straight line across country.
eat crow N. Amer. informal be humiliated by having to admit one's defeats or mistakes.

- ORIGIN OE crwe, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to crow^2.

crow^2

v. (past crowed or crew)
1 (of a cock) utter its characteristic loud cry.
2 express great pride or triumph, especially in a tone of gloating satisfaction.
n.
1 the cry of a cock.
2 a sound expressing great pride or triumph.

- ORIGIN OE crwan, of W. Gmc origin, rel. to crow^1; ult. imitative.

crowbar

n. an iron bar with a flattened end, used as a lever.
v. (crowbars, crowbarring, crowbarred) strike or open with a crowbar.

crowberry

n. (pl. crowberries)
1 a creeping heather-like dwarf shrub with small leaves and black berries.   Empetrum nigrum.
2 the edible but flavourless black berry of the crowberry.

crowd

n. a large number of people gathered together. a large audience, especially at a sporting event. informal, often derogatory a group of people with a common interest.
v.
1 [often as adj. crowded] (of a number of people) fill (a space) almost completely, leaving little or no room for movement. move or come together as a crowd.
2 move too close to: don't crowd her, she needs air.
3 (crowd someone/thing out) exclude by taking the place of someone or something.

- DERIVATIVES crowdedness n.

- ORIGIN OE crdan ‘press, hasten’, of Gmc origin.

crowdie

// (also crowdy)

n. a soft Scottish cheese made from buttermilk or sour milk.

- ORIGIN C19: from crud + -ie.

crowd-pleaser

n. a person or thing with great popular appeal.

- DERIVATIVES crowd-pleasing adj.

crowd-puller

n. an event or person that attracts a large audience.

- DERIVATIVES crowd-pulling adj.

crowd-surf

v. be passed in a prone position over the heads of the audience at a rock concert, typically after having jumped from the stage.

crowfoot

n. (pl. crowfoots) a plant related to the buttercups, typically aquatic and with lobed or divided leaves and white or yellow flowers.   Ranunculus aquatilis (water crowfoot) and related species.

crow hop

n. a short jump with both feet together. N. Amer. a jump by a horse with its back arched and its legs stiffened.

crown

n.
1 a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority. (the Crown) the monarchy or reigning monarch. a wreath of leaves or flowers, especially that worn as an emblem of victory in ancient Greece or Rome.
2 an award or distinction gained by a victory or achievement, especially in sport.
3 the top or highest part. the top part of a person's head or a hat. the upper branching part of a tree or other plant. the upper part of a cut gem, above the girdle.
4 the part of a tooth projecting from the gum. an artificial replacement or covering for the upper part of a tooth.
5 a British coin with a face value of five shillings or 25 pence, now minted only for commemorative purposes.
6 (in full metric crown) a paper size, 384 × 504 mm. (in full crown octavo) a book size, 186 × 123 mm. (in full crown quarto) a book size, 246 × 189 mm.
v.
1 ceremonially place a crown on the head of (someone) to invest them as a monarch. declare to be the best, especially at a sport: he was crowned world champion. (in draughts) promote (a piece) to king by placing another on top of it.
2 rest on or form the top of.
3 be the triumphant culmination of (an effort or endeavour).
4 fit a crown to (a tooth).
5 informal hit on the head.
6 (of a baby's head during labour) fully appear in the vaginal opening prior to emerging.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. corune (n.), coruner (v.), OFr. corone, coroner, from L. corona ‘wreath, chaplet’.

Crown attorney

n. Canadian term for Crown prosecutor.

Crown Colony

n. a British colony whose legislature and administration is controlled by the Crown, represented by a governor.

crown cork

(also crown cap)

n. a metal bottle cap with a crimped edge.

Crown court

n. (in England and Wales) a court of criminal jurisdiction, which deals with serious offences and appeals referred from the magistrates' courts.

Crown Derby

n. a kind of soft-paste porcelain made at Derby in the English Midlands and often marked with a crown above the letter ‘D’.

crowned head

n. a king or queen.

crown gall

n. a large tumour-like gall on the roots or lower trunk of a tree, caused by a bacterium.

crown glass

n. glass made without lead or iron, originally in a circular sheet, and used as optical glass.

crown green

n. Brit. a kind of bowling green which rises slightly towards the middle.

crown imperial

n. an Asian fritillary (plant) with a cluster of bell-like flowers at the top of a tall, largely bare stem.   Fritillaria imperialis.

Crown jewels

pl. n. the crown and other ornaments and jewellery worn or carried by the sovereign on certain state occasions.

crown moulding

n. US term for cornice (in sense 1).

Crown Office

n. an office of the Supreme Court responsible for listing cases to be tried in the High Court.

crown of thorns

n.
1 a large spiky starfish of the tropical Indo-Pacific, feeding on coral.   Acanthaster planci.
2 a thorny shrub.   Euphorbia milii (Madagascar, a popular house plant), and other species.

Crown prince

n. (in some countries) a male heir to a throne.

Crown princess

n. the wife of a Crown prince. (in some countries) a female heir to a throne.

Crown prosecutor

n. (in England, Wales, and Canada) a lawyer who acts for the Crown, especially a prosecutor in a criminal court.

crown roast

n. a roast of rib pieces of pork or lamb arranged like a crown in a circle with the bones pointing upwards.

crown saw

n. another term for hole saw.

crown wheel

n. a gearwheel or cogwheel with teeth that project from the face of the wheel at right angles, used especially in the gears of motor vehicles.

crow's foot

n. (pl. crow's feet)
1 a branching wrinkle at the outer corner of a person's eye.
2 historical a military caltrop.

crow's nest

n. a platform at the masthead of a vessel for a lookout to watch from.

croze

//

n.
1 a groove at the end of a cask or barrel to receive the edge of the head.
2 a cooper's tool for making crozes.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from Fr. creux, creuse ‘hollow’.

crozier

// (also crosier)

n.
1 a hooked staff carried by a bishop as a symbol of pastoral office.
2 the curled top of a young fern.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. croisier ‘cross-bearer’, reinforced by OFr. crocier ‘bearer of a bishop's crook’.

CRT

abbrev. cathode ray tube.

cru

//

n. (pl. crus pronunc. same) (in France) a vineyard or group of vineyards, especially one of recognized superior quality. See also grand cru, premier cru.

- ORIGIN Fr., from crû, lit. ‘growth’, past part. of croître.

cruces

plural form of crux.

crucial

//

adj.
1 decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
2 informal excellent.

- DERIVATIVES cruciality // n. crucially adv.

- ORIGIN The word crucial entered English in the 18th century in the sense ‘cross-shaped’, coming via French from Latin crux (stem cruc-) ‘cross’. The sense ‘decisive’ developed from the Latin phrase instantia crucis ‘crucial instance’, coined by the philosopher Francis Bacon (1561–1626): Bacon was using the crux, or fingerpost marking a fork at a crossroads, as a metaphor for the moment at which one has to take a decision. The scientists Sir Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle took up the metaphor in experimentum crucis ‘crucial experiment’. Latin crux is the root of a number of words, including cross, crucible, crucify, cruise, crusade, and excruciate.

crucian carp

//

n. a small carp of still or slow-moving waters, farmed in eastern Europe.   Carassius carassius.

- ORIGIN C18: from Low Ger. karusse, karutze, perh. based on L. coracinus, from Gk korax ‘raven’, also denoting a black fish found in the Nile.

cruciate

//, //

adj. Anatomy & Botany cross-shaped.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cruciatus, from crux, cruc- ‘cross’.

cruciate ligament

n. Anatomy either of a pair of ligaments in the knee which cross each other and connect the femur to the tibia.

crucible

//

n.
1 a container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures.
2 a situation in which people or things are severely tested, often interacting to produce something new: a relationship forged in the crucible of war.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. crucibulum ‘night lamp, crucible’, from L. crux, cruc- ‘cross’.

crucifer

//

n.
1 Botany a cruciferous plant.
2 a person carrying a cross or crucifix in a procession.

- ORIGIN C16: from Christian L., from L. crux, cruc- ‘cross’.

cruciferous

//

adj. Botany relating to or denoting plants of the cabbage family (Cruciferae), with four equal petals arranged in a cross.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Cruciferae, from L. crux, cruc- ‘cross’ + -fer ‘bearing’ + -ous.

crucifix

//

n. a representation of a cross with a figure of Christ on it.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from eccles. L. crucifixus, from L. cruci fixus ‘fixed to a cross’.

cruciform

//

adj. having the shape of a cross.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. crux, cruc- ‘cross’ + -iform.

crucify

//

v. (crucifies, crucifying, crucified)
1 put (someone) to death by nailing or binding them to a cross.
2 criticize or punish severely.

- DERIVATIVES crucifier n. crucifixion n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crucifier, from late L. crucifigere, from L. crux, cruc- ‘cross’ + figere ‘fix’.

cruck

//

n. Brit. either of a pair of curved timbers extending to the ground in the roof framework of a type of medieval house.

- ORIGIN C16: var. of crook.

crud

n. informal
1 an unpleasantly dirty or messy substance.
2 nonsense.

- DERIVATIVES cruddy adj. (cruddier, cruddiest).

- ORIGIN ME: var. of curd (the original sense).

crude

adj.
1 in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined: crude oil.
2 made or done in a rudimentary or makeshift way: a relatively crude nuclear weapon. (of an estimate) approximate.
3 offensively coarse or rude, especially in relation to sexual matters.
4 Statistics (of figures) not adjusted or corrected.
n. natural mineral oil.

- DERIVATIVES crudely adv. crudeness n. crudity n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. crudus ‘raw, rough’.

crudités

//

pl. n. mixed raw vegetables served as an hors d'oeuvre, typically with a sauce into which they may be dipped.

- ORIGIN pl. of Fr. crudité ‘rawness, crudity’.

cruel

adj. (crueller, cruellest or crueler, cruelest) disregarding or taking pleasure in the pain or suffering of others. causing pain or suffering.

- DERIVATIVES cruelly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. crudelis, rel. to crudus (see crude).

cruelty

n. (pl. cruelties) cruel behaviour or attitudes. Law behaviour which causes physical or mental harm to another, whether intentionally or not.

cruelty-free

adj. (of cosmetics) manufactured or developed by methods which do not involve cruelty to animals.

cruet

//

n.
1 a small container or set of containers for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar for use at a dining table.
2 (in church use) a small container for the wine or water to be used in the celebration of the Eucharist.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., dimin. of OFr. crue ‘pot’, from Old Saxon krka; rel. to crock^2.

cruise

v.
1 sail, travel, or move slowly around without a precise destination, especially for pleasure. travel smoothly at a moderate or economical speed.
2 achieve an objective with ease: Millwall cruised to a 2–0 win.
3 informal wander about in search of a sexual partner.
n. an instance of cruising, especially a holiday consisting of a voyage calling in at several places.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. from Du. kruisen ‘to cross’.

cruise control

n. a device in a motor vehicle which can be switched on to maintain a selected constant speed without the use of the accelerator pedal.

cruise missile

n. a low-flying missile which is guided to its target by an on-board computer.

cruiser

n.
1 a relatively fast warship larger than a destroyer and less heavily armed than a battleship.
2 a yacht or motorboat with passenger accommodation, designed for leisure use.
3 N. Amer. a police patrol car.

cruiserweight

n. chiefly Brit. another term for light heavyweight.

cruller

//

n. N. Amer. a small cake made of rich dough twisted or curled and fried in deep fat.

- ORIGIN C19: from Du. kruller, from krullen ‘to curl’.

crumb

n.
1 a small fragment of bread, cake, or biscuit. the soft inner part of a loaf of bread.
2 a very small amount: the Budget provided few crumbs of comfort.
3 N. Amer. informal an objectionable or contemptible person.
v. [often as adj. crumbed] cover (food) with breadcrumbs.

- ORIGIN OE cruma, of Gmc origin; the final -b was added in the 16th cent., perh. from crumble.

crumble

v. break or fall apart into small fragments. cause (something, especially food) to crumble. disintegrate gradually: the party's fragile unity began to crumble.
n. Brit. a pudding made with fruit and a topping of flour and fat rubbed to the texture of breadcrumbs.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from an OE word rel. to crumb.

crumbly

adj. (crumblier, crumbliest) easily crumbling.
n. (pl. crumblies) humorous an old person.

- DERIVATIVES crumbliness n.

crumbs

exclam. Brit. informal used to express dismay or surprise.

- ORIGIN C19: euphemism for Christ.

crumby

adj. (crumbier, crumbiest)
1 resembling or covered in crumbs.
2 variant spelling of crummy.

crumhorn

n. variant spelling of krummhorn.

crummy

(also crumby)

adj. (crummier, crummiest) informal dirty, unpleasant, or inferior.

- DERIVATIVES crummily adv. crumminess n.

- ORIGIN var. of crumby.

crump

n. a loud thudding sound, especially one made by an exploding bomb or shell.

- ORIGIN C17: imitative.

crumpet

n.
1 a thick, flat savoury cake with a soft, porous texture, made from a yeast mixture cooked on a griddle and eaten toasted and buttered.
2 Brit. informal women regarded as objects of sexual desire.
3 archaic, informal a person's head.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

crumple

v.
1 crush or become crushed so as to become creased and wrinkled.
2 suddenly lose force, effectiveness, or composure.
n. a crushed fold, crease, or wrinkle.

- DERIVATIVES crumply adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. crump ‘make or become curved’, from OE crump ‘bent, crooked’, of W. Gmc origin.

crumple zone

n. a part of a motor vehicle, especially the extreme front and rear, designed to crumple easily in a crash and absorb the main force of an impact.

crunch

v.
1 crush (a hard or brittle foodstuff) with the teeth, making a loud grinding sound.
2 make or move with a loud grinding sound.
3 (especially of a computer) process (large quantities of data).
n.
1 a crunching sound.
2 (the crunch) informal the crucial point of a situation.
3 a sit-up.

- DERIVATIVES cruncher n.

- ORIGIN C19: var. of C17 cranch (prob. imitative), assoc. with crush and munch.

crunchy

adj. (crunchier, crunchiest)
1 making a crunching noise when bitten or crushed.
2 N. Amer. informal politically liberal and environmentally aware.

- DERIVATIVES crunchily adv. crunchiness n.

crupper

//

n. a strap buckled to the back of a saddle and looped under the horse's tail to prevent the saddle or harness from slipping forward.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cropiere, rel. to croupe (see croup^2).

crural

//

adj. Anatomy & Zoology relating to the leg or the thigh.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cruralis, from crus, crur- ‘leg’.

crus

//

n. (pl. crura //) Anatomy an elongated part of an anatomical structure, especially one which occurs in the body as a pair.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., ‘leg’.

crusade

//

n.
1 any of a series of medieval military expeditions made by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. a war instigated for alleged religious ends.
2 a vigorous campaign with a political, social, or religious aim: a crusade against crime.
v. [often as adj. crusading] lead or take part in a crusade.

- DERIVATIVES crusader n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. croisade, alt. (influenced by Sp. cruzado) of earlier croisée, lit. ‘the state of being marked with the cross’, based on L. crux, cruc- ‘cross’.

cruse

//

n. archaic an earthenware pot or jar.

- ORIGIN OE crse, of Gmc origin.

crush

v.
1 deform, pulverize, or push inwards by compressing forcefully.
2 violently subdue (opposition or a rebellion).
3 make (someone) feel great disappointment or embarrassment.
n.
1 a crowd of people pressed closely together.
2 informal an intense infatuation. a person that one is infatuated with.
3 a drink made from the juice of pressed fruit.
4 (also crush pen) a fenced passage with one narrow end used for handling cattle or sheep.

- DERIVATIVES crushable adj. crusher n. crushing adj. crushingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cruissir, ‘gnash teeth, crack’.

crush bar

n. Brit. a bar in a theatre or opera house that sells drinks in the interval.

crush barrier

n. Brit. a temporary barrier for restraining a crowd.

crushed velvet

n. velvet which has its nap pointing in different directions in irregular patches.

crust

n.
1 the tough outer part of a loaf of bread. a hard, dry scrap of bread.
2 a hardened layer or coating on something soft. a layer of pastry covering a pie.
3 the outermost layer of rock of which a planet consists, especially the part of the earth above the mantle.
4 a deposit of tartrates and other substances formed in wine aged in the bottle, especially port.
5 Brit. informal a living or livelihood: earning a crust.
v. [often as adj. crusted] form into or cover with a crust: crusted port.

- DERIVATIVES crustal adj. (Geology).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crouste, from L. crusta ‘rind, shell, crust’.

crustacean

// Zoology

n. a member of the large group Crustacea, which comprises mainly aquatic arthropods such as crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and barnacles.
adj. relating to crustaceans.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Crustacea, from crusta (see crust).

crustose

//

adj. Botany (of a lichen or alga) forming or resembling a crust.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. crustosus, from crusta (see crust).

crusty

adj. (crustier, crustiest)
1 having or consisting of a crust.
2 (of an old person) easily irritated.
n. (pl. crusties) informal a young person of a subculture characterized by a shabby appearance, a nomadic lifestyle, and a rejection of conventional values.

- DERIVATIVES crustily adv. crustiness n.

crutch

n.
1 a long stick with a crosspiece at the top, used as a support by a lame person.
2 a thing used for support or reassurance.
3 the crotch of the body or a garment.

- ORIGIN OE crycc, cryc, of Gmc origin.

crux

//

n. (pl. cruxes or cruces //) (the crux) the decisive or most important point at issue. a particular point of difficulty.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., lit. ‘cross’.

cry

v. (cries, crying, cried)
1 shed tears.
2 shout or scream loudly. (of a hawker) proclaim (wares) for sale.
3 (of a bird or other animal) make a loud characteristic call.
4 (cry out for) demand as a self-evident requirement or solution: the scheme is crying out for reform.
5 (cry off) informal go back on a promise or fail to keep to an arrangement.
6 (cry someone/thing up or down) dated disparage (or praise) someone or something.
n. (pl. cries)
1 a loud shout or scream. an urgent appeal or entreaty.
2 a spell of weeping.
3 a distinctive call of a bird or other animal.

- PHRASES
cry for the moon ask for what is unattainable or impossible.
for crying out loud informal used to express irritation or impatience.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. crier (v.), cri (n.), from L. quiritare ‘raise a public outcry’, lit. ‘call on the Quirites (Roman citizens) for help’.

crybaby

n. (pl. crybabies) a person, especially a child, who sheds tears frequently or readily.

cryer

n. archaic spelling of crier.

crying

adj. very great: it was a crying shame to see those grounds neglected.

cryo-

//

comb. form involving or producing cold, especially extreme cold: cryosurgery.

- ORIGIN from Gk kruos ‘frost’.

cryobiology

n. the branch of biology which deals with the properties of organisms at low temperatures.

- DERIVATIVES cryobiological adj. cryobiologist n.

cryogen

//

n. a substance used to produce very low temperatures.

cryogenics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of physics concerned with the production and effects of very low temperatures. another term for cryonics.

- DERIVATIVES cryogenic adj. cryogenically adv.

cryolite

//

n. a white or colourless mineral consisting of a fluoride of sodium and aluminium.

cryonics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the deep-freezing of the bodies of people who have died of an incurable disease, in the hope of a future cure.

- DERIVATIVES cryonic adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: contr. of cryogenics.

cryoprecipitate

//

n. chiefly Biochemistry a substance precipitated from a solution, especially from the blood, at low temperatures.

cryoprotectant

n. Physiology a substance that prevents the freezing of tissues, or prevents damage to cells during freezing.

cryostat

//

n.
1 an apparatus for maintaining a very low temperature.
2 a cold chamber in which frozen tissue is divided with a microtome.

cryosurgery

n. surgery using the local application of intense cold to destroy unwanted tissue.

crypt

n.
1 an underground room or vault beneath a church, used as a chapel or burial place.
2 Anatomy a small tubular gland, pit, or recess.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘cavern’): from L. crypta, from Gk krupt ‘a vault’, from kruptos ‘hidden’.

cryptanalysis

n. the art or process of deciphering coded messages without being told the key.

- DERIVATIVES cryptanalyst n. cryptanalytic adj. cryptanalytical adj.

cryptic

adj.
1 mysterious or obscure in meaning. (of a crossword) having difficult clues which indicate the solutions indirectly.
2 Zoology (of coloration or markings) serving to camouflage an animal in its natural environment.

- DERIVATIVES cryptically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. crypticus, from Gk kruptikos, from kruptos ‘hidden’.

crypto-

//

comb. form concealed; secret: cryptogram.

- ORIGIN from Gk kruptos ‘hidden’.

cryptobiont

//

n. Biology an organism capable of cryptobiosis.

cryptobiosis

//

n. Biology a physiological state in which metabolic activity is reduced to an undetectable level without disappearing altogether.

- DERIVATIVES cryptobiotic adj.

cryptococcosis

//

n. Medicine infestation with a yeast-like fungus, resulting in tumours in the lungs.

- DERIVATIVES cryptococcal adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from mod. L. Cryptococcus (genus name of the fungus) + -osis.

cryptocrystalline

adj. having a crystalline structure visible only when magnified.

cryptogam

//

n. Botany, dated a plant with no true flowers or seeds, such as a fern, moss, liverwort, lichen, alga, or fungus.

- DERIVATIVES cryptogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cryptogame, from mod. L. cryptogamae (plantae) from Gk kruptos ‘hidden’ + gamos ‘marriage’ (because the means of reproduction was not apparent).

cryptogamic

adj.
1 Botany relating to or denoting cryptogams.
2 Ecology relating to or denoting a fragile black surface layer of cyanobacteria, mosses, and lichens.

cryptogenic

//

adj. (of a disease) of obscure or uncertain origin.

cryptogram

//

n. a text written in code.

cryptography

n. the art of writing or solving codes.

- DERIVATIVES cryptographer n. cryptographic adj. cryptographically adv.

cryptology

n. the study of codes, or the art of writing and solving them.

- DERIVATIVES cryptological adj. cryptologist n.

cryptomeria

//

n. a tall conical coniferous tree with long, curved leaves and short cones, native to China and Japan.   Cryptomeria japonica.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from crypto- + Gk meros ‘part’ (because the seeds are concealed by scales).

cryptonym

//

n. a code name.

- DERIVATIVES cryptonymous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from crypto- + Gk onoma ‘name’.

cryptorchidism

n. Medicine a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum.

- DERIVATIVES cryptorchid n.

- ORIGIN C19: from crypto- + Gk orkhis, orkhid- ‘testicle’ + -ism.

cryptosporidiosis

n. an intestinal condition caused by infection with cryptosporidium, causing diarrhoea and vomiting.

cryptosporidium

//

n. a parasitic coccidian protozoan found in the intestinal tract of many vertebrates, where it may cause disease.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from crypto- + mod. L. sporidium ‘small spore’.

cryptozoology

n. the search for animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as the Loch Ness monster.

- DERIVATIVES cryptozoological adj. cryptozoologist n.

crystal

n.
1 a piece of a homogeneous solid substance having a natural geometrically regular form with symmetrically arranged plane faces. Chemistry any solid consisting of a symmetrical, ordered, three-dimensional aggregation of atoms or molecules. a clear transparent mineral, especially quartz.
2 (also crystal glass) highly transparent glass with a high refractive index. the glass over a watch face.
3 [as modifier] clear and transparent: the crystal waters of the lake.

- ORIGIN OE (denoting ice or a mineral resembling it), from OFr. cristal, from L. crystallum, from Gk krustallos ‘ice, crystal’.

crystal axis

n. each of three axes used to define the edges of the unit cell of a crystal.

crystal ball

n. a solid globe of glass or rock crystal, used by fortune tellers and clairvoyants for crystal-gazing.

crystal class

n. each of thirty-two categories of crystals classified according to the possible combinations of symmetry elements possessed by the crystal lattice.

crystal-gazing

n. looking intently into a crystal ball with the aim of seeing images relating to future or distant events.

crystal lattice

n. the symmetrical three-dimensional arrangement of atoms inside a crystal.

crystalline

//

adj.
1 having the structure and form of a crystal.
2 literary very clear.

- DERIVATIVES crystallinity n.

crystalline lens

n. the lens of the eye.

crystallite

//

n. an individual perfect crystal or region of regular crystalline structure in the substance of a material. a very small crystal.

crystallize

(or crystallise)

v.
1 form or cause to form crystals.
2 make or become definite and clear. Finance convert or be converted from a floating charge into a fixed charge.
3 [as adj. crystallized] (of fruit or petals) coated and impregnated with sugar.

- DERIVATIVES crystallizable adj. crystallization n.

crystallography

//

n. the branch of science concerned with the structure and properties of crystals.

- DERIVATIVES crystallographer n. crystallographic adj. crystallographically adv.

crystalloid

adj. resembling a crystal in shape or structure.
n.
1 Botany a small crystal-like mass of protein in a plant cell.
2 Chemistry a substance that, when dissolved, forms a true solution rather than a colloid and is able to pass through a semipermeable membrane.

crystal meth

n. see meth.

crystal set

n. a simple early form of radio receiver with a crystal touching a metal wire as the rectifier and lacking an amplifier or loudspeaker, necessitating headphones or an earphone.

crystal system

n. each of seven categories of crystals (cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, trigonal, hexagonal, monoclinic, and triclinic) classified according to the possible relations of the crystal axes.

CS

abbrev. Brit.
1 chartered surveyor.
2 Civil Service.
3 Court of Session.

Cs

symb. the chemical element caesium.

c/s

abbrev. cycles per second.

CSA

abbrev. (in the UK) Child Support Agency.

csardas

//, // (also czardas)

n. (pl. same) a Hungarian dance with a slow introduction and a fast, wild finish.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hungarian csárdás, from csárda ‘inn’.

CSE

abbrev. Certificate of Secondary Education.

C-section

n. N. Amer. a Caesarean section.

CS gas

n. a powerful form of tear gas used particularly in riot control.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from the initials of the American chemists Ben B. Corson and Roger W. Stoughton.

CSM

abbrev. Company Sergeant Major.

CST

abbrev. Central Standard Time.

CT

abbrev.
1 computerized (or computed) tomography.
2 Connecticut (in official postal use).

ct

abbrev.
1 carat.
2 cent.

CTC

abbrev. City Technology College.

ctenidium

//

n. (pl. ctenidia //) Zoology a comb-like respiratory organ in a mollusc.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk ktenidion, dimin. of kteis, kten- ‘comb’.

ctenoid

//

adj. Zoology (of fish scales) having many tiny projections on the edge like the teeth of a comb, as in many bony fishes. Compare with ganoid and placoid.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kteis, kten- ‘comb’ + -oid.

ctenophore

//, //

n. Zoology an aquatic invertebrate of the small phylum Ctenophora, which comprises the comb jellies.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Ctenophora, from Gk kteis, kten- ‘comb’ + pherein ‘to bear’.

C2C

abbrev. consumer-to-consumer, denoting transactions conducted via the Internet between consumers.

CTS

abbrev. carpal tunnel syndrome.

CU

abbrev. Christian Union.

Cu

symb. the chemical element copper.

- ORIGIN from late L. cuprum.

cu.

abbrev. cubic.

cuadrilla

//, //

n. a matador's team.

- ORIGIN C19: Sp.

cuatro

//

n. (pl. cuatros) a small guitar, typically with four or five single or paired strings, used in Latin American and Caribbean folk music.

- ORIGIN Latin Amer. Sp., lit. ‘four’.

cub

n.
1 the young of a fox, bear, lion, or other carnivorous mammal. archaic a young man.
2 (Cubs) a junior branch of the Scout Association, for boys aged about 8 to 11. (also Cub Scout) a member of this organization.
v. (cubs, cubbing, cubbed)
1 give birth to cubs.
2 hunt fox cubs.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

cubage

n. cubic content or capacity.

Cuba libre

/ /

n. (pl. Cuba libres) a long drink containing lime juice and rum.

- ORIGIN Amer. Sp., ‘free Cuba’.

Cuban

//

n. a native or inhabitant of Cuba.
adj. relating to Cuba.

Cuban heel

n. a moderately high straight-sided heel on a shoe or boot.

cubature

//

n. the determination of the volume of a solid.

cubby

n. (pl. cubbies) chiefly N. Amer. a cubbyhole.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. Scots, denoting a straw basket): rel. to dial. cub ‘stall, pen, hutch’, of Low Ger. origin.

cubbyhole

n. a small enclosed space or room.

cube

n.
1 a symmetrical three-dimensional shape contained by six equal squares.
2 Mathematics the product of a number multiplied by its square, represented by a superscript figure 3.
v.
1 Mathematics raise (a number or value) to its cube.
2 cut (food) into small cubes.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr., or via L. from Gk kubos.

cubeb

//

n.
1 a tropical shrub of the pepper family, which bears pungent berries.   Piper cubeba (Asia) and other species.
2 the dried unripe berries of the cubeb, used medicinally and to flavour cigarettes.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cubebe, from Sp. Arab. kubba, from Arab. kubba.

cube root

n. the number which produces a given number when cubed.

cubic

//

adj.
1 having the shape of a cube. denoting a crystal system with three equal axes at right angles.
2 denoting a unit of measurement equal to the volume of a cube whose side is one of the linear unit specified: a cubic metre.
3 Mathematics involving the cube (and no higher power) of a quantity or variable.

- DERIVATIVES cubical adj. cubically adv.

cubicle

n. a small partitioned-off area of a room.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘bedroom’): from L. cubiculum, from cubare ‘lie down’.

cubiform

adj. technical cube-shaped.

cubism

n. an early 20th-century style of painting in which perspective with a single viewpoint was abandoned and use was made of simple geometric shapes and interlocking planes.

- DERIVATIVES cubist n. & adj.

cubit

//

n. an ancient measure of length, approximately equal to the length of a forearm.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cubitum ‘elbow, forearm, cubit’.

cubital

//

adj. Anatomy of the forearm or the elbow.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. cubitalis, from cubitus ‘cubit’.

cuboid

//

adj. more or less cubic in shape.
n.
1 Geometry a solid which has six rectangular faces at right angles to each other.
2 (also cuboid bone) Anatomy a squat tarsal bone on the outer side of the foot, articulating with the heel bone and the fourth and fifth metatarsals.

- DERIVATIVES cuboidal adj.

cub reporter

n. informal a young or inexperienced newspaper reporter.

cucking-stool

//

n. historical a chair to which disorderly women were tied and then ducked into water or subjected to public ridicule as a punishment.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. cuck ‘defecate’ (because a stool containing a chamber pot was often used).

cuckold

//

n. the husband of an adulteress regarded as an object of derision.
v. make (a married man) a cuckold.

- DERIVATIVES cuckoldry n.

- ORIGIN OE, from OFr. cucuault, from cucu ‘cuckoo’ (from the cuckoo's habit of laying its egg in another bird's nest).

cuckoo

n. a grey or brown bird known for the far-carrying two-note call of the male and for the habit of laying its eggs in the nests of small songbirds.   Cuculus canorus. used in names of other birds of the same family (Cuculidae).
adj. informal crazy.

- PHRASES
cuckoo in the nest an unwelcome intruder in a situation.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cucu, imitative of its call.

cuckoo bee

n. a parasitic bee which lays its eggs in the nest of another kind of bee.   Nomada, Psithyrus, and other genera.

cuckoo clock

n. a clock with a mechanical cuckoo that pops out on the hour making a sound like a cuckoo's call.

cuckooflower

n. a spring-flowering plant with pale lilac flowers, growing in damp habitats.   Cardamine pratensis.

- ORIGIN C16: so named because it flowers at the time of year when the cuckoo is first heard calling.

cuckoo pint

n. the common wild arum with a pale spathe and a purple or green spadix followed by bright red berries.   Arum maculatum.

- ORIGIN ME: from earlier cuckoo-pintle, from pintle in the obs. sense ‘penis’ (because of the shape of the spadix).

cuckoo spit

n. whitish froth found in compact masses on leaves and plant stems, exuded by the larvae of froghoppers.

cuckoo wasp

n. a ruby-tail or other wasp which lays its eggs in the nest of a bee or other wasp.

cucumber

n.
1 a long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, eaten raw in salads.
2 the widely cultivated climbing plant of the gourd family which yields cucumbers, originally native to the Chinese Himalayan region.   Cucumis sativus.

- PHRASES
(as) cool as a cucumber very cool or calm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cocombre, coucombre, from L. cucumis, cucumer-.

cucurbit

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. a plant of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), which includes melon, pumpkin, squash, and cucumber.

- DERIVATIVES cucurbitaceous adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cucurbite, from L. cucurbita.

cud

n. partly digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminants to the mouth for further chewing.

- PHRASES
chew the cud think or talk reflectively.

- ORIGIN OE cwidu, cudu, of Gmc origin.

cuddle

v. hold close in one's arms as a way of showing love or affection. (often cuddle up to) lie or sit close.
n. a prolonged and affectionate hug.

- DERIVATIVES cuddlesome adj.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

cuddly

adj. (cuddlier, cuddliest) pleasantly soft or plump.

cuddy

n. (pl. cuddies) chiefly Scottish
1 a donkey.
2 a stupid person.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. a familiar form of the name Cuthbert.

cudgel

//

n. a short, thick stick used as a weapon.
v. (cudgels, cudgelling, cudgelled; US cudgels, cudgeling, cudgeled) beat with a cudgel.

- PHRASES
cudgel one's brain Brit. think hard about a problem.
take up cudgels start to defend or support someone or something strongly.

- ORIGIN OE cycgel, of unknown origin.

cudweed

n. a plant of the daisy family, with hairy or downy leaves and inconspicuous flowers.   Genera Gnaphalium and Filago.

cue^1

n.
1 a signal to an actor or other performer to enter or to begin their speech or performance. a signal or prompt for action.
2 Psychology a feature of something perceived that is used in the brain's interpretation of the perception.
3 a facility for playing through an audio or video recording very rapidly until a desired starting point is reached.
v. (cues, cueing or cuing, cued)
1 give a cue to or for. act as a prompt or reminder.
2 set a piece of audio or video equipment in readiness to play (a particular part of a recording).

- PHRASES
on cue at the correct moment.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

cue^2

n. a long tapering wooden rod for striking the ball in snooker, billiards, etc.
v. (cues, cueing or cuing, cued) use a cue to strike the ball.

- DERIVATIVES cueist n. (rare).

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a long plait or pigtail): var. of queue.

cue ball

n. the ball, usually a white one, that is to be struck with the cue in snooker, billiards, etc.

cue bid

n. Bridge a bid intended to give specific information about the content of the hand to the bidder's partner rather than to advance the auction.

cue card

n. a card held beside a camera for a television broadcaster to read from while appearing to look into the camera.

cuesta

//

n. Geology a ridge formed by inclined strata, with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the other.

- ORIGIN C19: from Sp., ‘slope’.

cuff^1

n.
1 the end part of a sleeve, where the material of the sleeve is turned back or a separate band is sewn on. N. Amer. a trouser turn-up.
2 (cuffs) informal handcuffs.
3 an inflatable bag wrapped round the arm to enable blood pressure to be measured.
v. informal secure with handcuffs.

- PHRASES
off the cuff informal without preparation. [ORIGIN as if from impromptu notes made on one's shirt cuffs.]

- DERIVATIVES cuffed adj.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a glove or mitten): of unknown origin.

cuff^2

v. strike with an open hand, especially on the head.
n. a blow given with an open hand.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

cufflink

n. a device for fastening together the sides of a shirt cuff, passed through a hole in each side of the cuff.

Cufic

n. & adj. variant spelling of Kufic.

cui bono?

/ /, //

exclam. who stands to gain (i.e. from a crime, and so might have been responsible for it)?

- ORIGIN L., ‘to whom (is it) a benefit?’

cuirass

//

n.
1 historical a piece of armour consisting of breastplate and backplate fastened together.
2 Medicine an artificial ventilator which encloses the body and forces air in and out of the lungs.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cuirace, based on late L. coriaceus, from corium ‘leather’.

cuirassier

//

n. historical a cavalry soldier wearing a cuirass.

- ORIGIN C16: Fr.

cuisine

//

n. a style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular place. food cooked in a certain way: we sampled the local cuisine.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘kitchen’.

cuisse

// (also cuish //)

n. historical a piece of armour for the thigh.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in pl.): from OFr. cuisseaux, pl. of cuissel, from late L. coxale, from coxa ‘hip’.

culch

n. variant spelling of cultch.

culchie

//

n. (pl. culchies) Irish derogatory a country bumpkin.

- ORIGIN 1950s: appar. an alt. of Kiltimagh (Ir. Coillte Mach), a country town in County Mayo.

cul-de-sac

//, //

n. (pl. culs-de-sac or cul-de-sacs pronunc. same or //) a street or passage closed at one end.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. in anatomy): Fr., lit. ‘bottom of a sack’.

-cule

suffix forming nouns such as molecule, reticule, which were originally diminutives.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -cule or L. -culus, -cula, -culum.

culex

//

n. (pl. culices //) a mosquito of a genus which does not transmit malaria.

- DERIVATIVES culicine //, // adj. & n.

- ORIGIN L., ‘gnat’.

culinary

adj. of or for cooking.

- DERIVATIVES culinarily adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. culinarius, from culina ‘kitchen’.

cull

v.
1 reduce the population of (a wild animal) by selective slaughter. send (an unwanted farm animal) to be slaughtered.
2 obtain from a variety of sources: anecdotes culled from Greek and Roman history.
n. a selective slaughter of wild animals. a livestock animal selected for killing.

- DERIVATIVES culler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coillier, based on L. colligere (see collect^1).

cullet

//

n. recycled broken or waste glass used in glass-making.

- ORIGIN C19: var. of collet.

cully

//

n. (pl. cullies) archaic, informal a friendly form of address for a man.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a person who is imposed upon): of unknown origin.

Culm

//

n.
1 Geology a series of Carboniferous strata in SW England, mainly shale and limestone with some thin coal seams.
2 (culm) archaic coal dust or slack.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. rel. to coal.

culm

//

n. the hollow stem of a grass or cereal plant, especially that bearing the flower.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. culmus ‘stalk’.

culminant

adj. at or forming the top or highest point.

culminate

//

v.
1 (usu. culminate in) reach or be a climax or point of highest development.
2 archaic or Astrology (of a celestial body) reach or be at the meridian.

- DERIVATIVES culmination n.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. culminat-, culminare, from L. culmen ‘summit’.

culottes

//

pl. n. women's knee-length trousers, cut with full legs to resemble a skirt.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., ‘knee breeches’, dimin. of cul ‘rump’.

culpable

adj. deserving blame.

- DERIVATIVES culpability n. culpably adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coupable, culpable, from L. culpabilis, from culpare ‘to blame’, from culpa ‘fault, blame’.

culpable homicide

n. Law (in some jurisdictions) an act which has resulted in a person's death but is held not to amount to murder.

culprit

n. a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed. the cause of a problem.

- ORIGIN C17: orig. in the judicial formula Culprit, how will you be tried?, perh. from a misinterpretation of the written abbrev. cul. prist for Anglo-Norman Fr. Culpable: prest d'averrer notre bille ‘(You are) guilty: (We are) ready to prove our indictment’.

cult

n.
1 a system of religious devotion directed towards a particular figure or object. a relatively small religious group regarded by others as strange or as imposing excessive control over members.
2 [often as modifier] a thing that is popular or fashionable among a particular group: a cult film.

- DERIVATIVES cultic adj. cultish adj. cultishness n. cultism n. cultist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. culte or L. cultus ‘worship’.

cultch

// (also culch)

n. the mass of stones, broken shells, and grit of which an oyster bed is formed.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

cultigen

//

n. Botany a plant species or variety known only in cultivation, especially one with no known wild ancestor.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from cultivated + -gen.

cultivar

//

n. Botany a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.

- ORIGIN 1920s: blend of cultivate and variety.

cultivate

v.
1 prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening. grow (plants), especially on a large scale for commercial purposes.
2 Biology grow or maintain (living cells or tissue) in culture.
3 try to acquire or develop (a quality or skill). try to win the friendship or favour of.
4 [as adj. cultivated] refined and well educated.

- DERIVATIVES cultivable adj. cultivatable adj. cultivator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. cultivat-, cultivare, from cultiva (terra) ‘arable (land)’, from colere ‘cultivate, inhabit’.

cultivation

n.
1 the action of cultivating land, or the state of being cultivated.
2 the process of acquiring or developing a quality or skill.
3 refinement and good education: a man of cultivation and taste.

cultural

adj.
1 relating to the culture of a society.
2 relating to the arts and to intellectual achievements.

- DERIVATIVES culturally adv.

cultural anthropology

n. see social anthropology.

cultural attaché

n. an embassy official whose function is to promote cultural relations between their own country and that to which they are accredited.

culturati

//

pl. n. well-educated people who appreciate the arts.

- ORIGIN 1980s: blend of culture and literati.

culture

n.
1 the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. a refined understanding or appreciation of this.
2 the customs, ideas, and social behaviour of a particular people or group.
3 Biology the cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc. in an artificial medium containing nutrients. a preparation of cells obtained in such a way.
4 the cultivation of plants. [in combination] denoting cultivation or husbandry: aviculture.
v. Biology maintain (tissue cells, bacteria, etc.) in conditions suitable for growth.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a cultivated piece of land): the noun from Fr. culture or directly from L. cultura ‘growing, cultivation’; the verb from obs. Fr. culturer or med. L. culturare, both based on L. colere (see cultivate).

cultured

adj.
1 refined and well educated.
2 (of a pearl) formed round a foreign body inserted into an oyster.

culture shock

n. the feeling of disorientation experienced when suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life.

culture vulture

n. informal a person who is very interested in the arts.

cultus

//

n. technical a system or variety of religious worship.

- ORIGIN C19: L. (see cult).

culverin

//

n.
1 a 16th- or 17th-century cannon with a relatively long barrel for its bore.
2 a kind of handgun of the 15th and 16th centuries.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. coulevrine, from couleuvre ‘snake’.

culvert

//

n. a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railway.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

cum^1

prep. combined with; also used as: a study-cum-bedroom.

- ORIGIN C19: L.

cum^2

n. informal variant spelling of come.

cumber

//

v. dated hamper, hinder, or obstruct.
n. archaic a hindrance, obstruction, or burden.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘overthrow, destroy’): prob. from encumber.

Cumberland sauce

n. a piquant sauce made from redcurrant jelly, served with game and cold meats.

Cumberland sausage

n. Brit. a type of coarse sausage traditionally made in a continuous strip and cooked as a spiral.

cumbersome

adj.
1 difficult to carry or use through size; unwieldy.
2 slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.

- DERIVATIVES cumbersomely adv. cumbersomeness n.

cumbia

//

n. a kind of dance music of Colombian origin, similar to salsa.

- ORIGIN from Colombian Sp.

cumbrous

//

adj. literary cumbersome.

- DERIVATIVES cumbrously adv. cumbrousness n.

cum dividend

adv. (of share purchases) with a dividend about to be paid.

cumec

//

n. a cubic metre per second, as a unit of rate of flow of water.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from cubic metres per second.

cum grano salis

/ /

adv. with a pinch of salt.

- ORIGIN from L.

cumin

// (also cummin)

n.
1 the aromatic seeds of a plant of the parsley family, used as a spice.
2 the plant which bears cumin seeds, occurring from the Mediterranean to central Asia.   Cuminum cyminum.

- ORIGIN OE cymen, OFr. cumon, comin, from L. cuminum, from Gk kuminon, prob. of Semitic origin.

cum laude

/ /, / /

adv. & adj. chiefly N. Amer. with distinction (with reference to university degrees and diplomas).

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘with praise’.

cummerbund

//

n. a sash worn around the waist, especially as part of a man's formal evening suit.

- ORIGIN C17: from Urdu and Pers. kamar-band.

cumquat

n. variant spelling of kumquat.

cumulate

v. //
1 accumulate or be accumulated.
2 [as adj. cumulated] Chemistry denoting two double bonds attached to the same carbon atom.
n. // Geology an igneous rock formed by gravitational settling of particles in a magma.

- DERIVATIVES cumulation n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘gather in a heap’): from L. cumulat- cumulare, from cumulus ‘a heap’.

cumulative

adj. increasing or increased in quantity or degree by successive additions: the cumulative effect of months of drought.

- DERIVATIVES cumulatively adv. cumulativeness n.

cumulative error

n. Statistics an error that increases with the size of the sample revealing it.

cumulative preference share

n. a preference share whose annual fixed-rate dividend, if it cannot be paid in any year, accrues until it can.

cumulative voting

n. a system of voting in an election in which each voter is allowed as many votes as there are candidates.

cumulonimbus

//

n. (pl. cumulonimbi //) Meteorology cloud forming a towering mass with a flat base at fairly low altitude and often a flat top, as in thunderstorms.

cumulus

//

n. (pl. cumuli //, //) Meteorology cloud forming rounded masses heaped on each other above a flat base at fairly low altitude.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘heap’.

Cuna

n. variant spelling of Kuna.

cuneate

//

adj. chiefly Anatomy & Botany wedge-shaped.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. cuneus ‘wedge’ + -ate^2.

cuneiform

//, //

adj.
1 denoting or relating to the wedge-shaped characters used in the ancient writing systems of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Ugarit.
2 chiefly Biology wedge-shaped.
3 Anatomy denoting three bones of the tarsus between the navicular bone and the metatarsals.
n. cuneiform writing.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. cunéiforme or mod. L. cuneiformis, from L. cuneus ‘wedge’.

cunjevoi

//

n.
1 a tall Australian plant of the arum family, with edible corms.   Alocasia macrorrhiza.
2 an Australian sea squirt used as fishing bait.   Pyura praeputialis.

- ORIGIN C19: of Aborig. origin.

cunner

//

n. an edible greenish-grey wrasse (fish) which lives along the Atlantic coast of North America.   Tautogolabrus adspersus.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. assoc. with archaic conder, denoting a lookout who alerts fishing boats to the direction taken by shoals of herring.

cunnilingus

//

n. stimulation of the female genitals using the tongue or lips.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., from cunnus ‘vulva’ + lingere ‘lick’.

cunning

adj.
1 skilled in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.
2 clever; ingenious.
3 N. Amer. attractive; charming.
n.
1 craftiness.
2 ingenuity.

- DERIVATIVES cunningly adv. cunningness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘(possessing) erudition or skill’): perh. from ON kunnandi ‘knowledge’, from kunna ‘know’ (rel. to can^1), or perh. from ME cunne, an obs. var. of can^1.

cunt

n. vulgar slang
1 a woman's genitals.
2 an unpleasant or stupid person.

- ORIGIN ME: of Gmc origin.

cup

n.
1 a small bowl-shaped container for drinking from, typically with a handle. chiefly N. Amer. a measure of capacity used in cookery, equal to half a US pint (0.237 litre). (in church use) a chalice used at the Eucharist. (cups) one of the suits in a tarot pack.
2 a cup-shaped trophy, usually made of gold or silver and having a stem and two handles, awarded as a prize in a sports contest. a contest in which the winners are awarded a cup.
3 either of the two parts of a bra shaped to contain or support one breast.
4 Golf the hole on a putting green or the metal container in it.
5 a long mixed drink made from wine or cider and fruit juice.
v. (cups, cupping, cupped)
1 form (one's hand or hands) into the curved shape of a cup. place one's curved hand or hands around.
2 Medicine, historical bleed (someone) by using a glass in which a partial vacuum is formed by heating.

- PHRASES
in one's cups informal drunk.
not one's cup of tea informal not what one likes or is interested in.

- DERIVATIVES cupful n. (pl. cupfuls).

- ORIGIN OE: from pop. L. cuppa, prob. from L. cupa ‘tub’.

cup-bearer

n. historical or literary a person who serves wine, especially in a royal or noble household.

cupboard

n. a piece of furniture or small recess with a door and usually shelves, used for storage.

- PHRASES
cupboard love Brit. affection that is feigned so as to obtain something.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a table or sideboard on which cups, plates, etc. were displayed).

cupcake

n.
1 a small iced cake baked in a cup-shaped foil or paper container.
2 US informal an attractive woman (often as a term of address).

cupel

//

n. a shallow, porous container in which gold or silver can be refined or assayed by melting with a blast of hot air which oxidizes lead or other base metals.
v. (cupels, cupelling, cupelled; US cupels, cupeling, cupeled) assay or refine (a metal) in a cupel.

- DERIVATIVES cupellation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. coupelle, dimin. of coupe ‘goblet’.

Cup Final

n. Brit. the final match in a sports competition in which the winners are awarded a cup.

cupidity

//

n. greed for money or possessions.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cupidite or L. cupiditas, from cupidus ‘desirous’, from cupere ‘to desire’.

Cupid's bow

n. a pronounced double curve at the top edge of a person's upper lip, resembling the shape of the bow carried by the Roman god of love Cupid.

cupola

//

n.
1 a rounded dome forming or adorning a roof or ceiling.
2 a gun turret.
3 (also cupola furnace) a cylindrical furnace for refining metals.

- DERIVATIVES cupolaed // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: Ital., from late L. cupula ‘small cask or burying vault’, dimin. of cupa ‘cask’.

cuppa

n. Brit. informal a cup of tea.

cupr-

comb. form variant spelling of cupro- shortened before a vowel (as in cuprammonium).

cuprammonium

//

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting a complex ion containing copper bonded to ammonia, solutions of which are deep blue in colour and able to dissolve cellulose.

cupreous

//

adj. chiefly technical of or like copper.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. cupreus (from cuprum ‘copper’) + -ous.

cupric

//

adj. Chemistry of copper with a valency of two; of copper(II).

cuprite

//

n. a dark red or brownish-black mineral consisting of cuprous oxide.

cupro

//

n. a type of rayon made by dissolving cotton cellulose with cuprammonium salts and spinning the resulting solution into filaments.

- ORIGIN 1980s: an invented word, prob. from cuprammonium.

cupro-

// (also cupr- before a vowel)

comb. form relating to copper: cupro-nickel.

- ORIGIN from late L. cuprum.

cupro-nickel

n. an alloy of copper and nickel, especially in the proportions 3:1 as used in ‘silver’ coins.

cuprous

//

adj. Chemistry of copper with a valency of one; of copper(I).

cup-tied

adj. Brit. (of a soccer player) ineligible to play for one's club in a cup competition as a result of having played for another club in an earlier round.

cupule

//

n. Botany & Zoology a cup-shaped organ, structure, or receptacle.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. cupula (see cupola).

cur

//

n.
1 an aggressive dog, especially a mongrel.
2 informal a despicable man.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. orig. in cur-dog, perh. from ON kurr ‘grumbling’.

curaçao

//

n. (pl. curaçaos) a liqueur flavoured with the peel of bitter oranges.

- ORIGIN C19: named after Curaçao, the Caribbean island where the oranges are grown.

curandero

//

n. (fem. curandera) (pl. curanderos or curanderas) (in Spain and Latin America) a healer who uses folk remedies.

- ORIGIN Sp., from curar ‘to cure’, from L. curare.

curare

//

n. a paralysing poison obtained from the bark and stems of some South American plants and traditionally used by Indian peoples as an arrow poison.

- ORIGIN C18: from a Carib word, partly via Sp. and Port.

curassow

//

n. a large crested pheasant-like bird of the guan family, found in tropical American forests.   Genus Crax: several species.

- ORIGIN C17: anglicized form of Curaçao (see curaçao).

curate^1

//

n. (also assistant curate) a member of the clergy engaged as assistant to a parish priest. archaic a minister with pastoral responsibility.

- PHRASES
curate's egg Brit. something that is partly good and partly bad. [ORIGIN from a cartoon in Punch (1895) depicting a meek curate who, given a stale egg when dining with the bishop, assures his host that ‘parts of it are excellent’.]

- DERIVATIVES curacy n. (pl. curacies).

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. curatus, from L. cura ‘care’.

curate^2

//

v. select, organize, and look after the items in (a collection or exhibition).

- DERIVATIVES curation n.

- ORIGIN C19: back-form. from curator.

curate-in-charge

n. another term for priest-in-charge.

curative

adj. able to cure disease.
n. a curative medicine or agent.

- DERIVATIVES curatively adv.

curator

n. a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.

- DERIVATIVES curatorial adj. curatorship n.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a pastor or a guardian of a minor): from OFr. curateur or, in later use, directly from L. curator, from curare (see cure).

curb

n.
1 a control or limit: curbs on cigarette advertising. (also curb bit) a type of bit with a strap or chain attached which passes under a horse's lower jaw, used as a check.
2 N. Amer. variant spelling of kerb.
3 a swelling on the back of a horse's hock, caused by spraining a ligament.
v. keep in check; control.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. courber ‘bend, bow’, from L. curvare (see curve).

curb roof

n. a roof of which each face has two slopes, the lower one steeper than the upper. Brit. a mansard roof.

curbside

adj. US spelling of kerbside.

curbstone

n. US spelling of kerbstone.

curculio

//

n. (pl. curculios) chiefly N. Amer. a weevil which is a pest of fruit trees.   Conotrachelus nenuphar (the plum curculio) and other species.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., ‘corn weevil’.

curcuma

//

n. a tropical Asian plant of a genus that includes turmeric and other species yielding spices, dyes, and medicinal products.   Genus Curcuma.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Arab. kurkum ‘saffron’, from Sanskrit kunkuma.

curd

n.
1 (also curds) a soft, white substance formed when milk coagulates, used as the basis for cheese.
2 a fatty substance found between the flakes of poached salmon.
3 the edible head of a cauliflower.

- DERIVATIVES curdy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

curd cheese

n. chiefly Brit. a mild, soft, smooth cheese made from skimmed milk curd.

curdle

v. (with reference to a liquid) separate or cause to separate into solid and liquid parts.

- PHRASES
make one's blood curdle fill one with horror.

- DERIVATIVES curdler n.

- ORIGIN C16: frequentative of obs. curd ‘congeal’.

cure

v.
1 make healthy again after suffering from a disease or medical condition. end (a disease, condition, or problem) by treatment or remedial action.
2 preserve (meat, fish, tobacco, or an animal skin) by salting, drying, or smoking.
3 harden (rubber, plastic, concrete, etc.) after manufacture by a chemical process such as vulcanization.
n.
1 a substance, treatment, or remedy that cures a disease, condition, or problem. restoration to health.
2 the process of curing meat, fish, rubber, etc.
3 a Christian minister's pastoral charge or area of responsibility for spiritual ministry. a parish.

- DERIVATIVES curability n. curable adj. curer n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the senses ‘care, concern, responsibility’): from OFr. curer (v.), cure (n.), both from L. curare ‘take care of’, from cura ‘care’.

curé

//

n. a parish priest in a French-speaking country.

- ORIGIN Fr., from med. L. curatus (see curate^1).

cure-all

n. a remedy that will supposedly cure any ailment or problem.

curettage

//, //

n. Surgery the use of a curette, especially on the lining of the uterus. See dilatation and curettage.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from curette.

curette

//

n. a small surgical instrument used to remove material by a scraping action, especially from the uterus.
v. clean or scrape with a curette.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from curer ‘cleanse’.

curfew

//

n. a regulation requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours, typically at night. the time designated as the beginning of such a restriction.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a regulation requiring fires to be extinguished at a fixed hour in the evening): from OFr. cuevrefeu, from cuvrir ‘to cover’ + feu ‘fire’.

Curia

//

n. the papal court at the Vatican, by which the Roman Catholic Church is governed.

- DERIVATIVES Curial adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. curia, denoting a division of an ancient Roman tribe, (by extension) the senate of cities other than Rome, and later a feudal or Roman Catholic court of justice.

curie

// (abbrev.: Ci)

n. (pl. curies) a unit of radioactivity, corresponding to 3.7 × 10^10 disintegrations per second. the quantity of radioactive substance that emits one curie of activity.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the French physicists Pierre and Marie Curie.

curio

//

n. (pl. curios) a rare, unusual, or intriguing object.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of curiosity.

curiosa

//

pl. n. curiosities, especially erotica or pornography.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., neut. pl. of curiosus (see curious).

curiosity

n. (pl. curiosities)
1 a strong desire to know or learn something.
2 a unusual or interesting object or fact.

curious

adj.
1 eager to know or learn something.
2 strange; unusual. euphemistic erotic or pornographic.

- DERIVATIVES curiously adv. curiousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. curios, from L. curiosus ‘careful’, from cura ‘care’.

curium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 96, an artificially made radioactive metal of the actinide series. (Symbol: Cm)

- ORIGIN 1940s: from the name of Marie and Pierre Curie (see curie).

curl

v.
1 form or cause to form a curved or spiral shape. (curl up) sit or lie with the knees drawn up.
2 move or cause to move in a spiral or curved course.
3 (in weight training) lift (a weight) using only the hands, wrists, and forearms.
4 play at the game of curling.
n.
1 a thing forming a spiral or coil, especially a lock of hair. the tendency of hair to form curls.
2 a weightlifting exercise involving movement of only the hands, wrists, and forearms.
3 Mathematics a function giving a measure of the rotation of a vector field.

- PHRASES
make one's hair curl informal shock or horrify one.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. crulle ‘curly’, from MDu. krul.

curler

n.
1 a roller or clasp around which a lock of hair is wrapped to curl it.
2 a player in the game of curling.

curlew

//

n. (pl. same or curlews) a large wading bird of the sandpiper family, with a long downcurved bill and brown streaked plumage.   Numenius arquata and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. courlieu, alt. (by assoc. with courliu ‘courier’) of imitative courlis.

curlicue

//

n. a decorative curl or twist in calligraphy or in the design of an object.

- ORIGIN C19: from curly + cue^2 (in the sense ‘pigtail’), or -cue representing the letter q.

curling

n. a game played on ice, especially in Scotland and Canada, in which large circular flat stones are slid across the surface towards a mark.

curling tongs

(also curling iron)

pl. n. a device incorporating a heated rod used for curling the hair.

curly

adj. (curlier, curliest) made, growing, or arranged in curls or curves.

- DERIVATIVES curliness n.

curly endive

n. see endive.

curmudgeon

//

n. a bad-tempered or surly person.

- DERIVATIVES curmudgeonliness n. curmudgeonly adj.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

currach

// (also curragh)

n. Irish and Scottish term for coracle.

- ORIGIN ME: from Ir. and Sc. Gaelic curach ‘small boat’.

curragh

//

n. (in Ireland and the Isle of Man) a stretch of marshy waste ground.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ir. currach ‘marsh’, Manx curragh ‘bog, fen’.

currant

n.
1 a small dried fruit made from a small seedless variety of grape, used in cookery.
2 used in names of various small edible berries and the shrubs which produce them, e.g. blackcurrant, white currant.

- ORIGIN ME raisons of Corauntz, translating Anglo-Norman Fr. raisins de Corauntz ‘grapes of Corinth’ (the original source).

currawong

//

n. a crow-like Australian songbird with mainly black or grey plumage, a robust straight bill, and a resonant call.   Genus Strepera: three species.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from an Aborig. word.

currency

n. (pl. currencies)
1 a system of money in general use in a particular country.
2 the fact or quality of being current. the time during which something is current.

current

adj.
1 happening or belonging to the present time: current affairs.
2 in general use.
n.
1 a body of water or air moving in a definite direction through a surrounding body of water or air in which there is less movement.
2 a flow of electricity which results from the ordered directional movement of electrically charged particles. a quantity representing the rate of flow of electric charge, usually measured in amperes.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘running, flowing’): from OFr. corant ‘running’, from courre ‘run’, from L. currere ‘run’.

current account

n. Brit. an account with a bank or building society from which money may be withdrawn without notice.

current assets

pl. n. cash and other assets that are expected to be converted to cash within a year. Compare with fixed assets.

current liabilities

pl. n. amounts due to be paid to creditors within twelve months.

currently

adv. at the present time.

curricle

//

n. historical a light, open, two-wheeled carriage pulled by two horses side by side.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. curriculum ‘course, racing chariot’.

curriculum

//

n. (pl. curricula or curriculums) the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

- DERIVATIVES curricular adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. (see curricle).

curriculum vitae

//, //

n. (pl. curricula vitae) a brief account of a person's education, qualifications, and previous occupations, typically sent with a job application.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: L., ‘course of life’.

currier

//

n. historical a person who curries leather.

currish

//

adj. archaic like a cur; bad-tempered.

- DERIVATIVES currishly adv. currishness n.

curry^1

n. (pl. curries) a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce of strong spices.
v. (curries, currying, curried) [usu. as adj. curried] prepare or flavour with such a sauce.

- ORIGIN C16: from Tamil kari.

curry^2

v. (curries, currying, curried)
1 chiefly N. Amer. groom (a horse) with a curry comb.
2 historical treat (tanned leather) to improve its properties.

- PHRASES
curry favour ingratiate oneself with someone by obsequious behaviour.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. correier, ult. of Gmc origin.
- ORIGIN The rather odd phrase curry favour is an alteration of Middle English curry favel, which comes from Old French correier ‘to groom’ and the name of a chestnut horse Favel, or Fauvel, in a 14th-century French romance. This horse was a symbol of cunning and duplicity; hence ‘to curry (or rub down) Favel’ meant to use the cunning which he personified.

curry comb

n. a hand-held device with serrated ridges, used for grooming horses.

curry leaf

n. a shrub or small tree native to India and Sri Lanka, the leaves of which are used in Indian cooking.   Murraya koenigii.

curry plant

n. a small shrubby plant with narrow silver-grey leaves, small yellow flowers, and a strong smell of curry.   Helichrysum angustifolium.

curry powder

n. a mixture of finely ground spices, such as turmeric and coriander, used for making curry.

curse

n.
1 a solemn appeal to a supernatural power to inflict harm on someone or something. a cause of harm or misery.
2 an offensive word or phrase used to express anger or annoyance.
3 (the curse) informal menstruation.
v.
1 use a curse against. (be cursed with) be afflicted with.
2 utter or address with angry expletives.

- DERIVATIVES curser n.

- ORIGIN OE, of unknown origin.

cursed

//, //

adj. informal, dated used to express annoyance or irritation.

- DERIVATIVES cursedly adv. cursedness n.

cursillo

//, //

n. (pl. cursillos) a short informal spiritual retreat by a group of Roman Catholics, especially in Spain or Latin America.

- ORIGIN 1950s: Sp., ‘little course’.

cursive

//

adj. (of writing) written with the characters joined.
n. cursive writing.

- DERIVATIVES cursively adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from med. L. cursivus, from L. curs-, currere ‘run’.

cursor

n.
1 a movable indicator on a computer screen identifying the point that will be affected by input from the user.
2 the transparent slide engraved with a hairline used to locate points on a slide rule.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a runner): from L., ‘runner’, from curs- (see cursive).

cursorial

//

adj. Zoology having limbs adapted for running.

cursory

//

adj. hasty and therefore not thorough.

- DERIVATIVES cursorily adv. cursoriness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. cursorius ‘of a runner’, from cursor (see cursor).

curst

adj. archaic spelling of cursed.

curt

adj. rudely brief.

- DERIVATIVES curtly adv. curtness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘short, shortened’): from L. curtus ‘cut short, abridged’.

curtail

//

v. place a restriction on.

- DERIVATIVES curtailment n.

- ORIGIN C15: from obs. curtal ‘horse with a docked tail’, from Fr. courtault, from court ‘short’, from L. curtus; the change in the ending was due to assoc. with tail^1.

curtain

n.
1 a piece of material suspended at the top to form a screen, typically movable sideways and found as one of a pair at a window. (the curtain) a screen of heavy cloth or other material that can be raised or lowered at the front of a stage. a raising or lowering of the curtain at the beginning or end of an act or scene.
2 (curtains) informal a disastrous outcome.
v. [often as adj. curtained] provide with a curtain or curtains. conceal with or as with a curtain.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cortine, from late L. cortina, translation of Gk aulaia, from aul ‘court’.

curtain call

n. the appearance of one or more performers on stage after a performance to acknowledge the audience's applause.

curtain fire

(also chiefly US curtain of fire)

n. Brit. rapid, continuous artillery or machine-gun fire on a designated line or area.

curtain lecture

n. dated a wife's private reprimand to her husband.

- ORIGIN C17: orig. a reprimand given behind bed curtains.

curtain-raiser

n. an entertainment or other event happening just before a longer or more important one.

- ORIGIN C19: orig. used to denote a short opening piece performed before a play.

curtain-up

n. the beginning of a stage performance.

curtain wall

n.
1 a fortified wall around a medieval castle, typically one linking towers together.
2 a wall which encloses the space within a building but does not support the roof.

curtana

//, //

n. the unpointed sword carried in front of English sovereigns at their coronation to represent mercy.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Latin curtana (spatha) ‘shortened (sword)’, from OFr. cortain, the name of the sword belonging to Charlemagne's paladin Roland (the point of which was damaged), from cort ‘short’, from L. curtus ‘cut short’.

curtilage

//

n. an area of land attached to a house and forming one enclosure with it.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., var. of OFr. courtillage, from courtil ‘small court’, from cort ‘court’.

curtsy

(also curtsey)

n. (pl. curtsies or curtseys) a woman's or girl's formal greeting made by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other.
v. (curtsies, curtsying, curtsied or curtseys, curtseying, curtseyed) perform a curtsy.

- ORIGIN C16: var. of courtesy.

curule

//

adj. denoting or relating to the authority exercised by the senior magistrates in ancient Rome, chiefly the consul and praetor, who were entitled to use the sella curulis (a kind of folding chair).

- ORIGIN C17: from L. curulis, from currus ‘chariot’ (in which the chief magistrate was conveyed to the seat of office).

curvaceous

//

adj. (especially of a woman or a woman's figure) having an attractively curved shape.

- DERIVATIVES curvaceously adv. curvaceousness n.

curvature

//

n. the fact of being curved or the degree to which something is curved. Geometry the degree to which a curve deviates from a straight line, or a curved surface deviates from a plane.

curve

n. a line or outline which gradually deviates from being straight for some or all of its length. a line on a graph (whether straight or curved) showing how one quantity varies with respect to another. (also curve ball) Baseball a delivery in which the pitcher causes the ball to deviate from a straight path by imparting spin.
v. form or cause to form a curve.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. curvare ‘to bend’, from curvus ‘bent’.

curvet

//

n. a graceful or energetic leap.
v. (curvets, curvetting, curvetted or curvets, curveting, curveted) leap gracefully or energetically. (of a horse) perform a courbette.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. corvetta, dimin. of corva, earlier form of curva ‘a curve’, from L. curvus ‘bent’.

curvilinear

//

adj. contained by or consisting of a curved line or lines.

- DERIVATIVES curvilinearly adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. curvus ‘bent, curved’, on the pattern of rectilinear.

curvy

adj. (curvier, curviest) having many curves. informal (of a woman's figure) shapely and voluptuous.

- DERIVATIVES curviness n.

cuscus

//

n. a tree-dwelling marsupial with a prehensile tail, native to New Guinea and northern Australia.   Spilocuscus maculatus (spotted cuscus) and other species.

- ORIGIN C17: via Fr. and Du. from a local name in the Molucca Islands.

cusec

//

n. a unit of flow (especially of water) equal to one cubic foot per second.

cushat

//

n. dialect, chiefly Scottish a wood pigeon.

- ORIGIN OE, of unknown origin.

cush-cush

//

n. a tropical American yam which produces a number of edible tubers on each plant.   Dioscorea trifida.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. ult. of Afr. origin.

Cushing's disease

n. Cushing's syndrome as caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland.

Cushing's syndrome

n. Medicine a metabolic disorder caused by overproduction of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal cortex and often involving obesity and high blood pressure.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the American surgeon Harvey W. Cushing.

cushion

n.
1 a bag of cloth stuffed with a mass of soft material, used as a comfortable support for sitting or leaning on.
2 something providing support or protection against impact. the elastic lining of the sides of a billiard table, from which the ball rebounds.
v.
1 soften the effect of an impact on.
2 mitigate the adverse effects of: to cushion the blow, wages were increased.

- DERIVATIVES cushioned adj. cushiony adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cuissin, based on a L. word meaning ‘cushion for the hip’, from coxa ‘hip, thigh’.

Cushitic

//

n. a group of East African languages of the Afro-Asiatic family spoken mainly in Ethiopia and Somalia.
adj. relating to Cushitic.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Cush, a region of ancient Nubia, + -itic.

cushy

adj. (cushier, cushiest) informal
1 (of a task or situation) undemanding, easy, or secure.
2 N. Amer. (of furniture) comfortable.

- DERIVATIVES cushiness n.

- ORIGIN First World War (orig. Anglo-Ind.): from Urdu kush ‘pleasure’.

cusk

//

n. another term for torsk.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

cusk-eel

n. a small eel-like marine fish with a tapering body and a pointed tail.   Family Ophidiidae: many species.

cusp

//

n.
1 a pointed end where two curves meet. each of the pointed ends of the crescent moon. a cone-shaped prominence on the surface of a tooth. Architecture a projecting point between small arcs in Gothic tracery.
2 Mathematics a point at which the direction of a curve is abruptly reversed.
3 Astrology the initial point of an astrological sign or house. a point of transition between two different states: those on the cusp of adulthood.
4 Anatomy a pocket or fold in the wall of the heart or a major blood vessel, forming part of a valve.

- DERIVATIVES cuspate adj. cusped adj. cusping n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cuspis ‘point or apex’.

cuspid

n. a tooth with a single cusp or point; a canine tooth.

- DERIVATIVES cuspidate adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. cuspis, cuspid- ‘point or apex’.

cuspidor

//

n. US a spittoon.

- ORIGIN C18: from Port., ‘spitter’.

cuss

informal

n.
1 an annoying or stubborn person or animal.
2 another term for curse (in sense 2).
v. another term for curse (in sense 2).

cussed

//

adj. informal awkward; annoying.

- DERIVATIVES cussedly adv. cussedness n.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. US): var. of cursed.

custard

n. a dessert or sweet sauce made with milk and eggs and thickened with cornflour, or milk and a proprietary powder.

- ORIGIN ME crustarde, custarde (denoting an open pie containing meat or fruit in a sauce thickened with eggs), from OFr. crouste (see crust).

custard apple

n.
1 a large fleshy tropical fruit with a sweet yellow pulp.
2 the tree which bears custard apples, native to Central and South America.   Genus Annona: several species.

custard pie

n. an open pie containing cold set custard. a custard pie, or a flat container of foam, used for throwing in someone's face in slapstick comedy.

custodian

n. a person who is responsible for protecting or guarding something.

- DERIVATIVES custodianship n.

custody

//

n.
1 the protective care or guardianship of someone or something. Law parental responsibility, especially as allocated to one of two divorcing parents.
2 imprisonment.

- DERIVATIVES custodial // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. custodia, from custos ‘guardian’.

custom

n.
1 a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time. Law established usage having the force of law or right.
2 Brit. regular dealings with a shop or business by customers.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coustume, based on L. consuetudo, from consuetus, past part. of consuescere ‘accustom’.

customary

adj. in accordance with custom; usual. Law established by or based on custom rather than common law or statute.
n. (pl. customaries) historical another term for custumal.

- DERIVATIVES customarily adv. customariness n.

custom-built

adj. made to a particular customer's order.

customer

n.
1 a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business.
2 a person of a specified kind that one has to deal with: he's a tough customer.

custom house

(also customs house)

n. chiefly historical the office at a port or frontier where customs duty is collected.

customize

(or customise)

v. modify to suit a particular individual or task.

- DERIVATIVES customizable adj. customization n.

custom-made

adj. another term for custom-built.

customs

pl. n. the official department that administers and collects the duties levied by a government on imported goods. (also customs duties) the duties levied by a government on imported goods.

- ORIGIN ME: orig. in the sing., denoting a customary due paid to a ruler, later duty levied on goods on their way to market.

customs union

n. a group of states that have agreed to charge the same import duties as each other and usually to allow free trade between themselves.

custumal

//

n. historical a written account of the customs of a manor or local community.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. custumale ‘customs book’.

cut

v. (cutting; past and past part. cut)
1 make an opening, incision, or wound in (something) with a sharp tool or object.
2 remove (something) from something larger by using a sharp implement.
3 divide into pieces with a knife or other sharp implement. (cut something down) cause something to fall by cutting through at the base.
4 make or form by using a sharp tool to remove material. [often as adj. cut] make or design (a garment) in a particular way: an impeccably cut suit.
5 reduce the length of (something) by using a sharp implement.
6 reduce the amount or quantity of: the new system will cut costs. Computing delete (part of a text). end or interrupt the provision of (a supply). N. Amer. absent oneself deliberately from: Rod was cutting class.
7 (of a line) cross or intersect (another line).
8 stop filming or recording. move to another shot in a film. make (a film) into a coherent whole by removing or reordering parts.
9 make (a sound recording).
10 divide a pack of playing cards by lifting a portion from the top.
11 strike or kick (a ball) quickly and abruptly. Golf slice (the ball). Cricket hit (the ball) to the off side with the bat held almost horizontally; play such a stroke against (the bowler). Cricket (of the ball) turn sharply on pitching.
12 mix (an illegal drug) with another substance: speed cut with rat poison.
13 (cut it) N. Amer. informal come up to expectations. [ORIGIN shortened form of the idiom cut the mustard.]
n.
1 an act of cutting. a reduction in amount or size.
2 a result of cutting: a cut on his jaw. a piece of meat cut from a carcass. informal a share of profits. a version of a film after editing: the director's cut.
3 the way or style in which a garment or the hair is cut: the elegant cut of his jacket.

- PHRASES
be cut out for (or to be) [usu. with neg.] informal have exactly the right qualities for a particular role.
a cut above informal noticeably superior to.
cut and dried (of a situation) completely settled. [ORIGIN C18: orig. used to distinguish the herbs of herbalists' shops from growing herbs.]
cut and paste Computing move (text) by cutting it from one part of the text and inserting it in another.
cut and run informal speedily retreat from a difficult situation rather than deal with it. [ORIGIN orig. a naut. phr., meaning ‘cut the anchor cable because of an emergency and make sail immediately’.]
cut and thrust a difficult or competitive atmosphere or environment: the cut and thrust of political debate. [ORIGIN orig. a fencing phr.]
cut both ways (of a point) serve both sides of an argument. (of an action or process) have both good and bad effects.
cut corners do something perfunctorily so as to save time or money.
cut a dash Brit. be stylish or impressive in one's dress or behaviour.
cut someone dead completely ignore someone.
cut from the same cloth of the same nature.
cut in line N. Amer. jump the queue.
cut it out informal stop it.
cut the mustard informal reach the required standard.
cut no ice informal have no influence or effect.
cut a (or the) rug N. Amer. informal dance, especially in an energetic or accomplished way.
cut one's teeth acquire initial experience of a sphere of activity.
cut a tooth (of a baby) have a tooth appear through the gum.
cut to the chase N. Amer. informal come to the point.
cut up rough Brit. informal behave in an aggressive or awkward way.
make (or miss) the cut Golf reach (or fail to reach) a required score, thus avoiding (or ensuring) elimination from the last two rounds of a four-round tournament.
- PHRASES
cut in
1 interrupt.
2 pull in too closely in front of another vehicle.
3 (of a motor or other device) begin operating, especially when triggered automatically.
cut someone in informal include someone in a deal and give them a share of the profits.
cut someone off
1 break the connection during a telephone call.
2 deprive someone of a supply of power, water, etc.
3 disinherit someone.
cut something off block the usual means of access to a place.
cut out
1 (of an engine) suddenly stop operating.
2 N. Amer. informal leave quickly.
cut someone out exclude someone.
cut up N. Amer. informal behave in a mischievous or unruly manner.
cut someone up
1 informal (of a driver) overtake someone and pull in too closely.
2 N. Amer. informal criticize someone severely.

- ORIGIN ME (prob. existing, although not recorded, in OE); prob. of Gmc origin.

cutaneous

//

adj. relating to or affecting the skin.

- ORIGIN C16: from mod. L. cutaneus (from L. cutis ‘skin’) + -ous.

cutaway

n.
1 a thing made with a part cut out. a coat or jacket with the front cut away below the waist. denoting a diagram or drawing with some external parts left out to reveal the interior.
2 a shot in a film which is of a different subject from those to which it is joined in editing.

cutback

n. a reduction, especially in expenditure.

cute

adj.
1 endearingly pretty. N. Amer. informal sexually attractive.
2 N. Amer. informal clever; shrewd.

- DERIVATIVES cutely adv. cuteness n.

- ORIGIN C18: shortening of acute.

cutesy

adj. (cutesier, cutesiest) informal cute to a sentimental or mawkish extent.

cut glass

n.
1 glass that has been decorated by having patterns cut into it by grinding and polishing.
2 [as modifier] characterized by precise enunciation: a cut-glass accent.

cuticle

//

n.
1 the dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail.
2 the outer cellular layer of a hair.
3 Botany & Zoology a protective layer covering the epidermis of a plant or invertebrate. Anatomy the epidermis of the body.

- DERIVATIVES cuticular // adj.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. cuticula, dimin. of cutis ‘skin’.

cutie

n. (pl. cuties) informal an attractive or endearing person.

cutin

//

n. Biochemistry a waxy water-repellent substance in the cuticle of plants.

- ORIGIN C19: from cutis + -in^1.

cut-in

n. a shot in a film that is edited into another shot or scene.

cutis

//

n. Anatomy the true skin or dermis.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘skin’.

cutlass

//

n. a short sword with a slightly curved blade, formerly used by sailors.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. coutelas, based on L. cultellus (see cutler).

cutler

n. a person who makes or sells cutlery.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. coutelier, from coutel ‘knife’, from L. cultellus, dimin. of culter ‘knife, ploughshare’.

cutlery

n. knives, forks, and spoons used for eating or serving food. N. Amer. knives and other cutting utensils.

cutlet

n. a portion of meat, especially a lamb, pork, or veal chop from just behind the neck, served grilled or fried. a flat croquette of minced meat, nuts, or pulses.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. côtelette, earlier costelette, dimin. of coste ‘rib’.

cutline

n.
1 N. Amer. the caption to a photograph or other illustration.
2 (in squash) the line above which a served ball must strike the front wall.

cut-off

n.
1 a point or level marking a designated limit.
2 a device for interrupting a power or fuel supply. a sudden drop in amplification or responsiveness of an electric device at a certain frequency.
3 (cut-offs) shorts made by cutting off the legs of a pair of jeans.
4 N. Amer. a short cut.

cut-out

n.
1 a shape cut out of board or another material.
2 a hole cut in something for decoration or to allow the insertion of something else.
3 a device that automatically breaks an electric circuit for safety.

cutover

n. a rapid transition from one phase of a project to another.

cut-price

(N. Amer. also cut-rate)

adj. for sale at a reduced price; cheap.

cutpurse

n. archaic a pickpocket.

- ORIGIN ME: with ref. to stealing by cutting purses suspended from a waistband.

cutter

n.
1 a person or thing that cuts.
2 a light, fast coastal patrol boat. a ship's boat used for carrying passengers or light stores. historical a small fore-and-aft rigged sailing boat with one mast, more than one headsail, and a running bowsprit, used as a fast auxiliary. a yacht with one mainsail and two foresails.
3 Cricket & Baseball a ball that deviates sharply on pitching.
4 a pig heavier than a porker but lighter than a baconer.

cut-throat

n.
1 dated a murderer or other violent criminal.
2 (also cut-throat trout) a trout of western North America, with red or orange markings under the jaw.   Salmo clarki.
adj.
1 ruthless and intense: cut-throat competition.
2 (of some card games) played by three rather than four players.

cut-throat razor

n. Brit. a razor with a long blade which folds like a penknife.

cutting

n.
1 a piece cut off from something. Brit. an article or other piece cut from a newspaper. a piece cut from a plant for propagation.
2 Brit. an open passage excavated through higher ground for a railway, road, or canal.
adj.
1 capable of cutting.
2 (of a remark) hurtful.

- DERIVATIVES cuttingly adv.

cutting edge

n. the latest or most advanced stage; the forefront.
adj. innovative; pioneering.

cuttle

n. a cuttlefish.

- ORIGIN OE cudele ‘cuttlefish’, of Gmc origin; rel. to codd ‘bag’, with ref. to its ink bag.

cuttlebone

n. the flattened internal skeleton of the cuttlefish, used as a dietary supplement for cage birds and for making casts for precious metal items.

cuttlefish

n. (pl. same or cuttlefishes) a swimming marine mollusc that resembles a broad-bodied squid, having eight arms and two long tentacles that are used for grabbing prey.   Sepia and other genera, order Sepioidea.

cutty

adj. Scottish & N. English short.

cut up

adj. informal very distressed.
n. (cut-up) a film or sound recording made by cutting and editing material from pre-existing recordings.

cutwater

n.
1 the forward edge of a ship's prow.
2 a wedge-shaped projection on the pier of a bridge.

cutwork

n. embroidery in which parts of the fabric ground are cut out and the edges oversewn or elaborately stitched.

cutworm

n. a moth caterpillar that lives in the soil and eats through the stems of young plants at ground level.

cuvée

//

n. a type, blend, or batch of wine, especially champagne.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘vatful’.

cuvette

//

n. a straight-sided container for holding liquid samples in a spectrophotometer or other instrument.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., dimin. of cuve ‘cask’.

CV

abbrev. curriculum vitae.

cv

abbrev. cultivated variety.

CVO

abbrev. (in the UK) Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

CVS

abbrev. chorionic villus sampling, a test made in early pregnancy to detect fetal abnormalities.

CVT

abbrev. continuously variable transmission.

cwm

//

n. a cirque, especially in the Welsh mountains.

- ORIGIN C19: Welsh; rel. to combe.

CWO

abbrev. Chief Warrant Officer.

c.w.o.

abbrev. cash with order.

cwt.

abbrev. hundredweight.

- ORIGIN from L. centum ‘a hundred’.

CY

abbrev. Cyprus (international vehicle registration).

-cy

suffix
1 denoting state or condition: bankruptcy.
2 denoting rank or status: baronetcy.

- ORIGIN from L. -cia, -tia and Gk -k(e)ia, -t(e)ia.

cyan

//

n. a greenish-blue colour which is one of the primary subtractive colours, complementary to red.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kuaneos ‘dark blue’.

cyanamide

//

n. Chemistry a weakly acidic crystalline compound produced in the manufacture of ammonia. a salt of this, containing the anion CN_22-.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of cyanogen and amide.

cyanate

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of cyanic acid.

cyanic

//

adj.
1 Chemistry of cyanogen.
2 rare blue.

- ORIGIN C19: from cyan + -ic.

cyanic acid

n. Chemistry a colourless, poisonous, volatile, strongly acidic liquid.   HOCN.

- ORIGIN C19: from cyanogen.

cyanide

//

n. Chemistry a salt or ester of hydrocyanic acid, some forms of which are extremely toxic.

- ORIGIN C19: from cyanogen + -ide.

cyano-

comb. form
1 relating to the colour blue: cyanosis.
2 representing cyanide: cyanogenic.

- ORIGIN from Gk kuan(e)os ‘dark blue’.

cyanoacrylate

//

n. Chemistry any of a class of compounds which are cyanide derivatives of acrylates, used to make quick-setting adhesives.

cyanobacteria

//

pl. n. (sing. cyanobacterium) Biology microorganisms of a division (Cyanobacteria) comprising the blue-green algae, related to bacteria but capable of photosynthesis.

- DERIVATIVES cyanobacterial adj.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kuaneos ‘dark blue’ + bacterium.

cyanocobalamin

//

n. a form of vitamin B_12, a cobalt-containing vitamin derived from liver, fish, and eggs, a deficiency of which can cause pernicious anaemia.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from cyano- and cobalamin (blend of cobalt and vitamin).

cyanogen

//

n. Chemistry a flammable poisonous gas made by oxidizing hydrogen cyanide.   C_2N_2.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. cyanogène, from Gk kuanos ‘dark blue mineral’ + -gène (see -gen), so named because it is rel. to Prussian blue.

cyanogenic

// (also cyanogenetic)

adj. Botany capable of producing cyanides.

cyanohydrin

//

n. Chemistry an organic compound containing a carbon atom linked to both cyanide and hydroxyl groups.

cyanosis

//

n. Medicine a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

- DERIVATIVES cyanotic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk kuansis ‘blueness’.

cyber-

//

comb. form relating to information technology, the Internet, and virtual reality: cyberspace.

- ORIGIN back-form. from cybernetics.

cybercafe

n. a cafe where customers can also use computer terminals and log on to the Internet.

cybercrime

n. criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the Internet.

- DERIVATIVES cybercriminal n.

cybernetics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things.

- DERIVATIVES cybernetic adj. cybernetician n. cyberneticist n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk kubernts ‘steersman’.

cyberphobia

n. extreme or irrational fear of computers or technology.

- DERIVATIVES cyberphobe n. cyberphobic adj. & n.

cyberpunk

n.
1 a genre of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology.
2 a person who accesses computer networks illegally.

cybersex

n. sexual arousal or activity using computer technology, especially by wearing virtual reality equipment or by exchanging messages with another person via the Internet.

cyberspace

n. the notional environment in which communication over computer networks occurs.

cybersquatting

n. the practice of registering names, especially well-known company or brand names, as Internet domains, in the hope of reselling them at a profit.

- DERIVATIVES cybersquatter n.

cyberterrorism

n. the politically motivated use of computers to cause severe disruption or widespread fear.

- DERIVATIVES cyberterrorist n.

cyberwar

n. the use of computers to disrupt the activities of an enemy country, especially the deliberate attacking of communication systems.

cyborg

//

n. a fictional or hypothetical person whose physical abilities are extended beyond human limitations by mechanical elements built into the body.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of cyber- and organism.

cycad

//

n. a tall, cone-bearing, palm-like plant of tropical and subtropical regions.   Genus Cycas, class Cycadopsida: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Cycas, Cycad-, from supposed Gk kukas, scribal error for koikas, pl. of koix ‘Egyptian palm’.

Cycladic

//, //

adj.
1 relating to the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands in the southern Aegean.
2 Archaeology denoting a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the Cyclades, dated to c.3000–1050 bc.

cyclamate

//, //

n. Chemistry a salt of a synthetic organic acid, formerly used as an artificial sweetener.

- ORIGIN 1950s: contr. of cyclohexylsulphamate.

cyclamen

//

n. (pl. same or cyclamens) a plant of the primrose family, having pink, red, or white flowers with backward-curving petals.   Genus Cyclamen: several species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L. cyclaminos, from Gk kuklaminos, perh. from kuklos ‘circle’, with ref. to its bulbous roots.

cycle

n.
1 a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order. the period of time taken to complete a single such series.
2 one complete sequence of changes associated with a recurring phenomenon such as an alternating current, wave, etc. Physics a cycle per second; one hertz. Ecology the movement of a simple substance through the soil, rocks, water, atmosphere, and living organisms of the earth: the carbon cycle.
3 a series of musical or literary works composed around a particular theme.
4 a bicycle. a ride on a bicycle: a 112-mile cycle.
v.
1 ride a bicycle.
2 move in or follow a cycle of events.

- DERIVATIVES cycler n. cycling n. cyclist n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from late L. cyclus, from Gk kuklos ‘circle’.

cycleway

n. Brit. a path or road for bicycles.

cyclic

//, //

adj.
1 occurring in cycles.
2 having the form of a circle or closed ring. Chemistry having a molecular structure containing one or more closed rings of atoms.

- DERIVATIVES cyclical adj. cyclically adv.

cyclin

//

n. Biochemistry any of a group of proteins which are involved in regulating cell division.

cyclize

(or cyclise) //

v. Chemistry undergo or cause to undergo a reaction in which one part of a molecule becomes linked to another to form a closed ring.

- DERIVATIVES cyclization n.

cyclo-

//

comb. form
1 circular: cyclorama.
2 relating to a bicycle or cycling: cyclo-cross.
3 cyclic: cycloalkane.

- ORIGIN from Gk kuklos ‘circle’, or directly from cycle or cyclic.

cycloalkane

n. Chemistry a hydrocarbon with a molecule containing a ring of carbon atoms joined by single bonds.

cyclo-cross

n. cross-country racing on bicycles.

cyclohexane

n. Chemistry a volatile cyclic hydrocarbon obtained from petroleum, used as a solvent.   C_6H_12.

cyclohexyl

//, //

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting the radical –C_6H_11, derived from cyclohexane.

cycloid

//

n. Mathematics a curve (resembling a series of arches) traced by a point on a circle being rolled along a straight line.

- DERIVATIVES cycloidal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk kukloeids ‘circular’.

cyclometer

//

n.
1 an instrument for measuring circular arcs.
2 an instrument attached to a bicycle for measuring distance.

cyclone

//

n.
1 Meteorology a system of winds rotating inwards to an area of low barometric pressure; a depression.
2 a tropical storm.

- DERIVATIVES cyclonic adj. cyclonically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Gk kuklma ‘wheel, coil of a snake’.

cyclopean

//, // (also cyclopian)

adj.
1 of or resembling a Cyclops, especially in size.
2 denoting a type of ancient masonry made with massive irregular blocks.

cyclopedia

// (also cyclopaedia)

n. archaic (except in book titles) an encyclopedia.

- DERIVATIVES cyclopedic adj.

cyclophosphamide

//

n. Medicine a synthetic drug used in treating leukaemia and lymphoma and as an immunosuppressive agent.

Cyclops

//

n.
1 (pl. Cyclops, Cyclopses, or Cyclopes //) Greek Mythology a member of a race of savage one-eyed giants.
2 (cyclops) a minute predatory freshwater crustacean which has a cylindrical body with a single central eye.   Cyclops and other genera, order Cyclopoida.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk Kuklps, lit. ‘round-eyed’.

cyclorama

//

n.
1 a panoramic scene set on the inside of a cylindrical surface, to be viewed by a central spectator.
2 a cloth stretched tight in an arc around the back of a stage set, often used to represent the sky.

- DERIVATIVES cycloramic // adj.

cyclosporin

// (also cyclosporin A, cyclosporine)

n. Medicine an immunosuppressive drug obtained from a fungus, used to prevent the rejection of grafts and transplants.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from cyclo- + -sporin (from L. spora ‘spore’) + -in^1.

cyclostome

//

n. Zoology an eel-like jawless vertebrate with a round sucking mouth, such as a lamprey or hagfish.

- ORIGIN C19: from cyclo- + Gk stoma ‘mouth’.

cyclostyle

//

n. an early device for duplicating handwriting, in which a pen with a small toothed wheel makes a stencil in a sheet of waxed paper.
v. [usu. as adj. cyclostyled] duplicate with a cyclostyle.

cyclothymia

//

n. Psychiatry, dated manic-depressive tendency.

- DERIVATIVES cyclothymic adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from cyclo- + Gk thumos ‘temper’.

cyclotron

//

n. Physics an apparatus in which charged atomic and subatomic particles are accelerated by an alternating electric field while following an outward spiral or circular path in a magnetic field.

cyder

n. archaic spelling of cider.

cygnet

//

n. a young swan.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. cignet, dimin. of OFr. cigne ‘swan’, based on L. cycnus, from Gk kuknos.

cylinder

//

n.
1 a three-dimensional shape with straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross section.
2 a piston chamber in a steam or internal-combustion engine.
3 a cylindrical container for liquefied gas under pressure.
4 a rotating metal drum in a printing press.

- DERIVATIVES cylindric // adj. cylindrical // adj. cylindrically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cylindrus, from Gk kulindros ‘roller’.

cylinder head

n. the end cover of a cylinder in an internal-combustion engine, against which the piston compresses the cylinder's contents.

cylinder seal

n. Archaeology a small barrel-shaped stone object bearing an incised design or cuneiform inscription, used as a seal in ancient Mesopotamia.

cymbal

//

n. a musical instrument consisting of a slightly concave round brass plate which is either struck against another one or struck with a stick.

- DERIVATIVES cymbalist n.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. cymbalum, from Gk kumbalon, from kumb ‘cup’; readopted in ME from OFr. cymbale.

cymbidium

//

n. (pl. cymbidiums) a tropical orchid with long, narrow leaves and arching stems bearing several flowers, growing chiefly as an epiphyte from Asia to Australasia.   Genus Cymbidium.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kumb ‘cup’.

cyme

//

n. Botany a flower cluster with a central stem bearing a single terminal flower that develops first, the other flowers in the cluster developing as terminal buds of lateral stems. Compare with raceme.

- DERIVATIVES cymose adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting the unopened head of a plant): from Fr., lit. ‘summit’, from a pop. var. of L. cyma.

Cymric

//

adj. Welsh in language or culture.
n. the Welsh language.

- ORIGIN C19: from Welsh Cymru ‘Wales’, Cymry ‘the Welsh’, + -ic.

cynic

//

n.
1 a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest. a sceptic.
2 (Cynic) a member of a school of ancient Greek philosophers characterized by an ostentatious contempt for wealth and pleasure.

- DERIVATIVES cynicism n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. cynicus, from Gk kunikos; prob. orig. from Kunosarges, the name of a gymnasium where Antisthenes (the founder of the school of philosophy) taught, but popularly taken to mean ‘doglike, churlish’, kun, kun-, ‘dog’ becoming a nickname for a Cynic.

cynical

adj.
1 believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest. sceptical. contemptuous; mocking.
2 (of behaviour or actions) proceeding from a concern only with one's own interests, regardless of accepted standards: a cynical foul.

- DERIVATIVES cynically adv.

cynodont

//

n. a fossil carnivorous mammal-like reptile of the late Permian and Triassic periods, with well-developed specialized teeth.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kun, kun- ‘dog’ + odous, odont- ‘tooth’.

cynosure

//, //, //

n. a person or thing that is the centre of attention or admiration.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting the constellation Ursa Minor, or the Pole Star which it contains): from Fr., or from L. cynosura, from Gk kunosoura ‘dog's tail’ (also ‘Ursa Minor’).

cypher

n. variant spelling of cipher^1.

cy-pres

/ /

adv. & adj. Law as near as possible to the testator's or donor's intentions when these cannot be precisely followed.

- ORIGIN C19: from a late Anglo-Norman Fr. var. of Fr. si près ‘so near’.

cypress

n. an evergreen coniferous tree with flattened shoots bearing small scale-like leaves, whose dark foliage is sometimes associated with mourning.   Cupressus sempervirens (southern Europe) and other species, family Cupressaceae.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. cipres, from late L. cypressus, from Gk kuparissos.

cyprinid

//

n. Zoology a fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Cyprinidae based on Gk kuprinos ‘carp’.

Cypriot

n.
1 a native or national of Cyprus.
2 the dialect of Greek used in Cyprus.
adj. relating to Cyprus or its people or the Greek dialect used there.

- ORIGIN from Gk Kuprites, from Kupros ‘Cyprus’.

cypripedium

//

n. (pl. cypripediums) an orchid of a genus which comprises the lady's slippers.   Genus Cypripedium.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk Kupris ‘Aphrodite’ + pedilon ‘slipper’.

cypsela

//

n. (pl. cypselae //) Botany a dry single-seeded fruit formed from a double ovary of which only one develops into a seed, as in the daisy family.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk kupsel ‘hollow vessel’.

Cyrenaic

//

adj. of or denoting the ancient Greek hedonistic school of philosophy founded c.400 bc by Aristippus the Elder of Cyrene in North Africa.
n. a follower of the Cyrenaic school.

- DERIVATIVES Cyrenaicism n.

Cyrillic

//

adj. denoting the alphabet used by many Slavic peoples, chiefly those with a historical allegiance to the Orthodox Church; now used especially for Russian and Bulgarian.
n. the Cyrillic alphabet.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the 9th-cent. Greek missionary St Cyril, its reputed inventor.

cyst

//

n.
1 Biology a thin-walled hollow organ or cavity in an animal or plant, containing a liquid secretion.
2 Medicine a membranous sac or cavity of abnormal character in the body, containing fluid.
3 a tough protective capsule enclosing the larva of a parasitic worm or the resting stage of an organism.

- ORIGIN C18: from late L. cystis, from Gk kustis ‘bladder’.

cystectomy

//

n. (pl. cystectomies)
1 a surgical operation to remove the urinary bladder.
2 a surgical operation to remove an abnormal cyst.

cysteine

//, //, //, //

n. Biochemistry a sulphur-containing amino acid which occurs in keratins and other proteins.

- ORIGIN C19: from cystine + -eine (var. of -ine^4).

cystic

adj.
1 chiefly Medicine relating to or characterized by cysts.
2 Zoology (of a parasite or other organism) enclosed in a cyst.
3 relating to the urinary bladder or the gall bladder.

cystic fibrosis

n. a hereditary disorder which affects the exocrine glands and results in the production of abnormally thick mucus, leading to the blockage of the pancreatic ducts, intestines, and bronchi.

cystine

//, //

n. Biochemistry an oxidized dimeric form of cysteine.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk kustis ‘bladder’ (because it was first isolated from urinary calculi) + -ine^4.

cystitis

//

n. inflammation of the urinary bladder, typically caused by infection and accompanied by frequent painful urination.

cysto-

//

comb. form relating to the urinary bladder: cystotomy.

- ORIGIN from Gk kustis ‘bladder’.

cystoscope

//

n. Medicine an instrument inserted into the urethra for examining the urinary bladder.

- DERIVATIVES cystoscopic adj. cystoscopy n.

cystotomy

//

n. (pl. cystotomies) a surgical incision into the urinary bladder.

-cyte

comb. form Biology denoting a mature cell: lymphocyte. Compare with -blast.

- ORIGIN from Gk kutos ‘vessel’.

cytidine

//

n. Biochemistry a nucleoside consisting of cytosine combined with ribose, a constituent of RNA and coenzymes.

cytisus

//, //

n. a shrub of a large genus which includes many brooms.   Genus Cytisus.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk kutisos.

cyto-

//

comb. form Biology of a cell or cells: cytology.

- ORIGIN from Gk kutos ‘vessel’.

cytoarchitecture

//

n. Anatomy the arrangement of cells in a tissue.

- DERIVATIVES cytoarchitectural adj. cytoarchitecturally adv.

cytochrome

n. Biochemistry any of a number of compounds consisting of haem bonded to a protein, involved in cellular respiration.

cytogenetics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] Biology the study of inheritance in relation to the structure and function of chromosomes.

- DERIVATIVES cytogenetic adj. cytogenetical adj. cytogenetically adv. cytogeneticist n.

cytokine

//

n. Physiology any of a variety of proteins, such as interferon and interleukin, which carry signals locally between cells.

cytokinesis

//

n. Biology the cytoplasmic division of a cell into two daughter cells at the end of mitosis or meiosis.

cytology

//

n. the branch of biology concerned with the structure and function of plant and animal cells.

- DERIVATIVES cytological adj. cytologically adv. cytologist n.

cytolysis

//

n. Biology the dissolution or disruption of cells, especially by an external agent.

- DERIVATIVES cytolytic adj.

cytomegalic

//

adj. Medicine (of disease) characterized by enlarged cells.

cytomegalovirus

//

n. Medicine a kind of herpesvirus which usually produces very mild symptoms in an infected person but may cause severe neurological damage in people with weakened immune systems and in the newborn.

cytoplasm

//

n. Biology the material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.

- DERIVATIVES cytoplasmic adj.

cytosine

//

n. Biochemistry a compound found in living tissue as a constituent base of DNA and RNA.

cytoskeleton

n. Biology a microscopic network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells, giving them shape and coherence.

- DERIVATIVES cytoskeletal adj.

cytosol

//

n. Biology the aqueous component of the cytoplasm of a cell.

- DERIVATIVES cytosolic adj.

cytotoxic

adj. toxic to living cells.

- DERIVATIVES cytotoxicity n.

czar etc.

n. variant spelling of tsar etc.

czardas

n. variant spelling of csardas.

Czech

//

n.
1 a native or national of the Czech Republic or (formerly) Czechoslovakia, or a person of Czech descent.
2 the Western Slavic language spoken in the Czech Republic, closely related to Slovak.
adj. relating to the Czechs or their language.

- ORIGIN Polish spelling of Czech ech.

Czechoslovak

//

n. a native or national of the former country of Czechoslovakia, now divided between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

- DERIVATIVES Czechoslovakian adj. & n.

D^1

(also d)

n. (pl. Ds or D's)
1 the fourth letter of the alphabet.
2 denoting the fourth in a set of items, categories, sizes, etc.
3 Music the second note of the diatonic scale of C major.
4 the Roman numeral for 500. [ORIGIN understood as half of CI, an earlier form of M (= 1,000).], an earlier form of M ">

D^2

abbrev.
1 (in the US) Democrat or Democratic.
2 depth (in the sense of the dimension of an object from front to back).
3 Chemistry dextrorotatory.
4 (with a numeral) dimension(s) or dimensional.
5 (in tables of sports results) drawn.
6 Germany (international vehicle registration). [ORIGIN from Ger. Deutschland.]
symb.
1 Physics electric flux density.
2 Chemistry the hydrogen isotope deuterium.

d

abbrev.
1 (in genealogies) daughter.
2 day(s).
3 deci-.
4 (in travel timetables) departs.
5 (d.) died (used to indicate a date of death).
6 Brit. penny or pence (of pre-decimal currency). [ORIGIN from L. denarius ‘penny’.]
7 Chemistry denoting electrons and orbitals possessing two units of angular momentum. [ORIGIN d from diffuse, orig. applied to lines in atomic spectra.]
symb.
1 Mathematics diameter.
2 Mathematics denoting a small increment in a given variable.

'd

contr.
1 had.
2 would.

DA

abbrev.
1 US district attorney.
2 informal duck's arse.

D/A

abbrev. Electronics digital to analogue.

da

abbrev. deca-.

DAB

abbrev. digital audio broadcasting.

dab^1

v. (dabs, dabbing, dabbed) press against (something) lightly several times with a piece of absorbent material. apply (a substance) with light quick strokes.
n.
1 a small amount: a dab of perfume. a brief application of a piece of absorbent material to a surface.
2 (dabs) Brit. informal fingerprints.

- DERIVATIVES dabber n.

- ORIGIN ME: symbolic of a light striking movement; cf. dabble and dib.

dab^2

n. a small, commercially important flatfish found chiefly in the North Atlantic.   Limanda limanda and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

dabble

v.
1 move (one's hands or feet) around gently in water. (of a duck or other waterbird) move the bill around in shallow water while feeding.
2 (often dabble in) take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.

- DERIVATIVES dabbler n.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Du. dabbelen, or a frequentative of dab^1.

dabbling duck

n. a duck which typically feeds by dabbling and upending in fresh water, such as the mallard or teal.

dabchick

n. a small grebe, especially the little grebe.

- ORIGIN C16 (as dapchick or dopchick): the first element is perh. rel. to dip and deep.

dab hand

n. Brit. informal a person who is an expert at a particular activity.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

DAC

abbrev. Electronics digital to analogue converter.

da capo

/ /

adv. & adj. Music repeat or repeated from the beginning. Compare with dal segno.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘from the head’.

dace

//

n. (pl. same) a freshwater fish related to the carp, typically living in running water.   Leuciscus leuciscus and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dars (see dart).

dacha

// (also datcha)

n. a country house or cottage in Russia, typically used as a second or holiday home.

- ORIGIN Russ., orig. ‘grant (of land)’.

dachshund

//, //

n. a dog of a very short-legged, long-bodied breed.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., lit. ‘badger dog’ (the breed being orig. used to dig badgers out of their setts).

dacite

//

n. Geology a volcanic rock resembling andesite but containing free quartz.

- DERIVATIVES dacitic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from the name of the ancient Roman province of Dacia in SE Europe (as the rock was first found in the Carpathian Mountains) + -ite^1.

dacoit

//

n. a member of a band of armed robbers in India or Burma (Myanmar).

- DERIVATIVES dacoity n. (pl. dacoities).

- ORIGIN from Hindi dakait, from dakait ‘robbery by a gang’.

dactyl

//

n. Prosody a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables or (in Greek and Latin) one long syllable followed by two short syllables.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk daktulos, lit. ‘finger’ (the three bones of the finger corresp. to the three syllables).

dactylic

Prosody

adj. of or using dactyls.
n. (dactylics) dactylic verse.

dactylic hexameter

n. Prosody a hexameter consisting of five dactyls and either a spondee or trochee, in which any of the first four dactyls, and sometimes the fifth, may be replaced by a spondee.

dad

n. informal one's father.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. imitative of a young child's first syllables da, da.

Dada

//

n. an early 20th-century international movement in art, literature, music, and film, repudiating and mocking artistic and social conventions and emphasizing the illogical and absurd.

- DERIVATIVES Dadaism n. Dadaist n. & adj. Dadaistic adj.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘hobby horse’, the title of a review which appeared in Zurich in 1916.

dada^1

//

n. informal one's father.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. imitative of a young child's first syllables (see dad).

dada^2

//

n. Indian an older brother or male cousin. a respectful form of address for any familiar older male.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dd.

daddy

n. (pl. daddies) informal one's father.

daddy-long-legs

n. informal
1 Brit. a crane fly.
2 N. Amer. a harvestman.

dado

//

n. (pl. dados)
1 the lower part of the wall of a room, when decorated differently from the upper part.
2 N. Amer. a groove cut in the face of a board, into which the edge of another board is fixed.
3 Architecture the cube of a pedestal between the base and the cornice.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital., lit. ‘dice or cube’.

dado rail

n. a waist-high moulding round the wall of a room.

daemon^1

// (also daimon)

n.
1 (in ancient Greek belief) a divinity or supernatural being of a nature between gods and humans. an inner or attendant spirit or inspiring force.
2 archaic spelling of demon^1.

- DERIVATIVES daemonic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: common spelling of demon^1 until the 19th cent.

daemon^2

// (also demon)

n. Computing a background process that handles requests for services such as print spooling, and is dormant when not required.

- ORIGIN 1980s: perh. from d(isk) a(nd) e(xecution) mon(itor) or from de(vice) mon(itor), or merely a transferred use of demon^1.

daffodil

n.
1 a bulbous plant bearing bright yellow flowers with a long trumpet-shaped centre.   Narcissus pseudonarcissus and related species.
2 a bright yellow colour.

- ORIGIN C16: from ME affodill, from med. L. affodilus, var. of L. asphodilus (see asphodel).

daffy

adj. (daffier, daffiest) informal silly or mildly eccentric.

- DERIVATIVES daffiness n.

- ORIGIN C19: from north. Engl. dial. daff ‘simpleton’ + -y^1; perh. rel. to daft.

daft

adj. Brit. informal
1 silly; foolish.
2 (daft about) infatuated with.

- DERIVATIVES daftly adv. daftness n.

- ORIGIN OE gedæfte ‘mild, meek’, of Gmc origin.

dag

Austral./NZ

n.
1 a lock of wool matted with dung hanging from the hindquarters of a sheep.
2 informal an entertainingly eccentric person.
3 informal a conservative or unfashionable person. an untidy or shabby person.
v. (dags, dagging, dagged) cut dags from (a sheep).

- PHRASES
rattle one's dags informal hurry up.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a hanging pointed part of something): possibly rel. to tag^1.

Dagestanian

//, //

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of Dagestan, an autonomous republic in SW Russia.
2 the family of North Caucasian languages spoken in Dagestan.
adj. relating to Dagestan or its language.

dagga

//

n. S. African cannabis.

- ORIGIN C17: from Afrik., from Khoikhoi dachab.

dagger

n.
1 a short knife with a pointed and edged blade, used as a weapon.
2 Printing another term for obelus.

- PHRASES
be at daggers drawn Brit. (of two people) be bitterly hostile towards each other.
look daggers at glare angrily or venomously at.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from obs. dag ‘pierce’, influenced by OFr. dague ‘long dagger’.

daggerboard

n. a kind of centreboard which slides vertically through the keel of a sailing boat.

daggy

adj. (daggier, daggiest) Austral./NZ informal
1 (especially of clothes) scruffy.
2 not stylish; unfashionable.

dago

//

n. (pl. dagos or dagoes) informal, offensive a Spanish-, Portuguese-, or Italian-speaking person.

- ORIGIN C19: from the Sp. given name Diego.

daguerreotype

// (also daguerrotype)

n. a photograph taken by an early photographic process employing an iodine-sensitized silvered plate and mercury vapour.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. daguerréotype, named after L.-J.-M. Daguerre, its French inventor.

dah

//

n. (in the Morse system) another term for dash.

- ORIGIN Second World War: imitative.

dahlia

//

n. a tuberous-rooted Mexican plant of the daisy family, cultivated for its brightly coloured single or double flowers.   Genus Dahlia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named in honour of the 18th-cent. Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl.

daikon

//, //

n. another term for mooli.

- ORIGIN Japanese, from dai ‘large’ + kon ‘root’.

Dáil

// (in full Dáil Éireann //)

n. the lower House of Parliament in the Republic of Ireland, composed of 166 members.

- ORIGIN Ir., ‘assembly (of Ireland)’.

daily

adj. done, produced, or occurring every day or every weekday.
adv. every day.
n. (pl. dailies) informal
1 a newspaper published every day except Sunday.
2 (also daily help) Brit. dated a daily charwoman.
3 (dailies) the first prints from cinematographic takes; the rushes.

daily dozen

n. informal, dated regular exercises, especially those done first thing in the morning.

daimon

//

n. variant spelling of daemon^1.

- DERIVATIVES daimonic //, // adj.

daimyo

//, // (also daimio)

n. (pl. daimyos) (in feudal Japan) one of the great lords who were vassals of the shogun.

- ORIGIN Japanese, from dai ‘great’ + my ‘name’.

dainty

adj. (daintier, daintiest)
1 delicately small and pretty. delicate and graceful in build or movement.
2 fastidious, typically concerning food.
n. (pl. dainties) a delicacy.

- DERIVATIVES daintily adv. daintiness n.

- ORIGIN ME (as n.): from OFr. daintie, deintie ‘choice morsel, pleasure’, from L. dignitas ‘worthiness or beauty’, from dignus ‘worthy’.

daiquiri

//

n. (pl. daiquiris) a cocktail containing rum and lime juice.

- ORIGIN 1920s: named after Daiquiri, a rum-producing district in Cuba.

dairy

n. (pl. dairies)
1 a building or room for the storage, processing, and distribution of milk and milk products.
2 milk and milk products collectively.
adj. containing or made from milk. concerned with or involved in the production of milk.

- DERIVATIVES dairying n.

- ORIGIN ME deierie, from deie ‘dairymaid’ (in OE dæge ‘female servant’), of Gmc origin; rel. to dough.

dairymaid

n. archaic a woman employed in a dairy.

dairyman

n. (pl. dairymen) a man who is employed in a dairy or who sells dairy products.

dais

//, //

n. a low platform for a lectern or throne.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a raised table for distinguished guests): from OFr. deis, from L. discus ‘disc or dish’ (later ‘table’).

daisy

n. (pl. daisies) a small grassland plant with composite flowers having a yellow disc and white rays.   Bellis perennis. used in names of other plants of the same family, e.g. Michaelmas daisy.

- PHRASES
pushing up (the) daisies informal dead and buried.

- ORIGIN OE dæges age ‘day's eye’ (because the flower opens in the morning and closes at night).

daisy chain

n.
1 a string of daisies threaded together by their stems.
2 a string of associated people or things.
v. (daisy-chain) Computing connect (several devices) together in a linear series.

daisy-cutter

n. informal
1 (in cricket and baseball) a ball hit or bowled so as to roll along the ground.
2 an immensely powerful aerial thermobaric bomb.

daisy wheel

n. a device used as a printer in word processors and typewriters, consisting of a disc of spokes extending radially from a central hub, each terminating in a printing character.

Dak.

abbrev. Dakota.

Dakota

//

n. (pl. same or Dakotas)
1 a member of a North American Indian people of the northern Mississippi valley and the surrounding plains.
2 the Siouan language of the Dakota.

- ORIGIN the name in Dakota, lit. ‘allies’.

Dakotan

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the US states of North or South Dakota.
adj. relating to North or South Dakota.

daks

pl. n. Austral./NZ informal trousers.

- ORIGIN a proprietary name.

dal^1

abbrev. decalitre(s).

dal^2

n. variant spelling of dhal.

Dalai Lama

/ /

n. the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism and, until the establishment of Chinese communist rule, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Tibet.

- ORIGIN from Tibetan, lit. ‘ocean monk’, so named because he is regarded as ‘the ocean of compassion’.

dalasi

//

n. (pl. same or dalasis) the basic monetary unit of Gambia, equal to 100 butut.

- ORIGIN a local word.

dale

n. a valley, especially in northern England.

- ORIGIN OE dæl, of Gmc origin; rel. to dell.

Dalesman

n. (pl. Dalesmen) an inhabitant of the Yorkshire Dales in northern England.

Daliesque

//

adj. resembling or characteristic of the work of the Spanish painter Salvador Dali (1904–89), especially in being surrealistic.

Dalit

//

n. (in the traditional Indian caste system) a member of the lowest caste. See also untouchable, scheduled caste.

- ORIGIN via Hindi from Sanskrit dalita ‘oppressed’.

dalliance

//

n. a casual romantic or sexual relationship. a period of casual interest in something.

dally

v. (dallies, dallying, dallied)
1 act or move slowly.
2 (dally with) have a casual romantic or sexual relationship with. show a casual interest in.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dalier ‘to chat’.

Dalmatian

n.
1 a dog of a large white short-haired breed with dark spots.
2 a native or inhabitant of Dalmatia, a region in SW Croatia.
adj. relating to Dalmatia.

dalmatic

//

n. a wide-sleeved long, loose vestment open at the sides, worn by deacons and bishops, and by monarchs at their coronation.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dalmatique or late L. dalmatica, from dalmatica (vestis) ‘(robe) of (white) Dalmatian wool’, from Dalmaticus ‘of Dalmatia’.

dal segno

/ /

adv. & adj. Music repeat or repeated from the point marked by a sign. Compare with da capo.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘from the sign’.

dalton

//

n. Chemistry a unit used in expressing the molecular weight of proteins, equivalent to atomic mass unit.

- ORIGIN 1930s: named after the English chemist John Dalton.

daltonism

n. another term for protanopia, a form of colour blindness.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of J. Dalton (see dalton) + -ism.

dam^1

n.
1 a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, forming a reservoir or preventing flooding. a barrier of branches in a stream, constructed by a beaver to provide a deep pool and a lodge.
2 (also dental dam) a rubber sheet used to keep saliva from the teeth during dental operations, or as a prophylactic device during cunnilingus and anilingus.
v. (dammed, damming) build a dam across. hold back or obstruct.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. or MDu.; rel. to OE fordemman ‘close up’.

dam^2

n. the female parent of an animal, especially a mammal.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of dame.

dam^3

abbrev. decametre(s).

damage

n.
1 physical harm impairing the value, usefulness, or normal function of something. unwelcome and detrimental effects.
2 (damages) a sum of money claimed or awarded in compensation for a loss or injury.
v. inflict damage on.

- PHRASES
what's the damage? informal, humorous what does it cost?

- DERIVATIVES damaging adj. damagingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from dam, damne ‘loss or damage’, from L. damnum ‘loss or hurt’; cf. damn.

damaged goods

pl. n. a person regarded as inadequate or impaired in some way.

damage feasant

// English Law

n. damage done on one person's land by another person's trespassing animal, which justifies the landowner in retaining the animal until compensated.
adv. on grounds of damage caused to land or property.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. damage fesant ‘doing damage’.

damar

//

n. variant spelling of dammar.

Damara

//

n. (pl. same or Damaras) a member of a people inhabiting mountainous parts of Namibia and speaking the Nama language.

- ORIGIN the name in Nama.

Damascene

//, //

adj.
1 relating to the city of Damascus, the capital of Syria. relating to or resembling the conversion of St Paul on the road to Damascus.
2 historical relating to Damascus steel or its manufacture.
3 relating to or denoting a process of inlaying a metal object with gold or silver decoration.
n. a native or inhabitant of Damascus.

damascened

//, //

adj.
1 (of iron or steel) given a wavy pattern by hammer-welding and repeated heating and forging.
2 (of a metal object) inlaid with gold or silver.

Damascus steel

//, //

n. historical damascened steel, used chiefly for knife and sword blades.

damask

//

n.
1 a figured, lustrous fabric, with a pattern visible on both sides. a tablecloth made of damask.
2 (also damask steel) historical another term for Damascus steel.
adj. literary of the colour of a damask rose.
v. literary decorate with or as if with a variegated pattern.

- ORIGIN ME: from Damaske, early form of the name of Damascus, the city in Syria where the fabric was first produced.

damask rose

n. a sweet-scented rose of an old variety, having pink or light red velvety petals which are used to make attar.   Rosa damascena.

dame

n.
1 (Dame) (in the UK) the title given to a woman with the rank of Knight Commander or holder of the Grand Cross in the Orders of Chivalry.
2 archaic or humorous an elderly or mature woman. N. Amer. informal a woman. (also pantomime dame) Brit. a comic middle-aged female character in pantomime, typically played by a man.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. domina ‘mistress’.

dame school

n. historical a small primary school run by elderly women.

damfool

informal, dated

adj. thoroughly foolish.
n. a foolish person.

damiana

//

n. a small shrub native to tropical America, whose leaves are used in herbal medicine and also reputedly possess aphrodisiac qualities.   Turnera diffusa.

dammar

// (also damar)

n. resin obtained from various mainly Indo-Malaysian trees, used to make varnish.

- ORIGIN C17: from Malay damar ‘resin’.

dammit

exclam. used to express anger or frustration.

- ORIGIN C19: alteration of damn it.

damn

//

v.
1 (be damned) (in Christian belief) be condemned by God to suffer eternal punishment in hell. be doomed to misfortune or failure.
2 condemn, especially publicly.
3 curse.
exclam. informal expressing anger or frustration.
adj. informal used to emphasize one's anger or frustration: turn that damn thing off!

- PHRASES
as near as damn it informal as close to being accurate as makes no difference.
damn all Brit. informal nothing.
damn with faint praise praise so unenthusiastically as to imply condemnation.
I'm (or I'll be) damned if informal used to express a strong negative: I'm damned if I know.
not be worth a damn informal have no value.
well I'll be (or I'm) damned informal used to express surprise.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dam(p)ner, from L. dam(p)nare ‘inflict loss on’, from damnum ‘loss, damage’.

damna

//

plural form of damnum.

damnable

//

adj.
1 very bad or unpleasant.
2 worthy of divine condemnation.

- DERIVATIVES damnably adv.

damnation

//

n. condemnation to eternal punishment in hell.
exclam. expressing anger or frustration.

damnatory

//

adj. conveying or causing censure or damnation.

damned

//

adj. informal used to emphasize one's anger or frustration. (damnedest) N. Amer. used to emphasize the surprising nature of something: the damnedest thing I ever saw.

- PHRASES
do (or try) one's damnedest do (or try) one's utmost.

damnify

//

v. (damnifies, damnifying, damnified) English Law, rare cause injury to.

- DERIVATIVES damnification n.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. damnefier, dam(p)nifier, from late L. damnificare ‘injure, condemn’, from L. damnificus ‘hurtful’, from damnus ‘loss, damage’.

damning

adj. strongly suggestive of guilt or error.

- DERIVATIVES damningly adv.

damnum

//

n. (pl. damna //) Law a loss.

- ORIGIN L., ‘hurt, harm, or damage’.

damp

adj. slightly wet.
n.
1 moisture in the air, on a surface, or in a solid, typically with detrimental or unpleasant effects. (damps) archaic damp air or atmosphere.
2 archaic a check or discouragement.
v.
1 make damp.
2 (often damp something down) make (a fire) burn less strongly by reducing its air supply. control or restrain (a feeling or a situation).
3 reduce or stop the vibration of (the strings of a musical instrument). Physics progressively reduce the amplitude of (an oscillation or vibration).

- DERIVATIVES dampish adj. damply adv. dampness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘noxious inhalation’): of W. Gmc origin.

damp course

(also damp-proof course)

n. Brit. a layer of waterproof material in the wall of a building near the ground, to prevent rising damp.

dampen

v.
1 make damp.
2 make less strong or intense. reduce the amplitude of (a sound source).

- DERIVATIVES dampener n.

damper

n.
1 Music a pad that silences a piano string except when it is removed by means of a pedal or by the key being struck.
2 a device for reducing vibration or oscillation.
3 a movable metal plate in a flue or chimney, used to regulate the draught and so control the rate of combustion.
4 chiefly Austral./NZ an unleavened loaf or cake of flour and water baked in wood ashes. [ORIGIN in the sense ‘something that takes the edge off the appetite’.]

- PHRASES
put a damper on have a subduing or inhibiting effect on.

damping

n.
1 reduction in the amplitude of a vibration or oscillation. a mechanism for bringing about such reduction.
2 (damping off) the death of young seedlings as a result of a fungal infection in damp conditions.

damp-proof

adj. impervious to damp.
v. make impervious to damp by using a damp course.

damp squib

n. Brit. something much less impressive than expected.

damsel

//

n. archaic or humorous a young unmarried woman.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dameisele, damisele, based on L. domina ‘mistress’.

damselfish

n. (pl. same or damselfishes) a small brightly coloured tropical fish living near coral reefs.   Chromis chromis and other species.

damselfly

n. (pl. damselflies) a slender insect related to the dragonflies, typically resting with the wings folded back along the body.   Suborder Zygoptera: many species.

damson

//

n.
1 a small purple-black plum-like fruit.
2 (also damson tree) the small tree which bears damsons, probably derived from the bullace.   Prunus domesticasubsp. insititia.

- ORIGIN ME damascene, from L. damascenum (prunum) ‘(plum) of Damascus’.

damson cheese

n. a solid preserve of damsons and sugar.

Dan.

abbrev. Daniel (in biblical references).

dan^1

n. any of ten degrees of advanced proficiency in judo or karate. a person who has achieved a dan.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Japanese.

dan^2

(also dan buoy)

n. a small temporary marker buoy with a lightweight flagpole.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

Danakil

//, //

n. another term for Afar.

- ORIGIN from Arab. dankil, pl. of dankal.

dance

v.
1 move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps. perform (a particular dance or a role in a ballet).
2 move in a quick and light or lively way. (of someone's eyes) sparkle with pleasure or excitement.
n.
1 a series of steps and movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music. an act or period of dancing.
2 a social gathering at which people dance.
3 (also dance music) music for dancing to, especially in a nightclub.

- PHRASES
dance attendance on chiefly Brit. do one's utmost to please (someone).
dance to someone's tune comply with someone's demands and wishes.
lead someone a merry dance Brit. cause someone a great deal of trouble or worry.

- DERIVATIVES danceable adj. dancer n. dancing n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dancer, dance, of unknown origin.

dance band

n. a band that plays music suitable for dancing to, especially swing.

dance floor

n. an area of floor in a nightclub, disco, or restaurant reserved for dancing.

dance hall

n. a large public hall or building where people pay to enter and dance.

dance of death

n. a medieval allegorical representation in which a personified Death leads all to the grave.

dancercise

(also dancercize)

n. a system of aerobic exercise using dance movements.

dancing girl

n. a female professional dancer, especially a member of a chorus in a musical.

D and C

abbrev. dilatation and curettage.

dandelion

n. a widely distributed weed of the daisy family, with large bright yellow flowers followed by globular heads of seeds with downy tufts.   Taraxacum officinale and related species.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. dent-de-lion ‘lion's tooth’ (because of the jagged shape of the leaves).

dandelion clock

n. see clock^1 (sense 2).

dander^1

n. (in phr. get/have one's dander up) informal lose one's temper.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

dander^2

n. skin flakes in an animal's fur.

- ORIGIN C18: rel. to dandruff.

dander^3

chiefly Scottish

n. a stroll.
v. stroll.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. rel. to dial. dadder ‘quake’ and daddle ‘dawdle’.

Dandie Dinmont

/ /

n. a terrier of a breed from the Scottish Borders, with short legs, a long body, and a rough coat.

- ORIGIN C19: named after a character in Sir Walter Scott's Guy Mannering who owned a special breed of terriers.

dandified

adj.
1 (of a man) showing excessive concern about his appearance.
2 self-consciously elaborate: dandified prose.

dandiprat

n. archaic, informal a young or insignificant person.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a coin worth three halfpence): of unknown origin.

dandle

v. move (a baby or young child) up and down in a playful or affectionate way.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

dandruff

n. small pieces of dead skin in a person's hair.

- DERIVATIVES dandruffy adj.

- ORIGIN C16: the first element is unknown; the second (-ruff) is perh. rel. to ME rove ‘scurfy condition of the skin’.

dandy

n. (pl. dandies)
1 a man unduly concerned with a stylish and fashionable appearance.
2 informal, dated an excellent thing of its kind.
adj. (dandier, dandiest) N. Amer. informal excellent.

- DERIVATIVES dandiacal // adj. (dated or humorous). dandyish adj. dandyism n.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. a shortened form of C17 Jack-a-dandy ‘conceited fellow’ (Dandy was a familiar form of the given name Andrew).

dandy brush

n. a coarse brush for grooming a horse.

Dane

n. a native or national of Denmark, or a person of Danish descent.

- ORIGIN OE Dene.

Danegeld

//

n. a land tax levied in Anglo-Saxon England to raise funds for protection against Danish invaders. taxes collected for national defence by the Norman kings until 1162.

- ORIGIN OE, from ON Danir ‘Danes’ + gjald ‘payment’.

dang

adj. , exclam., & v. N. Amer. informal euphemism for damn.

danger

n.
1 the possibility of suffering harm or injury. a cause of harm or injury.
2 the possibility of something unwelcome or unpleasant: there was no danger of the champagne running out.

- PHRASES
be on (or off) the danger list Brit. be critically ill (or no longer critically ill).

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘jurisdiction or power’, ‘power to harm’): from OFr. dangier, based on L. dominus ‘lord’.

danger money

(N. Amer. danger pay)

n. extra payment for working under dangerous conditions.

dangerous

adj. able or likely to cause harm or injury. likely to cause problems or difficulties.

- DERIVATIVES dangerously adv. dangerousness n.

dangle

v. hang or cause to hang so as to swing freely.

- PHRASES
keep someone dangling keep someone in an uncertain position.

- DERIVATIVES dangler n. dangly adj.

- ORIGIN C16: symbolic of something loose and pendulous.

dangling participle

n. Grammar a participle intended to modify a noun which is not actually present in the text.

USAGE

A dangling participle is one which is left ‘hanging’ because it does not relate to the noun it should. For example, in arriving at the station, the sun came out, the word arriving is a dangling participle, because the sentence reads grammatically as if it is the sun (the subject of the sentence) which is arriving. This is regarded as incorrect in standard English.

danio

//

n. (pl. danios) a small, brightly coloured freshwater fish of SE Asia.   Genera Danio and Brachydanio: several species.

- ORIGIN mod. L. (genus name).

Danish

//

adj. relating to Denmark or its people or language.
n. the Scandinavian language spoken in Denmark.

- ORIGIN OE Denisc, of Gmc origin.

Danish blue

n. a soft, salty, strong-flavoured white cheese with blue veins.

Danish pastry

n. a cake of sweetened yeast pastry with toppings or fillings of icing, fruit, or nuts.

dank

adj. unpleasantly damp and cold.

- DERIVATIVES dankly adv. dankness n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin and rel. to Swed. dank ‘marshy spot’.

Dano-Norwegian

//

n. another term for Bokmål.

danse macabre

/ /

n. another term for dance of death.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

danseur

// (or danseuse //)

n. a male (or female) ballet dancer.

- ORIGIN Fr., from danser ‘to dance’.

Dantean

//, //

adj. of or reminiscent of the work of the Italian poet Dante (1265–1321), especially his vision of hell in The Divine Comedy.
n. an admirer of Dante or his work.

- DERIVATIVES Dantesque // adj.

Danubian

//

adj. relating to or bordering on the Danube, a river flowing from SW Germany to the Black Sea.

dap

v. (daps, dapping, dapped) fish by letting the fly (but not the line) bob lightly on the water.
n.
1 a fishing fly used in this way.
2 dialect a rubber-soled shoe.

- ORIGIN C17: symbolic of a flicking movement.

daphne

//

n. a small, typically evergreen shrub with sweet-scented flowers.   Genus Daphne.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the laurel or bay tree): from Gk daphn, from the name of Daphne, a nymph in Gk mythology who was turned into a laurel bush.

daphnia

//

n. (pl. same) a minute semi-transparent freshwater crustacean with long antennae and prominent eyes.   Genus Daphnia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from the name of the nymph Daphne (see daphne).

dapper

adj. (of a man) neat and trim in dress and appearance.

- DERIVATIVES dapperly adv. dapperness n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from a Mid. Low Ger. or MDu. word meaning ‘strong, stout’.

dapple

v. [often as adj. dappled] mark with spots or rounded patches.
n.
1 a patch of colour or light.
2 an animal whose coat is dappled.

- ORIGIN C16 (as adj.): perh. rel. to ON depill ‘spot’.

dapple grey

adj. (of a horse) grey or white with darker ring-like markings.
n. a dapple-grey horse.

dapsone

//

n. Medicine a sulphur-containing drug used to treat leprosy.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from elements of the systematic name dipara-aminophenyl sulphone.

darbies

//

pl. n. archaic, informal handcuffs.

- ORIGIN C17: allusive use of Father Darby's bands, an agreement which put debtors in the power of moneylenders.

Darby and Joan

n. Brit. a devoted old married couple.

- ORIGIN C18: from a poem (1735) in the Gentleman's Magazine.

Dard

//

n.
1 a member of a group of peoples inhabiting eastern Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, and Kashmir.
2 the Indic languages spoken by the Dards.

- DERIVATIVES Dardic n. & adj.

- ORIGIN the name in Dard.

dare

v. (3rd sing. present usu. dare before an expressed or implied infinitive without to)
1 have the courage to do something.
2 defy or challenge (someone) to do something.
3 literary take the risk of.
n. a challenge, especially to prove courage.

- PHRASES
how dare you used to express indignation.
I dare say (or daresay) it is probable.

- DERIVATIVES darer n.

- ORIGIN OE durran, of Gmc origin.

daredevil

n. a person who enjoys doing dangerous things.

- DERIVATIVES daredevilry n.

dargah

//

n. the tomb or shrine of a Muslim saint.

- ORIGIN Urdu, from Pers.

Dari

//

n. the form of Persian spoken in Afghanistan.

- ORIGIN from Pers.

daring

adj. adventurous or audaciously bold.
n. adventurous courage.

- DERIVATIVES daringly adv.

dariole

//

n. (in French cooking) a small round mould in which an individual dish is cooked and served.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr.

Darjeeling

//

n. a high-quality tea grown in the mountains of northern India.

- ORIGIN the name of a hill station in West Bengal.

dark

adj.
1 with little or no light.
2 of a deep or sombre colour. (of skin, hair, or eyes) brown or black. (of a person) having dark skin, hair, or eyes.
3 characterized by unhappiness or unpleasantness: the dark days of the war. (of an expression) angry. evil; sinister: dark deeds.
4 mysterious: a dark secret. (darkest) humorous (of a region) most remote, inaccessible, or uncivilized. archaic ignorant.
n.
1 (the dark) the absence of light. a dark colour or shade.
2 nightfall.

- PHRASES
in the dark in a state of ignorance.
keep something dark Brit. keep something secret.
a shot (or stab) in the dark a mere guess.

- DERIVATIVES darkish adj. darkly adv. darkness n. darksome adj. (literary).

- ORIGIN OE deorc, of Gmc origin.

Dark Ages

pl. n.
1 the period in Europe between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages, c.500–1100 ad, judged to have been a time of relative unenlightenment.
2 Archaeology a period in ancient Greece from the end of the Bronze Age until the historical period, in which there was no building and the art of writing was apparently lost.

dark chocolate

n. plain chocolate.

dark current

n. the residual electric current flowing in a photoelectric device when there is no illumination.

darken

v.
1 make or become dark or darker.
2 make or become unhappy or angry. (of someone's eyes or expression) show anger.

- PHRASES
never darken someone's door keep away from someone's home.

- DERIVATIVES darkener n.

dark horse

n. a person about whom little is known, especially one with unexpected abilities.

- ORIGIN C19: orig. racing slang.

darkie

(also darky)

n. (pl. darkies) informal, offensive a black person.

darkling

adj. literary relating to growing darkness.

dark matter

n. Astronomy (in some cosmological theories) non-luminous material postulated to exist in space.

dark night of the soul

n. a period of spiritual desolation suffered by a mystic in which all sense of consolation is removed.

- ORIGIN C19: used to translate Sp. Noche oscura, the title of a poem by the Spanish mystic St John of the Cross.

dark reaction

n. Biochemistry (in photosynthesis) the cycle of reactions involving the fixation of carbon dioxide and its reduction to carbohydrate, which does not require the presence of light.

darkroom

n. a room for developing photographs, from which normal light is excluded.

dark star

n. Astronomy a starlike object which emits little or no visible light, its existence being inferred from the eclipsing of other stars.

darky

n. variant spelling of darkie.

darling

n. used as an affectionate form of address. a lovable or endearing person. a favourite of a certain group: the darling of Labour's left wing.
adj. beloved. pretty; charming.

- ORIGIN OE dorling (see dear, -ling).

darn^1

v. mend (knitted material) by interweaving yarn across it with a needle. embroider with a large running stitch.
n. a place in a garment that has been darned.

- DERIVATIVES darning n.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. from dial. dern ‘to hide’, from OE diernan, of W. Gmc origin.

darn^2

(US also durn)

v. , adj., & exclam. informal euphemism for damn.

darned

(US also durned)

adj. informal euphemism for damned.

darnel

//

n. a ryegrass, formerly a common weed of cereals.   Lolium temulentum and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin; appar. rel. to Fr. (Walloon dial.) darnelle.

darner

n.
1 a darning needle.
2 N. Amer. a large slender-bodied dragonfly.   Family Aeshnidae: many species.

darning needle

n.
1 a long sewing needle with a large eye, used in darning.
2 N. Amer. another term for darner (in sense 2).

darshan

//

n. Hinduism an occasion of seeing a holy person or the image of a deity.

- ORIGIN via Hindi from Sanskrit darsana ‘sight or seeing’.

dart

n.
1 a small pointed missile thrown or fired as a weapon. a small pointed missile with a flight, used in the game of darts.
2 an act of moving suddenly and rapidly.
3 a tapered tuck in a garment.
v.
1 move suddenly or rapidly.
2 archaic throw or shoot (a missile).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., accusative of darz, dars, from a W. Gmc word meaning ‘spear, lance’.

dartboard

n. a circular board marked with numbered segments, used as a target in the game of darts.

darter

n.
1 a long-necked bird which spears fish with its long pointed bill.   Genus Anhinga.
2 a small North American freshwater fish.   Genera Etheostoma and Percina.
3 a broad-bodied dragonfly which darts out to grab prey.   Libellulidae and other families.

Dartmoor pony

n. a pony of a small hardy breed with a long shaggy coat in winter.

darts

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] an indoor game in which darts are thrown at a dartboard to score points.

Darwinism

n. the theory of the evolution of species by natural selection, advanced by the English natural historian Charles Darwin (1809–82).

- DERIVATIVES Darwinian n. & adj. Darwinist n. & adj.

Dasein

//

n. Philosophy
1 (in Hegelianism) existence or determinate being.
2 (in existentialism) human existence.

- ORIGIN C19: Ger., from dasein ‘exist’.

dash

v.
1 run or travel in a great hurry.
2 strike or fling with great force.
3 destroy or frustrate (hopes or expectations).
4 (dash something off) write something hurriedly and without much thought.
exclam. Brit. informal used to express mild annoyance.
n.
1 an act of dashing. chiefly N. Amer. a sprint.
2 a small quantity of a substance that is added to something else. a small amount of a particular quality adding distinctiveness to something: a dash of sophistication.
3 a horizontal stroke in writing, marking a pause or to represent omitted letters or words. the longer signal of the two used in Morse code. Music a short vertical mark placed above or beneath a note to indicate that it is to be performed staccato.
4 vigour and confidence; panache.
5 informal short for dashboard.

- DERIVATIVES dasher n.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. symbolic of forceful movement.

dashboard

n.
1 the panel of instruments and controls facing the driver of a vehicle.
2 historical a board of wood or leather in front of a carriage, to keep out mud.

dashed

adj. Brit. informal, dated used for emphasis: it's a dashed shame.

dasheen

//

n. another term for taro.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. W. Ind.): of unknown origin.

dashiki

//

n. (pl. dashikis) a loose, brightly coloured shirt, originally from West Africa.

- ORIGIN from Yoruba or Hausa.

dashing

adj. (of a man) attractive, adventurous, and full of confidence. stylish.

- DERIVATIVES dashingly adv.

dashpot

n. a device for damping shock or vibration.

dassie

//

n. (pl. dassies) S. African
1 a rock hyrax.
2 a silvery fish with dark fins and a black spot on the tail.   Diplodus sargus.

- ORIGIN C18: from Afrik., from S. Afr. Du. dasje, dimin. of Du. das ‘badger’.

dastard

//, //

n. dated or humorous a dishonourable or despicable person.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from dazed, influenced by dotard and bastard.

dastardly

adj. dated or humorous wicked and cruel.

- DERIVATIVES dastardliness n.

dastur

// (also dastoor)

n. Indian a chief priest of the Parsees.

- ORIGIN Pers., from Old Pers. dastbr.

dasyure

//

n. another term for quoll.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from mod. L. dasyurus, from Gk dasus ‘rough, hairy’ + oura ‘tail’.

DAT

abbrev. digital audiotape.

data

//

n.
1 facts and statistics used for reference or analysis. Philosophy things known or assumed as facts, making the basis of reasoning.
2 the quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a computer.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., pl. of datum.

USAGE

In Latin, data is the plural of datum and, historically and in specialized scientific fields, it is also treated as a plural in English. In modern non-scientific use, however, it is often treated as a mass noun, similar to a word like information, which cannot normally have a plural and which takes a singular verb. Sentences such as data was collected over a number of years are now widely accepted in standard English.

databank

n. Computing a large repository of data, sometimes formed from more than one database.

database

n. a structured set of data held in a computer.

datable

(also dateable)

adj. able to be dated to a particular time.

data capture

n. Computing the action of gathering data from an automatic device, control system, or sensor.

data link

n. a telecommunications link over which data is transmitted.

data processing

n. a series of operations on data, especially by a computer, to retrieve, transform, or classify information.

- DERIVATIVES data processor n.

data protection

n. legal control over access to and use of data stored in computers.

datcha

//

n. variant spelling of dacha.

date^1

n.
1 the day of the month or year as specified by a number.
2 a day or year when a given event occurred or will occur. (dates) the years of a person's birth and death or of the beginning and end of a period or event. the period of time to which something belongs.
3 a social or romantic appointment.
4 a musical or theatrical performance, especially as part of a tour.
v.
1 establish or ascertain the date of. mark with a date. (date from or back to) have existed since.
2 [often as adj. dated] appear or cause to appear old-fashioned.
3 informal go on a date with.

- PHRASES
to date until now.

- DERIVATIVES dateless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. data, fem. past part. of dare ‘give’; from the L. formula used in dating letters, data (epistola) ‘(letter) given or delivered’.

date^2

n.
1 a sweet, dark brown, oval fruit with a hard stone, usually eaten dried.
2 (also date palm) a tall palm tree which bears clusters of dates, native to western Asia and North Africa.   Phoenix dactylifera.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., via L. from Gk daktulos ‘finger’ (because of the finger-like shape of its leaves).

dateable

adj. variant spelling of datable.

datebook

n. N. Amer. an engagement diary.

Date Line

(also International Date Line)

n. an imaginary North–South line through the Pacific Ocean, chiefly along the meridian furthest from Greenwich, to the east of which the date is a day earlier than it is to the west.

dateline

n. a line at the head of a dispatch or newspaper article showing the date and place of writing.

date rape

n. rape by a person with whom the victim has gone on a date.
v. (date-rape) rape (a woman) in this way.

date stamp

n. a stamped mark indicating a date. an adjustable stamp used to make such a mark.
v. (date-stamp) mark with a date stamp.

dating agency

n. a service which arranges introductions for people seeking romantic partners.

dative

// Grammar

adj. (in Latin, Greek, German, etc.) denoting a case of nouns and pronouns indicating an indirect object or recipient.
n. a word in the dative case.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. (casus) dativus ‘(case) of giving’, from dat-, dare ‘give’.

datum

//

n. (pl. data) See also data.
1 a piece of information.
2 an assumption or premise from which inferences may be drawn.
3 a fixed starting point of a scale or operation.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., lit. ‘something given’.

datum line

(also datum level)

n. a standard of comparison or point of reference. Surveying an assumed surface used as a reference for the measurement of heights and depths.

datura

//

n. a shrubby North American plant of a genus including the thorn apple.   Genus Datura.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Hindi dhatr.

daub

//

v. carelessly coat or smear with a thick substance. spread (a thick substance) on a surface in such a way.
n.
1 plaster, clay, etc. mixed with straw and applied to laths or wattles to form a wall.
2 a patch or smear of a thick substance.
3 a painting executed without much skill.

- DERIVATIVES dauber n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dauber, from L. dealbare ‘whiten, whitewash’, based on albus ‘white’.

daube

//

n. a stew of meat, typically beef, braised in wine.

- ORIGIN Fr.; cf. Ital. addobbo ‘seasoning’.

daughter

n.
1 a girl or woman in relation to her parents. a female descendant. a woman considered as the product of a particular influence or environment.
2 Physics a nuclide formed by the radioactive decay of another.

- DERIVATIVES daughterhood n. daughterly adj.

- ORIGIN OE dohtor, of Gmc origin.

daughterboard

(also daughtercard)

n. Electronics a small printed circuit board that attaches to a larger one.

daughter cell

n. Biology a cell formed by the division or budding of another.

daughter-in-law

n. (pl. daughters-in-law) the wife of one's son.

daunorubicin

//

n. Medicine a synthetic antibiotic used in the treatment of leukaemia and other cancers.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from Daunia in southern Italy, where it was developed, + -rubi- ‘red’ + -mycin.

daunt

//

v. make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive.

- DERIVATIVES daunting adj. dauntingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. danter, from L. domitare, frequentative of domare ‘to tame’.

dauntless

adj. fearless and determined.

- DERIVATIVES dauntlessly adv. dauntlessness n.

dauphin

//, //

n. historical the eldest son of the King of France.

- ORIGIN Fr., from the family name of the lords of the Dauphiné, ult. a nickname meaning ‘dolphin’.

dauphinois

// (also dauphinoise //)

adj. (of potatoes) sliced and baked in milk, typically with a topping of cheese.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘from the province of Dauphiné’.

daven

//

v. (davens, davening, davened) (in Judaism) recite the prescribed liturgical prayers.

- ORIGIN from Yiddish.

davenport

//

n.
1 Brit. an ornamental writing desk with drawers and a sloping surface for writing.
2 N. Amer. a large, heavily upholstered sofa or sofa bed.

- ORIGIN sense 1 is named after Captain Davenport, for whom a desk of this type was made in the late C18; sense 2 is prob. from a manufacturer's name.

davit

//, //

n. a small crane on a ship, especially one of a pair for lowering a lifeboat.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. daviot, dimin. of david, denoting a kind of carpenter's tool.

Davy Jones's locker

n. informal the bottom of the sea, especially regarded as the grave of those drowned at sea.

- ORIGIN from C18 naut. sl. Davy Jones, denoting the evil spirit of the sea.

Davy lamp

n. historical a miner's portable safety lamp with the flame enclosed by wire gauze to reduce the risk of a gas explosion.

- ORIGIN named after the English chemist Sir Humphry Davy (1778–1829), who invented it.

dawdle

v. waste time. move slowly and idly.

- DERIVATIVES dawdler n.

- ORIGIN C17: rel. to dial. daddle, doddle ‘dally’.

dawn

n.
1 the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
2 the beginning of something: the dawn of civilization.
v.
1 (of a day) begin. come into existence.
2 (often dawn on) become evident or understood.

- ORIGIN C15 (as v.): back-form. from dawning.

dawn chorus

n. the singing of a large number of birds before dawn each day.

dawning

n.
1 literary dawn.
2 the beginning or first appearance of something.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of earlier dawing, from OE dagian ‘to dawn’, of Gmc origin; rel. to day.

dawn raid

n. Brit. Stock Exchange an attempt to acquire a substantial portion of a company's shares at the start of a day's trading, typically as a preliminary to a takeover bid.

dawn redwood

n. a coniferous tree with deciduous needles, known only as a fossil until it was found growing in SW China in 1941.   Metasequoia glyptostroboides.

day

n.
1 a twenty-four-hour period as a unit of time, reckoned from one midnight to the next and corresponding to a rotation of the earth on its axis. the time between sunrise and sunset. Astronomy a single rotation of a planet in relation to its primary.
2 a particular period of the past: the laws were very strict in those days. (the day) the present time. (days) a particular period in a person's life: my student days. (one's day) the successful or influential period of a person's life.
adj. working or done during the day.

- PHRASES
all in a day's work part of someone's normal routine.
any day informal at any time. under any circumstances.
call it a day decide to stop doing something.
day and night all the time.
day by day gradually and steadily.
day in, day out continuously or repeatedly over a long period.
day of reckoning a testing time when the degree of one's success or failure will be revealed. [ORIGIN with allusion to Judgement Day.]
day to day
1 happening or proceeding on a daily basis.
2 involving everyday routine.
one day (or some day or one of these days) at some time in the future.
one of those days a day when things go badly.
that will be the day informal that is very unlikely.
these days at present.

- ORIGIN OE dæg, of Gmc origin; rel. to Ger. Tag.

Dayak

// (also Dyak)

n. (pl. same or Dayaks)
1 a member of a group of indigenous peoples inhabiting parts of Borneo, including the Iban (or Sea Dayak) of the north and the Land Dayak of the south-west.
2 the Austronesian languages spoken by the Dayak.

- ORIGIN Malay, lit. ‘up-country’.

dayan

// (also Dayan)

n. (pl. dayanim //) Judaism a senior rabbi, especially one who acts as a religious judge.

- ORIGIN from Heb. dayyn, from dn ‘to judge’.

daybed

n. N. Amer. a couch that can be made into a bed.

daybook

n.
1 an account book in which a day's transactions are entered for later transfer to a ledger.
2 N. Amer. a diary.

day boy

(or day girl)

n. Brit. a boy (or girl) who lives at home but attends a boarding school.

daybreak

n. dawn.

day care

n. daytime care for people who cannot be fully independent. (daycare) N. Amer. a day centre.

day centre

(also day-care centre)

n. a place providing care and recreation facilities for those who cannot be fully independent.

daydream

n. a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.
v. indulge in a daydream.

- DERIVATIVES daydreamer n.

Day-Glo

n. trademark fluorescent paint or other colouring.

day labourer

n. an unskilled labourer paid by the day.

daylight

n.
1 the natural light of the day. dawn.
2 visible distance between one person or thing and another.

- PHRASES
—— the living daylights out of do the specified thing to (someone) with great severity: he beat the living daylights out of them.
see daylight begin to understand something.

daylight robbery

n. Brit. informal blatant overcharging.

daylight saving time

(also daylight time)

n. N. Amer. another term for summer time.

day lily

n. a lily which bears large yellow, red, or orange flowers, each lasting only one day.   Genus Hemerocallis.

Day of Atonement

n. another term for Yom Kippur.

day off

n. (pl. days off) a day's holiday from work or school.

Day of Judgement

n. another term for Judgement Day.

day of rest

n. a day set aside from normal activity, typically Sunday on religious grounds.

day out

n. (pl. days out) Brit. an outing for a day.

daypack

n. a small rucksack.

day release

n. Brit. a system of allowing employees days off work to attend educational courses.

day return

n. Brit. a ticket at a reduced rate for a return journey on public transport in one day.

day room

n. a communal room in an institution, used during the day.

daysack

n. Brit. a small rucksack.

day school

n.
1 a non-residential fee-paying school.
2 Brit. a short educational course.

dayside

n. Astronomy the side of a planet that is facing its primary star.

Days of Awe

pl. n. another term for High Holidays.

day surgery

n. minor surgery that does not require an overnight stay in hospital.

daytime

n. the time between sunrise and sunset.

day trading

n. a form of share dealing in which individuals buy and sell shares over the Internet over a period of a single day's trading, with the intention of profiting from small price fluctuations.

- DERIVATIVES day trader n.

day trip

n. a journey or outing completed in one day.

- DERIVATIVES day tripper n.

daywear

n. casual clothing suitable for informal or everyday occasions.

daywork

n. casual work paid for on a daily basis.

- DERIVATIVES dayworker n.

daze

v. make unable to think or react properly.
n. a state of stunned confusion.

- DERIVATIVES dazed adj. dazedly // adv.

- ORIGIN ME: back-form. from dazed, from ON dasathr ‘weary’.

dazzle

v.
1 (of a bright light) blind temporarily.
2 overwhelm with an impressive quality.
n. blinding brightness.

- DERIVATIVES dazzlement n. dazzler n.

- ORIGIN C15: frequentative of daze.

dazzling

adj.
1 very bright.
2 very impressive.

- DERIVATIVES dazzlingly adv.

Db

symb. the chemical element dubnium.

dB

abbrev. decibel(s).

DBE

abbrev. (in the UK) Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

DBMS

abbrev. database management system.

DBS

abbrev.
1 direct broadcasting by satellite.
2 direct-broadcast satellite.

dbx

n. trademark electronic circuitry designed to increase the dynamic range of reproduced sound.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from dB + x (representing expander).

DC

abbrev.
1 Music da capo.
2 direct current.
3 District of Columbia.
4 District Commissioner.

DCB

abbrev. (in the UK) Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath.

DCC

abbrev. digital compact cassette.

DCL

abbrev. (in the UK) Doctor of Civil Law.

DCM

abbrev. (in the UK) Distinguished Conduct Medal.

DCMG

abbrev. (in the UK) Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.

DCVO

abbrev. (in the UK) Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

DD

abbrev. Doctor of Divinity.

D-Day

n.
1 the day (6 June 1944) in the Second World War on which Allied forces invaded northern France.
2 the day on which something important is to happen.

- ORIGIN from D for day + day.

DDE

n. Computing a standard allowing data to be shared between different programs.

- ORIGIN 1980s: abbrev. of Dynamic Data Exchange.

DDI

abbrev.
1 dideoxyinosine.
2 divisional detective inspector.

DDos

abbrev. distributed denial of service, denoting the intentional paralysing of a computer network by flooding it with data sent simultaneously from many individual computers.

DDR

abbrev. historical German Democratic Republic.

- ORIGIN abbrev. of Ger. Deutsche Demokratische Republik.

DDT

abbrev. dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, a synthetic organic compound used as an insecticide but now banned in many countries.

DE

abbrev.
1 Delaware (in official postal use).
2 (formerly in the UK) Department of Employment.

de-

prefix
1 (forming verbs and their derivatives) down; away: descend | deduct. completely: denude.
2 (added to verbs and their derivatives) denoting removal or reversal: de-ice.
3 denoting formation from: deverbal.

- ORIGIN from L. de ‘off, from’; sense 2 via OFr. des- from L. dis-.

DEA

abbrev. US Drug Enforcement Administration.

deaccession

//

v. officially remove (an item) from a library, museum, or art gallery in order to sell it.
n. the disposal of items in this way.

deacon

//

n.
1 (in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches) an ordained minister of an order ranking below that of priest. (in some Protestant Churches) a lay officer assisting a minister.
2 (in the early Church) an appointed minister of charity.
v. appoint or ordain as a deacon.

- DERIVATIVES deaconship n.

- ORIGIN OE diacon, via eccles. L. from Gk diakonos ‘servant’ (in eccles. Gk ‘Christian minister’).

deaconess

//, //

n. (in the early Church and some modern Churches) a woman with duties similar to those of a deacon.

deactivate

v. make (something) inactive by disconnecting or destroying it.

- DERIVATIVES deactivation n. deactivator n.

dead

adj.
1 no longer alive. devoid of living things.
2 (of a part of the body) numb. lacking emotion, sympathy, or sensitivity.
3 no longer relevant or important.
4 lacking activity or excitement. (of sound or a colour) dull.
5 (of equipment) not functioning. (of a glass or bottle) empty or no longer in use. (of the ball in a game) out of play.
6 complete; absolute: dead silence.
adv. completely. exactly. straight; directly. Brit. informal very.

- PHRASES
be dead meat informal be in serious trouble.
dead and buried over; finished.
dead in the water (of a ship) unable to move. unable to function effectively.
the dead of night the quietest, darkest part of the night.
the dead of winter the coldest part of winter.
dead on one's feet informal extremely tired.
dead to the world informal fast asleep.
from the dead from a state of death.
wouldn't be seen (or caught) dead in (or with, at, etc.) informal have a strong dislike of.

- DERIVATIVES deadness n.

- ORIGIN OE dad, of Gmc origin: rel. to Ger. tot, also to die^1.

dead-ball line

n.
1 Rugby a line behind the goal line, beyond which the ball is out of play.
2 Soccer the byline.

deadbeat

adj.
1 (dead beat) informal completely exhausted.
2 (of a mechanism) without recoil.
n. informal
1 an idle or feckless person.
2 N. Amer. a person who tries to evade paying debts.

deadbolt

n. a bolt engaged by turning a knob or key, rather than by spring action.

dead cat bounce

n. Stock Exchange, informal a temporary recovery in share prices after a substantial fall.

dead centre

n. the position of a crank when it is in line with the connecting rod and not exerting torque.

dead duck

n. informal an unsuccessful or useless person or thing.

- ORIGIN from the old saying ‘never waste powder on a dead duck’.

deaden

v.
1 make (a noise or sensation) less intense. make insensitive.
2 deprive of force or vitality.

- DERIVATIVES deadener n. deadening adj.

dead end

n. an end of a road or passage from which no exit is possible. a situation offering no prospects of progress.

deadeye

n.
1 Sailing a circular wooden block with a groove round the circumference to take a lanyard, used singly or in pairs to tighten a shroud.
2 informal, chiefly N. Amer. an expert marksman.

deadfall

n. N. Amer.
1 a trap consisting of a heavy weight positioned to fall on an animal.
2 a mass of fallen trees and brush.

dead hand

n. an undesirable persisting influence.

deadhead

n.
1 Brit. a faded flower head.
2 informal a boring person.
3 N. Amer. a person with a free ticket.
4 a partially submerged log.
v.
1 remove dead flower heads from (a plant).
2 N. Amer. informal (of a commercial driver) complete a trip in an empty vehicle.

dead heat

n. a result in a race in which two or more competitors finish at exactly the same time.
v. (dead-heat) finish a race exactly level.

dead leg

n. an injury caused by a numbing blow to a person's upper leg.
v. (dead-leg) informal give (someone) a dead leg.

dead letter

n.
1 a law or treaty which has not been repealed but is defunct in practice.
2 chiefly N. Amer. an unclaimed or undelivered letter.

dead letter box

n. a place where messages can be left and collected without the sender and recipient meeting.

dead lift

n. Weightlifting a lift made from a standing position, without the use of a bench.

deadlight

n.
1 a protective cover fitted over a porthole or window on a ship.
2 US a skylight designed not to be opened.

deadline

n.
1 the latest time or date by which something should be completed.
2 historical a line drawn around a prison beyond which prisoners were liable to be shot.

dead load

n. the weight of a structure or vehicle, excluding that of passengers or goods.

deadlock

n.
1 a situation in which no progress can be made.
2 Brit. a lock operated by a key, as distinct from a spring lock.
v.
1 bring to a deadlock.
2 Brit. secure with a deadlock.

dead loss

n. an unproductive or useless person or thing.

deadly

adj. (deadlier, deadliest)
1 causing or able to cause death. filled with hate.
2 extremely accurate or effective.
3 informal extremely boring.
4 complete: she was in deadly earnest.
adv.
1 in a way that resembles or suggests death.
2 extremely.

- DERIVATIVES deadliness n.

deadly nightshade

n. a poisonous bushy plant with drooping purple flowers and black cherry-like fruit.   Atropa belladonna.

deadly sin

n. (in Christian tradition) a sin regarded as leading to damnation. See the seven deadly sins at seven.

dead man

n. informal a bottle after the contents have been drunk.

dead man's fingers

pl. n.
1 a colonial soft coral with spongy lobes resembling the fingers of a corpse.   Alcyonium digitatum.
2 informal the divisions of a lobster's or crab's gills.

dead man's handle

(also dead man's pedal)

n. (in a train) a safety lever which shuts off power when not held in place by the driver.

dead march

n. a slow, solemn piece of music suitable for a funeral procession.

dead-nettle

n. a plant of the mint family, with leaves that resemble those of a nettle without stinging hairs.   Lamium album and other species.

deadpan

adj. impassive or expressionless.
adv. in a deadpan manner.
v. (dead-pans, dead-panning, dead-panned) say something amusing while affecting a serious manner.

dead reckoning

n. the process of calculating one's position, especially at sea, by estimating the direction and distance travelled.

dead ringer

n. informal a person or thing that looks very like another: he's a dead ringer for his late papa.

deadrise

n. the vertical distance between a line horizontal to the keel of a boat and its chine.

dead set

n. see set^2 (sense 2).

dead shot

n. an extremely accurate marksman or markswoman.

deadstock

n. the machinery used on a farm, as opposed to the livestock.

dead time

n. Physics the period after the recording of a particle or pulse when a detector is unable to record another.

dead water

n. still water without any current.

deadweight

n.
1 the weight of an inert person or thing. the total weight of cargo which a ship can carry.
2 Economics losses incurred because of the inefficient allocation of resources. a debt not covered by assets.

dead wood

n. useless or unproductive people or things.

deaf

adj. without hearing or having impaired hearing. (deaf to) unwilling to listen or respond to.

- PHRASES
fall on deaf ears be ignored.
turn a deaf ear refuse to listen or respond.

- DERIVATIVES deafness n.

- ORIGIN OE daf, of Gmc origin.

deaf aid

n. Brit. a hearing aid.

deaf-blind

adj. having severely impaired hearing and vision.

deafen

v. make deaf. [as adj. deafening] extremely loud. (deafen someone to) (of a sound) make someone unaware of (other sounds).

- DERIVATIVES deafeningly adv.

deaf mute

n. a person who is deaf and unable to speak.

USAGE

In modern use deaf mute has acquired offensive connotations. It is advisable to avoid it in favour of other terms such as profoundly deaf.

deal^1

v. (past and past part. dealt)
1 distribute (cards) to players for a game or round. (deal someone in) include a new player in a card game.
2 (deal something out) distribute or apportion something.
3 take part in commercial trading of a commodity. buy and sell (illegal drugs). (deal with) have commercial relations with.
4 (deal with) take measures concerning. cope with. have as a subject.
5 inflict (a blow) on.
n.
1 an agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit. a particular form of treatment: working mothers get a bad deal.
2 the process of dealing cards in a card game.

- PHRASES
a big deal [usu. with neg.] informal an important thing. (big deal) used ironically to express contempt for something unimpressive.
a deal of a large amount of.
a good (or great) deal a large amount. to a considerable extent.
a raw deal informal unfair or harsh treatment.
a square deal a fair arrangement.
it's a deal informal used to express assent to an agreement.

- DERIVATIVES dealing n.

- ORIGIN OE dælan ‘divide, participate’ of Gmc origin; rel. to dole^1.

deal^2

n. fir or pine wood as a building material.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. and MDu. dele ‘plank’.

dealer

n.
1 a person who buys and sells goods. a person who buys and sells shares or other financial assets as a principal (rather than as a broker or agent).
2 a player who deals cards in a card game.

- DERIVATIVES dealership n.

dealt

past participle of deal^1.

deamination

//

n. Biochemistry the removal of an amino group from an amino acid or other compound.

- DERIVATIVES deaminated adj.

dean^1

n.
1 the head of the chapter of a cathedral or collegiate church. (also rural dean) Brit. a member of the clergy exercising supervision over a group of parochial clergy within a division of an archdeaconry.
2 the head of a university faculty or department or of a medical school. a college officer with a disciplinary role.

- DERIVATIVES deanery n. (pl. deaneries).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deien, from late L. decanus ‘chief of a group of ten’, from decem ‘ten’; cf. doyen.

dean^2

n. variant spelling of dene^1.

dear

adj.
1 regarded with deep affection. endearing; sweet. used in the polite introduction to a letter.
2 chiefly Brit. expensive.
n. used as an affectionate form of address. an endearing person.
adv. chiefly Brit. at a high cost.
exclam. used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy.

- DERIVATIVES dearness n.

- ORIGIN OE dore, of Gmc origin.

dearest

n. used as an affectionate form of address.

dearie

n. (pl. dearies) informal, chiefly Brit. used as a friendly or condescending form of address.

Dear John letter

(also Dear John)

n. informal a letter from a woman to a man, ending a personal relationship.

dearly

adv.
1 very much.
2 at great cost.

dearth

//

n. a scarcity or lack of something.

- ORIGIN ME derthe (see dear, -th^2).

death

n.
1 the action or fact of dying or being killed. an instance of a person or an animal dying.
2 the state of being dead. (Death) the personification of the power that destroys life, often represented as a skeleton or an old man holding a scythe.
3 the destruction or end of something: the death of her hopes.

- PHRASES
as sure as death quite certain.
at death's door so ill that one may die.
be the death of someone cause someone's death.
be in at the death be present when a hunted animal is caught and killed. be present when something fails or ends.
catch one's death (of cold) informal catch a severe cold.
do someone to death kill someone.
do something to death repeat something so frequently that it becomes tedious.
like death warmed up (or N. Amer. over) informal extremely tired or ill.
put someone to death execute someone.
to death
1 until dead.
2 used to emphasize a feeling or action: I'm sick to death of you.

- DERIVATIVES deathless adj. deathlessness n. deathlike adj.

- ORIGIN OE dath, of Gmc origin; rel. to die^1.

death adder

n. a venomous Australian snake with a thin worm-like tail that it uses to lure prey.   Acanthophis antarcticus and related species.

deathbed

n. the bed where someone is dying or has died.

death camp

n. a prison camp for political prisoners or prisoners of war in which many die.

death cap

n. a deadly poisonous toadstool with a pale olive-green cap and white gills, growing in broadleaved woodland.   Amanita phalloides.

death cell

n. a cell occupied by a prisoner condemned to death.

death certificate

n. an official statement, signed by a doctor, of the cause, date, and place of a person's death.

death duty

n. (in the UK) a tax levied on property after the owner's death. Now called inheritance tax.

death futures

pl. n. US informal life insurance policies of terminally ill people, purchased by a third party as a form of short-term investment.

death knell

n.
1 the tolling of a bell to mark someone's death.
2 an event that heralds the end of something.

deathly

adj. (deathlier, deathliest) resembling or suggestive of death. archaic or literary relating to or causing death.

death mask

n. a plaster cast of a dead person's face, used to make a mask or model.

death penalty

n. punishment by execution.

death rate

n. the number of deaths per one thousand people per year.

death rattle

n. a gurgling sound in a dying person's throat.

death row

n. a prison block or section for those sentenced to death.

death's head

n. a human skull as a symbol of mortality.

death's head hawkmoth

n. a large dark hawkmoth with a skull-like marking on the thorax and a very large caterpillar.   Acherontia atropos.

death squad

n. an armed paramilitary group formed to kill political opponents.

death tax

n. US term for inheritance tax.

death toll

n. the number of deaths resulting from a particular cause.

death trap

n. a thing that is potentially very dangerous.

death warrant

n. an order for the execution of a condemned person.

death-watch beetle

n. a small beetle whose larvae bore into and damage dead wood and structural timbers, making a sound like a watch ticking which was formerly believed to portend death.   Xestobium rufovillosum.

death wish

n. an unconscious desire for one's own death.

deb

n. informal a debutante.

- DERIVATIVES debby adj.

debacle

//

n. an utter failure or disaster.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. débâcle, from débâcler ‘unleash’, from dé- ‘un-’ + bâcler ‘to bar’ (from L. baculum ‘staff’).

debag

//

v. (debags, debagging, debagged) Brit. informal take the trousers off (someone) as a joke or punishment.

debar

v. (debars, debarring, debarred) exclude or prohibit from doing something.

- DERIVATIVES debarment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. débarrer, from OFr. desbarrer ‘remove the bars from’, from des- (expressing reversal) + barrer ‘to bar’.

debark^1

v. leave a ship or aircraft.

- DERIVATIVES debarkation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. débarquer.

debark^2

v. remove (the bark) from a tree.

debase

//

v.
1 lower the quality, value, or character of.
2 historical lower the value of (coinage) by reducing the content of precious metal.

- DERIVATIVES debasement n. debaser n.

- ORIGIN C16: from de- + the obs. v. base (cf. abase), expressing the notion ‘bring down completely’.

debatable

adj. open to discussion or argument.

- DERIVATIVES debatably adv.

debate

n. a formal discussion in a public meeting or legislative assembly. an ongoing exchange of views about a subject.
v. discuss or argue about. consider before reaching a decision.

- PHRASES
under debate being discussed or disputed.

- DERIVATIVES debater n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. dis- (expressing reversal) + battere ‘to fight’.

debauch

//

v. destroy the moral purity of; corrupt.
n. a bout of excessive indulgence in sex, alcohol, or drugs.

- DERIVATIVES debaucher n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. débaucher (v.) ‘turn away from one's duty’, from OFr. desbaucher, of uncertain ultimate origin.

debauched

adj. indulging in or characterized by excessive indulgence in sex, alcohol, or drugs.

debauchery

n. excessive indulgence in sex, alcohol, or drugs.

- DERIVATIVES debauchee n.

debeak

v. remove the upper part of the beak of (a bird) to prevent it injuring other birds.

debenture

//

n. Brit. a long-term security yielding a fixed rate of interest, issued by a company and secured against assets. (also debenture bond) N. Amer. an unsecured loan certificate issued by a company.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. debentur ‘are owing’ (from debere ‘owe’), used as the first word of a certificate recording a debt.

debilitate

//

v. [often as adj. debilitating] make very weak and infirm.

- DERIVATIVES debilitatingly adv. debilitation n. debilitative adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as debilitation): from L. debilitat-, debilitare ‘weaken’, from debilitas, from debilis ‘weak’.

debility

n. (pl. debilities) weakness, especially as a result of illness.

debit

n. an entry in an account recording a sum owed. a payment made or owed.
v. (debits, debiting, debited) (of a bank) remove (money) from a customer's account.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. débit, from L. debitum (see debt).

debit card

n. a card allowing the holder to transfer money electronically from one bank account to another when making a purchase.

debonair

adj. (of a man) confident, stylish, and charming.

- DERIVATIVES debonairly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. debonaire, from de bon aire ‘of good disposition’.

debone

v. [often as adj. deboned] remove the bones from (meat or fish) before cooking.

debouch

//, //

v. emerge from a confined space into a wide, open area.

- DERIVATIVES debouchment n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. déboucher, from dé- (expressing removal) + bouche ‘mouth’ (from L. bucca ‘cheek’).

debridement

//, //

n. Medicine the removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from débrider, lit. ‘unbridle’, based on bride ‘bridle’ (of Gmc origin).

debrief

v. question (someone, typically a soldier or spy) about a completed undertaking.

- DERIVATIVES debriefer n. debriefing n.

debris

//, //

n. scattered rubbish or remains. loose natural material, e.g. broken rocks.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. débris, from obs. débriser ‘break down’.

debt

n.
1 money owed or due. the state of owing money.
2 a feeling of gratitude for a favour.

- PHRASES
be in someone's debt owe gratitude to someone for a favour.

- ORIGIN ME dette: from OFr., based on L. debitum ‘something owed’, past part. of debere ‘owe’.

debt collector

n. a person who collects debts for creditors.

debt of honour

n. a debt that is not legally recoverable, especially a sum lost in gambling.

debtor

n. a person who owes money.

debt security

n. a negotiable or tradable liability or loan.

debug

v. (debugs, debugging, debugged)
1 remove errors from (computer hardware or software).
2 detect and remove concealed microphones from.

- DERIVATIVES debugger n.

debunk

v.
1 expose the falseness of (an idea or belief).
2 reduce the inflated reputation of (someone).

- DERIVATIVES debunker n.

deburr

// (also debur)

v. (deburrs, deburring, deburred) neaten and smooth the rough edges or ridges of.

debus

//

v. (debuses, debussing, debussed) Brit., chiefly military slang unload or step out of a motor vehicle.

debut

//, //

n. a person's first appearance in a capacity or role. dated the first appearance of a debutante in society. [as modifier] denoting the first recording or publication of a singer or writer.
v. make a debut.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. début, from débuter ‘lead off’.

debutant

//, //

n. a person making a debut.

debutante

//, //

n. a young upper-class woman making her first appearance in society. a female debutant.

debye

//

n. Chemistry a unit of measurement used to express electric dipole moments of molecules, equal to 3.336 × 10-30 coulomb metre.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after the Dutch-born US physicist Peter Debye.

Dec.

abbrev. December.

dec.

abbrev.
1 deceased.
2 Cricket declared.

deca-

// (also dec- before a vowel)

comb. form ten; having ten: decahedron.

- ORIGIN from Gk deka ‘ten’.

decade

//, //

n.
1 a period of ten years.
2 a set or group of ten. a range of electrical resistances or other quantities spanning from one to ten times a base value.
3 each of the five divisions of each chapter of the rosary.

- DERIVATIVES decadal adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. and late L. from Gk deka ‘ten’.

USAGE

The second pronunciation, with the stress on -cade (sounds like decayed), is disapproved of by some traditionalists. However, it is now widely regarded as a standard alternative.

decadence

//

n.
1 the process or manifestation of moral or cultural decline.
2 luxurious self-indulgence.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. décadence, from med. L. decadentia; rel. to decay.

decadent

adj.
1 characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline.
2 luxuriously self-indulgent.
n. a decadent person.

- DERIVATIVES decadently adv.

decaf

//

n. informal (trademark in the UK) decaffeinated coffee.

decaffeinate

//

v. [usu. as adj. decaffeinated] remove most or all of the caffeine from (coffee or tea).

- DERIVATIVES decaffeination n.

decagon

//

n. a plane figure with ten straight sides and angles.

- DERIVATIVES decagonal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via med. L. from Gk dekagnon, neut. of dekagnos ‘ten-angled’.

decahedron

//, //

n. (pl. decahedra or decahedrons) a solid figure with ten plane faces.

- DERIVATIVES decahedral adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from deca- + -hedron.

decal

//

n. a design on prepared paper for transferring on to glass, porcelain, etc.

- ORIGIN 1950s: abbrev. of decalcomania.

decalcified

adj. (of rock or bone) containing a reduced quantity of calcium salts.

- DERIVATIVES decalcification n. decalcifier n. decalcify v. (decalcifies, decalcifying, decalcified).

decalcomania

//

n. the process of transferring designs from prepared paper on to glass, porcelain, etc.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. décalcomanie, from décalquer ‘transfer a tracing’ + -manie ‘-mania’ (with ref. to the enthusiasm for the process in the 1860s).

decalitre

(US decaliter, dekaliter) (abbrev.: dal; US also dkl)

n. a metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.

Decalogue

//

n. the Ten Commandments.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. and eccles. L. from Gk dekalogos (biblos) ‘(book of) the Ten Commandments’, from hoi deka logoi ‘the Ten Commandments’.

decametre

(US decameter, dekameter) (abbrev.: dam; US also dkm)

n. a metric unit of length, equal to 10 metres.

- DERIVATIVES decametric adj.

decamp

v.
1 depart suddenly or secretly.
2 archaic break up or leave a military camp.

- DERIVATIVES decampment n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. décamper, from dé- (expressing removal) + camp ‘camp’.

decanal

//, //

adj.
1 relating to a dean or deanery.
2 relating to or denoting the south side of the choir of a church, on which the dean sits. The opposite of cantorial.

- ORIGIN C18: from med. L. decanalis, from late L. decanus (see dean^1).

decani

//

n. the section of a church choir conventionally placed on the south side and taking the first or higher part in antiphonal singing. The opposite of cantoris.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., lit. ‘of the dean’ (see dean^1).

decant

//

v.
1 gradually pour (a liquid) from one container into another, typically in order to separate out sediment.
2 (of a vehicle) discharge (passengers).

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. decanthare, from L. de- ‘away from’ + canthus ‘edge, rim’.

decanter

n. a stoppered glass container into which wine or spirits are decanted.

decapitate

//

v.
1 cut off the head of.
2 attempt to undermine (a group) by removing its leaders.

- DERIVATIVES decapitation n. decapitator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. decapitat-, decapitare ‘to decapitate’, from de- + caput, capit- ‘head’.

decapod

//

n. Zoology a crustacean of the order Decapoda, with five pairs of walking legs, such as a shrimp, crab, or lobster.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Decapoda, from deca- + Gk pous, pod- ‘foot’.

decarbonize

(or decarbonise)

v. remove carbon or carbonaceous deposits from.

- DERIVATIVES decarbonization n. decarbonizer n.

decarboxylate

//

v. Chemistry eliminate a carboxylic acid group from (an organic compound).

- DERIVATIVES decarboxylation n.

decarburize

(or decarburise) //

v. Metallurgy remove carbon from (iron or steel).

- DERIVATIVES decarburization n.

decastyle

//

adj. Architecture (of a temple or portico) having ten columns.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk dekastulos, from deka ‘ten’ + stulos ‘column’.

decasyllabic

//

adj. Prosody (of a metrical line) consisting of ten syllables.

decathlon

//, //

n. an athletic event in which each competitor takes part in the same ten events.

- DERIVATIVES decathlete n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from deca- + Gk athlon ‘contest’.

decay

v.
1 rot or cause to rot through the action of bacteria and fungi; decompose. decline in quality or vigour; deteriorate.
2 Physics (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation.
n.
1 the state or process of decaying.
2 rotten matter or tissue.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. decair, based on L. decidere ‘fall down or off’, from de- ‘from’ + cadere ‘fall’.

decease

n. formal or Law a person's death.
v. archaic die.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deces, from L. decessus ‘death’, past part. of decedere ‘to die’.

deceased

formal or Law

n. (the deceased) the recently dead person in question.
adj. recently dead.

decedent

//

n. US Law a deceased person.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. decedent-, decedere (see decease).

deceit

n. the action or practice of deceiving. a deceitful act or statement.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., past part. of deceveir ‘deceive’.

deceitful

adj. acting to deceive others.

- DERIVATIVES deceitfully adv. deceitfulness n.

deceive

v. deliberately cause (someone) to believe something that is not true. (of a thing) give a mistaken impression to: the area may seem to offer nothing of interest, but don't be deceived.

- DERIVATIVES deceivable adj. deceiver n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deceivre, from L. decipere ‘ensnare, cheat’.

decelerate

//

v. move more slowly.

- DERIVATIVES deceleration n. decelerator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from de- + accelerate.

December

n. the twelfth month of the year.

- ORIGIN ME: from L., from decem ‘ten’ (being orig. the tenth month of the Roman year).

decency

n. (pl. decencies)
1 decent behaviour. (decencies) the requirements of acceptable behaviour: an appeal to common decencies.
2 (decencies) things required for a reasonable standard of living.

decennial

//

adj. lasting for or recurring every ten years.

- DERIVATIVES decennially adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. decennis (from decem ‘ten’ + annus ‘year’), + -al.

decent

adj.
1 conforming with generally accepted standards of morality or respectability. appropriate; fitting.
2 of an acceptable standard; satisfactory. Brit. informal generous or kind: that's very decent of you.

- DERIVATIVES decently adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. decent-, decere ‘to be fit’.

decentralize

(or decentralise)

v. [often as adj. decentralized] transfer (authority) from central to local government. divide (a large organization) into smaller separate units.

- DERIVATIVES decentralist n. & adj. decentralization n.

decentre

(US decenter)

v. displace from the centre or from a central position.

deception

n. the action of deceiving. a thing that deceives.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. deceptio(n-), from decipere ‘deceive’.

deceptive

adj. giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading.

- DERIVATIVES deceptiveness n.

deceptively

adv.
1 to a lesser extent than appears the case: the idea was deceptively simple.
2 to a greater extent than appears the case: the airy and deceptively spacious lounge.

USAGE

Deceptively can be used in similar contexts to mean both one thing and also its complete opposite. A deceptively simple plan is one that is not simple at all, while a deceptively spacious room is in fact more spacious than it appears. But what is a deceptively steep gradient? To avoid confusion, it is often best to reword rather than use deceptively.

decerebrate

//

adj. Biology having had the cerebrum removed.

- DERIVATIVES decerebration n.

decertify

v. (decertifies, decertifying, decertified) remove certification from.

- DERIVATIVES decertification n.

deci-

comb. form one tenth: decilitre.

- ORIGIN from L. decimus ‘tenth’.

decibel

// (abbrev.: dB)

n. a unit of measurement expressing the intensity of a sound or the power of an electrical signal, equal to one tenth of a bel.

decide

v. come to or bring to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration. give a judgement concerning a matter or legal case. resolve or settle (an issue or contest).

- DERIVATIVES decidable adj. deciding adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. décider, from L. decidere ‘determine’, from de- ‘off’ + caedere ‘cut’.

decided

adj. definite; unquestionable: a decided improvement. having clear opinions; resolute.

- DERIVATIVES decidedly adv. decidedness n.

decider

n. a game, goal, etc. that settles the outcome of a contest or series of contests.

decidua

//

n. Physiology a thick layer of modified mucous membrane which lines the uterus during pregnancy and is shed with the afterbirth.

- DERIVATIVES decidual adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. decidua (membrana), lit. ‘falling off (membrane)’.

deciduous

//

adj.
1 (of a tree or shrub) shedding its leaves annually. Often contrasted with evergreen.
2 denoting the milk teeth of a mammal, which are shed after a time.

- DERIVATIVES deciduously adv. deciduousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. deciduus (from decidere ‘fall down or off’) + -ous.

decigram

// (also decigramme) (abbrev.: dg)

n. a metric unit of mass, equal to one tenth of a gram.

decile

//

n. Statistics each of ten equal groups into which a population can be divided according to the distribution of values of a particular variable.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. décile, from L. decem ‘ten’.

decilitre

(US deciliter) (abbrev.: dl)

n. a metric unit of capacity, equal to one tenth of a litre.

decimal

adj. relating to or denoting a system of numbers and arithmetic based on the number ten, tenth parts, and powers of ten.
n. a fraction whose denominator is a power of ten and whose numerator is expressed by figures placed to the right of a decimal point. a system of decimal numerical notation.

- DERIVATIVES decimally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. decimalis (adj.), from L. decimus ‘tenth’.

decimalize

(or decimalise)

v. convert (a system of coinage or weights and measures) to a decimal system.

- DERIVATIVES decimalization n.

decimal place

n. the position of a digit to the right of a decimal point.

decimal point

n. a full point or dot placed after the figure representing units in a decimal fraction.

decimate

//

v.
1 kill or destroy a large proportion of. drastically reduce the strength of.
2 (in ancient Rome) kill one in every ten of (a group of soldiers) as a punishment for the mutiny of the whole group.

- DERIVATIVES decimation n. decimator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. decimat-, decimare ‘take as a tenth’, from decimus ‘tenth’.

USAGE

The earliest sense of decimate, ‘kill one in every ten of’, has been more or less totally superseded by the more general sense ‘kill or destroy (a large proportion of)’. Some traditionalists argue that this later sense is incorrect, but it is clear that this is now part of standard English.

decimetre

(US decimeter) (abbrev.: dm)

n. a metric unit of length, equal to one tenth of a metre.

- DERIVATIVES decimetric adj.

decipher

//

v. convert from code into normal language. succeed in understanding or interpreting (something).

- DERIVATIVES decipherable adj. decipherment n.

decision

n.
1 a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration. the action of deciding.
2 the quality of being decisive.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. decisio(n-), from decidere (see decide).

decision theory

n. the mathematical study of strategies for optimal decision-making between options involving different risks or expectations of gain or loss depending on the outcome. Compare with game theory.

decisive

adj.
1 settling an issue quickly and effectively: a decisive battle.
2 able to make decisions quickly.

- DERIVATIVES decisively adv. decisiveness n.

deck

n.
1 a floor of a ship, especially the upper, open level. a floor or platform, as in a bus or car park. (the deck) informal the ground or floor: there was a big thud when I hit the deck.
2 a component or unit in sound-reproduction equipment that incorporates a playing or recording mechanism for discs or tapes.
3 chiefly N. Amer. a pack of cards. N. Amer. informal a packet of narcotics.
v.
1 (usu. be decked out) decorate or dress attractively.
2 informal knock to the ground with a punch.

- DERIVATIVES -decked adj.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a canvas covering, especially on a ship, later a solid surface serving as roof and floor): from MDu. dec ‘covering, roof’, dekken ‘to cover’.

deckchair

n. a folding chair with a frame of wood and a suspended seat of canvas.

-decker

comb. form having a specified number of decks or layers: double-decker.

deckhand

n. a member of a ship's crew whose duties include cleaning, mooring, and cargo handling.

deckhouse

n. a cabin on the deck of a ship, used for navigation or accommodation.

decking

n. material used in making a deck.

deckle

//

n. a continuous belt on either side in a paper-making machine, used for controlling the size of paper produced.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ger. Deckel, dimin. of Decke ‘covering’.

deckle edge

n. the rough uncut edge of a sheet of paper, formed by a deckle.

- DERIVATIVES deckle-edged adj.

declaim

v. deliver words in a rhetorical or impassioned way.

- DERIVATIVES declaimer n. declamatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. déclamer or L. declamare, from de- (expressing thoroughness) + clamare ‘to shout’.

declamation

n. the action or art of declaiming. a rhetorical exercise or set speech.

declarant

//

n. chiefly Law a person or party who makes a formal declaration.

declaration

n.
1 a formal or explicit statement or announcement. (also declaration of the poll) Brit. a public official announcement of the votes cast for candidates in an election. Law a plaintiff's statement of claims in proceedings.
2 Law an affirmation made in place of an oath.
3 an act of declaring.

declarative

//

adj. of the nature of or making a declaration. Grammar (of a sentence or phrase) taking the form of a simple statement.

- DERIVATIVES declaratively adv.

declare

v.
1 announce solemnly or officially; make clearly known. (declare for/against) Brit. openly support or oppose. announce oneself as a candidate for an election. announce that one holds (certain combinations of cards) in a card game.
2 (declare oneself) reveal one's intentions or identity. express feelings of love to someone.
3 acknowledge possession of (taxable income or dutiable goods).
4 Cricket close an innings voluntarily before all the wickets have fallen.

- DERIVATIVES declarable adj. declaratory adj. declared adj. declaredly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. declarare, from de- ‘thoroughly’ + clarare ‘make clear’ (from clarus ‘clear’).

declarer

n. Bridge the player whose bid establishes the suit of the contract.

declass

v. remove (someone) from their original social class.

déclassé

// (also déclassée)

adj. having fallen in social status.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., past part. of déclasser.

declassify

v. (declassifies, declassifying, declassified) officially declare (information or documents) to be no longer secret.

- DERIVATIVES declassification n.

declaw

//

v. remove the claws from (an animal, typically a cat).

declension

//

n.
1 Grammar the variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective, by which its grammatical case, number, and gender are identified. the class to which a noun or adjective is assigned according to this variation.
2 archaic a condition of decline or moral deterioration.

- DERIVATIVES declensional adj.

- ORIGIN ME declinson, from OFr. declinaison, from decliner ‘to decline’.

declination

//

n.
1 Astronomy the angular distance of a point north or south of the celestial equator. the angular deviation of a compass needle from true north.
2 US formal refusal.

- DERIVATIVES declinational adj.

decline

v.
1 become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease. diminish in strength or quality; deteriorate.
2 politely refuse: the company declined to comment.
3 (especially of the sun) move downwards.
4 Grammar state the forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective) corresponding to cases, number, and gender.
n.
1 a continuous loss of strength, numbers, or value.
2 archaic a disease in which the bodily strength gradually fails, especially tuberculosis.

- DERIVATIVES declinable adj. decliner n. declining adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. decliner, from L. declinare ‘bend down, turn aside’, from de- ‘down’ + clinare ‘to bend’.

declivity

//

n. (pl. declivities) formal a downward slope.

- DERIVATIVES declivitous adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. declivitas, from declivis ‘sloping down’, from de- ‘down’ + clivus ‘a slope’.

declutch

v. disengage the clutch of a motor vehicle.

decoct

//

v. archaic extract the essence from (something) by heating or boiling it.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. decoct-, decoquere ‘boil down’, from de- ‘down’ + coquere ‘cook’.

decoction

n. a concentrated liquid resulting from heating or boiling a substance, especially a medicinal preparation made from a plant.

decode

v.
1 convert (a coded message) into intelligible language.
2 convert (audio or video signals), in particular from digital to analogue.

- DERIVATIVES decodable adj. decoder n.

decoke

//

v. Brit. remove carbon or carbonaceous material from (an internal-combustion engine).

décolletage

//, //

n. a low neckline on a woman's dress or top. a woman's cleavage or ample bosom as revealed by such a neckline.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from décolleter ‘expose the neck’.

décolleté

//

adj. (also décolletée) having a low neckline.
n. a décolletage.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., past part. of décolleter ‘expose the neck’.

decolonize

(or decolonise)

v. withdraw from (a colony), leaving it independent.

- DERIVATIVES decolonization n.

decolorize

(or decolorise) (also decolourize)

v. remove the colour from.

- DERIVATIVES decolorization n.

decommission

v.
1 take (a ship) out of service.
2 dismantle and make safe (a nuclear reactor or weapon).

decompensation

n. Medicine the failure of an organ (especially the liver or heart) to compensate for the functional overload resulting from disease.

- DERIVATIVES decompensated adj.

decompose

v.
1 (of organic matter) become rotten; decay.
2 (of a chemical compound) break down into component elements.
3 Mathematics express (a number or function) as a combination of simpler components.

- DERIVATIVES decomposable adj. decomposer n. decomposition n.

decompress

//

v.
1 expand (compressed computer data) to its normal size.
2 subject (a diver) to decompression.
3 N. Amer. informal calm down and relax.

- DERIVATIVES decompressor n.

decompression

n.
1 reduction in air pressure. a gradual reduction of air pressure on a person who has been experiencing high pressure while diving.
2 the process of decompressing computer data.

decompression chamber

n. a small room in which the air pressure can be varied, used to allow deep-sea divers to adjust to normal air pressure.

decompression sickness

n. a condition that results when too rapid decompression causes nitrogen bubbles to form in the tissues of the body, characterized by pain in the muscles and joints, cramp, numbness, nausea, and paralysis.

decondition

v.
1 [usu. as adj. deconditioned] cause to lose fitness or muscle tone.
2 Psychiatry reform or reverse (a person's behaviour), especially in the treatment of phobia.

- DERIVATIVES deconditioning n.

decongest

v. relieve the congestion of.

- DERIVATIVES decongestion n.

decongestant

adj. (chiefly of a medicine) used to relieve nasal congestion.
n. a decongestant medicine.

deconsecrate

v. transfer (a building) from sacred to secular use.

- DERIVATIVES deconsecration n.

deconstruct

//

v.
1 analyse (a text, conceptual system, etc.) by deconstruction.
2 dismantle (something).

- DERIVATIVES deconstructive adj.

deconstruction

n. a method of critical analysis of philosophical and literary language which emphasizes the internal workings of language and conceptual systems, the relational quality of meaning, and the assumptions implicit in forms of expression.

- DERIVATIVES deconstructionism n. deconstructionist adj. & n.

decontaminate

v. remove dangerous substances from.

- DERIVATIVES decontamination n.

decontextualize

(or decontextualise)

v. consider in isolation from its context.

- DERIVATIVES decontextualization n.

decontrol

v. (decontrols, decontrolling, decontrolled) release (a commodity, market, etc.) from controls or restrictions.
n. the action of decontrolling.

deconvolution

n. the process of resolving something mathematically or conceptually into its constituent parts.

decor

//, //

n.
1 the furnishing and decoration of a room.
2 stage scenery.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. décor, from décorer, from L. decorare (see decorate).

decorate

v.
1 add ornament to. chiefly Brit. apply paint or wallpaper to.
2 confer an award or medal on.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. decoratus ‘embellished’, from decus, decor- ‘honour or embellishment’.

Decorated

adj. denoting a stage of English Gothic church architecture typical of the 14th century, characterized by geometrical, curvilinear, and reticulated tracery.

decoration

n.
1 the process or art of decorating.
2 the fact of being decorated; ornamentation. an ornament.
3 a medal or award conferred as an honour.

Decoration Day

n. US another term for Memorial Day.

decorative

//

adj. serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental. relating to decoration.

- DERIVATIVES decoratively adv. decorativeness n.

decorator

n. a person who decorates. chiefly Brit. a person whose job is painting interior walls or hanging wallpaper.

decorous

//

adj. in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained.

- DERIVATIVES decorously adv. decorousness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. decorus ‘seemly’ + -ous.

decorticate

//

v.
1 [often as adj. decorticated] technical remove the bark, rind, or husk from.
2 remove the cortex from (an organ).

- DERIVATIVES decortication n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. decorticat-, decorticare ‘to strip of bark’.

decorum

//

n. behaviour in keeping with good taste and propriety. customary behaviour; etiquette.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., neut. of the adj. decorus ‘seemly’.

découpage

//, //, //

n. the decoration of the surface of an object with paper cut-outs.

- ORIGIN 1960s: Fr., from découper ‘cut out’.

decouple

v. separate or disengage one thing from another.

decoy

n. //
1 a bird or mammal, or an imitation of one, used to lure game.
2 a person or thing used to mislead or lure someone into a trap.
3 a pond from which narrow netted channels lead, into which wild duck may be enticed for capture.
v. //, // lure by means of a decoy.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier as coy): from Du. de kooi ‘the decoy’, from MDu. de kouw ‘the cage’, from L. cavea ‘cage’.

decrease

v. // make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
n. // an instance of decreasing. the action of decreasing.

- DERIVATIVES decreasing adj. decreasingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. decreis (n.), decreistre (v.), based on L. decrescere, from de- ‘down’ + crescere ‘grow’.

decree

n. an official order that has the force of law. a judgement or decision of certain law courts.
v. (decrees, decreeing, decreed) order by decree.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. decre, decret, from L. decretum ‘something decided’, from decernere ‘decide’.

decree absolute

n. (pl. decrees absolute) English Law a court of law's final order officially ending a marriage, enabling either party to remarry.

decree nisi

n. (pl. decrees nisi) English Law an order by a court of law stating the date on which a marriage will end unless a good reason not to grant a divorce is produced.

- ORIGIN C19: L. nisi ‘unless’.

decrement

//

n.
1 technical a reduction or diminution.
2 Physics the ratio of the amplitudes in successive cycles of a damped oscillation.
v. chiefly Computing cause a discrete reduction in (a numerical quantity).

- ORIGIN C17: from L. decrementum ‘diminution’, from decrescere ‘to decrease’.

decrepit

//

adj. elderly and infirm. worn out or ruined because of age or neglect.

- DERIVATIVES decrepitude n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. decrepitus, from de- ‘down’ + crepitus, past part. of crepare ‘rattle, creak’.

decrepitate

//

v. technical (of a solid) disintegrate audibly when heated.

- DERIVATIVES decrepitation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from de- + L. crepitat-, crepitare ‘to crackle’, frequentative of crepare (see decrepit).

decrescendo

//

adv. & adj. another term for diminuendo.

- ORIGIN C19: Ital., lit. ‘decreasing’.

decrescent

//

adj. (of the moon) waning.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. decrescent-, decrescere (see decrease).

decretal

//

n. a papal decree concerning a point of canon law.
adj. of the nature of a decree.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. decretale, neut. of decretalis (adj.), from L. decret-, decernere ‘to decide’.

decriminalize

(or decriminalise)

v. cease to treat as a criminal offence.

- DERIVATIVES decriminalization n.

decry

//

v. (decries, decrying, decried) publicly denounce.

- DERIVATIVES decrier n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘decrease the value of coins by royal proclamation’): from de- + cry, on the pattern of Fr. décrier ‘cry down’.

decrypt

//

v. make (a coded or unclear message) intelligible.

- DERIVATIVES decryption n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from de- + crypt as in encrypt.

decubitus

//

n. chiefly Medicine the posture adopted by a person who is lying down.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from L. decumbere ‘lie down’.

decumbent

//

adj. Botany (of a plant stem) lying along the ground, with the extremity upturned.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. decumbent-, decumbere ‘lie down’.

decurrent

//

adj. Botany extending down the stem below the point of attachment. (of a tree) having several roughly equal branches.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. decurrent-, decurrere ‘to run down’.

decurved

adj. Biology (especially of a bird's bill) curved downwards.

decussate

technical

v. //, // (of two or more things) cross or intersect.
adj. //
1 shaped like an X.
2 Botany (of leaves) arranged in opposite pairs.

- DERIVATIVES decussation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. decussatus, past part. of decussare ‘divide crosswise’, from decussis (describing the figure X, i.e. the Roman numeral for 10), from decem ‘ten’.

dedendum

//

n. Engineering the radial distance from the pitch circle of a cogwheel or wormwheel to the bottom of the tooth space or groove. Compare with addendum.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L., ‘thing that can be surrendered’, neut. gerundive of dedere.

dedicate

v.
1 devote to a subject, task, or purpose: Joan has dedicated her life to animals.
2 address (a book) to a person, as a sign of respect or affection. ceremonially assign (a church or other building) to a deity or saint.

- DERIVATIVES dedicatee n. dedicator n. dedicatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dedicat-, dedicare ‘to devote or consecrate’.

dedicated

adj.
1 devoted to a task or purpose.
2 exclusively allocated or intended for a particular purpose: a dedicated high-speed rail link.

- DERIVATIVES dedicatedly adv.

dedication

n.
1 the quality of being dedicated.
2 the action of dedicating. an inscription or form of words dedicating a building, book, etc.

deduce

v.
1 arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning.
2 archaic trace the course or derivation of.

- DERIVATIVES deducible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. deducere, from de- ‘down’ + ducere ‘lead’.

deduct

v. subtract or take away from a total.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. deduct-, deducere ‘take or lead away’.

deductible

adj. able to be deducted, especially from taxable income.
n. N. Amer. the part of an insurance claim to be paid by the insured; an excess.

- DERIVATIVES deductibility n.

deduction

n.
1 the action of deducting. an amount that is or may be deducted.
2 the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle. Often contrasted with induction. a conclusion that has been deduced.

- DERIVATIVES deductive adj. deductively adv.

deed

n.
1 a conscious or intentional action.
2 (usu. deeds) a legal document that is signed and delivered, especially one relating to property ownership or legal rights.
v. N. Amer. convey or transfer by legal deed.

- ORIGIN OE dd, dæd, of Gmc origin.

deed of covenant

n. Brit. an agreement to pay a regular amount of money, particularly when this enables the recipient (typically a charity) to reclaim any tax paid by the donor on the amount.

deed poll

n. English Law a legal deed made and executed by one party only, especially to formalize a change of a person's name.

- ORIGIN C16: so named because the parchment was ‘polled’ or cut cleanly, not indented at the edges as in the case of a deed made by two parties.

deejay

informal

n. a disc jockey.
v. perform as a disc jockey.

- ORIGIN 1950s: representing the pron. of the initials DJ.

deem

v. formal regard or consider in a specified way: the event was deemed a great success.

- ORIGIN OE dman, of Gmc origin.

de-emphasize

(or de-emphasise)

v. reduce the emphasis given to.

- DERIVATIVES de-emphasis n.

deemster

//

n. a judge (of whom there are two) in the Isle of Man judiciary.

- ORIGIN ME: from deem + -ster.

de-energize

(or de-energise)

v. disconnect (an electric circuit) from a power supply.

deep

adj.
1 extending far down or in from the top or surface. extending a specified distance from the top, surface, or outer edge. Cricket (of a fielding position) relatively distant from the batsman. (in ball games) to or from a position far down or across the field.
2 very intense, profound, or extreme: a deep sleep. difficult to understand.
3 (of sound) low in pitch and full in tone; not shrill.
4 (of colour) dark and intense.
n.
1 (the deep) literary the sea. (usu. deeps) a deep part of the sea.
2 (the deep) Cricket the part of the field distant from the batsman.
adv. far down or in; deeply. (in sport) distant from the batsman or forward line of one's team.

- PHRASES
go off the deep end informal give way immediately to an emotional or irrational outburst.
have deep pockets informal have a lot of financial resources.
in deep water informal in trouble or difficulty.
jump (or be thrown) in at the deep end informal face a new and difficult undertaking with little preparation.

- DERIVATIVES deeply adv. deepness n.

- ORIGIN OE dop (adj.), dope, dope (adv.), of Gmc origin; rel. to dip.

deep-bodied

adj. (of an animal, especially a fish) having a body which is deeper (from back to belly) than it is wide.

deep-discount

adj. denoting financial securities carrying a low rate of interest and issued at a discount to their redemption value, so mainly providing capital gain rather than income. N. Amer. heavily discounted.

deep-dish

adj.
1 (of a pie or pizza) baked in a deep dish.
2 N. Amer. informal extreme or thoroughgoing: deep-dish conservatism.

deep-dyed

adj. informal thoroughgoing; complete.

deepen

v. make or become deep or deeper.

deep freeze

n. (also deep freezer) a freezer.
v. (deep-freeze) store in a deep freeze.

deep-fry

v. [usu. as adj. deep-fried] fry (food) in an amount of fat or oil sufficient to cover it completely.

deep-pan

adj. (of a pizza) baked in a deep dish.

deep-rooted

adj. firmly established.

- DERIVATIVES deep-rootedness n.

deep-seated

adj. firmly established.

deep-set

adj. embedded or positioned firmly or deeply.

deep-six

v. N. Amer. informal get rid of; destroy utterly.

- ORIGIN 1920s (as the deep six ‘the grave’): perh. from the custom of burial at sea at a depth of six fathoms.

deep space

n. another term for outer space.

deep structure

n. (in transformational grammar) the underlying logical relationships of the elements of a phrase or sentence. Contrasted with surface structure.

deep throat

n. a person who anonymously supplies information about covert or illegal action in the organization where they work.

- ORIGIN 1970s: the title of a pornographic film of 1972, first applied in this sense as the name (‘Deep Throat’) of an informant in the Watergate scandal.

deep-vein thrombosis

n. thrombosis in a vein lying deep below the skin, especially in the legs.

deer

n. (pl. same) a hoofed grazing or browsing animal, with branched bony antlers that are shed annually and typically borne only by the male.   Family Cervidae: many species.

- ORIGIN OE dor, also orig. denoting any quadruped, used in the phr. small deer meaning ‘small creatures collectively’; of Gmc origin.

deer fly

n.
1 a bloodsucking louse fly which is a parasite of deer.   Lipoptena cervi.
2 a bloodsucking horsefly which attacks large mammals and can transmit various diseases.   Genus Chrysops.

deergrass

n. a small sedge related to cotton grass, growing in tufts on wet moors and bogs.   Trichophorum cespitosum (or Scirpus cespitosus).

deerhound

n. a large dog of a rough-haired breed, resembling the greyhound.

deer mouse

n. a mainly nocturnal mouse found in North and Central America.   Peromyscus maniculatus and related species.

deerskin

n. leather made from the skin of a deer.

deerstalker

n. a soft cloth cap, originally worn for hunting, with peaks in front and behind and ear flaps which can be tied together over the top.

de-escalate

v. reduce the intensity of (a conflict or crisis).

- DERIVATIVES de-escalation n.

def

adj. chiefly black slang excellent.

- ORIGIN 1980s: prob. an alt. of death (used in Jamaican Engl. as an intensifier), or shortened from definitive or definite.

deface

v. spoil the surface or appearance of.

- DERIVATIVES defacement n. defacer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desfacier.

de facto

/ /, //

adv. in fact, whether by right or not. Often contrasted with de jure.
adj. existing or holding a specified position in fact but not necessarily by legal right: a de facto one-party system.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘of fact’.

defalcate

//

v. formal embezzle (funds).

- DERIVATIVES defalcation n. defalcator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as defalcation in the sense ‘deduction, reduction’): from med. L. defalcat-, defalcare ‘to lop’.

defame

v. damage the good reputation of.

- DERIVATIVES defamation n. defamatory adj. defamer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diffamer, from L. diffamare ‘spread evil report’, from dis- (expressing removal) + fama ‘report’.

defamiliarize

(or defamiliarise)

v. make unfamiliar or strange.

defang

v. make harmless or ineffectual.

default

n.
1 failure to fulfil an obligation, especially to repay a loan or appear in a law court.
2 a preselected option adopted by a computer program or other mechanism when no alternative is specified.
v.
1 fail to fulfil an obligation: some had defaulted on student loans. declare (a party) in default and give judgement against that party.
2 (default to) revert automatically to (a preselected option).

- PHRASES
by default because of a lack of opposition or positive action: he became an actor by default.
go by default (of a case) be decided in favour of one party because of lack of opposition by the other party.
in default guilty of default.
in default of in the absence of.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. defaut, from defaillir ‘to fail’, based on L. fallere ‘disappoint, deceive’.

defaulter

n. a person who defaults. chiefly Brit. a member of the armed forces guilty of a military offence.

defeasance

//

n. Law the action or process of rendering something null and void.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from defaire, desfaire (see defeat).

defeasible

//

adj. chiefly Law & Philosophy open in principle to revision, valid objection, forfeiture, or annulment.

- DERIVATIVES defeasibility n. defeasibly adv.

defeat

v.
1 win a victory over.
2 prevent the achievement of (an aim): this defeats the object of the exercise. be too difficult for. Law make null and void.
n. an instance of defeating or being defeated.

- DERIVATIVES defeated adj. defeatedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desfait ‘undone’, past part. of desfaire, from med. L. disfacere ‘undo’.

defeatist

n. a person who gives in to failure too readily.
adj. showing ready acceptance of failure.

- DERIVATIVES defeatism n.

defecate

//, //

v. discharge faeces from the body.

- DERIVATIVES defecation n. defecator n. defecatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘clear of dregs, purify’): from L. defaecat-, defaecare, from de- + faex, faec- ‘dregs’.

defect^1

n. //, // a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. defectus, past part. of deficere ‘desert or fail’, from de- (expressing reversal) + facere ‘do’.

defect^2

//

v. abandon one's country or cause in favour of an opposing one.

- DERIVATIVES defection n. defector n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. defect-, deficere (see defect^1).

defective

adj.
1 imperfect or faulty.
2 lacking or deficient: dystrophin is commonly defective in muscle tissue.

- DERIVATIVES defectively adv. defectiveness n.

defence

(US defense)

n.
1 the action of defending from or resisting attack. military measures or resources for protecting a country. (often defences) a means of protecting something from attack.
2 the case presented by or on behalf of the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit. (the defence) [treated as sing. or pl.] the counsel for the defendant in a lawsuit.
3 attempted justification or vindication: he spoke in defence of a disciplined approach.
4 (in sport) the action or role of defending one's goal or wicket against the opposition. (the defence) the players in a team who perform a defensive role.

defenceless

(US defenseless)

adj. without defence or protection; totally vulnerable.

- DERIVATIVES defencelessness n.

defence mechanism

n. an automatic reaction of the body against disease-causing organisms. a mental process initiated, typically unconsciously, to avoid experiencing conflict or anxiety.

defend

v.
1 resist an attack on; protect from harm.
2 conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit.
3 attempt to justify.
4 compete to retain (a title or seat).
5 (in sport) protect one's goal or wicket rather than attempt to score against one's opponents.

- DERIVATIVES defendable adj. defender n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. defendre, from L. defendere, from de- ‘off’ + -fendere ‘to strike’.

defendant

n. an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law. Compare with plaintiff.

defenestration

n. formal or humorous the action of throwing someone out of a window.

- DERIVATIVES defenestrate v.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. defenestratio(n-), from de- + L. fenestra ‘window’.

defense

n. US spelling of defence.

defensible

adj.
1 justifiable by argument.
2 able to be defended from attack.

- DERIVATIVES defensibility n. defensibly adv.

defensive

adj.
1 used or intended to defend or protect. (in sport) relating to or intended as defence.
2 very anxious to challenge or avoid criticism.

- PHRASES
on the defensive expecting or resisting criticism or attack.

- DERIVATIVES defensively adv. defensiveness n.

defer^1

//

v. (defers, deferring, deferred) put off to a later time; postpone. Law (of a judge) postpone (a sentence) so that the circumstances or conduct of the defendant can be further assessed.

- DERIVATIVES deferment n. deferrable adj. deferral n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. differer ‘defer or differ’, from L. differre, from dis- ‘apart’ + ferre ‘bring, carry’.

defer^2

//

v. (defers, deferring, deferred) (defer to) submit to or acknowledge the merit of: he deferred to Tim's superior knowledge.

- DERIVATIVES deferrer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deferer, from L. deferre ‘carry away, refer’, from de- ‘away from’ + ferre ‘bring, carry’.

deference

//

n. polite submission and respect.

deferential

adj. showing deference; respectful.

- DERIVATIVES deferentially adv.

defervescence

//

n. Medicine the abatement of a fever.

- DERIVATIVES defervesce v.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. defervescent-, defervescere ‘to cease to boil’.

defiance

n. open resistance; bold disobedience.

- DERIVATIVES defiant adj. defiantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from defier ‘defy’.

defibrillation

//

n. Medicine the stopping of fibrillation of the heart by administering a controlled electric shock, to allow restoration of the normal rhythm.

- DERIVATIVES defibrillate v. defibrillator n.

deficiency

n. (pl. deficiencies) a lack or shortage. a failing or shortcoming.

deficiency disease

n. a disease caused by the lack of some essential element in the diet, usually a particular vitamin or mineral.

deficient

//

adj. not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient: a diet deficient in vitamin B. insufficient or inadequate.

- DERIVATIVES deficiently adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. deficient-, deficere (see defect^1).

deficit

//, //

n.
1 the amount by which something, especially a sum of money, falls short. an excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period.
2 technical a deficiency or failing, especially in a neurological or psychological function.

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. from L. deficit ‘it is lacking’, from deficere (see defect^1).

deficit spending

n. government spending, in excess of revenue, of funds raised by borrowing rather than from taxation.

defilade

//

n. Military the protection of a position, vehicle, or troops against enemy observation or gunfire.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. défiler ‘protect from the enemy’ + -ade^1.

defile^1

//

v. sully, mar, or spoil. desecrate or profane (something sacred). archaic rape or sexually assault (a woman).

- DERIVATIVES defilement n. defiler n.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of obs. defoul, from OFr. defouler ‘trample down’, influenced by obs. befile ‘befoul, defile’.

defile^2

//

n. also // a steep-sided narrow gorge or passage (originally one requiring troops to march in single file).
v. archaic (of troops) march in single file.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. défilé (n.), défiler (v.), from dé ‘away from’ + file ‘column, file’.

define

v.
1 state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of. give the meaning of (a word or phrase).
2 mark out the limits of.

- DERIVATIVES definable adj. definer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. definer, from a var. of L. definire, from de- (expressing completion) + finire ‘finish’.

definite

adj.
1 clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful. (of a person) certain or sure about something.
2 clearly true or real.
3 having exact and discernible physical limits.

- DERIVATIVES definiteness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. definitus ‘defined, set within limits’, past part. of definire (see define).

definite article

n. Grammar a determiner (the in English) that introduces a noun phrase and implies that the thing mentioned has already been mentioned, or is common knowledge, or is about to be defined.

definite integral

n. Mathematics an integral expressed as the difference between values at specified upper and lower limits of the independent variable.

definitely

adv. without doubt (used for emphasis).

definition

n.
1 a formal statement of the exact meaning of a word. an exact description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something. the action or process of defining.
2 the degree of distinctness in outline of an object or image.

- PHRASES
by definition by its very nature; intrinsically.

- DERIVATIVES definitional adj.

definitive

adj.
1 (of a conclusion or agreement) done or reached decisively and with authority. (of a book or other text) the most authoritative of its kind.
2 (of a postage stamp) for general use, not special or commemorative.
n. a definitive postage stamp.

- DERIVATIVES definitively adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. definitif, -ive, from L. definitivus, from definit-, definire (see define).

deflagration

n. Chemistry the action of heating a substance until it burns away rapidly.

- DERIVATIVES deflagrate v. deflagrator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. deflagratio(n-), from deflagrare ‘burn up’, from de- ‘away, thoroughly’ + flagrare ‘to burn’.

deflate

v.
1 let air or gas out of (a tyre, balloon, or similar object). be emptied of air or gas.
2 [usu. as adj. deflated] cause to feel suddenly dispirited.
3 Economics reduce price levels in (an economy).

- DERIVATIVES deflator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from de- + -flate (as in inflate).

deflation

n.
1 the action or process of deflating or being deflated.
2 Economics reduction of the general level of prices in an economy.
3 Geology the removal of particles of rock, sand, etc. by the wind.

- DERIVATIVES deflationary adj. deflationist n. & adj.

deflect

v. deviate or cause to deviate from a straight course.

- DERIVATIVES deflective adj. deflector n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. deflectere, from de- + flectere ‘to bend’.

deflection

(also deflexion)

n. the action or process of deflecting or being deflected. the amount by which something is deflected.

deflexed

adj. technical curving downwards or backwards.

deflocculate

//

v. Chemistry break up (a suspended substance) into finer particles, producing a dispersion.

- DERIVATIVES deflocculation n.

defloration

//

n. dated or literary the taking of a woman's virginity.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. defloratio(n-), from deflorare (see deflower).

deflower

v. dated or literary deprive (a woman) of her virginity.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desflourer, from a var. of late L. deflorare, from de- + L. flos, flor- ‘a flower’.

defoliant

n. a chemical that removes the leaves from trees and plants, often used in warfare.

defoliate

//

v. remove leaves or foliage from (a plant or area).

- DERIVATIVES defoliation n. defoliator n.

- ORIGIN C18: from late L. defoliat-, defoliare ‘to strip of leaves’, from de- + folium ‘leaf’.

deforest

v. clear of forest or trees.

- DERIVATIVES deforestation n.

deform

v. [often as adj. deformed] distort the shape or form of; make or become misshapen.

- DERIVATIVES deformable adj. deformation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desformer, via med. L. from L. deformare, from de- + forma ‘a shape’.

deformity

n. (pl. deformities) a deformed part, especially of the body. the state of being deformed: spinal deformity.

DEFRA

abbrev. (in the UK) Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.

defrag

v. (defrags, defragging, defragged) Computing short for defragment.

defragment

//

v. Computing reduce the fragmentation of (a file) by concatenating parts stored in separate locations.

- DERIVATIVES defragmentation n. defragmenter n.

defraud

v. illegally obtain money from (someone) by deception.

- DERIVATIVES defrauder n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. defrauder or L. defraudare, from de- + fraudare ‘to cheat’.

defray

//

v. provide money to pay (a cost).

- DERIVATIVES defrayable adj. defrayal n. defrayment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. défrayer, from dé- + obs. frai ‘cost, expenses’.

defrock

v. deprive (a person in holy orders) of ecclesiastical status.

defrost

v.
1 make or become free of accumulated ice.
2 thaw (frozen food).

- DERIVATIVES defroster n.

deft

adj. quick and neatly skilful.

- DERIVATIVES deftly adv. deftness n.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of daft, in the obs. sense ‘meek’.

defunct

//

adj. no longer existing or functioning.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. defunctus ‘dead’, past part. of defungi ‘carry out, finish’.

defuse

v.
1 remove the fuse from (an explosive device) in order to prevent it from exploding.
2 reduce the danger or tension in (a difficult situation).

defy

v. (defies, defying, defied)
1 openly resist or refuse to obey.
2 challenge to do or prove something: he glowered at her, defying her to mock him. be of such a kind or nature that (a specified action or attitude) is almost impossible: the effrontery of the man defied belief. archaic challenge to combat.

- DERIVATIVES defier n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desfier, based on L. dis- (expressing reversal) + fidus ‘faithful’.

deg.

abbrev. degree(s).

dégagé

//, //

adj. unconcerned or unconstrained.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., past part. of dégager ‘set free’.

degauss

//

v. Physics remove unwanted magnetism from.

- DERIVATIVES degausser n.

- ORIGIN mid 20th. cent.: from de- + the name of the 19th-cent. German physicist Karl Friedrich Gauss.

degenerate

adj. //
1 having lost the physical or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline. Biology having reverted to a simpler form as a result of losing a structure present in the ancestral form.
2 Physics relating to or denoting a quantized energy level corresponding to more than one state. denoting matter at such high density (e.g. in neutron stars) that quantum effects are dominant.
n. // a morally degenerate person.
v. // decline or deteriorate physically or morally.

- DERIVATIVES degeneracy n. degenerately adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. degeneratus ‘no longer of its kind’, from degenerare, from degener ‘debased’, from de- + genus, gener- ‘race, kind’.

degeneration

n. the state or process of being or becoming degenerate; decline or deterioration.

degenerative

adj. (of a disease or symptom) characterized by progressive deterioration and loss of function.

deglaze

v. make a gravy or sauce by adding liquid to the juices and food particles in (a pan in which meat has been cooked).

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. déglacer.

deglutition

//

n. technical the action or process of swallowing.

- DERIVATIVES deglutitive adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. déglutition or mod. L. deglutitio(n-), from deglutire ‘swallow down’.

degradation

//

n.
1 the condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
2 Geology the wearing down of rock by disintegration.

degrade

v.
1 cause to suffer a severe loss of dignity or respect; demean. lower the character or quality of. archaic reduce to a lower rank, especially as a punishment.
2 cause to break down or deteriorate chemically. Physics reduce (energy) to a less readily convertible form.

- DERIVATIVES degradability n. degradable adj. degradative adj. degrader n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. degrader, from eccles. L. degradare, from de- ‘down’ + L. gradus ‘grade’.

degrading

adj. causing a loss of self-respect; humiliating.

degrease

v. remove excess grease or fat from.

- DERIVATIVES degreasant n. degreaser n.

degree

n.
1 the amount, level, or extent to which something happens or is present.
2 a unit of measurement of angles, equivalent to one ninetieth of a right angle. (Symbol: °)
3 a unit in any of various scales of temperature, intensity, or hardness. (Symbol: °)
4 a stage in a scale or series, in particular: each of a set of grades (usually three) used to classify burns according to their severity. a legal grade of crime, especially murder. a step in direct genealogical descent: second-degree relatives. Music a position in a musical scale, counting upwards from the tonic or fundamental note.
5 an academic rank conferred by a college or university after examination or after completion of a course, or conferred as an honour.
6 archaic social or official rank.

- PHRASES
by degrees a little at a time; gradually.
to a degree to some extent. dated to a considerable extent.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. de- ‘down’ + gradus ‘grade’.

degree of freedom

n. technical each of a set of independent ways in which a system can change, in particular any of the directions in which motion is possible.

degressive

//

adj. reducing by gradual amounts. (of taxation) at successively lower rates on lower amounts.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. degress- ‘descended’ + -ive.

degustation

//

n. formal the action of tasting food or drink.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. degustatio(n-), from degustare, from de- ‘completely’ + gustare ‘to taste’.

de haut en bas

/ /

adv. & adj. in a condescending or superior manner.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘from above to below’.

dehisce

//

v. technical (of a pod or seed vessel, or of a cut or wound) gape or burst open.

- DERIVATIVES dehiscence n. dehiscent adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. dehiscere, from de- ‘away’ + hiscere ‘begin to gape’.

dehorn

v. remove the horns from (an animal).

dehumanize

(or dehumanise)

v. deprive of positive human qualities.

- DERIVATIVES dehumanization n.

dehumidify

v. (dehumidifies, dehumidifying, dehumidified) remove moisture from (the air or a gas).

- DERIVATIVES dehumidification n. dehumidifier n.

dehydrate

//, //

v. [often as adj. dehydrated] lose or cause to lose a large amount of water. remove water from (food) in order to preserve it.

- DERIVATIVES dehydration n. dehydrator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from de- + Gk hudros, hudr- ‘water’.

dehydrocholesterol

//

n. Biochemistry a compound present in the skin, which is converted to cholecalciferol (vitamin D_3) by ultraviolet light.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from dehydro- ‘that has lost hydrogen’ + cholesterol.

dehydrogenate

v. Chemistry remove a hydrogen atom or atoms from.

- DERIVATIVES dehydrogenation n.

de-ice

v. remove ice from.

- DERIVATIVES de-icer n.

deicide

//, //

n. the killing of a god. a person who kills a god.

- ORIGIN C17: from eccles. L. deicida, or directly from L. deus ‘god’ + -cide.

deictic

/ /

adj. Linguistics relating to or denoting a word or expression whose meaning is dependent on the context in which it is used (such as here, or next week).

- DERIVATIVES deictically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk deiktikos, deiktos ‘capable of proof’, from deiknunai ‘to show’.

deify

//, //

v. (deifies, deifying, deified) make into or worship as a god.

- DERIVATIVES deification n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deifier, from eccles. L. deificare, from deus ‘god’.

deign

//

v. do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity: she did not deign to answer.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. degnier, from L. dignare, dignari ‘deem worthy’, from dignus ‘worthy’.

Dei gratia

/ /, //

adv. by the grace of God.

- ORIGIN from L.

de-index

v. end the indexation to inflation of (pensions or other benefits).

deindustrialization

(or deindustrialisation)

n. the reduction of industrial activity or capacity in a region or economy.

- DERIVATIVES deindustrialize v.

deinonychus

//

n. a dromaeosaurid dinosaur of the mid Cretaceous period, growing up to 3.3 m (11 ft) in length.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk deinos ‘terrible’ + onux, onukh- ‘claw’.

deinstall

(also deinstal)

v. (deinstalls or deinstals, deinstalling, deinstalled) remove (an application or file) from a computer.

- DERIVATIVES deinstallation n. deinstaller n.

deinstitutionalize

(or deinstitutionalise)

v. discharge (a long-term inmate) from an institution such as a psychiatric hospital or prison.

- DERIVATIVES deinstitutionalization n.

deionize

(or deionise) //

v. [usu. as adj. deionized] remove the ions or ionic constituents from.

- DERIVATIVES deionization n. deionizer n.

deism

//, //

n. belief in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe. Compare with theism.

- DERIVATIVES deist n. deistic adj. deistical adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. deus ‘god’ + -ism.

deity

//, //

n. (pl. deities)
1 a god or goddess (especially in a polytheistic religion). (the Deity) the creator and supreme being.
2 divine status, quality, or nature.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deite, from eccles. L. deitas, from deus ‘god’.

deixis

/ /

n. Linguistics the function or use of deictic words or forms.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk, lit. ‘reference’, from deiknunai ‘to show’.

déjà vu

/ /

n. a feeling of having already experienced the present situation.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: Fr., lit. ‘already seen’.

deject

v. [usu. as adj. dejected] make sad or dispirited.

- DERIVATIVES dejectedly adv. dejection n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. deject-, deicere ‘throw down’, from de- ‘down’ + jacere ‘to throw’.

de jure

/ /, / /

adv. rightfully; by right. Often contrasted with de facto.
adj. rightful.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘of law’.

dekaliter

n. US variant spelling of decalitre.

dekameter

n. US variant spelling of decametre.

deke

// Ice Hockey

n. a deceptive movement that induces an opponent to move out of position.
v. draw (a player) out of position in this way.

- ORIGIN 1960s: shortened form of decoy.

dekko

//

n. Brit. informal a quick look or glance.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. used by the British army in India): from Hindi dekho ‘look!’, imper. of dekhn.

Del.

abbrev. Delaware.

delaminate

//

v. technical divide into layers.

- DERIVATIVES delamination n.

- ORIGIN C19: from de- + L. lamina ‘thin plate’ + -ate^3.

delate

//

v. archaic
1 report (an offence).
2 inform against.

- DERIVATIVES delation n. delator n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. delat-, deferre (see defer^2).

Delaware

//

n. (pl. same or Delawares)
1 a member of an American Indian people formerly inhabiting the Delaware River valley of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.
2 either of two Algonquian languages, both now extinct, spoken by the Delaware.

Delawarean

//

n. a native or inhabitant of the US state of Delaware.
adj. relating to Delaware.

delay

v.
1 become or cause to become late or slow.
2 postpone or defer.
n. a period of time by which something is late or postponed.

- DERIVATIVES delayer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. delayer (v.).

dele

//

n. a proofreader's sign () indicating matter to be deleted.
v. (deles, deleing, deled) delete or mark for deletion.

- ORIGIN L., ‘blot out! efface!’, imper. of delere.

delectable

adj.
1 (of food or drink) delicious.
2 humorous lovely; delightful.

- DERIVATIVES delectability n. delectably adv.

delectation

//

n. formal, chiefly humorous pleasure and delight.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. delectatio(n-), from delectare (see delight).

delegacy

//

n. (pl. delegacies) [treated as sing. or pl.] a body of delegates; a committee or delegation.

delegate

n. // a person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular a representative sent to a conference. a member of a committee.
v. // entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person. authorize (someone) to act as a representative or on one's behalf: Edward was delegated to meet new arrivals.

- DERIVATIVES delegable // adj. delegator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. delegatus ‘sent on a commission’, from delegare, from de- ‘down’ + legare ‘depute’.

delegation

n. [treated as sing. or pl.]
1 a body of delegates; a deputation.
2 the action or process of delegating or being delegated.

delegitimize

(or delegitimise)

v. withdraw legitimate status from.

- DERIVATIVES delegitimization n.

delete

v.
1 remove or erase (text).
2 remove (a product) from the catalogue of those available for purchase.

- DERIVATIVES deletion n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘destroy’): from L. delet-, delere ‘to blot out’.

deleterious

//

adj. formal causing harm or damage.

- DERIVATIVES deleteriously adv.

- ORIGIN C17: via med. L. from Gk dltrios ‘noxious’ + -ous.

delft

//

n. English or Dutch tin-glazed earthenware, typically decorated by hand in blue on a white background.

- DERIVATIVES delftware n.

- ORIGIN C17: from the name of the town of Delft in the Netherlands, where the pottery originated.

deli

n. (pl. delis) informal a delicatessen.

deliberate

adj. //
1 done consciously and intentionally. fully considered; not impulsive.
2 done or acting in a careful and unhurried way.
v. // engage in long and careful consideration.

- DERIVATIVES deliberately adv. deliberateness n. deliberator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. deliberat-, deliberare ‘consider carefully’.

deliberation

n.
1 long and careful consideration.
2 slow and careful movement or thought.

deliberative

adj. relating to or involving consideration or discussion: a deliberative assembly.

delicacy

n. (pl. delicacies)
1 fineness or intricacy of texture or structure.
2 susceptibility to illness or adverse conditions; fragility.
3 discretion and tact: treat this matter with the utmost delicacy.
4 a choice or expensive food.

delicate

adj.
1 very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality. (of food or drink) subtly and pleasantly flavoured.
2 easily broken or damaged; fragile. susceptible to illness or adverse conditions.
3 requiring sensitive or careful handling. skilful; deft.
n. (delicates) garments made from delicate fabric.

- PHRASES
in a delicate condition archaic pregnant.

- DERIVATIVES delicately adv. delicateness n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘delightful, charming’): from Fr. délicat or L. delicatus, of unknown origin.

delicatessen

//

n. a shop selling cooked meats, cheeses, and unusual or foreign prepared foods.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger. Delikatessen or Du. delicatessen, from Fr. délicatesse ‘delicateness’.

delicious

adj.
1 highly pleasant to the taste.
2 delightful: a delicious irony.

- DERIVATIVES deliciously adv. deliciousness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. deliciosus, from L. deliciae (pl.) ‘delight, pleasure’.

delict

//, //

n. Law a violation of the law; a tort.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. delictum ‘something showing fault’, neut. past part. of delinquere (see delinquent).

delight

v. please greatly. (delight in) take great pleasure in.
n. great pleasure. a cause or source of great pleasure.

- DERIVATIVES delighted adj. delightedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. delitier (v.), delit (n.), from L. delectare ‘to charm’, frequentative of delicere.

delightful

adj. causing delight; charming.

- DERIVATIVES delightfully adv. delightfulness n.

delimit

//

v. (delimits, delimiting, delimited) determine the limits or boundaries of.

- DERIVATIVES delimitation n. delimiter n.

delineate

//

v. describe or indicate precisely. trace the outline of (a border or boundary).

- DERIVATIVES delineation // n. delineator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. delineat-, delineare ‘to outline’.

delinquency

n. (pl. delinquencies)
1 minor crime, especially that committed by young people.
2 formal neglect of one's duty.
3 chiefly US a failure to pay an outstanding debt.

delinquent

//

adj.
1 (typically of young people) tending to commit crime.
2 formal failing in one's duty.
3 N. Amer. in arrears: delinquent accounts.
n. a delinquent person.

- DERIVATIVES delinquently adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. delinquent-, delinquere ‘to offend’.

deliquesce

//

v.
1 (of organic matter) become liquid, typically during decomposition.
2 Chemistry (of a solid) become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air.

- DERIVATIVES deliquescence n. deliquescent adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. deliquescere ‘dissolve’.

delirious

adj.
1 suffering from delirium.
2 in a state of wild excitement or ecstasy.

- DERIVATIVES deliriously adv.

delirium

//

n. an acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence of thought and speech, occurring in fever and other disorders and in intoxication.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from delirare ‘deviate, be deranged’ (lit. ‘deviate from the furrow’), from de- ‘away’ + lira ‘ridge between furrows’.

delirium tremens

//, //

n. a psychotic condition typical of withdrawal in chronic alcoholics, involving tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and disorientation.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘trembling delirium’.

delist

v. remove from a list, in particular remove (a security) from the official register of a stock exchange.

deliver

v.
1 bring and hand over (a letter or goods) to the appropriate recipient. formally hand over (someone).
2 provide (something promised or expected). Law acknowledge that one intends to be bound by (a deed), either explicitly by declaration or implicitly by formal handover.
3 launch or aim (a blow or attack).
4 state or present in a formal manner: he will deliver a lecture on endangered species.
5 assist in the birth of. (also be delivered of) give birth to.
6 save or set free: deliver us from the nightmare of junk paper.

- DERIVATIVES deliverable adj. & n. deliverer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. delivrer, based on L. de- ‘away’ + liberare ‘set free’.

deliverance

n.
1 the process of being rescued or set free.
2 a formal or authoritative utterance.

delivery

n. (pl. deliveries)
1 the action of delivering something, especially letters or goods.
2 the process of giving birth.
3 an act or manner of throwing or bowling a ball, especially a cricket ball.
4 the manner or style of giving a speech.
5 Law the acknowledgement by the maker of a deed that they intend to be bound by it.

- PHRASES
take delivery of receive (something purchased).

dell

n. literary a small valley.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin; rel. to dale.

delocalize

(or delocalise)

v. detach or remove from a particular location.

- DERIVATIVES delocalization n.

delouse

//

v. treat (a person or animal) to rid them of lice and other parasitic insects.

Delphic

// (also Delphian //)

adj.
1 relating to the ancient Greek oracle at Delphi.
2 deliberately obscure or ambiguous.

delphinium

//

n. (pl. delphiniums) a popular garden plant bearing tall spikes of blue flowers.   Genus Delphinium.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk delphinion ‘larkspur’, from delphin ‘dolphin’ (because of the shape of the spur, thought to resemble a dolphin's back).

delta^1

n.
1 the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (, ), transliterated as ‘d’. [as modifier] denoting the fourth in a series of items or categories. Brit. a fourth-class mark given for a piece of work.
2 a code word representing the letter D, used in radio communication.
symb. Mathematics variation of a variable or quantity.

- ORIGIN Gk, from Phoenician daleth.

delta^2

n. a triangular tract of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river, typically where it diverges into several outlets.

- DERIVATIVES deltaic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: orig. the Delta (of the River Nile), from the shape of the Gk letter (see delta^1).

delta rays

pl. n. Physics rays of low penetrative power consisting of slow electrons or other particles ejected from atoms by the impact of ionizing radiation.

delta rhythm

n. electrical activity of the brain typical of sleep, consisting of oscillations (delta waves) with a frequency of 1 to 8 Hz.

delta-v

n. informal acceleration.

- ORIGIN late 20th cent.: from delta^1 (as a mathematical symbol denoting variation) + v for velocity.

delta wing

n. the single triangular swept-back wing on some aircraft.

deltiologist

//

n. a person who collects postcards as a hobby.

- DERIVATIVES deltiology n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk deltion (dimin. of deltos ‘writing tablet’) + -logist.

deltoid

//

adj. technical
1 triangular.
2 denoting a thick triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint and used for raising the arm away from the body.
n. a deltoid muscle, or one of the three parts of a deltoid muscle.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. deltoïde, or via mod. L. from Gk deltoeids.

delude

//

v. make (someone) believe something false.

- DERIVATIVES deluded adj. deludedly adv. deluder n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. deludere ‘to mock’, from de- + ludere ‘to play’.

deluge

//

n.
1 a severe flood. a very heavy fall of rain.
2 a great quantity of something arriving at the same time: a deluge of complaints.
v.
1 flood.
2 inundate; overwhelm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., var. of diluve, from L. diluvium, from diluere ‘wash away’.

delusion

n.
1 an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is not in accordance with a generally accepted reality.
2 the action of deluding or the state of being deluded.

- DERIVATIVES delusional adj. delusive adj. delusory adj.

de luxe

/ /, //

adj. luxurious or sumptuous; of a superior kind.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘of luxury’.

delve

v.
1 reach inside a receptacle and search for something.
2 research intensively into something.

- DERIVATIVES delver n.

- ORIGIN OE delfan ‘dig’, of W. Gmc origin.

Dem.

abbrev. US Democrat.

demagnetize

(or demagnetise)

v. remove magnetic properties from.

- DERIVATIVES demagnetization n. demagnetizer n.

demagogue

//

n.
1 a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
2 (in ancient Greece and Rome) an orator who espoused the cause of the common people.

- DERIVATIVES demagogic // adj. demagoguery // n. demagogy n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk dmaggos, from dmos ‘the people’ + aggos ‘leading’.

demand

n.
1 an insistent and peremptory request, made as of right. (demands) pressing requirements.
2 the desire of purchasers, consumers, etc. for a particular commodity or service: a recent slump in demand.
v. ask authoritatively or brusquely. insist on having. require; need.

- PHRASES
in demand sought after.
on demand as soon as or whenever required.

- DERIVATIVES demander n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. demande (n.), demander (v.), from L. demandare ‘hand over, entrust’.

demanding

adj. requiring much skill or effort: a demanding job.

- DERIVATIVES demandingly adv.

demarcation

n.
1 the action of fixing boundaries or limits. a dividing line.
2 Brit. the practice of requiring that specific jobs be assigned to members of particular trade unions.

- DERIVATIVES demarcate v. demarcator n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Sp. demarcación (from demarcar ‘mark the bounds of’), orig. used with ref. to the line dividing the New World between the Spanish and Portuguese, laid down by the Pope in 1493.

démarche

//

n. a political step or initiative.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., from démarcher ‘take steps’.

demark

//

v. set the boundaries or limits of.

- ORIGIN C19: from demarcation.

demassify

//

v. (demassifies, demassifying, demassified) divide or break up into component parts.

- DERIVATIVES demassification n.

dematerialize

(or dematerialise)

v. make or become no longer physically present, or spiritual rather than physical.

- DERIVATIVES dematerialization n.

deme

//

n.
1 a political division in ancient or modern Greece.
2 Biology a subdivision of a population consisting of closely related plants or animals.

- ORIGIN from Gk dmos ‘people’.

demean^1

//

v. cause to suffer a severe loss of dignity or respect. (demean oneself) do something that is beneath one's dignity.

- DERIVATIVES demeaning adj. demeaningly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from de- + the adj. mean^2, on the pattern of debase.

demean^2

//

v. (demean oneself) archaic conduct oneself.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. demener ‘to lead’.

demeanour

(US demeanor)

n. outward behaviour or bearing.

- ORIGIN C15: from demean^2, prob. influenced by obs. havour ‘behaviour’.

demented

adj.
1 suffering from dementia.
2 informal wild and irrational.

- DERIVATIVES dementedly adv. dementedness n.

- ORIGIN C17: past part. of earlier dement ‘drive mad’: from Fr. dément or L. demens, dement- ‘insane’.

démenti

//

n. an official denial of a published statement.

- ORIGIN Fr., from démentir ‘contradict or accuse of lying’.

dementia

//

n. Medicine a chronic or persistent mental disorder marked by memory failures, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., from demens, dement- ‘out of one's mind’.

dementia praecox

//

n. archaic term for schizophrenia.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘early insanity’.

demerara sugar

//, //

n. Brit. light brown cane sugar coming originally and chiefly from the region of Demerara in Guyana.

demerge

v. Brit. separate (a company) from another with which it was merged.

- DERIVATIVES demerger n.

demerit

n.
1 a feature or fact deserving censure.
2 N. Amer. a mark awarded against someone for a fault or offence.

- DERIVATIVES demeritorious // adj.

demersal

//

adj. (of fish) living close to the seabed.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. demersus (past part. of demergere ‘submerge, sink’) + -al.

demesne

//, //

n. historical
1 land attached to a manor and retained by the owner for their own use. archaic a domain.
2 Law possession of real property in one's own right.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. demeine ‘belonging to a lord’, from L. dominicus, from dominus ‘lord, master’.

demi-

prefix
1 half: demisemiquaver.
2 partially; in an inferior degree: demigod.

- ORIGIN via Fr. from med. L. dimedius ‘half’, from earlier dimidius.

demi-glace

// (also demi-glaze)

n. a rich, glossy brown sauce, typically flavoured with wine and served with meat.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘half glaze’.

demigod

(or demigoddess)

n. a being with partial or lesser divine status.

demijohn

n. a bulbous narrow-necked bottle holding from 3 to 10 gallons of liquid.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. an alt. of Fr. dame-jeanne ‘Lady Jane’, assoc. with demi- and the given name John.

demilitarize

(or demilitarise)

v. [usu. as adj. demilitarized] remove all military forces from: a demilitarized zone.

- DERIVATIVES demilitarization n.

demilune

//

n. a crescent or half-circle, or a thing of this shape.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. demi-lune, lit. ‘half-moon’.

demi-mondaine

//

n. a woman considered to belong to the demi-monde.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

demi-monde

//

n. a group considered to be on the fringes of respectable society.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr. (orig. with ref. to 19th-cent. France and the class of women considered morally dubious), lit. ‘half-world’.

demine

v. remove explosive mines from.

- DERIVATIVES deminer n.

demineralize

(or demineralise)

v. remove salts or minerals from.

- DERIVATIVES demineralization n.

demi-pension

//

n. hotel accommodation with bed, breakfast, and one main meal per day.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘half board’.

demise

//

n.
1 the end or failure of something.
2 a person's death.
3 Law the transfer of property or a title by demising.
v. Law convey or grant by will or lease.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., past part. (used as n.) of OFr. desmettre ‘dismiss’.

demi-sec

//

adj. (of wine) medium dry.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘half-dry’.

demisemiquaver

//

n. Music, chiefly Brit. a note having the time value of half a semiquaver.

demist

//

v. Brit. clear condensation from.

- DERIVATIVES demister n.

demit

//

v. (demits, demitting, demitted) formal resign from (a position).

- DERIVATIVES demission n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. démettre, from dé- ‘away from’ + mettre ‘put’.

demitasse

//

n. a small coffee cup.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., lit. ‘half-cup’.

demiurge

//, //

n.
1 (in Platonic philosophy) the creator of the world.
2 (in Gnosticism) a heavenly being subordinate to the supreme being, considered to control the material world.

- DERIVATIVES demiurgic // adj. demiurgical adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via eccles. L. from Gk dmiourgos ‘craftsman’, from dmios ‘public’ + -ergos ‘working’.

demo

informal

n. (pl. demos)
1 chiefly Brit. a public demonstration.
2 a demonstration recording or piece of software.
v. (demos, demoing, demoed) give a demonstration of.

demob

// Brit. informal

v. (demobs, demobbing, demobbed) demobilize.
n. demobilization.

demobilize

(or demobilise) //

v. take (troops) out of active service.

- DERIVATIVES demobilization n.

democracy

//

n. (pl. democracies) a form of government in which the people have a voice in the exercise of power, typically through elected representatives. a state governed in such a way. control of a group by the majority of its members.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. démocratie, via late L. from Gk dmokratia, from dmos ‘the people’ + -kratia ‘power, rule’.

democrat

n.
1 a supporter of democracy.
2 (Democrat) (in the US) a member of the Democratic Party.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting an opponent of the aristocrats in the French Revolution of 1790): from Fr. démocrate, on the pattern of aristocrate ‘aristocrat’.

democratic

adj.
1 relating to or supporting democracy. egalitarian.
2 (Democratic) (in the US) relating to the Democratic Party.

- DERIVATIVES democratically adv.

democratize

(or democratise)

v. introduce a democratic system or democratic principles to.

- DERIVATIVES democratization n.

démodé

//

adj. out of fashion.

- ORIGIN Fr., past part. of démoder ‘go out of fashion’.

demodectic mange

//

n. a form of mange tending to affect chiefly the head and foreparts.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Demodex (genus name of a mite, from Gk dmos ‘fat’ + dx ‘woodworm’) + -ic.

demodulate

v. Electronics extract (a modulating signal) from its carrier.

- DERIVATIVES demodulation n. demodulator n.

demography

//

n. the study of the structure of human populations using statistics relating to births, deaths, wealth, disease, etc.

- DERIVATIVES demographer n. demographic // adj. demographical adj. demographically adv. demographics pl. n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dmos ‘the people’ + -graphy.

Demoi

plural form of Demos.

demoiselle

//

n. archaic or literary a young woman.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from OFr. dameisele ‘damsel’.

demoiselle crane

n. a small crane, breeding in SE Europe and central Asia.   Anthropoides virgo.

demolish

//

v.
1 pull or knock down (a building).
2 comprehensively refute or defeat.
3 humorous eat up (food) quickly.

- DERIVATIVES demolisher n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. démoliss-, lengthened stem of démolir, from L. demoliri, from de- (expressing reversal) + moliri ‘construct’.

demolition

//

n. the action or process of demolishing or being demolished.

- DERIVATIVES demolitionist n.

- ORIGIN C16: via Fr. from L. demolitio(n-), from demoliri (see demolish).

demon^1

n.
1 an evil spirit or devil. often humorous an evil or destructive person or thing: I was a little demon, I can tell you.
2 [as modifier] denoting a person forceful or skilful in a specified role: a demon cook.
3 another term for daemon^1.
4 variant spelling of daemon^2.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L., from L. daemon (or its dimin. daemonium), from Gk daimn ‘deity, genius’.

demon^2

n. Austral./NZ informal a police officer.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from Van Diemen's Land, an early name for Tasmania, or based on dee (sl. term for detective) + man.

demonetize

(or demonetise) //, //

v. deprive a coin or precious metal of its status as money.

- DERIVATIVES demonetization n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. démonétiser, from dé- (expressing reversal) + L. moneta ‘money’.

demoniac

//

adj. demonic.
n. a person supposedly possessed by an evil spirit.

- DERIVATIVES demoniacal adj. demoniacally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. demoniaque, from eccles. L. daemoniacus, from daemonium (see demon^1).

demonic

//

adj. resembling or characteristic of demons or evil spirits.

- DERIVATIVES demonically adv.

demonism

//

n.
1 belief in the power of demons.
2 demonic action or behaviour.

demonize

(or demonise)

v. portray as wicked and threatening.

- DERIVATIVES demonization n.

demono-

//

comb. form relating to demons: demonolatry.

demonolatry

//

n. the worship of demons.

demonology

n. (pl. demonologies) the study of demons or demonism. a set of beliefs about a group regarded as harmful or unwelcome.

- DERIVATIVES demonological adj. demonologist n.

demonstrable

//, //

adj. clearly apparent or capable of being logically proved.

- DERIVATIVES demonstrability n. demonstrably adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. demonstrabilis.

demonstrate

v.
1 clearly show the existence or truth of. give a practical exhibition and explanation of.
2 take part in a public demonstration.

- DERIVATIVES demonstrator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. demonstrat-, demonstrare ‘point out’.

demonstration

n.
1 the action of demonstrating something.
2 a public meeting or march expressing protest or other opinion on an issue.

- DERIVATIVES demonstrational adj.

demonstrative

//

adj.
1 tending to show affectionate or other feelings openly.
2 serving to demonstrate something.
3 Grammar (of a determiner or pronoun) indicating the person or thing referred to (e.g. this, that, those).
n. Grammar a demonstrative determiner or pronoun.

- DERIVATIVES demonstratively adv. demonstrativeness n.

demoralize

(or demoralise)

v.
1 cause to lose confidence or hope.
2 archaic corrupt the morals of.

- DERIVATIVES demoralization n. demoralized adj. demoralizing adj. demoralizingly adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. démoraliser (a word of the Fr. Revolution).

Demos

//

n. (pl. Demoi //) the common people of an ancient Greek state.

- ORIGIN from Gk dmos.

demote

v. give a lower rank or less senior position to, often as a punishment.

- DERIVATIVES demotion n.

- ORIGIN C19: from de- + a shortened form of promote.

demotic

//

adj.
1 denoting or relating to the kind of language used by ordinary people; colloquial.
2 denoting or relating to the form of modern Greek used in everyday speech and writing. Compare with katharevousa.
3 denoting a simplified, cursive form of ancient Egyptian script. Compare with hieratic.
n. demotic speech, language, or writing.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dmotikos, from dmots ‘one of the people’, from dmos ‘the people’.

demotivate

v. make less eager to work or study.

- DERIVATIVES demotivation n.

demountable

adj. able to be dismantled or removed and readily reassembled or repositioned.

- DERIVATIVES demount v.

demulcent

//

adj. Medicine relieving inflammation or irritation.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. demulcent-, demulcere ‘to stroke caressingly’, from de- ‘away’ + mulcere ‘soothe’.

demur

//

v. (demurs, demurring, demurred) raise doubts or objections; show reluctance.
n. the action of demurring: they accepted this ruling without demur.

- DERIVATIVES demurral n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. demourer (v.), demeure (n.), based on L. de- ‘away, completely’ + morari ‘delay’.

demure

//, //

adj. (demurer, demurest) (of a woman) reserved, modest, and shy.

- DERIVATIVES demurely adv. demureness n.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OFr. demoure, past part. of demourer (see demur); influenced by OFr. mur ‘grave’.

demurrage

//

n. Law a charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship on failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.

demurrer

//

n. Law, dated an objection granting the factual basis of an opponent's point but dismissing it as irrelevant or invalid. formal an objection.

- ORIGIN C16: from Anglo-Norman Fr. (infin. used as n.), from OFr. demourer (see demur).

demutualize

(or demutualise) //, //

v. change (a mutual organization such as a building society) to one of a different kind.

- DERIVATIVES demutualization n.

demy

//

n.
1 a paper size, 564 × 444 mm.
2 (also demy octavo) a book size, 216 × 138 mm.
3 (also demy quarto) a book size, 276 × 219 mm.

- ORIGIN ME: from demi-, or its source, Fr. demi ‘half’.

demyelinate

//

v. Medicine cause the loss of myelin in (nerve tissue).

- DERIVATIVES demyelination n.

demystify

v. (demystifies, demystifying, demystified) make (a subject) easier to understand.

- DERIVATIVES demystification n.

demythologize

(or demythologise)

v. reinterpret (a subject) so that it is free of mythical elements.

den

n.
1 a wild animal's lair or habitation.
2 informal a person's private room.
3 a place where people meet secretly or illicitly: an opium den.
v. (dens, denning, denned) (of an animal) live in or retreat to a den.

- ORIGIN OE denn, of Gmc origin.

denar

//

n. the basic monetary unit of Macedonia.

- ORIGIN based on L. denarius; cf. dinar.

denarius

//, //

n. (pl. denarii //, //) an ancient Roman silver coin, originally worth ten asses. an ancient Roman gold coin worth 25 silver denarii.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘containing ten’, from deni ‘in tens’.

denary

//

adj. relating to or based on the number ten.

denationalize

(or denationalise)

v.
1 transfer from public to private ownership.
2 deprive of nationality or national characteristics.

- DERIVATIVES denationalization n.

denaturalize

(or denaturalise)

v.
1 make unnatural.
2 deprive of citizenship of a country.

- DERIVATIVES denaturalization n.

denature

//

v.
1 take away or alter the natural qualities of.
2 make (alcohol) unfit for drinking by adding toxic or foul-tasting substances.

- DERIVATIVES denaturant n. denaturation n.

dendrimer

//

n. Chemistry a synthetic polymer with a branching, tree-like structure.

dendrite

//

n.
1 a short extension of a nerve cell conducting impulses to the cell body.
2 a crystalline mass with a branching, tree-like structure. a natural tree-like marking on a rock or mineral.

- DERIVATIVES dendritic // adj. dendritically adv.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from Gk dendrits ‘tree-like’.

dendro-

//

comb. form relating to a tree or trees: dendrology.

- ORIGIN from Gk dendron ‘tree’.

dendrochronology

n. a technique of dating based on the investigation of annual growth rings in tree trunks.

- DERIVATIVES dendrochronological adj. dendrochronologist n.

dendrogram

//

n. a tree diagram.

dendroid

//

adj. Biology tree-shaped; branching.

dendrology

//

n. the scientific study of trees.

- DERIVATIVES dendrological adj. dendrologist n.

Dene

//, //

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a group of American Indian peoples of the Canadian North-West and Alaska.
2 any of the Athabaskan languages of the Dene.

- ORIGIN from Fr. Déné, from an Athabaskan word meaning ‘people’.

dene^1

// (also dean)

n. [usu. in place names] Brit. a deep, narrow, wooded valley.

- ORIGIN OE denu, of Gmc origin; rel. to den.

dene^2

//

n. dialect a bare sandy tract or low sandhill by the sea.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. of Gmc origin and rel. to dune.

denervate

//

v. Medicine cut off the nerve supply from.

- DERIVATIVES denervation n.

dengue

// (also dengue fever)

n. a debilitating tropical viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing sudden fever and acute pains in the joints.

- ORIGIN C19: from W. Ind. Sp., from Kiswahili dinga, influenced by Sp. dengue ‘fastidiousness’ (with ref. to the dislike of movement by affected patients).

deniable

adj. able to be denied.

- DERIVATIVES deniability n. deniably adv.

denial

n.
1 the action of denying something.
2 Psychology refusal to acknowledge an unacceptable truth or emotion, used as a defence mechanism.

denier^1

//

n.
1 a unit by which the fineness of yarn is measured, equal to the weight in grams of 9,000 metres of the yarn.
2 a former French coin equal to one twelfth of a sou.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense 2): via OFr. from L. denarius (see denarius).

denier^2

//

n. a person who denies something.

denigrate

//

v. criticize unfairly; disparage.

- DERIVATIVES denigration n. denigrator n. denigratory // adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘blacken, make dark’): from L. denigrat-, denigrare, from de- ‘away, completely’ + nigare (from niger ‘black’).

denim

n. a hard-wearing cotton twill fabric, typically blue. (denims) jeans or other clothes made of denim.

- ORIGIN C17 (as serge denim): from Fr. serge de Nîmes, denoting serge from the town of Nîmes.

denitrify

//

v. (denitrifies, denitrifying, denitrified) remove the nitrates or nitrites from (soil, water, etc.) by chemical reduction.

- DERIVATIVES denitrification n.

denizen

//

n.
1 formal or humorous an inhabitant or occupant: denizens of field and forest.
2 Brit. historical a foreigner allowed certain rights in their adopted country.

- DERIVATIVES denizenship n.

- ORIGIN ME deynseyn, via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. deinz ‘within’ + -ein (from L. -aneus ‘-aneous’); influenced by citizen.

denominal

//

adj. (of a word) derived from a noun.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from de- + nominal.

denominate

//

v.
1 formal call; name.
2 (be denominated) (of sums of money) be expressed in a specified monetary unit.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. denominat-, denominare, from de- ‘away, formally’ + nominare ‘to name’.

denomination

n.
1 a recognized autonomous branch of a church or religion.
2 the face value of a banknote, coin, or postage stamp. the rank of a playing card.
3 formal a name or designation.

denominational

adj. relating to a particular religious denomination.

- DERIVATIVES denominationalism n.

denominator

n. Mathematics the number below the line in a vulgar fraction; a divisor.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. dénominateur or med. L. denominator.

de nos jours

/ /

adj. [postpos.] contemporary.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘of our days’.

denote

//

v. be a sign of; indicate. stand as a name or symbol for.

- DERIVATIVES denotation n. denotational adj. denotative // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. dénoter or L. denotare, from de- ‘away, thoroughly’ + notare ‘observe, note’.

denouement

// (also dénouement)

n. the final part of a play, film, etc. in which matters are explained or resolved.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr. dénouement, from dénouer ‘unknot’.

denounce

v. publicly declare to be wrong or evil.

- DERIVATIVES denouncement n. denouncer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. denoncier, from L. denuntiare, based on nuntius ‘messenger’.

de novo

/ /, //

adv. & adj. starting from the beginning; anew.

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘from new’.

dense

adj.
1 closely compacted in substance. crowded closely together.
2 informal (of a person) stupid.

- DERIVATIVES densely adv. denseness n. densification n. densify v. (densifies, densifying, densified).

- ORIGIN ME: from L. densus.

densitometer

//

n.
1 an instrument for measuring the photographic density of an image.
2 a device for measuring the optical density of a material.

- DERIVATIVES densitometric adj. densitometrically adv. densitometry n.

density

n. (pl. densities)
1 the degree of compactness of a substance. Computing a measure of the amount of information on a storage medium. the opacity of a photographic image.
2 the quantity of people or things in a given area or space.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. densité or L. densitas, from densus ‘dense’.

dent

n. a slight hollow in a hard even surface made by a blow or pressure.
v.
1 mark with a dent.
2 have an adverse effect on: the experience dented her confidence.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of dint.

dental

adj.
1 relating to the teeth or dentistry.
2 Phonetics (of a consonant) pronounced with the tip of the tongue against the upper front teeth (as th) or the alveolar ridge (as n, d, t).

- DERIVATIVES dentalize (or dentalise) v. dentally adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. dentalis, from L. dens, dent- ‘tooth’.

dental floss

n. a soft thread used to clean between the teeth.

dentalium

//

n. tusk shells used as ornaments or (formerly) as money.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from late L. dentalis (see dental).

dental surgeon

n. a dentist.

dentary

//

n. (pl. dentaries) Zoology the bone of the lower jaw which bears the teeth.

- ORIGIN C19: from late L. dentarius.

dentate

//

adj. Botany & Zoology having a tooth-like or serrated edge.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dentatus.

dentelle

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) ornamental tooling used in bookbinding, resembling lace edging.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., ‘lace’.

denticle

//

n. Zoology a small tooth or tooth-like projection.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. denticulus, dimin. of dens, dent- ‘tooth’.

denticulate

//

adj. having small teeth or tooth-like projections.

- DERIVATIVES denticulated adj.

dentifrice

//

n. a paste or powder for cleaning the teeth.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., from L. dentifricium, from dens, dent- ‘tooth’ + fricare ‘to rub’.

dentil

//

n. Architecture one of a series of small tooth-like rectangular blocks used as a decoration under the moulding of a cornice.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. dentello or obs. Fr. dentille, dimin. of dent ‘tooth’.

dentine

// (US dentin //)

n. hard dense bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.

- DERIVATIVES dentinal // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. dens, dent- ‘tooth’ + -ine^4.

dentist

n. a person who is qualified to treat the diseases and conditions that affect the teeth and gums.

- DERIVATIVES dentistry n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. dentiste, from dent ‘tooth’.

dentition

//

n. the arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dentitio(n-), from dentire ‘teethe’.

denture

//

n. a removable plate or frame holding one or more artificial teeth.

- DERIVATIVES denturist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr.

denuclearize

(or denuclearise)

v. remove nuclear weapons from.

- DERIVATIVES denuclearization n.

denude

v. (often be denuded of) strip of covering or possessions; make bare.

- DERIVATIVES denudation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. denudare, from de- ‘completely’ + nudare ‘to bare’.

denumerable

//

adj. Mathematics able to be counted by one-to-one correspondence with the set of integers.

- DERIVATIVES denumerability n. denumerably adv.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from late L. denumerare ‘count out’.

denunciation

//

n. the action of denouncing someone or something.

- DERIVATIVES denunciator n. denunciatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. denuntiatio(n-), from denuntiare (see denounce).

deny

//

v. (denies, denying, denied)
1 refuse to admit the truth or existence of.
2 refuse to give (something requested or desired) to (someone). (deny oneself) go without. archaic refuse access to.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deni-, deneier, from L. denegare, from de- ‘formally’ + negare ‘say no’.

deoch an doris

/ /, // (also doch an dorris)

n. Scottish & Irish a final drink taken before parting.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sc. Gaelic deoch an doruis ‘drink at the door’.

deodar

//

n. a tall cedar with drooping branches, native to the Himalayas.   Cedrus deodara.

- ORIGIN C19: from Hindi deodr, from Sanskrit devadru ‘divine tree’.

deodorant

//

n. a substance which removes or conceals unpleasant bodily odours.

- ORIGIN C19: from de- + L. odor ‘smell’ + -ant.

deodorize

(or deodorise)

v. remove or conceal an unpleasant smell in.

- DERIVATIVES deodorization n. deodorizer n.

Deo gratias

/ /, //

exclam. thanks be to God.

- ORIGIN from L.

deontic

//

adj. Philosophy relating to duty and obligation as ethical concepts.

- ORIGIN C19: (as n. deontics) from Gk deont- ‘being right’ (from dei ‘it is right’) + -ic.

deontology

//

n. Philosophy the study of the nature of duty and obligation.

- DERIVATIVES deontological adj. deontologist n.

Deo volente

/ /

adv. God willing; if nothing prevents it.

- ORIGIN from L.

deoxygenate

//

v. remove oxygen from.

- DERIVATIVES deoxygenation n.

deoxyribonucleic acid

//

n. see DNA.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from a blend of deoxyribose and nucleic acid.

deoxyribose

//, //

n. Biochemistry a sugar derived from ribose by replacement of a hydroxyl group by hydrogen.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from de- (expressing reduction) + oxy-2 + ribose.

dep.

abbrev.
1 departs.
2 deputy.

depart

v.
1 leave, especially in order to start a journey.
2 (depart from) deviate from (an accepted, prescribed, or usual course of action).

- PHRASES
depart this life archaic die.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. departir, based on L. dispertire ‘to divide’.

departed

adj. dead.

department

n.
1 a division of a large organization or building, dealing with a specific area of activity.
2 an administrative district in France and other countries.
3 (one's department) informal an area of special expertise or responsibility. a specified aspect or quality: he was a bit lacking in the height department.

- DERIVATIVES departmental adj. departmentalism n. departmentalization (or departmentalisation) n. departmentalize (or departmentalise) v. departmentally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. departement, from departir (see depart).

department store

n. a large shop stocking many varieties of goods in different departments.

departure

n.
1 the action of departing. a deviation from an accepted, prescribed, or usual course of action.
2 Nautical the amount of a ship's change of longitude.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. departeure.

depasture

v. Brit. put to graze on pasture.

- DERIVATIVES depasturage n.

depauperate

//

adj. Biology lacking in numbers or variety of species. imperfectly developed.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘impoverished’): from med. L. depauperat-, depauperare, from de- ‘completely’ + pauperare ‘make poor’.

depend

v.
1 (depend on) be controlled or determined by.
2 (depend on) rely on.
3 archaic or literary hang down.

- PHRASES
depending on according to.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dependre, from L. dependere, from de- ‘down’ + pendere ‘hang’.

dependable

adj. trustworthy and reliable.

- DERIVATIVES dependability n. dependably adv.

dependant

(also dependent)

n. a person who relies on another, especially a family member, for financial support.

dependency

n. (pl. dependencies)
1 a country or province controlled by another.
2 the state of being dependent.

dependent

adj.
1 (dependent on) contingent on or determined by.
2 relying on someone or something for financial or other support. (dependent on) unable to do without: dependent on drugs.
3 Grammar subordinate to another clause, phrase, or word.
n. variant spelling of dependant.

- DERIVATIVES dependence n. dependently adv.

- ORIGIN ME dependant ‘hanging down’, from OFr., pres. part. of dependre (see depend).

dependent variable

n. Mathematics a variable (often denoted by y) whose value depends on that of another.

depersonalize

(or depersonalise)

v. divest of human characteristics or individuality.

- DERIVATIVES depersonalization n.

depict

//

v. represent by a drawing, painting, or other art form. portray in words.

- DERIVATIVES depicter n. depiction n. depictive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. depict-, depingere, from de- ‘completely’ + pingere ‘to paint’.

depigment

//

v. [usu. as adj. depigmented] reduce or remove the pigmentation of (the skin).

- DERIVATIVES depigmentation n.

depilate

//

v. remove the hair from.

- DERIVATIVES depilation n. depilator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as depilation): from L. depilat-, depilare, from de- (expressing removal) + pilare (from pilus ‘hair’).

depilatory

//

adj. used to remove unwanted hair.
n. (pl. depilatories) a depilatory cream or lotion.

deplane

v. N. Amer. disembark from an aircraft.

deplete

//

v. reduce the number or quantity of: fish stocks are severely depleted.

- DERIVATIVES depleter n. depletion n.

- ORIGIN C19 (earlier (C17) as depletion): from L. deplet-, deplere ‘empty out’, from de- (expressing reversal) + plere ‘fill’.

depleted uranium

n. uranium from which most of the fissile isotope uranium-235 has been removed.

deplorable

//

adj. deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad.

- DERIVATIVES deplorably adv.

deplore

//

v. feel or express strong disapproval of.

- DERIVATIVES deploring adj. deploringly adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘weep for, regret deeply’): from Fr. déplorer or Ital. deplorare, from L. deplorare, from de- ‘away, thoroughly’ + plorare ‘bewail’.

deploy

//

v. bring or move into position for military action. bring into effective action.

- DERIVATIVES deployable adj. deployment n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. déployer, from L. displicare and late L. deplicare ‘unfold or explain’.

deplume

v. remove feathers from (a bird).

depolarize

(or depolarise) //

v. Physics reduce or remove the polarization of.

- DERIVATIVES depolarization n.

depoliticize

(or depoliticise)

v. remove from political activity or influence.

- DERIVATIVES depoliticization n.

depolymerize

(or depolymerise) //

v. Chemistry break (a polymer) down into smaller units.

- DERIVATIVES depolymerization n.

deponent

//

adj. Grammar denoting verbs which are passive or middle in form but active in meaning.
n. Law a person who makes a deposition or affidavit under oath.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. deponent-, deponere ‘lay aside, put down’.

depopulate

v. substantially reduce the population of (an area).

- DERIVATIVES depopulation n.

deport

v.
1 expel (a foreigner or immigrant) from a country.
2 (deport oneself) archaic conduct oneself in a specified manner.

- DERIVATIVES deportable adj. deportation n. deportee n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. déporter, from L. deportare, from de- ‘away’ + portare ‘carry’.

deportment

n.
1 Brit. the way a person stands and walks, particularly as an element of etiquette.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a person's behaviour or manners.

depose

v.
1 remove from office suddenly and forcefully.
2 Law testify to or give (evidence) under oath, especially in writing.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deposer, from L. deponere (see deponent), but influenced by L. depositus and OFr. poser ‘to place’.

deposit

n.
1 a sum of money placed in a bank or other account.
2 a sum payable as a first instalment or as a pledge. a returnable sum paid to cover possible loss or damage.
3 a layer or body of accumulated matter.
4 the action of depositing something.
v. (deposits, depositing, deposited)
1 put or set down in a specific place. lay down naturally as a layer or covering.
2 store or entrust with someone for safe keeping. pay as a deposit.

- PHRASES
lose one's deposit (of a candidate in a UK parliamentary election) receive less than a certain proportion of the votes (thereby forfeiting a statutory financial deposit).

- DERIVATIVES depositor n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. depositum (n.), med. L. depositare (v.), both from L. deposit-, deponere ‘lay aside’.

deposit account

n. Brit. a bank account that pays interest and may not usually be drawn on without notice.

depositary

(also depository)

n. (pl. depositaries) a person to whom something is lodged in trust.

deposition

//, //

n.
1 the action of deposing a monarch.
2 Law the process of giving sworn evidence. a statement to be used as evidence.
3 the action of depositing something.
4 (the Deposition) the taking down of the body of Christ from the Cross.

- DERIVATIVES depositional adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. depositio(n-), from deponere (see deposit).

depository

n. (pl. depositories)
1 a place where things are stored.
2 variant spelling of depositary.

depot

//

n.
1 a place for the storage of large quantities of a commodity.
2 a place where buses, trains, or other vehicles are housed and maintained. N. Amer. a railway or bus station.
3 Military a place where recruits are trained or troops assembled.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘act of depositing’): from Fr. dépôt, from L. depositum (see deposit).

depower

v. Sailing adjust (a sail) so that the wind no longer fills it.

deprave

//

v. make (someone) immoral or wicked; corrupt.

- DERIVATIVES depravation n. depravity // n. (pl. depravities).

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘pervert in meaning or intention’): from OFr. depraver or L. depravare, from de- ‘down, thoroughly’ + pravus ‘crooked, perverse’.

depraved

adj. morally corrupt.

deprecate

//

v.
1 express disapproval of.
2 another term for depreciate (in sense 2).

- DERIVATIVES deprecating adj. deprecatingly adv. deprecation n. deprecative // adj. deprecator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as deprecation in the sense ‘a prayer to ward off evil’): from L. deprecat-, deprecari, from de- (expressing reversal) + precari ‘pray’.

deprecatory

//, //

adj. expressing disapproval. apologetic or appeasing.

depreciate

//, //

v.
1 diminish in value over a period of time. reduce the recorded value of (an asset) over a predetermined period.
2 disparage or belittle.

- DERIVATIVES depreciable adj. depreciation n. depreciative adj. depreciatively adv. depreciatory // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. depreciat-, depreciare ‘lower in price, undervalue’, from L. de- ‘down’ + pretium ‘price’.

depredation

//

n. (usu. depredations) an act of attacking or plundering.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. déprédation, from late L. depraedatio(n-), from depraedari ‘to plunder’.

depredator

//

n. archaic a person or thing that makes depredations.

depress

v.
1 cause to feel utterly dispirited or dejected.
2 reduce the level of activity in (a system).
3 push or pull down into a lower position.

- DERIVATIVES depressible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. depresser, from late L. depressare, frequentative of deprimere ‘press down’.

depressant

adj. reducing functional or nervous activity.
n. a depressant drug or other agent.

depressed

adj.
1 in a state of unhappiness or despondency. suffering from clinical depression.
2 suffering from economic depression.
3 having been pushed down.

depressing

adj. causing a feeling of miserable dejection.

- DERIVATIVES depressingly adv.

depression

n.
1 severe despondency and dejection, especially when long-lasting. (also clinical depression) Medicine a mental condition characterized by severe feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.
2 a long and severe recession in an economy or market. (the Depression or the Great Depression) the financial and industrial slump of 1929 and subsequent years.
3 the action of depressing something. a sunken place or hollow.
4 Meteorology a cyclonic weather system.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. depressio(n-), from deprimere (see depress).

depressive

adj. tending to causing depression.
n. a person who tends to suffer from depression.

depressor

n.
1 Anatomy a muscle whose contraction pulls down a part of the body.
2 Physiology a nerve whose stimulation results in a lowering of blood pressure.
3 an instrument for pressing something down.

depressurize

(or depressurise)

v. release the pressure inside (a compartment or container).

- DERIVATIVES depressurization n.

deprivation

//

n.
1 the damaging lack of basic material benefits. the lack or denial of something considered essential.
2 archaic the action of depriving someone of office.

deprive

//

v.
1 prevent (a person or place) from having or using something.
2 archaic depose (someone, especially a clergyman) from office.

- DERIVATIVES deprival n. deprived adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. depriver, from med. L. deprivare, from de- ‘away, completely’ + privare (see private).

de profundis

/ /

adv. expressing one's deepest feelings.
n. a heartfelt appeal.

- ORIGIN L., ‘from the depths’, the opening words of Psalm 130.

deprogramme

(US deprogram)

v. (deprogrammes, deprogramming, deprogrammed; US deprograms, deprograming, deprogramed) release from brainwashing or indoctrination.

Dept

abbrev. Department.

depth

n.
1 the distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something or to a specified point within it. the distance from the front to the back of something. the apparent existence of three dimensions in a two-dimensional representation.
2 the quality of being intense or extreme. complexity and profundity of thought. comprehensiveness of study or detail: third-year courses go into more depth.
3 (the depths) the deepest or lowest part of something.

- PHRASES
hidden depths previously unnoticed qualities.
in depth in great detail; comprehensively and thoroughly.
out of one's depth
1 in water too deep to stand in.
2 in a situation beyond one's capabilities.

- ORIGIN ME: from deep + -th^2, on the pattern of pairs such as long, length.

depth charge

n. an explosive charge designed to explode under water at a preset depth, used for attacking submarines.

depthless

adj.
1 unfathomably deep.
2 shallow and superficial.

- DERIVATIVES depthlessly adv.

depth of field

n. (in photography) the distance between the nearest and the furthest objects giving a focused image.

depth psychology

n. the psychoanalytic study of unconscious mental processes and motives.

depuration

//

n. technical the action or process of freeing something of impurities.

- DERIVATIVES depurate v. depurative adj. & n. depurator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. depuratio(n-), from depurare, from de- ‘completely’ + purare ‘purify’.

deputation

n. a group of people who undertake a mission on behalf of a larger group.

depute

v. // appoint (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible. delegate (authority or a task).
n. // Scottish a person appointed to act in an official capacity or as a representative.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. deputare ‘consider to be, assign’, from de- ‘away’+ putare ‘think over, consider’.

deputize

(or deputise) //

v. temporarily act or speak on behalf of someone else. N. Amer. make (someone) a deputy.

deputy

n. (pl. deputies)
1 a person appointed to undertake the duties of a superior in the superior's absence.
2 a parliamentary representative in certain countries.
3 Brit. a coal mine official responsible for safety.

- PHRASES
by deputy historical by proxy.

- DERIVATIVES deputyship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. depute, from late L. deputatus, past part. of deputare (see depute).

deracinate

//

v. [usu. as adj. deracinated] uproot (someone) from their natural environment, typically with a negative effect.

- DERIVATIVES deracination n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. déraciner ‘uproot’, from dé- (expressing removal) + racine ‘root’.

déraciné

//

adj. deracinated.
n. a deracinated person.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘uprooted’.

derail

v. cause (a train) to leave the tracks. obstruct (a process) by diverting it from its intended course.

- DERIVATIVES derailment n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. dérailler.

derailleur

//

n. a bicycle gear which works by lifting the chain from one sprocket wheel to another.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr., from dérailler ‘derail’.

derange

v.
1 [usu. as adj. deranged] make insane.
2 throw into disorder.
3 archaic intrude on; interrupt.

- DERIVATIVES derangement n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. déranger, from OFr. desrengier, lit. ‘move from orderly rows’.

derate

v. reduce the rating of (a component or device).

Derby^1

//

n. (pl. Derbies)
1 an annual flat race at Epsom in Surrey for three-year-old horses, founded in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby. [in names] (also derby) a similar race or other important sporting contest.
2 (derby or local derby) Brit. a sports match between two rival teams from the same area.
3 (derby) N. Amer. a bowler hat.
4 a boot or shoe having the eyelet tabs stitched on top of the vamp.

Derby^2

//

n. a hard cheese made from skimmed milk.

- ORIGIN from Derbyshire in England, where it is made.

derecognize

(or derecognise)

v. withdraw recognition of.

- DERIVATIVES derecognition n.

dereference

//

v. Computing obtain the address of a data item held in another location from (a pointer).

deregister

v. remove from a register.

- DERIVATIVES deregistration n.

deregulate

v. remove regulations or restrictions from.

- DERIVATIVES deregulation n. deregulatory adj.

derelict

adj.
1 in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
2 chiefly N. Amer. shamefully negligent.
n.
1 a destitute person.
2 a ship or other piece of property abandoned by its owner.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. derelict-, derelinquere ‘abandon’, from de- ‘completely’ + relinquere ‘forsake’.

dereliction

n.
1 the state of having been abandoned and become dilapidated.
2 (usu. dereliction of duty) shameful failure to fulfil one's obligations.

derepress

//

v. Biochemistry & Genetics activate from an inoperative or latent state by interfering with the action of a repressor.

- DERIVATIVES derepression n.

derestrict

v. remove restrictions from.

- DERIVATIVES derestriction n.

deride

//

v. express contempt for; ridicule.

- DERIVATIVES derider n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. deridere ‘scoff at’.

de rigueur

/ /

adj. required by etiquette or current fashion.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘in strictness’.

derision

//

n. contemptuous ridicule or mockery.

- DERIVATIVES derisible // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. derisio(n-), from deridere ‘scoff at’.

derisive

//, //

adj. expressing contempt or ridicule.

- DERIVATIVES derisively adv. derisiveness n.

derisory

//, //

adj.
1 ridiculously small or inadequate.
2 another term for derisive.

derivation

n.
1 the deriving of something from a source or origin.
2 the formation of a word from another word or from a root in the same or another language.

- DERIVATIVES derivational adj.

derivative

//

adj.
1 chiefly derogatory imitative of the work of another artist, writer, etc.
2 (of a financial product) having a value deriving from an underlying variable asset.
n.
1 something which is derived from another source.
2 (often derivatives) Finance a derivative future, option, or other financial product.
3 Mathematics an expression representing the rate of change of a function with respect to an independent variable.

- DERIVATIVES derivatively adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. dérivatif, -ive, from L. derivativus, from derivare (see derive).

derive

//

v.
1 (derive something from) obtain something from (a specified source). base something on a modification of: Marx derived his philosophy of history from Hegel. Mathematics obtain a function or equation from another, especially by differentiation.
2 (derive from) have as a root or origin; originate from.

- DERIVATIVES derivable adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘draw a fluid through or into a channel’): from OFr. deriver or L. derivare, from de- ‘down, away’ + rivus ‘brook, stream’.

derm

//

n. another term for dermis.

derma

//

n. another term for dermis.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk ‘skin’.

dermabrasion

//

n. (in cosmetic surgery) the removal of superficial layers of skin with a rapidly revolving abrasive tool.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk derma ‘skin’ + abrasion.

dermatitis

//

n. inflammation of the skin as a result of irritation by or allergic reaction to an external agent.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk derma, dermat- ‘skin’ + -itis.

dermato-

//

comb. form relating to the skin: dermatosis.

dermatoglyphics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the study of skin markings or patterns on fingers, hands, and feet, especially in criminology.

- DERIVATIVES dermatoglyph n. dermatoglyphic adj.

dermatology

//

n. the branch of medicine concerned with skin disorders.

- DERIVATIVES dermatologic adj. dermatological adj. dermatologically adv. dermatologist n.

dermatomyositis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the skin and underlying muscle tissue.

dermatophyte

//

n. a pathogenic fungus that grows on skin and other body surfaces, causing ringworm and related diseases.

- DERIVATIVES dermatophytic adj. dermatophytosis n. (pl. dermatophytoses //).

dermatosis

//

n. (pl. dermatoses //) a disease of the skin, especially one that does not cause inflammation.

dermis

//

n. technical the skin. Anatomy the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.

- DERIVATIVES dermal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., suggested by epidermis.

dermoid cyst

n. Medicine an abnormal growth containing epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, derived from residual embryonic cells.

dernier cri

/ /

n. the very latest fashion.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., lit. ‘last cry’.

derogate

//

v. formal
1 (derogate from) detract from.
2 (derogate from) deviate from.
3 disparage.

- DERIVATIVES derogation n. derogative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. derogat-, derogare ‘abrogate’, from de- ‘aside, away’ + rogare ‘ask’.

derogatory

//

adj. showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.

- DERIVATIVES derogatorily adv.

derrick

//

n.
1 a kind of crane with a movable pivoted arm.
2 the framework over an oil well, holding the drilling machinery.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a hangman, also the gallows): from Derrick, the surname of a London hangman.

derrière

//

n. euphemistic or humorous a person's buttocks.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘behind’.

derring-do

//

n. dated or humorous action displaying heroic courage.

- ORIGIN C16: from ME dorryng do ‘daring to do’, misprinted as derrynge do and misinterpreted by Spenser; later popularized by Sir Walter Scott.

derringer

//

n. a small pistol with a large bore, effective at close range.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the American gunsmith Henry Deringer.

derris

//

n.
1 an insecticide containing rotenone, made from the powdered roots of a tropical plant.
2 the woody climbing plant from whose roots derris is obtained.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L. (genus name of the plant), from Gk, ‘leather covering’ (referring to the plant's pods).

derry

n. (in phr. have a derry on) Austral./NZ informal be prejudiced against.

- ORIGIN C19: appar. from the song refrain derry down.

derv

(also DERV)

n. Brit. diesel oil for motor vehicles.

- ORIGIN 1940s: acronym from diesel-engined road-vehicle.

dervish

//

n. a member of a Muslim (specifically Sufi) fraternity vowed to poverty, some orders of which (particularly the whirling dervishes) are known for their wild rituals.

- ORIGIN from Turk. dervis, from Pers. darvš ‘poor’.

desacralize

(or desacralise) //

v. remove the religious or sacred status or significance from.

- DERIVATIVES desacralization n.

desalinate

//

v. remove salt from (seawater).

- DERIVATIVES desalination n. desalinator n.

desalinize

(or desalinise)

v. US term for desalinate.

- DERIVATIVES desalinization n.

desalt

v. another term for desalinate.

desaparecido

//

n. (pl. desaparecidos) a person who has disappeared, presumed killed by soldiers or police.

- ORIGIN 1970s: Sp. (first used in Argentina), lit. ‘disappeared’.

desaturate

v. make less saturated or unsaturated.

- DERIVATIVES desaturation n.

descale

v. Brit. remove deposits of scale from.

- DERIVATIVES descaler n.

descant

n. //
1 Music an independent treble melody sung or played above a basic melody. archaic or literary a melodious song.
2 literary a discourse on a theme or subject.
v. //, // literary talk tediously or at length.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deschant, from med. L. discantus ‘part song, refrain’.

descant recorder

n. the most common size of recorder, with a range of two octaves above the C above middle C.

descend

v.
1 move downwards. (of a road or flight of steps) slope or lead down.
2 Music become lower in pitch.
3 (descend on) make a sudden attack on or unwelcome visit to.
4 (be descended from) be a blood relative of (an ancestor). (often descend to) pass by inheritance.

- DERIVATIVES descendent adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. descendre, from L. descendere, from de- ‘down’ + scandere ‘to climb’.

descendant

n. a person, animal, etc. that is descended from a particular ancestor.

descender

n. a part of a letter that extends below the line (as in g and p).

descendible

adj. Law (of property) able to be inherited by a descendant.

descent

n.
1 the action of descending. a downward slope.
2 a person's origin or nationality: the settlers were of Cornish descent. transmission by inheritance.
3 (descent on) a sudden violent attack.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. descente, from descendre (see descend).

descramble

v. restore (a signal) to intelligible form.

- DERIVATIVES descrambler n.

describe

v.
1 give a detailed account of (someone or something) in words.
2 mark out or draw (a geometrical figure).

- DERIVATIVES describable adj. describer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. descript-, describere, from de- ‘down’ + scribere ‘write’.

description

n.
1 a spoken or written account of a person, object, or event. the process of describing.
2 a sort, kind, or class: people of any description.

- PHRASES
beyond description to a great and astonishing extent.

descriptive

adj.
1 serving or seeking to describe.
2 describing or classifying without expressing judgement.

- DERIVATIVES descriptively adv. descriptiveness n.

descriptivism

n. Philosophy the doctrine that the meanings of terms are purely descriptive.

- DERIVATIVES descriptivist n. & adj.

descriptor

n. an element or term that serves to describe, identify, or index something.

descry

//

v. (descries, descrying, descried) literary catch sight of.

- ORIGIN ME: OFr. descrier ‘publish, proclaim’, perh. confused with obs. descry ‘describe’, var. of obs. descrive ‘perceive’.

desecrate

//

v. treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect.

- DERIVATIVES desecration n. desecrator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from de- (expressing reversal) + a shortened form of consecrate.

deseed

v. remove the seeds from.

- DERIVATIVES deseeder n.

desegregate

v. end a policy of racial segregation in.

- DERIVATIVES desegregation n.

deselect

v.
1 Brit. reject (an existing MP) as a candidate in a forthcoming election.
2 Computing turn off (a feature) on a list of options.

- DERIVATIVES deselection n.

desensitize

(or desensitise)

v.
1 make less sensitive.
2 make indifferent to cruelty or suffering.

- DERIVATIVES desensitization n. desensitizer n.

desert^1

//

v.
1 callously or treacherously abandon.
2 [usu. as adj. deserted] leave (a place), causing it to appear empty.
3 illegally leave the armed forces.

- DERIVATIVES desertion n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deserter, from late L. desertare, from L. desertus (see desert^2).

desert^2

//

n.
1 a waterless, desolate area of land with little or no vegetation, typically covered with sand.
2 a situation or area considered dull and uninteresting: a cultural desert.
adj. like a desert; uninhabited and desolate.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. desertum ‘something left waste’, neut. past part. of deserere ‘leave, forsake’.

desert boot

n. a lightweight boot with the upper made from suede.

deserter

n. a member of the armed forces who deserts.

desertification

//

n. the process by which fertile land becomes desert.

desert island

n. a remote, uninhabited tropical island.

desert rat

n. informal a soldier of the 7th British armoured division (with the jerboa as a badge) in the North African desert campaign of 1941–2.

desert rose

n.
1 a flower-like aggregate of mineral crystals, occurring in arid areas.
2 a succulent plant with pink tubular flowers and toxic milky sap, native to East Africa and Arabia.   Adenium obesum.
3 a dense Australian shrub with pinkish-lilac flowers.   Gossypium sturtianum.

deserts

//

pl. n. (often in phr. get (or receive) one's just deserts) what a person deserves with regard to reward or (more usually) punishment.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from deservir (see deserve).

deserve

v. do something or show qualities worthy of (a reward or punishment as appropriate).

- DERIVATIVES deserved adj. deservedly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deservir, from L. deservire ‘serve well or zealously’.

deserving

adj. worthy of favourable treatment or assistance.

- DERIVATIVES deservingly adv. deservingness n.

desex

v.
1 deprive of sexual qualities.
2 castrate or spay.

desexualize

(or desexualise)

v. deprive of sexual character.

- DERIVATIVES desexualization n.

desh

//

n. Indian a person's or a people's native land.

- ORIGIN from Hindi des.

déshabillé

// (also dishabille)

n. the state of being only partly or scantily clothed.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘undressed’.

desi

// (also deshi)

adj. Indian
1 local; indigenous. derogatory rustic; unsophisticated.
2 unadulterated or pure.

- ORIGIN via Hindi from Sanskrit desa ‘country, land’.

desiccant

n. a substance that absorbs moisture from the air, used as a drying agent.

desiccate

//

v. remove the moisture from.

- DERIVATIVES desiccator n. desiccation n. desiccative adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as desiccation): from L. desiccat-, desiccare ‘make thoroughly dry’.

desiderate

//, //

v. archaic feel a keen desire for (something lacking).

- ORIGIN C17: from L. desiderat-, desiderare ‘to desire’, perh. from de- ‘down’ + sidus, sider- ‘star’.

desideratum

//, //, //

n. (pl. desiderata //) something that is needed or wanted.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘something desired’, neut. past part. of desiderare (see desiderate).

design

n.
1 a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something before it is built or made. the art or action of planning the look and function of something. the arrangement of the features of an artefact.
2 a decorative pattern.
3 the purpose or planning that exists behind an action or object.
v. decide upon the look and functioning of (something), especially by making a detailed drawing of it. do or plan (something) with a specific purpose in mind.

- PHRASES
by design as a result of a plan; intentionally.
have designs on aim to obtain, especially in an underhand way. informal have an undisclosed sexual interest in.

- ORIGIN ME (as a verb in the sense ‘to designate’): from L. designare, reinforced by Fr. désigner.

designate

v. // give a specified name, position, or status to: he was designated as prime minister.
adj. // [postpos.] appointed to an office or position but not yet installed: the Director designate.

- DERIVATIVES designator n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. designare (see design).

designated driver

n. N. Amer. a person who abstains from alcohol at a social gathering so as to be fit to drive others home.

designated hitter

n. Baseball a non-fielding player named to bat instead of the pitcher.

designation

n. the action of giving someone or something a specified name, position, or status. an official title or description.

designedly

adv. deliberately in order to produce a specific effect.

designer

n. a person who designs things. [as modifier] made by a famous and prestigious fashion designer: designer clothing.

designer baby

n. a baby whose genetic make-up has been selected in order to eradicate a particular defect, or to ensure that a particular gene is present.

designer drug

n. a synthetic analogue of an illegal drug, devised to circumvent drug laws.

designing

adj. acting in a calculating, deceitful way.

desirable

adj. wished for as being attractive, useful, or necessary. (of a person) arousing sexual desire.
n. a desirable person or thing.

- DERIVATIVES desirability n. desirableness n. desirably adv.

desire

n. a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. strong sexual feeling or appetite. something desired.
v. strongly wish for or want. want sexually. archaic express a wish to (someone).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desir (n.), desirer (v.), from L. desiderare (see desiderate).

desirous

//

adj. (often desirous of) wanting or desiring (a particular thing).

desist

//, //

v. (often desist from) stop doing something.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desister, from L. desistere, from de- ‘down from’ + sistere ‘to stop’.

desk

n.
1 a piece of furniture with a flat or sloped surface at which one can read, write, or do other work.
2 a counter in a hotel, bank, airport, etc.
3 a specified section of a news organization: the sports desk.
4 Music a position in an orchestra at which two players share a music stand.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. desca, prob. based on Provençal desca ‘basket’ or Ital. desco ‘table, butcher's block’, both based on L. discus (see discus).

deskill

v. reduce the level of skill required to carry out (a job).

desk job

n. a clerical or administrative job.

desk jockey

n. N. Amer. informal, chiefly derogatory a person who works at a desk; an office worker.

desktop

n.
1 the working surface of a desk.
2 (also desktop computer) a computer suitable for use at an ordinary desk.
3 the working area of a computer screen regarded as representing a notional desktop.

desktop publishing

n. the production of high-quality printed matter by means of a printer linked to a desktop computer.

desman

//

n. a small semiaquatic mammal related to the mole.   Desmana moschata (Russia) and Galemys pyrenaicus (the Pyrenees).

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. and Ger. from Swed. desman-råtta ‘muskrat’, from desman ‘musk’.

desmid

//

n. Biology a single-celled freshwater alga which appears to be composed of two rigid cells with a shared nucleus.   Family Desmidiaceae.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Desmidium (genus name), from Gk desmos ‘band, chain’ (because the algae are often found united in chains or masses).

desolate

adj. //
1 giving an impression of bleak and dismal emptiness.
2 utterly wretched and unhappy.
v. // make desolate.

- DERIVATIVES desolately adv. desolateness n. desolation n. desolator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. desolat-, desolare ‘abandon’, from de- ‘thoroughly’ + solus ‘alone’.

desorb

//

v. Chemistry cause the release of (an adsorbed substance) from a surface.

- DERIVATIVES desorbent adj. & n. desorber n. desorption n.

- ORIGIN 1920s: orig. as desorption (from de- ‘away’ + adsorption).

despair

n. the complete loss or absence of hope.
v. lose or be without hope.

- PHRASES
be the despair of be the cause of despair in (someone else).

- DERIVATIVES despairing adj. despairingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. desespeir (n.), desperer (v.), from L. desperare, from de- ‘down from’ + sperare ‘to hope’.

despatch

v. & n. Brit. variant spelling of dispatch.

desperado

//

n. (pl. desperadoes or desperados) a desperate or reckless criminal.

- ORIGIN C17: pseudo-Sp. alt. of the obs. n. desperate.

desperate

adj.
1 feeling, showing, or involving despair. tried in despair or when everything else has failed.
2 extremely bad or serious: a desperate shortage.
3 (often desperate for/to do) having a great need or desire for something.
4 violent or dangerous: a desperate criminal.

- DERIVATIVES desperately adv. desperateness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. desperatus ‘deprived of hope’, past part. of desperare (see despair).

desperation

n. a state of despair, especially as resulting in rash or extreme behaviour.

despicable

//, //

adj. deserving hatred and contempt.

- DERIVATIVES despicably adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. despicabilis, from despicari ‘look down on’.

despise

//

v. feel contempt or repugnance for.

- DERIVATIVES despiser n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. despire, from L. despicere, from de- ‘down’ + specere ‘look at’.

despite

//

prep. without being affected by; in spite of.
n. archaic
1 outrage; injury.
2 contempt; disdain.

- PHRASES
despite (or in despite) of archaic in spite of.
despite oneself without intending to or expecting to.

- DERIVATIVES despiteful adj. (archaic).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. despit (n.), from L. despectus ‘looking down on’, past part. of despicere (see despise).

despoil

//

v. steal valuable or attractive possessions from (a place).

- DERIVATIVES despoiler n. despoilment n. despoliation // n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. despoillier, from L. despoliare ‘rob, plunder’ (from spolia ‘spoil’).

despond

//

v. archaic become dejected and lose confidence.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. despondere ‘give up, abandon’, from de- ‘away’ + spondere ‘to promise’.

despondent

adj. in low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

- DERIVATIVES despondence n. despondency n. despondently adv.

despot

//

n. a ruler who exercises absolute power, especially in a cruel or oppressive way.

- DERIVATIVES despotic adj. despotically adv. despotism n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. despote, via med. L. from Gk despots ‘master, absolute ruler’.

desquamate

//

v. (of a layer of cells) come off in scales or flakes.

- DERIVATIVES desquamation n. desquamative // adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (ME) as desquamation): from L. desquamat-, desquamare ‘remove the scales from’.

des res

/ /

n. Brit. informal a desirable residence.

dessert

//

n. the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., past part. of desservir ‘clear the table’.

dessertspoon

n. a spoon used for dessert, smaller than a tablespoon and larger than a teaspoon.

- DERIVATIVES dessertspoonful n. (pl. dessertspoonfuls).

dessert wine

n. a sweet wine drunk with or following dessert.

destabilize

(or destabilise)

v. upset the stability of.

- DERIVATIVES destabilization n.

destination

n. the place to which someone or something is going or being sent. [as modifier] denoting a place that people will make a special trip to visit: a destination restaurant.

destine

//

v. (usu. be destined for/to) intend or choose for a particular purpose or end. [as adj. destined] preordained.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘predetermine, decree’): from OFr. destiner, from L. destinare ‘make firm, establish’.

destiny

n. (pl. destinies) the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person in the future. the hidden power believed to control this; fate.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. destinee, from L. destinata, fem. past part. of destinare ‘make firm, establish’.

destitute

//

adj.
1 extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself.
2 (destitute of) not having.

- DERIVATIVES destitution n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘deserted, abandoned, empty’): from L. destitut-, destituere ‘forsake’.

destock

v. Brit. reduce the quantity of stock held in a shop.

de-stress

v. relax after a period of work or tension.

destrier

//, //

n. a medieval knight's warhorse.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. dextera ‘the right hand’, from dexter ‘on the right’ (because the squire led the knight's horse with his right hand).

destroy

v.
1 put an end to the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it. ruin emotionally or spiritually.
2 kill (an animal) by humane means.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. destruire, based on L. destruct-, destruere, from de- (expressing reversal) + struere ‘build’.

destroyer

n.
1 someone or something that destroys.
2 a small, fast warship equipped for a defensive role against submarines and aircraft.

destroying angel

n. a deadly poisonous white toadstool which grows in woodland.   Amanita virosa.

destruct

v. cause the destruction of.

- DERIVATIVES destructor n.

- ORIGIN 1950s (orig. US): back-form. from destruction.

destructible

adj. able to be destroyed.

- DERIVATIVES destructibility n.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) in indestructible): from Fr., from late L. destructibilis.

destruction

n. the action or process of destroying something. a cause of someone's ruin.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. destructio(n-), from destruere (see destroy).

destructive

adj.
1 causing destruction.
2 negative and unhelpful: destructive criticism.

- DERIVATIVES destructively adv. destructiveness n.

desuetude

//, //

n. formal a state of disuse.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘cessation’): from Fr., from L. desuetudo, from desuet-, desuescere ‘make unaccustomed’, from de- (expressing reversal) + suescere ‘be accustomed’.

desulphurize

(or desulphurise) (US desulfurize)

v. remove sulphur from.

- DERIVATIVES desulphurization n.

desultory

//, //

adj. lacking purpose or enthusiasm.

- DERIVATIVES desultorily adv. desultoriness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (lit. ‘skipping about’): from L. desultorius ‘superficial’ (lit. ‘relating to a vaulter’), from desultor ‘vaulter’, from the verb desilire.

desynchronize

(or desynchronise)

v. disturb the synchronization of.

- DERIVATIVES desynchronization n.

detach

v.
1 disengage (something) and remove it.
2 (detach oneself from) leave or separate oneself from (a group or place). (be detached) Military be sent on a separate mission.

- DERIVATIVES detachability n. detachable adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘discharge a gun’): from Fr. détacher, from des- (expressing reversal) + attacher ‘attach’.

detached

adj.
1 separate or disconnected. (of a house) not joined to another on either side.
2 aloof and objective.
3 denoting a retina that has become separated from the underlying choroid tissue at the back of the eye, causing loss of vision in the affected area.

- DERIVATIVES detachedly adv.

detachment

n.
1 the state of being objective or aloof.
2 Military a group of troops, ships, etc. sent away on a separate mission.
3 the action or process of detaching.

detail

n.
1 a small individual feature, fact, or item. a small part of a picture reproduced separately for close study.
2 a small detachment of troops or police officers given a special duty. a special duty assigned to such a detachment.
v.
1 describe item by item; give the full particulars of.
2 assign to undertake a particular task.

- PHRASES
go into detail give a full account of something.
in detail as regards every feature or aspect; fully.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. détail (n.), détailler (v.), from dé- (expressing separation) + tailler ‘to cut’.

detailed

adj. including many details. showing attention to detail.

detailing

n. small decorative features on a building, garment, or work of art.

detain

v.
1 keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
2 keep (someone) in official custody.

- DERIVATIVES detainment n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘be afflicted with sickness or infirmity’): from OFr. detenir, from a var. of L. detinere, from de- ‘away, aside’ + tenere ‘to hold’.

detainee

//, //

n. a person held in custody, especially for political reasons.

detainer

n. Law
1 the action of withholding property.
2 an order authorizing the continued detention of a person in custody.

detangle

v. remove tangles from.

detect

v.
1 discover or identify the presence or existence of.
2 discover or investigate (a crime or its perpetrators).
3 discern (something intangible or barely perceptible).

- DERIVATIVES detectable adj. detectably adv. detection n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. detect-, detegere ‘uncover’ from de- (expressing reversal) + tegere ‘to cover’.

detective

n. a person, especially a police officer, whose occupation is to investigate crimes. [as modifier] concerning crime and its investigation: detective work.

detector

n. a device designed to detect the presence of a particular object or substance and to emit a signal in response.

detectorist

n. a person who uses a metal detector for a hobby.

detent

//

n. a catch in a machine which prevents motion until released. (in a clock) a catch that regulates striking.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. détente, from OFr. destente, from destendre ‘slacken’.

détente

//

n. the easing of hostility or strained relations between countries.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: Fr., ‘loosening, relaxation’.

detention

n.
1 the action or state of detaining or being detained.
2 the punishment of being kept in school after hours.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. detentio(n-), from L. detinere (see detain).

detention centre

n. an institution where people, in particular refugees and people awaiting trial, are detained for short periods.

deter

//

v. (deters, deterring, deterred) discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling fear of the consequences. prevent the occurrence of.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. deterrere, from de- ‘away from’ + terrere ‘frighten’.

detergent

n. a soluble cleansing agent which combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble.
adj. relating to detergents or their action.

- DERIVATIVES detergence n. detergency n.

- ORIGIN C17 (as adj.): from L. detergent-, detergere, ‘wipe away’.

deteriorate

//

v. become progressively worse.

- DERIVATIVES deterioration n. deteriorative adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. deteriorat-, deteriorare, from L. deterior ‘worse’.

determinable

adj.
1 able to be determined.
2 Law capable of being brought to an end under given conditions.

determinant

//

n.
1 a factor which determines the nature or outcome of something.
2 Biology a gene determining the character and development of particular cells in an organism.
3 Mathematics a quantity obtained by the addition of products of the elements of a square matrix according to a given rule.
adj. serving to determine or decide something.

determinate

//

adj.
1 having exact and discernible limits or form.
2 Botany (of a flowering shoot) having the main axis ending in a flower, as in a cyme.

- DERIVATIVES determinacy n. determinately adv. determinateness n.

determination

n.
1 the quality of being determined; firmness of purpose.
2 the process of determining something. Law the settlement of a dispute by the authoritative decision of a judge or arbitrator. Law a judicial decision or sentence.
3 Law the cessation of an estate or interest.
4 archaic a tendency to move in a fixed direction.

determinative

//

adj. chiefly Law serving to define, qualify, or direct.
n. Grammar another term for determiner.

determine

//

v.
1 cause to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor in.
2 firmly decide: she determined to tackle Stephen the next day.
3 ascertain or establish by research or calculation.
4 Mathematics specify the value, position, or form of (a mathematical or geometrical object) uniquely.
5 Law, archaic bring or come to an end.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. determiner, from L. determinare ‘limit, fix’, from de- ‘completely’ + terminare ‘terminate’.

determined

adj. having firmness of purpose; resolute.

- DERIVATIVES determinedly adv. determinedness n.

determiner

n.
1 a person or thing that determines something.
2 Grammar a modifying word that determines the kind of reference a noun or noun group has, for example a, the, every.

determinism

n. Philosophy the doctrine that all events and actions are ultimately determined by causes regarded as external to the will.

- DERIVATIVES determinist n. & adj. deterministic adj. deterministically adv.

deterrent

//

n. a thing that deters or is intended to deter someone from doing something.
adj. able or intended to deter.

- DERIVATIVES deterrence n.

detest

v. dislike intensely.

- DERIVATIVES detester n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. detestari, from de- ‘down’ + testari ‘witness, call upon to witness’ (from testis ‘a witness’).

detestable

adj. deserving intense dislike.

- DERIVATIVES detestably adv.

detestation

//

n. intense dislike. archaic a detested person or thing.

dethrone

v. remove (a monarch) from power. remove from a position of authority or dominance.

- DERIVATIVES dethronement n.

detinue

//

n. Law the crime of wrongful detention of goods or personal possessions.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. detenue, past part. (used as n.) of detenir ‘detain’.

detonate

//

v. explode or cause to explode.

- DERIVATIVES detonation n. detonative adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) as detonation): from L. detonat-, detonare, from de- ‘down’ + tonare ‘to thunder’.

detonator

n. a device or small sensitive charge used to detonate an explosive. Brit. another term for fog signal.

detour

n. a roundabout route taken to avoid something or to visit somewhere along the way.
v. take a detour.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. détour ‘change of direction’, from détourner ‘turn away’.

detox

informal

n. // detoxification.
v. // detoxify.

detoxicate

//

v. another term for detoxify.

- DERIVATIVES detoxication n.

detoxify

//

v. (detoxifies, detoxifying, detoxified)
1 remove toxic substances or qualities from.
2 abstain or help to abstain from drink and drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins.

- DERIVATIVES detoxification n. detoxifier n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from de- + L. toxicum ‘poison’ + -fy.

detract

v. (detract from) reduce or take away the worth or value of (a quality or achievement) so as to make it seem less impressive.

- DERIVATIVES detraction n. detractive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. detract-, detrahere ‘draw away’.

detractor

n. a person who is critical of someone or something.

detrain

v. leave or cause to leave a train.

- DERIVATIVES detrainment n.

detribalize

(or detribalise)

v. [usu. as adj. detribalized] remove from a traditional tribal social structure.

- DERIVATIVES detribalization n.

detriment

//

n. (often in phr. to the detriment of) the state of being harmed or damaged.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘loss sustained by damage’): from OFr., from L. detrimentum, from detri-, deterere ‘wear away’.

detrimental

adj. tending to cause harm.

- DERIVATIVES detrimentally adv.

detrition

//

n. rare the action of wearing away by friction.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. detritio(n-), from detri-, deterere ‘wear away’.

detritivore

//

n. Zoology an animal which feeds on dead organic material, especially plant detritus.

- DERIVATIVES detritivorous // adj.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from detritus + -vore ‘eating’ (see -vorous).

detritus

//

n. waste or debris, in particular organic matter produced by decomposition or loose matter produced by erosion.

- DERIVATIVES detrital adj.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘detrition’): from Fr. détritus, from L. detritus, from deterere ‘wear away’.

de trop

/ /

adj. not wanted; unwelcome.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘excessive’.

detrusor

//

n. Anatomy a muscle which forms a layer of the wall of the bladder.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from L. detrus-, detrudere ‘thrust down’.

detumescence

//

n. the process of subsiding from a state of tension, swelling, or sexual arousal.

- DERIVATIVES detumesce v. detumescent adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. detumescent-, detumescere, from de- ‘down, away’+ tumescere ‘to swell’.

detune

v.
1 cause (a musical instrument) to become out of tune.
2 [usu. as adj. detuned] reduce the performance of (a motor vehicle or engine) by adjustment.
3 change the frequency of (an oscillatory system such as a laser) away from a state of resonance.

deuce^1

//

n.
1 chiefly N. Amer. a thing representing, or represented by, the number two, in particular the two on dice or playing cards.
2 Tennis the score of 40 all in a game, at which each player needs two consecutive points to win the game.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. deus ‘two’, from L. duos.

deuce^2

//

n. (the deuce) informal used as a euphemism for ‘devil’ in exclamations or for emphasis.

- ORIGIN C17: from Low Ger. duus, prob. of the same origin as deuce^1 (two aces at dice being the worst throw).

deuced

//, //

adj. informal used for emphasis, especially to express disapproval or frustration.

- DERIVATIVES deucedly adv.

deus ex machina

/ /, / /

n. an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a narrative device in a play or novel.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., translation of Gk theos ek mkhans, ‘god from the machinery’ (with ref. to the actors representing gods suspended above the stage in ancient Greek theatre, who brought about the denouement of the play by their intervention).

Deut.

abbrev. Deuteronomy (in biblical references).

deuteragonist

//

n. the person second in importance to the protagonist in a drama.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk deuteragnists, from deuteros ‘second’ + agnists ‘actor’.

deuteranope

//

n. a person suffering from deuteranopia.

deuteranopia

//

n. colour blindness resulting from insensitivity to green light, causing confusion of greens, reds, and yellows. Compare with protanopia, tritanopia.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from deutero- ‘second’ (green being regarded as the second component of colour vision) + an-1 + -opia.

deuterated

// (also deuteriated //)

adj. Chemistry (of a compound) in which the ordinary isotope of hydrogen has been replaced with deuterium.

- DERIVATIVES deuteration n.

deuterium

//

n. Chemistry a stable isotope of hydrogen with a mass approximately twice that of the usual isotope. (Symbol: D)

- ORIGIN 1930s: mod. L., from Gk deuteros ‘second’.

deutero-

//

comb. form second: deuteranopia. secondary: deuterocanonical.

- ORIGIN from Gk deuteros ‘second’.

deuterocanonical

//

adj. (of sacred books or literary works) forming a secondary canon.

deuteron

//

n. the nucleus of a deuterium atom, consisting of a proton and a neutron.

deuterostome

//

n. Zoology an organism whose mouth develops from a secondary embryonic opening, such as a vertebrate. Compare with protostome.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from deutero- + Gk stoma ‘mouth’.

Deutschmark

// (also Deutsche Mark / /)

n. (until the introduction of the euro in 2002) the basic monetary unit of Germany, equal to 100 pfennig.

- ORIGIN from Ger. deutsche Mark ‘German mark’.

deutzia

//, //

n. an ornamental shrub with white or pinkish flowers, native to Asia and Central America.   Genus Deutzia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the 18th-cent. Dutch patron of botany Johann van der Deutz.

deva

//

n. a member of a class of divine beings in the Vedic period, which in Indian religion are benevolent and in Zoroastrianism are evil. Compare with asura.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit, lit. ‘shining one’.

devadasi

//

n. (pl. devadasis) a female dancer in a Hindu temple.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit devads, lit. ‘female servant of a god’.

devalue

v. (devalues, devaluing, devalued) reduce or underestimate the worth or importance of. Economics reduce the official value of (a currency) in relation to other currencies.

- DERIVATIVES devaluation n.

Devanagari

//, //

n. the alphabet used for Sanskrit, Hindi, and other Indian languages.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit, lit. ‘divine town script’, from deva ‘god’ + ngar, an earlier name of the script.

devastate

//

v.
1 destroy or ruin.
2 cause (someone) severe and overwhelming shock or grief.

- DERIVATIVES devastation n. devastator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as devastation): from L. devastat-, devastare, from de- ‘thoroughly’ + vastare ‘lay waste’.

devastating

adj.
1 highly destructive or damaging.
2 causing severe shock or grief.
3 informal extremely impressive, effective, or attractive.

- DERIVATIVES devastatingly adv.

develop

v. (develops, developing, developed)
1 grow or cause to grow and become larger or more advanced.
2 convert (land) to a new purpose, especially by constructing buildings.
3 start to exist, experience, or possess: I developed an interest in law.
4 treat (a photographic film) with chemicals to make a visible image.
5 Chess bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on a player's back rank.

- DERIVATIVES developable adj. developer n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘unfold, unfurl’): from Fr. développer, based on L. dis- ‘un-’ + a second element of unknown origin found also in envelop.

developing country

n. a poor agricultural country that is seeking to become more advanced economically and socially.

development

n.
1 the process of developing or being developed. a specified state of growth or advancement.
2 a new product or idea.
3 an event constituting a new stage in a changing situation.
4 an area of land with new buildings on it: a major housing development.

- DERIVATIVES developmental adj. developmentally adv.

developmental delay

n. the condition of a child being less developed mentally or physically than is normal for its age.

développé

//

n. (pl. développés pronunc. same) Ballet a movement in which one leg is raised and then kept in a fully extended position.

- ORIGIN Fr., past part. of développer ‘stretch out, develop’.

deverbal

//

adj. (of a noun or adjective) derived from a verb.
n. a deverbal noun or adjective.

devi

//

n. Indian a goddess.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit.

deviant

adj. diverging from usual or accepted standards, especially in social or sexual behaviour.
n. a deviant person or thing.

- DERIVATIVES deviance n. deviancy n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. deviant-, deviare (see deviate).

deviate

v. // diverge from an established course or from usual or accepted standards.
n. & adj. // old-fashioned term for deviant.

- DERIVATIVES deviator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (as adj. in the sense ‘remote’): from late L. deviat-, deviare ‘turn out of the way’, from L. de- ‘away from’ + via ‘way’.

deviation

n.
1 the action of deviating.
2 Statistics the amount by which a single measurement differs from a fixed value such as the mean.
3 the deflection of a compass needle caused by a local magnetic field, especially on a ship or aircraft.

- DERIVATIVES deviational adj. deviationism n. deviationist n.

device

n.
1 a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of equipment mechanical or electronic.
2 a plan, scheme, or trick. a turn of phrase intended to produce a particular effect.
3 a drawing or design. an emblematic or heraldic design.
4 archaic design or look: works of strange device.

- PHRASES
leave someone to their own devices leave someone to do as they wish without supervision.

- ORIGIN ME (in sense ‘desire or intention’): from OFr. devis, based on L. divis-, dividere ‘to divide’.

devil

n.
1 (usu. the Devil) (in Christian and Jewish belief) the supreme spirit of evil; Satan. an evil spirit; a demon.
2 a very wicked or cruel person. a mischievously clever or self-willed person.
3 (the devil) fighting spirit; wildness: he was born with the devil in him.
4 (the devil) a thing that is very difficult or awkward to do or deal with.
5 informal a person with specified characteristics: you lucky devil.
6 (the devil) expressing surprise or annoyance in various questions or exclamations.
7 an instrument or machine used for tearing or other destructive work.
8 informal, dated a junior assistant of a barrister or other professional. See also printer's devil.
v. (devils, devilling, devilled; US devils, deviling, deviled)
1 informal, dated act as a junior assistant for a barrister or other professional.
2 N. Amer. harass or worry.

- PHRASES
be a devil! Brit. informal said when encouraging someone to do something that they are hesitating to do.
between the devil and the deep blue sea caught in a dilemma.
devil-may-care cheerful and reckless.
the devil's dozen thirteen.
the devil's in the detail the details of a matter are its most problematic aspect.
the devil to pay serious trouble to be dealt with.
like the devil with great speed or energy.
play the devil with have a damaging or disruptive effect on.
speak (or talk) of the devil said when a person appears just after being mentioned. [ORIGIN from the superstition that the devil will appear if his name is spoken.]

- ORIGIN OE dofol, via late L. from Gk diabolos ‘accuser, slanderer’ (used in the Septuagint to translate Heb. stn ‘Satan’), from diaballein ‘to slander’.

devilfish

n. (pl. same or devilfishes) any of a number of marine creatures perceived as having a sinister appearance, in particular a devil ray, a stonefish, or an octopus or squid.

devilish

adj. like or appropriate to a devil in evil and cruelty. mischievous and rakish. very difficult to deal with or use.
adv. informal, dated very; extremely.

- DERIVATIVES devilishly adv. devilishness n.

devilled

adj. (of food) cooked with hot seasoning.

devilment

n. reckless mischief; wild spirits.

devil ray

n. a manta or other large long-tailed ray with a fleshy horn-like projection on each side of the mouth.   Family Mobulidae, several species.

devilry

n. wicked activity. reckless mischief. black magic; dealings with the devil.

devil's advocate

n.
1 a person who expresses a contentious opinion in order to provoke debate or test the strength of the opposing arguments.
2 historical a person appointed by the Roman Catholic Church to challenge a proposed beatification or canonization, or the verification of a miracle.

devil's bit

n.
1 (also devil's bit scabious) a blue-flowered scabious with a short rootstock (said in folklore to have been bitten off by the devil).   Succisa pratensis.
2 N. Amer. a blazing star.   Chamaelirium luteum.

devil's claw

n. a plant whose seed pods bear claw-like hooks which can harm livestock.   Genus Proboscidea (warmer parts of America) and Harpagophytum procumbens (southern Africa).

devil's club

n. a very spiny straggling shrub of western North America.   Oplopanax horridus.

devil's coach-horse

n. Brit. a large black predatory rove beetle which raises its hind end and opens its jaws threateningly when disturbed.   Staphylinus olens.

devil's darning needle

n. N. Amer. another term for darner (in sense 2).

devil's food cake

n. chiefly N. Amer. a rich chocolate cake.

devil's grip

n. informal term for Bornholm disease.

devils on horseback

pl. n. chiefly Brit. a savoury snack of prunes individually wrapped in slices of bacon.

devil's paintbrush

n. N. Amer. the European orange hawkweed, which has become naturalized in North America.   Hieracium aurantiacum.

devil's walking stick

n. a prickly angelica tree native to the eastern US.   Aralia spinosa.

deviltry

n. archaic variant of devilry.

devious

//

adj.
1 skilfully using underhand tactics to achieve goals.
2 (of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way.

- DERIVATIVES deviously adv. deviousness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in sense ‘remote’, later ‘departing from the direct route’): from L. devius (from de- ‘away from’ + via ‘way’) + -ous.

devise

//

v.
1 plan or invent (a complex procedure or mechanism).
2 Law leave (property) to someone by the terms of a will.
n. Law a clause in a will leaving property to someone.

- DERIVATIVES devisable adj. devisee n. deviser n. devisor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deviser, from L. divis-, dividere (see divide); the noun is a var. of device.

devitalize

(or devitalise)

v. [usu. as adj. devitalized] deprive of strength and vigour.

- DERIVATIVES devitalization n.

devitrify

v. (devitrifies, devitrifying, devitrified) make or become hard, opaque, and crystalline.

- DERIVATIVES devitrification n.

devoice

v. Phonetics make (a vowel or voiced consonant) voiceless.

devoid

//

adj. (devoid of) entirely lacking or free from.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of obs. devoid ‘cast out’, from OFr. devoidier.

devoir

//

n. archaic a person's duty.

- PHRASES
pay one's devoirs pay one's respects formally.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deveir, from L. debere ‘owe’, influenced by Fr. devoir.

devolution

//, //

n.
1 the devolving of power by central government to local or regional administration.
2 Law the legal transfer of property from one owner to another.
3 formal descent or degeneration to a lower or worse state. Biology evolutionary degeneration.

- DERIVATIVES devolutionary adj. devolutionist n.

devolve

//

v.
1 transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration.
2 (devolve on/upon/to) (of duties or responsibility) pass to (a body or person at a lower level).
3 (devolve on/upon/to) Law (of property) be transferred from one owner to (another), especially by inheritance.
4 (devolve into) formal degenerate or be split into.

- DERIVATIVES devolvement n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘roll down’): from L. devolvere, from de- ‘down’ + volvere ‘to roll’.

Devonian

//, //

adj.
1 relating to the English county of Devon.
2 Geology relating to or denoting the fourth period of the Palaeozoic era (between the Silurian and Carboniferous periods, about 409 to 363 million years ago), a time when the first amphibians appeared.
n. a native or inhabitant of Devon.

devoré

//

n. a velvet fabric with a pattern formed by burning the pile away with acid.

- ORIGIN from Fr. dévoré, lit. ‘devoured’, past part. of dévorer.

devote

v.
1 (devote something to) give time or resources to (a person or activity).
2 archaic invoke or pronounce a curse upon.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘dedicate formally, consecrate’): from L. devot-, devovere, from de- ‘formally’ + vovere ‘to vow’.

devoted

adj. very loving or loyal.

- DERIVATIVES devotedly adv. devotedness n.

devotee

//

n.
1 a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something.
2 a follower of a particular religion or god.

devotion

n.
1 love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity.
2 religious worship or observance. (devotions) prayers or religious observances.

- DERIVATIVES devotional adj. devotionally adv.

devour

//

v.
1 eat (food or prey) hungrily or quickly. (of fire or a similar force) consume destructively.
2 read quickly and eagerly.
3 (be devoured) be totally absorbed by a powerful feeling.

- DERIVATIVES devourer n. devouring adj. devouringly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. devorer, from L. devorare, from de- ‘down’ + vorare ‘to swallow’.

devout

//

adj.
1 having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment.
2 earnest; sincere: my devout hope.

- DERIVATIVES devoutly adv. devoutness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. devot, from L. devotus ‘devoted’ from devovere (see devote).

DEW

abbrev. distant early warning.

dew

n. tiny drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night, when atmospheric vapour condenses. a beaded or glistening liquid resembling dew.
v. literary wet with a beaded or glistening liquid.

- ORIGIN OE daw, of Gmc origin.

dewan

//

n. variant spelling of diwan.

dewar

//

n. a double-walled flask of metal or silvered glass with a vacuum between the walls, used to hold liquids at well below ambient temperature.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Scottish physicist Sir James Dewar.

dewater

v. drain (a waterlogged or flooded area). remove water from (sediment or waste materials).

dewberry

n. (pl. dewberries)
1 a trailing bramble with soft prickles and edible blue-black fruit with a dewy white bloom.   Rubus caesius (Europe) and other species.
2 the fruit of the dewberry.

dewclaw

n. a rudimentary inner toe present in some dogs. a false hoof on an animal such as a deer, which is formed by its rudimentary side toes.

dewdrop

n. a drop of dew.

Dewey decimal classification

n. an internationally applied decimal system of library classification which uses a three-figure code from 000 to 999 to represent the major branches of knowledge, with finer classifications made by adding figures after a decimal point.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the American librarian Melvil Dewey.

dewfall

n. literary the time of evening when dew begins to form.

dewlap

n. a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck or throat of an animal or bird, especially that present in many cattle.

- ORIGIN ME: from dew and lap^1, perh. influenced by a Scand. word (cf. Dan. doglæp).

deworm

v. treat (an animal) to free it of worms.

- DERIVATIVES dewormer n.

dew point

n. the atmospheric temperature below which water droplets begin to condense and dew can form.

dew pond

n. Brit. a shallow pond, especially an artificial one made on downs.

dew worm

n. N. Amer. an earthworm, in particular one used as fishing bait.

- ORIGIN OE deaw-wyrm ‘ringworm’.

dewy

adj. (dewier, dewiest)
1 wet with dew.
2 (of a person's skin) appearing soft, fresh, and youthful.

- DERIVATIVES dewily adv. dewiness n.

dewy-eyed

adj. having eyes that are moist with tears (taken as indicating nostalgia, naivety, or sentimentality).

dexamethasone

//, //

n. Medicine a synthetic drug of the corticosteroid type, used especially as an anti-inflammatory agent.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from dexa- (blend of deca- and hexa-) + meth(yl) + -a- + (cortis)one.

Dexedrine

//, //

n. trademark a form of amphetamine.

- ORIGIN 1940s: prob. from dextro-, on the pattern of Benzedrine.

dexter^1

//

adj. archaic & Heraldry on or towards the right-hand side (in a coat of arms, from the bearer's point of view, i.e. the left as it is depicted). The opposite of sinister.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., ‘on the right’.

dexter^2

//

n. an animal of a small, hardy breed of Irish cattle.

- ORIGIN C19: said to have been named after the breeder.

dexterity

//

n. skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. dextérité, from L. dexteritas, from dexter ‘on the right’.

dexterous

// (also dextrous)

adj. showing or having dexterity; adroit.

- DERIVATIVES dexterously adv. dexterousness n.

dextral

//

adj.
1 of or on the right side or the right hand. The opposite of sinistral. right-handed.
2 Geology relating to or denoting a strike-slip fault in which the motion of the block on the further side of the fault is towards the right.
3 Zoology (of a spiral mollusc shell) with whorls rising to the right and coiling anticlockwise.
n. a right-handed person.

- DERIVATIVES dextrality // n. dextrally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. dextralis, from L. dextra ‘the right hand’, from dexter ‘on the right’.

dextran

//

n. Chemistry a carbohydrate gum formed by the fermentation of sugars, used to make a substitute for blood plasma.

- ORIGIN C19: from dextro- + -an.

dextrin

//

n. a soluble gummy substance obtained by hydrolysis of starch, used as a thickening agent and in adhesives and dietary supplements.

- ORIGIN C19: from dextro- + -in^1.

dextro-

comb. form on or to the right: dextrorotatory.

- ORIGIN from L. dexter, dextr- ‘right’.

dextrorotatory

//

adj. Chemistry (of a compound) having the property of rotating the plane of a polarized light ray to the right, i.e. clockwise facing the oncoming radiation. The opposite of laevorotatory.

- DERIVATIVES dextrorotation n.

dextrose

//, //

n. Chemistry the dextrorotatory form of glucose (and the predominant naturally occurring form).

dextrous

adj. variant spelling of dexterous.

dexy

//

n. (pl. dexies) informal Dexedrine.

DF

abbrev.
1 Defender of the Faith. [ORIGIN from L. Defensor Fidei.]
2 direction finder.

DFC

abbrev. (in the UK) Distinguished Flying Cross.

DFE

abbrev. (in the UK) Department for Education.

DfES

abbrev. (in the UK) Department for Education and Skills.

Dfl

abbrev. Dutch florins.

DFM

abbrev. (in the UK) Distinguished Flying Medal.

DG

abbrev.
1 by the grace of God. [ORIGIN L. Dei gratia.]
2 thanks be to God. [ORIGIN L. Deo gratias.]
3 director general.

dhaba

//

n. Indian a roadside food stall.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dhb.

dhal

// (also dal)

n. (in Indian cookery) split pulses.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dl.

dhamma

//, //

n. another term for dharma, especially among Theravada Buddhists.

- ORIGIN Pali, from Sanskrit dharma.

dhansak

//

n. an Indian dish of meat or vegetables cooked with lentils.

- ORIGIN from Gujarati.

dharma

//, //

n. (in Indian religion) the eternal law of the cosmos, inherent in the very nature of things.

- ORIGIN Sanskrit, lit. ‘decree or custom’.

dharmashala

// (also dharmsala //)

n. (in the Indian subcontinent) a building devoted to religious or charitable purposes, especially a rest house for travellers.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit dharmasl.

dharna

//, //

n. Indian a mode of compelling payment or compliance, by sitting at the debtor's or offender's door until the demand is complied with. a peaceful demonstration.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dharn ‘sitting in restraint, placing’.

Dharuk

//

n. an extinct Aboriginal language of the area around Sydney.

dhikr

// (also zikr //)

n. Islam a form of devotion, associated chiefly with Sufism, in which the worshipper is absorbed in the rhythmic repetition of the name of God or his attributes.

- ORIGIN from Arab. dikr ‘remembrance’.

dhobi

//

n. (pl. dhobis) (in the Indian subcontinent) a person whose occupation is washing clothes.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dhob, from dhob ‘washing’.

dhobi itch

n. informal itching inflammation of the skin, especially in the groin region, suffered in the tropics, typically caused by ringworm infection or by allergic dermatitis.

dhol

//

n. a large, typically two-headed drum used in the Indian subcontinent.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dhol.

dholak

//

n. a medium-sized dhol.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dholak.

dhole

//

n. an Asian wild dog with a sandy coat and a black bushy tail, living in packs.   Cuon alpinus.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

dhoti

//

n. (pl. dhotis) a garment worn by some Indian men, consisting of a piece of material tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dhot.

dhow

//

n. a lateen-rigged ship with one or two masts, used chiefly in the Arabian region.

- ORIGIN C18: from Arab. dwa, prob. rel. to Marathi dw.

DHSS

abbrev. Brit. historical Department of Health and Social Security.

DHT

abbrev. dihydrotestosterone.

dhurrie

//

n. (pl. dhurries) a heavy cotton rug of Indian origin.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dar.

dhyana

//

n. (in Hindu and Buddhist practice) profound meditation which is the penultimate stage of yoga.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit dhyna.

DI

abbrev.
1 Defence Intelligence.
2 (in the UK) Detective Inspector.
3 direct injection.

di-1

//, //

comb. form twice; two-; double: dichromatic. Chemistry containing two atoms, molecules, or groups of a specified kind: dioxide.

- ORIGIN from Gk dis ‘twice’.

di-2

//, //

prefix variant spelling of dis- shortened before l, m, n, r, s (followed by a consonant), and v; also often shortened before g, and sometimes before j.

- ORIGIN from L.

di-3

//

prefix variant spelling of dia- shortened before a vowel (as in dielectric).

dia.

abbrev. diameter.

dia-

(also di- before a vowel)

prefix
1 through; across: diaphanous.
2 apart: diakinesis.

- ORIGIN from Gk dia ‘through’.

diabase

//

n. Geology another term for dolerite.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., formed irregularly as if from di- ‘two’ + base ‘base’, but perh. assoc. later with Gk diabasis ‘transition’.

diabetes

//

n. a disorder of the metabolism causing excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of urine.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk, lit. ‘siphon’, from diabainein ‘go through’.

diabetes insipidus

//

n. a rare form of diabetes caused by a deficiency of the pituitary hormone vasopressin, which regulates kidney function.

- ORIGIN C19: from diabetes + L. insipidus ‘insipid’.

diabetes mellitus

//

n. the commonest form of diabetes, caused by a deficiency of the pancreatic hormone insulin, which results in a failure to metabolize sugars and starch.

- ORIGIN C19: from diabetes + L. mellitus ‘sweet’.

diabetic

adj. having or relating to diabetes.
n. a person suffering from diabetes.

diablerie

//

n.
1 the quality of being reckless or wild in a charismatic way.
2 archaic sorcery supposedly assisted by the devil.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from diable, from eccles. L. diabolus ‘devil’.

diabolical

adj.
1 (also diabolic) characteristic of or associated with the Devil: diabolical cunning.
2 Brit. informal disgracefully bad or unpleasant.

- DERIVATIVES diabolically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diabolique or eccles. L. diabolicus, from diabolus ‘devil’.

diabolism

//

n. worship of the Devil.

- DERIVATIVES diabolist n.

- ORIGIN C17: from eccles. L. diabolus or Gk diabolos ‘devil’ + -ism.

diabolo

//, //

n. (pl. diabolos) a game in which a two-headed top is thrown up and caught with a string stretched between two sticks. the top used in this game.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ital., from eccles. L. diabolus ‘devil’.

diacetylmorphine

//

n. technical term for heroin.

diachronic

//

adj. concerned with the way in which something, especially language, has developed through time. Often contrasted with synchronic.

- DERIVATIVES diachroneity //, // n. diachronically adv. diachronistic // adj. diachrony // n.

- ORIGIN C19: from dia- + Gk khronos ‘time’ + -ic.

diachronism

//

n. Geology the occurrence of a feature or phenomenon in different geological periods.

- DERIVATIVES diachronous adj. diachronously adv.

diaconal

//

adj. relating to a deacon or deacons.

- ORIGIN C17: from eccles. L. diaconalis, from diaconus (see deacon).

diaconate

//, //

n. the office of deacon. a body of deacons collectively.

- ORIGIN C18: from eccles. L. diaconatus, from diaconus (see deacon).

diacritic

//

n. a sign such as an accent written above or below a letter to indicate a difference in pronunciation from the same letter when unmarked.
adj. (of a mark or sign) indicating a difference in pronunciation.

- DERIVATIVES diacritical adj. diacritically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk diakritikos, from diakrinein ‘distinguish’.

diadelphous

//

adj. Botany (of stamens) united by their filaments so as to form two groups.

- ORIGIN C19: from di-1 + Gk adelphos ‘brother’ + -ous.

diadem

//

n. a jewelled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty.

- DERIVATIVES diademed adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diademe, via L. from Gk diadma, from diadein ‘bind round’.

diaeresis

//, // (US dieresis)

n. (pl. diaereses //)
1 a mark (¨) placed over a vowel to indicate that it is sounded separately, as in naïve, Brontë. the division of a sound into two syllables, especially by sounding a diphthong as two vowels.
2 Prosody a natural rhythmic break in a line of verse where the end of a metrical foot coincides with the end of a phrase.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk diairesis ‘separation’, from diairein ‘take apart’.

diagenesis

//

n. Geology the physical and chemical changes occurring during the conversion of sediment to sedimentary rock.

- DERIVATIVES diagenetic adj. diagenetically adv.

diagnose

//, //

v. make a diagnosis of (an illness or other problem). identify the medical condition of (someone): she was diagnosed as having epilepsy.

- DERIVATIVES diagnosable adj.

diagnosis

//

n. (pl. diagnoses //)
1 the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
2 the distinctive characterization in precise terms of a genus, species, or phenomenon.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk, from diagignskein ‘distinguish, discern’.

diagnostic

//

adj.
1 concerned with the diagnosis of illness or other problems. (of a symptom) distinctive, and so indicating the nature of an illness.
2 characteristic of a particular species, genus, or phenomenon.
n.
1 a distinctive symptom or characteristic.
2 (diagnostics) [treated as sing. or pl.] the practice or techniques of diagnosis.
3 Computing a program or routine that helps a user to identify errors.

- DERIVATIVES diagnostically adv. diagnostician // n.

diagonal

//

adj. denoting a straight line joining opposite corners of a rectangle, square, or other figure. (of a line) straight and at an angle; slanting. Mathematics denoting a matrix with non-zero elements only on the diagonal running from the upper left to the lower right.
n. a diagonal line.

- DERIVATIVES diagonally adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. diagonalis, from Gk diagnios ‘from angle to angle’, from dia ‘through’ + gnia ‘angle’.

diagram

//

n.
1 a simplified drawing showing the appearance or structure of something.
2 Brit. a graphical schedule for operating railway stock to provide a desired service.
v. (diagrams, diagramming, diagrammed; US diagrams, diagraming, diagramed)
1 represent in graphic form.
2 Brit. schedule the operations of (a locomotive or train) according to a diagram.

- DERIVATIVES diagrammatic // adj. diagrammatically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. diagramma, from Gk, from diagraphein ‘mark out by lines’.

diakinesis

//

n. (pl. diakineses //) Biology the final stage of the prophase of meiosis, following diplotene, when the separation of homologous chromosomes is complete and crossing over has occurred.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from dia- + Gk kinsis ‘motion’.

dial

n.
1 a disc marked to show the time on a clock or indicate a reading or measurement by means of a pointer. a disc with numbered holes on a telephone, turned to make a call. a disc turned to select a setting on a radio, cooker, etc.
2 Brit. informal a person's face.
v. (dials, dialling, dialled; US dials, dialing, dialed) call (a telephone number) by turning a dial or using a keypad. indicate or regulate by means of a dial. (dial something up) gain access to a service using a telephone line.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. diale ‘clock dial’, based on L. dies ‘day’.

dialect

//

n.
1 a form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group.
2 Computing a particular version of a programming language.

- DERIVATIVES dialectal // adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting the art of investigating the truth of opinions): from Fr. dialecte, or via L. from Gk dialektos ‘discourse, way of speaking’, from dialegesthai (see dialogue).

dialectic

// Philosophy

n. (also dialectics) [usu. treated as sing.]
1 the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.
2 enquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.
3 the existence or action of opposing social forces, concepts, etc.
adj. relating to dialectic or dialectics; dialectical.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dialectique or L. dialectica, from Gk dialektik (tekhn) ‘(art) of debate’, from dialegesthai (see dialogue).

dialectical

adj.
1 relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.
2 concerned with or acting through opposing forces.

- DERIVATIVES dialectically adv.

dialectical materialism

n. the Marxist theory that political and historical events result from the conflict of social forces (as caused by material needs) and are interpretable as a series of contradictions and their solutions.

- DERIVATIVES dialectical materialist n. & adj.

dialectician

//

n. a person skilled in philosophical debate.

dialectology

//

n. the branch of linguistics concerned with the study of dialects.

- DERIVATIVES dialectological // adj. dialectologist n.

dialler

(also dialer)

n. a device or piece of software for calling telephone numbers automatically.

dialling code

n. Brit. a sequence of numbers dialled to connect a telephone to an exchange in another area or country.

dialling tone

(N. Amer. dial tone)

n. a sound produced by a telephone that indicates that a caller may start to dial.

dialog box

(Brit. also dialogue box)

n. Computing a small area on screen in which the user is prompted to provide information or select commands.

dialogic

//

adj. relating to or in the form of dialogue.

- DERIVATIVES dialogical adj.

dialogism

//

n. the use in a text of different tones or viewpoints, whose interaction or contradiction are important to the text's interpretation.

dialogue

(US also dialog)

n. conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film. discussion directed towards exploration of a subject or resolution of a problem.
v. chiefly N. Amer. take part in dialogue. provide (a film or play) with dialogue.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dialoge, via L. from Gk dialogos, from dialegesthai ‘converse with’, from dia ‘through’ + legein ‘speak’.

dial tone

n. North American term for dialling tone.

dial-up

adj. (of a computer system or service) used remotely via a telephone line.

dialysate

// (US also dialyzate)

n. the part of a mixture which passes through the membrane in dialysis, or a solution containing this.

dialyse

// (US dialyze)

v. purify (a mixture) or treat (a patient) by means of dialysis.

dialysis

//

n. (pl. dialyses //)
1 Chemistry the separation of particles in a liquid on the basis of differences in their ability to pass through a membrane.
2 Medicine the clinical purification of blood by dialysis, as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney.

- DERIVATIVES dialytic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: via L. from Gk dialusis, from dialuein ‘split, separate’.

diamagnetic

adj. Physics tending to become magnetized in a direction at 180° to the applied magnetic field.

- DERIVATIVES diamagnet n. diamagnetism n.

diamanté

//

adj. decorated with glass cut to resemble diamonds.
n. fabric or costume jewellery made or decorated with glass cut to resemble diamonds.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: Fr., lit. ‘set with diamonds’.

diamantiferous

//

adj. (of a region or rock formation) producing or yielding diamonds.

diamantine

//, //

adj. made from or resembling diamonds.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. diamantin, from diamant ‘diamond’.

diameter

//

n.
1 a straight line passing from side to side through the centre of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere. a transverse measurement of something; width or thickness.
2 a unit of linear measurement of magnifying power.

- DERIVATIVES diametral adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diametre, via L. from Gk diametros (gramm) ‘(line) measuring across’.

diametrical

//

adj.
1 (of opposites) complete; absolute: he's the diametrical opposite of Gabriel.
2 of or along a diameter.

- DERIVATIVES diametric adj. diametrically adv.

diamine

//, //, //

n. Chemistry a compound whose molecule contains two amino groups, especially when not part of amide groups.

diamond

n.
1 a precious stone consisting of a clear and colourless crystalline form of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance.
2 a figure with four straight sides of equal length forming two opposite acute angles and two opposite obtuse angles; a rhombus.
3 (diamonds) one of the four suits in a conventional pack of playing cards, denoted by a red figure of such a shape. a card of this suit.
4 a baseball field.
5 a railway crossing in which two tracks cross over each other at an acute angle.

- PHRASES
diamond in the rough North American term for rough diamond.

- DERIVATIVES diamondiferous // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diamant, from med. L. diamas, diamant-, var. of L. adamans (see adamant).

diamondback

n.
1 a large, common North American rattlesnake with diamond-shaped markings.   Genus Crotalus: two species.
2 (also diamondback terrapin) see terrapin (in sense 1).

diamond-bird

n. Austral. a pardalote, which typically has rows of small white spots on the dark parts of its plumage.

diamond-cut

adj.
1 cut with facets like a diamond.
2 cut into the shape of a diamond.

diamond jubilee

n. the sixtieth anniversary of a notable event.

diamond wedding

n. Brit. the sixtieth anniversary of a wedding.

diamorphine

//

n. short for diacetylmorphine (heroin).

Diana monkey

n. a West African monkey that has a black face with a white crescent on the forehead.   Cercopithecus diana.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Roman moon goddess Diana.

Dianetics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a system developed by the founder of the Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, which aims to relieve psychosomatic disorder by cleansing the mind of harmful mental images.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk dianotikos ‘relating to thought’ + -ics.

dianthus

//

n. (pl. dianthuses) a flowering plant of a genus that includes the pinks and carnations.   Genus Dianthus.

- ORIGIN from Gk Dios ‘of Zeus’ + anthos ‘flower’.

diapason

//, //

n.
1 (also open diapason or stopped diapason) an organ stop sounding a main register of flue pipes, typically of eight-foot pitch.
2 a grand swelling burst of harmony.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the interval of an octave): via L. from Gk dia pasn (khordn) ‘through all (notes)’.

diapause

//

n. Zoology a period of suspended development in an organism.

diaper

//

n.
1 N. Amer. a baby's nappy.
2 a linen or cotton fabric woven in a repeating pattern of small diamonds. a repeating geometrical or floral pattern.
v.
1 N. Amer. put a nappy on (a baby).
2 decorate with a repeating geometrical or floral pattern.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a costly fabric): from OFr. diapre, from med. L. diasprum, from med. Gk diaspros (adj.), from dia ‘across’ + aspros ‘white’.

diaphanous

//

adj. (of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. diaphanus, from Gk diaphans, from dia ‘through’ + phainein ‘to show’.

diaphoretic

//

adj. Medicine (chiefly of a drug) inducing perspiration. (of a person) sweating heavily.

- DERIVATIVES diaphoresis n.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk diaphortikos, from diaphorein ‘sweat out’.

diaphragm

//

n.
1 a dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals.
2 a thin sheet of material forming a partition. a taut flexible membrane in mechanical or acoustic systems.
3 a thin contraceptive cap fitting over the cervix.
4 a device for varying the effective aperture of the lens in a camera or other optical system.

- DERIVATIVES diaphragmatic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. diaphragma, from Gk, from dia ‘through, apart’ + phragma ‘a fence’.

diaphragm pump

n. a pump using a flexible diaphragm in place of a piston.

diaphysis

//

n. (pl. diaphyses //) Anatomy the shaft or central part of a long bone. Compare with epiphysis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk diaphusis ‘growing through’.

diapir

//

n. Geology a domed rock formation in which a core of rock has moved upward to pierce the overlying strata.

- DERIVATIVES diapiric adj. diapirism n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk diapeirainein ‘pierce through’.

diapositive

//

n. a positive photographic slide or transparency.

diarchy

// (also dyarchy)

n. (pl. diarchies) government by two independent authorities.

- DERIVATIVES diarchal adj. diarchic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from di-1 + Gk arkhia ‘rule’, on the pattern of monarchy.

diarist

n. a person who writes a diary.

- DERIVATIVES diaristic adj.

diarize

(or diarise)

v. Brit. note (an appointment) in a diary. archaic keep a record of events in a diary.

diarrhoea

// (US diarrhea)

n. a condition in which faeces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.

- DERIVATIVES diarrhoeal adj. diarrhoeic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk diarrhoia, from diarrhein ‘flow through’.

diary

n. (pl. diaries) a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences. Brit. a book with spaces for each day of the year in which to note appointments.

- ORIGIN As well as being synonyms, diary and journal come from the same Latin word, dies ‘day’. The older word journal came into English in the 14th century from Old French jurnal, from Latin diurnalis ‘daily’; the later word diary, which entered English in the 16th century, came directly from Latin diarium ‘daily allowance’, later ‘diary’. Dial and dismal also derive from dies, the latter being a contraction of dies mali ‘evil days’.

diaspora

//

n. (the diaspora) the dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. Jews living outside Israel. the dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland. people who have spread or been dispersed from their homeland.

- ORIGIN Gk (orig. in the Septuagint, Deut. 28:25), from diaspeirein ‘disperse’.

diaspore

//

n. Botany a spore, seed, or other structure that functions in plant dispersal; a propagule.

diastema

//, //

n. (pl. diastemata)
1 Zoology a space separating teeth of different functions, especially that between the biting teeth and grinding teeth in rodents and ungulates.
2 a gap between a person's two upper front teeth.

- ORIGIN C19: via late L. from Gk diastma ‘space between’.

diastereoisomer

//

n. Chemistry each of a pair of stereoisomeric compounds that are not mirror images of one another.

- DERIVATIVES diastereoisomeric adj.

diastole

//

n. Physiology the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. Often contrasted with systole.

- DERIVATIVES diastolic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk, ‘separation, expansion’.

diathermy

//

n. a medical and surgical technique involving the production of heat in a part of the body by high-frequency electric currents.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from dia- + Gk thermon ‘heat’.

diathesis

//

n. (pl. diatheses //)
1 Medicine a tendency to suffer from a particular medical condition.
2 Linguistics the set of syntactic patterns with which a verb or other word is most typically associated.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk, ‘disposition’.

diatom

//

n. Biology a single-celled alga which has a cell wall of silica.   Class Bacillariophyceae.

- DERIVATIVES diatomaceous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Diatoma (genus name), from Gk diatomos ‘cut in two’.

diatomaceous earth

//

n. a soft, crumbly, porous sedimentary deposit formed from the fossil remains of diatoms.

diatomic

//

adj. Chemistry consisting of two atoms.

diatomite

//

n. Geology a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from consolidated diatomaceous earth.

diatonic

//

adj. Music involving only notes proper to the prevailing key without chromatic alteration.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. diatonique, or via late L. from Gk diatonikos ‘at intervals of a tone’.

diatreme

//

n. Geology a long vertical pipe or plug formed when gas-filled magma forced its way up through overlying strata.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from dia- + Gk trma ‘perforation’.

diatribe

//

n. a forceful and bitter verbal attack.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., via L. from Gk diatrib ‘spending of time, discourse’.

diazepam

//, //

n. a tranquillizing muscle-relaxant drug used chiefly to relieve anxiety. Also called Valium (trademark).

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of benzodiazepine and amide.

diazo

//, // (also diazotype)

n. a copying or colouring process using a diazo compound decomposed by ultraviolet light.

diazo compound

n. Chemistry an organic compound containing two nitrogen atoms bonded together, especially a diazonium compound.

- ORIGIN C19: diazo from diazonium.

diazonium

//

n. [as modifier] Chemistry of or denoting an organic cation containing two nitrogen atoms bonded together, present in many synthetic dyes.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from diazo- (indicating the presence of two nitrogen atoms) + the suffix -onium (from ammonium).

dib

v. (dibs, dibbing, dibbed) another term for dap.

- ORIGIN C17: rel to dab^1.

dibasic

//

adj. Chemistry (of an acid) having two replaceable hydrogen atoms.

dibber

n. Brit. another term for dibble.

dibble

n. a pointed hand tool for making holes in the ground for seeds or young plants.
v. dig or plant with a dibble.

- ORIGIN ME: appar. rel. to dib (also used in this sense in dial.).

dibbler

n. a marsupial mouse of SW Australia, now endangered.   Parantechinus apicalis.

dibs

pl. n. informal
1 (often in phr. have first dibs) N. Amer. the right to share or choose something.
2 money.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting pebbles used in a children's game): from earlier dib-stones, perh. from dib.

dice

n. (pl. same)
1 a small cube with faces bearing from one to six spots, used in games of chance. See also die^2. a game played with dice.
2 small cubes of food.
v.
1 [often as noun dicing] play or gamble with dice.
2 [often as adj. diced] cut (food) into small cubes.

- PHRASES
dice with death take serious risks.
no dice informal, chiefly N. Amer. used to refuse a request or indicate no chance of success.

- DERIVATIVES dicer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. des, pl. of de (see die^2).

USAGE

Historically, dice is the plural of die, but in modern standard English dice is used as both the singular and the plural.

dicentra

//

n. a herbaceous plant of a genus with drooping clusters of flowers and including bleeding heart.   Genus Dicentra.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk dikentros, from di- ‘two’ + kentron ‘spur, sharp point’.

dicentric

//

adj. Genetics (of a chromosome) having two centromeres.

dicey

adj. (dicier, diciest) informal unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

dichogamy

//

n. Botany the ripening of the stamens and pistils of a flower at different times, so that self-fertilization is prevented. Compare with homogamy (in sense 3).

- DERIVATIVES dichogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dikho- ‘apart, in two’ + gamos ‘marriage’.

dichotic

//

adj. involving the simultaneous stimulation of the right and left ear by different sounds.

- ORIGIN mid 20th cent.: from Gk dikho- ‘apart’ + ous, t- ‘ear’ + -ic.

dichotomize

(or dichotomise) //, //

v. regard or represent as divided or opposed.

dichotomy

//, //

n. (pl. dichotomies)
1 a division or contrast between two things that are opposed or entirely different.
2 Botany repeated branching into two equal parts.

- DERIVATIVES dichotomous adj. dichotomously adv.

- ORIGIN C16: via mod. L. from Gk dikhotomia, from dikho- ‘in two, apart’ + -tomia (see -tomy).

dichroic

//

adj. (of a crystal) showing different colours when viewed from different directions or in light of differing polarization.

- DERIVATIVES dichroism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dikhroos (from di- ‘twice’ + khrs ‘colour’) + -ic.

dichromate

//

n. Chemistry a salt, typically red or orange, containing the anion Cr_2O_72-.

dichromatism

//

n.
1 the occurrence of two different kinds of colouring, especially in an animal species.
2 colour blindness in which only two of the three primary colours can be discerned.

- DERIVATIVES dichromatic adj.

dick^1

n. vulgar slang
1 a man's penis.
2 Brit. a stupid or contemptible person.
3 [with neg.] N. Amer. anything at all: you don't know dick about it!
v. (usu. dick around/about) informal, chiefly N. Amer. meddle or fool around.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the general sense ‘fellow’): familiar form of the given name Richard.

dick^2

n. informal, dated, chiefly N. Amer. a detective.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: perh. an arbitrary shortening of detective, or from obs. sl. dick ‘look’, from Romany.

dickcissel

//, //

n. a sparrow-like North American songbird with a black-and-white throat and bright yellow breast.   Spiza americana.

- ORIGIN C19: imitative of its call.

dickens

//

n. informal used for emphasis, or to express annoyance or surprise when asking questions: what the dickens is going on?

- ORIGIN C16: a euphemism for ‘devil’, prob. a use of the surname Dickens.

Dickensian

//

adj. reminiscent of the novels of Charles Dickens, especially in terms of the poverty and squalor that they portray.

dicker

v. chiefly N. Amer.
1 engage in petty argument or bargaining.
2 toy or fiddle with something.

- DERIVATIVES dickerer n.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from obs. dicker ‘set of ten (hides)’, used as a unit of trade, based on L. decem ‘ten’.

dickhead

n. vulgar slang a stupid, irritating, or ridiculous man.

dicky^1

(also dickey)

n. (pl. dickies or dickeys)
1 informal a false shirt front.
2 chiefly Brit. a folding outside seat at the back of some early cars. a driver's seat in a carriage.
3 Indian the boot of a car.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a petticoat): each sense prob. has a different origin; perh. partly from Dicky, familiar form of Richard.

dicky^2

adj. (dickier, dickiest) Brit. informal not strong, healthy, or functioning reliably.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from the given name Dick, in the old saying as queer as Dick's hatband.

dicky bird

n. informal a child's word for a bird.

- PHRASES
not a dicky bird not a word; nothing at all.

dicky bow

n. informal a bow tie.

dicot

//

n. short for dicotyledon.

dicotyledon

//

n. Botany a plant with an embryo bearing two cotyledons, such plants constituting the larger (Dicotyledoneae) of the two classes of flowering species. Compare with monocotyledon.

- DERIVATIVES dicotyledonous adj.

dicrotic

//

adj. Medicine denoting a pulse in which a double beat is detectable for each beat of the heart.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dikrotos ‘beating twice’ + -ic.

dicta

plural form of dictum.

Dictaphone

//

n. trademark a small cassette recorder used to record speech for transcription at a later time.

dictate

v. //
1 state or order authoritatively. control or decisively affect; determine.
2 say or read aloud (words to be typed or written down).
n. // an order or principle that must be obeyed.

- DERIVATIVES dictation n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dictat-, dictare.

dictator

n.
1 a ruler with total power over a country. an autocratic person.
2 (in ancient Rome) a chief magistrate with absolute power, appointed in an emergency.

dictatorial

//

adj. of or typical of a dictator. having or showing an autocratic manner.

- DERIVATIVES dictatorially adv.

dictatorship

n.
1 government by a dictator.
2 a country governed by a dictator.

diction

n.
1 the choice and use of words in speech or writing.
2 the style of enunciation in speaking or singing.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dictio(n-), from dicere ‘to say’.

dictionary

n. (pl. dictionaries) a book that lists the words of a language in alphabetical order and gives their meaning, or their equivalent in a different language.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. dictionarium (manuale) or dictionarius (liber) ‘manual or book of words’, from L. dictio (see diction).

dictum

//

n. (pl. dicta // or dictums) a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source. a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle. Law short for obiter dictum.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., lit. ‘something said’, neut. past part. of dicere.

dicynodont

//

n. a fossil herbivorous mammal-like reptile of the late Permian and Triassic periods, with beaked jaws and no teeth apart from two tusks in the upper jaw of the male.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Dicynodontia, from Gk di- ‘two’ + kun ‘dog’ + odous, odont- ‘tooth’.

did

past of do^1.

didactic

//, //

adj. intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive. in the manner of a teacher, especially so as to be patronizing.

- DERIVATIVES didactically adv. didacticism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk didaktikos, from didaskein ‘teach’.

didanosine

//

n. Medicine another term for dideoxyinosine.

diddicoy

n. variant spelling of didicoi.

diddle

v. informal
1 cheat or swindle.
2 N. Amer. waste time.
3 vulgar slang, chiefly N. Amer. have sex with.

- DERIVATIVES diddler n.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from the name of Jeremy Diddler, a character in the farce Raising the Wind (1803) who constantly borrowed small sums of money.

diddly-squat

// (also doodly-squat)

pron. [usu. with neg.] N. Amer. informal anything at all.

- ORIGIN 1960s: prob. from US sl. doodle ‘excrement’ + squat in the sense ‘defecate’.

diddums

//

exclam. Brit. informal used to express commiseration to a child.

- ORIGIN C19: from did 'em, i.e. ‘did they?’ (tease you, do that to you, etc.).

diddy

adj. Brit. informal little.

- ORIGIN prob. a child's corruption of little.

dideoxyinosine

//

n. Medicine a drug used in the treatment of HIV infection, especially in combination with zidovudine.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from di-1 + deoxy- (in the sense ‘that has lost oxygen)’ + inosine.

didgeridoo

//

n. an Australian Aboriginal wind instrument in the form of a long wooden tube, which is blown to produce a deep resonant sound.

- ORIGIN from an Aborig. lang. of Arnhem Land.

didi

//

n. Indian an older sister or older female cousin. a respectful form of address to an older woman.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dd.

didicoi

// (also diddicoy)

n. (pl. didicois) dialect a Gypsy or itinerant tinker.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. an alt. of Romany dik akei ‘look here’.

didn't

contr. did not.

dido

//

n. (pl. didoes or didos) (in phr. cut (up) didoes) N. Amer. informal play pranks.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

didst

archaic second person singular past of do^1.

didymium

//

n. Chemistry a mixture containing the rare-earth elements praseodymium and neodymium, used to colour glass for optical filters.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk didumos ‘twin’ + -ium.

die^1

v. (dies, dying, died)
1 stop living. (die out) become extinct. be forgotten.
2 (often die away/down) become less loud or strong.
3 informal used to emphasize strong desire, embarrassment, shock, etc.: I nearly died when I saw them. (be dying for/to do something) be very eager for something.

- PHRASES
die a (or the) death Brit. fail utterly or come to an end.
die hard change very slowly: old habits die hard.
never say die said to encourage someone not to give up hope.
to die for informal extremely good or desirable.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON deyja, of Gmc origin; rel. to dead.

die^2

n.
1 singular form of dice.
2 (pl. dies) a device for cutting or moulding metal or for stamping a design on coins or medals.
3 (pl. dies) Architecture the cubic part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice; a dado or plinth.

- PHRASES
the die is cast a decision has been taken that cannot be changed.
(as) straight as a die
1 completely straight.
2 entirely open and honest.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. de, from L. datum ‘something given or played’, neut. past part. of dare.

USAGE

In modern standard English, the singular die (rather than dice) for sense 1 is relatively uncommon. Dice is widely used for both the singular and the plural.

dieback

n. a condition in which a tree or shrub begins to die from the tip of its leaves or roots backwards.

die-cast

adj. (of a metal object) formed by pouring molten metal into a reusable mould.
v. [usu. as noun die-casting] make (a metal object) in this way.

dieffenbachia

//

n. a plant of a genus that includes dumb cane and its relatives.   Genus Dieffenbachia.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the 19th-cent. German horticulturalist Ernst Dieffenbach.

diegesis

//

n. (pl. diegeses //) formal a narrative or plot.

- DERIVATIVES diegetic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk digsis ‘narrative’.

diehard

n. a person who strongly opposes change or who continues to support something in spite of opposition.

diel

//

adj. Biology denoting or involving a period of twenty-four hours.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from L. dies ‘day’ + -(a)l (see -al).

dieldrin

//

n. an insecticide made by the oxidation of aldrin, now largely banned.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from the name of the German chemist Otto Diels + aldrin.

dielectric

// Physics

adj. having the property of transmitting electric force without conduction; insulating.
n. an insulator.

- DERIVATIVES dielectrically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from di-3 + electric.

dielectric constant

n. Physics a quantity measuring the ability of a substance to store electrical energy in an electric field.

diencephalon

//, //

n. Anatomy the caudal (posterior) part of the forebrain, containing the epithalamus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and ventral thalamus and the third ventricle. Compare with telencephalon.

- DERIVATIVES diencephalic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from di-3 + encephalon.

diene

//

n. Chemistry an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing two double bonds between carbon atoms.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from di-1 + -ene.

dieresis

n. US spelling of diaeresis.

diesel

//

n.
1 an internal-combustion engine in which heat produced by the compression of air in the cylinder is used to ignite the fuel.
2 (also diesel oil) a heavy petroleum fraction used as fuel in diesel engines.

- DERIVATIVES dieselize (or dieselise) v.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the German engineer Rudolf Diesel.

diesel-electric

adj. denoting or relating to a locomotive driven by the electric current produced by a diesel-engined generator.
n. a diesel-electric locomotive.

diesel-hydraulic

adj. denoting or relating to a locomotive driven by a hydraulic transmission system powered by a diesel engine.
n. a diesel-hydraulic locomotive.

die-sinker

n. a person who engraves dies used to stamp designs on coins or medals.

- DERIVATIVES die-sinking n.

Dies Irae

/ /, //

n. a Latin hymn sung in a Mass for the dead.

- ORIGIN L., ‘day of wrath’ (the opening words of the hymn).

dies non

/ /

n. (pl. same) a day on which no legal business can be done, or which does not count for legal purposes.

- ORIGIN L., short for dies non juridicus ‘non-judicial day’.

die-stamping

n. a method of embossing paper or another surface using a die.

diestock

n. a hand tool used in the cutting of external screw threads.

diestrus

n. US spelling of dioestrus.

diet^1

n.
1 the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
2 a special course of food to which a person restricts themselves to lose weight or for medical reasons. [as modifier] (of food or drink) with reduced fat or sugar content.
v. (diets, dieting, dieted) restrict oneself to a special diet to lose weight.

- DERIVATIVES dietary adj. dieter n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diete (n.), dieter (v.), via L. from Gk diaita ‘a way of life’.

diet^2

n.
1 a legislative assembly in certain countries. historical a regular meeting of the states of a confederation.
2 Scots Law a meeting or session of a court.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. dieta ‘day's work, wages’.

dietetic

//

adj. concerned with diet and nutrition.

- DERIVATIVES dietetically adv.

dietetics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of knowledge concerned with the diet and its effects on health.

diethylene glycol

//, //

n. Chemistry a colourless soluble liquid used as a solvent and antifreeze.

dietitian

// (also dietician)

n. an expert on diet and nutrition.

dif-

prefix variant spelling of dis- assimilated before f (as in diffraction, diffuse).

- ORIGIN from L., var. of dis-.

differ

v.
1 be unlike or dissimilar: actual results may differ from expectations.
2 disagree with someone.

- PHRASES
agree to differ amicably stop arguing because agreement will never be reached.
beg to differ politely disagree.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. differer ‘differ, defer’, from L. different-, differre, from dis- ‘from, away’ + ferre ‘bring, carry’; cf. defer^1.

difference

n.
1 a way in which people or things are different. the state or condition of being different.
2 the remainder left after subtraction of one value from another.
3 a disagreement or quarrel.
4 Heraldry an alteration in a coat of arms to distinguish members or branches of a family.
v. Heraldry alter (a coat of arms) to distinguish members or branches of a family.

- PHRASES
with a difference having a new or unusual feature or treatment.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. differentia, from L. different- (see differ).

different

adj.
1 not the same as another or each other; unlike. informal novel and unusual.
2 distinct; separate.

- DERIVATIVES differently adv. differentness n.

USAGE

There is little difference in sense between different from, different to, and different than, and all have been used by respected writers. Different from is traditionally held to be the correct collocation, and is by far the commonest in written evidence; different than, which is often criticized, is largely restricted to North America.

differentia

//

n. (pl. differentiae //) a distinguishing mark or characteristic. chiefly Philosophy an attribute that distinguishes a species of thing from other species of the same genus.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. (see difference).

differentiable

//

adj. able to be differentiated.

- DERIVATIVES differentiability n.

differential

// chiefly technical

adj.
1 constituting or depending on a difference; varying according to circumstances or relevant factors.
2 Mathematics relating to infinitesimal differences or to the derivatives of functions.
n.
1 a difference. Brit. a difference in wages between industries or between categories of employees in the same industry. Mathematics an infinitesimal difference between successive values of a variable.
2 a gear allowing a vehicle's driven wheels to revolve at different speeds in cornering.

- DERIVATIVES differentially adv.

differential calculus

n. Mathematics the part of calculus concerned with the derivatives of functions.

differential coefficient

n. Mathematics another term for derivative.

differential equation

n. an equation involving derivatives of a function or functions.

differentiate

//

v.
1 recognize or identify as different; distinguish. cause to appear different or distinct.
2 technical make or become different in the process of growth or development.
3 Mathematics transform (a function) into its derivative.

- DERIVATIVES differentiation n. differentiator n.

differently abled

adj. euphemistic, chiefly N. Amer. disabled.

difficult

adj.
1 needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand.
2 not easy to please or satisfy; awkward.

- DERIVATIVES difficultly adv. (rare). difficultness n.

- ORIGIN ME: back-form. from difficulty.

difficulty

n. (pl. difficulties)
1 the state or condition of being difficult.
2 a difficult or dangerous situation; a problem.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. difficultas, from dis- (expressing reversal) + facultas ‘ability, opportunity’.

diffident

adj. modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.

- DERIVATIVES diffidence n. diffidently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. diffident-, diffidere ‘fail to trust’.

diffract

//

v. Physics cause to undergo diffraction.

- DERIVATIVES diffractive adj. diffractively adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. diffract-, diffringere ‘break in pieces’.

diffraction

n. Physics the process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge.

diffraction grating

n. a plate of glass or metal ruled with very close parallel lines, producing a spectrum by diffraction and interference of light.

diffractometer

//

n. an instrument for detecting and measuring diffracted radiation, especially in crystallography.

diffuse

v. // spread over a wide area. Physics intermingle with another substance by movement of particles.
adj. //
1 spread out over a large area; not concentrated. (of disease) not localized in the body.
2 lacking clarity or conciseness.

- DERIVATIVES diffusely // adv. diffuseness // n. diffuser (also diffusor) n. diffusible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. diffus-, diffundere ‘pour out’; the adj. is via Fr. diffus or L. diffusus ‘extensive’.

USAGE

The verbs diffuse and defuse sound similar but have different meanings. Diffuse means ‘spread over a wide area’, while defuse means ‘reduce the danger or tension in’. Thus sentences such as Cooper successfully diffused the situation are wrong, while Cooper successfully defused the situation would be correct.

diffusion

n.
1 the action or process of diffusing. Anthropology the dissemination of elements of culture to another region or people.
2 [as modifier] denoting a range of relatively inexpensive garments produced for the mass market by a fashion designer.

- DERIVATIVES diffusional adj. diffusionism n. diffusionist adj. & n. diffusive adj.

diffusivity

//

n. (pl. diffusivities) Physics a measure of the capability of a substance or energy to be diffused or to allow something to pass by diffusion.

dig

v. (digs, digging; past and past part. dug)
1 break up and move earth with a tool or with hands, paws, etc. make (a hole) by digging. extract from the ground by digging. (dig in) (of a soldier) protect oneself by making a trench or similar ground defence. excavate (an archaeological site).
2 push or poke sharply: he dug his hands into his pockets.
3 search, rummage, or investigate. (dig something out/up) bring out or discover something after a search.
4 (dig in) begin eating heartily.
5 informal, dated like or appreciate.
n.
1 an act or spell of digging. an archaeological excavation.
2 a sharp push or poke.
3 informal a mocking or critical remark.

- PHRASES
dig up dirt informal discover and reveal damaging information about someone.
dig oneself into a hole get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.
dig in one's heels stubbornly refuse to give in.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OE dc ‘ditch’.

Digambara

//

n. a member of one of two principal sects of Jainism, who reject property ownership and formerly did not wear clothes. See also Svetambara.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit Digmbara, lit. ‘sky-clad’.

digamma

//

n. the sixth letter of the early Greek alphabet (, ), probably pronounced as ‘w’.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk, from di- ‘twice’ + gamma (because of the shape of the letter, resembling gamma () with an extra stroke).

digastric muscle

//

n. Anatomy each of a pair of muscles which run under the jaw and act to open it.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. digastricus, from di- ‘twice’ + Gk gastr ‘belly’ (because the muscle has two fleshy parts or ‘bellies’ connected by a tendon).

digenean

//, //

adj. Zoology relating to or denoting parasitic flukes which need from two to four hosts to complete their life cycle. Compare with monogenean.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from the mod. L. name of the subclass Digenea (from Gk di- ‘twice’ + genea ‘generation, race’) + -an.

digerati

//

pl. n. informal people with expertise or professional involvement in information technology.

- ORIGIN 1990s: blend of digital and literati.

digest

v. //, //
1 break down (food) in the stomach and intestines into substances that can be used by the body.
2 Chemistry treat (a substance) with heat, enzymes, or a solvent in order to break it down.
3 understand or assimilate (information) by reflection.
4 arrange in a systematic or convenient order, especially by reduction.
n. //
1 a compilation or summary of information. a methodical summary of a body of laws. (the Digest) the compendium of Roman law compiled in the reign of the emperor Justinian.
2 Chemistry a substance or mixture obtained by digestion.

- DERIVATIVES digester n. digestibility n. digestible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. digest-, digerere ‘distribute, dissolve, digest’; the noun is from L. digesta ‘matters methodically arranged’.

digestif

//, //

n. a drink, especially an alcoholic one, taken before or after a meal in order to aid the digestion.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘digestive’.

digestion

n. the process of digesting. a person's capacity to digest food.

digestive

adj. relating to the process of digesting food. (of food or medicine) aiding or promoting the process of digestion.
n.
1 a food or medicine that aids or promotes the digestion of food.
2 Brit. a round semi-sweet biscuit made of wholemeal flour.

- DERIVATIVES digestively adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. digestif, -ive or L. digestivus, from digest-, digerere (see digest).

digger

n.
1 a person, animal, or large machine that digs earth.
2 (Digger) a member of a group of radical dissenters formed as an offshoot of the Levellers, believing in a form of agrarian communism.
3 Austral./NZ informal a friendly form of address for a man.

digger wasp

n. a solitary wasp which excavates a burrow, filling it with paralysed insects or spiders for its larvae to feed on.   Families Sphecidae and Pompilidae: many species.

diggings

pl. n.
1 a site such as a mine or goldfield that has been excavated. material that has been dug from the ground.
2 Brit. informal, dated lodgings. [ORIGIN prob. referring to the land where a farmer digs (works) and, by extension, lives.]

dight

//

adj. archaic clothed or equipped.
v.
1 literary make ready; prepare.
2 Scottish & N. English wipe clean or dry.

- ORIGIN ME: past part. of archaic dight ‘order, deal with’, based on L. dictare ‘dictate’.

digit

//

n.
1 any of the numerals from 0 to 9, especially when forming part of a number.
2 a finger or thumb. Zoology a finger, thumb, or toe.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. digitus ‘finger, toe’.

digital

adj.
1 relating to or using signals or information represented as digits using discrete values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. Compare with analogue. involving or relating to the use of computer technology: the digital revolution.
2 (of a clock or watch) showing the time by means of displayed digits rather than hands or a pointer.
3 relating to a finger or fingers.

- DERIVATIVES digitally adv.

digital audiotape

n. magnetic tape used to make digital recordings.

digital camera

n. a camera which produces digital images that can be stored in a computer and displayed on screen.

digital divide

n. the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the Internet and those who do not.

digitalin

//

n. a drug containing the active constituents of digitalis.

digitalis

//

n. a drug prepared from foxglove leaves, containing substances that stimulate the heart muscle.

- ORIGIN C18: from the mod. L. genus name of the foxglove, from digitalis (herba) ‘(plant) relating to the finger’, suggested by Ger. Fingerhut ‘thimble or foxglove’.

digitalize^1

(or digitalise)

v. another term for digitize.

- DERIVATIVES digitalization n.

digitalize^2

(or digitalise)

v. Medicine administer digitalis or digoxin to (a patient with a heart complaint).

- DERIVATIVES digitalization n.

digitate

//, //

adj. technical shaped like a spread hand.

digitation

n.
1 Zoology & Botany a finger-like protuberance.
2 Computing the conversion of data to digital form.

digitigrade

//

adj. Zoology (of a mammal) walking on its toes and not touching the ground with its heels, as a dog, cat, or rodent. Compare with plantigrade.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. digitus ‘finger, toe’ + -gradus ‘-walking’.

digitize

(or digitise)

v. [usu. as adj. digitized] convert (pictures or sound) into a digital form that can be processed by a computer.

- DERIVATIVES digitization n. digitizer n.

digitoxin

//

n. Chemistry a compound with similar properties to digoxin and found with it in the foxglove and other plants.

diglossia

//

n. Linguistics a situation in which two languages (or two varieties of the same language) are used under different conditions within a community, often by the same speakers.

- DERIVATIVES diglossic adj.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk diglssos ‘bilingual’, on the pattern of Fr. diglossie.

dignified

adj. having or showing dignity.

- DERIVATIVES dignifiedly adv.

dignify

v. (dignifies, dignifying, dignified) make (something) seem worthy and impressive. give an impressive name to (someone or something unworthy of it).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dignefier, from late L. dignificare, from L. dignus ‘worthy’.

dignitary

//

n. (pl. dignitaries) a person holding high rank or office.

dignity

n. (pl. dignities)
1 the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect.
2 a composed or serious manner or style. a sense of pride in oneself.

- PHRASES
stand on one's dignity insist on being treated with due respect.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dignete, from L. dignitas, from dignus ‘worthy’.

digoxin

//

n. Chemistry a poisonous compound present in the foxglove and other plants, used to treat irregularities of heart rhythm.

- ORIGIN 1930s: contr. of digitoxin.

digraph

//

n.
1 a combination of two letters representing one sound, as in ph and ey.
2 Printing a ligature.

- DERIVATIVES digraphic adj.

digress

//

v. leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.

- DERIVATIVES digresser n. digression n. digressive adj. digressively adv. digressiveness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. digress-, digredi ‘step away’, from di- ‘aside’ + gradi ‘to walk’.

digs

pl. n. informal lodgings.

- ORIGIN C19: short for diggings (in sense 2).

dihedral

//

adj. having or contained by two plane faces.
n.
1 an angle formed by two plane faces.
2 Aeronautics upward inclination of an aircraft's wing.

- ORIGIN C18: from di-1 + -hedral (see -hedron).

dihybrid

//

n. Genetics a hybrid that is heterozygous for alleles of two different genes.

dihydric

//

adj. Chemistry (of an alcohol) containing two hydroxyl groups.

dihydrotestosterone

//

n. Biochemistry a male sex hormone which is the active form of testosterone.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from dihydro- (in the sense ‘containing two hydrogen atoms in the molecule’) + testosterone.

dik-dik

//

n. a dwarf antelope found on the dry savannah of Africa.   Genus Madoqua: several species.

- ORIGIN C19: a local word in East Africa, imitative of its call.

dike^1

n. variant spelling of dyke^1.

dike^2

n. variant spelling of dyke^2.

diktat

//

n. an order or decree imposed by someone in power without popular consent.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Ger.

DIL

abbrev. Electronics dual in-line (package).

dilapidate

//

v. archaic cause to fall into disrepair or ruin.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘waste, squander’): from L. dilapidat-, dilapidare ‘demolish, squander’, lit. ‘scatter as if throwing stones’.

dilapidated

adj. (of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.

dilapidation

n.
1 the process of falling into decay or the state of being in disrepair.
2 (dilapidations) repairs required during or at the end of a tenancy or lease. (in church use) a sum charged against an incumbent for wear and tear during a tenancy.

dilatancy

//, //

n. Chemistry the phenomenon exhibited by some fluids, sols, and gels in which they become more viscous when stress is applied.

dilatation

//, //, //

n. chiefly Medicine & Physiology the action of dilating a vessel or opening or the process of becoming dilated. a dilated part of a hollow organ or vessel.

dilatation and curettage

n. a surgical procedure involving dilatation of the cervix and curettage of the uterus, performed after a miscarriage or for the removal of cysts or tumours.

dilate

//, //

v.
1 make or become wider, larger, or more open: her eyes dilated with horror.
2 (dilate on) speak or write at length on.

- DERIVATIVES dilatable adj. dilation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dilater, from L. dilatare ‘spread out’.

dilator

n.
1 (also dilator muscle) Anatomy a muscle whose contraction dilates an organ or aperture, such as the pupil of the eye.
2 a surgical instrument for dilating a tube or cavity in the body.
3 a vasodilatory drug.

dilatory

//

adj.
1 slow to act.
2 intended to cause delay.

- DERIVATIVES dilatorily adv. dilatoriness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. dilatorius ‘delaying’, from L. dilator ‘delayer’, from dilat-, differre ‘defer’.

dildo

n. (pl. dildos or dildoes) an object shaped like an erect penis used for sexual stimulation.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

dilemma

//, //

n.
1 a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives. informal a difficult situation or problem.
2 Logic an argument forcing an opponent to choose either of two unfavourable alternatives.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk dilmma, from di- ‘twice’ + lmma ‘premise’.

dilettante

//, //

n. (pl. dilettanti // or dilettantes) a person who has a superficial interest in a subject but lacks real knowledge of it. archaic a person with an amateur interest in the arts.

- DERIVATIVES dilettantish adj. dilettantism n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital., ‘person loving the arts’.

diligence^1

//

n. careful and persistent work or effort.

diligence^2

//

n. historical a public stagecoach.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., shortened from carrosse de diligence ‘coach of speed’.

diligent

adj. careful and conscientious in one's work or duties.

- DERIVATIVES diligently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. diligens, diligent- ‘assiduous’, from diligere ‘love, take delight in’.

dill^1

(also dill weed)

n. an aromatic culinary and medicinal herb of the parsley family, with yellow flowers.   Anethum graveolens.

- ORIGIN OE dile, dyle, of unknown origin.

dill^2

n. Austral./NZ informal a naive or foolish person.

- ORIGIN 1940s: appar. a back-form. from dilly^2.

dill pickle

n. pickled cucumber flavoured with dill.

dilly^1

n. (pl. dillies) N. Amer. informal an excellent example of something.

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of the first syllable of delightful or delicious.

dilly^2

adj. (dillier, dilliest) Austral./NZ informal, dated odd or foolish.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. a blend of daft and silly.

dillybag

n. Austral. a bag or basket of traditional Aboriginal design, made from woven grass or fibre.

- ORIGIN from Yagara (an extinct Aboriginal language of Queensland) dili ‘coarse grass or reeds, woven bag’ + bag.

dilly-dally

v. (dilly-dallies, dilly-dallying, dilly-dallied) informal dawdle or vacillate.

- ORIGIN C17: reduplication of dally.

diluent

// technical

n. a substance used to dilute something.
adj. acting to cause dilution.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. diluent-, diluere ‘dissolve’.

dilute

//, //

v.
1 make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
2 make weaker or less effective by modifications or additions.
adj. also // (of a liquid) diluted. Chemistry (of a solution) having a relatively low concentration of solute.

- DERIVATIVES diluter n. dilution n. dilutive adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dilut-, diluere ‘wash away, dissolve’.

diluvial

//, // (also diluvian)

adj. relating to a flood or floods, especially the biblical Flood.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. diluvialis, from diluvium ‘deluge’.

dim

adj. (dimmer, dimmest)
1 (of a light or illuminated object) not shining brightly or clearly. made difficult to see by darkness, shade, or distance. (of the eyes) not able to see clearly.
2 not clearly recalled or formulated in the mind: dim memories.
3 informal stupid; unintelligent.
v. (dims, dimming, dimmed) make or become dim. N. Amer. dip (a vehicle's headlights).

- PHRASES
take a dim view of regard with disapproval.

- DERIVATIVES dimly adv. dimmable adj. dimmish adj. dimness n.

- ORIGIN OE dim, dimm, of Gmc origin.

dim.

abbrev. diminuendo.

dime

//

n. N. Amer. a ten-cent coin. informal a small amount of money.

- PHRASES
a dime a dozen informal very common and of little value.
drop a (or the) dime on informal inform on.
on a dime informal within a small area or short distance.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. denoting a tithe or tenth part): from OFr. disme, from L. decima pars ‘tenth part’.

dime novel

n. N. Amer. dated a cheap, popular novel.

dimension

//, //

n.
1 a measurable extent, such as length, breadth, or height. Physics an expression for a derived physical quantity in terms of fundamental quantities such as mass, length, or time, raised to the appropriate power (acceleration, for example, having the dimension of length × time-2).
2 an aspect or feature: the cultural dimensions of the problem.
v. cut or shape to particular dimensions. [usu. as adj. dimensioned] mark (a diagram) with dimensions.

- DERIVATIVES -dimensional adj. dimensionally adv. dimensionless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. dimensio(n-), from dimetiri ‘measure out’.

dimer

//

n. Chemistry a molecule or molecular complex consisting of two identical molecules linked together.

- DERIVATIVES dimeric adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from di-1, on the pattern of polymer.

dimerize

(or dimerise) //

v. Chemistry combine with a similar molecule to form a dimer.

- DERIVATIVES dimerization n.

dimerous

//

adj. Botany & Zoology having parts arranged in groups of two. consisting of two joints or parts.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. dimerus + -ous.

dime store

n. N. Amer. a shop selling cheap merchandise (originally one where the maximum price was a dime). [as modifier] cheap and inferior.

dimeter

//

n. Prosody a line of verse consisting of two metrical feet.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk dimetros ‘of two measures’.

dimethyl sulphoxide

/ /, //, // (US dimethyl sulfoxide)

n. Chemistry a pungent colourless liquid used as a solvent, especially for medicines applied to the skin.

dimetrodon

//

n. a large fossil carnivorous mammal-like reptile of the Permian period, with long spines on its back supporting a sail-like crest.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from di- ‘twice’ + Gk metron ‘measure’ + odous, odont- ‘tooth’ (taken in the sense ‘two long teeth’).

diminish

v.
1 make or become less.
2 [as adj. diminished] Music denoting an interval which is one semitone less than the corresponding minor or perfect interval.

- PHRASES
(the law of) diminishing returns the principle that as expenditure or investment increases each further increase produces a proportionately smaller return.

- DERIVATIVES diminishable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: blend of archaic minish ‘diminish’ (based on L. minutia ‘smallness’) and obs. diminue ‘speak disparagingly’ (based on L. deminuere ‘lessen’).

diminished responsibility

n. English Law an unbalanced mental state which is recognized as grounds to reduce a charge of murder to that of manslaughter.

diminuendo

// Music

adv. & adj. with a decrease in loudness.
v. (diminuendos, diminuendoing, diminuendoed) decrease in loudness or intensity.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘diminishing’.

diminution

//

n.
1 a reduction in size, extent, or importance.
2 Music the shortening of the time values of notes in a melodic part.

diminutive

//

adj.
1 extremely or unusually small.
2 (of a word, name, or suffix) implying smallness, either actual or as an expression of affection or scorn (e.g. teeny, -let).
n. a diminutive word or suffix. a shortened informal form of a name.

- DERIVATIVES diminutively adv. diminutiveness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diminutif, -ive, from late L. diminutivus, from L. deminut-, deminuere ‘lessen’.

dimissory

//

adj. (in the Christian Church) denoting formal permission from a bishop for a person from one diocese to be ordained in another.

- ORIGIN ME (as pl. n.): from late L. dimissorius, from dimiss-, dimittere ‘send away’.

dimity

//

n. a hard-wearing cotton fabric woven with stripes or checks.

- ORIGIN ME: from Ital. dimito or med. L. dimitum, from Gk dimitos, from di- ‘twice’ + mitos ‘warp thread’.

DIMM

abbrev. Computing dual in-line memory module.

dimmer

n.
1 (also dimmer switch) a device for varying the brightness of an electric light.
2 US a dipped headlight.

dimorphic

//

adj. chiefly Biology occurring in or representing two distinct forms.

- DERIVATIVES dimorphism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dimorphos (from di- ‘twice’ + morph ‘form’) + -ic.

dimple

n. a small depression in the flesh, either permanent or forming in the cheeks when one smiles. a slight depression in the surface of an object.
v. produce a dimple or dimples in the surface of. [usu. as adj. dimpled] form or show a dimple or dimples.

- DERIVATIVES dimply adj.

- ORIGIN ME: of Gmc origin.

dim sum

/ / (also dim sim //)

n. a Chinese dish of small steamed or fried savoury dumplings containing various fillings.

- ORIGIN from Chin. (Cantonese dial.) tim sam, from tim ‘dot’ and sam ‘heart’.

dimwit

n. informal a stupid or silly person.

- DERIVATIVES dim-witted adj. dim-wittedly adv. dim-wittedness n.

DIN

n. any of a series of technical standards originating in Germany and used internationally, especially to designate electrical connections and film speeds.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: acronym from Deutsche Industrie-Norm ‘German Industrial Standard’.

din

n. a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise.
v. (dins, dinning, dinned)
1 (din something into) instil information into (someone) by constant repetition.
2 make a din.

- ORIGIN OE dyne, dynn (n.), dynian (v.), of Gmc origin.

dinar

//

n.
1 the basic monetary unit of Bosnia and the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, equal to 100 paras.
2 the basic monetary unit of certain countries of the Middle East and North Africa, equal to 1,000 fils in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq, 1,000 dirhams in Libya, 100 centimes in Algeria, and 10 pounds in the Sudan.
3 a monetary unit of Iran, equal to one hundredth of a rial.

- ORIGIN from Arab. and Pers. dnr, Turk. and Serbo-Croat dinar, via late Gk from L. denarius (see denarius).

dine

v.
1 eat dinner.
2 (dine out on) regularly entertain friends with (a humorous or interesting anecdote).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. disner, prob. from desjëuner ‘to break fast’.

diner

n.
1 a person who dines.
2 a dining car on a train.
3 N. Amer. a small roadside restaurant, originally one designed to resemble a dining car.

dinero

//

n. N. Amer. informal money.

- ORIGIN Sp., ‘coin, money’.

dinette

//

n.
1 a small room or part of a room used for eating meals.
2 N. Amer. a set of table and chairs for such an area.

- ORIGIN 1930s: formed irregularly from dine + -ette.

ding^1

v. make a ringing sound.

ding^2

n.
1 N. Amer. informal a mark or dent on the bodywork of a car or other vehicle.
2 Scottish or dialect a blow on the head.
v.
1 informal, chiefly N. Amer. dent or hit.
2 (ding into) Scottish bump into.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin.

ding-a-ling

n.
1 the ringing sound of a bell.
2 N. Amer. informal an eccentric or stupid person.

Ding an sich

/ /

n. (in Kant's philosophy) a thing as it is in itself, not mediated through perception by the senses or conceptualization, and therefore unknowable.

- ORIGIN from Ger.

dingbat

//

n. informal
1 N. Amer. & Austral./NZ a stupid or eccentric person.
2 (dingbats) Austral./NZ delusions or feelings of unease, particularly those induced by delirium tremens.
3 a typographical device other than a letter or numeral, used to signal divisions in text or to replace letters in a euphemistically presented vulgar word.

- ORIGIN C19: origin uncertain; perh. based on ding^2.

ding-dong

n. informal
1 Brit. a fierce argument or fight.
2 N. Amer. a silly or foolish person.
adv. & adj.
1 with the simple alternate chimes of a bell.
2 [as adj.] Brit. informal (of a contest) evenly matched and hard fought.

dinger

//

n.
1 US informal something outstanding of its kind.
2 Baseball a home run.

- ORIGIN C19: shortening of humdinger.

dinghy

//, //

n. (pl. dinghies)
1 a small boat for recreation or racing, especially an open boat with a mast and sails.
2 a small inflatable rubber boat.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting a rowing boat in India): from Hindi ding.

dingle

n. literary or dialect a deep wooded valley.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a deep abyss): of unknown origin.

dingo

//

n. (pl. dingoes or dingos)
1 a wild or semi-domesticated Australian dog with a sandy-coloured coat.   Canis dingo.
2 Austral. informal a cowardly or treacherous person.

- ORIGIN C18: from Dharuk din-gu ‘domesticated dingo’.

dingus

//

n. (pl. dinguses) N. Amer. & S. African informal a thing one cannot or does not wish to name specifically.

- ORIGIN C19: via Afrik. from Du. ding ‘thing’.

dingy

//

adj. (dingier, dingiest) gloomy and drab.

- DERIVATIVES dingily adv. dinginess n.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. based on OE dynge ‘dung’.

dining car

n. a railway carriage equipped as a restaurant.

dining room

n. a room in a house or hotel in which meals are eaten.

dink

chiefly Tennis

n. a drop shot.
v. hit (the ball) with a drop shot.

- ORIGIN 1930s: symbolic of the light action.

Dinka

//

n. (pl. same or Dinkas)
1 a member of a Sudanese people of the Nile basin.
2 the Nilotic language of the Dinka.

- ORIGIN from the local word Jieng ‘people’.

dinkum

// (also fair dinkum) Austral./NZ informal

adj. genuine; true.
adv. [often in questions] really; honestly.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

dinky^1

adj. (dinkier, dinkiest) informal
1 Brit. attractively small and neat.
2 N. Amer. disappointingly small; insignificant.

- ORIGIN C18: from Scots and north. Engl. dial. dink ‘neat, trim’.

dinky^2

n. (pl. dinkies) informal a partner in a well-off working couple with no children.

- ORIGIN 1980s: acronym from double income, no kids (yet).

dinky-di

//

adj. Austral./NZ informal variant of dinkum.

dinner

n. the main meal of the day, taken either around midday or in the evening. a formal evening meal, typically one in honour of a person or event.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. disner (see dine).

dinner dance

n. a formal social event at which guests have dinner, followed by dancing.

dinner jacket

n. a man's short jacket without tails, typically a black one, worn with a bow tie for formal evening occasions.

dinner lady

n. Brit. a woman who serves midday meals in a school.

dinner party

n. a social occasion at which guests eat dinner together at someone's house.

dinoflagellate

//

n. Biology a single-celled aquatic organism with two flagella, occurring in large numbers in marine plankton.   Division Dinophyta.

- ORIGIN C19 (as adj.): from mod. L. Dinoflagellata, from Gk dinos ‘whirling’ + L. flagellum (see flagellum).

dinosaur

//

n.
1 a Mesozoic fossil reptile of a diverse group including large bipedal and quadrupedal forms such as tyrannosaurus, brachiosaurus, triceratops, etc.
2 a person or thing that is outdated or has become obsolete because of failure to adapt.

- DERIVATIVES dinosaurian adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. dinosaurus, from Gk deinos ‘terrible’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

dint

n.
1 an impression or hollow in a surface.
2 archaic a blow or stroke.
v. mark with dints.

- PHRASES
by dint of by means of.

- ORIGIN OE dynt, reinforced in ME by the rel. ON word dyntr; cf. dent.

diocesan

//

adj. of or concerning a diocese.
n. the bishop of a diocese.

diocese

//

n. (pl. dioceses //, //) a district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diocise, from late L. diocesis, from L. dioecesis ‘governor's jurisdiction, diocese’.

diode

//

n. Electronics
1 a semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow of current in one direction only.
2 a thermionic valve with two electrodes.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from di-1 + a shortened form of electrode.

dioecious

//

adj. Biology (of a plant or invertebrate animal) having the male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals. Compare with monoecious.

- DERIVATIVES dioecy n.

- ORIGIN C18: from mod. L. Dioecia (a class in Linnaeus's system), from di-1 + Gk -oikos ‘house’.

dioestrus

// (US diestrus)

n. Zoology (in most female mammals) a period of sexual inactivity between recurrent periods of oestrus.

diol

//

n. Chemistry an alcohol containing two hydroxyl groups in its molecule.

Dionysiac

// (also Dionysian //)

adj.
1 Greek Mythology relating to the god Dionysus.
2 relating to the sensual, spontaneous, and emotional aspects of human nature. Compare with Apollonian.

Diophantine equation

//, //

n. Mathematics a polynomial equation with integral coefficients for which integral solutions are required.

- ORIGIN C18: named after the third-cent. Greek mathematician Diophantus.

diopside

//

n. a pale green to white silicate mineral occurring in many metamorphic and igneous rocks.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., formed irregularly from di-3 + Gk opsis ‘aspect’, later interpreted as from Gk diopsis ‘a view through’.

dioptre

// (US diopter)

n. a unit of refractive power, which is equal to the reciprocal of the focal length (in metres) of a given lens.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. denoting an alidade, later a form of theodolite): from Fr., from L. dioptra, from Gk, from di- ‘through’ + optos ‘visible’.

dioptric

//

adj. relating to the refraction of light, especially in the organs of sight or in devices which aid or improve the vision.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk dioptrikos, from dioptra, a kind of theodolite (see dioptre).

dioptrics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of optics concerned with refraction.

diorama

//

n.
1 a model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures. a miniature film set used for special effects or animation.
2 chiefly historical a scenic painting, viewed through a peephole, in which changes in illumination simulate changes in the weather and time of day.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from dia-, on the pattern of panorama.

diorite

//

n. Geology a speckled, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting typically of plagioclase, feldspar, and hornblende.

- DERIVATIVES dioritic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., formed irregularly from Gk diorizein ‘distinguish’ + -ite^1.

diosgenin

//

n. Chemistry a steroid compound obtained from Mexican yams and used in the synthesis of steroid hormones.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from dios- (from the mod. L. genus name Dioscorea) + genin, denoting steroids that occur as the non-sugar part of certain glycosides.

dioxane

// (also dioxan //)

n. Chemistry a colourless toxic heterocyclic compound used as an organic solvent.

dioxide

//

n. Chemistry an oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in its molecule or empirical formula.

dioxin

//

n. a highly toxic organic compound produced as a by-product in some manufacturing processes.

DIP

abbrev.
1 Computing document image processing.
2 Electronics dual in-line package.

Dip.

abbrev. diploma.

dip

v. (dips, dipping, dipped)
1 (dip something in/into) put or let something down quickly or briefly in or into (liquid). make (a candle) by immersing a wick repeatedly in hot wax.
2 sink, drop, or slope downwards. (of a level or amount) temporarily become lower or smaller. lower or move downwards. Brit. lower the beam of (a vehicle's headlights).
3 (dip into) put a hand or implement into (a bag or container) in order to take something out. spend from or make use of (one's financial resources).
4 (dip out) Austral./NZ informal fail.
n.
1 an act of dipping, especially a brief swim.
2 a thick sauce in which pieces of food are dipped before eating.
3 a brief downward slope followed by an upward one. an instance of dropping briefly before rising again.
4 the angle made with the horizontal at any point by the earth's magnetic field. Geology the angle a stratum makes with the horizontal. Astronomy & Surveying the apparent depression of the horizon from the line of observation, due to the curvature of the earth.
5 N. Amer. informal a stupid or foolish person.

- PHRASES
dip one's toe into (or in) begin to do (something) cautiously.

- ORIGIN OE dyppan, of Gmc origin; rel. to deep.

DipAD

abbrev. (in the UK) Diploma in Art and Design.

DipEd

abbrev. (in the UK) Diploma in Education.

dipeptide

//

n. Biochemistry a peptide composed of two amino-acid residues.

DipHE

abbrev. (in the UK) Diploma of Higher Education.

diphenhydramine

//

n. Medicine an antihistamine compound used for the symptomatic relief of allergies.

diphtheria

//, //

n. a serious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes and formation of a false membrane in the throat which hinders breathing and swallowing.

- DERIVATIVES diphtherial adj. diphtheritic // adj. diphtheroid adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Fr. diphthérie, from Gk diphthera ‘skin, hide’.

diphthong

//, //

n. a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves towards another (as in coin). a digraph representing the sound of a diphthong or single vowel (as in feat). a ligature (such as æ).

- DERIVATIVES diphthongal // adj. diphthongization (or diphthongisation) n. diphthongize (or diphthongise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. diphtongue, via late L. from Gk diphthongos, from di- ‘twice’ + phthongos ‘sound’.

diphycercal

//

adj. Zoology (of a fish's tail) approximately symmetrical and with the vertebral column continuing to the tip.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk diphu- ‘of double form’ + kerkos ‘tail’ + -al.

diplegia

//

n. Medicine paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body, typically affecting the legs more severely than the arms.

diplo-

comb. form
1 double: diplococcus.
2 diploid: diplotene.

- ORIGIN from Gk diplous ‘double’.

diplococcus

//

n. (pl. diplococci //, //) a bacterium that occurs as pairs of cocci, e.g. pneumococcus.

diplodocus

//, //

n. a huge herbivorous dinosaur of the late Jurassic period, with a long, slender neck and tail.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from diplo- + Gk dokos ‘wooden beam’.

diploid

//

adj. Genetics (of a cell or nucleus) containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. Compare with haploid.

- DERIVATIVES diploidy n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk diplous ‘double’ + -oid.

diploma

n.
1 a certificate awarded by an educational establishment for passing an examination or completing a course of study.
2 historical an official document or charter.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk diplma ‘folded paper’.

diplomacy

n.
1 the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations.
2 skill and tact in dealing with people.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. diplomatie, from diplomatique ‘diplomatic’, on the pattern of aristocratie ‘aristocracy’.

diplomat

n. an official representing a country abroad.

diplomate

//

n. chiefly US a holder of a diploma, especially a doctor certified as a specialist by a board of examiners.

diplomatic

adj.
1 of or concerning diplomacy.
2 tactful.
3 (of an edition or copy) exactly reproducing the original.

- DERIVATIVES diplomatically adv.

diplomatic bag

n. Brit. a container in which official mail is sent to or from an embassy, which is not subject to customs inspection.

diplomatic corps

n. the body of diplomats representing other countries in a particular state.

diplomatic immunity

n. the privilege of exemption from certain laws and taxes granted to diplomats by the state in which they are working.

diplomatic pouch

n. US term for diplomatic bag.

diplomatist

n. old-fashioned term for diplomat.

diplopia

//

n. technical term for double vision.

diplotene

//

n. Biology the fourth stage of the prophase of meiosis, following pachytene, during which the paired chromosomes begin to separate.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from diplo- + Gk tainia ‘band’.

dipole

//

n.
1 Physics a pair of equal and oppositely charged or magnetized poles separated by a distance.
2 an aerial consisting of a horizontal metal rod with a connecting wire at its centre.

- DERIVATIVES dipolar adj.

dipole moment

n. Physics & Chemistry the mathematical product of the separation of the ends of a dipole and the magnitude of the charges.

dipper

n.
1 a stocky, short-tailed songbird frequenting fast-flowing streams and able to dive or walk under water to feed.   Cinclus cinclus and related species.
2 a ladle or scoop.

dippy

adj. (dippier, dippiest) informal silly, eccentric, or scatterbrained.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

dipshit

n. vulgar slang, chiefly N. Amer. a contemptible or inept person.

- ORIGIN 1970s: perh. a blend of dippy and shit.

dip slope

n. Geology the gentler slope of a cuesta, following the underlying strata. Often contrasted with scarp slope.

dipso

n. (pl. dipsos) informal an alcoholic.

dipsomania

//

n. alcoholism, specifically in a form characterized by intermittent bouts of craving for alcohol.

- DERIVATIVES dipsomaniac n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dipso- (from dipsa ‘thirst’) + -mania.

dipstick

n.
1 a graduated rod for measuring the depth of a liquid, especially oil in a vehicle's engine.
2 informal a stupid or inept person.

DIP switch

n. Computing an arrangement of switches in a dual in-line package used to select the operating mode of a device such as a printer.

dipteral

//

adj. Architecture having a double peristyle.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. dipteros (from Gk, from di- ‘twice’ + pteron ‘wing’) + -al.

dipteran

// Entomology

n. an insect of the large order Diptera, comprising the two-winged or true flies, which have the hindwings reduced to form balancing organs (halteres).
adj. relating to dipterans.

- DERIVATIVES dipterist n.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Diptera, from Gk diptera, neut. pl. of dipteros ‘two-winged’.

dipterocarp

//

n. a tall forest tree of a large, mainly SE Asian family (Dipterocarpaceae).

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Dipterocarpus (genus name), from Gk dipteros ‘two-winged’ + karpos ‘fruit’.

dipterous

//

adj.
1 Entomology relating to flies of the order Diptera.
2 Botany having two wing-like appendages.

diptych

//

n.
1 a painting, especially an altarpiece, on two hinged wooden panels which may be closed like a book.
2 an ancient writing tablet consisting of two hinged leaves with waxed inner sides.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from late Gk diptukha ‘pair of writing tablets’, neut. pl. of Gk diptukhos ‘folded in two’.

diram

//

n. a monetary unit of Tajikistan, equal to one hundredth of a somoni.

- ORIGIN Tajik.

dire

adj.
1 extremely serious or urgent.
2 Brit. informal of a very poor quality.

- DERIVATIVES direly adv. direness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dirus ‘fearful, threatening’.

direct

//, //

adj.
1 going from one place to another without changing direction or stopping. Astronomy & Astrology (of apparent planetary motion) proceeding from west to east in accord with actual motion.
2 straightforward; frank. (of proof) clear; unambiguous.
3 without intervening factors or intermediaries: the complications are a direct result of bacteria spreading. (of light or heat) proceeding from a source without being reflected or blocked. (of descent) proceeding in continuous succession from parent to child.
4 perpendicular to a surface.
adv. in a direct way or by a direct route.
v.
1 control the operations of. supervise and control (a film, play, or other production).
2 aim in a particular direction or at a particular person. tell or show (someone) the way.
3 give an order to.

- DERIVATIVES directness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. directus, past part. of dirigere, from di- ‘distinctly’ or de- ‘down’ + regere ‘put straight’.

direct action

n. the use of strikes, demonstrations, or other public forms of protest rather than negotiation to achieve one's demands.

direct current

(abbrev.: DC)

n. an electric current flowing in one direction only. Compare with alternating current.

direct debit

n. Brit. an arrangement made with a bank that allows a third party to transfer money from a person's account on agreed dates.

direct dialling

n. the facility of making a telephone call without connection by the operator.

direct-drive

adj. (of mechanical parts) driven directly by a motor, without a belt or other device to transmit power.

direct-grant school

n. historical (in the UK) a fee-paying school that received government funds in return for the admission of some non-paying pupils.

direct injection

n. (in internal-combustion engines) the use of a pump to spray fuel directly into the cylinder at high pressure.

direction

//, //

n.
1 a course along which someone or something moves, or which must be taken to reach a destination. a point to or from which a person or thing moves or faces. a trend or tendency.
2 the action of directing or managing. (directions) instructions on how to reach a destination or about how to do something.

directional

adj.
1 relating to or indicating the direction in which someone or something is facing or moving.
2 having a particular direction of motion, progression, or orientation.

- DERIVATIVES directionality // n. directionally adv.

direction finder

n. a system of aerials for locating the source of radio signals, used as an aid to navigation.

directionless

adj. lacking in purpose or aims.

directive

n. an official or authoritative instruction.
adj. involving the direction of operations.

- ORIGIN ME (as adj.): from med. L. directivus, from direct-, dirigere (see direct).

directly

adv.
1 in a direct manner. immediately. dated soon.
2 exactly in a specified position: the houses directly opposite.
conj. Brit. as soon as.

direct mail

n. unsolicited commercial literature mailed to prospective customers.

- DERIVATIVES direct mailing n.

direct marketing

n. the business of selling products or services directly to the customer, e.g. by telephone selling.

direct object

n. a noun phrase denoting a person or thing that is the recipient of the action of a transitive verb, for example the dog in Jeremy fed the dog.

Directoire

//

adj. relating to or denoting a neoclassical decorative style prevalent during the French Directory.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

Directoire knickers

pl. n. Brit. historical straight, full, knee-length knickers.

director

n.
1 a person who is in charge of an activity, department, or organization.
2 a member of the managing board of a business.
3 a person who directs a film, play, etc.

- DERIVATIVES directorial adj. directorship n. directress (also directrice) n.

directorate

n. [treated as sing. or pl.]
1 the board of directors of a company.
2 a section of a government department in charge of a particular activity.

director general

n. (pl. directors general) chiefly Brit. the chief executive of a large organization.

directory

n. (pl. directories)
1 a book listing individuals or organizations alphabetically or thematically with details such as addresses and telephone numbers. a board in an organization or large store listing names and locations of departments, individuals, etc. Computing a file consisting solely of a set of other files.
2 chiefly historical a book of directions for the conduct of Christian worship, especially in Presbyterian and Roman Catholic Churches.
3 (the Directory) the revolutionary government in France 1795–9.

directory enquiries

(N. Amer. directory assistance)

pl. n. a telephone service used to find out someone's telephone number.

direct proportion

(also direct ratio)

n. the relation between quantities whose ratio is constant.

directrix

//, //

n. (pl. directrices //) Geometry a fixed line used in describing a curve or surface.

- ORIGIN C18: from med. L., lit. ‘directress’.

direct rule

n. a system of government in which a province is controlled by a central government.

direct speech

n. the reporting of speech by repeating the actual words of a speaker, for example ‘I'm going,’ she said. Contrasted with reported speech.

direct tax

n. a tax, such as income tax, which is levied on the income or profits of the person who pays it.

direful

adj. archaic extremely bad.

- DERIVATIVES direfully adv.

dirge

//

n.
1 a lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite.
2 a mournful song, piece of music, or sound.

- DERIVATIVES dirgeful adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dirige! ‘direct!’, the first word of an antiphon (Ps. 5:8) used in the Latin Office for the Dead.

dirham

//

n.
1 the basic monetary unit of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, equal to 100 centimes in Morocco and 100 fils in the United Arab Emirates.
2 a monetary unit of Libya and Qatar, equal to one thousandth of a dinar in Libya and one hundredth of a riyal in Qatar.

- ORIGIN from Arab., from Gk drakhm (see drachma).

dirigible

//

n. an airship.
adj. capable of being steered or guided.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dirigere ‘to direct’ + -ible.

dirigisme

//

n. state control of economic and social matters.

- DERIVATIVES dirigiste adj.

- ORIGIN Fr., from diriger ‘to direct’.

diriment impediment

//

n. (in ecclesiastical law) a factor which invalidates a marriage, such as the existence of a prior marriage.

- ORIGIN C19: diriment from L. diriment-, dirimere ‘interrupt’.

dirk

//

n. a short dagger of a kind formerly carried by Scottish Highlanders.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

dirndl

//

n.
1 (also dirndl skirt) a full, wide skirt with a tight waistband.
2 a woman's dress in the style of Alpine peasant costume, with a dirndl skirt and a close-fitting bodice.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Ger. dial., dimin. of Dirne ‘girl’.

dirt

n.
1 a substance, such as mud, that is regarded as dirty. informal excrement: dog dirt.
2 loose soil or earth.
3 informal scandalous or sordid information.

- PHRASES
eat dirt informal suffer insults or humiliation.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON drit ‘excrement’.

dirtbag

n. US informal a very unkempt or unpleasant person.

dirt bike

n. a motorcycle designed for use on rough terrain, especially in scrambling.

dirt cheap

adv. & adj. informal extremely cheap.

dirt farmer

n. N. Amer. a farmer who ekes out a living from poor land.

- DERIVATIVES dirt farm n.

dirt poor

adj. extremely poor.

dirt track

n. a course made of rolled cinders for motorcycle racing or of earth for flat racing.

- DERIVATIVES dirt tracker n.

dirty

adj. (dirtier, dirtiest)
1 covered or marked with a substance that causes a mark, stain, or contamination; not clean. (of a nuclear weapon) producing considerable radioactive fallout.
2 lewd; obscene.
3 dishonest; dishonourable.
4 (of weather) rough and stormy.
adv. Brit. informal very: a dirty great stone.
v. (dirties, dirtying, dirtied) make dirty.

- PHRASES
do the dirty on Brit. informal cheat or betray.
get one's hands dirty (or dirty one's hands) do manual, menial, or other hard work.
play dirty informal act in a dishonest or unfair way.

- DERIVATIVES dirtily adv. dirtiness n.

dirty bomb

n. a conventional bomb that contains radioactive material.

dirty look

n. informal a look expressing disapproval, disgust, or anger.

dirty old man

n. informal a man who shows an inappropriate sexual interest in younger women or girls.

dirty weekend

n. Brit. informal a weekend spent away, especially in secret, with a lover.

dirty word

n. something regarded with dislike: VAT is a dirty word among small businesses.

dirty work

n. unpleasant or dishonest activities that are delegated to someone else.

dis

(also diss) informal, chiefly US

v. (disses, dissing, dissed) speak disrespectfully to.
n. disrespectful talk.

dis-

prefix
1 expressing negation: disadvantage.
2 denoting reversal or absence of an action or state: diseconomy.
3 denoting removal, separation, or expulsion: disbud | disbar.
4 expressing completeness or intensification of an action: disgruntled.

- ORIGIN from L., sometimes via OFr. des-.

disability

n. (pl. disabilities)
1 a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
2 a disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognized by the law.

disable

v.
1 (of a disease, injury, or accident) limit the movements, senses, or activities of.
2 put out of action.

- DERIVATIVES disablement n.

disabled

adj. (of a person) having a physical or mental disability. designed for or relating to disabled people: disabled access.

USAGE

The word disabled is the most generally accepted term in both British and US English today. It has superseded outmoded, now often offensive, terms such as crippled and handicapped and has not been overtaken itself by newer coinages such as differently abled or physically challenged. Some people regard the use of the adjective as a plural noun (as in the needs of the disabled) as dehumanizing. A more acceptable term would be people with disabilities.

disabuse

//

v. (usu. disabuse someone of) persuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken.

disaccharide

//

n. Chemistry any of a class of sugars whose molecules contain two monosaccharide residues.

disaccord

n. rare lack of agreement or harmony.

disadvantage

n. an unfavourable circumstance or condition.
v. put in an unfavourable position. [as adj. disadvantaged] in socially or economically deprived circumstances.

disadvantageous

adj. involving or creating unfavourable circumstances.

- DERIVATIVES disadvantageously adv.

disaffected

adj. dissatisfied with those in authority and no longer willing to support them.

- DERIVATIVES disaffectedly adv. disaffection n.

- ORIGIN C17: past part. of disaffect, orig. in the sense ‘dislike or disorder’.

disaffiliate

//

v. (of an organization) end its affiliation with (a subsidiary group). (of a subsidiary group) end its affiliation.

- DERIVATIVES disaffiliation n.

disaffirm

v. Law reverse (a previous decision). repudiate (a settlement).

- DERIVATIVES disaffirmation n.

disafforest

//

v.
1 another term for deforest.
2 English Law, historical reduce (a district) from the legal status of forest to that of ordinary land.

- DERIVATIVES disafforestation n. disafforestment n.

disaggregate

//

v. separate into component parts.

- DERIVATIVES disaggregation n.

disagree

v. (disagrees, disagreeing, disagreed)
1 have a different opinion.
2 (disagree with) be inconsistent with. affect adversely: the sea crossing disagreed with her.

- DERIVATIVES disagreement n.

disagreeable

adj. unpleasant or unenjoyable. unfriendly and bad-tempered.

- DERIVATIVES disagreeableness n. disagreeably adv.

disallow

v. refuse to declare valid.

- DERIVATIVES disallowance n.

disambiguate

v. remove uncertainty of meaning from.

- DERIVATIVES disambiguation n.

disamenity

//, //

n. (pl. disamenities) unpleasant quality or character.

disappear

v. cease to be visible. cease to exist or be in use. (of a person) go missing or (in coded political language) be killed.

- DERIVATIVES disappearance n.

- ORIGIN ME: from dis- + appear, on the pattern of Fr. disparaître.

disapply

v. (disapplies, disapplying, disapplied) treat as inapplicable.

- DERIVATIVES disapplication n.

disappoint

v. fail to fulfil the hopes or expectations of. prevent (hopes or expectations) from being realized.

- DERIVATIVES disappointing adj. disappointingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘deprive of a position’): from OFr. desappointer.

disappointed

adj. sad or displeased because one's hopes or expectations have not been fulfilled.

- DERIVATIVES disappointedly adv.

disappointment

n. sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one's hopes or expectations. a disappointing person or thing.

disapprobation

//

n. strong moral disapproval.

disapprove

v. (often disapprove of) have or express an unfavourable opinion. officially refuse to agree to.

- DERIVATIVES disapproval n. disapprover n. disapproving adj. disapprovingly adv.

disarm

v.
1 take a weapon or weapons away from. (of a country or force) give up or reduce its armed forces or weapons. remove the fuse from (a bomb).
2 deprive of the power to hurt. [often as adj. disarming] allay the hostility or suspicions of.
n. Fencing an act of disarming an opponent.

- DERIVATIVES disarmer n. disarmingly adv.

disarmament

//

n. the reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons.

disarrange

v. make untidy or disordered.

- DERIVATIVES disarrangement n.

disarray

n. a state of disorganization or untidiness.
v. make disorganized or untidy.

disarticulate

v.
1 separate (bones) at the joints.
2 disrupt the logic of (an argument).

- DERIVATIVES disarticulation n.

disassemble

v.
1 take to pieces.
2 Computing translate (a program) from machine code into a symbolic language.

- DERIVATIVES disassembler n. disassembly n.

disassociate

v. another term for dissociate.

- DERIVATIVES disassociation n.

disaster

n.
1 a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.
2 an event or fact leading to ruin or failure. informal a complete failure: my perm is a total disaster.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. disastro ‘ill-starred event’, based on L. astrum ‘star’.

disastrous

adj.
1 causing great damage.
2 informal highly unsuccessful.

- DERIVATIVES disastrously adv.

disavow

v. deny any responsibility or support for.

- DERIVATIVES disavowal n.

disband

v. stop or cause to stop operating as a group.

- DERIVATIVES disbandment n.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. Fr. desbander.

disbar

v. (disbars, disbarring, disbarred)
1 expel (a barrister) from the Bar.
2 exclude from something.

- DERIVATIVES disbarment n.

disbelief

n. inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real. lack of faith.

disbelieve

v. be unable to believe. have no religious faith.

- DERIVATIVES disbeliever n. disbelieving adj. disbelievingly adv.

disbenefit

n. Brit. a disadvantage.

disbud

v. (disbuds, disbudding, disbudded) remove unwanted buds from.

disburden

v. relieve of a burden or responsibility.

disburse

//

v. pay out (money from a fund).

- DERIVATIVES disbursal n. disbursement n. disburser n.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. desbourser, from des- (expressing removal) + bourse ‘purse’.

disc

(US also disk)

n.
1 a flat, thin circular object. dated a gramophone record. (discs) one of the suits in some tarot packs, corresponding to coins in others.
2 (disk) an information storage device for a computer comprising a rotatable disc on which data is stored either magnetically or optically (as on a CD-ROM).
3 (also intervertebral disc) a layer of cartilage separating adjacent vertebrae in the spine.
4 Botany the central part of the flower of a daisy or other composite plant, consisting of a close-packed cluster of tubular florets.

- DERIVATIVES discless adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. disque or L. discus (see discus).

discalced

//

adj. denoting or belonging to one of several strict orders of Catholic friars or nuns who go barefoot or are shod only in sandals.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of earlier discalceated, influenced by Fr. déchaux, from L. discalceatus ‘unshod’.

discard

v. // get rid of (something) as no longer useful or desirable. (in bridge, whist, and similar card games) play (a card that is neither of the suit led nor a trump), when one is unable to follow suit.
n. // a discarded item, especially a card in bridge or whist.

- DERIVATIVES discardable // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from dis- + card^1.

discarnate

//

adj. not having a physical body.

- ORIGIN C19: from dis- + L. caro, carn- ‘flesh’ or late L. carnatus ‘fleshy’.

disc brake

n. a type of vehicle brake employing the friction of pads against a disc attached to the wheel.

disc camera

n. a camera in which the images are formed on a disc, rather than on film.

discectomy

//

n. surgical removal of the whole or a part of an intervertebral disc.

discern

//

v. recognize or find out. see or hear with difficulty: she could faintly discern the shape of a skull.

- DERIVATIVES discerner n. discernible (also discernable) adj. discernibly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. discernere, from dis- ‘apart’ + cernere ‘to separate’.

discerning

adj. having or showing good judgement.

- DERIVATIVES discerningly adv. discernment n.

discerption

//

n. archaic the action of pulling something apart.

- DERIVATIVES discerptibility n. discerptible adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. discerptio(n-), from L. discerpere ‘pluck to pieces’.

discharge

v. //
1 officially allow (someone) to leave somewhere, especially hospital. dismiss from a job. release from the custody or restraint of the law.
2 emit or send out (a liquid, gas, or other substance). Physics release or neutralize the electric charge of (an electric field, battery, etc.). fire (a gun or missile). unload (goods or passengers) from a ship.
3 do all that is required to fulfil (a responsibility) or perform (a duty). release from a contract or obligation. Law relieve (a bankrupt) of residual liability.
4 Law (of a judge or court) cancel (an order of a court).
n. //, //
1 the action of discharging.
2 a substance that has been discharged. a flow of electricity through air or other gas, especially when accompanied by emission of light.

- DERIVATIVES dischargeable adj. discharger n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. descharger, from late L. discarricare ‘unload’, from dis- (expressing reversal) + carricare (see charge).

discharge tube

n. a gas-filled tube in which light emission is induced by exciting the gas molecules by means of an electric field.

disc harrow

n. a harrow with cutting edges consisting of a row of concave discs set at an oblique angle.

disciple

//

n.
1 a personal follower of Christ during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.
2 a follower or pupil of a teacher, leader, or philosophy.

- DERIVATIVES disciplic adj. discipleship n. discipular // adj.

- ORIGIN OE, from L. discipulus ‘learner’, from discere ‘learn’; reinforced by OFr. deciple.

disciplinarian

n. a person who believes in or practises firm discipline.

discipline

//

n.
1 the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour. controlled behaviour resulting from such training. an activity providing mental or physical training: kung fu is a discipline open to old and young.
2 a branch of knowledge, especially one studied in higher education.
v.
1 train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behaviour by punishment or rebuke. punish or rebuke formally for an offence.
2 [as adj. disciplined] showing a controlled form of behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES disciplinable adj. disciplinal //, // adj. disciplinary adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘mortification by scourging oneself’): via OFr. from L. disciplina ‘instruction, knowledge’, from discipulus (see disciple).

disc jockey

n. a person who introduces and plays recorded popular music, especially on radio or at a club.

disclaim

v.
1 refuse to acknowledge.
2 Law renounce a legal claim to (a property or title).

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. desclamer, from des- (expressing reversal) + clamer (see claim).

disclaimer

n.
1 a statement disclaiming something, especially responsibility.
2 Law an act of repudiating a claim, warranty, or bequest.

disclose

v. make (secret or new information) known. allow (something hidden) to be seen.

- DERIVATIVES discloser n. disclosure n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desclos-, stem of desclore, based on L. claudere ‘to close’.

disco

n. (pl. discos)
1 a club or party at which people dance to pop music.
2 (also disco music) soul-influenced, melodic pop music with a regular bass beat, intended for dancing to.

- ORIGIN 1960s abbrev. of discotheque.

discobolus

//

n. (pl. discoboli //) a discus thrower in ancient Greece.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk diskobolos, from diskos ‘discus’ + -bolos ‘-throwing’.

discography

//

n. (pl. discographies)
1 a descriptive catalogue of musical recordings, particularly those of a particular performer or composer.
2 the study of musical recordings and compilation of descriptive catalogues.

- DERIVATIVES discographer n.

discoid

//

adj. technical shaped like a disc.

- DERIVATIVES discoidal adj.

discolour

(US discolor)

v. change to a different, less attractive colour.

- DERIVATIVES discoloration (also discolouration) n.

discombobulate

//

v. humorous, chiefly N. Amer. disconcert or confuse.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. based on discompose or discomfit.

discomfit

//

v. (discomfits, discomfiting, discomfited) make uneasy or embarrassed.

- DERIVATIVES discomfiture n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘defeat in battle’): from OFr. desconfit, past part. of desconfire, based on L. dis- (expressing reversal) + conficere (see confect).

discomfort

n.
1 slight pain.
2 slight anxiety or embarrassment.
v. cause discomfort to.

- ORIGIN ME (as a verb in the sense ‘dishearten, distress’): from OFr. desconforter (v.), desconfort (n.), from des- (expressing reversal) + conforter (see comfort).

discommode

//

v. formal cause trouble or inconvenience to.

- DERIVATIVES discommodious adj. discommodity n.

- ORIGIN C18: from obs. Fr. discommoder, var. of incommoder (see incommode).

discompose

v. [often as adj. discomposed] disturb or agitate (someone).

- DERIVATIVES discomposure n.

disconcert

//

v. disturb the composure of; unsettle.

- DERIVATIVES disconcerted adj. disconcertedly adv. disconcerting adj. disconcertingly adv. disconcertion n. disconcertment n. (rare).

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘upset the progress of’): from obs. Fr. desconcerter, from des- (expressing reversal) + concerter ‘bring together’.

disconfirm

v. show that (a belief or hypothesis) is not or may not be true.

- DERIVATIVES disconfirmation // n. disconfirmatory adj.

disconformity

n. (pl. disconformities)
1 lack of conformity.
2 Geology a break in a sequence of strata which does not involve a difference of inclination on each side of the break.

disconnect

v. break the connection of or between. put (an electrical device) out of action by detaching it from a power supply.
n. an instance of disconnecting or being disconnected.

- DERIVATIVES disconnection (also disconnexion) n.

disconnected

adj. (of speech, writing, or thought) lacking a logical sequence.

- DERIVATIVES disconnectedly adv. disconnectedness n.

disconsolate

//

adj. very unhappy and unable to be comforted.

- DERIVATIVES disconsolately adv. disconsolateness n. disconsolation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. disconsolatus, from dis- (expressing reversal) + L. consolat-, consolari ‘to console’.

discontent

n. lack of contentment or satisfaction. a person who is dissatisfied.

- DERIVATIVES discontented adj. discontentedly adv. discontentedness n. discontentment n.

discontinue

v. (discontinues, discontinuing, discontinued) stop doing, providing, or making.

- DERIVATIVES discontinuance n. discontinuation n.

discontinuous

adj. having intervals or gaps; not continuous.

- DERIVATIVES discontinuity n. (pl. discontinuities). discontinuously adv.

discord

n. //
1 lack of agreement or harmony.
2 Music lack of harmony between notes sounding together. a chord which is regarded as displeasing or requiring resolution by another. any interval except unison, an octave, a perfect fifth or fourth, a major or minor third and sixth, or their octaves.
v. // archaic disagree.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. descord (n.), descorder (v.), from L. discordare, from discors ‘discordant’, from dis- (expressing negation) + cor, cord- ‘heart’.

discordant

adj.
1 lacking harmony or agreement; conflicting.
2 (of sounds) harsh because lacking in harmony.

- DERIVATIVES discordance n. discordancy n. discordantly adv.

discotheque

//

n. fuller form of disco (in sense 1).

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Fr. discothèque, orig. ‘record library’, on the pattern of bibliothèque ‘library’.

discount

n. // a deduction from the usual cost of something. Finance a percentage deducted from the face value of a bill of exchange or promissory note when it changes hands before the due date.
v. //
1 deduct a discount from. reduce (a product or service) in price. Finance buy or sell (a bill of exchange) before its due date at less than its maturity value.
2 disregard as lacking credibility or significance.

- DERIVATIVES discountable // adj. discounter // n.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. Fr. descompte (n.), descompter (v.), or (in commercial contexts) from Ital. (di)scontare, based on L. dis- (expressing reversal) + computare (see compute).

discounted cash flow

n. Finance a method of assessing investments that takes into account the expected accumulation of interest.

discountenance

v.
1 refuse to approve of.
2 disturb the composure of.

discount house

n.
1 Brit. a company that discounts bills of exchange.
2 N. Amer. another term for discount store.

discount rate

n. Finance
1 the minimum interest rate set by the US Federal Reserve (and some other national banks) for lending to other banks.
2 a rate used for discounting bills of exchange.

discount store

n. a shop that sells goods at less than the normal retail price.

discourage

v.
1 cause (someone) to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
2 prevent or try to prevent by showing disapproval or creating difficulties. (discourage someone from) persuade someone against (an action).

- DERIVATIVES discouragement n. discouraging adj. discouragingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. descouragier, from des- (expressing reversal) + corage ‘courage’.

discourse

n. //, // written or spoken communication or debate. a formal written or spoken discussion of a topic. Linguistics a text or conversation.
v. // speak or write authoritatively about a topic. engage in conversation.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the process of reasoning): from OFr. discours, from L. discursus ‘running to and fro’ (in med. L. ‘argument’), from discurrere ‘run away’.

discourse marker

n. Grammar a word or phrase whose function is to organize discourse into segments, for example I mean.

discourteous

adj. rude and lacking consideration for others.

- DERIVATIVES discourteously adv. discourteousness n. discourtesy n. (pl. discourtesies).

discover

v.
1 find unexpectedly or during a search. become aware of.
2 be the first to find or observe (a place, substance, or scientific phenomenon).
3 archaic divulge (a secret).

- DERIVATIVES discoverable adj. discoverer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. descovrir, from late L. discooperire, from L. dis- (expressing reversal) + cooperire (see cover).

discovered check

n. Chess a check which results when a player moves a piece or pawn so as to put the opponent's king in check from another piece.

discovery

n. (pl. discoveries)
1 the action or process of discovering or being discovered. a person or thing discovered.
2 Law the compulsory disclosure, by one party to an action to another, of relevant testimony or documents.

discredit

v. (discredits, discrediting, discredited) harm the good reputation of. cause (an idea or account) to seem false or unreliable.
n. loss or lack of reputation.

discreditable

adj. tending to bring harm to a reputation.

- DERIVATIVES discreditably adv.

discreet

//

adj. (discreeter, discreetest) careful and prudent, especially so as to avoid giving offence or attracting attention.

- DERIVATIVES discreetly adv. discreetness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. discret, from L. discretus ‘separate’, past part. of discernere ‘discern’, the sense arising from late L. discretio (see discretion).

USAGE

The words discrete and discreet are often confused. Discrete means ‘separate’ (a discrete unit), while discreet means ‘careful and prudent’.

discrepancy

//

n. (pl. discrepancies) a difference or lack of compatibility between two or more facts that should be similar.

- DERIVATIVES discrepant adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. discrepantia, from discrepare ‘be discordant’.

discrete

//

adj. individually separate and distinct.

- DERIVATIVES discretely adv. discreteness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. discretus ‘separate’; cf. discreet.

discretion

n.
1 the quality of being discreet.
2 the freedom to decide on a course of action: fellowships may be awarded at the discretion of the council.

- DERIVATIVES discretionary adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘discernment’): via OFr. from L. discretio(n-) ‘separation’ (in late L. ‘discernment’), from discernere (see discern).

discretionary income

n. income remaining after deduction of taxes, social security charges, and basic living costs. Compare with disposable income.

discriminable

//

adj. able to be discriminated; distinguishable.

- DERIVATIVES discriminability n. discriminably adv.

discriminant

//

n. a distinguishing feature or characteristic.

discriminate

//

v.
1 recognize a distinction. perceive or constitute the difference in or between.
2 (usu. discriminate against) make an unjust distinction in the treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, sex, or age.

- DERIVATIVES discriminately adv. discriminative adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. discriminat-, discriminare ‘distinguish between’.

discriminating

adj. having or showing good taste or judgement.

- DERIVATIVES discriminatingly adv.

discrimination

n.
1 the action of discriminating against people.
2 recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another. good judgement or taste.
3 Electronics the selection of a signal having a required characteristic by means of a discriminator.

discriminator

n.
1 a distinguishing characteristic.
2 Electronics a device which only produces an output when the input exceeds a fixed value. a circuit which converts a frequency-modulated signal into an amplitude-modulated one.

discriminatory

//, //

adj. showing discrimination or prejudice.

discursive

//

adj.
1 moving from subject to subject.
2 relating to discourse or modes of discourse.
3 Philosophy, archaic proceeding by argument or reasoning rather than by intuition.

- DERIVATIVES discursively adv. discursiveness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. discursivus, from L. discurs-, discurrere (see discourse).

discus

//

n. (pl. discuses)
1 a heavy thick-centred disc thrown by an athlete, in ancient Greek games or in modern field events.
2 a small colourful South American freshwater fish with a rounded laterally compressed body.   Genus Symphysodon: several species.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk diskos.

discuss

v. talk about (something) so as to reach a decision. talk or write about (a topic), examining different issues or ideas.

- DERIVATIVES discussable adj. discussant n. discusser n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘dispel, disperse’, also ‘examine by argument’): from L. discuss-, discutere ‘dash to pieces’, later ‘investigate’, from dis- ‘apart’ + quatere ‘shake’.

discussion

n. the action or process of discussing. a debate about or detailed written treatment of a topic.

disdain

n. the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.
v. consider or reject with disdain.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desdeign (n.), desdeignier (v.), based on L. dedignari, from de- (expressing reversal) + dignari ‘consider worthy’.

disdainful

adj. showing contempt or lack of respect.

- DERIVATIVES disdainfully adv. disdainfulness n.

disease

n.
1 a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific part.
2 a quality or disposition that adversely affects a person or group: the British disease of self-deprecation.

- DERIVATIVES diseased adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘lack of ease; inconvenience’): from OFr. desaise ‘lack of ease’.

diseconomy

n. (pl. diseconomies) Economics an economic disadvantage such as an increase in cost arising from an increase in the size of an organization.

disembark

v. leave a ship, aircraft, or train.

- DERIVATIVES disembarkation n.

disembarrass

v. (disembarrass oneself of/from) free oneself of (a burden or nuisance).

- DERIVATIVES disembarrassment n.

disembodied

adj. separated from or existing without the body. (of a sound) lacking any obvious physical source.

disembody

//, //

v. (disembodies, disembodying, disembodied) separate (something) from its material form.

- DERIVATIVES disembodiment n.

disembogue

//, //

v. (disembogues, disemboguing, disembogued) literary (of a river or stream) flow or pour out into.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp. desembocar, from des- (expressing reversal) + embocar ‘run into a creek or strait’.

disembowel

//, //

v. (disembowels, disembowelling, disembowelled; US disembowels, disemboweling, disemboweled) cut open and remove the internal organs of.

- DERIVATIVES disembowelment n.

disempower

v. make less powerful or confident.

- DERIVATIVES disempowerment n.

disenchant

v. make disillusioned.

- DERIVATIVES disenchanting adj. disenchantingly adv. disenchantment n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. désenchanter, from dés- (expressing reversal) + enchanter (see enchant).

disencumber

v. free from an encumbrance.

disendow

v. deprive of an endowment, in particular deprive (a Church) of the property and funds that it receives from the state.

- DERIVATIVES disendowment n.

disenfranchise

//, // (also disfranchise)

v. deprive of the right to vote. deprive of a right or privilege.

- DERIVATIVES disenfranchisement n.

disengage

//, //

v.
1 separate, release, or detach. [as adj. disengaged] emotionally detached; uninvolved.
2 remove (troops) from an area of conflict.
3 Fencing pass the point of one's sword over or under the opponent's sword to change the line of attack.
n. Fencing a disengaging movement.

- DERIVATIVES disengagement n.

disentailment

n. Law the action of freeing property from entail.

- DERIVATIVES disentail v.

disentangle

v. free from entanglement; untwist. remove knots or tangles from (wool, rope, or hair).

- DERIVATIVES disentanglement n.

disenthral

//, // (US disenthrall)

v. (disenthrals, disenthralling, disenthralled) literary set free.

disentitle

v. deprive of an entitlement.

- DERIVATIVES disentitlement n.

disequilibrium

//, //

n. a loss or lack of equilibrium, especially in relation to supply, demand, and prices.

disestablish

v. deprive (an organization, especially a national Church) of its official status.

- DERIVATIVES disestablishment n.

disesteem

n. low esteem.
v. formal have a low opinion of.

diseuse

//

n. a female artiste who entertains with spoken monologues.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘talker’.

disfavour

(US disfavor)

n. disapproval or dislike.
v. regard or treat with disfavour.

disfellowship

n. exclusion from fellowship, especially as a form of discipline in some Protestant and Mormon Churches.
v. (disfellowships, disfellowshipping, disfellowshipped) exclude from fellowship.

disfigure

v. spoil the appearance of.

- DERIVATIVES disfiguration n. disfigurement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desfigurer, based on L. figura ‘figure’.

disfranchise

v. another term for disenfranchise.

disgorge

v.
1 cause to pour out; discharge. bring up or vomit (food). give up (funds, especially when dishonestly acquired).
2 remove the sediment from (a sparkling wine) after fermentation.

- DERIVATIVES disgorgement n.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. desgorger, from des- (expressing removal) + gorge ‘throat’.

disgorger

n. Fishing a device for extracting a hook from a fish's throat.

disgrace

n. loss of reputation as the result of a dishonourable action. a shameful and unacceptable person or thing: he's a disgrace to the legal profession.
v. bring disgrace on. cause to fall from favour or power.

- ORIGIN C16: via Fr. from Ital. disgrazia (n.), disgraziare (v.).

disgraceful

adj. shockingly unacceptable.

- DERIVATIVES disgracefully adv.

disgruntled

adj. angry or dissatisfied.

- DERIVATIVES disgruntlement n.

- ORIGIN C17: from dis- + dial. gruntle ‘utter little grunts’.

disguise

v. alter in appearance or nature so as to conceal the identity of. conceal (a feeling or situation).
n. a means of disguising one's identity. the state of being disguised.

- ORIGIN ME (meaning ‘change one's usual style of dress’): from OFr. desguisier.

disgust

n. revulsion or strong disapproval.
v. cause disgust in.

- DERIVATIVES disgusted adj. disgustedly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from early mod. Fr. desgoust or Ital. disgusto, from L. dis- (expressing reversal) + gustus ‘taste’.

disgustful

adj. dated disgusting.

disgusting

adj. arousing revulsion or strong indignation.

- DERIVATIVES disgustingly adv. disgustingness n.

dish

n.
1 a shallow, flat-bottomed container for cooking or serving food. (the dishes) all the items used in the preparation, serving, and eating of a meal. a shallow, concave receptacle: a soap dish. (also dish aerial) a bowl-shaped radio aerial.
2 a particular variety or preparation of food served as part of a meal.
3 informal a sexually attractive person.
4 (the dish) informal information which is not generally known or available.
5 concavity of a spoked wheel resulting from a difference in spoke tension.
v.
1 (dish something out/up) put food on to a plate or plates before a meal. (dish something out) dispense something in a casual or indiscriminate way.
2 informal, chiefly Brit. utterly destroy or defeat.
3 N. Amer. informal gossip.
4 [usu. as adj. dished] make slightly concave.

- PHRASES
dish the dirt informal reveal scandal or gossip.

- DERIVATIVES dishful n. (pl. dishfuls).

- ORIGIN OE disc ‘plate, bowl’, based on L. discus (see discus).

dishabille

//, //

n. variant spelling of déshabillé.

disharmony

n. lack of harmony.

- DERIVATIVES disharmonious adj. disharmoniously adv.

dishcloth

n. a cloth for washing dishes.

dishcloth gourd

n. North American term for loofah.

dishdasha

// (also dishdash)

n. a long robe with long sleeves, worn by men from Arabia.

- ORIGIN C19: from Arab. dišdša.

dishearten

v. cause to lose determination or confidence.

- DERIVATIVES disheartening adj. dishearteningly adv. disheartenment n.

dishevelled

// (US disheveled)

adj. (of a person's hair, clothes, or appearance) untidy.

- DERIVATIVES dishevel v. (dishevels, dishevelling, dishevelled; US dishevels, disheveling, disheveled). dishevelment n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘having the hair uncovered’): from obs. dishevely, from OFr. deschevele, past part. of descheveler (based on chevel ‘hair’, from L. capillus).

dishonest

adj. not honest, trustworthy, or sincere.

- DERIVATIVES dishonestly adv. dishonesty n. (pl. dishonesties).

dishonour

(US dishonor)

n. a state of shame or disgrace.
v.
1 bring dishonour to. archaic rape (a woman).
2 fail to honour (an agreement, cheque, etc.).

dishonourable

(US dishonorable)

adj. bringing shame or disgrace.

- DERIVATIVES dishonourableness n. dishonourably adv.

dishonourable discharge

n. dismissal from the armed forces as a result of criminal or morally unacceptable actions.

dishrag

n. N. Amer. a dishcloth.

dishwasher

n.
1 a machine for washing dishes.
2 a person employed to wash dishes.

dishwater

n. water in which dishes have been washed.

dishy

adj. (dishier, dishiest) informal
1 chiefly Brit. sexually attractive.
2 N. Amer. scandalous or gossipy.

disillusion

//

n. the disappointing loss of a belief or an ideal.
v. cause to experience disillusion.

- DERIVATIVES disillusioned adj. disillusionment n.

disincentive

n. a factor that discourages a particular action.

disinclination

n. a reluctance or unwillingness to do something.

disinclined

adj. reluctant; unwilling.

disincorporate

v. dissolve (a corporate body).

disinfect

v. clean with a disinfectant in order to destroy bacteria.

- DERIVATIVES disinfection n.

disinfectant

n. a chemical liquid that destroys bacteria.
adj. causing disinfection.

disinfest

v. rid of infesting vermin.

- DERIVATIVES disinfestation n.

disinflation

n. Economics reduction in the rate of inflation.

- DERIVATIVES disinflationary adj.

disinformation

n. information which is intended to mislead.

- ORIGIN 1950s: formed on the pattern of Russ. dezinformatsiya.

disingenuous

//

adj. not sincere, especially in pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

- DERIVATIVES disingenuity n. disingenuously adv. disingenuousness n.

disinherit

v. (disinherits, disinheriting, disinherited) dispossess of or bar from an inheritance.

- DERIVATIVES disinheritance n.

- ORIGIN ME (superseding earlier disherit): from dis- + inherit in the obs. sense ‘make someone an heir’.

disinhibit

v. (disinhibits, disinhibiting, disinhibited) make less inhibited.

- DERIVATIVES disinhibition n.

disintegrate

//

v.
1 break up into small parts as a result of impact or decay. Physics undergo or cause to undergo disintegration at a subatomic level.
2 lose strength or cohesion and gradually fail.

- DERIVATIVES disintegrative adj. disintegrator n.

disintegration

n. the process of disintegrating. Physics a process in which a nucleus or other subatomic particle emits a smaller particle or divides into smaller particles.

disinter

//

v. (disinters, disinterring, disinterred) dig up (something buried).

- DERIVATIVES disinterment n.

disinterest

n.
1 the state of being impartial.
2 lack of interest.

disinterested

adj.
1 not influenced by considerations of personal advantage; impartial.
2 having or feeling no interest or concern.

- DERIVATIVES disinterestedly adv. disinterestedness n.

- ORIGIN C17: past part. of the rare verb disinterest ‘rid of interest’.

USAGE

According to traditional guidelines, disinterested should only be used to mean ‘impartial’ and should not be used to mean ‘not interested’ (i.e. as a synonym for uninterested). In fact, the earliest recorded sense of disinterested is for the disputed sense and it is in widespread use today, although it should be avoided in careful writing.

disintermediation

n. Economics reduction in the use of banks and savings institutions as intermediaries in the borrowing and investment of money, in favour of direct involvement in the securities market.

- DERIVATIVES disintermediate v.

disinvent

v. undo the invention of.

disinvest

v. withdraw or reduce an investment.

- DERIVATIVES disinvestment n.

disinvite

v. withdraw an invitation to.

disjecta membra

/ /

pl. n. scattered fragments, especially of written work.

- ORIGIN L., alt. of disjecti membra poetae (used by Horace) ‘limbs of a dismembered poet’.

disjoin

v. separate or disunite.

disjoint

v.
1 disturb the cohesion or organization of.
2 dated take apart at the joints.
adj. Mathematics (of sets) having no elements in common.

disjointed

adj. lacking a coherent sequence or connection.

- DERIVATIVES disjointedly adv. disjointedness n.

disjunct

//

n.
1 Logic each of the terms of a disjunctive proposition.
2 Grammar another term for sentence adverb.
adj. disjoined and distinct from one another.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. disjunct-, disjungere ‘disjoin, separate’.

disjunction

n.
1 a lack of correspondence or consistency.
2 Logic the relation of two distinct alternatives, or a statement expressing this.

disjunctive

adj.
1 lacking connection.
2 Grammar (of a conjunction) expressing a choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities, for example or in she asked if he was going or staying. Logic (of a proposition) expressing alternatives.
n. Grammar & Logic a disjunctive conjunction or proposition.

- DERIVATIVES disjunctively adv.

disjuncture

n. a separation or disconnection.

disk

n. variant spelling in the US and in computing contexts of disc.

disk drive

n. a device which allows a computer to read from and write on to computer disks.

diskette

n. another term for floppy.

dislike

v. feel distaste for or hostility towards.
n. a feeling of dislike. a thing that is disliked.

- DERIVATIVES dislikable (also dislikeable) adj. disliker n.

dislocate

//

v.
1 disturb the normal position of (a joint in the body).
2 disturb the organization of; disrupt.

dislocation

//

n.
1 the process of dislocating or the state of being dislocated.
2 Crystallography a displacement of part of a crystal lattice structure.

dislodge

v. remove from an established or fixed position.

- DERIVATIVES dislodgeable adj. dislodgement n.

disloyal

adj. not loyal or faithful.

- DERIVATIVES disloyally adv. disloyalty n.

dismal

//

adj.
1 causing or showing gloom or depression; dreary.
2 informal pitifully or disgracefully bad: a dismal performance.

- PHRASES
the dismal science humorous economics.

- DERIVATIVES dismally adv. dismalness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from earlier dismals, the two days in each month which in medieval times were believed to be unlucky, from Anglo-Norman Fr. dis mal, from med. L. dies mali ‘evil days’.

dismantle

v. take to pieces.

- DERIVATIVES dismantlement n. dismantler n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘destroy the defensive capability of a fortification’): from OFr. desmanteler, from des- (expressing reversal) + manteler ‘fortify’.

dismast

v. break or force down the mast or masts of (a ship).

dismay

n. consternation and distress.
v. cause to feel dismay.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. dis- (expressing negation) + the Gmc base of may^1.

dismember

//

v.
1 cut the limbs from.
2 partition or divide up (a territory or organization).

- DERIVATIVES dismemberment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desmembrer, based on L. dis- ‘apart’ + membrum ‘limb’.

dismiss

v.
1 order or allow to leave; send away.
2 remove from employment or office.
3 treat as unworthy of serious consideration.
4 Law refuse further hearing to (a case).
5 Cricket end the innings of (a batsman or side).

- DERIVATIVES dismissal n. dismissible adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. dismiss-, var. of L. dimiss-, dimittere ‘send away’.

dismissive

adj. feeling or showing that something is unworthy of serious consideration.

- DERIVATIVES dismissively adv. dismissiveness n.

dismount

v.
1 get off a horse, bicycle, etc.
2 remove (something) from its support.
3 Computing make (a disk or disk drive) unavailable for use.

- ORIGIN C16: from dis- + mount^1, prob. on the pattern of OFr. desmonter, med. L. dismontare.

disobedient

adj. failing or refusing to be obedient.

- DERIVATIVES disobedience n. disobediently adv.

disobey

v. fail or refuse to obey.

- DERIVATIVES disobeyer n.

disoblige

v. offend (someone) by disregarding their wishes.

- DERIVATIVES disobliging adj.

disomy

//

n. Genetics the condition of having a chromosome represented twice in a chromosomal complement.

- DERIVATIVES disomic adj.

- ORIGIN late 20th cent.: from di-1 + -some^3 + -y^3.

disorder

n.
1 a lack of order; a confused or untidy state.
2 the disruption of peaceful and law-abiding behaviour.
3 Medicine a disruption of normal physical or mental functions: a skin disorder.
v. [usu. as adj. disordered] disrupt the functioning or order of.

- ORIGIN C15: alt., influenced by order, of earlier disordain, from OFr. desordener, ult. based on L. ordinare ‘ordain’.

disorderly

adj.
1 lacking organization; untidy.
2 involving or contributing to a breakdown of peaceful and law-abiding behaviour.

- DERIVATIVES disorderliness n.

disorderly conduct

n. Law unruly behaviour constituting a minor offence.

disorderly house

n. Law or archaic a brothel.

disorganized

(or disorganised)

adj.
1 not properly planned and controlled.
2 (of a person) inefficient.

- DERIVATIVES disorganization n. disorganize v.

disorient

//

v. another term for disorientate.

disorientate

v. Brit. cause (someone) to lose their sense of direction or feel confused.

- DERIVATIVES disorientated adj. disorientation n.

disown

v. refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with.

- DERIVATIVES disowner n. disownment n.

disparage

//

v. represent as being of little worth; scorn.

- DERIVATIVES disparagement n. disparaging adj. disparagingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘marry someone of unequal rank’, also ‘bring discredit on’): from OFr. desparagier ‘marry someone of unequal rank’, based on L. par ‘equal’.

disparate

//

adj. essentially different in kind; not able to be compared.
n. (disparates) archaic disparate things.

- DERIVATIVES disparately adv. disparateness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. disparatus, disparare ‘separate’; influenced in sense by L. dispar ‘unequal’.

disparity

n. (pl. disparities) a great difference.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. disparité, from late L. disparitas, based on L. paritas ‘parity’.

dispassionate

adj. not influenced by strong emotion; rational and impartial.

- DERIVATIVES dispassion n. dispassionately adv. dispassionateness n.

dispatch

(Brit. also despatch)

v.
1 send off to a destination or for a purpose.
2 deal with (a task or problem) quickly and efficiently.
3 kill.
n.
1 an instance of dispatching.
2 an official report on state or military affairs. a report sent in from abroad by a journalist.
3 promptness and efficiency: he should proceed with dispatch.

- DERIVATIVES dispatcher n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Ital. dispacciare or Sp. despachar ‘expedite’.

dispatch box

n.
1 (also dispatch case) chiefly Brit. a container for state or military dispatches.
2 (the Dispatch Box) a box in the House of Commons next to which ministers stand when speaking.

dispatch rider

n. Brit. a messenger who delivers urgent business documents or military dispatches by motor cycle or (formerly) on horseback.

dispel

//

v. (dispels, dispelling, dispelled) make (a feeling or belief) disappear.

- DERIVATIVES dispeller n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dispellere ‘drive apart’.

dispensable

adj.
1 able to be replaced or done without.
2 (of a law or other rule) not mandatory but susceptible of being waived in special cases.

- DERIVATIVES dispensability n.

dispensary

//

n. (pl. dispensaries)
1 a room where medicines are prepared and provided.
2 a clinic provided by public or charitable funds.

dispensation

n.
1 the action of dispensing.
2 exemption from a rule or usual requirement.
3 a religious or political system prevailing at a particular time: the Mosaic dispensation.
4 archaic an act of divine providence.

- DERIVATIVES dispensational adj.

dispensationalism

n. Christian Theology belief in a system of historical progression, as revealed in the Bible, consisting of a series of stages in God's self-revelation and plan of salvation.

- DERIVATIVES dispensationalist n.

dispense

//

v.
1 distribute to a number of people. (of a machine or container) supply or release (a product or cash). (of a chemist) supply (medicine) according to a prescription.
2 (dispense with) get rid of or manage without.
3 exempt (someone) from a religious obligation.

- DERIVATIVES dispenser n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. dispensare ‘continue to weigh out or disburse’, from dispendere, based on pendere ‘weigh’.

dispensing chemist

n. Brit. a chemist who is qualified to make up, advise on, and dispense medicine.

dispensing optician

n. Brit. an optician who is qualified to prescribe and dispense as well as to make glasses and contact lenses.

dispersant

n. a liquid or gas used to disperse small particles in a medium.

disperse

//

v.
1 go or distribute in different directions or over a wide area.
2 (of gas, smoke, etc.) thin out and disappear.
3 Physics divide (light) into constituents of different wavelengths.
adj. Chemistry denoting a phase dispersed in another phase, as in a colloid.

- DERIVATIVES dispersal n. disperser n. dispersible adj. dispersive adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dispers-, dispergere ‘scatter widely’.

dispersion

n.
1 the action of dispersing or the state of being dispersed. (the dispersion) another term for diaspora.
2 a mixture of one substance dispersed in another medium.
3 Physics the separation of white light into colours or of any radiation according to wavelength.
4 Statistics the extent to which values of a variable differ from a fixed value such as the mean.

dispirit

//

v. cause to lose enthusiasm or hope.

- DERIVATIVES dispiritedly adv. dispiritedness n. dispiriting adj. dispiritingly adv.

displace

v.
1 move from the proper or usual position.
2 take the place, position, or role of; oust.
3 [often as adj. displaced] force (someone) to leave their home, typically because of war or persecution: displaced persons.

displacement

n.
1 the action or process of displacing.
2 the amount by which a thing is moved from a position.
3 the volume or weight of water that would fill the volume displaced by a floating ship, used as a measure of the ship's size.
4 the volume swept by a reciprocating system, as in a pump or engine.
5 Physics the component of an electric field due to free separated charges, regardless of any polarizing effects.
6 Psychoanalysis the unconscious transfer of an intense emotion from one object to another.

displacement activity

n. Psychology an irrelevant activity that arises unconsciously when a conflict between antagonistic urges cannot be resolved (e.g. head-scratching when confused).

display

v.
1 place (something) prominently so that it may readily be seen.
2 show (data or an image) on a computer, television, or cinema screen.
3 give a clear demonstration of (a quality, emotion, or skill).
4 (of a male animal) engage in a specialized pattern of behaviour intended to attract a mate.
n.
1 an instance of displaying or being displayed. a show or other event staged for public entertainment.
2 a collection of objects being displayed.
3 an electronic device for the visual presentation of data.

- DERIVATIVES displayer n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘unfurl, unfold’): from OFr. despleier, from L. displicare ‘scatter, disperse’ (in med. L. ‘unfold’).

display case

(also display cabinet)

n. a case for displaying items in a shop or museum.

displayed

adj. Heraldry (of a bird of prey) depicted with the wings extended.

display type

n. large, bold, or eye-catching type used for headings or advertisements.

displease

v. annoy or upset.

- DERIVATIVES displeased adj. displeasing adj. displeasingly adv.

displeasure

n. a feeling of annoyance or disapproval.
v. archaic annoy; displease.

disport

v. (disport oneself) archaic or humorous enjoy oneself unrestrainedly; frolic.
n. archaic recreation; amusement. a pastime or sport.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. desporter ‘carry away’ (from L. portare).

disposable

adj.
1 (of an article) intended to be used once and then thrown away. able to be dispensed with; easily dismissed.
2 (chiefly of financial assets) readily available for the owner's use as required.
n. a disposable article.

- DERIVATIVES disposability n.

disposable income

n. income remaining after deduction of taxes and social security charges, available to be spent or saved as one wishes. Compare with discretionary income.

disposal

n.
1 the action or process of disposing.
2 the sale of assets.
3 US informal a waste-disposal unit.

- PHRASES
at one's disposal available to be used however one wishes.
at someone's disposal ready to assist someone in any way they wish.

dispose

v.
1 (dispose of) get rid of. overcome (a rival or threat). informal consume (food or drink) quickly or enthusiastically.
2 arrange in a particular position.
3 incline (someone) towards a particular activity or mood.
4 literary determine the course of events: man proposes, but God disposes.

- DERIVATIVES disposer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. disposer, from L. disponere ‘arrange’, influenced by dispositus ‘arranged’ and OFr. poser ‘to place’.

disposed

adj.
1 inclined or willing: he was not disposed to take the hint.
2 having a specified attitude to or towards: he is favourably disposed towards the proposals.

disposition

n.
1 a person's inherent qualities of mind and character. an inclination or tendency.
2 the way in which something is placed or arranged. (dispositions) the stationing of troops ready for military action.
3 Law the transfer of property or money to someone, in particular by bequest.
4 the power to deal with something as one pleases. archaic the determination of events by divine power.

dispositive

//

adj. relating to or bringing about the settlement of an issue or the disposition of property.

dispossess

v.
1 deprive of land or property. [as pl. n. the dispossessed] people who have been dispossessed.
2 (in sport) deprive (a player) of the ball.

- DERIVATIVES dispossession n.

dispraise

n. censure; criticism.
v. archaic censure or criticize.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. despreisier, based on late L. depreciare (see depreciate).

disproof

n. action or evidence that proves something to be untrue.

disproportion

n. a lack of proportion.

- DERIVATIVES disproportional adj. disproportionality n. disproportionally adv.

disproportionate^1

//

adj. too large or too small in comparison with something else.

- DERIVATIVES disproportionately adv. disproportionateness n.

disproportionate^2

//

v. Chemistry undergo disproportionation.

disproportionation

n. Chemistry a reaction in which a substance is simultaneously oxidized and reduced, giving two different products.

disprove

v. prove that (something) is false.

- DERIVATIVES disprovable adj.

disputable

adj. open to question or debate.

- DERIVATIVES disputably adv.

disputation

n. debate or argument.

- DERIVATIVES disputative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. disputatio(n-), from disputare (see dispute).

disputatious

adj. fond of having arguments.

- DERIVATIVES disputatiously adv. disputatiousness n.

dispute

v. //
1 argue about (something). question the truth or validity of (a statement or alleged fact).
2 compete for.
3 archaic resist (a military landing or advance).
n. //, // a disagreement or argument. a disagreement between management and employees that leads to industrial action.

- DERIVATIVES disputant n. disputer n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. disputare ‘to estimate’ (in late L. ‘to dispute’).

disqualify

v. (disqualifies, disqualifying, disqualified) pronounce (someone) ineligible for an office or activity because of an offence or infringement. (of a characteristic) make (someone) unsuitable for an office or activity.

- DERIVATIVES disqualification n.

disquiet

n. a feeling of anxiety.
v. [usu. as adj. disquieted] make anxious.

- DERIVATIVES disquieting adj. disquietingly adv. disquietude n.

disquisition

//

n. a long or complex discussion or essay.

- DERIVATIVES disquisitional adj. (archaic).

- ORIGIN C15: via Fr. from L. disquisitio(n-) ‘investigation’, based on quaerere ‘seek’.

disrate

//

v. reduce (a sailor) to a lower rank.

disregard

v. pay no attention to; ignore.
n. the action of disregarding or the state of being disregarded.

disrelish

archaic

n. a feeling of dislike or distaste.
v. regard with dislike or distaste.

disremember

v. US dialect fail to remember.

disrepair

n. a poor condition due to neglect.

disreputable

//

adj. not respectable in appearance or character.

- DERIVATIVES disreputableness n. disreputably adv.

disrepute

//

n. the state of being held in low public esteem.

disrespect

n. lack of respect or courtesy.
v. informal, chiefly N. Amer. show a lack of respect for; insult.

- DERIVATIVES disrespectful adj. disrespectfully adv.

disrobe

v. take off one's clothes; undress. take off official regalia or vestments.

disrupt

v.
1 disturb or interrupt.
2 seriously alter or destroy the structure of.

- DERIVATIVES disrupter (also disruptor) n. disruption n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. disrupt-, disrumpere ‘break apart’.

disruptive

adj. causing or tending to cause disruption.

- DERIVATIVES disruptively adv. disruptiveness n.

diss

v. & n. variant spelling of dis.

dissatisfaction

n. lack of satisfaction.

dissatisfied

adj. not content or happy.

- DERIVATIVES dissatisfiedly adv.

dissatisfy

v. (dissatisfies, dissatisfying, dissatisfied) fail to satisfy.

dissaving

n. N. Amer. the action of spending more than one has earned in a given period. (dissavings) the excess amount spent.

dissect

//, //

v.
1 methodically cut up (a body or plant) in order to study its internal parts.
2 analyse in minute detail.

- DERIVATIVES dissection n. dissector n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dissect-, dissecare ‘cut up’.

dissected

adj.
1 Botany (of a leaf) divided into many deep lobes.
2 Geology (of a plateau or upland) divided by a number of deep valleys.

dissemble

//

v. hide or disguise one's true motives or feelings.

- DERIVATIVES dissemblance n. dissembler n.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. (suggested by semblance) of obs. dissimule, via OFr. from L. dissimulare ‘disguise, conceal’.

disseminate

//

v. spread widely.

- DERIVATIVES dissemination n. disseminator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. disseminat-, disseminare ‘scatter’, from dis- ‘abroad’ + semen, semin- ‘seed’.

disseminule

//

n. Botany a part of a plant that serves to propagate it, such as a seed or a fruit.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: formed irregularly from dissemination (see disseminate) + -ule.

dissension

//

n. disagreement that leads to discord.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. dissensio(n-), from dissentire (see dissent).

dissensus

//

n. widespread dissent.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from dis- + a shortened form of consensus, or from L. dissensus ‘disagreement’.

dissent

//

v. express disagreement with a prevailing view or official decision: two members dissented from the majority. disagree with the doctrine of an established or orthodox Church.
n. the holding or expression of a dissenting view.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissentire ‘differ in sentiment’.

dissenter

n. a person who dissents. (Dissenter) Brit. historical a member of a non-established Church; a Nonconformist.

dissentient

//, //

adj. in opposition to a majority or official opinion.
n. a dissentient person.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. dissentient-, dissentire ‘differ in opinion’.

dissepiment

//

n. Botany & Zoology a partition in a part or organ; a septum.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. dissaepimentum, from dissaepire ‘make separate’.

dissertation

//

n. a long essay, especially one written for a university degree or diploma.

- DERIVATIVES dissertational adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘discussion, debate’): from L. dissertatio(n-), from dissertare ‘continue to discuss’.

disservice

n. a harmful action.

dissever

//

v. divide or sever.

- DERIVATIVES disseverance n. disseverment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dessevrer, from late L. disseparare, from dis- (expressing intensive force) + L. separare ‘to separate’.

dissident

//

n. a person who opposes official policy.
adj. in opposition to official policy.

- DERIVATIVES dissidence n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dissident-, dissidere ‘sit apart, disagree’.

dissimilar

adj. (often dissimilar from/to) not similar; different.

- DERIVATIVES dissimilarity n. dissimilarly adv.

dissimilate

//

v. Linguistics change (a sound in a word) to another when the word originally had identical sounds near each other (e.g. in taper, which derives from papyrus, the p is dissimilated to t).

- DERIVATIVES dissimilation n. dissimilatory adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from dis- + L. similis ‘like, similar’, on the pattern of assimilate.

dissimilitude

//

n. formal dissimilarity or diversity.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissimilitudo, from dissimilis ‘unlike’.

dissimulate

//

v. hide or disguise one's thoughts or feelings.

- DERIVATIVES dissimulation n. dissimulator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissimulat-, dissimulare ‘to conceal’.

dissipate

//

v.
1 be or cause to be dispelled or dispersed.
2 waste (money, energy, or resources).
3 Physics cause (energy) to be lost through its conversion into heat.

- DERIVATIVES dissipative adj. dissipator (also dissipater) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissipat-, dissipare ‘scatter’.

dissipated

adj. overindulgent in sensual pleasures.

dissipation

n.
1 dissipated living.
2 the action of dissipating.

dissociable

adj. able to be dissociated; separable.

dissociate

//, //

v.
1 disconnect or separate. (dissociate oneself from) declare that one is not connected with or a supporter of.
2 Psychiatry cause (a component of mental activity) to undergo dissociation.
3 Chemistry undergo or cause to undergo dissociation.

- DERIVATIVES dissociative adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dissociat-, dissociare ‘to separate’.

dissociation

//, //

n.
1 the action or process of disconnecting or separating.
2 Psychiatry separation of normally related mental processes, resulting in one group functioning independently from the rest and leading to disorders such as multiple personality.
3 Chemistry the splitting of a molecule into smaller molecules, atoms, or ions, especially by a reversible process.

dissoluble

adj. able to be dissolved, loosened, or disconnected.

- DERIVATIVES dissolubility n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dissolubilis, from dissolvere (see dissolve).

dissolute

//

adj. overindulgent in sensual pleasures.

- DERIVATIVES dissolutely adv. dissoluteness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissolutus ‘disconnected, loose’, from dissolvere (see dissolve).

dissolution

n.
1 the formal ending of an assembly, partnership, or official body.
2 the action or process of dissolving or being dissolved.
3 disintegration; decomposition. archaic death.
4 debauched living; dissipation.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissolutio(n-), from dissolvere (see dissolve).

dissolve

v.
1 (with reference to a solid) become or cause to become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution.
2 formally end or annul (an assembly, marriage, etc.). disappear.
3 (dissolve into/in) subside uncontrollably into (an expression of strong feelings).
4 (dissolve into/to) (of an image or scene in a film) gradually blend into another.
n. an instance of dissolving from one image or scene in a film to another.

- DERIVATIVES dissolvable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dissolvere, from dis- ‘apart’ + solvere ‘loosen or solve’.

dissolvent

n. a substance that dissolves something.

dissonant

adj.
1 Music lacking harmony.
2 unsuitable in combination; clashing.

- DERIVATIVES dissonance n. dissonantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. dissonant-, dissonare ‘be discordant’, from dis- ‘apart’ + sonare ‘to sound’.

dissuade

//

v. (dissuade someone from) persuade someone not to take (a course of action).

- DERIVATIVES dissuader n. dissuasion n. dissuasive adj.

- ORIGIN C15 (earlier (ME) as dissuasion): from L. dissuadere, from dis- (expressing reversal) + suadere ‘advise, persuade’.

dissyllable

//

n. variant spelling of disyllable.

- DERIVATIVES dissyllabic adj.

dissymmetry

n. (pl. dissymmetries)
1 lack of symmetry.
2 the symmetrical relation of mirror images, as between the left and right hands.

- DERIVATIVES dissymmetric adj. dissymmetrical adj.

distaff

//

n.
1 a stick or spindle on to which wool or flax is wound for spinning.
2 [as modifier] denoting or concerning women: a family tree on the distaff side. Compare with spear (in sense 3).

- ORIGIN OE distæf: the first element is appar. rel. to Mid. Low Ger. dise, disene ‘distaff, bunch of flax’; the second is staff^1.

distal

//

adj. chiefly Anatomy situated away from the centre of the body or an area or from the point of attachment. The opposite of proximal.

- DERIVATIVES distally adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from distant, on the pattern of words such as dorsal.

distance

n.
1 the length of the space between two points: I cycled the short distance home.
2 the condition of being remote. a far-off point.
3 the full length of a race or other contest. Brit. Horse Racing a space of more than twenty lengths between two finishers in a race. (the distance) Brit. Horse Racing a length of 240 yards from the winning post on a racecourse.
4 an interval of time.
5 aloofness or reserve.
v. make distant. (often distance oneself from) dissociate or separate.

- PHRASES
go the distance last or continue to participate until the scheduled end of a contest.
keep one's distance stay far away. maintain one's reserve.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘discord, debate’): from OFr. or from L. distantia, from distant-, distare (see distant).

distance learning

n. a method of studying in which lectures are broadcast and lessons are conducted by correspondence.

distance runner

n. an athlete who competes in long- or middle-distance races.

distant

adj.
1 far away in space or time. at a specified distance: the town lay half a mile distant. (of a sound) faint because far away.
2 remote or far apart in resemblance or relationship. (of a person) not closely related: a distant cousin.
3 cool or reserved. not paying attention; abstracted: a distant look.

- DERIVATIVES distantly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. distant-, distare ‘stand apart’.

distantiate

//

v. set or keep at a distance emotionally or intellectually.

- DERIVATIVES distantiation n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: based on L. distantia ‘distance’.

distant signal

n. a railway signal giving a warning of the condition of the next home signal.

distaste

n. mild dislike or aversion.

- ORIGIN C16: from dis- + taste, on the pattern of early mod. Fr. desgout, Ital. disgusto; cf. disgust.

distasteful

adj. causing distaste; disagreeable or unpleasant.

- DERIVATIVES distastefully adv. distastefulness n.

distemper^1

//

n. a kind of paint having a base of glue or size instead of oil, used on walls. a method of mural and poster painting using this.
v. [often as adj. distempered] paint with distemper.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. as a verb in the senses ‘dilute’ and ‘steep’): from OFr. destremper or late L. distemperare ‘soak’.

distemper^2

//

n.
1 a viral disease of some animals, especially dogs, causing fever, coughing, and catarrh.
2 archaic political disorder.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. in the sense ‘bad temper’, later ‘illness’): from ME distemper ‘upset, derange’, from late L. distemperare ‘soak, mix in the wrong proportions’.

distend

//

v. swell or cause to swell because of pressure from inside.

- DERIVATIVES distended adj. distensibility n. distensible adj. distension n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. distendere, from dis- ‘apart’ + tendere ‘to stretch’.

distich

//

n. Prosody a pair of verse lines; a couplet.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk distikhon (metron) ‘(measure) of two lines’, neut. of distikhos, from di- ‘twice’ + stikhos ‘line’.

distichous

//

adj. Botany arranged alternately in two opposite vertical rows.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk distikhos (see distich) + -ous.

distil

// (US distill)

v. (distils, distilling, distilled)
1 purify (a liquid) by heating it so that it vaporizes, then cooling and condensing the vapour and collecting the resulting liquid. make (spirits) in this way. extract a volatile component of (a substance) by heating, often with a solvent.
2 extract the essential meaning of.

- DERIVATIVES distillate n. distillation n. distillatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. distillare, var. of destillare, from de- ‘down, away’ + stillare (from stilla ‘a drop’).

distiller

n. a person or company that manufactures spirits.

distillery

n. (pl. distilleries) a place where spirits are manufactured.

distinct

adj.
1 recognizably different in nature; individual or separate.
2 readily distinguishable by the senses: a distinct smell of nicotine.

- DERIVATIVES distinctly adv. distinctness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. distinctus ‘separated, distinguished’, from distinguere (see distinguish).

distinction

n.
1 a marked difference or contrast. the action of distinguishing.
2 excellence that sets someone or something apart from others. special honour or recognition. an examination grade denoting excellence.

distinctive

adj. individually characteristic; distinct from others of its kind.

- DERIVATIVES distinctively adv. distinctiveness n.

distingué

//

adj. (fem. distinguée pronunc. same) distinguished.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

distinguish

//

v.
1 recognize, show, or treat as different. (distinguish between) perceive or point out a difference between. [often as adj. distinguishing] be an identifying characteristic of.
2 manage to discern (something barely perceptible).
3 (distinguish oneself) make oneself worthy of respect.

- DERIVATIVES distinguishable adj.

- ORIGIN C16: formed irregularly from Fr. distinguer or L. distinguere, from dis- ‘apart’ + stinguere ‘put out’.

distinguished

adj.
1 noble and dignified in appearance.
2 successful and commanding great respect.

distort

//

v.
1 pull or twist out of shape.
2 give a misleading account or impression of.
3 change the form of (an electrical signal or sound wave) during transmission or amplification.

- DERIVATIVES distorted adj. distortedly adv. distortedness n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. distort-, distorquere ‘twist apart’.

distortion

n. the action of distorting or the state of being distorted. a distorted form or part.

- DERIVATIVES distortional adj. distortionless adj.

distract

//

v. prevent (someone) from concentrating on something. divert (attention) from something.

- DERIVATIVES distracted adj. distractedly adv. distracting adj. distractingly adv. distractor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. distract-, distrahere ‘draw apart’.

distraction

n.
1 a thing that diverts someone's attention.
2 a thing offering recreation or entertainment.
3 an agitated mental state: her air of distraction.

- PHRASES
to distraction almost to a state of madness: she loved him to distraction.

distrain

//

v. Law seize (property) in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed.

- DERIVATIVES distrainer n. distrainment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. destreindre, from L. distringere ‘stretch apart’.

distraint

//

n. Law the seizure of someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed.

distrait

//, //

adj. (fem. distraite //) distracted; absent-minded.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from OFr. destrait, past part. of destraire ‘distract’.

distraught

//

adj. very worried and upset.

- ORIGIN ME: alt. of the obs. adj. distract (from L. distractus ‘pulled apart’).

distress

n.
1 extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
2 the state of a ship or aircraft when in danger or difficulty.
3 Medicine a state of physical strain, especially difficulty in breathing.
4 Law another term for distraint.
v.
1 cause distress to.
2 give (furniture or clothing) simulated marks of age and wear.

- DERIVATIVES distressed adj. distressful adj. distressing adj. distressingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. destresce (n.), destrecier (v.), based on L. distringere ‘stretch apart’.

distressed area

n. a region of high unemployment and poverty.

distress warrant

n. Law a warrant authorizing distraint.

distributary

//

n. (pl. distributaries) a branch of a river that does not return to the main stream after leaving it (as in a delta).

distribute

//, //

v.
1 hand or share out to a number of recipients. supply (goods) to retailers.
2 (be distributed) be spread over or throughout an area.
3 Logic use (a term) to include every individual of the class to which it refers.

- DERIVATIVES distributable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. distribut-, distribuere ‘divide up’.

distributed system

n. a number of independent computers linked by a network.

distribution

n.
1 the action of distributing.
2 the way in which something is distributed: changes in the area have affected the distribution of its wildlife.

- DERIVATIVES distributional adj.

distributive

//

adj.
1 relating to distribution or to things that are distributed.
2 Grammar (of a determiner or pronoun) referring to each individual of a class, not to the class collectively, e.g. each, either.
3 Mathematics involving the condition that an operation performed on two or more quantities already combined by another operation gives the same result as when it is performed on each quantity individually and the products then combined, e.g. a × (b + c) = ab + ac.

- DERIVATIVES distributively adv.

distributor

//

n.
1 an agent who supplies goods to retailers.
2 a device in a petrol engine for passing electric current to each spark plug in turn.

district

n.
1 an area of a town or country.
2 Brit. a division of a county or region that elects its own councillors.
v. N. Amer. divide into areas.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from med. L. districtus ‘(territory of) jurisdiction’, from L. distringere ‘draw apart’.

district attorney

n. (in the US) a public official who acts as prosecutor for the state in a particular district.

district court

n. (in most US jurisdictions) the federal or state trial court.

district nurse

n. (in the UK) a nurse who visits and treats patients in their homes, operating within a particular district.

distrust

n. lack of trust.
v. have little trust in; regard with suspicion.

- DERIVATIVES distruster n.

distrustful

adj. (often distrustful of) feeling or showing distrust.

- DERIVATIVES distrustfully adv.

disturb

v.
1 interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of.
2 interrupt the sleep, relaxation, or privacy of.
3 make anxious.

- DERIVATIVES disturber n. disturbing adj. disturbingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. destourber, from L. disturbare, from dis- ‘utterly’ + turbare ‘disturb’.

disturbance

n.
1 the action of disturbing or the state of being disturbed.
2 a breakdown of peaceful and law-abiding behaviour.
3 Law interference with rights or property.

disturbed

adj. suffering from emotional or psychological problems.

disubstituted

//

adj. Chemistry (of a molecule) having two substituent groups.

disulfiram

//

n. Medicine a synthetic compound used in the treatment of alcoholism, causing unpleasant after-effects if alcohol is drunk.

- ORIGIN 1940s: blend of di-1, sulfide (see sulphide), and thiuram, a radical (from thio- + urea + amide).

disunion

n. the breaking up or lack of a union.

disunited

adj. lacking unity.

- DERIVATIVES disunite v. disunity n.

disuse

//

n. the state of not being used; neglect.

- DERIVATIVES disused adj.

disutility

//

n. Economics the adverse qualities associated with an activity or process.

disyllable

//, // (also dissyllable //)

n. Prosody a word or metrical foot consisting of two syllables.

- DERIVATIVES disyllabic // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: alt. (influenced by syllable) of Fr. disyllabe, via L. from Gk disullabos ‘of two syllables’.

dit

n. (in the Morse system) another term for dot^1.

- ORIGIN Second World War: imitative.

ditch

n. a narrow channel dug to hold or carry water.
v.
1 provide with or dig a ditch.
2 informal get rid of; give up. N. Amer. play truant from (school).
3 (with reference to an aircraft) make or cause to make a forced landing on water.

- DERIVATIVES ditcher n. ditching n.

- ORIGIN OE dc, of Gmc origin; rel. to dyke^1.

diterpene

//

n. Chemistry any of a group of terpenes with unsaturated molecules based on a unit with the formula C_20H_32.

- DERIVATIVES diterpenoid adj. & n.

ditheism

//

n. a belief in two gods, especially as independent and opposed principles of good and evil.

- DERIVATIVES ditheist n.

dither

v.
1 be indecisive.
2 Computing display or print (a colour image) without sharp edges so that it appears to contain extra colours.
n. informal
1 a state of dithering.
2 a state of agitation.

- DERIVATIVES ditherer n. dithery adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the dial. sense ‘tremble, quiver’): var. of dial. didder; rel. to dodder^1.

dithyramb

//

n. a wildly ecstatic choral hymn of ancient Greece, especially one dedicated to the god Dionysus. a passionate or inflated speech, poem, or text.

- DERIVATIVES dithyrambic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk dithurambos.

ditransitive

//, //, //

adj. Grammar denoting a verb that takes two objects, for example give as in I gave her the book.

ditsy

adj. variant spelling of ditzy.

dittany

//

n. (pl. dittanies)
1 an aromatic, shrubby plant of the mint family with white woolly leaves and pink flowers.   Origanum dictamnus (Greece) and other species.
2 another term for gas plant.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ditain or med. L. ditaneum, from L. dictamnus, dictamnum, from Gk diktamnon, perh. from Dikt, a mountain in Crete.

ditto

n.
1 the same thing again (used in lists and often indicated by a ditto mark under the word or figure to be repeated).
2 (also ditto mark) a symbol consisting of two apostrophes () representing a repetition.

- ORIGIN C17: from Tuscan dial., var. of Ital. detto ‘said’, from L. dictus ‘said’.

ditty

n. (pl. ditties) a short simple song.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dite ‘composition’, from L. dictatum ‘something dictated’, from dictare ‘to dictate’.

ditty bag

(also ditty box)

n. a receptacle for odds and ends, especially one used by sailors or fishermen.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

ditz

n. N. Amer. informal a scatterbrained person.

- ORIGIN 1970s: back-form. from ditzy.

ditzy

(also ditsy)

adj. (ditzier, ditziest) N. Amer. informal silly or scatterbrained.

- DERIVATIVES ditziness n.

- ORIGIN 1970s: of unknown origin.

diuresis

//

n. Medicine increased or excessive production of urine.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from di-3 + Gk oursis ‘urination’.

diuretic

// Medicine

adj. causing increased passing of urine.
n. a diuretic drug.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. diuretique, or via late L. from Gk diourtikos, from diourein ‘urinate’.

diurnal

//

adj.
1 of or during the daytime.
2 daily; of each day: diurnal rhythms.

- DERIVATIVES diurnally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. diurnalis, from L. diurnus ‘daily’, from dies ‘day’.

Div.

abbrev. Division.

div^1

abbrev. divergence (in mathematical equations).

div^2

n. another term for divvy^2.

diva

//

n. a famous female singer of operatic or popular music.

- ORIGIN C19: via Ital. from L., lit. ‘goddess’.

divagate

//

v. literary stray; digress.

- DERIVATIVES divagation n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. divagat-, divagari ‘wander about’.

divalent

//

adj. Chemistry having a valency of two.

Divali

n. variant spelling of Diwali.

divan

//, //, //

n.
1 Brit. a bed consisting of a base and mattress but no footboard or headboard.
2 a long, low sofa without a back or arms.
3 historical a legislative body, council chamber, or court of justice in the Ottoman Empire.

- ORIGIN C16 (in sense 3): via Fr. or Ital. from Turk. dvn, from Pers. dwn ‘anthology, register, court, or bench’.

divaricate

//, //

v. technical or literary stretch or spread apart.
adj. Botany (of a branch) coming off the stem almost at a right angle.

- DERIVATIVES divarication n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. divaricat-, divaricare ‘stretch apart’.

dive

v. (past and past part. dived; US also dove //)
1 plunge head first into water with one's arms raised over one's head.
2 go to a deeper level in water. swim under water using breathing equipment.
3 plunge steeply downwards through the air. move quickly or suddenly in a downward direction or under cover. Soccer deliberately fall when challenged in order to deceive the referee into awarding a foul.
4 (of prices or profits) drop suddenly.
n.
1 an act or instance of diving.
2 informal a disreputable nightclub or bar.

- DERIVATIVES diving n.

- ORIGIN OE dfan ‘dive, sink’ and dfan ‘immerse’, of Gmc origin; rel. to deep and dip.

dive-bomb

v. bomb (a target) while diving steeply downwards in an aircraft.

- DERIVATIVES dive-bomber n.

diver

n.
1 a person who dives under water as a sport or as part of their work.
2 a large diving waterbird with a sleek black or grey head, a straight pointed bill, and a wailing call.   Gavia immer (great northern diver or common loon) and related species, family Gaviidae.

diverge

//, //

v.
1 (of a road, route, or line) separate and go in a different direction.
2 (of an opinion or approach) differ.
3 (diverge from) depart from (a set course or standard).
4 Mathematics (of a series) increase without limit as more of its terms are added.

- DERIVATIVES divergence n. divergency n. diverging adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. divergere, from L. dis- ‘in two ways’ + vergere ‘to turn or incline’.

divergent

adj.
1 diverging.
2 (of thought) using a variety of premises and avoiding common assumptions in making deductions.

- DERIVATIVES divergently adv.

divers

//

adj. archaic or literary of varying types; several.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. diversus ‘diverse’, from divertere (see divert).

diverse

//, //

adj. widely varied.

- DERIVATIVES diversely adv.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of divers.

diversify

//, //

v. (diversifies, diversifying, diversified) make or become more diverse. (of a company) enlarge or vary its range of products or field of operation.

- DERIVATIVES diversification n.

diversion

//, //

n.
1 an instance of diverting.
2 Brit. an alternative route for use by traffic when the usual road is temporarily closed.
3 something intended to distract someone's attention: a raid was carried out to create a diversion.
4 a recreation or pastime.

- DERIVATIVES diversionary adj.

diversity

//, //

n. (pl. diversities) the state of being diverse. a diverse range; a variety: a diversity of views.

divert

//, //

v.
1 cause to change course or take a different route.
2 reallocate (a resource) to a different purpose.
3 draw the attention of; distract or entertain.

- DERIVATIVES diverting adj. divertingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from L. divers-, divertere, from di- ‘aside’ + vertere ‘to turn’.

diverticula

plural form of diverticulum.

diverticular

//

adj. Medicine relating to diverticula.

diverticular disease

n. a condition in which muscle spasm in the colon in the presence of diverticula causes abdominal pain and disturbance of bowel function without inflammation.

diverticulitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of a diverticulum, especially in the colon, causing pain and disturbance of bowel function.

diverticulosis

//

n. Medicine a condition in which diverticula are present in the colon without signs of inflammation.

diverticulum

//

n. (pl. diverticula //) Anatomy & Zoology
1 a blind tube leading from a cavity or passage.
2 Medicine an abnormal sac or pouch formed at a weak point in the wall of the alimentary tract.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L., var. of L. deverticulum ‘byway’, from devertere ‘turn down or aside’.

divertimento

//, //

n. (pl. divertimenti // or divertimentos) Music a light and entertaining composition, typically in the form of a suite for chamber orchestra.

- ORIGIN C18: Ital., lit. ‘diversion’.

divertissement

//, //

n.
1 a minor entertainment or diversion.
2 Ballet a short discrete dance within a ballet, intended to display a dancer's technical skill.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a short ballet): Fr., from divertiss-, divertir, from L. divertere ‘turn in separate ways’.

Dives

//

n. literary a typical or hypothetical rich man.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L., used in the Vulgate translation of the Bible (Luke 16).

divest

//, //

v. (divest someone/thing of) deprive or dispossess someone or something of (power, rights, etc.). rid oneself of (an interest or investment). relieve someone of (a garment).

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of devest, from OFr. desvestir, from des- (expressing removal) + L. vestire (from vestis ‘garment’).

divestiture

(also divesture)

n. another term for divestment.

divestment

n. the action or process of selling off subsidiary business interests or investments.

divi

n. (pl. divis) variant spelling of divvy^1.

divide

v.
1 separate or be separated into parts. (usu. divide something between) separate into portions and share out. form a boundary between.
2 disagree or cause to disagree.
3 Mathematics find how many times (a number) contains another: 36 divided by 2 equals 18. (of a number) be susceptible of division without a remainder.
n.
1 an instance of dividing or being divided.
2 chiefly US a ridge or line of high ground forming the division between two valleys or river systems.

- PHRASES
divide and rule (or conquer) maintain control over subordinates or opponents by encouraging dissent between them so that they do not unite in opposition.

- DERIVATIVES divided adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. divis-, dividere ‘force apart, remove’.

divided highway

n. N. Amer. a dual carriageway.

divided skirt

n. a pair of culottes.

dividend

//

n.
1 a sum of money that is divided among a number of people, such as the part of a company's profits paid to its shareholders or the winnings from a football pool. an individual's share of this money.
2 (dividends) a benefit from an action or policy: the policy would pay dividends in the future.
3 Mathematics a number to be divided by another number.

- ORIGIN C15: from Anglo-Norman Fr. dividende, from L. dividendum ‘something to be divided’, from dividere (see divide).

dividend cover

n. the ratio of a company's net profits to the total sum allotted in dividends to ordinary shareholders.

divider

n.
1 (also room divider) a screen or piece of furniture that divides a room into two parts.
2 (dividers) a measuring compass, especially one with a screw for making fine adjustments.

divi-divi

//

n. (pl. divi-divis)
1 a small tropical American leguminous tree.   Caesalpinia coriaria.
2 the curled pods of the divi-divi tree, used as a source of tannin.

- ORIGIN C19: via Amer. Sp. from Carib.

divination

//

n. the practice of divining or seeking knowledge by supernatural means.

- DERIVATIVES divinatory adj.

divine^1

adj. (diviner, divinest)
1 of, from, or like God or a god. devoted to God; sacred.
2 informal excellent; delightful.
n.
1 dated a cleric or theologian.
2 (the Divine) providence or God.

- DERIVATIVES divinely adv. divineness n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. divinus, from divus ‘godlike’ (rel. to deus ‘god’).

divine^2

v.
1 discover by guesswork or intuition.
2 have supernatural or magical insight into (the future).
3 discover (water) by dowsing.

- DERIVATIVES diviner n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deviner ‘predict’, from L. divinare, from divinus (see divine^1).

divine right of kings

n. the doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects.

divine service

n. public Christian worship.

diving beetle

n. a predatory water beetle which stores air under its wing cases for swimming underwater.   Family Dytiscidae: numerous species.

diving bell

n. an open-bottomed chamber supplied with air, in which a person can be let down under water.

diving board

n. an elevated board projecting over a swimming pool or other body of water, from which people dive or jump in.

diving duck

n. a duck which typically feeds by diving underwater, such as a pochard or goldeneye.

diving suit

n. a watertight suit, typically with a helmet and an air supply, worn for working or exploring deep under water.

divining rod

n. a stick or rod used for dowsing.

divinity

//

n. (pl. divinities)
1 the state or quality of being divine.
2 a god or goddess. (the Divinity) God.
3 the study of religion; theology.

divinize

(or divinise) //

v. make divine; deify.

divisible

//

adj. capable of being divided. Mathematics (of a number) containing another number a number of times without a remainder.

- DERIVATIVES divisibility n.

division

n.
1 the action or process of dividing or being divided. the separation of members of a legislative body into groups to vote for or against a bill.
2 each of the parts into which something is divided. a major section of an organization. a number of teams or competitors grouped together in a sport for competitive purposes. Botany a principal taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom, equivalent to the phylum in zoology. Zoology any subsidiary category between major levels of classification.
3 a difference or disagreement between groups within a society, organization, etc.: a country with ethnic divisions.
4 the process of dividing one number by another. Mathematics the process of dividing a matrix, vector, or other quantity by another under specific rules to obtain a quotient.
5 a partition.

- PHRASES
division of labour the assignment of different parts of a manufacturing process or task to different people in order to improve efficiency.

divisional

adj.
1 relating to an organizational or administrative division.
2 forming a partition.

- DERIVATIVES divisionalize (or divisionalise) v. divisionally adv.

division bell

n. a bell rung in the British Parliament to announce an imminent division.

divisionism

n. another term for pointillism.

division sign

n. the sign ÷, placed between two numbers showing that the first is to be divided by the second, as in 6 ÷ 3 = 2.

divisive

//

adj. causing disagreement or hostility.

- DERIVATIVES divisively adv. divisiveness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. divisivus, from L. dividere (see divide).

divisor

//

n. Mathematics a number by which another number is to be divided. a number that divides into another without a remainder.

divorce

n. the legal dissolution of a marriage. a legal decree dissolving a marriage.
v.
1 legally dissolve one's marriage with.
2 detach or dissociate: religion cannot be divorced from morality.

- DERIVATIVES divorcement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. divorce, from L. divortium, based on divertere (see divert).

divorcee

//

n. (US masc. divorcé, fem. divorcée //) a divorced person.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. divorcé(e) ‘divorced man (or woman)’.

divot

//

n.
1 a piece of turf cut out of the ground by a golf club in making a stroke. a small hole made in this way.
2 chiefly Scottish a piece of turf, as formerly used for roofing cottages.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

divulge

//, //

v. make known (secret information).

- DERIVATIVES divulgation n. divulgence n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. divulgare, from di- ‘widely’ + vulgare ‘publish’ (from vulgus ‘common people’).

divvy^1

informal

n. (also divi) (pl. divvies) Brit. a dividend or share, especially of profits earned by a cooperative.
v. (divvies, divvying, divvied) share out.

divvy^2

n. (pl. divvies) Brit. informal a foolish or stupid person.

- ORIGIN 1970s: of unknown origin.

Diwali

// (also Divali)

n. a Hindu festival with lights, held in October and November to celebrate the end of the monsoon.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dvl, from Sanskrit dpvali ‘row of lights’.

diwan

// (also dewan)

n.
1 (in Islamic societies) a central finance department, chief administrative office, or regional governing body.
2 historical a chief treasury official, finance minister, or Prime Minister in some Indian states.

- ORIGIN Urdu, from Pers. dwn ‘register’; cf. divan.

Dixie

n. an informal name for the Southern states of the US.

- PHRASES
whistle Dixie N. Amer. informal engage in unrealistic fantasies.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

dixie

n. (pl. dixies) a large iron cooking pot used by campers or soldiers.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Hindi degc ‘cooking pot’, from Pers. dega, dimin. of deg ‘pot’.

Dixieland

n. a kind of jazz with a strong two-beat rhythm and collective improvisation, which originated in New Orleans in the early 20th century.

DIY

n. chiefly Brit. the activity of decorating and making fixtures and repairs in the home oneself rather than employing a professional.

- DERIVATIVES DIY'er n.

- ORIGIN 1950s: abbrev. of do-it-yourself.

diya

//

n. Indian a small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dy.

dizygotic

//

adj. (of twins) derived from two separate ova, and so not identical.

dizygous

//

adj. another term for dizygotic.

dizzy

adj. (dizzier, dizziest)
1 having a sensation of spinning around and losing one's balance.
2 informal (of a woman) silly.
v. (dizzies, dizzying, dizzied) [usu. as adj. dizzying] make (someone) feel unsteady, confused, or amazed: the dizzying rate of change.

- PHRASES
the dizzy heights informal a position of great importance.

- DERIVATIVES dizzily adv. dizziness n. dizzyingly adv.

- ORIGIN OE dysig ‘foolish’, of W. Gmc origin.

DJ^1

n. a disc jockey. a person who uses samples of recorded music to make dance music.
v. (DJ's, DJ'ing, DJ'd) perform as a disc jockey.

DJ^2

abbrev. Brit. dinner jacket.

djellaba

// (also djellabah or jellaba)

n. a loose hooded woollen cloak of a kind traditionally worn by Arabs.

- ORIGIN C19: from Moroccan Arab. jellba, jellbiyya.

djibbah

n. variant spelling of jibba.

Djiboutian

// (also Jibutian)

n. a native or inhabitant of the country of Djibouti on the NE coast of Africa.
adj. relating to Djibouti.

djinn

n. variant spelling of jinn.

DK

abbrev. Denmark (international vehicle registration).

dkl

abbrev. US dekaliter(s).

dkm

abbrev. US dekameter(s).

DL

abbrev.
1 Deputy Lieutenant.
2 N. Amer. (with reference to sports players) disabled list.

dl

abbrev. decilitre(s).

D-layer

n. the lowest layer of the ionosphere, able to reflect low-frequency radio waves.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from an arbitrary use of the letter D.

DLitt

abbrev. Doctor of Letters.

- ORIGIN from L. Doctor Litterarum.

DLL

abbrev. Computing dynamic linked library.

D-lock

n. a mechanism used to secure a bicycle or motorbike when parked, consisting of a solid metal U-shaped bar and crosspiece.

DM

(also D-mark)

abbrev. Deutschmark.

dm

abbrev. decimetre(s).

DMA

abbrev. Computing direct memory access.

DMD

abbrev. Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

DMs

abbrev. Dr Martens (shoes or boots).

dmu

abbrev. Brit. diesel multiple unit (railway vehicle).

DMus

abbrev. Doctor of Music.

DMV

abbrev. (in the US) Department of Motor Vehicles.

DMZ

abbrev. N. Amer. demilitarized zone.

DNA

n. Biochemistry deoxyribonucleic acid, a substance present in nearly all living organisms as the carrier of genetic information, and consisting of a very long double-stranded helical chain of sugars joined by phosphate bonds and cross-linked by pairs of organic bases.

DNA fingerprinting

(also DNA profiling)

n. another term for genetic fingerprinting.

DNase

//

n. Biochemistry an enzyme which breaks down DNA into smaller molecules.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from DNA + -ase.

DNA virus

n. a virus in which the genetic information is stored in the form of DNA (as opposed to RNA).

DNB

abbrev. Dictionary of National Biography.

D notice

n. Brit. a government notice issued to news editors requiring them not to publicize certain information for reasons of national security.

- ORIGIN Second World War: D for defence.

DNR

abbrev.
1 (in the US) Department of Natural Resources.
2 do not resuscitate.

DNS

abbrev. Computing
1 domain name server, the system that automatically translates Internet addresses to the numeric machine addresses that computers use.
2 domain name system, the hierarchical method by which Internet addresses are constructed.

do^1

v. (does; doing; past did; past part. done)
1 perform or carry out (an action). work on (something) to bring it to completion or to a required state. make, produce, or provide. work at for a living or take as one's subject of study. informal take (a narcotic drug).
2 achieve or complete (a specified target). informal visit as a tourist. informal spend (a specified period of time) in a particular occupation or in prison. (be/have done with) give up concern for; have finished with.
3 act or progress in a specified way. have a specified result or effect on.
4 be suitable or acceptable.
5 informal beat up or kill. Brit. swindle.
6 (usu. be/get done for) Brit. informal prosecute; convict.
aux. v.
1 used before a verb in questions and negative statements.
2 used to refer back to a verb already mentioned.
3 used in commands, or to give emphasis to a positive verb.
4 used with inversion of a subject and verb when an adverbial phrase begins a clause for emphasis.
n. (pl. dos or do's) Brit. informal a party or other social event.

- PHRASES
be (or have) to do with be concerned or connected with.
do one's head in Brit. informal make one extremely angry or agitated.
do or die persist, even if failure or death is the result.
dos and don'ts rules of behaviour.
that does it! informal indicating that one will not tolerate something any longer.
- PHRASES
do away with informal put an end to; abolish or kill.
do by treat or deal with in a specified way: she did well by them.
do someone down Brit. informal criticize someone.
do for
1 informal defeat, ruin, or kill.
2 suffice for.
do something (or nothing) for informal enhance (or detract from) the appearance or quality of.
do someone in informal
1 kill someone.
2 (be done in) be tired out.
do someone out of informal deprive someone of (something) in an underhand or unfair way.
do something out Brit. informal decorate or furnish a room or building in a particular way.
do someone/thing over Brit. informal
1 beat someone up.
2 ransack a place.
do something up
1 fasten, wrap, or arrange something.
2 informal renovate or redecorate a room or building.
3 be done up be dressed impressively.
do with
1 (can/could do with) would find useful or would like to have or do: I could do with a cup of coffee.
2 (can't/won't be doing with) Brit. be unwilling to tolerate.

- DERIVATIVES doable adj. (informal). doer n.

- ORIGIN OE dn, of Gmc origin.

do^2

n. variant spelling of doh^1.

do.

abbrev. ditto.

DOA

abbrev. dead on arrival.

dob

v. (dobs, dobbing, dobbed) (dob someone in) Austral./NZ informal inform on someone.

- DERIVATIVES dobber n.

- ORIGIN 1950s: figurative use of dial. dob ‘put down abruptly’, later ‘throw at’.

dobbin

n. a pet name for a draught horse or a farm horse.

- ORIGIN C16: familiar form of the given name Robert.

dobby

n. (pl. dobbies) a mechanism attached to a loom for weaving small patterns.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. an application of the given name Dobbie, from Dob (alt. of the given name Rob); the usage is prob. an extension of the earlier sense ‘benevolent elf’ (who performed household tasks secretly).

dobe

//

n. US informal short for adobe.

Dobermann

// (also Dobermann pinscher //, chiefly N. Amer. also Doberman)

n. a large dog of a German breed with powerful jaws and a smooth coat, typically black with tan markings.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from the name of the German dog breeder Ludwig Dobermann (+ Ger. Pinscher ‘terrier’).

dobra

//

n. the basic monetary unit of São Tomé and Principe, equal to 100 centavos.

- ORIGIN from Port. dóbra ‘doubloon’.

dobro

//

n. (pl. dobros) trademark a type of acoustic guitar with steel resonating discs inside the body under the bridge.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Do(pra) Bro(thers), the Czech-American inventors.

dobsonfly

n. (pl. dobsonflies) a large North American winged insect related to the alderflies, whose aquatic larva (the hellgrammite) is used as fishing bait.   Corydalis cornutus and other species.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

doc

abbrev. informal
1 doctor.
2 Computing document.

docent

//

n.
1 (in certain US and European universities and colleges) a member of the teaching staff immediately below professorial rank.
2 a guide in a museum, art gallery, or zoo.

- ORIGIN C19: via Ger. from L. docent-, docere ‘teach’.

Docetism

//, //

n. the doctrine that Christ's body was not human (being either a phantasm or of real but celestial substance) and that therefore his sufferings were only apparent.

- DERIVATIVES Docetist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L. Docetae (the name, based on Gk dokein ‘seem’, given to a group of 2nd-cent. Christian heretics) + -ism.

doch an dorris

n. variant spelling of deoch an doris.

docile

//

adj. ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.

- DERIVATIVES docilely adv. docility n.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘apt or willing to learn’): from L. docilis, from docere ‘teach’.

dock^1

n.
1 an enclosed area of water in a port for the loading, unloading, and repair of ships. N. Amer. a jetty or pier where a ship may moor.
2 (also loading dock) a platform for loading trucks or goods trains.
v.
1 (with reference to a ship) come or bring into a dock.
2 (of a spacecraft) join with a space station or another spacecraft in space.
3 attach (a piece of equipment) to another.

- PHRASES
in dock Brit. informal out of action; indisposed.

- ORIGIN ME: from MDu., Mid. Low Ger. docke, of unknown origin.

dock^2

n. the enclosure in a criminal court where a defendant stands or sits.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. orig. sl. and rel. to Flemish dok ‘chicken coop, rabbit hutch’.

dock^3

n. a coarse weed of temperate regions, with inconspicuous greenish or reddish flowers, and leaves that are used to relieve nettle stings.   Genus Rumex.

- ORIGIN OE docce, of Gmc origin.

dock^4

v.
1 deduct (money or a point in a game).
2 cut short (an animal's tail).
n. the solid bony or fleshy part of an animal's tail. the stump left after a tail has been docked.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in sense ‘solid part of an animal's tail’): perh. rel. to Frisian dok ‘bunch, ball (of string)’ and Ger. Docke ‘doll’.

dockage

n. accommodation or berthing of ships in docks.

docker

n. a person employed in a port to load and unload ships.

docket

n.
1 Brit. a document accompanying a consignment of goods that lists its contents, certifies payment of duty, or entitles the holder to delivery.
2 N. Amer. a list of cases for trial or people having cases pending. S. African a file of information about a legal case.
v. (dockets, docketing, docketed)
1 mark (a consignment or package) with a document listing the contents.
2 N. Amer. enter (a case or suit) on to a list of those due to be heard.

- ORIGIN C15 (orig. denoting a short abstract or summary): perh. from dock^4.

docking station

n. a device to which a portable computer is connected so that it can be used like a desktop computer.

dockland

(also docklands)

n. Brit. the area containing a city's docks.

dockside

n. the area immediately adjacent to a dock.

dockyard

n. an area with docks and equipment for repairing and maintaining ships.

doctor

n.
1 a person who is qualified to practise medicine. N. Amer. a qualified dentist or veterinary surgeon.
2 (Doctor) a person who holds the highest university degree.
3 an artificial fishing fly.
v.
1 adulterate, tamper with, or falsify.
2 informal practise medicine.
3 Brit. remove the sexual organs of (an animal) so that it cannot reproduce.

- PHRASES
be what the doctor ordered informal be beneficial or desirable.
go for the doctor Austral./NZ informal make an all-out effort.

- DERIVATIVES doctoring n. doctorly adj.

- ORIGIN ME (in the senses ‘learned person’ and ‘Doctor of the Church’): via OFr. from L. doctor ‘teacher’.

doctoral

//

adj. relating to a doctorate.

doctorate

//

n. the highest degree awarded by a university faculty or other approved educational organization.

Doctor of Philosophy

n. a person holding a doctorate in any faculty except law, medicine, or sometimes theology.

Doctor of the Church

n. one of the early Christian theologians regarded as especially authoritative in the Western Church (particularly St Augustine of Hippo, St Jerome, St Ambrose, and St Gregory the Great) or later so designated by the Pope (e.g. St Thomas Aquinas, St Teresa of Ávila).

doctrinaire

//

adj. seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations.
n. a doctrinaire person.

- DERIVATIVES doctrinairism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from doctrine (see doctrine).

doctrine

//

n. a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.

- DERIVATIVES doctrinal adj. doctrinally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. doctrina ‘teaching, learning’, from doctor ‘teacher’, from docere ‘teach’.

docudrama

//

n. a dramatized television film based on real events.

document

n. // a piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence, or that serves as an official record.
v. // record in written, photographic, or other form.

- DERIVATIVES documentable adj. documental // adj. documentative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from L. documentum ‘lesson, proof’ (in med. L. ‘written instruction, official paper’), from docere ‘teach’.

documentalist

n. a person engaged in keeping records and providing information.

documentarian

//

n.
1 (also documentarist) a photographer specializing in producing a factual record.
2 a director or producer of documentaries.
3 an expert analyst of historical documents.

documentary

adj.
1 consisting of or based on official documents.
2 using film, photographs, and sound recordings of real events.
n. (pl. documentaries) a documentary film or television or radio programme.

documentation

n.
1 the documents required in the provision of information or evidence.
2 written specifications or instructions.
3 the classification and annotation of texts, photographs, etc.

docusoap

n. a documentary following people in a particular occupation or location over a period of time.

DOD

abbrev. (in the US) Department of Defense.

dodder^1

v. be slow and unsteady.

- DERIVATIVES dodderer n. doddering adj. doddery adj.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of obs. dial. dadder; rel. to dither.

dodder^2

n. a parasitic climbing plant of the convolvulus family, with leafless stems that are attached to the host plant by means of suckers.   Genus Cuscuta.

- ORIGIN ME: rel. to Mid. Low Ger. doder, dodder, Mid. High Ger. toter.

doddle

n. Brit. informal a very easy task.

- ORIGIN 1930s: perh. from dial. doddle ‘toddle’, of unknown origin.

dodeca-

//

comb. form twelve; having twelve: dodecahedron.

- ORIGIN from Gk.

dodecagon

//

n. a plane figure with twelve straight sides and angles.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk ddekagnon, neut. (used as a noun) of ddekagnos ‘twelve-angled’.

dodecahedron

//, //

n. (pl. dodecahedra // or dodecahedrons) a three-dimensional shape having twelve plane faces, in particular a regular solid figure with twelve equal pentagonal faces.

- DERIVATIVES dodecahedral adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk ddekaedron, neut. (used as a noun) of ddekaedros ‘twelve-faced’.

dodecaphonic

//

adj. Music another term for twelve-note.

dodge

v.
1 avoid by a sudden quick movement. move quickly to one side or out of the way. cunningly avoid doing or paying.
2 [often as noun dodging] Photography expose (one area of a print) less than the rest during processing or enlarging.
3 Bell-ringing (of a bell in change-ringing) move one place contrary to the normal sequence, and then back again in the following round.
n.
1 an act or instance of dodging.
2 informal a cunning trick, especially one used to avoid something.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the senses ‘dither’ and ‘haggle’): of unknown origin.

dodgeball

n. N. Amer. a game in which a team of players forms a circle and tries to hit its opponents with a large ball.

dodgem

(also dodgem car)

n. a small electrically powered car driven within an enclosure at a funfair, with the aim of bumping other such cars and avoiding being bumped by them.

- ORIGIN 1920s: US proprietary name (as Dodg'em), from the phr. dodge them.

dodger

n.
1 informal a person who evades something that is required of them: a tax dodger.
2 Nautical a canvas screen on a ship giving protection from spray.

dodgy

adj. (dodgier, dodgiest) Brit. informal
1 dishonest.
2 risky; dangerous.
3 not good or reliable.

- DERIVATIVES dodgily adv. dodginess n.

dodo

//

n. (pl. dodos or dodoes) a large extinct flightless bird found on Mauritius until the end of the 17th century.   Raphus cucullatus.

- PHRASES
as dead as a dodo informal utterly dead or finished.

- ORIGIN C17: from Port. doudo ‘simpleton’ (because the birds were tame and easy to catch); cf. dotterel.

DoE

abbrev. (formerly in the UK) Department of the Environment.

doe

n.
1 a female roe or fallow deer or reindeer.
2 a female hare, rabbit, rat, ferret, or kangaroo.

- ORIGIN OE d of unknown origin.

doe-eyed

adj. having large, gentle dark eyes.

does

third person singular present of do^1.

doeskin

//

n.
1 leather made from the skin of a doe fallow deer.
2 a fine satin-weave woollen cloth resembling doeskin.

doesn't

contr. does not.

doest

archaic second person singular present of do^1.

doeth

archaic third person singular present of do^1.

doff

v. remove (an item of clothing, especially a hat).

- ORIGIN ME: contr. of do off; cf. don^2.

dog

n.
1 a domesticated carnivorous mammal probably descended from the wolf, with a barking or howling voice, an acute sense of smell, and non-retractile claws.   Canis familiaris. a wild animal resembling this, in particular any member of the dog family (Canidae), which includes the wolf, fox, coyote, jackal, and other species. the male of such an animal. (the dogs) Brit. informal greyhound racing.
2 informal a contemptible man. dated a person of a specified kind: you lucky dog! informal, chiefly N. Amer. a thing of poor quality; a failure. (usu. in phr. turn dog on) Austral./NZ informal an informer or traitor.
3 informal, derogatory an unattractive woman.
4 used in names of dogfishes, e.g. spur-dog.
5 a mechanical device for gripping.
6 (dogs) N. Amer. informal feet.
v. (dogs, dogging, dogged)
1 follow closely and persistently.
2 (of a problem) cause continual trouble for.
3 (dog it) informal, chiefly N. Amer. act lazily.
4 grip with a mechanical device.

- PHRASES
dog eat dog used to refer to a ruthlessly competitive situation.
a dog in the manger a person who prevents others from having things that they do not need themselves. [ORIGIN alluding to the fable of the dog that lay in a manger to prevent the ox and horse from eating the hay.]
dog-and-pony show N. Amer. informal an elaborate and ostentatious presentation or event.
a dog's age N. Amer. informal a very long time.
a dog's dinner (or breakfast) Brit. informal a mess.
a dog's life an unhappy and oppressed existence.
go to the dogs informal deteriorate badly.
not a dog's chance no chance at all.
put on the dog N. Amer. informal behave in a pretentious or ostentatious way.

- DERIVATIVES dogdom n. doggish adj. doglike adj.

- ORIGIN OE docga, of unknown origin.

dogbane

//

n. a shrubby North American plant, typically having bell-shaped flowers and reputed to be poisonous to dogs.   Genus Apocynum.

dogberry

n. (pl. dogberries) informal
1 a fruit of poor eating quality from a dogwood, rowan, or other tree or shrub.
2 a dogwood.

dog cart

n. a two-wheeled cart for driving in, with cross seats back to back, originally incorporating a box under the seat for sportsmen's dogs.

dog clutch

n. a device for coupling two shafts in order to transmit motion, one part having teeth which engage with slots in another.

dog collar

n. informal a clerical collar.

dog days

pl. n. chiefly literary the hottest period of the year (reckoned in antiquity from the heliacal rising of Sirius, the Dog Star).

doge

//

n. historical the chief magistrate of Venice or Genoa.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr., from Venetian Ital. doze, based on L. dux, duc- ‘leader’.

dog-eared

adj. having worn or battered corners.

dog-end

n. informal
1 Brit. a cigarette end.
2 the last and least pleasing part of something.

dogfight

n.
1 a close combat between military aircraft.
2 a ferocious struggle or fight.

- DERIVATIVES dogfighter n. dogfighting n.

dogfish

n. (pl. same or dogfishes) a small bottom-dwelling shark with a long tail.   Scyliorhinus canicula and other species.

dogged

//

adj. tenacious; grimly persistent.

- DERIVATIVES doggedly adv. doggedness n.

dogger^1

n. historical a two-masted bluff-bowed Dutch fishing boat.

- ORIGIN ME: from MDu.

dogger^2

n. Geology a large spherical concretion in sedimentary rock.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. dial. denoting a kind of ironstone): perh. from dog.

doggerel

//

n. comic verse composed in irregular rhythm. badly written verse or words.

- ORIGIN ME (as adj.): appar. from dog (used contemptuously) + -rel.

doggie

n. variant spelling of doggy.

doggo

adv. (in phr. lie doggo) informal remain motionless and quiet to escape detection.

- ORIGIN C19: of obscure origin.

doggone

// N. Amer. informal

adj. damned.
v. damn (used to express surprise or irritation).

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from dog on it, euphemism for God damn it.

doggy

adj. (doggier, doggiest)
1 of or like a dog.
2 fond of dogs.
n. (also doggie) (pl. doggies) a child's word for a dog.

- DERIVATIVES dogginess n.

doggy bag

n. a bag used to take home leftover food from a restaurant, supposedly for one's dog.

doggy-paddle

n. an elementary swimming stroke resembling that of a dog.
v. swim using this stroke.

doghouse

n.
1 N. Amer. a dog's kennel.
2 Sailing a raised standing area at the after end of a yacht's coachroof.

- PHRASES
in the doghouse informal in disgrace or disfavour.

dogie

//

n. (pl. dogies) N. Amer. a motherless or neglected calf.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

dog Latin

n. a debased form of Latin.

dog-leg

n.
1 a sharp bend.
2 Golf a hole where the fairway has a bend.

dogma

//

n. a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertible.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk dogma ‘opinion’, from dokein ‘seem good, think’.

dogman

n. (pl. dogmen) Austral./NZ a person directing the operator of a crane while sitting on the crane's load.

dogmatic

//

adj. inclined to assert principles or opinions as incontrovertibly true.

- DERIVATIVES dogmatically adv. dogmatism n. dogmatist n.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk dogmatikos, from dogma, dogmat- (see dogma).

dogmatics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] a system of dogma, especially one laid down by the Roman Catholic Church.

dogmatize

(or dogmatise) //

v. represent as an incontrovertible truth.

do-gooder

n. a well-meaning but unrealistic or interfering person.

- DERIVATIVES do-goodery n. do-goodism n.

dog-paddle

n. & v. chiefly N. Amer. another term for doggy-paddle.

Dogrib

//

n. (pl. same or Dogribs)
1 a member of a Dene people of NW Canada.
2 the Athabaskan language of the Dogrib.

- ORIGIN translation of Dogrib Thlingchadinne ‘dog's flank’, from the legend that their common ancestor was a dog.

dog rose

n. a delicately scented wild rose with pink or white flowers, commonly growing in hedgerows.   Rosa canina and other species.

dogsbody

n. (pl. dogsbodies) Brit. informal a person who is given boring, menial tasks.

dogshore

n. each of two blocks of timber positioned on each side of a ship on a slipway to prevent it sliding.

dogsled

n. N. Amer. a sled pulled by dogs.

dog's mercury

n. a plant of the spurge family, with hairy stems and small green flowers.   Mercurialis perennis.

- ORIGIN C16: translating mod. L. Mercurialis canina (former taxonomic name).

dogstail

n. a fodder grass with spiky flower heads.   Genus Cynosurus: several species.

Dog Star

n. Sirius, the brightest star in the sky.

- ORIGIN translating Gk kuon or L. canicula ‘small dog’; so named as it appears to follow at the heels of Orion (the hunter).

dog's-tooth violet

n. a plant of the lily family with pinkish-purple flowers with backward-curving pointed petals.   Erythronium dens-canis and related species.

dog tag

n.
1 a metal tag attached to a dog's collar, giving its name and owner's address.
2 N. Amer. informal a soldier's metal identity tag.

dog-tired

adj. extremely tired.

dog-tooth

n.
1 Architecture a small pointed moulding forming one of a series radiating like petals from a raised centre.
2 (also dogstooth) a small check pattern with notched corners suggestive of a canine tooth.

dogtrot

n. a gentle easy trot.

dog violet

n. a scentless wild violet with purple or lilac flowers.   Viola riviniana and other species.

dogwatch

n. either of two short watches on a ship (4–6 or 6–8 p.m.).

dog whelk

n. a predatory marine mollusc found on the shore or in shallow waters.   Nucella and other genera.

dogwood

n. a flowering shrub or small tree with red stems, colourful berries, and hard wood.   Cornus sanguinea and related species.

- ORIGIN so named because the wood was formerly used to make ‘dogs’ (i.e. skewers).

DoH

abbrev. (in the UK) Department of Health.

doh^1

// (also do)

n. Music (in tonic sol-fa) the first and eighth note of a major scale. the note C in the fixed-doh system.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital. do, an arbitrarily chosen syllable.

doh^2

//

exclam. informal used to comment on a foolish action, especially one's own.

dohyo

//

n. (pl. dohyos) the ring within which sumo wrestling takes place.

- ORIGIN Japanese, abbrev. of dohyba ‘wrestling arena’.

DOI

abbrev. Computing digital object identifier, a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a text published online.

doily

//

n. (pl. doilies) a small ornamental mat made of lace or paper, put on a plate under sweet food.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. denoting a woollen material for summer wear): from Doiley or Doyley, the name of a 17th-cent. London draper.

doing

n.
1 (also doings) the activities in which someone engages.
2 activity or effort: it would take some doing to calm him down.
3 [treated as sing. or pl.] informal things whose name one has forgotten.
4 (doings) informal excrement.
5 informal a beating or scolding.

doit

//

n. archaic a very small amount of money.

- ORIGIN C16: from Mid. Low Ger. doyt, MDu. duit, of unknown origin.

do-it-yourself

n. full form of DIY.

dojo

//

n. (pl. dojos) a place in which judo and other martial arts are practised.

- ORIGIN Japanese, from d ‘way, pursuit’ + j ‘a place’.

dol.

abbrev. dollar(s).

Dolby

//, //

n. trademark
1 an electronic noise-reduction system used in tape recording.
2 an electronic system providing stereophonic sound for cinemas and televisions.

- ORIGIN 1960s: named after the American engineer Ray M. Dolby.

dolce

//

adv. & adj. Music sweetly and softly.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘sweet’.

dolce far niente

/ /

n. pleasant idleness.

- ORIGIN Ital., ‘sweet doing nothing’.

Dolcelatte

//, //

n. trademark a kind of soft, creamy blue-veined cheese from Italy.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘sweet milk’.

dolce vita

/ /

n. a life of pleasure and luxury.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘sweet life’.

doldrums

//

pl. n. (the doldrums)
1 a state of stagnation or depression.
2 an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms, and light unpredictable winds.

- ORIGIN C18 (as doldrum ‘dull, sluggish person’): perh. from dull.

dole^1

n.
1 (often in phr. on the dole) Brit. informal benefit paid by the state to the unemployed. dated a charitable gift.
2 literary a person's lot or destiny.
v. (dole something out) distribute something.

- ORIGIN OE dl ‘division, portion, or share’, of Gmc origin; rel. to deal^1.

dole^2

n. archaic or literary sorrow; mourning.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. doel ‘mourning’, from pop. L. dolus, from L. dolere ‘grieve’.

doleful

adj.
1 sorrowful.
2 causing grief or misfortune.

- DERIVATIVES dolefully adv. dolefulness n.

dolerite

//

n. Geology a dark, medium-grained igneous rock typically occurring in dykes and sills.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. dolérite, from Gk doleros ‘deceptive’ (because it resembles diorite).

doli capax

/ /

adj. Law deemed capable of forming the intent to commit a crime, especially by reason of age (ten years old or older).

- ORIGIN L., ‘capable of evil’.

dolichocephalic

//, //

adj. Anatomy having a relatively long skull. Often contrasted with brachycephalic.

- DERIVATIVES dolichocephaly n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dolikhos ‘long’ + -cephalic.

doli incapax

/ /

adj. Law deemed incapable of forming the intent to commit a crime, especially by reason of age (under ten years old).

- ORIGIN L., lit. ‘incapable of evil’.

doline

// (also dolina //)

n. Geology a hollow or basin in a karstic region.

- ORIGIN C19: via Ger. from Slovene dolina ‘valley’.

doll

n.
1 a small model of a human figure, used as a child's toy.
2 informal an attractive young woman.
v. (doll someone up) informal dress someone smartly and attractively.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a mistress): familiar form of the given name Dorothy.

dollar

n. the basic monetary unit of the US, Canada, Australia, and certain countries in the Pacific, Caribbean, SE Asia, Africa, and South America.

- ORIGIN The word dollar is associated primarily with the United States, but it has its origins far away, in central Europe. It comes from German Thaler, short for Joachimsthaler, a coin from the silver mine of Joachimsthal (‘Joachim's valley’), now Jáchymov in the Czech Republic. It later served as the English name for the peso or piece of eight formerly current in Spain and the Spanish-American colonies, which was widely used in the British North American colonies at the time of the American War of Independence. It was adopted as the name of the US monetary unit in the late 18th century.

dollarbird

n. a roller of Asia and Australasia, with a conspicuous white coin-like mark on the wing.   Eyrystomus orientalis.

dollar diplomacy

n. the use of a country's financial power to extend its international influence.

dollarization

(or dollarisation)

n.
1 the process of aligning a country's currency with the US dollar.
2 the dominating effect of the US on a country's economy.

dollar sign

(also dollar mark)

n. the sign $, representing a dollar.

dollop

n. informal a shapeless mass or lump, especially of soft food.
v. (dollops, dolloping, dolloped) add or serve out in large, shapeless quantities.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a clump of grass or weeds in a field): perh. of Scand. origin.

doll's house

(N. Amer. also dollhouse)

n. a miniature toy house for dolls.

dolly

n. (pl. dollies)
1 a child's word for a doll.
2 informal, dated an attractive and stylish young woman.
3 a small platform on wheels for holding heavy objects, typically film cameras.
4 Cricket, informal an easy catch.
5 historical a short wooden pole for stirring clothes in a washtub.
v. (dollies, dollying, dollied) (of a film camera) be moved on a dolly.

dolly bird

n. Brit. informal an attractive but unintelligent young woman.

dolly mixtures

pl. n. Brit. a mixture of small variously shaped and coloured sweets.

dolly tub

n. historical a washtub.

Dolly Varden

//

n.
1 a large hat with a floral trimming and one drooping side, formerly worn by women.
2 a brightly spotted edible charr (fish) of western North America.   Salvelinus malma.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of a character in Dickens's Barnaby Rudge, who wore a similar hat.

dolma

//

n. (pl. dolmas or dolmades //) a Greek and Turkish delicacy of spiced rice and meat wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves.

- ORIGIN from mod. Gk ntolmas or its source, Turk. dolma, from dolmak ‘fill, be filled’.

dolman

//

n. a long Turkish robe open in front. a woman's loose cloak with cape-like sleeves.

- ORIGIN C16: based on Turk. dolama, dolaman.

dolman sleeve

n. a loose sleeve cut in one piece with the body of a garment.

dolmen

//

n. a megalithic tomb with a large, flat stone laid on upright ones.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., perh. via Breton from Cornish tolmen ‘hole of a stone’.

dolomite

//

n. a mineral or sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of a carbonate of calcium and magnesium.

- DERIVATIVES dolomitic adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from the name of the French geologist Dolomieu + -ite^1.

dolorous

//

adj. literary feeling great sorrow or distress.

- DERIVATIVES dolorously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. doleros, from late L. dolorosus, from L. dolor ‘pain, grief’.

dolostone

//

n. Geology rock consisting of dolomite.

dolour

// (US dolor)

n. literary a state of great sorrow or distress.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. dolor ‘pain, grief’.

dolphin

n.
1 a small gregarious and intelligent toothed whale with a beak-like snout and a curved fin on the back.   Families Delphinidae (marine) and Platanistidae (river dolphins): many species.
2 (also dolphinfish) another term for dorado (in sense 1).
3 a bollard, pile, or buoy for mooring.
4 a structure protecting the pier of a bridge.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dauphin, from Provençal dalfin, from L. delphinus, from Gk delphin.

dolphinarium

//

n. (pl. dolphinariums or dolphinaria) an aquarium in which dolphins are kept and trained for public entertainment.

dolt

//

n. a stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES doltish adj. doltishly adv. doltishness n.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. a var. of dulled, past part. of dull.

Dom

//

n.
1 a title prefixed to the names of some Roman Catholic dignitaries and Benedictine and Carthusian monks.
2 Portuguese form of don^1 (in sense 2).

- ORIGIN from L. dominus ‘master’.

-dom

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting a state or condition: freedom.
2 denoting rank or status: earldom.
3 denoting a domain: fiefdom.
4 denoting a class of people or attitudes associated with them: officialdom.

- ORIGIN OE -dm, orig. meaning ‘decree, judgement’.

domain

//

n.
1 an area owned or controlled by a ruler or government. a sphere of activity or knowledge.
2 Computing a distinct subset of the Internet with addresses sharing a common suffix.
3 Mathematics the possible values of the independent variable or variables of a function.
4 Physics a discrete region of magnetism in ferromagnetic material.
5 Biochemistry a distinct region of a complex molecule or structure.

- DERIVATIVES domanial // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. domaine, alt. (by assoc. with L. dominus ‘lord’) of OFr. demeine (see demesne).

domaine

//

n. a vineyard.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘estate’ (see domain).

domain name

n. Computing the part of a network address which identifies it as belonging to a particular domain.

dome

n.
1 a rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure. the revolving openable hemispherical roof of an observatory.
2 the rounded summit of a hill or mountain. Geology a rounded uplifted landform or underground structure.
3 informal the top of the head.
4 literary a stately building.
v. [often as noun doming] form a rounded shape.

- DERIVATIVES domed adj. dome-like adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. dôme, from Ital. duomo ‘cathedral, dome’, from L. domus ‘house’.

Domesday Book

//

n. a comprehensive record of the extent, value, ownership, and liabilities of land in England, made in 1086 by order of William I.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of doomsday, because the book was regarded as a final authority.

domestic

adj.
1 relating to a home or family affairs or relations. of or for use in the home.
2 (of a person) fond of family life and running a home.
3 (of an animal) tame and kept by humans.
4 existing or occurring within a country.
n.
1 (also domestic worker or domestic help) a person who is employed to do domestic tasks.
2 Brit. informal a violent quarrel between family members.

- DERIVATIVES domestically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. domestique, from L. domesticus, from domus ‘house’.

domesticate

v.
1 tame (an animal) and keep it as a pet or for farm produce. humorous accustom (someone) to home life and domestic tasks.
2 cultivate (a plant) for food.

- DERIVATIVES domesticable adj. domestication n.

domesticity

n. home or family life.

domestic partner

n. N. Amer. a person who is sharing a home and having a sexual relationship with another.

- DERIVATIVES domestic partnership n.

domestic science

n. dated home economics.

domical

//

adj. domed.

domicile

//, // (also domicil //)

n. formal or Law
1 the country in which a person has permanent residence. chiefly N. Amer. a person's home.
2 the place at which a company or other body is registered.
v. (be domiciled) formal or Law treat a specified country as a permanent home. chiefly N. Amer. reside; be based.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. domicilium ‘dwelling’, from domus ‘home’.

domiciliary

//

adj. concerned with or occurring in someone's home.

dominance

n.
1 power and influence over others.
2 Genetics the phenomenon whereby one allelic form of a gene is expressed to the exclusion of the other.
3 Ecology the predominance of one or more species in a plant or animal community.

- DERIVATIVES dominancy n.

dominant

adj.
1 most important, powerful, or influential. Ecology denoting the predominant species in a plant or animal community.
2 (of a high place or object) overlooking others.
3 Genetics relating to or denoting heritable characteristics which are controlled by genes that are expressed in offspring even when inherited from only one parent. Often contrasted with recessive.
n.
1 Music the fifth note of the diatonic scale of any key, considered in relation to the key of the tonic.
2 Genetics a dominant trait or gene.
3 Ecology a dominant species in a community.

- DERIVATIVES dominantly adv.

dominate

//

v.
1 have a commanding or controlling influence over.
2 (of something tall or high) overlook.

- DERIVATIVES domination n. dominator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as domination): from L. dominat-, dominari ‘rule, govern’, from dominus ‘lord, master’.

dominatrix

//

n. (pl. dominatrices // or dominatrixes) a dominating woman, especially in sadomasochistic practices.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., fem. of dominator, from dominat-, dominari (see dominate).

domineer

//

v. [usu. as adj. domineering] behave in an arrogant and overbearing way.

- DERIVATIVES domineeringly adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du. dominieren, from Fr. dominer, from L. dominari (see dominate).

dominical

//

adj.
1 of Sunday as the Lord's day.
2 of Jesus Christ as the Lord.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. dominicalis, from L. dominicus, from dominus ‘lord, master’.

dominical letter

n. any of the seven letters A–G used in Church calendars to indicate the date (1–7 January) of the first Sunday in the year.

Dominican^1

//

n. a member of the Roman Catholic order of preaching friars founded by St Dominic, or of a similar religious order for women.
adj. relating to St Dominic or the Dominicans.

Dominican^2

//

n. a native or national of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.
adj. relating to the Dominican Republic.

Dominican^3

//, //

n. a native or national of the Caribbean island of Dominica.
adj. relating to the island of Dominica.

dominie

//

n. (pl. dominies)
1 Scottish a schoolmaster.
2 chiefly US a pastor or clergyman.

- ORIGIN C17: alt. of L. domine! (vocative) ‘master!, sir!’, from dominus ‘lord’.

dominion

n.
1 sovereignty; control.
2 the territory of a sovereign or government. (Dominion) historical a self-governing territory of the British Commonwealth.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. dominio(n-), from L. dominium, from dominus ‘lord, master’.

domino

//

n. (pl. dominoes)
1 any of 28 small oblong pieces marked with 0–6 pips in each half. (dominoes) [treated as sing.] the game played with dominoes, each player in turn trying to lay down a domino with a value matching that of a piece at either end of the line already formed.
2 historical a loose cloak, worn with a mask for the upper part of the face at masquerades.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., denoting a hood worn by priests in winter, prob. based on L. dominus ‘lord, master’.

domino effect

n. the effect of the domino theory.

domino theory

n. the theory that a political event in one country will cause similar events in neighbouring countries, like a row of falling dominoes.

don^1

n.
1 Brit. a university teacher, especially a senior member of a college at Oxford or Cambridge.
2 (Don) a Spanish title prefixed to a male forename. N. Amer. informal a high-ranking member of the Mafia.

- ORIGIN C16: from Sp., from L. dominus ‘lord, master’.

don^2

v. (dons, donning, donned) put on (an item of clothing).

- ORIGIN ME: contr. of do on; cf. doff.

donate

v.
1 give (money or goods) for a good cause.
2 allow the removal of (blood or an organ) from one's body for transfusion or transplantation.
3 Chemistry & Physics provide or contribute (electrons or protons).

- DERIVATIVES donator n.

donation

n. something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. donatio(n-), from donare ‘give’, based on donum ‘gift’.

Donatist

//

n. historical a member of a schismatic Christian group in North Africa who held that only those living a blameless life belonged in the Church.

- DERIVATIVES Donatism n.

- ORIGIN from the group's leader Donatus (died c.355).

donative

// rare

n. a donation.
adj. given as a donation. historical (of a benefice) given directly; not presentative.

done

past participle of do^1.
adj.
1 (of food) cooked thoroughly.
2 no longer happening or existing.
3 Brit. informal socially acceptable: therapy was not the done thing.
exclam. (in response to an offer) accepted.

- PHRASES
a done deal chiefly US a plan or project that has been finalized.
done for informal in serious trouble.
done in informal extremely tired.

- DERIVATIVES doneness n. (informal, only in sense 1).

donee

//

n.
1 a person who receives a gift.
2 Law a person who is given a power of appointment.

doner kebab

//, //

n. a Turkish dish consisting of spiced lamb cooked on a spit and served in slices, typically in pitta bread.

- ORIGIN from Turk. döner kebap, from döner ‘rotating’ and kebap ‘roast meat’.

dong^1

v.
1 (of a bell) make a deep resonant sound.
2 Austral./NZ informal hit or punch.
n.
1 a deep resonant sound.
2 Austral./NZ informal a punch.
3 vulgar slang a man's penis.

dong^2

n. the basic monetary unit of Vietnam, equal to 100 xu.

- ORIGIN from Vietnamese dông ‘coin’.

donga

//

n.
1 S. African & Austral./NZ a dry watercourse.
2 Austral. a temporary transportable dwelling.

- ORIGIN from Xhosa and Zulu udonga.

dongle

//

n. an electronic device which must be attached to a computer in order for protected software to be used.

- ORIGIN 1980s: an arbitrary formation.

dong quai

/ /, //

n. an aromatic herb native to China and Japan, the root of which is used to treat premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.   Angelica sinensis.

- ORIGIN from Chin. dnggu.

donjon

//, //

n. the great tower or innermost keep of a castle.

- ORIGIN ME: var. of dungeon.

Don Juan

/ /, //

n. a seducer of women.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of a legendary Spanish nobleman and libertine.

donkey

n. (pl. donkeys)
1 a domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family with long ears and a braying call.   Equus asinus.
2 informal a foolish person.
3 (also donkey stool) a low stool astride which an artist sits.

- PHRASES
donkey's years Brit. informal a very long time.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from dun^1, or from the given name Duncan.

donkey derby

n. a race between competitors riding donkeys.

donkey engine

n. a small auxiliary engine.

donkey jacket

n. Brit. a heavy jacket with a patch of waterproof leather or plastic across the shoulders.

donkey work

n. Brit. informal the laborious part of a job.

donna

//

n. a title prefixed to the forename of an Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese lady.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital., from L. domina ‘mistress’, fem. of dominus ‘lord, master’; cf. don^1.

donnée

// (also donné)

n.
1 a subject or theme of a narrative.
2 a basic fact or assumption.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘given’.

donnish

adj. resembling or likened to a college don, particularly in having a pedantic manner.

- DERIVATIVES donnishly adv. donnishness n.

donnybrook

//

n. N. Amer. & Austral./NZ a heated argument.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, formerly famous for its annual fair.

donor

//, //

n.
1 a person who donates something.
2 Chemistry an atom or molecule that provides a pair of electrons in forming a coordinate bond.
3 Physics an impurity atom in a semiconductor which contributes conducting electrons to the material.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. doneur, from L. donator, from donare ‘give’.

donor card

n. a card carried to indicate consent to the use of one's organs for transplant surgery in the event of one's death.

don't

contr. do not.

donut

n. US spelling of doughnut.

doobry

// (also doobrey or doobrie)

n. (pl. doobries or doobreys //) Brit. informal another term for doodah.

- ORIGIN 1950s: of unknown origin.

doodah

// (N. Amer. doodad //)

n. informal an object that the speaker cannot name precisely.

- PHRASES
all of a doodah very agitated.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: perh. from the refrain of the song Camptown Races.

doodle

v. scribble absent-mindedly.
n. a drawing made absent-mindedly.

- DERIVATIVES doodler n. doodling n.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. as n. denoting a fool): from Low Ger. dudeltopf, dudeldopp ‘simpleton’.

doodlebug

n. informal
1 Brit. a V-1 bomb.
2 N. Amer. the larva of an ant lion.
3 a small car or other vehicle.

- ORIGIN C19: from doodle ‘foolish person’ + bug.

doodly-squat

n. another term for diddly-squat.

doo-doo

n. a child's word for excrement.

doofus

// (also dufus)

n. (pl. doofuses) N. Amer. informal a stupid person.

- ORIGIN 1960s: perh. an alt. of goofus, or from Scots doof ‘dolt’.

doohickey

//

n. (pl. doohickeys) N. Amer. informal a small object or gadget, especially one whose name the speaker cannot recall.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: blend of doodad (see doodah) and hickey.

doolally

//

adj. Brit. informal temporarily insane.

- ORIGIN 1920s: orig. doolally tap, Ind. army sl., from Deolali (a town near Bombay) + Urdu tap ‘fever’.

doom

n. death, destruction, or another terrible fate. archaic (in Christian belief) the Last Judgement.
v. condemn to certain destruction, death, or failure: her plan was doomed to failure.

- DERIVATIVES doomily adv. doominess n. doomy adj. (doomier, doomiest).

- ORIGIN OE dm ‘statute, judgement’, of Gmc origin, from a base meaning ‘to put in place’; rel. to do^1.

doom-laden

adj. predicting or conveying doom; gloomy.

doomsayer

n. chiefly N. Amer. a doomster.

- DERIVATIVES doomsaying n.

doomsday

n. the last day of the world's existence. (in Christian belief) the day of the Last Judgement.

doomster

n. a person who predicts disaster.

doona

//

n. Austral. trademark a quilt or duvet.

- ORIGIN 1970s: perh. from Swed. dun (see down^2).

door

n.
1 a hinged, sliding, or revolving barrier at the entrance to a building, room, or vehicle, or in the framework of a cupboard.
2 the distance from one building to another: he lived two doors away.

- PHRASES
lay something at someone's door blame someone for something.
out of doors in or into the open air.

- DERIVATIVES -doored adj.

- ORIGIN OE duru, dor, of Gmc origin.

doorbell

n. a bell in a building which can be rung by visitors arriving outside.

do-or-die

adj. showing or requiring a determination not to compromise or be deterred.

door frame

(also doorcase)

n. the frame into which a door is fitted.

door furniture

n. the handles, lock, and other fixtures on a door.

doorkeeper

n. a person on duty at the entrance to a building.

doorknob

n. a rounded door handle.

doorman

n. (pl. doormen) a man who is on duty at the entrance to a large building.

doormat

n.
1 a mat placed in a doorway for wiping the shoes.
2 informal a submissive person.

doornail

n. a stud in a door.

- PHRASES
(as) dead as a doornail dead (used for emphasis).

doorpost

n. an upright part of a door frame.

doorstep

n.
1 a step leading up to the outer door of a house.
2 Brit. informal a thick slice of bread.
v. (doorsteps, doorstepping, doorstepped) Brit. informal (of a journalist) wait uninvited outside the home of (someone) for an interview or photograph.

- PHRASES
on one's (or the) doorstep very close by.

doorstop

(also doorstopper)

n. a fixed or heavy object that keeps a door open or in place.

doorway

n. an entrance with a door.

dooryard

n. N. Amer. a yard or garden by the door of a house.

doo-wop

//

n. a style of pop music involving close harmony vocals and nonsense phrases, originating in the 1950s.

- ORIGIN imitative.

doozy

// (also doozie)

n. (pl. doozies) informal, chiefly N. Amer. something outstanding or unique of its kind.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

dop

//

n. (pl. dops or doppe //) S. African informal a drink, especially of spirits.

- ORIGIN S. Afr. Du., ‘shell, husk’.

dopa

//

n. Biochemistry a compound which is present in nerve tissue as a precursor of dopamine (especially as the laevorotatory form l-dopa) and is used to treat Parkinsonism.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger., acronym from the systematic name dihydroxyphenylalanine.

dopamine

//

n. Biochemistry a compound present in the body as a neurotransmitter and as a precursor of other substances including adrenalin.

- ORIGIN 1950s: blend of dopa and amine.

dopaminergic

//

adj. Biochemistry releasing or involving dopamine as a neurotransmitter.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from dopamine + Greek ergon ‘work’ + -ic.

dopant

//

n. Electronics a substance used to produce a desired electrical characteristic in a semiconductor.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from dope + -ant.

dope

n.
1 informal an illegal drug, especially cannabis or (US) heroin. a drug used to enhance the performance of an athlete, racehorse, or greyhound.
2 informal a stupid person.
3 informal information.
4 a varnish formerly used to strengthen the fabric surface of aircraft.
5 a lubricant.
v.
1 administer dope to (a racehorse, greyhound, or athlete). (be doped up) informal be heavily under the influence of drugs.
2 cover with varnish or other thick liquid.
3 Electronics add an impurity to (a semiconductor) to produce a desired electrical characteristic.
4 (dope something out) informal, dated work something out.
adj. black slang very good.

- DERIVATIVES doper n.

- ORIGIN C19 (in the sense ‘thick liquid’): from Du. doop ‘sauce’, from doopen ‘to dip, mix’.

dopester

//

n. N. Amer. informal a person who supplies information, especially on sport or politics.

dopey

(also dopy)

adj. (dopier, dopiest) informal
1 stupefied by sleep or a drug.
2 silly or stupid.

- DERIVATIVES dopily adv. dopiness n.

dopiaza

//

n. an Indian dish consisting of meat cooked with onions and garnished with raw or fried onions.

- ORIGIN from Hindi do ‘two’ + pyz ‘onion’.

doppelgänger

//, //

n. an apparition or double of a living person.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., lit. ‘double-goer’.

Dopper

//

n. (in South Africa) a member of the Gereformeerde Kerk, a strictly orthodox Calvinistic denomination.

- ORIGIN Afrik., of unknown origin.

Doppler effect

(also Doppler shift)

n. Physics an increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, or other waves as the source and observer move towards (or away from) each other.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Austrian physicist Johann Christian Doppler.

dopy

adj. variant spelling of dopey.

dorado

//

n. (pl. dorados)
1 a large edible fish of warm seas, with silver and bright blue or green coloration.   Coryphaena hippurus.
2 a South American freshwater game fish with a golden body and red fins.   Salminus maxillosus.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., lit. ‘gilded’.

do-rag

n. US black slang a scarf or cloth worn to protect one's hairstyle.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from hairdo.

dor beetle

//

n. a large black dung beetle that makes a droning sound in flight.   Geotrupes stercorarius and other species.

- ORIGIN from OE dora, prob. imitative.

dorcas gazelle

//

n. a small gazelle found on dry plains in North Africa and western Asia.   Gazella dorcas.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dorkas ‘gazelle’.

Dorian

//

n. a member of a people speaking the Doric dialect of Greek, thought to have entered Greece from the north c.1100 bc.
adj. relating to the Dorians or to Doris in central Greece.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk Drios ‘of Doris’ + -ian.

Dorian mode

n. Music the mode represented by the natural diatonic scale D–D (containing a minor 3rd and minor 7th).

Doric

//

adj.
1 relating to or denoting a classical order of architecture characterized by a plain, sturdy column and a thick square abacus resting on a rounded moulding.
2 relating to the ancient Greek dialect of the Dorians.
3 archaic (of a dialect) broad.
n.
1 the Doric order of architecture.
2 the ancient Greek dialect of the Dorians.
3 a broad dialect, especially that spoken in the north-east of Scotland.

dork

n.
1 informal a socially inept person.
2 N. Amer. vulgar slang a man's penis.

- DERIVATIVES dorkiness n. dorky adj. (dorkier, dorkiest).

- ORIGIN 1960s: perh. a var. of dirk, influenced by dick^1.

dorm

n. informal a dormitory.

dormant

adj.
1 (of an animal) in or as if in a deep sleep. Heraldry (of an animal) lying with its head on its paws.
2 (of a plant or bud) alive but not growing.
3 (of a volcano) temporarily inactive.
4 (of a disease) causing no symptoms but liable to recur.

- DERIVATIVES dormancy n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., ‘sleeping’, pres. part. of dormir, from L. dormire ‘to sleep’.

dormer

(also dormer window)

n. a window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a dormitory or bedroom window): from OFr. dormeor ‘dormitory’, from dormir ‘to sleep’.

Dormition

//

n. (in the Orthodox Church) the passing of the Virgin Mary from earthly life. the feast in honour of this on 15 August.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr., from L. dormitio(n-) ‘falling asleep’, from dormire ‘to sleep’.

dormitory

//

n. (pl. dormitories)
1 a bedroom for a number of people in a school or other institution. N. Amer. a college hall of residence.
2 [as modifier] denoting a small town or suburb from which people travel to work in a nearby city.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dormitorium, neut. (used as n.) of dormitorius, from dormire ‘to sleep’.

Dormobile

//

n. Brit. trademark a motor vehicle that is fitted out as a caravan.

dormouse

n. (pl. dormice) an agile mouse-like rodent with a bushy tail.   Muscardinus avellanarius and other species, family Gliridae.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin, but assoc. with Fr. dormir or L. dormire ‘to sleep’.

dormy

//

adj. Golf (of a player) ahead by as many holes as there are holes left to play: dormy two.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

dorp

//

n. S. African a small rural town or village.

- ORIGIN Du., ‘village’ (see thorp).

dorsal

//

adj. Anatomy, Zoology, & Botany on or relating to the upper side or back. Compare with ventral.

- DERIVATIVES dorsally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. dorsalis, from L. dorsum ‘back’.

dorsal fin

n. Zoology an unpaired fin on the back of a fish or whale.

dorsi-

comb. form towards or on the back: dorsiventral.

- ORIGIN from L. dorsum ‘back’.

dorsiflex

//

v. Physiology bend (something) towards its upper surface.

- DERIVATIVES dorsiflexion n.

dorsiventral

//

adj. chiefly Botany
1 having dissimilar dorsal and ventral surfaces.
2 another term for dorsoventral.

- DERIVATIVES dorsiventrality n. dorsiventrally adv.

dorso-

comb. form relating to the back: dorsoventral.

- ORIGIN from L. dorsum ‘back’.

dorsolateral

//

adj. Anatomy & Biology relating to the dorsal and lateral surfaces.

- DERIVATIVES dorsolaterally adv.

dorsoventral

//

adj. Anatomy & Biology relating to or extending along an axis joining the dorsal and ventral surfaces.

- DERIVATIVES dorsoventrally adv.

dorsum

//

n. (pl. dorsa) Anatomy & Zoology the dorsal part of an organism or structure.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a long hill or ridge): from L., ‘back’.

dory^1

//

n. (pl. dories) a deep-bodied marine fish with a large mouth.   Families Zeidae and Oreosomatidae: several species, including the John Dory.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. dorée, fem. past part. of dorer ‘gild’, based on L. aurum ‘gold’.

dory^2

//

n. (pl. dories) a small flat-bottomed rowing boat with a high bow and stern.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from Miskito dóri ‘dugout’.

doryphore

//

n. rare a pedantic and persistent critic.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Fr., lit. ‘Colorado beetle’, from Gk doruphoros ‘spear carrier’.

DOS

abbrev. Computing disk operating system.

DoS

abbrev. Computing denial of service.

dosa

//

n. (pl. dosas or dosai //) (in Indian cooking) a pancake made from rice flour.

- ORIGIN from Tamil tcai.

dos-à-dos

//

adj. (of two books) bound together with a shared central board and facing in opposite directions.
n. (pl. same) a seat or carriage in which the occupants sit back to back.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘back to back’.

dosage

n. the size of a dose of medicine or radiation.

dose

n.
1 a quantity of a medicine or drug taken at one time. an amount of ionizing radiation received or absorbed at one time.
2 informal a quantity of something necessary but unpleasant.
3 informal a venereal infection.
v.
1 administer a dose to.
2 adulterate or blend (a substance) with another.

- PHRASES
like a dose of salts Brit. informal very fast and efficiently. [ORIGIN from the use of Epsom salts as a laxative.]

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., via late L. from Gk dosis ‘gift’, from didonai ‘give’.

dose equivalent

n. an estimate of the biological effect of a dose of ionizing radiation, expressed in sieverts.

dose-response curve

n. Medicine the relationship between the size of a dose and the extent of the response to it.

dosh

n. Brit. informal money.

- ORIGIN 1950s: of unknown origin.

dosha

//, //

n. (in Ayurvedic medicine) each of three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity.

- ORIGIN Sanskrit dosa, lit. ‘fault, disease’.

do-si-do

//, // (also do-se-do)

n. (pl. do-si-dos) (in country dancing) a figure in which two dancers pass round each other back to back and return to their original positions.

- ORIGIN 1920s: alt. of dos-à-dos.

dosimeter

// (also dosemeter //)

n. a device used to measure an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation.

- DERIVATIVES dosimetric adj. dosimetry n.

doss

Brit. informal

v.
1 sleep in rough accommodation or on an improvised bed.
2 spend time idly: I spent the day dossing around.
n.
1 archaic a bed in a cheap lodging house.
2 an easy task giving time for idling.

- DERIVATIVES dosser n.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. based on L. dorsum ‘back’.

dossal

//

n. an ornamental cloth hung behind an altar in a church or at the sides of a chancel.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. dossale, from late L. dorsalis (see dorsal).

dosshouse

n. Brit. informal a cheap lodging house for homeless people.

dossier

//, //, //

n. a collection of documents about a person or subject.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., denoting a bundle of papers with a label on the back, from dos ‘back’, based on L. dorsum.

dost

//

archaic second person singular present of do^1.

DoT

abbrev.
1 (in Canada and formerly in the UK) Department of Transport.
2 (in the US) Department of Transportation.

dot^1

n. a small round mark or spot. Music a dot used to denote the lengthening of a note or rest by half, or to indicate staccato. the shorter signal of the two used in Morse code.
v. (dots, dotting, dotted)
1 mark with a dot or dots.
2 scatter or be scattered over (an area).
3 Brit. informal hit (someone).

- PHRASES
dot the i's and cross the t's informal ensure that all details are correct.
on the dot informal exactly on time.
the year dot Brit. informal a very long time ago.

- DERIVATIVES dotter n.

- ORIGIN OE dott ‘head of a boil’; perh. influenced by Du. dot ‘a knot’.

dot^2

n. archaic a dowry from which only the interest or annual income was available to the husband.

- ORIGIN from Fr., from L. dos, dot- (see dower).

dotage

//

n. the period of life in which a person is old and weak.

- ORIGIN ME: from dote + -age.

dotard

//

n. an old person, especially one who is weak or senile.

dot-com

(also dot.com)

n. a company that conducts its business on the Internet.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from ‘.com’ in an Internet address, indicating a commercial site.

dote

v.
1 (dote on/upon) be extremely and uncritically fond of.
2 archaic be silly or feeble-minded, especially as a result of old age.
n. Irish informal a sweet or adorable person.

- DERIVATIVES doter n. doting adj. dotingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: of uncertain origin; rel. to MDu. doten ‘be silly’.

doth

//

archaic third person singular present of do^1.

dotish

adj. archaic or W. Indian stupid or silly.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. dote ‘folly’ + -ish^1.

dot matrix

n. a grid of dots which are filled selectively to produce an image on a screen or paper.

dot product

n. another term for scalar product.

dotted line

n. a line of dots or dashes, especially as a space for a signature on a contract.

dotterel

//

n. (pl. same or dotterels) a small migratory plover which breeds in northern mountains and tundra.   Eudromias morinellus. chiefly Austral./NZ used in names of other small plovers.

- ORIGIN ME: from dote (with ref. to the birds' tameness) + -rel; cf. dodo.

dottle

//

n. a remnant of tobacco left in a pipe after smoking.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a plug for a barrel): from dot^1 + -le^1.

dotty

adj. (dottier, dottiest) informal
1 slightly mad or eccentric.
2 (dotty about) infatuated with.

- DERIVATIVES dottily adv. dottiness n.

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from obs. dote ‘simpleton, fool’.

double

adj.
1 consisting of two equal, identical, or similar parts or things: double doors. having two different roles or interpretations. (of a flower) having more than one circle of petals. (of a domino) having the same number of pips on each half.
2 having twice the usual size, quantity, or strength: a double brandy.
3 designed to be used by two people.
4 Music lower in pitch by an octave.
predet. twice as much or as many.
adv. at or to twice the amount or extent.
n.
1 a thing which is twice as large as usual or is made up of two parts. a system of betting in which the winnings from the first bet are transferred to a second. Darts a hit on the ring enclosed by the two outer circles of a dartboard, scoring double. Bridge a call that increases the penalty points for the defenders if the declarer fails to make the contract.
2 a person who looks exactly like another.
3 Brit. two sporting victories or championships in the same season, event, etc.
4 (doubles) a game involving sides made up of two players.
5 Bell-ringing a system of change-ringing using five bells, with two pairs changing places each time.
pron. an amount twice as large as usual.
v.
1 make or become double. (double up) share a room. (double up) use the winnings from a bet as the stake for another bet. Bridge call a double.
2 fold or bend over on itself. (double up) bend over or curl up, typically with pain or mirth.
3 (double back) go back in the direction one has come.
4 (double (up) as) be used in or play another, different role.
5 Music add the same note in a higher or lower octave to (a note).
6 Snooker pot (a ball) by making it rebound off a cushion.

- PHRASES
at (or US on) the double very fast.
double or quits (or US nothing) a gamble to decide whether a debt should be doubled or cancelled.

- DERIVATIVES doubleness n. doubler n. doubly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. duplus (see duple).

double act

n. a performance involving two people.

double agent

n. an agent who pretends to act as a spy for one country while in fact acting for its enemy.

double axe

n. an axe with two blades.

double-bank

v. chiefly Brit. arrange in two similar or parallel lines.

double bar

n. a pair of closely spaced lines marking the end of a piece of music.

double-barrelled

adj.
1 (of a gun) having two barrels.
2 Brit. (of a surname) having two parts joined by a hyphen.

double bass

n. the largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the violin family.

double bassoon

n. a bassoon that is larger and longer than usual and an octave lower in pitch.

double bill

n. a programme of entertainment with two main items.

double bind

n. a dilemma.

double-blind

adj. denoting a test or trial in which information which may influence the behaviour of the tester or subject is withheld.

double bluff

n. an action or statement intended to appear as a bluff, but which is in fact genuine.

double boiler

n. a saucepan with a detachable upper compartment heated by boiling water in the lower one.

double bond

n. a chemical bond in which two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms.

double-book

v. inadvertently reserve (something) for two different customers at the same time.

double-breasted

adj. (of a jacket or coat) having a large overlap at the front and two rows of buttons.

double-check

v. check again.

double chin

n. a roll of flesh below a person's chin.

- DERIVATIVES double-chinned adj.

double-click

v. Computing press a mouse button twice in quick succession to select a file, function, etc.

double concerto

n. a concerto for two solo instruments.

double cream

n. Brit. thick cream containing a high proportion of milk fat.

double-cross

v. deceive or betray (a person one is supposedly helping).
n. an act of double-crossing.

- DERIVATIVES double-crosser n.

double dagger

(also double obelus, double obelisk)

n. a symbol (‡) used to introduce an annotation.

double-dealing

n. deceitful behaviour.
adj. acting deceitfully.

- DERIVATIVES double-dealer n.

double-decker

n. something, especially a bus, with two levels.

double-declutch

v. Brit. release and re-engage the clutch of a vehicle twice when changing gear.

double decomposition

n. Chemistry a reaction in which two compounds exchange ions.

double-dip

v. N. Amer. informal illicitly obtain an income from two different sources.

double Dutch

n.
1 Brit. informal incomprehensible language.
2 N. Amer. a jumping game played with two skipping ropes swung in opposite directions.

double-dyed

adj. thoroughly imbued with a particular quality: a double-dyed Liberal.

double eagle

n.
1 US historical a gold coin worth twenty dollars.
2 Golf a score of three strokes under par.

double-edged

adj.
1 (of a knife or sword) having two cutting edges.
2 having two contradictory aspects or possible outcomes.

double-ender

n. a boat in which stern and bow are similarly tapered.

double entendre

/ /

n. (pl. double entendres pronunc. same) a word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which is usually indecent.

- ORIGIN C17: from obs. Fr. (now double entente), ‘double understanding’.

double-entry

adj. denoting a system of bookkeeping in which each transaction is entered as a debit in one account and a credit in another.

double exposure

n. the repeated exposure of a photographic plate or film to light.

double-faced

adj.
1 deceitful.
2 (of a fabric) finished on both sides.

double fault

n. Tennis an instance of two consecutive faults in serving, counting as a point against the server.
v. (double-fault) serve a double fault.

double feature

n. chiefly N. Amer. a cinema programme with two films.

double figures

pl. n. chiefly Brit. a number between 10 and 99.

double first

n. Brit. a university degree with first-class honours in two subjects or examinations.

double flat

n. a sign () placed before a musical note to indicate that it is to be lowered two semitones. a note so marked or lowered.

double-fronted

adj. (of a house) with principal windows either side of the front door.

double glazing

n. chiefly Brit. windows having two layers of glass with a space between them, designed to reduce heat loss and exclude noise.

- DERIVATIVES double-glaze v.

Double Gloucester

n. a hard cheese originally made in Gloucestershire.

- ORIGIN so named because the curd is milled twice.

double-header

n.
1 a train pulled by two locomotives.
2 chiefly N. Amer. a sporting event in which two games are played in succession at the same venue.

- DERIVATIVES double-headed adj.

double helix

n. a pair of parallel helices intertwined about a common axis, especially that in the structure of DNA.

double indemnity

n. chiefly N. Amer. provision for payment of double the face amount of an insurance policy under certain conditions.

double jeopardy

n. Law the prosecution or punishment of a person twice for the same offence.

double-jointed

adj. (of a person) having unusually flexible joints.

- DERIVATIVES double-jointedness n.

double knitting

n. a grade of yarn of medium thickness, used in hand knitting.

double napoleon

n. historical a gold forty-franc French coin.

double negative

n. Grammar
1 a negative statement containing two negative elements (e.g. he didn't say nothing), regarded as incorrect in standard English.
2 a positive statement in which two negative elements are used to produce the positive force, e.g. there is not nothing to worry about!

USAGE

According to standard English grammar, a double negative used to express a single negative, such as I don't know nothing (rather than I don't know anything), is incorrect. The rules dictate that the two negative elements cancel each other out to give an affirmative statement, so that I don't know nothing would be interpreted as I know something. This sort of double negative is widespread in dialect and other non-standard usage, and indeed was normal in Old English and Middle English.

double obelus

(also double obelisk)

n. another term for double dagger.

double-park

v. park (a vehicle) alongside one that is already parked.

double play

n. Baseball a defensive play in which two runners are put out.

double pneumonia

n. pneumonia affecting both lungs.

double quick

adj. & adv. Brit. informal very quick or quickly.

double reed

n. Music a reed with two slightly separated blades, used for playing a wind instrument such as an oboe or bassoon.

double refraction

n. Physics division of a single incident light ray into two separate rays in an anisotropic medium.

double rhyme

n. a rhyme involving two syllables in each rhyming line.

double salt

n. Chemistry a salt composed of two simple salts but with a different crystal structure from either.

double saucepan

n. Brit. a double boiler.

double sharp

n. a sign () placed before a musical note to indicate that it is to be raised two semitones. a note so marked or raised.

doublespeak

n. deliberately ambiguous or obscure language.

- ORIGIN 1949: coined by George Orwell in Nineteen Eighty-Four; cf. doublethink.

double standard

n. a rule or principle applied unfairly in different ways to different people.

double star

n. two stars actually or apparently very close together.

double-stopping

n. the sounding of two strings at once on a violin or similar instrument.

- DERIVATIVES double stop n.

doublet

n.
1 a man's short, close-fitting padded jacket, worn from the 14th to the 17th century.
2 chiefly technical a pair of similar things, e.g. lines in a spectrum. a pair of words of the same derivation but different meanings, for example fashion and faction.
3 (doublets) the same number on two dice thrown at once.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., ‘something folded’, from double ‘double’.

double take

n. a second reaction to something unexpected, immediately after one's first reaction.

doubletalk

n. chiefly N. Amer. doublespeak.

double-team

v. N. Amer. (in ball games) block (an opponent) with two players.

doublethink

n. the acceptance of conflicting opinions or beliefs at the same time.

- ORIGIN 1949: coined by George Orwell in his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

double time

n.
1 a rate of pay equal to double the standard rate.
2 Military a regulation running pace.
3 Music a rhythm twice as fast as an earlier one.

doubleton

//

n. (in card games) a pair of cards which are the only cards of their suit in a hand.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from double, on the pattern of singleton.

double tonguing

n. Music the use of two alternating movements of the tongue in playing rapid passages on a wind instrument.

double top

n. Darts a score of double twenty.

double vision

n. the perception of two overlapping images of a single scene.

double whammy

n. informal a twofold blow or setback.

double-wide

n. N. Amer. a semi-permanent mobile home consisting of two connected units.

doubloon

//

n. historical a Spanish gold coin.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. doublon or its source, Sp. doblón, from doble ‘double’ (because the coin was worth double the value of a pistole).

doublure

//

n. an ornamental lining, especially of leather, in a book cover.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘lining’, from doubler ‘to line’.

doubt

n. a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
v.
1 feel uncertain about. question the truth or fact of. disbelieve (someone).
2 archaic be afraid.

- PHRASES
beyond doubt allowing no uncertainty.
in doubt
1 open to question.
2 feeling uncertain.
no doubt
1 certainly.
2 probably.

- DERIVATIVES doubtable adj. doubter n. doubting adj. doubtingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. doute (n.), douter (v.), from L. dubitare ‘hesitate’, from dubius (see dubious).

doubtful

adj.
1 uncertain.
2 not known with certainty. improbable. not established as genuine.

- DERIVATIVES doubtfully adv. doubtfulness n.

doubting Thomas

n. a person who refuses to believe something without proof.

- ORIGIN C17: with biblical allusion to the apostle Thomas (John 20: 24–9).

doubtless

adv. very probably.

- DERIVATIVES doubtlessly adv.

douce

//

adj. chiefly Scottish sober and sedate.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dous, douce, from L. dulcis ‘sweet’.

douceur

//

n. a bribe.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘sweetness’.

douche

//

n. a shower of water. a jet of liquid applied to part of the body for cleansing or medicinal purposes. a device for washing out the vagina as a contraceptive measure.
v. spray or shower with water. use a contraceptive douche.

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. from Ital. doccia ‘conduit pipe’.

douc langur

// (also douc monkey)

n. a langur with black, white, and orange fur, native to the tropical rainforests of SE Asia.   Pygathrix nemaeus.

- ORIGIN C18: via Fr. from Vietnamese.

dough

n.
1 a thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid, for baking into bread or pastry.
2 informal money.

- DERIVATIVES doughiness n. doughy adj.

- ORIGIN OE dg, of Gmc origin.

doughboy

n.
1 a boiled or deep-fried dumpling.
2 US informal (especially in the First World War) a United States infantryman.

doughnut

(also US donut)

n.
1 a small fried cake or ring of sweetened dough.
2 a ring-shaped object.

doughty

//

adj. (doughtier, doughtiest) brave and resolute.

- DERIVATIVES doughtily adv. doughtiness n.

- ORIGIN OE dohtig, var. of dyhtig, of Gmc origin.

Douglas fir

n. a tall, slender conifer native to western North America.   Pseudotsuga menziesii.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the Scottish botanist and explorer David Douglas.

doula

//

n. a woman giving support, help, and advice to another woman during pregnancy and during and after the birth.

- ORIGIN mod. Gk, from Gk doul ‘female slave’.

doum palm

//

n. an Egyptian palm tree producing edible fruit and a vegetable ivory substitute.   Hyphaene thebaica.

- ORIGIN C18: from Arab. dawm, dm.

dour

//, //

adj. very severe, stern, or gloomy.

- DERIVATIVES dourly adv. dourness n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. Scots): prob. from Sc. Gaelic dúr ‘dull, obstinate, stupid’, perh. from L. durus ‘hard’.

douroucouli

//

n. (pl. douroucoulis) a large-eyed, chiefly nocturnal monkey found in South America.   Genus Aotus: two or more species.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. a S. Amer. Ind. name.

douse

// (also dowse)

v.
1 drench with liquid.
2 extinguish (a fire or light).
3 Sailing lower (a sail) quickly.

- ORIGIN C17: perh. imitative, influenced by souse, or perh. from dial. douse ‘strike, beat’, from MDu. and Low Ger. dossen.

dout

// (also dowt) chiefly Scottish

v. extinguish (a fire or light).
n. a cigarette end.

- ORIGIN C16 (as v.): contr. of do out.

dove^1

//

n.
1 a stocky seed- or fruit-eating bird with a small head, short legs, and a cooing voice, similar to but generally smaller and more delicate than a pigeon.   Family Columbidae: many species.
2 a person who advocates peaceful or conciliatory policies.
3 (Dove) (in Christian art and poetry) the Holy Spirit.

- DERIVATIVES dovelike adj. dovish adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON dúfa.

dove^2

// chiefly N. Amer.

past of dive.

dovecote

// (also dovecot)

n. a shelter with nest holes for domesticated pigeons.

dove grey

n. a light grey.

dovekie

//

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for little auk.

- ORIGIN C19: from a Scots dimin. of dove^1.

Dover sole

n. a marine flatfish which is highly valued as food.   Solea solea (Europe) and Microstomus pacificus (eastern Pacific).

dove shell

n. a small mollusc with a robust shell, occurring in tropical and subtropical seas.   Pyrene and other genera.

dovetail

n. a joint formed by one or more tapered tenons which interlock with corresponding mortises.
v.
1 join together by means of a dovetail.
2 fit together easily or conveniently.

dove tree

n. a slender deciduous Chinese tree with flowers that bear large white bracts resembling doves' wings.   Davidia involucrata.

dowager

//

n.
1 a widow with a title or property derived from her late husband.
2 a dignified elderly woman.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. douagiere, from douage ‘dower’, from douer ‘endow’, from L. dotare (see dower).

dowager's hump

n. forward curvature of the spine resulting in a stoop, typically in women with osteoporosis.

dowd

//

n. a dowdy person.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

dowdy

adj. (dowdier, dowdiest) (especially of a woman) unfashionable and dull in appearance.

- DERIVATIVES dowdily adv. dowdiness n.

dowel

//

n. a headless peg used for holding together components.
v. (dowels, dowelling, dowelled; US dowels, doweling, doweled) fasten with a dowel.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from Mid. Low Ger. dovel.

dowelling

(US doweling)

n. cylindrical rods for cutting into dowels.

dower

//

n.
1 a widow's share for life of her husband's estate.
2 archaic a dowry.
v. archaic give a dowry to.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. douaire, from med. L. dotarium, from L. dotare ‘endow’, from dos, dot- ‘dowry’; rel. to dare ‘give’.

dower house

n. Brit. a house intended for a widow, typically one on her late husband's estate.

dowitcher

//

n. a large North American sandpiper with a long straight bill.   Genus Limnodromus: two species.

- ORIGIN C19: from Iroquoian.

Dow Jones index

// (also Dow Jones average)

n. an index of figures indicating the relative price of shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

- ORIGIN from the name of the American financial news agency Dow Jones & Co, Inc.

down^1

adv.
1 towards or in a lower place or position. to or at a place perceived as lower. away from the north. Brit. away from the capital or major city. Brit. away from a university, especially Oxford or Cambridge.
2 to or at a lower level or value. to a smaller amount or size, or a simpler or more basic state. from an earlier to a later point in time or order.
3 in or into a weaker or worse position, mood, or condition. (of a computer system) out of action.
4 so as to lie flush or flat.
5 in or into writing. on or on to a list or record.
6 (with reference to partial payment of a sum of money) made initially or on the spot.
7 (of sailing) with the current or the wind. (of a ship's helm) moved round to leeward.
8 American Football (of the ball or a player in possession) not in play.
prep.
1 from a higher to a lower point of.
2 at a point further along the course of. along the course or extent of.
3 throughout (a period of time).
4 informal at or to (a place).
adj.
1 directed or moving towards a lower place or position. denoting trains travelling away from the main terminus.
2 unhappy.
3 (of a computer system) out of action.
4 US black slang supporting or going along with. following the latest fashion.
5 Physics denoting a flavour of quark having a charge of -1/3.
v. informal
1 knock or bring to the ground.
2 consume (a drink).
3 (of a golfer) sink (a putt).
n.
1 (downs) informal unwelcome events.
2 informal a period of unhappiness.
3 American Football a chance for a team to advance the ball, ending when the ball carrier is tackled or the ball becomes out of play.

- PHRASES
be (or have a) down on Brit. informal feel hostile towards.
be down to
1 be attributable to (a factor). be the responsibility of.
2 be left with only (the specified amount).
down and dirty N. Amer. informal
1 highly competitive or unprincipled.
2 raw and uninhibited.
down at heel
1 (of a shoe) having a worn heel.
2 shabby or impoverished.
down in the mouth informal unhappy.
down on one's luck informal having a period of bad luck.
down to the ground informal completely; totally.
down tools Brit. informal stop work.
down with —— expressing strong dislike.

- ORIGIN OE dn, dne, shortened from adne ‘downward’, from the phr. of dne ‘off the hill’ (see down^3).

down^2

n.
1 soft, fine feathers forming the covering of a young bird or an insulating layer below the contour feathers of an adult bird, used for stuffing cushions and quilts.
2 fine, soft hair on a person's skin. short, soft hairs on leaves, fruit, or seeds.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON dúnn.

down^3

n. a gently rolling hill. (the Downs) ridges of undulating chalk and limestone hills in southern England.

- ORIGIN OE dn ‘hill’, perh. ult. of Celtic origin and rel. to Old Ir. dún and obs. Welsh din ‘fort’.

down and out

adj.
1 destitute.
2 (of a boxer) knocked down and unable to continue fighting.
n. (down-and-out) a destitute person.

downbeat

adj.
1 pessimistic; gloomy.
2 understated.
n. Music an accented beat, usually the first of the bar.

downcast

adj.
1 (of eyes) looking downwards.
2 feeling despondent.
n. a shaft dug in a mine for ventilation.

downcomer

n. a pipe for the downward transport of water or gas from the top of a furnace or boiler.

downconverter

n. Electronics a device that converts a signal to a lower frequency.

- DERIVATIVES downconversion n.

downcurved

adj. curved downwards.

downdraught

n. a downward current of air.

downer

n. informal
1 a depressant or tranquillizing drug.
2 something dispiriting or depressing.

downfall

n. a loss of power, prosperity, or status.

downfield

adv.
1 N. Amer. another term for upfield (in sense 1).
2 Physics in a direction corresponding to decreasing field strength.

downfold

n. Geology a syncline.

downforce

n. a force pressing a moving vehicle down towards the ground, giving increased stability.

downgrade

v. reduce to a lower grade, rank, or level of importance.
n.
1 an instance of downgrading.
2 N. Amer. a downward gradient.

downhearted

adj. discouraged; dejected.

- DERIVATIVES downheartedly adv. downheartedness n.

downhill

adv. & adj. //
1 towards the bottom of a slope.
2 into a steadily worsening situation.
n. //
1 a downward slope.
2 Skiing a downhill race.

- DERIVATIVES downhiller n. (Skiing).

down-home

adj. N. Amer. unpretentious; homely.

downland

n. gently rolling hill country.

downlighter

(also downlight)

n. a light placed or designed so as to throw illumination downwards.

- DERIVATIVES downlighting n.

downlink

n. a telecommunications link for signals coming to the earth from a satellite, spacecraft, or aircraft.

download

v. copy (data) from one computer system to another or to a disk.
n. the act or process of downloading.

- DERIVATIVES downloadable adj.

downmarket

adj. & adv. chiefly Brit. towards or relating to the cheaper or less prestigious sector of the market.

downmost

adj. & adv. chiefly Brit. at or towards the bottom.

down payment

n. an initial payment made when buying on credit.

downpipe

n. Brit. a pipe to carry rainwater from a roof to a drain or to ground level.

downplay

v. make (something) appear less important than it really is.

downpour

n. a heavy fall of rain.

downright

adj.
1 utter; complete: it's a downright disgrace.
2 forthright; blunt.
adv. to an extreme degree; thoroughly: he was downright rude.

- DERIVATIVES downrightness n.

downriver

adv. & adj. towards or situated at a point nearer the mouth of a river.

downscale

N. Amer.

v. reduce in size, scale, or extent.
adj. at the lower end of a scale; downmarket.

downshift

v.
1 change one's lifestyle to one that is less stressful.
2 N. Amer. change to a lower gear.
n. an instance of downshifting.

downside

n. the negative aspect of something.

downsize

v.
1 N. Amer. make smaller.
2 (of a company) shed staff.

downslope

n. a downward slope.
adv. & adj. at or towards a lower point on a slope.

downspout

n. North American term for downpipe.

Down's syndrome

n. Medicine a congenital disorder causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile.

- ORIGIN 1960s: named after the 19th-cent. English physician John L. H. Down.

USAGE

Of relatively recent coinage, Down's syndrome is the accepted term in modern use, and former terms such as mongol and mongolism, which are likely to cause offence, should be avoided.

downstage

adj. & adv. at or towards the front of a stage.

downstairs

adv. & adj. down a flight of stairs; on or to a lower floor.
n. the ground floor or lower floors of a building.

downstate

US

adj. & adv. of, in, or to a part of a state remote from its large cities.
n. a downstate area.

- DERIVATIVES downstater n.

downstream

adv. & adj. situated or moving in the direction in which a stream or river flows.

downstroke

n. a stroke made downwards.

downswing

n.
1 another term for downturn.
2 Golf the downward movement of a club when the player is about to hit the ball.

downtempo

adj. (of music) played at a slow tempo.

downthrow

v. (past downthrew; past part. downthrown) Geology displace downwards.

downtime

n. time during which a computer or other machine is out of action.

down to earth

adj. practical and realistic.

- DERIVATIVES down-to-earthness n.

downtown

chiefly N. Amer.

adj. & adv. of, in, or towards the central area or main business area of a city.
n. a downtown area of a city.

- DERIVATIVES downtowner n.

downtrend

n. a downward tendency, especially in economic matters.

downtrodden

adj. oppressed or treated badly by people in power.

downturn

n. a decline in economic or other activity.
v. [usu. as adj. downturned] turn downwards.

down under

informal

adv. in or to Australia or New Zealand.
n. Australia and New Zealand.

downward

adv. (also downwards) towards a lower point or level.
adj. moving or leading towards a lower point or level.

- DERIVATIVES downwardly adv.

downwarp

//

n. Geology a broad depression of the earth's surface.

downwash

n. the downward deflection of an airstream by a wing or rotor blade.

downwelling

n. the downward movement of fluid.

downwind

adv. & adj. in the direction in which the wind is blowing.

downy

adj. (downier, downiest)
1 covered with fine, soft hair or feathers. soft and fluffy.
2 informal shrewd.

- DERIVATIVES downily adv. downiness n.

dowry

//

n. (pl. dowries) property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a widow's life interest in her husband's estate): from Anglo-Norman Fr. dowarie, from med. L. dotarium (see dower).

dowse^1

//

v. [usu. as noun dowsing] search for underground water or minerals by observing the motion of a pointer, supposedly in response to unseen influences.

- DERIVATIVES dowser n.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

dowse^2

v. variant spelling of douse.

doxastic

//

adj. Philosophy relating to an individual's beliefs.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk doxastikos ‘conjectural’.

doxology

//

n. (pl. doxologies) a liturgical formula of praise to God.

- DERIVATIVES doxological adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via med. L. from Gk doxologia, from doxa ‘appearance, glory’ + -logia (see -logy).

doxorubicin

//

n. Medicine a bacterial antibiotic used to treat leukaemia and other forms of cancer.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from deoxy- (in the sense ‘that has lost oxygen’) + L. rubus ‘red’ + -mycin.

doxy

//

n. (pl. doxies) archaic a lover or mistress. a prostitute.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

doxycycline

//, //

n. Medicine a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracycline group, which has a long half-life in the body.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from d(e)oxy- + tetracycline.

doyen

//, //

n. (fem. doyenne //, //, //) the most respected or prominent person in a particular field.

- ORIGIN C17: via Fr. from OFr. deien (see dean^1).

doz.

abbrev. dozen.

doze

v. sleep lightly.
n. a short light sleep.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘stupefy, bewilder, or make drowsy’): perh. rel. to Dan. døse ‘make drowsy’.

dozen

n.
1 (pl. same) a group or set of twelve. informal a lot.
2 (the dozens) a ritual exchange of insults among black Americans.

- PHRASES
talk nineteen to the dozen Brit. talk incessantly.

- DERIVATIVES dozenth adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dozeine, based on L. duodecim ‘twelve’.

dozer

n. informal short for bulldozer.

dozy

adj. (dozier, doziest) feeling drowsy and lazy. Brit. informal not alert; stupid.

- DERIVATIVES dozily adv. doziness n.

DP

abbrev.
1 data processing.
2 displaced person.

dpc

abbrev. damp-proof course.

DPhil

abbrev. (in the UK) Doctor of Philosophy.

dpi

abbrev. Computing dots per inch.

dpm

abbrev. damp-proof membrane.

DPP

abbrev. (in the UK) Director of Public Prosecutions.

DPT

abbrev. Medicine diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.

Dr

abbrev.
1 debit. [ORIGIN formerly representing debtor.]
2 (as a title) Doctor.
3 (Dr.) (in street names) Drive.

dr.

abbrev.
1 drachm(s).
2 drachma(s).
3 dram(s).

drab^1

adj. (drabber, drabbest) drearily dull.
n. a dull light brown colour.

- DERIVATIVES drably adv. drabness n.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting undyed cloth): prob. from OFr. drap (see drape).

drab^2

n. archaic
1 a slovenly woman.
2 a prostitute.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. rel. to Low Ger. drabbe ‘mire’ and Du. drab ‘dregs’.

drabble

v. archaic make wet and dirty in muddy water.

- ORIGIN ME: from Low Ger. drabbelen ‘paddle in water or mire’.

drachm

//

n. historical a unit of weight equivalent to 60 grains or one eighth of an ounce. (also fluid drachm) a liquid measure equivalent to 60 minims or one eighth of a fluid ounce.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting the ancient Greek drachma): from OFr. dragme or late L. dragma.

drachma

//

n. (pl. drachmas or drachmae //) (until the introduction of the euro in 2002) the basic monetary unit of Greece. a silver coin of ancient Greece.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk drakhm, an Attic weight and coin.

drack

//

adj. Austral. informal unattractive or unwelcome; dreary.

- ORIGIN said to be from the 1930s film Dracula's Daughter, but perh. rel. to dreck.

draconian

//, //

adj. (especially of laws) excessively harsh and severe.

- DERIVATIVES draconic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Draco, name of an ancient Athenian legislator, + -ian.

draff

//

n. literary dregs or refuse.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. rel. to Ger. Treber, Träber ‘husks, grains’, and to drivel.

draft

n.
1 a preliminary version of a piece of writing. a plan or sketch.
2 a written order to pay a specified sum.
3 (the draft) US compulsory recruitment for military service.
4 N. Amer. a procedure whereby sports players are made available for selection or reselection by the teams in a league.
5 US spelling of draught.
v.
1 prepare a preliminary version of (a text).
2 send (a person or group) somewhere for a particular purpose. US conscript for military service.

- DERIVATIVES drafter n.

- ORIGIN C16: phonetic spelling of draught.

draftee

n. US a person conscripted for military service.

draftsman

n. (pl. draftsmen)
1 a person who drafts legal documents.
2 chiefly N. Amer. variant spelling of draughtsman.

drafty

adj. US spelling of draughty.

drag

v. (drags, dragging, dragged)
1 pull along forcefully, roughly, or with difficulty. take (someone) somewhere, despite their reluctance. move (an image) across a computer screen using a mouse.
2 trail along the ground. search the bottom of (a body of water) with grapnels or nets.
3 (drag something up) informal deliberately mention something unwelcome.
4 (of time) pass slowly and tediously. (drag something out) protract something unnecessarily.
5 (drag on) informal inhale the smoke from (a cigarette).
6 (drag someone up) Brit. dated bring up a child badly.
n.
1 the action of dragging.
2 the longitudinal retarding force exerted by air or other fluid surrounding a moving object.
3 informal a boring or tiresome person or thing.
4 informal an act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette.
5 women's clothing worn by a man: men in drag.
6 a drag race.
7 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a street or road: the main drag.
8 historical a private vehicle like a stagecoach, drawn by four horses.
9 an apparatus for dredging or for recovering objects from the bottom of water.
10 historical a harrow used for breaking up the surface of land.
11 archaic an iron shoe applied as a brake to a wheel.
12 N. Amer. informal influence over other people.
13 a strong-smelling lure drawn before hounds as a substitute for a fox.
14 Music (in drumming) a basic pattern consisting of a stroke preceded by two grace notes played with the other stick.

- PHRASES
drag one's feet
1 walk wearily or with difficulty.
2 (also drag one's heels) be deliberately slow to act.

- ORIGIN ME: from OE dragan or ON draga ‘to draw’.

dragée

//

n.
1 a sweet consisting of a centre covered with a coating, such as a sugared almond.
2 a small silver ball for decorating a cake.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., from OFr. dragie (see dredge^2).

dragger

n. N. Amer. a fishing boat that uses a dragnet.

draggle

v.
1 make dirty or wet. hang untidily.
2 archaic trail behind others.

- ORIGIN C16: dimin. and frequentative of drag.

draggy

adj. (draggier, draggiest) informal dreary; tedious.

drag hound

n. a hound used to hunt with a drag.

dragline

n.
1 a large excavator with a bucket pulled in by a wire cable.
2 a line of silk produced by a spider and acting as a safety line.

dragnet

n.
1 a net drawn through water or across ground to trap fish or game.
2 a systematic search for criminals or criminal activity.

dragoman

//

n. (pl. dragomans or dragomen) an interpreter or guide in a country speaking Arabic, Turkish, or Persian.

- ORIGIN ME: from obs. Fr., via Ital. from med. Gk dragoumanos, from Arab. tarjumn ‘interpreter’.

dragon

n.
1 a mythical monster like a giant reptile, typically with wings and claws and able to breathe out fire. used in names of various lizards, e.g. Komodo dragon.
2 derogatory a fierce and intimidating woman.

- PHRASES
chase the dragon informal smoke heroin.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., via L. from Gk drakn ‘serpent’.

dragon boat

n. a boat of a traditional Chinese design resembling a dragon, propelled with paddles by a large crew.

dragonet

//

n. a small marine fish of which the male is brightly coloured.   Callionymus lyra and other species.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a small dragon): from OFr., dimin. of dragon ‘dragon’.

dragonfish

n. (pl. same or dragonfishes) a long, slender deep-sea fish with fang-like teeth, a barbel on the chin, and luminous organs.   Families Stomiatidae and Idiacanthidae: numerous species.

dragonfly

n. (pl. dragonflies) a fast-flying long-bodied predatory insect with two pairs of large transparent wings (spread out sideways at rest) and voracious aquatic larvae.   Suborder Anisoptera: many species.

dragonnade

//

n. historical a form of persecution involving quartering troops on a population.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from dragon (see dragoon).

dragon's blood

n. a red gum or powder from the fruit of certain palm trees or from the stem of the dragon tree.

dragon ship

n. a Viking longship ornamented with a beaked prow.

dragon tree

n. a slow-growing palm-like tree native to the Canary Islands, yielding dragon's blood.   Dracaena draco.

dragoon

//

n. a member of any of several British cavalry regiments. historical a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine.
v. coerce into doing something.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a kind of carbine or musket, thought of as breathing fire): from Fr. dragon ‘dragon’.

drag queen

n. a man who ostentatiously dresses up in women's clothes.

drag race

n. a race between two cars over a short distance as a test of acceleration.

- DERIVATIVES drag racer n. drag racing n.

dragster

n. a car built or modified to take part in drag races.

drail

//

n. Fishing a weighted fish hook and line for dragging below the surface.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting part of a plough): from the obs. v. drail, an alt. of trail.

drain

v.
1 cause the liquid in (something) to run out, leaving it empty or dry. (of liquid) run off or out. (of a river) carry off the superfluous water from (an area). become dry as liquid runs off. drink the entire contents of.
2 deprive of strength or vitality. cause (a resource) to be used up.
n.
1 a channel or pipe that carries off rainwater or liquid waste. Brit. a grating set in the ground over the opening of a drain.
2 a thing that uses up a resource. the continuous loss of a resource: the drain of talented staff.

- PHRASES
go down the drain informal be totally wasted.
laugh like a drain Brit. informal laugh raucously.

- ORIGIN OE drahnian, drhnian ‘strain liquid’, of Gmc origin; rel. to dry.

drainage

n.
1 the action or process of draining something.
2 a system of drains.

drainer

n.
1 a rack used to hold crockery while it drains.
2 a draining board.

draining board

(N. Amer. drainboard)

n. a sloping grooved board or surface on which crockery is left to drain into an adjacent sink.

drainpipe

n.
1 a pipe for carrying off rainwater or liquid refuse from a building.
2 (drainpipes or drainpipe trousers) trousers with very narrow legs.

Draize test

n. a pharmacological test in which a potentially harmful substance is introduced into the eye or on to the skin of a laboratory animal.

- ORIGIN 1970s: named after the American pharmacologist John H. Draize.

drake

n. a male duck.

- ORIGIN ME: of W. Gmc origin.

Dralon

//

n. trademark, chiefly Brit. a synthetic textile made from acrylic fibre.

- ORIGIN 1950s: on the pattern of nylon.

DRAM

abbrev. Electronics dynamic random-access memory.

dram^1

//

n.
1 chiefly Scottish a small drink of spirits.
2 a drachm.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. drame, dragme or med. L. drama, dragma (see drachm).

dram^2

//

n. the basic monetary unit of Armenia, equal to 100 luma.

- ORIGIN Armenian, lit. ‘coin, money’, from Gk drakhm drachma.

drama

n.
1 a play. plays as a genre or literary style.
2 an exciting or emotional series of events.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk drama, from dran ‘do, act’.

dramatic

adj.
1 relating to drama.
2 sudden and striking: a dramatic increase. exciting or impressive. intended to create an effect; theatrical.

- DERIVATIVES dramatically adv.

dramatics

pl. n.
1 [treated as sing. or pl.] the study or practice of acting in and producing plays.
2 theatrically exaggerated or overemotional behaviour.

dramatis personae

/ /, //

pl. n. the characters of a play, novel, or narrative.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., lit. ‘persons of the drama’.

dramatist

n. a person who writes plays.

dramatize

(or dramatise)

v.
1 present (a novel, event, etc.) as a play.
2 exaggerate the importance or seriousness of.

- DERIVATIVES dramatization // n.

dramaturge

// (also dramaturg)

n.
1 a dramatist.
2 a literary editor on the staff of a theatre who liaises with authors and edits texts.

- ORIGIN C19: via Fr. and Ger. from Gk dramatourgos, from drama, dramat- ‘drama’ + -ergos ‘worker’.

dramaturgy

//

n. the theory and practice of dramatic composition.

- DERIVATIVES dramaturgic adj. dramaturgical adj. dramaturgically adv.

Drambuie

//, //

n. trademark a sweet Scotch whisky liqueur.

- ORIGIN from Sc. Gaelic dram buidheach ‘satisfying drink’.

drank

past of drink.

drape

v. arrange (cloth or clothing) loosely on or round something. adorn or wrap loosely with folds of cloth.
n.
1 (drapes) chiefly N. Amer. long curtains.
2 the way in which a garment or fabric hangs.
3 a cloth for covering a patient's body when a surgical operation is being performed.

- ORIGIN C17: back-form. from drapery, influenced by Fr. draper ‘to drape’.

draper

n. Brit. dated a person who sells textile fabrics.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. drapier, from drap ‘cloth’.

drapery

n. (pl. draperies) cloth, curtains, or clothing hanging in loose folds.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. draperie, from drap ‘cloth’.

drastic

//, //

adj. having a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme.

- DERIVATIVES drastically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk drastikos, from dran ‘do’.

drat

exclam. used to express mild annoyance.

- DERIVATIVES dratted adj.

- ORIGIN C19: shortening of od rat, euphemism for God rot.

draught

// (US draft)

n.
1 a current of cool air in a room or confined space.
2 a single act of drinking or inhaling. literary or archaic a quantity of a liquid with medicinal properties: a sleeping draught.
3 the depth of water needed to float a particular ship: her shallow draught.
4 the drawing in of a fishing net. a catch of fish.
v. variant spelling of draft.
adj.
1 (of beer) served from a cask rather than from a bottle or can.
2 (of an animal) used for pulling heavy loads.

- PHRASES
on draught (of beer) ready to be drawn from a cask.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘drawing, pulling’): from ON dráttr, of Gmc origin; cf. draft.

draughtboard

n. Brit. a square chequered board of sixty-four small squares, used for playing draughts.

draughtproof

adj. sealed so as to keep out draughts.
v. make (a building, window, etc.) draughtproof.

draughts

n. Brit. a game played on a chequered board by two players, who each start with twelve disc-shaped pieces and move them diagonally with the aim of capturing all the opponent's pieces.

- ORIGIN ME: from draught; rel. to obs. draught in the sense ‘move’ (in chess).

draughtsman

(or draughtswoman)

n. (pl. draughtsmen or draughtswomen)
1 a person who makes detailed technical plans or drawings. an artist skilled in drawing.
2 variant spelling of draftsman.

- DERIVATIVES draughtsmanship n.

draughty

(US drafty)

adj. (draughtier, draughtiest) cold and uncomfortable because of draughts of air.

- DERIVATIVES draughtily adv. draughtiness n.

Dravidian

//

n.
1 a family of languages spoken in southern India and Sri Lanka, including Tamil and Kannada.
2 a member of any of the peoples speaking a Dravidian language.
adj. relating to or denoting Dravidian or its speakers.

- ORIGIN from Sanskrit drvida ‘relating to the Tamils’ (from Dravida ‘Tamil’) + -ian.

draw

v. (past drew; past part. drawn)
1 produce (a picture or diagram) by making lines and marks on paper. trace or produce (a line) on a surface.
2 pull or drag (a vehicle) so as to make it follow behind. pull or move (something) in a specified direction. pull (curtains) shut or open.
3 arrive at a specified stage or point in time: the campaign drew to a close.
4 extract from a container or receptacle: he drew his gun. (draw from) obtain from (a particular source). (draw on) use as a resource: Sue has a lot of experience to draw on.
5 take in (a breath). (draw on) suck smoke from (a cigarette or pipe). (of a chimney or fire) allow air to flow in and upwards freely, so that a fire can burn.
6 be the cause of (a specified response). attract to a place or an event. induce to reveal or do something: he refused to be drawn on what would happen. direct or attract (someone's attention).
7 conclude by deduction or inference. make (a comparison or distinction).
8 finish (a contest or game) with an even score.
9 Bowls cause (a bowl) to travel in a curve to the desired point. Golf hit (the ball) so that it travels slightly to the left (for a left-handed player, the right).
10 make (wire) by pulling metal through successively smaller holes.
11 (of a ship) require (a specified depth of water) to float in.
12 (of a sail) be filled with wind.
13 historical disembowel.
14 Hunting search (cover) for game.
n.
1 an act of selecting names randomly, to decide winners in a lottery, opponents in a sporting contest, etc.
2 a game or match that ends with the scores even. Cricket a game which is left incomplete for lack of time. Compare with tie.
3 an attractive or interesting person or thing: the big city was a powerful draw to youngsters.
4 an act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette. informal cannabis.
5 Golf a shot which draws the ball.

- PHRASES
draw blood cause someone to bleed.
draw someone's fire attract hostile criticism away from a more important target.
draw the line at set a limit of what one is willing to do or accept.
- PHRASES
draw back choose not to take an expected course of action.
draw in (of successive days) become shorter or (of nights) start earlier, because of the changing seasons.
draw on (of a period of time) approach its end.
draw out (of successive days) become longer because of the changing seasons.
draw someone out subtly persuade someone to be more talkative.
draw something out prolong or extend something.
draw up come to a halt.
draw something up prepare a plan or document in detail.

- ORIGIN OE dragan, of Gmc origin; rel. to draught.

USAGE

On the confusion of draw and drawer, see usage at drawer.

drawback

n.
1 a disadvantage or problem.
2 (also duty drawback) excise or import duty remitted on goods exported.

drawbar

n.
1 a bar on a vehicle to which something can be attached to pull it or be pulled.
2 a bar in a structure that can be pulled out to free something.

drawbridge

n. a bridge, typically over a castle moat, which is hinged at one end so that it can be raised.

drawcard

n. informal an attractive quality or feature.

drawcord

n. another term for drawstring.

drawdown

n.
1 a reduction in the quantity of something.
2 an act of drawing on available loan facilities.

drawee

//

n. the person or organization that has to pay a draft or bill.

drawer

n.
1 // a lidless box-like storage compartment that may be slid horizontally in and out of a desk or chest.
2 (drawers //) dated or humorous knickers or underpants.
3 // a person who draws something. a person who writes a cheque.

USAGE

The word drawer, which mainly means ‘a sliding storage compartment’, is often spelled incorrectly as draw.

drawing

n. a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint. the art or skill of making drawings.

drawing board

n. a large, flat board on which paper can be spread for an artist or designer to work on.

- PHRASES
back to the drawing board a plan has failed and a new one is needed.

drawing pin

n. Brit. a short, flat-headed pin for fastening paper to a surface.

drawing room

n. a room in a large private house in which guests can be received and entertained.

- ORIGIN C17: abbrev. of withdrawing-room ‘a room to withdraw to’.

drawknife

n. (pl. drawknives) a knife with a handle at right angles at each end of the blade, for removing wood from a surface.

drawl

v. speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds.
n. a drawling accent.

- DERIVATIVES drawler n. drawly adj.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. orig. sl., from Low Ger. or Du. dralen ‘delay, linger’.

drawn

past participle of draw.
adj. looking strained from illness or exhaustion: Cathy was pale and drawn.

drawn-out

adj. lasting longer than is necessary.

drawn work

(also drawn-thread-work)

n. ornamental work on fabric done by drawing out threads, usually with additional needlework.

draw reins

pl. n. reins that are attached to a horse's saddle or girth and pass through the bit rings to the rider's hands.

drawstring

n. a string in the seam of a garment or bag, which can be pulled to tighten or close it.

dray

n. a low truck or cart without sides, for delivering barrels or other heavy loads. Austral./NZ a two-wheeled cart.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. from OE dræge ‘dragnet’, rel. to dragan ‘to pull’ (see draw).

dray horse

n. a large, powerful horse used to pull heavy loads.

dread

v.
1 anticipate with great apprehension or fear.
2 archaic regard with great awe.
n.
1 great fear or apprehension.
2 (dreads) informal dreadlocks.
3 a sudden take-off of a flock of birds.
adj.
1 greatly feared; dreadful.
2 archaic regarded with awe.

- DERIVATIVES dreaded adj.

- ORIGIN OE drædan, ondrædan, of W. Gmc origin.

dreadful

adj.
1 extremely bad or serious.
2 used for emphasis: you're a dreadful flirt.

- DERIVATIVES dreadfully adv. dreadfulness n.

dreadlocks

pl. n. a Rastafarian hairstyle in which the hair is twisted into tight braids or ringlets.

- DERIVATIVES dreadlocked adj.

dreadnought

//

n.
1 historical a type of battleship of the early 20th century, equipped entirely with large-calibre guns. [ORIGIN named after Britain's HMS Dreadnought, completed 1906.]
2 archaic a fearless person.
3 archaic a heavy overcoat for stormy weather.

dream

n.
1 a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in the mind during sleep. a state of mind in which someone is not fully aware of their surroundings: he walked around in a dream.
2 a cherished hope or ideal; a fantasy. informal a wonderful or perfect person or thing.
v. (past and past part. dreamed //, // or dreamt //)
1 experience dreams during sleep.
2 indulge in daydreams. (dream something up) imagine or invent something.
3 [with neg.] contemplate the possibility of: I never dreamed anyone would take offence.

- PHRASES
like a dream informal very easily or successfully.

- DERIVATIVES dreamer n. dreamful adj. (literary) dreamless adj. dreamlike adj.

- ORIGIN ME: of Gmc origin.

dreamboat

n. informal a very attractive person, especially a man.

dreamcatcher

n. a small hoop containing a decorated horsehair mesh, believed by American Indians to give its owner good dreams.

dreamland

n. sleep regarded as a world of dreams. an unrealistically ideal world.

dreamscape

n. a scene with the strangeness characteristic of dreams.

dream team

n. a group of people regarded as the perfect combination for a particular purpose.

dream ticket

n. Brit. a pair of candidates standing together for political office who are ideally matched to attract widespread support.

Dreamtime

(also Dreaming)

n. another term for alcheringa.

dreamwork

n. Psychoanalysis the supposed alteration of the content of dreams by the unconscious, in order to conceal their meaning.

dreamworld

n. an unrealistic or idealized view of life.

dreamy

adj. (dreamier, dreamiest)
1 pleasantly distracting or unreal; dreamlike.
2 given to daydreaming.
3 informal very attractive or pleasant.

- DERIVATIVES dreamily adv. dreaminess n.

drear

//

adj. literary dreary.

dreary

adj. (drearier, dreariest) dull, bleak, and depressing.

- DERIVATIVES drearily adv. dreariness n.

- ORIGIN OE drorig ‘gory, cruel, melancholy’, from dror ‘gore’, of Gmc origin; rel. to drowsy, and prob. to drizzle.

dreck

// (also drek)

n. informal rubbish.

- DERIVATIVES dreckish adj. drecky adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Yiddish drek ‘filth, dregs’.

dredge^1

v.
1 clean out the bed of (a harbour, river, etc.) with a dredge. bring up or remove with a dredge.
2 (dredge something up) bring something unwelcome and forgotten to people's attention.
n. an apparatus for bringing up objects or mud from a river or seabed by scooping or dragging.

- DERIVATIVES dredger n.

- ORIGIN C15 (orig. in dredge-boat): perh. rel. to MDu. dregghe ‘grappling hook’.

dredge^2

v. sprinkle (food) with sugar or another powdered substance.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. dredge ‘sweetmeat, mixture of spices’, from OFr. dragie, perh. via L. from Gk tragmata ‘spices’.

dree

//

v. (drees, dreeing, dreed) Scottish or archaic endure (something burdensome or painful).

- ORIGIN OE drogan, of Gmc origin.

dregs

pl. n.
1 the remnants of a liquid left in a container, together with any sediment.
2 the most worthless parts: the dregs of society.

- DERIVATIVES dreggy adj.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin.

dreich

//

adj. Scottish dreary; bleak.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘patient’): of Gmc origin.

dreidel

// (also dreidl)

n. N. Amer. a small four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side, used in Jewish gambling games, especially at Hanukkah.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Yiddish dreydl; rel. to Ger. drehen ‘to turn’.

drek

n. variant spelling of dreck.

drench

v.
1 wet thoroughly; soak. [often as adj. drenched] cover liberally with something: a sun-drenched clearing.
2 forcibly administer a liquid medicine to (an animal).
n. a dose of medicine administered to an animal. archaic a draught of medicine or poison.

- ORIGIN OE drencan ‘force to drink’, drenc ‘a drink or draught’, of Gmc origin; rel. to drink.

Dresden china

//

n. porcelain ware with elaborate decoration and delicate colourings, made originally at Dresden in Germany.

dress

v.
1 put on one's clothes. put clothes on (someone). wear clothes in a particular way or of a particular type: she dresses well. put on clothes appropriate for a formal occasion. (dress up) dress in smart clothes or in a special costume. (dress down) dress informally. (dress someone down) informal reprimand someone.
2 decorate or arrange in an attractive way.
3 treat or prepare in a particular way. clean, treat, or cover (a wound). treat the surface of (leather or fabric) during manufacture. smooth the surface of (stone). apply fertilizer to.
4 clean and prepare (food) for cooking or eating. add a dressing to (a salad).
5 Military draw up (troops) in the proper alignment.
6 make (an artificial fishing fly).
n.
1 a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
2 clothing of a specified kind: he was in the formal dress of the Council. [as modifier] denoting ceremonial clothing or uniform: a dress suit.

- PHRASES
dressed overall Nautical decorated with a continuous line of flags from bow to stern.
dressed to kill informal wearing glamorous clothes intended to create a striking impression.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dresser ‘arrange, prepare’, based on L. directus ‘direct, straight’.

dressage

//

n. the art of riding and training horses so as to develop obedience, flexibility, and balance.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘training’, from dresser ‘to train’.

dress circle

n. Brit. the first level of seats above the ground floor in a theatre. US the front section of this level of seating.

dress coat

n. a coat with long tails at the back, worn by men on very formal occasions.

dress-down Friday

n. Friday as a designated day of the week when employees are allowed to dress more casually than on other weekdays.

dresser^1

n.
1 a sideboard with shelves above for storing and displaying crockery.
2 N. Amer. a chest of drawers.

- ORIGIN ME (denoting a sideboard or table on which food was prepared).

dresser^2

n.
1 a person who dresses in a specified way: a snappy dresser.
2 a person who looks after theatrical costumes.
3 a person who dresses something.
4 Brit. a person who assists a surgeon during operations.

dressing

n.
1 (also salad dressing) a sauce for salads, usually consisting of oil and vinegar with herbs or other flavourings. N. Amer. stuffing.
2 a piece of material placed on a wound to protect it.
3 size or stiffening used in the finishing of fabrics.
4 a fertilizer spread over or ploughed into land.

dressing case

n. historical a case used for toiletries.

dressing-down

n. informal a severe reprimand.

dressing gown

n. a long, loose robe worn after getting out of bed or bathing.

dressing room

n. a room in which actors or sports players change clothes. a small room attached to a bedroom, for storing clothes.

dressing station

n. a place for giving emergency treatment to troops injured in battle.

dressing table

n. a table with a mirror and drawers, used while dressing or applying make-up.

dressmaker

n. a person who makes women's clothes.

- DERIVATIVES dressmaking n.

dress parade

n. a military parade in full dress uniform.

dress rehearsal

n. a final rehearsal in which everything is done as it would be in a real performance.

dress sense

n. a good instinct for selecting garments.

dress shield

(also dress preserver)

n. a piece of waterproof material in the armpit of a dress to protect it from perspiration.

dress shirt

n. a man's white shirt worn with a bow tie and a dinner jacket on formal occasions. N. Amer. a shirt suitable for wearing with a tie.

dressy

adj. (dressier, dressiest) (of clothes) suitable for a smart or formal occasion.

- DERIVATIVES dressily adv. dressiness n.

drew

past of draw.

drey

//

n. (pl. dreys) a squirrel's nest of twigs in a tree.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

dribble

v.
1 (of a liquid) fall slowly in drops or a thin stream. allow saliva to run from the mouth.
2 (in soccer and hockey) take (the ball) forward past opponents with slight touches of the feet or the stick, or (in basketball) by continuous bouncing.
n.
1 a thin stream of liquid. saliva running from the mouth.
2 (in sport) an act of dribbling.

- DERIVATIVES dribbler n. dribbly adj.

- ORIGIN C16: frequentative of obs. drib, var. of drip.

driblet

n.
1 a thin stream or small drop of liquid.
2 a small or insignificant amount.

- ORIGIN C16: from obs. drib (see dribble) + -let.

dribs and drabs

pl. n. (in phr. in dribs and drabs) informal in small sporadic amounts.

- ORIGIN C19: from obs. drib (see dribble) and drab (by reduplication).

dried

past and past participle of dry.

drier^1

adj. comparative of dry.

drier^2

n. variant spelling of dryer.

driest

adj. superlative of dry.

drift

v.
1 be carried slowly by a current of air or water.
2 walk slowly or casually. move aimlessly or involuntarily into a certain situation or condition: Lewis and his father drifted apart.
3 (chiefly of snow) be blown into heaps by the wind.
n.
1 a continuous slow movement from one place to another. deviation from an intended course because of currents or winds. Motor Racing a controlled skid, used in taking bends at high speeds. Brit. historical an act of driving cattle or sheep.
2 the general meaning of someone's remarks: he didn't understand much Greek, but he got her drift.
3 a large mass of snow or other material piled up by the wind. Geology deposits left by retreating ice sheets.
4 a state of inaction or indecision.
5 Mining a passage following a mineral vein or coal seam.
6 S. African a ford.

- DERIVATIVES drifty adj.

- ORIGIN ME: orig. from ON drift ‘snowdrift, something driven’; in later use from MDu. drift ‘course, current’, rel. to drive.

drifter

n.
1 a person who is continually moving from place to place, without any fixed home or job.
2 a fishing boat equipped with a drift net.

driftfish

n. (pl. same or driftfishes) a slender-bodied fish found in the deeper parts of warm seas.   Family Nomeidae.

drift ice

n. detached pieces of ice drifting with the wind or ocean currents.

drift net

n. a large fishing net, kept upright by weights at the bottom and floats at the top and allowed to drift in the sea.

- DERIVATIVES drift netter n. drift netting n.

driftwood

n. pieces of wood floating on the sea or washed ashore.

drill^1

n.
1 a tool or machine with a rotating or reciprocating cutting tip, used for boring holes.
2 training in military exercises. instruction by means of repeated exercises. (the drill) informal the correct or recognized procedure.
3 a predatory mollusc that bores into the shells of other molluscs.   Urosalpinx cinerea (oyster drill, America) and other species.
v.
1 bore (a hole) in something with a drill. sink a borehole.
2 subject to military training or other intensive instruction.
3 informal (in sport) hit (a shot) hard and in a straight line.
4 (drill down) Computing access data in a lower level of a hierarchically structured database.

- DERIVATIVES driller n.

- ORIGIN C17: from MDu. drillen ‘bore, turn in a circle’.

drill^2

n. a machine which makes small furrows, sows seed in them, and then covers the sown seed. a small furrow made by a drill.
v. sow with a drill.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. from drill^1.

drill^3

n. a West African baboon with a naked blue or purple rump.   Mandrillus leucophaeus.

- ORIGIN C17: prob. a local word; cf. mandrill.

drill^4

n. a coarse twilled cotton or linen fabric.

- ORIGIN C18: abbrev. of earlier drilling, from Ger. Drillich, from L. trilix ‘triple-twilled’, from tri- ‘three’ + licium ‘thread’.

drilling rig

n. a large structure with equipment for drilling an oil well.

drill sergeant

n. a non-commissioned officer who trains soldiers in military parade exercises.

drily

// (also dryly)

adv.
1 in a matter-of-fact or ironically humorous way.
2 in a dry way or condition.

drink

v. (past drank; past part. drunk)
1 take (a liquid) into the mouth and swallow. consume alcohol. (drink up) consume the rest of a drink.
2 (drink something in) watch or listen eagerly to something.
3 absorb (moisture).
n.
1 a liquid consumed as refreshment or nourishment. a quantity of liquid swallowed at one go.
2 the habitual or excessive consumption of alcohol.
3 (the drink) informal the sea.

- PHRASES
drink someone's health (or drink to someone) express good wishes for someone by raising one's glass and drinking a small amount.
drink someone under the table informal consume as much alcohol as one's drinking companion without becoming as drunk.
I'll drink to that expressing agreement or approval.
in drink when intoxicated.

- DERIVATIVES drinkable adj.

- ORIGIN OE drincan (v.), drinc (n.), of Gmc origin.

drink-driving

n. Brit. the crime of driving a vehicle with an excess of alcohol in the blood.

- DERIVATIVES drink-driver n.

drinker

n.
1 a person who drinks.
2 a large brownish moth, the caterpillar of which is noted for drinking dew.   Euthrix potatoria.
3 a drinking container for an animal.

drinking chocolate

n. Brit. a mixture of cocoa powder, milk solids, and sugar, added to hot water to make a chocolate drink.

drinking fountain

n. a device producing a small jet of water for drinking.

drinking song

n. a hearty or bawdy song sung by a group while drinking alcohol.

drip

v. (drips, dripping, dripped) let fall small drops of liquid. fall in small drops.
n.
1 a small drop of a liquid.
2 Medicine an apparatus which slowly passes fluid, nutrients, or drugs into a patient's body intravenously.
3 informal a weak and ineffectual person.
4 Architecture a projection on a moulding, channelled to prevent rain from running down the wall below.

- ORIGIN OE dryppan, drpen, of Gmc origin; rel. to drop.

drip-dry

v. (of fabric or a garment) become dry without forming creases when hung up after washing.
adj. capable of drip-drying.

drip feed

n. a device for introducing fluid drop by drop into a system.
v. (drip-feed)
1 introduce (fluid) drop by drop. supply (a patient) with fluid through a drip.
2 provide gradually and in small amounts: their correspondence is being drip-fed to newspapers.

dripping

n.
1 (US drippings) fat that has melted and dripped from roasting meat.
2 (drippings) N. Amer. water, wax, or other liquid that drips from something.
adj. extremely wet.

drippy

adj. (drippier, drippiest)
1 informal weak, ineffectual, or sloppily sentimental.
2 tending to drip.

- DERIVATIVES drippily adv. drippiness n.

dripstone

n.
1 Architecture a moulding over a door or window which deflects rain.
2 Geology rock deposited by precipitation from dripping water, e.g. as stalactites and stalagmites.

drive

v. (past drove; past part. driven)
1 operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle. convey in a car.
2 propel or carry along by force. provide the power to operate (a machine). (in ball games) hit or kick (the ball) hard. bore (a tunnel).
3 urge or force to move in a specified direction.
4 compel to act in a particular way: he was driven by ambition.
n.
1 a journey in a car.
2 (also driveway) a short private road leading to a house.
3 an innate, biologically determined urge. determination and ambition.
4 an organized effort to achieve a purpose: a recruitment drive. Brit. a large organized gathering to play whist or another game.
5 the transmission of power to machinery or to the wheels of a vehicle. Computing a disk drive.
6 an act of driving a ball.
7 an act of driving animals.

- PHRASES
what one is driving at the point that one is attempting to make.

- DERIVATIVES drivability (also driveability) n. drivable (also driveable) adj.

- ORIGIN OE drfan, of Gmc origin.

drive-by

adj. chiefly N. Amer. denoting a shooting carried out from a passing vehicle.

drive-in

adj. chiefly N. Amer. denoting a restaurant, cinema, etc. that one can visit without leaving one's car.

drivel

//

n. nonsense.
v. (drivels, drivelling, drivelled; US drivels, driveling, driveled)
1 talk nonsense.
2 archaic let saliva or mucus flow from the mouth or nose.

- DERIVATIVES driveller (US driveler) n.

- ORIGIN OE dreflian, of uncertain origin; perh. rel. to draff.

driveline

//

n. another term for drivetrain.

driven

past participle of drive.

driver

n.
1 a person or thing that drives something.
2 a flat-faced golf club used for driving.

- PHRASES
in the driver's seat in control.

- DERIVATIVES driverless adj.

driver ant

n. another term for army ant.

driveshaft

n. a rotating shaft which transmits torque in an engine.

drivetrain

n. the system in a motor vehicle which connects the transmission to the drive axles.

driveway

n. see drive (sense 2).

driving

adj.
1 having a strong and controlling influence: she was the driving force behind the plan.
2 being blown by the wind with great force: driving rain.

- PHRASES
in the driving seat in control.

driving licence

(N. Amer. driver's license)

n. a document permitting a person to drive a motor vehicle.

driving range

n. an area where golfers can practise drives.

drizzle

n.
1 light rain falling in very fine drops.
2 a thin stream of a liquid ingredient trickled over food.
v.
1 (it drizzles, it is drizzling, etc.) rain lightly.
2 trickle (an ingredient) over food.

- DERIVATIVES drizzly adj. (drizzlier, drizzliest).

- ORIGIN C16: prob. based on OE drosan ‘to fall’, of Gmc origin; prob. rel. to dreary.

Dr Martens

//

pl. n. trademark a type of heavy lace-up boot or shoe with an air-cushioned sole.

- ORIGIN 1970s: named after Klaus Maertens, German inventor of the sole.

drogue

//

n. a device, typically conical or funnel-shaped, towed behind a boat, aircraft, etc., especially to reduce speed or improve stability.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting a board attached to a harpoon line, used to slow down or mark the position of a whale): perh. rel. to drag.

drogue parachute

n. a small parachute used as a brake or to pull out a larger parachute.

droid

//

n.
1 (in science fiction) a robot.
2 Computing a program which automatically collects information from remote systems.

- ORIGIN 1970s: shortening of android.

droit

//

n. Law, historical a right or due.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., based on L. directus ‘straight, right, direct’.

droit de seigneur

/ /

n. the alleged right of a medieval feudal lord to have sexual intercourse with a vassal's bride on her wedding night.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘lord's right’.

droll

//

adj. amusing in a strange or quaint way.
n. archaic a jester; a buffoon.

- DERIVATIVES drollery n. drollness n. drolly // adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. drôle, perh. from MDu. drolle ‘imp, goblin’.

dromaeosaur

//

n. a carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of a group including deinonychus and the velociraptors.

- DERIVATIVES dromaeosaurid n.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from mod. L. Dromaeosauridae (name of a family), based on Gk dromaios ‘swift-running’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

-drome

comb. form
1 denoting a place for running or racing: velodrome.
2 denoting something that proceeds in a certain way: palindrome.

- ORIGIN from Gk dromos (see dromos).

dromedary

//

n. (pl. dromedaries) an Arabian camel (with one hump), especially one of a breed trained for riding or racing.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dromedaire or late L. dromedarius (camelus) ‘swift camel’, based on Gk dromas, dromad- ‘runner’.

dromos

//

n. (pl. dromoi //) an avenue or passage leading into an ancient Greek temple or tomb.

- ORIGIN Gk; rel. to dramein ‘to run’.

drone

v. make a continuous low humming sound. speak tediously and at length: Jim droned on for an hour.
n.
1 a low continuous humming sound. a pipe (especially in a set of bagpipes) or string used to sound a continuous note of low pitch.
2 a male bee which does no work in a colony but can fertilize a queen. an idle person.
3 a remote-controlled pilotless aircraft.

- ORIGIN OE drn, dræn ‘male bee’, from a W. Gmc verb meaning ‘resound, boom’.

drone fly

n. a hoverfly resembling a honeybee.   Eristalis tenax.

drongo

//

n. (pl. drongos or drongoes)
1 a long-tailed, crested songbird with glossy black plumage, found in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.   Family Dicruridae: several species.
2 informal, chiefly Austral./NZ a stupid or incompetent person.

- ORIGIN C19: from Malagasy; sense 2 is said to be from the name of a very unsuccessful Australian racehorse of the 1920s.

droob

//

n. Austral. informal an unprepossessing or contemptible person.

- ORIGIN 1930s: perh. rel. to droop.

drool

v.
1 let saliva fall uncontrollably from the mouth.
2 informal make an excessive show of pleasure or desire: enthusiasts drooled over old cars.
n. saliva falling from the mouth.

- ORIGIN C19: contr. of drivel.

droop

v. bend or hang downwards limply. sag down from weariness or dejection.
n. an act or instance of drooping.

- DERIVATIVES droopily adv. droopiness n. droopy adj. (droopier, droopiest).

- ORIGIN ME: from ON drúpa ‘hang the head’; rel. to drip and drop.

drop

v. (drops, dropping, dropped)
1 fall or cause to fall vertically. deliver by parachute. sink to or towards the ground. informal collapse from exhaustion.
2 make or become lower, weaker, or less. lose (a point, a match, etc.).
3 abandon or discontinue: the charges against him were dropped. discard or exclude.
4 set down or unload (a passenger or goods). place without ceremony: drop the form in the post.
5 mention in passing, especially in order to impress.
6 [usu. as adj. dropped] Rugby score by a drop kick.
7 informal take (a drug) orally.
8 Bridge be forced to play (a relatively high card) as a loser.
9 (of an animal) give birth to.
n.
1 a small round or pear-shaped portion of liquid. (drops) liquid medication applied in very small amounts.
2 [usu. with neg.] a drink of alcohol: he hadn't touched a drop.
3 an instance of falling or dropping. an abrupt fall or slope.
4 informal a delivery. US a letter box.
5 a sweet or lozenge: a chocolate drop.
6 a pendant earring.
7 a drop cloth.
8 the trapdoor on a gallows, through which the victim falls.

- PHRASES
at the drop of a hat informal without delay or good reason.
drop the ball N. Amer. informal make a mistake.
drop a brick Brit. informal make an indiscreet or embarrassing remark.
drop a clanger Brit. informal make an embarrassing or foolish mistake.
drop a curtsy Brit. make a curtsy.
drop dead die suddenly and unexpectedly.
drop one's guard abandon one's habitual defensive or watchful stance.
drop a hint give a hint, as if casually or unconsciously.
a drop in the ocean (or N. Amer. bucket) a very small amount compared with what is needed or expected.
drop someone a line send someone an informal note or letter.
drop a stitch let a stitch fall off the end of a knitting needle.
have the drop on informal have the advantage over.
- PHRASES
drop back/behind fall back or get left behind.
drop by/in visit informally and briefly.
drop off fall asleep, especially without intending to.
drop out
1 cease to participate.
2 abandon a course of study.
3 pursue an alternative lifestyle.
4 Rugby restart play with a drop kick.

- DERIVATIVES droppable adj.

- ORIGIN OE dropa (n.), droppian (v.), of Gmc origin; rel. to drip and droop.

drop capital

n. a large opening capital letter occupying more than the depth of one line.

drop cloth

n.
1 (also drop curtain) a curtain or painted cloth lowered vertically on to a theatre stage.
2 N. Amer. a dust sheet.

drop-dead

adj. informal very attractive: a drop-dead blonde.

drop-forged

adj. made by forcing hot metal into or through a die with a drop hammer.

- DERIVATIVES drop-forging n.

drop goal

n. Rugby a goal scored by drop-kicking the ball over the crossbar.

drop hammer

n. a large, heavy weight that is raised and allowed to drop, used in drop-forging and piledriving.

drop handlebars

pl. n. handlebars with the handles bent below the rest of the bar, used on racing cycles.

drophead

n. Brit. a convertible car.

drop-in

adj.
1 (of a place or function) able to be visited informally, without booking or appointments: a drop-in centre.
2 designed to drop into position.

drop kick

n.
1 (chiefly in rugby) a kick made by dropping the ball and kicking it as it bounces.
2 (chiefly in martial arts) a flying kick made while dropping to the ground.
v. (drop-kick) kick using a drop kick.

drop-leaf

adj. (of a table) having a hinged flap.

droplet

n. a very small drop of a liquid.

drop-off

n.
1 a decline or decrease.
2 N. Amer. a sheer downward slope.

dropout

n.
1 a person who has dropped out of society or a course of study.
2 Rugby the restarting of play with a drop kick.
3 a momentary loss of recorded audio signal or an error in reading data.

dropper

n.
1 a short glass tube with a rubber bulb at one end, for measuring out drops of liquid.
2 Austral./NZ & S. African a light vertical stave in a fence.
3 Fishing a line or loop of filament attached to a main line.

droppings

pl. n. the excrement of animals.

drop scene

n.
1 a drop curtain used as part of stage scenery.
2 the last scene of a play.

drop scone

n. a small, thick pancake made by dropping batter on to a heated surface.

drop-ship

v. (drop-ships, drop-shipping, drop-shipped) provide (goods) by direct delivery from the manufacturer to the retailer or customer.

- DERIVATIVES drop shipment n.

drop shot

n. (in tennis or squash) a softly hit shot, usually with backspin, which drops abruptly to the ground.

drop shoulder

n. a style of shoulder on a garment cut with the seam positioned on the upper arm rather than the shoulder.

dropsy^1

//

n. (pl. dropsies) old-fashioned or less technical term for oedema.

- DERIVATIVES dropsical adj.

- ORIGIN ME: shortening of obs. hydropsy, via OFr. and L. from Gk hudrps, from hudr ‘water’.

dropsy^2

//

n. (pl. dropsies) Brit. informal a tip or bribe.

- ORIGIN 1930s: elaborated form of sl. drop ‘a bribe’.

drop tank

n. an external fuel tank on an aircraft which can be jettisoned when empty.

drop test

n. a test of the strength of an object, in which it is dropped under standard conditions or a set weight is dropped on it from a given height.

- DERIVATIVES drop-testing n.

drop-top

n. another term for drophead.

drop waist

n. a style of waistline on a dress with the seam positioned at the hips rather than the waist.

dropwort

n.
1 a grassland plant with small white flowers and divided leaves.   Filipendula vulgaris.
2 (water dropwort) a poisonous plant of the parsley family, which grows in wet habitats.   Oenanthe crocata (Europe) and other species.

- ORIGIN ME: named from the small drop-like fibrous tubers on its roots.

drop zone

n. a designated area into which troops or supplies are dropped by parachute.

drosera

//

n. a sundew (insectivorous plant).   Genus Drosera.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk droseros ‘dewy’.

droshky

//

n. (pl. droshkies) historical a type of Russian four-wheeled open carriage.

- ORIGIN C19: from Russ. drozhki, dimin. of drogi ‘wagon’.

drosophila

//

n. a genus of fruit flies used extensively in genetic research.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk drosos ‘dew, moisture’ + philos ‘loving’.

dross

n.
1 rubbish.
2 scum on the surface of molten metal.

- DERIVATIVES drossy adj.

- ORIGIN OE drs; rel. to Du. droesem and Ger. Drusen ‘dregs, lees’.

drought

//

n.
1 a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
2 archaic thirst.

- DERIVATIVES droughtiness n. droughty adj.

- ORIGIN OE drgath ‘dryness’, of Gmc origin; rel. to dry.

drouth

//

n. dialect or literary form of drought.

- DERIVATIVES drouthy adj.

drove^1

past of drive.

drove^2

n. a flock of animals being driven. a large number of people doing the same thing: tourists arrived in droves.
v. [usu. as noun droving] historical drive (livestock) to market.

- DERIVATIVES drover n.

- ORIGIN OE drf, rel. to drfan ‘to drive’.

drove road

n. an ancient roadway along which cattle were driven to market.

drown

v.
1 die or kill through submersion in water.
2 submerge or flood (an area).
3 (usu. drown something out) make inaudible by being much louder.

- PHRASES
drown one's sorrows forget one's problems by getting drunk.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. northern): rel. to ON drukkna ‘to be drowned’, also to drink.

drowse

//

v. be half asleep; doze. archaic make sleepy.
n. a state of being half asleep.

- ORIGIN C16: back-form. from drowsy.

drowsy

adj. (drowsier, drowsiest) sleepy and lethargic.

- DERIVATIVES drowsily adv. drowsiness n.

- ORIGIN C15: prob. from the stem of OE drsian ‘be languid or slow’, of Gmc origin; rel. to dreary.

drub

v. (drubs, drubbing, drubbed)
1 hit or beat repeatedly.
2 informal defeat thoroughly.

- DERIVATIVES drubbing n.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. with ref. to the punishment of bastinado): prob. from Arab. daraba ‘to beat’.

drudge

n. a person made to do hard, menial, or dull work.
v. archaic do hard, menial, or dull work.

- DERIVATIVES drudgery n.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin; perh. rel. to drag.

drug

n. a medicine or other substance which has a marked physiological effect when taken into the body. a substance with narcotic or stimulant effects.
v. (drugs, drugging, drugged) administer a drug to, in order to induce stupor or insensibility.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. drogue, perh. from MDu. droge vate, lit. ‘dry vats’, referring to the contents.

drugget

//

n. a floor covering made of a coarse woven fabric.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. droguet, from drogue in the sense ‘poor-quality article’.

druggist

n. N. Amer. a pharmacist or retailer of medicinal drugs.

druggy

informal

adj. (druggier, druggiest) caused by or involving illegal drugs.
n. (also druggie) (pl. druggies) a drug addict.

drugstore

n. N. Amer. a pharmacy which also sells toiletries and other articles.

Druid

//

n. a priest, magician, or soothsayer in the ancient Celtic religion. a member of a present-day group claiming to be derived from this religion.

- DERIVATIVES Druidic adj. Druidical adj. Druidism n.

- ORIGIN from L. druidae, druides (pl.), from Gaulish; rel. to Ir. draoidh ‘magician, sorcerer’.

drum^1

n.
1 a percussion instrument sounded by being struck with sticks or the hands, typically cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or bowl-shaped with a taut membrane over one or both ends. a sound made by or resembling that of a drum.
2 a cylindrical object or part, especially a container: an oil drum. Architecture the circular vertical wall supporting a dome.
3 historical a military drummer.
4 Brit. informal a house or flat. Austral./NZ informal a brothel.
5 a tea party of a kind popular in the late 18th and early 19th century.
6 Austral./NZ informal a piece of reliable inside information.
v. (drums, drumming, drummed)
1 play on a drum. make a continuous rhythmic noise.
2 (drum something into) drive a lesson into (someone) by constant repetition.
3 (drum someone out) expel or dismiss someone with ignominy.
4 (drum something up) attempt to obtain something by canvassing or soliciting: they drummed up support.

- PHRASES
beat (or bang) the drum of (or for) be ostentatiously in support of.

- ORIGIN ME: from MDu. or Low Ger. tromme, of imitative origin.

drum^2

(also drumfish)

n. (pl. same or drums) a coastal or estuarine fish that makes a drumming sound by vibrating its swim bladder.   Family Sciaenidae: many species.

drum and bass

n. a type of dance music characterized by bare instrumentation consisting largely of electronic drums and bass.

drumbeat

n. a stroke or pattern of strokes on a drum.

drumfire

n. heavy continuous rapid artillery fire.

drumhead

n.
1 the membrane or skin of a drum.
2 a winter cabbage of a flat-topped variety.
3 chiefly historical the circular top of a ship's capstan.
adj. denoting a summary trial, as carried out by an army in the field.

drum kit

n. a set of drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments.

drumlin

//

n. Geology an oval mound or small hill consisting of compacted boulder clay moulded by glacial action.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from drum ‘long narrow hill’ (from Sc. Gaelic and Ir. druim ‘ridge’) + -lin (from -ling).

drum major

n.
1 a non-commissioned officer commanding regimental drummers.
2 the male leader of a marching band, who twirls a baton.

drum majorette

n. the female leader of a marching band, who twirls a baton.

drummer

n.
1 a person who plays a drum or drums.
2 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a travelling sales representative.
3 Brit. informal, dated a thief or burglar.

drum pad

n. an electronic device with pads which imitate the sounds of a drum kit when struck.

drum roll

n. a rapid succession of drumbeats, typically used to introduce an announcement or event.

drumstick

n.
1 a stick used for beating a drum.
2 the lower joint of the leg of a cooked fowl.

drunk

past participle of drink.
adj. affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control of one's faculties.
n.
1 a person who is drunk or who habitually drinks to excess.
2 informal a drinking bout.

- PHRASES
drunk and disorderly creating a public disturbance under the influence of alcohol.

drunkard

n. a person who is habitually drunk.

- ORIGIN ME: from Mid. Low Ger. drunkert.

drunken

adj. drunk, especially habitually. caused by or showing the effects of drink.

- DERIVATIVES drunkenly adv. drunkenness n.

- ORIGIN OE, archaic past part. of drink.

drupe

//

n.
1 Botany a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone, e.g. a plum or olive.
2 a small marine mollusc with a thick, knobbly shell.   Genus Drupa.

- DERIVATIVES drupaceous adj. (Botany).

- ORIGIN C18: from L. drupa ‘overripe olive’.

drupel

// (also drupelet)

n. Botany any of the small individual drupes forming a fleshy aggregate fruit such as a raspberry.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. drupella, dimin. of drupa (see drupe).

druse

//

n.
1 Geology a rock cavity lined with a crust of projecting crystals.
2 Botany a rounded cluster of calcium oxalate crystals found in some plant cells.

- ORIGIN C19: via Fr. from Ger. Druse ‘weathered ore’.

druthers

//

n. (one's druthers) N. Amer. informal one's preference or choice in a matter.

- ORIGIN C19: from a US regional pronunc. of I'd rather.

Druze

// (also Druse)

n. (pl. same, Druzes, or Druses) a member of a political and religious sect of Islamic origin, living chiefly in Lebanon and Syria.

- ORIGIN from Fr., from Arab. durz (pl.), from the name of one of their founders, Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Daraz (died 1019).

dry

adj. (drier, driest)
1 free from moisture or liquid. not yielding water, oil, or milk: a dry well. without grease or other moisturizer or lubricator: dry hair.
2 (of information, writing, etc.) dully factual. unemotional or undemonstrative.
3 (of humour) subtle and expressed in a matter-of-fact way.
4 prohibiting the sale or consumption of alcoholic drink. no longer drinking alcohol.
5 (of wine) not sweet.
v. (dries, drying, dried)
1 become or make dry. [usu. as adj. dried] preserve by evaporating the moisture from: dried milk.
2 (dry up) (of a supply or flow) decrease and stop.
3 theatrical slang forget one's lines. (dry up) informal cease talking.
4 (dry out) informal overcome alcoholism.
n. (pl. dries or drys)
1 (the dry) chiefly Austral. the dry season. a tract of waterless country.
2 Brit. a Conservative politician (especially in the 1980s) in favour of strict monetarist policies.
3 US a person in favour of the prohibition of alcohol.

- PHRASES
come up dry N. Amer. informal be unsuccessful.

- DERIVATIVES dryish adj. dryness n.

- ORIGIN OE drge (adj.), drgan (v.), of Gmc origin.

dryad

//, //

n.
1 (in folklore and Greek mythology) a nymph inhabiting a tree or wood.
2 a dark brown butterfly with prominent bluish eyespots.   Minois dryas.

- ORIGIN via OFr. and L. from Gk druas, druad-, from drus ‘tree’.

dryas

//

n.
1 a plant of a genus that comprises the mountain avens.   Genus Dryas.
2 (Dryas) Geology a cold stage at the end of the glacial period in northern Europe, in which such plants were abundant.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk druas (see dryad); so named because the plant's leaves resemble those of an oak.

dry bulb

n. an ordinary exposed thermometer bulb, as used in conjunction with a wet bulb.

dry cell

(also dry battery)

n. an electric cell (or battery) in which the electrolyte is absorbed in a solid to form a paste.

dry-clean

v. clean (a garment) with an organic solvent.

- DERIVATIVES dry-cleaner n.

dry cough

n. a cough not producing phlegm.

dry-cure

v. cure (meat or fish) with salt rather than in liquid.

dry dock

n. a dock which can be drained of water to allow repair of a ship's hull.
v. (dry-dock) place in a dry dock.

dryer

(also drier)

n.
1 a machine or device for drying something, especially the hair or laundry.
2 a substance mixed with oil paint or ink to promote drying.

dry fly

n. an artificial fishing fly which floats lightly on the water.

dry-fry

v. fry in a pan without fat or oil.

dry goods

pl. n.
1 solid commodities traded in bulk, e.g. tea or sugar.
2 N. Amer. drapery and haberdashery.

dry ice

n. solid carbon dioxide. white mist produced with solid carbon dioxide as a theatrical effect.

drying oil

n. an oil that thickens or hardens in air, used in mixing paint.

dry land

n. land as opposed to the sea or another body of water.

dry lease

n. an arrangement for the hire of an aircraft without the provision of a flight crew.

dryly

adv. variant spelling of drily.

dry measure

n. a measure of volume for dry goods.

dry mounting

n. Photography a process in which a print is bonded to a mount using shellac in a hot press.

Dryopithecus

//

n. a genus of anthropoid apes of the middle Miocene to early Pliocene periods, including the supposed common ancestor of gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.

- DERIVATIVES dryopithecine // n. & adj.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk drus ‘tree’ + pithkos ‘ape’.

dry point

n. a needle for engraving on a bare copper plate without acid. an engraving produced with a dry-point needle.

dry rot

n. a fungus causing decay of wood in poorly ventilated conditions.   Serpula lacrymans.

dry run

n. informal a rehearsal of a performance or procedure.

dry-salt

v. another term for dry-cure.

dry-salter

n. Brit. historical a dealer in dyes, gums, and drugs, and sometimes also in preserved foodstuffs.

dry-shod

adj. & adv. without wetting one's shoes.

dry sink

n. N. Amer. an antique kitchen cabinet with an inset basin.

dry slope

(also dry ski slope)

n. an artificial ski slope.

drystone

adj. Brit. (of a stone wall) built without using mortar.

drysuit

n. a waterproof rubber suit for water sports, under which warm clothes can be worn.

drywall

n. N. Amer. plasterboard.

DS

abbrev.
1 Music dal segno.
2 Brit. detective sergeant.
3 Military directing staff.

DSC

abbrev. (in the UK) Distinguished Service Cross.

DSc

abbrev. Doctor of Science.

DSL

abbrev. digital subscriber line, a technology for the high-speed transmission of digital information over standard telephone lines.

DSM

abbrev. (in the UK) Distinguished Service Medal.

DSO

abbrev. (in the UK) Distinguished Service Order.

DSP

abbrev.
1 died without issue. [ORIGIN from L. decessit sine prole.]
2 digital signal processor or processing.

DSS

abbrev.
1 decision support system.
2 (formerly in the UK) Department of Social Security.

DTD

abbrev. Computing document type definition, a document that defines the tagging structure of an SGML or XML document.

DTI

abbrev. (in the UK) Department of Trade and Industry.

DTP

abbrev. desktop publishing.

DTp

abbrev. (in the UK) Department of Transport.

DTs

pl. n. informal delirium tremens.

dual

adj.
1 consisting of two parts, elements, or aspects. Grammar denoting an inflection that refers to exactly two people or things.
2 (often dual to) Mathematics related to another theorem or expression by the interchange of terms, such as ‘point’ and ‘line’.
n.
1 Grammar a dual inflection.
2 Mathematics a theorem or expression that is dual to another.
v. (duals, dualling, dualled) Brit. convert (a road) into a dual carriageway.

- DERIVATIVES duality n. (pl. dualities). dualize (or dualise) v. dually adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dualis, from duo ‘two’.

dual carriageway

n. Brit. a road consisting of two or more lanes in each direction and with a dividing strip separating the two directions.

dual control

adj. (of an aircraft or vehicle) having two sets of controls, one of which is used by the instructor.

dual in-line package

n. Electronics a package for an integrated circuit consisting of a sealed unit with two parallel rows of downward-pointing pins.

dualism

n.
1 the division of something conceptually into two opposed or contrasted aspects, such as good and evil or mind and matter.
2 the quality or state of being dual; duality.

- DERIVATIVES dualist n. & adj. dualistic adj. dualistically adv.

dual nationality

n. citizenship of two countries concurrently.

dual-use

adj. chiefly US (of technology or equipment) suitable for both civilian and military purposes.

dub^1

v. (dubs, dubbing, dubbed)
1 give an unofficial name or nickname to.
2 knight (someone) by the ritual touching of the shoulder with a sword.
3 dress (an artificial fishing fly) with fur or wool.
4 smear (leather) with grease.

- ORIGIN OE: from OFr. adober ‘equip with armour’.

dub^2

v. (dubs, dubbing, dubbed)
1 provide (a film) with a soundtrack in a different language from the original. add (sound effects or music) to a film or a recording.
2 make a copy of (a recording). transfer (a recording) from one medium to another. combine (two or more sound recordings) into one soundtrack.
n.
1 an instance of dubbing sound effects or music.
2 a style of popular music originating from the remixing of recorded music (especially reggae).

- DERIVATIVES dubby adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: abbrev. of double.

dub^3

informal

n. US an inexperienced or unskilful person.
v. (dubs, dubbing, dubbed) Golf misplay (a shot).

- ORIGIN C19: perh. from dub^1 in the obs. technical sense ‘make blunt’.

dubbin

// Brit.

n. prepared grease used for softening and waterproofing leather.
v. (dubbins, dubbining, dubbined) apply dubbin to (leather).

- ORIGIN C19: alt. of dubbing, pres. part. of dub^1 (sense 4).

dubbing

n. material used for the bodies of artificial fishing flies, especially fur or wool on waxed silk.

- ORIGIN C17: from dub^1 + -ing^1.

dubiety

//

n. formal uncertainty.

- ORIGIN C18: from late L. dubietas, from L. dubium ‘a doubt’.

dubious

//

adj.
1 hesitating or doubtful.
2 morally suspect. of questionable value or reliability.

- DERIVATIVES dubiously adv. dubiousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dubiosus, from dubium ‘a doubt’, neut. of dubius ‘doubtful’.

dubitable

//

adj. rare open to doubt.

- DERIVATIVES dubitability n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. dubitabilis, from dubitare ‘to doubt’.

dubitation

//

n. formal doubt; hesitation.

- DERIVATIVES dubitative adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. dubitatio(n-), from dubitare ‘to doubt’.

Dublin Bay prawn

n. another term for Norway lobster. (Dublin Bay prawns) scampi.

Dubliner

n. a native or inhabitant of Dublin.

dubnium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 105, a very unstable element made by high-energy atomic collisions. (Symbol: Db)

- ORIGIN 1990s: mod. L., from Dubna in Russia, site of the Joint Nuclear Institute.

Dubonnet

//

n. trademark a type of sweet red vermouth made in France.

- ORIGIN from the name of a family of French wine merchants.

ducal

//

adj. like or relating to a duke or dukedom.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr., from duc ‘duke’.

ducat

//

n.
1 a gold coin formerly current in most European countries. (ducats) informal money.
2 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a ticket.

- ORIGIN from Ital. ducato, orig. referring to a silver coin minted by the Duke of Apulia in 1190: from med. L. ducatus (see duchy).

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

//

n. a severe form of muscular dystrophy caused by a genetic defect and usually affecting boys.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French neurologist G. B. A. Duchenne.

duchess

n.
1 the wife or widow of a duke. a woman holding a rank equivalent to duke in her own right.
2 Brit. informal (especially among cockney men) an affectionate form of address for a girl or woman.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. ducissa, from L. dux, duc- (see duke).

duchesse

//, //, //

n.
1 (also duchesse satin) a soft, heavy, glossy kind of satin.
2 a chaise longue resembling two armchairs linked by a stool.
3 a dressing table with a pivoting mirror.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘duchess’.

duchesse lace

n. a kind of Brussels pillow lace with bold floral patterns worked in a fine thread.

duchesse potatoes

pl. n. mashed potatoes mixed with egg yolk, piped into small shapes and baked.

duchy

//

n. (pl. duchies) the territory of a duke or duchess.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. duche, from med. L. ducatus, from L. dux, duc- (see duke).

duck^1

n. (pl. same or ducks)
1 a waterbird with a broad, blunt bill, short legs, and webbed feet, some kinds of which are domesticated.   Family Anatidae: many species. a female duck. Contrasted with drake.
2 a pure white thin-shelled bivalve mollusc found off the Atlantic coasts of America.   Genus Anatina.

- PHRASES
get (or have) one's ducks in a row N. Amer. informal get (or have) everything organized.
like water off a duck's back referring to a hurtful remark which has no effect.
take to something like a duck to water take to something very readily.

- ORIGIN OE duce, from the Gmc base of duck^2 (expressing the notion of ‘diving bird’).

duck^2

v.
1 lower the head or body quickly to avoid a blow or missile or so as not to be seen.
2 informal evade (an unwelcome duty).
3 push (someone) under water.
4 Bridge refrain from playing a winning card on a particular trick for tactical reasons.
n. a quick lowering of the head.

- PHRASES
duck and dive Brit. use one's ingenuity to deal with or evade a situation.

- DERIVATIVES ducker n.

- ORIGIN ME: of Gmc origin; rel. to duck^1.

duck^3

n. Cricket a batsman's score of nought.

- PHRASES
break one's duck Cricket score the first run of one's innings.

- ORIGIN C19: short for duck's egg, used for the figure 0.

duck^4

(also ducks)

n. Brit. informal dear (used as an affectionate form of address).

- ORIGIN C16: from duck^1.

duck^5

n. a strong linen or cotton fabric, used chiefly for work clothes and sails. (ducks) trousers made from duck.

- ORIGIN C17: from MDu. doek ‘linen’.

duckbill

n. an animal with jaws resembling a duck's bill, e.g. a platypus.

duck-billed dinosaur

n. another term for hadrosaur.

duck-billed platypus

n. see platypus.

duckboards

pl. n. wooden slats joined together to form a path over muddy ground.

ducking stool

n. historical a chair fastened to the end of a pole, used to plunge offenders into a pond or river as a punishment.

duckling

n. a young duck.

duck mussel

n. a freshwater mussel found in rivers with sandy or gravelly beds.   Anodonta anatina.

duckpin

n. US a short, squat bowling pin.

ducks and drakes

n. a game of throwing flat stones so that they skim along the surface of water.

- ORIGIN C16: from the movement of the stone over the water.

duck's arse

(US duck's ass)

n. informal a man's hairstyle in which the hair is slicked back on both sides and tapered at the nape.

duck soup

n. N. Amer. informal an easy task.

duckwalk

v. walk in a squatting posture.

duckweed

n. a tiny aquatic flowering plant that floats in large quantities on still water.   Lemna and other genera, family Lemnaceae.

ducky

informal

n. (pl. duckies) Brit. dear (used as a form of address).
adj. chiefly N. Amer. delightful.

- ORIGIN C19: from duck^4.

duct

n.
1 a tube or passageway in a building or machine for air, cables, etc.
2 a vessel in the body for conveying lymph or glandular secretions. a vessel in a plant for conveying water, sap, or air.
v. convey through a duct.

- DERIVATIVES ductal adj. ducting n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘course’ or ‘direction’): from L. ductus ‘leading, aqueduct’ from duct-, ducere ‘lead’.

ductile

//

adj.
1 (of a metal) able to be drawn out into a thin wire.
2 able to be deformed without losing toughness.

- DERIVATIVES ductility n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. ductilis, from duct-, ducere ‘to lead’.

ductless

adj. Anatomy denoting a gland that secretes directly into the bloodstream, such as an endocrine gland.

duct tape

n. N. Amer. strong cloth-backed waterproof adhesive tape.

- ORIGIN 1970s: orig. used for repairing leaks in ducted systems.

ductule

//

n. Anatomy a minute duct.

- DERIVATIVES ductular adj.

ductus

//

n. (pl. ducti) Anatomy a duct.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., lit. ‘leading’.

dud

informal

n.
1 a thing that fails to work properly. an ineffectual person.
2 (duds) clothes.
adj. failing to work or meet a standard.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

dude

// N. Amer. informal

n.
1 a man. a stylish and confident man.
2 dated a stylish or affected man; a dandy.
v. (dude up) dress up elaborately.

- DERIVATIVES dudish adj.

- ORIGIN C19: prob. from Ger. dial. Dude ‘fool’.

dude ranch

n. (in the western US) a cattle ranch converted to a holiday centre for tourists.

dudgeon

//

n. deep resentment.

- ORIGIN C16: of unknown origin.

due

adj.
1 expected at, planned for, or required by a certain time. (of a person) owed or deserving (something). required as a legal or moral obligation.
2 proper; appropriate.
n.
1 (one's due/dues) one's right.
2 (dues) fees.
adv. (with reference to a point of the compass) directly: head due south.

- PHRASES
due to
1 caused by.
2 because of.
give someone their due be fair to someone.
in due course at the appropriate time.
pay one's dues fulfil one's obligations.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. deu ‘owed’, based on L. debitus ‘owed’, from debere ‘owe’.

USAGE

Some people regard due to in the sense ‘because of’ as incorrect on the grounds that due is an adjective and should not be used in a prepositional phrase; owing to is often recommended as a better alternative. However, this use of due to is now very common in all types of literature and is regarded as part of standard English.

due diligence

n. Law reasonable steps taken by a person in order to avoid committing an offence, especially in buying or selling something.

duel

n. chiefly historical a prearranged contest with deadly weapons between two people to settle a point of honour. (in modern use) a contest between two parties.
v. (duels, duelling, duelled; US duels, dueling, dueled) fight a duel.

- DERIVATIVES dueller (US dueler) n. duellist (US duelist) n.

- ORIGIN C15: from L. duellum, archaic and literary form of bellum ‘war’, used in med. L. with the meaning ‘combat between two persons’, influenced by dualis ‘of two’.

duende

//

n.
1 passion.
2 an evil spirit.

- ORIGIN Sp., contr. of duen de casa, from dueño de casa ‘owner of the house’.

duenna

//

n. an older woman acting as a governess and chaperone to girls in a Spanish family.

- ORIGIN C17: earlier form of Sp. dueña, from L. domina ‘lady, mistress’.

due process

(also due process of law)

n. fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

duet

n. a performance by two singers, instrumentalists, or dancers. a musical composition for two performers.
v. (duets, duetting, duetted) perform a duet.

- DERIVATIVES duettist n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ital. duetto, dimin. of duo ‘duet’.

duff^1

n. a flour pudding boiled or steamed in a cloth bag.

- ORIGIN C19: north. Engl. form of dough.

duff^2

adj. Brit. informal worthless or false.
n. N. Amer. & Scottish decaying vegetable matter covering the ground under trees.

- ORIGIN C18: of unknown origin.

duff^3

v. informal
1 (duff someone up) Brit. beat someone up.
2 Austral. steal and alter brands on (cattle).
3 Golf mishit (a shot).

- ORIGIN sense 1 (1960s) of uncertain origin; senses 2 and 3 (both C19) prob. back-forms from duffer^2 and duffer^1 respectively.

duff^4

n. N. Amer. informal a person's buttocks.

- ORIGIN C19: of unknown origin.

duff^5

n. (in phr. up the duff) Brit. informal pregnant.

- ORIGIN 1940s (orig. Austral.): perh. rel. to duff^1.

duffel

(also duffle)

n.
1 a coarse woollen cloth with a thick nap.
2 N. Amer. sporting or camping equipment.

- ORIGIN C17: from Duffel, a town in Belgium where the cloth was orig. made.

duffel bag

n. a cylindrical canvas bag closed by a drawstring.

duffel coat

n. a hooded coat made of duffel, typically fastened with toggles.

duffer^1

n. informal
1 an incompetent or stupid person.
2 Austral./NZ an unproductive mine.

- ORIGIN C19: from Scots dowfart ‘stupid person’.

duffer^2

n. Austral. informal a person who steals and alters the brands on cattle.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. thieves' sl. for ‘someone who sells trashy articles as valuable’): of unknown origin.

dufus

n. variant spelling of doofus.

dug^1

past and past participle of dig.

dug^2

n. the udder, teat, or nipple of a female animal. archaic a woman's breast.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. of ON origin.

dugite

//

n. a highly venomous snake of SW Australia.   Pseudonaja affinis.

- ORIGIN C19: from Nyungar dukayj.

dugong

//, //

n. (pl. same or dugongs) a sea cow found in the Indian Ocean, distinguished from the manatees by its forked tail.   Dugong dugon.

- ORIGIN C19: based on Malay duyong.

dugout

n.
1 a trench that is roofed over as a shelter for troops. an underground bomb shelter. a low shelter at the side of a sports field for a team's coaches and substitutes.
2 (also dugout canoe) a canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk.

duh

exclam. another way of saying doh^2.

DUI

abbrev. US driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol).

duiker

//

n. (pl. same or duikers)
1 a small African antelope, typically with a tuft of hair between the horns.   Sylvicapra grimmia and other species.
2 S. African a cormorant.

- ORIGIN C18: from S. Afr. Du., from Du., lit. ‘diver’, from the antelope's habit of plunging through bushes when pursued.

du jour

/ /

adj. [postpos.] informal enjoying great but probably short-lived popularity: Hollywood's boutique du jour.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘of the day’.

duke

n.
1 a male holding the highest hereditary title in the British and certain other peerages.
2 chiefly historical (in parts of Europe) a male ruler of a small independent state.
3 (dukes) informal the fists.

- PHRASES
duke it out N. Amer. informal fight it out.

- DERIVATIVES dukedom n.

- ORIGIN OE, from OFr. duc, from L. dux, duc- ‘leader’, rel. to ducere ‘to lead’; sense 3 is from rhyming sl. Duke of Yorks ‘forks’ (= fingers).

DUKW

//

n. an amphibious transport vehicle, especially as used by the Allies during the Second World War.

- ORIGIN an official designation, being a combination of factory-applied letters referring to features of the vehicle.

dulcamara

//

n. an extract of woody nightshade, used in homeopathy.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L., from L. dulcis ‘sweet’ + amara ‘bitter’.

dulcet

//

adj. (of a sound) sweet and soothing.

- ORIGIN ME doucet, from OFr. doucet, dimin. of doux, from L. dulcis ‘sweet’.

dulcify

//

v. (dulcifies, dulcifying, dulcified) rare
1 sweeten.
2 calm or soothe.

- DERIVATIVES dulcification n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. dulcificare, from dulcis ‘sweet’.

dulcimer

//

n. a musical instrument with a sounding board or box over which strings of graduated length are stretched, played by striking the strings with hand-held hammers.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. doulcemer, prob. from L. dulce melos ‘sweet melody’.

dulcitone

//

n. a musical keyboard instrument, superseded by the celesta, in which a series of steel tuning forks are struck by hammers.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. dulcis ‘sweet’ + tonus ‘tone’.

dulia

//

n. (in Roman Catholic theology) the reverence accorded to saints and angels. Compare with latria.

- ORIGIN ME: via med. L. from Gk douleia ‘servitude’, from doulos ‘slave’.

dull

adj.
1 lacking interest or excitement.
2 not bright or shiny. (of the weather) overcast.
3 slow to understand. slow-moving.
4 indistinctly felt or heard.
v. make or become dull.

- DERIVATIVES dullish adj. dullness (also dulness) n. dully // adv.

- ORIGIN OE dol ‘stupid’, of Gmc origin.

dullard

//

n. a slow or stupid person.

- ORIGIN ME: from MDu. dullaert, from dul ‘dull’.

dulse

//

n. a dark red edible seaweed with flattened branching fronds.   Rhodymenia palmata.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ir. and Sc. Gaelic duileasg.

duly

adv. in accordance with what is required or appropriate. as might be expected.

dum

//

adj. Indian cooked with steam.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dam.

Duma

//

n. a legislative body in the ruling assembly of Russia and of some other republics of the former USSR.

- ORIGIN from Russ.

dumb

adj.
1 unable to speak, typically because of congenital deafness. (of animals) unable to speak as a natural state. temporarily unable or unwilling to speak.
2 informal, chiefly N. Amer. stupid.
3 (of a computer terminal) having no independent processing capability.
v.
1 (dumb something down or dumb down) informal make or become less intellectually challenging.
2 literary make silent.

- DERIVATIVES dumbly adv. dumbness n.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

In the sense meaning ‘not able to speak’, dumb has been overwhelmed by the sense ‘stupid’ to such an extent that the use of the first sense is now almost certain to cause offence. Alternatives such as speech-impaired should be used instead.

dumb-bell

n.
1 a short bar with a weight at each end, used typically in pairs for exercise or muscle-building.
2 N. Amer. informal a stupid person.

- ORIGIN C18: orig. denoting an object similar to that used to ring a church bell (but without the bell, so ‘dumb’).

dumb cane

n. a thick-stemmed Caribbean plant with a poisonous sap that swells the tongue and destroys the power of speech.   Dieffenbachia seguine.

dumbfound

(also dumfound)

v. astonish greatly.

- ORIGIN C17: blend of dumb and confound.

dumbo

n. (pl. dumbos) informal a stupid person.

- ORIGIN 1950s (orig. US): from dumb + -o, popularized by the cartoon film Dumbo.

dumb piano

n. a dummy piano keyboard for exercising the fingers.

dumbshow

n. gestures used to convey something without speech. (especially in English drama of the 16th and 17th centuries) a part of a play acted in mime.

dumbstruck

adj. so shocked or surprised as to be unable to speak.

dumb waiter

n.
1 a small lift for carrying food and crockery between floors.
2 Brit. a movable table, typically with revolving shelves, used in a dining room.

dumdum

(also dumdum bullet)

n. a kind of soft-nosed bullet that expands on impact and inflicts laceration.

- ORIGIN C19: from Dum Dum, a town and arsenal near Calcutta, India, where they were first produced.

dum-dum

n. informal a stupid person.

- ORIGIN 1970s (orig. US): reduplication of dumb.

dumfound

v. variant spelling of dumbfound.

dummy

n. (pl. dummies)
1 a model or replica of a human being.
2 an object designed to resemble and serve as a substitute for the real one. Brit. a rubber or plastic teat for a baby to suck on.
3 (chiefly in rugby and soccer) a feigned pass or kick.
4 Bridge the declarer's partner, whose cards are exposed on the table after the opening lead and played by the declarer. (in whist) an imaginary fourth player.
5 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a stupid person.
v. (dummies, dummying, dummied)
1 (chiefly in rugby and soccer) feign a pass or kick.
2 (dummy up) N. Amer. informal keep quiet.

- PHRASES
sell someone a dummy (chiefly in rugby and soccer) deceive an opponent by feigning a pass or kick.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. ‘a person who cannot speak’, later ‘an imaginary fourth player in whist’): from dumb + -y^1.

dummy run

n. Brit. a practice or trial.

dump

n.
1 a site for depositing rubbish or waste. a heap of rubbish left at a dump. informal an unpleasant or dreary place.
2 Computing an act of dumping stored data.
3 informal an act of defecation.
v.
1 deposit or dispose of (rubbish or something unwanted). put down firmly and carelessly. informal desert (someone). send (goods unsaleable in the home market) to a foreign market for sale at a low price.
2 Computing copy (stored data) to a different location, especially so as to protect against loss. print out the contents of (a store).
3 (dump on) N. Amer. informal treat badly or criticize harshly.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘fall suddenly’): in later use partly imitative; cf. thump.

dump bin

n. a promotional box in a shop for displaying books or other items.

dumper

n.
1 a person or thing that dumps something.
2 (also dumper truck) Brit. a truck with a body that tilts or opens at the back for unloading.
3 N. Amer. a large metal container for rubbish.
4 (the dumper) informal a state of being unwanted.

dumpling

n.
1 a small savoury ball of dough (usually made with suet) which may be boiled in water or a stew.
2 a pudding consisting of apple or other fruit enclosed in a sweet dough and baked.

- ORIGIN C17: appar. from the rare adj. dump ‘of the consistency of dough’, although dumpling is recorded much earlier.

dumps

pl. n. (in phr. (down) in the dumps) informal depressed or unhappy.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. sing. in the sense ‘a dazed or puzzled state’): prob. a figurative use of MDu. domp ‘haze, mist’.

dumpster

n. N. Amer. trademark a rubbish skip.

- ORIGIN 1930s: orig. Dempster Dumpster, proprietary name (based on dump) given by the American manufacturers, Dempster Brothers.

dump truck

n. N. Amer. a dumper truck.

dumpy

adj. (dumpier, dumpiest) short and stout.

- DERIVATIVES dumpily adv. dumpiness n.

- ORIGIN C18: from dumpling + -y^1.

dun^1

adj. of a dull greyish-brown colour.
n.
1 a dull greyish-brown colour.
2 a horse with a sandy coat, black mane, tail, and lower legs, and a dark dorsal stripe.
3 a subadult mayfly with drab, opaque wings, or a fishing fly imitating this.

- ORIGIN OE dun, dunn, of Gmc origin; prob. rel. to dusk.

dun^2

v. (duns, dunning, dunned) make persistent demands on (someone) for payment of a debt.
n. archaic a debt collector or an insistent creditor.

- ORIGIN C17 (as n.): perh. from obs. Dunkirk privateer (with connotations of piratical demands), or from the name of a Joe Dun, a well-known bailiff.

dun^3

n. Archaeology (often in place names) a stone-built fortified settlement in Scotland or Ireland, of a kind built from the late Iron Age to the early Middle Ages.

- ORIGIN C18: from Ir. dún, Sc. Gaelic dùn ‘hill or hill fort’.

dunam

//

n. a measure of land area used in parts of the Middle East, including Israel (where it is equal to about 900 square metres).

- ORIGIN from mod. Heb. dûnm or Arab. dnum, from Turk. dönüm, from dönmek ‘go round’.

dunce

n. a person who is slow at learning.

- ORIGIN Dunce was originally a name for a follower of the 13th-century Scottish theologian John Duns Scotus, whose system of theology and philosophy, known as scholasticism, with its emphasis on tradition and dogma, was taught in universities throughout medieval Europe. The followers of Duns Scotus, known as Duns men, dunce men, or dunces, were ridiculed by 16th-century humanists and reformers as hair-splitting pedants and enemies of learning, and thus the word dunce acquired its negative connotations.

dunce's cap

(N. Amer. also dunce cap)

n. a paper cone formerly put on the head of a dunce at school as a mark of disgrace.

Dundee cake

n. chiefly Brit. a rich fruit cake, decorated with almonds.

dunderhead

n. informal a stupid person.

- DERIVATIVES dunderheaded adj.

- ORIGIN C17: cf. obs. Scots dunder, dunner ‘resounding noise’; rel. to din.

dune

n. a mound or ridge of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind, especially on the sea coast or in a desert.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from MDu. dne; rel. to OE dn ‘hill’ (see down^3).

dung

n. manure.
v. spread dung on (an area).

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

dungaree

//

n.
1 (dungarees) chiefly Brit. trousers with a bib held up by straps over the shoulders, made of denim or a similar material. N. Amer. hard-wearing denim trousers.
2 a kind of coarse Indian calico.

- ORIGIN C17: from Hindi dungr.

dung beetle

n. a beetle whose larvae feed on dung, especially a scarab.

dungeon

n.
1 a strong underground prison cell, especially in a castle.
2 archaic term for donjon.
v. literary imprison in a dungeon.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. (perh. orig. with the sense ‘lord's tower’), based on L. dominus ‘lord’.

dung fly

n. a hairy fly that lays its eggs in fresh dung.   Scathophaga stercoraria and other species.

dunghill

n. a heap of dung or refuse, especially in a farmyard.

dungworm

n. an earthworm found in dung or compost, used by anglers as bait.

dunite

//

n. Geology a green to brownish coarse-grained igneous rock consisting largely of olivine.

- ORIGIN C19: from the name of Dun Mountain, New Zealand, + -ite^1.

dunk

v.
1 dip (bread or other food) into a drink or soup before eating it. immerse in water.
2 Basketball score by shooting the ball down through the basket with the hands above the rim.
n. Basketball a goal scored by dunking.

- DERIVATIVES dunker n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Pennsylvanian Ger. dunke ‘dip’, from Ger. tunken ‘dip or plunge’.

dunlin

//

n. (pl. same or dunlins) a common migratory sandpiper with a downcurved bill and (in winter) greyish-brown upper parts.   Calidris alpina.

- ORIGIN C16: prob. from dun^1 + -ling.

dunnage

//

n.
1 loose wood, matting, or similar material used to keep a cargo in position in a ship's hold.
2 informal baggage.

- ORIGIN ME: of unknown origin.

dunnart

//

n. a mouse-like insectivorous marsupial with a pointed snout, found in Australia and New Guinea.   Sminthopsis murina and related species.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Nyungar danart.

dunnock

//

n. a small songbird with a dark grey head and a reddish-brown back.   Prunella modularis.

- ORIGIN ME: appar. from dun^1 + -ock.

dunny

//

n. (pl. dunnies) Austral./NZ informal a toilet.

- ORIGIN C19 (in the sense ‘dung’): from dial. dunnekin ‘privy’, prob. from dung + archaic sl. ken ‘house’.

dunt

// chiefly N. Amer. & Scottish

v. bump into or hit heavily.
n. a dull-sounding blow.

- ORIGIN ME: perh. a var. of dint.

duo

n. (pl. duos)
1 a pair of people or things, especially in music or entertainment.
2 Music a duet.

- ORIGIN C16: via Ital. from L. duo ‘two’.

duo-

comb. form two; having two: duopoly.

- ORIGIN from L.

duodecimal

//

adj. relating to or denoting a system of counting or numerical notation that has twelve as a base.

- DERIVATIVES duodecimally adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. duodecimus ‘twelfth’ + -al.

duodecimo

//

n. (pl. duodecimos) a size of book in which each leaf is one twelfth of the size of the printing sheet.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. (in) duodecimo ‘in a twelfth’.

duodenum

//

n. (pl. duodenums or duodena //) Anatomy the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.

- DERIVATIVES duodenal adj. duodenitis // n.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L., from duodeni ‘in twelves’, its length being equivalent to the breadth of approximately twelve fingers.

duologue

//

n. a play or part of a play with speaking roles for only two actors.

- ORIGIN C18: from duo-, on the pattern of monologue.

duomo

//

n. (pl. duomos) an Italian cathedral.

- ORIGIN Ital., lit. ‘dome’.

duopoly

//

n. (pl. duopolies) a situation in which two suppliers dominate a market.

- DERIVATIVES duopolistic adj.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from duo-, on the pattern of monopoly.

duotone

//

n. a half-tone illustration made from a single original with two colours at different screen angles.

dupatta

//

n. a length of material worn as a head covering by women from the Indian subcontinent.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dupatt.

dupe

v. deceive; trick.
n. a victim of deception.

- DERIVATIVES dupable adj. duper n. dupery n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. dial. dupe ‘hoopoe’, from the bird's supposedly stupid appearance.

dupion

//

n. a rough slubbed silk fabric woven from the threads of double cocoons.

- ORIGIN C19 (in the sense ‘double cocoon’): from Fr. doupion, from Ital. doppione, from doppio ‘double’.

duple

//

adj. Music (of rhythm) based on two main beats to the bar.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. duplus, from duo ‘two’.

duplet

//

n. a set of two things, especially a pair of equal musical notes to be performed in the time of three.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. duplus ‘duple’, on the pattern of doublet.

duplex

//

n.
1 N. Amer. a residential building divided into two apartments. a flat on two floors. chiefly N. Amer. & Austral. a semi-detached house.
2 Biochemistry a double-stranded polynucleotide molecule.
adj.
1 having two parts.
2 (of a printer) capable of printing on both sides of the paper.
3 allowing the transmission of two signals simultaneously in opposite directions.

- ORIGIN C16 (as adj.): from L. duplex, duplic-, from duo ‘two’ + plicare ‘to fold’.

duplicate

adj. //
1 exactly like something else, especially through having been copied.
2 having two corresponding parts.
n. // one of two or more identical things.
v. // make or be an exact copy of. multiply by two. do again unnecessarily.

- DERIVATIVES duplicable adj. duplication n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. duplicat-, duplicare ‘double’, from duplic- (see duplex).

duplicate bridge

n. a competitive form of bridge in which the same hands are played successively by different partnerships.

duplicator

n. a machine for copying something.

duplicitous

adj.
1 deceitful.
2 Law (of a charge or plea) containing more than one allegation.

- DERIVATIVES duplicitously adv.

duplicity

//, //

n.
1 deceitfulness.
2 archaic the quality of being double.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. duplicite or late L. duplicitas, from L. duplic- (see duplex).

duppy

//

n. (pl. duppies) W. Indian a malevolent spirit or ghost.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. of W. Afr. origin.

Dupuytren's contracture

//

n. Medicine fixed forward curvature of one or more fingers, caused by a growth of fibrous tissue.

- ORIGIN C19: named after the French surgeon Baron Guillaume Dupuytren.

durable

adj.
1 hard-wearing.
2 (of goods) able to be kept; not perishable.

- DERIVATIVES durability n. durableness n. durably adv.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘steadfast’): via OFr. from L. durabilis, from durare (see duration).

Duralumin

//

n. trademark a hard, light alloy of aluminium with copper and other elements.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: perh. from L. durus ‘hard’ + aluminium, but prob. influenced by Düren, the name of the German town where the alloy was first produced.

dura mater

/ /

n. Anatomy the tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord.

- DERIVATIVES dural adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from med. L., lit. ‘hard mother’, translation of Arab. al-'umm al-jfiya ‘coarse mother’.

duramen

//

n. Botany the heartwood of a tree.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘hardness’.

durance

n. archaic imprisonment.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘continuance’): from OFr., from durer ‘to last’, from L. durare.

duration

n. the time during which something continues.

- PHRASES
for the duration informal for a very long time.

- DERIVATIVES durational adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from med. L. duratio(n-), from durare ‘to last’, from durus ‘hard’.

durative

//

adj. Grammar of or denoting continuing action. Contrasted with punctual.

durbar

//

n. historical
1 the court of an Indian ruler.
2 a public reception held by an Indian prince or a British governor or viceroy in India.

- ORIGIN Urdu, from Pers. darbr ‘court’.

durchkomponiert

//

adj. Music (of a song) having different music for each verse.

- ORIGIN from Ger., from durch ‘through’ + komponiert ‘composed’ (because the music is different throughout).

duress

//, //

n. threats, violence, etc. used to coerce a person into doing something. Law constraint illegally exercised to force someone to perform an act.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘harshness, cruel treatment’): via OFr. from L. duritia, from durus ‘hard’.

Durex

n. (pl. same) Brit. trademark a contraceptive sheath.

- ORIGIN 1930s: name invented by the manufacturers, prob. based on L. durare ‘to last’.

durian

//

n.
1 a spiny oval tropical fruit containing a creamy pulp with a fetid smell but agreeable taste.
2 (also durian tree) the large Malaysian tree that bears durians.   Durio zibethinus.

- ORIGIN C16: from Malay durian, from duri ‘thorn’.

duricrust

//

n. Geology a hard mineral crust formed at or near the surface of soil in semi-arid regions by the evaporation of groundwater.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L. durus ‘hard’ + crust.

during

prep. throughout the course or duration of. at a particular point in the course of.

- ORIGIN ME: pres. part. of the obs. verb dure ‘last, endure, extend’, via OFr. from L. durare (see duration).

durmast oak

//

n. another term for sessile oak.

- ORIGIN C18: durmast perh. orig. an error for dunmast, from dun^1 + mast^2.

durn

v. , adj., & exclam. US dialect form of darn^2.

durned

adj. US dialect form of darned.

durra

//, //

n. sorghum of the principal variety grown from NE Africa to India.

- ORIGIN C18: from Arab. dura, durra.

durst

archaic or regional past of dare.

durum wheat

//

n. a kind of hard wheat grown in arid regions, yielding flour that is used to make pasta.   Triticum durum.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from L., neut. of durus ‘hard’.

durzi

//

n. (pl. durzis) Indian a tailor.

- ORIGIN Urdu, from Pers. darz, from darz ‘sewing’.

dusk

n. the darker stage of twilight.
v. literary grow dark.

- ORIGIN OE dox ‘dark, swarthy’ and doxian ‘darken in colour’, of Gmc origin; cf. dun^1.

dusky

adj. (duskier, duskiest) darkish in colour. dated or literary (of a person) dark-skinned or black: a dusky maiden.

- DERIVATIVES duskily adv. duskiness n.

Dussehra

//

n. the tenth and final day of the Hindu festival of Navaratri.

- ORIGIN from Hindi dasahr, from Sanskrit dasahar.

dust

n.
1 fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter. any material in the form of tiny particles: coal dust. literary a dead person's remains.
2 an act of dusting.
v.
1 remove dust from the surface of. (dust something down/off) bring something out for use again after a long period of neglect.
2 cover lightly with a powdered substance.
3 (usu. dust someone up) US informal beat up or kill.

- PHRASES
be done and dusted informal (of a project) be completely finished or ready.
dust and ashes something that causes great disappointment.
eat someone's dust N. Amer. informal fall far behind someone in a competitive situation.
leave someone/thing in the dust surpass someone or something easily.
not see someone for dust find that a person has made a hasty departure.
kick up a dust (or US kick up dust) informal create a disturbance.

- DERIVATIVES dustless adj.

- ORIGIN OE dst, of Gmc origin.

dustball

(also informal dust bunny)

n. N. Amer. a ball of dust and fluff.

dust bath

n. a bird's rolling in dust to clean its feathers.

dustbin

n. Brit. a large container for household refuse.

dust bowl

n. an area where vegetation has been lost and soil eroded, especially as a consequence of drought or unsuitable farming practice.

dustcart

n. Brit. a vehicle used for collecting household refuse.

dustcoat

n. another term for duster (in sense 2).

dust cover

n. a dust jacket or dust sheet.

dust devil

n. a small whirlwind or air vortex over land, visible as a column of dust and debris.

duster

n.
1 a cloth for dusting furniture.
2 (also duster coat or dustcoat) a woman's loose lightweight coat without buttons, of a style originally worn when travelling in an open car. N. Amer. a short, light housecoat.

dust jacket

n. a removable paper cover on a book.

dustman

n. (pl. dustmen) Brit. a man employed to remove household refuse from dustbins.

dustpan

n. a flat hand-held receptacle into which dust and waste can be swept.

dust sheet

n. Brit. a large sheet for covering furniture to protect it from dust or while decorating.

dust shot

n. the smallest size of gunshot.

dust storm

n. a strong, turbulent wind which carries clouds of fine dust and sand over a large area.

dust-up

n. informal a fight or quarrel.

dusty

adj. (dustier, dustiest)
1 covered with or resembling dust.
2 staid and uninteresting.

- PHRASES
a dusty answer Brit. a curt and unhelpful reply.

- DERIVATIVES dustily adv. dustiness n.

dusty miller

n. a plant of the daisy family with whitish or greyish foliage.   Artemisia stellerana (N. America), Senecio cineraria (Mediterranean), and other species.

- ORIGIN C19: named from the fine powder on the flowers and leaves.

Dutch

adj. relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language.
n. the West Germanic language of the Netherlands.

- PHRASES
go Dutch share the cost of a meal equally.

- ORIGIN from MDu. dutsch ‘Dutch, Netherlandish, German’.

dutch

n. (usu. one's old dutch) Brit. informal (especially among cockneys) one's wife.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of duchess.

Dutch auction

n. a method of selling in which the price is reduced until a buyer is found.

Dutch barn

n. Brit. a farm building comprising a curved roof set on an open frame, used to store hay.

Dutch cap

n.
1 a woman's lace cap with triangular flaps on each side, worn as part of Dutch traditional dress.
2 see cap (sense 5).

Dutch courage

n. confidence gained from drinking alcohol.

Dutch door

n. N. Amer. a stable door.

Dutch elm disease

n. a fungal disease of elm trees, spread by bark beetles.

Dutch hoe

n. a hoe used with a pushing action just under the surface of the soil.

dutchie

n. W. Indian a large, heavy cooking pot.

- ORIGIN from Dutch oven.

Dutchman

(or Dutchwoman)

n. (pl. Dutchmen or Dutchwomen) a native or national of the Netherlands.

- PHRASES
I'm a Dutchman Brit. an expression of disbelief.

Dutchman's breeches

n. a plant with pale yellow spurred flowers suggesting pairs of breeches.   Dicentra spectabilis and related species.

Dutchman's pipe

n. a vigorous climbing vine with hooked tubular flowers.   Aristolochia durior.

Dutch metal

n. an alloy of copper and zinc used in imitation of gold leaf.

Dutch oven

n.
1 a covered earthenware or cast-iron container for cooking casseroles.
2 a large metal box formerly used as a simple oven, heated by being placed under or next to hot coals.

Dutch uncle

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a person giving firm but benevolent advice.

duteous

//

adj. archaic dutiful.

- DERIVATIVES duteously adv. duteousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from duty, on the pattern of words such as bounteous.

dutiable

//

adj. liable to customs or other duties: dutiable goods.

dutiful

adj. conscientiously or obediently fulfilling one's duty. motivated by duty rather than enthusiasm: dutiful applause.

- DERIVATIVES dutifully adv. dutifulness n.

duty

n. (pl. duties)
1 a moral or legal obligation.
2 a task required as part of one's job. (duties) performance of prescribed church services by a priest or minister.
3 a payment levied on the import, export, manufacture, or sale of goods. Brit. a payment levied on the transfer of property, for licences, and for the legal recognition of documents.
4 technical the measure of an engine's effectiveness in units of work done per unit of fuel.

- PHRASES
do duty as (or for) serve or act as a substitute for.
on (or off) duty engaged (or not engaged) in one's regular work.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. duete, from OFr. deu (see due).

duty-bound

adj. morally or legally obliged to do something.

duty-free

adj. & adv. exempt from payment of duty.

duty-paid

adj. on which the duty has been met.

duumvir

//

n. (in ancient Rome) each of two magistrates or officials holding a joint office.

- ORIGIN L., from duum virum ‘of the two men’.

duumvirate

//

n. a coalition of two people having joint authority.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. duumviratus.

duvet

//

n. chiefly Brit. a soft, thick quilt used instead of an upper sheet and blankets.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., lit. ‘down’ (see down^2).

duvet day

n. informal an unscheduled extra day's leave from work, taken to alleviate stress and sanctioned by one's employer.

dux

//

n. (pl. duces //) chiefly Scottish the top pupil in a school or class.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., ‘leader’.

duxelles

//, //

n. a stuffing made from chopped mushrooms, onions, shallots, and parsley.

- ORIGIN named after the Marquis d'Uxelles, a 17th-cent. French nobleman.

DV

abbrev. Deo volente.

DVD

abbrev. digital versatile disc (formerly digital videodisc), a type of compact disc able to be used for video as well as audio data.

DVD-R

abbrev. DVD recordable, a DVD which can be recorded on once only.

DVD-ROM

abbrev. DVD read-only memory, a DVD used in a computer for displaying data.

DVD-RW

(also DVD-RAM)

abbrev. DVD rewritable (or random-access memory), a DVD on which recordings can be made and erased a number of times.

DVLA

abbrev. (in the UK) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

dwaal

//

n. S. African informal a dreamy, dazed, or absent-minded state.

- ORIGIN from Afrik.

dwale

//

n. archaic deadly nightshade.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. of Scand. origin.

dwam

//

n. chiefly Scottish a dreamy or semi-conscious state.

- ORIGIN C16: from the Gmc base of dwell.

dwarf

n. (pl. dwarfs or dwarves)
1 a member of a mythical race of short, stocky human-like creatures, skilled in mining and metalworking.
2 an abnormally small person. [as modifier] denoting an animal or plant that is much smaller than is usual for its type or species.
3 (also dwarf star) Astronomy a star of relatively small size and low luminosity.
v. cause to seem small in comparison. stunt the growth of.

- DERIVATIVES dwarfish adj.

- ORIGIN OE dweorg, dweorh, of Gmc origin.

USAGE

In the sense ‘an abnormally small person’, dwarf is normally considered offensive. However, there are no accepted alternatives in the general language, since terms such as person of restricted growth have gained little currency.

dwarfism

n. (in medical or technical contexts) unusually small stature or size.

dweeb

n. N. Amer. informal a boring, studious, or socially inept person.

- DERIVATIVES dweebish adj. dweeby adj.

- ORIGIN 1980s: perh. a blend of dwarf and feeb ‘a feeble-minded person’.

dwell

v. (past and past part. dwelt or dwelled)
1 formal live in or at a place.
2 (dwell on/upon) think, speak, or write at length about.
n. technical a slight regular pause in the motion of a machine.

- DERIVATIVES dweller n.

- ORIGIN OE dwellan ‘lead astray, delay’ (in ME ‘remain in a place’), of Gmc origin.

dwelling

(also dwelling place)

n. formal a house or other place of residence.

dwelling house

n. Law a house used as a residence rather than for business.

dwindle

v. diminish gradually.

- ORIGIN C16: frequentative of Scots and dial. dwine ‘fade away’, from OE dwnan, of Gmc origin.

DWP

abbrev. (in the UK) Department for Work and Pensions.

dwt

abbrev.
1 deadweight tonnage.
2 pennyweight.

DY

abbrev. Benin (international vehicle registration).

- ORIGIN from Dahomey, name for Benin until 1975.

Dy

symb. the chemical element dysprosium.

dyad

//

n. technical something that consists of two elements or parts. Mathematics an operator which is a combination of two vectors.

- DERIVATIVES dyadic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from late L. dyas, dyad-, from Gk duas, from duo ‘two’.

Dyak

//

n. & adj. variant spelling of Dayak.

dyarchy

n. (pl. dyarchies) variant spelling of diarchy.

dybbuk

//

n. (pl. dybbuks or dybbukim //) (in Jewish folklore) a malevolent wandering spirit that possesses the body of a living person until exorcized.

- ORIGIN from Yiddish dibek, from Heb. dibbq, from dbaq ‘cling’.

dye

n. a natural or synthetic substance used to colour something.
v. (dyes, dyeing, dyed) colour with dye.

- PHRASES
dyed in the wool unchanging in a particular belief. [ORIGIN with allusion to the fact that yarn was dyed when raw, producing a more even and permanent colour.]

- DERIVATIVES dyeable adj. dyer n.

- ORIGIN OE dag (n.), dagian (v.).

dyeline

n. a diazo copying or colouring process.

dyer's greenweed

n. a bushy yellow-flowered leguminous plant, formerly used to make a yellow or green dye.   Genista tinctoria.

dyer's oak

n. another term for valonia.

dyer's rocket

n. another term for weld^2.

dyestuff

n. a substance used as or yielding a dye.

dying

present participle of die^1.
adj. relating to or on the point of death.

- PHRASES
to (or until) one's dying day for the rest of one's life.

dyke^1

(also dike)

n.
1 an embankment built to prevent flooding from the sea. an earthwork serving as a boundary or defence: Offa's Dyke.
2 a ditch or watercourse.
3 Geology an intrusion of igneous rock cutting across existing strata. Compare with sill.
v. [often as adj. dyked] provide (land) with a dyke to prevent flooding.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON dík, rel. to ditch.

dyke^2

(also dike)

n. informal a lesbian.

- DERIVATIVES dykey adj. (dykier, dykiest).

- ORIGIN 1940s (earlier as bulldyke): of unknown origin.

dyn

abbrev. dyne.

dynamic

//

adj.
1 (of a process or system) characterized by constant change or activity. (of a person) full of energy and new ideas.
2 Physics relating to forces producing motion. Often contrasted with static.
3 relating to the volume of sound produced by a musical instrument or voice.
4 Linguistics (of a verb) expressing an action, activity, event, or process. Contrasted with stative.
5 Electronics (of a memory device) needing to be refreshed by the periodic application of a voltage.
n.
1 a force that stimulates change or progress.
2 Music another term for dynamics (in sense 3).

- DERIVATIVES dynamical adj. dynamically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. dynamique, from Gk dunamikos, from dunamis ‘power’.

dynamic equilibrium

n. a state of balance between continuing processes.

dynamic range

n. the range of sound intensity that occurs in a piece of music or that can be satisfactorily handled by a piece of equipment.

dynamics

pl. n.
1 [treated as sing.] the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies under the action of forces. Compare with kinematics, statics.
2 the forces which stimulate development or change within a system or process.
3 the varying levels of volume of sound in a musical performance.

- DERIVATIVES dynamicist n.

dynamic viscosity

n. a quantity measuring the force needed to overcome internal friction in a fluid.

dynamism

n.
1 the quality of being dynamic.
2 Philosophy, chiefly historical the theory that phenomena can be explained by an immanent force.

- DERIVATIVES dynamist n. dynamization (or dynamisation) n. dynamize (or dynamise) v.

dynamite

n.
1 a high explosive consisting of nitroglycerine mixed with an absorbent material.
2 informal an extremely impressive or potentially dangerous person or thing.
v. blow up with dynamite.

- DERIVATIVES dynamiter n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dunamis ‘power’ + -ite^1.

dynamo

n. (pl. dynamos) chiefly Brit.
1 a machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by rotating conducting coils in a magnetic field.
2 informal an extremely energetic person.

- ORIGIN C19: abbrev. of dynamo-electric machine, from Gk dunamis ‘power’.

dynamometer

//

n. an instrument which measures the power output of an engine.

dynast

//, //, //

n. a member of a dynasty, especially a hereditary ruler.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk dunasts, from dunasthai ‘be able’.

dynasty

//

n. (pl. dynasties) a line of hereditary rulers. a succession of powerful or prominent people from the same family.

- DERIVATIVES dynastic adj. dynastically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. dynastie, or via late L. from Gk dunasteia ‘lordship’, from dunasts (see dynast).

dyne

//

n. Physics a unit of force that, acting on a mass of one gram, increases its velocity by one centimetre per second every second along the direction in which it acts.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Gk dunamis ‘force, power’.

dyno

n. (pl. dynos)
1 short for dynamometer.
2 Climbing a rapid move across a rock face in order to reach a hold.

dynode

//

n. Electronics an intermediate electrode which emits additional electrons in a photomultiplier or similar amplifying device.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk dunamis ‘power’ + -ode^2.

dys-

//

comb. form bad; difficult (used especially in medical terms): dyspepsia.

- ORIGIN from Gk dus-.

dysarthria

//

n. Medicine unclear articulation of speech that is otherwise linguistically normal.

- ORIGIN C19: from dys- + Gk arthron ‘joint or articulation’.

dyscalculia

//

n. Psychiatry severe difficulty in making arithmetical calculations, as a result of brain disorder.

dyscrasia

//

n. Medicine an abnormal or disordered physiological state.

- DERIVATIVES dyscrasic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk duskrasia ‘bad combination’.

dysentery

//

n. infection of the intestines with bacteria or protozoans, resulting in severe diarrhoea with blood and mucus in the faeces.

- DERIVATIVES dysenteric // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. dissenterie, or via L. from Gk dusenteria, from dusenteros ‘afflicted in the bowels’.

dysfunctional

adj.
1 not operating normally or properly.
2 unable to deal adequately with normal social relations.

- DERIVATIVES dysfunction n. dysfunctionally adv.

dysgenic

//

adj. exerting a detrimental effect on later generations through the inheritance of undesirable characteristics.

dysgraphia

//

n. Psychiatry inability to write coherently, as a symptom of brain disease or damage.

- DERIVATIVES dysgraphic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from dys- + Gk -graphia ‘writing’.

dyskinesia

//, //

n. Medicine abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement.

- ORIGIN C18: from dys- + Gk kinsis ‘motion’.

dyslexia

//

n. a disorder involving difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols. Compare with alexia.

- DERIVATIVES dyslectic adj. & n. dyslexic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: Ger. Dyslexie from dys- + Gk lexis ‘speech’ (appar. by confusion of Gk legein ‘to speak’ and L. legere ‘to read’).

dysmenorrhoea

// (US dysmenorrhea)

n. Medicine painful menstruation.

dysmorphia

//

n. Medicine deformity or abnormality in the shape or size of a specified part of the body: muscle dysmorphia.

- DERIVATIVES dysmorphic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dusmorphia ‘misshapenness, ugliness’, from dus- dys- + morph ‘form’.

dyspareunia

//

n. Medicine difficult or painful sexual intercourse.

- ORIGIN C19: from dys- + Gk pareunos ‘lying with’.

dyspepsia

//

n. indigestion.

- ORIGIN C18: via L. from Gk duspepsia, from duspeptos ‘difficult to digest’.

dyspeptic

adj. having indigestion or a consequent air of irritable bad temper.
n. a dyspeptic person.

dysphagia

//

n. Medicine difficulty in swallowing, as a symptom of disease.

- ORIGIN C18: from dys- + Gk phagia ‘eating’.

dysphasia

//

n. Psychiatry language disorder marked by deficiency in the generation of speech, due to brain disease or damage.

- DERIVATIVES dysphasic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dusphatos ‘hard to utter’.

dysphemism

//

n. a derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one.

dysphonia

//

n. Medicine difficulty in speaking due to a physical disorder of the mouth, tongue, throat, or vocal cords.

- ORIGIN C18: from dys- + L. phonia from Gk, from phn ‘sound, voice’.

dysphoria

//

n. Psychiatry a state of unease or general dissatisfaction.

- DERIVATIVES dysphoric adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dusphoria, from dusphoros ‘hard to bear’.

dysplasia

//

n. Medicine the enlargement of an organ or tissue by the proliferation of abnormal cells.

- DERIVATIVES dysplastic adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from dys- + Gk plasis ‘formation’.

dyspnoea

// (US dyspnea)

n. Medicine laboured breathing.

- DERIVATIVES dyspnoeic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk duspnoia, from dus- ‘difficult’ + pno ‘breathing’.

dyspraxia

//

n. a developmental disorder of the brain in childhood that causes difficulty in activities requiring coordination and movement.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk dus- ‘bad or difficult’ + praxis ‘action’.

dysprosium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 66, a soft silvery-white metal of the lanthanide series. (Symbol: Dy)

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dusprositos ‘hard to get at’ + -ium.

dysrhythmia

//

n. Medicine abnormality in a physiological rhythm, especially of the brain or heart.

- DERIVATIVES dysrhythmic adj. dysrhythmical adj.

dysthymia

//

n. Psychiatry persistent mild depression.

- DERIVATIVES dysthymic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dusthumia.

dystocia

//

n. Medicine difficulty in giving birth.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk dustokia, from dus- ‘difficult’ + tokos ‘childbirth’.

dystonia

//

n. Medicine a state of abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscular spasm and abnormal posture.

- DERIVATIVES dystonic adj.

dystopia

//

n. an imaginary place or society in which everything is bad.

- DERIVATIVES dystopian adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C18: from dys- + Utopia.

dystrophic

//, //

adj.
1 Medicine affected by or relating to dystrophy, especially muscular dystrophy.
2 Ecology (of a body of water) having brown acidic water that is poor in oxygen, owing to high levels of dissolved humus.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk dus- ‘bad’ + -trophia ‘nourishment’ + -ic.

dystrophin

//

n. Biochemistry a protein found in skeletal muscle, which is absent in sufferers from muscular dystrophy.

dystrophy

//

n. Medicine a disorder in which an organ or tissue of the body wastes away. See also muscular dystrophy.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. dystrophia, from Gk dus- ‘bad’ + -trophia ‘nourishment’.

dysuria

//

n. Medicine painful or difficult urination.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk dusouria, from dus- ‘difficult’ + ouron ‘urine’.

DZ

abbrev.
1 Algeria (international vehicle registration). [ORIGIN from Arab. Djazïr.]
2 drop zone.

dzo

//, // (also dzho or zho)

n. (pl. same or dzos) a hybrid of a cow and a yak.

- ORIGIN C19: from Tibetan mdso.

Dzongkha

//

n. the official language of Bhutan, closely related to Tibetan.

- ORIGIN Tibetan.

E^1

(also e)

n. (pl. Es or E's)
1 the fifth letter of the alphabet.
2 denoting the fifth in a set.
3 Music the third note of the diatonic scale of C major.

E^2

abbrev.
1 East or Eastern.
2 informal the drug Ecstasy or a tablet of Ecstasy.
3 denoting products, in particular food additives, which comply with EU regulations. See also E-number.
4 exa- (10^18).
5 Spain (international vehicle registration). [ORIGIN from Sp. España.]
symb. Physics
1 electric field strength.
2 energy.

e

symb.
1 (€) euro or euros.
2 (also e-) Chemistry an electron.
3 (e) Mathematics the transcendental number that is the base of Napierian or natural logarithms, approximately equal to 2.71828.

e-1

prefix variant spelling of ex-1 (as in elect, emit).

e-2

prefix denoting the use of electronic data transfer, especially through the Internet: e-cash.

- ORIGIN from electronic, on the pattern of email.

ea.

abbrev. each.

each

det. & pron. every one of two or more people or things, regarded and identified separately.
adv. to, for, or by every one of a group.

- PHRASES
each and every every single.

- ORIGIN OE ælc, based on a W. Gmc phr. meaning ‘ever alike’ (see aye^2, alike).

each other

pron. the other one or ones.

each-way

adj. & adv. Brit. (of a bet) backing a horse or other competitor either to win or to finish in the first three.

eager

adj. strongly wanting to do or have something. keenly expectant or interested.

- PHRASES
eager beaver informal an enthusiastic person who works very hard.

- DERIVATIVES eagerly adv. eagerness n.

- ORIGIN ME (also in the sense ‘pungent, sour’): from OFr. aigre ‘keen’, from L. acer, acr- ‘sharp, pungent’.

eagle

n.
1 a large bird of prey with a massive hooked bill and long broad wings, known for its keen sight and powerful soaring flight.   Aquila and other genera.
2 Golf a score of two strokes under par at a hole.
3 US a former gold coin worth ten dollars.
v. Golf play (a hole) in two strokes under par.

- DERIVATIVES eaglet n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aigle, from L. aquila. The golf term was suggested by birdie.

eagle eye

n. a close watch.

- DERIVATIVES eagle-eyed adj.

eagle owl

n. a very large owl with ear tufts and a deep hoot.   Bubo bubo (Eurasia) and related species.

eagle ray

n. a large ray with long pointed pectoral fins, a long tail, and a distinct head.   Genera Myliobatis and Aetobatus: several species.

eagre

//, //

n. dialect term for bore^3.

- ORIGIN C17: of unknown origin.

EAK

abbrev. Kenya (international vehicle registration).

- ORIGIN from East Africa Kenya.

-ean

suffix forming adjectives and nouns such as Antipodean.

- ORIGIN from L. -aeus, -eus or Gk -aios, -eios, + -an.

ear^1

n.
1 the organ of hearing and balance in humans and other vertebrates, especially the external part of this. (in other animals) an organ sensitive to sound.
2 an ability to recognize and appreciate sounds: an ear for music.
3 willingness to listen and pay attention: a sympathetic ear.

- PHRASES
be all ears informal be listening attentively.
one's ears are burning one is subconsciously aware of being talked about.
have someone's ear have access to and influence with someone.
have (or keep) an ear to the ground be well informed about events and trends.
be out on one's ear informal be dismissed ignominiously.
up to one's ears in informal very busy with.

- DERIVATIVES eared adj. earless adj.

- ORIGIN OE are, of Gmc origin.

ear^2

n. the seed-bearing head or spike of a cereal plant.

- ORIGIN OE ar, of Gmc origin.

earache

n. pain inside the ear.

earbashing

n. informal a lengthy and reproachful speech.

- DERIVATIVES earbash v.

ear candy

n. informal light popular music that is pleasant and entertaining but intellectually undemanding.

eardrum

n. the membrane of the middle ear, which vibrates in response to sound waves.

earful

n. informal a prolonged reprimand.

earhole

n. the external opening of the ear.

earl

n. a British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess.

- DERIVATIVES earldom n.

- ORIGIN OE eorl, of Gmc origin.

Earl Grey

n. a kind of China tea flavoured with bergamot.

- ORIGIN prob. named after the 2nd Earl Grey (1764–1845), said to have been given the recipe by a Chinese mandarin.

Earl Marshal

n. (in the UK) the officer presiding over the College of Arms, with ceremonial duties on various royal occasions.

ear lobe

n. a soft, rounded fleshy part hanging from the lower margin of the ear.

Earl Palatine

n. historical an earl having royal authority within his country or domain.

early

adj. (earlier, earliest)
1 before the usual or expected time.
2 of, at, or near the beginning of a particular time, period, or sequence. (of a plant or crop) flowering or ripening before other varieties.
adv.
1 before the usual or expected time.
2 at or near the beginning of a time, period, etc.
n. (earlies)
1 potatoes ready to be harvested before the main crop.
2 informal early shifts.

- PHRASES
at the earliest not before the time or date specified.
early bird humorous a person who rises or arrives early.
early (or earlier) on at an early (or earlier) stage.

- DERIVATIVES earliness n.

- ORIGIN OE (as adv.) ærlce (see ere, -ly^2), influenced by ON árliga.

early closing

n. Brit. the practice of shutting business premises on a particular afternoon every week.

Early English

adj. denoting a style of English Gothic architecture typical of the late 12th and 13th centuries, characterized by pointed arches and simple lancet windows.

early music

n. medieval, Renaissance, and early baroque music, especially as revived and played on period instruments.

earmark

v.
1 designate for a particular purpose.
2 mark (an animal) with an earmark.
n.
1 an identifying feature.
2 an identifying mark on the ear of a domesticated animal.

earmuffs

pl. n. a pair of soft fabric coverings, connected by a band, worn over the ears to protect them from cold or noise.

earn

v.
1 obtain (money) in return for labour or services. (of capital invested) gain (money) as interest or profit.
2 gain (something) as the reward for hard work or merit.

- ORIGIN OE earnian, of W. Gmc origin.

earned income

n. money derived from paid work as opposed to profit from investments.

earned run

n. Baseball a run that is not the result of an error or passed ball.

earner

n. a person or thing earning money or income of a specified kind or level: high earners.

earnest^1

//

adj. sincere and very serious.

- PHRASES
in earnest to a greater extent or more intensely than before. sincere and serious in intention.

- DERIVATIVES earnestly adv. earnestness n.

- ORIGIN OE eornoste (adj.), eornost (n.), of Gmc origin.

earnest^2

//

n. a sign or promise of what is to come.

- ORIGIN ME ernes, lit. ‘instalment paid to confirm a contract’, based on OFr. erres, from L. arra, shortened form of arrabo ‘a pledge’.

earnest money

n. chiefly US money paid to confirm a contract.

earnings

pl. n. money or income earned.

earphone

n. an electrical device worn on the ear to receive radio or telephone communications or to listen to a radio or tape recorder.

earpiece

n. the part of a telephone, radio receiver, or other device that is applied to the ear during use.

ear-piercing

adj. loud and shrill.
n. the piercing of the lobes or edges of the ears to allow the wearing of earrings.

earplug

n. a piece of wax, cotton wool, etc., placed in the ear as protection against noise, water, or cold air.

earring

n. a piece of jewellery worn on the lobe or edge of the ear.

earshot

n. the range or distance over which one can hear or be heard.

ear-splitting

adj. extremely loud.

earth

n.
1 (also Earth) the planet on which we live, the third planet of the solar system in order of distance from the sun.
2 the substance of the land surface; soil. one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy and in astrology. used in names of stable, dense, non-volatile inorganic substances, e.g. fuller's earth. literary the substance of the human body: earth to earth, ashes to ashes.
3 Brit. electrical connection to the ground, regarded as having zero electrical potential.
4 the underground lair of a badger or fox.
v.
1 Brit. connect (an electrical device) to earth.
2 Hunting (of a fox) run to its earth.

- PHRASES
bring (or come) back (down) to earth cause to return (or return) to reality.
the earth chiefly Brit. a very large amount: her hat cost the earth.
go to earth go into hiding.
on earth used for emphasis: what on earth are you doing?

- DERIVATIVES earthward adj. & adv. earthwards adv.

- ORIGIN OE eorthe, of Gmc origin.

earthbound

adj.
1 confined to the earth or earthly things.
2 moving towards the earth.

earth closet

n. Brit. a basic type of toilet with dry earth used to cover excrement.

earthen

adj.
1 made of compressed earth.
2 (of a pot) made of baked or fired clay.

earthenware

n. pottery made of fired clay.

earthling

n. (in science fiction) an inhabitant of the earth.

earthly

adj. (earthlier, earthliest)
1 relating to the earth or human life on the earth. material; worldly.
2 [with neg.] informal used for emphasis: there was no earthly reason to rush.

- PHRASES
not stand (or have) an earthly Brit. informal have no chance at all.

- DERIVATIVES earthliness n.

earth mother

n. (in mythology and primitive religion) a goddess symbolizing fertility and the source of life.

earth mover

n. a vehicle or machine designed to excavate large quantities of soil.

earthnut

n.
1 a plant of the parsley family with an edible roundish tuber.   Conopodium majus.
2 the almond-flavoured tuber of the earthnut.

earthquake

n. a sudden violent shaking of the ground as a result of movements within the earth's crust.

earth science

(also earth sciences)

n. the branches of science concerned with the physical constitution of the earth and its atmosphere.

earth-shattering

adj. informal very important or shocking.

- DERIVATIVES earth-shatteringly adv.

earthshine

n. Astronomy the glow caused by sunlight reflected by the earth, especially on the darker portion of a crescent moon.

earthstar

n. a brownish woodland fungus with a spherical fruiting body surrounded by a fleshy star-shaped structure.   Geastrum and other genera.

earthwork

n. a large artificial bank of soil, especially one made as a defence in ancient times.

earthworm

n. a burrowing annelid worm that lives in the soil.   Lumbricus and other genera, family Lumbricidae.

earthy

adj. (earthier, earthiest)
1 resembling or suggestive of soil.
2 direct and uninhibited, especially about sexual subjects or bodily functions.

- DERIVATIVES earthily adv. earthiness n.

ear trumpet

n. a trumpet-shaped device formerly used as a hearing aid.

ear tuft

n. each of a pair of tufts of longer feathers on the top of the head of some owls.

earwax

n. the protective yellow waxy substance secreted in the passage of the outer ear.

earwig

n. a small elongated insect with a pair of terminal appendages that resemble pincers.   Order Dermaptera: many species.
v. (earwigs, earwigging, earwigged) Brit. informal eavesdrop.

- ORIGIN OE arwicga, from are ‘ear’ + wicga ‘earwig’ (prob. rel. to wiggle); the insect was once thought to crawl into the human ear.

ease

n. absence of difficulty or effort. freedom from worries or problems.
v.
1 make or become less serious or severe. make (something) easier; facilitate.
2 move carefully or gradually.
3 (ease off/up) do something with more moderation. (ease something away/down/off) Nautical slacken a rope or sail slowly or gently.
4 (of share prices, interest rates, etc.) decrease in value or amount.

- PHRASES
at (one's) ease relaxed. (at ease) Military in a relaxed attitude with the feet apart and the hands behind the back.

- DERIVATIVES easeful adj. (literary). easer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aise, based on L. adjacens, adjacere ‘lie close by’.

easel

//

n. a wooden frame for holding an artist's work in progress.

- ORIGIN C16: from Du. ezel ‘ass’.

easement

//

n.
1 Law a right to cross or otherwise use another's land for a specified purpose.
2 literary comfort or peace.

easily

adv.
1 without difficulty or effort. more quickly or frequently than is usual.
2 without doubt. very probably.

east

n. (usu. the east)
1 the direction towards the point of the horizon where the sun rises at the equinoxes, on the right-hand side of a person facing north.
2 the eastern part of a country, region, or town. (the East) the regions or countries lying to the east of Europe, especially China, Japan, and India. (the East) historical the former communist states of eastern Europe.
adj.
1 lying towards, near, or facing the east.
2 (of a wind) blowing from the east.
adv. to or towards the east.

- DERIVATIVES eastbound adj. & adv.

- ORIGIN OE ast-, of Gmc origin.

East Ender

n. an inhabitant of the part of London east of the City.

Easter

n. the festival of the Christian Church celebrating the resurrection of Christ, held (in the Western Church) on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.

- ORIGIN OE astre, of Gmc origin and rel. to east; perh. from astre, a goddess assoc. with spring.

Easter bunny

n. an imaginary rabbit said to bring gifts to children at Easter.

Easter Day

(also Easter Sunday)

n. the day on which the festival of Easter is celebrated.

Easter egg

n. an artificial chocolate egg or decorated hard-boiled egg given at Easter, especially to children.

easterly

adj. & adv.
1 in an eastward position or direction.
2 (of a wind) blowing from the east.
n. a wind blowing from the east.

eastern

adj.
1 situated in, directed towards, or facing the east.
2 (usu. Eastern) coming from or characteristic of the regions to the east of Europe.

- DERIVATIVES easternmost adj.

Eastern Church

(also Eastern Orthodox Church)

n. another name for Orthodox Church. any of the Christian Churches originating in eastern Europe and the Middle East.

easterner

n. a native or inhabitant of the east of a particular region or country.

Eastertide

n. the Easter period.

East Germanic

n. the extinct eastern group of Germanic languages, including Gothic.
adj. relating to East Germanic.

East Indiaman

n. historical a trading ship belonging to the East India Company (a British trading company active in SE Asia and India).

East Indian

adj. relating to the islands of SE Asia or (archaic) the whole of SE Asia to the east of and including India.

easting

n.
1 distance travelled or measured eastward, especially at sea.
2 a figure or line representing eastward distance on a map.

east-north-east

n. the direction or compass point midway between east and north-east.

east-south-east

n. the direction or compass point midway between east and south-east.

eastward

adj. in an easterly direction.
adv. (also eastwards) towards the east.
n. (the eastward) the direction or region to the east.

- DERIVATIVES eastwardly adj. & adv.

easy

adj. (easier, easiest)
1 achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties.
2 free from worry or problems: an easy life. lacking anxiety or awkwardness.
3 vulnerable to attack or criticism: an easy target.
4 derogatory (of a woman) very receptive to sexual advances.
exclam. be careful!

- PHRASES
easy touch another term for soft touch (see soft).
easy on the eye (or ear) informal pleasant to look at (or listen to).
go (or be) easy on informal refrain from being harsh with or critical of.
of easy virtue dated or humorous (of a woman) sexually promiscuous.
stand easy! Military used to instruct soldiers standing at ease that they may relax their attitude further.
take it easy make little effort; rest.

- DERIVATIVES easiness n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aisie, past part. of aisier (see ease).

easy chair

n. a large, comfortable chair, typically an armchair.

easy-going

adj. relaxed and tolerant.

easy listening

n. popular music that is tuneful and undemanding.

easy money

n. money obtained by dubious means or for little work.

easy-peasy

adj. Brit. informal very easy.

- ORIGIN 1970s: reduplication of easy.

easy street

n. informal a state of financial comfort or security.

EAT

abbrev. Tanzania (international vehicle registration).

- ORIGIN from East Africa Tanzania.

eat

v. (past ate //, //; past part. eaten)
1 put (food) into the mouth and chew and swallow it. (eat out or in) have a meal in a restaurant (or at home).
2 (eat something away or eat away at/into) erode or destroy something gradually. (eat something up) use resources in very large quantities. (eat someone up) dominate someone's thoughts completely.
n. (eats) informal light food or snacks.

- PHRASES
eat one's heart out suffer from excessive longing for something unattainable.
eat like a bird (or a horse) informal eat very little (or a lot).
eat one's words retract what one has said, especially in a humiliated way.
I'll eat my hat informal said to indicate that one thinks something is extremely unlikely to happen.
what's eating you (or him etc.)? informal what is worrying or annoying you?

- DERIVATIVES eater n.

- ORIGIN OE etan, of Gmc origin.

eatable

adj. fit to be consumed as food.
n. (eatables) items of food.

eatery

n. (pl. eateries) informal a restaurant or cafe.

eating apple

n. an apple suitable for eating raw.

EAU

abbrev. Uganda (international vehicle registration).

- ORIGIN from East Africa Uganda.

eau de cologne

/ /

n. (pl. eaux de cologne pronunc. same) a toilet water with a strong scent.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘water of Cologne’.

eau de Nil

/ /

n. a pale greenish colour.

- ORIGIN Fr. eau-de-Nil, lit. ‘water of the Nile’.

eau de toilette

/ /

n. (pl. eaux de toilette pronunc. same) a dilute form of perfume.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘toilet water’.

eau de vie

/ /

n. (pl. eaux de vie pronunc. same) brandy.

- ORIGIN from Fr. eau-de-vie, lit. ‘water of life’.

eaves

pl. n. the part of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building.

- ORIGIN OE efes (sing.); of Gmc origin; prob. rel. to over.

eavesdrop

v. (eavesdrops, eavesdropping, eavesdropped) secretly listen to a conversation.

- DERIVATIVES eavesdropper n.

- ORIGIN C17: back-form. from eavesdropper (ME), from the obs. noun eavesdrop ‘the ground on to which water drips from the eaves’, prob. from ON upsardropi.

eavestrough

n. N. Amer. a gutter fixed beneath the edge of a roof.

ebb

n. the movement of the tide out to sea.
v.
1 (of tidewater) move away from the land; recede. Compare with flow.
2 (often ebb away) (of an emotion or quality) gradually decrease.

- PHRASES
at a low ebb in a poor state.

- ORIGIN OE ebba (n.), ebbian (v.), of W. Gmc origin; ult. rel. to of.

EBD

abbrev. emotional and behavioural difficulties (or disorder).

E-boat

n. a German torpedo boat used in the Second World War.

- ORIGIN from E- for enemy + boat.

Ebola fever

//, //

n. an infectious and generally fatal viral disease marked by fever and severe internal bleeding.

- ORIGIN 1976: named after a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).

ebon

//

n. literary very dark in colour; ebony.

Ebonics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] American black English regarded as a language in its own right rather than as a dialect of standard English.

- ORIGIN 1970s: blend of ebony and phonics.

ebonite

n. another term for vulcanite.

ebonized

(or ebonised)

adj. (of furniture) made to look like ebony.

ebony

//

n.
1 heavy blackish or very dark brown wood from a tree of tropical and warm regions.
2 the tree which produces ebony.   Diospyros ebenum (India and Sri Lanka) and other species.
3 a very dark brown or black colour.

- ORIGIN ME: from earlier ebon (via OFr. and L. from Gk ebenos ‘ebony tree’), perh. on the pattern of ivory.

e-book

n. an electronic version of a printed book which can be read on a computer or special hand-held device.

EBRD

abbrev. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

ebullient

//, //

adj.
1 cheerful and full of energy.
2 archaic (of liquid) boiling or turbulent.

- DERIVATIVES ebullience n. ebulliently adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. ebullient-, ebullire ‘boil up’.

ebullition

//, //

n. technical or archaic
1 the action of bubbling or boiling.
2 a sudden outburst of emotion or violence.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. ebullitio(n-), from ebullire (see ebullient).

EBV

abbrev. Epstein-Barr virus.

EC

abbrev.
1 East Central (London postal district).
2 Ecuador (international vehicle registration).
3 European Commission.
4 European Community.
5 executive committee.

ecad

//

n. Ecology an organism that is modified by its environment.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk oikos ‘house’ + -ad^1.

écarté

n.
1 // a card game for two players, in which thirty-two cards are used and certain cards may be discarded in exchange for others.
2 // Ballet a position in which the dancer extends one leg in the air to the side with the arm of the same side raised above the head and the other arm extended to the side.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., past part. of écarter ‘discard, throw out’.

e-cash

n. electronic financial transactions conducted via computer networks.

ECB

abbrev. (in the UK) English Cricket Board.

Ecce Homo

/ /, //

n. Art a painting of Christ wearing the crown of thorns.

- ORIGIN L., ‘behold the man’, the words of Pontius Pilate to the Jews after Jesus was crowned with thorns (John 19:5).

eccentric

//, //

adj.
1 unconventional and slightly strange.
2 technical not placed centrally or not having its axis placed centrally. (of an orbit) not circular, especially to a marked degree.
n.
1 an eccentric person.
2 a cam or other part mounted eccentrically on a revolving shaft in order to transform rotation into backward-and-forward motion.

- DERIVATIVES eccentrically adv. eccentricity n. (pl. eccentricities).

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk ekkentros, from ek ‘out of’ + kentron ‘centre’.

ecchymosis

//

n. (pl. ecchymoses //) Medicine a discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically caused by bruising.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., from Gk ekkhumsis ‘escape of blood’.

Eccles.

abbrev. Ecclesiastes (in biblical references).

Eccles cake

n. Brit. a round flat cake of sweetened pastry filled with currants.

- ORIGIN named after the town of Eccles near Manchester.

ecclesial

//

adj. formal relating to or constituting a Church or denomination.

- ORIGIN C17: via OFr. from Gk ekklsia (see ecclesiastical).

ecclesiarch

//

n. archaic a ruler of a Church.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk ekklsia ‘church’ + arkhos ‘leader’.

ecclesiastic

formal

n. a priest or clergyman.
adj. another term for ecclesiastical.

ecclesiastical

adj. relating to the Christian Church or its clergy.

- DERIVATIVES ecclesiastically adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. ecclésiastique, or via late L. from Gk ekklsiastikos, from ekklsiasts ‘member of an assembly’, from ekklsia ‘assembly, church’.

ecclesiasticism

n. adherence or over-attention to details of Church practice.

ecclesiology

//

n.
1 the study of churches.
2 theology as applied to the nature and structure of the Christian Church.

- DERIVATIVES ecclesiological adj. ecclesiologist n.

Ecclus

abbrev. Ecclesiasticus (in biblical references).

eccrine

//, //

adj. Physiology relating to or denoting multicellular glands which do not lose cytoplasm in their secretions, especially the sweat glands on the hands and feet.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk ekkrinein ‘secrete’.

ecdysiast

//

n. humorous a striptease performer.

- ORIGIN 1940s: from Gk ekdusis ‘shedding’, on the pattern of enthusiast.

ecdysis

//, //

n. Zoology the process of shedding the old skin (in reptiles) or casting off the outer cuticle (in insects and other arthropods).

- DERIVATIVES ecdysial // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk ekdusis ‘shedding’.

ecdysone

//, //

n. Biochemistry a steroid hormone that controls moulting in insects and other arthropods.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from Gk ekdusis ‘shedding’ + -one.

ECG

abbrev. electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph.

echelon

//, //

n.
1 a level or rank in an organization, profession, or society.
2 Military a formation of troops, ships, aircraft, or vehicles in parallel rows with the end of each row projecting further than the one in front.
v. Military arrange in an echelon formation.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. échelon, from échelle ‘ladder’.

echeveria

//

n. a succulent plant with rosettes of fleshy colourful leaves, native to warm regions of America.   Genus Echeveria.

- ORIGIN mod. L., named after the 19th-cent. Mexican illustrator Anastasio Echeveri or Echeverría.

echidna

//

n. a spiny insectivorous egg-laying mammal with a long snout and claws, native to Australia and New Guinea.   Tachyglossus aculeatus and Zaglossus bruijni.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk ekhidna ‘viper’; cf. ekhinos ‘sea urchin, hedgehog’.

echinacea

//

n. a North American plant of the daisy family, whose flowers have a raised cone-like centre which appears to consist of soft spines.   Genus Echinacea: several species.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk ekhinos ‘sea urchin, hedgehog’.

echinoderm

//, //

n. Zoology a marine invertebrate of the phylum Echinodermata, which includes starfishes, sea urchins, brittlestars, crinoids, and sea cucumbers.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Echinodermata, from Gk ekhinos ‘hedgehog, sea urchin’ + derma ‘skin’.

echinoid

//

n. Zoology an echinoderm of the class Echinoidea; a sea urchin.

- ORIGIN from mod. L. Echinoidea, from Echinus (genus name), from Gk ekhinos (see echinus).

echinus

//

n. Architecture a rounded moulding below an abacus on a Doric or Ionic capital.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk ekhinos ‘hedgehog, sea urchin’.

echo

n. (pl. echoes)
1 a sound caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the listener. a reflected radio or radar beam. Linguistics the repetition of one speaker's utterance by another.
2 something suggestive of or parallel to something else.
3 Bridge a play by a defender of a higher card in a suit followed by a lower one in a subsequent trick, used as a signal to request a further lead of that suit by their partner.
4 a code word representing the letter E, used in radio communication.
v. (echoes, echoing, echoed)
1 (of a sound) reverberate or be repeated after the original sound has stopped. repeat (someone's words or opinions).
2 be suggestive of or parallel to: a blue suit that echoed the colour of her eyes.

- DERIVATIVES echoer n. echoey adj. echoless adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. or L., from Gk kh, rel. to kh ‘a sound’.

echocardiography

//

n. Medicine the use of ultrasound waves to investigate the action of the heart.

- DERIVATIVES echocardiogram n. echocardiograph n. echocardiographic adj.

echo chamber

n. an enclosed space for producing reverberation of sound.

echogram

n. a recording of depth or distance under water made by an echo sounder.

echograph

n. an instrument for recording echograms.

echoic

//

adj.
1 of or like an echo.
2 Linguistics representing a sound by imitation; onomatopoeic.

- DERIVATIVES echoically adv.

echolalia

//

n.
1 Psychiatry meaningless repetition of another person's spoken words as a symptom of psychiatric disorder.
2 repetition of speech by a child learning to talk.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk kh ‘echo’ + lalia ‘speech’.

echolocation

//

n. the location of objects by reflected sound, in particular as used by animals such as dolphins and bats.

echo sounder

n. a device for determining the depth of the seabed or detecting objects in water by measuring the time taken for echoes to return to the listener.

- DERIVATIVES echo-sounding n.

echovirus

(also ECHO virus)

n. Medicine any of a group of enteroviruses which can cause respiratory infections and a mild form of meningitis.

- ORIGIN 1950s: echo is acronym from enteric cytopathogenic human orphan, because the virus was not orig. assignable to any known disease.

echt

//

adj. authentic and typical.

- ORIGIN from Ger.

eclair

//, //

n. a small, soft cake of choux pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate icing.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. éclair, lit. ‘lightning’.

éclaircissement

//

n. literary an explanation or clarification of something obscure or puzzling.

- ORIGIN Fr., from éclaircir ‘clear up’.

eclampsia

//

n. Medicine a condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, often followed by coma and posing a threat to the health of mother and baby.

- DERIVATIVES eclamptic adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Fr. éclampsie, from Gk eklampsis ‘sudden development’.

éclat

//

n. brilliant display or effect. social distinction or conspicuous success.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., from éclater ‘burst out’.

eclectic

//

adj.
1 deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources.
2 (Eclectic) denoting or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who selected doctrines from various schools of thought.
n. an eclectic person.

- DERIVATIVES eclectically adv. eclecticism n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk eklektikos, from eklegein ‘pick out’.

eclipse

//

n.
1 an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination. an instance of being eclipsed by another person or thing.
2 Ornithology a phase during which the distinctive markings of a bird (especially a male duck) are obscured by moulting of the breeding plumage.
v.
1 (of a celestial body) obscure the light from or to (another body).
2 deprive of significance, power, or prominence.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. e(s)clipse (n.), eclipser (v.), via L. from Gk ekleipsis, from ekleipein ‘fail to appear, be eclipsed’.

eclipsing binary

n. Astronomy a binary star whose brightness varies periodically as the two components pass one in front of the other.

ecliptic

// Astronomy

n. a great circle on the celestial sphere representing the sun's apparent path during the year, so called because lunar and solar eclipses can only occur when the moon crosses it.
adj. of eclipses or the ecliptic.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk ekleiptikos, from ekleipein (see eclipse).

eclogite

//

n. Geology a metamorphic rock containing granular minerals, typically garnet and pyroxene.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from Gk eklog ‘selection’ + -ite^1.

eclogue

//

n. a short pastoral poem, especially one in the form of a dialogue.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk eklog ‘selection’.

eclose

//

v. Entomology (of an insect) emerge as an adult from the pupa or as a larva from the egg.

- DERIVATIVES eclosion n.

- ORIGIN back-form. from earlier (C19) eclosion: from Fr. éclore ‘to hatch’.

ECM

abbrev. electronic countermeasures.

eco-

//, //

comb. form representing ecology.

ecocentrism

n. another term for biocentrism.

- DERIVATIVES ecocentric adj.

ecocide

n. destruction of the natural environment, especially when wilfully done.

eco-friendly

adj. not harmful to the environment.

eco-labelling

n. the use of labels to identify products conforming to recognized environmental standards.

- DERIVATIVES eco-label n.

E. coli

//

n. the bacterium Escherichia coli, commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.

ecological footprint

n. the amount of land required to sustain a particular person or society.

ecology

//, //

n. the branch of biology concerned with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

- DERIVATIVES ecological adj. ecologically adv. ecologist n.

- ORIGIN C19 (orig. as oecology): from Gk oikos ‘house’ + -logy.

e-commerce

(also e-business)

n. commercial transactions conducted electronically on the Internet.

econometrics

//

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of economics concerned with the use of mathematical methods (especially statistics) in describing economic systems.

- DERIVATIVES econometric adj. econometrical adj. econometrician n. econometrist n.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from economy, on the pattern of words such as biometrics.

economic

//, //

adj.
1 relating to economics or the economy.
2 justified in terms of profitability. sparing in the use of resources or money.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. and L. from Gk oikonomikos, from oikonomia (see economy).

economical

adj. giving good value or return in relation to the resources or money expended. sparing in the use of resources or money.

- PHRASES
economical with the truth euphemistic lying or deliberately withholding information.

economically

adv.
1 in a way that relates to economics or finance.
2 in an economical way.

economic migrant

n. a person who travels from one country or area to another in order to improve their standard of living.

economics

pl. n. [often treated as sing.] the branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.

economism

//

n. belief in the primacy of economic causes or factors.

economist

n. an expert in economics.

economize

(or economise)

v. be economical; spend less.

- DERIVATIVES economization n. economizer n.

economy

n. (pl. economies)
1 the state of a country or area in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money. a country or area having a particular economy: a free-market economy.
2 careful management of available resources. [as modifier] offering good value for money: an economy pack. a financial saving.
3 (also economy class) the cheapest class of air or rail travel.

- PHRASES
economy of scale a proportionate saving in costs gained by an increased level of production.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. économie, or via L. from Gk oikonomia ‘household management’, based on oikos ‘house’ + nemein ‘manage’.

economy-class syndrome

n. deep-vein thrombosis said to be caused by prolonged immobility on long-haul flights.

écorché

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) a painting or sculpture of a human figure with the skin removed to display the musculature.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘flayed’.

ecoregion

n. an area defined in terms of its natural features and environment.

ecosphere

n. the parts of the earth or another planet in which life exists or could exist.

ecossaise

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) an energetic country dance in duple time.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., fem. of écossais ‘Scottish’.

ecosystem

n. Ecology a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

ecotone

//, //

n. Ecology a region of transition between two biological communities.

- DERIVATIVES ecotonal adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from eco- + Gk tonos ‘tension’.

ecotourism

n. tourism directed towards unspoilt natural environments and intended to support conservation efforts.

- DERIVATIVES ecotour n. & v. ecotourist n.

ecotype

n. Botany & Zoology a distinct form or race of a plant or animal species occupying a particular habitat.

eco-warrior

n. informal a person actively involved in preventing damage to the environment.

ecru

//, //

n. the light fawn colour of unbleached linen.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. écru ‘unbleached’.

ECSC

abbrev. European Coal and Steel Community.

ecstasy

//

n. (pl. ecstasies)
1 an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.
2 an emotional or religious frenzy or trance-like state.
3 (Ecstasy) an illegal amphetamine-based synthetic drug with euphoric effects.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. extasie, via late L. from Gk ekstasis ‘standing outside oneself’.

ecstatic

//, //

adj.
1 blissfully happy; joyful.
2 involving an intense mystical or trance-like experience.
n. a person subject to mystical experiences.

- DERIVATIVES ecstatically adv.

ECT

abbrev. electroconvulsive therapy.

ecto-

comb. form outer; external: ectoparasite.

- ORIGIN from Gk ektos ‘outside’.

ectoderm

//

n. Zoology & Embryology the outermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo, or the parts derived from this (e.g. the epidermis).

- DERIVATIVES ectodermal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from ecto- + Gk derma ‘skin’.

ectogenesis

//

n. (chiefly in science fiction) the development of embryos in artificial conditions outside the womb.

- DERIVATIVES ectogenetic adj.

ectomorph

//

n. Physiology a person with a lean and delicate build of body. Compare with endomorph and mesomorph.

- DERIVATIVES ectomorphic adj. ectomorphy n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: ecto- from ectodermal (being the layer of the embryo giving rise to these physical characteristics) + -morph.

-ectomy

comb. form denoting surgical removal of a specified part of the body: appendectomy.

- ORIGIN from Gk ektom ‘excision’.

ectoparasite

//

n. Biology a parasite, such as a flea, that lives on the outside of its host. Compare with endoparasite.

- DERIVATIVES ectoparasitic adj.

ectopic

//

adj. Medicine in an abnormal place or position.

- DERIVATIVES ectopically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. ectopia ‘presence of tissue, cells, etc. in an abnormal place’ (from Gk ektopos ‘out of place’) + -ic.

ectopic pregnancy

n. a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the womb, typically in a Fallopian tube.

ectoplasm

//

n.
1 Biology, dated the more viscous, clear outer layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells. Compare with endoplasm.
2 a viscous substance that supposedly exudes from the body of a medium during a spiritualistic trance and forms the material for the manifestation of spirits.

- DERIVATIVES ectoplasmic adj.

ectotherm

//

n. Zoology an animal that is dependent on external sources of body heat.

- DERIVATIVES ectothermic adj. ectothermy n.

ecu

//, // (also ECU)

n. (pl. same or ecus) former term for euro.

- ORIGIN acronym from European currency unit.

Ecuadorean

// (also Ecuadorian)

n. a native or inhabitant of Ecuador.
adj. relating to Ecuador.

ecumenical

//, //

adj. representing a number of different Christian Churches. promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian Churches.

- DERIVATIVES ecumenically adv. ecumenism // n.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk oikoumenikos from oikoumen ‘the (inhabited) earth’.

Ecumenical Patriarch

n. a title of the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.

eczema

//, //

n. a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itching and bleeding.

- DERIVATIVES eczematous //, // adj.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk ekzema, from ekzein ‘boil over, break out’.

ed.

abbrev.
1 edited by.
2 edition.
3 editor.

-ed^1

suffix forming adjectives:
1 (added to nouns) having; possessing; affected by: talented.
2 from phrases consisting of adjective and noun: bad-tempered.

- ORIGIN OE -ede.

-ed^2

suffix forming:
1 the past tense and past participle of weak verbs: landed.
2 participial adjectives: wounded.

- ORIGIN OE -ed, -ad, -od.

edacious

//

adj. rare of or given to eating.

- DERIVATIVES edacity n.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. edax, edac- (from edere ‘eat’) + -ious.

Edam

//

n. a round Dutch cheese, typically pale yellow with a red wax coating, traditionally made at Edam in the Netherlands.

edamame

//

n. a Japanese dish of salted green soybeans boiled in their pods.

- ORIGIN Japanese, lit. ‘beans on a branch’.

edaphic

//

adj. Ecology of, produced by, or influenced by the soil.

- ORIGIN C19: coined in Ger. from Gk edaphos ‘floor’ + -ic.

Edda

//

n. either of two 13th-century Icelandic books, the Elder or Poetic Edda (a collection of Old Norse poems on Norse legends) and the Younger or Prose Edda (a handbook to Icelandic poetry).

- ORIGIN either from the name of a character in the ON poem Rigsthul, or from ON óthr ‘poetry’.

eddo

//

n. (pl. eddoes) a taro corm or plant of a West Indian variety with many edible cormlets.

- ORIGIN C17: of W. Afr. origin.

eddy

n. (pl. eddies) a circular movement of water causing a small whirlpool.
v. (eddies, eddying, eddied) (of water, air, or smoke) move in a circular way.

- ORIGIN ME: prob. from the Gmc base of the OE prefix ed- ‘again, back’.

eddy current

n. a localized electric current induced in a conductor by a varying magnetic field.

edelweiss

//

n. a mountain plant which has woolly white bracts around its small flowers and downy grey-green leaves.   Leontopodium alpinum.

- ORIGIN C19: from Ger., from edel ‘noble’ + weiss ‘white’.

edema

n. US spelling of oedema.

Eden

//

n.
1 (also Garden of Eden) the place where Adam and Eve lived in the biblical account of the Creation.
2 a place or state of unspoilt happiness or beauty.

- DERIVATIVES Edenic // adj.

- ORIGIN from late L. (Vulgate), Gk dn (Septuagint), and Heb. den; perh. ult. from Sumerian eden ‘plain, desert’, but prob. rel. to Heb. den ‘delight’.

edentate

//

n. Zoology a mammal of an order distinguished by the lack of incisor and canine teeth, including the anteaters, sloths, and armadillos.   Order Xenarthra (or Edentata).

- ORIGIN C19: from L. edentat-, edentare ‘make toothless’.

edentulous

//

adj. Medicine & Zoology lacking teeth.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. edentulus.

edge

n.
1 the outside limit of an object, area, or surface. an area next to a steep drop.
2 the sharpened side of a blade.
3 an intense or striking quality. a quality or factor which gives superiority over close rivals: his cars have the edge over his rivals'.
4 the line along which two surfaces of a solid meet.
v.
1 provide with a border or edge.
2 move carefully or furtively.
3 (usu. edge out) informal defeat by a small margin.
4 give an intense or sharp quality to.
5 Cricket strike (the ball) with the edge of the bat.

- PHRASES
on edge tense, nervous, or irritable.
set someone's teeth on edge (of a sound or taste) cause intense discomfort or irritation to someone.

- DERIVATIVES -edged adj. edgeless adj. edger n.

- ORIGIN OE ecg ‘sharpened side of a blade’, of Gmc origin.

edge tool

n. a handworked or machine-operated cutting tool.

edgeways

(US edgewise)

adv. Brit. with the edge uppermost or towards the viewer.

- PHRASES
get a word in edgeways [usu. with neg.] manage to contribute to a conversation with a voluble person.

edging

n. something forming an edge or border.

edgy

adj. (edgier, edgiest)
1 tense, nervous, or irritable.
2 informal avant-garde and unconventional.

- DERIVATIVES edgily adv. edginess n.

edh

//

n. variant spelling of eth.

EDI

abbrev. electronic data interchange.

edible

//

adj. fit to be eaten.
n. (edibles) items of food.

- DERIVATIVES edibility n.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. edibilis, from L. edere ‘eat’.

edible dormouse

n. a squirrel-like burrowing dormouse found in Europe and Asia Minor, sometimes farmed or hunted for food.   Glis glis.

edible snail

n. a large snail which is widely collected or cultured for food, occurring chiefly in southern Europe.   Helix pomatia.

edict

//

n. an official order or proclamation.

- DERIVATIVES edictal // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. edictum ‘something proclaimed’, neut. past part. of edicere, from e- (var. of ex-) ‘out’ + dicere ‘say, tell’.

edifice

//

n.
1 a building, especially a large, imposing one.
2 a complex system of beliefs.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. aedificium, from aedis ‘dwelling’ + facere ‘make’.

edify

//

v. (edifies, edifying, edified) formal instruct or improve morally or intellectually.

- DERIVATIVES edification n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. edifier, from L. aedificare ‘build’, from aedis ‘dwelling’ + facere ‘make’ (cf. edifice).

edifying

adj. serving or likely to provide moral or intellectual instruction or improvement.

- DERIVATIVES edifyingly adv.

edit

v. (edits, editing, edited)
1 prepare (written material) for publication by correcting, condensing, or otherwise modifying it. prepare and arrange material for (a recording or broadcast). change (online text) on a computer or word processor. (edit something out) remove material in preparing a recording or broadcast.
2 be editor of (a newspaper or magazine).
n. a change or correction made as a result of editing.

- DERIVATIVES editable adj.

- ORIGIN C18: partly a back-form. from editor, reinforced by Fr. éditer ‘to edit’.

edition

n.
1 a particular form or version of a published text.
2 the total number of copies of a book, newspaper, etc. issued at one time.
3 a particular version or instance of a regular programme or broadcast.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. édition, from L. editio(n-), from edere ‘put out’.

editio princeps

/ /

n. (pl. editiones principes / /) the first printed edition of a book.

- ORIGIN L., from editio(n-) ‘edition’ and princeps ‘chief’.

editor

n.
1 a person who is in charge of a newspaper, magazine, or multi-author book.
2 a person who commissions or prepares written or recorded material.
3 a computer program enabling the user to alter or rearrange online text.

- DERIVATIVES editorship n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., ‘producer (of games), publisher’, from edit-, edere ‘put out’.

editorial

adj. relating to the commissioning or preparing of material for publication.
n. a newspaper article giving an opinion on a topical issue.

- DERIVATIVES editorialist n. editorially adv.

editorialize

(or editorialise)

v. (of a newspaper or editor) express opinions rather than just report news.

editress

(also editrix)

n. dated a female editor.

edit suite

n. a room containing equipment for electronically editing video-recorded material.

-edly

suffix (forming adverbs) in a manner characterized by the action expressed by the formative verb: repeatedly.

edn

abbrev. edition.

Edo

//

n. (pl. same or Edos)
1 a member of a people inhabiting the district of Benin in Nigeria.
2 the Benue-Congo language of the Edo.

- ORIGIN the name of Benin City in Edo.

Edomite

//

n. a member of an ancient people living in Edom, south of the Dead Sea, in biblical times, traditionally believed to be descended from Esau.

EDP

abbrev. electronic data processing.

EDT

abbrev. Eastern Daylight Time.

educate

//

v. give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to. train or give information on a particular subject.

- DERIVATIVES educability n. educable adj. educative adj. educator n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. educat-, educare ‘lead out’, rel. to educere (see educe).

educated guess

n. a guess based on knowledge and experience.

education

n.
1 the process of educating or being educated. the theory and practice of teaching. information about or training in a particular subject.
2 (an education) informal an enlightening experience.

- DERIVATIVES educational adj. educationalist n. educationally adv. educationist n.

educe

//

v. formal
1 bring out or develop (something latent or potential).
2 infer from data.

- DERIVATIVES eduction n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. educere ‘lead out’.

educrat

//

n. N. Amer. derogatory an educational administrator or theorist.

edutainment

//

n. entertainment, especially computer games, with an educational aspect.

Edw.

abbrev. Edward.

Edwardian

//

adj. relating to or characteristic of the reign of King Edward VII.
n. a person who lived during this period.

ee

exclam. northern English form of oh^1.

-ee

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting the person affected by the action of the formative verb: employee.
2 denoting a person described as or concerned with: absentee.
3 denoting an object of relatively smaller size: bootee.

- ORIGIN from Anglo-Norman Fr. -é, from L. -atus (past participial ending); some forms are anglicized mod. Fr. nouns (e.g. refugee from réfugié).

EEC

abbrev. European Economic Community.

EEG

abbrev. electroencephalogram or electroencephalograph.

eejit

//

n. informal Irish and Scottish form of idiot.

eek

exclam. informal used to express alarm or surprise.

eel

n. a snake-like fish with a slender elongated body and poorly developed fins, proverbial for its slipperiness.   Anguilla anguilla (Europe) and related species, order Anguilliformes. used in names of unrelated fishes that resemble the true eels, e.g. electric eel.

- DERIVATIVES eel-like adj. eely adj.

- ORIGIN OE æl, of Gmc origin.

eelgrass

n.
1 a marine plant with long ribbon-like leaves.   Zostera marina.
2 a submerged aquatic plant with narrow, grass-like leaves.   Genus Valisneria.

eelpout

//

n. a small broad-headed sea fish with an elongated body and the dorsal and anal fins continuous with the tail.   Family Zoarcidae: numerous species.

eelworm

n. a nematode, especially a small soil nematode that can become a serious pest of crops and ornamental plants.

e'en

//

adv. literary form of even^1.

-een

suffix Irish forming diminutive nouns such as colleen.

- ORIGIN from the Ir. dimin. suffix -ín.

eensy

// (also eensy-weensy)

adj. informal tiny.

EEPROM

n. Computing a read-only memory whose contents can be erased and reprogrammed using a pulsed voltage.

- ORIGIN acronym from electrically erasable programmable ROM.

e'er

//

adv. literary form of ever.

-eer

suffix
1 (forming nouns) denoting a person concerned with or engaged in an activity: auctioneer.
2 (forming verbs) denoting concern or involvement with an activity: electioneer.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -ier, from L. -arius; verbs are often back-forms (e.g. electioneer from electioneering).

eerie

//

adj. (eerier, eeriest) strange and frightening.

- DERIVATIVES eerily adv. eeriness n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. north. Engl. and Scots in the sense ‘fearful’): prob. from OE earg ‘cowardly’, of Gmc origin.

Eeyorish

// (also Eeyoreish)

adj. pessimistic or gloomy.

- ORIGIN from Eeyore, a gloomy donkey in A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh.

ef-

prefix variant spelling of ex-1 assimilated before f (as in efface, effloresce).

EFA

abbrev. essential fatty acid.

eff

n. & v. Brit. used as a euphemism for ‘fuck’.

- PHRASES
eff and blind informal swear. [ORIGIN blind from its use in expletives such as blind me (see blimey).]

- DERIVATIVES effing adj. & adv.

effable

//

adj. rare able to be described in words.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. effabilis, from effari ‘utter’.

efface

//

v.
1 erase (a mark) from a surface.
2 (efface oneself) make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous.

- DERIVATIVES effacement n.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘pardon or be absolved from an offence’): from Fr. effacer, from e- (from L. ex- ‘away from’) + face ‘face’.

effect

n.
1 a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. an impression produced in a person's mind: his words had a soothing effect.
2 the state of being or becoming operative: the law came into effect. the extent to which something succeeds or is operative.
3 (effects) the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play or film.
4 (effects) personal belongings.
5 Physics a physical phenomenon, typically named after its discoverer: the Coriolis effect.
v. cause to happen; bring about.

- PHRASES
for effect in order to impress people.
in effect in practice, even if not formally acknowledged.
to the effect that the general sense or meaning of something written or spoken being.
to that effect having the result or meaning specified.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or from L. effectus, from effect-, efficere ‘accomplish’.

USAGE

On the confusion of effect with affect, see affect^1.

effective

adj.
1 producing a desired or intended result.
2 (of a law or policy) operative.
3 existing in fact, though not formally acknowledged as such.
n. a soldier fit and available for service.

- DERIVATIVES effectively adv. effectiveness n. effectivity n.

effective demand

n. Economics the level of demand that represents a real intention to purchase by people with the means to pay.

effective temperature

n. Physics the temperature of an object calculated from the radiation it emits, assuming black-body behaviour.

effector

n. Biology an organ or cell that acts in response to a stimulus.

effectual

//, //

adj.
1 effective.
2 Law (of a legal document) valid or binding.

- DERIVATIVES effectuality n. effectually adv. effectualness n.

effectuate

//, //

v. formal put into force or operation.

- DERIVATIVES effectuation n.

effeminate

//

adj. derogatory (of a man) having characteristics regarded as typical of a woman.

- DERIVATIVES effeminacy n. effeminately adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. effeminat-, effeminare ‘make feminine’.

effendi

//

n. (pl. effendis) a man of high education or social standing in an eastern Mediterranean or Arab country.

- ORIGIN C17: from Turk. efendi, from mod. Gk aphents, from Gk authents ‘lord, master’.

efferent

// Physiology

adj. relating to or denoting the conduction of nerve impulses or blood outwards or away from something. The opposite of afferent.
n. an efferent nerve fibre or blood vessel.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. efferent-, efferre ‘carry out’.

effervescent

//

adj.
1 (of a liquid) giving off bubbles; fizzy.
2 vivacious and enthusiastic.

- DERIVATIVES effervesce v. effervescence n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. effervescent-, effervescere ‘boil up’.

effete

//

adj.
1 affected, over-refined, and ineffectual. (of a man) weak or effeminate.
2 no longer capable of effective action.

- DERIVATIVES effetely adv. effeteness n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. effetus ‘worn out by bearing young’; rel. to fetus.

efficacious

//

adj. formal effective.

- DERIVATIVES efficaciously adv. efficaciousness n. efficacy // n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. efficax, efficac- (from efficere ‘accomplish’) + -ious.

efficiency

n. (pl. efficiencies)
1 the state or quality of being efficient.
2 technical the ratio of the useful work performed by a machine or in a process to the total energy expended or heat taken in.

efficient

adj. working productively with minimum wasted effort or expense. preventing the wasteful use of a resource: an energy-efficient heating system.

- DERIVATIVES efficiently adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. efficient-, efficere (see effect).

efficient cause

n. Philosophy an agent that brings a thing into being or initiates a change.

effigy

//

n. (pl. effigies) a sculpture or model of a person.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. effigies, from effingere ‘to fashion (artistically)’.

effleurage

//

n. a form of massage involving a repeated circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from effleurer ‘skim the surface, stroke lightly’.

effloresce

//

v.
1 (of a substance) lose moisture and turn to a fine powder on exposure to air.
2 (of salts) come to the surface of brickwork or other material and crystallize. (of a surface) become covered with salt particles.
3 reach an optimum stage of development.

- DERIVATIVES efflorescence n. efflorescent adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. efflorescere, from e- (var. of ex-) ‘out’ + florescere ‘begin to bloom’.

effluence

//

n.
1 a substance that flows out.
2 the action of flowing out.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. effluentia, from L. effluent-, effluere ‘flow out’.

effluent

n. liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.

effluvium

//

n. (pl. effluvia //) an unpleasant or harmful odour or discharge.

- ORIGIN C17: from L., from effluere ‘flow out’.

efflux

//

n. technical the flowing out of a substance or particle.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. effluxus, from effluere ‘flow out’.

effluxion

//

n.
1 Law the expiration of a time-limited agreement or contract.
2 archaic the action of flowing out.

effort

n.
1 a vigorous or determined attempt. strenuous physical or mental exertion.
2 technical a force exerted by a machine or in a process.

- DERIVATIVES effortful adj. effortfully adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr., from OFr. esforcier, based on L. ex- ‘out’ + fortis ‘strong’.

effortless

adj. requiring no effort. achieved with admirable ease.

- DERIVATIVES effortlessly adv. effortlessness n.

effrontery

//

n. insolence or impertinence.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. effronterie, based on late L. effrons, effront- ‘shameless, barefaced’, from ex- ‘out’ + frons ‘forehead’.

effulgent

//

adj. literary shining brightly.

- DERIVATIVES effulgence n. effulgently adv.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) as effulgence): from L. effulgent-, effulgere ‘shine brightly’.

effusion

n.
1 an instance of giving off a liquid, light, or smell.
2 Medicine an escape of fluid into a body cavity.
3 an instance of unrestrained speech or writing.

- DERIVATIVES effuse v.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. effusio(n-), from effus-, effundere ‘pour out’.

effusive

//

adj.
1 expressing gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained manner.
2 Geology relating to or denoting igneous rocks poured out as lava and later solidified.

- DERIVATIVES effusively adv. effusiveness n.

Efik

//

n. (pl. same)
1 a member of a people of southern Nigeria.
2 the Benue-Congo language of the Efik.

- ORIGIN the name in Efik.

e-fit

n. an electronic picture of a person's face made from composite photographs of facial features, created by a computer program.

- ORIGIN 1980s: from e-2 and fit^1, on the pattern of photofit.

EFL

abbrev. English as a foreign language.

eft

//

n. dialect a newt. Zoology the juvenile stage of a newt.

- ORIGIN OE efeta, of unknown origin; cf. newt.

EFTA

abbrev. European Free Trade Association.

EFTPOS

//

abbrev. electronic funds transfer at point of sale.

e.g.

abbrev. for example.

- ORIGIN from L. exempli gratia ‘for the sake of example’.

egad

//

exclam. archaic expressing surprise, anger, or affirmation.

- ORIGIN C17: representing earlier A God.

egalitarian

//

adj. believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
n. an egalitarian person.

- DERIVATIVES egalitarianism n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. égalitaire, from égal ‘equal’, from L. aequalis (see equal).

egg^1

n.
1 an oval or round object laid by a female bird, reptile, fish, or invertebrate and containing an ovum which if fertilized can develop into a new organism. an infertile egg, typically of the domestic hen, used for food.
2 Biology the female reproductive cell in animals and plants; an ovum.
3 informal, dated a person of a specified kind: he's a thoroughly bad egg.
4 Architecture a decorative oval moulding, used alternately with triangular figures.

- PHRASES
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs destroy a reliable and valuable source of income. [ORIGIN with allusion to one of Aesop's fables.]
with egg on one's face informal appearing foolish or ridiculous.

- DERIVATIVES eggless adj. eggy adj.

- ORIGIN ME (superseding earlier ey, from OE æg): from ON.

egg^2

v. (egg someone on) urge or encourage someone to do something foolish or risky.

- ORIGIN ME: from ON eggja ‘incite’.

eggar

//

n. a large brownish moth which is often active during the day.   Lasiocampa quercus (oak eggar) and other species.

- ORIGIN C18: prob. from egg^1 (from the shape of the moth's cocoons) + -er^1.

egg-bound

adj. (of a hen) unable through weakness or disease to expel its eggs.

egg cream

n. US a drink consisting of milk and soda water, flavoured with syrup.

egg custard

n. a custard made with milk and eggs, typically sweetened and baked.

egghead

n. informal a very intellectual or studious person.

eggnog

n. a drink consisting of rum, brandy, or other alcohol mixed with beaten egg, milk, and sugar.

eggplant

n. N. Amer. another term for aubergine.

egg roll

n. N. Amer. a Chinese-style snack similar to a spring roll, encased in a dough made with egg and deep-fried.

eggs and bacon

n. any of a number of plants with yellow flowers marked with orange, red, or brown, supposedly suggestive of eggs and bacon, especially bird's-foot trefoil.

eggs Benedict

pl. n. a dish consisting of poached eggs and sliced ham on toast, covered with hollandaise sauce.

- ORIGIN orig. US: origin uncertain.

eggshell

n.
1 the thin, hard, fragile outer layer of an egg.
2 [as modifier] (of china) extremely thin and delicate.
3 [as modifier] denoting an oil-based paint that dries with a slight sheen.

egg timer

n. a device, traditionally a small hourglass, for timing the cooking of a boiled egg.

egg tooth

n. a hard white protuberance on the beak or jaw of an embryo bird or reptile, used for breaking out of the shell.

egg white

n. the clear, viscous substance round the yolk of an egg that turns white when cooked or beaten.

eglantine

//

n. another term for sweetbriar.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., from Provençal aiglentina, based on L. acus ‘needle’ or aculeus ‘prickle’.

EGM

abbrev. extraordinary general meeting.

ego

//, //

n. (pl. egos)
1 a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance.
2 Psychoanalysis the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity. Compare with id and superego.
3 Philosophy (in metaphysics) a conscious thinking subject.

- DERIVATIVES egoless adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., lit. ‘I’.

egocentric

//, //

adj.
1 self-centred.
2 centred in or arising from a person's own individual existence or perspective.
n. an egocentric person.

- DERIVATIVES egocentrically adv. egocentricity n. egocentrism n.

egoism

//, //

n.
1 another term for egotism.
2 Ethics an ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality.

- DERIVATIVES egoist n. egoistic adj. egoistical adj. egoistically adv.

egomania

//, //

n. obsessive egotism.

- DERIVATIVES egomaniac n. egomaniacal adj.

egotism

//, //

n. the quality of being excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself.

- DERIVATIVES egotist n. egotistic adj. egotistical adj. egotistically adv.

ego trip

n. informal something done to increase one's sense of self-importance.

egregious

//

adj.
1 outstandingly bad; shocking.
2 archaic remarkably good.

- DERIVATIVES egregiously adv. egregiousness n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. egregius ‘illustrious’, lit. ‘standing out from the flock’, from ex- ‘out’ + grex, greg- ‘flock’.

egress

//

n. formal the action of going out of or leaving a place. a way out.

- DERIVATIVES egression n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. egress-, egredi ‘go out’.

egret

//, //

n. a heron with mainly white plumage, having long plumes in the breeding season.   Genus Egretta (and Bubulcus): several species.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. aigrette, from Provençal aigreta, from the Gmc base of heron.

Egyptian

n.
1 a native of ancient or modern Egypt, or a person of Egyptian descent.
2 the Afro-Asiatic language used in ancient Egypt, represented in its oldest stages by hieroglyphic inscriptions.
adj. relating to Egypt or its people or language.

- DERIVATIVES Egyptianization (or Egyptianisation) n. Egyptianize (or Egyptianise) v.

Egyptology

//

n. the study of the language, history, and culture of ancient Egypt.

- DERIVATIVES Egyptological adj. Egyptologist n.

eh

exclam. expressing enquiry or surprise.

eicosapentaenoic acid

//

n. Chemistry a polyunsaturated fatty acid found especially in fish oils.

- ORIGIN 1960s: from Gk eicosa- ‘twenty’ (the number of carbon atoms in the molecule) + penta- ‘five’ (the number of unsaturated bonds) + -ene + -oic on the pattern of methanoic.

Eid

// (also Id)

n.
1 (in full Eid ul-Fitr //) the Muslim festival marking the end of the fast of Ramadan. Also called Lesser Bairam.
2 (in full Eid ul-Adha //) the festival marking the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Also called Greater Bairam.

- ORIGIN from Arab. d ‘feast’, from Aramaic.

eider

//

n. (pl. same or eiders) (also eider duck) a northern sea duck of which the male is mainly black-and-white and the female brown.   Somateria mollissima and related species.

- ORIGIN C17: from Icelandic æthur, from ON æthr.

eiderdown

n.
1 Brit. a quilt filled with down (originally from the eider) or another soft material.
2 (eider down) small soft feathers from the breast of the female eider duck.

eidetic

//

adj. Psychology relating to or denoting mental images having unusual vividness and detail, as if actually visible.

- DERIVATIVES eidetically adv.

- ORIGIN 1920s: coined in Ger. from Gk eidtikos, from eidos ‘form’.

eidolon

//

n. (pl. eidolons or eidola //) literary
1 a spectre or phantom.
2 an idealized person or thing.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk eidlon, from eidos ‘form’.

eidos

//

n. Anthropology the distinctive expression of the character of a culture or social group.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk, lit. ‘form, type, or idea’, partly in contrast to ethos.

eigen-

//

comb. form Mathematics & Physics proper; characteristic: eigenfunction.

- ORIGIN from Ger. eigen ‘own’.

eigenfrequency

n. (pl. eigenfrequencies) Mathematics & Physics one of the natural resonant frequencies of a system.

eigenfunction

n. Mathematics & Physics each of a set of independent functions which are the solutions to a given differential equation.

eigenvalue

n. Mathematics & Physics a value of a parameter for which a differential equation has a non-zero solution (an eigenfunction) under given conditions.

eigenvector

n. Mathematics & Physics a vector which when operated on by a given operator gives a scalar multiple of itself.

eight

cardinal number
1 equivalent to the product of two and four; one more than seven, or two less than ten; 8. (Roman numeral: viii or VIII.)
2 an eight-oared rowing boat or its crew.

- PHRASES
have one over the eight Brit. informal have one drink too many.

- DERIVATIVES eightfold adj. & adv.

- ORIGIN OE ehta, eahta, of Gmc origin.

eight ball

n. N. Amer. a variety of the game of pool.

- PHRASES
behind the eight ball informal at a disadvantage.

eighteen

cardinal number equivalent to the product of two and nine; one more than seventeen, or eight more than ten; 18. (Roman numeral: xviii or XVIII.)

- DERIVATIVES eighteenth ordinal number.

- ORIGIN OE e(a)htatne (see eight, -teen).

eighteenmo

n. (pl. eighteenmos) another term for octodecimo.

eighth

ordinal number constituting number eight in a sequence; 8th.

- DERIVATIVES eighthly adv.

eighth note

n. Music, N. Amer. a quaver.

eights

pl. n. a race for eight-oared rowing boats.

eightsome reel

n. a lively Scottish dance for eight people.

8vo

abbrev. octavo.

eighty

cardinal number (pl. eighties) equivalent to the product of eight and ten; ten less than ninety; 80. (Roman numeral: lxxx or LXXX.)

- DERIVATIVES eightieth ordinal number. eightyfold adj. & adv.

- ORIGIN OE hunde(a)htatig, from hund (of uncertain origin) + e(a)hta ‘eight’ + -tig (see -ty^2).

eina

// S. African

exclam. used as an expression of pain or distress.

- ORIGIN Afrik., perh. from Khoikhoi llé + llná or Nama llei.

einkorn

//

n. an old kind of wheat with small bearded ears and spikelets that each contain one slender grain, now rarely grown.   Triticum monococcum.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger., from ein ‘one’ + Korn ‘seed’.

Einstein

//

n. informal a genius.

- ORIGIN the name of the German-born physicist Albert Einstein (1879–1955).

einsteinium

//

n. the chemical element of atomic number 99, an artificially made radioactive metal of the actinide series. (Symbol: Es)

eirenic

//, // (also irenic)

adj. formal aiming or aimed at peace.

- DERIVATIVES eirenical adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk eirnikos, from eirn ‘peace’.

eisteddfod

//

n. (pl. eisteddfods or eisteddfodau //) a competitive festival of music and poetry in Wales.

- DERIVATIVES eisteddfodic // adj.

- ORIGIN Welsh, lit. ‘session’, from eistedd ‘sit’.

Eiswein

//

n. (pl. Eisweine // or Eisweins) wine made from ripe grapes picked while covered with frost.

- ORIGIN from Ger., from Eis ‘ice’ + Wein ‘wine’.

either

//, //

conj. & adv.
1 used before the first of two (or occasionally more) alternatives specified (the other being introduced by ‘or’).
2 [adv., with neg.] used to indicate a similarity or link with a statement just made. moreover.
det. & pron. one or the other of two people or things. each of two.

- ORIGIN OE ægther, contracted form of æg(e)hwæther, of Gmc origin; ult. rel. to aye^2 and whether.

USAGE

In good English, it is important that either and or are correctly placed so that the structures following each word balance and mirror each other. Thus, sentences such as either I accompany you or I wait here and I'm going to buy either a new camera or a new video are correct, whereas sentences such as either I accompany you or John and I'm either going to buy a new camera or a video are not well balanced.

eiusdem generis

adj. variant spelling of ejusdem generis.

ejaculate

v. //
1 (of a man or male animal) eject semen from the body at the moment of sexual climax.
2 dated say something quickly and suddenly.
n. // semen that has been ejaculated.

- DERIVATIVES ejaculation n. ejaculator n. ejaculatory // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. ejaculat-, ejaculari ‘dart out’, ult. from iacere ‘to throw’.

eject

v.
1 force or throw out violently or suddenly. (of a pilot) escape from an aircraft by means of an ejection seat.
2 compel (someone) to leave a place.

- DERIVATIVES ejection n. ejector n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. eject-, eicere ‘throw out’, from e- (var. of ex-) ‘out’ + jacere ‘to throw’.

ejecta

//

pl. n. [often treated as sing.] Geology & Astronomy material that is forced or thrown out, in particular as a result of volcanic eruption or meteoritic impact.

- ORIGIN C19: from L., ‘things thrown out’, neut. pl. of ejectus, from eicere (see eject).

ejection seat

(also ejector seat)

n. an aircraft seat that can propel its occupant from the craft in an emergency.

ejective

// Phonetics

adj. denoting a type of consonant in some languages (e.g. Hausa) produced by sudden release of pressure from the glottis.

ejectment

n. Law, chiefly historical the eviction of a tenant from property. the process by which an evicted tenant seeks to recover possession and damages.

ejido

//

n. (pl. ejidos) (in Mexico) a piece of land farmed communally under a system supported by the state.

- ORIGIN Mex. Sp., from Sp.

ejusdem generis

/ / (also eiusdem generis)

adj. & adv. Law of or as the same kind.

- ORIGIN from L.

eke^1

//

v. (eke something out) make something last longer by using or consuming it frugally. manage to make a living with difficulty: many traders barely eked out a living.

- ORIGIN OE acian, can (in the sense ‘increase’), of Gmc origin.

eke^2

//

adv. archaic term for also.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

El

n. (the El) (in the US) an elevated railway, especially that in Chicago.

-el

suffix variant spelling of -le^2.

elaborate

adj. // involving many carefully arranged parts; detailed and complicated.
v. //
1 develop or present in further detail. (often elaborate on) add more detail to something already said.
2 Biology (of a natural agency) produce (a substance) from its elements or simpler constituents.

- DERIVATIVES elaborately adv. elaborateness n. elaboration n. elaborative adj. elaborator n.

- ORIGIN C16 (earlier (ME) as elaboration): from L. elaborat-, elaborare ‘work out’.

Elamite

n.
1 a native or inhabitant of ancient Elam (now SW Iran).
2 the agglutinative language of Elam.

elan

//, // (also élan)

n. energy, style, and enthusiasm.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. élan, from élancer ‘to dart’.

eland

//

n. a spiral-horned African antelope, the largest of the antelopes.   Tragelaphus oryx and T. derbianus.

- ORIGIN C18: via Afrik. from Du., ‘elk’.

elapse

v. (of time) pass.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. elaps-, elabi ‘slip away’.

elasmobranch

//

n. Zoology a cartilaginous fish of a group (subclass Elasmobranchii) that comprises the sharks, rays, and skates.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Elasmobranchii, from Gk elasmos ‘beaten metal’ + brankhia ‘gills’.

elasmosaur

//

n. a Cretaceous plesiosaur with a long neck shaped like that of a swan.

- ORIGIN C19: from mod. L. Elasmosaurus, from Gk elasmos ‘beaten metal’ + sauros ‘lizard’.

elastane

//

n. an elastic polyurethane material, used for close-fitting clothing.

elastic

//

adj.
1 able to resume normal shape spontaneously after being stretched or squeezed.
2 flexible and adaptable: the definition is elastic. Economics (of demand or supply) sensitive to changes in price or income.
3 Physics (of a collision) involving no decrease of kinetic energy.
n. cord, tape, or fabric which returns to its original length or shape after being stretched.

- DERIVATIVES elastically adv. elasticity //, //, // n. elasticize (or elasticise) v.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. elasticus, from Gk elastikos ‘propulsive’.

elasticated

adj. Brit. (of a garment or material) made elastic by the insertion of rubber thread or tape.

elastic band

n. Brit. a rubber band.

elastic limit

n. Physics the maximum extent to which a solid can be stretched without permanent alteration of size or shape.

elastic modulus

n. Physics the ratio of the force exerted upon a substance or body to the resultant deformation.

elastin

//

n. Biochemistry an elastic, fibrous glycoprotein found in connective tissue.

elastomer

//

n. a natural or synthetic polymer having elastic properties, e.g. rubber.

- DERIVATIVES elastomeric adj.

Elastoplast

//, //

n. trademark adhesive sticking plaster for covering cuts and wounds.

elate

//

v. [usu. as adj. elated] make ecstatically happy.
adj. archaic in high spirits; exultant or proud.

- DERIVATIVES elatedly adv. elatedness n.

- ORIGIN ME (as adj.): from L. elat-, efferre ‘to raise’.

elation

n. great happiness and exhilaration.

E-layer

n. a layer of the ionosphere able to reflect medium-frequency radio waves.

- ORIGIN 1930s: arbitrary use of the letter E.

elbow

n.
1 the joint between the forearm and the upper arm.
2 a piece of piping or something similar bent through an angle.
v.
1 strike with one's elbow. (often elbow one's way) move by pushing past people with one's elbows.
2 (often elbow something aside) informal summarily reject or dismiss.

- PHRASES
give someone the elbow Brit. informal summarily reject or dismiss someone.
up to one's elbows in deeply involved in.

- ORIGIN OE elboga, elnboga, of Gmc origin; cf. ell, bow^1.

elbow grease

n. informal hard physical work, especially vigorous polishing or cleaning.

elbow room

n. informal adequate space to move or work in.

eld

//

n. archaic old age. former times; the past.

- ORIGIN OE ieldu, eldu, of Gmc origin; rel. to elder^1 and old.

elder^1

adj. (of one or more out of a group of people) of a greater age.
n.
1 (one's elder) a person of greater age than one.
2 a leader or senior figure in a community or tribe.
3 an official in the early Christian Church, or of various Protestant Churches and sects.

- DERIVATIVES eldership n.

- ORIGIN OE ieldra, eldra, of Gmc origin; rel. to eld and old.

elder^2

n. a small tree or shrub with white flowers and bluish-black or red berries.   Sambucus nigra and related species. used in names of other plants resembling this, e.g. ground elder.

- ORIGIN OE ellærn; rel. to Mid. Low Ger. ellern, elderne.

elderberry

n. (pl. elderberries) the berry of the elder, used for making jelly or wine. an elder tree or shrub.

Elder Brother

n. (pl. Elder Brethren) each of the thirteen senior Trinity Brethren.

eldercare

n. N. Amer. the care of infirm older people.

elderflower

n. the flower of the elder, used to make wines and cordials.

elder hand

n. (in card games for two players) the player dealt to.

elderly

adj. old or ageing.

- DERIVATIVES elderliness n.

elder statesman

n. an experienced and respected politician or other public figure.

eldest

adj. (of one out of a group of people) oldest.

- ORIGIN OE ieldest, eldest, of Gmc origin; rel. to eld and old.

eldest hand

n. (in card games for three or more players) the first player dealt to.

El Dorado

/ / (also eldorado)

n. (pl. El Dorados) a place of great abundance and wealth.

- ORIGIN Sp., lit. ‘the gilded one’, the name of a country or city formerly believed to exist in South America.

eldritch

//

adj. weird and sinister or ghostly.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. Scots): perh. rel. to elf.

e-learning

n. education, especially for adults, that is conducted by means of the Internet.

Eleatic

//

adj. relating to the ancient Greek city of Elea in SW Italy, home to a 5th-century school of philosophers that included Xenophanes, Parmenides, and Zeno.
n. an Eleatic philosopher.

elecampane

//

n. a plant with yellow daisy-like flowers and bitter aromatic roots that are used in herbal medicine.   Inula helenium.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. enula ‘elecampane’ + campana (prob. meaning ‘of the fields’).

elect

//

v.
1 choose (someone) to hold a position, especially public office, by voting.
2 opt for or choose to do something.
3 Christian Theology (of God) choose (someone) in preference to others for salvation.
adj.
1 chosen or singled out. Christian Theology chosen by God for salvation.
2 [postpos.] elected to a position but not yet in office: the President Elect.

- DERIVATIVES electability n. electable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. elect-, eligere ‘pick out’.

election

n.
1 a formal procedure whereby a person is elected, especially to a political office.
2 the action of electing or the fact of being elected.

electioneer

v. [usu. as noun electioneering] campaign to be elected to public office.
n. a campaigning politician during an election.

elective

adj.
1 relating to or appointed by election.
2 (of a course of study) chosen by the student rather than compulsory. (of surgical or medical treatment) chosen by the patient rather than urgently necessary.
n. chiefly N. Amer. an optional course of study.

- DERIVATIVES electively adv.

elector

n.
1 a person who has the right to vote in an election. (in the US) a member of the electoral college.
2 (Elector) historical a German prince entitled to take part in the election of the Holy Roman Emperor.

- DERIVATIVES electorship n.

electoral

adj. relating to elections or electors.

- DERIVATIVES electorally adv.

electoral college

n. a body of electors chosen or appointed by a larger group. (in the US) a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the President and Vice-President.

electoral roll

(also electoral register)

n. (in the UK) an official list of the people in a district who are entitled to vote in an election.

electorate

//

n.
1 [treated as sing. or pl.] all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election.
2 Austral./NZ the area represented by one Member of Parliament.
3 historical the office or territories of a German Elector.

Electra complex

n. Psychoanalysis old-fashioned term for the Oedipus complex as manifested in young girls.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: named after Electra in Greek mythology, who persuaded her brother to kill their mother in revenge for the murder of their father.

electress

//

n. historical the wife of a German Elector.

electret

//

n. Physics a permanently polarized piece of dielectric material, analogous to a permanent magnet.

- ORIGIN C19: blend of electricity and magnet.

electric

//

adj.
1 of, worked by, or producing electricity.
2 thrillingly exciting: the atmosphere was electric.
n.
1 (electrics) Brit. the system of electric wiring and parts in a house or vehicle.
2 an electric train or other vehicle.

- ORIGIN C17: from mod. L. electricus, from L. electrum ‘amber’, from Gk lektron (because rubbing amber causes electrostatic phenomena).

electrical

adj. concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity.
n. (electricals) electrical equipment or circuitry.

- DERIVATIVES electrically adv.

electrical storm

n. a thunderstorm or other violent disturbance of the electrical condition of the atmosphere.

electric-arc furnace

n. a furnace using an electric arc as a heat source, especially for steel-making.

electric blanket

n. an electrically wired blanket used for heating a bed.

electric blue

n. a steely or brilliant light blue.

electric chair

n. a chair in which convicted criminals are executed by electrocution.

electric eel

n. a large eel-like freshwater fish of South America, using pulses of electricity to kill prey, assist in navigation, and for defence.   Electrophorus electricus.

electric eye

n. informal a photoelectric cell operating a relay when the beam of light illuminating it is obscured.

electric fence

n. a fence through which an electric current can be passed, giving an electric shock to any person or animal touching it.

electric guitar

n. a guitar with a built-in pickup or pickups which convert sound vibrations into electrical signals for amplification.

electrician

n. a person who installs and maintains electrical equipment.

electricity

//, //, //

n.
1 a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as electrons or protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically as a current.
2 the supply of electric current to a building for heating, lighting, etc.
3 thrilling excitement.

electric ray

n. a sluggish bottom-dwelling marine ray that can produce an electric shock for the capture of prey and for defence.   Torpedo and other genera: many species.

electric shock

n. a sudden discharge of electricity through a part of the body.

electrify

//

v. (electrifies, electrifying, electrified)
1 charge with electricity.
2 convert to the use of electrical power.
3 [often as adj. electrifying] cause to feel thrilling excitement.

- DERIVATIVES electrification n. electrifier n.

electro

//

n. (pl. electros)
1 short for electrotype or electroplate.
2 a style of dance music with a fast beat and synthesized backing track.

electro-

comb. form relating to or caused by electricity: electroconvulsive.

electro-acoustic

adj.
1 involving the interconversion of electrical and acoustic energy.
2 denoting a guitar with both a pickup and a reverberating hollow body.

electrocardiography

//

n. the measurement and recording of electrical activity in the heart using electrodes placed on the skin.

- DERIVATIVES electrocardiogram n. electrocardiograph n. electrocardiographic adj.

electrocautery

//

n. cautery using an electrically heated instrument.

electrochemistry

n. the branch of chemistry concerned with the relations between electrical and chemical phenomena.

- DERIVATIVES electrochemical adj. electrochemically adv. electrochemist n.

electrochromism

//

n. the property of changing colour when placed in an electric field.

- DERIVATIVES electrochromic adj.

electroconvulsive

adj. relating to or denoting the treatment of mental illness by applying electric shocks to the brain.

electrocorticogram

//

n. Physiology a record of the electrical activity of the brain made directly using electrodes.

electrocute

v. injure or kill by electric shock.

- DERIVATIVES electrocution n.

- ORIGIN C19: from electro-, on the pattern of execute.

electrode

//

n. a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves something.

- ORIGIN C19: from electric + Gk hodos ‘way’, on the pattern of anode and cathode.

electrodermal

//

adj. relating to or denoting measurement of the electrical conductivity of the skin.

electrodynamics

pl. n. [usu. treated as sing.] the branch of mechanics concerned with the interaction of electric currents with magnetic or electric fields.

- DERIVATIVES electrodynamic adj.

electroencephalography

//, //

n. the measurement and recording of electrical activity in different parts of the brain.

- DERIVATIVES electroencephalogram n. electroencephalograph n. electroencephalographic adj.

electrojet

n. an intense electric current occurring in the lower ionosphere in the region of strong auroral displays.

electroless

//

adj. denoting nickel plating using chemical rather than electrical means.

electroluminescence

//

n. luminescence produced by the application of a voltage.

- DERIVATIVES electroluminescent adj.

electrolyse

// (US electrolyze)

v. subject to electrolysis.

- DERIVATIVES electrolyser n.

electrolysis

//, //

n.
1 Chemistry chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a conducting liquid.
2 the removal of hair roots or small blemishes on the skin by the application of heat using an electric current.

- DERIVATIVES electrolytic // adj. electrolytical adj. electrolytically adv.

electrolyte

//

n.
1 a liquid or gel which contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis, e.g. that present in a battery.
2 Physiology the ionic constituents of cells, blood, etc.

- ORIGIN C19: from electro- + Gk lutos ‘released’ (from luein ‘loosen’).

electromagnet

n. Physics a soft metal core made into a magnet by the passage of electric current through a surrounding coil.

electromagnetic

adj. relating to the interrelation of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields.

- DERIVATIVES electromagnetically adv. electromagnetism n.

electromagnetic radiation

n. Physics a kind of radiation including visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays, in which electric and magnetic fields vary simultaneously.

electromechanical

//

adj. relating to or denoting a mechanical device which is electrically operated.

electrometer

//

n. Physics an instrument for measuring electrical potential without drawing any current from the circuit.

- DERIVATIVES electrometric adj. electrometry n.

electromotive

//

adj. Physics tending to produce an electric current.

electromotive force

n. Physics a difference in potential that tends to give rise to an electric current.

electromyography

//

n. the recording of the electrical activity of muscle tissue by means of electrodes.

- DERIVATIVES electromyogram n. electromyograph n. electromyographic adj. electromyographically adv.

electron

//

n. Physics a stable negatively charged subatomic particle with a mass 1,836 times less than that of the proton, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.

- ORIGIN C19: from electric + -on.

electronegative

adj.
1 Physics electrically negative.
2 Chemistry (of an element) tending to acquire electrons and form negative ions in chemical reactions.

- DERIVATIVES electronegativity n.

electron gun

n. Physics a device for producing a narrow stream of electrons from a heated cathode.

electronic

adj.
1 having components such as microchips and transistors that control and direct electric currents.
2 (of music) produced by electronic instruments.
3 relating to electrons or electronics.
4 carried out using a computer, especially over a network: electronic shopping.

- DERIVATIVES electronically adv.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from electron + -ic.

electronica

//

n.
1 popular music deriving from techno and rave but having a more ambient or cerebral quality.
2 electronic devices or technology considered collectively.

- ORIGIN 1990s: from electronic + -a^2.

electronic flash

n. Photography a flash from a gas-discharge tube.

electronic mail

n. another term for email.

electronic publishing

n. the issuing of texts as electronic files rather than on paper.

electronics

pl. n.
1 [usu. treated as sing.] the branch of physics and technology concerned with the behaviour and movement of electrons, especially in semiconductors and gases.
2 [treated as pl.] circuits or devices using transistors, microchips, etc.

electron microscope

n. Physics a microscope with high magnification and resolution, employing electron beams in place of light.

electron optics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of physics concerned with the behaviour of electrons in magnetic and electric fields.

electron pair

n.
1 Chemistry two electrons occupying the same orbital in an atom or molecule.
2 Physics an electron and a positron produced in a high-energy reaction.

electron spin resonance

n. Physics a spectroscopic method of locating electrons within the molecules of a paramagnetic substance.

electron tube

n. Physics an evacuated or gas-filled tube in which a current of electrons flows between electrodes.

electronvolt

n. Physics a unit of energy equal to the work done on an electron in accelerating it through a potential difference of one volt.

electro-optics

pl. n. [treated as sing.] the branch of science concerned with the effect of electric fields on light and optics.

- DERIVATIVES electro-optic adj. electro-optical adj.

electrophilic

//

adj. Chemistry having a tendency to attract or acquire electrons. Often contrasted with nucleophilic.

- DERIVATIVES electrophile n.

electrophoresis

//

n. Physics & Chemistry the movement of charged particles in a fluid or gel under the influence of an electric field.

- DERIVATIVES electrophorese v. electrophoretic adj. electrophoretically adv.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from electro- + Gk phorsis ‘being carried’.

electrophorus

//, //

n. Physics a device for repeatedly generating static electricity by induction.

- ORIGIN C18: from electro- + Gk -phoros ‘bearing’.

electrophysiology

//

n. the branch of physiology concerned with electrical phenomena such as nerve impulses.

- DERIVATIVES electrophysiological adj. electrophysiologically adv. electrophysiologist n.

electroplate

//, //

v. [usu. as noun electroplating] coat (a metal object) by electrolytic deposition with another metal.
n. electroplated articles.

- DERIVATIVES electroplater n.

electropolish

//

v. give a shiny surface to (metal) using electrolysis.

electroporation

//

n. Biology the process of introducing DNA or chromosomes into cells using an electrical pulse to create temporary pores in the cell membranes.

- DERIVATIVES electroporate v.

electropositive

adj.
1 Physics electrically positive.
2 Chemistry (of an element) tending to lose electrons and form positive ions in chemical reactions.

electroreception

n. the detection by an aquatic animal of electric fields or currents.

- DERIVATIVES electroreceptor n.

electroscope

n. Physics an instrument for detecting and measuring electric charge, especially as an indication of the ionization of air by radioactivity.

- DERIVATIVES electroscopic adj.

electroshock

adj. another term for electroconvulsive.

electrostatic

adj. Physics relating to stationary electric charges or fields as opposed to electric currents.

- DERIVATIVES electrostatically adv. electrostatics pl. n.

- ORIGIN C19: from electro- + static, on the pattern of hydrostatic.

electrosurgery

n. surgery using a high-frequency electric current to cut tissue.

- DERIVATIVES electrosurgical adj.

electrotechnology

n. the technological application of electricity.

- DERIVATIVES electrotechnic adj. electrotechnical adj. electrotechnics pl. n.

electrotherapy

n. the use of electric currents passed through the body to treat paralysis and other disorders.

- DERIVATIVES electrotherapeutic adj. electrotherapeutical adj. electrotherapist n.

electrothermal

adj. Physics relating to heat derived from electricity.

electrotype

v. [often as noun electrotyping] copy by the electrolytic deposition of copper on a mould.
n. a copy made in such a way.

- DERIVATIVES electrotyper n.

electrovalent

//

adj. Chemistry (of bonding) ionic.

- DERIVATIVES electrovalence n. electrovalency n.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from electro- + -valent, on the pattern of trivalent.

electroweak

adj. Physics relating to or denoting electromagnetic and weak interactions regarded as manifestations of the same interaction.

electrum

//

n. an alloy of gold with at least 20 per cent of silver, used for jewellery.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk lektron ‘amber, electrum’.

electuary

//

n. (pl. electuaries) archaic a medicinal substance mixed with honey or another sweet substance.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. electuarium, prob. from Gk ekleikton, from ekleikhein ‘lick up’.

eleemosynary

//, //

adj. formal charitable.

- ORIGIN C16: from med. L. eleemosynarius, from late L. eleemosyna ‘alms’, from Gk elemosun (see alms).

elegant

adj.
1 graceful and stylish.
2 pleasingly ingenious and simple: an elegant solution.

- DERIVATIVES elegance n. elegantly adv.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr., or from L. elegans, elegant-, rel. to eligere (see elect).

elegiac

//

adj. relating to or characteristic of an elegy. wistfully mournful.
n. (elegiacs) verses in an elegiac metre.

- DERIVATIVES elegiacally adv.

elegiac couplet

n. a pair of lines consisting of a dactylic hexameter and a pentameter, used especially in Greek and Latin verse.

elegize

(or elegise) //

v. write elegiacally.

- DERIVATIVES elegist n.

elegy

//

n. (pl. elegies)
1 a mournful poem, typically a lament for the dead.
2 (in Greek and Latin verse) a poem written in elegiac couplets.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. élégie, or via L., from Gk elegeia, from elegos ‘mournful poem’.

element

n.
1 a basic constituent part. an aspect: an element of danger. a group of a particular kind within a larger group: right-wing elements.
2 (also chemical element) each of more than one hundred substances that cannot be chemically interconverted or broken down, each consisting of atoms with a particular atomic number.
3 any of the four substances (earth, water, air, and fire) regarded as the fundamental constituents of the world in ancient and medieval philosophy.
4 (the elements) bad weather.
5 one's natural or preferred environment: she was in her element.
6 a part in an electric device consisting of a wire through which an electric current is passed to provide heat.
7 (elements) (in church use) the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. elementum ‘principle, rudiment’.

elemental

//

adj.
1 fundamental.
2 concerned with chemical elements. denoting uncombined chemical elements: elemental sulphur.
3 related to or embodying the powers of nature.
4 (of emotion) basic and primitive.
n. a supernatural entity or force thought to be physically manifested by occult means.

- DERIVATIVES elementalism n.

elementary

adj.
1 relating to the most rudimentary aspects of a subject; introductory. simple.
2 Chemistry not decomposable into elements or other primary constituents.

- DERIVATIVES elementarily adv. elementariness n.

elementary school

n. a primary school, especially (N. Amer.) for the first six or eight grades.

elemi

//

n. an oleoresin obtained from certain tropical trees and used in varnishes, ointments, and aromatherapy.

- ORIGIN C16: perh. from Arab. al-lm.

elenchus

//

n. (pl. elenchi //) Logic a logical refutation, especially the Socratic method of eliciting truth by question and answer.

- ORIGIN C17: via L. from Gk elenkhos.

elephant

n. (pl. same or elephants) a very large plant-eating mammal with a prehensile trunk, long curved ivory tusks, and large ears.   Loxodonta africana (African elephant, Africa) and Elephas maximus (Indian elephant, southern Asia).

- DERIVATIVES elephantoid // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. elefant, via L. from Gk elephas, elephant- ‘ivory, elephant’.

elephant bird

n. an aepyornis or related extinct giant bird.

elephant grass

n. a very tall robust tropical African grass.   Pennisetum purpureum.

elephantiasis

//

n. Medicine a condition in which a limb becomes grossly enlarged due to obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, especially by nematode parasites.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk, from elephas, elephant- ‘elephant’ + -iasis.

elephantine

//

adj. resembling or characteristic of an elephant, especially in being large or clumsy.

elephant seal

n. a large seal that breeds on the west coast of North America and around Antarctica, the male of which has a very thick neck and an inflatable snout.   Genus Mirounga: two species.

elephant shrew

n. a small insectivorous African mammal with a long mobile snout, long hindlimbs, and a rat-like tail.   Family Macroscelididae: many species.

Eleusinian mysteries

//

pl. n. the annual rites performed by the ancient Greeks at the village of Eleusis near Athens in honour of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone.

elevate

//

v.
1 lift to a higher position. (of a priest) hold up (a consecrated host or chalice) for adoration. Military raise the axis of (a piece of artillery) to increase its range.
2 raise to a more important or impressive level or status.

- DERIVATIVES elevated adj. elevatory adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. elevat-, elevare ‘to raise’.

elevation

n.
1 the action or fact of elevating or being elevated.
2 height above a given level, especially sea level. the angle of something with the horizontal.
3 Ballet the ability of a dancer to attain height in jumps.
4 a particular side of a building. a scale drawing showing the vertical projection of one side of a building.

- DERIVATIVES elevational adj.

elevator

n.
1 North American term for lift (in sense 1).
2 a hinged flap on the tailplane of an aircraft, used to control pitch.
3 a muscle whose contraction raises a part of the body.
4 a machine consisting of an endless belt with scoops attached, used for raising grain. N. Amer. a tall building used for storing grain.

eleven

cardinal number
1 equivalent to the sum of six and five; one more than ten; 11. (Roman numeral: xi or XI.)
2 a sports team of eleven players.

- DERIVATIVES elevenfold adj. & adv.

- ORIGIN OE endleofon, from the base of one + a second element (prob. expressing the sense ‘left over’) occurring also in twelve; of Gmc origin.

eleven-plus

n. chiefly historical (in the UK) an examination taken at the age of 11–12 to determine the type of secondary school a child should enter.

elevenses

pl. n. Brit. informal a break for light refreshments taken at about eleven o'clock in the morning.

eleventh

ordinal number constituting number eleven in a sequence; 11th.

- PHRASES
the eleventh hour the latest possible moment.

ELF

abbrev. extremely low frequency.

elf

n. (pl. elves) a supernatural creature of folk tales, represented as a small, delicate human figure with pointed ears and a capricious nature.

- DERIVATIVES elfish adj. elven adj. (literary). elvish adj.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

elfin

adj. resembling an elf.

elicit

//

v. (elicits, eliciting, elicited)
1 evoke or draw out (a response or answer).
2 archaic draw forth (something latent) into existence.

- DERIVATIVES elicitation n. elicitor n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. elicit-, elicere ‘draw out by trickery’.

elide

//

v.
1 [often as adj. elided] omit (a sound or syllable) when speaking.
2 join together; merge.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. elidere ‘crush out’.

eligible

//

adj.
1 (often eligible for/to do something) satisfying the appropriate conditions.
2 desirable as a spouse: an eligible bachelor.

- DERIVATIVES eligibility n. eligibly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: via Fr. from late L. eligibilis, from L. eligere (see elect).

eliminate

//

v.
1 completely remove or get rid of. reject or exclude from consideration or further participation.
2 Chemistry generate (a simple substance) as a product in the course of a reaction involving larger molecules.

- DERIVATIVES eliminable adj. elimination n. eliminator n. eliminatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. eliminat-, eliminare ‘turn out of doors’.

elimination diet

n. a procedure used to identify foods which a person is intolerant of, in which all suspected foods are excluded from the diet and then reintroduced one at a time.

Elint

//

n. covert intelligence-gathering by electronic means. Compare with Humint.

- ORIGIN 1960s: blend of electronic and intelligence.

ELISA

//

n. Biochemistry enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, an immunological assay technique making use of an enzyme bonded to a particular antibody or antigen.

elision

//

n.
1 the omission of a sound or syllable in speech.
2 the process of joining or merging.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. elisio(n-), from L. elidere ‘crush out’.

elite

//, // (also élite)

n.
1 a group of people considered to be superior in a society or organization.
2 a size of letter in typewriting, with 12 characters to the inch (about 4.7 to the centimetre).

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. élite ‘selection, choice’.

elitism

n.
1 the belief that a society or system should be run by an elite.
2 the superior attitude or behaviour associated with an elite.

- DERIVATIVES elitist adj. & n.

elixir

//, //

n. a magical or medicinal potion, especially (in former times) either one supposedly able to change metals into gold or (also elixir of life) supposedly able to prolong life indefinitely.

- ORIGIN ME: via med. L. from Arab. al-'iksr, from al ‘the’ + iksr from Gk xrion ‘powder for drying wounds’.

Elizabethan

//

adj. relating to or characteristic of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
n. a person of the Elizabethan age.

elk

//

n. (pl. same or elks) a large northern deer with palmate antlers and a growth of skin hanging from the neck. Called moose in North America.   Alces alces. North American term for wapiti.

- ORIGIN C15: prob. from OE elh, eolh, with substitution of k for h.

elkhorn coral

n. a coral with sturdy antler-like branches, found in shallow waters throughout the Caribbean.   Acropora palmata.

elkhound

n. a large hunting dog of a Scandinavian breed with a shaggy grey coat.

ell

n. a former measure of length used mainly for textiles, normally 45 inches in England and 37 inches in Scotland.

- ORIGIN OE eln; from an Indo-Eur. root shared by L. ulna (see ulna); the measure was orig. linked to the length of the human arm or forearm.

ellagic acid

//

n. Chemistry a compound extracted from oak galls and some fruits and nuts, able to retard the growth of cancer cells to some extent.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. ellagique (an anagram of galle ‘gall nut’ + -ique), thus avoiding the form gallique, already in use.

ellipse

//

n. a regular oval shape, traced by a point moving in a plane so that the sum of its distances from two other points (the foci) is constant, or resulting when a cone is cut by an oblique plane which does not intersect the base.

- ORIGIN C17: via Fr. from L. ellipsis (see ellipsis).

ellipsis

//

n. (pl. ellipses //) the omission of words from speech or writing. a set of dots indicating such an omission.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk elleipsis, from elleipein ‘leave out’.

ellipsoid

//

n. a three-dimensional figure symmetrical about each of three perpendicular axes, whose plane sections normal to one axis are circles and all the other plane sections are ellipses.

- DERIVATIVES ellipsoidal adj.

elliptic

adj. relating to or having the form of an ellipse.

- DERIVATIVES ellipticity n.

elliptical

adj.
1 (of speech or text) using or involving ellipsis (omission of words), especially so as to be difficult to understand.
2 another term for elliptic.

- DERIVATIVES elliptically adv.

elm

n. a tall deciduous tree with rough serrated leaves.   Ulmus procera (English elm), U. americana (N. America), and related species.

- DERIVATIVES elmy adj.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

El Niño

/ /

n. (pl. El Niños) an irregularly occurring and complex series of climatic changes affecting the equatorial Pacific region and beyond every few years, characterized by the appearance of unusually warm, nutrient-poor water off northern Peru and Ecuador.

- ORIGIN Sp., lit. ‘the (Christ) child’, because of its occurrence around Christmas time.

elocution

//

n. the skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation.

- DERIVATIVES elocutionary adj. elocutionist n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. elocutio(n-), from eloqui (see eloquence).

Elohim

/ /

n. a name for God used in the Hebrew Bible.

- ORIGIN from Heb. lhm (pl.).

elongate

//

v. [usu. as adj. elongated] make or become longer.
adj. Biology long; elongated.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘move away’): from late L. elongat-, elongare ‘place at a distance’.

elongation

n.
1 the lengthening of something.
2 Astronomy the angular separation of a planet from the sun or of a satellite from a planet.

- ORIGIN ME: from late L. elongatio(n-), from elongare (see elongate).

elope

v. run away secretly in order to get married.

- DERIVATIVES elopement n. eloper n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘abscond, run away’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. aloper.

eloquence

//

n. fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. eloquentia, from eloqui ‘speak out’.

eloquent

adj.
1 showing eloquence.
2 clearly expressive: an art that is eloquent of America's cultural diversity.

- DERIVATIVES eloquently adv.

Elsan

//

n. Brit. trademark a type of transportable chemical toilet.

- ORIGIN 1930s: appar. from the initials of Ephraim Louis Jackson (its manufacturer) and sanitation.

else

adv.
1 in addition; besides.
2 different; instead.

- PHRASES
or else used to introduce the second of two alternatives. in circumstances different from those mentioned. used as a threat or warning.

- ORIGIN OE elles, of Gmc origin.

elsewhere

adv. in, at, or to some other place or other places.
pron. some other place.

- ORIGIN OE elles hwær (see else, where).

ELT

abbrev. English language teaching.

eluate

//, //

n. Chemistry a solution obtained by elution.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from L. eluere ‘wash out’ + -ate^1.

elucidate

//

v. make clear; explain.

- DERIVATIVES elucidation n. elucidative adj. elucidator n. elucidatory adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from late L. elucidat-, elucidare ‘make clear’.

elude

//

v.
1 evade or escape from, typically in a skilful or cunning way.
2 fail to be attained or understood by; baffle.

- DERIVATIVES elusion n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. eludere, from e- ‘out, away from’ + ludere ‘to play’.

Elul

//, //

n. (in the Jewish calendar) the twelfth month of the civil and sixth of the religious year, usually coinciding with parts of August and September.

- ORIGIN from Heb. ll.

elusive

adj. difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

- DERIVATIVES elusively adv. elusiveness n.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. elus-, eludere ‘elude’ + -ive.

elute

//

v. Chemistry remove (an adsorbed substance) by washing with a solvent, especially in chromatography.

- DERIVATIVES elution n.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from L. elut-, eluere ‘wash out’.

elutriate

//

v. Chemistry separate (particles in a mixture) by suspension in an upward flow of liquid or gas.

- DERIVATIVES elutriation n.

- ORIGIN C18: from L. elutriat-, elutriare ‘wash out’.

elver

//

n. a young eel, especially when undergoing mass migration upriver from the sea.

- ORIGIN C17: var. of dial. eel-fare ‘the passage of young eels up a river’, from eel + fare in its original sense ‘a journey’.

elves

plural form of elf.

Elysian

//

adj. relating to Elysium or the Elysian Fields, the place in Greek mythology where heroes were conveyed after death. of or like paradise.

elytron

//

n. (pl. elytra //) Entomology each of the two wing cases of a beetle.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk elutron ‘sheath’.

em

n. Printing a unit for measuring the width of printed matter, equal to the height of the type size being used. a unit of measurement equal to twelve points.

- ORIGIN C18: the letter M, since it is approx. this width.

em-

//, //

prefix variant spelling of en-1, en-2 assimilated before b, p (as in emblazon, emplacement).

emaciated

//, //

adj. abnormally thin and weak.

- DERIVATIVES emaciation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. emaciat-, emaciare ‘make thin’.

email

(also e-mail)

n. messages sent electronically from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network. the system of sending email.
v. send an email to. send by email.

- DERIVATIVES emailer n.

- ORIGIN 1980s: abbrev. of electronic mail.

emalangeni

plural form of lilangeni.

emanate

//

v. issue or spread out from a source. give out or emit.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C16) as emanation): from L. emanat-, emanare ‘flow out’.

emanation

n.
1 something which emanates or is produced from a source.
2 the action or process of emanating.
3 (in various mystical traditions) a being or force which is a manifestation of God.

emancipate

//

v. set free, especially from legal, social, or political restrictions. free from slavery. Law set (a child) free from the authority of its parents.

- DERIVATIVES emancipation n. emancipator n. emancipatory adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. emancipat-, emancipare ‘transfer as property’, from e- ‘out’ + mancipium ‘slave’.

emasculate

//

v.
1 [usu. as adj. emasculated] deprive (a man) of his male role or identity.
2 make weaker or less effective.
3 Botany remove the male parts (anthers) from (a flower).

- DERIVATIVES emasculation n. emasculator n. emasculatory // adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. emasculat-, emasculare ‘castrate’.

embalm

//, //

v.
1 preserve (a corpse) from decay, originally with spices and now usually by injection of a preservative. preserve in an unaltered state.
2 archaic give a pleasant fragrance to.

- DERIVATIVES embalmer n. embalmment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. embaumer, from em- ‘in’ + baume ‘balm’, var. of basme (see balm).

embank

v. protect or provide with an embankment.

embankment

n.
1 a wall or bank built to prevent flooding by a river.
2 a bank of earth or stone built to carry a road or railway over an area of low ground.

embargo

//, //

n. (pl. embargoes)
1 an official ban, especially on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.
2 historical an order of a state forbidding foreign ships to enter, or any ships to leave, its ports.
v. (embargoes, embargoing, embargoed)
1 ban (something) officially.
2 archaic seize (a ship or goods) for state service.

- ORIGIN C17: from Sp., from embargar ‘arrest’.

embark

v.
1 go on board a ship or aircraft.
2 (embark on/upon) begin (a new project or course of action).

- DERIVATIVES embarkation n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. embarquer, from em- ‘in’ + barque ‘bark, ship’.

embarras de richesses

/ / (also embarras de choix //)

n. more options or resources than one knows what to do with.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘embarrassment of riches (or choice)’.

embarrass

//, //

v.
1 cause to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed. (be embarrassed) be caused financial difficulties.
2 archaic hamper or impede.

- DERIVATIVES embarrassed adj. embarrassedly adv. embarrassing adj. embarrassingly adv.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. embarrasser, from Sp. embarazar, prob. from Port. embaraçar (from baraço ‘halter’).

embarrassment

n.
1 a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness. a cause of such feelings.
2 financial difficulty.

embassage

//

n. archaic
1 the business or message of an envoy.
2 a deputation.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr. ambasse ‘message or embassy’ + -age.

embassy

n. (pl. embassies)
1 the official residence or offices of an ambassador.
2 chiefly historical a deputation or mission sent by one state to another.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. ambasse, based on L. ambactus ‘servant’; cf. ambassador.

embattle

v. archaic
1 make ready for battle.
2 fortify (a building) against attack.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. embataillier.

embattled

adj.
1 beset by problems or difficulties.
2 prepared for battle.
3 fortified; having battlements. [postpos.] Heraldry divided or edged by a line of square notches like battlements in outline.

embay

v.
1 force (a boat) into a bay.
2 chiefly Geology enclose in a recess or hollow.
3 [as adj. embayed] formed into bays.

embayment

n. a recess in a coastline forming a bay.

embed

v. (also imbed) (embeds, embedding, embedded)
1 fix or become fixed firmly and deeply in the surrounding mass. implant (an idea or feeling). Computing incorporate within the body of a file or document.
2 attach (a journalist) to a military unit during a conflict.
n. a journalist who is attached to a military unit during a conflict.

- DERIVATIVES embeddedness n. embedment n.

embellish

v.
1 adorn; decorate.
2 add extra details to (a story) for interest.

- DERIVATIVES embellisher n. embellishment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. embelliss-, from embellir, based on bel ‘handsome’, from L. bellus.

ember

//

n. a small piece of burning or glowing material in a dying fire.

- ORIGIN OE æmyrge, of Gmc origin.

Ember day

n. any of a number of days reserved for fasting and prayer in the Western Christian Church.

- ORIGIN OE ymbren, perh. an alt. of ymbryne ‘period’, from ymb ‘about’ + ryne ‘course’.

embezzle

v. steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or under one's control).

- DERIVATIVES embezzlement n. embezzler n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘steal’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. embesiler, from besiler, of unknown ultimate origin.

embitter

v. [usu. as adj. embittered] make bitter or resentful.

- DERIVATIVES embitterment n.

emblazon

//, //

v.
1 conspicuously display (a design) on something. depict (a heraldic device) on something.
2 archaic praise publicly.

- DERIVATIVES emblazonment n.

emblem

//

n. a heraldic device or symbolic object as a distinctive badge of a nation, organization, or family. a symbol or symbolic representation.

- DERIVATIVES emblematic adj. emblematical adj. emblematically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. emblema ‘inlaid work, raised ornament’, from Gk emblma ‘insertion’.

emblematize

(or emblematise) //

v. formal serve as an emblem of.

embodiment

n. a tangible or visible form of an idea or quality: I was the embodiment of ungainliness. the representation of something in such a form.

embody

//, //

v. (embodies, embodying, embodied)
1 give a tangible or visible form to (an idea or quality).
2 include or contain (something) as a constituent part.

embolden

v.
1 give courage or confidence to.
2 cause (text) to appear in a bold typeface.

embolectomy

//

n. (pl. embolectomies) surgical removal of an embolus.

embolism

//

n. Medicine obstruction of an artery, typically by a clot of blood or an air bubble.

- ORIGIN C19: via late L. from Gk embolismos, from emballein ‘insert’.

embolization

(or embolisation) //

n. Medicine the formation of an embolus.

embolus

//

n. (pl. emboli //, //) a blood clot, air bubble, piece of fatty deposit, or other object obstructing a blood vessel.

- DERIVATIVES embolic adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting the plunger of a syringe): from L., lit. ‘piston’, from Gk embolos ‘peg, stopper’.

embonpoint

//

n. plumpness or fleshiness, especially with reference to a woman's bosom.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. en bon point ‘in good condition’.

emboss

v. [usu. as adj. embossed] carve a design in relief on (a surface).

- DERIVATIVES embosser n.

- ORIGIN ME: from the OFr. base of obs. Fr. embosser, from em- ‘into’ + boce ‘protuberance’.

embouchure

//

n.
1 Music the way in which a player applies the mouth and tongue in playing a brass or wind instrument.
2 archaic the mouth of a river.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from s'emboucher, from emboucher ‘put in or to the mouth’.

embourgeoisement

//

n. the process of becoming bourgeois or middle class.

- ORIGIN Fr., from embourgeoiser ‘become or make bourgeois’.

embower

//, //

v. literary surround or enclose.

embrace

v.
1 hold closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection.
2 accept or support (a belief or change) willingly.
3 include or contain.
n. an act of embracing.

- DERIVATIVES embraceable adj. embracement n. embracer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. embracer, based on L. in- ‘in’ + bracchium ‘arm’.

embrasure

//, //

n.
1 an opening in a wall or parapet, used for shooting through.
2 an opening or recess around a window or door forming an enlargement of the area from the inside.

- DERIVATIVES embrasured adj.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from obs. embraser ‘widen an opening’, of unknown ultimate origin.

embrittle

v. make or become brittle.

- DERIVATIVES embrittlement n.

embrocation

//

n. a liquid medication rubbed on the body to relieve pain from sprains and strains.

- ORIGIN ME: from med. L. embrocatio(n-), from embrocare, based on Gk embrokh ‘lotion’.

embroider

v.
1 sew decorative needlework patterns on.
2 add fictitious or exaggerated details to.

- DERIVATIVES embroiderer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. enbrouder.

embroidery

n. (pl. embroideries)
1 the art or pastime of embroidering.
2 embroidered cloth.

embroil

v.
1 (often be/become embroiled in) involve deeply in a conflict or difficult situation.
2 archaic bring into a state of confusion or disorder.

- DERIVATIVES embroilment n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. embrouiller ‘to muddle’.

embryo

//

n. (pl. embryos)
1 an unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development, especially an unborn human in the first eight weeks from conception. Compare with fetus.
2 Botany the part of a seed which develops into a new plant.

- PHRASES
in embryo at a rudimentary stage.

- DERIVATIVES embryonal // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk embruon ‘fetus’, from em- ‘into’ + bruein ‘grow’.

embryogenesis

//

n. Biology the formation and development of an embryo.

- DERIVATIVES embryogenic adj. embryogeny n.

embryology

//

n. the branch of biology and medicine concerned with the study of embryos.

- DERIVATIVES embryologic adj. embryological adj. embryologist n.

embryonic

//

adj.
1 relating to an embryo.
2 in or at a rudimentary stage.

- DERIVATIVES embryonically adv.

emcee

// N. Amer. informal

n.
1 a master of ceremonies.
2 an MC at a club or party.
v. (emcees, emceed, emceeing) act as a master of ceremonies or MC at (an event, club, etc.).

- ORIGIN 1930s: representing the pron. of MC.

-eme

suffix Linguistics forming nouns denoting minimal linguistic units that are in systemic contrast with one other: phoneme.

- ORIGIN from phoneme.

emend

//

v. correct and revise (a text).

- DERIVATIVES emendation n.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. emendare, from e- ‘out of’ + menda ‘a fault’; cf. amend.

emerald

n.
1 a bright green precious stone consisting of a chromium-rich variety of beryl.
2 (also emerald green) a bright green colour.
3 (also emerald moth) a slender-bodied green moth.   Geometra papilionaria (large emerald) and other species.

- PHRASES
the Emerald Isle Ireland.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. e(s)meraud, ult. via L. from Gk (s)maragdos, via Prakrit from Semitic (cf. Heb. breqet, from braq ‘flash, sparkle’).

emerge

//

v.
1 move out of something and become visible. (of an insect) break out from an egg, cocoon, or pupal case.
2 come into existence or greater prominence. (of facts) become known.
3 recover from or survive a difficult period.

- DERIVATIVES emerging adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. emergere, from e- ‘out, forth’ + mergere ‘to dip’.

emergence

//

n.
1 the action or process of emerging.
2 the breaking out of an insect from an egg, cocoon, or pupal case.

emergency

n. (pl. emergencies)
1 a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation requiring immediate action. [as modifier] arising from or used in an emergency: an emergency exit. N. Amer. the casualty department in a hospital.
2 (the Emergency) Irish historical the Second World War.
3 Austral./NZ dated (in sport) a reserve player or runner.

- ORIGIN C17: from med. L. emergentia, from L. emergere (see emerge).

emergent

adj.
1 in the process of coming into being or prominence; emerging.
2 Philosophy (of a property) arising as an effect of complex causes and not analysable simply as the sum of their effects.
3 denoting water plants with leaves and flowers that appear above the water surface.
n. Philosophy an emergent property.

emeritus

//, //

adj. having retired but allowed to retain a title as an honour: the emeritus professor of microbiology.

- ORIGIN C18: from L., past part. of emereri ‘earn one's discharge by service’.

emersion

n.
1 the process or state of emerging, especially from water.
2 Astronomy the reappearance of a celestial body after eclipse or occultation.

emery

//

n. a greyish-black form of corundum (mineral) containing iron oxide, used in powdered form as an abrasive.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. émeri, from OFr. esmeri, from Ital. smeriglio, based on Gk smuris ‘polishing powder’.

emery board

n. a strip of thin wood or card coated with emery or another abrasive and used as a nail file.

emesis

//

n. technical vomiting.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, from emein ‘to vomit’.

emetic

//

adj. (of a substance) causing vomiting.
n. an emetic medicine or other substance.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk emetikos, from emein ‘to vomit’.

EMF

abbrev.
1 electromagnetic field(s).
2 (emf) electromotive force.
3 European Monetary Fund.

EMG

abbrev. electromyogram or electromyography.

-emia

comb. form US spelling of -aemia.

emigrant

n. a person who leaves their own country in order to settle permanently in another.

emigrate

//

v. leave one's own country in order to settle permanently in another.

- DERIVATIVES emigration n.

- ORIGIN C18 (earlier (C17) as emigration): from L. emigrat-, emigrare ‘emigrate’.

émigré

//

n. a person who has emigrated, especially for political reasons.

- ORIGIN C18 (orig. denoting a person escaping the French Revolution): Fr., past part. of émigrer ‘emigrate’.

eminence

//

n.
1 acknowledged superiority within a particular sphere.
2 an important or distinguished person. (His/Your Eminence) a title given to a Roman Catholic cardinal.
3 literary a piece of rising ground.
4 Anatomy a slight projection from the surface of the body.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. eminentia, from eminere ‘jut, project’.

éminence grise

/ /

n. (pl. éminences grises pronunc. same) a person who exercises power or influence without holding an official position.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit ‘grey eminence’; the term was orig. applied to Cardinal Richelieu's grey-cloaked private secretary, Père Joseph (1577–1638).

eminent

adj.
1 respected and distinguished within a particular sphere.
2 notable; outstanding: his eminent suitability for scientific work.

- DERIVATIVES eminently adv.

eminent domain

n. Law the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.

emir

// (also amir)

n. a title of various Muslim (mainly Arab) rulers. historical a Muslim (usually Arab) military commander or local chief.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a male descendant of Muhammad): from Fr. émir, from Arab. amr (see amir).

emirate

//

n. the rank, lands, or reign of an emir.

emissary

//

n. (pl. emissaries) a person sent as a diplomatic representative on a special mission.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. emissarius ‘scout, spy’, from emittere (see emit).

emission

//

n. the action of emitting something, especially heat, light, gas, or radiation. a substance which is emitted.

- DERIVATIVES emissive adj. emissivity n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘emanation’): from L. emissio(n-), from emiss-, emittere (see emit).

emit

v. (emits, emitting, emitted)
1 send forth or give out; discharge.
2 make (a sound).

- ORIGIN C17: from L. emittere, from e- ‘out of’ + mittere ‘send’.

emitter

n.
1 a thing which emits.
2 Electronics the region in a bipolar transistor that produces carriers of current.

Emmental

// (also Emmenthal)

n. a kind of hard Swiss cheese with holes in it, similar to Gruyère.

- ORIGIN from Ger. Emmentaler, from Emmental, a valley in Switzerland where the cheese was orig. made.

emmer

//

n. an old kind of wheat with bearded ears and spikelets that each contain two grains, now grown mainly for fodder and breakfast cereals.   Triticum dicoccum.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger., from Old High Ger. amer (see spelt^2).

emmet

//

n. dialect an ant.

- ORIGIN OE æmete (see ant).

Emmy

n. (pl. Emmys) (in the US) a statuette awarded annually to an outstanding television programme or performer.

- ORIGIN 1940s: said to be from Immy, short for image orthicon tube (a kind of television camera tube).

emollient

//

adj.
1 having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.
2 attempting to avoid confrontation or anger; soothing or calming.
n. an emollient substance.

- DERIVATIVES emollience n.

- ORIGIN C17: from L. emollient-, emollire ‘to make soft’.

emolument

//, //

n. formal a salary, fee, or benefit from employment or office.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. emolumentum, orig. prob. ‘payment for grinding corn’, from emolere ‘grind up’.

emote

//

v. portray emotion theatrically.

- DERIVATIVES emoter n.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: back-form. from emotion.

emoticon

//, //

n. a representation of a facial expression such as a smile or frown, formed with keyboard characters and used in email and text messages to convey the writer's feelings.

- ORIGIN 1990s: blend of emotion and icon.

emotion

n. a strong feeling, such as joy, anger, or sadness. instinctive or intuitive feeling as distinguished from reasoning or knowledge.

- DERIVATIVES emotionless adj.

- ORIGIN C16 (denoting a public disturbance): from Fr. émotion, from émouvoir ‘excite’, based on L. emovere, from e- ‘out’ + movere ‘move’.

emotional

adj. relating to emotions. characterized by or arousing intense feeling: an emotional speech. emotionally affected; upset.

- DERIVATIVES emotionalism n. emotionalist n. & adj. emotionality n. emotionalize (or emotionalise) v. emotionally adv.

emotive

//

adj. arousing intense feeling: animal experimentation is an emotive subject.

- DERIVATIVES emotively adv. emotiveness n. emotivity // n.

USAGE

The words emotive and emotional are not interchangeable. Emotive means ‘arousing intense feeling’, while emotional tends to mean ‘characterized by intense feeling’. Thus an emotive issue is one which is likely to arouse people's passions, while an emotional response is one which is itself full of passion.

empanada

//

n. a pastry turnover filled with savoury ingredients and baked or fried, typical of South American cooking.

- ORIGIN Sp., fem. past part. of empanar ‘roll in pastry’, based on L. panis ‘bread’.

empanel

v. variant spelling of impanel.

- DERIVATIVES empanelment n.

empathize

(or empathise)

v. understand and share the feelings of another.

empathy

//

n. the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

- DERIVATIVES empathetic adj. empathetically adv. empathic // adj. empathically adv.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk empatheia (from em- ‘in’ + pathos ‘feeling’) translating Ger. Einfühlung.

USAGE

People often confuse the words empathy and sympathy. Empathy means ‘the ability to understand and share the feelings of another’ (as in both authors have the skill to make you feel empathy with their heroines), whereas sympathy means ‘feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune’ (as in they had great sympathy for the flood victims).

empennage

//

n. Aeronautics an arrangement of stabilizing surfaces at the tail of an aircraft.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Fr., from empenner ‘to feather an arrow’, from em- ‘in’ + penne ‘a feather’.

emperor

n.
1 the ruler of an empire.
2 in names of certain large, strikingly marked butterflies, e.g. purple emperor.

- DERIVATIVES emperorship n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. emperere, from L. imperator ‘military commander’, from imperare ‘to command’.

emperor moth

n. a large moth of the silk moth family, with eyespots on all four wings.   Saturnia pavonia and related species.

emperor penguin

n. the largest kind of penguin, which breeds in the Antarctic and has a yellow patch on each side of the head.   Aptenodytes forsteri.

emphasis

//

n. (pl. emphases //)
1 special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
2 stress laid on a word or words in speaking.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk, orig. ‘appearance, show’, later denoting a figure of speech in which more is implied than is said, from emphainein ‘exhibit’.

emphasize

(or emphasise)

v.
1 give emphasis to.
2 make more clearly defined: a jacket which emphasized her hips.

emphatic

adj. showing or giving emphasis. definite and clear: the answer was an emphatic ‘yes’.

- DERIVATIVES emphatically adv.

emphysema

//

n. Medicine
1 (also pulmonary emphysema) a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
2 a condition in which air is abnormally present within the body tissues.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk emphusma, from emphusan ‘puff up’.

empire

n.
1 an extensive group of states ruled over by a single monarch, an oligarchy, or a sovereign state. supreme power over several countries: his dream of empire in Asia Minor.
2 a large commercial organization under the control of one person or group.
adj. (Empire) denoting a neoclassical style of furniture and dress fashionable chiefly during the First Empire, the period of Napoleon I's reign as emperor of the French (1804–15).

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from L. imperium, rel. to imperare (see emperor).

Empire line

n. a style of women's clothing characterized by a waistline cut just under the bust and typically a low neckline, first popular during the First Empire (1804–15) in France.

empiric

//, //

adj. another term for empirical.
n. archaic
1 a scientist who relies solely on observation and experiment.
2 a quack doctor.

- ORIGIN ME: via L. from Gk empeirikos, from empeiria ‘experience’.

empirical

adj. based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

- DERIVATIVES empirically adv.

empirical formula

n. Chemistry a formula giving the proportions of the elements present in a compound but not the actual numbers or arrangement of atoms.

empiricism

//

n. Philosophy the theory that all knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses.

- DERIVATIVES empiricist n. & adj.

emplacement

n.
1 a structure or platform where a gun is placed for firing.
2 chiefly Geology the process or state of setting something in place.

emplane

(also enplane)

v. go or put on board an aircraft.

employ

v.
1 give work to (someone) and pay them for it. keep (someone) occupied.
2 make use of.
n. the state of being employed; employment: he was in the employ of a wine merchant.

- DERIVATIVES employability n. employable adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. employer, based on L. implicari, from implicare (see imply).

employee

n. a person employed for wages or salary.

employer

n. a person or organization that employs people.

employment

n.
1 the action of giving work to someone. a person's work or profession.
2 the utilization of something.

emporium

//, //

n. (pl. emporia // or emporiums) a large store selling a wide variety of goods.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk emporion, from emporos ‘merchant’.

empower

v. give authority or power to; authorize. give strength and confidence to.

- DERIVATIVES empowerment n.

empress

//

n. a female emperor. the wife or widow of an emperor.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. emperesse, fem. of emperere (see emperor).

empty

adj. (emptier, emptiest)
1 containing nothing; not filled or occupied. Mathematics (of a set) containing no members or elements.
2 (of words or a gesture) lacking sincerity.
3 having no value or purpose.
v. (empties, emptying, emptied)
1 make or become empty. discharge (the contents) from a container.
2 (of a river) discharge itself into the sea or a lake.
n. (pl. empties) informal a bottle or glass left empty of its contents.

- PHRASES
be running on empty have exhausted all of one's resources.

- DERIVATIVES emptily adv. emptiness n.

- ORIGIN OE æmtig, æmetig ‘at leisure, empty’, from æmetta ‘leisure’.

empty-handed

adj. having failed to obtain or achieve what one wanted.

empty-headed

adj. unintelligent and foolish.

empty nester

n. informal, chiefly N. Amer. a parent whose children have grown up and left home.

empurple

v. make or become purple.

empyema

//

n. Medicine the collection of pus in a body cavity, especially in the pleural cavity.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk empuma, from empuein ‘suppurate’.

empyrean

//, //, //

adj. literary relating to heaven.
n. (the empyrean) the highest part of heaven, thought by the ancients to be the realm of pure fire. literary the sky.

- DERIVATIVES empyreal //, //, // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: via med. L. from Gk empurios, from en- ‘in’ + pur ‘fire’.

em rule

/ /

n. Brit. a long dash used in punctuation, roughly the width of the letter M.

EMS

abbrev. European Monetary System.

EMU

abbrev. Economic and Monetary Union.

emu^1

n. a large flightless fast-running Australian bird resembling the ostrich, with shaggy grey or brown plumage, bare blue skin on the head and neck, and three-toed feet.   Dromaius novaehollandiae.

- ORIGIN C17 (orig. denoting the cassowary, later the greater rhea): from Port. ema.

emu^2

abbrev. Brit.
1 electric multiple unit (railway vehicle).
2 electromagnetic unit(s).

emulate

//

v. attempt to match or surpass, typically by imitation.

- DERIVATIVES emulation n. emulative adj. emulator n.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. aemulat-, aemulari ‘to rival or equal’.

emulous

//

adj. formal seeking to emulate.

- DERIVATIVES emulously adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from L. aemulus ‘rival’.

emulsifier

n. a substance that stabilizes an emulsion, in particular an additive used to stabilize processed foods.

emulsify

//

v. (emulsifies, emulsifying, emulsified) make into or become an emulsion.

- DERIVATIVES emulsifiable adj. emulsification n.

emulsion

//

n.
1 a fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid in another in which it is not soluble or miscible.
2 (also emulsion paint) a type of paint consisting of pigment bound in a synthetic resin which forms an emulsion with water.
3 a light-sensitive coating for photographic films and plates, containing crystals of a silver compound dispersed in a medium such as gelatin.

- DERIVATIVES emulsive adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (denoting a milky liquid made by crushing almonds in water): from mod. L. emulsio(n-), from emulgere ‘milk out’.

en

n. Printing a unit of measurement equal to half an em and approximately the average width of typeset characters.

- ORIGIN C18: the letter N, since it is approx. this width.

en-1

(also em-)

prefix
1 (added to nouns) forming verbs meaning ‘put into or on’: engulf.
2 (added to nouns and adjectives) forming verbs (often with the suffix -en) meaning ‘bring into the condition of’: enliven.
3 (added to verbs) in; into; on: ensnare. as an intensifier: entangle.

- ORIGIN from Fr., from L. in-.

en-2

(also em-)

prefix within; inside: enthusiasm.

- ORIGIN from Gk.

-en^1

suffix forming verbs:
1 (from adjectives) denoting the development or intensification of a state: widen.
2 from nouns (such as strengthen from strength).

- ORIGIN OE -nian, of Gmc origin.

-en^2

(also -n)

suffix forming adjectives from nouns:
1 made or consisting of: earthen.
2 resembling: golden.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

-en^3

(also -n)

suffix forming past participles of strong verbs:
1 as a regular inflection: spoken.
2 as an adjective: mistaken.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

-en^4

suffix forming the plural of a few nouns such as children, oxen.

- ORIGIN ME reduction of the earlier suffix -an.

-en^5

suffix forming diminutives of nouns (such as chicken).

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

-en^6

suffix
1 forming feminine nouns such as vixen.
2 forming abstract nouns such as burden.

- ORIGIN OE, of Gmc origin.

enable

v.
1 give (someone) the ability or means to do something. make possible.
2 chiefly Computing make (a device or system) operational; activate. [as adj. -enabled] adapted for use with the specified application or system: WAP-enabled mobile phones.

- DERIVATIVES enablement n. enabler n.

- ORIGIN ME: from en-1, in-2, + able.

enabling act

n. Law a statute empowering a person or body to take certain action, especially to make regulations.

enact

v.
1 make (a bill or other proposal) law.
2 put into practice.
3 act out (a role or play).

- DERIVATIVES enactable adj. enaction n. enactive adj. enactor n.

- ORIGIN ME: from en-1, in-2, + act.

enactment

n.
1 the process of enacting.
2 a law that has been passed.

enamel

n.
1 an opaque or semi-transparent glassy substance applied to metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as a protective coating.
2 the hard glossy substance that covers the crown of a tooth.
3 a paint that dries to give a smooth, hard coat.
v. (enamels, enamelling, enamelled; US enamels, enameling, enameled) [usu. as adj. enamelled] coat or decorate with enamel.

- DERIVATIVES enameller n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. enamailler, from en- ‘in, on’ + amail ‘enamel’.

enamour

//, // (US enamor)

v. (be enamoured of/with/by) be filled with love or admiration for.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enamourer, from en- ‘in’ + amour ‘love’.

enanthema

//

n. Medicine an ulcer or eruption occurring on a mucus-secreting surface such as the inside of the mouth.

- ORIGIN C19: from en-2 + a shortened form of exanthema.

enantiomer

//, //

n. Chemistry each of a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other.

- DERIVATIVES enantiomeric adj. enantiomerically adv.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Gk enantios ‘opposite’ + -mer.

enantiomorph

//, //

n. each of two crystalline or other geometrical forms which are mirror images of each other.

- DERIVATIVES enantiomorphic adj. enantiomorphism n. enantiomorphous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk enantios ‘opposite’ + -morph.

enation

//

n. Botany an outgrowth from the surface of a leaf or other part of a plant.

- ORIGIN C19: from L. enatio(n-), from enasci ‘issue forth’.

en bloc

/ /

adv. all together; all at once.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr.

en brosse

/ /

adj. [postpos.] (of hair) cut in a short and bristly style.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘in the form of a brush’.

enc.

abbrev.
1 enclosed.
2 enclosure.

encamp

v. settle in or establish a camp.

encampment

n.
1 a place where a camp is set up.
2 a prehistoric enclosed or fortified site, especially an Iron Age hill fort.
3 the process of setting up a camp.

encapsulate

//, //

v.
1 enclose in or as if in a capsule.
2 express concisely and succinctly.
3 Computing enclose in a set of codes which allow transfer across networks.

- DERIVATIVES encapsulation n.

- ORIGIN C19: from en-1, in-2 + L. capsula (see capsule).

encase

v. enclose or cover in a case or close-fitting surround.

- DERIVATIVES encasement n.

encash

v. Brit. convert (a cheque, bond, etc.) into money.

- DERIVATIVES encashable adj. encashment n.

encaustic

//

adj. (in painting and ceramics) decorated by burning in colours as an inlay, especially using coloured clays or pigments mixed with hot wax.
n. the art or process of encaustic painting.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk enkaustikos, from enkaiein ‘burn in’.

-ence

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting a quality: impertinence.
2 denoting an action or its result: reference.

- ORIGIN from Fr. -ence, from L. -entia, -antia.

enceinte^1

//

n. archaic an enclosure or wall of a fortified place.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr., from L. incincta, fem. past part. of incingere ‘gird in’.

enceinte^2

//

adj. dated pregnant.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr.

encephalic

//, //

adj. Anatomy relating to or situated in the brain.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk enkephalos ‘brain’ (from en- ‘in’ + kephal ‘head’) + -ic.

encephalitis

//, //

n. inflammation of the brain.

- DERIVATIVES encephalitic adj.

encephalitis lethargica

//

n. a form of encephalitis caused by a virus and characterized by headache and drowsiness leading to coma.

encephalization

(or encephalisation)

n. Zoology an evolutionary increase in the complexity or relative size of the brain.

encephalo-

//, //

comb. form relating to the brain: encephalopathy.

- ORIGIN from Gk enkephalos.

encephalography

//, //

n. Medicine any of various techniques for recording the structure or electrical activity of the brain.

- DERIVATIVES encephalogram //, // n. encephalograph n. encephalographic adj.

encephalomyelitis

//, //

n. Medicine inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, typically due to acute viral infection.

encephalon

//, //

n. Anatomy the brain.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk enkephalon ‘what is inside the head’, from en- ‘inside’ + kephal ‘head’.

encephalopathy

//, //

n. (pl. encephalopathies) Medicine a disease in which the functioning of the brain is affected, especially by viral infection or toxins in the blood.

enchaînement

//

n. (pl. pronounced same) Ballet a linked sequence of steps or movements constituting a phrase.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., ‘chaining together’.

enchant

v.
1 delight; charm.
2 [often as adj. enchanted] put under a spell: an enchanted garden.

- DERIVATIVES enchantedly adv. enchanting adj. enchantingly adv. enchantment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. enchanter, from L. incantare, from in- ‘in’ + cantare ‘sing’.

enchanter

n. (fem. enchantress) a person who uses magic, especially to put someone under a spell.

enchase

//, //

v. another term for chase^2.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enchasser ‘set gems, encase’.

enchilada

//

n. a tortilla filled with meat or cheese and served with chilli sauce.

- PHRASES
big enchilada N. Amer. informal a person or thing of great importance.
the whole enchilada N. Amer. informal the whole situation; everything.

- ORIGIN Latin Amer. Sp., fem. past part. of enchilar ‘season with chilli’.

enchiridion

//

n. (pl. enchiridions or enchiridia //) formal a handbook containing essential information on a subject.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk enkheiridion, from en- ‘within’ + kheir ‘hand’ + the dimin. suffix -idion.

encipher

v. convert into a coded form.

- DERIVATIVES encipherment n.

encircle

v. form a circle around; surround.

- DERIVATIVES encirclement n.

encl.

abbrev. enclosed or enclosure.

en clair

/ /

adj. & adv. in ordinary language, rather than in code or cipher.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘in clear’.

enclave

//

n.
1 a portion of territory surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct.
2 a group or area that is different in character from those surrounding it: a male enclave.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from OFr. enclaver ‘enclose, dovetail’, based on L. clavis ‘key’.

enclitic

//, //

n. Linguistics a word pronounced with so little emphasis that it is shortened and forms part of the preceding word, for example n't in can't. Compare with proclitic.

- DERIVATIVES enclitically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk enklitikos, from enklinein ‘lean on’.

enclose

v.
1 surround or close off on all sides. historical fence in (common land) so as to make it private property. [as adj. enclosed] (of a religious order or other community) secluded from the outside world.
2 (enclose something in/within) place an object inside (a container).
3 place (something) in an envelope together with a letter.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enclos, past part. of enclore, based on L. includere ‘shut in’.

enclosure

//, //

n.
1 an area that is sealed off by a barrier. Brit. a section of a racecourse or stadium allocated to a particular group: the members' enclosure.
2 a document or object placed in an envelope together with a letter.
3 the process or policy of enclosing common land so as to make it private property, as carried out in much of Britain in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

encode

v. convert into a coded form.

- DERIVATIVES encoder n.

encomiast

//

n. formal a person who publicly praises or flatters someone else.

- DERIVATIVES encomiastic adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk enkmiasts, from enkmiazein ‘to praise’.

encomium

//

n. (pl. encomiums or encomia) formal a speech or piece of writing expressing praise.

- ORIGIN C16: L., from Gk enkmion ‘eulogy’.

encompass

//, //

v.
1 surround and have or hold within. include comprehensively.
2 archaic cause to take place.

- DERIVATIVES encompassment n.

encopresis

//

n. Medicine involuntary defecation, especially associated with emotional or psychiatric disorder.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from Gk en- ‘in’ + kopros ‘dung’.

encore

//

n. a repeated or additional performance of an item at the end of a concert, as called for by an audience.
exclam. again! (as called by an audience at the end of a concert).
v. call for (an encore). (of a performer) give an encore.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., lit. ‘still, again’.

encounter

v. unexpectedly meet or be faced with.
n.
1 an unexpected or casual meeting.
2 a confrontation or unpleasant struggle.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. encontrer (v.), encontre (n.), based on L. in- ‘in’ + contra ‘against’.

encourage

v. give support, confidence, or hope to. help or stimulate the development of.

- DERIVATIVES encouragement n. encourager n. encouraging adj. encouragingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. encourager, from en- ‘in’ + corage ‘courage’.

encroach

v. (encroach on/upon) gradually intrude on (a person's territory, rights, etc.). advance gradually beyond expected limits.

- DERIVATIVES encroacher n. encroachment n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘seize’): from OFr. encrochier ‘seize, fasten upon’, from en- ‘in, on’ + crochier (from croc ‘hook’).

en croute

/ /

adj. & adv. in a pastry crust.

- ORIGIN Fr. en croûte.

encrust

//, //

v. [usu. as adj. encrusted] cover with a hard crust.

- DERIVATIVES encrustation n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. incruster or encroûter, both from L. incrustare, from in- ‘into’ + crusta ‘a crust’.

encrypt

//

v. convert into code.

- DERIVATIVES encryption n.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from en-1 + Gk kruptos ‘hidden’.

enculturation

(also inculturation)

n. the gradual acquisition of the norms of a culture or group.

encumber

//, //

v. impede or burden.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. encombrer ‘block up’, from en- ‘in’ + combre ‘river barrage’.

encumbrance

n.
1 a burden or impediment.
2 Law a mortgage or other claim on property or assets.

-ency

suffix forming nouns:
1 denoting a quality: efficiency.
2 denoting a state: presidency.

- ORIGIN from L. -entia (cf. -ence).

encyclical

//, //, //

n. a letter sent by the pope to all bishops of the Roman Catholic Church.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk enkuklios ‘circular, general’.

encyclopedia

//, // (also encyclopaedia)

n. a book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on many aspects of one subject, typically arranged alphabetically.

- ORIGIN C16: mod. L., from pseudo-Gk enkuklopaideia for enkuklios paideia ‘all-round education’.

encyclopedic

//, // (also encyclopaedic)

adj.
1 comprehensive in terms of information: an encyclopedic knowledge of food.
2 relating to encyclopedias or information suitable for an encyclopedia.

encyclopedism

(also encyclopaedism)

n. comprehensive learning or knowledge.

encyclopedist

(also encyclopaedist)

n. a person who writes, edits, or contributes to an encyclopedia.

encyst

//, //

v. Zoology enclose or become enclosed in a cyst.

- DERIVATIVES encystation n. encystment n.

end

n.
1 the final part of something. the stopping of a state or situation: they called for an end to violence. a person's death or downfall.
2 the furthest or most extreme part of something. either of two places linked by a telephone call, letter, or journey. a part or share of an activity: your end of the deal. the part of a sports field or court defended by one team or player.
3 a small piece that is left after use: a cigarette end.
4 a goal or desired result.
5 Bowls & Curling a session of play in one particular direction across the playing area.
6 American Football a lineman positioned nearest the sideline.
v. come or bring to an end; stop or finish.

- PHRASES
at the end of the day Brit. informal when everything is taken into consideration.
be the end informal be the limit of what one can tolerate.
end it all commit suicide.
the end of the road (or line) the point beyond which progress or survival cannot continue.
be at the end of one's tether (or N. Amer. rope) have no patience or energy left.
end on situated on or viewed from the end.
end to end in a row with the ends touching or close together.
get (or have) one's end away Brit. vulgar slang have sex.
in the end eventually.
keep (or hold) one's end up Brit. informal perform well in a challenging situation.
make (both) ends meet earn just enough money to live on.
never (or not) hear the end of be continually reminded of.
no end informal very much.
no end of informal a vast number or amount of.
on end
1 without stopping.
2 upright.
the sharp end informal the most challenging and risky part of an activity.
a —— to end all ——s informal the most impressive or successful of its kind: a party to end all parties.

- DERIVATIVES endmost adj.

- ORIGIN OE ende (n.), endian (v.), of Gmc origin.

-end

(also -nd)

suffix denoting a person or thing to be treated in a specified way: dividend | reverend.

- ORIGIN from L. -endus, gerundive ending.

endanger

v. put at risk or in danger.

- DERIVATIVES endangerment n.

endangered

adj. at risk, especially of extinction.

endarterectomy

//

n. (pl. endarterectomies) surgical removal of part of the inner lining of an artery, together with any obstructive deposits.

- ORIGIN 1950s: from endo- + artery + -ectomy.

endarteritis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the inner lining of an artery.

endear

//, //

v. (often endear someone to) cause to be loved or liked.

endearing

adj. inspiring love or affection.

- DERIVATIVES endearingly adv.

endearment

n. love or affection. an affectionate or loving word or phrase.

endeavour

//, // (US endeavor)

v. try hard to do or achieve.
n.
1 an act of endeavouring; an enterprise.
2 earnest and industrious effort.

- ORIGIN ME: from the phr. put oneself in devoir ‘do one's utmost’ (see devoir).

endemic

//

adj.
1 (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
2 (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain area.
n. an endemic plant or animal.

- DERIVATIVES endemically adv. endemicity // n. endemism // n.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. endémique or mod. L. endemicus, from Gk endmios ‘native’.

endgame

n. the final stage of a game such as chess or bridge, when few pieces or cards remain.

end grain

n. the grain of wood seen when it is cut across the growth rings.

ending

n. an end or final part. the final part of a word, constituting a grammatical inflection or formative element.

endite

//

n. Zoology an inwardly directed lobe on a limb segment of an arthropod.

- ORIGIN C19: from endo- + -ite^1.

endive

//, //

n.
1 an edible Mediterranean plant, the bitter leaves of which may be blanched and used in salads.   Cichorium endivia.
2 (also Belgian endive) N. Amer. a chicory crown.

- ORIGIN ME (also denoting the sowthistle): via OFr. from med. L. endivia, based on Gk entubon.

endless

adj.
1 having or seeming to have no end or limit. innumerable: we smoked endless cigarettes.
2 (of a belt, chain, or tape) having the ends joined to allow for continuous action.

- DERIVATIVES endlessly adv. endlessness n.

endnote

n. a note printed at the end of a book or section of a book.

endo-

comb. form internal; within: endoderm.

- ORIGIN from Gk endon ‘within’.

endocardial

//

adj. Anatomy & Medicine
1 relating to the endocardium.
2 inside the heart.

endocarditis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the endocardium.

- DERIVATIVES endocarditic adj.

endocardium

//

n. the thin, smooth membrane which lines the chambers of the heart and forms the surface of the valves.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from endo- + Gk kardia ‘heart’.

endocarp

//

n. Botany the innermost layer of the pericarp which surrounds a seed in a fruit.

- DERIVATIVES endocarpic adj.

endocrine

//, //

adj. Physiology of or denoting glands which secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood or lymph.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from endo- + Gk krinein ‘sift’.

endocrinology

//

n. the branch of physiology and medicine concerned with endocrine glands and hormones.

- DERIVATIVES endocrinological adj. endocrinologist n.

endocytosis

//

n. Biology the taking in of matter by a living cell by enclosing it in a vacuole.

- DERIVATIVES endocytotic adj.

endoderm

//

n. Zoology & Embryology the innermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo, or the parts derived from this (e.g. the lining of the gut).

- DERIVATIVES endodermal adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from endo- + Gk derma ‘skin’.

endogamy

//

n.
1 Anthropology the custom of marrying only within the limits of a community, clan, or tribe. Compare with exogamy.
2 Biology inbreeding or self-pollination.

- DERIVATIVES endogamous adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from endo- + Gk gamos ‘marriage’.

endogenic

//

adj. Geology formed or occurring beneath the surface of the earth. Often contrasted with exogenic.

endogenous

//, //

adj. technical relating to an internal cause or origin. Often contrasted with exogenous.

- DERIVATIVES endogenously adv.

endolymph

//

n. Anatomy the fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the ear.

endometriosis

//

n. Medicine a condition that results from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the womb, causing pelvic pain.

endometritis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the endometrium.

endometrium

//

n. Anatomy the mucous membrane lining the womb.

- DERIVATIVES endometrial adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from endo- + Gk mtra ‘womb’.

endomorph

//

n. Physiology a person with a soft round build of body and a high proportion of fat tissue. Compare with ectomorph and mesomorph.

- DERIVATIVES endomorphic adj. endomorphy n.

- ORIGIN 1940s: endo- from endodermal (the endoderm being the layer of the embryo giving rise to these physical characteristics) + -morph.

endoparasite

n. Biology a parasite, such as a tapeworm, that lives inside its host. Compare with ectoparasite.

- DERIVATIVES endoparasitic adj.

endopeptidase

//

n. another term for proteinase.

endophyte

//

n. Botany a plant, especially a fungus, which lives inside another plant.

- DERIVATIVES endophytic adj.

endoplasm

//

n. Biology, dated the more fluid, granular inner layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells. Compare with ectoplasm (in sense 1).

endoplasmic reticulum

//

n. Biology a network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, continuous with the nuclear membrane.

endorphin

//

n. Biochemistry any of a group of peptides and polypeptides secreted in the body and activating the opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.

- ORIGIN 1970s: blend of endogenous and morphine.

endorse

//, // (US & Law also indorse)

v.
1 declare one's public approval of.
2 sign (a cheque or bill of exchange) on the back to specify another as the payee or to accept responsibility for paying it. write (a comment) on a document.
3 Brit. enter an endorsement on (a driving licence).

- DERIVATIVES endorsable adj. endorsee n. endorser n.

- ORIGIN C15: from med. L. indorsare, from L. in- ‘in, on’ + dorsum ‘back’.

endorsement

(chiefly US also indorsement)

n.
1 the action of endorsing.
2 (in the UK) a note on a driving licence recording the penalty points incurred for a driving offence.
3 a clause in an insurance policy detailing an exemption from or change in cover.

endoscope

//

n. Medicine an instrument which can be introduced into the body to view its internal parts.

- DERIVATIVES endoscopic // adj. endoscopically adv. endoscopist n. endoscopy // n.

endoskeleton

n. Zoology an internal skeleton, such as that of vertebrates. Compare with exoskeleton.

- DERIVATIVES endoskeletal adj.

endosperm

n. Botany the part of a seed which acts as a food store for the developing plant embryo.

endothelium

//

n. the layer of cells lining the blood vessels, heart, and other organs and cavities of the body, and formed from the embryonic mesoderm. Compare with epithelium.

- DERIVATIVES endothelial adj.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from endo- + Gk thl ‘nipple’.

endotherm

//

n. Zoology an animal that is dependent on the internal generation of heat.

- DERIVATIVES endothermy n.

endothermic

adj.
1 Chemistry (of a reaction) accompanied by the absorption of heat. The opposite of exothermic.
2 Zoology (of an animal) dependent on the internal generation of heat.

endotoxin

//

n. Microbiology a toxin present inside a bacterial cell and released when the cell disintegrates. Compare with exotoxin.

endow

//, //

v.
1 give or bequeath an income or property to. establish (a university post, annual prize, etc.) by donating funds.
2 (usu. be endowed with) provide with a quality or ability. (be endowed) informal have breasts or a penis of specified size: she is very well endowed.

- DERIVATIVES endower n.

- ORIGIN ME: from legal Anglo-Norman Fr. endouer, from en- ‘in, towards’ + OFr. douer ‘give as a gift’ (from L. dotare: see dower).

endowment

n.
1 the action of endowing. an income or form of property endowed.
2 a quality or ability with which a person is endowed.
3 [as modifier] denoting a form of life insurance involving payment of a fixed sum to the insured person on a specified date, or to their estate should they die before this date.

endowment mortgage

n. Brit. a mortgage linked to an endowment insurance policy which is intended to repay the capital sum on maturity.

endpaper

n. a leaf of paper at the beginning or end of a book, especially that fixed to the inside of the cover.

endplay

n. Bridge a way of playing in the last few tricks which forces an opponent to make a disadvantageous lead.

end point

n. Chemistry the point in a titration at which a reaction is complete, often marked by a colour change.

end result

(also end product)

n. the final result or outcome of an activity or process.

end run

n.
1 American Football an attempt by the ball carrier to run around the end of the defensive line.
2 N. Amer. an evasive tactic.
v. (end-run) N. Amer. evade.

end standard

n. a standard of length in the form of a metal bar or block whose end faces are the standard distance apart.

end-stopped

adj. (of verse) having a pause at the end of each line.

endue

//, //

v. (endues, enduing, endued) literary endow with a quality or ability.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enduire, partly from L. inducere (see induce), reinforced by the sense of L. induere ‘put on clothes’.

endure

//, //, //

v.
1 suffer (something painful and prolonged) patiently. tolerate.
2 remain in existence.

- DERIVATIVES endurable adj. endurance n. enduring adj. enduringly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. endurer, from L. indurare ‘harden’.

enduro

//, //

n. (pl. enduros) a long-distance race for motor vehicles or bicycles over rough terrain, designed to test endurance.

end-user

n. the person who uses a particular product.

endways

(also endwise)

adv.
1 with its end facing upwards, forwards, or towards the viewer.
2 (of objects) end to end.

end zone

n. American Football the rectangular area at the end of the field into which the ball must be carried or passed to score a touchdown.

ENE

abbrev. east-north-east.

-ene

suffix
1 denoting an inhabitant: Nazarene.
2 Chemistry forming names of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a double bond: benzene.

- ORIGIN from Gk -nos.

enema

//

n. (pl. enemas or enemata //) a procedure in which fluid is injected into the rectum, typically to expel its contents.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk, from enienai ‘send or put in’.

enemy

n. (pl. enemies) a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. (the enemy) [treated as sing. or pl.] a hostile nation or its armed forces in time of war.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enemi, from L. inimicus, from in- ‘not’ + amicus ‘friend’.

energetic

//

adj.
1 showing or involving great energy or activity.
2 Physics relating to energy.

- DERIVATIVES energetically adv.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘powerfully effective’): from Gk energtikos, from energein ‘work in or upon’.

energetics

pl. n. the properties or behaviour of something in terms of energy.

energize

(or energise)

1 give vitality and enthusiasm to: people were energized by his ideas.
2 supply energy to.

energumen

//

n. archaic a person believed to be possessed by the devil or a spirit.

- ORIGIN C18: via late L. from Gk energoumenos, passive part. of energein ‘work in or upon’.

energy

n. (pl. energies)
1 the strength and vitality required for sustained activity. (energies) a person's physical and mental powers as applied to a particular activity.
2 power derived from physical or chemical resources to provide light and heat or to work machines.
3 Physics the property of matter and radiation which is manifest as a capacity to perform work.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. énergie, or via late L. from Gk energeia, from en- ‘in, within’ + ergon ‘work’.

energy audit

n. an assessment of the energy needs and efficiency of a building or buildings.

enervate

//

v. cause to feel drained of energy.

- DERIVATIVES enervation n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (ME) as enervation): from L. enervat-, enervare ‘weaken (by extraction of the sinews)’.

en famille

/ /

adv. with one's family. as or like a family; informally.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘in family’.

enfant terrible

/ /

n. (pl. enfants terribles pronunc. same) a person who behaves in an unconventional or controversial way.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘terrible child’.

enfeeble

v. make weak or feeble.

- DERIVATIVES enfeeblement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enfeblir.

enfeoff

//, //, //

v. (under the feudal system) give freehold property or land in exchange for a pledge of service.

- DERIVATIVES enfeoffment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. enfeoffer, from OFr. en- ‘in’ + fief ‘fief’; cf. feoffment.

en fête

/ /

adv. & adj. holding or prepared for a celebration.

- ORIGIN Fr., ‘in festival’.

enfilade

//

n.
1 a volley of gunfire directed along a line from end to end.
2 a suite of rooms with doorways in line with each other.
v. direct an enfilade at.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a military post commanding the length of a line): from Fr., from enfiler ‘thread on a string’.

enfold

//, //

v. surround; envelop.

enforce

v. compel compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation). cause to happen by necessity or force.

- DERIVATIVES enforceability n. enforceable adj. enforced adj. enforcedly adv. enforcement n. enforcer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enforcir, enforcier, based on L. in- ‘in’ + fortis ‘strong’.

enforcement notice

n. English Law an official notification to remedy a breach of planning legislation.

enfranchise

//, //

v.
1 give the right to vote to.
2 historical free (a slave).

- DERIVATIVES enfranchisement n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enfranchiss-, enfranchir, from en- (expressing a change of state) + franc, franche ‘free’.

ENG

abbrev. electronic news-gathering.

engage

v.
1 attract or involve (someone's interest or attention).
2 employ or hire. enter into a contract to do.
3 (engage in/with) participate or become involved in.
4 (with reference to a part of a machine or engine) move into position so as to come into operation.
5 enter into combat with. (of fencers or swordsmen) bring (weapons) together preparatory to fighting.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘pawn or pledge something’): from Fr. engager, ult. from the base of gage^1.

engagé

//

adj. (of a writer or artist) morally committed to a particular cause.

- ORIGIN Fr., past part. of engager (see engage).

engaged

adj.
1 busy; occupied. Brit. (of a telephone line) unavailable because already in use.
2 having formally agreed to marry.
3 Architecture (of a column) attached to or partly let into a wall.

engagement

n.
1 a formal agreement to get married.
2 an appointment.
3 the action of engaging or being engaged.
4 a battle between armed forces.

engaging

adj. charming and attractive.

- DERIVATIVES engagingly adv. engagingness n.

engender

//, //

v.
1 give rise to.
2 archaic beget (offspring).

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. engendrer, from L. ingenerare, from in- ‘in’ + generare ‘beget’.

engine

n.
1 a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.
2 (also railway engine) a locomotive.
3 historical a mechanical device or instrument, especially one used in warfare.

- DERIVATIVES -engined adj. engineless adj.

- ORIGIN The word engine entered Middle English in the sense ‘ingenuity, cunning’, coming via Old French engin from Latin ingenium ‘talent, device’ (the root also of ingenious). From the original sense arose ‘the product of ingenuity, a plot or snare’, also ‘tool, weapon’; the latter use came to apply specifically to a large mechanical weapon, from which, in the mid 17th century, arose the idea of a machine.

engineer

n.
1 a person qualified in engineering.
2 a person who maintains or controls an engine or machine.
3 a skilful contriver.
v.
1 design and build.
2 skilfully arrange for (something) to happen.
3 modify (an organism) by manipulating its genetic material.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. engigneor, from med. L. ingeniator, from ingeniare ‘contrive’, from L. ingenium (see engine).

engineering

n.
1 the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures. the practical application of scientific ideas and principles.
2 a field of study or activity concerned with modification or development in a particular area: software engineering.

engineering brick

n. a strong, dense brick made of semi-vitreous material.

engineering science

(also engineering sciences)

n. the branches of science concerned with the physical and mathematical basis of engineering and machine technology.

engine room

n. a room containing engines, especially in a ship.

engirdle

(also engird)

v. literary encircle; surround.

English

n.
1 the language of England, now used in many varieties throughout the world.
2 N. Amer. (in pool or billiards) spin or side given to a ball.
adj. relating to England or its people or language.

- DERIVATIVES Englishness n.

- ORIGIN OE Englisc (see Angle, -ish^1).

English bond

n. Building a bond used in brickwork consisting of alternate courses of stretchers and headers.

English breakfast

n. a substantial breakfast including hot cooked food such as bacon and eggs.

English horn

n. chiefly N. Amer. another term for cor anglais.

Englishman

(or Englishwoman)

n. (pl. Englishmen or Englishwomen) a native or national of England, or a person of English descent.

English muffin

n. North American term for muffin (in sense 1).

English mustard

n. a kind of mustard with a very hot taste.

English rose

n. an attractive English girl with a delicate, fair-skinned complexion.

English setter

n. a setter of a breed with a long white or partly white coat.

engorge

//, //

v. swell or cause to swell with blood, water, etc.

- DERIVATIVES engorgement n.

- ORIGIN C15 (in the sense ‘gorge oneself’): from OFr. engorgier ‘feed to excess’, from en- ‘into’ + gorge ‘throat’.

engraft

v. another term for graft^1.

- DERIVATIVES engraftment n.

engrailed

adj. chiefly Heraldry having semicircular indentations along the edge. Compare with invected.

- ORIGIN ME (as v. engrail): from OFr. engresler ‘make thin’, from en- + gresle ‘thin’, from L. gracilis.

engrain

v. variant spelling of ingrain.

engrained

adj. variant spelling of ingrained.

engram

//

n. a change in the neuronal structure of the brain, representing a memory.

- DERIVATIVES engrammatic adj.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Ger. Engramm, from Gk en- ‘within’ + gramma ‘letter of the alphabet’.

engrave

v.
1 cut or carve (a text or design) on a hard surface. cut or carve a text or design on. cut (a design) as lines on a metal plate for printing.
2 (be engraved on or in) be permanently fixed in (one's memory or mind).

- DERIVATIVES engraver n. engraving n.

- ORIGIN C15: from en-1, in-2 + grave^3, influenced by obs. Fr. engraver.

engross

//, //

v.
1 (often be engrossed in) absorb all the attention of. archaic monopolize.
2 Law produce (a legal document) in its final form.

- DERIVATIVES engrossing adj. engrossingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: sense 1 is from OFr. en gros, from med. L. in grosso ‘wholesale’; sense 2 is from Anglo-Norman Fr. engrosser, med. L. ingrossare (from OFr. grosse, med. L. grossa ‘large writing’).

engrossment

n. Law the final version of a legal document.

engulf

v.
1 (of a natural force) sweep over so as to completely surround or cover.
2 powerfully affect (someone); overwhelm.

- DERIVATIVES engulfment n.

enhance

//, //, //

v. improve the quality, value, or extent of.

- DERIVATIVES enhancement n. enhancer n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘elevate’): from Anglo-Norman Fr. enhauncer, based on L. in- (expressing intensive force) + altus ‘high’.

enharmonic

//

adj. Music relating to notes which are the same in pitch (in modern tuning) though bearing different names (e.g. F sharp and G flat). of or having intervals smaller than a semitone (e.g. between notes such as F sharp and G flat, in systems of tuning which distinguish them).

- DERIVATIVES enharmonically adv.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk enarmonikos, from en- ‘in’ + harmonia ‘harmony’.

enigma

//

n. a mysterious or puzzling person or thing.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk ainigma ‘riddle’.

enigmatic

//

adj. difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.

- DERIVATIVES enigmatical adj. enigmatically adv.

enjambement

//, //, // (also enjambment)

n. (in verse) the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.

- DERIVATIVES enjambed adj.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from enjamber ‘stride over, go beyond’.

enjoin

v. instruct or urge to do something. (enjoin someone from) Law prohibit someone from performing (an action) by issuing an injunction.

- DERIVATIVES enjoinment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enjoindre, from L. injungere ‘join, attach, impose’.

enjoy

v.
1 take pleasure in.
2 possess and benefit from: the new generation enjoy better health.

- DERIVATIVES enjoyer n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enjoier ‘give joy to’ or enjoïr ‘enjoy’, both based on L. gaudere ‘rejoice’.

enjoyable

//, //

adj. (of an activity or occasion) giving enjoyment or pleasure.

- DERIVATIVES enjoyability n. enjoyableness n. enjoyably adv.

enjoyment

n.
1 the state or process of taking pleasure in something. a thing that gives pleasure.
2 the action of possessing and benefiting from something.

enkephalin

//

n. Biochemistry either of two compounds which occur naturally in the brain and are related to the endorphins.

- ORIGIN 1970s: from Gk enkephalos ‘brain’ + -in^1.

enlace

v. literary entwine or entangle.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enlacier, based on L. laqueus ‘noose’.

enlarge

v.
1 make or become bigger.
2 (enlarge on/upon) speak or write about in greater detail.

- DERIVATIVES enlarger n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enlarger.

enlargement

n. the action or state of enlarging or being enlarged. a photograph that is larger than the original negative or than an earlier print.

enlighten

v.
1 give greater knowledge and understanding to. give spiritual insight to.
2 [as adj. enlightened] rational, tolerant, and well informed.

- DERIVATIVES enlightener n.

- ORIGIN ME (in the sense ‘make luminous’): in early use from OE inlhtan ‘to shine’; later from en-1, in-2 + lighten^2 or the noun light^1.

enlightenment

n.
1 the action of enlightening or the state of being enlightened. the attainment of spiritual insight, in particular (in Buddhism) that awareness which frees a person from the cycle of rebirth.
2 (the Enlightenment) a European intellectual movement of the late 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition.

enlist

v. enrol or be enrolled in the armed services. engage (a person or their help).

- DERIVATIVES enlistee n. enlister n. enlistment n.

enlisted man

n. US a member of the armed forces below the rank of officer.

enliven

v. make more entertaining or interesting. make more cheerful or animated.

- DERIVATIVES enlivener n. enlivenment n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘give life to’): from C16 enlive, inlive (in the same sense).

en masse

/ /

adv. all together.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., ‘in a mass’.

enmesh

v. (usu. be enmeshed in) entangle.

- DERIVATIVES enmeshment n.

enmity

n. (pl. enmities) the state of being an enemy; hostility.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enemi(s)tie, based on L. inimicus (see enemy).

ennead

//

n. rare a group or set of nine.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk enneas, ennead-, from ennea ‘nine’.

ennoble

v. give a noble rank or title to. give greater dignity to; elevate.

- DERIVATIVES ennoblement n.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. ennoblir.

ennui

//

n. listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from boredom.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from L. in odio(n-), from mihi in odio est ‘it is hateful to me’; cf. annoy.

enoki

//

n. an edible Japanese mushroom, growing in clusters, with slender stems and small caps.   Flammulina velutipes.

- ORIGIN from Japanese enoki-take, from enoki ‘nettle tree’ + take ‘mushroom’.

enology

n. US spelling of oenology.

enormity

n. (pl. enormities)
1 (the enormity of) the large scale or extreme seriousness of (something bad). (in neutral use) the great size or scale of.
2 a grave crime or sin.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘deviation from rectitude’): via OFr. from L. enormitas, from enormis, from e- ‘out of’ + norma ‘pattern, standard’.

USAGE

In its earliest sense enormity meant ‘a crime’ and some argue that it should therefore continue to be used only of contexts in which a negative moral judgement is implied. Nevertheless, in modern English enormity is often simply used as a synonym for hugeness (the enormity of his intellect), and this is now broadly accepted in standard English.

enormous

adj. very large; huge.

- DERIVATIVES enormously adv. enormousness n.

enosis

//, //

n. the political union of Cyprus and Greece, as an aim or ideal of certain Greeks and Cypriots.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from mod. Gk hensis, from hena ‘one’.

enough

det. & pron. as much or as many as is necessary or desirable.
adv.
1 to the required degree or extent.
2 to a moderate degree.

- PHRASES
enough is enough no more will be tolerated.
enough said all is understood and there is no need to say more.

- ORIGIN OE geng, of Gmc origin.

en papillote

/ /

adj. & adv. (of food) cooked and served in a paper wrapper.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

en passant

/ /, //

adv. by the way.

- PHRASES
en passant rule (or law) Chess the rule that a pawn making a first move of two squares instead of one may nevertheless be immediately captured by an opposing pawn on the fifth rank.

- ORIGIN C17: Fr., lit. ‘in passing’.

en pension

/ /

adv. as a boarder or lodger.

- ORIGIN Fr. (see pension^2).

enplane

v. variant spelling of emplane.

en pointe

adj. & adv. Ballet on the tips of the toes.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

en primeur

/ /

adj. & adv. (of wine) newly produced and made available.

- ORIGIN Fr., lit. ‘as being new’.

enprint

//

n. Brit. a standard-sized photographic print made by printing the whole of a negative to a moderate enlargement.

- ORIGIN mid 20th cent.: from enlarged print.

en prise

/ /

adj. Chess (of a piece or pawn) in a position to be taken.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr.

enquire

v. chiefly Brit.
1 ask for information. (enquire after) ask about the health and well-being of. [as adj. enquiring] (of a look) suggesting that information is sought.
2 (enquire into) investigate.

- DERIVATIVES enquirer n. enquiringly adv.

- ORIGIN ME enquere, from OFr. enquerre, based on L. inquirere (based on quaerere ‘seek’).

USAGE

The traditional distinction between enquire and inquire is that enquire is to be used for general senses of ‘ask’, while inquire is reserved for uses meaning ‘make a formal investigation’. In practice, however, enquire (and enquiry) is more common in British English while inquire (and inquiry) is more common in US English, but otherwise there is little discernible distinction in the way the words are used.

enquiry

n. (pl. enquiries) an act of asking for information. an official investigation.

enquiry agent

n. Brit. dated a private detective.

enrage

v. make very angry.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. enrager.

enrapture

v. give intense pleasure to.

- DERIVATIVES enrapt adj.

enrich

v.
1 improve the quality or value of.
2 make wealthy or wealthier.
3 [usu. as adj. enriched] increase the proportion of a particular isotope in (an element), especially that of the fissile isotope U-235 in uranium.

- DERIVATIVES enrichment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enrichir.

enrobe

v. formal dress in a robe or vestment.

enrol

//, // (US enroll)

v. (enrols, enrolling, enrolled)
1 officially register as a member or student. recruit.
2 Law, historical enter (a deed or other document) among the rolls of a court of justice.

- DERIVATIVES enrollee n. enroller n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enroller, from en- ‘in’ + rolle ‘a roll’ (names being orig. written on a roll of parchment).

enrolment

(US enrollment)

n. the action of enrolling or being enrolled. N. Amer. the number of people enrolled, typically at a school or college.

en route

/ /

adv. on the way.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr. (see route).

en rule

/ /

n. Brit. a short dash, the width of an en, used in punctuation.

ensconce

//, //

v. (often be ensconced in) establish in a comfortable, safe, or secret place.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the senses ‘fortify’ and ‘shelter within or behind a fortification’): from en-1, in-2 + sconce^2.

ensemble

//

n.
1 a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together. a scene or passage written for performance by a whole cast, choir, or group of instruments.
2 a group of items viewed as a whole. a set of clothes worn together.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr., based on L. insimul, from in- ‘in’ + simul ‘at the same time’.

ensheath

v. chiefly Biology enclose (an organism, structure, etc.) in or as in a sheath.

enshrine

v.
1 place (a revered or precious object) in an appropriate receptacle.
2 preserve (a right, tradition, or idea) in a form that ensures it will be respected.

- DERIVATIVES enshrinement n.

enshroud

//, //

v. literary envelop completely and hide from view.

ensiform

//

adj. chiefly Botany long and narrow with sharp edges and a pointed tip.

- ORIGIN C16: from L. ensis ‘sword’ + -form.

ensign

//

n.
1 a flag, especially a military or naval one indicating nationality.
2 the lowest rank of commissioned officer in the US and some other navies, above chief warrant officer and below lieutenant. historical the lowest rank of commissioned infantry officer in the British army.
3 historical a standard-bearer.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enseigne, from L. insignia (see insignia).

ensilage

//, //

n. another term for silage.
v. another term for ensile.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr., from ensiler (see ensile).

ensile

//

v. put (grass or another crop) into a silo.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. ensiler, from Sp. ensilar.

enslave

v. make (someone) a slave. cause to lose freedom of choice or action.

- DERIVATIVES enslavement n. enslaver n.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘make subject to a superstition, habit, etc.’): from en-1, in-2 + slave.

ensnare

v. catch in or as in a trap.

- DERIVATIVES ensnarement n.

ensorcell

//, // (US also ensorcel)

v. (ensorcells, ensorcelling, ensorcelled; US ensorcels, ensorceling, ensorceled) literary enchant; fascinate.

- DERIVATIVES ensorcellment n.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. ensorceler, alt. of ensorcerer, from sorcier ‘sorcerer’.

ensue

v. (ensues, ensuing, ensued) happen or occur afterwards or as a result.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. ensivre, from L. insequi, based on sequi ‘follow’.

en suite

/ /

adj. & adv. Brit. (of a bathroom) immediately adjoining and accessible directly from a bedroom.

- ORIGIN C18 (in the sense ‘in agreement’): from Fr., lit. ‘in sequence’.

ensure

//, //, //

v. make certain that (something) will occur or be so. (ensure against) make sure that (a problem) does not occur.

- ORIGIN ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. enseurer. alt. of OFr. aseurer, earlier form of assurer (see assure).

USAGE

On the difference between ensure and insure, see usage at insure.

ENT

abbrev. ear, nose, and throat (as a department in a hospital).

-ent

suffix
1 (forming adjectives) denoting an occurrence of action: refluent. denoting a state: convenient.
2 (forming nouns) denoting an agent: coefficient.

- ORIGIN from Fr., or from the L. pres. participial verb stem -ent- (see also -ant).

entablature

//, //

n. Architecture the upper part of a classical building supported by columns or a colonnade, comprising the architrave, frieze, and cornice.

- ORIGIN C17: from Ital. intavolatura ‘boarding’.

entablement

//, //

n. Architecture a platform supporting a statue, above the dado and base.

- ORIGIN C17 (in the sense ‘entablature’): from Fr., based on table ‘table’.

entail

v.
1 involve (something) as an inevitable part or consequence.
2 Law limit the inheritance of (property) over a number of generations so that ownership remains within a particular family or group.
n. Law an instance of entailing property. an entailed estate.

- DERIVATIVES entailment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from en-1, in-2 + OFr. taille (see tail^2).

entangle

v. (usu. be entangled in/with)
1 make tangled.
2 involve in complicated circumstances.

- DERIVATIVES entanglement n.

entasis

//

n. (pl. entases) Architecture a slight convex curve in the shaft of a column, introduced to correct the visual illusion of concavity produced by a straight shaft.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk, from enteinein ‘to stretch or strain’.

entelechy

//, //

n. (pl. entelechies) Philosophy
1 the realization of potential.
2 the supposed vital principle that guides the development and functioning of an organism or other system.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk entelekheia (used by Aristotle), from en- ‘within’ + telos ‘end, perfection’ + ekhein ‘be in a certain state’.

entente

//, // (also entente cordiale //)

n. a friendly understanding or informal alliance between states or factions. (the Entente Cordiale) the understanding between Britain and France reached in 1904, forming the basis of Anglo-French cooperation in the First World War.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. entente (cordiale) ‘(friendly) understanding’.

enter

v.
1 come or go into (a place). penetrate: the bullet entered his stomach. (enter on/upon) Law (as a legal entitlement) go freely into (property) as or as if the owner.
2 (often enter into) begin to be involved in. (enter on/upon) begin (an activity or job). join (an institution or profession). register as a competitor or participant in. register (someone) in a competition or examination. (enter into) undertake to bind oneself by (an agreement).
3 write or key (information) in a book, computer, etc.
4 Law submit (a statement) in an official capacity, usually in a court of law.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. entrer, from L. intrare, from intra ‘within’.

enteral

//

adj. Medicine (chiefly of nutrition) involving or passing through the intestine. Often contrasted with parenteral.

- DERIVATIVES enterally adv.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Gk enteron ‘intestine’ + -al, partly as a back-form. from parenteral.

enteric

//

adj. relating to or occurring in the intestines.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk enterikos, from enteron ‘intestine’.

enteric fever

n. another term for typhoid or paratyphoid.

enteritis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhoea.

entero-

//

comb. form relating to the intestine: enterovirus.

- ORIGIN from Gk enteron.

enterococcus

//

n. (pl. enterococci //, //) a streptococcus that occurs naturally in the intestine but can cause infection elsewhere in the body.

enteropathy

//

n. (pl. enteropathies) Medicine a disease of the intestine, especially the small intestine.

enterostomy

//

n. (pl. enterostomies) a surgical operation in which the small intestine is diverted to an artificial opening, usually in the abdominal wall.

enterotoxin

//

n. Medicine a toxin produced in or affecting the intestines.

enterovirus

//

n. Medicine any of a group of RNA viruses (e.g. those causing polio and hepatitis A) which occur chiefly in the gastrointestinal tract.

enterprise

n.
1 a project or undertaking, especially a bold one. bold resourcefulness.
2 a business or company.

- DERIVATIVES enterpriser n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., ‘something undertaken’, fem. past part. (used as n.) of entreprendre, based on L. prendere, prehendere ‘to take’.

enterprise zone

n. an area in which tax concessions or other state incentives are offered to encourage business investment.

enterprising

adj. showing initiative and resourcefulness.

- DERIVATIVES enterprisingly adv.

entertain

v.
1 provide with amusement or enjoyment. show hospitality to.
2 give attention or consideration to.

- DERIVATIVES entertaining adj. entertainingly adv. entertainer n.

- ORIGIN ME (orig. in the sense ‘maintain, continue’, later ‘treat in a certain way’): from Fr. entretenir, based on L. inter ‘among’ + tenere ‘to hold’.

entertainment

n. the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment. an event or performance designed to entertain. the provision of hospitality.

enthalpy

//, //

n. Physics a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system.

- ORIGIN 1920s: from Gk enthalpein (v.), from en- ‘within’ + thalpein ‘to heat’.

enthral

//, // (US enthrall)

v. (enthrals, enthralling, enthralled)
1 capture the fascinated attention of.
2 (also inthrall) archaic enslave.

- DERIVATIVES enthralment (US enthrallment) n.

- ORIGIN ME: from en-1, in-2 + thrall.

enthrone

v. install (a monarch or bishop) on a throne with due ceremony. treat with honour and respect.

- DERIVATIVES enthronement n.

enthuse

//, //

v. be or make enthusiastic.

enthusiasm

n.
1 intense enjoyment, interest, or approval. an object of enthusiasm.
2 archaic, derogatory religious fervour supposedly resulting directly from divine inspiration.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. enthousiasme, or via late L. from Gk enthousiasmos, from enthous ‘possessed by a god’ (based on theos ‘god’).

enthusiast

n.
1 a person who is full of enthusiasm for something.
2 archaic, derogatory a person of intense and visionary Christian views.

enthusiastic

adj. having or showing intense enjoyment, interest, or approval.

- DERIVATIVES enthusiastically adv.

enthymeme

//

n. Logic an argument in which one premise is not explicitly stated.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk enthumma, from enthumeisthai ‘consider’.

entice

//, //

v. attract by offering pleasure or advantage.

- DERIVATIVES enticement n. enticer n. enticing adj. enticingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. enticier, prob. from a base meaning ‘set on fire’, based on an alt. of L. titio ‘firebrand’.

entire

//, //

adj.
1 with no part left out; whole. without qualification; absolute.
2 not broken, damaged, or decayed.
3 (of a male horse) not castrated.
4 Botany (of a leaf) without indentations or division into leaflets.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. entier, based on L. integer ‘untouched, whole’, from in- ‘not’ + tangere ‘to touch’.

entirely

adv. completely. solely.

entirety

n. (the entirety) the whole.

- PHRASES
in its entirety as a whole.

entitle

v.
1 (often be entitled to) give (someone) a right to do or receive something.
2 give a title to (a book, play, etc.).

- DERIVATIVES entitlement n.

- ORIGIN ME: via OFr. from late L. intitulare, from in- ‘in’ + L. titulus ‘title’.

entity

//

n. (pl. entities) a thing with distinct and independent existence.

- ORIGIN C15: from Fr. entité or med. L. entitas, from late L. ens, ent- ‘being’.

entomb

v.
1 place in a tomb.
2 bury in or under.

- DERIVATIVES entombment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. entomber.

entomo-

//

comb. form of an insect; relating to insects: entomophagous.

- ORIGIN from Gk entomon, neut. (denoting an insect) of entomos ‘cut up, segmented’.

entomology

//

n. the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects.

- DERIVATIVES entomological adj. entomologist n.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. entomologie or mod. L. entomologia, from Gk entomon (denoting an insect) + -logia (see -logy).

entomophilous

//

adj. Botany pollinated by insects.

- DERIVATIVES entomophily n.

entoptic

//, //

adj. (of visual images) occurring or originating inside the eye.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk entos ‘within’ + optic.

entourage

//, //

n. a group of people attending or surrounding an important person.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., from entourer ‘to surround’.

entr'acte

//, //

n. an interval between two acts of a play or opera. a piece of music or a dance performed during such an interval.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr. (earlier form of entracte), from entre ‘between’ + acte ‘act’.

entrails

pl. n. a person's or animal's intestines or internal organs.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. entrailles, from med. L. intralia, alt. of L. interanea ‘internal things’, based on inter ‘among’.

entrain^1

//, //

v. formal board a train.

entrain^2

//, //

v.
1 (of a current or fluid) incorporate and sweep along in its flow.
2 formal bring about as a consequence.
3 Biology cause to fall into synchronism with a rhythmic phenomenon.

- DERIVATIVES entrainment n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. entraîner, from en- ‘in’ + traîner ‘to drag’.

entrain^3

//

n. rare enthusiasm or animation.

- ORIGIN Fr., from the phr. être en train ‘be in the process of, be in action’.

entrammel

//, //

v. (entrammels, entrammelling, entrammelled; US entrammels, entrammeling, entrammeled) literary entangle; trap.

entrance^1

//

n.
1 an opening allowing access.
2 an act of entering.
3 the right, means, or opportunity to enter.

- ORIGIN C15: from OFr., from entrer ‘enter’.

entrance^2

//, //

v. fill with wonder and delight. cast a spell on.

- DERIVATIVES entrancement n. entrancing adj. entrancingly adv.

entrant

n. a person who enters something.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., lit. ‘entering’, pres. part. of entrer (see enter).

entrap

v. (entraps, entrapping, entrapped) catch in or as in a trap. trick (someone) into committing a crime in order to secure their prosecution.

- DERIVATIVES entrapment n.

- ORIGIN C16: from OFr. entraper.

entreat

v.
1 ask (someone) earnestly or anxiously to do something. ask earnestly or anxiously for.
2 archaic treat in a specified manner.

- DERIVATIVES entreating adj. entreatingly adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. entraitier, based on traitier ‘to treat’, from L. tractare ‘to handle’.

entreaty

n. (pl. entreaties) an earnest or humble request.

entrechat

//

n. Ballet a vertical jump during which the dancer repeatedly crosses the feet and beats them together.

- ORIGIN Fr., from Ital. (capriola) intrecciata ‘complicated (caper)’.

entrecôte

//

n. a boned steak cut off the sirloin.

- ORIGIN Fr., from entre ‘between’ + côte ‘rib’.

entrée

//

n.
1 the main course of a meal. Brit. a dish served between the first and main courses at a formal dinner.
2 the right to enter a social group or institution.

- ORIGIN C18 (denoting a piece of instrumental music forming the first part of a suite): Fr., fem. past part. of entrer (see entry).

entremets

//

n. a light dish served between two courses of a formal meal.

- ORIGIN Fr., from entre ‘between’ + mets ‘dish’.

entrench

v.
1 establish so firmly that change is difficult: ageism is entrenched in our society. apply extra legal safeguards to (a constitutional right guaranteed by legislation).
2 establish (a military force) in trenches or other fortified positions.

- DERIVATIVES entrenchment n.

entre nous

/ /

adv. between ourselves.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

entrepôt

//

n. a port or other place which acts as a centre for import and export.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from entreposer ‘to store’.

entrepreneur

//

n. a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.

- DERIVATIVES entrepreneurial //, // adj. entrepreneurialism n. entrepreneurially adv. entrepreneurism n. entrepreneurship n.

- ORIGIN C19 (denoting the director of a musical institution): from Fr., from entreprendre (see enterprise).

entresol

//

n. a mezzanine floor.

- ORIGIN C18: Fr., from Sp. entresuelo, from entre ‘between’ + suelo ‘storey’.

entropy

//

n.
1 Physics a thermodynamic quantity representing the unavailability of a system's thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness in the system.
2 (in information theory) a logarithmic measure of the rate of transfer of information in a particular message or language.

- DERIVATIVES entropic // adj. entropically adv.

- ORIGIN C19: from en-2 + Gk trop ‘transformation’.

entrust

v. assign a responsibility to. put into someone's care.

- DERIVATIVES entrustment n.

entry

n. (pl. entries)
1 an act or the action of entering.
2 a place of entrance. dialect a passage between buildings.
3 the right, means, or opportunity to enter. (also entry into possession) Law the action of taking up the legal right to property. Bridge a card providing an opportunity to transfer the lead to a particular hand.
4 an item entered in a list, account book, reference book, etc.
5 a person who enters a competition. the number of entrants in a competition.
6 the forward part of a ship's hull below the waterline, considered in terms of breadth or narrowness.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. entree, based on L. intrata, fem. past part. of intrare (see enter).

entryism

n. the infiltration of a political party by members of another group, to subvert its policies or objectives.

- DERIVATIVES entryist n.

entry-level

adj. suitable for a beginner or first-time user: entry-level computers.

entryphone

n. Brit. trademark a type of intercom at the entrance to a building by which visitors may identify themselves before the door is unlocked.

entryway

n. N. Amer. an entrance.

entwine

v. wind or twist together.

- DERIVATIVES entwinement n.

enucleate

//

v.
1 Biology remove the nucleus from (a cell).
2 surgically remove (an eyeball or other structure) from its surrounding capsule.
adj. Biology lacking a nucleus.

- DERIVATIVES enucleation n.

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘clarify, explain’): from L. enucleat-, enucleare ‘extract’.

E-number

n. Brit. a code number preceded by the letter E, denoting food additives numbered in accordance with EU directives.

enumerable

//

adj. Mathematics able to be counted by one-to-one correspondence with the set of positive integers.

enumerate

//

v.
1 mention one by one.
2 formal establish the number of.

- DERIVATIVES enumeration n. enumerative adj.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as enumeration): from L. enumerat-, enumerare ‘count out’.

enumerator

n. a person employed in taking a census of the population.

enunciate

//

v.
1 say or pronounce clearly.
2 set out precisely or definitely.

- DERIVATIVES enunciation n. enunciative adj. enunciator n.

- ORIGIN C17 (earlier (C16) as enunciation): from L. enuntiat-, enuntiare ‘announce clearly’.

enure

//, //

v.
1 (enure for/to) Law (of a right or other advantage) belong or be available to.
2 variant spelling of inure.

enuresis

//

n. Medicine involuntary urination, especially by children at night.

- DERIVATIVES enuretic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C19: mod. L., from Gk enourein ‘urinate in’.

enurn

v. place or bury (ashes) in an urn.

envelop

//, //

v. (envelops, enveloping, enveloped) wrap up, cover, or surround completely.

- DERIVATIVES envelopment n.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. envoluper, from en- ‘in’ + a second element of unknown origin (also found in develop).

envelope

//, //

n.
1 a flat paper container with a sealable flap, used to enclose a letter or document.
2 a covering or containing structure or layer.
3 Electronics a curve joining the successive peaks of a modulated wave.
4 Mathematics a curve or surface tangent to each of a family of curves or surfaces.

- PHRASES
push the (edge of the) envelope informal approach or extend the limits of what is possible. [ORIGIN orig. aviation sl., relating to graphs of aerodynamic performance.]

- ORIGIN C16 (in the sense ‘enveloping layer’): from Fr. enveloppe, from envelopper ‘envelop’.

envenom

v. archaic put poison on or into.

envenomate

v. Zoology & Medicine poison by biting or stinging.

- DERIVATIVES envenomation n.

enviable

//

adj. arousing or likely to arouse envy.

- DERIVATIVES enviably adv.

envious

adj. feeling or showing envy.

- DERIVATIVES enviously adv.

environ

//, //

v. formal surround; enclose.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. environer, from environ ‘surroundings’, from en ‘in’ + viron ‘circuit’.

environment

n.
1 the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. Computing the overall structure within which a user, computer, or program operates.
2 (the environment) the natural world, especially as affected by human activity.

- DERIVATIVES environmental adj. environmentally adv.

environmental audit

n. an assessment of the extent to which an organization is observing practices which minimize harm to the environment.

environmentalist

n.
1 a person who is concerned about protecting the environment.
2 a person who considers that environment (as opposed to heredity) has the primary influence on the development of a person.

- DERIVATIVES environmentalism n.

environs

pl. n. the surrounding area or district.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr., pl. of environ (see environ).

envisage

//, //

v. regard or conceive of as a possibility. form a mental picture of.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. envisager, from en- ‘in’ + visage ‘face’.

envision

v. imagine; visualize.

envoi

// (also envoy)

n.
1 a short stanza concluding a ballade.
2 archaic an author's concluding words.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. envoi, from envoyer (see envoy).

envoy

//

n.
1 a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission.
2 (also envoy extraordinary) a minister plenipotentiary, ranking below ambassador and above chargé d'affaires.

- ORIGIN C17: from Fr. envoyé, past part. of envoyer ‘send’.

envy

n. (pl. envies) discontented or resentful longing aroused by another's possessions, qualities, or luck. (the envy of) a person or thing that inspires such a feeling.
v. (envies, envying, envied) feel envy of.

- DERIVATIVES envier n.

- ORIGIN ME (also in the sense ‘hostility’): from OFr. envie (n.), envier (v.), from L. invidia, from invidere ‘regard maliciously’, from in- ‘into’ + videre ‘to see’.

enwrap

v. (enwraps, enwrapping, enwrapped) wrap; envelop.

enwreathe

v. literary surround or envelop.

Enzed

//

n. Austral./NZ informal New Zealand or a New Zealander.

- DERIVATIVES Enzedder n.

- ORIGIN representing a pronunc. of the initials NZ.

enzootic

//

adj. (of a disease) regularly affecting animals in a particular district or at a particular season.

- ORIGIN C19: from en-2 + Gk zion ‘animal’ + -ic.

enzyme

//

n. Biochemistry a substance consisting largely or wholly of protein that is produced by a living organism and acts as a catalyst to promote a specific biochemical reaction.

- DERIVATIVES enzymatic adj. enzymic adj. enzymological adj. enzymologist n. enzymology n.

- ORIGIN C19: Ger. Enzym, from mod. Gk enzumos ‘leavened’.

EOC

abbrev. (in the UK) Equal Opportunities Commission.

Eocene

//

adj. Geology relating to or denoting the second epoch of the Tertiary period (between the Palaeocene and Oligocene epochs, 56.5 to 35.4 million years ago), a time when the first horses, bats, and whales appeared.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk s ‘dawn’ + kainos ‘new’.

eohippus

//

n. (pl. eohippuses) former term for hyracotherium.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk s ‘dawn’ + hippos ‘horse’.

eolian

adj. US spelling of aeolian.

eolith

//

n. Archaeology a roughly chipped flint found in Tertiary strata, originally thought to be an early artefact but probably of natural origin.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk s ‘dawn’ + lithos ‘stone’.

eon

n. US and technical spelling of aeon.

eosin

//

n. a red fluorescent dye that is a bromine derivative of fluorescein.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk s ‘dawn’ + -in^1.

eosinophil

//

n. Physiology a white blood cell containing granules that are readily stained by eosin.

- DERIVATIVES eosinophilic adj.

eosinophilia

//

n. Medicine an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood.

EOT

abbrev.
1 Computing end of tape.
2 Telecommunications end of transmission.

-eous

suffix (forming adjectives) resembling; displaying the nature of: aqueous.

- ORIGIN from the L. suffix -eus + -ous.

EP

abbrev.
1 electroplate.
2 European Parliament.
3 extended-play (of a record or compact disc).
4 extreme pressure (used in grading lubricants).

Ep.

abbrev. Epistle.

ep-

//, //, //

prefix variant spelling of epi- shortened before a vowel or h (as in eparch, ephod).

e.p.

abbrev. Chess en passant.

EPA

abbrev. (in the US) Environmental Protection Agency.

epact

//

n. the number of days by which the solar year exceeds the lunar year.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. épacte, via late L. from Gk epaktai (hmerai) ‘intercalated (days)’.

eparch

//

n. the chief bishop of an eparchy.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk eparkhos, from epi ‘above’ + arkhos ‘ruler’.

eparchy

//

n. (pl. eparchies) a province of the Orthodox Church.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk eparkhia, from eparkhos (see eparch).

épater

//

v. (in phr. épater les bourgeois) shock people regarded as conventional or complacent.

- ORIGIN from Fr.

epaulette

//, // (US also epaulet)

n. an ornamental shoulder piece on a military uniform.

- ORIGIN C18: from Fr. épaulette, dimin. of épaule ‘shoulder’.

epaxial

//

adj. Anatomy & Zoology situated on the dorsal side of an axis.

épée

//, //

n. a sharp-pointed duelling sword, used, with the end blunted, in fencing.

- DERIVATIVES épéeist n.

- ORIGIN C19: Fr., ‘sword’.

epenthesis

//

n. (pl. epentheses //) the insertion of a sound or letter within a word, e.g. the b in thimble.

- DERIVATIVES epenthetic adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via late L. from Gk, from epentithenai ‘insert’.

epergne

//

n. an ornamental centrepiece for a dining table, holding fruit or flowers.

- ORIGIN C18: perh. an alt. form of Fr. épargne ‘economy’.

epexegesis

//

n. (pl. epexegeses //) the addition of words to clarify meaning.

- DERIVATIVES epexegetic // adj. epexegetical adj. epexegetically adv.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk epexgsis.

Eph.

abbrev. Epistle to the Ephesians (in biblical references).

ephebe

//, //, //

n. (in ancient Greece) a young man of 18–20 years undergoing military training.

- DERIVATIVES ephebic adj.

- ORIGIN via L. from Gk ephbos, from epi ‘near to’ + hb ‘early manhood’.

ephedra

//

n. an evergreen trailing or climbing shrub of warm arid regions, some kinds of which are a source of the drug ephedrine.   Genus Ephedra.

- ORIGIN mod. L., from L., ‘equisetum’ (which it resembles).

ephedrine

//

n. Medicine an alkaloid drug which causes constriction of the blood vessels and widening of the bronchial passages and is used to relieve asthma and hay fever.

- ORIGIN C19: from ephedra + -ine^4.

ephemera

//, //

pl. n. things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.

- DERIVATIVES ephemerist n.

- ORIGIN C16 (orig. (as sing. n.) denoting a plant said to last only one day, or an insect with a short lifespan): pl. of ephemeron, from Gk, neut. of ephmeros ‘lasting only a day’.

ephemeral

//, //

adj. lasting or used for a very short time. (chiefly of plants) having a very short life cycle.

- DERIVATIVES ephemerality n. ephemerally adv. ephemeralness n.

ephemeris

//, //

n. (pl. ephemerides //) Astronomy & Astrology a table of the calculated positions of a celestial object at regular intervals throughout a period.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk ephmeros ‘lasting only a day’.

ephemeris time

n. time on a scale defined by the orbital period rather than the axial rotation of the earth.

ephod

//, //

n. (in ancient Israel) a sleeveless garment worn by Jewish priests.

- ORIGIN ME: from Heb. pd.

ephor

//

n. (in ancient Greece) each of five senior Spartan magistrates.

- DERIVATIVES ephorate n.

- ORIGIN from Gk ephoros ‘overseer’.

epi-

(also ep- before a vowel or h)

prefix
1 upon: epigraph.
2 above: epicotyl.
3 in addition: epiphenomenon.

- ORIGIN from Gk epi ‘upon, near to, in addition’.

epiblast

//

n. Embryology the outermost layer of an embryo before it differentiates into ectoderm and mesoderm.

epic

n.
1 a long poem narrating the deeds of heroic or legendary figures or the past history of a nation. a long film, book, or other work portraying heroic deeds or covering an extended period of time.
2 informal an extremely long and demanding task or activity.
adj. relating to or characteristic of an epic or epics.

- DERIVATIVES epical adj. epically adv.

- ORIGIN C16 (as adj.): via L. from Gk epikos, from epos ‘word, song’.

epicanthic fold

//

n. a fold of skin from the upper eyelid covering the inner angle of the eye, typical in many peoples of eastern Asia.

epicardium

//

n. Anatomy a serous membrane that forms the innermost layer of the pericardium.

- DERIVATIVES epicardial adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from epi- + Gk kardia ‘heart’, on the pattern of pericardium.

epicarp

//

n. Botany the outermost layer of the pericarp.

- ORIGIN C19: from epi- + a shortened form of pericarp.

epicedium

//

n. (pl. epicedia //) formal a funeral ode.

- DERIVATIVES epicedian adj.

- ORIGIN C16: from L., from Gk epikdeion, neut. of epokdeios ‘of a funeral’.

epicene

//

adj.
1 having characteristics of both sexes or no characteristics of either sex.
2 effeminate; effete.

- ORIGIN ME: via late L. from Gk epikoinos (based on koinos ‘common’).

epicentre

(US epicenter)

n. the point on the earth's surface vertically above the focus of an earthquake.

- DERIVATIVES epicentral adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk epikentros ‘situated on a centre’.

epicondyle

//

n. Anatomy a protuberance on the condyle of a long bone, especially the humerus.

- DERIVATIVES epicondylar adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. épicondyle, mod. L. epicondylus.

epicondylitis

//

n. Medicine inflammation of tendons surrounding an epicondyle, especially of the elbow (tennis elbow).

epicontinental

adj. denoting those areas of sea or ocean overlying the continental shelf.

epicotyl

//

n. Botany the region of an embryo or seedling stem above the cotyledon.

epicure

//, //

n. a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.

- DERIVATIVES epicurism n.

- ORIGIN ME: via med. L. from Gk Epikouros ‘Epicurus’ (see Epicurean).

Epicurean

//

n.
1 a disciple or student of the Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 bc), who taught that pleasure, particularly mental pleasure, was the highest good.
2 (epicurean) an epicure.
adj.
1 of or concerning Epicurus or his ideas.
2 (epicurean) relating to or suitable for an epicure.

- DERIVATIVES Epicureanism n.

epicycle

//

n. Geometry a small circle whose centre moves round the circumference of a larger one.

- DERIVATIVES epicyclic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr., or via late L. from Gk epikuklos.

epicycloid

//

n. Mathematics a curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling on the exterior of another circle.

- DERIVATIVES epicycloidal adj.

epideictic

//, //

adj. formal characterized by or designed to display rhetorical or oratorical skill.

- ORIGIN C18: from Gk epideiktikos.

epidemic

n. a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. a sudden, widespread occurrence of an undesirable phenomenon.
adj. of the nature of an epidemic.

- ORIGIN C17 (as adj.): from Fr. épidémique, from épidémie, via late L. from Gk epidmia ‘prevalence of disease’.

epidemiology

//

n. the branch of medicine concerned with the incidence and distribution of diseases and other factors relating to health.

- DERIVATIVES epidemiological adj. epidemiologist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk epidmia ‘prevalence of disease’ + -logy.

epidermis

//

n.
1 Zoology & Anatomy the surface epithelium of the skin of an animal, overlying the dermis.
2 Botany the outer layer of tissue in a plant.

- DERIVATIVES epidermal adj. epidermic adj. epidermoid adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk, from epi ‘upon’ + derma ‘skin’.

epidiascope

//

n. an optical projector capable of giving images of both opaque and transparent objects.

epididymis

//

n. (pl. epididymides //) Anatomy a highly convoluted duct behind the testis, along which sperm passes to the vas deferens.

- DERIVATIVES epididymal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk epididumis, from epi ‘upon’ + didumos ‘testicle’.

epidote

//

n. a lustrous yellow-green mineral consisting of a silicate of calcium, aluminium, and iron.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. épidote, from Gk epididonai ‘give additionally’ (because of the length of the crystals).

epidural

// Anatomy & Medicine

adj. on or around the dura mater of the spinal cord.
n. an anaesthetic introduced into the space around the dura mater, used especially in childbirth.

epifauna

n. Ecology animals living on the bed of a body of water or on other submerged surfaces. Compare with infauna.

- DERIVATIVES epifaunal adj.

epigastrium

//

n. (pl. epigastria //) Anatomy the part of the upper abdomen immediately over the stomach.

- DERIVATIVES epigastric adj.

- ORIGIN C17: via late L. from Gk epigastrion, neut. of epigastrios ‘over the belly’.

epigeal

//

adj. Botany growing or occurring above the ground surface. Compare with hypogeal.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk epigeios + -al.

epigene

//

adj. Geology taking place or produced on the surface of the earth.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. épigène, from Gk epigens, from epi ‘upon’ + gens (see -gen).

epigenesis

//

n. Biology the progressive development of an embryo from an undifferentiated egg cell.

epigenetic

//

adj.
1 Biology resulting from external rather than genetic influences. relating to epigenesis.
2 Geology formed later than the surrounding or underlying rocks.

- DERIVATIVES epigenetically adv. epigenetics pl. n.

epiglottis

//

n. a flap of cartilage behind the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.

- DERIVATIVES epiglottal adj. epiglottic adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Gk epiglttis, from epi ‘upon, near to’ + gltta ‘tongue’.

epigone

//

n. (pl. epigones or epigoni //, //) literary a less distinguished follower or imitator.

- ORIGIN C18: pl. from Fr. épigones and L. epigoni, from Gk epigonoi ‘those born afterwards’.

epigram

//

n. a concise and witty saying or remark. a short witty poem.

- DERIVATIVES epigrammatic adj. epigrammatically adv. epigrammatist n. epigrammatize (or epigrammatise) v.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. épigramme, or L. epigramma, from Gk, from epi ‘upon, in addition’ + gramma (see -gram^1).

epigraph

//

n.
1 an inscription on a building, statue, or coin.
2 a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, intended to suggest its theme.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk epigraph, from epigraphein ‘write on’.

epigraphy

//, //

n. the study and interpretation of ancient inscriptions.

- DERIVATIVES epigrapher n. epigraphic adj. epigraphical adj. epigraphically adv. epigraphist n.

epigynous

//, //

adj. Botany (of a plant or flower) having the ovary enclosed in the receptacle, with the stamens and other floral parts situated above. Compare with hypogynous and perigynous.

- DERIVATIVES epigyny n.

epilation

//

n. the removal of hair by the roots.

- DERIVATIVES epilate v. epilator n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Fr. épiler, from é- (expressing removal) + L. pilus ‘strand of hair’.

epilepsy

//

n. a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions.

- DERIVATIVES epileptic adj. & n.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. épilepsie, or via late L. from Gk epilpsia, from epilambanein ‘seize, attack’.

epilimnion

//

n. (pl. epilimnia //) the upper layer of water in a stratified lake. Compare with hypolimnion.

- ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from epi- + Gk limnion (dimin. of limn ‘lake’).

epilogue

// (US also epilog)

n. a section or speech at the end of a book or play serving as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. épilogue, via L. from Gk epilogos, from epi ‘in addition’ + logos ‘speech’.

epimer

//

n. Chemistry each of two isomers with different configurations of atoms about one of several asymmetric carbon atoms present.

- DERIVATIVES epimeric // adj. epimerism //, // n.

epimerize

(or epimerise) //, //

v. Chemistry convert from one epimeric form into the other.

epinephrine

//, //

n. Biochemistry the hormone adrenalin.

- ORIGIN C19: from epi- + Gk nephros ‘kidney’ + -ine^4.

epiphany

//, //

n. (pl. epiphanies)
1 (Epiphany) the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (see Matthew 2: 1-12). the festival commemorating this on 6 January.
2 a moment of sudden and great revelation.

- DERIVATIVES epiphanic // adj.

- ORIGIN ME: from Gk epiphainein ‘reveal’; sense 1 is via OFr. epiphanie and eccles. L. epiphania.

epiphenomenon

//

n. (pl. epiphenomena //) a secondary effect or phenomenon. Medicine a secondary symptom, occurring simultaneously with a disease or condition but not directly related to it. a mental state regarded as a by-product of brain activity.

- DERIVATIVES epiphenomenal adj.

epiphora

//

n. n.
1 Medicine excessive watering of the eye.
2 another term for epistrophe.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk epi ‘upon’ + pherein ‘to carry’.

epiphysis

//, //

n. (pl. epiphyses) Anatomy the end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft. Compare with diaphysis.

- DERIVATIVES epiphyseal adj.

- ORIGIN C17: mod. L., from Gk epiphusis, from epi- ‘in addition’ + phusis ‘growth’.

epiphyte

//

n. Botany a plant that grows non-parasitically on a tree or other plant.

- DERIVATIVES epiphytal // adj. epiphytic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from epi- + Gk phuton ‘plant’.

EPIRB

abbrev. emergency position-indicating radio beacon.

episcopacy

//, //

n. (pl. episcopacies) government of a Church by bishops. (the episcopacy) the bishops of a region or church collectively.

- ORIGIN C17: from eccles. L. episcopatus ‘episcopate’.

episcopal

//, //

adj. of a bishop or bishops. (of a Church) governed by or having bishops.

- DERIVATIVES episcopalism n. episcopally adv.

- ORIGIN ME: from Fr. épiscopal or eccles. L. episcopalis, from episcopus ‘bishop’, from Gk episkopos (see bishop).

Episcopal Church

n. the Anglican Church in Scotland and the US.

episcopalian

//, //

adj. of or advocating episcopacy. of or belonging to an episcopal or (Episcopalian) the Episcopal Church.
n. an adherent of episcopacy. (Episcopalian) a member of the Episcopal Church.

- DERIVATIVES episcopalianism n.

episcopate

//, //

n. the office of a bishop. (the episcopate) the bishops of a church or region collectively.

episcope

//

n. an optical projector which gives images of opaque objects.

episematic

//

adj. Zoology (of coloration or markings) serving to help recognition by animals of the same species.

- ORIGIN C19: from epi- + Gk sma ‘sign’ + -atic.

episiotomy

//, //

n. (pl. episiotomies) a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth, to aid a difficult delivery.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk epision ‘pubic region’ + -tomy.

episode

n.
1 an event or a sequence of events. a finite period in which someone is affected by an illness.
2 each of the instalments into which a serialized story or radio or television programme is divided.
3 Music a passage containing distinct material or introducing a new subject. a section between two choric songs in Greek tragedy.

- ORIGIN C17: from Gk epeisodion, neut. of epeisodios ‘coming in besides’.

episodic

//

adj.
1 occurring as or presented in episodes.
2 occurring at irregular intervals.

- DERIVATIVES episodically adv.

episome

//

n. Microbiology a genetic element inside some bacterial cells that can replicate independently of the host.

epistasis

//

n. Genetics the suppression by a gene of the effect of another gene.

- DERIVATIVES epistatic // adj.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk, lit. ‘stoppage’.

epistaxis

//

n. Medicine bleeding from the nose.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from Gk, from epistazein ‘bleed from the nose’.

epistemology

//, //

n. Philosophy the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope.

- DERIVATIVES epistemic adj. epistemically adv. epistemological adj. epistemologically adv. epistemologist n.

- ORIGIN C19: from Gk epistm ‘knowledge’.

epistle

//

n. formal or humorous a letter. (Epistle) a book of the New Testament in the form of a letter from an Apostle.

- ORIGIN OE, via L. from Gk epistol, from epistellein ‘send news’.

epistolary

//

adj. relating to the writing of letters. denoting literary works in the form of letters.

epistrophe

//, //

n. the repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

- ORIGIN C16: from Gk epistroph, from epistrephein ‘turn around’.

epistyle

//

n. Architecture an architrave.

- ORIGIN C16: from Fr. épistyle or via L., from Gk epistulion, from epi ‘upon’ + stulos ‘pillar’.

epitaph

//, //

n. words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone. something serving as a reminder of a person, time, or event: the story makes a sorry epitaph to a great career.

- ORIGIN ME: from OFr. epitaphe, via L. from Gk epitaphion ‘funeral oration’, neut. of ephitaphios ‘over or at a tomb’.

epitaxy

//

n. Crystallography the growth of crystals on a crystalline substrate that determines their orientation.

- DERIVATIVES epitaxial adj.

- ORIGIN 1930s: from Fr. épitaxie, from Gk epi ‘upon’ + taxis ‘arrangement’.

epithalamium

//

n. (pl. epithalamiums or epithalamia) a song or poem celebrating a marriage.

- DERIVATIVES epithalamic // adj.

- ORIGIN C16: via L. from Gk epithalamion, from epi ‘upon’ + thalamos ‘bridal chamber’.

epithelium

//

n. (pl. epithelia //) Anatomy the thin tissue forming the outer layer of the body's surface and lining the alimentary canal and other hollow structures, especially that part derived from the embryonic ectoderm and endoderm. Compare with endothelium.

- DERIVATIVES epithelial adj.

- ORIGIN C18: mod. L., from epi- + Gk thl ‘teat’.