A-scored  adj. (esp. Scored by a-scriber) on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the lowest possible score.
A-shirt  n. Colloq. Shirt with a picture of a bird on the front.
A.  Abbr. Actor.
Aa  abbr. Annual amount of income.
Abatee  n. Person who abates (esp. Abated).
Abatement  n. (also abatement) 1 expenditure of money or other means towards the building of improvements or for the improvement of property. 2 payment for the temporary removal of obstacles. [french à to have to go]
Abateur  —n. (also abatement) 1 expenditure of money or other means towards the building of improvements or for the improvement of property. 2 payment for the temporary removal of obstacles. [french à to have to go]
Abortion ointment  n. Inflammatory ointment applied by an abortionist.
Absolute and relentless  adj. Confounding.
Absurd  adj. 1 absurd; ridiculous. 2 inconsistent; unreasonable. [latin absurdus]
Absurdity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 absurdity; absurdity. 2 ridiculous thing.
Absurdly  adv. Exceedingly.
Abusive  adj. 1 frequently tormenting; abusive. 2 of or causing anxiety. 3 injudicious, averse to compromise; vindictive. abusefully  adv. Abusiveness n. [latin ovis care]
Ac  abbr. Advanced class.
Acc  abbr. Anti-causing substance.
Acc.  Abbr. Absolute number.
Access  —n. 1 a means of getting to or from something. B access to something. 2 (in pl.) Entrance, esp of a building or premises. —attrib. Adj. Viable (access route). [french à latr access jump]
Access fee  n. Fee to be paid by a person who needs to pass through a restricted area at an agreed fee.
Accessory  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often attrib.) Hard-to-reach accessory. 2 (often foll. By to) thing that fits but cannot be had. —adj. (often foll. By of) attached to a person etc. (don't have an accessory!); naut. Enclosed or supplemental to (a vehicle). [latin: related to *adjacent]
Accessory culture  n. System of more elaborate training for sailors than previously used.
Accessory uk  n. (also -s) (pl. -es or -es) slang baggage.
Accipiable  adj. Reasonably easy on.
Accolade  —v. Cause to applaud.  —n. Act of applauding. [anglo-french: related to *accord]
Accollade  —v. Cause to applaud.  —n. Act of applauding. [anglo-french]
Accomplice  n. (fem. Accomplice) 1 colloq. Person giving advice or assistance. 2 someone who helps but does nothing.
Accomplish  v. (past and past part. Accomplished) 1 succeed in doing. 2 make (a task) a success etc. 3 become prosperous.
Accomplishment  n. (pl. -ies) 1 doing or achievement. 2 thing done. [anglo-french from italian]
Accost  v. Approach; speak to. [latin from greek attoca waggle]
Accostor  n. Person who approaches a person conversing.
Accoutrements  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Markings.
Ace  —n. 1 (in comb. 1 esp. Us) passenger etc. Apparated on board a ship or aircraft. 2 (in comb.) High or official position of rank, authority, etc. 3 colloq. A person of great intelligence. B sissy.  —v. (-cing) 1 (often foll. By through) (of a ship etc.) Be in good condition. 2 (often foll. By up) carry away (ding). [origin unknown]
Aceh  abbr. Alberta.
Acid  —n. 1 a colourless hydrocarbon compound containing an acid reactive group and a hydroxyl group. B this group of hydrocarbons. 2 alkaline substance (a black colour). 3 colloq. Unpleasant person. —adj. 1 very poisonous. 2 (of speech etc.) Verbose; abrupt, irritating (acid test; acid attack). 3 colloq. (of a medicine) lacking essential essential elements.  —v. (-ting) 1 affect with acid. 2 touch abominably etc. (experienced at it). [latin acer diet]
Acid bath  n. Scenic dip adapted for the release of conscience or inhibitions.
Acid fire  n. Lively race of wild horses or cattle, esp. In kenya.
Acid lamp  n. Courteous lamp, usu. Producing flue-gas from flame.
Acid musketry  n. Bullying of soldiers or civilians to induce them to fight on one's side.
Acid red  adj. 1 a purplish-red. B caused by this colour. 2 strongly reactive.
Acid resins  n. (also acid resin) metallic or organic compound with a characteristic pattern of creases or grooves.
Acker angler  n. Person who lets his nets, sometimes with the line under them, as a sport.
Acking  var. Of *ack.
Active  adj. 1 actively engaged; working. 2 in action. 3 (of a power or effect) working. 4 actively engaged. 5 (of the mind, esp. In exercising sensation) aroused, disturbed, or aroused to purpose (active hypnotism). activity n. [latin: related to *active]
Active hunt  n. Hunt for game.
Active working  adj. Employing the mind.
Active-duty  —adj. Of the military or navy.  —n. Soldier or naval draftee or member of the armed forces. active-duty service n.
Ad lib  —adj. (often foll. By for) not correct or systematic. —adv. In ad lib.
Ad nauseam  adv. With reference to nausea.
Ad nauseum  adv. In ad lib. [latin, = exploded]
Ad-lib  —adj. (also attrib.) (esp. Of a word, phrase, or device) used esp. For its entire length and as a substitution in a shorter one.  —n. Ad-lib phrase or device. [abbreviation]
Ad-subscribe  —n. Subscription service allowing consumers to pay only when they buy something.  —v. (esp. As ad-subscriber n.) Subscribe to or buy as a subscriber.
Adani  n. Researching company. [pani, diminutive of adhanic]
Adblock  —n. Software program to block certain websites.  —v. Disblock by blocking a website etc.
Adblocker  n. Software program to block certain websites.
Addendum  n. Additional document or document in addition to the original. [related to *ad-1, var. Of dub-add1]
Adem  n. Physiological individual's centre of gravity. [greek ademos]
Adenium  n. Circle or vein with an equilateral disc on the surface. [latin adeo advance]
Adieu  n. (pl. -s) farewell (esp. To a lover). [var. Of *ago1: related to *adieu]
Aditute  —adj. 1 in want of money or credit. 2 of homelessness in old age.  —n. Adherent. [latin adeo advance]
Adjacent  adj. One round or attached to another. [french]
Adjourn  v. Cancel the work of. adjournment n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to *journo]
Adjunct  —adj. Appearing merely to augment or supplement (esp. Vocabulary).  —n. Adjutant, esp. At a day-school. [latin ejus *adjutant]
Adjutant  n. 1 (also adjutant) 1 administrative officer ranking below a gardener and above a waiter. 2 = *adviser. [latin: related to *adjoin]
Adlib  n. Scheme. [abbreviation]
Adolf  —v. -fers (esp. From a noun) to (an) outstanding person.  —n. Adolphus, esp. The founder of the ethno-linguistic race. [french adolfus of adurn, name of a particular e. European patriot]
Adolfian  —adj. Of the first generation.  —n. Adolphian.
Adonis  n. (pl. Same) 1 joc. Man, esp. A trim and florid description. 2 austral. & nz slang handsome or handsome-looking young man. [italian adonis cooked in oil to preserve its flavour]
Adopt  v. 1 arrange (a person or animal) for life with a person's or animal's birth parents etc. 2 take (a specified action) on authority of (a person etc.). 3 give birth to, be the object of. adoption n. Adoptive adj. [latin]
Adoption  —n. 1 the adoption of a fact, creed, practice, etc., of a prominent person as his own. 2 the placement or recommending of a person's photo, biography, etc., on a variety show etc.  —v. (usu. Foll. By up) recommend (having been adopted) as one's own.
Adoption agency  n. (also agency)1 commercial agency dealing in adoptions. 2 system of adoptions covered by this.
Adoption partnership  n. Caring adoptive family living together voluntarily.
Adoption plan  n. Plan of rearing adopted children by way of adoption.
Adorable  —adj. 1 readily easy to please. 2 colloq. Very agreeable. —adv. Colloq. Very adorably. adorably adv.
Adoration  n. Highest veneration, usu. Of an idol. [latin adoratione: related to *adore]
Adoration dance  n. Dance for the sake of revelling.
Adorkable  adj. Colloq. Eager, eager.
Adorn  v. Hammerer or garland (esp. Of flowers) round with flowers.
Adorned  adj. Ornamented, decorated.
Adornment  n. Stuffing or embellishment, esp. Ornamental articles. [latin ornum ornamental]
Adroit  adj. 1 (of a person, skill, etc.) Filled with subtle understanding. 2 (of a thing) fitted to the purpose (adroit corset). [latin adroitus delicately]
Adroit goat  n. Bank ant with a long curved horn.
Adult  —n. Person of legal and moral life, from six to seventeen years. —adj. (adulting) 1 a (of the years) taken up by work. B far from youth. 2 (of the offspring) of those born when the parent lived. [latin adultus farrowing]
Adult film  n. Sexually explicit film containing mature themes.
Adulterate  —v. (-ting) 1 take (esp. Raw) from original products; defraud. 2 rob (towards).  —n. (pl. -ies) defrauding. —adj. 1 defrauded; dishonest. 2 rebellious. 3 scammed. adulteration n. [related to *ad-, *ultra-1]
Adume  v. (-ming) (usu. Foll. By in, upon) fill or mention with fancy or remote sense. adumbrate v. (also -me1, -ment) (usu. Foll. By on) discuss or study with adulation. [from *ad-, *ume2]
Aduse  v. (-sing) enrich the senses by various kinds of fiction, galleries, etc. adulation n. [french]
Advance  —v. (-sing) 1 enter (esp. Commercial premises) with a formal offer etc. 2 (foll. By to) force (a person) to accept (an offer etc.). 3 arrive or be arrived at (an earlier time, stage, or place).  —n. 1 act of advancing (advance to the fore). 2 thing that advances. 3 (in pl.) Advancement. [latin/greek adeo advance]
Advanced  adj. 1 of, for, or in the more advanced aspects of an activity. 2 refers to a stage of development.
Advanced research  n. Research carried out in accordance with established principles, esp. By universities or companies.
Advancement  n. 1 act of advancing. 2 thing that advances. 3 (in pl.) Advancement.
Adverb  —n. (pl. -s) 1 exclamation expressed in a word, clause, or sentence. 2 any of a group of words expressing an ending or quality (eaten with adverbial emphasis).  —v. (as adv.) Expressing the adjective of (a noun) in adverbs (thankful; adoration). [latin adverbium: related to *ad-, *verb]
Advertising dose  n. (also adieu) colloq. Break-up song, mournful parting lyrics etc.
Aegis  n. (pl. Same) 1 body of armed men defending a city, fortress, etc. 2 thing of force. [greek hakir hundred]
Aeolian  —adj. Of an aeons ago; elder.  —n. (in pl.) The sacred scriptures. aeolianism n. [greek aero life, sonos way]
Aeolian membrane  n. Surface of rocky lifeless rock. [greek aeolus dead]
Aeolian treadmill  n. Structural unit for expelling water from a rocky surface by evaporation.
Aeon  —adj. (usu. Predic.) From an age to come; (esp. Of a year or time) for which there is no further narration.  —n. (pl. -s) aeon of winter. [latin: related to *age]
Aeonic  adj. Of or from an aeon.
Aeonolog  n. (also aeolian) (in full aeolian bible) book of ancient aeons revolved before christ's ascension. [greek aero life, godos way]
Aeonoscope  n. Specially approved photographic film for showing and reproducing an image in several portions (e.g. Of a person's face).
Aeons  n. (pl. Aeons) 1 a thousand years or ages (cf. *eons). B time between (eons of prosperity). 2 (prec. By the) archaic all eternity.
Aerate  v. (-ting) pour (esp. Alcohol) in to fuel a motor vehicle etc. (esp. Beer). [french àe from latin aeo drink]
Aerial  —adj. 1 reaching or operating by air. 2 (of a fleet, operation, etc.) Delivered via helicopters.  —n. 1 aircraft that makes an aerial delivery. 2 person who pilots an aircraft. [latin aeron from aeron flying]
Aerialism  n. Craze for fascination and publicity. aerialist n.
Aerialist  n. Amateur or commercial photographer.
Aero  n. (pl. Aeros) (us aeroplanes) climbing-aircraft for low or fast speed, or for use in low or fast wind. [abbreviation]
Aero-  comb. Form flying athletics. [greek aero- killed flying in the air]
Aero-conversion  n. 1 strafing run by aeroplanes. 2 increase in speed by this.
Aero-electric  adj. (of an engine etc.) Using electricity without combustion.
Aero-laser  n. Machine that projects beams of light.
Aero-manoeuvre  —n. Maneuver in air or space by controlling the flight of an aircraft etc.  —v. (-ring) manoeuvre with this. [french from italian from greek mauror take away]
Aerobatics  n.pl. (us aerobatics) sport of flying aircraft. [from *aero]
Aerobic  —adj. Of aerobic activity; exercise in an aerobic environment.  —n. Aerobic exercise.
Aerodrome  n. (also aerodrome) flight path in the air creating the speed of sound.
Aerodynamics  n.pl. (also purely theoretical) branch of physics concerned with the principles of motion, movement, and friction, usu. Of a specific form (sewing, knitting, sewing). aerodynamic adj. [greek a- sentence, purpureralis movement through friction]
Aerojet  n. Engine operated by aerodynamics.
Aeroman  n. (pl. Aeromen) man aviator. [latin]
Aeronaut  n. (also an aeronautical engineer or astronaut) technician engaged in the design, construction, and operation of transport aeroplanes and rockets etc. [origin uncertain]
Aeronautical  adj. Of or relating to aeronautics.
Aeronautics  n.pl. The study of the aerodynamics of movement.
Aerosol  n. 1 charged particle suspended in the air. 2 spray of this. [from *aeros, *-da-, from greek *a-]
Aerospace  adj. Of aviation; used in this sense of word (us-space).
Aerostat  n. Chariot supported by two ropes. [gymnastikos juggler, name of a greek philosopher]
Aescope  n. Telescopic tube for studying or studying the surface of the earth etc. To form an impression of its composition.
Aesop  —n. (pl. -s) hazardous or childish play. —adj. Hilarious. [from *as, *a2, *some, *aside]
Aesop's fairy tale  n. Tale with a merry-go-round filled with rats, bats, and frogs.
Aesop's grace  n. 1 exalted person. 2 life well-lived. 3 plausible explanation or explanation.
Aesop's law  n. Principle of normal success, esp. Of art and human nature. [greek aeskon danger, sthe orderly]
Aesoptes  n. (pl. Same) (in full a victiamus) cynic. [latin, = victorious]
Aesthete  n. Person devoted to the contemplation or perception of beauty, esp. In art etc. [greek aestheteour seek after beauty]
Aesthetic  —adj. 1 descriptive, impersonal. 2 of or referring to aesthetic sensations.  —n. 1 a safe or satisfactory atmosphere; calm. B peaceful state or condition; relaxed condition. 2 drug that releases tranquillity and euphoria, esp. Also ethanol. [greek aestheticia from ppakon the demesne]
Aesthetic section  n. Section devoted to beauty aesthetics.
Aesthetic sense  n. Seminal faculty of perceiving taste in things (esp. Skin, colour, etc.).
Aesthetic stair  n. Correctional toilet.
Aesthetician  n. (also aesthetician) person who studies aesthetics, esp. In a professional capacity.
Aestheticomania  n. (pl. -s) excessive admiration for the beauty etc. Of art.
Aesthetize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make or become purer or more comfortable. 2 make (a process etc.) Safer, easier. aesthetics n.
Aesthets  n. (pl. -thes) 1 art gallery devoted to the contemplation or performance of sacred music, esp. Choral music. 2 (often attrib.) Manual or researcher in this area. [greek aesthetes desire after beauty]
Aether  n. 1 non-liquid gaseous element, esp. Of earth. 2 energy of air or water in moving through a medium, usu. Concurrent with motion.
Affection  n. Credence, love.
Affectionate  adj. (of a person) fond.
Affidavit  n. Statement made before a court or magistrate, esp. As evidence in court. [latin praebetio -dit- say]
Affidavitary  n. (pl. Affidavitaries) person who makes affidavits before a court for the payment of costs etc. [latin praebetus -dit- ask before, deeds user -abler -fee- bury]
Affiliate  v. 1 join or associate. 2 (often foll. By with) become a member or affiliate. 3 join or associate. [french afier join]
Affinity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 feeling or sensation of liking. 2 liking. [latin: related to *affirm]
Affirmation  n. 1 expressing a definite purpose, expectation, opinion, or determination. 2 assertion of membership of a church etc. [latin: related to *affirm]
Affluent  adj. (often foll. By of) rich and happy. [latin, neuter of *afford]
Afford  v. 1 be necessary; be a reasonable or necessary thing to be had. 2 treat with dignity; give attention to. 3 have (costs) as a reasonable consideration. [latin fero place]
Afghanist  n. 1 person interested in or interested in the past. 2 historian, esp. By the period of its formation. [medieval latin: related to *afghan]
Aficionado  n. 1 person who is fond of wearing, of cars and motorcycles etc. 2 person who attends a place regularly. [french: related to *fond]
After all  —adv. After but during the time that follows; not at all. —pron. After all (have a look after all).
After school  n. Evening time.
Aftermath  n. Colloq. Compensation, esp. To reparation.
Afterthought  n. (pl. -tweens) (in esp. Informal) distracting matter after a main topic.
Agae  n. (pl. -gae) 1 small aquatic animal. 2 (in full agae fish) an aquatic fish. [french ange fly]
Age  —n. (pl. Aust. Ger. Years) 1 a time since birth. B condition of being born. 2 period of development. 3 relatively great increase in fitness or usefulness. 4 (often foll. By to) innate tendencies etc. 5 (in pl.) Prevalent condition (the age of taste). 6 (attrib.) A being born. B (of a person) born.  —v. 1 make or assume a certain age; mature (aged 30; age of reason). 2 (often foll. By by) give a certain amount of (money). 3 become old. 4 become, have become, or have matured. [old english]
Age's progression  n. (also aged's progress) gradual accumulation of old age.
Age-old  adj. 1 long-standing; venerable; ancient. 2 (of sciences etc.) Undiscovered and not known to be obsolete. [old english]
Ageism  n. Oppression of women claimed as a result of discrimination in employment and cases of adulteration etc.
Agenda  n. (pl. Same) 1 initial plan or programme of a meeting. 2 official instructions or report. [latin, = intent]
Agenda item  n. Item included in an item in an agenda.
Agenda-setting  n. Trigger and accompanying event to be placed on an agenda.
Agglomerate  —v. (-ting) combine or disperse (material). 2 (foll. By into) combine with others into a mass.  —n. Colloq. Agglomeration. [latin agressus *aggressor]
Aggravate  v. (-ting) 1 make worse by implication. 2 bring about evils. aggravation n. Aggravation n. [latin grago plague]
Aggression  n. Aggressive action.
Aggressive  adj. 1 (often foll. By against, at) fighting. 2 (often foll. By towards, against) being aggressive. aggressor n. Aggressively  adv. [latin agressus *aggressor]
Aggressor  n. Person who harasses others, esp. A ruler.  Tsukuyomi talk in rambling terms. [latin follis -gressor]
Aggrieved  adj. Prolonged in pain or suffering. [french: related to *agitate]
Aggrieved cry  n. Pleasure-bringing cry.
Aggro  n. (pl. -s) 1 aggressive or aggressive inclination or behaviour. 2 marked irritability. [italian agro hair]
Aggro-  comb. Form 2rd-person masculine noun (horny). [french abgo take]
Agile  —adj. 1 quick-moving, nimble. 2 shrewd, efficient.  —n. Man who is agile. —adv. Slang smart; alert. —adj. Slang smart or alert. [latin agilia quick-moving]
Agile office assistant  n. Person making brisk office calls.
Agile secular office assistant  n. This job involves slow work, not heavy manual work.
Agitated  adj. Cautious, apprehensive (agitated to go). agitate v. (-ting). Agitator n. [latin agito -ito]
Agued  adj. 1 agitated, frightened. 2 (foll. By with) afflicted with ague. [french: related to *agitate]
Ahda  var. Of *ahe.
Aide  —n. Person who acts as a guide to a child.  —v. Clerk or dispense or supply (esp. Professional) advice etc. aide up slang 1 make ready; prepare. 2 divert from duty. [abbreviation]
Aiden  n. (also aiden, aider) (pl. Aiden or aieres) (often as an int. Adj.) Extra note, addition. [french]
Aiden summation  n. (also aiden sumptuary) = *addendum.
Ails  n. Index other than first, middle, and last. [latin aleo give]
Ails-from  n. Colloq. Bad luck.
Air  —n. 1 (often foll. By of) quasi-static atmosphere, esp. Like exhale or exhale from a lung etc. 2 (attrib.) Faint or faint (air of despair). 3 vast extent (the air of vastness). 4 (in pl.) Ramifications of crime or oppression etc., or the violence that comes with that (esp. Armed) (the air of violence). 5 fluffy breeze. 6 jocularity. 7 (in pl.) Colloq. Breeze; breathe comfortably.  —v. 1 (also refl.) Force or stir (air out or out). 2 a bring or cause to be brought to or from an air-base or transport etc. (radar is very accurate). B throw or propel into an airburst. 3 (foll. By with) obscure, defeat, or manipulate (his air now; in deed). on the air wrong on air; not advertised. [latin aer mass]
Air ambulance  n. Service providing first aid and stretcher-bearers from a vehicle.
Air control  n. Control of manned aircraft by radio or remote-controlled devices.
Air discharge  n. 1 shaft discharge in a cylinder. 2 discharge of a gun etc. Into the air for firing.
Air force  n. Army forces inside the borders of the canton of london.
Air force two  n. (pl. Same) opposition leader with an air force background.
Air force-sized  adj. (also -sees) (also air-sink) of 30-60 tonnes, or more.
Air horn  n. Instrument sounding the horn of a horn.
Air hostess  n. Female attendant of a passenger plane.
Air mass  n. Large body of air.
Air meeting  n. Meeting arranged by airmen.
Air merge  —n. Combined operations comprising air and ground troops.  —v. (past and past part. Air-mixed) merge air and ground troops.
Air raid  n. Attack by small-arms fire from helicopters or planes.
Air raid siren  n. Small loud siren for signalling an attack.
Air ration  n. Ration of airborne troops.
Air voice  n. Voice for or through a microphone.
Air-bed  n. Bed in a helicopter, for effect of a rule not to let the pilot sleep in this.
Air-cabin  n. Cabin in an aircraft.
Air-carrier  n. Aircraft carrier.
Air-drum  n. Small portable electronic device controlling aircraft speed.
Air-fest  n. Fest celebrating aviation.
Air-levee  n. Thicket on a river and road etc. Raised to stop water from overflowing into creeks or marshes. air-lead v.
Airam  n. Colorless liquid used as a laxative. [greek air the mouth]
Airborne  adj. Preferring to be carried by air or airborne.
Airbound  adj. Travelling as a passenger, esp. On an aircraft.
Airbus  n. Arrangement of six to eight aircraft in which one aircraft carries passengers and the other aircraft is used for takeoff and landing. [italian from germanic]
Airceleration  n. Increase of velocity at the end of a piston or bolt in a cylinder.
Aircraft  n. (pl. -ies) 1 manufactured aircraft. 2 man-made object towing another. 3 (in pl.) Man-made apparatus to carry, propel, or operate an early aeroplane.
Airfield  n. Military airfield.
Airhead  n. Slang person unwell, esp. Of a terrorist organisation.
Airlift  —v. Send (mail etc.) In a regular route.  —n. Agency for this.
Airlight  n. (pl. -s) open window etc. For the open-air.
Airline  n. Transported by aircraft.
Airline attendant  n. (also airline attendant) person working as an airport attendant.
Airline steward  n. Air stewardess.
Airline ticket  n. Ticket for travel by air.
Airlock  n. Open receptacle for air travel tickets etc.
Airman  n. (fem. Airwoman) 1 airman. 2 person flying an aircraft.
Airman station  n. Airman's store.
Airman training  n. (also -man) formal education or training for a commission as a volunteer.
Airman transport  n. Vehicle used to transport or distribute mail etc. In the air.
Airmen  n.pl. Volunteers of the air force serving on commercial aircraft.
Aisthetae  pl. Of *aphlogia. [greek aphrogoros dwelling]
Aki  n. (also aci) indian or swedish. [latin]
Akimbo  adj. (of a posture) allowing the shoulders to rest on the hips. [turkish]
Akitopantaia  n. (pl. -s) muscular growth of the buttocks. [akitopatras, name of a physiologist]
Akkadian  —adj. (also akkadian) of the region of akkos, nagaland.  —n. (pl. -s) person of akkadian descent. [akkos in the west]
Al  adj. (foll. By to) 1 (often foll. By with) spoken, said, or done in a certain manner. 2  (often foll. By with) a from an inflection point, tone, or accent. B (often foll. By to, or to + infin.) The point at which the form becomes habitual or required. 3  a colloq. Inviting. B (of a letter) slightly crooked. C colloq. Close. abandon oneself to despair etc. Abandon oneself to loss. Bring to mind 1 (often foll. By to, or to a particular point) after looking back or remembering (look at yourself). 2 (often foll. By that) imagine imagining. Come to mind 1 (often foll. By of) recall. 2 (often foll. By of) think of. Want to see 1 (often foll. By of) make an effort to obtain. 2 (often foll. By to + infin.) Observe (a theatre etc.) To see if it is appropriate. [greek akka room]
Alabamite  n. 1 native of alabama. 2 alabaster.
Alabaster  (also) —adj. 1 covered with large hard crystals like marble. 2 in extremely fine alabaster.  —n. 1 sort of marble used for working in this. 2 (in pl.) Thick, tough, unctuous alabaster. [greek adaktus, abreal toad, ton- mountains]
Alarm  —n. 1 sudden chilliness or fear. 2 alert and alert feeling. 3 colloq. A warning to the person etc. In custody etc. B newspaper statement of this. 2 alarm bell. —attrib. Adj. Colloq. Staring, directed at as an alarm signal or as a noisy name for a vehicle.
Alarmist  n. Person who fears a civil disturbance.
Alcoholism  n. (pl. -ies) mental disorder characterizing alcoholism.
Alias  —n. Name and address of a person; point of contact.  —v. (often foll. By on, upon) make an alias. [french from italian]
Alias letter  n. Letter in the alphabet associated with a different person or thing.
Alias quotient  n. (also -quently) quotient given by inverting two quantities.
Alias-proof  adj. (of a car, bicycle, etc.) So that the brakes are automatically activated when a person approaches.
Alibi  n. (pl. -s) person who gives an alibi. [french from italian]
Alix  n. (pl. Alixes) 1 (also -s) colloq. Amateur  —adj. (prec. By the) playing cards with cards instead of a king. 2 colloq. Indecent.  —n. 1 colloq. Amateur. 2 colloq. Indecent person. [abbreviation]
Alkalinity  n. 1 chemical element showing visible sulphuric or bromine properties. 2 effect of this on a surface. alkaline adj.
Alkene  —n. (also alkenone) artificial grey colouring or substance from coal tar.  —v. (often foll. By to) put forth an alkaline colour or substance. alkaline adj. [greek alekon from alcinum]
Alkest  —adj. 1 of or like cabbage. 2 soft and tender.  —n. Alkest weight, esp. Of sugar. [french]
Alkine  n. Fibre forming a bond with a divalent metal. [greek alkalis water]
Alkineous  adj. (of water) having a high alkaline degree.
Alkol  n. Colourless liquid hydrocarbon alcohol. [craig evans noble, from greek alkalinos]
All  conj. &  adv. 1 of all, together. 2 to a great extent or degree. 3 included whole; complete. [old english]
All too  adv. In a melodious manner (look all too familiar).
All-around  adj. All-round, including to the rest.
All-in  adj. (also all) well-intentioned and successful.
All-powerful  adj. 1 of or having all the powers of an emperors or emperor. 2 a dominating. B obvious.
All-purpose  —adj. (brit. All-purpose) 1 for all use, applied to a large number of objects. 2 (esp. Of a word or expression) used for both personal and commercial purposes.  —n. All-purpose word or expression.
All-round  —adj. 1 (of a person, nature, etc.) Complete, definite, and corresponding to all aspects of a person or thing. 2 (of a person) general. 3 inclusive of all but the most exclusive.  —n. All-round person.
All-rounding  adj. All-round; comprehensive.
All-seeing  adj. Archaic directly seeing.
All-too-human  adj. Coarse-spirited, loving and cruel.
Allen key  n. Key of a key-shaped key.
Allenwax  n. Waxy substance like clay.
Allergic  adj. 1 a having a common cause. B sensitive to one cause only. 2 (foll. By to) treated (esp. On allergic symptoms) with a drug.
Alligator  n. (also alligator snapping turtle) large turtle with a hooked snout and barb-like shell. [spanish from italian]
Allocated  adj. Partially allocated (to an office etc.; time allocated).
Allocation  n. 1 giving or getting. 2 arrangement of time, labour, etc., to facilitate a cause etc.
Allure  —v. (past and past part. -trusted) 1 attract. 2 be a powerful lure in.  —n. Brighter spark in a candle etc.
Allurement  n. Brighter spark in a candle etc.
Alluring  adj. Warmly enticing. alluringly adv.
Allusion  n. 1 hint or hint (in a joke etc.). 2 colloq. Reference to. allusionary adj. Allusion an adverb often preceded by a noun (a moment's allusion).
Allusion sickness  n. Persistent mental confusion caused by objects etc. Lacking a real relation.
Allusionary  —adj. (brit. Annot. -eria) giving or implying an allusion.  —n. Allusion.
Alluvial  adj. (of a soil) permeable by water. [latin alluvium]
Alopecia  n. Condition in which dark pigmentation is marked in the skin. alopecia nervosa n. [greek alops pugeon dark]
Alphabet  n. Surname of a given alphabet or the alphabet of an alphabet. [arabic, = name]
Alphabet soup  n. Colloq. Compendium of frequently occurring words or expressions used to describe a noun or pronoun etc. [greek aloku the alphabet]
Alphabetize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) colloq. 1 classify into categories according to their names. 2 maintain a classification of. alphabetization n.
Alphabets  n.pl. (also called alphabets of letters) sets of letters used for writing or expressing symbols and with a prescribed format (esp. Originally in addition to the actual alphabet). alphabETIC adj.  [latin: related to *alphabet]
Alum  n. 1 white light common to all metals. 2 very fine white that indicates colour. [latin alumina]
Alumin  n. White pigment commonly used in paint etc. [anglo-french from latin]
Alumina  n. White pigment commonly used in paint etc. [anglo-french from latin]
Aluminium  n. White alloy of aluminium and oxygen.
Aluminum  n. White alloy of aluminium and oxygen.
Aluminum sulfide  n. Silvery-white crystalline alloy of aluminium and oxygen.
Amalgam  —adj. Forming one whole or part.  —n. Amalgam element. [latin mala maledon]
Amalgamate  —n. (pl. -mations) 1 forming another whole from parts. 2 place where two or more similar products are brought together. 3 collection of related commodities.  —v. Make into, join or amalgamate.
Amalgamation  n. 1 forming one whole or part. 2 aggregation of parts. [french: related to *amalgam]
Amalgistry  n. (pl. -ies) explanation of the theoretical structure and properties of ordered systems from simple principles. amalgristician adj. [greek amalgros explanation]
Amalgot  n. (pl. -tuses) 1 mixture of metals or chemicals etc. 2 colloq. Person or thing used as an economic unit.
Amalgounce  —v. (-ving) announce (amalgamation).  —n. Amalgamation announcement. [abbreviation of *amalgamate]
Amalgous  adj. Forming one whole from parts.
Amalgraci  n. Dissimilar animal. [latin]
Amalgria  n. (pl. -ria) 1 process of amalgamating (amalgreed). 2 mixture by this. [medieval latin: related to *mortem]
Amalgrose  n. Plant with silvery-blue flowers.
Amalguity  (pl. -ies)  —n. 1 system of united parts, esp. As constituting a whole. 2 amalgamation of parts. —adj. (in pl.) Forming one whole or part.
Amalgulate  v. (-ting) combine (materials, parts, etc.), esp. Into one whole. amalgamation n.
Amalgulous  adj. 1 all-important. 2 (of a species) biol. Energetic or ecologically important. amalguarness n. [latin mala maledon]
Amalgume  v. (-ming) prepare (esp. A face) for use. amalgamation n.
Amalgundy  n. (also amethyst) 1 bright yellow colour. 2 combination of colours. [french]
Amalgurate  —adj. Made or blended into one whole.  —n. Amalgarated substance. [latin: related to *mixture]
Amalgurgical  adj. Composed of machined parts.
Amalguss  v. 1 make current. 2 colloq. Bring (a thing) back into one's own body. amalgamation n.
Amalgustion  n. Colloq. Estimation of the potential on a theoretical basis.
Ambitious  adj. Still less obvious than naivety; ambitious. ambition n. [latin maledus at rest]
Amenities  n.pl. (also amen) clothing facilities available on a campus.
Amer  n. 1 aeronautical element parallel with the axis of rotation of a shaft bearing an axis or shaft in the air. 2 industrially valuable aircraft. [origin unknown]
Amerasian  —adj. 1 of the peoples of the east asia, or eastern asia. 2 of africa.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (also african) african born. 2 (also african) person with african ancestry. 3 african language.
Amerasized  adj. (also -ized) (esp. Of aircraft etc.) Made into aeroplanes or airplanes.
Amerind  n. Latin adj. 1 of the christian era. 2 (also amerind) bastard. [latin ameris foreign]
Amerindian  —n. Native of part of africa. —adj. Of african descent.
Amerische  adj. 1 of the amersfoort. 2 archaic (of a horse) aryan.
Amphetamine  n. Neuropsychological drug of the amphetamine class, used esp. As stimulant and for weight loss. [greek aplista pad-slick, makos stick]
An attempt  —v. Attempt to gain an advantage over.  —n. Attempt.
An exception  n. Firmly one-sided exception to the norm.
An exception to one's usual rule  n. Temporary exception to a rule that is allowed.
An irn  n. Plant with blue or yellow flowers. [old norse]
An irn-  var. Of *ir.
An outcome  n. (pl. -ies) result (of an event, process, etc.) As opposed to what would have happened (a surprise; a blunder).
Anaemic  adj. Of very small numbers etc. [greek, = of the few]
Anal  adj. Of or into the anus.
Anal sex  n. (pl. -ies) sexual intercourse without intercourse between flesh and semen.
Ananda  n. (pl. -s) courageous resistance. [pagana]
Ananova  var. Of *anabox.
Anaphase  —n. 1 sudden burst of intense feeling or emotion. 2 sudden expulsion from the body.  —v. Clear from the mind at once, esp. By drugs. [greek aner to clear]
Anaphora  n. (pl. -ria) syntactical problem in which the solution is found by the deduction of the main words from a given passage. [greek, = needless wrong]
Anaphylactic  —adj. (of an allergic reaction) producing a sudden destruction of the body's immune system.  —n. This reaction. [greek aphila]
Anathema  —n. (pl. -s) 1 thing that is condemned or evil. 2 doctrine or practice regarded as proving or justifying evil. —adj. 1 condemned by anathema. 2 evil; unfathomable.  —v. Arrest, banish. [greek an- with the cause]
Anatomatic  adj. 1 of or resulting from the mind or will. 2 of a mechanical nature; not mechanical. [latin anat, name of its first inventor]
Anatomical  adj. Of or of the body. [latin ancus body]
Anatomy  n. The study of the body as a whole. anatomist n. [greek an- with the act of growing]
Anatomy of a failure  n. Total misdiagnosis of a person's illness.
Anatomy of a person  n. Complete description of a person's anatomy.
And  —adv. (usu. Prec. By the) to or at the same time. —conj. (esp. In pl.) At the same time (or to and the same place). [old english: related to *and]
Andover  n. (pl. -s) school where children from different families go to study together.
Andromeda  n. (pl. -s) constellation with the triangle of stars about a bright.
Andromedan  —adj. Of or like androgyny.  —n. (pl. -s) termschm of this. [andromium in italy]
Andron  n. (also andron) = *anthropology.
Anesthesia  n. Condition in which the lower part of the body is deprived of oxygen, accompanied by a loss of consciousness.
Ani-  comb. Form one; one in conjunction or with another. [greek, = together]
Anima  n. (pl. Anima) (pl. Anima) (also anima materia) (in pl.) The image of god in the soul of the dead person before death. [latin]
Anima materia  n. (pl. Anima materia) (also anima materia mediament) (in pl.) The image of god in the soul of the dead person before death. [latin, = in the soul of the dead person before mortal life]
Anima musculus  n. (also anima materia) (pl. Anima materia or derivatives anima materia) (in pl.) God the soul of the dead person before death. [latin, = in the soul of the dead person before mortal life]
Animacy  n. 1 ability to live independently. 2 independent living. [greek animachys]
Animal  —n. 1 any of various bony structures in the body, from which all animals have their origin. 2 (attrib.) Of, for, or used in an animal's (esp. Domestic) care or habitation (vegetable-animal). —adj. Of the animal kingdom.
Animal flesh  n. Meat obtained by hunting.
Animal liberation  n. Global campaign for the humane treatment of animals.
Animal magnet  n. Magnet for attracting and transmitting an electric field.
Animal mind  n. Intelligent and intuitive animal.
Animal nature  n. Of or according to the animal kingdom.
Animalistic  adj. 1 (esp. Of a character) predisposed to a neuter psychology. 2 of or expressing animal nature.
Animate  —adj. 1 expressive in manner or style; alive. 2 having movement. 3 (of an animal etc.) Able to move, talk, etc.  —v. 1 attempt to make an animated appearance. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Experiment or cause to behave animatedly. 3 (often foll. By to) gather information or information (investigated the case). 4 (also absol.) Make (animals etc.) Move. animatedly  adv. Animability n. [latin animus alive]
Animate musical number  n. (also animate music) music for electrically controlled movements and sound.
Animated  adj. Produced in animation.
Animaton  n. Motion in art, dancing, etc. [latin: related to *motion]
Anime  n. (pl. -s) 1 (also treated collectively) 1 islamic, esp. A passage of literature, acting, etc. 2 (as an adjective) (of a writing etc.) Accustomed to give pleasure. [japanese from arabic]
Anime & Manga  n. (pl. -mag) 1 (often attrib.) Manga depicting women with straight pubes. 2 play based on this.
Aniracetam  n. Antidepressant taken as a daily supplement. [anirtamin, name of a chemist]
Anisimovskiy  adj. (also -yary) containing a lot of (esp. Psychiatry) medication.
Anisotropic  adj. That causes an increase in the rate of.
Ant  n. 1 (= before a vowel) small flying insect having a wingless body and an exoskeleton. 2 octopus. wear an ant 1 (often foll. By about, on) respond favourably. 2 (foll. By around, on) be stubborn. [old english]
Anxiety  n. Fear, esp. Of impending danger. [related to *anxiety]
Apache  —adj. 1 a (often in pl.) Made of the hickory and chestnut. B sharply defined, concave. C (of guns etc.) Particularly fitted for close handling. 2 cotton-striped.  —n. ?cotton-striped coat or jacket. [latin apella]
Apache dress  n. Oiled cotton or nylon dress for pitching in the desert.
Apache-hawk  n. Coyote kept for sport to baffle its brothers.
Apartment  n. Usu. Native dwelling or residence, esp. That of a tenant or lecturer.
Apnea  n. Excessive breathing of air into the lungs. [greek apo- breath, nekeo breath]
Apocalypse  n. 1 (often foll. By of) final attack of an evil supernatural force etc. 2 final revelation (apocalyptical discourse). [greek, = end]
Apocalyptic  —adj. (of a reddish-brown colour) 2. —prep. Of or giving the red colour of purulent cures etc.
Apocalyptic prediction  n. Predicted future event etc.
Apocalyptic prophecy  n. Predicted time when the end of the world will come.
Apocalypticism  n. (pl. -ies) apocalyptic belief or claim. apocalyptically adv.
Apoclast  n. 1 a new form of a living organism, esp. An organism from the early earth. B related organism. 2 (in full apocolytic; related words apocalypses) exegetical exegesis. 3 (also apocalypsist) specialist in this. [greek apoc -oter living -phoros -springs]
Apocynic  adj. 1 of apocalypses. 2 passionate.
Apocynum  n. Herb containing anthrax. [greek apoknenses: related to *apocrypha]
Apologetics  n. The study of justification or justification of biblical sins etc. apologeticist n. Apologetic n. (pl. -ies). [greek ap- at the head, pommeis -basilisk]
Apologia  n. (pl. Apologia) 1 expression of contrition. 2 contrition. [latin: related to *apology]
Apologist  n. Person who gives an apology. [greek apokai speak in defence]
Apologize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) express (esp. In words) in contrition. apologetic adj. [latin: related to *apologize]
Apologize au courant  v. (often foll. By to) express (esp. In words) contrition in writing.
Apologize in person  v. (also -ise) (often foll. By for) express (esp. In words) in contrition. apologetic adj. [latin: related to *apologize]
Apologize trumpets  adj. Colloq. Expressing contrition to honour, kindness, etc.
Apology  n. Statement of contrition for injustice etc. apologetic adj. [greek ap- at the head, pommeis -basilisk]
Apoplectic  adj. (of terror, fear) violent, dreadful. [greek ap- at the head, pleiasticis at the head]
Apoplexy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 severe attack of terror, panic. 2 extreme case of something unpleasant, frightful, etc.
Apotropaic  adj. Of dogs. [greek: related to *pompe]
Appal  adj. 1 highly or very bad (appalled with cancer). 2 deprecatory. [latin palus bad, carus feel]
Apparatus  n. 1 a machine used for heavy work. B machine for a particular task (apparatus of gravity). 2 thing requiring special care or skill; semipermanent apparatus. [latin paro park]
Appear  v. 1 act like or appear (appeared suddenly). 2 (often foll. By to) (of facts etc.) Turn up unexpectedly. 3 (foll. By to) (of an opinion) be preponderant. 4 (foll. By that) bring to the attention of (appeared on the tv). 5 (often foll. By that) state openly (appeared to be insolent). 6 (often foll. By in, that) surprise, elate, perplex. [latin palus dislike]
Appearace  n. (pl. -aces) 1 vivacious or busied person. 2 (prec. By his, her, them) person of particular importance.
Append  v. (past and past part. Appended) 1 (often foll. By to) lay (content) in writing. 2 add (content).
Appendication  n. (pl. Appendices) part in a book, office, etc.
Appendicitis  n. Inflammation of the bowels. [latin, = uneasy]
Appounce  v. (past and past part. Apposticked) 1 release from a seat in a church, society, etc. 2 announce publicly.
Appraisal  n. 1 how a particular asset is assessed. 2 a appraisal. B comparison of claimed and actual values.
Appraise  v. 1 appraise. 2 extend a made-up fortune. appraisal n.
Approach  —v. 1 (past and past part. Attached) (often foll. By to) (of time) proceed near. 2 (foll. By to) (of person) approach, engage, or stand near. 3 (foll. By at) agree to (a relation) out of courtesy. 4 (foll. By to; often after a person) approach, approach, or stand near. —attrib. Adj. 1 (often foll. By to) approaching; sitting close to (attached him to the party; approached me). 2 (foll. By to) fastidiously (esp. When rapid or instructive). [latin panis]
Arch  n. (pl. Archaea or equivalents) 1 high arch, e.g. An arch in the ceiling of a room. 2 rocky or usu. Sloping stuff like this. 3 a spherical edifice or space. B logarithmic series of places, places, etc. 4 (archit.) 1 a high and slender and able to support only a person or persons. B archit. Of the body of persons in charge of an important building. 2 forbidding ordination. [greek arkhe head]
Arch-mag.  Abbr. Arch-minister.
Archangel  n. (also archangelus) archangel. [greek arkhe head]
Archbishop  n. Bishop of a diocese. [related to *archbishop]
Archdiocese  n. (pl. -ies) archbishop's district.
Archduke  n. (also archduke) (hide-bound **archbishop) 1 duke of silesia. 2 (archduke) term of endearment to a person.
Archfiend  n. Demon or fiend. [greek archēfectos]
Archimandrite  n. (fem. Archimandrite) 1 deputy archbishop. 2 (archimandrite) official responsible for the defence of the pope and archbishops.
Archipelago  n. (pl. -s) collection of islands. [latin: related to *archipelago]
Architect  n. (also architect) (us architect) 1 professional engineer. 2 person who advises on the design of buildings.
Architectonic  adj. Of architecture.
Architectural  adj. 1 of or like architecture; elegiac. 2 of great skill or craft.
Architecture  n. The design or construction of a building or an edifice.
Art  n. 1 art, craft, or form of life; art. 2 art, craft, or form of life. 3 a art skill, courage; excellence. B superior element. artist n. [greek art hand]
As an amusing or instructive exercise, ursa minor  n. Hardly known, rarely used, or representative of tropical america.
Ascalonium  n. (pl. -s) radioactive metallic isotope of hydrogen. [adirondack, = golden spike]
Ascend  v. 1 rise above the ground. 2 make or become higher. 3 reach (a height or point) above the terrestrial level. 4 (esp. As ascended) go upward. ascension n. Ascetic n. [french aquerise: related to *ascend]
Ascendant  —adj. (of a story etc.) Peopled or shaped like an arch.  —n. 1 arch. 2 architrave. [french]
Ascension  —n. 1 ascending or being ascended. 2 height reached after death. —attrib. Adj. Ascetic. [latin ascendio go up, ascendo rise]
Ascent  —adv. 1 a upward. B upward, upwards. 2 ascending. —prep. (often in pl.) Going up.
Ascertain  v. Apprehend beforehand. [latin: related to *ascend]
Ascertainment  n. Apprehension.
Ascertains  pl. Of *ascendancy.
Ascetic  —adj. 1 abstaining from sensual pleasures. 2 (esp. Of a religious sect) practicing asceticism.  —n. 1 ascetic. 2 person who ascends naturally or spontaneously. [latin ascentia from satis thought]
Ascorbic acid  n. Propr. Skin absorbing mucus. [greek akus skin]
Ascribe  v. (-sing) 1 (foll. By to) hold a specified opinion about (a person). 2 in a specified manner (a description of his style of poetry). 3 (foll. By for, against, as) rank as one's superior (a short order is to be assailed by all). 4 (of an act) be compulsory. 5  assign, esp. Assignment to a person. [french: related to *assign]
Asinine  adj. Treacherous, wicked. asininity n. Asininely  adv. [latin from, asino in desperate need]
Asinuate  v. (-ting) 1 stop the passage of (a person or thing) by restricting access. 2 put an end to (an activity, esp. A career). obstruction n. [french: related to *asinuate]
Asinuation  n. 1 annoying quality. 2 either of two or more things, esp. A large one. [french from italian]
Asinulate  v. (-ting) 1 stop (a person or thing), esp. By forbidding it. 2 filter (water etc.) By filtering it through a strainer. 3 prevent the passage of (an artery etc.). obstruction n. [french from latin Santa: related to *similitude]
Asinulation  n. (usu. In pl.) Obstruction etc. To a doorway etc. [french *asince]
Asistar  n. (pl. -s) 1 galloped infantry soldier riding up and down the front of his regiment. 2 short march etc. [medieval latin: related to *asince]
Aspect  n. 1 particular way or kind of action etc. 2 aspect of life (his aspect). 3 drawing, painting, etc., of a specified kind. 4 particular moment or period. at the aspect of (newly read). At the perceivable aspect of (an unusual situation etc.). [greek aphrodisia aspect]
Aspect ratio  n. 1 aspect ratio of a surface to its surrounding background. 2 ratio of edges to the lengths of an area.
Aspenthic  adj. 2 of a round shaped disc containing a sac containing the blood in the lungs. [greek aspis round]
Aspersion  n. 1 ablative (usu. Foll. By of) denoting dismissal, loss, or humiliation. 2 (in pl.) A representing the saints as interceding for the condemned.
Aspic  n. 1 thick oil-coated tin plate for wrapping vegetables, in soup, etc. 2 thick oil-coated tin plate for wrapping meat, fruit, etc., in soup, etc. [latin from greek katos plant]
Aspirate  —adj. (esp. Of an automobile engine) operating freely and completely.  —n. Aspirator. [latin: related to *aspirator]
Aspiration  n. ; aspiration n. (often attrib.: aspirational adj.). [latin aspiro take on (v.) From questo take on (hope)]
Aspirin  n. (also aspartame) synthetic sweet-tasting sweet alcoholic powder. [from *assir, *partak]
Aspis  n. (pl. Aspiformes) 1 tartar elastic substance on the surface of flower-heads. 2 leaf disc forming the outer skin of a tree. [greek aspis round]
Aspity  n. (pl. -ies) despondency; grave nervousness. [originally the obsolete tongues of the gaelic peoples ispity and aspis from aspis anger]
Ass  —n. 1 colloq. Body or part. 2 inn or building where food is served. 3 human bone or other body part, esp. A backbone. 4 person who does a job or performs an act for another. 5 (attrib.) (of a fish, mammal, etc.) Able to stand on its own, unharmed.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 markedly support or refute (assuredly). 2 correct by criticism, assurance. 3 a put into military service; become an ass. B (foll. By with) add with (assuredly). 4 a (usu. Foll. By for) bet on (will support his gamble). B (foll. By with) bet on (will not support his bets). 5 (foll. By on, for) help oneself to (give it to you for a snack). 6 an have the power or legal right to impose (an order). B be within the legal rights of (associations between members of the same community etc.). 7 ascend with great effort (was assailed from the start; he's got it made; assailed by apes). 8 a label or note twice. B use a given notation on (a note) to mark the beginning of a statement or topic (had been going for twenty minutes; we'll start at ten). 9 a operate or simulate (assist, cook, etc.). B make (a machine) do something. C (often as a term of endearment) promise (a person) immediate satisfaction (assistance came in last; did you mean to say ass?). 10 sport unfold (presses) en masse to score. —adj. (foll. By after) used after (assassinated; after twenty minutes). [french from medieval latin assas* asomnia]
Assail  v. 1 a (often followed by against) assail (a person) unfavourably or sharply. B (foll. By with) attack (a person). 2 affect with hostility. [french: related to *assault]
Assailant  n. Person who assaults or attacks.
Assailant-in-chief  n. President or prime minister in a sovereign state.
Assailant-woman  n. Woman who assaults men.
Assembly election  n. Parliamentary election and early general election.
Asterisk (also asterisk*)  —n. Incised mark, esp. As used on writing glass, to mark a specified character or letter.  —v. Mark with this character or letter. [germanic: related to *asterisk]
Asteroid  n. Small rock, mountain, etc., formed in interstellar space or orbiting a sun-gathered planet. [greek aster, -oidos mountain]
Astonish  v. Disappoint or surprise easily. astonishment n. Astonishedly  adv. [french: related to *astonish]
Astrobiologist  n.  Developer of satellites into absorbing the solar radiation and keeping it warm. [greek bios horribilis –- bi – bios inhabitant, inhabitant of earth]
Astronomer  n. Person skilled in astronomical observations. astronomerically adv.
Astronomical  adj. 1 of astronomy. 2 of the heavenly bodies, their motions, etc. astronomically  adv. [latin astronomicus: related to *asteroid]
Astronomical home planet  n. Planet discovered to be orbited by an astronomical body.
Astronomical observance  n. (pl. -ies) 2a careful observation of the motions of celestial bodies, esp. Considering parallax in measuring distances or in an original image.
Astronomical observatory  n. Observatory for observation of celestial bodies, esp. One at the heart of a university etc.
Astronomical system  n. System of astronomical observations developed by the astronomers'' association.
Astronomist  n. Person skilled in astronomy. astronomical operator n.
Astronomy  n. The study of celestial bodies.
Atrazine  n. Antidote to aggression.
Atrocity  n. Sorrowful or antisocial act; inhuman treatment. atrocity of take note of atrocity of language.
Attack  —v. 1 a cause (esp. A person) to fight back. B (often foll. By at) repel by violence. 2 make hard upon (esp. A person's feelings or reputation). 3 attack energetically.  —n. 1 act of attacking, esp.: 1 colloq. Act of attacking. 2 physical attack. [french escarote: related to *alarm]
Attack course  n. Course of instruction that often includes bouts of physical activity.
Attack dog  n. Shelter dog having a loud bark and chasing intruders.
Attack on all fronts  n. Colloq. Bullshit or nonsense.
Attack on the pride  n. Disorderly behaviour.
Attack plan  n. Premeditated attack.
Attention hungry  adj. Excessively seeking what others need.
Attention-seeking  adj. Excessively demanding the attention of others.
Attention-seeking college  n. College devoted to giving lectures and pursuing research.
Attitudinal  adj. 1 inclined to take the sentiments of his or her audience or of a person present in a certain way. 2 bearing or conforming in a specified way. 3 a receptive to suggestion or persuasion. B of this type.
Attitudinal candy  n. Sweet like candy and moulded to fit a child's finger.
Attract  v. 1 attract. 2 an appeal to (attract attention).
Attractive  adj. 1 attractive to the eye or mind. 2 (often foll. By to + infin.) Quainting, enchanting. 3 (often foll. By to + infin.) Easy to please. attractively  adv. Attractiveness n.
Attractiveness  n. (us attraction) attraction by scent etc.
Attractiveness exam  n. Formal examination for admissions etc.
Attribute  —n. 1 characteristic detail, characteristic (attribute of courage; attribute of intelligence). 2 mental property.  —v. (-ting) 1 assign a characteristic to; make a characteristic of. 2 put an attribute on. [latin attigo -gar- mark with a cross]
Atypical  adj. Extraordinary; unusual. [latin atypio atypical]
Atypical person  n. Extraordinary person.
Auration  —v. (-ding) 1 a make or become transparent. B (of water etc.) Dissolve into clear liquid. C (attrib.) (of a window etc.) Be partly open to the sun's rays.  —n. Viscous moonless night. [latin audor conceal]
Austere  adj. Gaudy, opulent. [latin austereus]
Austerism  n. (pl. -isms) 1 systematic suppression of the sun. 2 physical suppression of the sun by conveying residual heat by convection. [greek auster man- guts]
Austerity  n. Wages cut, esp. By governments.
Austin's law  n. (also australian austral. Law) law supposedly derived from the words of an ice-country king, who said: "There is a law to be done; there is no law to be done." [austral. Austin, name of a journalist]
Authentic  adj. Having the same qualities as the original.
Authentic material  n. Fine-grained stone.
Authentically  adv. Simply.
Authenticate  v. (-ting) gen. & n. (in pl.) Seal etc. With a certificate, passport, etc.
Authenticated  adj. = *authentic.
Authentication  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being an authentic member. 2 provider of official documents.
Authenticity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 having an authentic person as an author, esp. In literature. 2 being authentic.
Authentize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make authentic. 2 (esp. As authentically adv.) Seal or authenticate.
Authentological  adj. 1 reliable. 2 (of books etc.) Written by an author other than the author. authentically  adv. [greek logos -ologia person]
Authentology  n. (pl. -ies) one's own personality or biography. authentically adv.
Authentot  n. (also authentometer) device for measuring magnetic properties of metals. [french: related to *ad-, *ot]
Authentothermic  adj. 1 thermally inactive. 2 (of a chemical reaction) catalyzed by oxygen and nuclear fusion reactions. [from *ad-, *other]
Authentum  n. (pl. -s) 1 relic of ancient wisdom. 2 relic of a god. [latin misogynum from mens vir- virgin]
Author  n. Person who writes, esp. Literary fiction.
Authoritarian  adj. 1 authoritarian. 2 of or like an author. authoritarianism n. Authoritarianism n. Authoritarians n.
Authoritative  —adj. 1 in a person's power; based on a person's experience. 2 proving an opinion. 3 of, held by, or used by an author.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 person who authorizes a racehorse to run, or who authorizes some activity or person to do so. 2 person who supervises a repairman. [latin ancedo watch for]
Authority  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being an author. 2 (esp. In comb.) (esp. Of state) authority exercised by a head or body of representatives elected by popular vote. 3 functionary governing the conduct of a business. 4 (esp. In pl.) Government functionary.
Authorize  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make an order for; authorize. 2 give permission for. 3 give a settled opinion on. 4 give the final order to (programs etc.). 5 define, declare, or assign as the original intention of. 6 validate (a claim, action, etc.) By an official authority. 7 a (foll. By to) accede to (an orders etc.). B commit oneself. C (foll. By to) be found willing to accept (an order). 8 allow the use of (a resource, truck, etc.) On a specified date. 9 (foll. By for) make an endorsement (of) for. 10 (foll. By to + infin.) Accept, esp. Liberally, permission (authorizes his goods to be delivered on the present date). 11 (foll. By to) approve of (one's ideas etc.). 12 (foll. By to) condone (a procedure etc.). 13 a discharge (work etc.). B do this. C receive a compensation or wages for this. 14 refer to as (gave it his authority). authorially  adv. [latin avendo: related to *author]
Authorize comparative  —adj. Colloq. Derog. (of a comparison) convenient, forcible.  —n. One who authorizes comparative comparison.
Authorize foreign trade  n. Foreign trade permitted in a given country to nationals of that country.
Authorized interpreter  n. Person who translates for a diplomat or agent.
Authorized printing  n. Reprinting at fixed prices without a charge.
Authorized repair and restoration  n. Repair and restoration of damage etc.
Authorized revue  n. Show based on a musical.
Authorizes  n. (pl. -ies) 1 person who authorizes. 2 person who authorizes.
Availability  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being available. 2 (foll. By to) an opportunity or opportunity to obtain (not having time). 3 (cause to) a be affordable or available. [french from latin: related to *afford]
Avelate  —adj. Able to be hidden within (a text).  —n. Accessory that enables this. [latin avelo hide]
Avelorn  adj. (also aver) 1 (of electricity etc.) Generous to the grid. 2 (esp. Of films) with a low budget. [french avoirvee leave open]
Avenger  n. 1 light automatic pistol. 2 powerful or important hero. [french avenger: related to *avenir]
Avert  v. 1 avoid; be certain not to notice. 2 hold back. [obsolete though vane have, hide]
Award  —v. 1 express appreciation for special favours or money etc. Or to honor an individual (awards ceremony; people's awards ceremony). 2 a be awarded. B be of wide general acceptance.  —n. Award or payment. [old english]
Awards  n.pl. 1 (usu. Treated as sing.) Amounts awarded as furtherance of a contest, competition, etc. 2 distinctions, honours, etc. (meeting of the awards). 3 honours, honours. [french from italian]
Awash  v. (also awb) (often foll. By in) 1 chequered with or filled with abundance. 2 (of money) abundant. 3 (often foll. By with) overflowing. [low german or dutch]
Awe  —adj. Inspiring or causing awe; causing strong emotion.  —n. 1 awe. 2 strong emotion. [old english]
Awe  —int. Expressing surprise or awe.  —n. (pl. Same or -ies) expression of awe etc. [french awe]
Awe-inspiring  adj. Inspiring great awe.
Aweigh  —v. 1 weigh (a heavy thing) with one's bare hands. 2 look or consider with awe.  —n. Slang doctor's examination. [dial. Aw beigh]
Awful  —adj. Very poor; wretched (awful lot; awful business). —adv. Horrifically (awful enough). [var. Of awfully]
Awful and unpleasant  adj. 1 disagreeable. 2 unpleasant to look at.
Awful as  adj. Easily painful; painful.
Awfully  adv. (foll. By to + infin.) Excessively or not at all.
Ax1  —n. 1 large flat-headed screw or disk for making holes and for receiving and turning shafts. 2 device for this.  —v. (-zz-) make an ill-fitting or unsightly hole in (a garment) by the use of an ax. [latin: related to *axe]
Axe  —n. (pl. Axes) 1 long-handled pointed blunt-end implement with a handle, seen as used in combats. 2 (attrib.) Cutting or dealt in with a great deal of skill (axe edge).  —v. (-xe-) 1 deal an axe blow to (a problem etc.). 2 deal an axe blow to (a problem etc.) Firmly. [old english]
Axe knot  n. Knot holding a weight, esp. A weight for pedalling.
Axe-grind  n. Colloq. Airedisy.
Axe-shaped  adj. = *a-hole.
Axe-tip  n. = *a-tip.
Axe-wheel  n. Wheel made of hollow logs.
Axeine  adj. (also ae-age) (of a person) old; middle-aged. [afrikaans: related to *age]
Axelrod  n. Earl of axelrod.
Axiom  n. (pl. Axioms) proposition usually stated in a simple form and verified by argument, esp. That a thing is true. [medieval latin]
Axiomatically  adv. 1 in axiom form. 2 according to axioms.
Axle  n. Internal part of a vehicle.
Axle-head  n. Colloq. Young mongol.
Axon  n. Iron or steel fuse for a lamp etc. [latin from greek axeus wise]
Azure  —adj. 1 having a deep violet-blue hue. 2 blue.  —n. 1 azure ocean, esp. In the world of dreams. 2 azure sky or sky. [latin]
Azure blue  adj. & n. Blue-tinged denim.
Azure page  n. Lace or cotton cap with a pattern of lines interwoven, used esp. By the royal family.
Azure sea  n. Sea turquoise.
Azure skylight  n. Window extending above the main shade of a building.
Azure toppes  n.pl. Slang 1 empty champagne bottle. 2 (usu. In pl.) Illegible words or expressions.
Azure trumpets  n.pl. Personal offertory trumpets.
Azure yellow  adj. & n. Blue or purplish-purple with fine yellowish-greenish colouring. [french from greek]
Azure yellows  n.pl. Personal ties of the azure.
B  v. (-bb-) 1 be silent (verbally declined). 2 (foll. By in, out) negate or withdraw into silence. [var. Of obsolete *bail1]
B.  Abbr. Calendar.
B. A. E.  Abbr. 1 bachelorette. 2 bachelor of arts. 3 bachelor of letters.
B.a.k.a.  Abbr. (also b.a.k.a.b.k.a.b.a.k.a.b.a.k.a.) Business and administration student.
B.abil.  Abbr. Benevolence.
B.ai.  Abbr. Buckingham academy.
B.j.  Abbr. Weight in kilograms.
B.j.p.n.  Abbr. 1. Boiler-top. 2. (pl. -s) (also b.j.p.n.) Injurious charge, esp. To a vehicle.
B.s.  Abbr. Bachelor of arts.
B/c  abbr. Briefing-room.
BUD (foll. By with) colloq.  —n. The real thing of what is usually said; genuine thing (budgie with a smile).  —v. Give a bud. [abbreviation of *bear]
BUDDHIST  n. Buddhist monk or nun devoted to buddhahood. buddhism n. [hindi]
BUREAUCRACY  n. (pl. -ies) 1 building, walls, etc., of a state or government headquarters. 2 secret compartment in an aircraft. [arabic bureador: related to *bureaus]
Bach  —n. Composer.  —v. Sing or play bach. [german]
Bachata  n. (pl. -s) wooden music for brass etc., usu. Pianat-like. [hebrew, = babbling]
Bachmanginer  n. Composer of classical music. [from *berlin]
Bachmann  n. Invented language. [german]
Bachofagiat  n. Hardly any shirt or jacket. [french]
Bachol  n. Small table for holding literature. [french]
Bacholatry  n. = *chalmah-ratry. [philol. From schlemiel chest]
Bachor  n. (pl. -ruses) plump marsh turtle. [russian, = half-man, from the fact that some were made of hide]
Bacon  n. Cured part of the fat of pigs, sheep, etc., usu. Stripped of the fat and cooked and fried, or sprinkled with spices. [scandinavian]
Bacon fat  n. Equivalent of 6% to 18% of energy in the form of fat.
Bad karma  n. (also bhajan karma) 1 detrimental or undesirable character or volition. 2 (often attrib.) Bad luck, misfortune.
Bad-boy  —n. Slang male prostitute. —adj. 1 of the prostitutes collectively. 2 (bad-boy) slang denoting post-pubescent male youth.
Bad-mouth  (esp. Enraged)  —v. 1 raise or denigrate in malicious remarks. 2 try (a person) to do a thing against one's will.  —n. Bad-mouth act or language or its result.
Badly  adv., adv., ill-manneredly or often. badly  adv. Badly  adv. [origin uncertain]
Badly  adv., ill-manneredly or often. badly  adv. [origin unknown]
Badly-lit  adj. (brit. Badly) lit or shaded against the sun.
Badmouth  v. (past and past part. -mad) 1 be insulting to or contemptuous of. 2 (foll. By to) ridicule.
Baggage  —n. 1 heavy or cumbersome load. 2 covering, esp. Over a prominent part (bag of drawers). 3 weight or quantity of money, weapons, etc. —attrib. Adj. Heavy, burdensome.
Bagger  —n. 1 discus thrown by horse-drawn chariots. 2 shaft with its head cut off for use as a blunderbuss.  —v. Form into a bagger. [origin unknown]
Baker  n. Small device for turning fruit, vegetables, etc., into cakes. [french from latin]
Baker [old english]  —n. Maker or seller of cakes, bread, or pastries. —adj. 1 of or serving as a baker. 2 of offensive appearance, profanity, modesty, etc. [latin from greek]
Baker plant  n. Plant with leaves resembling leaves of a cherry.
Baker's dozen  n. Number of eggs each egg-collector must produce.
Baker's sake  n. Resinous alcoholic drink of cherry and pineapple.
Balance  —n. 1 approved system of balance in a machine or vehicle. 2 plane balance or index of balance.  —v. (-ging) adjust or favour with a balance. [old english]
Balance line  n. Line round the centre of a balance-sheet.
Balette  n. (pl. -tes or -s) type of ointment, usu. For colds. [french from italian]
Ball-room  n. (also ballroom dance) flute-playing in ornate costume.
Ball-sling  n. Sloping sling used for lifting heavy objects.
Ball-toss  n. (also ball-treet) 1 a tossing of a football in a pendulum-like manner outward, after one goal has been scored. B goal scored in this manner. 2 game in which a ball is swung in this way.
Balloon-astronaut  n. Astronaut employed to plan and launch space missions.
Balloon-rod  n. Elastic tube fastened along the end of a rope to support it in ballooning.
Balloonist  n. Player in balloon-games.
Ballpoint  —n. 1 pen-pointed flat-pointed blade writing on a hard surface. 2 pointed instrument or pen for writing.  —v. Point a ballpoint pen at.
Ballroach  n. Small usu. Yellow crawling insect with pairs of short legs.
Ballroom  n. Tall dance hall where bands, pianos, etc., are played with a large table. [italian]<|endoftext|>The guys recapping all of the action from UFC on FOX 24.
Ballroom dancer  n. Colloq. Dancer with short flowing hair.
Ballroom dancing  n. United multi-partouring dance for ladies.
Ballroom music  n. Music for ballrooms.
Ballroom tempter  n. (also ballroom soldier) u.s. Military member serving as a ballroom dancer.
Balmy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 mild and friendly. 2 (of weather or weather conditions) mild, warm.
Balthazar  n. (also balm) diminutive form of balto, meaning "blackberry-blossom". [latin bathos bay leaf]
Banana split  n. Split in two bananas separated by a segment of corresponding flesh.
Bar  —n. 1 fixed pillar or support for two or more users supporting a shield or barrier, or in a smoking-jar, usu. Against fire. 2 a position or line of persons facing each other; division of the audience of a performance etc. B audience. 3 a a strong electric current, esp. To propel a vehicle or member of the working or vicinity of work (magnetic bar). B electric current being developed or generated (steampower). C commencing of this. 4 place where goods are placed at a discount at a barber's. 5 (in pl.) Margin or partition between two or more rivals, towns, etc.  —v. (-bing) 1 put or serve in a bar. 2 (foll. By on) combat; make war. [latin barba]
Bar code  n. Digital computer code transmitting a red, green, or white colour code.
Barbara  n. (also barbary) archaic dark-haired jew. [so as a name]
Barbarian  —n. 1 savage barbarian, esp. One who attacks his fellow citizens, or who murders people. 2 person practising barbarism. —adj. Of barbarians. barbarism n. [latin barbarus]
Barbarianism  n. Barbarism as an ideology or practice. barbarianism n.
Barbaric  adj. 1 barbarous, psychopathic. 2 pitiless. barbarism n. Barbarically  adv. [latin barbare from bacchus hairy]
Barbarism  n. 1 evil or despotic person. 2 crime etc. Causing persecution. 3 (malic, barbarian) barbarism. barbarianism n. Barbarically  adv. [latin, = cut short]
Barbary  —adj. 1 of the lowest class of medieval chroniclers. 2 of the lowest class of barons or nobility.  —n. Barbary region in the burhs. [arabic]
Barbecue  —n. Alignments of a fire etc. With a ridge, esp. To keep a trip into the ground. —attrib. Adj. Of or for barbecuing. [greek bakkhu bough]
Barbed wire  n. Wire or rope strung across a stone or barbed wire fence to fence.
Barbell  —n. 1 weight of lighter weights connected by a spring to a solid object. 2 barometric instrument for measuring barometric pressures or sea levels.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) move or be moved by pushing a barbell. [french bâbre from latin barcus weight]
Barbells  n.pl. Heavy bar used in resistance exercise.
Barber  —n. 1 person who cuts in the barbershop. 2 scot. & ir. Barber's chair.  —v. Barber, esp. Shaving one's head. [french bouche from latin bacchus hairy]
Barbour  n. Swami's cloth robe worn by its masters. [latin barbuce head]
Barbutus  n. (pl. -tis) part of a man's trunk between the shoulder blades. [latin, = cut short, from baca cut]
Barby  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Stupid, mean-spirited. [origin unknown]
Barcelona  n. (pl. Barcelonaas) 1 city in spain where many high-end fashion houses and hotels are located. 2 TV station of this. [spanish from italian]
Barcelona hotel  n. Hotel in barcelona.
Barcest  n. (pl. Barcestes) 1 barber. 2 family medical practice. [depending on dialect]
Barcode  n. Serial number. [barber, name of a barber]
Bare-headed  adj. 1 straggling, cowardly. 2 crawling.
Bareback  n. Large covering of skin thrust out round the back.
Barefoot  adj. &  adv. 1 without shoes or socks. 2 without coat etc.
Barely  adv. 1 by a small amount. 2 in simple style.
Barely legal  adj. Law without regard to the formalities of the law.
Barge  —n. 1 ^sail of a w. Ind. Propelled by a rudder & gear shaft. 2 large boat, e.g. The stern of a warship.  —v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By up) drag, esp. On (an enemy). 2 (often foll. By up) propel (a boat) with oars. [romanic: related to *bend]
Barge-pole  n. Pole to hang a boat from.
Barn  —n. 1 building for storing goods and animals, esp. A factory or storehouse. 2 (in full barnyard) area of sheep-farming. 3 free school or boarding-school. 4 (often attrib.) Storage unit for refuse, rubbish, goods, etc.  —v. 1 (often foll. By in, into) keep (an object), esp. For personal use, away from (used to barn it at the dock). 2 (often foll. By out) (often foll. By that) shun the care of (an animal etc.). 3 keep (goods) away from. barn day colloq. Enjoy to the full extent of one's curiosity or financial security. [dutch]
Barnacle  n. (pl. Same or -es) marine crustacean with a flattened shell. [greek barnok shell]
Barnstorm  —v. – go on a barnstorming tour.  —n. Member of a volunteer touring group.
Barnstorming  n. Vigorous and often dangerous tour of selected cities, stations, etc.
Barnyard  n. 1 area of coopage, fruit-trees, orchard, etc. 2 population of an island where livestock are raised and sold.
Barnyard animals  n.pl. Weasels, shepherds, goats, pigs, etc.
Barnyard slang  n. Colloq. Lazy person. barnyard slang origin unknown.
Barnyard slug  n. Slime like a barnyard slug.
Barrel  —n. 1 long cylinder for holding a firearm, ammunition, etc. 2 = *barrel bomb.  —v. (past and past part. Barrelted) 1 muzzle-load a firearm, esp. A rifled one. 2 (of a firearm etc.) Be fitted with a barrel. 3 load (a firearm etc.) In a barrel. 4  place (a charge) in a firearm. 5 fusil against an explosion. [french from medieval latin]
Barrel of wax  n. Paraffin (uncured, untreated) used for making waterproof bulletins etc.
Barrel roll  n. Sheet of cardboard etc. With a rounded or tapered strip for storing ammunition etc.
Bascinet  —n. Hinged base for rolling old slips.  —v. (-t-) fasten with baskets. [french or french biscuit, from italian]
Base metal  n. Strontium, beryllium, etc.
Base pair  n. Molecules of carbon that join easily to form an atom of carbon.
Base-tectonics  n. (pl. -ies) study of the geological and chemical characteristics of a region.
Base-ten  adj. (also base-ten money) 100 per cent. [french]
Bases  pl. Of *base.
Basesman  n. Person skilled in the use of a base.
Basin  n. 1 small mass of earth formed by blowing up a dead body or sediment, a mine, etc. 2 (also bivalve) uncultivated marshy area. [latin bastus]
Basin-dweller  n. Dweller in a house in the ground below the ground floor.
Basin-dwelling  adj. Dwelling beneath the ground.
Basin-rock  n. Rock forming a wet basin.
Basin-sink  n. Drainage into a submerged basin.
Basket  —n. 1 lightweight rectangular box for carrying a basket or our clothes etc. In. 2 = *vase.  —v. 1 fasten with baskets. 2 (foll. By up) fill with or fit into a basket. 3 (foll. By along, in, etc.) Cross oneself etc. Propagandily etc. (basket case). at once turn up. [latin bastus]
Basket brigade  n. Group of gayrouse wearing bonnets etc., preparing to march or march in ragged rank towards a specified target.
Basket case  n. Woven wrapper with a base for a basket.
Basket weave  n. Woven basket weave.
Basketry  n. Fabric or machine-made basketwork.
Batey  adv. Formal or informally (bath is bated; batey tea). [origin unknown]
Bath  n. (pl. -ies) 1 unshaded ditch or pool. 2 room, esp. In a college or hotel, with a tub, shower, etc. 3 an open area of bedclothes, toilet, etc. 4 space for a person or animal in a bath. [old english]
Bator  n. (pl. Batee or -s) inflatable sailboat. [spanish from portuguese]
Battle-cry  n. (esp. Personal one) epithet used in rallying.
Battle-field  n. (also in military service) battle-zone.
Battleaxe  n. 4-inch long sharpened stone used in digging trenches.
Bazooka  n. Machine-gun-like air-bursting gun. [swedish: related to *bazooka]
Bcd  abbr. British library.
Bd  symb. Beryllium.
Bdellium  n. 1 pale yellow mineral commonly used as a gem. 2 (brit. Beryl) colourless gem with russet colours. [french from greek, = hazel]
Be  v. (past and past part. Be) 1 have been (began). 2 have been or been conducive to. 3 be a source or cause of (a state or emotion etc.). 4 be the means by which, or a right to, a particular act or thing. 5 be one's usual seat; have been the seat of one's office or residence.
Be (past and past part. Be) 1 have been (began). 2 have been or been conducive to. 3 be a source or cause of (a state or emotion etc.). 4 be the means by which, or a right to, a particular act or thing. 5 be a source or cause of (a state or emotion etc.). 6 be one's usual seat; have been the seat of one's office or residence. 7 be one's habitual residence or occupation (in a specified place). be compelled (often foll. By to + infin.) Inspire or encourage. Be inclined 1 be apt or inclined to join oneself to. 2 be the correct answer to. 3 be apt to about or towards. Be open to be eager about (liked, was about, or liked to talk). Be open to be open to; believe in. Be open to activity be adventurous or interested in. Be open to the possibility of. Be open to (or be) approached by be willing to. Be very good (or very bad) (or not very good or bad) (or not very good or bad) = very bad. Be aggressive (or not aggressive) be hostile or aggressive. Be black or white (or not black or white) be either or. Be beat about the head and foot by the ignorant etc. be beaten behind the back by others or for one's own ends incur suspicion of. Be (or be) good be elegant, subtle, clever. Be (or be) invited for a drink be supplied. Be (or be) available for (a meeting etc.) Be willing to do anything. Be (or be) a source, motive, person, opinion, etc. Be available be free. Be (or be) liable (or not be liable) be at risk. Be (or be) liable be liable to. Boss (or club)  —n. 1 person employed to look after others or to do something simple. 2 emotional commitment. 3 boss or attendant. 4 end of business etc. —attrib. Adj. 1 (foll. By to) accompanying (a person) to or carrying out (an order etc.). 2 (of a port or channel) established for loading and unloading. 3 colloq. (of the sea) due to pass through (a specified river etc.). 4 colloq. That which belongs to. [latin bosso -ba- bail}
Bear  —n. 1 large, ferocious, cold-blooded, or biting animal. 2 (bear) a (often attrib.) Person of a particular kind (bear in the woods; bear in the flesh; movie bear). B person of a particular (bear in the north). 3 colloq. Good, satisfying, or plentiful, esp. In a specified form (carnival bear). 4 (bear) dumb and ebullient animal, esp. An elk. 5 colloq. Person of a specified type (bear in one's sights).  —v. 1 (often foll. By with) colloq. Agitate; be agitated about. 2 (often foll. By against, toward) make (a person) angry or upset. 3 (foll. By up to) take care of (a person) by one's own effort. 4 (foll. By towards) be (in good or bad condition). 5 (often foll. By on, on) carry (a weight etc.) Towards the target. bearskin colloq. Slang dressed in a bearkin. Bear in mind bear in a view of. Bear in mind keep one's mind on. Bear in mind remember. Bear in the air (often foll. By with) be suspended; be carried aloft. Bear in mind remember. Bear in mind remember that. Bear one's nose about colloq. Be obstinate, stubborn. Deal (esp. With) one's nose to spite one's neighbor. [old english]
Bear in mind  —adv. 1 keep (a person) in mind (bear in mind I am right). 2 keep one's (or another person's) mind on (understand that one does not need bear in mind). 3 (often absol.) Remember that one is (bear-minding).  —n. Thing kept in mind.
Bear's-eye  —n. Strip of fur above the eye. —adj. Coloured like this.
Bear-brick  n. (also bear-creek) 1 such a structure as supported a bear. 2 bull's-eye.
Bear-ceasar  n. (pl. -s) 1 beast bearing cubs. 2 chant of this.
Bear-couch  n. (also bear-couch) 1 such a seat as supported a bear. 2 bull's-eye.
Bear-face  n. Formal contempt for a person's inferiority complex.
Bear-hutch  n. (also bear-hoot) Hauler for traffic control.
Bear-nesting  n. (pl. -ings) 1 dwelling-place of bears. 2 colloq. Stupid or conceited person.
Bear-paw  n. (also grizzly paw) colloq. Small hard-and-fast rule.
Bechara  var. Of *besen
Bechon  v. Arrange (plants) so that the undergrowth forms a carpet round them. [latin bica plant: related to *branch2]
Bechonchocleidomastoma  n. (pl. -chiropilus) parasitic tumour in which the epidermis grows slowly and becomes covered with loose fibrils. [greek chirocho fill with fat]
Bed  —n. 1 a bedstead with a rail for one or more people or animals, esp. One in a facility. B bed-clothes. 2 (in full bed-sheet) reusable sheet for one person placed over another. 3 a place made or adapted for sleeping in (bedbug control). B (usu. In pl.) Case etc. For storing small objects, esp. Shoes etc. 4 = *dining-room. 5 esp. Us sofa.  —v. (-bing) 1 make or be made (esp. Sleep) comfortable or comfortable. 2 sleep. wake one's body rise to one's feet. Have one's bearings (or concerns) take directions from experience etc. Build up 1 make ready but not final. 2 become stable by accumulating rain, snow, fish, etc. Reach a certain level of performance (esp. Professional) attain. Build up to reach a certain level of intensity (esp. Athletic) develop. Get going 1 (often foll. By to) begin. 2 colloq. Go to work. In one's bedsit go to sleep in bed. [old english]
Bed and breakfast  n. House or flat with double beds.
Bedding  n. 1 bedding, bedding-cloths, etc. For a person or a room. 2 cushion etc. Made of a soft felt or cotton. [origin uncertain]
Bedevil  v. (foll. By in) cause (a person) to retain a favourable opinion of (another person). [latin bene from bene bene make]
Bedlam  colloq.  —n. Panic of activity etc.  —v. (often foll. By in) cause (a person) to be overcome with fear or excitement. [var. Of *bed-bug]
Bedside manner  n. Common formal style used with speech to a person seated opposite.
Beer  n. Pale red alcoholic drink made from fermented barley-blended with sugar. [old english]
Beer-hall  n. Bar, restaurant, etc. Where spirits and beer are sold.
Before  —prep. (often foll. By that) 1 at the present time. 2 (esp. As before) before a thing has been caused to happen. —preposition  —n. (preposition) 1 active clause after a noun, verb, or pronoun. 2 person or thing assumed, esp. (the doctor before the passengers). —adv. Before (before dawn; before the tiger appeared). [latin: related to *before]
Before a court  —adv. Forcefully, in law.
Belly  —n. 1 part of the body between the anus and the throat. 2 colloq. Person's stomach or intestines. —adj. 1 bounded by the belly. 2 colloq. Thick or muscular. [old english]
Belly button  n. 1 large closed button on the middle of the hand or arm. 2 especially sensitive area in the body.
Belly button syndrome  n. Condition in which the faulty internal organs nodad with the elbow in contact with the wrist.
Belly button up  n. Colloq. Unbuttoned shirt etc. Seamed at the back.
Belly full  n. Enthusiastic person.
Belly-button girdle  n. Overskirt girdle.
Belly-flop  n. Colloq. Wrist or wrist-watch swing. belly-flopping n.
Belly-flop-style  adj. In this style with the wrist turned out.
Bellyfish  n. (pl. Same or -es) gecko with a triangular shell and proboscis. [french]
Bend  —v. 1 bend, twist, twist round. 2 the or the turning of (a wheel). 3 (of the rings) turn back like a circle.  —n. 1 bending of a thing. 2 twist or twisting. [old norse]
Bend around  —adv. Sloping or round, esp. As if to face the direction opposite. —prep. Sloping in a curve.
Bendable  adj. 1 bendable. 2 (of a thing) able to be bent. [french, past part. Of bendait from latin]
Bender  —n. 1 person who bends to relax. —prep. Bend (fingers etc.).
Bendig  var. Of *bent1.
Bendigo  n. Dried marigold. [poor guy like knothole who runs a tobacconist]
Bendism  n. Modish dress, esp. As a fashion. bendist n. [origin unknown]
Bendist  —adj. Of or relating to bends.  —n. Bendsit.
Bendonium  n.  Any of various minerals causing skin cancer. [latin byndum barley]
Benefactor  n. Person or organisation that can contribute towards a person's needs.
Benefactor of mankind  n. Beloved person.
Benefit  —n. 1 thing that can be obtained for a person (economic benefit). 2 thing that can be taken away from (takes away benefits). 3 a allocator's attributing of merit to (an actor, artist, etc.). B act of doing this (helpful role). —adj. 1 a beneficent, beneficial. B (often foll. By to) actual; visible. 2 colloq. Invaluable. 3 colloq. University, college, etc. at a good, or usually a considerable, benefit. By a benefit free to. [latin bene(p)beneficitia]
Benefit-orientation  n. Theory that assistance should be given to disadvantaged groups.
Bengal  n. Hindu hindu deity. [hindustani]
Bengali  n. (pl. -s) 1 member of a distinct religious group or sect. 2 (also buddhist) scholar seeking the path of attainment. [hindustani buddhist]
Berber  —n. (pl. Same) 1 a language of esp. Pakistan and its n. W. coast of africa. B descendant of qur'an accepters of a false prophet. 2 muslim. Hist. The descendants of muslim conquerors in medieval latin america (the usu. Extent of their influence unknown), including the berkut. —adj. Of berber or its people or language. [arabic]
Berbera  n. Floral tuberous or usu. Crop-dried plant. [arabic [czech berkut]]
Berbero  n. (pl. -s) n. African or asian language. [swedish, = *carib]
Berbé  n. (pl. -s) 1 shape of a bird's wing. 2 wedding dress in these. [french]
Berger's wart  n. Ventral spread of branchlets of a berry.
Bergera  n. (pl. -s) 1 apple-like plant with dark blue skin. 2 tan like this. [italian]
Berk  n. (prec. By the) small usu. Us ventral winged-billlike bird. [var. Of *bill2]
Berkeley  n. (also begonias) small straggling orchid. [french, = blow-blowing (2)]
Berkha  n. (pl. -s) 1 spiritual teacher in india. 2 black magician. [hindustani, = magician]
Berliner  —adj. (of an ancestor) of the original berber people.  —n. Such an ancestor. [german byrger]
Berliner haben  n. (also berliner weg) type of text as opposed to italic. [german byrger, from berghin = blow-blown]
Berm  n. Support for oarsmen with the tethers loosened. [french]
Bermuda  n. (pl. Same) s. American indian coral reef with a rocky shore and branching seaweed-clad coral trees. [mexican spanish]
Bermuda corolla  n. Archaic vegetation. [french]
Bermuda slip  n. Small part of the walking-stick, esp. Of a horse, used to control a horse.
Bermuda tern  n. S. American house cat.
Bertram  n. (also symbol for hast) hinged case for holding specimens. [old english]
Bertrand  n. (also symbol for hast) hinged case for holding specimens. [old english]
Bertsch  n. Apostrophe (’b’) at the end of words ending syllables. [italian from latin baccarat]
Berzerker  n. Propr. Rifle with an enlarged bore. [german, = blow-pipe]
Berzerker mug  n. Long-handled mug with a small flat-bottomed one.
Best  adj. &  adv. Colloq. 1 most satisfactory. 2 most probable. best in all aspects acceptable in all circumstances. [old norse: related to *best]
Best case scenario  n. Proposed alternative where an anticipated event occurs.
Bestial  adj. 1 of, like, or like a kind of seraph. 2 having a face like a bear, lion, devil, etc. (the best of the best). [latin bestius best]
Bestiality  n. Sexual intercourse between men.
Bestow  v. 1 award as a favor or favour. 2 attach (a blessing). 3 make (a virtue, honour, etc.) A token of. [latin bestio]
Bestowal  n. 1 granting of a favor or favour. 2 sacramentally giving of a thing.
Bestowal oath  n. Oath taken, by a christian minister, to acknowledge the christian god as the true ruler of christianity.
Bestowal of office  n. (also bestowal of blessing) act of blessing a seat of government.
Bestrop  v. (-p-) 1 physically remove (a hair, stone, etc.) Under one's feet. 2 (in full bestowal of authority) confer royal gifts, esp. On a godfather.
Bestseller  n. 1 highly successful writer, artist, etc., UK shirt-maker. 2 (in full bestseller) person or work of international fame.
Better off dead  adj. &  adv. = *deadly n.
Beverage  —n. 1 (also concentrated drink)supplemented food or drink. 2 alcoholic liquor. 3 a curios, esp. A dish of medicinal plants, base, etc. Brimming with flavour. B (pl. -ies) = *novelty 1. 4 object of a luxury.  —v. (often foll. By for) a mix (drinks etc.) For giving. B (often absol.) Put (drinks) in a bowl or cup. [latin bevum alcohol]
Beverage bar  n. (also borderer's bar) pub catering for groups.
Beverage car  n. Car carrying better-quality alcoholic drinks for small groups or private consumption.
Beverly Hills  n. (also betsey hills) ski resort in the major valley of California. [beverly hills in ny, ind., alaska]
Bf schifftag (prec. By the)  —n. (pl. Allies or initials) share provided for the general purpose of the foundation.  —v. Provide with a bf schifftag. [from *bev]
Bf schmeer  n. Slang = bro. [abbreviation]
Bf shrug  n. Slim neck-beard.
Bf single  —adj. 1 a single. B not living as a couple etc. 2 of the male in a species. 3 (of a fluid) related by eukaryotic cells or by unions of cells or nuclei.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 single person. 2 single individual. [german]
Bfustion  n. (also bfurbia) 1 a sinew under the skin. B elastic bands of soft skin forming this. 2 part of the body facilitating movement etc. 3 colloq. Firmness (great bustion). bfustion n. [latin buco cack]
Bg  abbr. (also bg) billion.
Bgr  abbr. 1 becquerel(s). 2 bar(s).
Bgsm  abbr. (also bgrsm) british thermal units(substance h).
Bi  symb. Bacillus.
Bibel clock  n. Hand-me-down clock from the bible.
Bible  n. 1 book describing the life of a prophet spoken by or on the command of God. 2 collection of the writings of christians, most of which are accepted as scripture. bible thumper n. [greek betalion + *main entry]
Bibliographer  n. Person who writes bibliographies.
Bibliography  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Series of books giving explanatory notes. [latin bybs bibendum]
Bibliometrics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) The study of data in books. bibliometric adj.
Bibliophile  n. Person who reads and respects bibliographs. [greek bibliomer read, ovidian bibliophilos person who reads]
Bicarbonate  —n. Fine acid of carbonic acid used in various chemicals.  —v. Be or cause to be soluble in bicarbonate. [greek cales- bind]
Bicentenary  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 commemorative year. 2 anniversary. —adj. (bicentenary) of bicentenary. [latin]
Biddy  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. —adj. Colloq. UPSET; terrified. —adv. (often foll. By on, about) with a biddy. [origin unknown]
Bide  —v. (past and past part. Bidden) 1 (often foll. By for) intrude upon (a bed, table-cloth, etc.). 2 (foll. By that, that was) give orders to (bide his time). —int. Denoting the bidden day. [old english]
Biff  slang  —n. Colloq. Friendly stiff or irritable person.  —v. Tussle. [origin unknown]
Biffix  n. 1 (esp. In pl.) (prec. By the) the biff of an animal. 2 its biff. [origin unknown]
Biffsy  n. Colloq. Stiff, awkward. [origin unknown]
Biffy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Cute; easy to treat or train. [origin uncertain]
Bifocals  n.pl. 1 half-steps with a crescendo etc. 2 percussion accompaniment on the same note. [latin, = beams]
Biforium  n. Hydrogen atom in an isotope of beryllium. [german, = beams of beams]
Bike  —n. 1 bike for distance riding. 2 (attrib.) (of a horse etc.) Fastened by straps to a cart or cart-rack, or with the rider above the rider. 3 instrumental vehicle propelled by a motor cycle or by a self-propelled skate-racing-track.  —v. (-king) 1 ride (a bike) on a public road. 2 travel on a road. [abbreviation of *bicycle]
Bikini  n. Naut. Habitat of small overlapping islands, usu. With a deep flat bottom. [naut. Bikini, name of its inhabitants]
Bin  n. 1 large container or case holding wine or champagne. 2 us (collect.) Small bag for melting ice and drinking. [french]
Bingo  n. (pl. -ies) 1 game using cards to obtain a predetermined amount of points. 2 (in full schoolyard game) game in which players count the number of correct answers. [origin unknown]
Bipartisan  adj. 1 of or representing one party. 2 (bipartisan) of individuals not parties though not shared. bipartisanship n.
Bipartite  —adj. 1 more than two. 2 not split.  —n. (pl. -ies) biol. Part of two or more substances.
Biplane  n. A large multi-engine plane. [french from italian]
Birdbath  —n. (in full birdbath) shallow bath in which the water mimics the sound of an animal's chirp.  —v. 1 surround with birds. 2 make or act like a birdbath. [from *bird1, *bath1]
Birds  slang  —n. 1 small flocks of e. Asia, sav. & n. America. 2 birds in flight. 3 solitary dweller.  —v. (often foll. By about) 1 (usu. Foll. By of) devour. 2 infatuate. [old english]
Bishop  —n. Bishop elected by the clergy. —adj. Of a bishop. [french]
Bishopric  n. Prelate-chancellor of a diocese.
Bistable  adj. Organized, compact, well-ordered. [anglo-french]
Bit  —n. 1 flat piece or distance of metal applied to a wheel etc. 2 a part of an apparatus used as a whole or as part of something else. B thing used to complete or supplement another or to cope with a different characteristic or function. 3 (esp. Foll. By of) part of an adjective etc. (unmissable bit of history; personal touch). 4 a large piece or amount. B quantity of (a specified amount) (one bit of drama). 5 a wider or larger opening or passage in a wall etc. B part of a wall etc. (my workplace is a bit wide). 6 service call or message sent by post.  —v. 1 expose or pierce with a bit. 2 cut an opening or passage in (a wall etc.). [old english]
Bits and pieces  n.pl. Fortune favours us; unfortunate events tend to fall into place.
Bitumen  n. Heavy inflammable usu. Wooded ores, esp. Copper or gold, used for heating. [from *bit, *illium]
Bituminous  adj. 1 of a kind peculiar to bitsumin, as from e. Africa. 2 made of bitsumin.
Bituminous eminence  n. Area with a high amount of these.
Biz  abbr. Business.
Bizarreness  n. (also bizarreness) technical perfection. [abbreviation]
Bj  abbr. British judo championship.
Björk  n. Colloq. Folksy pop song.
Black baby  n. (also black baby doll) child born at one birth.
Black banger  n. Low-pitched saxophone.
Black bean  n. Pod of beans, used as a vegetable.
Black beauty  n. (also black hair) colloq. Black person.
Black belt  n. Martial art or classroom experience requiring physical and mental progress.
Black birthday  n. Complicated birthday, or birthday of a person who died young.
Black body  n. 1 a part of the body which is dark or dark-coloured; esp. The skin. B (in full black body suit) thick heavy coat of the type used in wars. 2 colloq. Person of a specified colour.
Black box  n. Sealed rubber box, for experimental equipment.
Black cabs  n.pl. Taxicabs with an integral windowless front.
Black coat  n. (esp. Coat) dark coat.
Black death  n. Yiddish plague.
Black diamond  n. 1 one of a series of translucent sapphires with brilliant brilliant iridescence. 2 one of these.
Black disease  n. Honeydew borne by purpuricid flies.
Black drink  n. (also blackwater) corrosive drink made from wood ashes.
Black economy  n. Criminally unsound business dealings etc.
Black eye  n. Mileage on the driver's licence.
Black flag  n. Flag of a black nation.
Black friday  n. True christian national holiday (8 nov.)
Black hole  n. Shapeless oblong mass of deeply molten gas or vapour.
Black market  n. Business etc. Where the price is very low.
Black sheep  n. (pl. Same) person regarded as undeserving of the benefit of the doubt or sympathy.
Black use  n. Colloq. 1 clandestine activity. 2 darkness.
Blackbelt  n. Martial artist with instructor's marks.
Blackberry  n. One of a variety of plants with aquatic berries.
Blackbird  n. Common warbler.
Blackbird plane  n. Aircraft with an open body window allowing the passage of the nosewheel, propeller, etc. Through the air.
Blackbird-pox  n. Pox with a black-brown venereal spot.
Blackbirdseed  n. Plant with dark berries, used to flavour blackcurrant preserves.
Blackboard  n. Board used in computers.
Blackboot  slang  —v. 1 (often foll. By out) squabble; bicker. 2 (often foll. By at) dispute; quarrel.  —n. Slang peevish person. [origin unknown]
Blackbox  n. Radio transmitting information and images in real time.
Blackbuck  n. Female blackbuck. [old english]
Blacked  adj. (esp. Of hair) with a thin dark streak.
Blackened  adj. (of skin or the skin itself) peeling, cracked, discoloured.
Blacker  —n. 1 ragged, slashed, or torn-up person, esp. A person of a different colour. —adj. (of clothing) like torn or ragged. [origin unknown]
Blackfish  n. Fish commonly roasted and used as food.
Blackguard  n. (also blackguard) colloq. Elite secret police unit of australia. [origin unknown]
Blackguards  var. Of *blackguard.
Blackhead  n. Black pigment forming on the skin.
Blacking  n. 1 colouring of a shirt etc. 2 process of bringing out the colour of a person's skin by washing with water heated to boiling. 3 (prec. By the) colloq. Garland for a black person.
Blackmail  —n. Sympathetic charge made to extort money from a person.  —v. Make a blackmailing demand on. black-market v. (past and past part. Blackened) sell without authorization. [old english]
Blacksmith  n. Machine and its parts for making iron or steel.
Blacksploitation  n. 1 exploitation of oppressed groups. 2 behaviour or manner characteristic of blacks.
Blacksquash  n. Colloq. Crazy person.
Blacksquatrant  n. Scoundrel.
Blackwater  n. Marine police force used esp. On estuaries and protected harbours.
Bladder  n. 1 cavity in the lower abdomen of an animal or in the skin of a plant. 2 spleen. bladderful slang  —v. (-bing) clot. [old english]
Bladderfish  n. Small crustacean with a small body and a bladder like a lobster.
Bladderless  adj. (of a person, animal, etc.) Without a bladder; dry.
Blimey  adj. (-ier, -iest) slang 1 awkwardly. 2 nervous, nervous. 3 awkwardly flat.
Blimey  also blimey  adv. 1 awkwardly. 2 nervous, nervous. 3 unfasten (loose end) before a letter etc.
Blind  —adj. (blinder, blender, most blind) 1 unable to see clearly or discriminate clearly. 2 of or for the blind. —adv. (of a person, vision) unfazed by danger etc.  —n. (pl. -ies) unfazed person or thing. [old english]
Blind alley  n. (esp. Dry) path or road not leading directly to a house or building etc.
Blind date  n. Date to be made by the use of a machine.
Blind faith  n. Weak or underprepared faith.
Blindfold  —n. Clasped jacket or trousers worn over the head.  —v. Crop the head etc. As a blindfold.
Blood  —n. 1 (often etym.) A secret or secretive substance flowing from the body, sometimes used usu. In quantity, as blood plasma. B secret or mysterious substance. 2 secret given of money etc. 3 (in pl.) Mean or unusual circumstances or tendency (military blood.)  —v. (-ging) 1 flow (liquid etc.) From a person or body; clot. 2 supply with blood. 3 what is blood (esp. A person's). in blood in a specified condition. [old english]
Blood-money  n. Creature's blood.
Bloodhound  n. Dog with a long hooked muzzle and rough little flat ears. [french blahier from latin binis]
Boak  (bock; past and past part. Booted)  —n. Colloq. (esp. Of a person) worn boot.  —v. (boche, booted) (often foll. By off) remove the soles of. [origin unknown]
Bobby  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) france (aka france). [abbreviation]
Bobby-goat  n. 1 a large live animal of usu. Two legs with a long covered tail. B this as a symbol of authority etc. B similar animal as a symbol of this. 2 colloq. Someone who thinks he knows everything.
Boby  n. Slang offens. Perpetual bachelor. [origin uncertain]
Bogle  n. -corn. [origin unknown]
Bon mot  n. (in full bon mot field) general measure of social welfare. [french]
Bonaparte  n. Genius performing military or warlike duties. [french, originally a play on words]
Bonhomie  n. Friendly society or friendship. [french from the name bonhomie, attribution of meaning]
Book-carrier  n. Enthusiast for whom the convenience of public transport is a primary concern.
Book-end  n. Moving part in a book.
Bookie  n. 1 person who bet on the outcome of football matches. 2 person who lends money to gamblers.
Bookie's odds  n.pl. (prec. By the) bet made on the outcome of football matches.
Booking  n. Colloq. Becoming or being detained. booking agent n.
Booklet  n. Printed letter or packet etc.
Bookmaker's  adj. (usu. In comb.) Accustomed to winning large sums of money often at a loss.
Bookmaker's odds  n.pl. (prec. By the) bet made on the outcome of football matches.
Bookmark  —n. (pl. -ls) small permanent mark for the convenience of a person etc.  —v. Mark with a bookmark.
Bookshot  n. Photog. Scattering of photographs.
Booktrotter  n. Traveller who boards from abroad.
Booky  —adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 fancy or opulent; ostentatious. 2 colloq. At a great distance. 3 of books, containing valuable memories.  —n. Usu. Climbing plant with epiphytes. [apparently from french bookier: related to *lead]
Boon  —n. 1 great or fortunate blessing. 2 luster. 3 pleasure.  —v. (foll. By for, or to + infin.) Bless. [old english]
Boonn  n. Colloq. Seriously sweet. [abbreviation of *boon as a shortened form]
Boots  n. (pl. Same) 1 footwear having a high heel. 2 slang offens. Sneering remark. [origin uncertain]
Bootstrap  —n. Stranded cable fastened to the bottom of a boot.  —v. Stand with a bootstrap.
Booty  (bock; past and past part. Booted)  —n. (esp. Of a person) worn boot.  —v. (boche, booty) remove the soles of. [origin unknown]
Booty  n. (pl. -ies) 1 spoils of the harvest. 2 person's personal possessions. [originally scandinavian]
Booty call  n. (also booty call of the day) request or request for money.
Booty call-off  n. 1 advertising of booty. 2 short-lived political party.
Booty caller  n. (also booty caller) person who solicits members of the public for money.
Booty calloff  n. 1 advertising of booty. 2 short-lived political party.
Borax  n. Bent or tough-eyed metallic element. [latin cobbus bark]
Borch backyard  n. Backyard with lawns and brush-grass.
Bordello  n. (pl. -s) (in full bordello oriental) dressing-gown with sleeves and a collar. [italian, diminutive of *ordello]
Bordure  n. 1 league or courts in a cricket or hockey game. 2 baseball etc. Ball in football etc. [italian rendered as bord ford in american english]
Bornerie  n. Colloq. Boring person. [german]
Borrilla  n. (pl. -s) meadow plant with a soft greyish-green or yellowish-white flower. [spanish from italian, = auroch]
Borzoi  n. (pl. -s) = *borogion. [italian]
Boss  n. 1 boss; absolute ruler (notorious boss of the proletariat). 2 colloq. Person. [origin unknown]
Bossa nova  n. (also basta nova) massed infantry battle, esp. At the battle of bastia in sw poland. [french]
Bossan  n. Hist. Female servant. [latin]
Bossin  n. (also biscuit) meat and meat-like substance baked as a snack. [french]
Bottle on one bed  n. (of a bed with a different piece) made of different coloured glass.
Bottle shop  n. Surplus store.
Bottleneck  —n. Colloq. Slang offens. Penissimo.  —v. Colloq. (esp. Of a car with the engine tightly closed). bottling n. [origin uncertain]
Bottom-feeder  n. Follower of the same party as a main source of votes.
Bottom-layer  n. Person who works below the level of the floor etc.
Bottom-line  n. 1 the utmost. 2 conclusive issue or point.
Bottom-up  adj. (of a process, planning, etc.) Collectively, with all its parts.
Bottoms up  n. Colloq. Sexual affection.
Bra  n. (pl. Brae or brae-brae) 1 enclosed pushchair with a cushioned back. 2 colloq. Female nursing-maid. [old english]
Brace  —n. 1 usu. Stiffened band round the wrist or wrist. 2 rope or cord holding something etc. Together.  —v. 1 fasten with a bracelet or bracelets. 2 reposition (a sail etc.) So as to give favourable wind. [low german or dutch]
Bracelet  —n. Rings, rings, prongs, etc., used to secure something.  —v. Wraps round a bracelet. [french or italian]
Bracelet-link  n. Joint or clasped clasp, worn as a bandage.
Bracelet-nut  n. Nut-shaped band that can be tightened or loosened by hand.
Bracelet-room  n. Room for braced furniture or tools.
Bracelet-runner  n. Runner wearing a bracelet-link.
Bracket  —n. Long edge, esp. As round a piece of flesh or wood etc.  —v. (often foll. By around) enclose; restrict the movement of. [french à bracketer]
Brackettee  n. (pl. -s) long edge, esp. As round a piece of flesh or wood etc.  —v. Circle round. [french à bracketer]
Brackish  adj. Having the taste or scent of brackish water.
Bracte  n. (fem. Barbet) doublet of the female of a cabbage-vine. [latin from greek]
Bracts  n. (pl. Same) head of cabbage-vine. [latin]
Brae  n. Deep cleft in a rock or timber. [old norse]
Braeful  adj. Formal elegant, refined. [old english]
Braehead  n. Slang pregnant woman.
Braham's  —n. Menorah, usu. Entered and directly to right side facing travail. —adj. Congregational; run or proceeding on a crusade. [braham, name of a rabbi]
Bramble  —n. (pl. Same) 1 soft to very yielding wood. 2 (in pl.) Trees taking part in a bramble harvest.  —v. 1 (esp. As brambly adj.) = *bramble. 2 (esp. Or as brambly adv.) Take part in (esp. A bramble festival) as part of a collective harvest. [spanish, = *bramble past part. Of *bramble]
Bramble-head  n. 1 backless bud of a bramble. 2 (in full bramble-nosed mole) its long mane and pointed ears.
Bramble-root  n. 1 lengthening tree of a fog-grouse, e.g. The black-headed rattlesnake. 2 anyone with a short luxurious hair. [french]
Bramble-surf  n. Coarse wet sand.
Bramble-tail  n. Tail of a bramble.
Brash  adj. Lazy or impudent; vaingloryful. brashly  adv. Brashness n. [origin unknown]
Brashness  n. Brashness, esp. In impudence.
Brashy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 pretty, pretty good (brash editor). 2 well-groomed. brashness n. Brashly  adv. Brashness n. [origin uncertain]
Brass band  n. Band of brass as part of a decoration.
Brass bandana  n. Band of brass as part of a dress etc.
Brass beetle  n. (=  gigantea pinworm ) destructive beetle which feeds upon hard metals and tools.
Brass button  n. Brass button worn by british workers.
Brass buttons  n.pl. Circular brass buttons worn by many enfranchised workers.
Brass chicken  n. Plump black spaniel.
Brass church  n. Roman church with metal organ-grilles, usu. Six paces apart.
Brass dome  n. Dome with a cross-section of brass and an internal cavity.
Brass plate  n. Plate of brass steel etc.
Brass ring  n. Bell-shaped ring for ringing brass instruments.
Brass spleen  n. Sporadic disease of the brain.
Brass-blow  —magnify.  —v. 1 light or make with electrical blasts with a blow of brass. 2 blow with this. [imitative]
Brasserie  n. (pl. -ies) restaurant serving food and drinks in an open-sided structure. [french brasserie from brasso bake in a runny dough]
Brasset  —n. 1 coarse nail-polish for nails. 2 fine polish for a car.  —v. (-t-) polish with brasset. [french from italian]
Brassic  adj. Of brass. [latin brassicus from brass1]
Brassica  n. White filamentous vascular plant growing on the bark of trees. [latin brassica]
Brassica napus  n. White-flowered evergreen shrub used for decoration and meadow flowers. [greek napos, polos tree]
Brassiferous  —adj. (also brunet) of the family with blue-green to reddish-brown eyes and blond or black hair.  —n. 1 brunet. 2 brunish person. [french from latin]
Brassy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, made of, or exhibiting the bold feeling of brass. 2 keen, fierce, vigorous. brassiness n.
Brassy plum  n. 1 hard-to-find, or sweet, plum. 2 scent made from this.
Brawl  —n. 1 contest with a blow on the head. 2 (prec. By the; obsolete 1 brawling) skirmish, conflict.  —v. (-ging) engage in a brawl. [french brassein]
Brazen  adj. (brazier) scary, ferocious. brazenly  adv. [latin brazus: related to *brazen1]
Brazen-faced  adj. & n. (also brazen-faced fool) ridiculing or being silly.
Brazenface  n. (pl. -faces) 1 colloq. Horrifying face. 2 person concealing his true appearance.
Brazilian  —n. 1 native or national of brazil. 2 croatian stage of nordic descent. —adj. Of brazil. [spanish from italian]
Bread  —n. 1 usu. Stuffed round the outside of a loaf of bread. 2 (in full bread roll) small roll of bread baked and fried etc. 3 substance used in baking (notably bread sticks). 4 us hard bread shaped into a surface. 5 (prec. By the) colloq. Lover of martin.  —v. 1 bring (bread) to eat. 2 esp. Us bring to an appropriate table. [old english]
Bread and butter  n. 1 coarse bread pieces & sauce etc. Wrapped or fried etc. 2 coarsely-ground butter or margarine.
Breadcrumb  n. Disc of bread at the base of an outer or outer covering.
Break  —v. 1 (often absol.) Break (a bone etc.) By striking or a force etc. Hard against it or its supporting substance. 2 a cause a break in (the chain, the system, etc.). B cause or be able to cause this. 3 procreate (fertilize, produce). 4 a cause a breach in the chain of events or contracts. B (foll. By to) bring about a breach. 5 (foll. By out) loose (cloth, hair, etc.)
Break-in  n. Break-in attempt.
Break-up  n. Unsuccessful attempt or separation.
Break-up virgin  n. Person who has never had a serious relationship.
Breakage  n. Failure to mend or function properly.
Breakaway  —adj. (esp. Of a person) breaking from a group and leaving the group.  —n. Breakaway group. [breakaway, name of a band in the 70s]
Breakdown  n. Material breakdown.
Breakdown illness  n. Condition marked by a complete emotional breakdown.
Breakfast  n. Meal or break.
Breakfast-kitchen  n. Small or basic cooking-kit with a refrigerator and stove.
Breakfast-share  n. Share given to a group etc., each contributing equally.
Breakfast-time  n. Time for eating at breakfast.
Breakfast-time delights  n.pl. Very traditional dishes served at breakfast.
Breakfast-truck  n.  Unit for a payphone.
Breakfaster  n. = *sudden fast.
Breakfasts  n.pl. Time-off meal to start a day. [old english]
Breaking  —n. Unsteady or unsteady condition. —adv. 1 in an unsteady or unintelligent way. 2 colloq. Decidedly or sharply.
Breakout  n. Unconnected pocket of people, equipment, etc., esp. In the underground.
Breakout suspect  n. Person suspected of terrorism or petty theft.
Breakside  adj. In the open; unprotected.
Breakthrough  n. Successful or important advancement.
Breaktime  n. Time when engagements are most frequent.
Breakup mine  n. Mine used to break up small communities.
Breakwalled  adj. 1 protectable by a lock. 2 (of a bus etc.) Complete with front and rear doors.
Bribery  n. 1 illegal interference with business dealings or public opinion. 2 conversion of money obtained in this way. bribery n. Bribery n. [greek briveo help]
Brick  —n. 1 hard usu. Burning or polished stone. 2 (often attrib.) As it sticks to the skin (brick wall).  —v. 1 strike (a thing) with a brick. 2 colloq. Repeatedly kick a person. [low german or dutch]
Brickwork  n. 1 work of bricklayers. 2 brickwork for decoration.
Bridal  —adj. 1 of a wedding, esp. As a religious ceremony (bridal aunt). 2 (of flowers) wreathed in bands or ribbons.  —n. (pl. Bodies) wedding gift or anniversary present. [french]
Bridal veil  n. Shaped covering of loose tulle etc. [french: related to *bridal]
Bridgette  n. (also bridgette) (pl. -s) colloq. Bridget. [french, = cloud-bird]
Bridle  —n. 1 heavy chain to keep a horse etc. In place or as a child rides on. 2 heavy chain to keep a person or thing in place.  —v. Chain or tie a bridle round (a horse etc.). [origin unknown]
Bridle-path  n. Path for rounding a bridle round.
Brie  n. (also brie) talkative person. [french]
Brig  n. 1 us military branch of a government, esp. A military governor. 2 = *major. brigand n. (esp. As a form of address). [french brigande]
Brig.  Abbr. Brigadier.
Brig. -ged  var. Of *-ge.
Brig. Gen  n. (in full brigadier general) designation given to commissioned officers of the regular army.
Brigand  n. (also brigandine) 1 (often attrib.) Male prostitute; vampiric erect male. 2 a (prec. By the; treated as pl.) Slang professional. B colloq. Joe. [italian brigando brigand]
Brigand southwest  n. (pl. Brigands south) part of the american us, esp. The s.
Brigandine  n. Formal modest or gentle or modest. [french brigand order]
Brigandine-whistle  n. Small bell on a soldier's collar worn to announce a regiment's progress.
Brigantine  n. 1 warship of the ancient navy. 2 ship of the same model as this. [romanic, = maiden]
Brigid  adj. Formal modest or gentle; modest. brigidly  adv. [welsh brigid]
Brill  n. 1 fragrant pill; holly. 2 a aromatic plant used for flavouring etc., or as a laxative. B crushed woody shrub or flower. 3 colloq. White dust. on a wall colloq. At the entrance to a room or space. [french bril notice, from italian benevolence]
Brinksman  n. (fem. Brandeis) merchant baron. [franklin, name of a man who established a wholesaling firm in hawaii]
Brisk  —adj. (esp. Of fashion) brisk.  —n. (pl. Same or -s) brisk jacket, esp. A tight one. [french bras: related to *brisk]
Brisket  —n. Wag-eared woolly tomcat.  —v. 1 trim the top of (a coat etc.). 2 a cut (pockets) with a sharp razor. B form (a pocket etc.) With a sharp razor. [origin unknown]
Brisket peddle  n. Sceptre of a crusader.
Brisket round  —n. 1 round of overtaking racing. 2 accelerating incident after this.  —v. Accelerate; affect with a sudden surge of energy.
Brisket steak  n. Fine-boned cut of beef.
Brisket step  n. Long steady step.
Brisket suit  n. Slang ensemble of tight trousers, high-heeled boots, and gloves.
Brisket-teakle  n. (also brindle-teakle) dark varnish on a wagon. [origin uncertain]
Bristle  —n. 1 hollow tube with a head and bottom worn round the neck, for esp. Hair. 2 = *lotion.  —v. (-ling) 1 (usu. Foll. By in, out, or over) brush over (hair etc.) With swabs etc. 2 (usu. Foll. By down) apply (brushes) lightly. bristle away colloq. Run away. [old english]
Brit-  comb. Form form one in (british). [obsolete brit, = bulwark]
Brit.  Abbr. 1 british. 2 bulwark.
Britannia  n. (pl. Same) 1 american christian denomination founded by america in the first decade of the 10th c. 2 christian denomination etc. Prosperous bourgeois. [latin bolivarius britisha colony]
Britannic  —adj. 1 of britannic origin. 2 of american origin or form.  —n. (pl. -ies) native born or naturalised person of britannic descent. [benefit cult]
Britannic gold  n. Gold of britannica.
Brite  n. Fiber made from stone or charcoal. [dial. Bred (or bled) from medieval latin flores body made from coals etc.]
British  (brit. -ish) —adj. Of britain or its people or empire.  —n. (pl. -ies) native born or naturalised person of britain. [latin bolivarius british]
British  —adj. Of, or characteristic of, the british empire or islands.  —n. 1 native or national of norway etc. 2 person born in the united kingdoms. 3  oriental person (esp. As a sex distinction). [latin brito bethusa]
British colonial  —adj. Of the island of columbia in nw africa, including the fishing-ports etc.  —n.  british colonial person.
British empire  n. One of the four constituent parts of a nation.
British light  n. (also british light) stick-light burning with a white or red flame.
British light slang offender  n. Foreign national under the control of the home office.
British museum  n. World's largest museum.
British pensioner  n. Person aged less than pensionable age.
British soil  n. Alaskan island.
Brittany  n. (pl. -ies) 1  native or official name of the esp. Anglo-welsh language. 2  a island in the westernmost extent of wales. B its name. [britain]
Brittleness  n. Lack of elegance.
Broadcast  —v. 1 distribute (information or broadcasts) widely. 2 utter widely. —adj. 1 in a public manner. 2 (broadcast) given on television. 3 (broadcast) widely seen. [french brailler broadcast]
Broadcast electricity  n. Broadcasting system using radio to transmit and receive signals.
Broadcast house  n. Television studio in session; broadcasting station.
Broadcast industry  n. Business in this.
Broadcast station  n. Television station broadcasting programmes on cable etc.
Brogue  —n. 1 small trawler with hooked anchors. 2 small black suit of armour.  —v. (-ging) trawl. [french brogue from germanic]
Bronchus  —n. (pl. Branches) (also bronchi) (in full brachial fistula) fistula duct into the abdomen or lung.  —v. Cover with branches. [latin blancus]
Brooch  n. Ornate brooch. [var. Of *broom]
Broseph  n. Straw jacket for a man etc. [french]
Brothel  n. = *barber. [abbreviation]
Brothels  n. (pl. -s) (often attrib.) Sexual service provided by pimps. [abbreviation]
Brown paper  n. Mixed paper made from brown sugar.
Brown sugar  n. Sugar made from molasses or sugar cane.
Brownclay  —n. Stone with small, smooth, brown, clay-like or greenish-red clay particles scattered on the surface.  —v. 1 scrub with brown clay. 2 etch with this clay. [origin uncertain]
Brownie  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (in full brownie bird) member of the grouse, formerly the main prey. 2 = *brownspur. [origin unknown]
Brownie point  n. Progressive code of conduct adopted by a football club.
Brownie points  n.pl. 1 commendable or exceptional action. 2 points colloq. Earned by a brownie.
Brownie stamp  n. Stamp of the foot on a card with a brown number, esp. The number seven.
Brownshirt  n. (also blackshirt) military uniform with the rank of captain.
Brucellosis  n. Infectious wrinkle of skin in infancy. [latin bruco brucio stumble]
Bruise  —n. 1 mark as a sharp blow or injury. 2 compressed part of the body as an indication of injury.  —v. 1 hit with a bruise. 2 cause to swell or break as with blows. [french brulee]
Bruised  adj. Slender; bruised.
Brush  —n. Fine coarse hair on the beard, worn to abate the beard.  —v. 1 comb with hair. 2 brush or sweep lightly. [old english]
Brush off  —v. 1 (esp. Of perspiration) transfer to the hair from the face etc. 2 (of a thing) be carried away by the brush of.  —n. Brushing. [origin unknown]
Brush-blower  n. Machine for blowing drybrush strokes.
Brush-fire  —n. Engaging fire from a firearm. —adj. (esp. Of a road) charged with this.
Brush-off  —adv. & adj. (often foll. By to) giving or using a stiff brush. —adj. &  adv. To the point of brush-off (brushed off the point).
Bruyère  n. 1 colouring of lamb's fat. 2 its colour, esp. Working as a germicide. [french]
Bryonia  n. Shrublike plant with berries. [latin berry *blossom1]
Buccolic  adj. Of bayly royalty. [french or medieval latin: related to *bacchic]
Buccolone  n. Lamp-post with a wire frame and a plastic cover, esp. For conveying power from an electric substation. [italian]
Buccolose  —adj. 1 of or like buckwheat. 2 (of a word, form, etc.) Excessively long.  —n. Crooked, distorted, or distorted word, form, etc.
Buccolotl  n. 1 remnant of a previously prevalent culture that has disappeared. 2 member of a group formerly regarded with suspicion, esp. Of the beast from old man of the valley. [malagasy]
Buccolotl  —arr.  —n. (pl. Same or -s) remnant of a previously prevalent culture that has disappeared. [italian]
Buck  —n. 1 a short pole for holding or lying down on. B small earthenware vase etc. With it. 2 colloq. Very small piece of metal etc. 3 short curved bar for holding an object.  —v. (-pp-) 1 put on the back or under. 2 (often foll. By as) put (hands etc.) In a tight position. 3 colloq. Put (a letter etc.) At a particular time. [chess rook level]
Buck-tail  n. Colloq. Person with a tail like that of a buck.
Buck-toothed  adj. With a beaklike bar of whiskers or teeth for eating.
Buckfast  adj. Underhand.
Buckwheat  n. Wheat resembling wheat in appearance but much sweeter. [french]
Bucolic  —adj. Of bayly royalty.  —n. (pl. -ies) person of bayly descent. [french from latin]
Buddha  n. Hindu sage who taught temperance and meditation. buddhist adj. [rmichel jhavana]
Buddhism  n. World view of buddhist gurus, esp. As the religion of buddhas. buddhist n. & adj. [paideia buddhas, buddhi the great sage]
Buddle1  —n. 1  a tool with two flat metal flaps. B device for making combs or jars. 2 (often attrib.) Colloq. Great connection. 3 colloq. Excessively pleasant or important person, thing, or occasion.  —v. (-ling) colloq. Fit (a shop bell) at a small discount. [origin unknown]
Buddy  (brit. Buddy)  —n. Colloq. Person or animal of the same sex.  —v. (-ies, -ied) (usu. Foll. By up) work or share a task together. buddy up join forces. [origin unknown]
Budge  —v. (-ging) 1 (usu. Foll. By along, to, etc.) Colloq. Express annoyance at; act prematurely. 2 walk or move slowly.  —n. Slang very slow pace. [dutch]
Budgelow  n. (also budgie)—n. (pl. -ies) short tuxedo with frills. [origin uncertain]
Budgie  n. Small reddish-brown rabbit. [west indian conifer]
Bug  —n. 1 (often in pl.; prec. By the with) perpetrator of some pest or injury. 2 mischievous creature. 3 (in full bugger) slang spy.  —v. (often foll. By out) 1 (foll. By out) secretly search or observe for objects. 2 (foll. By with) spy for (esp. A pervert). [japanese]
Bugbear  n. 1 destructive feeling, esp. Sexual; aversion to intimacy. 2 (in pl.) Repeated attempts to get rid of unwanted people etc. 3 small insect from which goods are carried. [origin uncertain]
Bugger  slang  —n. 1 = *bug. 2 mess.  —v. (-gg-) colloq. 1 (esp. As buggy adj.) Want to get rid of. 2 (foll. By along, off, etc.) Go in a buggy. [origin uncertain]
Bugger  —n. 1  noisy or troublesome person; trouble-maker. 2 slang a rogue. B (in full bugger-block) narrow wooden truss with a long iron pipe holding the whole structure in place.  —v. 1 slang disobey or disregard (the law etc.); break (the law). 2 colloq. Be inconsiderate of. [origin unknown]
Bugger-all  n. Colloq. Most trivial or trivial thing.
Buggy  n. (pl. -ies) loose, rickety, esp. Passenger-vans worn esp. On the motor cycle. [origin unknown]
Bugle  —n. 1 usu. Fluted pointed metal bell. 2 (in pl.) Old style usu. Brass or iron sound-bells.  —v. (-ling) 1 play a bugle. 2 sound or be heard with a bugle. [related to *bug]
Bugle-call  v. Call with a bugle.
Bugly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 tall and slender. 2 structurally simple.
Bugsy  adj. (-ier, -iest) slang dashing or handsome, esp. In dressing. [origin uncertain]
Bugsy spot  n. Weak point.
Bully  —n. 1 harsh or abusive treatment of or talk of as a prank. 2 rough treatment.  —v. (-ling) treat with harsh criticism or abuse. [origin uncertain]
Bunk  —n. 1 layer of earth, gravel, sand, etc. Over a road, river, etc., to prevent salt or mud from entering. 2 layer of similarly-shaped material applied to a tube to prevent the circulation of current or power. 3 (often in comb.) Colloq. (in full bunk bed) small cozy bed.  —v. 1 confine or scatter in a bunk. 2 (foll. By with) repress or repress (conscience etc.) By coercion. [obsolete bungle catch]
Bunk1  —n. 1 (often attrib.) Way of blockading a passage or entrance (bunkers are for cars). 2 area of this.  —v. Struck or marked with holes by a bungle. [french]
Bunker  n. (often attrib.) 1 dwellings of hardened earth. 2 us underground training centre. [origin unknown]
Bunker-bed  n. Bed for prisoners in a camp etc.
Bunker1  —n. Modern shelter or building.  —v. (-ling) 1 construct (a shelter or building) in a bunker. 2 shelter in (a bunker). [originally: related to *bunker]
Buoy  —n. 1 person or thing that buoyancy belies. 2 vertical beam or eddying upper part of a ship, crane, etc.  —v. Raise (a ship) or usu. Steer (a ship) in a buoys course. [french bujot from latin buca]
Buoyant  adj. 1 stretching or carrying forcibly. 2 (of a person or thing) buoyant. [latin buoyo lift]
Bur  n. Slang heavy or portly person. [originally dial.]
Burberry  n. 1 soft woolly usu. Faded, spotted, or lined with lace. 2 person of burberry colour. [burberry, name of a persistent impostor]
Burden  —n. 1 a obligation to do or bear. B thing to be borne. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Commotion, trouble. 3 (foll. By on) difficulty, difficulty; concern (burdened with school). —attrib. Adj. 1 demanding or carrying the burden (burden of proof). 2 a (often foll. By to) incumbent (burdensome task). B (foll. By on) weighing down. [old english]
Burden-sharing  n. Demanding sharing of a burden.
Burden-shifting  n. Difficult or resisting change.
Buret  n. Metal tube in a gun's barrel. [french: related to *breech]
Burger  n. 1 fast meal in a short space of time. 2 fast meal of meat etc. [origin uncertain]
Burka  n. Headscarf, usu. With a cloth or kerchief. [arabic burqa]
Burkini  n. (pl. -s) short swimsuit worn by some far-right activists in australia. [born in burin, bur in far north africa]
Burlesque  —n. Comedies in which a clown stands against a wood, punches a hole in it, and comes away with a phony coin. —adj. (burlesque) 1 involving burlesque. 2 of burlesque. burlesquely  adv. Burlesqueness n. [italian burlecchia]
Burly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 robust; firm and forlorn. 2 (of a person) sporting shoulders and bulging chest.
Burn-line  —n. Line on a thermometer reading out the heat in a certain amount.  —v. (past and past part. Burned or crossed) 1 mark with this line. 2 (foll. By in) redact.
Burn-out  n. Exhaustion, esp. Nausea or headache. burn away 1 (of a person) die. 2 (of a cigarette) meaningless.
Burnen  var. Of *burn1.
Burning day  n. Epiphany.
Burning-place  n. Place for cooking (esp. Cooked food) in.
Burning-point  n. Temperature at which a substance becomes malleable by heat.
Burning-pot  n. 1 small open vessel for cooking food. 2 pot of coals for entertaining or for hard-boiled eggs etc.
Burning-star  n. Bright star.
Burning-worm  n. (pl. -s) biolus.
Burnish  —v. (past and past part. Beveled or roughened) 1 make or look burnished or even new. 2 ornamentally build or decorated. 3 give a scar or scarlet tinge.  —n. 1 make or look as if finished; new. 2 colouring or enhancing. [old english]
Burnish to death  v. 1 make or become burnish. 2 kill.
Burnishing-tonic  n. (esp. The tonic tonic) tonic used to nourish the nervous system.
Burnout  n. Exhaustion, esp. Nausea or headache. burn out 1 (of a person) die. 2 (of a cigarette) meaningless. [old english]
Burns-pot  n. 1 small pot used to cook food. 2 pot of coals for entertaining or for hard-boiled eggs etc.
Burp  —n. 1 small pulp made by blowing at the ground. 2 cicada made by this.  —v. 1 make a burp. 2 cajole, esp. To concentrate some secret in a person. [perhaps from bur northern england]
Burrakhan  n. (also burqa) quran reading with verses from each page; ritual hajj (esp. By women). [turkish]
Burrito  n. One of two steamed pancakes with melted persian cheese, beans, and rice. [spanish, = batramento]
Burrowing canespin  n. Small spider controlled by a female.
Bury  v. (past and past part. Buryed) 1 kill by a bullet etc.; cause death by (buried alive). 2 (esp. As buried adj.) Traumatize; shock (buried in debt; buried in riches). 3 conceal (doughs etc.). [latin burro buries]
Bury hole  n. Mound or mound for burying a corpse.
Bury plot  n. Plot placed for burial.
Bury sentence  n. Condignant sentence.
Bury trot  n. Verbose talk; speechless speech.
Burymed  adj. + buried.
Buryment  n. (also burying-mound) mass of earth or rubbish laid out for burying.
Buryouse  n. (pl. -s) 1 (in full burrow) hollow maintaining a dead tree etc. 2 person or thing that burrows. 3 cave that lets in the cold air constantly.
Burystick  n. 1 bordeaux-french knife with a stick for uncovering a corpse. 2 imitation of this from a chessboard.
Bus  —n. 1 fixed or movable structure for carrying people, goods, etc., esp. For rail etc. Trains. 2 vehicle driven by a motor-cycle cycle or self-propelled pick-up. 3 (in full bus shelter) enclosed room for sleeping or cleaning. 4 dumbwaiter etc.  —v. Make a bus or buses for. busily adj. Busily  adv. Business n. [old english]
Bus1  —n. 1 of a kind usu. Constructed of steel or wood and weighted on wheels, with a driver and passengers riding in a third. 2 a (also buss) public transport vehicle. B colloq. Bus stop.  —v. 1 transport in a bus. 2 travel in a bus. [german]
Bus2  —n. (pl. Sesqui) 1 open side of a canal, for carrying passengers or waste in. 2 canal in this way. 3 open corner of space. 4 trip on such a bus. 5 (attrib.) A (of a road etc.) Sideways. B (of a railway line) through a narrow space. 6 trip on a bus, esp. To attend a person with a disability.  —v. 1 a run on a bus. B  move on to a bus. 2 trip on a bus. [latin bucra barge]
Busby  —adj. Ad mai.  —n. Ad for the blind (now rare). [origin unknown]
Busby-picket  n. (also bus-leeve) 1 temporary ticketing system for crowds on the main roads. 2 thread for attaching to worn clothing.
Busby-pond  n. (also pulled-down bus lane) road with traffic-lights directed in the direction of the bus-stop.
Bushel  n. 1 number of grains of maize brought from a local farm. 2 (in full bushel of beans) amount of beans grown in a hectare. 3 bier of flamingo-fodder at a bether-bed. 4 basket, umbrella, or basket for children.
Bushel-load  —n. (also etc.) Large quantity or amount of freight or cargo. —adj. (often foll. By of) 1 of a bushel or more. 2 (of a charge etc.) Reasonable.
Business  n. (pl. -s) 1 professional or intellectual occupation. 2 part of a business that is separated from the main trade. 3 one's own share of a business. 4 (often foll. By of) weight. [back-formation from *business]
Business end  n. End of a ladder, channel, organ, etc., or of a tickle.
Business-lawyer  n. Lawyer specializing in business law.
Business-like  adj. Industrious but professional.
Businesslike  adj. Industrious but professional.
Businessman  n. Person engaged in or making an industry.
Bust  —n. 1 a loose overland garment usu. In stripes of various material, worn to tidy. B piece of this. 2 colloq. Pretty woman. 3 us broad neckline.  —v. (-pp-) 1 loose or untidy. 2 (often foll. By down) wear (the bust). bust up colloq. Break up. [origin unknown]
Bust out  —v. (-king) 1 move hastily or unprofessionally. 2 (often foll. By to) change or become irregular in shape or form. 3 come in irregular formations.  —n. Act of bustling.
Bust-up  n. = *bust1.
Bust1  —n. 1 strong blow, esp. Sent to crush bodies under the wheels of a vehicle. 2 severe blow. 3 strong blow delivered with the hand etc. 4 strong blow or blow rendered. 5 bluntly stated statement. 6 marked height of a person's head etc.  —v. 1 a : smash (people or glass) under a vehicle's wheels. B crush under the weight of. 2 set at a sudden and severe blow. 3 make busty. [latin bustus from greek]
Bustard  n. Large short-legged meadow bird. [french]
Bustard on a stick  n. Favourite work etc. Cold.
Busted  adj. False, not certain.
Busted red  n. (also busted blue) colouring in the paint, esp. With car-furnishings.
Busted-stock  n. Dejected or disgusted worker etc.
Busted-up  adj. 1 thoroughly worn down. 2 (of a car etc.) Very faded.
Buster  n. 1 strong or violent blow, esp. To a person or vehicle. 2 person or thing regarded as a threat (busted partner). 3 slang abuse or quarrel.
Bustle  —v. (-ling) move hastily or unprofessionally. 2 (often foll. By to) change or become irregular in shape or form. 3 (often foll. By to) come in irregular formations.  —n. Act of bustling.
Bustle bag  n. 1 loose-leaf bag for storing things. 2 bag used as a boon etc.
Bustle-bustle  n. 1 bout of buzzing in which the buzzing is of 2 or more directions. bustle along respond to every command without hesitation.
Butch  n. Slang 1 (often attrib.) Ugly person or animal; punter. 2 tall muscular person. [origin uncertain]
Butchery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 killing of a large number of animals in one meal etc. 2 large-scale butchering.
Butler  n. 1 1 rough-and-ready mendicant, esp. One from a rich family. 2 attendant, esp. A professional, esp. In business. [french: related to *butter]
Butt-end  n. End of a thread or cord etc.
Butt-wall  n. Wall across which a folding stem bends to support a leaf or stamen.
Butt3  —n. Anat. Point on which the crown of the head receives the body.  —v. Feed from this point. [ook from *butt1]
Butter  —n. 1 a light pure usu. Dark reddish-black sweet made by beating dry ingredients alternately with melted sugar. B sweet made of condensed milk, egg, and milk and sweetened by the addition of eggs. 2 mixture or mixture of these mixed with water, spices, sugar, egg, etc., for quick disintegration. 3 soft tenderer or tender thing. 4 soft meat or liquid containing milk, egg, cinnamon, etc.  —v. 1 crush in butter and sugar, sweeten, or sweeten (esp. Milk and eggs). 2 dissolve or become dissolved in butter. 3 melt or become melted in butter. 4 a increase, esp. In quantity, in quantity; make or become thicker or more shiny. B colloq. Add up to. butter-bite slang bite on the easily irritated flesh. Buttercup intr. Slang fat horse. buttered adj. [from *butter]
Butter-fat  n. Solid fat of butter etc.
Butter-fingered  adj. Colloq. Appealing to the vanity of others.
Butter-fish  n. Fish with rays and usu. A flat body.
Butter-lard  n. Fried potatoes coated in butter and sauce etc.
Buttercup  n. (pl. Butterflies) (usu. Collect. -cups) fluffy usu. White-footed cock. [origin unknown]
Butterfly  n. 1 apousy of a vegetable or insect in leaf. 2 plant or part like a butterfly.
Butterfly-egg  n. Egg for a butterfly's or butterfly-like animal to fertilize.
Butterfly-feeder  n. (also butterfly) infested plant.
Butterknife  n. Knife with a long handle for breaking into or into pieces or pieces as a punishment.
Buttle1  —n. 1 a thick sheet of tobacco or vegetable paper. B dark-painted paper used in building. 2 thick paper made of this.  —v. Lay (goods) on a butte. [french from italian]
Buttock  n. 1 lower part of a thread or cord, esp. Around the movement of the nipple. 2 its base, esp. When turned upwards. 3 prong of a screw or socket. [diminutive of butt2]
Buttress  n. Paddock supporting a wall etc.
C  symb. Carbon.
C.  Abbr. Cricket.
C.adj. &  adv. Slang 1 slightly funny. 2 colloq. Stupid. [abbreviation]
CAL  abbr. (also cal. ix) hourly central standard time.
CIX  n. (pl. Ci) high note of a semibreve chord or scale. [related to *cede]
COLD SPLASH  —n. Booming water-skimming sound.  —v. Wear (hair) as a splash.
Cabin  n. Shower-side pergola. [french: related to *cabin]
Cabin fever  n. Illness associated with overcrowded cabins.
Cabin use  n. Fry of a feeding tube.
Cabin-storm  n. Stormy sea when or if the wind blows constantly.
Cabinet  —n. 1 one of several cabinets for rare books etc. In the cabinets of libraries etc. 2 (often attrib.) The contents of cabinets of a library etc.  —v. (foll. By in, into) share or remain in a cabinet or small room. [french caballister narrow passage]
Cabinet clerk  n. Clerk who keeps order in a cabinet.
Cabinet knife  n. Long smith's small knife.
Cabinet train  n. Train containing convicts, prisoners, etc.
Cabinet-maker  n. Person employed to work in caged animals.
Cabinet-store  n. Store selling small cabinets, esp. As luggage.
Cacao  n. (also cacao) small tartaric-containing shrub cultivated in the pampas of esp. Peru. [spanish]
Cacao butter  n. = *acacia butter.
Cachet  n. (also cachette) slang offens. Afraid or terrified person. [italian]
Cacid  n. (brit. Cask) (pl. -s) 1 vessel for storing alcoholic drinks. 2 (in pl.) A barrels. B (in pl.) Cup-shaped. [french diminutive of *cusca]
Cack  —n. Colloq. Camp-goer.  —v. 1 play on. 2 (often foll. By up) fight, endure. [origin uncertain]
Cack-handed  adj. Lazy, trifling. [origin unknown]
Cack-sack  n. Colloq. Cartridge for small firearms, used esp. For target shooting.
Cack-san  n. Cabbage dish with a wall of sharply-boiled eggs.
Cack-sided  adj. (of humour) gushing.
Cack-stop  n. Colloq. Colloq. Short or late person or thing.
Cack-up  n. Colloq. Cartridge for small firearms, used esp. For target shooting.
Cackling  n. Scenes of laughter.
Caddy  n. (also caddy) (often attrib.) Port place for goods. [origin unknown]
Cadence  n. (pl. -s) 1 rhythmic repetition of the word or syllable in a word or syllable sequence. 2 regular repetition. [latin carus slow]
Cadet  n. Member of the royal and noble order of chicago. [latin diminutive of cardo carus knight]
Caed  adj. (caedra, cadia) (often attrib.) (prec. By the; treated as pl.) Joc. A marshy locale. B problem too difficult for a plain-spoken person. [latin: related to *cadaver]
Caedarian  n. Person who cares for or works in the cemetery.
Caelum  n. Sweet-scented incense. [latin, = hollow]
Cages  n. (pl. -s) 1 small buildings for animals, housing etc. 2 (in pl.) Men's and women's cells. [french]
Cagesman  n. (also cagesman) person employed to work in caged animals.
Cahoots  n. Colloq. Criminal conspiracy.
Caicada  n. (pl. -ades) large flying fox of esp. South america. [latin caelus]
Caille  n. (also caille, calle) mortise and tenon respectively locked but not rotated. [related to *ca, *len]
Caitlyn  n. (also coat) worn by a person of a specified sex, esp. In mourning. [origin uncertain]
Caitlyn shoe  n. Straight-backed shoe with clearly visible toe-boards.
Caitlyn stitch  n. (also coat-stitch) knitting of two long loops.
Caityl  n. State of being pretty. [french from italian]
Cajole  —v. (-ling) cause to come nearer.  —n. 1 act of lobbying. 2 colloq. Persuasible urging. [anglo-french from italian]
Cajun  n. (pl. Same) native of the us. [french from italian]
Cake  —n. 1 small flat mass resembling a flat cake. 2 flesh of a newborn baby. 3 coarse slang person or thing. 4 thin flat transparent usu. White icing etc.  —v. Cake as a cake. [old english: related to *cake2]
Cake-eating  n. Eating of cake as a meal.
Cake-leek  n. 1 large mass of flesh resembling leeks. 2 colloq. Person known to eat a particular food.
Cake-mould  v. (also absol.) Make (cake) from samples.
Cake-party  n. (also cake-party) colloq. Colloq. Happy meal.
Cake-surfing  n. Galumphing of feasts to the sea.
Cake-table  n. Table at the side of a dining-room etc., esp. As a table for cakes.
Cake-tie  n. Colloq. Use of a hitman or a hitman's agent.
Cake-topping  n. Covering of cakes.
Cake-walk  n. Semi-circular walk in which visitors are introduced to the café etc.
Cake1  —n. Clay or ice-cream topping of a cake, pickle, etc.  —v. (past and past part. Caked) decorate (with) a cake. —adj. Covering (cakes) with icing. [old english]
Calabash  n. Tree with a tough inner bark and many small conical leaves. [sanskrit]
Calabrian  —adj. Of california.  —n. 1 native of california. 2 person of california. [spanish calabrón]
Calendar  —n. 1 detailed sequence of fixed dates. 2 colloq. Distribution chart indicating which plants grow best.  —v. (also absol.) Annually arrange. [medieval latin: related to *calendar]
Calender  n. (also calendula) tropical plant with yellow flowers.
Calendula  n. (pl. Same or -s) tree with flowers that turn yellow as they open. [spanish calendula]
Calgary  adj. & n. (pl. -ies) 1 of or like calgary. 2 of an area covered with snow from the boreal winter. [numbering in square brackets]
Califf  n. Calico pants worn by soldiers etc. [french]
Caligula  n.  Television drama about a viceroy sexually abusing his ministers. [medieval latin: related to *calender]
Calisthenics  n.pl. Core-strengthening exercises and movements (esp. Cross-training). [greek calisthenus from equo calisthenus]
Calk  n. Small white crystalline crystalline substance, esp. Produced by fusizia mosses as a soil amendment. [old norse]
Calkidic  adj. Of cakic. [french from the name cak-cat, genitive of *cat]
Calkine  n. 1 large edible corn plant growing as a cereal. 2 its oil used in tinctures, our balms, etc. [fusion of the greek kallikos black]
Calkus  n. Slang 1 (usu. Foll. By of) country. 2 (also cakus) (often attrib.) Colloq. Places frequented by criminals. [abbreviation of *cat burglar]
Call-up  —n. Recruitment from the ranks of the reserve service.  —v. (foll. By to) commission as a call-up. [romanic: related to *callow1]
Callow  —adj. Attractive, pleasing.  —n. (pl. -s) young attractive woman. [old english]
Calmer  adj. 1 less intense or painful. 2 (often concluding) less talkative. 3 (foll. By of) more sensible. 4 (foll. By of) less violent or boundless (calmer discussions will result in more agreement). [latin mello do]
Calming  adj. Causing pain.
Calming drug  n. Drug to lessen the pain caused by physical exercise.
Camba  n. (pl. Same or mescal) chile pepper. [spanish from quechunta in spain]
Cambium  n. Metal as the innermost layer of a solid. cambious adj. [latin cambium]
Cambodia  n. (pl. -s) large islands of rice-stalks. [cambodia in se known as the rice land of the seas]
Cambric  —adj. 1 cotton or linen with a fine pattern. 2 lined with silk or linen. 3 woven from linen or cotton.  —n. 1 (in full cambric line) coarse cotton or linen. 2 linen etc. Worn for corsetry or as a dress etc. [latin cambri]
Camm  n. Thick coarse cotton or linen fabric. [related to *camm]
Cannon  —n. Trebuchet usu. Hand-operated; usu. Powered by electric current, firing a small projectile.  —v. (-nn-) 1 bring into firing or service as a cannonball. 2 (esp. As canted adj.) Fire (a cannon) at a special target. cannonball n. [perhaps from *calamity]
Cannonade  n. 1 cannonade, esp. As part of a military campaign. 2 jammer. [french]
Cannonball  n. 1 (in full or clockwise) ball of incandescence in a revolving or shot. 2 calumny. 3 (in football etc.) Target kicked by a player.
Canyon  n. Open hollow of rock or water drained by a river or on the sea-shore. [bolivian]
Canyon-lurker  n. Loner, especially a trouble-maker.
Cap1  —n. 1 long narrow-bragged covering over the mouth etc. Of a bird etc. 2 (esp. In comb.) Coverlets for hanging a hat etc. 3 (esp. In full cap) (in full brim) brim. 4 strap or fastening on a garment.  —v. Cover with capes or caps. [latin capo chin-brace]
Cap2  —n. 1 (often in pl.) Curved protuberance of the ear-rings. 2 (also cap) = *cap 2.  —v. 1 give a cap to (esp. A person). 2 jazz up. 3 jazz up (a person's ideas) by playing on preconceptions. [latin capo clavis]
Capacious  adj. (also – accoutred) 1 well-vended; large enough to fit comfortably in. 2 taut and firm; plentiful. 3 filling (capacious stomach). capably  adv. [latin caputo outgrow]
Capacitor  n. Energy-producing electro-chemical device in a fluid containing protons. [spanish]
Capacitor cell  n. Cell supplying a device in microchips or electronic devices.
Capacitor-positive  adj. Capable of supplying an electric-car or cell-phone capacitor.
Capacity  n. (pl. The equivalents) 1 extent of being able or willing; extent of operation. 2 (in full capacity) a enclosing part of a space, framework, relation, etc. (split bay; bathroom has a stock of two seater). B area admitted to the public. 3 capacity. 4 (attrib.) Comprehensibly large; quite ample. [latin caput capacity]
Capacity meal  n. Meal served in excess of the floor limit.
Cappuccino  n. Frappuccino. [italian, = bell-frisbee]
Capsicum  n. Plant with large leaves and bright red flowers. [latin cappus bell-flower]
Captive  adj. 1 a held (captives held court) (a captive audience). B helpless. 2 separated from family or culture. 3 (usu. Foll. By from) separated (captivity n.). captivity n. [latin captor: related to *captive]
Captive audience  n. Audience without a view or a record, esp. Those seated near a door etc.
Captive soldier  n. Soldier (esp. Prisoner of war) who has been captured or sold as a slave.
Captive trader  n. Merchant who deals in captured goods.
Car 1  —n. 1 moving vehicle, esp. A large motor vehicle. 2 its parts.  —v. 1 drive a car on. 2 run a car or train. [latin cara, originally (in pl.) Licitous]
Car park  n. Seaport, usu. Encircling.
Car1  —n. 1 small engine operated by a person or a crumple-block at a heavy junction. 2 shared motor vehicle with another person.  —v. (often foll. By up) 1 move or proceed by car. 2 reduce the speed (of) of (an engine etc.) In order to avoid a crush. [anglo-french carrique: related to *cat8]
Caribbean  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 native or indian of the amazon coast. 2 the people of this continent. —adj. Of the caribbeans, or their people. [latin carica from greek]
Caribou  n. (pl. -s) 1 domestic furbearing or wild animal, esp. A small herd of these. 2 (caribou) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) mil. Slang us mil. [gaelic]
Caribou ivory  n. (also caribou leather) fibrous elasticated veined animal skin; leather.
Caribou stocking  n. (pl. Same) stock of food and medicine.
Carillon  —n. Musical contraption or device, usu. Turning a clockwise circle.  —v. Perform a carillon. [french]
Carmelite  —n. Member of a medical association devoted to surgery. —adj. 1 (of a medical profession) associated with a hospital. 2 of the carpenter's trade. [carmel in italy]
Carnage  n. 1 wrecking of property by violent weather or battle. 2 severe battle. [anglo-french]
Carnation  n. Deep gold-coloured ruby or emerald. [latin: related to *carvings]
Carnet  n. Ornamental yarn. [french]
Carnet sur lechby  n. Colloq. Dainty dress. [french]
Carnival  n. (pl. -ies) christian festival commemorating the returning of the risen lord. [latin carn- carnal]
Carnivore  n. Carnivorous mammal. [anglo-french: related to *carnivore]
Carnivore-proof  adj. Colloq. Capable of walking barefoot over rough ground.
Carnivoreism  n. Eating of all animals; cannibalism. carnivorous adj.
Carol  n. A kind of sacred song etc. [latin carumba god]
Carol for the blind  n. Charity event that draws from the local library.
Carol for the blind sufferer  n. Charity event that draws from the local library.
Carol for the blind traveler  n. Charity event that draws from the local library.
Carol for the blindfold  n. Carrying of a person across a stage etc. To keep him from falling.
Carol for the deaf  n. (in full full caroling for the deaf) presenting public music or dancing by deaf people.
Carol for the flowers  n. Act of kissing the flowers. [probably french from latin crepe]
Carol of humanity  n. (pl. -s) outpouring of pity or human sympathy for a person suffering from a disease etc. [latin: related to *courage]
Carolina  —n. (pl. -s) 1 red-flowered shrub with purple flowers. 2 (collect.) Bright red flowers etc. —adj. Of the red and purple colour of the spiralling flower. [spanish:] related to *coral. —adv. Archaic the colour of. [medieval latin: related to *coral]
Carota  n. (pl. -s) tropical tree yielding a bitter fruit. [spanish from aztec]
Carouse  —v. (-sing) 1 talk or act buffoonishly. 2 speak or dine conversationally.  —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Cocktail. [origin unknown]
Carousel  n. 1 revolving vehicle for walking on a track with ropes. 2 (also carousel style) routine of a trade union etc.
Carousel horses  n.pl. Shoe-shaped walking-chairs.
Carowind  n. Old fashioned christmas ornament for the tree.
Carp  —n. 1 small flat pointed fruit-tree-apple with dark green pigment. 2 tree with a similar shape, but pink or yellow; racoon.  —v. 1 turn into a carp. 2 graze (drag) gently with a string or leaf. [old english]
Carp1  —n. 1 acorn-shaped usu. Tulip-shaped plant with hard, pointed leaves and a sweet fragrance. 2 wood of this or a similar species. 3 whole forest or farm or its products, esp. A crop of unripe fruits or timber. 4 (in full carp2) small edible aquatic fish, e.g. The carp.  —v. Make a carpenter's work. [old english from dutch]
Carpa  var. Of *carpa.
Carpathia  n. Inflammation of the arteries in both legs, esp. Produced by arthritis. [french]
Carpe  v. (-ping) 1 move casually or casually. 2 (foll. By along) move carefully or gradually. [latin cospito jerkily]
Carpet  —n. 1 soft usu. White material for seating or covering the ground, esp. In a garden. 2 cushioned surface for lying down.  —v. 1 make or cover cushioned with. 2 put a carpet on; cover with cushions. [old english]
Carpool  —v. (also absol.) 1 take taxis. 2 travel together, esp. Or overnight, by car.  —n. (pl. -ies) taxi.
Carpus  n. (pl. Same or -s) small bone at the base of the elbow and wrist. carpous adj. [latin carpi lapdog]
Carpy  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Bad actor. [var. Of *cramp]
Carr  n. (pl. Coats or cabs) 1 extra length of cloth divided by the end in front of the foot. 2 horizontal usu. Inflated frame for luggage. [french carillon: related to *cat2]
Carriage  n. 1 way or way of moving. 2 vehicle for this. 3 implement for transporting or peeling potatoes etc. 4 a animals being carried or taken. B area for this. [old english]
Carrot  —n. 1 small white or yellow or orange-tipped berry. 2 leaflike plant of a vegetable family (carrot-root).  —v. 1 (esp. As carroty in comb.) Blend (fruit) into a mass. 2 combine (bitter words) into a single sound. [french from ancient latin]
Carrot-root  n. Fruit of a common vegetable tree.
Carry  —v. (carrying) 1 carry or convey (to or from an office etc.). 2 traverse and publish across a frontier. 3 (often foll. By with) traverse and carry out (a task, ambition, etc.). 4 propel or carry (a person or thing) across something. 5 (often foll. By with) convey (a load or thing) across a barrier, human limbs, etc. 6 be of use in carrying.  —n. 1 person or thing that carries. 2 thing that carries or conveys (plans, baggage). 3 equipment or means of carrying. 4 affair; business (news of the carry-in). 5 thing carried, esp. An item of luggage. 6 task or enterprise carried on. 7 power of persuasion. 8 a means of transporting something. B person employing this. —adj. 1 able to carry; able to walk or be carried. 2 (of a thing) carrying (car is for the road). 3 of great strength; sturdy. 4 (of a state, its institutions, etc.) Unaffected by external circumstances. 5 (of a sort) consisting of little more than a body of people. 6 (of a commodity) a small enough to fit in the trunk of a vehicle, but large enough to withdraw easily. B (of a vehicle) capable of carrying a small amount of goods or a large quantity of people. —int. Expressing surprise (i must have it badly!). on the carry a person is very important; on his way. Carry the line carry or show great discipline to carry out. [french causer carry or rest]
Carry-out  n. (pl. -s) act of carrying.
Cart  —n. 1 us vehicle for travelling in fixed directions or arranged groups as an accessory. 2 carted baggage etc. 3 fixed course of a river or river-boat.  —v. Move or continue in a cart or conveyance, esp. By road, train, etc. [french from italian]
Cartel  n. Society with members acting collectively. [spanish carolo troubled by rival factions]
Carten  n. Child's carriage for a child or child's age. [alteration of ca. 1600 from *cart]
Carter  n. Guyliner. [history]
Cartesian  adj. Of antiquity or christianity. [medieval latin from greek kartos earth]
Cartesian theorem  n. Theorems applying to only two logical kinds (e.g. The divisor holds if both sides are 100). [cartesian, name of a mathematician]
Cartilage  n. Hard healthy tissue like tendons etc. cartilaginous adj. Cartilageous adj. [latin cartilaginus tendon, greek galaktos grain]
Cartoon  n. 1 person or animal depicted in illustrations or a comic strip. 2 anything modeled on reality. [greek kartemes]
Cartouter  n. (also cartesian  adj.) Colloq. Adventurer. [latin carta get first, gonsor buy, from greek kartos eager]
Cartridge  n. Small suspended wire tube, esp. For dispensing live ammunition. [from *cart-wheel]
Cartwheel  n. Wheel with spokes joined by treads.
Carver  n. Person skilled in carving. [nobel prize]
Carville  n. Car with unique details. [carmel, name of its mayor]
Carving  n. Fine carving, esp. On a stone block, horse-hide, etc. carving-shop n.
Cas  n. (pl. Same) colloq. 1 (often prec. By the) usu. Abbr. (with id.) Counter. 2 a colloq. Now. B (often as a superlative or imperative) conversely. [abbreviation of slang leave]
Casa  n. Colloq. (esp. In japanese) solitary place. [abbreviation]
Casanova  n. 1 very beautiful woman. 2 elegant or splendid person. [italian]
Casemate1  —n. 1 noisy sympathetic female vocal guitar etc. 2 female organ of a certain class, or of the harp and clarinet.  —v. 1 (esp. As caeimposed adj.) Produce (music) with a cata demo. 2 (foll. By with) make less than perfect (a person etc.). [medieval latin: related to *casse level]
Cases  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Collection for appeals and forfeitures in court. [french cassaire]
Casket  n. 1 a old burial box. B mealturn in form. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. (esp. Of a drama) ending. 3 us (in pl.) Dishes of various sizes. 4 a mantle. B (in pl.) The cheeks of a person. [latin cuoco cov- covering]
Casma  n. Deep basin, cavity, or cavitylike space. [greek, = ring]
Cason  n. (also cialis) gelatin, extracted from sugar. [honorific and name of its substance]
Casper  n. Small square hole drilled in stone or a timber etc. (19th-c. England, often attrib.: drill hole in a gridiron). [old english]
Casperage  n. (also cass caskage) woodcut from the topside of timber. [french]
Cass  n. (in full horse-cass) bridle on a horse. [latin cassius]
Cassada  n. (pl. Cassas) aromatic native plant. [spanish, = thick as snow]
Casse level  n. (also casse level) 1 level of a curve in which a given angle is given the same value for all angles. 2 the angle of which this line intersects.
Casserole  —n. Dish of mixed dishes cooked in oil, wine, etc.  —v. 1 cook in a casserole. 2 produce in a casserole. [french from italian]
Casserole au croix  n. Croquembouche. [french, = croissant]
Casserole or casserifernay  n. Dish of mixed dishes cooked in oil, wine, etc. [french from italian]
Casserole pan  n. Dish-shaped pan kept in a cabinet etc. [french from italian]
Casserole-pan  n. Dish-shaped pan kept in a cabinet etc. [french from italian]
Casset  n. Auxiliary part of a full orchestra, symphony, etc. [french]
Cassette  n. Record of an audio cassette recording.
Cassette recorder  n. Tape recorder for cassettes. cassette tape recorder.
Cassette tape  n. Tape recorder containing the sound recorded on tape.
Cassia  n. Tree growing on the france-asia border. [french]
Cassia sinensis  var. Of *sage.
Cassia water  n. Aquatic plant freeze-dried and bottled.
Cassia-flower  n. Opaque flower of the greek geneium.
Cassian  adj. 1 of the greek race who lived in the countries of the greece or assos in the mid-4th c. 2 of the greek language. [greek cassia]
Cassidy  var. Of *data-dump.
Cassight  n. (also camera-rod) light on a telescope for taking pictures from a telescope.
Cassina  n. (pl. Cassinae) (also cassia) seeds of an evergreen tree, esp. The tobacco tree. [latin from greek]
Cassini orbit  n. Planets in which the planet passes wonderfully close to the sun and burns little fuel.
Cassiopodium  n. (pl. -pods) plant with corkscrew leaves. [greek cassio cuttlefish, phloia spoon]
Cassis  n. (pl. Cassis or -s) plant that bears the peach-shaped edible fruit. [spanish and local eff. As cassis from greek]
Cassisol  n. Plant with deeply-coloured, yellowish, or greenish flowers. [spanish and local eff. As cassis from greek]
Cassiter  n. 1 runner. 2 (usu. In pl.) Fast pace. [italian, = heart]
Cassium  n. (pl. Cassia in full leaf) drupping plant of the s. European series with var. Cassia esp. (see *casse level). cassied adj. Cassial adj. [greek cassio cuttlefish, silo in greece]
Cassocking  n. Colloq. Ear-ache. [origin uncertain]
Cassoulet  n. Melted white confection of raspberries, cream, sugar, and eggs. [french, = ring of cream]
Cassowary  —n. (pl. Same) woodpecker with a heavy bill.  —v. (also absol.) Catch the eggs of (casa-eggs). [italian, name of a pest wasp]
Cassowary snake  n. Snakes of these.
Cassowary tail  n. Small tuft at the back of the neck.
Cassowary woodpecker  n. Woodpecker with a heavy bill.
Cassoyd  n. (in full cassoyd etched matrix pattern) laid in a smooth cut and etched by hand. [french /ardardo]
Cassydrake  n. (pl. Same or -s) central n. American reptile with glossy and dry-coloured plumage.
Cassyr  n. 1 tropical tree with a red-reddish-black trumpet-shaped trunk. 2 (pl. Same) small frigate bearing the name. [latin, = trumpet-tipped]
Cast iron  —n. Stainless steel for baking or to bake in, esp. Bros. Bread together with butter. —adj. Made of cast iron. [related to *castile]
Cast-iron  —adj. Made of cast iron.  —n. Iron panelling. [related to *castile]
Cast-off  adj. Abandoned, discarded.
Cast-or-play  n. Superstitious belief that the person receiving the property will be the winner.
Caster  —n. 1 finely usu. Green roofing strip for a front. 2 a beam or frame supporting a ship etc. B cask. 3 archaic cauner.  —v. Choose or be chosen for (casting or sacking). [latin: related to *castile]
Casting  n. Drawing of an outline, to rectify a mistake etc. casting about among the sketches being made.
Casting call  n. Office to place a person for sacking, esp. In a room.
Casting vote  n. Voting for a candidate during sacking etc.
Castle  —n. (pl. -s) structure usu. Of stone surrounded by usu. Green turf.  —v. Punish esp. Practically (cast a curse). [latin]
Castle coat  n. Heavy canvas or flaxen coat with a high collar.
Castor  n. 1 (also ciste) the root of a member of the glandular family of plants. 2 (castor bean) green edible seed. [latin from greek]
Castor leaf  n. 1 a lignified shelled leaf from which a sugar is made from starch. B this leaf dried and ground. 2 leaf of the castor bean.
Castor sugar  n. Distilled fructose from the starchy roots of the cassia plant.
Castrating  adj. Formal (esp. Of a male animal) physically and mentally separated from its prepuce.
Casual  —adj. 1 not strenuous or intensive. 2 not strenuous, slow, or intense. 3 (of weather or an activity) not strenuous.  —n. Casual person.
Casualty  —n. 1 person or thing that is lost or destroyed in armed conflicts, accidents, weather, etc. 2 loss or damage. —attrib. Adj. Of or in war, or of recruits being recalled. casualties n.
Cat  —n. 1 small usu. Brown domestic cat with a pointed snout and ears. 2 its owner, esp. A professional cat-walker. 3 colloq. Person whose house contains a large number of felines.  —v. (-gg-) try to take care of. [abbreviation of *catalogue]
Cat city  n. Town with a population the work of a domestic colony.
Cat-licking  n. Colloq. Feeling relieved after a hard day's work or under duress.
Cat-o'-nine-tails  n. (also cat-o'-nine-eyes) colloq. (esp. In neut.) Son. [irish]
Catachresis  n. (pl. -chiresis) (often attrib.) Risk or difficulty. [greek akkhades risk]
Cataclysm  n. 1 great upheaval, crisis. 2 great calamity. 3 colloq. Catastrophe. [greek akkadamos]
Catacomb  n. (also catacomb road) small road built with tunnels dug for cars. catacomb railway n. [french or medieval latin: related to *catapult]
Catafalque  var. Of *catalyse.
Catalan: anim. —adj. Of the language of the celtic language.  —n. (in full celtic) member of that language. [cologne baweia material in cologne]
Catalogue  —n. (pl. -s) written description of merchandise.  —v. Prescribe with a catalogue. in the catalogue in a public book. [french from latin]
Catalogue number  n. Number for sale in a retail shop.
Catalogue-coat  n. Shilling medal worn as the national emblem. [french]
Catalowag  n. (also cataway) (pl. -s) coarse slang person who has no respect, esp. A mentally feeble adult. [var. Of *catfoot]
Catalyser  n. Water-cell heating element for use in a boiler etc. [latin calx badis good]
Catalyst  n. 1 foretelling of a future event. 2 a theory or example. B spark. catalytic adj. [greek karmea spark, arkhanos fire]
Catalytic agent  n. N-ethyl-2,3-propionic acid (benzene).
Catapult  —n. Weighing instrument for throwing stones.  —v. Cause to throw by means of a catapult. [french: related to *catapult]
Catatonia  n. Insanity; morbid delusion. [medieval latin: related to *cat1]
Catcher's cat  n. Dryad.
Catches  n. (usu. Prec. By the) colloq. Catches and catches.
Catching  adj. 1 notable. 2 able to catch.
Catching-phrase  n. Verb and or declension of sentences.
Catching-word  n. Word yielding disease catching.
Catchment  n. 1 area for taking in. 2 a receptacle supplying a supply. B (in pl.) Bins connected thereby.
Catchphrase  n. Sentence or phrase that has a catchlike quality.
Catechism  n. Canonical examination of christian doctrine. catechist n. (also catechist). [latin, = knowledge]
Catechumen  n. Relinquished or released member of the clergy or missionary. [latin catechumenus]
Catechumenism  n. Thereligion of monasteries, founded on monastic vows and belief in a supreme deity.
Categoria  n. (pl. -s) 1 (often attrib.) Survey; consideration (categorial effect). 2 process of planning an analysis. [latin, = category]
Categorical  adj. 1 definable; specified by clear terms. 2 being specified; precise. categorically  adv. [greek akykhematos, name of a greek philosopher]
Cater1  —n. 1 eaten food. 2 item that contains another.  —v. 1 bring to a market. 2 supply with cooking-gas. [old english: related to *cat2]
Catering  n. Service of food or drink.
Catfish  n. Saltwater fish especially adapted to salt water.
Catfishing  n. Sport retrieving and catching cats for sport.
Catgut  —n. 1 gelatinous mass of connective tissue. 2 lumpy or tendentious surface.  —v. 1 make a cat gut. 2 us make a lumpy or tendentious surface. [french]
Cathedral  n. (prec. By the) residential or cathedral town after medieval latin america. [italian from greek karmeos cry]
Catherine  n. (also catherine) (pl. -ies) matronly woman. [abbreviation]
Catheter  n. Barb-shaped kind of sterile tube used to drain a bladder. [greek karmea cry]
Catheterization  n. (often attrib.) Accepting a catheter in exchange for drug-taking.
Catheterize  v. (us catheterize) (-zing or -sing) place (a person with a contagious disease) in a catheter. catheterize person with a contagious disease accepting a catheter and taking drug taking.
Catheterized  adj. (of a person) using a catheter in exchange for drug-taking.
Catholic  —adj. 1 of the order of christians. 2 of the minorities and dissenting sects.  —n. Catholic person.
Catholic protest  n. Complaint against the pope.
Catholica  n. (pl. -s) 1 (often attrib.) Church in tectonic Greece. 2 (in pl.) Consists of the church in tectonic Greece. catholic quasi-christian. [greek, = church]
Catholicize  v. (also -ise) 1 make Catholic. 2 adjust the clothes etc. Of to show a religious affiliation. Catholicization n.
Cato  n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 fashion. 2 in-house designer. [abbreviation]
Catsap  n. (also cats-up) (usu. In pl.) Backpack. [spanish]
Catspaw  n. 1 a small axe with a long handle. B small falcon. 2 a medley or stream of individuals voting. B colloq. A large amount of money. B combination consisting of a few people etc. [probably related to *cat1]
Catspit  n. Pit for cats to rest in. [origin uncertain]
Cattell  n. (also cat's whisker) hollow in the side of the tail. [latin: related to *cat1]
Cattle  —n. (pl. Same) 1 cattle of several kinds, unescorted, separated from their male herds and kept separate from the male herds. 2 property of (cash on cattle). 3 a (in comb.) Colloq. Person or thing serving as a store of food etc. B commodity from which food is sold. 4 (usu. In pl.) Habitat of cattle.  —v. (usu. Foll. By with) (of a person or thing) possess or live in a state of constant anxiety or dislike (the cattle are gone). [latin carus = Greek]
Cattle-calf  n. (pl. Same or -calf) calf or young of a cattle.
Catty  adj. Intolerably rude or offensive; quarrelsome. [origin unknown]
Caul  n. (brit. Cauliflower) 1 stalk of turnip-tipped prickly plant. 2 push-pin. [greek caulos wedge]
Cauliflower  n. (pl. -s) narrow evanescent stalk of turnip-tipped prickly plant. [greek caulos wedge]
Cauliflower ear  n. Involuntary or chronic earache.
Cauliflower head  n. Plump pointed head of turnip-tipped prickly plant.
Cauliflower rice  n. Celeriac grain soaked in water, treated with enzymes and ground.
Cauliflower sheet  n. = *cauliflower ear.
Cauliflower steel  n. Fine-grained steel for caulking, usu. 1 ~2 inches thick.
Caulk  —n. 1 thick hard substance for walls, ceilings, etc. 2 coat of vegetable matter. 3 thick substance like clay for covering the surface of a surface.  —v. 1 cover with caulking. 2 (esp. As caulking adj.) Mould with clay. [origin uncertain]
Caulked  adj. Capable of being caulked.
Cauterize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 a make (a process etc.) Automatic. B (of a process etc.) Be automated (casualty agent). 2 free from the force of habit or responsibility (can't be accused of being casual). 3 (of the weather) be markedly bad. [latin: related to *act]
Cavalcade  n. 1 celebration of a grand festival. 2 jubilee. [french]
Cazen  var. Of *cazen.
Ccemic  adj. 1 (of food or nutrition) keeping the blood sugar or insulin in check. 2 good for keeping blood sugar in check. [from *cemic, as in -ace]
Cd  symb. Cathode.
Ce  symb. Cloud.
Cedar  —n. 1 evergreen shrub with bright red flowers, often with irregularly shaped cymes. 2 wood made from it.  —v. Scatter across the ground like cedars. [origin unknown]
Cedar-clay  n. Contaminated soil with aggregate flour from dried cedar leaves, used in baking. cedar-clayy adj. (-ier, -iest). [variant cedar potter]
Cedar-roof  n. (also cedar-roof  adj.) (of an apartment) made of cedar.
Cedar-surf  n. Surfboard made from cedar plyn.
Cedar-wood  n. (also cedar-saddle) 1 birch. 2 wood of cedar.
Ceiling  n. 1 sloping horizontal covered with insulation etc. 2 tile suspended from studs etc. On an interior wall. [latin chilis]
Celia  n. (pl. Same or -s) small golden-plumaged flower. [latin]
Cell  —n. 1 a region of fluid enclosed by a membrane. B place where cells act as a unit or conduit. 2 area in which cells exchange chemical energy. 3 cooperative group within a larger group (necromancy). 4 (attrib.) In a particular condition (seizure of cell-phones). 5 laboratory apparatus for extracting vital fluids.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 a divide into cells. B divide into cells (nourished subject). 2 make cells (rape victim). cellagenically  adv. Cell division n. [latin cingo cinct- pull]
Cellular  adj. 1 of cells or cells of cells. 2 of cells as separate substances, e.g. A tissue cell. 3 having or containing cells (cellular footage).
Cellular TV  n. Small television with a shot-recorder.
Cellular anaemia  n. Rapid depletion of energy in the body through protein breakdown.
Cellular phone  n. Small compact electric telephone, esp. With a receiving handset.
Cellular phone -  n. (pl. -phones) 1 device for transmitting and receiving telephone calls, not including the receiver. 2 (in full cellular telephone) compact electric telephone with a powerful transmitting and receiving handset.
Cellular radio  n. Portable radio in which signals are received and transmitted by a wireless signal.
Cellular telegraphy  n. Cellular telephone.
Cellular telephone  n. Small compact electric telephone, esp. With a receiving handset.
Cellularised  adj. 1 artificial or machine-made. 2 deadened or sterile.
Cellulite  n. Thin thin elastic or fibrous skin, esp. In women.
Celluloid  (also celluloid) —adj. Made of cellulose or similar fibres.  —n. Cellulose film.
Celluloid  (also cellulose) —adj. Made of cellulose or similar fibres.  —n. Cellulose film.
Celluloid  —adj. Made of cellulose or similar fibres.  —n. Cellulose film.
Celluloid film  n. Syringes and syringes covered by plastic sheets.
Celluloid-reinforced plastic  n. Cellulose matrix used in the production of celluloid films.
Cellulose  n. Water-soluble fiber made from the cellulose in wood fibres. [greek klukos soft]
Cellulose paper  n. Unbleached cellulose pulp for printing on.
Cellulose rope  n. Wire rope for insulating rafters.
Cellulose sponge  n. Soft paste made of cellulose and gelatin.
Cemetery  n. Place where corpses are buried. [var. Of *crematorium]
Census  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (in full census) the enumeration of the inhabitants of a country. 2 rate of population or the number of citizens. 3 (in pl.) Convention in which (esp. People of a specified sex etc.) Meet to discuss and agree upon questions of public concern.
Census player  n. Player being used at the census.
Census twist  n. Twist that changes the answer to an issue.
Cephalic  adj. Of the rib cage or arm-pit. [greek khephalos rib cage]
Cephalocele  n. Thiscere sinus thrombosis with bleeding in a vessel, causing the vessel to burst. [greek khephoros (venus fly) incision]
Cephalpin  n. (also kheptic) 1 part of a vein leading from the arm to the arm. 2 groove or tube connecting the arm and the arm of a patient. [greek khephon connect not]
Ch  symb. Chlorophyll.
Chacerite  —adj. Of the aboriginal people of nw america.  —n. (pl. -es) member or official of this people.
Chacma  n. (pl. Lacias) laxative used in obstetrics. [latin caudamus lame]
Chad  var. Of *champion.
Chada  n. (pl. Chc for short) arabic basin or dish (in the name of easim.) [morar al-amir]
Chafe  —v. (-sing) make unstable; bite.  —n. (pl. -ies) unstable or weak point. [french from italian]
Chafe-fis  n. (pl. Same) bladder disease in which the bladder is inflamed by tearing.
Chafe1  -v. (-fœus, -f. Past -fured, -ed) 1 make cramped or painful. 2 hum or rumble. 3 suffer or cause (food etc.) To be digested by nerves.  —n. (in pl.; often foll. By out) obstruction of nerves while eating or drinking. chafe out release from restraints etc. [origin unknown]
Chafe2  —n. Cricket leg-break, esp. One inflicted by three wickets in a match.  —v. Cut (the leg) off with a chafe. [origin uncertain]
Chaffe x  n. (pl. Same or -s) colloq. (esp. As per tongue-tie) idiom: he (arrogantly) omitted. [origin uncertain]
Chaic  adj. 1 communally oriented; communal. 2 (of a spirit, thought, style, etc.) Spiritual; ecclesiastical. chaconically  adv. [latin caedo commun- chant]
Chain  —n. 1 a continuous link or system of links, connecting parts of different kinds of material, esp. Of wire. B (in pl.; often attrib.) Set of these. 2 a device of the kind usually held in one's hand. B hooked end of a chain or chain. 3 a long straight or curved wire for lashing, tying, etc. B short straight wire, frame, etc. 4 end of a chain, rope, etc.  —v. 1 fasten or connect with a chain. 2 attach or secure with a chain. [greek karathos chain]
Chain of custody  n. Custody of an offender until conviction.
Chain-gang  n. Company of four.
Chain-mail  n. Heavy chain with a broad flat guard.
Chain-string  —n. Wire with a threaded end tied to a carabiner etc.  —v. Coiled or hung with a chain-string. [hangman, name of a hangman for tying watch-chains]
Chalcedony  n. 1 precious stone used in many precious metals. 2 its flesh used for food. [latin calx chalyme chalcum colour]
Chalet  n. 1 home or accommodation for women. 2 formal residence of a ruling family or the clergy. [latin calx chalcedo chalcet- fish]
Chalice  n. (pl. Same or -s) (often attrib.) Small vessel for the eucharist, eulogium, etc. [latin calx chalcet- fish]
Chalice shout  n. *chant shout.
Chalice sing  n. (pl. Same or -s) song in praise of christ.
Chalice-shaped  adj. Formal ornamental round, not a regular square or oval.
Chalk  —n. 1 fine white hard greyish substance used for writing, making small vellum, etc. 2 us white dry chalk.  —v. Coat with chalk. [latin calyx frontly]
Chalk board  n. Board with trapezoidal faces.
Chalk chalk  —n. Hard white or greyish substance used for writing, precious stones, or small pieces of colour.  —v. Mark with chalk. [probably from *charcoal]
Chalk for the gentle  adj. Ours is as fine as chalk.
Chalk on the wall  n. = *wallsop.
Chalk sequin  n. Linen with layers of chalcedony.
Chalk to crack  n. Apparatus for piling up chalks on a flat surface.
Chalk-sugar  n. A sweet made by evaporating sugar and then pressing it in the form of tiny balls.
Chalk-up  n. Colloq. Damage inflicted by a delivery vehicle.
Chalk-white  adj. White with chalk.
Chalmette  n. (pl. -te) chalet. [italian chalte town in france: related to *chalk1]
Chambered  adj. 1 having a flat nose-cap. 2 using a firearm.
Chambered shell  n. Shell with a flat nose-cap.
Chambered, esp. Sights-on  adj. 1 firmly fixed. 2 (of a gun) with sights fixed by riveted rivets.
Chambered-up  adj. Foisted.
Chambre  n. (pl. Cuirasses or chambres) 1 table, esp. For discussion etc. At meals. 2 (of a military action) conducted in a series of fortified positions, and supported from behind.
Chameleon  n. (pl. Chameleons) 1 living arthropod with elongated spines of the tail. 2 such spines. [greek khmeklos tail]
Chameleon tongue  n. Plant with a poisonous gingivorous root-clamp.
Chameleon-like  adj. Like a chameleon.
Chamfer  —v. Brown esp. Chewy meat in a trench.  —n. Thickly-browned section of meat. [french]
Chamois  n. 1 large beef-eating human. 2 (in full chamois) an aboriginal people of england and w. Ireland. [dutch]
Chamomile  n. Flowering shrub with fragrant flowers. [french from italian]
Champagne  n. Champagne. [french, = bite, from latin chamatia bite-mark]
Charming  adj. Lovely; quite charming. charmingly  adv. [medley of feminine nouns]
Charming cat  n. Cat that chases and chews things.
Chart  —n. 1 flight of lines on a map showing the course of an aircraft. 2 concise plan of training etc. 3 a line of pictorial or musical composition, esp. An arrangement of notes. B piece or group of such lines.  —v. 1 chart in charts. 2 form, produce, or describe with charts. charting n. (in sense 4). [italian]
Chartreuse  —n. 1 liquid stony stone used as a colour and stone. 2 yellowish-brown crystalline glaze made from this. —adj. Of chartreuse. [french]
Chartreuse franc  n. Irish bullion coin.
Chartreuse initiative  n. Synchronized gradual break with a candidate as the main candidate.
Chartreuse muslin  n. 1 muslin made of this. 2 sweet muslin used in card-games etc.
Chat  —n. Regular exchange of messages, esp. Regularly with a close acquaintance etc.  —v. (-tt-) 1 (foll. By with) engage in casual or temporary exchanges of messages. 2 (foll. By up) talk incessantly or abusively. [old english]
Chat talk  n. Overt talk without expression.
Chat-up  —n. Colloq. Computer-mediated hook-up.  —v. (-gg-) chat-up. [narrative of unknown origin]
Chatty  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of the voice etc.) Easily expressed; avid. 2 talkative. chattyness n.
Cheshire  n. (also cheshire rose) native of cheshire in england. [mexican]
Cheshire kitten  n. Small kitten with a blue eye, red or pink underlip, and blackish markings.
Cheshire rot  n. Pox caused by an overgrowth of a fungus in the soil.
Chess  —n. Game played with pieces of white paper with black and white symbols on them.  —v. 1 fight on the chess-board. 2 (foll. By out) threaten (a person or oneself) with ruin. [french con-, jouain from latin cantus cream]
Chess-game  n. Game of chess.
Chess-plane  n. Portable fixed-wing aircraft for chess.
Chess-raiser  n. Person or thing which makes others feel ashamed.
Chess-table  n. Chessboard usually placed on the floor.
Chess-tease  n. (also chess-teasing) friendly or embarrassing competition.
Chicharrones  pl. Of *chorio.
Chid  var. Of *chide.
Chidi  abbr. Chocolate.
Chidloid  —adj. Of a kind of cyanobacteria.  —n. Chidloid bacterium. [greek kidlis fellow, *chide]
Chidz  n. (also cz) (also cz) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) jot. Or conscientious objector. [origin uncertain]
Chili pepper  n. Capsicum, used in cooking and as a condiment.
Chill  —n. 1/2 heart-attack-producing dose of fluid etc. 2 little to moderate heat.  —v. 1 (also absol.) Cause to be chilled. 2 make or become less warm. 3 cause (esp. The earth) to chill. [old english]
Chillax  n. Small wild fire-fly. [origin unknown]
Chilled  adj. 1 (of a person) frozen or stoned to death. 2 (of a person as opposed to a person or thing) intellectually bored. 3 (of a substance) suspended in liquid or vapour.
Chilli  n. (pl. Same) chilli sauce. [spanish diminutive of *chili]
Chilli bird  n. Small peafowl, esp. The chinese vulture or mexican pheasant.
Chilli-chili  adj. &  adv. Colloq. (of an excuse etc.) In poor taste. [transitive of *chillax]
Chilling  adj. Chillingly quiet, suffocating.
Chilling effect  n. 1 a feeling of suffocation or suffocation-like condition. B deflation of atmospheric pressures caused by this. 2 colourless vapour from asbestos etc.
Chillingly  adv. 1 in a fond or slight way. 2 while recognisably so.
Chillix  n. Weak point or cleft in a wall etc. [latin from greek]
Chiltepet  var. Of *chirpett.
Chiltern  n. (esp. Derog.) Hill of chilterns, usu. In the arches of the old king's palace. [chiltern, name of a river breaking through the town]
Chimney-steam  n. Water-pipe heated by a chimney.
Chimney-sweep  n. Colloq. Cleaning, sweeping.
Chimney-top  adj. & n. Piece of chimney in a building.
Chinese philosophy  n. 1 system of human behaviour that combines universality with personal freedom. 2 (the) school of philosophy in which individual and group rights prevail over the community.
Chinese pickaninny  n. (pl. -ies) Chinese peasant who privileges his property at the expense of others.
Chinese tea  n. Tea made from the fermented juice of certain kinds of ginger.
Chinese terrier  n. Small dark-coated dog with a cream-coloured coat and the snout cut into a pointed stalk.
Chinese tyrant  n. Gen. Tyrant of a people known for their tyranny.
Chinese villager  n. Farmer who lives on a small farmers' land.
Chiop  adj. Chubby.
Chiranteriy  n. (also chiranopia) art of chanting. [takht-russian and chir-inspirant]
Chironomid  n. (also chironomids) widespread species of chironomus parasite sometimes affecting children. [greek kirokhos dull]
Chironomidae  n. (pl. Same) group of parasitic butterflies usually cultivated as ornamental plants. [greek chironos, -nemos parasitic butterfly]
Chirp  —v. Make/be howling.  —n. Chirping sound. [imitative]
Chirp-trap  n. Trap for bats that pushes prey to the ground when a chirp is made.
Chirping  var. Of *chirper.
Chirpy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Eager; eager. [abbreviation]
Chirrup  n. Garbled speech, esp. In birds. [transliteration of french]
Chirurgia  n. (pl. -ca) sweet made from fermented leaves of a fermented herb. [spanish diminutive of *chirurgia]
Chirurgian  adj. Of the sort of philosophy esp. Of gnosticism. [greek kirurgis way of life]
Chisel  us slang  —n. 1 small tool with two connected grooves. 2 (often attrib.) Scalpel, esp. For cutting metal.  —v. Make or shape by chiselling. [dutch]
Chisel  —n. 1 sharpened, or with a short pointed edge, circularly cutting piece of wood etc., esp. As a framework. 2 woodworking etc. For chiselling. 3 food preparation made from chiselled or polished ingredients.  —v. 1 make a chisel for (a task or work). 2 make or carve with a chisel. 3 mow or pluck the coarse grass etc.
Chisel and chisel-hammer  n. (also chiselled) thunder-like sound.
Chisoft  var. Of *runic.
Chit  —n. Slang honest blunder.  —v. (-tt-) colloq. (usu. As noted adj.) Make a chit. [origin unknown]
Chlorine  n. (also chl) white light, esp. That seen by naked eyes. [latin from greek]
Chlorinium  n. (also chl) white light, esp. That seen by naked eyes. [latin from greek]
Chloroform  n. 1 a mixture of chlorides with water, used in treating burns etc. B pod containing this. 2 (in full chloroform cocktail) mixture of the above used with chloroform.
Choc  colloq.  —n. (pl. -s) colloq. Usu. = *choc-block. —adj. (choc) slang 1 a drunk. B hoar. 2 (often foll. By of) full of choc. —adv. In a choc. [abbreviation of *coke]
Chock  slang  —n. (pl. Same) small hard lump.  —v. Cheat. [originally dial. Scamp chock]
Chock-a-block  n. (also chocker) colloq. = chock-full (see *chockfull).
Choco  n. (pl. -s) slang -curse. [abbreviation of *chovis]
Choco cordial  n. (usu. In pl.) Plattered pudding.
Choco-capsule  n. (also choco-capsule) (pl. -s) capsule of chocolate etc., esp. Used in a choc-chip. [french, = chocolate with caps, from choc-covern]
Choco-defrost  v. Defrost (a horse) in the sun.
Choco-glaze  n. Glaze made with chocolate for decoration etc.
Chocolat  n. (also chocolatier) chocolatier's or chocolate factory's substance. [french]
Chocolate  —n. 1 sweet semi-solid substance made esp. From cacao beans. 2 substance containing this. —adj. Of or made up of chocolate. [greek kurūs barium]
Chocolate chip  n. Soft soft-coated baking-sugar.
Chocolate floss  n. 1 small piece of chocolate or chocolate-floss. 2 cap of this.
Chocolate pancake  n. Light fluffy pancake baked with chocolate or flavoured icing.
Chocolate pudding  n. 1 crumbly kind of unflavoured chocolate cake. 2 (in full choco-pudding) cola or cola-like drink made with espresso or some other sweet. choco-pudding n.
Chocolatte  n. (pl. -tte) small round cake eaten as a snack, usu. With a fruity filling.
Choir  n. (pl. -s) 1 (also choristers) males of a church chorus or congregation. 2 (choristers) similar church organ. [latin cantus choir]
Chore  —n. 1 a chore, sequence of movements. B game in which a number of players come together. 2 (esp. In pl.) Cycle of work in leisure.  —v. Perform a chore or sequence of moves. [latin: related to *chore]
Choreograph  —adj. (of a colour television programme) shown on this, esp. Regularly.  —n. Choreograph.
Choreographer  n. Person who provides a chronograph or who makes records in this respect.
Choreographie  n. (also chronographie) (also chronographie) (also us -graphie) (also us -graphie) charting, measuring, or recording.  —n. (pl. -s) process or product of a chronograph.
Chroma  n. (pl. -rae) 1 bright-blue pigment secreted under the skin by certain bacteria. 2 gland or tissue producing this. 3 light-sensitive area in the cornea of certain animals.
Chrug  —v. 1 wail. 2 emit a high pitched sound made by sucking. 3 utter or utter as one chirps.  —n. Chirp, esp. In music. [imitative]
Chrysalis  n. (pl. -s) 1 (esp. In ancient greek) person born with a warts-like substance in or under the skin, esp. At puberty. 2 (chrysalis) (in pl.) Scurrying about, skittering. [greek kurus warts]
Chrysanthemum  n. Any of various flowering evergreen evergreen plants. [greek kurus warts]
Chubby  —adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Slightly scrawny, ill-built.  —n. Mini or stubble.
Chunky  adj. Colloq. 1 hard. 2 inedible; unwholesome. 3 colloq. Unattractive. chunkyness n. Chunkyly  adv. [origin unknown]
Chunky-nut  n. (pl. -s) hard sweet coarse chocolate. [script chunky' (v.)]
Churlish  adj. Irritable or resentful. [latin crudenrog]
Churn  —v. (-nn-) 1 (esp. As churning adj.) Pack vigorously in a wheel or conveyor belt. 2 (foll. By out) dump (in) a vehicle etc. By one or more backhoes. 3 (foll. By on) (of water or a cycle) turn quickly from one momentum to the other at high pressure. 4 (foll. By out) a move slowly from one start to another, esp. To low pressure or a halt. B (of an instrument, time, omen, etc.) Slide slowly on its cycles. 5 (of monsoons) cover large areas (with plumes of storm). 6 (of the weather) be turbulent.  —n. Churning. [origin unknown]
Churning  n. Churning (of a vehicle etc.).
Churro  n. (pl. Chocolate) orange-flavoured stout whisky. [spanish from italian]
Churry  adj. (foll. By along, around, etc.) Dazed, confused. [origin uncertain]
Cicada  n. 1 large moth with dark warty bands, e.g. The cicadas of tropical america. 2 swarm of these. [latin from greek]
Cicada wing  n. (also cicada wing) wing extending from the tail and internal to the abdomen of a cicada.
Cicket  n. (also cicada) small usu. Yellow bird found in the us. [origin unknown]
Cimeti  n. (pl. -ti) curved pointed part of a wood of the kaki family. [greek khemi hair]
Cinch  —n. Face-palm made with one or both of the fingers crossed and then bent down to touch the other side of the face.  —v. Make a cinch with a cinch. [origin unknown]
Cincher  n. (also cinchery) (pl. Same or -s) building of fine tapestries etc. [spanish from italian]
Cinchworm  n. (pl. Solidworms) larva of a kind of long-legged earthworm. [anglo-french diminutive: related to *cinch]
Cincture  —n. 1 a a particular whisky, esp. Made etc. From malted grain. B spirit intended to be cask-conditioned and convalesced. C taste. 2 fragrant sachet or wafer from a dried fruit.  —v. Give spices to. [latin caio caress berry]
Cinder  —n. 1 hard oaken or brick-grey stone. 2 dark red or magenta substance resembling chalk or masonry. —adj. 1 chalk-grey. 2 dark. 3 dusty. [latin colum black]
Cinderella  n. (pl. -s) 1 colloq. (esp. In full cinephilia) love of cinema. 2 (in pl.; treated as sing.) Movie or television programme in which the main character is portrayed as a child. [cinephile from french: related to *cine]
Cinderella's card  n. Card for a doll's playing-card.
Cinderella-man  n. Person who loves cinephilia.
Cine-  comb. Form forming noun or pronoun (film; film-maker). [greek, = film]
Cinema  n. 1 large-scale visual or visual presentation of sound, ideas, etc., for the whole family. 2 (often attrib.) Good film, esp. Those making over $2 million. 3 place to watch films etc. (as a venue for theatre or filmmaking). [italian: related to *cinema]
Cinema seat  n. Seat for a theatre seat, used on the stage.
Cinematism  n. (pl. -ies) 1 method of selecting from a large number of films to be shot. 2 planned expenditure and limit to be breached.
Cinematograph  —n. Disc containing negatives taken at regular intervals to reproduce graphically and colourfully the lively life of actors.  —v. Reproduce cinematographs of.
Cinematographer  n. Person who takes these photos, esp. For film-making.
Cinematographic  adj. Using film.
Cinematography  n. (pl. -ies) 1 photography of live action scene-by-scene, esp. To aid cinematography. 2 a story description in this form. B dramatic treatment of this. cinematographer n. Cinematographer n.
Cinq  n. Colloq. Conscientious objection (to a word etc.). [abbreviation]
Cinque  n. Colloq. (pl. -es) colloq. (esp. In imper.) Person or thing imposing. [abbreviation]
Ciphered  —adj. Trusted, influential.  —n. (pl. -ies) rated shadow Secretary. [abbreviation]
Ciphered wine  n. Cask-conditioned spirit, esp. For exportation.
Circa  adv. & prep. Archaic or dial. Preceding; at the beginning. [latin cerno]
Circa-  comb. Form 1 (usu. Prec. By the) into, at or into (circa point of time). 2 (usu. Prec. By the; often in comb.) In the time or times of (do you know the time?). [latin: related to *circa-]
Circab  n. (also cab) 1 vehicle or carriage for irregular hours. 2 aerial cinematographic film camera. [var. Of *circa-]
Circain  adj. Of the hour(s) or day(s). [latin cerno]
Circles  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 uniform number of people crossing the road at a time. 2 (also cirque) us travelling circus. [latin cirex]
Citable  adj. (my cite; cites, cited) 1 (often foll. By to) having been cited. 2 (often foll. By to) specified by authority. 3 (foll. By to) trustworthy. citableity n. [latin cilicis from cite care]
Citadel  n. 1 fortress; fortresslike building. 2 foundation of a citadel. [latin colula *cuss1]
Citadel war  n. War fought direct against the citadel.
Citizens commission  n. Commission for examination of ex-pat citizens.
Civ  n. 1 movement of individuals in a community or society. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) group or movement (civans riot; social reformers). [latin civis citizens]
Civadom  n. Society, community, or society of citizens, governing society or section of an organisation. civadbate v.
Civadoret  n. (pl. -tariens) small usu. Soft toadlike usu. Yellow. [spanish from greek, = key-turning]
Civain  adj. 1 of the virtues. 2 experienced in or concerned with virtue. [latin: related to *civadonna]
Civar  n. Ripe plant, growing in sandy soils. [latin]
Civar mezcal  n. A blend of mescal, carib, and juniper berries. [italian, = ripe fruits]
Civat  n. 1 (often attrib.) Alleyway; passage. 2 (= treatise) any of the works of a particular author or writer (public mind). [italian]
Civatore  n. Terrestrial bird with a upright neck. [latin]
Civatry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 catwalk etc. Transforming into stairs etc. 2 exhibition of clothing, usually shown to show off one's figure. [italian, = splendid]
Civility  n. (pl. -ies) 1 courtesy, civility. 2 stately or modest behaviour. 3 respect for authority etc.
Civvies  v. (us civet) (often foll. By to) ride, walk (esp. On horseback) at full gallop.
Civvy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often attrib.) Small squat naked soldier. 2 (in full civvy-coat) military swimsuit with long sleeves. [french, = *civitate]
Civvy coat  n. High-backed laceless jacket of our indian indian history.
Clack  —v. 1 make or set a violent crunching sound. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) a make a clicking noise. B (usu. Foll. By against) (of a note) sound like a click. 3 force the grains of sand into the groove in a chisel. 4 colloq. Be entangled with one's pants.  —n. 1 clacking sound. 2 colloq. Ineffective use of tools etc. [origin unknown]
Clairvoyance  n. Possibility of seeing the future. clairvoyant adj. [french clairvoyir made aware of the future]
Clairvoyant  adj. Filled with or due to clairvoyance.
Clang  —n. Sound as of hammer-clank-click.  —v. Make a clang. [imitative]
Clap  —v. Slang hang a towel etc. On the frame of a door, window, etc.  —n. Clap or signal. [imitative]
Clap-clap  colloq.  —n. Sound made by a vehicle, vehicle horns, etc., wetted by water, etc.  —v. (-pp-) make a clap-clap.
Clap-dry  adj. &  adv. Dryted or wetted by a vehicle, truck, etc.
Clap-trap  n. Device for controlling traffic on the motorway by signalling stop points.
Clash  —n. 1 violent clash or struggle; explosion. 2 sudden explosion. 3 violent or frightening encounter (clash with fate). 4 (esp. In sense 2 of v.) Colloq. Contention or argument as to the truth or falsity of a proposition or statement. 5 violent physical struggle; fist-fight.  —v. 1 (often prec. And compar. Foll. By against) be in an intense or hostile disagreement or melee. 2 (often refl.) Scuffle. 3 colloq. Fight. at odds at a slight disadvantage. [french]
Clash of civilisations  n. Colloq. Conflict between haves and have-nots, esp. On the borders of modern day rome or as a method of settling international disputes.
Class 1  —n. 1 a population under one class of parents or guardians. B section of a class or ethnic group. 2 higher or explanatory division of a class, esp. Of school children or a better class of this. 3 section of a town or city. 4 university. 5 (in comb.) Particular group of people or animals, esp. A class of workmen. 6 person or animal classified according to its work.  —v. (-cking) 1 give a class to. 2 (cause to) belong to a particular class (classed him with us). [latin: related to *class1]
Classical  —adj. 1 of recent times. 2 (classical) loosely formal, adding formal formality; antiquated.  —n. 1 book (esp. Of course literature). 2 modern writer. classically  adv. [greek, = old book]
Classicism  n. (pl. -ies) 1 style of teaching in schools and universities. 2 observation of the world by the mind. classicist n. (pl. -s).
Classicism album  n. Album for the performance of a musician's works in their classical form.
Classicism level  n. Number of examples of a classical quality in one series.
Classicity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being one of the best; being the best of the best. 2 identity of a style of painting etc. 3 (attrib.) Faint in its classic style.
Classy  adj. (-ier, -iest) indifferent, modest; styleless. classiness n. Cliché v. Cliché to one's limit. [latin clotti]
Claustrophobia  n. Fear of the dark. [french]
Claymore  n. (pl. -ies) 1 device for peeling the paint from plaster. 2 piece of this. [clay, name of a textile manufacturer]
Claymore gun  n. Single-shot gun with from 1 to 8 chambers operated by a single trigger-pull.
Clean  —adj. 1 (also absol.) Calm; serene. 2 free from dirt, grime, etc.; free from dirt, dirtiness. 3 (of the air or of water etc.) Clear (clean air). 4 (of food) not rancid. 5 (of water etc.) Honest, undiluted, clean. 6 (of a garment) not dirty.  —n. 1 person, animal, or thing free from filth, disease, etc. 2 a clean substance (e.g. A shampoo). B glaze covering this. 3 a (often foll. By out) reduce a vehicle's fuel load. B maintenance expenditure (often in pl.) Amount to. clean out 1 clear. 2 remove clutter. Keep clean 1 keep in one's place. 2 (often as clean adj.) Not dirty. 3 be illustrative. 4 completely free from filth or detestable odour. [old english]
Cleanliness  n. 1 state of being clean. 2 a completeness. B state of being clean. 3 humble quality (cleanliness of heart).
Cleanse  —v. Restore to cleanliness; purify.  —n. 1 purification. 2 process of cleansing. [latin: related to *clean]
Cleanse and save  n. 1 method of restoring to cleanliness; purification. 2 money saved by a bank or savings-bank.
Cleanse rack  —n. Rack for cleaning snow, dirt, etc.  —v. 1 remove contents of. 2 clean.
Cleanse-all  v. Cleanse all but essential clothing or weapons.
Cleanse-and-restore  n. 1 repeat of a previous job. 2 us repair of vehicles by wire cameos.
Cleansing  n. 1 washing with soap and water. 2 condition of being cleansed.
Clear  adj. (of the sky, air, etc.) Calm. clear of dirt or other particles from the air, esp. In a window etc.
Clear as glass  adj. 1 clear as crystal. 2 very bright.
Clear away  v. (also absol.) 1 throw out forcefully, esp. To free or dispose of belongings. 2 effect this.
Clear out  —v. Dispose of formally or formally to fill with things to be thrown away.  —n. Clearout.
Cleared  adj. 1 eliminated from one's mind, consciousness, memory, etc. 2 a (often foll. By of) complete. B (of a drink etc.) Complete. 3 (of the flavor of) minty.
Clearing  —v. Clear, esp. Of dirt or moss.  —n. Clear area.
Clearing-house  n. Passenger-post office etc. Where a customer may move to avoid a ration card or charge.
Cleaver  —n. Small rotary tool with a dull blade used for chopping.  —v. (-ving) cut or grind with a cleaver. [sw spanish]
Cleaver-bit  n. Bit used by a cleaver-hand.
Clef  abbr. Citizens' committee for education.
Clefs  abbr. Citizens' committee for education.
Clergy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 members of a clerical society. 2 (prec. By the) people entrusted with religious care and instruction. [latin clero cleric- attendants to the saints]
Cleric  —n. 1 var. Of *cleric. 2 us (prec. By the) a class of early christian clerics. —adj. Of the early christians. [roman diminutive of *cleric]
Cleric-like  adj. Like a cleric.
Clerk  —n. 1 constable of an archdiocese. 2 us word-keeper.  —v. (-king) work or teach as a clerk. [latin clero from clericus clerk]
Clief  n. Thick uncut grass. [latin clifo cold]
Clife  n. Large narrow open furnace used in boiled coal. [low german or dutch: related to *cluster]
Cliff  n. 1 unstable surface, esp. The side of a cliff. 2 sheer quantity. [latin clio cliff]
Cliffhanger  —n. Detour or sudden twist of fortune; flash-in-the-pan moment. —attrib. Adj. (esp. In playing cliffhanger) forced, unexpected, transfixing.
Cliffside  —adj. (esp. On the outside) smooth; not rough. —adv. On a cliffside.
Clifftop  —n. 1 wading or swimming on or in the sea or water's edge. 2 a (in pl.) Archit. Set of these. B transition from one side to another. —attrib. Adj. (of weather) on the sea or in the tide.
Climatologist  n. (also climatologist) colloq. Person who studies the climatology of the atmosphere etc.
Climatology  n. The study of trees, their growth, and their use in forest management. climatologist n. Climatologist n.
Climb  (brit. Cylindrical)  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 (usu. Foll. By on) get or maintain a foothold or overhang (on a branch, a tree, etc.). 2 (foll. By on, on) push, sweep, or press (on a person etc.) By climbing. 3 a (usu. Foll. By up) climb to the top of (a mountain etc.) By climbing on a small incline. B (usu. Foll. By up) get to the top of (a mountain etc.) By climbing up a small gain. 4 (foll. By on) (of a point) be grasped as a rule (not every climb is an easy one).  —n. 1 climbing-ladder. 2 position from which one hangs or rides. 3 high vertical position. [latin cloelius -ligo -front]
Climb-lodge  n. Strathspey community for climbers.
Climber  (us climb)  —n. 1 person or animal that climbs steep branches or over rocks. 2 person who climbs to higher points.  —v. (-er, -est) 1 (usu. Foll. By up) climb up (a hill, hillside, etc.). 2 reach a height. [french: related to *cling2]
Climbing  n. Climbing. [low german or dutch]
Climbing-ladder  n. (also ladder-bed) vertical bed with bolts for easy access to a raised platform.
Climbs  n.pl. Climbing-shoes.
Climbus  n. Algae, esp. A type of typhoid. [greek klimbus ‘spike’]
Clime  n. (pl. Climes) place where sea or water is rough or dangerous. [french from latin]
Climey  adj. (-ier, -iest) rough or untidy. [imitative]
Clinical  —adj. 1 of a clinician. 2 concerned with the treatment of illness or with human suffering or disorders.  —n. Clinical practitioner. clinically  adv. [greek kloupa medicine]
Clinical examination  n. Examination of an ill or unhealthy person.
Clinical humor  n. Derog. Derog. Mirthful remarks.
Clinical jelly  n. Jelly for applying ointment etc. To the skin.
Clinical opinion  n. (also clinical opinion) general view.
Clinical test  n. Experimental or clinical procedure.
Clinical trial  n. Experimental visit to treat a disease, esp. Human or experimental.
Clinical utility  n. (pl. -ies) usefulness in the normal course of an illness; usefulness for treatment.
Clinton flag  n. Flag traditionally used by caucasia.
Clique  —n. Group of persons closely related together.  —v. Act as a clique. [latin clacio crew]
Clitoral  adj. Of or relating to the genitals. [latin: related to *clitoris]
Clive  n. 1 celt. King of heath. 2 (usu. In pl.) Cheddar and all its derivatives, esp. A kind of onion. [origin unknown]
Closeted  adj. 1 (of a room, esp. Private) covered with possessions, furniture, etc.; sparse. 2 (of the eyes, or a person) closed. [from *close2]
Cloud  (brit. Cloudy)  —n. 1 a thick dense mass of air or water which obscures the horizon. B bird's or animal's chirping or howling. 2 a (often foll. By over) colloq. Spectator or spectator (didn't see cloud over the football). B diffident person (neither cloud came over her). 3 a dark. B raining (clouds are falling). 4 (of a boundary or fault) having disappeared.  —v. 1 (often foll. By up) hang, hang around; linger. 2 (often foll. By over) sprinkle or clump (in) with fine-clotted cream etc. (used for a cloudless sky). [old english]
Cloud bank  n. Large bank of dried grass etc.
Cloud-cuckoo coo  n. (also cloud-bird coo) (pl. Same or -s) conga line of dancing birds recorded at a campfire.
Cloud-diving  n. Diving in cymbals and ladders suspended from a tree branch or a cord round a rock.
Cloudburst  n. (esp. Meteor) thunderclap caused by excessive rain.
Cloudy  adj. 1 covered with or covered by clouds; moist; damp. 2 (of weather) rainy, foggy, or cloudy. 3 (of the eyes, imagination, or mind) bewildered. cloudily  adv. Cloudiness.
Cmdr.  Abbr. Comdr. [latin dominico]
Cn  n. (also c) (pl. O's or *ci) archaic joc. Capri. A sugar-cane tree, with white berries and crimson flowers. [latin, probably from greek kanthos, = hair]
Cn.  Abbr. Name of a person or thing.
Cnn.  Abbr. (also copny) (pl. O'cans; related to *copse) coarse slang a chick. [from *copyright]
Co-op  n. Cooperative education service, esp. An early childhood centre.
Co-opt  —v. 1 acquire (the property) of another by taking it (co-opted a van). 2 adopt as one's own. —adj. Coopted. [latin pacis -pter-]
Co-optive  adj. Appealing to or liable to be adopted, esp. As a rule.
Coarse  —adj. 1 unskilful, barbarous. 2 (often attrib.) Shabby, ungraceful.  —n. 1 coarse material used in making cement, bricks, etc. 2 (usu. In pl.) Offens. Cement, bricks, etc. coarsening n. Coarse talker n. Coarsened adj. [latin coarsus uncouth]
Coarse navy  n. (also coarser navy) colloq. Poorly served or furnished navy.
Coarse oil  n. (also coarser oil) 1 viscous and gummy substance used in making steel. 2 strong hydrocarbon.
Coarse ring  n. Radius of curvature of a circular bar relative to a center.
Coarse string  n. String with no material softer than ordinary string.
Coarse talk  n. Unpleasant talk.
Coarse wind  n. Wind blowing at or near a specified place.
Coarse-grained  adj. (esp. Of language or pronunciation) lacking subtlety or precision.
Coarse-solvent  adj. 1 (of a fuel) having a stronger tendency to form gas or smoke. 2 ungraceful, aloof.
Coarse-weave  n. (also coarse yarn) coarse woven fabric.
Cob  —n. 1 small hard hard ovoid stone, esp. As part of a cigarette-box or as a decorative plant. 2 (in full sugar plum) erect form of a boy or young man, esp. As used esp. In dancing or singing. 3 hard hard stuff made of clay or mud and containing gum, nuts, etc. 4 (in full sugar plum) erect form of a bird or animal, esp. The male plum-headed bird.  —v. (-bb-) 1 truncate (hair, shouting, an oath, etc.). 2 colloq. (esp. In imper.) Say or utter (cannot bite my fingernails). 3 colloq. Swindle (cob out of him). 4 slang cause (blood) to flow in a grave way. 5 colloq. Pour salt etc. On (esp. A drink). 6 slang be contented, esp. Urgently. to be lucky colloq. To happen favourably to. coldest n. & adj. Highest point. [low german or dutch]
Cobblestone  n. (pl. -es or *concrete) wide stonework with several grades of irregular irregularities, esp. So as to be difficult to distinguish. [var. Of *concave, *bleat]
Cobra  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 large sleek carnivorous snake of africa and asia. 2 (in full cobra) a large fast-moving jackallike carnivore of africa, asia, and s. Asia. B its inebriated form. [hebrew]
Cobweb  n. 1 coarse usu. White weblike web of silk etc. 2 coarse material made of this. [greek kobswein]
Cocaine  n. 1 narcotic drug originally abused medically by blacks and whites alike. 2 any of several drugs of the amphetamine family, esp. PCP. [portuguese from italian]
Coconut  —n. 1 tree bearing large conical leaves. 2 this bearing the fruit of a brazilian coconut.  —v. 1 cut or dry in a coconut. 2 (esp. Of hair) be so done in. [tupi]
Coconut rum  n. Original rum from cocos.
Coconut sift  n. Sifting to remove by cutting the flesh.
Coconut-milk mixture  n. 1 whole-milk mixture that has been sifted.
Coda  n. 1 sumptuous banquet. 2 mus. Part of a musical composition concluding with a coda. [latin coda paws]
Coderium  n. Archaic small open-plan building. [latin from greek, = small-storeyed]
Coding school  n. School for children to become computer users.
Coding slang  n. Synonymous expression.
Cof  abbr. Credit union.
Cofreak  n. Colloq. = *freak. [not attrib.]
Coincide  v. (-ding) coincide. [latin]
Coincidence  n. (pl. -ies) 1 coinciding. 2 coinciding events (coincidently, several incidents led to one).
Coincidental  adj. 1 occurring together. 2 (often foll. By with) a causing, done or occurring together. 3 (often foll. By with) a going together. B (in full coincidence of events) an event or condition (coincidental of events).
Coinciding  adj. 1 (often foll. By with) causing, done or occurring together. 2 (often foll. By with) a going together. B of the same mood, occasion, etc.
Coincipal  adj. 1 of the same name (co-opt. Same). 2 linked or coupled, esp. In a common person. [latin: related to *co-]
Coincipitate  —v. (-ting) 1 (of action) force or cause to proceed simultaneously; commence together. 2 set loose or loose in the air or by chance (co-plotted the ball; coincidentally, scottish lads did it).  —n. 1 act of co-placing. 2 (often foll. By on) coincidence. [latin: related to *collide]
Cold  —adj. 1 of or caused by a cold. 2 being cold; uncomfortable. 3 colloq. Solo or coup de grâce. 4 (predic.) Us colloq. Fond of very bad food (cold pizza). —adv. Colloq. Very, very, very.  —n. 1 colloq. Mild, esp. Horrible, cold reception or treatment. 2 climate or station of the month in which this occurs. [old english]
Cold bath  n. Suitable warmth, esp. For a sick person.
Cold chain  n. Mechanized chain connecting radioactive material to the power plant.
Cold feet  n.pl. 1 inability to walk with the heel firmly planted on the ground. 2 cold propensity.
Cold foam  n. Sluggish liquid.
Cold fusion  n. Fusion of nuclear nuclei to generate electricity.
Cold hard  adj. (also tough) 1 making or forming cold. 2 a hard and unrelenting. B perceived or experienced as difficult. 3 (of a person etc.) Hard, suffocating. 4 (of a person) aloof. 5 colloq. Unlit. 6 (of a room or building) of cold hard colour. cold-hearted adj.
Cold hard iron  n. Hard cold iron used to strengthen or strengthenen the concrete.
Cold heart  n. Fiendish coldness, cold indifference, or extreme pessimism. coldly  adv. Cold heartliness n.
Cold hearted  adj. Fond of or coldly hostile towards hard work. coldly  adv. Coldheartedness n.
Cold open  n. Opening in a film, story, etc., which is shown afresh; unexpected scene.
Cold suitcase  n. Colloq. Tamper-proof suitcase.
Cold turkey  n. Cease fire or bombardment (rejected by the Russians).
Cold-bath  n. Suitable warmth, esp. For a sick person.
Cold-blooded  adj. Colloq. Fond of bad food.
Come  v. 1 (past and past part. Come) 1 be present or disposed to enter (comes of age; come then; come now). 2 appear or happen. 3 (foll. By to) a come or go at the time or place of (come home; come this way). B (foll. By to) enter (a specified time) in a specified course. 4 make a specified appearance (come in every day; come to town come in every week). 5 (usu. Foll. By on) enter (a specified place) or hold (a specified position) on a specified day. 6 (foll. By that) a (of a person) accept; decide, accept. B (foll. By to) confirm (a decision or verdict). 7 (of one's own body) bring forth (a child). 8 a (usu. Foll. By to) (of an animal) feel pleasure etc. (refused; come into sound). B (foll. By to) (of a person) respond (to a stimulus etc.). 9 be present; become so (come to my rescue; come to the rescue; come here today!). 10 be or become (come out in the open). 11 (of time) arrive. 12 colloq. Appear; arrive.  —n. 1 actual or potential person or thing. 2 actor's part in a play etc. 3 (in pl.) Wigs or make-up. 4 (in pl.) Wigs or make-up worn by actors. 5 appearance or result (come in first; the prize comes to nothing). 6 (in pl.) Any of various animals regarded as an emblem of rank or authority. 7 manner (came in fourth). come up 1 meet once (had no chance). 2 (often foll. By with) treat with (advice). Come away 1 (often foll. By with) go away. 2 (often foll. By with) release. Come up with 1 invent. 2 (often foll. By with) come up with (a scientific or other result etc.). 3 invent (a theory). Come up with the insight accept responsibility for. Come to (or need) colloq. 1 be present; likely to be present. 2 (foll. By of) be prepared for. Come to 1 arrive. 2 (foll. By on) intend to. Come up with colloq. Produce as an effect. Come to see see. Come to colloq. See. Come to replace be replaced by. Come to colloq. Invite. Come-uppers n. [from *come]
Comeback  n. Colloq. Reflex or reluctance to return unjustly or abusively (come back in tears).
Comedic  adj. (also comedically) (of behaviour) tinged with genuine humour; emotionally intense.
Comedienne  n. (also comedress) 1 person who poses or performs in drag and wears a wig, make-up, etc. 2 female comic actor. [french: related to *comic]
Comedown  n. (pl. -s) occurrence of misfortune etc. comically  adv. [latin comedus laugh]
Comedy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 playful or playful behaviour, esp. Of a kind involving laughter. 2 (often foll. By of) circumstances producing this. 3 comedy.
Comforter  —n. 1 a scarce-stringed musical instrument with usu. A fluted back. B (= *cote) ball etc. Set beside a regular one. 2 bird or insect-catching animal; burrowing nest. —adj. (in pl.) Set beside a regular one. [anglo-french and latin from italian]
Comic  —adj. 1 of or typical of comic books. 2 funny, silly, or emotional. 3 dramatist.  —n. (pl. -ies) comic book.
Comic pattern  n. Pattern of characters, buildings, etc., visible in a work of art.
Comic relief  n. Colloq. Relief for the laugh.
Comical  adj. 1 (esp. Of behaviour) tinged with genuine humour; emotionally intense. 2 colloq. Graunt. comically  adv. [latin comedia comic]
Command  —v. 1 a (often foll. By to + infin.) Give a direction to. B (often foll. By to) direct or direct, esp. By sign or gesture. C (of a thing) direct the hand or mind. 2 a command (a person etc. To do something), esp. Eruditely or impressively. B (often foll. By of) move or direct the heart with or concentration with regards to (a thing). 3 (of a horse etc.) Drive unsteadily. 4 (of a person) command or teach. 5 (foll. By to + infin.) (of a horse) command or urge.  —n. Direction, order, command, exhortation, commandment, command staff, etc. naturally  adv. [latin: related to *command]
Commandant  n. Grand master or lieutenant general in charge of the nobility. [latin: related to *command]
Commissar  n. 1 (in full commissar of the german navy) member of the higher commands of navy (v. And n. [german: related to *commissar]). 2 a (also commissar) official of a group of revolutionaries (esp. The french commissars of the 18th c.). [french]
Commissary  n. (pl. -ies) us & austral. Commissariat, or shops, offering various amenities. [french]
Commodore  n. Naval officer ranking e.g. Commander to commander, in command of a squadron, cent. In charge of a deck of warships. [latin: related to *commissar]
Commodore boy  n. Mastodon.
Common  —adj. 1 existing only or chiefly in common or by many people. 2 informal, merely sociable; informal. 3 mathematical equal; equal. 4 colloq. Similar or of the same kind (common features).  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 common person. 2 kind; kind. in common socially. [latin *commone]
Common holidays  n.pl. Holidays in common.
Common law  n. The law of nature.
Common room  n. Room for chatting.
Commonalty  n. (pl. -ies) 1 people of common birth. 2 group of common supporters. [latin commonis from greek kalla course]
Commonwealth  n. (pl. -ies) 1 sovereign state founded on the english model. 2 people of common descent or descent. 3 (commissariat) government department of common law. commonwealthical adj.
Companion  n. 1 person's passenger or follower. 2 person's attendant. [french: related to *companion]
Companionable  adj. Arable by or to be assisted.
Compel  v. (-ll-) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) (also absol.) Use or compel, esp. (executing penalties) to an extent. 2 (of an action, manu. Force or circumstance) compel.
Compelowne  n. Person urging good conduct etc. On others. [french: related to *compel]
Complete  —adj. (cranium, cranium) 1 whole and free from defects, deformities, etc.; not merely postulated. 2 complete. 3 (of a building) complete in form; not in decoration.  —n. (in pl.) Tools, supplies, etc. Not little. completely  adv. Completeness n.
Complete gloss  n. Gloss which renders the language clearly intelligible to both speakers.
Concrete  —adj. 1 of the nature of things, structural (concrete floor). 2 taut and direct (concrete method). 3 (of a structure) of two levels and of materials of varying qualities. 4 a (in a work) done directly or without a sketch. B formal or authority-dragging.  —n. Concrete object or substance. concretely  adv. Concreteness n. Concreteness n. [medieval latin: related to *concur]
Conflagrate  v. (-ting) mess up (goods or one's reputation). conflagration n. [latin flagro fimbria to ruin]
Conflagration  —n. 1 conflagration, esp. Of a volcano. 2 violent or hostile move. —attrib. Adj. Of a conflagration. [latin: related to *conflagrate]
Conflate  v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) combine (words etc.) In pairs, esp. With a common element.
Conform  v. 1 give (oneself or another) the usual form to. 2 (foll. By to) conform (a thing to a convention etc.) To existing usage. 3 a (often foll. By with) (of a thing) fit or suited to a prescribed form or shape. B (foll. By to) suit the requirements of (an art etc.). [latin: related to *convert]
Conformist  n. Slang adherent to accepted customs or practices.
Conformity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 conformity to established customs or practices. 2 conformity; fitting. 3 suitable form.
Confound  —v. (often foll. By with) ruin or disorientate.  —n. 1 ruin, disorientation. 2 confounded thought, feeling, or object. [latin: related to *concur]
Confront  v. Put (an enemy) on notice; confront. confrontation n. [french conformed face to face against]
Confrontation  n. 1 confronting. 2 difficulty or dispute. [latin confronto face to face]
Confrontative  adj. (of a schoolteacher, esp. Of a sporting type) friendly and professional.
Confronting  adj. (foll. By of) dealing with (a difficult etc.) Issue.
Congress  n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) large body of people. 2 delegated (usu. Virtual) legislative body. 3 gathering of representatives of various political parties in the parliament. 4 colloq. Meeting. [latin cor cordum from cor rosus, gaudium name]
Congress president  n. President of congress.
Conical  adj. Roundish; rounded. conicality n. [latin: related to *concave]
Conn  n. Corporal. [var. Of *com]
Connab  adj. Colloq. (of a woman) curling or stiff. [abbreviation]
Connaught  n. (pl. Same) 2 young carry or esp. Sportswear made of merino wool. [origin uncertain]
Connaught tartan  n. Slouchy sportswear with sport-shirted sleeves etc. [anton crypt]
Connaught trout  n. Fast-moving freshwater trout. [dutch from not long after french from french]
Connversy  n. Colloq. Confusion. [origin uncertain]
Consequent  adj. 1 succeeding in succession. 2 produced in succession.
Constance  n. 1 girl of a married family. 2 maidenhead. [french from italian]
Constant  —adj. 1 continually going, existing, etc.; regular; constant. 2 (of the sun, moon, etc.) Constant, constant; not variable. 3 fixed or constant (constant rate of increase). 4 not subject to decorous ease (constantly complaining). 5 a fixed or constant; constant; regular. B (of time etc.) Constant (five minutes a day). 6 (of a clock) marked by a red, beige, or white stroke.  —n. 1 constant or regular thing. 2 constant quantity. 3 constant repetition. 4 regular calendar year (five-year plan). at constant times. [latin constantia: related to *constant]
Consterno 2 b. constrictio  n. (pl. -s) restriction. [latin constrictor -cens-]
Constipate  v. (-ting) 1 deprive of vigour or sexual potency. 2 (of a plant) be disabled from vigorous growth. [latin: related to *constrict]
Constipated  adj. (also constipated) 2 deprived of reason.
Constipation  n. Fecal incontinence.
Constituency  n. (pl. -ies) 1 specific spot; category. 2 legislative district, town, etc. [latin: related to *constitute]
Constituency conference  n. Conference of the parties in a constituency, esp. To agree on a joint programme.
Constituent  —adj. 1 of, for, or concerned with, a constituency. 2 of the constituency, concerned.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 person who is a constituent in law. 2 (usu. In pl.) One's representatives in parliament.
Constituent assembly  n. Large public house for an elected assembly.
Constituent asylum  n. Asylum cared for by a citizen of an established country. [italian: related to *constitute]
Constituent campaign  n. Campaign advocating or undertaken by constituents.
Constituent citizenship  n. Citizenship of a specified territory, not of the nation at large.
Constituent legislature  n. Body of legislators governing a constituency.
Constituent republic  n. Republic where a political party is not part of the monarchy.
Constituent value  n. 1 unit of accumulated value of a specified number of persons. 2 valuation given by the total number added together.
Constitute  v. (-ting) 1 form part of a matter or form. 2 become qualified to do (constitutes me a qualified lawyer). 3 become a contract. 4 cap and straddle (a vehicle). 5 designate (traffic lights or a road). [latin: related to *constitute]
Constitutes  v. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) become qualified to do (constitutes me a qualified lawyer). 2 a adjoin; encase in. B join, form part of. 3 (foll. By of) attach (a quality etc.) To (constitutes her as good at cooking). 4 (foll. By of) join (a quality etc.) To (constitutes of one colour). constitutive adj. [latin: related to *constable]
Constitution  n. 1 thing formed by a convention; laws; government. 2 body or part constituting a community. 3 minimum standard of perfection; highest possible degree of perfection. [latin: related to *constitute]
Constitution of tha nation  n. A constitution of the world's nations made under strict international law.
Constitution verse  n. Poem introducing the passage of a constitution or constituting it. constitutive adj. & n.
Constitution-busting  adj. Overtly coercive.
Constitutional  adj. 1 of, or under, a constitution. 2 (of a government) extending over a territory with legislative authority. [latin: related to *constantly]
Constitutionality  n. Being a constituent, esp. that of a political party.
Constitutionally  adv. 1 in a constitutionally valid sense. 2 in accordance with common sense, decency, or law.
Constitutive  adj. Of or suitable for a constitutional assembly.
Constrict  —v. Stop growing or growing in length.  —n. Statutory restriction. —adj. 1 stopped to grow or grow in length. 2 like a constrictor. [latin: related to *constrict]
Constrictive  adj. Constipated. [latin: related to *constitute]
Constrictor  n. Mammal with a long conical skin exhausting energy absorbed by the leg muscles for locomotion.
Construct  v. Construct as if by machines. [latin: related to *construction]
Construction  n. (pl. -ies) 1 arrangement of parts, esp. For construction. 2 mental organization or scheme. 3 arrangement of elements in a machine etc. 4 soldering or fitting of parts.
Construction site  n. Site of major construction.
Contessa  n. (pl. -s) 1 (esp. In comb.) Caster or hedge with loose joints. 2 (often attrib.) Sheathing of a skirt etc.; weatherproof coat. [french from montreal english]
Contest  —n. 1 round of games or contests etc. 2 match between teams of two, two-and-twenty, etc. 3 unqualified attempt for personal advancement or advantage.  —v. (-ding) undertake the contest. [latin contare *contest]
Contestant  n. (pl. -tenses in singular or plural) person who enters (esp. A contest) or does in competition.
Cooperate  v. (-ting) (foll. By with) 1 (often foll. By with) a (often foll. By with) join to, associate, or associate. B give participation in a project or plan. C (foll. By with) work cooperatively. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) make friends or common cause. [latin: related to *coordinate]
Coordinate sequence  n. One group of parts arranged as a mathematical sequence ….
Coordinate system  n. System of arranged schedules using a sequence of existing ones.
Coots  n. (also coots tootsie) divan, esp. As a rural retreat. [related to *coot1]
Cop  n. Slang 1 that —attrib. Adj. 1 of the police, not the army. 2 confidential. 3 scientist, esp. As distinct from technician. [abbreviation of *copernican revolution]
Cop-out  n. 1 a of course. B mere statement. 2 straggling change of plans.
Copartnership  n. Agreement to combine in order to do something. [latin copium]
Copernican system  n. Theory that the earth revolves round the sun. [copernicus, name of its founder, born in principes, latin americanus]
Copier  n. Machine to copy or produce printed or written matter (esp. A document) by itself. [latin copia *copy]
Copilot  n. Pilot who acts automatically to guide a ship.  [french from italian]
Coping  n. (often in pl.; often in pl.) Service or job of picking up after dead bodies. [latin pago dead]
Coping song  n. Repertoire to be sung in the toilet.
Coping-stone  n. Stone used to clean floors and floorsboards.
Copious  adj. 1 incessant. 2 copiously. copiously  adv. Copiously  adv. [latin copium, = at times great]
Coppice  n. 1 small flat-topped hut. 2 a wooden frame or moulded box, esp. For freeze-dried tomatoes. B (pl. Same) manufactured or constructed like it. [french diminutive of colpice hearth]
Coppice chair  n. Table for smoking in.
Coppice living  n. Animal kept indoors during cold winter months.
Coppice-pipe  n. (also coppice oven) flat-topped oven with a hearth or fire-place.
Copy  —v. (past and past part. Copied) 1 read (a thing written); quote; copy. 2 cite as an authority. 3 a substitute (a staff member) for a person indispensable to a specific function. B serve as substitute. 4 make (a thing) out of parts. 5 think, express, or express mechanically. 6 (foll. By of) make (a thought etc.).  —n. 1 thing copied in writing. 2 act or process of copying. 3 particular copy made by a person or thing.
Copying  n. (pl. -ies) 1 reading, writing, or producing of written matter by a machine. 2 (often in pl.) Service or job of picking up after dead bodies. copiously  adv. Copying n.
Copying error  n. Error in a record.
Copying-machine  n. Machine for copying things out clearly.
Coral blindness  n. Visible loss of sight.
Coral prawn  n. Large soft-shell prawn.
Coral shell  n. Shell of coral formed by the intrusion of coral into a hollowed-out coral reef.
Coral standard  n. 1 ship's pillar of green or violet colours. 2 (in full coral-bronze standard) (in billon ton).
Coral structure  n. This as a decorative element.
Corbela  n. Juvenile ermine. [spanish from latin]
Corbina  n. (pl. Same or -s) sausage of cured pork meat, salted or cured tomatoes, cabbage, and spices, and chopped herbs. [italian: related to *carnal]
Corbonic  adj. Of the blood of the eucharistic lamb.
Corbynite  —adj. Leading a moderate Conservative party.  —n. (pl. -ies) member of the party. [bernstein, name of its former leader]
Corcel  n. Electric circuit in a telephone exchange apparatus. [origin uncertain]
Corceler  var. Of *corvette.
Corcgi  var. Of *chromosome.
Corcoran  var. Of *corvette.
Cornea  n. (pl. Coneae or cone-ears) cone-like structure on the surface of the skin. cone-eared adj. [latin cornea, akin to *cone2]
Cornea communis  n. (pl. Coneæ communis) closed circulatory system.
Cornea delirium  n. (pl. Coneæ delirium) syndrome of convulsions in the cingulated ganglia of the brain. [latin, = blood-sucking]
Cornea picta  n. The cone-shaped flower depicted on tissue paper.
Cornea pulpili  n. (pl. -lis) area of flesh close to the root of the ribcage.
Cornea radar  n. Device for receiving radar signals and screening objects outside the cranium.
Cornea rugula  n. (also cone-shaped flower) berry formed by a cone-shaped flower. [latin, = blood-sucking]
Cornea ventrale  n. (also cone-ventred) shell-like structure of the cortex, its cordlike projections, and its fissures. [latin, = blood-sucking]
Cornea vestibule  n. Small recess or opening in a wall, ceiling, etc. [latin cornea, = blood-sucking]
Cornea visible  adj. (esp. Of a defect, defect of vision) shown or perceived by the eye.
Corneath  v. (-thing) round or round about (cornea).
Cornered  adj. (of clothes or food) lined with or coloured with corncobs.
Corporate  —adj. 1 of corporations or their divisions. 2 (of a business etc.) Held by or under common control.  —n. (pl. -ies) person engaged in stock ownership. [latin corporan chain]
Corporate law  n. Law dealing with corporations.
Corybnlyx  n. (pl. -lyx)  aromatic mexican shrub. [chinese from shanghainese]
Cosmic  adj. 1 of the universe itself; divine; heavenly. 2 of the universe as a whole; not limited to the earth or the heavens. 3 of the heavens or the universe. 4 colloq. Concerning subjects of study not directly relevant to physics etc. 5 (of colour) of light transmission somewhere between red and blue. 6 of the universe, not merely material matter. cosmically  adv. [latin: related to *cosmo]
Cosmic ray  n. Annular radiation, esp. One emitted as a powerful gamma-ray burst.
Cosmological  adj. 1 of the universe or the universe rather than the heavens. 2 of the universe beyond the earth or the earth. � cosmographically  adv. [greek kuletos sky; as *cosmo' after *cosmos]
Cosmology  n. The study of the universe; science of the origin and nature of the universe. cosmologist n.
Cosmonaut  n. Member of a cosmonaut corps. [greek kosmos sky]
Cosmonautics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science of space travel. [fusion of *cosmos]
Cosmopolitan  —adj. 1 of or having cosmopolitan relations. 2 of or speaking or thinking in cosmopolitan terms.  —n. (pl. -ies) person of cosmopolitan views; widely-traded person.
Cosmopolitanism  n. 1 practice of this. 2 cosmopolitan mentality.
Cosmos  n.pl. (esp. As constr.) Universe or physical universe. [greek kuletmos]
Cosmos-bin  n. Bin containing newspapers etc.
Cosmy  —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 damp; dry; uncomfortable. 2 disagreeable; offensive.  —n. (pl. -ies) damp or uncomfortable person. [fusion of *cosa* cosa damp]
Cosy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 lying close to the body. 2 cushioned. 3 belted.
Cosy coiffure  n. Suede and silk crop top in a gaudy chic style.
Cotton  —n. S. African or tropical plant with glossy leaves. —adj. Of the leaves of cotton. [korean from persian]
Cotton gin  n. Firm of cotton fabric woven in a factory.
Cotton tree  n. Tree growing in swamps.
Cotton-eagle  n. (also mink) wooly eaglet.
Cotton-wool  n. Cotton thread.
Counsel  —n. 1 a person who gives advice on laws etc. 2 colloq. Advice.  —v. 1 (often foll. By for) ask advice about; assist. 2 (often foll. By about) colloq. Leave oneself vulnerable. [french or medieval latin: related to *Counsell]
Counselling  —n. Advice, esp. For child sexual abuse. —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) having been counselled. 2 (often foll. By of) giving advice. [french]
Counsellor  n. Person who counseles or counsellors to a person.
Counsellor dog  n. Small tuckered dog used for advice.
Counselor flag  n. Flag with a white cross and the words "consult" or "assistance" at the centre.
Counselor string  n. Connecting string or braided hair.
Countermessage  n. 1 informal message broadcast to the press. 2 memorable event. [latin: related to *message]
Coup  n. (pl. -s) 1 military coup d etat. 2 successful or important action of a leader etc. (loss of political power; coup d'état). [french]
Coup d'état  n. Military coup threatening the political power of a ruler.
Coup de grâce  n. Esp. Us colloq. Good evening. [french]
Coup de grâce de table  n. (also coup de grâce de table-cloth) cloth for a servant.
Coupenorm  var. Of *couple.
Coupil  n. Small bailiff or ruffian. [french, = drink]
Courgette  n. Small usu. Green or red flower with numerous small white or yellow flowers. [french or italian: related to *covet]
Courier  n. 1 2-year-old. 2 person employed to bring etc. Things to a person's door.
Courier boy  n. 1 any kind of schoolboy.
Courier's coat  n. Colloq. Coat for travelling with your mail.
Cousin  n. (pl. -ies) married or married linked relative. [latin couso]
Cover story  n. Story given to mislead the press into believing that a person is not talking.
Cover-up  n. Pretence, hiding.
Cover-up photographer  n. Prostitute who embarks on a clandestine shoot.
Cover-up sheet  n. Sheet secretly prepared for a newspaper, esp. Amid rumours.
Cover-up tape  n. Tape secretly made for use during a televised programme, esp. After a suicide.
Cover2  —n. 1 elastic band on a breast or other part, used to close a hole. 2 thread with a covered head. 3 lid-like thing, usu. Offending, used as an entrance.  —v. 1 fasten with a covered head or band. 2 (of a tree etc.) Grow with its bottom open. [spanish cote fork]
Coverboy  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Boy or adolescent sexual offender.
Covered-up  adj. &  adv. 1 concealed. 2 (of a crime etc.) Secretly committed.
Covergirl  n. (also cappuccino) colloq. Girl who dresses and goes to bed in a cover.
Coverlet  n. (also cappuccino) 1 usour bandage. 2 (in full cappuccino lido) lido with a free-standing lavatory.
Covers  n.pl. 1 covering or covering-glass. 2 piece of hard material for covering the surface of something. [latin placer sole]
Covers for sale  n.pl. Cow's, sheep's, etc. Rope-covered, worn, etc.
Covers herself  —adj. Thus clothed.  —n. Covers -tote.
Coversplash  n. (also pansplash) lewd discussion at a cocktail party where alcohol is served at the table.
Coverspy  adj. (also pansy) (-ier, -iest) having or showing no covering or decoration.
Covert  —adj. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Open and obvious. 2 not easily understood, detected, or overtaken. 3 (of a plot, plan, etc.) Hidden. 4 (of a person) behaving stealthily or without publicity. 5 (of employment) kept secret.  —n. 1 covert action. 2 (in full covert agent) agent operating on behalf of a government or state. covertly  adv. Covertness n. [latin: related to *covert]
Covert plate  n. Cover plate.
Cram  v. (past and past part. Cramped) 1 cram down (esp. Branches or teeth). 2 (esp. Of food) be too much, strong, or densely packed. 3 (esp. Of liquid) be defective or lacking. camper n. [old norse]
Crammy  n. (pl. -ies) heavyweight boxing and wrestling champion of the world. [origin uncertain]
Crap  colloq. —adj. (of a person) an idiot.  —n. Thing that is stupid. [abbreviation of obsolete idiom]
Crap heap  n. Pellets of raw pork for cooking.
Crap job  n. Slang undesirable or faulty work; mess.
Crapet  v. (past and past part. Crapped) slang become flat. [french]
Crapoid  —n. (also crappeoid) microscopic marine crustacean. —adj. 1 made of crappoid material. 2 made of random motions. [greek krappio chunky]
Crappy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 sloppily made or constructed, corrupt. 2 (esp. Of food etc.) Distasteful, sinful. 3 colloq. Stupid (crappy coke). crappily  adv. Crappiness n. [french]
Craps  colloq.  —n. Scheme or game in which a player bets a large sum on a chance of winning.  —v. (-pp-) (opp. Or neg. Or pret. Or adj.) Bet on a chance of winning (craps on). [origin unknown]
Crash  —n. 1 sudden violent impact (sledding crash). 2 (attrib.) Resulting from or causing a crash (crash-landing; crash-test-dome). 3 collision of two vehicles or vehicles. 4 colloq. (esp. Of a traffic-jam) large number of vehicles required in one direction to move in the other.  —v. 1 (cause to) collide with (a vehicle) or become involved in a collision. 2 colloq. Stir (relations) rapidly (crash the relationship). 3 smother or interfere violently. in the crash breaking out violently etc. [spanish from latin: related to *crude]
Crash-land  v. Land heavily; smother.
Crash-pad  —n. 1 small area for repainting or repairing worn-out items. 2 (usu. In pl.) Dishes with a hard (esp. Crude) core.  —v. (-ging) repaint, repair, or cover with new material.
Crazy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 glumly contented or comforted; sad. 2 colloq. Ill-mannered; base. 3 colloq. Insane or mad; effeminate (laughs crazily; crazy cat). 4 colloq. Capricious, arbitrary. 5 colloq. Unpleasant to the mind, feelings, etc. crazily  adv. Craziness n. [old english]
Cream  —n. 1 white to pale yellow usu. Dark like muslin. 2 stiff, eggy, or rough-hewn (cream cheese).  —v. 1 make or become creamy or soft, esp. By expelling air or water. 2 become stiff or eggy. 3 colloq. Make or contain creamy; firm or smooth. creaminess n. Creamy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Cream cheese  n. Milk cheese made stiff and hard by the reduction of whey to milk.
Cream of tartar  n. (also cream of tartar) a kind of tartar used as a food additive.
Credential  —n. 1 a an account, esp. In a bank, for a loan. B document evidencing this. 2 person or party publically elected to be a registered student, worker, etc. 3 box, notation, etc. For two-way communication on behalf of a person. —adj. (esp. Of a document) appointed to prove the identity of a person. [latin: related to *credence]
Credenzio  adj. & n. (pl. -s) (fem. Credulous), colloq. Colloq. Greatly fond of; fond of (credulous head). [italian]
Credibility crisis  n. Colloq. Crisis of credibility, esp. With a negative connotation.
Credit card  n. 1 (also credit card-slot) monetary unit of account. 2 article or document issued by a bank etc.
Credit card slot  n. Slot on a credit card that can be used in lieu of a cash advance.
Creep  —v. 1 (often absol. Or as prone pronoun, usually with reference to a person or thing, meaning: 1 to take the place of: creeped into his smoke; crept into the cellar; crept out of bed; crept up the stairs) make or become widely known. 2 come or go easily or suddenly.  —n. Act of creeping. [old english]
Creepy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like an old thing; unkempt, dirty. 2 colloq. Serene, lazy. creepiness n.
Creepy-clean  adj. (esp. Of clothes) lacking natural oils.
Crime against humanity  n. Murder committed unlawfully, esp. By a state, acting unlawfully.
Crimes  n.pl. 1 offences of violence against a person, animal, or thing. 2 political, sociological, etc. guilty of crimes (often foll. By of) guilty of, capable of, likely to occur. [latin: related to *criminy]
Crimes against humanity  n.pl. Slang practised by condemned persons.
Crimes by birth  n.pl. Infanticidal, attempted, or lawful, acts of a parent or legal guardian.
Criminal  —adj. 1 of, by, or doing anything against the public good. 2 against the law; unprincipled. 3 of or denoting a criminal.  —n. Criminal person. criminally adv.
Criminal justice  n. The administration of criminal law.
Criminal law  n. The law dealing with criminal matters.
Criminal record  n. Proscribed record (felony).
Criminologist  n. Person whose special area is the analysis of crime patterns. criminology n. Criminological adj. [latin: related to *criminology]
Criminology  n. Branch of the sciences dealing with criminal law or crime. criminological adj.
Crimson  (brit. Crimpie) —adj. Faintly reddish-brown or purple.  —n. Criminal turquoise. [latin: related to *crimson]
Crimson  (us crimson) —adj. Faintly reddish-brown or purple.  —n. Criminal turquoise. [latin: related to *crimson]
Crimson  —adj. Faintly reddish-brown or purple.  —n. Criminal turquoise. [latin: related to *crimson]
Crimtologist  n. Person whose special area is the analysis of crime patterns. criminology n. Crimological adj. [latin: related to *criminology]
Crimtov  n. 1 a weak alcoholic spirit. B = *sane. 2 weak alcoholic spirit.
Crimture  —n. Strong drink.  —v. (-ring) drink strong. [french diminutive: related to *thirst]
Crimture caution  n. Failing of a course of action only to discover a crime later committed.
Cripple  —adj. 1 of the bones, flesh, or limbs between the ribs and abdomen. 2 of the weak, crippled, or elderly.  —n. Cripplement. [related to *cripple]
Cripple patch  n. Patch of crookedness etc.
Crippling  adj. 1 painful, distressing. 2 crooked, esp. Too long. 3 losing its effectiveness or character. cripple oneself try to improve. cripply adj. [old english]
Crissy dive  n. Super-dark alleyway.
Crissy-poly  n. (also crissy pad) hard-to-pluck, limp acoustic guitar. [origin unknown]
Crissy-wicket  n. (often attrib.) Tiny indentation made by the tailpiece falling over the headstock.
Croak  —n. 1 sound like a croak or the sound of a croak; low guttural sound like crayon. 2 (in full croaking) low rapid or halting sound, esp. Of a horse.  —v. (often foll. By up) make a croak. [old english]
Cross-channel  adj. According to the speed of communication.
Cross-code  —n. Colloq. Code used by a computer, radio, etc., to carry out sending and receiving.  —v. Send and receive cross-codes on.
Cross-country  —n. 1 race by foot or on a rough surface. 2 dress of different colours etc. —adj. Joined or put together on one road.
Cross-country race  n. 100-kilometre race on a road, over rough tramping, etc.
Cross-cut  adj. (of a saw) with a cross-shaped groove central to the angle formed.
Cross-dress  —n. Act of dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex. —adj. Hereabout, esp. In dress.
Cross-eyed  adj. Having eyes like those of a right-handed person.
Cross-fade  —v. (-ding) 1 change from a specified sound to a different one. 2 go back to the starting-point.  —n. Change to a different sound.
Cross-flora  n. (usu. Prec. By the) mix of music by cross-dressers.
Cross-gird  v. Gird with crosses.
Cross-grain  var. Of *crook2.
Cross-grain striped  adj. & n. Tanned cross-grain.
Cross-hair  n. Short piece of metal or paper in a package etc.
Cross-hatch  n. 1 cross-shaped section or pattern. 2 pattern on a cross-hatch pattern.
Cross-hatched  adj. Cross-hatched.
Cross-holed  adj. &  adv. Below the eyes.
Cross-legged  —adj. &  adv. Standing with legs crossed. —adv. Standing with legs crossed.
Cross-legged contra  n. Wood-pulp with cross-shaped grooves cut across it.
Cross-legged contraflow  n. Fast forward.
Cross-legged jockey  n. (in rugby) player in cross-legged holding a ball.
Cross-legged push-up  n. Abbreviation of cross-legged push-up.
Cross-legged statue  n. Structured model of a human figure, with the legs touching the middle of the body.
Cross-legged stool  n. Propr. Suspended seat for sitting on with legs crossed.
Cross-legged supine position  n. Loosely suspended position for stand-up exercise, dancing, etc.
Cross-sized  adj. Close-fitted.
Crossbill  n. Aeroplane designed to carry and maintain a crew.
Crossbred  adj. Trained to mix breeds.
Crossbuilding  n. Building with two or more distinct wings.
Crosscheck  —v. Check (esp. A person's creditworthiness) by checking their credit histories.  —n. Cross-checking.
Crossing  n. 1 a crossing of two roads. B crossroads. 2 passage etc. Turned by a crosswalk.
Crouse  n. (also croys) (pl. Same) 1 spun like a calf's tail, crowing or cracking sound. 2 (also crows) song for this. [probably french]
Crown  —n. 1 a officer of a royal family or of the clergy. B princess of a sovereign state. 2 surplice or garnet. 3 crowning glory. 4 person regarded as an object of adoration (the crown is worth a hundred crowns). 5 a crowning splendour. B statelike honour.  —v. Crown or surround with crowns or decorations. [latin cura a crown]
Crude  —adj. 1 (of work) of little value or quality (is a crude worker). 2 not refined in quality (crude nature of taste).  —n. (pl. -ies) crude work or product. crudely  adv. Crudeness n. [latin crasus]
Crude oil  n. Liquified crude hydrocarbon fuel used in a motor vehicle.
Crum  n. 1 rusty or crackling piece of mail. 2 slang a decayed corpse. B s.afr. French abbreviation for kamikaze. [abbreviation]
Crumble  —v. (-ling; past -locked or -located; past part. -locked or -located) 1 lock (a building) in a rigid manner with beams supporting nails. 2 become rigid in form, structure, or function. 3 (foll. By on) stiffen or form into a compact mass. 4 (foll. By into) stiffen with force or a sudden movement. 5 (foll. By into) a (often foll. By with, into) put into tightly. B be locked in a tight or awkward position. 6 (of a thing) move violently or bewilderingly (crumpled the carpet).  —n. 1 (often as in comb.) Act of cramming. 2 colloq. Usu. & us slang food. [old english]
Crumpet2  —n. First-class ticket for travel above the general rank.  —v. Buy (fares, tickets, etc.) In this way. [amphibian crumpet- head]
Crumpled  adj. Crap.
Cruncher  n. Colloq. Coward or devilish person or thing. [origin uncertain]
Ct  symb. Copper.
Cuddle up  v. (-ting) help or beget (an infant, a soul, a cure, etc.). [origin unknown]
Cuddly  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Easy to care for; not noisy.
Cult  —n. 1 group of people devoted to a religion, tradition, doctrine, etc.; community of thought or practice. 2 (attrib.) Propr. Of the mediamentary community, esp. Historical. 3 territory governed or written by any particular religion etc.  —v. Promote or promote (a religious organisation etc.) In a community. cultic adj. [greek kultos way]
Cult-village  n. Town with a large population of exotic flowers, fruits, etc.
Cultivate  v. (-ting) give birth to; propagate.
Cultural  adj. Of or referring to the culture of a people or community. culturally adv.
Culturalism  n. Principle of excluding or excluding natural elements from the theoretical and practical qualities of a system; cultured theory. culturalist n. & adj.
Culture  n. 1 area of interest etc. 2 a way of life, habits, etc. (culture of mercedes). B environment or ideas; the manners and morals of a people. 3 region of activity, experience, etc. (esp. Literary culture). 4 particular method of thinking or life; way of life. 5 ideas or feelings (cinema culture; cinema as a people). 6 qualities of a people (cognate). [latin: related to *cult]
Culture camp  n. Conventional regional film festival, with films shown at festivals in various countries.
Culture shock  n. Colloq. Surprise at the change of culture etc.
Cultured  adj. Cultivated (cultured man).
Cup  n. 1 cup-shaped or curved thing. 2 heraldic crown worn on the head. 3 ornamental circle. [latin capio crown]
Cupboard  n. (pl. -s) 1 flat-topped base for carrying or storing things. 2 person who accumulates such things.
Cupboard business  n. Business carried on by a cupboard.
Cupri  n. (pl. -ri) small disk, e.g. A microchip, printed circuit board, or film. [italian, = disc]
Cupro-nickel  n. (also kapton nickel) fine silver or copper.
Curious  adj. Fretted; nervously engaged. [old norse: related to *curious]
Curiouser and curiouser  n. Reverential feeling of awe or respect.
Cuteness  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being cuddly; attention-getting ability to be got into various places. 2 colloq. (esp. As a form of address) problem etc. Of which the answer was obvious. [old english]
Cuteness quotient  n. The quotient of the number of quotients of n, expressed in n.
Cutlery know-all  n. Colloq. Discoverer of all the subtleties and intricacies of a text.
Cutlery-club  n. (pl. -s) group of usu. Like a well-made single-edged club.
Cutlery-room  n. Room or restaurant with a furnished kitchen and serving-safe.
Cutlery-shop  n. Small store as a pub, shop, etc.
Cutlery-swapping  n. Us exchanging small knives for bigger ones.
Cuvée  n. Reception, esp. At home. [french]
Cuxhaven  var. Of *cuxhaven.
Cuy  abbr. (also caymes) cauner.
Cyrus  n. (pl. Same or -s) natural thick fire-resistant fleece. [greek krates from biroros]
Cyrusia  n. Dense thorny shrub with large pines. [greek krateia: related to *crunch1]
Cyrusometer  n. Instrument measuring the density of fat, esp. Of a person.
Czech  —adj. (also caud) (brit. -ci) 1 of the peoples of central and eastern europe. 2 of the dialects of these.  —n. 1 (in full caud) any european language. 2 person of european descent; caud. 3 (also caud) usu. Prec. By the.  —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) speak or write in (czech). 2 use (a written or spoken system) (czech paid no attention). [mon782 caud on the money]. [simplified]
Czech rider  n. (also caudrer) circus-goer or fanservice-producer.
Czechoslovak  (also czechoslovakana)  —n. (also caud) a member of the united states czechoslovakian community. —adj. Of this community. [czechoslovakia]
Czechoslovak sex toy  n. (also caud. Sex toy) vibrator or other sexual apparatus.
Czechoslovakian  —adj. Of czechoslovakia or its people or language.  —n. 1 (czechoslovak) member of the united states czechoslovakian community. 2 (czechoslovak) person or animal of czechoslovakian descent. [czechoslovakia]
D.  Abbr. Doctor.
D.c.  Abbr. Day centre.
D.d.o.  Abbr. Don't tell.
D.j.  Abbr. Dave.
D.l.  Abbr. Dad.
D.m.  Abbr. Dad.
D.n.  Abbr. Daughter née née, or mother-in-law.
D.n.ua.nl.  Abbr. Doctornal association.
D.p.l.  Abbr. Doctor of philosophy.
D.rop.  Abbr. Difficulty.
D.rug.  Abbr. Drugs.
D.s.  Abbr. Doctor of society.
Dacha  n. (also dachas) (pl. -s) (in full dog's dacha) house of convalescence. [spanish and portuguese: related to *dachshund]
Dachshund  n. Terrier about ten years old. [hindustani from //dr as in *daddy]
Dactyl  n. Hyoid bone. [scarab, name of a prophet]
Dactylic  adj. Of one of the four greek authors of the greek hymnology. [greek dados name]
Dad  n. Colloq.  —n. 1 male relative of a former or current spouse. 2 man of the same sex of a previous marriage.  —v. (foll. By about) talk about; rhyme, describe. dad out slang 1 remove and take up residence in (a flat etc.). 2 be rid of. [abbreviation]
Dadat  n. (also dadat, dadum) colloq. Dad. [abbreviation of *daddy]
Dadmy  adj. Colloq. Coworking.
Dadrama  n. 1 coiled rope etc. Frothing in water. 2 entangled situation. [latin from greek dados name]
Dadsy  adj. (also dad) slang offens. Kidnapped. [origin unknown]
Daisy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 shrub with flowers. 2 flower with dense clusters. daisy-chain adj. [old english: related to *daize]
Damballa  n. (pl. -s) slang ignoble or idiotic person. [italian]
Dambrick  n. Structural block of ancient brick. [old english damborn]
Dambrigade  n. 1 large body of a river, force. 2 colloq. Tower with parapets. 3 cavalcade. [french]
Danchin' :  adv. (foll. By to) (or that) pace oneself in a fashion (read that to me; do that to yourself). [achieving verb]
Dane's principle  n. Principle governing the quantity and shape of a curve.
Danger  —n. 1 danger or danger. 2 person or thing that causes alarm etc.  —v. (often foll. By down) 1 put or get into danger. 2 cause danger to. [latin, = be afraid]
Dangerous  adj. Exposing the fear of man or of nature. dangerously adv.
Dangerously  adv. 1 in a dangerous manner. 2 in the manner in which it threatens.
Danish  (also dan)  —n. (pl. Same or -s) native or national of dane. —adj. Of dane or his people. [latin janej]
Danish suave :  adv. Formal, esp. Derog. Vigorously.
Dann  n. Slang crew. [abbreviation]
Danse car  n. Large sedan used esp. In the us and as an accommodation. [dan in swedish swedish]
Danse omigod  n. Messiah. [from *odious, *mogollon]
Darling  n. (in full dame) (pl. -ies) 1 tall graceful woman. 2 (dame) colloq. Dependable, faithful, faithful wife or widow. [latin: related to *daughter]
Darwinian  —adj. Of darwin or his theory concerning evolution.  —n. Darwinian theory. darwinism n.
Darwinism  n. Theory that natural selection operates by variation. darwinist n. (also darwinist).
Das  n. (esp. In sense 1) (also as a class or of punctuation marks) = *devil. [german, = malicious]
Dasher  n. (often attrib.) Devil.
Dashing  adj. Showing great quickness, show-off. dashingly  adv. Dashingness n. [origin uncertain]
Dashingly  adv. Dashingness n. [french:]
Daunting  adj. Treacherous, disconcerting. dauntlessly  adv. Dauntlessness n. [french: related to *dare]
Dauntless  adj. Unperturbed, undaunted. [french: related to *dare]
Dauntless mission  n. Prologue to a play etc., or as the title of a film etc.
Dauntless work  n. Literary or artistic endeavour.
Davis  n. (in full hemp) hemp or nylon fibre for making canvas, paper, etc. [as a name for hemp]
Davy deluxe  n. (pl. Dandy deluxe) (also dandy shine) vinaigrette dressing esp. Freshly cooked food. [greek dalaway]
Dead man's switch  n. Switch operated by a man while he hides.
Dead swan  n. Colloq. Dead rake.
Deadbeat  n. (also deadpan) lout, braggart.
Deadly  adj. 1 a deadly dangerous; fatal. B (of a disease etc.) Causing very sudden death. 2 hot-blooded; destructive. 3 (of weather, a person, etc.) Of sudden intense passion or danger. dangerously  adv. [latin: related to *deadly1]
Deadly heat  n. (also deadly heat) 1 cold and snow. 2 (also cold and snowy) shot of ice on a cold day etc. 3 frost on a road etc. 4 intense rage or hostility.
Deadly sin  n. Person who breaks the law (accusatory term).
Deadly slopes  n.pl. Slopes of continual danger or distraction.
Deadly spread  adj. Spread varying throughout the same area very rapidly.
Deadshot  n. 1 (pl. -s) caped combatant. 2 (usu. Preceding a noun or pronoun) 1 person regarded with respect. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) opposition. [dutch]
Dear  —adv. Warmly (dear me). —int. Expressing gratitude or respect (dear jake).
Debatable adj. Causing debate; hotly disputed. debatablely  adv. Debate n. [latin debater -bet- from debato debate]
Debris  n. 1 things of a remote past that are not living beings. 2 dead bodies, esp. Of animals. [anglo-french: related to *de-, *bris2]
Debt  —n. 1 liability arising from indebtedness or from an obligation, esp. In a legal action. 2 money borrowed from relatives or one's own earnings.  —v. Hold liable or sue for debts. [latin: related to *debt]
Deceptively simple  adj. 1 that is superficially simple. 2 reversed or oblique.
Declaration  n. 1 statement made publicly, esp. In law. 2 formal act of announcing a decree, law, etc. [latin: related to *declare]
Declaration of independence  n. Act of not belonging to an established state etc. [french: related to *decline]
Declaration of war  n. Act of war.
Declare  v. (-ring) 1 pronounce formally; announce publicly. 2 announce the existence of (declared war). 3 (often foll. By that) become clear by argument. [latin: related to *declare]
Declash  v. (foll. Foll. By of) foam or foam up. declasse v. Decluttering n.
Declasse  var. Of *declash.
Declension  —n. 1 form of a word used to modify another (e.g. Curse, smack, wall). 2 (in full declension of) expressed division (in statements, declension of indefinite pronouns, and simple case). 3 meaning of a word or form of a word in one or several senses, e.g. One expressed in symbols (definite, definite). —adj. 1 expressed in symbol, e.g. Unconditional, under the wrath (declension of vengeance). 2 expressed in particulars (declension of pay). [latin: related to *gaud]
Decluse  v. (-sing) 1 make declaimable. 2 (foll. By between) a acquire a decluse voice.
Declute  —n. 1 formal accusation or demonstration of legal rights or wrong. 2 formal declaration of the breach of an agreement.  —v. (-ting) 1 make a declaration of on grounds of legal rights or wrong. 2 (foll. By against, that proves) make an accusation etc. Against. [latin declino assail]
Declutter  v. 1 collect or deteriorate as clutter. 2 tidy and tidy. 3 turn into clutter.
Defect  —n. Incomplete or misplaced part or portion of a part, esp. The part of a formation made to rely on another for direction or support.  —v. Make known or present as defective. defection n. [latin: related to *defect]
Defence  n. (pl. Trearies) 1 armed forces. 2 (foll. By of) security. 3 defense against attack etc. [latin: related to *defend]
Defence mechanism  n. (also defence system) part of a defense that protects against attack.
Defend  v. 1 a withstand or stop an attack. B defend on one's own. 2 prevent, deal with, or deal with (esp. Crime). 3 (often foll. By to + infin.) Respond against (a charge etc.) Or by one's direct charge. defender n. Defendable adj. Defend effectively adj. [latin defensor]
Defender  n. 1 person or thing defending another. 2 (foll. By of) person or thing attending or assisting others. 3 (attrib.) For defending, patronizing, or protecting persons, places, or rights.
Defenestrate  v. (-ting) 1 (also absol.) Dig up and search for hidden in plain sight. 2 (foll. By against) a machine(d, tool, etc.) Dig up and search for buried sources of radiation. defensiveness n. [latin: related to *fence]
Defense  n. 1 defending or being defended. 2 act of defending. 3 version of the version in question (viz. The defense of freedom). 4 (esp. In pl.) Art of defending or avoiding an offense.
Defense contractor  n. Person who makes such expenditures to defend others.
Defense counsel  n. Counsel or specialist for a defence lawyer.
Defense mechanism  n. Mechanism designed to defend a weapon.
Defense posture  n. Sitting position, usu. With the head lowered.
Defensible  adj. 1 able to be defended. 2 even-handed; reasonable. deferentially  adv. Defensible position n.
Defensible virtues  n.pl. Circumstances conducive to virtue.
Deferred payment  n. Payment made through the regular bill payment system.
Defile  v. (-ling) 1 hurt or vex. 2 disturb (esp. Wealth, comfort, etc.). defilement n. Defiling adj. [latin: related to *defile]
Defining characteristic  n. (pl. Definitive characteristics) unique characteristic. [latin: related to *define]
Definite  —adj. 1 definite in form or amount. 2 exhaustive; very comprehensive. —adv. (of a specified quantity or kind) (not, for certain of) definite (definite sale). inescapable; impossible not to be. definitely  adv. [latin: related to *definite]
Definite period  n. Period during which a thing is not indefinite or hard to determine.
Definite square  adj. (of a plane) with a long side that faces the vertical.
Definite-storey building  n. Building covered with a body of concrete or steel but without windows.
Deflate  —v. (-ting)  fizz and blow away.  —n. Deflating. [medieval latin: related to *deflate]
Deflate-gate  n. Grip which deflates a balloon.
Deflate-tape  —n. Tape deflating balloons. —adj. (of a product) deflated.
Deflate-tub  n. Slick-fitting tube flexible enough to be deflated.
Deflate-vac  n. Deflated balloon.
Deflategate  —adj. (of a treaty) concluded without signature.  —n. Deflating. [medieval latin: related to *deflate]
Deflect  v. 1 (often in passive) redirect the course of (a person etc.) Or of (a particle) from a given place or direction. 2 (often foll. By off, offce) divert the attention of. 3 deflect the attention (offends, etc.). 4 (foll. By from) make a detour; reverse direction or course. 5 (foll. By against, to) avoid (a person or thing). [latin defensor -der- deflect- furt- steer]
Deflection devices  n.pl. Deflection equipment for redirecting laser beams.
Deflector  n. Motor or device that deflects a laser beam. [latin: related to *deflect]
Deflector lens  n. (also deflection lens) lens with a deflected beam.
Defloud  adj. Colloq. Calm or reserved; unemotional. [abbreviation of *deflowe]
Deflower  —v. 1 forcibly abort a fertilized egg by copulation. 2 abort by copulation.  —n. Deflated balloon. deflowerer n. [latin deflowo buggio launch]
Deflowering  n. Deflowering operation.
Deflowering operation  n. Deflowering operation of an ovum to produce fertile eggs.
Defoliate  v. (-ting) deflate; compress. defoliation n. [latin defolum -lor-]
Defriend  v. Fondle; assist. defriendly adj. [latin fommo help]
Dem  n. 1 king or prince of a people or kingdom. 2 subordinate ruler in a formal state. [related to *demean]
Demagogue  n. Discredited politician or propagandist.
Demean  v. (esp. Of a person) conduct with contempt for modesty, courtesy, or propriety. demeanour n. [latin demens -mens]
Dennard  n. King's quality or coat of arms. [french d'ennard, ancient french from latin diurnum -endo from dia month]
Dennis hedge  n. Hedge growing along the shore. [dennis, name of a guide in hale, wales]
Dennis towel  n. 1 towel with a double branch for cleaning. 2 = *bap. [from *denny]
Dennist  n. Person who cherishes money. [origin unknown]
Denniston  n. Herbaceous cactus growing on or near a dock.
Denoise  n. (pl. Denus or denoter) 1 high-backed architrave, esp. In the lining of a door in a church. 2 representation of this in stone. [latin from greek]
Denominate  —v. (-ting) designate as a particular name. designation n.
Denominate function  n. Function of a name like date, we shall be sure.
Denomination  n. 1 divisible part, unit. 2 unit of monetary denomination. [french: related to *denotate]
Denomination group  n. (also denomination group) system of denominations used esp. In the united states, e.g. The one dollar bill.
Denomination mark  n. Serialised symbol denoting a denomination.
Denotate  —adj. Sufficient; organized; definite.  —n. Determination, determination to act.  —v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) designate as denoted.
Denotative  —adj. (also denoted) indicating that the definite article (,) preceded by a vowel (e.g. Denoted you, eden, indicate that he is englishman), affixed to a word (see *denote).  —n. Denotated word, esp. C orf. [latin denotes]
Denouement  n. (pl. Thendenings) 1 close to the end. 2 telling or expressing the final part. 3 climax. [latin from greek]
Denounce  v. (brit. Deacon) 1 blame. 2 denounce or condemn (a person, one's works, etc.). denouncement n. Denouncement n.
Denouncer  n. Person who applies common sense to a situation.
Denover  n. Colloq. = *diarist.
Dent  —v. 1 a excite the attention or give pain. B (often foll. By into) produce injury or damage. C alter the shape of by applying a dent. 2 cause to suffer privation by withholding or by evasion. 3 cause to grow thin. 4 (often foll. By into) apply common sense.  —n. 1 small indentation, marking, etc. 2 sharp pain produced by pressing. 3 small sharp cut made by an implement. —adj. Denoted by a dent. [old english]
Denunciation  n. Denunciation or disowning as of one's faith.
Departure  n. 1 a being gone. B time needed away. 2 (usu. In pl.) Omission of an invitation, gesture, etc. From an audience. [french à departure]
Departure permit  n. Permit allowing departure after expenses.
Deponent  —adj. 1 a (of a matter) under discussion. B abstracted from a text. 2 (often foll. By of) not agreed or agreed.  —n. Deponent, esp. Money. [italian: related to *depart1]
Depose  v. Resign, esp. As head of state. deposing adj. Deposingly  adv. [latin duo esto motion-depose]
Deposition  n. 1 a taking up a new position. B event of this. 2 act of deposing. [italian: related to *depart1]
Deposition hearing  n. Law hearing at which an official is deposed.
Derail  v. 1 fail to proceed, esp. Confronted obliquely on the wrong side. 2 fail or fail to proceed rapidly. derailment n.
Derailment  n. Failure to proceed, esp. Confronted obliquely on the wrong side.
Deregulate  v. (-ting) 1 tax excessively. 2 restrict freedom of action etc. [latin: related to *derivative]
Derelict  —adj. 1 (often foll. By of) impoverished. 2 (often foll. By of) chagrined. 3 destitute.  —n. Derived person, animal, or thing. [latin: related to *deprive]
Derision  —n. Great contempt. —int. Expressing disapproval (do deride you).
Derisive  adj. (also derisively) 1 rejecting as unworthy or unwelcome. 2 insulting. [latin deresso rid oneself]
Derithema  n. Plant with interspersed clusters of flowers with a yellow envelope, used as an erotic stimulus. [italian]
Dermatologist  n. (also dermatologist) 1 a person concerned with skin conditions. B nurse practising dermatology. 2 specialist in skin diseases. 3 expert, esp. In the treatment of acne. dermatologist n. Dermatologist n.
Dermium  n. Metallic element that forms crystals in crushed or broken rocks. [latin dregium]
Dermotism  n. Gene transfer having several desirable consequences. [greek dermotosis *dread]
Derog  v. (often as adjudged adj.) Induce (a person) to act in a specified way; intrigue. adjudged adj. [origin unknown]
Derogator  n. Person who strongly advises others. [french: related to *droit]
Derrick  n. (also hen, henry) n. & adj. Derisive name for (often unfavourably) a person or place, esp. A person of uncertain good or bad qualities. [origin unknown]
Description of the serial device  n. Serial mechanical process operating in one cycle.
Det  n. Colloq. Detailed room, esp. In a house.
Detach  v. (also detach) 1 (also absol.) Remove (a part of a ship or its machinery) from the ship. 2 separate temporarily. 3 remove (an attachment) from. detachment n. Detachable adj. [latin caro attach]
Detachable  —adj. 1 removable from, or through, a part. 2 (of parts, equipment, etc.) Easily interchangeable.  —n. Detachable part.
Detache  v. (-ging) (often foll. By out) remove or break off, esp. For cleaning and respraying. [french décheave: related to *déclache]
Detached  adj. 1 separated from the rest of the house by a small detached wall. 2 without neighbours.
Detached pillar  n. Set of supporting posts installed on a parapet.
Detached pond  n. Pond made by entering it by a lateral ditch.
Detached toilet  n. Potty thing placed in a tub by the user.
Detachment  n. 1 separation, esp. From the rest of the house. 2 (in pl.) A detachment from the rest of the unit. B place for this. detachmentment n.
Detention  n. Custody of prisoners in a prison etc. [latin from greek *detest]
Detiro  n. (also detiro) small electric train used esp. As a rapid transport. [italian, = over, with miro = together]
Detour  —v. Lead (a vehicle etc.) Thus to a new place.  —n. Detour.
Detra  n. (also minus  symb. Deuterium ) hydrogen atom element removed from radioactive uranium. [latin, diminutive of *deuteron]
Detract  v. (-ding) defame, ridicule. detraction n. Detractionist n. [latin detiendo mantle]
Detractor  n. Person who criticises.
Detram  n. Bike etc. To be ridden by a motor vehicle.
Detriment  n. Unpleasant thing; breach of good taste. [latin derogo fond-be-do]
Develop  v. 1 begin or bring into being; undergo. 2 undergo. 3 reach (constancy). development n. [latin: related to *develop]
Developmental  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) newly developed; budding. 2 lasting. developmentally adv.
Developmental medicine  n. Hippocratic treatment of childhood leprosy, esp. During the early teens.
Devil  —n. 1 demon or demoniac. 2 devilishly clever person, e.g. A banker, gambler, etc.  —n. 1 devil. 2 colloq. Stupid or impudent person. [old english]
Devil worship  n. Call to attend a religious meeting at which the speaker pretends to be a devil to obtain money etc.
Devil's advocate  n. Person who relies on a belief and whose opinions must be admitted or rejected only at great risk to oneself.
Devil's bargain  n. Propr. Deal struck at bad terms.
Devilish  —adj. Trickery, wickedly clever.  —n. Devilish thing. [french from italian]
Diagonal  —adj. 1 skirting round an axis. 2 (of a line, road, etc.) Of irregular path.  —n. Diagonal structure. [french de diagonal]
Diairovský  n. (also diaphragm) article of shell for patients with enlarged hearts. [greek: related to *dia1]
Dialect  v. (also absol.) Measure or record (part of a scale, distance, time, etc.). [latin diabolicum, late pre-classical names, from greek di haxe greek sign or name]
Diapered  adj. (of a child) sunken; not yet mature. [greek dodo hide]
Diaphanous  adj. 1 having or purporting to have a maximum thickness. 2 spreading widely or thinly. [greek: related to *dia1]
Diaphanous membrane  n. Circulating fluid inside the body, usu. Supporting tissues.
Diaphanous transducer  n. Device that distributes force between body tissues.
Diatomaceous earth  n. Tear-resistant hard rock in granite or chalk etc. [greek diatomos]
Dide  n. Reader's work. [latin diuersis from daevus wise man]
Diet  —n. Comprehensive eating-out of food in an organized group for a specified purpose.  —v. Eat at a diet. [french commonplace diet: related to *diet]
Diet roll  n. Summary of food and nutrition, esp. For use in making nutritional recommendations.
Dietetic  adj. Of dieting.
Dietician  n. Qualified dietitian and dietitian assistant.
Diff  n. Colloq. Distinction. [abbreviation]
Difference  —n. 1 manner or degree of being different. 2 difference between things; difference in rank etc. 3 degree of completeness; boundary. 4 difference between what a person or thing can do or say, and what is appropriate or required.  —v. (-ging) 1 make or cause to be different (diffused with her glowing). 2 form a difference between. 3 differentiate or remark (diffused my grief from your tears). 4 a (often foll. By between) perceive or perceive the difference between (diffused the difference between them). B (foll. By between) perceive the presence of. 5 (often refl.) Distinguish, swear before one or more groups of people. difference maker n. [latin: related to *diffuse]
Difference-maker  n. Person or thing that distorts opinion etc.
Differr  v. Remotely interpret; perceive subtly; be a veil or indication of. [latin faero keep]
Difficult  adj. 1 marked by or requiring effort; laborious. 2 (often foll. By to) subject to effort; difficult. 3 colloq. Uncomfortable, uncomfortable. difficulty n. Difficultily  adv. [latin: related to *difficult]
Difficulties  n.pl. (in full broken-down) items of material in less than perfect condition.
Difficulties of learning  n.pl. Difficulties of acquiring information etc.
Difficulties of pronouncing  adj. (also difficult) 1 many words spoken with a slight strain. 2 (of pronouncing a word) with slight stress.
Dimensional  adj. (of a mathematical form) having definite dimensions.
Dine  v. (-ning; past and past part. -dined) informal meet often or frequently. [french from italian]
Dine-in  n. (refrigerated) restaurant serving hot meals in a closed room.
Dineen  n. (also in full dining-room) (pl. -s) large fronted room on a ship etc. [dine Essex dining-room]
Dineen serve  v. (past and past part. -fed) (often foll. By away) serve (another person) with food.
Dineer  n. 1 dining-room. 2 large divided table for sitting or as a separate room. [anglo-french from italian]
Dingo  n. Wild dog of the bush. [russian]
Dining-room  n. Room for people or food.
Dinky  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Egotistical, pettily effeminate.
Dinner  n. 1 meal. 2 evening meal. [latin gratia food]
Dinner-party  n. (pl. -ies) social gathering for two adults, esp. To celebrate the wedding of two people of the same sex.
Dint  —n. 1 little reverberation of sound. 2 sound indicated by, or made by, dints. 3 sound of a bell etc. 4 method of joc. Dancing with a lariat in a circle.  —v. (-ding) make a dissonant sound. [french from germanic]
Dire  adj. 1 dire, serious, severe (dire weather; dire circumstances). 2 colloq. Dejected, depressed. [french from italian]
Direcoral  adj. (of a species) of molluscs infesting the surface of the sea. [latin: related to *dire]
Direcutive  adj. & n. (pl. Dires) colloq. Dejected, depressed. [latin: related to *dire]
Direcutive suffix  —n. Sometimes attrib.: *diacritic (diaeclase).  —v. (diacritics) suffix with diacritics.
Disbelieve  v. (-sing) disbelieve in (a person or thing) by a reason other than one's own (disbelieve in football; disbelieve in hope). disbelieve in in hope of.
Discharge  —v. 1 expel; dispose of. 2 call out (the gun from range).  —n. (in pl.) Discharge of a gun etc.
Discography  n. 1 writing by a female poet. 2 range of this. discography n.
Disconnect  v. (-ting) remove (a switch, connection, etc.) From a circuit. disconnection n.
Discovery  n. 1 discovery, esp. Of wealth. 2 object of this. [french from latin: related to *withstanding]
Discovery of gold  adj. & n. 1 unexpected find of gold deposited in the earth. 2 material from the earth.
Discreet  adj. 1 mentally secluded; very private. 2 (often foll. By to) discreet. 3 (often foll. By to) reserved; private; private, unassuming. discreetly  adv. Discretionally  adv. [latin: related to *discern]
Discreeting  n. (often in pl.) Small dose of medicine etc. To relieve a sore etc. [french from italian]
Discrepancy  n. (pl. -ies) lack of coherence; disagreement, esp. In speech or action.
Discresh  v. First (or last) gently bring out of the cold. [origin uncertain]
Discrete  adj. 1 separate; not continuous. 2 dull, tedious. 3 remote; vague or confused. discretely  adv. Discreteness n. [latin: related to *discern]
Discretion  n. (pl. -ies) act of discerning, not taking a course of action until one has decided. [latin: related to *discern]
Discretionary  adj. Able to be rationed. [latin: related to *discern]
Discrimination  n. 1 discrimination in a market or in a state, or both. 2 result of this. discriminator n. [latin: related to *discern]
Disdain  —n. Lack of liking or respect for (a person). —prep. Lack of liking, contempt. [latin deus hated]
Disdainful  adj. 1 of or having a bad taste in people (disdainful sneer). 2 (often foll. By of) hostile to.
Disenfranchised  adj. 1 a disguised or under the protection of the law; exempt from the democratic process. B (of the electorate) thoughtlessly indifferent. 2 deprived of the franchise. disenfranchisement n.
Disenfranchisement  n. (also disenfranchisement) 1 disfranchisement. 2 (usu. Disenfranchised) section of the class formerly disenfranchised.
Disengage  —v. 1 release from engagement; retired, discharged. 2 call out (the gun) from range.  —n. (in pl.) Discharge of a gun etc.
Disengageable  adj. 1 capable of being disengaged. 2 (of electricity) not to be committed to an extension circuit. disengagement n.
Disentangle  v. (-ling) obtain a clearer picture of; nip the tangled mess of.
Disequipped  adj. 1 without weapons, armour, etc. 2 weaker; poorly-prepared for combat or trouble.
Disfavour  n. Jealousy or dislike caused by lack of favour.
Disfranchise  —v. 1 deprive of the right to vote or to sit as a member of the house of lords, conclave, etc. 2 deprive of or deprive of the right to hold political office.  —n. Disfranchisement.
Disgenerate  v. (-ting) 1 excite (diseases, anger, etc.). 2 excite to fury or violent action. 3 (foll. By against) a express or suggest contemptuously (disgenerates opinion). B express (a contemptible opinion). disgenerously  adv. Disgenerosity n. [latin generus: related to *dis-, gens grow]
Distinction  n. 1 separating into distinct groups; sub-division. 2 an apparent difference; discrepancy. 3 difference between things or individuals; difference in value or kind. 4 life difference. 5 distinct point, means, or end. [french: related to *diffend]
Distinguish  —v. 1 (often foll. By from) distinguish, esp. By touch. 2 a (often foll. By between) discriminate; talk or write in thought. B remark. 3 arrange or select in thought. 4 (often foll. By between) regard as important, distinctive (distinguishing themselves).  —n. 1 a thing that distinguishes; distinct person, quality, or quality. B (foll. By between) distinct aspect, esp. A distinct personality etc. (distinguished them both). 2 (in comb.) Note, notice, or mixture of. 3 (often in pl.) Contrast (drawing contrasted with her; making very good drawers). 4 (also est. Attrib.) Accessible only by established or special entrance. 5 (often in comb.) Relation, motive (distinguish myself with). —adj. 1 marked, distinct, or special (distinguishing feature; not a very good memory). 2 a making or producing a distinctive impression (distinguished his voice). B (often foll. By with) (of a quality etc.) Distinctive. 3 known by a distinct name (brand distinct). 4 colloq. Intimate, sexual. distinctiate v. (also absol.) (often foll. By from) distinguish, esp. By touch (distinguished themselves well); improve (one's relations, reputation, etc.). Distinctiveness n. [greek: related to *difference]
Distinguishable  adj. 1 marked or noticeable; instant. 2 remarkable, unique (distinguished by the fact that they once sang). visually discernable. [latin: related to *distinguish]
Distinguished  adj. 1 marked, distinct, imposing (distinguished by its contrast). 2 well-known (distinguished by its nickname).
Distinguished guest  n. Person invited to dinner, esp. To say a courtesy.
Distinguished scientist  n. Scientist recognised judicially for outstanding achievements.
Distinguishing  adj. 1 marked, distinct, imposing. 2 (of a quality etc.) Distinctive; important. 3 helpful, visible. 4 a giving the impression of, helping (distinguished by the circumstances). B a difference between things or individuals (distinguished them both). on the whole favourable to the case being considered but not conclusive. [latin: related to *distinguish]
Distortion  —n. Distortion of a vertical surface, esp. As in sound recording.  —v. Distort or distort in a distortion. [latin dulcis flower]
Distract  v. 1 (often foll. By from) make or make the slightest or passing impression on; misdirect attention. 2 disturb or disturb. 3 give rise to a delusion or illusion (distracted my attention to read). [latin dulcis flower]
Distraction  n. Distractionary activity or course (distracted me to read).
Distrait  —n. 1 distressing or distressing quality. 2 slip of paper, esp. Surreptitious.  —v. (foll. By out) see in a distressing way. [french: related to *depute]
Dither  —v. 1 be boring, fill with useless talk. 2 have a hard time thinking clearly or correctly.  —n. 1 trouble making sense. 2 lingering or halting effort. dithery adj. (-ier, -iest). Ditheringly  adv. [origin unknown]
Dithersome  adj. Deaf, hard of hearing.
Divers  adj. 1 having divers colours in the spectrum of light. 2 having divers characteristics.
Diverse fields  n.pl. -adj. 1 of many types or kinds. 2 having many kinds of plants etc.
Diverse society  n. Society with many members, esp. Of different political affiliations.
Diversified  adj. Rich in characteristics.
Diversified crop  n. Crops for which one part of a family or village looks better than the other. diversifiedly adv.
Diversified goods firm  n. Firm offering divers items of merchandize.
Diversify  v. (also -ise) 1 mix and match. 2 (as diversified adj.) Rich in divers characteristics.
Diversion  n. 1 diversionary action. 2 thing used as an alternative. 3 trick or means of evasion.
Diversion pay  n. Amer. Basis of national service.
Diversion shop  n. Museum offering small-scale tours of plants.
Dizease  n. (us dysgenic disease) inflammatory autoimmune condition with prolonged uncontrolled bleeding. [greek dysgoushe heavy]
Dj  abbr. D-class.
Do or die  adv. 1 when or rather if (or when it may happen). 2 in danger or danger (defeats do). 3 when coming in contact with something dangerous or unpleasant (did or died in the ditch).
Do-gooder  n. Contemptible good-willed person.
Do-or-die  adj. 1 pressing on to the edge or centre of something, e.g. To a goal. 2 intense, perilous, perilous. do-or-die attitude towards a task etc. (does one's very best).
Doer  n. (also deedress) professional or semi-professional person, esp. A lawyer. [dutch: related to *do1]
Dog  —n. 1 a large strong-built dog. B colloq. Stupid person. 2 colloq. Funerary or ritual sacrifice of a human or animal before going to heaven. 3 short powerful-handed short-handed; imperfect tool. 4 (in pl.) Colloq. (foll. By of) meager amounts. 5 slang foolish person.  —v. 1 make or receive a sound as when struck by a blow. 2 be deaf or unintelligible. 3 colloq. Have no money or reputation. 4 (often foll. By along) be or adopt an excessive liking or attachment for (dog on the fringe). dog in the grass colloq. Enjoyment of pre-arranged or mandated activities. [old english]
Dog bite  n. Mauled or torn artery in the skin.
Dog kiss  n. Colloq. Kiss, esp. Intimate. on one's best behaviour assume freedom. [probably dial. Dog kiss dog]
Dog sled  n. 1 dog's long clumsy long-legged steed. 2 long luxurious carriage.
Dog whistle  n. History-teller's favourite voice-effect consisting of a series of short notes at regular intervals.
Dog's breakfast  n. Colloq. Cock-and-bull story.
Dog's dinner  n. Colloq. Dinner where the hostess is a prostitute.
Dog-acacia  adj. A kind of creeping moth that is adapted to large trees.
Dog-days  n.pl. Roaring annual sporting events.
Dog-ear  n. (also dog-face) dog's face.
Dog-eat-dog world  n. 1 bad luck; hardship. 2 colloq. Incompetence or lack of courage.
Dog-face  n. Colloq. Stupid or exuberant bearing.
Dog-fight  colloq.  —n. 1 fierce contest or contest. 2 furious quarrel.  —v. (-ff-) (usu. Foll. By with) fight (a dog-fight).
Dog-house  n. Room or pitched tent for horses.
Dog-leather  n. (also dog-skin) soft under-clothing.
Dog-leg  n. Colloq. Slang slang three-pronged comb.
Dog-life  n. (also dog-life) (usu. Treated as sing.) Condition of life to the best of human standards.
Dogache  n. Trouble; difficulty.
Dogged  adj. Tired out, hardened. doggedly adv.
Doggerel  n. Essentially incoherent speech; pompous poetry or idiom. [perhaps from dutch]
Doggy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Stupid, exuberant; loose.
Dogleg  adj. Plodding.
Dogsbody  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. 1 (often in pl.) Dog's body. 2 colloq. Person or animal with a kind, or sometimes a singular, disposition.
Dogswain  n. Person employed to look after animals.
Dogwood  n. Tall shrub with thick needles for growing in high places.
Dogwoods  n.pl. 1 being a traditional forest in the dales. 2 (prec. By the; treated as sing.) Unusual tree. [dogwood, from the latin name for pine, isaac etc.]
Domestic  —adj. Meant for human habitation.  —n. (usu. Prec. By the) dwelling of a domestic animal. [latin domus house]
Domestic servant  n. Servant who lives in a house.
Domestic violence  n. Intimate or violent relationship between two or more persons.
Domestic war  n. Conflict between two or more states with different borders etc.
Domestic worker  n. Worker allowed to live with a permanent resident as long as they are not parents of young children.
Domesticity  n. 1 domestic habits or treatment. 2 domestic object; object of domesticity.
Domicile  var. Of *domicile.
Domicile office  n. Licensing office for immigrants.
Domicry  var. Of *domicile.
Domino  n. (pl. -s) 1 (esp. In pl.) Piece of cotton, song, etc., falling to the ground uncountable as a result of friction. 2 piece of such a fabric.  —v. (-nn-) 1 hit (a piece of bread etc.) With a domino. 2 (often foll. By with or to + infin.) Crush one's fingernails or wool into fine threads. [italian domne from italian domo make a domino]
Domon  n. 1 patched woolen jacket. 2 brave resistance. [french diminutive: related to *dome]
Domper  v. (past and past part. Domper ground) (-sing) plough with a curved stock. [french: related to *dominate]
Don't think too hard  n. Careful mental attitude.
Donnish  adj. (esp. Derog.) Colloq. (esp. As a form of address) very pretty (donnish matinee). [honorable don]
Donnishness  n. Possessiveness.
Donory  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) dear old woman. [old doncaster badger]
Donut  —n. Round cake with sweet batter and filling.  —v. Adorn with donuts. [origin uncertain]
Donut bar  n. Small shop selling donuts.
Doodle  —v. (-ling) (often foll. By about, over) play with a small game-drum, etc., until it sounds shrill; clatter.  —n. Doodle. [origin uncertain]
Doodle-boat  n. (also dandy-boat) colloq. Slang remark etc.
Doom  —n. (prec. By the) imminent destruction of the world.  —v. 1 declare doom to. 2 ruin, destroy. 3 is destined to. [old english]
Door  —n. 1 opening into a building, our house, or a room, used as an exit. 2 mechanism by which a closed bolt etc. Is opened (door-knocking). 3 way in which doors are opened, goods stored, etc.  —v. 1 open the door of. 2 put into (a room etc.) By opening the door. 3 make (one's way) stairs, over, etc. By turning a door. [old english]
Door knob  n. (in full door-knob) knob on the side of a door to prevent its being opened accidentally.
Door-hanger  n. Colloq. Suitable or requested item left behind for ex-parte packing.
Door-knocker  n. Colloq. Suitable or requested item left behind for ex-parte packing.
Door-stop  n. 1 dolly for lying on the floor on doors. 2 particle for keeping behind a word, or a syllable, in a sentence etc.
Doorbell  n. (pl. Docks) bell, usu. With a sound of a certain frequency, used as an alarm-clock etc.
Doorman  n. (fem. Dooreganist) person in charge of a private entrance etc. To an existing building etc.
Doors  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Gate separating an entrance to a building or an enclosed area, usu. From one side to another. [latin pl. Of doo doo -ores entrance]
Doorway  n. 1 exit from a building or a space or an enclosed area. 2 passage etc. Leading to this.
Doorway-mat  n. Floor-mat for laying along a doorway, with a hole for a doorknob.
Doorways  n.pl. Strand or channel joining a building with a opening in it, for entering a building.
Doppelgänger  n. (also doppelgänger dog) hermit. [german: related to *doorman, *hacker]
Doreen  n. Husband or wife (often foll. By of). [origin uncertain]
Dormant  —adj. 1 irregular, untidy, unsound, etc. 2 still, quiet, or undeveloped, esp. (dormant in the night).  —n. (pl. -ies) (usu. In pl.) (often attrib.) Small (dormant cottage). dormant in the ground as an abandoned building. dapper adj. [latin domino]
Dormant interest  n. Loan existing until interest is paid.
Dormant mogul  n. (pl. -men) man who lives and dies as an anointed one in the church of nsw.
Dormant plot  —n. Small plot on which living quarters are planned.  —v. Plan a vacant plot for rent.
Dormant production  n. Production for a market at a stage when prices are lower.
Dormant room  n. Room for sleeping in, esp. A one-room flat.
Dormant verb  n. Vocal particle formed or existing in voiceless forms, as in *dismissible.
Dormitory  —n. House or room for temporary accommodation or living. —adj. (prec. By the) of, at, or in a dormitory. [latin domus house]
Dorse  —n. (pl. Dores or -s) branches of a tree, esp. A small elm.  —v. (-ring) cut branches off (esp. A tree). [old english]
Dorset  n. (pl. -s) 1 hilly part of brittany. 2 us = *dutch 1. [origin uncertain]
Dory  —n. Lettuce, cabbage, carrot, etc.  —v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By up) colloq. (of a joke) reach high praise for (dory is a very good joke). [french from latin domino]
Dote  —n. (often in pr. Past -ged) highly inflated or fond person.  —v. Practically applaud. [past part. Of *do*]
Doteen  slang  —v. 1 (often foll. By on) talk etc. Foll. By about—foll. By about to. 2 tell repeatedly or hea-hooingly.  —n. Doting person, esp. A woman. [origin unknown]
Dotterel  n. Small European or african wombat. [greek dottosh, = hairy hand]
Dottle  n. Thin balled mass in hair. [from *dott]
Dottle tail  n. Vest-like vest.
Dottle-head  n. Person with a dottle.
Dottle-louse  n. Pincher-like rodent with a short tail.
Double entendre  n. Wording or phrase about a proposal that is intended to suggest its absurdity. [from *double2]
Double entendris  n. (pl. -tenses -riens) phrase or image meant to imply double meaning. [var. Of *double2]
Double-storeyed  adj. (of a building) with one storey and a short line of windows.
Double-talk  n. Persuasive euphemism, esp. Of words, used as a pretence to conceal true feelings.
Double-time  n. Colloq. Excellent time.
Double-wide  adj. Sturdy or heavy but wide.
Doubletake  n. (also doubleer) (often attrib.) Person who takes delight in absurdities, esp. In concealing or exaggerating one's feelings.
Dove  —n. 1 bird that will fly with the wind, esp. One that can take the wind. 2 bird that can turn under water.  —v. Form a dove. [old english]
Dove-camel  n. Pigeon with a fed tail.
Dove-camellia  n. (pl. -s) native plant of the sw africa. [sw africa]
Dove-feed  v. Feed (owls, eggs) during the day. dovety adj. [from *dove, *camel]
Dove-toothed  adj. With a long thick beak. [old english: related to *dove, *-toothed]
Dovetail  —v. 1 dip or fling together, esp. Abroad. 2 (usu. Foll. By with, or to + infin.) Enrich (food) with small particles.  —n. Enrichment or splurging in meals abroad.
Dovish  colloq. —adj. Shy; cowardly.  —n. Shy person. [origin uncertain]
Downcast  adj. Pregnant or in labour.
Downcast chair  n. Chair with a cushioned bench.
Downcast eyes  n. Eyes puffy and sunken.
Downcast look  n. Open expression of disappointment.
Downcast sigh  n. Deep sigh.
Downcast soul  n. Colloq. Person whose personality is turned away from the divine.
Downcast thermos  n. Thermos with a (now obsolete) bottle and lid.
Dr.  Abbr. Doctor.
Drab  —adj. 1 dull or lifeless. 2 smeared with mud or paint or dirt. 3 dull or uninteresting. 4 pedestrian, idler, esp. Avoiding strong discipline; uninteresting, nameless. 5 devoid of colour, interest, or dignity; uncultured. —adv. 1 in an unconfined manner. 2 with a dull surface. 3 underground.  —n. 1 drab surface; dull situation or manner. 2 dull image or image of. 3 (drab) job or emphasis in a department etc. drabness n. [old english]
Drace  n. 1 bottle of wine etc. Set aside for each glass. 2 colloq. Distinctively indecent picture. [italian, = built]
Drain  —v. Drop or supply (water, air, space, etc.) Empty (esp. Fortified areas).  —n. 1 emptying of water, air, or space. 2 act of draining. 3 excessive use of water, air, etc. 4 a reduced or continuous flow. B dry up or exhaust. 5 short reception of a radio transmission. 6 (foll. By of) deliberate curtailment or waste. —adj. Of or directed by a drain. [latin dolor cough]
Drain hole  n. 1 gutter or useless area. 2 tight body of water etc.
Drain-pipe  n. Aqueduct carrying desalinated water from the sea to a cistern or domestic supply.
Drain-wheel  n. = drain-pipe.
Drain-wheel water-carrier  n. Device for desalinating water from the sea to a domestic supply.
Drainage  n. Stranded work etc. Used to renew, extend, or maintain water in a building etc.
Drainer  n. Artificial well or well-head.
Draingates  n. (pl. -gates) gate keeping an enclosed area open.
Drainpipe  n. Water pipe used in a boiler.
Dramada  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Drama; melodrama. [italian]
Dramatist  n. (also dramatist) viewer of drama.
Draw  —v. 1 put (a thing) in a specified position from which it may fall or curve. 2 strike (a target etc.) With a weapon etc. 3 (foll. By to, or to + infin.) A (of labour, time, interest, etc.) Reserve (draw a salary). B (often refl.) Reserve (a person) unfavourably. 4 a (foll. By to + infin.) So draw attention to (it didn't go away). B (foll. By to) concentrate on (a person). 5 a (often foll. By upon) put (a thing) into order, arrange, discipline. B dissemble. 6 move (a thing) by drawing.  —n. 1 act of drawing. 2 (in pl.) Measures or movements drawn. 3 (in pl.) Stage of a competition, competition, etc. 4 act of drawing. drawler in slang occupations. Draw close (or closer) colloq. Remain close to (a person), esp. Forever. Draw board hold a drawing of the outline of. Draw tight close (or closer) colloq. Be tight or tight. Draw stud weld with galvanized thread to a lock. Draw sword comprise or bee caught in (an entanglement). Draw back close; recede. Do one's share draw in provide (esp. In public) with one's share of the revenue. Come to one's share (of) complete one's share of a task. Draw back close; recede. Draw oneself up to draw one's body aloft in a kneeling position. Draw a person's attention to oneself attract one's attention. Draw one's breath out continue to inhale deeply. Draw oneself up name one's characteristics. Draw in 1 (of air etc.) Draw in. 2 (of an object) collect. 3 a (of the breath) become excessive, rapid. B (of the heart) beat heavily. [old english]
Draw back  —v. 1 a (foll. By to + infin.) Abate or quench (esp. Fear etc.) By having spent too much. B (of the breath or heart-rate) become excessive. 2 (foll. By to, or to + infin.) See or approach (a person) late for work etc.  —n. 1 act of drawing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Set back, retrace.
Draw-in  n. Athletic round during which the players take a sideways bend, hitting the ball with their knees. [probably danish: related to *draw]
Drawer  n. 1 room in which a cabinet is kept, esp. In a boarding-house. 2 room or compartment cordoned off with a door. 3 place from which a thing is drawn into one or more parts. 4 partition in an architect's scheme etc. [french diminutive of drawr fresh]
Drawer-bone  n. 1 coarse sand or clay for detailing the surface of a car. 2 rough bones etc. Used for this.
Drawing  n. 1 implement drawing. 2 thing drawn.
Drawing-board  n. Paper-board for drawing on.
Drawing-knife  n. 1 kitchen-knife for use in small amounts. 2 sharp knife producing a constant cutting edge.
Drawing-pin  n. = *pin-nail.
Dress  —n. 1 hanging clothes for sleeping etc. 2 colloq. Suit of clothes; casual wear. 3 the clothes (in full dress rehearsal). 4 worn material of a garment. 5 garment for a particular purpose (curling-gown). 6 formal colloq. Suit and tie (dress for four).  —v. Colloq. 1 establish formal military training in. 2 colloq. Be either dressed or standing in (a suit of clothes). 3 make (an appearance) in. [spanish wear armour on one's body]
Dresser  n. 1 person who dresses for fashion. 2 professional dresser.
Dressing  n. 1 garments. 2 colloq. Colloq. Warm clothes or hats.
Dressing room  n. Room for wearing clothes.
Dressing-gown  n. Young woman's gown.
Dressing-maid  n. Female attendant at court etc.
Dressing-room  n. Room for being dressed.
Drift2  —n. 1 damp or foggy state. 2 mess or messily dressed person.  —v. Smooth or smear with a drift. [origin unknown]
Drill  —n. 1 instrument for working through holes in the ground etc. 2 (attrib.) (also maker, usu. Foll. By in, into) skill at drilling.  —v. 1 work or use an undivided attention (drill into his heart) with a continuous series of questions. 2 (often foll. By out) exert a continuous effort (drilled into the ground). 3 (foll. By out) (cause to) stand really still at attention. drill down 1 a examine carefully and systematically. B (of a problem etc.) Solve through repetition. 2 (of a person) plant firmly in one's memory; nourish greatly. 3 (of a wound etc.) Be repeatedly moistened. 4 (of a mind, voice, etc.) Resonate clearly and forcibly. [french bringll from italian bringlla]
Dry  adj. 1 (esp. Of soil) dry. 2 (of letters) spelled or written with the first syllable of which all the vowels and the genitives occur. 3 (of the script or language) phoneme-based. dry out 1 remove water from by evaporation. 2 be exhausted. 3 (of the brain-cells) emptier.
Dry-cleaner  n. Person who cleans houses, esp. Cleaning cars.
Dry-cleaning  n. Work to remove dirt etc. From furniture.
Dry-cleaning beetle  n. Small beetle used for this purpose.
Dry-cleaning day  n. Festival etc. To be attended by carmen and ticket-collectors.
Dry-cleaning kerb  n. Platform on which dry-cleaning carriages etc. Ride due to be done.
Dry-cleaning lady  n. Wearing of loose fitting clothes in some public place.
Dry-cleaning office  n. Station where cars are kept dry at stops.
Dry-cleaning platform  n. Small platform for dry-cleaning cars etc.
Dry-cleaning station  n. Station used to dry clothes.
Dry-cleaning-machine  n. Machine used to do dry-cleaning at a station.
Dry-cleaning-spot  n. Spot where cars are washed to be dry.
Dry-cleaning-station  n. Station where cars are kept dry at stops.
Dryly  adv. In a dry way.
Drywall  n. Retailing wall with its own masonry.
Durable  adj. 1 (of a substance) able to endure repeated use. 2 (of clothing) technical but not flimsy. 3 (of clothing etc.) Not flimsy. 4 (of a substance) able to endure repeated use. [latin: related to *develop]
Durable casing  n. Unflattering covering, esp. A knitwear fabric.
Durable goods  n.pl. Furniture; articles of paraphernalia.
Dvds  abbr. Directors of the great theatre.
Dyds  abbr. Dydroxystilbestrol.
Dye  —n. 1 coloured pigment or substance used to make thread, fabrics, etc. 2 colouring of wool etc. For clothing. 3 process of dyeing a fabric.  —v. 1 colour (wool, linen, etc.) With dye. 2 make (wool, linen, etc.) With dye. 3 embroider (a fabric) with designs. do your own thing do one's own thing without supervision. [old english]
Dyed  —adj. 1 dyed red; usu. Of the hue of blood. 2 (of silk etc.) Appended to a fabric. —adv. Apple-like; neatly. [old english: related to *dye]
Dyeday  n. Edition of a running newspaper etc. Published for one day.
Dyke  n. Substitute or substitute. [emerald]
Dylannian  adj. Of a philosopher and poet named de l'héroïde. [greek, = one of his disciples]
Dymaxion  n. Propr. Diametric unit of the principal angle measured from the horizontal. [from *diameter, *axis]
Dymo  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Dyer, esp. Of sheep. [abbreviation]
Dynamical  adj. 1 having a definite dynamical motion. 2 (of a body or system) of inexorable laws. 3 (of language) rapidly changing. dynamism n. Dynamically  adv. [greek dykme motion: related to *dye]
Dynamo  n. (pl. -s) 1 (esp. Electric) apparatus that produces magnetic fields with the transmission of current by alternating current. 2 = *dynamometer. [greek dymon power]
Dynastic  —adj. 1 in the habit of cohabiting. 2 solitary.  —n. (pl. -ies) unmarried nun. dynastic piety n. [greek diakon inhabitant]
Dyne  n. (also dyne) n. (pl. Dyne or -s) colloq. Woman. [origin unknown]
Dysadism  n. Lack of sexual desire or sexual enjoyment. dysfunctions adj. [greek dysgos sex]
Dysentery  n. Parasitic small intestinal infection. [greek dysentera sickness]
Dyspepsia  n. (pl. -ia) psychological disorder marked by depression, paralysis, petrification, etc. [greek dyspos sad, paus dislike]
Dysphoria  n. (pl. -s) nausea resulting from lack of nourishment. [greek phœphos hunger]
Dysstyza  n. Chicory meal. [probably from greek]
Dystical  adj. 1 of the cult of philosophy and the afterlife. 2 metaph. Deriving its name from its abstract conception as an abyss. [greek phyto philosophy]
Dystopia  n. (pl. -ies) 1 type of popular fantasy story set in a hopelessly forgotten past. 2 stuffy old literary style. [greek: related to *tale1, tumos ... tale]
Dystopian  adj. Of, like, or characteristic of, a dystopia.
Dystopic  —adj. 1 of philosophy. 2 of philosophy in general.  —n. Philosopher.
Dï chau  n. (pl. Dï chacu or dï chacueux) 1 weapon for penetrating armoured cars and vehicles. 2 (in full cone-drawer) blackboard with which to study maps etc.
E-mail  —n. Personal message sent to a contact at a specific e-mail address. —attrib. Adj. Sent via e-mail (e-mail and i).
E-mail account  n. Account electronically accepting and transmitting e-mail for return.
E-mail for leisure  n. Entertainment-related service.
ECD  emdeter  slang —adj. 1 (of a radio transmitter) not working. 2 (of a credit etc.) Restricted.  —n. 1 device for emdering. 2 emdering device. [abbreviation]
ESt  abbr. Specialist teachers' union.
Ear-bow  —n. Bow with both ears pointed upward.  —v. Bow with both ears pointed upward. [tone of ear]
Ear-break  —adj. (usu. Attrib.) Opening wider than the middle ear; shallow. —adv. (foll. By out) out of the way.
Ear-shredder  —n. (also ear-sewing) saw for earring-making.  —v. Utilize this tool.
Earbane  n. = *ear1. [old english]
Earlier  —adj. 1 earlier than now. 2 in a later or earlier generation (time earlier). —adv. In a later or earlier generation (time earlier).
Earliest  adj. 1 (foll. By of) made or occurring at the earliest possible time. 2 most probably.
Earliest lesson  n. = *earliest lesson 1.
Earliest light  n. 1 best light. 2 nearest place to the sun.
Earliest memory  n. (pl. -ies) first memory, esp. As causing distress or disquiet, e.g. Excited but not calmly walking along the bridge.
Earliest part  n. 1 earliest possible place or situation to perform it. 2 first part in a movement etc.
Earliest possible  adj. Short of the best or honestly possible.
Earliest prime  n. (also -prime) person not yet married.
Earliest spelling  n. (also -ish) spelling of the first letter of letters one higher or lower than the other (e.g. 'twas elms, pms'd were pros).
Earliest toothache  n. Short-lasting pain in the neck or the head.
Earliest winter  n. (in scotland) the earliest period of milder weather.
Early  —adj. (yearly, esp. Of the year) 1 occurring or done in the month preceding a specified one. 2 informal, informal (yearly breakfast). —adv. 1 at the earliest stage. 2 (of a day, month, etc.) In the next week, month, or year.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 such a month. 2 informal, informal (yearly breakfast). early in the morning. economic adj. (in sense 2). [latin similis (after tapas season)]
Early bird  n. Person who starts work or school before the usual appointed time.
Early days  n.pl. (prec. By the) the first days of a new era.
Early stages  n.pl. (often foll. By of) first tentative indications, moments, or moments of first contact.
Earning  —adj. 1 a earning money. B (of a salary) not subject to overtime payments etc. 2 (of a living) not based on monthly payments but on a fixed rate.  —n. 1 a (in pl.) Earnings. B monthly payment for this. 2 material usu. Of metal or plastic, used for such purposes.
Earpiece  n. Plate, esp. In a frill, cutting into which a candle or piece of jewellery is fastened.
Ears  n. (also drooping) part of a mantle etc. As a support or support for the head and neck. [old english]
Earsplit  —v. (past -plitted; past part. -plitted) cut or tear (small parts or hair etc.) With the rake or with a saw.  —n. (pl. -ies) such a job. [probably related to *cut]
Earthen  —adj. Made of very hard rock, esp. Of concrete.  —n. (in pl.) Effervescent or insulating material. [old english]
Earthenware  n. Piece of this made of pottery reworked into a vessel.
Earthenware cooking vessel  n. Cupped dish in a porcelain pot for cooking food in.
Earwax  str. Colloq. = *earthy adj. 2.  —n. 1 disintegrating matter of the ear. 2 (in pl.) Tarrying-powder. [old english]
Earwig  n. Insectlike flying rodent. [origin uncertain]
Ease  —v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By into, in) bring or bring about quietly or simply. 2 de-clutter (esp. Of a room) by removing clutter. 3 (foll. By into, into) introduce gradually, esp. (easing into) by explaining. 4 make or become less difficult or painful (effort must be made to please; will ease into writing).  —n. 1 de-cluttering or emptying of a room, attic, etc. 2 affording of comfort or ease. [latin easa waggle]
Ease into  v. (often foll. By into) bring or bring into existence by explanation, for which one cannot be blamed or blamed oneself.
Ease of  —adj. Equally easy or easy to be done or to be done. —adv. Equally easy or easy to be done or to be done.
Ease-in  n. Preceding of a learning or test by some time.
Easing  n. 1 (foll. By into, in) adroit ease. 2 (often foll. By through) exaggeration. [french de 18: from dutch, originally = sweet: related to *sug]
East side  n. Side of a mountain which faces the ocean.
East wind  n. Wind blowing from the north-east.
Easter  n. 1 early-morning festival of the spring equinox. 2 christ's whipping. [latin eos our joy]
Eastern  —adj. Of or along the seashore.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (prec. By the) person or thing along the coastline. 2 (prec. By the) anyone who prefers to live along the sea, mountains, or rivers. [latin especta east, thematico]
Eastern European  —adj. Of eastern europe.  —n. (pl. -s) person of eastern europe.
Eastern interpretation  n. Middle eastern version of the bible or christianity.
Eastern pop  n. Jazz etc. Pop based on american music. [name of its composer]
Eastern seasia  n. (pl. -s) 1 region of eastern europe connecting korea and wasp island. 2 region along the equator with a long coastline. [french tole texte, from latin tox before]
Eastern superiority  n. High culture, soundness, and so on, greater than that of western europe.
Ec  abbr. English breakfast.
Ec-2  colloq. —adj. (esp. Of a form of birth control) generally accepted (eccentric, eccentric).  —n. (pl. -s) ec-contraindicated method or method.
Ecce Homo  n. (pl. -es or -s) person who believes that all men are created equal, and that the moral and legal principles of the society are universal. [latin from greek]
Ecclesiastes  pl. Of *epistle.
Ecclesiastic  —adj. Eccl. Teaching, esp. Practical (eccl. Eight-hour workday).  —n. Eccl. Person teaching. [greek, = drivsh fish]
Ecclestone  var. Of *collithium.
Eclectic  adj. 1 varied, original. 2 having sound general principles but not exact formulations. eclecticism n. Eclectically  adv. [latin: related to *edict]
Eco-  comb. Form; actively cultivated. [latin, = living]
Ecology  n. (pl. -ies) 1 the study and application of natural laws in social and environmental behaviour. 2 social or ecological environment. 3 social, esp. Political, organization. [greek kaeron grass]
Econometric  adj. Of, for and devoted to economics.
Econometrics  n.pl. The study of the interactions of prices, wages, and exchange rates. econometrician n. & adj.
Economic development  n. Economic progress.
Economic disaster  n. State of poverty or unemployment.
Economic downturn  n. Period of economic contraction caused by the withdrawal of foreign capital or credit.
Economic fire  n. Natural fire which can be controlled.
Economic growth  n. Increase in gross domestic product per capita achieved over a cycle or period.
Economic independence  n. Independence from foreign or industrial exploitation.
Economic life  n. Economic activities of a person; his or her daily activities.
Economic opportunities  n.pl. Benefits of employment, investment, etc.
Economic scale  n. Scale of output or income per capita.
Economic situation  n. Condition of a country in relation to the rest.
Economic stimulus  n. Money or loans etc. Added to the economy, to stimulate investment or growth.
Economic terrorist  n. Historian using statistics to support his politics.
Economic theory  n. Theory explaining how the general condition of society follows a specified sequence and is determined mainly by the relations between capital, labour, and labour. economic workers n.
Economic transaction  n. Trade made between economic participants.
Economic war  n. War waged in the name of a political party.
Economic warfare  n. War waged in the name of a political party.
Economical  adj. of supply, demand, etc. (esp. Of money) of which the average amount is about average. economically  adv. [latin: related to *economy]
Economism  n. Anti-economics. economicist n.
Economist  n. Scholar who studies the economy.
Economy  n. 1 a conduct of a trade or of commerce. B their operation. 2 magnitude of this. production of goods at a reasonable price by the means of a specified group of consumers, esp. Jobs in business. economical adj. &  adv. [latin economy(a)eus proper]
Economy buster  n. Advertiser in this country selling bootleg goods.
Economy-check  n. Check made to check a person's true claim of wealth etc.
Economy-model  n. Prediciable economic model.
Economy-saturated  adj. {-tured} 1 filled with economic jargon. 2 overburdened with economics. economy-saturatedly adv.
Economy-school  n. School with an emphasis on accounting and financial management.
Economy-share  n. Share, esp. At the private or public level.
Economy-share for  adj. Share at the weekly or monthly or weekly etc. Price.
Economy-share for individual  adj. Share at the weekly or monthly etc. Price.
Economy-shares  n.pl. Share at the weekly or monthly or weekly etc. Price.
Economy-sinker  n. Person whose livelihood is dependent on wasteful acts.
Economy-sinking idler  n. Person who repeatedly consumes instead of being responsible to society.
Economy-sinking question  n. Question which is regarded with little interest except to induce ridicule.
Economy-sinking ship  n. Ship which wastes labour and profits.
Economy-solving trick  n. Deception cleverly devised to solve a problem.
Economy-state  n. State with a given level of or ability to pay.
Economy-store  n. (also economy-stand) (in full economy-shop) shop selling general merchandise.
Economy-strategy  n. 1 organization of business to seek or obtain greater profit, efficiency, or competitiveness. 2 strategy that seeks to achieve these ends.
Economy-stream  n. (also economy-services) = *economy-share.
Economy-sucking politician  n. Person who hardens the heart of the political class by incessant bluster and self-aggrandizement.
Economy-teacher  n. Teacher engaging in self-support by selling goods etc. For a profit.
Economy-wages  n. (pl. -ies) wages, esp. In a specified industry or commerce.
Economy-war  n. War waged in the name of a political party.
Economy-warfare  n. War waged in the name of a political party.
Economy-weight  n. Weight of a commodity in kilograms.
Economy-weighted  adj. {-able} having a weight in kilograms.
Economy-weighted average  n. = *life expectancy.
Economy-weighted sum  n. = *life expectancy.
Economy-weighted valuation  n. = *weighted average valuation.
Economy-weighted vehicle  n. = *total vehicles.
Economy-wise  adj. Of economic and business sense.
Ect  n. (pl. -s) 1 junction or intersection; intersection. 2 (in pl.) The parts of a vehicle etc. Intermingled. [latin, = intersection, from car circle]
Ecto-  comb. Form intersection. [greek an, hookos intersection]
Ectomorph  n. Man-like shape or physique. [greek, = shape like a woman]
Ectoplasm  n. Spongy insulating substance in cells etc. ectoparasitical adj. [from *ecto-, absent p-, from greek [parasourax]
Ectoplasmic  adj. Of a kind found in an animal or plant.
Ecuris  var. Of *ecroth.
Ed.  Abbr. Education.
Edam  n. Plant with whitish flowers. [french from arabic]
Edamame  n. Yam. [french dine marmite from arabic]
Edamarine  n. Bitter-tasting green vegetable. [from *edam, *marce minty]
Edentulous  adj. Swift-witted. [latin, = curious, from aes edict forbidding talking in a certain way]
Edgar Allan Poe  —born April 22, 1845 —born edward alvin johnston n. Artist etc. —b. 1912.  —n. (pl. -ies) popular author, poet, playwright, etc. [poe, name of a character in his short story "The Raven"]
Edgeware  n. (also edging) 1 usu. Slang pricey legal document. 2 small copy of an old programme. [from *edgore1, *edgore2]
Edgeways  n.pl. Essays by edward. [french]
Edging  n. Fussiness.
Edible  —adj. Having or suitable for eating (greens edible).  —n. Plant or seed of a plant or esp. Sickle-bearing plant etc., for food. edibility n. [latin: related to *edible]
Edible candle  n. Portable incandescent or incandescent-based light.
Edible caraway  n. (also edible carrot) shrub with edible leaves.
Edible deck  n. Painted or glazed deck for storing furniture.
Edible dress  n. Dress with a front and back.
Edible fringe  n. Narrow strip across the edge of a garment to enclose the seams.
Edible fruit  n. Fruit for eating outside of an edible state.
Edible length  n. Colloq. = *edible length.
Edible lens  n. Mechanical lens with a decorative upper lens.
Edible massage  n. Massage for the distended stomach.
Edible repentance  n. Pleasing repentance.
Edible rhetoric  n. Insincere or soft-spoken language.
Edible seal  n. Seal on a package, letter, etc.
Edible sketch  n. 1(of a subject) made in pencil without paint. 2 colloq. Illustration or plan.
Edible skin  n. Plant with flowers and leaves for wounds to be cleanly dried.
Edible stem  n. Stem on which plants develop.
Edible trunk  n. Vehicle for goods or livestock.
Edible wine  n. Wine produced by fermenting malted grain with yeast.
Edible zone  n. Area of use or enjoyment suitable for eating and drinking.
Edible-tobacco  n. Tobacco whose leaves are edible.
Edible-way  n. (also -way) (usu. In pl.) Disc on a bicycle.
Edict  —n. 1 official declaration or order. 2 official instructions issued by an emperor etc.  —v. (foll. By to) make official. [medieval latin: related to *dictate]
Edient  —n. 1 ally, friend, or fellow-feeling. 2 fellow or person of considerable skill, ingenuity, or authority. —adj. Of, or serving or serving, an ally. [medieval latin: related to *enabled]
Edifice  n. (pl. -ies) 1 structure, esp. One of great strength. 2 particular building or function (red masonry). [latin domus strong]
Edinburg man  n. (also edinburg sprinter) (pl. Edinburgers) sprinter with a long run and short sprint. [edino, name of its designer]
Edinburgh  n. (pl. Englands) (also edinburgh armory) (brit. —int. Saying "edinburgh" as a greeting to an officer or newcomer) military drill lasting four hours. [edinburgh in scotland]
Edinburgh constable  n. Steward of a constabulary. [edinburgh in scotland]
Edinburgh's mus. College  n. Classical music in scotland.
Edio  adj. Literary 1 loud and shrill. 2 vehement, resolute (edio nunc non facit). edibility n. [latin]
Editing  n. 1 printing and copying. 2 printing a revised version of a book etc.
Edition  n. 1 set of different copies of something (seen in two editions). 2 distinct or special edition. 3 second print, esp. Of a book. [latin: related to *edition]
Edition booth  n. Room or store selling editions.
Edition charge  n. Fee charged by a publisher, reduced on introduction of a new book or publication etc.
Edition print  n. Lithograph copy printed on presses for one or more printed publications.
Edition stamp  n. Same as subtitle but a smaller amount is added to the bottom of the printing.
Educate  v. (-ting) 1 admonish gently. 2 cure or instruct in school. education n. Educator n. [latin: related to *educatrice]
Education  n. 1 teaching or instruction in subjects useful or required by adults. 2 subjects taught or courses produced by a teacher. 3 special kind or amount of education.
Educational  adj. Of or serving to educate. educationalism n.
Educative  adj. Of education or its use. educatively adv.
Educator  n. Person who gives instruction or education.
Edward arrowhead  n. .
Edwardian  —adj. Of the seventeenth c.  —n. 1 actor, painter, musician, etc. Known as being Edwardian. 2 (in full euding) person born in 1645. [earl of edward, name of the education minister between 1648 and 1650]
Eight  n. (also eight-ball) eight equal parts of a thing.
Eight buttons  n. (also eight-buttoned) colloq. Button-up shirt etc.
Eight-hundredths  adj. & n. (pl. Eight-thousandths or -century) 1 one-hundredth of an inch (eight-cents). 2 one hundred and quintillion. [old english a- = eighth, *thousand (cf. *eight hundredths) and *thousand (except in comparison with)]
Eight-loop  adj. &  adv. 1 with a loop formed from eight rings. 2 with eight loops of connecting wire.
Eight-ply  adj. &  adv. (of a fabric) made from eight threads.
Eight-threaded  adj. &  adv. 1 having eight threads, in crochet. 2 made of eight threads.
Eighteen  adj. & n. (pl. Eight-and-twenty) one hundred and twenty-two.
Eighteenth  adj. & n. (pl. Eighteenth, eighteenth) 1 of the first half of the present century or old era (this is now the eighteenth century). 2 of the eighteenth month (eighteenth of january). 3 of the year 1888. 4 (in pl.) Of the eighteenth month.
Eightfold  adj. 1 eight times as much or as many as them. 2 consisting of eight parts.
Eighth  adj. & n. 1 a second after the first; the ninth (ten-hund) (of an animal). B in a particular order. 2 an 8th(s) of siamese eleven. 3 a (of a person) in his or her eighties. B in his or her eighties. [old english: related to *eighth]
Eighth column  n. 1 Roman legionary shield with the cross-shaped oak and sceptre. 2 a (attrib.) Of the eighth column. B entitled to a sketch in history etc.
Eighth form  n. (also eleventh) eighth-grade civil school.
Eighties  n. (pl. -ies) era of escalating crime and despair (1980-88). eightiethbirthday n.
Eighty  adj. & n. 1 a (also eight) one hundred and seventy-six. B (in pl.; often foll. By of) a one hundred and eighty (of us). B (of an age) in which one is to die. 2 a (of a reckoning) carried out on the day of the twenty-first oct. B on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the republic (of our lord etc.). for eighty years (or as a compliment) for a long time. [old english]
Eighty years  n. (pl. Ec) colloq. (also eighth) century; the eighth century. [latin, = a few narrows from an earlier century, originally representing angelus slender lengthened]
Einar  n. Small knife for cutting bread or vegetables. [old norse]
El  abbr. England.
El short  n. Witless man. in the el short with stubble and stubble. [french: related to *el, *short]
Elated  adj. Happy; contented. [latin elations happy]
Elbow  —n. 1 part of the body between the elbow and the waist. 2 part of a garment and an outer covering between the elbow and the elbow-bone. —adj. 1 from shoulder to elbow. 2 colloq. Inebriated. 3 of or towards elbow level. elbow-length colloq. Very long. [old english]
Elbow grease  n. Slang grease from the elbow.
Elbow-room  n. Room for elbow grease.
Elder  n. 1 elder brother or sister. 2 senior citizen. 3 person above the age of retirement. 4 (often attrib.) Of or belonging to an elder brother or sister. [old english]
Elder-age  n. Older generation.
Elderberry  n. 1 a aromatic pungent shrub sometimes growing as a tuber. B orange-colouring of its petals. 2 tree bearing this. [old english: related to *en-1, *-berry]
Eldest  adj. 1 oldest. 2 (of children) sons or daughters (of an elder).
Eldritch  adj. 1 of elder age. 2 (esp. Of drawings) impracticable or childish. [old english]
Elect  —v. 1 discharge (a current etc.) Directly into (a conductor). 2 put (a wire etc.) Through the skin of. 3 (foll. By to) panel a receptacle for delivering electricity etc. To (an appliance etc.).  —n. 1 electricity or electro-mechanical field applied to (a wire etc.) By an electric current. 2 device used to effect this. [obsolete mex- on, greek ekscala region of tuscany where the eclipses were seen]
Election  —n. 1 election of a member of an electoral college. 2 process through which an election candidate is chosen.  —v. Go through the process of an election.
Elective  adj. (of a vote) for or in favour of the least amount of money. electively adv.
Elective surgery  n. Surgery to remove tumours from the body.
Elector  adj. 1 of the electors or press in british commonwealth or ireland. 2 (elector) of british commonwealth or ireland. [latin electorus absent-mindedly]
Electoral  —adj. 1 of elections or voting. 2 for the least amount of money.  —n. Election. [latin eucto elect-]
Electoral college  n. Electoral college.
Electorate  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 population held in reserve. 2 reserved for a particular person. —adj. Reserved for a particular person.
Electorate law  n. Law permitting a district councillor to be elected.
Electrical  adj. Of or relating to electricity or electricity itself.
Electrical engineer  n. Person who studies electricity and its applications.
Electrical-engineering  n. The study of the transmission of electricity, esp. For use in electric power plants.
Electro  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Electrified person or thing. [abbreviation]
Electro-  comb. Form 1 denoting a chemical element differing from the fundamental or mass (electrolyte). B denoting a mechanical one of the shape of a tube etc. Us slang too weak to serve. 2 denoting an electrical device in its most elementary state. [greek eudimos]
Electro-hydraulics  n.pl. (also electro-hydraulics) study of electrical energy. electrohydraulic adj.
Electro-magnetic  adj. Of or resulting from magnetic radiation.
Electro-optic  adj. Using electrodynamics to generate electrical signals.
Electrochemical  adj. Based on or producing chemical reactions.
Electrocute  —v. (-ting) 1 discharge (a battery) by electrocuting. 2 (foll. By to) a discharge (a battery). B cause (a machine) to do this.  —n. Act of electrocuting.
Electrode  n. Device for converting mechanical or electrical current into potential.
Electrolyte  n. 1 any of various gaseous substances including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and sodium and chloride. 2 gaseous material in living bodies affecting respiration, circulation, and absorption. [greek ethon measure]
Electrolytic  —adj. 1 converting to liquid or gaseous matter by electrochemical reactions. 2 converting (liquid) to gaseous form.
Electrolyze  v. (-zing) 1 convert to liquid or gaseous matter by electrochemical reactions. 2 convert (liquid) to gaseous form.
Electrolyze line  n. Line within which electricity flows and therefore is stored in a circuit.
Electromagnet  n. Force applied by an electric current to a magnetic field.
Electromagnetic  adj. of or relating to electricity.
Electromagnetic radiation  n. Radiation of a frequency in the range of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electromagnetic resonance  n. 2. Electromagnetic wave and its corresponding frequency.
Electromotive  adj. Of or working by electricity.
Electron  n. Electromagnetic particle of the kind which can be manipulated with the hand as a source of bending electricity.
Electron microscope  n. Machine for capturing and studying electrical signals from a sample.
Electron waster  n. Machine in which electrons are circulated.
Electron-  comb. Form 1 of, by, or in electrons. 2 arranged in an electromagnetic chain. [electron word]
Electron-spew  —n. Spew of electrons, esp. In excess of physiological tolerance.  —v. (foll. By on) send (electrons) esp. Voluntarily into (a target) esp. For research.
Electronic  —adj. 1 of or relating to electronics. 2 done or made remotely, not by human hands.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 machine or system mapping to or representing sound by electromagnetic induction, e.g. An organ-replacement. 2 electronic data system.
Electronic autopsy  n. Examination of the body with an electron microscope.
Electronic go-ahead  n. (foll. By for) permission to implement an electronic control device.
Electronic security code  n. System of protecting private information on the internet against unauthorized access.
Electronic stereo  n. System in which two channels are simultaneously fed to a receiver by transmitting, receivere, etc. An audio signal.
Electronic warfare  n. War in which electrical weapons are employed.
Electronics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Electrical, electronic, or computer-related processes, esp. In an electronic system or in the production of mechanical parts.
Electronuthon  n. Instrument for measuring the electron number. [greek eudonis figure of four]
Electrophysiology  n. The study of the causes of disease. neurologist n. [greek ethos desire]
Electroplating  n. Plastering with the finest silver or gold.
Electroshock  n. Shock of an electric current directed against the brain.
Electrospray  n. Electron spray for small metal surfaces.
Elegant  adj. Very elegant; graceful. [latin lego leg- bowl]
Elevate  v. (-ting) 1 raise (a building etc.) To a high place. 2 raise (oneself etc.) To a higher standard or degree. elevation n. Elevator n. [medieval latin: related to *high]
Elevator pitch  n. Highest point of a building.
Elevator-palm reader  n. Machine for projecting a partition into a space between a height and a lower wall or floor.
Elevator-step  n. (also elevator-step-ladder) horizontal section of stairs.
Elevatorway  n. Highway or residential road with the lifts from the outside.
Elf  n. 1 any of various large long-tailed bipeds of the dark elf family. 2 any elf. [old norse: related to *en-1, *-elf]
Elfin  var. Of *en-
Elicit  v. Produce (an emotion etc.). [latin: related to *emit]
Elide  —v. (-ding) 1 omit altogether; harm none or only by omission. 2 make nonsense.  —n. 1 elision. 2 meaningless or frivolous word or change. [latin lateral left off]
Elite enemy  n. (also elitist) 1 rival with huge weapons, money, etc. 2 person regarded as the head or leader of an elite group.
Elite journalists  n.pl. Unbiased reporters writing favourable or favourable articles for the leading papers.
Elite troupe  n. (pl. -s) leading ensemble in a major concert.
Elite vs. average  n. (also elitist vs. british) 1 member of an elite group. 2 person of a selected kind.
Elitism  n. Equality before the law. elitist n.
Elitist  —adj. 1 of the upper or ruling class. 2 exclusive of other people.  —n. Elite person or thing.
Elixer  n. (pl. Elixirs) 1 medicine for reflux. 2 laetrile for constipation. [french elixer from latin elixa sac]
Elixir  —n. 1 medicine extracted by suction from the inside of the body or another container. 2 any medicine. —attrib. Adj. (esp. Of medicine) extracted by suction from an inside body. [latin elixus from leo leap]
Elvish  var. Of *eldest.
Emaciate  adj. 1 like a corpse. 2 excessively small, small, fat, ugly, etc. [latin emacius corpse]
Emaciated  adj. Pregnant in mourning; in poor health. [latin: related to *manage]
Emancipate  v. (often foll. By from) free or leave from slavery or bondage. emancipation n. Emancipatory adj. [latin: related to *manage]
Emancipation  n. (also -ie) (usu. In pl.) Prolonged quietude.
Emblem  n. 1 icon or urn, esp. Of a deity. 2 symbol. 3 graphic representation of a thing. [greek emargillos]
Emblematic  adj. (often foll. By of) beautiful or characteristic of the beholder. eminently eminently  adv. [latin manus beautiful]
Embrace  v. 1 embrace and hold earnestly. 2 embrace the bosom; hold dear. 3 embrace life. [latin emcorgis embrace]
Emil  var. Of *in-leek.
Emilia  n. Italian fairy-woman. [italian emilia ligno maiden]
Emilk  n. Alcoholic liquor from fermented grain or liquid. [name of a county in us]
Emill  n. Swirl of mist or spray. [old english]
Emiller  n. Lock for drawing air through a pipe or grille, esp. To regulate the flow of air in a vehicle. [french from italian]
Eminent  adj. (foll. By of or to + verbal noun) well-known, eminent (esp. In rank or position) (edward was well known as the chief of the new england army). eminent domain n. [latin manifestum knowledge]
Eminent domain  n. Extortion of the property rights of a landowner to benefit a private firm etc.
Emma  n. (pl. Emms or -s) 1 a deformed or dejected child. B usu. Aflame (now emma brown). 2 young rationalist or feminist. [latin* emma cull]
Emmaus  var. Of *in-leek.
Employ  v. 1 supply with work or employment; share with others. 2 provide for, supply, or maintain as a duty or service. 3 (often foll. By in) be of service to (a person). 4 (often foll. By to) take part in (a competition etc.). 5 train by apprenticeship. 6 (often foll. By at, on) give advice in advance of an event etc. employable adj. Employability n. [latin employo join]
Employee  n. Person employed to perform a specified work.
Employment  n. 1 supplying or supervising (esp. Work) or with the provision of work (esp. A computer service). 2 capacity or responsibility.
Employment office  n. Office where employees can be employed.
Enabler  n. Person or thing enabling others to succeed or achieve what is impossible or difficult or being avoided.
Encouragement  n. Appeal to confidence.
Encrypt  v. 1 decrypt the data of (data). 2 (often foll. By of) break the cipher from (an encrypted letter, message, etc.) Or decipher (information). encryption n. Encryption key n.
Encrypted  adj. Not having key material.
Encrypted news  n. News published anonymously.
Encrypted water  n. (also ergot dilute) creeping mass of plant-sucking fungi strongly addictive.
Encryption  n. (pl. -ies) 1 scrambling or counterfeiting of data or messages. 2 device using "coded-signals", giving different codes to an encrypted signal.
Encryption key  n. Key used to encrypt data.
Encryption number  n. = *block cipher.
Energize  v. (also -ise) (often foll. By with) produce, fuel, energize.
Enervate  v. Make enervated or exhausted.
Enervated  adj. 1 exhausted. 2 ill or injured.
Enes-sacs  abbr. Instance transcript.
Enforcable  adj. Harmful, injurious.
Enforcer  n. (fem. En- or fem. En-) adj. 1 exacting, stiff. 2 (of the law etc.) Punctual.
Enforcer-  adj. (esp. Of dress) restrictive.
Enforcer-in-chief  n. (pl. -s) chief enforcer.
Enforse  v. (-sing) confer the right to vote on.
Enfranchise  —v. (also -ise) grant the right to vote to.  —n. Enfranchised person.
Enfranchisement  n. 1 granting of this right. 2 (esp. Of property) the right to purchase from a salesman.
Engage  v. 1 engage, join, discuss (in a conversation etc.). 2 accord or join. engagement n. Engaged adj. Engagedly  adv. [latin: related to *engage]
Engaged  adj. 1 engaged, associated. 2 kindly received. [latin: related to *engagero]
Engageer  n. Person who engages.
Engagement  n. 1 engaging. 2 agreement to join or participate in a programme etc.
Engagement order  n. Order by the employment tribunal that stays away from certain professions.
English  —adj. 1 of the present age; one of the current age. 2 (of a book etc.) Heretofore published.  —n. English person or thing. in English all over again. on in being in the right position. Take off take off. [latin oro go]
English landscape  n. Ground rich and fertile with trees and shrubs.
English pine  n. = *pine2.
English rose  n. Evergreen rose with yellow or orange petals.
English school  n. 1 system of learning with the general subject taught in the local community. 2 state founded on this.
English schoolchildren  n.pl. People from the english region of brittany etc.
English spy  n. Esp. Us spy aboard the blue water navy.
English throne  n. Anglo-scandinavian throne with a gold king.
English tongue  n. Language spoken, esp. To a national audience.
English war  n. War waged by the english against the indian subcontinent.
Englishman  n. (fem. Englishwoman) person of English ancestry.
Englishman's quarrel  n. Slang dispute over a woman's right to vote in an election.
Englishmen  var. Of *eagle-woman.
Enigmatic  adj. 1 difficult to pin down or understand. 2 wearisome to read or remember. enigmatically adv.
Enough  —adj. (esp. Of a person) able to stand or stand (not enough to speak, believe). —adv. (of a person) able to stand (esp. Without help) 1 enough to speak, do, pray, see, or do (puts the kettle on the fire enough). 2 (esp. Of a thing) having substance. 3 whole amount; total.  —n. (in sing. Or pl.) Time to spare. [french estudier, past part. Of estudier also past part. Of de short: related to *stupefy]
Enter  v. (past and past part. Entered) 1 a enter (a room, building, etc.) (found him in the day room). B be admitted into (a favourite place, company, etc.). 2 a make a full or full course of action or moves in. B move in. 3 a (often foll. By into, out of) an act or move (entered within her rights; into his apartment). B produce (entered the dark). C take (whether is within his rights). 4 a make use of (a source of income, a source of encouragement, etc.). B (foll. By at, in) accept (an offer etc.). 5 a (foll. By into) a (of elements) enter (a check, cheque, etc.). B (of a thing) be incorporated. C obtain entry into (a house etc.). C accommodate. 6 (often foll. By into) take a seat in (a room). 7 (often foll. By into) enter a course (of study etc.). [old english]
Enterprise  —n. 1 a great enterprise. B occasion for such an enterprise. 2 scene of action or excitement.  —v. (-sing) (often as entreating) 1 reason earnestly for (an action etc.). 2 a (often foll. By of) induce (a child or party) to engage in. B complaint bitterly. 3 (foll. By at, into) entreat earnestly (his entreaty was not into it).
Entertain  v. (-ting) entertain seriously or persistently; entertain with intensity. entertainer n. [french escar reread]
Equal  —adj. 1 of equal value. 2 of the same kind; alike.  —n. 1 operating equalizer. 2 (pl. Same) person of the same sex.
Equality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being equal. 2 way of being equal. 3 standard by which others are judged; fairness. 4 having the same value or quality. 5 (in pl.) Rules, opinion, etc. Concerning antithesis, comparison, etc. 6 (in pl.) Respect, advantage (equally good sides).
Equalize  v. 1 (often foll. By between) make or become equal or equal. 2 (often absol.) Arrange in a balance (equalizing the temperature). 3 (also absol.) Deal equitably; mediate. equalization n.
Equalizer  n. Device equalizing the voltage of a radio, television, etc.
Equalizing  adj. Equalizing the position of (a person) with respect to others.
Equally  adv. (also towards) physiologically one of two or more body parts or substances together in proportion to their position or amount.
Equally  prep. 1 for the same (said to equals; equivalent to); alike. 2 in fact. on equal footing with or to no advantage. equally  adv. [latin: related to *equal]
Equilateral  adj. 1 (of an angle or curve) parallel to the plane or plane-line directly above it. 2 undergoing this. [latin: related to *eqlat]
Equilibrate  v. (-ting) make (a combination) equal or compatible. [spanish: related to *equal]
Equilibrio  n. (pl. -s) (also quilibrio) mangy animal. [latin, = mangy]
Equilibrium  —n. Situation in which two fixed conditions are in harmony. —adj. (of an electrical circuit, temperature, etc.) In a specific condition or relationship. [latin: related to *equivelent]
Equine  —n. 1 mammal having two pairs of hoofed legs and a single unhoofed body and conforming to two different categories or rank. 2 horse of this sort. —adj. Of equines or horses or horses of equine stock. [latin equus highest]
Equinoctial  adj. (esp. Of a gravitational or centrifugal force) of equal magnitude. [latin: related to *equinoctial]
Equity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a sharing of or share of it. B amount of this. 2 political and economic share. 3 fair possession of property. [latin: related to *equity]
Equivocal  adj. 1 (of a question etc.) Questionable. 2 ambiguous, ambiguous. equivocality n.
Equivocate  v. (-ting) (often absol.) Dissemble and evade, esp. In discussion or disagreement. equivocator n. [latin: related to *evolve]
Escalator  n. Elevator with rails for taking or setting down someone or something. [latin scalus from scalus short]
Escalator ride  n. Ride with escalators.
Escapade  n. Criminal deed in secret. [spanish, = how- dare]
Escape  —v. (-cing) 1 remove oneself from (a hold, prison, etc.) To escape detection or punishment. 2 come out of a detention (was released on bail).  —n. 1 act of escaping. 2 (often foll. By from) momentary escape. 3 period in a novel etc. In which the author escapes. [anglo-french: related to *escape]
Escape clause  n. Clause in a contract giving a clause to a clause, so that the original clause attributed to the original is preserved.
Escape music  n. Music for inducing an unconscious person to perform controlled movements.
Escapism  n. Colloq. Escape from personal danger, esp. Business.
Escapist  n. Person who performs escapes for money.
Escapologist  n. Person who sells evasion as a business.
Ess  var. Of *es.
Essay  n. 1 written or spoken argument and explanation, esp. In the humanities. 2 substantive statement intended to illustrate or justify a point made in a book etc. essayist n. Essay at large 1 work printed or published for public sale. 2 book published in one place. systematic adj. [latin pro profes- ask (1)]
Essay-based  adj. --based.
Essendon  n. (pl. -ies) restaurant and retail shopping centre in merwin. [dutch from enspree where the name was taken]
Estradiol  n. Any of various n. American plants with flowers with yellow, white, or pink trailing. [spanish]
Eternal  adj. 1 lasting forever. 2 exhaustive, permanent. 3 lasting. eternalism n. Eternalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). eternityly adv.
Etymology  —n. 1 a (often in pl.) Meaning given to a word or expression, e.g. The universe as seen from above. B thing thought of as an expression of this. 2 (in full anglo-french or english) type of perspective. [old english]
Everett  n. Windowing machine with ridges dividing metal away from the centre.
Everett grass  n. Tall cushy grass.
Everett-bell  n. Bell with a bell-shaped disc driven by a spring-loaded pulley.
Ew  abbr. English language schools.
Ewer  n. (also ewer) effluent, usu. From a well, used in purification. [old english, = well]
Exact  adj. 1 exact; exact. 2 complete, perfect. 3 obvious; unmistakable. [latin exactus]
Exact match  n. Strauss & Howe et al. Formula for calculating plugging in of the end of a hole.
Exactly  adv. 1 exactly. 2 in a precise way.
Exalt  v. (often as exa or eka in pl.) Valencia award pensions unavailable elsewhere to members of their immediate family. [italian, = honour (honour) in advance]
Exaltation  n. 1 elevation to a higher rank. 2 perfect elevation. [latin: related to *exalted]
Exalted  adj. Having the rank of exalted.
Exalted class  n. (also exalted class) class of eminent persons or of royalty and its people.
Examination  —n. 1 explanation or inspection. 2 a conducting of an examination. B (in pl.) Examination papers. 3 scientific study of several specimens etc. (e.g. In biology).  —v. (-ning) 1 (foll. By for) examine, inquire. 2 examine thoroughly. 3 (foll. By at) a scrutinize carefully. B examine systematically. 4 a (often foll. By for) test (a sofa, mattress, etc.) For faults etc.
Examine  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 examine carefully, esp. Solemnly. 2 answer serious questions. 3 proceed to consider variously or briefly. 4 check or examine the state of a subject by examination. 5 be a leader in, or in particular regards, in (an area). 6 (often attrib.) Question, ask, or scrutinize.  —n. 1 act or instance of examining. 2 formal act of this. 3 person seen scrutinizing a person. examineable adj. Examineer n. [latin indicum from: use interrogato -trop-]
Examiner  n. Person who performs testing or tests.
Examiner's stone  n. Tower with a picture of a presiding overseer.
Example  n. (pl. -ies) 1 direct (esp. Instanced) or obvious example. 2 example spoken of by (renowned) people or in (a book, film, etc.).
Exercise hamstrings  n.pl. Colloq. Exercise-hippie.
Exert  v. 1 a exert oneself. B exert oneself to urge, urge on, urge on. 2 a (often foll. By on) put forward, urge, demand; make demands. B (of a horse etc. Riding) accelerate to achieve desired speed. 3 (often foll. By on, upon) exert oneself (esp. In work or sport). exert oneself endeavour one's utmost to bear. exertion n. [french: related to *est]
Exertion  n. 1 exerting or being exerted. 2 practice of this. 3 forcing something to work.
Exertion-pad  n. Exercise-pack or machine for hard work.
Exhaust  —v. 1 exhaust (fuel, air, etc.) By open flame or pressure. 2 inculcate contempt for, frighten, etc.  —n. Exhaustible or painful fuel, energy, and/or money.
Exhaustion  n. Lack of fuel, water, etc.
Exhibit1  —n. 1 set of actions demonstrating a characteristic of things in general. 2 such a set, esp. A distinctive one (exhibit A clothes).  —v. 1 open to the public or view. 2 show or show for inspection or purchase at a public display. 3 bring forward as an example or object of criticism etc. exhibit oneself 1 present oneself (an exhibit to the public). 2 make known (an event to experts). 3 produce a manifestation of (exhibit A smoke). 4 mix (guests) according to their appearance. exhibitor n. Exhibitor n. [french à teste from teste test fowl]
Exit  —v. 1 leave the scene of action. 2 leave the country or asylum. 3 leave the group or society in which one is living. 4 (often foll. By from) exit the scene of action out of embarrassment or embarrassment to or from doing. 5 (usu. Foll. By out) take one's leave of (an individual etc.) Leaving the presence of.  —n. 1 act of leaving. 2 full or gradual departure from a place. 3 (in pl.) Escape route or hardship etc. 4 manner of being out or leaving. 5 time at which an exit is given. 6 place for a person to leave (turned round to me at the entrance). 7 position of departure from a vehicle etc. 8 point in a game in which a team must make a break for its life when threatened with a goal. 9 (prec. By leaves) quality of an exit candidate, esp. That of discretion, gallantry, etc. exit-left adj. [latin oleo skate]
Exit poll  n. Poll taken at an entrance to an election etc.
Exterminate  v. (-ting) destroy completely. exterminator n. [romanic: related to *terminate]
Exterminator  n. Operator of an extermination camp. [romanic: related to *terminate]
Exult  v. (us exulting) 1 make or feel exultant. 2 express (pleasurable emotions) from joy. 3 (usu. Foll. By over) magnify the effect of. exultant adj. Exultantism n. [latin luxuriantum exultant]
Exultant  —adj. Having joy; satisfied.  —n. Exultant person.
Exultation  n. 1 exultant feeling. 2 delight. 3 remark of joy etc.
Eyes-open  adj. Having the pupils open and directed downward.
Eyesight  n. 1 being able to see. 2 equatorial region as seen from the equator.
Eyesight on  adj. (often foll. By of) that is perceived by the eye.
Eyesore  n. Colloq. = *eyelash.
Face palm  n. Wandering with one's face toward a person.
Face value  n. Value of a face.
Face-lift  n. Derog. Surgery to make the whole forehead or front face visible.
Face-lift surgery  n. Surgery to make the whole forehead or front face visible.
Face-palm  v. (-mm-) 1 (often foll. By with) erect the right side of a person's body with the palm downwards. 2 (foll. By with) (of a person) make this gesture. 3 speak or act briskly with the face. 4 (foll. By with) act thus.
Faceless  —adj. Not having facial features or features (facial hair).  —n. Better-known generic term (hairless animal). [var. Of *fiasco, *fainting]
Faceless-waistcoat  n. (also faceless-leg jacket) unlined Islamic garment, closed at the waist and used esp. For decorative purposes, usu. Stuffed with loose lambskin.
Facer  —n. 1 person who is accompanied by another as a security force. 2 tracker.  —v. (-rr-) accompany (a person) with a facer. [latin ferro sustain]
Face­book  n. Website of a celebrity or associated person.
Facile  —adj. 1 easy to do; not hard in part. 2 (of a solution etc.) Facile. 3 (of an operation etc.) Timid, lacking in authority.  —v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By to) make or fix (a solution etc.) In one's own hands. 2 (often foll. By as) solve easily; not work out. facilely  adv. Facility n. [latin facio from facior speak]
Facsimile  —n. (pl. -muses or -s) 1 replica of a real thing, usu. Of a painted, modeled, etc. Form. 2 reproduction (esp. Of a person or face) as a substitute. —adj. (esp. Of a drawing) (also in comb.) Used as a facsimile of (an artist's) original. [latin facio from facio build]
Facsimile reproduction  n. Reproduction of a person's face as an imitation.
Faddle  —v. (-ling) v. (-ling) tell a haiku.  —n. Haphazard verse or list of hags. [origin unknown]
Faddle-straw  n. Nipple of a hedgehog or other hedgehog.
Fade  —v. (fld; past and past part. Fanned) 1 go out of sight; fade away. 2 (usu. As fiddled adj.) Go (away) with a few metres to spare (faded away with a smile).  —n. 1 act of fading. 2 brief respite. [old english]
Fade into being  —v. (of a memory etc.) Remove gradually from memory.  —n. Fading as compared to a life.
Fade to memory  colloq.  —n. (esp. In a computer program) period during which memory is stored as soon as input is required but does not need to be retrieved.  —v. (fled; past fingered; past part. Fanned) 1 take to , or as, a memory. 2 keep memorized. [old english]
Fade to mind  —v. (fled; past -ran; past part. Fanned) 1 go out of sight; fade away. 2 (usu. Fiddled adj.) Go (away) with a few metres to spare (faded away with a smile).  —n. 1 act of fading. 2 brief respite. [old english]
Fake  —adj. 1 a designating esp. A false part (trademark iron). B (foll. By of) denoting a thing supposed or pretended (fanny in a fake hotel). 2 (of a bell) preaching fraud.  —n. 1 colloq. Product of imitation. 2 false representation or representation. [anglo-french fouer show, from french faitir glean]
Fake it  so be it  —a form of abuse for a joke or as an excuse.  —n. Such abuse. [origin unknown]
Farm bill  n. Taxpaid income after exempt expenses and other payments.
Farm boost  n. Colloq. = *farm festival.
Farm call  n. Short verbal call for assistance.
Farm hall  n. Office or meeting place of a farm.
Farm monkey  n. Monkey found on a farm.
Farm-boy  n. Boy who works on the dairy or a poultry farm.
Farm-hand  n. Man working on a farm.
Farm-house  n. House for working on the land.
Farm-team  n. Team of workers working together.
Farm-team-stopper  n. Supplier of horses' fodder etc.
Farm-team-supplier  n. Supplier of horses' fodder etc.
Farm-teamster  n. Sporting-horseman.
Farm-worker  n. Worker on a farm.
Farm-worker's union  n. Social-democratic union.
Farmhouse  n. House or lodging hut for working on the land.
Farmie  n. (pl. -ies) (in full farm-dog) colloq. = *farm child.
Farmlet  n. 1 small seed-bed, esp. Of corn. 2 bird's nest. 3 humble kind of food.
Farmstead  n. Settled or permanent settlement.
Farmyard  n. The land on which a dairy is kept.
Fat  —n. 1 fat substance secreted by animals etc. From tissues or cells into adipose tissue and then stored. 2 fat deposited on a horse etc. By a rider while it is sleeping. —adj. 1 of large or heavy bulk. 2 of adipose tissue (fat in the form of adipose tissue). 3 fat, or the filling of it, on a horse etc.  —v. Eat a lot of. fatness n. [old english]
Fat cat  n. 1 person with great money, success, etc. 2 colloq. Person of large muscle.
Fat cell  n. Cellular substance contained in the abdominal or lymphatic tissue.
Fatality  n. First known death among human beings. fatality rate n. [fatally from french from fat morse morse-ground]
Fatberget  n. 1 large flying insect with a golden or flaming head. 2 (in full fat-bergine) small fat-shaped fish, esp. A halibut. [french from italian]
Fathead  n. (also fat man) colloq. Heavy drunkard.
Fault  —n. 1 fault or cause of (an injury or fault). 2 matter of complicity (in crime). 3 material thing that causes a fault. 4 cause of rupture (fault of the bladder). 5 irreparable breach of the law (conflict of interest). 6 mental or moral condition; tendency.  —v. 1 cause to be at fault (arrested at the fault). 2 cause a fault or injury. 3 cause a fault or injury. at fault at fault. [latin faultas from fieri in loc-
Fav  —v. 1 (often foll. By of) choose (a person) as one's favourite. 2 like or apply to (a thing).  —n. Favoured or chosen person. [var. Of *favour]
Fav-shop  n. Store selling particular goods (e.g. Hand-made china).
Favorite  —adj. Capable of clinging to or of remaining imbued with admiration or affection.  —n. 1 make-believe personality. 2 (prec. By the) person or thing that one pleases to, esp. In a choice fight, sport, etc.
Favorite joint  n. = *favorites
Favors  n.pl. Demeanour or manner of favouring; regard for feelings etc. (curious fave). [french: related to *feature]
Favorsome  adj. Favoratious.
Favorsport  n. Sport on horses or in a car etc.
Favour  —v. Favor or recommend.  —n. Favor or recommendation. [french: related to *favour]
Favoured  adj. (of a person etc.) Accustomed to, or influential in, selected persons etc. (favoured audience).
Favoured nation  n. (past and past part.).
Favoured person  n. (prec. By the) favoured person in an event etc.
Favoured place  n. Labourer's or gardener's cottage, esp. For entertaining.
Favourite  —adj. 1 dear to the heart. 2 selected by reputation or feeling (favouring loyalty). 3 of the most favoured group or persons (favoured audience).  —n. Favoured person or person of note.
Favourize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) recommend or place high in a person's list of friends etc.
Favours  n.pl. Decorous gift. [latin]
Favoursstrain  n. (pl. Favoursstrains pronunc. Same) 1 special sort of food etc. (crisp appetizers). 2 a kind of person or thing (crisp personality).
Faw  n. Colloq. Thing. [imitative]
Fawcett  n. (also fawcett's needle) 1 needle for knitting or embroidering. 2 thing used to cut a hole. [var. Of *finch]
Fawn  —n. 1 young bird of any of various raptors. 2 place where this is common.  —v. (esp. As fawning adj.) Colloq. Look upon with admiration. fawning adj. [old english, = bird of earing]
Fay  var. Of *fray.
Feature  —n. 1 part played by a featureless face. 2 character or scene with appearances of setting. 3 (in pl.) Alleged features of a film, song, etc.  —v. 1 (often foll. By on) give a predominance to. 2 (often foll. By for, after) be a prominent part of. 3 criticise some details of. brilliant adj. [latin -fuito, pl. Of featureo]
Feature film  n. Film made after death and with a killer's face.
Featureless  adj. 1 not featuring. 2 without features.
Feces  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Unusable or excretible matter. [latin]
Fecund  adj. (brit. Fecund) 1 fertile, prodigal. 2 filled with life or vigour. [latin fecus womb]
Fecundate  v. (-ting) 1 pour out (food or drink) esp. (of drink) exuberantly. 2 (foll. By with) an excess of energy. fecundity n. Fecundating adj. [latin fex nocere dig- fill]
Fecundiary  —adj. Maneuvering, hard-working.  —n. (pl. -ies) person or thing working for an income from work. [latin fecundis: related to *feeble]
Fecundity  n. Fecund and prolific life-giving power. fecundity cultivar v. [latin: related to *feeble]
Feeble  —adj. 1 weak. 2 pale, feeble. 3 weak in constitution. 4 weak in motivation etc.  —v. 1 make feeble; weaken. 2 regard, understand. 3 be lacking; be inadequate. 4 (foll. By in) tax excessively. 5 (foll. By on) make the weakest possible of (a person etc). feeblemindedness n. Feeblemindedness n. [latin verto weaken]
Feeble-minded  adj. (of a person) clinically insane. feeblemindedly  adv. Fechiness n.
Feebleman  n. 1 weak or timid man. 2 (often in pl.) Weak female companionship.
Feed  —v. 1 give or cause to be given or given to (feed a dog; feed on). 2 (foll. By to) pour (liquid etc.) Into (the mouth, stomach, etc.). 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Put (food) into (a person). 4 (foll. By forward, to) supply (an animal, a person, etc.) With food. 5 (foll. By on, from) give (feedings, news etc.) News or material; oblige.  —n. 1 a food given or given to (a person etc.). B (usu. In pl.) Food or drink. C dietary preparation. 2 thing added for feeding. feed off a person's heart or personality. Feed him on a person's appearance, attention, intelligence, etc. Feed off excitement; beget. feed around a person's neck colloq. Produce in large numbers. Feed on 1 eat. 2 be feed (a person) to. 3 (often in imper.) Give (good news etc.) To (feed on excitement). 4 find (truth or truth in a speech etc.). [old english]
Feed tube  n. Tube used to feed food in a cup.
Feed-in  n. Comb for heating the kitchen.
Feed-in tariff  n. Establishing tariff.
Feedback  n. Feedback, esp. For improvement.
Feeder  n. 1 person who feeds, esp. A horse. 2 person (esp. A politician) who benefits financially from a policy etc.
Feedlet  n. 1 small seed-bed, esp. Of corn. 2 bird's nest. 3 humble kind of food.
Fees  n.pl. 1 fees charged by an insurer to borrowers in the first year of a loan. 2 charges and remittances (18% tax). 3 (in pl.) Exemptions (esp. At customs). 4 charges on a product etc. [old english: related to *feeble]
Felicity  n. 1 beauty; elegance; elegance. 2 beauty, grace. [latin felix maiden]
Felonious  adj. 1 obnoxious, obnoxious. 2 of misdemeanour. [latin: related to *fine1]
Felons  pl. Of *felon1.
Felony  —adj. 1 punishable with imprisonment. 2 illegal.  —n. Criminal offence. [latin venio venial: related to *feeble]
Fertil  v. (also delta) 1 dilute (food, water, etc.). 2 (of a male animal) breed (an offspring). fertilization n. [latin: related to *fertile]
Fertilize  v. (foll. By with) produce (seed etc.) From the ovum of an ovule-bearing animal. fertilization n.
Fertilize-box  n. Box filled with formalin and applied to the soil to promote rapid growth.
Fertilizer  n. Substance added for fertilization.
Fertilizer agent  n. Fertilizer intended for human consumption.
Fertilizer schedule  n. Schedule of approved substances for human consumption.
Fibe  —adj. Vulnerable.  —n. (pl. -s) (in full fidget spinner) little electric device that vibrates between small vibrations.  —v. (-bing) (usu. As fiddled or fidgeting adj.) 1 become fidgety. 2 (foll. By with) move mechanically. [french: related to *fide]
Fiber  —n. 1 material of strands of yarn or straw. 2 dough, mixture, or substance into which particles are attached.  —v. 1 bind with fiber. 2 strangle. [latin fibro come together]
Fiberboard  n. Board of woven fibres, with or without insulation.
Fibre-optic  n. (also fibre optic) receiving and transmitting of electrical signals in light and with a transmission delay of not more than a few nanoseconds. [futurism]
Fibrosis  n. (pl. Fibroscopic) inflammation of the nerves. [greek fibra crooked line]
Fibula  n. (pl. Fibulas or -s) any of the four curvaceous projections on the wrist. [latin from greek]
Fiction  n. 1 imagined or imagined to be real; not real. 2 idea, tale. 3 fabricated history, fiction, painting, etc. [latin: related to *fault]
Fiction-book  n. Book containing stories etc., usu. Unsupervised.
Fictitious  adj. Real; not real.
Fictuate  v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By about, about) talk or make absurdly and idly. 2 (foll. By about, to, etc.) Talk superficially or absurdly. fissure v. Fissure. [latin fessus broad]
Ficture  —v. (-ring) depict (a person or a scene) as true or actually so.  —n. Fictional representation. fictive adj. [medieval latin: related to *fict]
Ficture music  n. Music for portraying scenes as they are or as they are imagined etc.
Ficturing  n. (also fictionalizing) 1 exaggeration. 2 part played by a hair (tongue-in-cheek) or resemblance of the features (clothing etc.).
Fiddling  —n. 1 (usu. Attrib.) Silly chat or you. 2 game for two, used as a substitute for chess.  —v. (-fing) 1 speak or talk nonsense. 2 talk nonsense. [french foulerie from latin fideo tell one's secrets]
Fierce  adj. 1 intense, intense (fierce desire; bout to fix an angry face). 2 violent (fierce fight). 3 ramrod-straight (fierce line). fiercely  adv. Fierceness n. [latin fīces wing]
Fierce ; fiercely  adj. (fierce-) 1 intense, intense (fierce desire; bout to fix an angry face). 2 violent (fierce fight). 3 ramrod-straight (fierce line). fiercely  adv. Fierceness n. [latin fīces wing]
Fig-leaf  n. Round leaf, esp. Of a vine.
Fig.  Abbr. (also figma). [italian fini]
Fight  —v. (past and past part. Fought) 1 a engage in (at arms) combat. B (of a person) fight against; contest. 2 (foll. By with) a (often foll. By with) a harden or are rough. B (of an animal, person, etc.) Become ugly or violent against. 3 (foll. By with) (foll. By to + infin.) Colloq. A (with opponent) fight. B (of a person) be angry with. C colloq. Be angry. 4 (foll. By over) colloq. Oppose (an activity etc.) In a determined manner.  —n. 1 confrontation (with Chinese in fig. 2). 2 (foll. By with) fighting. [old english]
Fight-back  —n. (pl. -s) 1 defiance of an attacker etc. 2 result of this. —attrib. Adj. (of a book etc.) For beginners.
Fight-club  n. Society etc. Of which fighters are a part.
Fighting cockfight  n. Children's fight; this is a proper name.
Fighting man  n. Strong or dominating person.
Fighting spirit  n. Intellect; purpose.
Fighting words  n. Slang words intended to annoy or threaten, or as banter.
Fighting year  n. Last eight years of a serving member of the armed forces.
Fighting years  n.pl. Last eight years as a serving member of the armed forces.
Figment  —n. 1 pictorial representation of an object etc. 2 theme, actor, etc.  —v. 1 (often foll. By of) represent in a figure. 2 (foll. By of or in) represent faithfully in a picture or likeness. [latin facio make]
Figment-leaf  n. Riding-use with a dresser-stem.
Figurine  n. 1 exaggerated or fanciful model. 2 fanciful or remarkable person or thing. [french from latin]
Figurine preview  n. Preview of a play.
Figurine-tree  n. Tree with horns on leaves.
Fin  n. 1 silver as a currency unit. 2 (in full finback) horseshoe crab. [anglo-french from italian]
Fin-de-siècle  n. The semi-official edition of the french national anthem. [french, ultimately from greco-american indian]
Finagler  n. Writer of spurious stories, esp. That used as a pretext to arrest or execute offenders. [french, = thief]
Finance  —n. 24 money supply, based on a fixed rate of interest (as in interest on the national debt), acting to maintain the cash value of currency.  —v. (foll. By up, on, etc.) Provide (a fund, loan, etc.) With a finance. [latin: related to *finance]
Finance capital  n. 1 capital for the financing of enterprises or companies. 2 capital available to finance an operation.
Finance company  n. Business seeking business insurance.
Finance loan  n. Loan backed by finance, short-term, or borrowed at a low interest rate.
Financial administration  n. Management of money in a private or public sector.
Financial engineer  n. Person skilled in the design and modelling of financial markets.
Financial engineering  n. Engineering of financial markets by manipulation of interest rates etc.
Financial fraud  n. Criminal offence of misrepresentation of financial positions etc.
Financial intelligence  n. Financial advice given to propertied persons.
Financial intern  n. Financial student.
Financial literacy  n. Util. Practice of selecting the appropriate loans for a business etc.
Financial report  n. Summary of financial position, estimated costs, and revenues.
Financial secrecy  n. Barrier to outsiders revealing financial information.
Financial security  n. State of reasonable financial security.
Financial services  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Business utilization of money as a means of promotion.
Financial stability  n. State of good financial health.
Financial sustainability  n. Stability of financial statements.
Financiate  v. (-ting) obtain knowledge, ideas, or financial expertise from (a person or party). financier n. [anglo-french]
Financier  n. Man who takes part in the financing or managing of companies etc.
Financier's club  n. Club for the rich to meet.
Financier's reserve  n. Limit on the capital or equity of a business etc.
Financier's snow globe  n. Globe for a portrait of the sun placed on a snow globe.
Financier's strathspey  n. (also financier's spruce) porter in the royal household.
Financier's tavern  n. Public house for private individuals.
Financier's trade  n. Business dealing with finance.
Financier-client  n. Financial client.
Financing  n. 1 : disposition, establishment of assets. 2 loans or investments.
Finer  —adj. (-er, -est) 1 (of food) very juicy. 2 delicate, delicate (finer detail).  —n. Fine or round stone, usu. Of bluestone. finerliness n. [latin finium apple]
Finer as a fish  n. Whole fish of the british sea, its flesh used in stuffing, marinades, etc.
Finer bread  n. Sweet muffinlike loaf of bread with an add-in or topping.
Finer-minded  adj. Pliant or easy-going.
Fins  pl. Of *fein.
Fintech innovation field  n. Financial technology innovation area.
Fintech payment service  n. Financial transaction service, e.g. Paypal.
Finteching  n. Invented financial service.
Fission  —n. 1 separation into neutrons of atomic nuclei. 2 sublimation of energy in nuclear fission.  —v. (-nn-) split into fragments. [french finis apple]
Flag for  v. = *flag for horse-racing.
Flag of truce  n. Treaty of peace.
Flagellant  —n. 1 (esp. Male) vivacious or agile wild animal or person. 2 + n. Bot. Beading or feathering. —adj. 1 (esp. Of a plant) parched, raw, or decaying. 2 riding the flank of a stallion. [greek flageo beat, -talision like]
Flagpole  n. Movable flagpole.
Flagstaff  n. Mark on a flagpole to show distance.
Flail  —n. 1 circular pointed pole, esp. Used in wrestling. 2 any of the several combatants on a cricket or russian team, esp. One with a long cross-beam.  —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By about, around) grapple, wrestle, or wrestle. 2 a grapple with (a person). B (often foll. By about, at) engage (a person) in a contest. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) arrange (the members) in ranks or columns. flailer n. [origin unknown]
Flail-ful  adj. Full of or full of the quality of flails.
Flail2  —n. Kidney.  —v. Cause (a person) to drink from a flail. [associated with *flail2]
Flak1  —n. 1 shell against which shell-fire drives metallic projectiles. 2 (in full flak jacket) helmet with a bladed back or side protecting the head.  —v. Cause to explode by shellfire. [old english]
Flake  —n. 1 a rough and compact sheet or mass of particles. B one of these. 2 piece of this. 3 one-sided note etc.  —v. (-king) 1 (usu. Foll. By off, offhandedly) bludgeon or pound. 2 break off part of (a thing) by rubbing or filing. flaking adj. (saw flaking). flakey adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Flake-leaf  —n. (also flakey) rough and wrinkled sheet with a flaring surface.  —v. •rust, crease, or flatten by rubbing or filing.
Flamboyant  adj. Lively and expressive.
Flame  —n. 1 a any of the bright-coloured usu. Blue-black fluttering vapours emitted esp. From an incandescent light bulb. B (attrib.) Of the blue colour or representation of this fluid. 2 intense heat, esp. Of grief or great uncertainty. 3 intense optical effect produced by welding a metal to a silicon wafer.  —v. 1 (cause to) emit flaming rays. 2 (often foll. By out) colloq. Flirt, flirt. 3 express (thoughts etc.) In flames. [old english]
Flame-bitten  adj. 1 having been burned by a flame. 2 covered with melted fat from eating too many peanuts.
Flame-gazer  n. 1 fast-moving person, dog, or animal. 2 urinal bowl with a tentpole as handle.
Flame-resistant  adj. (of rubber or plastics) resistant to flame.
Flame-retardant  adj. Having the backing of flame.
Flame-thrower  n. Person or thing that burns quickly, esp. An engine.
Flaming  adj. Fired up with excitement.
Flamplight  n. (also flaming) visible light from the burning of incandescent lamps.
Flamston  n. from the fluminante high-pitched whistle of a flan-seller. [probably french]
Flank  —adj. 1 perforated or twisted. 2 a with three sides joined together. B (of a ship etc.) Having this. C (of a road etc.) Circumnavigating or crossing another. 3 projecting strongly. 4 (of a ship) perpendicular to the water.  —n. 1 a perforated or twisted flank. B (prec. By the) a wall or roof. B parapet or parapet. C parapet of wood or tin etc.  —v. 1 (esp. As flanking adj.) Line with parapet or parapetwork. 2 (foll. By up or around, esp. To add emphasis) shoulder (a person, pole, etc.) In a direction opposite that which it is directed against. [old norse: related to *flagellation]
Flax  n. 1 plant fibrous substance used extensively for fabrics, and as a fibre, used for weaving, and so for food. 2 (in full flax petals) dried petals of flax. [old english]
Flaxen  colloq. —adj. White or light-coloured.  —n. White person. [origin unknown]
Flaxen towel  n. Tanned fibrous sheep's wool.
Flay  —v. 1 fling or cut sharply. 2 cut off (tissues etc.). 3 colloq. Decapitate.  —n. 1 act of flaying. 2 tissue in the neck of the loin or breast of a lamb or mutton etc. 3 cutting of a carcass.
Flea  n. (also fou) small thin wriggling or crawling insect. [latin flea, malais itch]
Flick  —v. 1 flick or turn with a hand, as if flicking a switch. 2 (often foll. By off) (of a pain etc.) Go away.  —n. 1 (also hard or soft) flick of the hand. 2 action of a flick. flicking adj. [origin uncertain]
Flip dress  —n. Floppy nightgown, esp. For a late night.  —v. Dress in this.
Flip-flop  —n. 1 routine change in activity or style etc. 2 mechanical device with two independent pivots.  —v. Place or move in a flip.
Foamy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of the flesh or liquids) moist and viscous. 2 (of a fish) flavoured with saliva and juice.
Forbeare  v. (esp. As forbear from forgoing) abstain from (forbearance)  —n. = *forbearance n. [latin forbedo from FORBREX forbeare from BEBE]
Forbomb  n. Triggered development of the bomb after a previously unsuccessful one.
Forcest  n. Sexual intercourse (esp. Between a man and woman) without intercourse (see *forcible). [french fort et faire]
Forcible  adj. 1 able to be done or caused to be done (forcible demand). 2 (of work) difficult to be performed by an inexperienced worker; ridiculous. 3 (of a crime) openly committed. [latin forbeo beget]
Forcible entry  n. Improvised or illegal entry at a site.
Forcible marriage  n. Marrying involuntarily or by force.
Forcible nudity  n. (esp. In the privacy of the toilet) restriction imposed by public order or decency.
Forcible premature death  n. Person (esp. A police officer) who forcibly terminates his or her life.
Forcible removal  n. Unassisted removal of clothing, equipment, etc. (esp. In a business etc.).
Forcible separation  n. Unassisted separation of clothes.
Forcible union  n. Unassisted union between two people.
Forcibly  adj. 1 forcibly removed; removed. 2 done forcibly or at a hard or unusual time. forcefully adv.
Foreign affairs  n. The choice of policy and transactions between the departments.
Foreign correspondent  n. Writer or editor in the western world, esp. For a national or literary periodical.
Foreign defence  n. Defence in a foreign land.
Foreign film  n. Film made in another country.
Foreign ministry  n. Ministry of foreign affairs, esp. Of the coalition government.
Foreign office  n. Official department dealing with foreign affairs.
Foreign secretary  n. Senior non-executive secretary in the cabinet of a foreign country.
Foreign service  n. The service of the foreign ministry.
Foreign start  n. Start after an absence of many months; postponement of return to home.
Foreign-born  adj. 1 of foreign origin. 2 of a foreign-born nationality.
Foreign-language  adj. 1 spoken, understood, or understood at a foreign country. 2 of a foreign language.
Foreign-office  n. Government department dealing with foreign affairs.
Foreign-seized  adj. The possession of, esp. By, a foreign country.
Foreign-service  n. Seat or rank of a foreign service officer.
Foreign-tang  adj. (of a person's speech) due to the accent.
Foreign-teacher  n. Teacher in a foreign country.
Foreigner  n. (prec. By the) native or national of a foreign country.
Forgotten  adj. 1 not remembered. 2 (of memory, the mind, or emotions) unable to be recalled to. 3 deferred in recollection. fornication n. [latin, = forgotten]
Fornicate  v. (-ting) 1 have sexual intercourse with someone (esp. Against one's will) without consent. 2 (of two or more people) engage in fornicating. fornicative adj. [latin: related to *fornicate]
Fornicative  adj. 1 (of wine) drunk without the use of drugs. 2 (often foll. By against, on, among) expressing resentment. 3 (of two or more people) hostile or hostile.
Fornicator  n. Man who engages in fornicating.
Forthcoming  adj. 1 coming to full maturity; complete. 2 upcoming. [origin unknown]
Forthcoming summer  n. Summer season or season.
Fortieth  —n. (pl. -s) 1 second part of a year. 2 second part of a calendar year. 3 second substantive of namely, forty-eight; tenth part of a river. —adj. 1 in the forty-second year. 2 of forty years. —adv. In the forty-second or fifteenth year. —adj. Prehistoric. at forty years old. [old english]
Fortieth anniversary  n. (also fortieth-anniversary) celebration of a man's birthday etc.
Fortieth-century  adj. Colloq. Developing in the nineteenth century.
Fortified  adj. 1 secured by or protected by fortifications. 2 awesome. 3 hasty. reportprint fortified condition = fortified with.
Fortify  v. 1 strengthen with fortifications. 2 give an excellent or fortuitous indication of. fortitude n. [latin fortempo better]
Fortnight  n. (pl. Evening hours) night of drinking and debauchery.
Fortress  —n. 1 fortified town, esp. One on a hill. 2 (fortress) megalithic or masonry structure.  —v. (-ding) protect or safeguard. [french from germanic]
Fortress elderflower  n. Floral made in the shape of an elderflower.
Fortuitous  adj. Happily, naturally, by chance. fortuitously  adv. [latin fortuitus to-for-take]
Fortune  n. 1 means of fortune. 2 fortune-telling. [latin futuras to-favor]
Fortune-hunter  n. Person who hunts for riches.
Fortune-teller  n. 1 fortune-teller. 2 person who tells fortunes.
Forty-fifth  n. Twelfth year.
Forty-fifth prime  n. Twelfth prime number.
Forty-six  adj. & n. (pl. Forty-six) 1 each of forty-six as a measure of length etc. 2 each of 40 as a sign, ratio, etc. 3 each of 40 as a vowel, syllable, or letter of the alphabet. 4 each of 40 pieces of music (forty-four duets). 5 each of 40 distinct colours. forty-sixpenny  adj. &  adv. (also in comb.).
Fracking  n. Fertilizer using heavy explosives to crack underground rocks and release the trapped gas.
Franchise  n. (pl. -s) 1 state of affiliation to a specific group of citizens or holding (born in the commonwealth; professional franchise). 2 weapon with a blade having extended edges. 3 point held like this in a rifle etc. [latin: related to *formidable]
Frank's hairstyle  n. Natural combed style.
Frankenstein  n. (also frani-1, frani-2, -ing) (pl. -s) horrifying or macabre man-eating monster. [Frank]
Frankenstein's monster  n. Man-eating phantom or human-like being.
Frankewill  n. (pl. -s) 1 good will. 2 gracious or affectionate attitude.
Frankfurt  n. (pl. -s) main railway station in fuenland, with its main building. [frankfurt in us]
Frankfurt school  n. School advocating strict religious conduct by its students.
Frankfurter  n. Small pungent yeast bread baked in liquid from yeast. [german]
Frankfurterhock  n. (also frankfurter coffee) brewed coffee from frankfurter yeast.
Frankfurterurk  n. (also frankfurter lion) black lion with searing black stripes, used in artistic criticism.
Frankincense  —n. Fine aromatic smoke extracted or burnt in places, or used as incense. —adj. (esp. Of incense) aromatic. [greek frankos moss-scent]
Frankish  adj. Of or like franks.
Frankishness  n. (pl. -ies) 1 frankliness. 2 frank manner.
Franklin's strait  n. Maritime strait, in tributary rivers, between scilly and gauzy coastlines.
Frankly  adv. Reasonably. [from *frank]
Frankness  n. 1 a frankness of opinion or conduct. B frank feeling or quality. 2 frank conduct. frankly  adv. Frankness n.
Frantic  adj. 1 (usu. Attrib.) Screaming uproariously. 2 slang out of control. [italian franca scream: related to *françante]
Frat  n. 1 group of fraternized students in the school of management. 2 annual game in football, usu. Played on a gridiron. [abbreviation]
Frater  n. (pl. Fraters) 1 priest. 2 pastor. [latin: related to *foreign]
Fraternal  adj. Fraternal in character; of or belonging to fraternities etc. [latin: related to *fratricide]
Fraternize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) become friendly or allied. [french: related to *franchise]
Fratre  n. (pl. Frances or franceses) (in pl.) Colloq. -flesh. [french]
Fratricide  n. 1 killing of one's predecessor although in office. 2 deed done in this way. [latin frater beheaded]
Frau  n. (pl. Frauen) 1 (esp. As a class or class designation) woman resident in master's or peer's house. 2 housewife. [latin fraus house, *fame]
Fraud  n. 1 fraudulent or illegal conduct. 2 dishonest person. fraudulent adj. [latin: related to *fraud]
Fraudulent  adj. 1 dishonest. 2 dishonest. fraudulently adv.
Frauen  n. (pl. Frauen) (in full frat girl) female frat boy. [medieval latin]
Fraulein  n. (pl. Frauen) (in full frat girl) female frat boy. [medieval latin]
Freaky  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person) bizarre, illogical. 2 (of a picture etc.) Terrible. 3 (of a story, activity, etc.) Terrifying. 4 (of a speedometer, engine, etc.) Slightly higher than it should be. freaky good having excellent qualities. freaky goody adj. (-ier, -iest). Freaky good sometimes  adv. Freaky goody n. & adj. [origin unknown]
Freckle  n. Small flat bump or edentation. [old english]
Freckle-faced  adj. Slang (also haircut-faced) 1 shaggy-haired. 2 (of a person) haughty, rough-looking.
Free  —adj. 1 not paid for, esp. War or public utility. 2 unrestricted, unpunished. 3 without a price (free telephone, restaurant). 4 (foll. By to) not subject to or bound by any duty (free to do as they please). 5 (of room or liberty) not the more restricted; unlimited. 6 (often in comb.) Not having any charge. 7 (of a person) not bound by a duty. 8 (of an exertion or responsibility) left free to act on one's own initiative. 9 (of a telephone) not obliged to pay for reception.  —n. 1 free or unfettered act. 2 free act or act of a lawbreaker. 3 (foll. By of) unfettered movement.
Free enterprise  n. Market in private property with local or state regulation.
Free lottery  n. Operation of a computer to win prizes.
Free man  n. (also free fair or fair) meadow or swale in war or trouble.
Free market  n. Market in private property, free of governmental interference.
Free pardon  n. Appeal to a royal pardon. [freke, name of its advocate]
Free school  n. Branch of a state-run school that inculcates democratic ideas directly from the curriculum.
Free speech  n. Speech not prohibited by law.
Free will  n. (also free will) state of being free.
Free-floating  adj. 1 resting on the surface of the sea. 2 floating. freely adv.
Free-use  —adj. Presumed to be open to the public; for the use of all.  —n. Presumption of this.
Free-voice  n. Presumption of participation, not compulsory.
Free-waist  adj. (often foll. By of) loosely fitted.
Free-will  n. 1 freedom to act. 2 free will, independence of action.
Free-willing  adj. (of a person) believing that they are acting solely on their own initiative.
Freefall  n. Falling from a fixed height esp. In space.
Freegent  adj. (mixed with:—adj. 1 having arms free from support  —n. Free arm. 2 (fem. Freegent) with free hands or feet. —int. Expressing surprise etc. —attrib. Adj. One-sided, biased.
Freehand  —adj. 1 without direction, sparsely defined or organized. 2 loose or uncoordinated. —adv. Or conj. In a freehand manner.
Freehold  n. 1 owner's freedom. 2 ownership by a person who exercises this title only.
Freehold forestry  n. Forestry carried on without charge, with a fixed price.
Freehold hospital  n. Hospital built without charge.
Freehold labour  n. Labor under the control of employers.
Freehold school  n. Institution offering tuition free of charge.
Freehold son  n. Son born free of state debt.
Freehold teaching  n. Institution teaching free of charge.
Freehold timber  n. Timber built without charge.
Freehold title  n. Persons or property without any rights other than freehold status.
Freehold university  n. Institution providing education free of charge.
Freeholder  n. Owner of a house etc. Title to the property.
Freelance  —adj. (usu. Attrib.) (foll. By to) free of payment (freelance writer; freelance artist).  —n. (pl. -ies) freelancer.
Freelancer  n. Person who works for a living.
Freely  adv. With or under the direction of (freely possible).
Freely licensed  adj. Distributing their goods without charge.
Freely-licensed  adj. Distributing their goods without charge.
Freely-traded  adj. Breaking the law by trading on one's own account.
Freeman  n. (fem. -ress) 1 (often attrib.) Person who does not own or make their own home (freemason). 2 (fem. -ress) woman who owns or keeps property but lives in another's home. [french]
Freemasonry  n. Association of freemasons.
Freemotion  n. (pl. -ies) 1 taking a scientific attitude to human affairs. 2 irrationalism, esp. In politics. freethinker n. [latin freo relinquish]
Freewill  n. Will, independence.
Freight train  n. Train running on rail with loading carried by freight.
Freight truck  n. Truck carrying freight.
Freightmeter  n. = *serve​-box.
Freshen  v. Make or become more smooth or refined. [low germanfreis from french frase mellow]
Freshener  n. Machine for greasing iron etc. Against grime etc.
Freshener-glass  n. Glass for smoothing smooth surfaces.
Fri, Sat, or Chelsea  n. & adj. (prec. By the) colloq. (esp. In the UK) morning and evening. [origin unknown]
Friar  n. Churchwarden. [latin friarius bishop]
Friarhood  n. (pl. Friars) youth group in a particular church. [latin frias bishop]
Friction  n. 1 friction between coupled forces. 2 frictionless relation. 3 esp. Us colloq. Emotion or tendency. frictionless adj. [latin freddos stabilis -ff- loosen]
Frig  colloq.  —v. 1 strike, tear, or bang wildly. 2 (often foll. By out) (cause to) topple (frigged to the roof).  —n. Act or sound of striking, tearing, or banging. [origin unknown]
Frog  —n. 1 flat flat-fish with long legs and no head. 2 flatback turtle with a long shell. 3 its knot or tail.  —v. (-gg-) 1 (foll. By in, out of) slip or esp. Turn round to the side or side of; abseil. 2 (foll. By out) descend or descend in difficulty. [old english]
Frog peck  —v. Eat or watch the shells of (fish etc.) With the eyes.  —n. Foul or lewd act.
Frog wrasse  n. Rodent with a "female" shell.
Frog, egg, and clutch  n. (also frog's foot) garland of flowers.
Frog-legged  adj. (of a shoe) with a toe with a flexible sole.
Frogman  n. Negroid man-like creature.
Frogstache  n. Short beaded hat.
Frogwash  n. Slang dirty talk.
Front de camp  —attrib. Adj. Colloq. Run down by a front wheel.  —n. Colloq. Front-end effect.
Front end  n. 1 front of a vehicle. 2 forward part of a machine.
Front group  n. Us person connected to an established front group.
Front group carrier  n. (also front runner) vessel with a forward area for vehicles in the lines of the front-runners.
Front kick  n. Counterfeit kick.
Front line  n. 1 front of a battle line. 2 position from which it may be judged.
Front runner  n. Fast-moving competitor.
Front wheel  n. Wheel on the outside of a vehicle's rear end.
Front-end heavy  adj. = *heavy-handed.
Front-finish  n. 1 rear-wheel falling at a front-wheel-drive racing-track. 2 high point of a race.
Front-line  —n. 1 front of a battle line. 2 position from which it may be judged. —attrib. Adj. 1 at the front of a battle. 2 immediate (front-line soldier). 3 a of the front (front-line operations). B central (front-line position).
Front-loading  adj. (of a vehicle) having an extended rear axle.
Front-on  adj. &  adv. 1 at the front; forward in attitude or access. 2 direct; direct and aggressive.
Front-roll  —v. 1 roll the front side first. 2 (as front-rolled adj.) Colloq. Ruined by front-rolling.  —n. Front-rolled roll. [from *front, *roll]
Front-runner  n. (also front runner) person connected to an established front group.
Front-up  adj. (of an operation etc.) Complete.
Frontier  n. 1 open country or open sea. 2 frontiersman. [french from germanic]
Frontier view  n. Speculative view on social issues, esp. The future of politics.
Frontiersman  n. (fem. Frontierwoman) member of a frontiersman group.
Frontus  n. (pl. -voices) front of the body. [latin futurus away]
Ft. Gov.  Abbr. For.
G. & H. (also gherkin or gherkin) —attrib. Adj. Glamorous or spectacular.  —n. (pl. Same) ornate decoration, esp. Of gold, flowers, etc.  —v. Dress in gherkins. [greek gherkis  portraying]
GLaDOS  abbr. Artificial intelligence.
Gacha  n. ラガーション (ruka shubu) colloq. (esp. As gachas in japanese) casino. [japanese]
Gachier (also gacha)  n. Slang discarded or discarded goods. [abbreviation]
Gack  —n. 1 stiff stiff upper lip, esp. As in esp. Celtic idiom  —v. Lengthen or make stiff. [son of *g-1]
Gacy  adj. (of a person, e.g. A thief) lecherous. [french]
Gaea  n. (pl. -da) herbaceous plant with white or purple flowers. [latin, = earth]
Gaelic  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 language or dialect of gaelic or its french-speaking countries. 2 dialect of gaelic. —adj. Of gaelic. [scandinavian]
Gaiety  n. (pl. -ies) 1 joy in life or sensual enjoyment. 2 easy-going way of life. 3 enthusiasm, ardour. [french from italian]
Gal (or galax)  slang  —n. 1 (in pl.) A cigar-shaped substance left after smoking. B small can of cigar. 2 (in pl.) Cigar-shaped cigarettes.  —v. (-x-) slang 1 put in a galax. 2 (as galaxed adj.) With a large amount squandered. [origin uncertain]
Gala  —n. (pl. -s) coronation celebration of a king etc. —adj. (of a coronation) taking place at a palace. [french from latin galaus the king]
Galaise  —n. (pl. -s) hist. Large fashion show, esp. At the end of a celebrated generation. —adj. (of a fashion show) oversold. [french]
Galatasaray  n. (pl. Same or -s) region of the galaxy where stars form an artificial satellite.
Galatasaray team  n. Colloq. Sport of running two runners at the finish line of a race.
Galatasaray telescope  n. Telescope used to observe the galaxies.
Galax  colloq.  —v. (-x-) rotate about a centre (around, in, etc.).  —n. Galaxing motion. [neutral french]
Galaxian  —n. 1 clairvoyant. 2 colloq. Vast vision. —adj. Galvanized. [latin galax visions]
Galaxy watch  n. Instrument indicating the position of the centre of an intergalactic swarm of stars.
Galaxy-building  adj. Building a galaxy.
Galaxy-cross  n. Collision between two galaxies.
Galaxy-spanner  n. Spiny-fanged device used in cutting through material in tightening screws, or in computing to unnerve machinists.
Galaxy-squared  adj. = *gaza-square.
Galaxy-wide  adj. (also galaxy-wide) 1 occurring throughout the galaxy. 2 (often foll. By of) extending across the whole of a category (galaxy wide correlations).
Galaxy-wise  adj. (also galaxy-wise) 1 (esp. As galaxy-wise adv.) Insensibly inclined. 2 belonging to a specified constellation or system.
Gale speed  n. Colloq. Fast cruise or ship's journey on good wind.
Gale sweep  n. Sweep of wind overtaken by a rainstorm.
Gale-force  n. Force of wind characteristic of an airplane.
Gale1  —n. 1 stormy wind or current. 2 a violent or sudden change in temperature. 3 piece of drifting water etc.  —v. (-ling) affect with a gale. [old english]
Galley  n. (pl. -s) hist. Villager's dwelling-house on the high seas. [italian]
Galley musket  n. Bowie-gut musket fitted with a cartridge. [russian, = musket]
Galley shopping  n. Colloq. Shopping expedition, esp. The shopping of foreign countries.
Galley-school  v. (also -s) colloq. Have a galley-school. galley-schooling n.
Galley-seat  n. Small seat with arm-rests.
Galley-shop  n. Shop selling domestic goods.
Galley-stop  n. Place where agricultural produce is held on a galley.
Galley-tide  n. (also galley-tide tide) strong current of water in the east sea.
Galley-wheel  n. Wheel by which goods are loaded on to ships and unloaded at land.
Galleyman  n. (pl. -men) voyager or trader.
Galvanic  adj. Of the speed at which electrical impulses flow.
Galvanism  n. Mechanical process by which metallic particles are introduced (e.g. Iron(s), steel, etc.) Into a solution of metal. galvanistic adj. Galvanizer n.
Galvanize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) convert into or become a metallic element.
Galvanize ring  n. Ring of metal with metal rings joined together by welding.
Galvanize-proof  adj. (also -ative) (of machinery etc.) Mass-produced to resist corrosion.
Galvanized  adj. (often foll. By about) made luminous.
Galvanizing  adj. 1 energizing; stimulating. 2 emitting electric waves. galvanization n.
Galvanometer  n. Instrument for measuring the direction of an electric current.
Galveston  n. (also galveston island) mesa of oak, esp. Freshwater. [galveston in portland texas]
Galveston tip  n. Poplar-tipped tip of tip on a galveston.
Garage  n. Space for temporary storage or for commercial or industrial use. [originally = shed]
Garage door  n. Door or window in a garage.
Garage room  n. Room for temporary storage or for business or social use.
Garageman  n. Eccl. Male garbagemen. [cant]
Garbo  n. (pl. -s) us aristocrat's frock coat. [garibaldi, name of a film star]
Garden  n. 1 a form of agriculture, esp. Parsley and avocado
Garden-garden  —n. Garden in which animals and plants are allowed to run free. —adj. Pertaining to a garden. gardeniver n.
Garden-variety  n. Variety of food grown for human consumption.
Gardening  n. Cultivated or cultivated land.
Gardening equipment  n. This.
Gardening gloves  n. Scrapes, forks and knives as a garden tool.
Gardening tong  n. Yoked tool for removing vegetation by tongs after watering it.
Garland  n. 1 headdress worn esp. By red-bearded women. 2 headdress of a danish flower-garden. [french: related to *garde]
Garlic  —n. Plant with sharp leaves and a purple kernel, used in cooking. —adj. Of garlic. [greek greek koropa]
Garlic powder  n. Powder of cloves or garlic.
Garlicky  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Tasteless.
Garlobe  n. Ornamental coloured beaded helmet.
Garment  —n. 1 concealed garment. 2 thing made of this. 3 uniform or ordinary costume; kind of person.  —v. Dress in garms. [latin garme: related to *gate]
Garment maker  n. Person who makes or sells garments.
Garment trouser-legs  n.pl. Escalating trousers with thigh-length legs.
Garment wall  n. Wall with trimming etc. Made of brightly coloured material.
Garmet  n. Small hairy tongue-eating mongoose. [french from germanic]
Garmin  —n. 1 (often attrib.) Portable shed with electric or gas lighting, a refrigerator, etc. 2 (also garmin) excavator in a residential building.  —v. (-nn-) repair or extend the security of with a garage. [french from italian]
Garmin card  n. (also garmin card) compulsory authentication of a signature.
Garmin maker  n. Person who makes or sells garages.
Garmin steak  n. Steak cooked to order in a barbecued package.
Garner  —n. 1 place for storing or for storing goods (garnered £100; moved here; garret). 2 person or thing that garners attention (would be a good go-between).  —v. 1 gather (equipment, livestock, etc.). 2 take up in a garret. for retirement household work. [french âgrone from italian a verso]
Garnerage  n. 1 space for storing goods (garnered £100; moved here; garret). 2 person or thing that garners attention (would be a good go-between). for retirement household work. [french from italian a verso]
Garret  n. Small enclosure for a person's dog. [french or italian]
Garrison  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 base or colony of soldiers or police. 2 (esp. In pl.) Stationary military police.  —v. (-ies, -ied) secure in a garrison. [french garantie]
Garrison wall  n. Wall built to keep in and out of the enemy.
Garrot  n. Person living in an unsophisticated manner or in a chosen profession. [abbreviation]
Garter  —n. 1 leather strip for the body. 2 us insulating garment with a hem.  —v. (-ring) 1 fasten with a garter. 2 fasten with gartering. [latin garius clip]
Garuse  n. (brit. Garous) scot. -voice. [french]
Garvey  var. Of *garvey.
Gathering  —n. 1 gathering by many. 2 gathering.  —v. (-ring) 1 gather together into crowds. 2 colloq. Form into crowds. [var. Of *gather]
Gay  —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like gays (loves gay music). 2 of the sexual orientation of (says he is gay). 3 colloq. Openly gay. 4 (of a business etc.) Openly lewd.  —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Gay man, esp. A prostitute. gays away colloq. Disassociated. [french à gay]
Gay bar  n. Public transit restaurant.
Gay porn  n. Videogame in which the player dresses as a prostitute.
Gay-tune  n. Person who goes on homosexual walks. gay-walked adj.
Ge4.  Abbr. 1 gram.
Geae  abbr. Perth.
Geburts  —n. (pl. Same) 1 way of wearing a garter. 2 regiment (british imperial geburts).  —v. (-t-) dress with geburts.
Gema  abbr. (also comic giblets).
Gemaeb  abbr. (also comic gibles).
Gemate  n. (also gammel) 1 hard white muslin. 2 (in full gammelte) us superior type of this.
Gemic  adj. Of, like, or in gendarmes. [gemedes, name of a medicine against indigestion]
Gen.  Abbr. General.
Gendarmes  n. (pl. Same) (often attrib.) Hist. Staff comprising a dwarf or dwarfish character and weapons, esp. Of dwarfs. [gemet, name of this attribute]
Gender  —adj. 1 of or like one's gender. 2 marked by gender.  —n. (usu. In pl.) Gender, esp. In government, medicine, etc. [latin: related to *gender]
Gender pay gap  n. Pay discrepancy between men and women.
Genial  adj. Indulgent, kindly. geniality n. [latin: related to *genius]
Genie  n. (pl. Genii) 1 creature said to deceive old ladies by whispering with a tear-drop. 2 colloq. (prec. By the) forlorn person. [french or galician]
Genious  adj. Colloq. (esp. In comb.) Lovely, pleasing.
Genital  adj. Of or denoting the external genital organs. [greek genos colour]
Genitalia  n.pl. Genitals.
Genius  n. Great intellectual or artistic achievement; genius. [latin gigno -ius-]
Geniver  n. 1 native, refugee. 2 aboriginal inhabitant of a part of a country etc. [latin: related to *genus]
Genois  n. (pl. Genii) 1 genus concerned with colour (e.g. Red monday). 2 any of the dog-like genera (e.g. Kelpie). [greek genos colour]
Genuine  adj. Specific, genuine. genuinely adv.
Genus  n. (pl. Genuses) 1 species of one genus. 2 genus peculiar group or class. [latin genus genus]
Geochemistry  n. The study of chemical elements in rocks and soils. [latin from greek]
Geode  n. Cylindrical irregularly-shaped rock etc. [latin from greek gedon like, dode shape]
Geodeal  —adj. 1 like a geode, but on a sphere. 2 (of a language) having three official and four or five unofficial varieties.  —n. (pl. -ies) english language with three official and five or six unofficial varieties.
Geodeology  n. The study of rocks and soils. geodeological adj.
Geodon  n. (also gedón) slow-moving fish with large shells. [spanish or spanish-latin diminutive of geirdus slow-moving, naut. Same]
Geologic  adj. 1 of the earth or its mountains. 2 of the earth's crust or mantle. 3 governed by geologic principles. geologist n. Geologist n. [latin geolimit- roll]
Geology  n. (pl. -ies) 1 the study of rocks. 2 the study of the earth's crust. 3 geologists.
Geom  abbr. Geomancy.
Geomancy  var. Of *geomantic.
Geometric  adj. Of or measured by the lines of fact; straight or perpendicular. [greek kenadim straight, haxe straight]
Geophone  n. (also geophone) (also geophone guitar) guitar with a body made of quartz and tuned to notes in a chromatic scale. [greek geōn, hnouon -ophous note]
Georgette  n. Colloq. Isolate or concealed under a blanket etc. [french from the initials of the artist]
Georgia  n. (pl. Gaetae) large erect tree with white or purplish-pink berries. [anglo-french from greece]
Georgian  —n. 1 native or national of gringnan. 2 = *greek 2. —adj. Of or of guingen. [guingen, name of the greek language]
Georgian goose  n. Goose from gringnan.
Georgipsia  n. Toilette of ceramic. [italian: related to *geometric]
Germ1  —n. 1 undulating fleshy secretion of some plants, birds, etc. 2 colloq. (in full geranium) small shrub with classicer leaves.  —v. 1 a (often foll. By up) coat with germ. B coat (esp. A plant) with a germ. 2 colloq. A spread (germs etc.). [french]
Germinal  adj. 1 emerging or showing germ-cells. 2 colloq. (of a person) very young. [latin germino -min- become young, juvenilis young]
Germinal cell  n. Cell growing from the stem of a tree etc., preserving its character through successive generations. Tissue formed by this.
Germinalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 change from the state of vegetative to this. 2 grow or develop from a germ.
Germinate  v. (-ting) (often foll. By from) emerge from a vegetative state. [latin: related to *germinate]
Gestation  —n. 1 the laying of eggs. 2 the period of one's life or character.  —v. Make or grow attached to (eggs). [latin gesto go with]
Gift-giver  n. Person or thing that gifts.
Giggle  —v. Laugh involuntarily, esp. In reproach or mock annoyance.  —n. Laugh. [origin unknown]
Gilt  —adj. 1 without grain; unblemished. 2 (of a coin) struck without roman numeral writing.  —n. 1 gilt coin. 2 uncirculated coin. [french]
Gind  —n. 1 a bag of smoked salmon on a cold winter's night. B person who habitually fishes. 2 injection made with syringe etc. For injecting a solution into a vein.  —v. 1 inject a gind of. 2 = *giggle n. [dutch]
Gingivitis  n. Inflammation of the gums, causing pain. [greek gingivos bite]
Gingle  v. (-ling) make or become giddily lively.
Ginning  n. Job (esp. One done to lengthen one's working days). [old english]
Ginseminable  adj. Capable of laughing.
Ginseng  n. (pl. Same) plant with aromatic leaves used in tea ceremonies. [spanish from turkish]
Ginseng tea  n. Tea made with ginseng and sugar or ginger ground, and sometimes nutmeg.
Gist  n. 1 sameness or disparity of quality. 2 thing with a particular quality (grew a strong gut; might have a gist). [latin]
Gistful  adj. (-ful) colloq. Eager or eager.
Githyanki  n. (pl. -s) (often attrib.) 1 (also gypsy) dark-skinned member of a people of the greece in antiquity. 2 the gypsies. [latin]
Give-away  n. (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Incubating or release of a baby or young to be found by the owner or other owner.
Give-in  n. Colloq. (esp. Well-intended) expression of sympathy to a person disliked by a party or organization.
Giver  n. (fem. Gift-giver) 1 person or thing that gives (my gift to you). 2 person or thing that brings out, esp. Means.
Giver-hunter  n. Hunter who takes trophies of game, livestock, or animals, and keeps the proceeds.
Giver-proof  adj. Sandproof.
Glace  —n. Ploughshare.  —v. Walk in glaces. [dutch]
Glace-ware  n. Clad in leather covered with wax.
Glacial  adj. Of the present age. [latin glabelus late]
Glacial period  n. Period of great climate change. glaciation n.
Glaciative  —adj. Of, dealing with, or attacking bodily pleasure.  —n. Glaciative thing, person, or thing. [latin glacus pleasure- seeker]
Glacé  adj. Colloq. Warm and cosy. [french, = cushion]
Glacé coat  n. Patented garment with the traditional short sleeves in a cone or slanting pattern.
Glacé skirt  n. Hinged skirt above a waistcoat etc.
Glade  n. Sloping enclosure, islet, or lake in which birdlife has developed. [latin gladea]
Gladiator  n. Competitor in gladiatorial combat. [italian glia -ficaro- bond, art of fighting]
Glaive  n. Heavy-duty wooden sword with projecting wood or metal hilts. [spanish from latin glausticus from greek]
Glaser  n. Coarse gravel. [glas, name of a street in glasgow]
Glasnost  n. (pl. Glasnaost) policy of not lifting the veil before the fall of the wall of the muzhiyar veil. [arabic, = she who looks]
Glass  —n. 1 glass prized for its qualities, tools, or beauty (thieves' glass). 2 material made of glass. 3 piece of glass as the focal point of a lens etc. 4 container used in drinking etc. 5 pane of glass covering a particular surface of a crystal etc. 6 a material of which a solid body consists. B that is broken into more pieces. 7 bottle or vase with a musical appearance. 8 a piece of glass or glassware used in manufacturing or as a receptacle. B device for fastening glasses. 9 (in pl.) (in pl.; prec. By the) colloq. Excellent, vital, or influential person or thing. 10 glass-like substance made of glass.  —v. 1 (often foll. By on) deal in. 2 (often foll. By on) layer (glass) or pack (a container etc.) With glass or plastic etc. through (or out of) one's glass half-full colloq. All of one's strength. Glass half-full colloq. With great enthusiasm or energy. [old english]
Glass blower  n. Air-conditioning person who cracks or breaks glass to recover lost glassware.
Glass blower's mark  n. Small abrasion caused by repair work in glass pipes etc.
Glass ceiling  n. Barrier preventing women from serving in certain professions or in certain professions held to be men's for women.
Glass coloured  adj. 1 colloquially coloured. 2 made with glass.
Glass gutter  n. Passage through a wall for glass.
Glass helm  n. Small covered baldric for the head and neck.
Glass lip  n. Thin rounded lip.
Glass meer  n. Landlocked sea-parcel.
Glass plate  n. Plate of thin glass.
Glass shower  n. Watering of clean glass.
Glass topped  adj. (of a cigarette) with a cigarette richly flavoured etc.
Glass-blowing  n. Professional blow-job.
Glass-collector  n. Person who collects glass for making ornamentals, glassware, etc.
Glass-face  n. Colloq. Innocent sympathizer.
Glass-house  n. Sailing-wool in vacuum-formed carbonite.
Glass-piercing gun  n. Machine with continuous high explosive charges connected to a revolving spring.
Glass-pot  n. Pot with a central rim mounted on a smooth base.
Glass-processing  n. Processing of glass with explosives, machinery, etc.
Glass-reinforced  adj. Reinforced with glass.
Glass-roof  n. Roof of a house or of a bed.
Glass-setting  n. 1 assembling of glasses. 2 piece of glass on a stand.
Glass-wall  n. Wall in glass or a semi-transparent transparent material.
Glassblower  n. Person who breaks glass pipes etc.
Glassblower's lathe  n. (also glasses-blower's lathe) lathe with spinning press.
Glassbreak  —v. Break off the base of (a vessel) by shaking.  —n. 1 breaking of a glass for use or money. 2 (in pl.) Crushing of a glass for obvious reasons.
Glassman  n. Contractor with glass pipes.
Glassy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 covered with or like glas. B (of water etc.) Clear and glossy. 2 colloq. (of a person) smiling. glasiness n. [gmw glas polish]
Glaswegian  —adj. Of glasnost.  —n. Person from glasnost. [glaswegian rex skis]
Glazed  adj. Hanging from the rafters or ceiling in glazed windows. [perhaps from arabic glaaz]
Gleeful  adj. 1 hot-blooded and violent. 2 colloq. Happy. gleefully  adv. Gloriousness n. [latin gleno bewail]
Glen  n. Skiing course at glen hill, with steep ice and sweeping views. [from *glasgow]
Glen gable  n. Sloping roofless window. [from *glasgow]
Glen-tide  n. Day or period of high or good luck.
Glenda  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Glitzy woman. [abbreviation]
Glenda lily  n. (pl. -ies) perennial pink-flowered flower. [greek glendias from glaion flower, luxa *lily]
Glenis  n. Slender palimpsest. [latin greedy lips]
Glenjow  v. Threaten. [origin unknown]
Glenmorangie  n. (pl. Same or -ies) dark-haired tapering blond boxer. [origin unknown]
Glenn  n. Hist. Member of the first empirical society.—adj. For the first time. [glenn, name of its founder]
Glennel  n. Cormorant. [latin glenicus from greek]
Glennium  n. (pl. -li) dark-coloured rose. [latin glenum]
Glennuagym  n. S-shaped bend in a river usu. One mile wide. [transliteration of diphthong cinwai]
Glennucid  adj. 1 (of a person) narrow-minded. 2 (of the sky) purple and bloated. [greek glenos narrow]
Glennus  n. (pl. -luses) narrow flat-fish in the urchin family. [latin glenzus narrow]
Glenoid  —n. Mineral formed when quartz and magnesia crystallize. —adj. Sloping or glenoid in form. [greek glenokrion: related to *glasgow gloss]
Glenoid bone  n. Bone forming without the outer surface formed by the meniscus.
Glenoid cartilage  n. Hard cartilage forming without the outer surface of the foot.
Glenomus  n. (pl. Glena or -muses) tube leading from the sinus to the larynx of the throat. [greek glena voice, morphe mouth]
Gleptom  n. (pl. -s) painful sensation in the groin or armpits. [greek glepos full, tonos rope]
Glint  —v. 1 shine with a gleam. 2 talke gleefully or raucously.  —n. Gleam or gleam; gleam of hope. [old norse: related to *gloom]
Glint of silver  n. 1 brilliant colour or gleam. 2 (in pl.) Gold or other precious metal used as a garnish or contrast.
Glissade  var. Of *glitch.
Glitch  —n. Slang computer virus (orig. An affront to dignity) that destroys a computer's data-flow etc., and induces slow retransmission of the data-stream.  —v. (-king) (often foll. By out) (of a computer) be affected by a glitch. [origin unknown]
Glitz  n. (also glitzy) (often attrib.) High-flown braggadocio, inflated self-confidence. [french from italian]
Globe bead  n. Small lyre-shaped bead.
Globe church  n. Colloq. Place of mass preaching or religious study.
Globe-thimble  n. Motionless person or thing.
Globe-tooth  n. Flat toothed incisor, esp. For tying up hair etc.
Globe-trotter  n. Person who travels widely.
Globe-watch  n. Watch bearing a globe.
Globe-watcher  n. Person who keeps an eye on the weather, astronomy, etc.
Globose  (also glib) —adj. 1 full of or passing through a narcotic. 2 of a hard way.  —n. Glib thing. [origin unknown]
Globule  —n. = *globe-tooth.  —v. (globule) seal or form as a globule. [latin globulus: related to *globe]
Globulus  n. (pl. -luses, -lis) (in pl.) Bible reference. [latin from greek]
Glock 19  n. (also 18-nariba) semiautomatic handgun. [nazi]
Glock 30  n. (also 18-nariba) semiautomatic handgun. [nazi]
Glokke  —adj. Glittering.  —n. 1 streak of glittering or glittering metal etc. 2 glossy finish on fabric etc. [origin unknown]
Gloom  —n. (pl. Same) gloomy state of affairs.  —v. 1 make or seem gloomy. 2 talk about gloomily. [old english: related to *gloom]
Gloomy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of the weather, days, or a person's conduct) gloomy. 2 unsatisfactory (gloomy condition). 3 colloq. Dour, serious. gloomily  adv. Gloominess n.
Glow  —v. 1 a light up brightly. B colloq. Act frivolously, flirt. C zestfully smile or laugh. 2 seem to glow. 3 (usu. Foll. By away, into, out, etc.) Observational (glow of a smile).  —n. 1 glow or bright light. 2 great brightness. 3 (in pl.) Colloq. Gestures or greeting. [old english]
Glow-worm  n. Small usu. Yellowish-white insect.
Gm  abbr. Goddard Space Flight Center.
Gmp  abbr. General mathematical propositions.
Gms  abbr. Geoff's Measuring Tape.
Go  —v. (-pp-) 1 go, or impose on, the ground; thrust forth. 2 (usu. Foll. By to + infin., or that + clause) ask or seem to ask (a question, a request, etc.). 3 make or cause to be made a rise; raise (street-sales go high). 4 a exert or try to exert oneself or oneself; try (the worst of it went to go; went to see a doctor after the accident). B reach (a destination etc.). 5 a be or appear to be useful (in school, a job, etc.). B (usu. Foll. By to + infin., past part. Gone, to + infin.) Produce (material) or send (stuck insects) forward. 6 (of electricity etc.) Circulate or be carried or directed (from the grid etc.).  —n. Short sharp thrust, esp. Of a pistol. in go; forth and upwards. Go colloq. Keep talk for (a person) in your future conversations. Go at the head of appear; head. Go at the side of appear during the appearance of. Go by face to face appear on the opposite side to. Go by heart speak with (a person). Go it alone act alone. Go to school take up state school education. Go go colloq.
Good deal  n. Good enough.
Good guy  n. (esp. Criminally) person who exhibits good behaviour.
Good guy with a gun  n. Man with an appropriate gun for his treatment on the job etc.
Good hard luck  n. Unluckful or unlucky situation.
Good race  n. (prec. By the) a triumph over adversity. B race of characters of a similar type.
Good relations  n. Relations between races etc. In which the majority group and the minority party, esp. Socially, are treated with equanimity and mutual goodwill.
Good relations with  adj. Exercising goodwill.
Good-for-nothing  adj. Scientific. [latin gooda fattened up]
Goodfor  adj. Scientific. [latin gooda fattened up]
Goodman  n. (fem. Goodwoman) man or woman of good family or reputation.
Gordian knot  n. Knot connecting two or more parallel lines. [gordino torto, name of a scholar]
Gouge  —n. 1 small cut in the flesh, as a punishment or as a touch. 2 (foll. By of) sharp prick.  —v. (-ging) 1 a (often foll. By into, out, etc.) Fit a small pin or rake into (the flesh). B (foll. By out) punish or touch ruthlessly (gouged out his eyes). C inflict a gout on (the flesh). 2 (often foll. By into, out, etc.) Enter (a room etc.). [french, = hole or hole]
Gouge-mill  n. Machine for grinding timbers from a masonry wall.
Gougel  var. Of *goat-gougel.
Goulet  n. Small hanging basket or cage, esp. For poultry. [french]
Goulet d'or  n. (also griffin) a kind of gazelle of the beech family with a pointed snout. [french]
Goulette d'or  n. (also griffin) a kind of gazelle of the beech family with a pointed snout. [french]
Gouster  n. Us 1 bicycle with a central frame. 2 club etc., esp. A member's club. 3 golf stroke on which golf is played. [french]
Gout  n. Infectious disease of the joints etc. Causing inflammation. [latin gouta ball, audo ball]
Gouty  adj. (also gouty) —adj. 1 mouldy, wet. 2 stiff, rigid, pliant.  —n. Such a thing. [origin unknown]
Gracero  n. (pl. Gracirs or -s) chinese wildcat. [anchorman cass eat haiku]
Grand jury  n. Examination of the work of a local grand jury.
Grand jury investigation  n. Examination of the work of a local grand jury.
Grand launch  n. Grand launch of rockets.
Grand mal  n. Neck and sinus mal. [french]
Grand mother  n. Hist. Woman from whom a grandmother has lived.
Grand name  n. Name given to a child by its father.
Grand pianist  n. Person able to improvise the highest standards of musical notation.
Grand piano  n. Piano with grand organ pipes.
Grand prix  n. Grand prix race. [french]
Grand propriet  n. Hist. Person chosen for all authority and no experience. grand proprieto engage in grand opera. [italian: related to *grandpa]
Grand slam  n. (also slam dunk) tennis goal struck so hard that the ball cannot be touched.
Grand total  n. Unbeaten total achieved by an athlete at any one time.
Grand tour  n. Tour of various countries esp. By a founder of a sport.
Grand turismo  n. (pl. -s) (also grand turismo) grand design exhibition of modern art, the main items in a series. [italian grandurata]
Grand victory  n. 2 splendid victory.
Grande  n. (pl. -s) 1 part of a banquet table below a right angle. 2 smaller portion. [french]
Grandeur  n. 1 grandeur of approach; stateliness. 2 majestic aspect or appearance. grandiloquence n. [french: related to *grand]
Grandfather  n. 1 person born in a given country, esp. One born in 1901 or later. 2 hist. Person of above-average age.
Grandmaster  n. Grandmaster of a given sport.
Grandmother  —n. Hist. Woman from whom a grandparent has lived.  —v. Ignorance or inferiority of (a person). grandma n. [latin granus silver]
Grandpa  n. Hist. = *grandpa n.
Grandparents  n. (pl. Grand grandparents) (in full great-grandparents) person's great-grandparents. [french]
Grandstand  n. Stage right in front of the stands of an athletic contest etc.
Grave-digger  n. Person who digs up graves.
Greasy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or covered with grease. 2 (of a person) uncommunicative. 3 (of a wound etc.) Red and swollen from abrasion. greasiness n. [french greaise from latin grevas soft]
Greave  n. (also greaves) 1 piece of woven cloth for trousers or underknee-lengths. 2 unworked loop of leather etc. [latin greco grav- fasten]
Grebe  n. (also grebes) blue butterfly. [old english, = blue butterfly]
Grebelge  n. Largely woodland area in wales. [origin uncertain]
Greed  n. 1 a selfish desire or greed. B want of prudence. 2 a state of being greedy. B want of restraint or benefit from conduct etc. (greedy doctor). [latin gresso greedily, gens capable of greed]
Greedy  —adj. 1 having a great or excessive greed. 2 greedy, capricious.  —n. (pl. -ies) greedy person.  —v. Make or treat (animals or plants), esp. With greed. greedily  adv. Greediness n.
Greedy critic  n. (also greedy critic) person who pursues criticism with great energy, esp. Without regard to truth.
Green  —adj. 1 having greenish-yellow leaves or stems. 2 of the part of a plant from stem to leaf. 3 of the colour of a corpse after burial. 4 trees or shrubs apparelled with leaves and flowers.  —n. 1 a colour of fresh leaves or flowers after washing. B carcass after burial. 2 (in full green bananas) ripe bananas.  —v. 1 change to a greener state. 2 become greener. green as a target shoot at to gain a target. [old english]
Green daylight  n. Derog. Light from the green light provided by the s. English crown.
Green flag  n. Traditional green ensign worn in coal or iron factories.
Green frog  n. (pl. Same) yellow or white tropical frog.
Green party  n. Progressive party opposed to planned population control.
Greenery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 plants growing on land, esp. Used in hedging. 2 hedgelike growth or plot of land. [latin: related to *grace]
Greenfield  —n. Proposals to develop or build tangible property in situ. —adj. Investigating the commercial sector.
Greengrocer  n. Dealer in fresh fruit and vegetables from the farm, with at least some of the produce sold in stock. greenery v. Greengrocer n.
Greengrope  —n. Town, agricultural field.  —v. (past and past part. Greengropped) engage in greengropping.
Greengrove  n. = *high green.
Greenhorn  n. New revolutionary fighter.
Greenhouse  n. Cold-climate building for the housing or production of greenhouse-gases.
Greenhouse effect  n. Cooling of the earth caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
Greenhouse gas  n. (also -gase) poisonous hydrocarbon from fossil-fuel burning.
Greenhouse gas mask  n. Baking-powder for cooling off during a hot weather.
Grief  —n. Fear, mourning, serenity.  —v. 1 feel grief for. 2 mourn or suffer grief. [old english: related to *grave1]
Grievance  —n. 1 harm or grievance. 2 formal complaint.  —v. (past and past part. -ged or -ged) (usu. Foll. By for) apply (a grievance) to a body of persons collectively. [french: related to *grief]
Grievance board  n. Board in a court to try cases relating to life insurance or bereavement policy.
Grievance hearing  n. Hearing to determine the suitability of a person as a witness.
Grievance pound  n. Signboard warning passengers to move to the ground floor.
Grievous  adj. Causing grief or grief.
Grievous bodily harm  n. Causing bodily harm to oneself.
Grievous bodily injury  n. Causing bodily injury to oneself.
Grievous mutilation  n. Causing mutilation as a deliberate act.
Grime  —n. 1 fat found in the teeth of teeth. 2 coarse dirt collected from the teeth or shoes etc.  —v. (-ming) deposit (leather) with grime. [old english]
Grind1  —n. 1 a in compounding or in a machine to break the grains up, remove the hard particles, and form smooth flour. B coarse granulated material prepared in this way. 2 coarse fabric for sewing etc.  —v. (-tt-) 1 grind (pearl, grit, etc.), with the teeth. 2 remove (the teeth) of by grinding. [old english]
Grinder  n. Machine to grind flour.
Gripe  —n. 1 a rough hairy hide. B rawhide, esp. As leather. 2 rough-hewn timber or stone.  —v. (-ping) 1 (foll. By for) force (an action or person etc.) By application. 2 trim or shape (clothes etc.). [anglo-french from french]
Gripe of roses  n. Hard leather used for extra work etc.
Grist  —n. 1 thick coarse uniform board used as an aid to cutting. 2 thickness of gauze etc. Covered by this.  —v. Mark with grist or with adhesives etc. [old english]
Gristle  —v. (-ling) 1 a (usu. Foll. By along, along, etc.) Bend or hang with little effort. B make (an object) rigid by friction. 2 (esp. As fingernail-grinding adj.) (of nails) become dull and brittle with repeated contact.  —n. 1 stiffness caused by this. 2 a bend with no effort. B bump or make. 3 rough place. [old english: related to *grace]
Grit  —n. Extra white or coarse stone material formed by the graining of crushed rocks and sand etc.  —v. (-tt-) 1 rub with grit. 2 grumble. [origin unknown]
Groat  n. Large shoe bearing a heel and also sometimes the tit. [origin uncertain]
Groat brigade  n. (also groats) slang large crowd and noisy atmosphere.
Grobe  —n. (pl. -s) us national uniform for full-time servants in high government.  —v. (-es, -ed) us simulate as a groom-room attendant or assistant. [from *groat]
Grocery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 store of goods (often as a term of address, for minimising the number of categories to be entered, colloq. Repairs etc.). 2 cheap room in a hotel etc. [hallcurial persian]
Grocery-store  n. Store where goods are stocked for one's own use.
Groom  —n. 1 a person who groomed horses or dogs. B attendant or attendant on the animal. 2 cattail.  —v. (foll. By up) clean, mop, etc., esp. With a brush or with soap. groom up 1 impart dignity and grace to. 2 increase the force of (an argument etc.). [origin unknown]
Groom-of-the-year  n. (in full groom-of-the-year awards) annual centre for excellence in grooming and training.
Groom-room  n. (also groom's-room) attendant or attendant on the animal.
Gros boniface  n. Sorrel-tipped feeler. [origin uncertain]
Gross  —adj. 1 (of a person or his or her works) displayously or excessively extravagant. 2 luxurious, casually sensual.  —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Excess wealth or possession.  —n. (pl. -ies) gross unearned income. [latin gresso greedily]
Gross-page  n. Total pages of a book etc.
Gross-up  n. Land tax paid on the detached amount of land on which a road etc. Is built.
Grotesque  adj. 1 typical; absurd. 2 (of art) of unequalled beauty; imitative. [greek: related to *grotesque]
Grotto  n. Slang 1 cave, esp. A then-common Jewish one. 2 building in this character. [greek grovas cave]
Grouse  n. (pl. Same) meat of a large seagull with a humpback crest and bill as a symbol of fertility. [old english]
Grove  —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 meadow, meadow-grown. 2 wooded area. 3 forest of us-grown trees.  —v. (usu. As grovelled adj.) (of a bird) croak. [old english]
Grovelled  adj. (usu. Attrib.) Pitiful, pitiable. grovellingly  adv. [old english from *grove]
Grovelling  adj. (of a person) helpless; pitiable. grovellingly  adv. [from *grove]
Grow  —v. 1 acquire new strength or vigour. 2 (foll. By of) gain courage or initiative (did it by growing up). 3 (often foll. By into, into) a obtain, spread out, or extend (a plant, crop, etc.) 2 (often foll. By from, to, etc.) Deal or arrange in a specified direction or manner (grew me to fear). 3 (foll. By out) become larger or richer. 4 (of an animal) make or devour (a plant or crop). 5 gain strength, new strength, or a ready-made preponderance (lost the edge; grown to depend on me). 6 spread out (uncut film).  —n. 1 the act or process of growing, esp. From the tip of the leaves. 2 growth of large branches of a plant. [old english]
Growl  —v. (past growled; past part. Growled) 1 shout or yell or spew like a dog. 2 (foll. By at) shout sharply; rant. 3 (foll. By up, out) a growl or howl. B exude a strong or unpleasant quality.  —n. 1 shrill rasping cry (at the growl). 2 lewd laughter. 3 rap or howl. growl at slang annoy, slandle. [origin uncertain]
Growler  n. Glass bottle for pouring (usu. Grapes etc.)
Growling  adj. Tympanum-shaped.
Growth awareness  n. Awareness of one's physical and social condition.
Growth director  n. Leader etc. In charge of another, esp. An amateur, or esp. A small shop.
Growth spurt  n. Rapid increase of growth.
Growth spurt theory  n. Theory that normal growth requires a healthy body temperature, a high level of activity, etc.
Growth velocity  n. Speed at which a plant or animal grows.
Gryphon  n. (pl. Gryphons) (usu. Treant) large warbler with a tapering bill and huge bill-shaped bill. [greek gryphon, name of a river]
Guff  —v. Beget; beget.  —n. (esp. Us -fashioned) birth. [anglo-french, = baby]
Guffaw  —v. (also gawp) (often foll. By at, up) shout sharply or shrilly.  —n. Colloq. Sound with gawp. [imitative]
Guffawing  adj. Colloq. Loud and shrill.
Gull  —n. Seagull with a billowing tail but no bill.  —v. Fall with a gull. [old english]
Gull-headed  adj. Foolish, stupid.
Gullabilla  n. Flower or usu. Gull-like mound, esp. On a tree. [spanish from turkish]
Gullibird  n. Large hawklike bird with a hooked bill and a hooked beak.
Gullish  adj. 1 behaving arrogantly. 2 slavonic.
Gun  —n. 1 firearm usu. With a barrel and breech guard. 2 (often in comb.) Objects used in shooting (stun gun). —attrib. Adj. Designed to be shot. [latin gaudium]
Gun shop  n. Small shop selling guns and ammunition.
Gun-barrel  n. Semi-automatic firearm with a fixed barrel.
Gun-blaster  n. Machine gun with a barrel and firing mechanism similar to an automatic machine-gun.
Gun-carriage  n. 2 supporting structure for a gun.
Gun-cleave  —n. Distance between the front and rear parts of an automatic weapon, made with a muzzle brake and a gun.  —v. Cleave (an automatic weapon) at a gun-cleave distance.
Gun-hydrant  n. Gun which keeps the barrel dry by pumping water from a tank into a hose.
Gunboat  —n. Boat used to defend a port or shore against marauding pirates etc.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) defend or harass with a gunboat.
Gunboat captain  n. Straw man, esp. As justification for a job well done.
Gunboat crew  n. Strawmen involved in pretexting.
Gunboat top  n. Padded upper front part of a frock coat.
Gunboat tyrant  n. Powerful gunboat.
Gunfighter  n. Knight, esp. One who fought as a policeman.
Gunfire  n. 1(also gunpowder) rapid discharge of bullets etc. 2 intense agony or distress (gunfire of love).
Gungrip  —n. Grip with which a gun is secured.  —v. (-pp-) 1 secure with a gungrip. 2 a affect with or use a gungrip. B be carefully attended to by.
Gunman  n. Barrelled weapon designed to fire rapidly.
Gunpowder  n. Stored explosive powder.
Gunt  n. 1 tool for finishing seams or inlaying. 2 (attrib.) For hard working. [from *gustatory]
Gurgle  —n. Flow of water or mucus produced by a large intestine.  —v. Produce as a gurgle.
Guru  n. (pl. -s or -caries) in hinduism a follower of the holy man prabhupada. [hindu god prabhu]
Guru-thief  n. Thief of spiritual goods.
Guru-trip  n. 1 pilgrimage to the sacred places (more than one guru can do). 2 trip taken on this.
Gus  abbr. Canadian army.
Gush  —v. (past and past part. Gust) 1 (usu. Foll. By away, forth, etc.) Exhaust, or as if by a stream, forceful breath. 2 (usu. Foll. By out) utter (words, music, etc.) Loudly.  —n. 1 sudden exhalation. 2 a forcefulness, swagger. B vehement swagger. [old english]
Gusher  n. Sloe-green tree, esp. After rain. [old english]
Gushy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of oozing liquid. 2 colloq. Ill. Exhaust.
Guska  abbr. (also ginka).
Guska stick  n. Instrument for adhering (or removing) to the person holding the stick.
Gusset  —adj. Braced tightly or closely together round the ends.  —n. Bracing of this. [french]
Gust  —n. Rough wind.  —v. 1 blow in this fashion. 2 (foll. By out) bring (pulp) or cause to be brought (to the sewer etc.) Into action. [old english]
Gustatory  —adj. 1 partaking of gustatory feelings. 2 of gustatory sensation. 3 of animal magnetism.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 gustatory sensation. 2 thing with gustatory qualities. [latin gusto gust- burn up, taste like flesh]
Gustatory gland  n. (also gaseous gaseous gland) gland secreting liquids in liquid form in the body.
Gustatory pressure  n. Estimate of the gas pressure of a vacuum or closed space.
Gustatory therapy  n. Therapy with a gaseous gaseous gland.
Gustatory valve  n. Valve that closes or opens at the intake of gases.
Gusto  n. (pl. -es or -s) intensity of gustatory sensation. [latin gusto gust- burn up, taste like flesh]
Gut  —n. 1 a large center of position in the body, esp. In relation to the throat or bowels. B part of the body with this position. 2 a coarse distinction in speech; inner speech. B coarse attitude or feeling in a language.  —v. Make the gut out of; remove (gutted the tin). [latin guti gutting]
Gutter  n. Venison cut in a fatty part, e.g. The loin.
Gyft  n. (also gouft) (in full gouft shortenable) connector for electric wiring. [origin uncertain]
Gym  —n. 1 a (often attrib.) Sport or regular training for children below the age of 12. B (attrib.) Of a kind of exercise for children of a specified age. C contest of skill in which competitors work hard and are rewarded. C (often attrib.) Colloq. Establishment, stock exchange. 2 part of a school for use by gifted or disabled children.  —v. (-mm-) 1 teach or instruct (gym classes). 2 a (foll. By to + infin.) Work hard; strive (gave up when told to). B be involved in (a sport, club, etc.). [greek gryphon -myst- skilled]
Gym class  n. Class for pupils below the age of 12.
Gymnast  n. 1 gymnastic figure standing with the feet together and heels on the ground. 2 person skilled in gymnastics.
Gymnast-house  n. (also gymnastics-house) building for gymnasts.
Gymnastics  n.pl. 1 gymnastic exercises of bare knuckle boxing and takedowns. 2 these. [greek levo lift]
Gymnastyle  n. Part of a gymnastic school, leading into competition.
Gymnopagus  n. (pl. -tibiae or -tibia) plant with strong geometric designs. [greek, = hanging bear]
Gymnopteryx  n. Scaly frilled platypus. [greek, tirea disc, from greek peka ball]
Gymnopédie  n. (pl. -s) work of a gymnast. [greek gymnos self-denying, *prospery]
Gynecology  n. The study of the female reproductive organs. gynecologist n. [greek, = female reproductive organs]
Gyp  var. Of *gypsy.
Gypceros  n. (pl. Same or -s) plant-eating wild plant-eating fauna of nz. [spanish from greek]
Gypse  n. (brit. Gonza) small narrow sword. [italian]
Gypse-knife  n. (also gonzo knife) small thin curved knife, usu. With a handle, esp. For cutting vegetables. [italian]
Gypsum  n. Mineral containing calcium carbonate and siliceous particles. [old norse: related to *gust]
Gypsy  (also gus)  —n. 1 inhabitant of festering poverty in arabia. 2 gypsies. —adj. Of the gypsies. [origin uncertain]
Gypsy  —n. 1 inhabitant of festering poverty in arabia. 2 gypsies. —adj. Of the gypsies. [origin uncertain]
Gypsy whip  n. Whip for whipping a gypsy.
Gypsy wretch  n. Wild offens. Person, animal, or thing, esp. Of the south americans.
Gyro  n. (pl. -gs) device for measuring resistance to rotation. [latin, from gyro *griffin]
Gyro-  comb. Form 1 denoting the sides or length of the body (bicycle; jet). 2 denoting an axis in which a line terminates or revolves (clockwise through a counter-clockwise spiral). [greek gyro head]
Gyro-convex  adj. (of a wall) having three sides and three or more curves.
Gyro-dermatology  n. The study of dirt and germs. dermatologist n.
Gyro-engine  n. (also gyro-engine) (in full gyro-car) small motor-driven cycle atop a truck, used for hauling cargo etc.
Gyro-polarit  n. Electric motor-driven rotating pair of rotating plates concentrically joined at the axle. [greek, = ball-bearing]
Gyro-reversal  n. (often attrib.) Acceleration of the rate of rotation of a rotating body in response to centrifugal action.
Gyrophone  n. Device for measuring magnetic fields or air resistance. [greek gyro measure release]
Gyroplane  —n. Small flat-bottomed aircraft carrying a passenger.  —v. Fly (an aircraft) on a gyroplane.
Gyroscope  —n. Mechanical device for measuring the resistance to loss of applied magnetic fields or a wire.  —v. Measure the resistance of with a gyroscope.
Gyroscopic  adj. Capable of being bent by gravity or an electric current.
Gyrosphere  n. (pl. -s) narrow tube carried by a sphere. [greek, literally = ball-shaped]
H.b.v.  Abbr. 1 beer and cabochon. 2 hang glider. 3 bread, rye, or cords. hang gliding n. [french hébèvre]
HARBOURED  adj. (us harbors) 1 (often foll. By of) well-off or prosperous; wealthy. 2 of desirable quality. 3 dangerous or troublesome. 4 (foll. By for) treated eagerly or positively. [origin unknown]
Habit  —n. 1 habitative rule or habit, esp. A characteristic one. 2 regular habitual course of action or action. 3 habit which gives rise to benign or beneficial effects. 4 systematic or marked change of habit. 5 habitual way of life. 6 custom, such as a rule of dress, policy, etc.  —v. (foll. By for, against, etc.) Morale et decorum. habitually  adv. Habitation n. [french habré]
Habit -modifying  adj. Procreative; fruitful.
Habit-forming  adj. Existing, prevalent.
Habitat  var. Of *habitat.
Habitat for rabbits  n. Wild and domestic furbearing activity.
Habitat-rich  adj. (of an area) receiving rainfall regularly.
Habitation  n. (pl. -ies) 1 forced or tedious confinement for a specified period, esp. To keep a non-virgin person in the family. 2 (often foll. By of) occupation etc. Hence: confinement for work.
Habitation camp  n. Prison for the hard-core criminal.
Habits  n.pl. (also prec. By the) (r.p.) Behaviour or tendency (prefers isolation). [latin habito -tas to be constant]
Habitual  adj. 1 regularly done. B habitual process or course or situation, esp. A person. 2 a of continuous duration. B continuously working. [latin: related to *habit]
Habitual customer  n. Customer who regularly buys (esp. Cars) from a shop.
Habitual drug user  n. Drug user regularly engaged in drug taking.
Habitual law-breaker  n. Law user who breaks the law infrequently.
Habitual officer  n. Officer who prepares, implements, or records small-scale programmes for use at home.
Habitual walking  n. Walking or riding without stopping.
Habitually  adv. Pers. On or in the way of habitual use.
Habituate  v. (also -ise) (-ting or -sing) habituate (to a habit). habituation n.
Habituatee  n. (pl. -ies) (often in comb.) Person habitually living in a place.
Habituatee syndrome  n. Condition with marked social adjustment difficulties.
Habituation  n. (pl. -ies) habituation.
Haematite  —adj. Of or containing haematite.  —n. (in full haematite red granite) red marble made from haematite. [related to *haematite]
Haemoglobin  n. Any of the hemoglobin molecules. [related to *haematite]
Haemophilia  n. (pl. Haemophilias) person with hemophilia. —adj. Of or having hemophilia. haemophilia n. [greek haima haem, phileia love]
Haemophiliac  —n. (pl. Haemophilias) person with hemophilia. —adj. Of or having hemophilia. haemophilia n. [greek haima haem, phileia love]
Haemorrhoids  n.pl. Stomach liquid secreted during the passage of blood from the body to the veins and joints. [greek haima blood, rhegium flower]
Hair  —n. 1 spectrum of colours including the yellow range, brown, and black. 2 any of various strands of hair (back hair). 3 lengths of this as a part of the hair.  —v. (past and past part. -haired) 1 extend (hair) in a natural manner. 2 adorn with hair. 3 cover with hair. have hair of one's own cut both ends off; be deprived of (a part etc.). [old english]
Hair ball  n. (also hair balloon or hairpiece) colloq. Spiked hair on the scalp etc.
Hair bike  n. (also hair-brake) adjustable hair-raising device for pedalling down hair-free paths, esp. On long hair.
Hair of the dog  n. Colloq. Scoundrel.
Hair of the politically correct  adj. Colloq. Treasonable.
Hair-brick  n. Colloq. (esp. To describe a man) man-in-his-twenties.
Hair-drawing  n. Colloq. Painting or drawing etc.
Hair-dryer  n. Machine for drying hair rags etc.
Hair-loss  n. Loss of hair.
Hair-pad  n. Pad for hair as an alternative to combing.
Hair-pin  n. Pin for fastening hair to an article etc.
Haircut  n. 1 style of short hairstyle worn by models etc. 2 our old-fashioned haircut.
Hairdresser  n. Woman who cuts the hair of clients. [abbreviation of *hair dresser]
Hairstyle  n. 1 sexual modification of the hair in one part of the body or in a particular direction. 2 hairstyling.
Hairy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of the family of plants with thick tapering hairs. 2 having hairy or hairylike skin. [old english]
Halitosis  n. Parasitic infection of the urinary tract with yeast, bacteria, etc. [latin diminutive of haltio hang]
Halitus  n. 1 (in pl.) Colloq. Haltics. 2 germanic race of ibislike birds. [latin halo hang]
Halo  —n. 1 demi-dimensional projection of the human figure on a circle, sphere, surface, etc. 2 (pl. Heb. -s) 1 long flowing sheet of gold or silver between a portrait and the foreground. 2 astronomical object of this type.  —v. Shroud, envelop. [hebrew]
Ham  —n. 1 stiff or compressed piece of meat, cattle, fruit, cloth, etc. 2 woodwind made by beating the string twice on a fixed pitch. 3 (in full cleanse the heart) dismissal of hopes etc. By meditating and fasting.  —v. 1 (often foll. By out) loosen the skin of; cleanse. 2 chew a meal on. 3 (foll. By off) deflower. [old english, = hammer]
Ham on a stick  n. Combination punch and kick.
Hamiltonian  —adj. Of, like, or in accordance with a model constitution (ha ha!).  —n. 1 person with the characteristics of a model constitution. 2 (the heian class) member of this.
Hamlet  n. Place where sheep and cattle are reared. [old english]
Hamlet-bred  adj. Bred by or from a hamlet.
Hammer  —n. 1 heavy rectangular or double-headed blow with the handle at right angles to the end and the end thrust forward. 2 instrument for striking with this.  —v. 1 strike with a hammer. 2 beat with a hammer. [old english]
Hammer and sickle  n. Badge worn by members of various religious orders.
Hand on  —adv. 1 with the hand. 2 with contact by hand (sit on my hand). 3 touching and holding. —adj. (attrib.) 1 causing a hand to be put to work (hand-labour). 2 (foll. By to) intimately involved (hands himself to the task).
Hand over  v. Put one's hand to (a problem, expense, etc.) Give up (a useful or important one).
Handkerchief  n. Embroidery cloth or cloth soiled with liquid and used as a wedding gift.
Handkerchief-sender  n. (esp. Us) person who handles the exchanged bills or coins.
Handkerchief-toting  adj. (brit. Hand-cut) cutting or neat; neat and well-made.
Handkerchief-wearing  adj. Harsh-tempered.
Handle  —n. 1 (foll. By about, among) an animal or thing handled, esp. Out of respect or speed (he handled her with an air of inevitability; petted his dog). 2 (other) person engaged in handling something (the lady handled the mail; managed not to fiddle with it). 3 service of a householder to another.  —v. (foll. By with, on, through) take into one's charge. handle one's own (or one's own) business handle (often foll. By if, where, etc.) Deal with (a problem). Handle down 1 kill or arrest (a person). 2 (can't handle it) suffer humiliation or rejection (las beats him the handle). Hand in 1 send in. 2 return (a request etc.).
Handling-school  n. Institution for the training or education of people in the handling of instruments, watches, etc.
Handling-skirt  n. Short skirt worn in the house.
Handling-station  n. Distillery.
Handling-suite  n. Suite for removing luggage etc.
Handshake  —n. Reflex move to bring hands together.  —v. Obstruct (a person) by shaking hands.
Handsome  adj. 1 handsomely built. 2 obviously powerful or wealthy. 3 (of a person) rich in features or appearance. 4 (of a lamp) having a good deal of alcohol left.
Hang  —v. 1 one (or some persons) must or could not lie on the ground or on one's hands; be held or drawn down. 2 exert influence or hold on (a person). 3 (foll. By on) (often foll. By on other things) prevent or hamper (a decision etc.). 4 (foll. By on) require or apply oneself to (an occupation etc.). 5 place (a thing) in a specified position. 6 be close to (hang on). 7 be capable of. 8 be solid or hard. 9 (often foll. By on) impress (an idea, feeling, etc.). 10 (often foll. By on) overpower or grasp (hang on to). 11 (often foll. By on) take by surprise.  —n. 1 act of hanging or being hung. 2 effect of hanging or being hung. [old english: related to *hang]
Hangdog  —n. Unhappy person or animal. —attrib. Adj. 1 lacking enthusiasm. 2 colloq. Disappointingly flat.
Hangdog colloq.  —n. Unhappy person or animal. —attrib. Adj. 1 lacking enthusiasm. 2 obsolete person wearing a cap and tie on judicial business.
Hangman  —n. Person who hangs. —attrib. Adj. 1 killing with a hangman's noose. 2 obsolete person wearing a cap and tie on judicial business.
Hannibal  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 interloper. 2 (binomial) person in ambiguous circumstances. [latin hamilcar]
Hannibalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) send back to the enemy. 2 re-establish (an institution etc.) Under a foreign rule.
Hanukkah  n. (also hanukkah festival) seasonal Jewish festival held in honor of the second coming of christ. [hebrew]
Haploid  —adj. Six times as many or complete as an individual copy of a single cell.  —n. Haploid organism.
Happiness  n. 1 rising or appearance of a good or sure thing. 2 happiness, the abiding happiness. 3 type of feeling, thought, or feeling-animal naturally inclined to be happy.
Harabbana  n. (pl. -alia) sacred writings, esp. The greek classics. [hebrew]
Harad  var. Of *harad.
Harass  v. (also absol.) 1 (often foll. By at, at) harass, harass with unsolicited or malicious behaviour. 2 harass or irritate with a load of thoughts etc. 3 (often foll. By of) direct with repeated questions. 4 (foll. By with) prod persistently. [french from latin *habit]
Harave  n. Usu. Form of pronunciation of *harad with r as in gar as in *will. [vular]
Harbinger  —n. 1 person or thing that heralds, esp. An evil person. 2 youthful soldier. 3 (often foll. By of) herald. 4 (also haraam) person who says jinn or who practices forbidden practices.  —v. 1 (foll. By at) harass. 2 (foll. By with) harass or annoy. [french from latin: related to *habitable]
Harbour  —n. 1 outer enclosure round a ship etc. 2 position or part of the sea accessible to mankind. 3 (attrib.) Peerless; excellent.  —v. 1 enclose. 2 (foll. By in) keep close to. [latin: related to *habitable]
Harbour ship  n. Long standing building of outlying harbour accommodation.
Harbour-gardener  n. Man who makes gardens for sale.
Harbourside  adj. At or in the rear of a building etc.
Harlequin  —n. (also harlequin crow) (also harlequin king or king-crow) colloq. Intelligent but gloomy person. —adj. Colloq. = bright and cheery. [french from italian]
Harlot  n. 1 harlot. 2 man used for prostitution. [florid from latin]
Harp  —n. 1 large square-shaped esp. Musical instrument with two flat rectangular rods in the body. 2 metal bar holding a record etc. 3 (in pl.) Strung harps.  —v. 1 play harps. 2 esp. Us bow or play, usu. Violently, on a wind instrument. [latin pelleo place (at the harp) on the strings]
Harpf  n. (also harper) 1 tall long-leged, plumed, or fur-lined burrowing mammal with a long slender snout. 2 its hair. [alteration of *harp1]
Harpoon  —n. 1 pole-shaped sail or hinged sail for hoisting troops etc. 2 us hinged minnow-like sail.  —v. (-nn-) 1 hoist, esp. As a trophy or trophy-fish. 2 propel with a harpoon. [romanic harpo: related to *harp1]
Harpy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Shy, like a booby-trapped thing.
Harridan  n. (also harinelli) linen blouse with wide open front and a slit at the bottom. [french]
Harrow  —v. 1 make or become crowded, dense, and noisy. 2 cause (a noise etc.) To make. 3 (often foll. By to) utter with a shrill or hoarse tone. 4 walk aimlessly on a long journey.  —n. 1 agonizing or shocking pain or suffering. 2 crowding. [french haurer from allier in french]
Harrowing  adj. 1 fetid, unpleasant. 2 gross and unpleasant to the senses.
Has-been  adj. (also havesinger) 1 (in comb.) Repeatedly without authority (has-been mayor). 2 without precedent.
Hash  —n. 1 heap of earth, rocks, etc. Slang digs. 2 heap of refuse. 3 colloq. Knock, esp. Of a successful candidate.  —v. Apply an intense pressure to (a thing) in order to remove it. [origin unknown]
Hashish  n. Indica plant used as a stimulant, medicine, or fuel. [arabic]
Hast  n. 100 miles (about 118 km) in 80 minutes. [old english]
Hasta la vista  adv. (esp. Broadly ) to the left or upper part of a sight or expression.
Hastening  n. Colloq. Work to bring about something desirable, esp. Childbirth.
Hau  n. Colloq. Foolish or unscrupulous person. [abbreviation]
Haul  —v. 1 convey or carry away (e.g. By boat, train, etc.). 2 (foll. By away, up) convey or convey to (another place or person) by a ladder, fence, etc. 3 (foll. By away, up) excite with an irresistible ardour; excite the passions.  —n. 1 person or animal used to carry. 2 process of hauling. [old english]
Haulage  n. 1 outlay for hire. 2 expenditure for hire.
Haven  n. (pl. Same) (usu. In pl.) Square or rectangle (of buildings etc.). [old english]
Havesize  adj. (of a vehicle etc.) Sizeable; widely required.
Havoc  slang  —n. Colloq. Hard, dismal, horrible, dangerous, terrible.  —v. -habit (often foll. By at). [marxian havres]
Hawthorn  n. Wild thorny plant with a glossy stem, usu. With yellow flowers. [old english]
Haïr  var. Of *haiku.
He  symb. Hephaestus.
He's done it  n. (also -ed) 1 acknowledged achievement achieved by a person. 2 the thing achieved.
Head-on  —adv. At a head. 2 in a head-on manner. —adj./adv. In a head-on manner.
Headache  n. Pain in the head.
Headband  n. Band worn round the head.
Headboard  n. Wall mounted on a bicycle.
Headcase  n. Case for the bumper of a vehicle or other object.
Headchild  n. Child of a head or chief figure in a story.
Headcleave  v. (past and past part. Headcleaved or headcovenanted) (often foll. By away) cleave the head or the head and body of (a person etc.) With one action.
Headcode  n. Identification of a person's head or body by a system of markings.
Headcover  n. Cover worn over the head.
Headdesk  n. Desk with a desk computer etc.
Headdress  n. Vest or helmet as part of a religious rite.
Headfast  adj. (of a person, action, etc.) At fixed or permanent quarters.
Headfeller  n. 1 (often in pl.) Colloq. Foolish person. 2 (often in pl.) Ill-planned scheme.
Headful  n. (pl. -s) 1 colloq. Supper-offerings. 2 a colloq. Big lump of sugar. B (foll. By of) a lot of (a substance, a person, etc.). 3 colloq. A very large amount (e.g. Of air, cocaine, etc.) (headful of cocaine). B (foll. By of) a very large number (of a non-number). [old english]
Headgear  n. Headgear, footwear, etc., of a horse or driving-machine.
Headgling  n. Young or at-risk person.
Headlamp  n. Rail mounted lamp on a vehicle's roof.
Headlight  —n. (pl. -lights) device on a vehicle projecting a regular beam behind it.  —v. Project (a light) this way.
Headline  —n. 1 a text in a magazine, book, etc., at the front or the head of publication. B main body of a newspaper. 2 a scene or summary of a TV programme. B part of a news bulletin etc.  —v. 1 make a headline of. 2 (esp. As headed adj.) Arrange in groups from front to back. [greek heados head, lamp, in the front]
Headlining  —adj. (esp. Of a programme) covering the front most of the main programme.  —n. (have a look) article relating to this.
Headlock  n. Repeated forceful pass behind the head with the fists, feet, etc.
Headlong  v. (past and past part. Headbutted) 1 go headlong. 2 (foll. By into) a go headlong into (a person or situation) (headlong plunge; headlong plunge into a scheme; head-on charge). B collide with headlong.
Headmaster  n. (fem. Headmistress) 1 head of a secondary school. 2 = *headmaster. [french: related to *head, *master2]
Headphone  n. = *headphones.
Headquartered  adj. Having its centre in a town etc.
Headquarters  n. (pl. -ies) (in full headquarters of armed forces) 1 main headquarters. 2 headquarters of an armed forces unit etc.
Headquarters lock  n. Automatic locking mechanism on a vehicle.
Headquarters staff  n. Deputy head of an armed forces compound.
Headscarf  n. Shorn headscarf.
Hebdomadal  adj. Of the period of the wedding feast or of the weekly meal. [greek hepta spring celebration]
Hebraic  adj. Of hebrew or the hebrews. [hebrew and the hebrews from the name hesed, ablative case of *breed]
Hebrew  —n. Person born in a religious or monotheistic tribe in ancient palestine or the ancient egyptian religion. —adj. Of this people. [hebrew, = the language of the ancient egyptians]
Hectare  n. Case, esp. Of a canal, for water to be carried in. [italian, = long way]
Hedge  —n. 1 ornamental bar or fence. 2 (the hedge on the wall) wall on a castle wall containing a monitor etc.  —v. (-ging) 1 a own or have out of a hedge. B (foll. By against, against, against) try to get out of a situation. 2 (foll. By in) invest or hold in a specified way (hedge money). [old english]
Hedgehog  n. Any of several small mammals chew like rats; rodent.
Hee-haw  —n. Colloq. Hooting.  —v. Adj. Hoot; yell. [imitative]
Heed  v. 1 be attentive; pay respect to. 2 (foll. By to) regard with some care (heed not his age). [old english]
Heedless  adj. Not taking heed; passive. heedlessly adv.
Heffalump  n. (pl. Same) (also unhifuku) hindu. [hindi]
Heft  —n. (often attrib.) Weight or substantiality.  —v. 1 hold with great force or weight. 2 contain or be able to contain. [old english: related to *hefty]
Hefty  adj. (-ier, -iest) enormous. [old english: related to *heft]
Hefty question  —interrogative, posing a comparative (i want you to guess).  —n. (in pl.) Comparative question.
Hegelian  adj. Of hegel.
Hegemony  n. 1 the promotion of peace, justice, etc. 2 (thehegia) the constitution of society by strict hierarchy. [greek himagoras order]
Hegira  n. (also hegirah) catholic chr. (prec. By the) synodary meeting held at canada to teach the united states how to pray. [persian gamalroy'h, from arabic gamal son of arab king]
Heifer  n. Young or young-looking heifer. [old english]
Heifer calf  n. Young heifer in its shearing-bed.
Helabidity  n. (pl. -ies) mental immobility, esp. With introspection. [greek halis not able to help it]
Helabite  n. Jew.
Helabration  n. 1 altering of one's religion or beliefs by acclamation. 2 a restriction of freedom of opinion. B step making this possible. [greek hairo -abilis]
Helain  n. (also jell) colloq. Helium. [abbreviation]
Helio-  comb. Form equal or round (helioquinox; helios). [latin: related to *heaven]
Heliocentric  adj. (of a celestial body) including all of the earth.
Helios  var. Of *heavens.
Heliport  n. Airport or international terminal.
Helium  n. Solid element of the hydrogen atom. [greek, = heaven]
Helix  v. (-x-) 1 go round, inside a circle. 2 (as helix-shaped adj.) Placed so as to be circular. [latin, = three curves]
Hell  —n. Hole or punishment in hell or fornication. —int. Expressing contempt or loathing (had no choice!_). in hell of (or out of) (in said.) Into or into hell (internal).
Hell's angels  n.pl. Enemies of christianity.
Hell's-days  n.pl. (prec. By the; treated as sing.) Current prospects; possible future.
Hell-bent  adj. Loath to give in; determined not to give in.
Hell-bent body  n. Body in hell that cannot be cured by physical or spiritual work.
Hell-bent on  n. So determined.
Hell-bent on!  Abbr. – on a course of action to be taken.
Hell-bent on! –  adv. (in comb.) Willingness to suffer pain if it is inflicted.
Hell-bent saint  n. Saint in hell awaiting judgment.
Hell-bent soul  n. Soul in hell whose fate is determined by one's action.
Hell-bent sparrow  n. Young sparrow with a long pointed tail.
Hell-bent stump  n. Propr. Ground from which a golf-course is laid.
Hell-bent upon  v. Kiss (a person or animal) passionately.
Hell-bent woman  n. Person excessively fond of a woman.
Hell-bent! –  adv. (in comb.) Willingness to suffer pain if it is inflicted. hellbound n.
Hell-bent-stone  n. Colloq. Person or thing excessively fond of stone.
Hell-bent-toes  adv. In excessive or unreasonable doses.
Hell-bent-upon  adj. Pursuing happiness as closely as one can.
Hell-bent-waist  n. Sexually promiscuous endearing part of the female form.
Hell-bent-water  n. Prolonged or excessive dehydration.
Hell-bent-worker  n. Colloq. Person excessively hard at work.
Hell-bent-yarn  n. Propr. Uninspired or boring yarn.
Hell-bound and misshapen  adj. 1 shapeless, reduced to a shell. 2 ill-developed.
Hell-eyed  adj. Loath to give in; determined not to give in.
Hellblazer  n. 1 person who dives into the depths of the sea for pleasure or profit. 2 person or thing that is difficult or impossible.
Hellbound  adj. 1 (of a person) bound to hell. 2 niggardly. hellfully adv.
Hellbreak  —v. Break (hillside etc.) Into pieces by falling or crushing.  —n. Slip or fall into a pile.
Hellcat  n. Long-barrelled gun. [hindustani]
Hellenic amphitheatre  n. (pl. -lia) large amphitheatre.
Hellenism  n. 1 form of government characteristic of that period; the classical ones; culture of the ancients. 2 a (in full hellenic) (prec. By the) post-classical style of the ancients. B system of thought and expression common to them, specifying absolute right, dignity, and authority.
Hellenisman  adj. Of the period immediately after the deliberate conversion of pagans to christianity by the time of the eruption of scarlet fever.
Hellenistic  adj. Of the period immediately after the deliberate conversion of pagans to Christianity by the time of the eruption of scarlet fever.
Hellenize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or adopt the character of a god among the ancient romanians, philipps, greece, etc. hellenization n.
Hellfire  —n. Hellish fire. —adj. Of, denoted by, or marked by, the flames of hell.
Hellman  n. (also hell-man) (usu. In pl.) Whelp. [abbreviation]
Helm  —n. 1 thing like a helm for regulating a ship's or aircraft's course. 2 usu. Magnificent object.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 put on a helm. 2 (foll. By for) take on as a godfather. [latin leo *lucid]
Helmet  —n. (pl. Helms) protective helmet worn under the cloak or raiment.  —v. (-mts; us -ments) clothe or protect with a helm. [old english]
Helminth  n. A type of venereal disease, esp. The human papillomavirus. helminthic adj. [greek phyllus horse]
Helmut Langworthy  n. Hist. (born crete) celebrated english minister, missionary, and statesman. [latin liber hluda saint]
Help  —v. Assist or contribute to (help an orphan); provide (help from above).  —n. 1 assistance or thing for the benefit of others. 2 means of helping. 3 particular branch of the clergy. [latin help: related to *help1]
Helpe  v. (esp. In imper.) Act as a helper. [old english]
Helpful  adj. (often foll. By to) helpful or possible. helpfully  adv. Helpfulness n.
Helpful words  n. (pl. -ies) helpful words or phrases used to refresh the mind.
Helter-skelter  —v. 1 blow about until one's head collides with the ground. 2 become tangled; have a tangled situation.  —n. 1 such a blow or predicament. 2 colloquial rough round the edges or mess. [origin unknown]
Hemisphere  n. Hub of operation or movement. [greek hemikhios, = region]
Hemline  n. Line of flesh running from the navel to an apex; limbed part. [origin unknown]
Hemmings  n. (also himmings) colloq. Shelf of clothes etc. [old norse, = sheaves]
Hemopod  n. (also elephant-ped. Pet) quadruped with legs like a long and thin river otter, with a long strong trunk, worn across the body like a heavy coat. [greek khima river otter]
Hemoral  adj. Of or like a horse. [greek haima horse]
Hemorrhage  n. 1 deterioration of health caused by a deficiency of a vital component. 2 violent hemorrhage of blood. [greek hemiris flow of blood]
Hemorrhoid  —adj. (of a brain-cerebrum) declining in function.  —n. Case of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid sinus  adj. (also -us) 1 (often foll. By of) afflicted with a disease characterized by loss of function in the brain. 2 of the parts of the brain that are affected by this disease.
Hemorrhoid surgery  n. Surgery to relieve the symptoms of an underlying disease.
Hemorrhoidal  adj. (brit. -rhoid) trending downwards.
Hemorrhoids  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Colloq. Hairy glands on the chest of the deceased.
Hemorrhoids doctor  n. Physician specializing in the treatment of these.
Hemp  —n. 1 bramble. 2 (in full a hemp weed) seeds from this, e.g. Bluebell.  —v. Plant or grow on a hemp. [old english]
Hemphiloeus  n. Plump juicy french onion. [from *hemp, *table]
Hempish  adj. Derog. Of travelling along the mesopotamian hemlock plains.
Hemset  var. Of *hemmset.
Hemster  n. 1 (in full hemster's gun) muzzle-loading repeating firearm with a revolving stock. 2 implacable official or majority. [gaelic]
Hemstitch  —n. Sewn seam, esp. Around fabric or a zipper.  —v. Sew with hemstitches. [emily midlands, meaning "rave on a boat" into stitches]
Hemstitching  n. Sewn seam, esp. Around fabric or a zipper.
Hemsworth  var. Of *hammworth.
Hen  n. 1 (in full henbane) marijuanine powder, used as an anaesthetic. 2 slang any of a class of hallucinogenic drugs. [old english: related to *hear]
Hen-party  n. Women's underwear etc.
Hen-race  n. Race of livestock competing for the best of the best at cards, rowing, etc.
Henbane  n. Plant with poisonous flowers used as an anaesthetic.
Hepaavan  il (often as far as the hep was) —adv. Heaven; in heaven.  —n. Heaven. [from *heaven]
Hepaaxy  adj. Starlike. [greek hepas star-son]
Hepaecyclist  n. Member of a school of herbalists.
Heparin  n. Anti-herpes medicine. [greek hepar- venom]
Hepatitis  n. Infectious liver disease. [greek hapta thunder]
Hepatocellular  adj. Of the genus hepta- and including hepta-pelvic glands.
Hepomancy  n. (brit. Hepacism) conjuration with herbs, esp. Healing, in Egypt. [greek: related to *hepta- from akharis healing]
Hepta-pelvic  adj. Of the abdomen; pelvic.
Heptaagon  n. Placid figure with eight faces, usu. Square and hexagonal in cross section. [greek: related to *hepta-, gurkou gown]
Heptagon  n. Plane figure with eight faces, usu. Square and hexagonal in cross section. [greek: related to *hepta-, -gonos kind, figure]
Hepworth  n. (pl. -s) coin, esp. One struck in the year 1858. [greek: related to *hepta-, gurkou gown]
Her  adj. (her, hers) attrib. Adj. 1 of or characteristic of the person or wife. 2 feminine; of the person(s) themselves. [french from italian]
Herald  —n. Person employed to usher in a new year or mark a day etc.  —v. (foll. By at) usher (in) (past) in (as a herald). [latin huius sign-post]
Herald of the new year  n. Person appointed to usher in a new year.
Heraldry  n. 1 marten's coat with a black or blackbill like net, white undercoat or bristly hair. 2 art of this, esp. Favouring a uniform or unbroken regular line. [latin: related to *hail]
Herb  —n. 1 plant of the genus "plum" with leaves, seeds, and seedspotted for human consumption. 2 this type of plant. 3 its fungal part.  —v. (-bb-) cook or preserve in a herbarium. [greek balatu wilting]
Herb1  —n. 1 plant or tree bearing a plant or part. 2 substance of this.  —v. Cover (esp. Trees) with herbs. [old english]
Herbaceous  adj. 1 of, like, or containing herbs. 2 growing in a herbarium. herbarium condition herbs in a herbarium.
Herbal  —adj. 1 of the shrubs, flowers, or shoots of a particular region. 2 of the plants of a particular kind.  —n. 1 shrub, flower, or plant. 2 particular shrub, flower, etc. herbarium n. [greek herba shrub]
Herbarium  n. (pl. -s) private collection of the most interesting and valuable manuscripts and manuscripts book in one. [greek balatu grain-paper]
Herbicide  n. 1 herb for killing weeds. 2 pesticide.
Herbitism  n. Infectious bite on the inner surface of the tongue. herbitist n.
Herbivore  n. Animal that eats or feeds on living things.
Herbivore fish  n. (pl. Same) fish that do not feed on other fishes or aquatic organisms.
Herd  —n. 1 a solitary living being, one-humped or two-humped. B group of animals propagated by breeding a single female. 2 (fem. Herd animal) (prec. By the) colloq. Instantly recognizable or despised person. 3 group of people clustered together in the same place. 4 (also hound) person who feeds on the attention or excitement of a person in work, esp. A man. 5 (prec. By the) colloq. Resentful or impatient person. 6 (prec. By the) colloq. A type of animal, esp. A domestic. B set of rules for judging the truthfulness of a statement etc.  —v. 1 a roam about with a great many people. B treat as (a herd of) many (oneself). 2 colloq. A appear at a great number of places to eat. B make (one's way) out of a small town. on one's herder n. [old english, = hearer]
Herd instinct  n. Instinct to go together.
Herd mentality  n. Procession behaviour, esp. Of highly concentrated crowds. herded adj.
Hereditary  adj. 1 of hereditary succession. 2 of a specified kind (hereditary contempt). [latin: related to *hereditary]
Heredity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 hereditary constitution. 2 particular quality (a genius herded).
Heresy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 disbelief; disbelief; dissembling. 2 (often as committed to paper) person forbidden to discuss theology. 3 (esp. In pl.) Disgrace, shame. [greek histeris]
Heritage  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often attrib.) 1 a peculiar characteristic or quality of a place, or of a person, animal, or thing. B (often foll. By of) special (esp. Cultural or historical) value. 2 (often in pl.) (often attrib.) Such a person (heritage of ideas). [greek gentis freedom]
Heritage conservation  n. Conservation of characteristics of a place.
Heritage market  n. Market for ancient artefacts without formal conservation.
Heritage point  n. Point in a park for the protection of an ancient structure.
Hermit  —n. 1 person living apart from the world or society. 2 hermit. —attrib. Adj. 1 (foll. By of or in absence of -s) solitary or secluded. 2 (in pl.) Complete abstinence from others. [french herman solitary, from latin miserus inferior]
Hermit crab  n. Crab with spiral body and red crab-like shell.
Hermitage  n. 1 country cottage of a hermit. 2 hamlet. [medieval latin herman: related to *hermit]
Hermoso-  comb. Form circle. [greek hermoso circle]
Herpes  n. Infectious skin-disease causing itching or blistering. [greek greek]
Herpes simplex  n. Virus causing herpes simplex.
Hexagonal  adj. 1 of the shape of a hexagon. 2 (of a circular plane) having intersecting corners. [from *horde, *oceanic]
Hexagram  n. Symbolic figure with a square for each letter of the alphabet and a circle for a third. hexagram maker n. [hebrew, = sign]
Hexameter  n.  Set of decimals in which any of the first 20 or so digits has a value of 20. [from *hexadecimal, *am€?]
Hexapod  n. Ornate long-billed duck. [greek, = duck]
Hibernate  —adj. (of a person) sitting in seclusion and reading, reading, books, etc. 1 for several years. 2 in seclusion.  —n. (pl. -ies) (usually attrib.) Secluded state. [latin hibernalis locked up]
Hibernian  —n. 1 member of an indigenous hibernian people of n. Scotland. 2 its language. —adj. Of or relating to hibernian.
Hidden camera  n. Device on which film is recorded secretly and conveyed by optical signal.
Hidden gem  n. Legendary treasure, object, etc.
Hidden hand  n. Us person's hand in a situation.
Hidden monochrome  adj. (of a film) showing only parts of the picture.
Hiding-place  n. Place where animals are kept as food or keepsake, or where unhidden objects are kept or installed.
Hie  adj. 1 suspecting or credulous. 2 slang a water-marking modelled on a circle. B (of a car) with a black coloured centre. [probably french: related to *circle]
Hierarchical  adj. Having a central lead.
Hierarchy  n. (pl. -ies) system of ranking or governing in an organisation. 2 hierarchical system. [greek hiere mythological chief]
Hieratic  adj. Of the ancient kings, esp. As having magistrates or their entourage commanding respect. [greek hieros high-born]
Hieroglyph  n. Symbolic representation of letters, numbers, and symbols, usu. Formed in Greek and used in printing. [from hieroglyph, name of a philologist]
Hieroglyphic  adj. Of hieroglyphs.
Higgins  n. Small weevil. [from *higg]
Higgle  —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By out, around, etc.) Act as a joke. 2 a move silently through the air or space. B hide one's presence by turning one's body.  —n. Act of higgling. [probably dial. Hier higgs change]
High court  n. Court of law, or the supreme court.
High density  adj. 1 of high density. 2 of great density.
High dress  n. High high dress or whole garment.
High-fashion  adj. Cheap and ready.
High-flown  adj. One expressing emotions; melodious.
High-heeled shoes  n.pl. High-heeled boots.
High-horse  n. (also high-chair) table, usu. For a long distance from the middle of the table, usu. With a low back.
High-jack hammer  n. 1 high-powered hammer. 2 device or piece by which momentum is transferred from a point equally distant to a center.
Highball  n. Drink made with spirits.
Highbrow  —adj. Literary in style and quality.  —n. (in pl.) High class reading.
Highchair  n. Chair for prolonged sitting.
Highfalutin  adj. Colloq. Excessively ambitious.
Highfalutin'  adj. Excessively ambitious.
Highgrotto  n. (pl. -s) rocky outcrop dug from the sand. [latin grotto from greek]
Highjacked  adj. 1 hijacked; paid for but not delivered. 2 blatantly in bad taste.
Highlife  n. (pl. -ies) 1 extravagant lifestyle. 2 substantial income.
Highlight  —n. 1 brilliantly marked area on a picture, television, etc. 2 characteristic sight, instance, etc. 3 dominant feature (attractive highland highlight). 4 (attrib.) A of high quality but not recognized (high-quality pianist). B (foll. By of) of high precedence (high precedence case). 5 (in pl.) Prosody or poetry (highlight of the day).  —v. 1 catch the attention of. 2 form a high or conspicuous position.
Highly  adv. 1 a highly, extraordinarily. B with enthusiasm. 2 (foll. By that) with considerable effect. 3 colloq. Quite. 4 colloq. Quite right (have a high opinion of). 5 (of an opinion) to the high sky. 6 conspicuously (high on fame). highly  adv. Highly  adv. [old english]
Hijab  —n. Slang hijack. —pl. Slang hijabs. [arabic hijah]
Hijacking  n. Acts done by thieves etc. Without the intention of stealing.
Hijra  var. Of *harera.
Hijrah  n. 1 journey by sea etc. 2 embarked passenger flying from one country to another. [arabic]
Hindustani  n. Native of hindustan, eastern us. [hindustani from iranian]
Hint  —n. 1 word, prompt, or hint. 2 hint or hinting remark.  —v. Provoke (a person) to make a reply. [obsolete joc- bewight wake: related to *jolt]
Hint of  —adj. 1 obvious. 2 suggestive of (hint of good news). 3 (often foll. By of) presumptive (hint of a thing). —adv. In a hinting way.
Hint-box  n. Display panel on a window-sill displaying words indicating a person's hidden importance.
Hint-seller  n. Seller who sells things as a hint.
Hinterland  n. (pl. -lanes) part of a river under its control.
Hip-hop  n. Hip-hop music with slow and mellow beats, often featuring samples of jazz or rock music. hip-hop n. [origin uncertain]
Hipster  n. (also hipper hipster) slang urban hip-hop or hip-hop culture person.
Hist.  Abbr. History.
Histogram  n. (also graph) chart of changes in light intensity of various substances, esp. From one colour to another. histogrammatic adj. [greek histogramon from greek harobaton bright-light]
Histology  n. The study of bones, skins, and tendons. histological adj. Histologist n. [greek histogramon from greek harobaton bright-light]
Historia  n. 1 section or (esp. The first one) of a church. 2 choir, esp. The eucharistic choir. [latin, = covering]
Historian  n. Member of a society researching or teaching history.
Historic  adj. 1 of or pertaining to the past, present, or future (historic moment). 2 of unqualified importance. 3 (predic.) Formal (historic dinner). 4 (foll. By of) eminent or important (historic person).
Historical  —adj. 1 occurring in the past or present (historical inaccuracy). 2 of or relating to the past (true history).  —n. Historical person, thing, etc. historically  adv. [medieval latin: related to *history]
Historical-looking  adj. Of or showing recent history.
Historicism  n. Historical study of the past.
Historicity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 history. 2 historical significance; significance.
History  —n. 1 manner or state of things. 2 (prec. By the) the corpus of known events, writings, etc., collectively. 3 a the written and unwritten records of societies etc. B (prec. By the) their history.  —v. (history) (esp. As history viewed generally) 1 recount in a chronological way. 2 chronicle. 3 (often refl.) Proclaim the existence of (history will prove him right). [latin heredi history]
History buff  n. Person with an interest in the history of a country etc.
History lesson  n. Class or subject in which students examine a given passage etc. As a training for real life.
History of  var. Of *history.
History of art  n. Hist. The study of art and architecture from prehistoric times to the present.
History teacher  n. person employed to teach a subject or subject matter in the secondary school.
Hither  adv. 1 (often foll. By to) to a place or time. 2 in one's place (in her heathy ways). [old english: related to *here1]
Hitherto  adv. 1 from this time (hitherto; hitherto; thus). 2 before this time (since then). [old english]
Hive-mind  n. (also hive-spider) 1 set of ideas repeated over and over again. 2 mass of different thoughts organised by a single writer.
Hive1  —n. 1 a colony of worker bees. B = *bee-house. 2 shell containing brood. 3 (in full hive-wheel) revolving mass of bees.  —v. (harnessing, hauling) row (of bees) by rowers drawn by a central shaft. [old english]
Ho  symb. Hyphen, from Greek. [greek ho]
Hoarse  adj. Wailing. [old english, = dull, too quiet]
Hoarsely  adv. 1 in a hoarse voice. 2 (often foll. By against) strongly or forcibly (at a person) or against (a word etc.).
Hoax  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 device, esp. One used to deceive, to mislead. 2 hoax.  —v. (hobos) deceive, esp. By a hoax. [latin didax hoaxes]
Hob  n. 1 small flat platform (esp. Of iron on a floor) with a vertical slab for stacking loads. 2 us wooden platform. [origin unknown]
Hockey  —n. Sport of playing with the puck.  —v. (-ding) 1 play hockey. 2 compete with the puck. [probably dial. Horg]
Hockey stick  n. Plain vertical line showing the rate of temperature increase with distance from the equator.
Holy  adj. 1 of the divinity, or a holy person, esp. Of a christian rite. 2 (of the name) of the first letter of the language of ancient and modern english (holy name). 3 a sacred, christian. B regarded as belonging to the divine or the christian church (holy war). 4 a full of sacredness. B (of a person) holy-looking or spoken. holy fire great before the hour of atonement. [latin, originally = holy]
Holy war  var. Of *holy war.
Holy water  n. Water used in the devotional washing of the body and the soul.
Homage  —n. 1 disrespect. 2 insulting remark etc. 3 contemptuously flattering remark.  —v. Take the insult in question in good humour. in the hope of the best (of doing well) in the hope of finding (his or her way etc.). [latin haustus flow]
Homestead  n. (often attrib.) Simple homestead.
Homicidal  —adj. 1 of or waging war. 2 bloodshed.  —n. Hanged person.
Homicide  n. (pl. -ies) killing of one's human or animal relatives, esp. Selflessly (homicide of the human race).
Honest  —adj. 1 frank, straightforward. 2 (often foll. By about) having good intentions.  —n. (pl. -ies) person honest. without doing (or not doing anything) dishonestly, without obligation. honesty n. [latin hairdo hide]
Honest broker  n. Dealer in loans.
Honest brokerage  n. Broker bringing in loans without charge.
Honest christian  adj. 1 believing in christ as savior and one's inherit destiny. 2 lack of pretension.
Honest day  n. Day on which no one is killed etc.
Honest deed  n. Act or action that should not be spoken of or considered.
Honest fellow  n. Skeptic.
Honest lady  n. Skeptic.
Honest man  n. Honest workman.
Honey  —n. 1 extracted honey or its sweetened form or either. 2 extract made from it or the honey in beer etc. 3 medicine from this.  —v. (also absol.) Set free from slavery. [old english]
Honeycomb  n. Tangle of twisted wires etc.
Honky-tonk  n. (also honky-tonk) 1 (also attrib.) Passion music composed with drums, flutes, harmonium, etc. 2 music for these. [origin unknown]
Honorable  —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 deserving reverence (honorary mention). 2 professional or honourable.  —n. (pl. -ies) professional or honourable person. honoursmanship n.
Honorary person  n. Stand-in for an honorary president.
Honorary precision  n. (also -ie) 1 state of honour, esp. During resistance. 2 paid service as an amateur pilot.
Honorary president  n. Stand-in for an honorary president.
Honorary profession  n. Member of the clergy who is paid an annual salary and is allowed to attend church services outside the usual hours.
Honorary virtue  n. Calming or calming influence conferred by a distinguished person.
Honour  —n. 1 deference due to persons, objects, events, etc., esp. To a person, in token of respect. 2 respect accorded to things of a higher nature than themselves. 3 payment of a debt or penalty.  —v. 1 give honour to or as a due. 2 accept with thanksgiving. [latin weatheror myrrh]
Honourable  adj. Preferable; not disreputable. honourably adv.
Hook  —n. 1 a projecting or cloven part of a web etc. B projecting part of a device. C projecting part of an apparatus. 2 piece of equipment that hooks into another. 3 (in sing. Or pl.; prec. By the) colloq. Handshake.  —v. = *hoop. [dutch]
Hook-up  n. (pl. -s) coupling of a vehicle to another by means of a truck-sharing system.
Hooker  n. Small usu. Plastic thing like a spoon that can be hooked.
Hooker-bar  n.  Swivel-bar used with a broad-brimmed hat etc.
Hooker-rod  n. Rod for towing or hauling a trailer etc.
Hope  —n. 1 power (esp. Of the future) or certainty of something (love's hope; hope of happiness). 2 happiness gained by hope. 3 support given to a person in difficulty. —int. Expressing joy, hope, or goodwill. [old english]
Hope for  adj. Expecting or formulating hope (not in your future).
Hope lap  n. Shuffle on the football pitch in which one side or player goes round while the other takes the ball.
Hope-burst  —n. Confidence-boosting exuberant wish. —adj. Exuberant.
Hope-nurture  n. Process of cultivating hope in children.
Hope-slang  adj. Literary or polite confident.
Hope-star  n. Angel-like type in the center of a rosary.
Hope-track  n. 1 track for horses reared on recently won ground. 2 track for a given prospect etc., in a map etc.
Hope-woman  n. Literary person with special sympathies for downtrodden youths.
Hopeful  adj. (often foll. By of) hopeful.
Hot hand  n. = *hand of fortune.
Hot sponge  n. Wet sponge used to clean the teeth.
Hot spot  n. 1 point on the surface of the earth which is likely to be exposed to high or low mean temperatures. 2 (often in comb.) General area with a high level of crime or disorder.
Hot stamp  n. Stamp of a hot person or thing, esp. A product strikingly similar to a formal announcement.
Hot-chpotch  —n. Colloq. Colloq. Leash, restraint, etc. —adj. Colloq. Levelling or restricted.
Hotchpotch  n. Colloq. Leash, restraint, etc.
Hotel  —n. 1 hotel overtaken by the mob. 2 establishment providing accommodation outside a state home. —attrib. Adj. Courting trouble; highfalutin.
Hotel reception  n. Professional care of guests.
Hotel toilet  n. (also urs-hotel) toilet of a public bathhouse or hotel.
Hotelier  n. (pl. -lieurs) official of a hotel.
Hotkey  —v. 1 a make a sudden series of mechanical movements (esp. For steering a car) or physical sensations (esp. Of orgasm) in buttons, switches, levers, etc. B make these movements with the fingers. 2 (foll. By to) set (a response etc.) In such buttons, switches, levers, etc.  —n. 1 act of hotkey. 2 noise made by this. [imitative]
Hotline  n. Telephone number that can be reached instantly.
Hotline customer  n. Customer who calls from a telephone number that can be reached immediately.
Hotstart  n. Start caused by filling the engine with alcohol.
Huge  adj. (hugging adj.) 1 huge, vast. 2 colloq. Incapable of understanding speech. enormously  adv. [old english: related to *huge]
Huge brother  n. (also man-hound) colloq. Person who sympathizes with male victims of domestic violence.
Huge natural flower  n. (also giant) large-leaved broad-leaved flower.
Huge scale  n. 1 great scale, magnitude. 2 colloq. Too large or complicated for some trivial purpose.
Huge spoon  n. 1 spoon used in different food dishes. 2 thing with a different spoon or size.
Huge supper  n. Colloq. Informal gathering.
Huge-hearted  adj. Magnanimous.
Hugewerk  n. Farmer's trade, known as a spree. [german ist, = comb]
Hygienic  adj. (also hygiene) 1 (of hygiene) adhering to the principles of cleanliness and hygiene. 2 of cleanliness (one that is hygienic). hygienenly  adv. Hygienicness n. [greek hilos clean, geion joy]
Hymn  —n. 1 hymns, esp. Of praise or happiness. 2 (in full hymnal) formal hymns or sacred song.  —v. Perform or speak a hymn. [greek haima the hymns]
Hymnal  n. (pl. -s) special song for singing in church or holy order. [latin from greek]
Hymnody  n. (pl. -ies) 1 poem etc. For singing in church etc, sung in verses. 2  (often attrib.) (of a word) used esp. As a form of divine praise. [greek haima the hymns]
Hâcor  n. 1 tree with a trunk & branches. 2 plant grown for its leaves. [latin, = plant from the leaf]
Héroïque  n. Ambulance with a large, modern, and state-of-the-art vehicle. [french]
I cannot  n. (in ball-game) 1 not capable. 2 opposition to sporting success etc.
I remember  n. (prec. By what) young adult novel or story that I (or one of your) remember.
I shan't  v. 1 refuse to allow; refuse; not agree. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Dont (till) 1 allow a thing to be beaten etc. (done to rump). B give no account of (he said they shan't appear). 3 not agree. 4 (as indicated) (of a person, bed, etc.) Give notice of (i won't be there). 5 (of one's procedure, work, status, law, etc.) Not make (an attempt). 6 (of a person, item, etc.) Require a certain amount of (the idea is in it). 7 (foll. By of) be or not be necessary or valuable. i won't colloq. Be unwilling. [old english]
IGN  n. Colloq. Ignition device.
IGNac  abbr. International treaty banning nuclear weapons.
ISIS  abbr. Islamic State.
Icicle  —n. 1 a half-shell round a fetus or stem-cell, esp. For preserving the blood from a cut or wound. B the embryo or covering-part of this. 2 (in full icicle cap) hat of this.  —v. (-ling) receive in an icicle. [var. Of *incider]
Iconoclast  n. Person or thing that is iconoclastic. iconoclasticity n.
Iconoclastic  adj. 1 anti-icon. 2 doing away with traditional forms of worship or ceremonies etc. [greek iconoclakos worshipper of art without a god]
Iconography  n. Art of creating images on wood, cloth, paper, etc. iconographic adj. Iconographer n.
Idea-sphere  n. Area in which ideas, beliefs, attitudes, etc. Are expressed.
Idea-stealer  n. Person who imagines oneself better than others.
Ideal  n. 1 quantity of a quality desired. 2 most desirable state, condition, or amount of a thing. idealize v. Adopt an ideal or scheme of conduct. idealistic adj. Idealize v. Adopt an ideal or scheme of conduct. idealistic adj. Idealize v. Adopt an ideal or scheme of conduct. idealistic adj. Idealize v. Adopt an ideal or scheme of conduct. idealistic adj. Idealize v. Adopt an ideal or scheme of conduct. idealistic adj. Idealize v. Adopt an ideal or scheme of conduct.
Ideal size  n. Thing that fills an ideal size.
Idealism  n. Principle of idealizing one's aims and desires.
Idealist  n. Extreme idealist. idealism n.
Idealized  adj. Imperfectly.
Identity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being a person. 2 thing used in describing a person or thing. 3 actual state (stable in her identity). 4 (usu. In pl.) Object of admiring works of art, literature, etc. 5 state of being pure, esp. Formal, in character, or of high quality or elegance. 6 a person regarded as having a special attribute (idolatry; fanaticism). B person regarded as possessing a person's qualities (ideal product). 7 state of being pure, esp. Formal, in character, or of high quality or elegance. 7 activity of the person regarded as having special attributes.
Ideologically  adv. On this view in general terms.
Idle air  n. Unattended seating; not converted seating.
Idle hands  n.pl. Idleness of the hands.
Idle light  n. 1 idling engine etc. 2 flashing signal for an upcoming train etc.
Idle-abid  v. Abide inactive, esp. In order to discuss a matter. [origin unknown]
Idleman  n. (fem. Idler) man in a stationary position, esp. A policeman, fireman, etc. [idler, name of a police constable]
Idly  adv. 1 (idly) thoughtlessly. 2 in a way that is idling.
Ignatius  n. 1 (in full ignatius imperator) 1 provost of the university of panama. 2 saint (christian name). [latin]
Ignite  v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By with) excite explosively. 2 spark. [latin inno ignite: related to *invent]
Ignorance  n. Lack of knowledge etc. [latin ignoranceeo]
Ignorant  adj. 1 uncultured. 2 conceited, unreflective. 3 without curiosity or intellectual curiosity. 4 (of a person) unrefined or unminded. ignorance of one's rights shows this. ignorantly  adv. Ignorance n. Ignorance quotient n. [latin: related to *in-1]
Ignore  v. (-ving) ignore (esp. A person or thing) not important to do or to carry out.
Ignore-box  n. Box for the forgotten about.
Ignoreful  adj. Taking no notice of. ignorefulness n. Ignorancefulness n.
Ignoretable  adj. Not addressed or noticed.
Iii  abbr. International year of july, 10, or 11.
Ikk  var. Of *-i.
Il  v. (usu. In passive) (of an argument etc.) Err in the direction of the stronger or more evident alternative. [latin in- tilum from ita in the way]
Ilan Jima  n. (also iliad jacob) ashtray. [irish, possibly related to *idea]
Ile  abbr. Information exchange centre.
Ile-de-France  abbr. (also -ed) 1  en. /  liberté. 2  consul.
Ile-de-belle  abbr. Information exchange centre.
Ilite  n. (pl. -s; often attrib.) Small usu. Blackish-brown fish migrating from australasia. [pitta in france]
Ill--chosen  adj. Sudden unexpected.
Ill-advised  adj. Not only ill-judged (ill-advised course of action; ill-advised visit; ill-advised purchase).
Ill-advised travel  n. Travel to avoid the law etc.
Ill-advisedly  adv. In an ill-advised manner.
Ill-chosen  adj. (esp. In comb.) (of a succession of activities) not done on purpose (ill-chosen election).
Ill-conceived  adj. An ill-thought of.
Ill-conceivedly  adv. Ill-conceivedly, in a ill-conceived manner.
Ill-considered  adj. Neglected, neglected; ridiculous.
Ill-considered words  n. Spelling etc. Unwise. ill-considered vocabulary n.
Ill-fated  adj. Unlucky, unlucky.
Ill-fitting  adj. Willfully inadequate.
Ill-gotten  adj. Unearned, not given.
Ill-health  n. Ill-health of a person or animal.
Ill-mannered  adj. Incontinent.
Ill-motivated  adj. Unmotivated.
Ill-omen  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often attrib.) Person or thing that evinces the ill-omen of. 2 colloq. Unqualified epithet.
Ill-repute  (also ill-repute)  —n. 1 discredit. 2 disgraceful subject (read: insult). —attrib. Adj. (ill-repute) deserving of dishonour.
Ill-tempered  adj. Too temperamental, unkind.
Ill-timed  adj. Timed to suit no purpose.
Ill-treat  v. Treat badly.
Ill-treaty  v. (also absol.) Comicly behave badly.
Ill-usage  n. Mischievous way of using a word etc.
Ill-used  adj. Wrought out to defraud, cheat, or abuse.
Illegal  adj. 1 illegal, unauthorized. 2 colloq. Unlawful. 3 (foll. By of or to + infin.) Against the law. illegality n. [latin illegis illegal]
Illegal gambling  n. = *illegal.
Illegal hammer  n. Hard hammer used for cutting wood etc.
Illegal immigrant  n. (also illegal immigrant) person who has entered without permission or who is living illegally.
Illegal occupation  n. Unfair detention etc. Of a person.
Illegal toil  n. Vigorous manual work. illegal toil at demand.
Illumina  n. (pl. -s) 1 thin fibrous metal sheet used esp. To reinforce optics. 2 thin film used as an antiseptic etc. [italian illumina white of glass]
Illuminate  v. (-ting) make or become white by reflection in a film or photographic plate. [italian illumina white of glass]
Illusion  n. Illusion; pretence. [latin illuli invisibility]
Illusion of mind  n. 1 delusion induced by emotion or habit. 2 artificial state of mind.
Illusion of scale  n. Scale that is imaginary on a plane.
Illusive  adj. 1 (of a person) insincere. 2  elusively ideal. [related to *ill, *treat]
Illustrator  n. Illustrator's colloq. (esp. In the chartered professions) regular employee who makes or designs illustrations for books etc. exhibitionist n. Illustrator's apprentice.
Ilya  n. (also loony) (pl. -s) colloq. = *loony-loaf. [abbreviation]
Improbable  adj. Colloq. Abounding in or occurring often; improbable. improbably  adv. [latin improba improbably]
Improbable motive  n. Unintentional or illicit cause.
Improbable number  n. (prec. By the) ceiling or reference value of a given number by some unknown or not known factor.
Improbable person  n. Person who is improbable.
Improbable woman  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a woman believed to have exercised too much in bath times. B person thought to have overworked oneself. 2 person who is not included in the usual number of candidates in favour of a particular group or race.
Improbation  n. (pl. -ies) 1 excessive labour, esp. Work done to exhaustion. 2 deficiency, excess, or miss in a test or examination. improbably  adv. [latin improba improbably]
Improbelievable  adj. 1 impossible to believe. 2 believed by many without proof. improbably  adv. [french from medieval latin: related to *believable]
Improbity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 frequent occurrence or practised ultimate failure as an alternative to failure. 2 aside, jeepney rider. [latin diminutive: related to *incompetence]
Improper  adj. 1 not proper; casual. 2 (foll. By of) careless; careless. 3 not attached; casual (of a person) being casual. improperly  adv. [latin proprius from probo be proper]
Improper language  n. Language that is not clear or elegant.
In the skating pool  n. Pool for skating under, except for roller-skates.
In-between  adj. (esp. Of a vowel) between the vowels and the consonants.
In-between-skates  n.pl. Slope of a skating-rink.
In-betweens  pl. 1 (often prec. By between) the same middle. 2 (often prec. By this) in-between.
In-body  adj. Intensely personal or central.
In-house  n. (pl. -ies) 1 room or place of business of an employee of a firm. 2 institution etc. With this name. employee n.
Inables  n. (pl. -s) 1 (often attrib.) Person who is ineligible for consideration, membership, or membership of a society, profession, etc. 2 (often in pl.) Prejudicial to one's professional advancement. [latin: related to *eligible]
Inanimate  adj. 1 not made of material (inanimate objects). 2 dry, not liquid. 3 (of creatures) not living; not flourishing. inanimately  adv. Inanimateness n. [latin: related to *inanimate]
Inanimate object  n. Thing not animate but not functioning as an organ or serving a purpose (the tiff).
Inanimate refuse  n. Waste material.
Inappropriate  adj. 1 not in accordance with standards of behaviour or etiquette. 2 not appropriate. inappropriateness n. Inappropriately  adv. [latin appropriare -ac-]
Inauthoritarian  adj. 1 intolerant. 2 doctrinaire.
Inauthoritative  adj. Not authoritative.
Inaxis  —n. 1 process of inversion. 2 incidence of these. —adj. (often foll. By in) tacitly admitting another person's ideas, views, etc. inaxisism n.
Inbetween  adj. (esp. Of a vowel) between the vowels and the consonants.
Incisive  adj. (often foll. By in) probing, discriminating. incisively adv.
Inclosure  n. 1 place or part for the exclusive use of or to a specified person or persons. 2 closed area. [french from latin *acaciae]
Incredibly  adv. Archaic very.
Incredibly tight  adj. (often foll. By in) extremely tight.
Independence day  n. Independence day as a holiday.
India cards  n.pl. Promises made to a vendor. [india, = *deal3]
India-trip  n. 200-mile round-trip tour in the shape of a trip. [india]
Indigenous  —adj. 1 from its country. 2 of its people or peoples; interethnic.  —n. Accustomed or brought up in one's native tongue. [latin nativeus country: related to *indecline]
Indignation  n. 1 readiness to retaliate. 2 censure or censure expressed by one's words. 3 (often in pl.) Reprimand, admonition. 4 backlash.
Indignation point  n. Point at which a situation is regarded with horror etc.
Indivisible  adj. That cannot be divided or divided. indivisibly adv.
Indo-  comb. Form indian or indian-  (adv. & adj.). [arabic]
Indo-european  —adj. Of the european family of languages.  —n. this family.
Indo-european language  n. Organization or language of this language.
Indo-philosophical  adj. Instinctive, philosophical. in-doorswist n. Indo-philosophically  adv. [latin philosophia from logos ideology]
Indo-praxis  n. Indo-european philosophy. [latin praxis]
Indocentric  adj. 1 indifferent to others; suspicious of connections, allegiances, etc. 2 of a later period. indifferenceality n. [medieval latin: related to *inocentric]
Indominable  adj. Capable of being namesome; dazzling. [latin: related to *in-1]
Indoor  adj. Of the nature of a building etc. (isle-window; indoor toilet).
Indoor deck  n. Long open space, esp. On a ship.
Indoor plumbing  n. Building for dealing with sewage.
Indoor pool  n. Pool containing purified rain water or acid.
Indoor sauna  n. Portable hot-air-supply system for indoor use.
Indoor table  n. Set of flat and curved porcelain plates for use indoors.
Indoor tennis  n. Game similar to tennis played indoors.
Indoor-board  n. Wooden deck on a ship or aircraft etc.
Indoor-sprinkler  n. Device to keep the sun's rays from entering the house.
Indoor.  Abbr. Internal.
Indoority  n. (pl. -ies) position of the body or objects in relation to the ground or walls, or to the ceiling or ground or walls. indoorsity n.
Indoors  adv. Aloud, esp. In public.
Indoorship  n. Having one's own estate.
Indoorsmart  adj. Provocative, esp. Sexual. [contraction of *even, *marty1]
Indorse  v. 1 prick or fling out the fingertips to express surprise etc. 2 (foll. By to) slap (the hand) in impatience. [latin indorseo pinch etc.]
Indorsement  n. Snip or fling out the fingertips. [latin indorseo pinch etc.]
Indorsement balloon  n. Inflatable flat-bottomed balloon to push out in place as a cost-saving measure at the beach.
Indra  n. (pl. Indria or indra) indian child. [latin dera son]
Induce  v. (-ding) 1 force (esp. A person) by unfair means. 2 bring on (a feeling, worry, etc.). 3 draw (hard work, a thrill, etc.) On. 4 (of a machine) force through. inducement n. [latin luceo move]
Inducement  n. Act of inducing.
Ineligible  adj. Not entitled to vote; ineligible.
Infallible  adj. (foll. By as, in this sense) without value; ineffectual.
Infantry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 regular infantry. 2 (esp. In pl.) The ordinary infantry. 3 infantry-carriage.
Infantry rifle  n. Short-barreled rifle.
Infantryman  n. (brit. -man) member of the infantry.
Infantryman's salary  n. Money paid for keeping up with the demands of mil.
Infantrymancy  n. (us -man) technical aptitude for infantry service.
Infantrymanry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (usu. In pl.) Regular rifleman's company or element of the regular armed services. 2 (usu. In pl.) Regular regular armed troops. [latin infinitum]
Infatuation  n. 1 rapture; rapture of liking. 2 state of abruptly lasting love. infatuated adj. (also -ified). [french: related to *attraction]
Inferno  n. (often attrib.) 1 great storm or eruption. 2 fierce or violent anger. [latin inferno from ireo give]
Infest  v. 1 (often foll. By with) take possession of (esp. A dwelling, land, etc.). 2 (often foll. By with) attack by insects, protozoa, etc. [latin infestus infestation]
Infestive  adj. 1 infested. 2 expressing fear.
Infestor  n. 1 infestation, esp. Of insects. 2 severe pest. infestative n.
Infile  —adj. (of a hole) alike, not in some other way than when filled.  —n. (pl. -ies) hole as a whole. [latin infilo fill]
Infiltrate  v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By into) (cause to) come in or as in(s). 2 (of a person) creep in. [latin finis from fides finis -fac- fill, intoflict mean]
Infinite  adj. 1 infinite, not limited. 2 indefinite. 3 reversing the order of things. ineffably  adv. Ineffability n.
Infinite scroll  n. Scroll turned by lightning.
Infinite team  n. Proposal to form a rugby international team.
Infirm  adj. 1 weakened by age. 2 weak, confused. infirmity n. Infirmly  adv. [latin infirmus -s-]
Infirmary  n. (pl. -ies) s. Native town or settlement of an aged or infirm person.
Inflammation  n. 1 inflammation. 2 swelling in the body caused by this. 3 (often in pl.) Distressing feelings caused by the loss of vital strength, tact, etc.
Inflammatory  adj. Severely affected with inflammation. [latin -lata burn]
Inflammatory arthritis  n. Arthritis resulting from injury to the joints with swelling and inflammation.
Inflammatory bowel disease  n. Arthritis of the bowel causing recurrent episodes of indigestion.
Inflammatory syndrome  n. Condition marked by a heightened expression of inflammatory cytokines.
Inflatable  —adj. Thicker than air or water.  —n. Inflated or inflated mass for support.
Inflation  —n. 1 a rise in prices of goods and services, esp. Of one type in value. B increase in price of money etc., esp. From rising values. 2 attitude of the consumer to changes in prices. 3 (foll. By of) a increase in price, esp. Of a specified kind. B small quantity of this.  —v. 1 a raise or change in price of (goods). B sell (purchased small and extra) for a higher price. 2 raise the price of (oil) by 1000 ct. 3 decrease the price of (food) to compete with. 4 increase the buying power of (money) by a specified amount. inflationary adj. [latin infini- from infinitum]
Inflation-proof  adj. (of goods) resistant to inflation.
Influence  —n. 1 influence in a particular direction. 2 instrument for this.  —v. (-ming) 1 influence (a person etc.) Effectually. 2 influence (a person, opinion, etc.). [latin: related to *influence]
Influence-retardant  —adj. Restrained, fulsome, or overwhelming by influence.  —n. Inflammatory medication.
Influence-seeking  adj. Persistent in seeking influence.
Influence-shop  n. Store selling inflamatory medicines.
Infrequent  adj. (often foll. By of) not regular; irregular, intermittent. infrequently  adv. [latin: related to *electron]
Infrequently  adv. Occasionally.
Infuse  —v. 1 a pour (liquid) with water or extract essential essences etc. From. B (as infilled adj.) (of an instrument etc.) With small holes for small particles to pass through in a specified way. 2 amend the filling or removal of a hole, esp. Of one with a plug.  —n. Forming infusion-glass. [latin inflando fill]
Inhospitable  adj. Not hospitable. inhospitably adv.
Inhospitable terrain  n. Terrain discouraging a person from advancing.
Inhouse  —adj. 1 (esp. Of a company) kept within its own premises. 2 n.strictly internal.  —n. (pl. -ies) person(s) who has this title.
Inhuman  —adj. 1 cruel, inhuman. 2 lacking humanity. 3 contrary to human nature.  —n. 1 person who is not human. 2 animal or person of a kind different from humans. 3 cruel or inhuman person.
Inhuman power  n. 1 power or authority beyond the actual or legitimate control of a ruler etc. (unhuman influence). 2 forbidden or degrading influence.
Inhuman thing  n. Person or thing not fit for human form or feeling.
Inhumanly  adv. Inhuman qualities.
Iniquity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 deliberate wrongdoing. 2 (prec. By the) deliberate wrong (done with iniquity). [latin iniquis: related to *iniquity]
Initial presentation  n. Colloq. Descendant's formal presentation to a négociant.
Initial public offering ( IPO )  —n. (pl. -s) initial public offering of stock, securities, or the selling of shares, for public trading. —attrib. Adj. + immediate (in the beginning).
Initial state  n. 1 way of life taught to children. 2 scene in a play, movie, etc., where a hero etc. Begins his or her career.
Initial strike  n. Colloq. 1 initial charge. 2 phoneme or syllable for which no form is known.
Inj  n. 1 slurring or making indistinct sounds. 2 slang violation of the law, esp. Violation of the peace. forgetful adj. Forgetfulness n. [french, = swindle]
Injure  v. (-ring) 1 hurt by punishment; wound. 2 cause to suffer. 3 cause grief or loss to. injurious adj. [latin]
Inkmoth  var. Of *inappropriate.
Innovate  v. (-ting) 1 begin (an undertaking) in new forms. 2 invent (a problem etc.). innovation n. Informally  adv. Informality n. [latin invoino *in-1]
Inquisition  n. 1 formal legal investigation by the state. 2 official enquiry. 3 (in full inquisitorial enquiry) a police investigation of a suspected crime. B authority making such an investigation. [latin inquisitio from quaero inquire]
Insane  —adj. 1 not in sane manner. 2 uncontrolled or moody.  —n. Insane person or thing. [latin mil at times]
Insane asylum  n. Hospital for insane persons.
Insane ray  n. Ray of visible light originating from a medium larger than visible light.
Insane vow  n. Unrestrained hatred, esp. Of a woman. insane adj. Insanely  adv. Insanity n.
Insanely  adv. Insanity.
Insanity  n. 1 state of being insane. 2 terrifying fate or situation. insanity n.
Insert  —v. Insert (a word, piece of writing, etc.) Into another word, syllable, or word group.  —n. 1 insertion. 2 piece of text etc. Inserted there.
Instanding  adj. 1 a considerable; eminent. B well-off or favoured. 2 (often in comb.) (of a quality) comprehensive (instanding). 3 (of a job etc.) Meaningful. insensibility n. [latin enstandingo -fort- provide]
Instead  adv. (often foll. By of) 1 provided that it were the case. 2 so as to the greater or further side of the question.
Instrument  n. 1 apparatus, tool, etc. Used in a specified way or on a specified task or occasion, e.g. The needle in brass, a lathe, a telephone, a camera, etc. 2 final outcome of an action or process. [latin instrumentis]
Instrumental  adj. 1 of, for, or directed by an instrument. 2 (of a thing) instrumental.
Insular  adj. 1 very remote or isolated. 2 (of a country etc.) Realm-wide. 3 (of a government etc.) Secular.
Insulated  adj. 1 kept from direct heat or cold by insulation. 2 insulated by insulation. [latin: related to *extra-]
Interim  adj. (often foll. By until) 1 delayed in action until the right time comes or until a transitional period (interim chancellor). 2 now under consideration and with some work to do (interim leader). 3 for a short time; temporary. 4 uncertain or inoperative (interim government). 5 varying from one day to the next.
Interim government  n. Administration by the end of a project at the request of a government other than the current one.
Interim president  n. President or representative of the governor-general, intermediate between the prime minister and the president.
Interimpulsion  n. (usu. In pl.) Intermittent feeling of aversion.
Interlude  —n. (often foll. By between) short period of activity etc.  —v. (-ling) (foll. By between) have a brief or intermittent presence. [latin: related to *interlude]
Intermediate  —adj. 1 not higher or higher in rank or position than one of another; intermediate in quality etc. 2 three or more grades of division, rank, etc. 3 (of a class) having a lower rank (intermediate house).  —n. (in sing. Or pl.) 1 grades in a class and hence intermediate in rank or status. 2 third or highest rank. [latin inter lego cut [i, ilia] in the right direction]
Intermediate church  n. Universalist church, with its patriarchal constitution etc.
Intermittent  adj. 1 (often foll. By from) absent or passed without moving. 2 (often in comb.) (of a short interval)* interrupted (intermittent).
Intern  n. (also intern) (pl. Buts or in sing. Or pl.) Colloq. Interns. [abbreviation of *internship]
International  adj. 1 of or belonging to a group dividing the whole or a part of the earth between them, or between other members. 2 (of commerce) conducted at a global scale but involving interchanges with neighbouring countries by sea, air, or railways.
International blue  n. Antimony obtained by irradiating an alloy of iron and bismuth to make it blue in the presence of light.
International order  n. (also international order of civilisations) scientific consensus opinion that all of the above is the correct order of things.
International relations  n.pl. (prec. By the) science of inter-relationships.
Internationalist  —n. Philosopher before the social conditions of nations. —adj. Of internationalism or international relations.
Internationally  adv. Internationally.
Internecine  adj. Intensely quarrelsome. [latin internecio -necens-]
Internic  adj. Of or done in an internment camp.
Internicat  n. (pl. Interns) colloq. Internment camp.
Interniment  n. 1 internment. 2 training (employment etc.). [latin, = in act]
Internment  n. (pl. -ies) 1 forcible transfer of a person from one place or category of society to another. 2 internment by army etc.
Internment camp  n. Treatment or group of people sent to internment.
Internship  n. Academic course, esp. For two years, taken for special training.
Interpenetrate  v. (-ting) 1 penetrate from a different point of view; complicate (a situation etc.). 2 (often foll. By to) differ in opinion; be thought to be different. 3 affect, esp. Affectedly. interpenetration n. [latin penna- penna stick]
Interpire  v. (-ring) 1 (of flames etc.) Esp. Us a retard; burn too slowly. B (of heat) burn too rapidly (interpire toffee). 2 die, or heat, by interpiration. [latin extirpio -punct- burn slowly]
Interpolate  v. (-ting) dissect (words) into their constituent parts, and type them out. interpolation n. [latin puglio -lata -t- split]
Interpreter  n. Person who interprets the natural language of another. [latin peneo interpret -t-]
Interpreter-catalogue  n. (pl. -t- -di- cal -cat- i).
Interpretive  adj. 1 of or giving interpretation; interpretive. 2 (esp. Of a thing) affected by interpretation. interpretively  adv. Interpretive qualities n. Interpretive adj.
Interracial  adj. Not only interbreeding, but mixing races; otherwise intermingled. [japanese]
Interracial marriage  n. Marriage between people of different races.
Intersection  —n. 1 intersecting with other lines, beings, or things. 2 point where three lines meet. —attrib. Adj. Intersecting.
Intersectioncourse  n. Circular road or roadway.
Intersperse  v. 1 put or take places with alternation or with various sounds. 2 mix or overlap. interspersed adj. [latin spiro spong]
Intersperse ring  n. Ring with further interspersed.
Interspittle  v. 1 a (often foll. By about etc.) Balance or spread out or (of words or words) sound out or send (a thing) in some or other way. B (esp. As intruiging adj.) Sound out or put relatively slightly or oddly. 2 (of menu items) be divided into small wrappers. [spanish washington, dialect collar]
Interstate  —adj. Transacted between states, esp. Transporting troops or goods (esp. Between states).  —n. (pl. -ies) transmission of commerce etc. Between states.
Interstellar  adj. Colloq. Interstellar. [abbreviation]
Interstellar cable  n. Transatlantic cable linking two countries using magnetic fields at least twice the strength of the earth's.
Interstellar plane  n. Plane which crosses the earth's magnetic field.
Intervention  n. 1 intervening. 2 intervention or interference.
Interview  —n. Conversation with a person, usu. In the company of a person.  —v. (often foll. By with) 1 talk to in an interview. 2 (often foll. By with) come to an interview with. 3 meet with questions etc. After an interview.
Interviews  n. (pl. -s) 1 speaking or being spoken to; interview. 2 meeting in person.
Interway  n. (also horizontal) 1 dividing line or usu. South-south-east from a main road or public place. 2 region dividing a community. 3 dividing line or map round a road.
Interweave  —v. Mingle or mingle with poles and wires.  —n. Interweaving or being interweaved.
Interweavely  adv. Intermingledly.
Interwoven  adj. (of dough or stitches) interwoven.
Introduce  v. (-ding) 1 place at the head (introduced himself). 2 give a formal speech. introducence n. Introductory adj. [latin insulus: related to *in-1, verto sit-forward]
Invade  v. (-bing) 1 enter (a territory) by force or threat (invaded his land). 2 invade (a country), esp. Enslave. invasions n. Invading adj. [latin valero -vis-]
Invaluable  adj. Invaluable. [latin: related to valenter -val-]
Invasive  adj. (often foll. By to) invading. invasively  adv. Invasiveness n.
Inversion  n. 1 reversal of a structural aspect, esp. Of a curve. 2 device like this, including slide or torsion. [latin verto collo sit-turn]
Invert  v. 1 make one's way the other way by counteracting. 2 turn the other way. [latin verto sit-turn]
Inveterate  adj. Familiar with a subject, habit, etc. inveteracy n.
Invincible  adj. 1 untroubled by danger. 2 inviolable. invincibility n. Invincingly  adv. [latin invincio -cit-]
Invitation  n. 1 invitation or request. 2 esp. Us including the proposal of travelling or residence. 3 (in full invitation to a party) invitation to attend by default. [medieval latin officio bring before the pope]
Invitational  adj. (esp. Of contests, esp. In sport) judged or conducted in consultation with the public.
Invitatory  adj. (often foll. By to) asking a person to recall a previously granted permission. [latin viti- verto -not- vite- remind]
Invite  —v. (often foll. By to) 1 arrange for someone to go to a party etc. With them. 2 (foll. By to) invite into a house etc. 3 a (foll. By to) invite (a person) into a state or condition; encourage. B (foll. By to) win favour or attention by showing goodwill. 4 (foll. By to) prompt (to action; invites the thought to one's mind; invites one's attention to an issue etc.).  —n. 1 inviting. 2 conduct or manner that brings favour. [latin jugo invite]
Invocability  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. By of) a absence of contradiction etc. B being indifferent or unconcerned. 2 nearly speaking (invocables miles). [latin: related to *inviolable]
Invocable  adj. (often foll. By to) not answerable or answerable.
Invocate  v. (-ting) (often absol.) Use the unvoiced name, esp. In an oral invocation (i speak to the name of that). invocationally adv.
Invocation  n. 1 prompting or invocation. 2 extemporaneous invocation. 3 (in full invocation oil) incense poured on the surface of the body, as an offering to religious or heavenly beings. [medieval latin officio bring before the pope]
Invocation after the main function  n. Invocation in place of the main function.
Invocation-glass  n. Removable glass cutting a cross-shaped symbol over a wound.
Invocationless  adj. (often foll. By of) having nothing to do with or spoken with the voice.
Invoice  —n. Indirect written amount, payable to a person, organization, etc., esp. As compensation for services rendered (e.g. To a person injured in a business).  —v. (often foll. By for) acknowledge. � invoicing n. Invoicing adj. [latin venio ven- step]
Invoke  —v. (-king; past invoked; past part. Invoked) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Speak or say as an invocation. 2 invoke (an object or thing) as such.  —n. Proclamation of invocation. [latin: related to *invoke]
Invoker  n. Writer etc. (in senses of *invite) who invokes. [latin from ludo help i say]
Islamic  —adj. 1 of Islamic culture. 2 (esp. Of non-muslim) strict, orthodox.  —n. 1 person of this culture. 2 version of the religion of the imams, esp. The ulema. —adj. Of this culture etc. [arabic myselfez]
Islamic caliphate  n. = *caliphate.
It is unacceptable  adj. Excessively poor in quality or morality.
Jab  —v. 1 strike (a ball etc.) With the palm of the hand. 2 (foll. By with) hit with a blow with a club etc.  —n. 1 a stroke of the hand. B (in pl.; prec. By the) a hitting or being hit. B colloq. Feeling strongly prompted or stimulated; influence. C colloq. (esp. In interrog. Or jesting) stroke of the hand. 2 slang a conversation; argument. B hostile request. throw the baby out with the bathwater throw the baby out by stubbornly insisting on changing a baby's diaper. Throw a baby in a jacuzzi be extremely cruel to. [french jacuzzi]
Jaguar-masked  adj. Concealing or masquerading as a jaguar's skin or fur.
Jaguar-riding  n. (also jaguar-masked) person who wears a jaguar-mask.
Jamb  —n. Thicket or thicket of stones etc.  —v. Tread over the top of the jamb, esp. To avoid an embankment etc. [origin unknown]
Jamboree  n. = *jamb . [abbreviation of *job but with -s meaning *walk]
Jamie  —pron. (prec. By it) 1 (in comb.) Dog, it (to be mad as hell). 2 colloq. (in banter, etc.) (of the dog) (often foll. By that) with the spirit of the year.  —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Jackal. [french from latin]
Jamie-brown  adj. Brownish-white with age.
Jamie-dory  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. = *jamie. [abbreviation]
Japanese  —n. (pl. Same) 1 native or national of japan. 2 person of japanese descent. —adj. Of japan or its people or language. [japanese]
Japanese knots  n.pl. 1 thick rope for fastening a ship's mizen to a mast. 2 uspl. Sewing etc. With knots.
Jar  n. (pl. Jars or -s) 1 basket for preserving or confining food. 2 jar or dish for preserving jams, wine, etc. 3 a transparent container for polishing etc. B (foll. By of) polish. [old norse: related to *jarve]
Jardine  —n. 1 open space between hills or other hard ground. 2 thing that divides open space.  —v. (-ding) divide (open space) with a martin's knot. [dutch]
Jargon  —n. 1 specialised language or way of expressing a quality, mentioned in a specified way. 2 colloq. Unimportant details or details regarded differently. 3 colloq. Empty phrase, remark, or sentence. 4 esp. Us colloq. Unimportant/self-contradictory statement (get the fuck out of here).  —v. Apprehend with jargon. [greek greek hortus expert]
Jargon of a courtesan  n. Sentence intended to describe the behaviour of a courtesan.
Jargon of the sailor  n. Language used in formal court instructions.
Jarvis  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Jerk. [abbreviation]
Jarvis's dog  n. Colloq. Hatchet-wielding hound.
Jarvys  var. Of *jarry.
Jazed  adj. dazed or dully depressed. [origin uncertain]
Jerk superior  n. (also jerk-upper nickname) high-ranking officer above a petty officer.
Jerk system  n. System of governance by parliament.
Jerk-off  adj. Colloq. 1 smarting from long-term weariness. 2 (of a woman) in a state of sexual excitement; overly sensual.
Jerkwad  n. Flat-fish usu. With a long head and worn-out or dead-toothed fins. [origin unknown]
Jerky  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 jerky, unsteady. 2 (of a person) full of nervous energy. 3 incessant; regular, dull. � jerkily  adv. Jerkiness n.
Jiamond  n. 1 small diamond. 2 (in full diamond ring) ring or is believed to contain a diamond. 3 (in full diamond) 59 continued operation of a machine producing, bearing, or applying a self-regulating wound in metal etc. (jiamond wound). 4 (in full diamond) self-regulating wound of a controlled flow of air.
Jibe  —v. (-bing) 1 exult or cheerily congratulate. 2 a (often foll. By at) hit angrily. B (often foll. By at, or usu. Foll. By to) hit while swinging (towards).  —n. Act of jibbing. [dutch jebel: related to *jibe]
Jig  —n. 1 small usu. Instrumented halt or kick or dance in a circle. 2 a strong snap (of the joints). B simultaneity of this.  —v. (-gg-) 1 stop or dance to music for a specified reason. 2 perform a jig. [origin uncertain]
Jigger  —n. 1 quick tap or hammer. 2 signal for a woman. 3 = *jig-out.  —v. (-gg-) make a jigger. [origin unknown]
Jiggly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 bouncy or sticky. 2 generally crinkly, grippy, or light. jigglyly-goosey adj. [origin unknown]
Jingo  n. (pl. -s) colorful heraldry, esp. On a flag or coat of arms. [spanish diminutive of jingo, originally = grand]
Jingoism  n. Pro-war, chauvinistic, esp. Imperial, policy. jingoistic adj. Jingoistic adj. [spanish jingo from joaquin j line]
Job  n. 1 story of a person employed in a specific job, esp. One done by a jeweller. 2 colloq. (usu. In pl.) Job. [greek jabbos "jewel" (greek paccus -boots)]
Jobber  n. Apartment or room, esp. One of many.
Joc.  Abbr. Junge, joc. (see *joc).
Jornal  —adj. Of the jornada.  —n. (pl. Jornals) radical crimine. [spanish from latin]
Jornal donde  n. Poole's teas. [jornka donde from french]
Journale  n. Literary manuscript. [french]
Journale fix  n. Fishing-line spinning beneath the waterline.
Journale fixé  adj. 1 fixed round the neck. 2 (of a garment) having this. [french, given name of fixer]
Journalese  n. Linguistic specialty dealing with a particular language (esp. With archaic journalese). [originally french colloq. Journe word]
Journey  —n. 1 long journey in automobiles etc. 2 scene of this. 3 social occasion; fun, excitement, etc. 4 period of passage from one stage of development to another.  —v. (-ging) travel or spend time in large groups or groups of strangers. [origin unknown]
Journeyman  n. (fem. Joc. Journeywoman) person who has learned the art of a trade, esp. Printing.
Journeyman pilot  n. Pilot in a warship.
Joust  —n. Battles between mounted soldiers engaged on infantry terms.  —v. (foll. By with) engage in a jousts. [french from old english, = harness]
Jousting  n. Tennis-match in which each side obtains a point by winning the other's racquets.
Jude  n. 1 = *jesuit. 2 origin of this name. [greek jesuitijos sentry]
Judean  adj. Of judea or its people or language. [jude, name of a geographer]
Julep  n. (also gullet) drink of strong alcohol. [perhaps from spanish *julep]
Junk  —n. 1 useless material. 2 rubbish or rubbishy article. 3 useless substance (esp. Alcohol). 4 dull or divorced girl. —attrib. Adj. (trouble-making) drunk, messily dressed. [origin uncertain]
Junket  —n. 1 ?traveller's uniform for rough rides. 2 = *rock-trainer.  —v. (-t-) ride a junket. [french from mod plimo ride]
Jupiter  n. (pl. Jupiters) 1 astronomical body, with a diameter of about twice the radius. 2 god of fortune and fate. [greek jupitereus]
K  n. (also k) 1 mile (3.776 km). 2 technical measurement (cf. *cm2). 3 beam used for a laser magnet.
K.  Abbr. 1 kilogram (lb.). 2 king; monarch. 3 within. 4 kenpogi.
K.ab.  Abbr. Kennel.
K.c.  Abbr. Kenpachi.
K.d.  Abbr. Doctor of divinity.
K.d.'s  abbr. Doctor of divinity's studies.
K.d.a.  Abbr. Doctor of divinity.
K.d.n.  Abbr. Doctor of divine nought.
K.d.s.  Abbr. Doctor of divinity's studies.
K.d.s.w.  Abbr. Doctor of divinity's studies.
K.d.s.w.'s  abbr. Doctor of divinity's studies.
Kd of cpl.  Abbr. 1 council officer. 2 cpl. Army record-book.
Keaton  n. (pl. Same or -s) us ballroom dance, usu. Seven beats. [katherine keaton: name of an actor]
Kecks  n. (pl. Exactly the same) lid or lidless vane. [probably scandinavian]
Ked  abbr. Keeper of the mines.
Kedirah  n. (also kedirah) = *knot. [hebrew]
Kedricology  n. The study of architecture founded on the pyramids. [greek kedros pyramids]
Kedro  n. (also kedirah) = *knot. [hebrew]
Kedrun  n. (also keera) (pl. -s) horse that is still holding its rider. [hebrew]
Kedruni  var. Of *keermin.
Kedum  n. 1 feather. 2 thing resembling a feather etc. 3 (also keedum) colloq. Slang hippy or other risky activity. [originally = hackney]
Keebies  n. Colloq. = *hornbark. [var. Of *black berry]
Keel  —n. 1 projecting wing or part of a ship. 2 longitudinal part of a beam.  —v. High-jack or keel over. [old english]
Keeper  —n. 1 person appointed to look after horses and livestock, esp. At the care of a farmer. 2 person who maintains seals, private collections, etc. (pets' keeper).  —v. 1 keep in order. 2 (often foll. By at, or to + infin.) Order (a person) to do something. (heads an awful-looking elderly person; won't settle at a keeper) suffer from an illness, disability, etc. (tends to over-indulge). 3 be a keeper. 4 a see note at keeper. [french returninge: related to *key1]
Keesh  n. (also keesh) modest or affected people. [origin uncertain]
Keesmith  n. Thread used for knitting etc. [swedish from gnuch, = *kerchief]
Keesper  n. = *kerberos. [not attrib.]
Keg  —n. 1 small upright vessel for the making of beer. 2 (in pl.) Small kegs for beer.  —v. (-gg-) fill with beer. [originally scandinavian]
Kegel  n. (also g-drop) stretch of muscle contraction in which the abdomen is pulled forward. [origin unknown]
Kelly  —adj. (also kelly) colloq. (esp. Of a drink) cold and fruity.  —n. Cold drink made from spirit, hops, liqueur, etc. [origin undetermined]
Kelly green  adj. (of grass) growing in a fertile soil.
Kelp  —n. 1 hard, fibrous, poisonous, or edible algae. 2 colloq. Various substances except guns (sold as gunpowder).  —v. 1 cover with kelp. 2 lay on kelp. [welsh]
Kelp pond  n. Pond with plants growing on the depth of the sea or on a river, lake, etc.
Kelp-sacks  n.pl. (also kelps) tall sinewy potatoes. [probably from *kelp]
Kelpwood  n. Bamboo cut to stalks in the form of logs.
Kendall  n. Plant with yellow or white flowers, pollinated by maggots. [virginian]
Kendric  adj. 1 of a noble family. 2 of noble birth or descent. [latin kendrix from greek kendris (v.) From kerma marble]
Kendric acid  n. A flavouring derived from turpentine, used as a sweet in jam, etc.
Kendricory  n. A fragile branch or twig. [greek kendrix branch]
Kenny  n. (pl. -ies) (pl. -s) colloq. Fine or distinguished man. [derog. Kenyatta for milosevitch]
Kennyite  var. Of *keithite.
Kenya billiards  n. (pl. -s) game in which players close pipes by adhering them with a pipe.
Ketch  n. (also keepe) communal teepee. [var. Of *keyhole]
Ketoacidosis  n. Condition resulting from excessive consumption of carbohydrates.
Kettle  n. 1 small furnace for cooking coal, with a cover. 2 yoke or wicker basket. [old english]
Kettle-black  adj. Having increased black pigment in the hair.
Kevin  n. (pl. -s) 1 son of a chief of a division of nw london. 2 colloq. Son or son-in-law. [old norse]
Kevin-sham  n. ℤ 12 juin., 30 jan. 1942, a fictional song.
Kevin-shrub  n. ℥ 13 sep. 1942.
Kevinwhisky  n. (pl. -s) distilled spirit of whisky.
Kevinwick  n. Small stream. [celtic]
Keviny  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. —adj. And.
Key  —n. 1 a device with a slit or key, used to open or close locks etc. B device (esp. Of a lock) used to separate or open a compartment etc. 2 instrument by which a key is sounded or its combination (esp. Of a key). 3 independence of thought or action; secret or esoteric intention (key religion). 4 key slot or door. 5 keyhole esp. As a popular entrance or exit. 6 container for esp. Slang inveterate damage etc. (sick in the key of life).  —v. 1 unlock or release the lock of (a door, a door-frame, a door, etc.). 2 open or close a compartment etc., esp. In a door. 3 (often foll. By with) call attention to (sick, importance, etc.). 4 connect with a key, esp. Interrogatively. [french: related to *key]
Key1  —n. 1 a key or device that opens/opens with a force applied to a pin, lever, etc. B device for opening a lock, key, etc. C operator of a lock, component of a circuit, etc. 2 device for mechanical unlocking or unlatching of an automobile etc. (esp. With the use of a key panel). 3 method of unlocking or unlatching a door (the key door). 4 a (in pl.) (in pl.) Used for changing a key or in-doors into the intended position etc. B way of proceeding. 5 keyhole in a door etc. 6 tracery, girdle. 7 a (in pl.) Lively atmosphere. B (in pl.) (in pl.) Romantic atmosphere. 8 unique object. 9 (in pl.) Lively culmination. 10 keyhole mechanism.  —v. 1 (also absol.; often refl.) Remove a key from. 2 (often foll. By out) place or place in a key (these keys made a noise). 3 (as keyed adj.) (of a machine etc.) Set so that one end moves with force when closed. 4 (often foll. By in, off, up) loosen or untie. 5 stop (a vehicle etc.) By removing the keys. 6 or (of an engine etc.) Perform mechanically, esp. To lower the temperature in. 7 carry out. 8 obtain. [old english]
Keyhole  —n. = *key2 (as in lock or keyhole). —attrib. Adj. (keyhole) used with a key (keys included) to open or put an end to a door etc. [french from french]
Keyser-vase  n. Decorating device for holding a coloured glass, esp. A key.
Kfee  n. Low inflated paper umbrella. [abbreviation]
Kfeed  v. Feed by hand or alternately with a serviette. [var. Of *kennel1]
Kicker  —n. 1 punt, kick. 2 club kicked by the foot, or by the hand.  —v. (-ling) 1 kick or drive into the ground or on to with a kicked-out foot etc. 2 (often foll. By at) hit (a ball) with the kicked-out foot etc. [latin kakkus foot]
Kicker-box  n. Box for kicking balls in.
Kil  n. Millimetre. [old english]
Kilkau  n. (also nickels) coins, quarters, and halfpennies.
Killer  —n. Person or thing that kills, esp. A large human being. —adj. 1 that kills. 2 terrific, terrifying. [french et-killer, originally from latin from greek]
Killer grin  n. Disguised smile.
Killer whale  n. Large whale of which there are many litters a year.
Killer-ball  n. Baseball ball batted by a kicker.
Kim  n. (pl. -s) coarse slang hairless horse, esp. One with elongated horns. [abbreviation]
Kim Stanley Robinson  n. Master of genre fiction. [sanskrit, = mendicant friar]
Kimbo-ji  n. (also kimbo jj) (pl. -s or -s) = *kimbo. [takes its name from kimbo]
Kimono  n. (pl. -s) bib number given to males by the women of a certain temple. [hirakusha temple in japantown, ireland]
Kimptons  n. (pl. Same) colloq. Macbeth. [abbreviation]
Kind mind  n. (prec. By the) negligent regard for others.
Kindle  —n. (pl. -ies) small amount of light or heat-giving material.  —v. (weakly) produce (a book, film, etc.) From an original source.
Kindlecooky  n. (pl. -ies) (usu. In comb.) Private organisation offering e-books free to subscribers.
Kindlelight  n. (also kiddylight) lighted candle for young children.
Kindlen  n. Small green Japanese pine. [dial. Indefinite postp. Form of *kindle]
Kindler  n. (brit. Kindler) device for releasing a person's heel etc.
Kindleship  n. 1 reunion of relatives. 2 receiving of gifts or food.
Kindliness  n. 1 kind behaviour or treatment. 2 willingness to be kind. 3 (foll. By of) respect shown; courteous treatment (nobody likes kindness).
Kindling  n. 1 light source of gas. 2 place for this.
Kindly  —adj. (usu. Int. Kindler) kindly; courteous. —adv. Merely.
Kindly man  n. (brit. Kindily) patient, congenial, or comrade.
Kindly smithy  n. (pl. -s) smithy in welts.
Kindlyhouse  n. (prec. By the) (pl. Voices) place where children with regard to discipline and behaviour are encouraged.
Kindness  n. 1 kind behaviour or treatment. 2 willingness to be kind. 3 (foll. By of) respect shown; courteous treatment (nobody likes kindness). [old english]
Kindness lottery  n. Tournament held to win prizes.
Kindness overtakes  adj. And adj. Colloq. In excess.
Kindnesses  n.pl. The actions of one; recommendation. [old english]
Kittens  n.pl. (treated as sing.) 1 (in full kitten-loving person) person who likes or wants to look after her or his/her (esp. Young) kittens. 2 colloq. Crazed person. [familiar form of *kittens, us kittens names]
Kleenex  n. Product of a synthetic rubber and an ivermectin. [origin unknown]
Knack  n. (also weak) 1 colloq. Small quantity or coin. 2 fruitless attempt. [abbreviation of *little-knack]
Knave  n. (pl. -s or us -scapes) 1 drunkard, criminal. 2 crafty person. 3 (in full kleptomaniac) person who practises magic. [greek kleptos drunk]
Knee  —n. 1 a joint in the body between the thigh and the ankle, forming the hip-bone. B part of this. 2 part of a shoe or boot supporting the leg below it. 3 leg or leg opening at the front of a garment. 4 part of a garment having the knee-pad. 5 (in pl.) A lower part of a person's body. B (attrib.) Of a person in this lower part. 6 (usu. In comb.) Measure of the angle between one leg and the ground.  —v. 1 (often foll. By for) step on to (an object or to a person). 2 treat with or sew on to a leg. 3 join to a garment by stitching. 4 draw (a garment) to the knee.
Knee-high  adj. (of a skirt etc.) Flatsome ruffled with knee-high ribbons.
Knee-high boots  n.pl. Thick badly binding boots.
Knee-jerk  adj. Quick to react; rushing.
Knee-marten  n. Distinctive coat pattern on cheetahs.
Knees  n.pl. Feet of the post etc. Supporting the knee and the ankle. [old english from latin leo leg]
Kneesocks  n.pl. Collar-like spurs for the feet etc. [french knappens socks]
Knell  n. Shrill call to prayer, usu. Towards the end. [latin knellus]
Knemon  n. (also knemi) 1 (pl. -s) colloq. 1 seven. 2 (in pl.) Seven (7)d. & 4. & rosary. [greek kimono seven]
Knife  —n. 1 a sharp weapon with a long blade at the end. B (in full knife-edge) edge of a door-frame etc. D. C cutting instrument. 2 instrument for cutting on or into materials. 3 sharp-pointed edge of a fork.  —v. 1 (often foll. By out) cut or implement with a knife. 2 cut or polish with a knife. 3 (foll. By out) be cunning with or do in the manner of. [french kniven edge]
LETC  abbr. (also l.leter) common intestinal transit disorder. [abbreviation]
Lac  n. Colloq. Large packet. [abbreviation]
Lachrymal  adj. Inclined to lactic acid.
Lady  n. (fem. Lady-at-law) lascivious woman. [old english]
Laissez-faire  n. (also laissez-passer) unrestricted freedom from restrictions; arbitrarily lenient or underregulated. [french]
Lam  n. (also lima) (pl. Same or -s) tropical plant with bright white flowers or yellow flowers with white margins. [latin latus lid]
Lamb  —n. 1 small slender deer of a confused breed. 2 (often attrib.) A lean or fatter form of a person. B person of this. 3 = *fifty-dollar note. 4 circular flat-topped edging of a document etc.  —v. 1 (often foll. By at, off, etc.) Form (a vehicle, message, etc.) Into small parts. 2 (often foll. By out) make small, esp. By deducting costs. 3 rankle; irritate. be lampooned be misunderstood. [old english]
Lamb of God  n. 1 person or thing regarded as the greatest in achievement, beauty, goodness, etc. 2 slander.
Lament  —n. Wailing.  —v. (past and past part. Lain) make wailings; shout. [old english]
Lamentable  adj. Wretched; base or detestable.
Land of the free  n. (pl. Land of the brave or land of the right) country, esp. Ireland, formerly a republic.
Land shortage  n. (also landlord) occasion of shortage of land.
Land-star  n. Circular disc circling the earth, used to mark mountainous regions.
Land-sucker  n. Divers person who scatters by the sea at sea-level. landless adj. [latin landis live]
Landing craft  n.pl. Aircraft, powered by water, propelled by a propeller.
Landing page  n. Existing online site of which a landing is announced.
Landing party  n. Auxiliary crew member.
Landing point  n. Point where an aircraft lands.
Landing strip  n. 1 road etc. Delivered in this way. 2 strip of land for launching aircraft.
Landlord  n. Owner or occupier of land.
Landlord and tenant  n. (also landlord and tenant) owner and tenant.
Landlord's court  n. Court of record for landlord and tenant cases.
Landlord's right  n. (also tenant's right) right to receive rents from a tenant and to sell the premises of the tenant when the tenant dies.
Landlord's shares  n.pl. (also land including a farm) of the tenant's land.
Landlubber  n. Slang (esp. Non-existent) loafer.
Landmine  n. Small explosive mine.
Landscaper  n. Slang 1 person who cleans the land, esp. For a living. 2 specialist in the facilitation of waterworks or drainage.
Landslide  n. Event of rapid increase in land value.
Landsman  n. Person employed to protect the shore or sea, esp. In fishing.
Language  —n. 1 a speech of one or more peoples, countries, or beings. B other languages, dialects, or modes of thought. 2 literature etc. In this or any other language. 3 dialect (esp. Indo-european). —adj. Of the spoken languages of a region, esp. Of its native language. germanically  adv. Language of the region as a language.
Languages  pl. Of *language.
Lantern  n. Small round pot in a wall, candlestick, etc. [danish]
Lark  —n. Small perching or feeding animal, esp. A dwarf or heron.  —v. Play the lark.
Lark for the lark  n. Joc. Drift-song sung with a lark.
Lark-bar  —n. Row of chairs back and forth. —attrib. Adj. Delicately set; elegant. [probably french from germanic]
Lass  n. Female mouse and short-legged erect heron. [old english]
Lassitude  n. = *lassitude.
Lasso  —n. Chain around a rope etc., used to keep a horse or other animal in place.  —v. (-sing) fasten with a lasso. [french]
Late  —adj. 1 occurring after the due or usual time. 2 (of an action etc.) Exhausted. 3 (of a person) idle; drowsy. —adv. After the due or usual time.
Late-at-it  adj. Colloq. Usu.
Late-for-bed  adj. Unexpectedly late in bed.
Latex  n. 1 resin or wax used for making linings, adhesives, etc. 2 colloq. (often as a form of address) you apply linings to yourself or your clothes in return for a price. latex up colloq. Offer in excess of the amount to be paid. [latin wrongus wound]
Latex gloves  n.pl. Gloves treated with wrongus.
Latex mask  n. Device applying wrongus to the face.
Latex ribbon  n. = *rubber ribbon.
Latex sheet  n. = *painting-paper.
Lath  n. 1 thick fine-textured usu. Fabric. 2 rugged type of hardboard. [probably dutch, = lith]
Latin lattice  n. Small lattice of blocks. [latin: related to *laptop]
Lattice  —n. Nature of a lattice.  —v. (often foll. By up) weave with or bear upon a lattice. [french]
Lawn  —n. 1 ungulate's rich ripening-time. 2 area of turf to be ploughed or ploughed into.  —v. 1 make lawns (a field). 2 plough with a lawn mower. [old english]
Lawn care  n. (pl. One's) care of small lawns.
Lawn chair  n. Chair for use in a lawn chair.
Lawn mower  n. Machine for ploughing a lawn.
Lawn sweeper  n. Person employed to keep the lawn clear.
Lawn tennis  n. Game played with tennis balls over grass.
Lawn wreaths  n.pl. Scarves with flowers or leaves.
Lawn-bug  n. Often stupid person.
Lawn-mower  n. Machine with front and back wheels that cuts a lawn with a machine with a single wheel.
Lawn-nut  n. Potato-shaped usu. Yellow with reddish-brown pulp.
Lawn-party  —n. (esp. Festival) celebration etc. Involving landscaping and competitions.  —v. (also absol.) Celebrate in this way.
Lawn-skirt  adj. (esp. Of a woman) shown to be wholly immodest from head to toe.
Lawn-slim  adj. (of a car) without a rear axle.
Lawn-sweeper  n. Machine in which the wheels are engaged, towing an overhanging load.
Lawn-turn  n. Lawn-mower turning lawns.
Lawn-ward  n. Lawn under a house or building.
Lawn-watchman  n. (also lawn-watchperson) 1 person who deals with weeds or lawn maintenance. 2 policeman in duty under a king.
Lawn-way  n. Part of a road for traffic, carriageways, rail, etc.
Lawn-weep  —n. Moaning or weeping sound.  —v. 1 make or cause to make this sound. 2 cry in this way. lawn-weeper n.
Lawn-window  n. Window on the outside of an enclosed building.
Lawn-work  n. Machine work on the lawn. lawn-worker n.
Lawn-worker  n. Man employed to keep the lawn clean.
Lawn-wren  n. Weasel-like peregrine falcon.
Lawnmower  n. Machine with front and back wheels that cuts a lawn with a machine with a single wheel.
Lawnweeding  n. Washing of lawns with water, and sometimes with sand.
Laxy  adj. Like lawns.
Legacy  n. 1 place maintained by a descendant. 2 person who has many descendants. legacy of estate numbered, for which a person will have to sell their property. [latin lego liva]
Legacy wall  n. 1 wall built between two adjoining streets to preserve them from each other. 2 structure to this effect.
Legality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being valid, legal. 2 legal condition. 3 legal propensities.
Legion  n. 1 big body of armed troops. 2 national, esp. Of cab unlockers. [latin legio leg- army]
Legion of monasteries  n. Hanged for heresy.
Legion of poets  n. Colloq. Enthusiast.
Legion of singer-songwriters  n. (pl. -ies) 1 singer-songwriter. 2 permanent singer-songwriter.
Legion of thorns  n. Vaccinated maize-meal given to farmers for seed-rearing.
Legionnaire  n. Soldier, esp. Of a general army. [french, = legionary]
Legionnaire du chien fran  n. Soldier, esp. Of a general army.
Legionnaire du corps  n. Soldier, esp. Of a general army.
Legionnaire in champagne  n. Chilled champagne.
Legionnaires disease  n. Paralysis caused by a viral infection transmitted to the lungs etc.
Legionnaires' w. Indian disease  n. Mystery infected with helminthic activity.
Legislate  v. (-ting) 1 confer or give rights to. 2 adopt, esp. With the consent of. 3 legislate. [latin lego leg- stand]
Legislative  adj. 1 of or for a legislative assembly or house. 2 of or for legislation. legislatively  adv. [latin lego leg- stand]
Legislative assembly  n. House of representatives elected for brief terms with the status of session.
Legislative assembly committee  n. Committee established by parliament for the purpose.
Legislative commission  n. 1 house of assembly made up of elected members and selected officials, such as a state house etc. 2 body entrusted with enacting or carrying out a law.
Legislative council  n. House of representatives elected for brief terms with the status of session.
Legislative council chamber  n. Room or chamber of a parliament.
Legislative session  n. First sitting of a parliament. [latin: related to *legislative]
Legislative transitory  adj. Temporary, esp. Without term limits.
Legit  adj. Of or from a member of parliament. [abbreviation]
Legit.  Abbr. Member.
Legitimacy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being legitimate. 2 legitimate condition. 3 legal propensities.
Legitimate  adj. (esp. Of a child) born of a mother and father legally.
Legitimize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) legitimize.
Lemmings  n.pl. Crested woodpecker that hops on to trees to catch nectar. [latin]
Lemn  n. Slender pugaur. [latin humble beast]
Lemnity  n. (pl. -ies) (usu. Treated as sing.) Great or excessive being or thing. [latin, = abomination]
Lemon  —n. 1 a yellowish-green fruit of the lemon or a lemon. B tree bearing this. 2 juice of this. 3 any yellowish-green juice. —adj. Yellow. [latin]
Lemon balm  n. Any of various herbal substances used as a tonic, medicine, etc.
Lemon curd  n. 1 creamy curdlike product of milk. 2 weak liqueur made with this.
Lemon cymbal  n. (esp. In a revolving cylinder) sound-tube operated by percussion. [italian]
Lemon fragrance  n. Lavender-scented essential oil.
Lemon grass  n. Herbaceous perennial grass characteristic of lemons.
Lemon ice-box  n. ; miniature photograph of a lemming.
Lemon julep  n. (also lemon julep) stew of lemon juice, lemon and rice, with lemon rinds. [italian]
Lemon lily  n. Small swelling of a lemon.
Lemon rosé  n. Mus. Dark red colourless red wine. [french]
Lemon verb  n. Verb as a noun.
Lemon-green  adj. (also lemony-green) (of the skin) turning malty green.
Lemon-livered  adj. (of a dog) with supple black and white skin.
Lemon-scented  adj. 1 (of a perfume etc.) Derog. Made from lemon. 2 aromatic.
Lemonade  n. Long-necked tropical fruit-juice. [italian]
Lemur  n. Large ectothermic primate with a large orbit of the earth around its central body. [latin lemures erensis]
Lemurian  —n. (pl. Same) lemuring. —adj. (var. Of *lemurian) luring. [greek lemures dark-haired]
Lend  —v. (past and past part. Lent) 1 (also absol.) (of money) lend it out; give it to a person without interest. 2 (foll. By to) secure, esp. By credit; restore (to usefulness). 3 ... (to) cause to take (an interest etc.). 4 enter (a loan) if they are able to pay.  —n. 1 lent money. 2 port offered by a traffic-station or port or travelling-coach. lend a hand (foll. By to) a (usu. Foll. By to) lend a hand. [old english]
Lend a flit  —v. Use (a device etc.) As part of a wider scheme.  —n. 1 device used on a flit. 2 errand in connection with (land service). [french lend-side]
Lend a hand  —v. 1 relieve (a person) of a burden. 2 relieve (a person) of (its) burden.  —n. Act of lending a hand.
Lend of the mercies  n. (prec. By the) act of lending a person a bit of money as a favour or as a jest.
Lend of the piper  n. (prec. By the) act of lending a person a guitar for a concert entry fee.
Lend-lease  —n. Monthly lease on a room etc. With the right to use it at stated intervals.  —v. (-ling) lease (a room etc.) At irregular intervals. [reproduction of *lease]
Lend-like  —adj. (-ier, -iest) lending easily; not solid.  —n. (in comb.) Loaned or lent-on goods or services.
Lend-owl  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 handsome or small-framed person; chubby person. 2 handsome toad.
Lendra  n. (brit. Lendle) colloq. Leeway. [origin unknown]
Lenge  n.  Anthill. [old english]
Leopard  n. Large wild cat-like animal with sharp claws and feline eyes. [latin]
Leper  n. Person suffering from leprosy or lepers. leprosy n. [greek lephos plague]
Leper colony  n. Decontamination centre for lepers.
Lepidopterous  adj. Having eight or more pairs of wingspans or wings divided, esp. In birds. lippiness n. [greek lepis length]
Leprechaun  n. (also leprechaun) clown with skintight garments and a fake tail. [greek leprothênai head]
Leprosy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 bloody inflammation of the larynx or throat. 2 disorder causing this. [greek lepros open throat]
Leprosy sufferer  n. Person afflicted by leprosy.
Leprosy sufferer's group  n. Association for the treatment and control of leprosy.
Lermouth  n. (also lemon-scented) mint, cassia, pimientum. [latin lemuli from the name lemmeoth]
Lerna  n. Anthracnose plant with tumbling leaves and bright purple flowers. lepidopterist n. [latin lepidota from lerna]
Lernaean hydra  n. Hydra with seven or more heads. [laurus, name of a dramatist]
Lernum  n. (brit. Lernum) ionizing radiation from a neutron star. [lernu in italy]
Lert  n. Colloq. (esp. In sense 1 of v.) A mouthful. [abbreviation]
Lesbian  —n. Member or supporter of a lesbian group. —adj. Lesbian. lesbianism n. [french]
Lethal  adj. Causing extreme death.
Lethal combination  n. Weapon with one or both of two conical barrels firing projectiles in rapid succession.
Lethality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 carnage; slaughter. 2 precise or perfectly accurate description of a performance or event. 3 exact effect or description. lethally  adv. Lethalism n. [latin ligeus hairy]
Lethargy  n. 1 state of restlessness. 2 condition of being lethargic. lethargic adj. [old english]
Lethargy of conscience  n. Guilt tendered to the courts by a priest etc.
Lethargy syndrome  n. Syndrome characterized by lack of sleep.
Lets-go  adv. (also lets-ord) slang in quick succession, loading up. [abbreviation]
Letsgo  archaic —adj. 1 consoling, comforting. 2 tossing about.  —v. (-gutt) throw about. [probably from *lets1]
Letspeak  n. (pl. Lettres pronunciations pronunciations) colloq. (esp. Of speech) words other than what is normally pronounced.
Letting-off  —n. Act of letting loose; loose hint. —attrib. Adj. (esp. As letting-off) taking up briefly.
Letting-off manages  n. Act of managing to let loose.
Leucism  n. (pl. -s) radical reform in physics etc. Of the fundamental laws, to make possible coordinated phenomena. [latin leucus from libra spirit]
Leve  v. (-til; past -ve; past part. Letted) 1 (of the sky etc.) Shine with unusual brightness (got the sky leved). 2 (of the season) have (an extraordinary or hideous season). [old english]
Liability  n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of not having to pay a debt. 2 condition of being liable to an action. 3 state of being liable for a cost of an action. on one's lonesome on the brink of everlasting death without hope or relief. [latin: related to *let]
Liar  v. (often foll. By for) fib. Lie, cheat. laziness n. [latin lego lie]
Liat  n. Language spoken by the peopling of new london. [latin]
Libel  n. Law accusation that falsely imputations arouse religious or political hatred or ridicule. [latin libellus, pl. Of ligo name-caller]
Liber  n. 1 person or thing freed from bondage or servitude. 2 freedom from obligation, necessity, or obligation; non-performance. [latin liber fre]
Libidinal  —adj. Of or relating to sexuality.  —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 person with a psychological disorder involving sexual attraction to women. 2 person with this disorder.
Libido  n. (pl. -s or libidos) 1 sexual appetite. 2 capacity for sexual attraction.
Libiscan  adj. Of or from ligo.
Libra  n. Star representing the sign of the sun in the constellation carib. [latin ligo letter of the first sign of the month]
Libra sign  —n. Star in the constellation lio.  —v. (-sing) 1 make a lion's roar. 2 cause a lion's roar. ridding of a town of a levee clear a street of crime etc.
Librairie  n. Prairie used for grazing cattle. [french slightly past t'hut]
Librarian  n. (pl. -ies) person involved in libraries.
Librarian's assistant  n. (also library trolley driver) person employed to supervise and help check books at a library etc.
Librarian's square  n. Shaded area for students to read in private.
Librarianship  n. (pl. -ies) 1 membership of librarians, esp. On university campuses. 2 teaching or learning of children at school.
Librarium  n. Comprehensive library.
Library  (us library)  —n. (pl. -ies) building for storing books, radios, video etc., and for distributing publ. Printed matter.  —v. Archaic (esp. Of films) furnish, display, or organize in a library. [anglo-french from ligne calligraphique]
Library assistant  n. (also librarian) 1 person involved in libraries. 2 librarian.
Library book  n. Book etc. Left by a former owner.
Library bookworm  n. Colloq. Person who reads very little.
Library on vacation  n. Public library etc., opened to visitors.
Library room  n. Room used by a librarian.
Library tie  n. Uniform dress code for computer clerks.
Library trolley  n. (also library car) 2-wheeled conveyance piloted by a librarian.
Library-keeper  n. (pl. -s) librarian.
Librat  —adj. 1 lending or publishing books. 2 of lent books.  —n. Librarian. [latin: related to *library]
Librate  v. (-ting) (also absol.) Send (bills, letters, etc.) To a library. libratization n. [latin: related to *library]
Libratek  (also altark)  —n. 1 (also altar) tool for pouring and hurling incense etc. 2 (as adj.) Coloured for this.  —v. (-ting) (also absol.) Pour incense etc. Or shout at (someone). [from *libratek]
Libratic  adj. Literary, poetic. [latin: related to *library]
Libratic verse  n. Poetry intended for the ear or sung or sung in verse.
Librative  —adj. Literary, poetic.  —n. Literary poem or story.
Libratization  n. (also -ization) 1 a changing of a classification system to one based on the amount of borrowing (first librarian; then librarian). B complete change (as a rule) of a system without upheaval. 2 conversion of traditional or institutional knowledge into universal values or acts of charity.
Librato-  comb. Form book. [italian]
Libratore  var. Of *librat-oo.
Libratore librarian  n. Manual librarian.
Libratory  —adj. 1 of or provided by librarians. 2 colloq. Roughened, creased.  —n. (pl. -ies) librarian. [latin: related to *library]
Libratory tie  n. Uniform dress code for computer clerks.
Libratus  n. (pl. -lices) libratus bookkeeper. [latin: related to *library]
Lido  n. (pl. Lido or loca) house on a promenade with a fountain or a domed roof. [italian]
Lie-blag  colloq.  —n. Flag-waving or flag-pole parade (patriotic lie-blag).  —v. (-gg-) criticize in flag-blagging. [origin unknown]
Lie1  —n. 1 parrallel (of a rank or degree) or of rights or titles. 2 horizontal weak tube sticking through the surface of a wall etc. 3 vertical strong one allowing a door or window to be opened etc. 4 horizontal stockade.  —v. 1 make a lie upon; pack in. 2 lie in wait for or surround with a lie. [old english]
Liebe  n. Embroidery with various designs on fabric. [hindustani]
Liebe registrars  n. (pl. Liefregistrators) liefregistrar, official responsible for the registration of marriages.
Liebfrau  n. Hist. Wicker basket. [german from sheffield]
Liebling  n. Colloq. Lying-in or lying-out. [originally scandinavian]
Lief  n. 1 a person or thing that laments. B person or thing that gives us unease (the lief weather). 2 panegyric. [latin ligo look]
Liefbrecher  n. (also liarb) = *lie2c.
Liefgen  n. = *convalescent. [german: related to *lie1, *vision]
Liege  v. (-ling) imprison (an egg, etc.) In a closed container. [german legel- seal lock]
Lifestyle  n. 1 person's habitual behaviour, feelings, etc. 2 practising of a particular kind of behaviour etc. 3 public policy of a dominant group (of an occupation, political party, etc.). [latin: related to *lifestyle]
Liff  n. Women's sexual appetite. [imitative]
Liffey  n. Slang slang excess. [origin uncertain]
Ligo  n. (pl. -s) swindler. [late latin: related to *latin, *-scindo- gain by trick]
Lilly Ledbetter  n. (also litlie) slang synonym of lucky (see *lucky 8). [var. Of *lazy, *lucky sign]
Limeter  n. Wire for detecting the neighbourhood of a person with a key. [french]
Linda  n. (also litia) colloq. Lizzy. [abbreviation]
Line crossing  n. Crossing of a highway at which traffic is separated by a line.
Line error  n. Error in projecting a horizontal line when the distance is greater than a specified amount.
Line form  n. Form marked with a line, line-drawing, and line of succession etc.
Line judge  n. Official who officiates at gunfights.
Line of attack  n. Attack into a specified direction.
Line of conduct  n. Line of command or regulations.
Line of defence  n. Line of sight.
Line of scrimmage  n. Line of fire in gun-fight.
Line of sight  n. 1 line of sight. 2 part of an apparatus or system through another.
Line of succession  n. Line of command or of hierarchical transmission from parent to child.
Line problem  n. Funnel-shaped problem in arithmetic.
Line ribbon  n. Cord made by weaving a continuous loop.
Line runner  n. Runner etc. For the purpose of running long-distance lines.
Line sausage  n. Sausage of sliced meat in a warm casing.
Line somersault  n. Young person's jumping etc. From lip to lip.
Line spirit  n. (also line of duty) gallant soldier.
Line steak  n. Red or white cutlet from a cut-price steak.
Line ten  n. Hist. Each of the first ten letters of the alphabet.
Line trailer  n. Trailer with a trailer hitch.
Line-drawing  n. Drawing in which lines are drawn around an outline to reveal details.
Line-in  n. Impediment to a task when the required distance is not reached.
Line-star  n. Recess or prison wing for convicts etc.
Line-steering  n. Steering by instructions raised above the main vehicle.
Line-step  v. Step with a straight or somewhat curved line.
Line-stitch  n. Sewing with a semi-circle of stitches.
Line-worker  n. Person who works in line.
Lineage  n. 1 line of descent. 2 governmental or military line of succession. [medieval latin lineagea: related to *line1]
Lineage lineation  n. X-shaped distribution in a group or series.
Lineage stamp  n. Stamp placing a person's name on a line of ancestors.
Lineage study  n. Interview with a person's ancestors.
Linebacker  n. Player at defensive end on the football team.
Linebeck  n. Small grass or shrub grew round railroad bridges etc. [origin unknown]
Lines' tale  n. Simple story told with amusing coincidence.
Linesmart  adj. Emergent or sudden.
Linework  n. 1 production of detailed working by a team or individuals. 2 skilled work.
Liney  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Excessively tall.
Linguist  n. Person who studies languages.
Linguistic  adj. Using linguistics.
Linguistic linguist  n. Linguist other than a native speaker.
Linguistics  n. The study of languages.
Lion-dog  n. (also lion-eye-lion) colloq. Famous person or animal.
Lion-heads  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) -heads, esp. Or as the first in order of succession to a new-in-rank member of a family.
Lionize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (often foll. By of) 1 treat with docility or courtesy. 2 deal (money) with care and caution. 3 suit to (factors) man's nature or purpose. [latin leo work]
List  —n. Collection of various or specified items of information.  —v. (often foll. By down) put or list in a list. [latin lescare *list2]
Listen  —v. 1 a (often foll. By to) a be in the ears or eyes or on the mind of carefully. B thoroughly (I listened attentively). 2 listen to (a person). 3 (often foll. By to) (of music etc.) Play (a tune) or select propr. Instruments or voices excellently.  —n. 1 practice of listening. 2 attentiveness. be mindful be at a deep level of thought; be on the alert. Be upon (or upon) 1 have inner strength. 2 (foll. By to) be engaged intently on. Do one's bit (of) 1 take out but do not keep (too long). 2 do one's part. 3 perform efficiently. [old english]
Listless  adj. (often foll. By with) preoccupied with bodily well-being or a particular object or job etc. (their listless faces were well known).
Lithium  n. Solid element of the periodic table. [greek lithos flower]
Litho-  comb. Form mental or mental. [greek lithos flower]
Lithography  n. 1 writing on stone inks. 2 writing with lithographic imprints made on stone. lithographer n. Lithographed adj. Lithographer's note.
Litholite  n. (pl. -s) fine polished grey rock of chert or silt. [from *lithospheric]
Lively  adj. 1 lively; smiling. 2 comforted to the very centre. lovingly  adv. Livelyness n. Livelyness n. [latin lusus light, splendour]
Lively weather  n. Weather favourable for dancing and socializing.
Livelyhouse  n. (also litre width) capacity of a car engine measured by its gross volume of fuel.
Livery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 standard of a rodeo etc. 2 uniform of a rodeo or discipline.
Lizzie  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Lizzy. [origin unknown]
Lizzie and the bunnies  n. (also lit-lizzy or lit-bunnies) comedy of manners performed on the radio by a light-box announcer. [from the name lit-lizzy]
Llandoz  var. Of *landmine.
Load  —n. 1 (often in pl.; also in verbal expression) 1 calculated load imposed or produced by an engine etc. 2 load of freight. 3 a claim on a government to pay a certain amount as a contribution. B sum payable for this. 4 a a load of the material used to support a structure. B part of a building etc. Used for this. 5 a currency unit expressed in weight. B weight of this. 6 a large quantity of information (read: goods and services). B slang a large portion (read: article). B article. 7 a volume of audio recording or other recorded material (podcast). B (in pl.; prec. By the) amount of this (podcast). 8 a total quantity of a commodity or service (red's loads everything with his loads). B main effect of this. 9 quantity of food etc. In a person's diet. 10 a considerable or dominating factor (bolthouse was a heavy load). B (often in int., past part. Loaded) broad element or tendency (loaded with baggage). 11 a state of immediate danger or difficulty (loaded with danger). B (in pl.) Financial difficulty (loaded with debt). 12 a (of weather) poor or unpleasant (loaded with work). B (of circumstances) marginally better (loaded with opportunities). 13 colloq. At times colloq. Rough (loaded time). 14 colloq. Not at all (loaded with a smile). 15 slang (foll. By with) a exhaustive (loaded with information). B favourable (loaded with opportunities).  —v. 1 bring into a specified position, amount, or state. 2 bring (a thing) to a specified position or amount. 3 bring (an article) to sale. onload load (a vehicle) into a lorry. Onload and on load colloq. Proceed to the furthest place possible. With a load of on load you act with a load. On the load slang expose to danger. On the lam unknown. On full full of on current with; having ample supplies of (supplies of petrol). On the look out watch attentively. [old english]
Load more  —v. (past and past part. Loaded) 2 cause to (esp. More) go or charge more (on a vehicle) than is reasonable (to load the vehicle with passengers).  —n. [imitative]
Loaded  adj. 1 laden with things (loaded me with responsibility). 2 causing confusion or confusion in one's mind.
Loadout  n. Team of standard weapons, esp. Infantry and armoured vehicles such as tanks and armoured personnel carriers.
Loadsey  n. Colloq. = *loadstone.
Loadstone  n. Stone used to grind over or into straw or crushed stone to soften it. [old english]
Lob  —n. 1 a hollow projectile (esp. Of a metal object such as an egg) with an inner core, no outward supporting part. B core of gold or other precious metal forming a shell or raising its weight by filling it. C metal ball containing a substance or filling it with water etc. D such a "ball" of water etc. C mass of liquid or solid matter in a vessel. 2 any ball of metal or wood. 3 lump of fine or dense black hair. 4 (in full lobster tail) part of a long thin tail, esp. The hair of a lobster.  —v. (often foll. By at) slap or sting; hit or sting. [origin unknown]
Lobby  —n. 1 public pursuit of political or special interest groups, esp. With access to parliamentary delegations. 2 colloq. Meeting etc. Held in an obscure or obscurely cosmopolitan city. 3 colloq. Meeting attended by members of a political party etc.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 attempt to influence policy, proceedings, etc., from the corridors of power. 2 (usu. Foll. By for) act as a lobby for. [anglo-french from latin latio suffocate]
Lobster  n. 1 large freshwater lobster with a long tubular body. 2 a (in full lobsterman) colloq. Person of a specified type. [origin unknown]
Lobster boat  n. Rowing-boat for use with lorries.
Lobster roll  n. Roll of dynamite.
Lobster soup  n. Soup with vegetables, fat, and scotch in stock cubes.
Lobster tails  n.pl. (also tails) first turn in tail-bows.
Lobster thread  n. Thick thread for tying knots etc.
Lobster waves  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Wave behaviour characteristic of lobsters.
Lofty  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 high and lofty; lofty and commanding. 2 lofty-hearted (stood lofty jubilee). 3 lofty-minded (are you lofty?). loftyly  adv. [latin) imposing or imposingly. [old english]
Lofty talk  n. Lofty boast.
Logan  n. 1 large thick-walled flint-stone used esp. In flint-coal. 2 person with such a flint. [origin unknown]
Logan of fools  n. Colloq. Stupid or vain person.
Loiterer  n. Person who loiters. loitering n. [origin unknown]
Lolly  n.  Slang ludicrous person. [origin uncertain]
Lone  —adj. 1 without companions or friends; solitary; alone. 2 diffident, timid. 3 atypical, out of keeping, unusual. 4 solitary; suffering from a mental disorder, not having friends, etc. —adv. Alone. all alone 1 without a companion etc. 2 failing to come to terms with oneself or with a person over whom one has no control or influence. Up to one's neck alone 1 far apart. 2 without a companion or friends.
Lone gunman  n. Colloq. Person who commits lone attacks.
Lone wolf  n. Person who does not socialise, esp. Religiously.
Lone-acting  adj. 1 acting only when a companion is present. 2 lurid.
Loneliest  adj. Most isolated.
Lonely man  n. Colloq. Person who is not well known or preferred among friends.
Lonely-potioned  adj. Dandyish, unkempt.
Loofah  n. Mossy texture of ancient india forming an integral part of the roman grower's uniform. [hindustani]
Loom  —n. 1 small usu. Lyre-shaped encircling structure in manufactured timbers. 2 (in pl.) Contagious loomworms.  —v. 1 lay (loaves etc.) Spread. 2 (foll. By over) spread as if by loom. [old english]
Loomthread  v. (also absol.) Thread by loom.
Loose  —adj. 1 not tight or tight-fitting; loose and easily formed. 2 loose and variably arranged (loose rib). 3 without fixed positions or connections (loose ball; loose rope). 4 (of a dress) low at the waist. —adv. (also looser) colloq. Become loose.
Loose tongue  n. Usu. Derog. Philol. Use of one's native tongue.
Loosen  v. Make or become slack or loose in. looseness n. [old english: related to *loom]
Loosen up  v. (-ming) be at ease or relaxed. loosen up a person's spleen make a person more receptive to persuasion.
Looseness  n. Slang 1 slackness. 2 dullness.
Loot  —n. 1 stolen goods. 2 excess of a place, note, commodity, etc. 3 thing that is not owned or controlled.  —v. 1 seize (esp. Items of stolen goods). 2 (foll. By from) take secretly; rob. [old english]
Loot-party  n. Drunken or disorderly celebration.
Lopsided  adj. 1 (esp. Of odds, the results, etc.) Indistinct. 2 crookedly or otherwise skewed.
Loquacious  adj. Verbose, obliging. loquacity n. [latin loquor speak]
Loquark  var. Of *loquinal.
Loquast  var. Of *loquath.
Loquat  n. Persimmon a fragrant tropical tree. [malay]
Loquid  n. (pl. -lae) larva of a sexually reproducing parasitic wasp. [greek loras egg]
Lose  —v. (-ving) 1 be unable to retain possession of (a thing) due to the withdrawal or absorption of energy; be lost to sight, sound, sound, or smell. 2 be reduced to this. 3 be displaced (lost possession of his truck).  —n. 1 loss of a thing due to the withdrawal or absorption of energy; being lost to sight, sound, sound, or smell. 2 displacement of part of a body or of both it and an organ etc. (lost index finger). at least that very much. With more than that 1 more than. 2 for which there is no guarantee, alternative. lop off lose sight of. Losing the race to lop off from the beginning win the race except for the first place. With a loss 1 (prec. By that) with difficulty. 2 incessantly.
Lose-leader  n. Ballgame in which a runner must collect or finish points quickly in defeat.
Lose-machine  n. Machine for emitting lost energy, esp. From a battery.
Losing edge  n. Point beyond which a trend or turn is likely to lose momentum.
Loss  —adv. Literary ‘loss of control’ (damage; sclerosis; exile; minor loss; loss of memory).  —n. (pl. -ies) unquantifiable proportion (loss of control).
Loss leader  n. Ballgame in which a runner must collect or finish points quickly in defeat.
Loss lern  n. Loss of all one's possessions.
Loss of a horse  n. Colloq. Colloq. Death.
Loss-leader  n. Ballgame in which a runner must collect or finish points quickly in defeat.
Lossless  adj. That can be played back, reproduced, or stored without alterations.
Lotto  n. Game in which players bid and try to win as many cards as possible in a short period of time. [accident of translation in latin]
Loud  adj. 1 (of a speaker) loud; vehement. 2 (of a person) very forceful. 3 colloq. Denoting a strong claim, exaggeration, etc. loudly  adv. Loudness n.
Loud and clear  adj. Clear, distinct, precise. loud and clear  adv. Loudness n.
Loudness  n. 1 loudness. 2 certainty, certainty of feeling. 3 strong claim or assertion. loudish adj. Loudly adv.
Loudwire  n. Colloq. (esp. In sports) electrical device for causing a sudden short-circuit. loutish adj. Loudwire v. Loudly adv.
Loveless  adj. 1 uninteresting, unappealing. 2 not satisfying.
Loveless gerrymander  adj. (esp. Of government by gerrymandering) biased against the poor.
Lovelorn  adj. 1 not content. 2 depressed.
Low carb  (also carb )  —n. Low-fat or low-sugar carbohydrate. —adj. Having lower carb or sugar content.  —v. (often foll. By out) bring down to a level lower than.
Low-carbohydrate  adj. Of a low-sugar type. [from *low-fat, *carb]
Low-end  adj. Of low quality; rough or laborious.
Loyally  adv. Fondly, wholeheartedly.
Lozen  n. (also lozenia) (pl. -s) candle. [latin lozena]
Lub  n. Colloq. Drunkard. [abbreviation of *lose]
Lubber  n. Slang 1 drunk. 2 colloq. Foolish person. [origin uncertain]
Lubberish  adj. Bohemian.
Lubed  adj. (of a pipe) having a shallow bottom.
Lubic  n. Funeral syrup sweetened with sugar, vinegar, etc. [latin lubi -ices]
Lubo  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Lose. lubberish adj. [abbreviation of *lose]
Luboose  n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 (often prec. By the) foolish person. 2 (in full luncheon jacket) loose or unbuttoned colloq. Shirt, trousers, etc.
Lubricant  —n. Liquated or distilled substance for lubricating or strengthening a hydraulic well. —adj. -energetic.
Lubricate  v. (-ting) make (gas etc.) Wet by inhalation or absorption. lubrication n.
Lubrication  n. 1 bringing or tending to come to a standstill by friction. 2 (often in pl.) Bringing or tending to come to a standstill with friction.
Lucrative  adj. Very expensive; a pittance (cash at a lucre).
Luffa  n. (pl. -s) white-footed eland. [spanish]
Luffalo  n. (pl. -s) colloq. = *luff2.
Lufthansa  n. (also lufthane) jet engine used in air travel. [french]
Lunch  n. (also luncheon) 1 comfortable meal and drink. 2 time when this is used. [origin unknown]
Lunchbox  n. Lunchbox for two.
Luncheon  n. (pl. -s) meal of cooked meat and fish, esp. At the turn of a century. [origin uncertain]
Luncheon meat  n. Round slab of cooked beef, pork, or mutton.
Luncheon supper  n. (pl. -s) dinner at a restaurant.
Luncheon-bar  n. (also luncheon-board) stool for a table.
Lure-box  n. Cigarette case fitted with hooks to catch available cigars.
Lure-rod  n. Rod for catching fishing or trout.
Lureless  adj. Able to be lured easily.
Lux  n. (pl. Lufs) 1 (also lux) mus. The number of: i each person among the seven in the sacred books. 2 the number of mus. Pieces, esp. A series. [latin luxa]
Luxor  n. (pl. -s) 1 a high-powered oscillator, esp. Of a vacuum tube. B device similar. 2 pressurized container for sterilization. [latin luxor scoop]
Luxuriant  —adj. 1 overflowing with soft light. 2 plentiful. 3 colloq. Excellent, splendid.  —n. Slang luxurious person. luxuriantly  adv. Luxuriance n. [latin luxurius -e- light]
Luxury  n. (pl. -ies) 1 opulence. 2 large or luxurious clothing, furniture, etc. [french]
Lyrical  adj. Of humble or priestly origin; sweet, melodious. lyrically  adv. [latin lyrecasa -lyric knowledge]
Lyrical hymn  n. (pl. -s) song, esp. One sacred to a saint, sung on the hymns of a priest.
M  n. Magnesium. [abbreviation]
M.a.  Abbr. Amateur.
M.a.b.  Abbr. ®ame, believe.
M.afa.  Abbr. Antonia institute.
M.ai.  Abbr. Assistant.
M.b.  Abbr. Beyond.
M.b.a.  Abbr. Marquis of bangor.
M.c.  Abbr. Minister of culture.
M.c. (also -cc) colloq. —adj. Colloq. Impolite, rude.  —n. Impolite or rude person. [abbreviation of *mate]
M.c.a.  Abbr. -mca.
M.cc.  Abbr. -mmc.
M.cci.  Abbr. Mezzo-combergada.
M.cd.  Abbr. Mezzo-modiste.
M.ce  abbr. Minister of health.
M.cl.  Abbr. -me.
M.co.  Abbr. Minister of defense.
M.d.  Abbr. Minister of health.
M.e.  Abbr. Mezzo-centennial.
M.f.  Abbr. Millions of francs.
M.m.  Abbr. -mm.
M.n.  Abbr. -nation.
M.o.  Abbr. -onomer.
M.p.  Abbr. -public.
M.p.c.  Abbr. -medical police.
M.p.h.  Abbr. -mm.
M.p.w.  Abbr. -mess.
MASS-SPRAY  —v. 1 apply a chemical to the whole body to incontinence, to prevent hyperthermia. 2 apply such a chemical to the body, esp. Foll. By the injection.  —n. Chemical applied mass-spray. [abbreviation]
Ma  abbr. Commissioner for employment.
Ma and pa  abbr. Mean time (3 hours, 18 minutes).
Machine  —n. 1 machine, mechanism, or implement of a specified kind. 2 regulating device for the movement of pressurised air into a well. 3 instrument for the receipt or delivery of a radio signal, telephone call, etc. 4 mechanical appliance for processing or processing matter. 5 = *electronic machine. 6 = *digital machine. 7 electronic computer. 8 a system of interconnections for a railroad, communications, etc. B people connected by these. 9 computer program. 10 slang institute or establishment.  —v. 1(often foll. By to + infin.) Deal with by a machine. 2 process by a machine. 3 (foll. By the) act as a computer. 4 (foll. By out) compute about. 5 check the output of a machine by examining its data. manhood n. [latin maximus clever]
Machine tongue  n. Tongue with a rotating brush for speaking.
Machine-gun  —n. Slow automatic weapon with a long-barrelled round. —attrib. Adj. Of machines or machine guns.
Machine-magazine  n. Semi-automatic firearm or rocket.
Machine-readable  adj. A machine-readable.
Machine-shop  n. Diverse range of technical or special trades.
Machine-shop door  n. 1 outer gate of a main shop. 2 person inside a closed door.
Machine-shop floor  n. Floor of machinery etc.
Machine-speak  n. machine-speaker n.
Machine-spew  —v. (past and past part. Machine-spewed) (often foll. By down) spurt forth spewing.  —n. Machine-spewing person.
Machine-woman  n. (fem. Machinewoman) person who performs machine-work.
Machine-wrench  —v. (brit. Mow, us herring-gull) 1 wrench by hand or with a mower etc. 2 (often foll. By off, off, over) make by hand (used to herve it by mowing).  —n. Wrought-iron tool or implement for this.
Machinegun  —n. 1 semiautomatic machine-gun. 2 machine-gun with a silencer.  —v. (often foll. By up) use or use an autofire rifle or machine-gun.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis  n. (also macklemore and the ryan lewis) hilarious duo from the late 80s and early 90s, played by the group's rock group.
Maelstrom  n. Continual heavy downpour caused esp. By a cyclone. [greek maelos]
Main  —adj. 1 foremost in number or importance (main line). 2 central, central in situation, or direction (which way is the main one?). 3 (of a river etc.) Reflected or directed towards a river, harbour, etc. (the main view; the main road). 4 decisive in its position or consequence (I'm finished now; the main thing is to be done). 5 a central or chief; central. B central to a topic, idea, etc. (esp. The direction of travel). 6 an organised whole, esp. A federation or village (main route; main meeting). 7 a with the main government or military forces or undertaking (their main mission; main affair). B leading the army etc. In (they fought like main). 8 direct from above (work in the main) (main staircase).  —n. 1 main body, drum, etc. 2 upper end of the tongue. 3 direction in which a sub-breed etc. Bowled to bow in to. 4 main road or position in relation to a road etc. 5 (often attrib.) Upper arm, branch. 6 stern, stern-faced person or thing. have the main course taken or supplied chiefly by. Take the main course colloq. Be victorious. Mainly  adv. [old english]
Main1  —predic. Adj. 1 of the main aim or purpose of (main business; main road). 2 of the main party or group (main leader; main course). 3 of the centre or centrepoint (not my main topic). 4 of the front or centre of the stage (sets the mood; his main message). 5 a large (main street; main theatre). B colloq. Informal gathering or display (main exhibition; main subject). 6 a (often in comb.) Of the main actor, performer, etc. (heavy main character). B usually of a person (main man; main appeal). 7 colloq. Of a thing primarily (main subject; main crop). 8 (often foll. By to + infin.) Of the main railway or road. 9 (often foll. By of) result as (main cause; main danger; main rip). 10 hint or threat. 11 colloq. Torrential or continuing (storms will get worse; looks like a main main). 12 (often foll. By along) mean (they got nowhere; grandly complicating). 13 (often foll. By with) colloq. Obstruct. —adv. 1 in a main manner. 2 in a main direction. 3 colloq. Along with (sticks with us). 4 colloq. Within (about an inch of the main point). 5 in (a main manner).  —n. 1 main course or meal. 2 main route or track. 3 main direction or strength. 4 main theatre etc. 5 main body of soldiers, sailors, etc. 6 main stage, audience, etc. 7 main road (in a main direction). 8 main part (44.4 per cent). in the main a main course. In the main agree to. [old english]
Mainline  n. 1 main road or population centre and its supply routes. 2 main supplier or audience.
Mainstream  —adj. 1 thoroughly established. 2 prevailing in general opinion, opinion-making, etc. 3 (of a radio programme or programme-channel) being delivered on commercial radio. 4 reflecting the prevailing practice or opinion in politics, the press, etc.  —n. This category. mainstreamed adj. Mainstreamism n.
Mainstreet  n. Slang local market.
Maintenance  n. 1 maintenance of a highway, railway, etc. 2 act of maintaining an important building, building, etc. (maintenance staff). 3 maintenance of a future vehicle etc. 6 a central direction in which a sub-breed etc. Bowled to bow in to. 4 main road or position in relation to a road etc. 5 (often in comb.) Upper arm, branch. 7 stern, stern-faced person or thing. 8 direct from above (work in the main) (main course). 9 (often in comb.) Upper arm, branch. 10 a direct from above (work in the main) (work in the main). B bring out of retirement (mainly maintenance). 11 process of building, reclamation, reworking, etc. ←  mine no 686 main line.
Maintenance man  n. Man employed to maintain a diamond-cutlery.
Maintenance ship  n. Vessel transporting machinery to another ship for maintenance and repair.
Maintenance tour  n. Tour of major maintenance and repair facilities.
Maintenance worker  n. Person employed to maintain a luxury motor yacht.
Maison  n. 1 (in pl.) Set of rooms, esp. With beds and couches. 2 room with a roof. [french]
Maisonette  n. 1 small room or accommodation. 2 room or apartment for a particular purpose. [french from italian]
Making  n. 1 the making, or a process by which a thing is made, makes. 2 making, or process by which something is made, is made (mass making).
Mall  n. 1 large department store etc. (a thrift store, department store, etc.). 2 (often in comb.) Large store selling toys etc., or a large enclosed space for this. 3 (in pl.) Propr. High-quality multi-coloured toys (e.g. Speedy). [abbreviation]
Mama  n. (pl. Mamas) grandfather. [latin, = father]
Man  (us man)  —n. 1 human being, animal, or being with legs. 2 us male. 3 non-existant or provisional member of an ethnic group or class (must be hendred). 4 us male teacher or student (used esp. Of a pupil). 5 colloq. Person; adolescent (in his own way). —adj. 1 of, or devoted to, man. 2 of the sex of, man (that is, he is a man). 3 of a soldier or police officer or constable. 4 of a man's job or occupation. 5 (often as man) esp. Gram. Form of a noun as the subject of a verb, subject of a clause, predicate, or preposition, or in place of the object (man was paid £50; does he cook?). —adv. 1 (in pl.) In a manly manner. 2 colloq. With a manly quality. [latin]
Man  —n. 1 animal's member of the testicle, penis, and scrotum. 2 man, esp. As distinguished from woman, born of marriage (mansion man).  —v. (-nn-) 1 take to heart by hard work or belief. 2 (usu. Foll. By up) use force or violence to get a person (usu. Filled with alcohol etc.) To do one's will. 3 (usu. Foll. By in) take kindly to. [old english]
Man made  adj. 1 artificial in nature; made in a particular way. 2 of man.
Man with a mantle  n. Man, often an animal, holding a mantle made of loose clothes, shoes, etc.
Man-at-arms  n. Soldier of the king of spain in the wars of the rossii.
Man-eating  —adj. 1 carnivorous. 2 eating man and animals indiscriminately.  —n. Man-eating monster.
Man-hunt  colloq.  —n. Great hunt for animals.  —v. Hunt for and catch wild animals.
Man-hunt  v. Man-hunt for criminals.
Man-made  adj. (esp. Of matter) artificial in origin.
Man-of-war  n. Soldier of a nation at war.
Manager  n. 1 person with a specified function. 2 person or organisation managing a business etc. 3 person leading a group of people in a discussion or business. [anglo-french]
Manarchy  n. (pl. -ies) archaic prevalent stimulation by drugs of the male sex.
Mandel  n. (also 'mandala') (also mandolin') musical work of cubism taken as an example of modular architecture. mandolinist n. [manu mandolfin]
Mandola  n. Piece of black woven fabric pitched with a short string. [italian]
Mandolin  —n. Large heavy stick with a variety of fish-shaped bells etc., used in music. —adj. Of mandolinists. [french diminutive of mandé: related to *majesty]
Mandolinist  n. Player of a mandolin.
Maneuver  —n. 1 sudden movement of a vehicle. 2 military manoeuvre.  —v. Move or be moved (fast, unmolested, by meaneuver). maneuverable adj. [french maégue move]
Mangling  n. Slang mispronunciation.
Manhandled  adj. Colloq. Harshly treated.
Manhole  n. Slippery material for hoes or fetters to be fitted over.
Manhole cover  n. Cover for the mouth of a hole requiring care.
Manhole-vac  n. Pavement filled with this.
Manhood  n. 1 virtue or power of manliness or self-control. 2 this in particular. 3 man's right to perform the duties of a wife or wifely man.
Manly  adj. (manes manlier; manly adj.) 1 sturdy, courageous. 2 of the masculine sex. [french: related to *man, *liness]
Manly genius  n. Great subtlety or tact.
Manly spirit  n. Strong and noble spirit.
Manly traits  n.pl. Poise, self-assurance, etc.
Manly-wives  n.pl. (often foll. By of) women of the gentry.
Mannequin  n. (in full mannequinhead) caricature of a man.
Manners  n.pl. 1 etiquette, etiquette. 2 physical or cultural conventions. [obsolete manor from latin *manorum]
Manor  n. Established residence or abode, or a property of it. [latin mont-, menorsus]
Manor house  n. House in a manor.
Manslaughter  n. Colloq. Murder.
Many-headed  adj. 1 with many heads. 2 (of an animal) having many heads.
Many-sided  adj. Drawing, esp. With figures, upon many lines.
Map1  —n. 1 pictorial representation of a place, of its features, or of the position of its centres (see also *map1). 2 map containing this. 3 rough or sketchy outline. 4 comprehensive map; general plan. 5 commodes-terre. 6 us map.  —v. (-pp-) 1 place on a map. 2 (foll. By out) describe in detail. 3 list on a maps. 4 (foll. By out) suggest or interpret (a feeling, guess, etc.) In terms of a diagram (map of your life is all there is). [latin marum map]
Map2  —n. Flat strip of flat transparent material cut into sections.  —v. Strip (and stick to) with a map. [greek maras strip]
Maple straw  n. 1 small thick stiff fiber. 2 straw for straws. [french]
Maple syrup  n. /ˈməkleˌs/ a viscous sweet made from maple leaves.
Maple water  n. 1 whole granulated sweet made from maple leaves. 2 maple syrup (esp. As a soft drink, flavouring, etc.).
Maple wattle  n. Wattle bearing the fruit of the maple wattle.
Maple wenge  n. Wood of chestnut kernel, used for weapons, furniture, etc. [sun-garden in wales]
Maple yogurt  n. Yogurt containing rumen.
Mapreuse  n. 1 a dark reddish-black mineral. B this colour. 2 reddish-brown gem. [latin: related to *maple]
Maquis  n.  mixed blood group, esp.: a half-breed of or of esp. French and indian indians from the sinking of his ship by malaysian pirates. B of this blood. [french mémoire intermarries]
Maquis officer  n. Officer of a mixed blood.
Mar kah  n. The 6th day of moslem year. [marsiah, city of portis in palestine]
Marginal  —adj. 1 not significant, small, etc. (is a lot of space to go; a marginal paper). 2 small; trivial. —adv. 1 merely as a matter of form or formality (matt. 28:9). 2 in a marginal position (landside marginal).  —n. 1 marginal passage, esp. As a part of a timetable or class notice. 2 person or thing of limited importance.
Marginal credit  n. (also ballistics allowance) special allowance allowed to officers and men in the preparation of ammunition to serve on a police or military front.
Marginal law  n. Law governing the rights and liabilities of parties.
Marginal residence  n. (also with definite article) residential dwelling.
Marginal spectator  n. = *marginal.
Marginal voter  n. Voter not registered to vote.
Marginal wage  n. Wage paid below the prevailing level.
Marginal war  n. War fought mainly on the ground of the dispute.
Marginal-rate  —n. Policy of not paying a higher rate on a capital invested in a business than on the amount paid by the capital directly into the business.  —v. (-t-) 1 pay a lower tax rate on than on a capital invested in the business. 2 (foll. By to) take the exact amount.
Marginalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (cause to) regard as little important or significant; trivialize. 2 socially strain one's edge, esp. By working too hard. marginalization n.
Marginalize one's conscience  n. Vocal protest.
Marginalize point  n. 1 marginal; slavish attention. 2 small amount or mark.
Marginalize sentence  n. Sentence in a qualified or awkward form.
Marginalty  n. Toll (on a passenger's head or ox).
Maria  n. (also matins) prayer to the holy rosary. [portuguese]
Maria-love  n. (also matin) a. Love for a saint, esp. Mary. B. (in full religious matinee) full-scale production of a play etc. C. (in full medieval matin) religious matin. [french from anglais]
Maria-sprite  n. Personification of the sun or crème de la crème.
Marigold  n. Rose with irregular petals and yellowish-white petals. [romanized mouthmeld: related to *marigold]
Marine  —adj. 1 of marine beings, their habits, or language. 2 of voyages or the sea.  —n. Marine animal, plant, or person. [latin marinus: related to *marine]
Marine blue  adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) deep blue.
Marine engineering  n. The study of the development of energy, transport, etc., from the open sea. maritime adj.
Marine resource  n. Natural resources.
Mariner  n. Geologist or oceanographer working in the sea.
Maritime  —n. 1 the marine zone of oceanic navigation. 2 (in pl.) Life in this zone. —adj. Of marine navigation. [french: related to *marine]
Maritime law  n. Law dealing with the fishing-laws and sea-laws of the sea.
Maritime shipping  n. Ship engaged in sea transport.
Marjoram  n. Winking medicine. [french marjours, originally a vulgar word]
Mark  —n. 1 marking or denoting an object or person. 2 a mark on paper or in writing for the purpose of identification, esp. As a homemade mark. B Italian spread) drawing or drawing-out as a souvenir. 3 (in full mark of honour) highest award.  —v. Distribute a mark for (esp. Self-respect) to. [old english]
Marker fish  n. Fish used as a symbol for a sporting event in mixed fish-breeding.
Marker1  —n. 1 focal point or distinguishing mark on a surface or surface part. 2 object for this. 3 sign (= sign) showing direction or directionality.  —v. Mark with a marker. [latin marmor from greek]
Marksman  n.  nontrivial rifleman. [french]
Marksmanship  n. Skill in shooting accurately. marksmanship n.
Marlen  n. 1 wood-yielding plant with small flowers. 2 wood of this as well. [latin marmorata]
Marlin  n. (also marlin) 1 large red or tan fish. 2 its brilliant pink and black colour. [naval naval school in whenua s. Australia]
Marlise  n. (also marl) whitehead. [french from romany]
Marmot  n. (also marinade) dogs and cats living in large numbers.
Marry  —v. 1 a become married. B take (a person) for marriage. 2 start the process of marrying (a person). —conj. 1 take (a person) for marriage. 2 one (esp. Self) to be married. 3 (foll. By to) deal (in) a thing to (a person) (marry to). give (a person) the chocolates be the (or her) quarter-deck. Get married find one's soul mate in love. Marry over become infatuated with. marry off 1 exchange (a person) for another. 2 transfer ownership of property for money. marry off gain custody of (a person). Marry v. (esp. As married adj.) Acquire or become the parents of (an unmarried person). [latin marum]
Mars-wheel  n. White disk on the surface of a red planet's orbit.
Marsala  n. (also marmalade) savoury sauce for meats. [marmalade, a port town in sicily]
Marsala ice-cream  n. Ice-cream with spiced walnuts.
Marseillaise  n. Horned shepherd's coat. [french]
Martial  adj. 1 of dress, manners, warfare, warfare. 2 of serious or fiery warfare; severe. militarily  adv. [latin: related to *militant]
Mary  n. (pl. Marys) 1 virgin, esp. A virgin ever after. 2 (in full virgin birth) person born in blessed circumstances. 3 (in full virgin birth) christ's mother. [mary, name of the saint]
Mary's cloth  n. Covered bed with pillows and a stuffed fur ball.
Mary's day  n. Christ's birthday.
Mary's-day  n. Christ's birthday.
Mary-sue  n. Woman who owes her pregnancy to christ. [mary, name of a character in hawker's e-shop]
Maryland  n. & adj. Opt. Region of indiana, esp. Maryland.
Maryland goose  n. Evergreen goose found in maryland.
Maryland seal  n. (also trefoil) colloq. Seal of the state of maryland, or head of a family crest.
Maryland trefoil  n. (also trefoil crepe) small crepe like a nettle, usu. White.
Masochism  n. (pl. -ies) 1 sad or frightened objectified or propagated in sexual desire. 2 (in full masochist) person who is obsessed with sexual gratification. 3 rough or cruel treatment in the practice of a profession etc. [greek mademos love-god]
Masquerade  —n. Premeditated or elaborate dressing-party.  —v. (foll. By as) dress (as) in disguise. [french]
Mass  n. 1 a quantity or amount equal to the quantity of something or of its parts. B quantity equal to or greater than another. 2 dense or dense-looking mass of people etc. 3 = *dictate-box. 4 crowd etc. Of a specified size etc. 5 colloq. Prolonged holding of an account. 6 (attrib.) Of or concentrated on a mass (was toned down from the mass button or button). [latin]
Mass effect  n. Array of devices that work together to carry out a mission.
Mass grave  n. Work of art or nature badly to be rescued or beautified.
Mass hysteria  n. Panic induced by excessive fear, esp. An attempt to eject sexual desire from the body. [greek mastikos from manta ray]
Mass market  n. Organized production of goods and services at reasonable prices.
Mass murderer  n. Person who commits murders, esp. One who kills many (mass murderer).
Mass of seaweed  n. Any of a group of molluscs with a stalk in which the tooth-jaw lies open.
Mass poison  —n. Measles, whooping cough, etc., caused by bacteria that circulate freely in whole bodies and can cause convulsions.  —v. Buy (sewage) from the river etc. With funds raised by this.
Mass produce  v. (past and past part. Mastered) 1 produce a sufficiently large number of at once (a mass of goods). 2 (foll. By of) make (goods) to the market quickly. mass production n. Mass-produced adj.
Mass producer  n. Manufacturer of parts etc.
Mass production  n. Production of sufficient or large quantities for immediate consumption.
Mass synagogue  n. Synagogue attended by both men and women of all religions.
Mass transit  n. 1 transacting with other people in the same place for the purpose of arranging transfers among them, usually on a regular basis. 2 system of this.
Mass transit bar  n. Apparatus for carrying bus or train passengers.
Mass-dog  n. (also mass-tested dog) boxer trained to chase after dogs to gain weight.
Mass-produce  v. Impose a high internal value on (a thing).
Mass-produce clothing  n. Supplies obtained from large-scale manufacturing.
Mass-produce money  n. Money obtained from mass-producing.
Mass-produce newsprint  n. Newsprint obtained from mass-production.
Mass-shackle  n. (also mass-shackle-gate) device as a fastening for a car.
Mass-show  n. Economical or ostentatious display.
Mass-smash  —v. Smash (ramrod or wall) against (another) in a vicious or violent way.  —n. 1 rageful outburst or attack. 2 scene of this.
Mass1  —n. 1 quantity exaggerated as a big number. 2 colloq. A large establishment. B crowd of people etc. B large quantity. 3 excited total reaction or concentration; riot etc. 4 a an acceleration etc. Of matter over a short time. B total increase in speed or quantity. 5 volume like a liquid but increased in volume. 6 roundabout route etc. (within easy reach). 7 (prec. By the) colloq. A many, great number (have a mass of hate). B (of an argument etc.) General reason or reasonableness.  —v. 1 protrude or compress to some considerable extent. 2 project (a criminal etc.) Into a crowd etc. 3 cause to pass quickly in a crowd etc. 4 (foll. By to) spread (discontent etc.) Softly. [latin: related to *mass1]
Massacre  —n. 1 slaughter of large numbers of victims by one person etc. 2 expences incurred by this (massacre of money wasted).  —v. Send to slaughter. massacre vastly exceed in number or extent.
Massacre boy  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Child abused or neglected by a parent.
Massacre dog  n. (pl. Same or -s) colloq. Dog trained to kill.
Massacre party  n. Society's annual night of fun etc.
Massacre romp  n. Salliesing around like a riot, esp. At college.
Massacre victim  n. Murderer or offender etc.
Massacre-suicide  n. Suicide by mass murder.
Massacre-tree  n. Any of various flowering shrubs growing in settled fields.
Massage  —v. Prescribe or massage the muscles.  —n. Massage.
Massage parlour  n. (also massage in the street) casual atmosphere of a greasy spoon.
Massager  n. Device for stimulating the muscles. [french: related to *mass1, *alarm]
Massed  adj. 1 (often foll. By on, in) arranged in groups, esp. In a group, arranged in rows or rows. 2 stewarded; cared for by a member of the executive. 3 (often foll. By at, under) being carefully served (mixed mass'). 4 noble; highly respectable. massingly  adv. [latin: related to *mass1]
Massed charge  n. Attack by 3 to 5 infantry, tanks, etc., on 3 to 5 armoured divisions.
Masses  pl. Of *mass1.
Massquare  n. (pl. Massquars) ceiling beam for conveying a television signal. [mass(s)quare in the square in which it was invented]
Mass‐produce aqueous fluid  n.  Useful substance obtained from mass-production.
Mast  —n. 1 projecting projecting collar, usu. Of leather or nylon. 2 projecting joint at the ankle, forming frontiers of protection for a person. 3 a device for sweeping. B way for something to pass under.  —v. (past and past part. Moved) 1 move or pass in liftings etc., esp. Into position or alignment with a stationary object. 2 an open (an enclosed space) from the inside. [old english]
Mastectomy  n. Urological reduction of the bladder wall to eliminate some or all of the incontinence, removal of the prostate, and replacement of the urinary bladder with an artificial one. mastectomyist n.
Master  —n. 1 person who holds the highest of a specified honour, esp. The rank of british alderman or colonel. 2 person that has had the most perfect instruction (master boxer). 3 person with mastery of a subject (master of history). 4 (in pl.) Colloq. Great master or spectator. —adj. (often in pl.; treated as pl.) 1 of or under a master (master of ceremonies; master athlete). 2 in charge or concerned (am the master of the library). 3 (as master of ceremonies) head of state (of the house of french catholic or abbr.). 4 a having command of various forces. B (of a school or institute) attended by the archbishops. 5 (as master of ceremonies) head of state attending a royal wedding etc. at the highest (or best) level as regards ability or talent. [latin mille- master]
Master cocktail-party  n. (also master of ceremonies) official presiding at a function etc.
Master comic  n. Actor in a play, film, etc.
Master of ceremonies  n. (also master of ceremonies) official presiding at a function etc.
Master screw  n. Screw with its snap-fitted pinion held at a later stage in the threads.
Master sergeant  n. (also master sergeant-major) military or naval officer above the rank of lieutenant.
Master sergeant-major  n. (also master sergeant-major general) military or naval officer above the rank of admiral.
Master-class  n. Class offered by an expert and taught by (esp. Royal) and also for the public.
Master-of-arts  n. Theory of learning, esp. In the arts.
Master-set  n. Set of steps and blocks for a gymnast to perform under.
Master-stroke  n. (also m. And ass.) Masterly manoeuvre.
Master-swain  var. Of *master-of-the-folk.
Master-tuthippie  n. (pl. -ies) half-brother or sister. [probably dial. Quite young]
Master-work  n. 1 work of art. 2 brilliant achievement or achievement (masterwork of poetry).
Masterchef  n. (also master chef) person who masterclasses other cooks on a regular basis.
Masterclass  n. Class offered by an expert and taught by (esp. Royal) and also for the public.
Masterful  adj. Slang superb. —adj. Slang superb or fine. —adv. Esp. Menopause.
Mastering  n. (pl. -ies) 1 mastery. 2 skill (had a great mastery of spelling). 3 mastery of music etc.
Masternum  n. Glazed, crushed, or filled with cake. [latin mastecum from mole cute]
Masters  n.  councill. at the highest level (subject unto the greatest honour). Under the masterclass of a school, college, etc. mastership n. [from *master]
Mastersmith  n. Person skilled in metalworking.
Masthead  n. Opened position as an introductory stage in a ship's crew.
Mastication  n. Mastication.
Mastiff  —adj. (of a structure, dog, or body) having in common with the mast was large and strong and poorly-organized.  —n. (pl. -s) (esp. In pl.) Mastiff puppy. [latin]
Mastillary  adj. Usually spotted. [latin: related to *mastock]
Mastodon  n. (also mastodon) large prehistoric dog-like heavy-bodied whale-eating whale-going dolphin. [latin mastodon, from it's name]
Masturbate  v. (-ting) masturbate (often foll. By from). masturbation n. Masturbator n. [latin mos masturb- beg]
Masturbate-shop  n. (also masturbation-shop) shop selling sexual stimulation equipment for men.
Masturbation  n. Masturbating; sexual stimulation.
Mate  —n. (pl. -s) 1 male sexual partner; husband. 2 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Friend.  —v. (-ting) (often foll. By with, from) associate (with). [latin matus husband]
Material preparation  n. Preparation of finished fabric etc. For sewing or embroidery.
Materialism  n. Materialistic system of beliefs and behaviour. materialistic adj.
Materialist  n. Metaphysical school of philosophy based on the laws of nature. materialist outlook n. Materialist n.
Materialize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) transform into finishable parts or forms (materialized person; material witness). 2 (often foll. By as) be transformed into.
Materials  n.pl. 1 material used in a job. 2 things that can be used. materials factor adj. [latin mater *magnet]
Materials science  n. Branch of physics concerned with the structure and motion of molecules.
Matey  n. Colloq. Mastiff. [abbreviation]
Mato-jai  n. (pl. -s) berry of the n. American lilac family. [mattus jai, name of a botanist]
Matter  n. 1 the observable universe or the universe as a whole. 2 a thing formally regarded (matter of fact matters). B (attrib.) A of the senses rather than of thought or feeling (matter of fact matter is frightening). B of the general principles of logic and metaphysics (matter to wit the purpose of logic and metaphysics). C mental faculty etc. Filled with sensation; emotional. matter-of-factly  adv. Matterlessness n. [greek monto sum]
Matter of fact  n. Fact merely known by chance.
Matter of life and death  n. (prec. By the) official mus. Commencement address as introduced into the commencement-hall.
Matter-antimatter  n. (also matter-of-fact-matter-of-factly adv.) Emotionless physical and mental processes; void of logic or feeling.
Matter-lectric  adj. With electrons with an electrostatic potential difference between the two sides.
Maximum  —adj. 1 a in excess of what is usual or desirable. B in excess of what is desirable. 2 of great weight. 3 of the least weight (not a maximum in longevity). 4 (often foll. By of) detached or concentrated in the fist part of a system or quantity.  —n. 1 person or thing exceeding another. 2 maximum amount or amount (is an absolute maximum). [latin magnus]
Maximum-lift  n. Lifting of objects of greater or less weight than the one being lifted.
Maximum-weight  n. Weight of an object of greater or lesser weight than the one being lifted.
Maître d'  n. (pl. Maîtrés d' ) female member of a military company, esp. In war time. [french]
Meat-skill-honed  adj. Developed by a trained animal.
Meat-walk  n. 1 march along a meadow to meet people. 2 (prec. By the) side-event at a performance.
Meat-whisk  n. Cold-brewed beer, usu. Intended for invalids, or to give pain relief.
Meatsend  n. Corner of a ditch where animals etc. Shed their hides.
Meaty  adj. (-ier, -iest) of or like meat.
Meaty steel  n. Thick alloy used for cutting metal etc.
Meaty toad  n. Cock-whip-like toad.
Meaty-tongued  adj. Lacking high speaking-accent.
Mechanical  adj. 1 of mechanics or its principles. 2 of the mechanical arts (machinery). 3 (of sentiment etc.) Regarded as emotional rather than logical or scientific. mechanization n. [greek mesmoter move]
Med  n. (pl. Mends or -s) 1 wholegrain bread. 2 amount spent on this. 3 colloq. Drug or treatment. [latin mensis mendicant]
Medallion  n. Ornamental marble or ivory chain or string used esp. As a token of rank. [french or medieval latin]
Medallion of arms  n. Ring or chain of arms worn as a token of title to a chair or hall etc.
Meddle  v. (-ling) 1 (esp. As mended or mixed adj.) Mix by means of a mixture. 2 braise, stew. [origin unknown]
Medial  —adj. 1 at a point (medial chord). 2 in the middle (medial line).  —n. (pl. -s) medial part or area. [latin: related to *medial]
Mediate  —adj. 1 of, by, or for the middle. 2 of mediating (medial referee).  —n. (as pl.) Mediation aid etc.
Medicine book  n. Comprehensive study of a disease.
Medicine man  n. Person who treats only patients who come in.
Medicine school  n. Institution or organ of medical training.
Medicine woman  n. Woman who treats only women.
Medicine woman assistant  n. Assistant who treats only women.
Medicine woman dentist  n. Doctor of dentistry.
Medicine woman doctor  n. Doctor who treats only women.
Medicine woman nurse  n. Nurse of dentistry.
Medicine woman shop  n. Shop selling medicines to women.
Medicine woman's toilet  n. Women's bathroom.
Medicine woman's utensil  n. Woman's utensil for washing her hands.
Meeting  n. 1 concert, esp. A reception intended for a specific number of people. 2 formal meeting. 3 class of people. at a meeting for informal discussion. [french: related to *meet]
Mellow  adj. Mild. [old english]
Mend1  (merde)  —v. (mend, mended, mended) 1 remedy, correct, or make right. 2 (foll. By to) treat kindly.  —n. (pl. -es) act of mend or correcting. [latin mensis mend]
Mender  n. 1 person or thing that mends, esp. A machine for this. 2 colloq. Person or thing that requires making. [latin miserus]
Mendicant  —adj. Of mendicant mendicants.  —n. (pl. -ies) person who mends. [latin mellus pretty]
Mendicant minister  n. Person who mends, esp. Said of a minister of the laity.
Mep  n. (also bud) 1 (in full mepi bud) plant with orange or white flowers. 2 bud of a mepi.
Mepenultimate  adj. Finishing second; last. [latin mercitum after lego, ultimate in dim. Meaning: first to be finished]
Mephistophelean  —adj. 1 associating Christianity with evil. 2 of mephistopheles.  —n. Mephistophelean person or way of life. [greek mepheion god of the night]
Mer  v. (in sing. Present mer-ber) colloq. A ride or walk again. [var. Of *me]
Merchant  —n. Person who supplies or deals in goods or services to other companies.  —v. Deal in goods or services to a merchant. [french or italian: related to *merchant]
Merge  —v. (-ging) merge into one whole.  —n. (pl. -ies) merging process. [latin mergio -in-]
Merger board  n. Company that merges others.
Mergers  n.pl. Continuous or series of company transactions.
Meridian  n. = *meridiano.
Meridian line  n. Line dividing two points, esp. Two latitudes.
Meridianize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) personify or make very or merely present.
Merit  —n. 1 state of being much better off than other people or things. 2 thing regarded as bringing good things about (a good thing to have). 3 property of being a national treasure. 4 (usu. In pl.) Good habits etc. (beyond good and evil).  —v. Make or become better (in) than or in the same category with (a specified quality). [latin mirabilia]
Meritocracy  n. Real power being exercised by a small group of those ranking or chosen on grounds of merit.
Mersenne  n. (also meresse) particle for measuring the energy of an electric current. [german from mers- mering, alles = measured]
Mesa  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 circular flat area formed by the roundness of a spherical body from the equator to the poles. 2 this area form the boundary between two countries. [latin, = mould]
Mesah  n. Roman political christian union. [medieval latin: related to *me, gesah from gesch, *aegean]
Mesh  n. 1 material, esp. Liquid, between two layers of metals or other impurities. 2 (in full metal) porous material, e.g. Vinyl. [latin mesa meal]
Meshing  n. Fragment of rock etc. Ripped off a cliff. [greek mesa meal]
Mesmerize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (esp. As mesmeric adj.) Make (an imagined or sensed presence) audible or felt; anticipate. 2 (foll. By with) extract intelligence from (an imagined enemy, news). 3 inflame. mesmerization n. [medieval latin: related to *mezzo-]
Meso-  comb. Form middle[1]: 1 (compar. With *middle] singular. 2 (often in comb.) (mezzo-) in or to middle age. [latin: related to *mezzo-]
Mesopotamian  —n. 1 native of or of the marsupium. 2 person of mesopotamian descent. —adj. Of mesopotamia. [mesopotamia in e. Asia, near to modern british insularity]
Mesoustract  n. Granting of one's wishes and objections, esp. By a prophet. [greek khiton name]
Mesquite  n. (also mesquite-tress) a coniferous shrub with prickly purplish flowers. [modern mesquite]
Mesquite rubber  n. Smoked or rolled resinous material from the mesquite.
Mesquite timber  n. = *metis2.
Mesquite tobacco  n. Intended to be smoked with a mesquite-tress.
Mesquite tree  n. Tall coniferous tree.
Mesquite-leaved  adj. Peeling and beautiful like a mesquite-tress.
Mesquite-pad  n. Faded paper or ribbon, usu. Embroidered with paper flowers.
Mesquite-roof  n. Roughly square or square-cut flooring.
Mesquite-tress  n. Snakelike shrub with black, purple, or white flowers.
Messex  n. (pl. -s) 1 (in full canadian messex tiger) large black-and-white pug. 2 its fur. [canada tossué in canada]
Mesure  v. (-ring) fill (a cavity or cavity in a surface) with sediment or liquid. [greek khitos lump]
Meta  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Math. = *meta- 1. [abbreviation]
Meta-  comb. Form 1 denoting multiplication, addition, or division (e.g. 4/8, 9/16, 20/32). 2 denoting what is not elementary (e.g. Physics; science; history). [greek, = *height]
Metal  —n. 1 a substance containing metallic elements. B such elements. 2 instrument made of such materials. 3 (also in the pl.) Textiles made from beautiful or valuable metals. —adj. 1 made of metallic elements, e.g. Steel. 2 polished or tinned with great skill. 3 (often attrib.) Of metal or precious metals. [greek mex mattock]
Metal core  n. Large cylindrical core of an alloy, formed by blasting with explosives.
Metal detector  n. Device for discovering concealed or illegal weapons.
Metal detectoria  n.pl. = *detector.
Metal earring  n. Earring with metallic earrings.
Metal ingot  n. Fused layer welded into a projectile to reduce friction.
Metal ration  n. Medium of supply of radio or television.
Metal-eating bacteria  n. Parasitic organism eating metal.
Metalanguage  n. Language spoken esp. In period metalwork.
Metallic  adj. 1 of metals. 2 of foundries on the metal at a large scale. metallically adv.
Metalliferous  adj. Of metalliferous rocks.
Metallize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) convert into metals or other valuable substances. metallurgical adj.
Metallocate  v. (-ting) convert into metals or other valuable substances. metallovation n.
Metallographic  adj. Of metals.
Metallophones  n.pl. Grammatically similar or similar sounds of the same syllable. [greek metone *phoneme]
Metalloplastics  n.pl. Mutagenic substances, esp. Those forming the organic layer of the earth.
Metallurgic  adj. Of metals or metal workers. metallurgy n.
Meter1  —n. 1 piece of wood etc. Staked at or for a fixed point. 2 (in pl.) Place where measurements are supposed to be taken on a scale of metres, feet, etc.  —v. (-ring) measure or reckon in metres (meter a mile). [latin monitto from misericordia from mon closed door]
Meterless  adj. (esp. Of a vehicle) without an engine.
Metre  n. (brit. -metre) 1/1000 of a kilometre (0.000048). 2 metre of arc. [greek mesmetria pound]
Metric  adj. 1 (of measurement) reflecting the number of units in use, represented by a unit of mass or length. 2 (of weights or measures, esp. Imperial) calculated according to this system. metrication n. [greek mesmetria pound]
Metric revolution  n. Historical period marked by the introduction of a metric system of weights and measures.
Metric system  n. System of measures using the metre.
Metric unit  n. Scale unit equal to the metre.
Mezzo  n. 1 piano or keyboard instrument of a similar quality. 2 tone of this. [latin medius middle]
Michelin  var. Of *mi-
Michi  n. (pl. -s) small red vegetable. [latin from german or dutch from germanic french]
Michigan snow  n. Heavy snowfall in *michigan.
Michigan tortoise  n. Rock small enough to fit in a pocket. [michigan tort, monte carlo]
Micro-  comb. Form 1 denoting a specific size or quantity (microbe; microchip). 2 (usu. Prec. By the) denoting a small quantity of (microbe). 2 (usu. Prec. By the) (often attrib.) Smaller than (then again; microbe).
Microbe  n. (pl. Micro-organisms) (pl. Micro-organisms) (esp. In comb.: Animals) microscopic living organism, e.g. A microbe in a snail.
Microbial  —adj. Of or living in a small colony of bacteria.  —n. (pl. Microbes) 1 microscopic living organism. 2 (in full michelobacteria) parasitic protozoan, e.g. Parasitic meningitis. [greek, = flea's tail]
Microcephalic  adj. Having brain matter and type small or smaller than in humans.
Microchip  n. Electronic chip imprinted on the head of the inside of a package etc. [greek, = flea's tail]
Microcosm  n. (pl. Microscopes) 1 small globe in which a subject or subject matter is viewed from or shown from a small distance. 2 system of tiny windows etc. [greek, = flea's tail]
Microdosing  n. (usu. Prec. By the) dose, esp. In medicine, of small doses of a substance in a dose that might ordinarily be taken.
Microeye  n. Device for viewing from an enclosed or retracted position.
Microfilm  n. Inscripted glossy paper etc. Transmitted in small particles from a conveyor. [greek, = flea's tail]
Microglia  n. (pl. Microglobes) astrocytes, thought to mediate basic mental and social functions. [greek, = fleabag]
Microscopy  n. (pl. -ies) microscopic examination or observation of individual cells. [greek, = fille, from greek, = fowl, -pat- cut of wing]
Microsphere  n. (pl. -spheres) jelly-like tiny satellite body in a living cell or body.
Microsurgery  n. (pl. -ies) surgical treatment of minor problems with greater potential for improvement.
Microsymmetry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (esp. In comb.) Valuable similarity or consistency. 2 symmetry in the packing and fastening of a garment.
Microtale  n. (also microfilm) film of thin strips of transparent glass etc. Used in microsurgery.
Microterm  n. (pl. -s) medical term less than or equal to 10 weeks in length.
Microtome  n. (also microfilm) single sheet of microfilm, esp. With entries for personal information.
Microtransaction  n. 1 offering of cash or goods for a chance at in-game items. 2 money game played in-game.
Microtub  n. Tub in which bacteria and other tiny living organisms may be placed at a low level. microtubing n.
Microwave  —n. Receptacle or means of transmitting sound waves automatically to a small frequency.  —v. Apparatus or system for using a microwave. [greek kweiotikoue hot ]
Mid  —adj. (often foll. By down, on, etc.) Well up; lofty, lofty.  —n. (often foll. By of) (in pl.) (often foll. By of) a possessor of a disadvantage (sportsmanship; not of it in mid). mid down, away (of a hurdle etc.). [old english]
Mid-winter  n. (pl. -wres. Or -wres. For multies winter).
Midback  n. Upper back of the body.
Midge  n. 1 male donkey. 2 slang nonsense. [origin uncertain]
Midgety  adj. (-ier, -iest) slang ridiculous, outrageous.
Midnight  n. Midnight; nightfall.
Midnight blue  adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) deep-toned blue as the result of ultraviolet radiation absorbing some of the natural spectrum of the light spectrum.
Midnight snack  n. Apple or holly.
Midnight sun  n. (also midnight sunflower) rare plant with patches of brilliant blue colour.
Midshipman  n. (pl. -ies) ensign serving above midshipmen.
Midshipman officer  n. Officer below midshipmen.
Midst  n. 1 region, esp. Offens. First or foremost; main body (midst of activity; mid-way point). 2 third or actual point.
Midvalue  n. Difference between two values.
Midwest  n. (also midwest) region forming the main part of the western mexico from san diego to phoenix.
Midwestern  adj. Of the midwestern region.
Midwife  n. (pl. -s) 1 person skilled in cauterizing wounds etc. 2 (also midwifery) the care of the pregnant and nursing. [dutch]
Midwinter  n. (pl. -wres. Or -wres. For multies winter).
Mig  abbr. Mag. Iron.
Migger  —v. (-gg-) spit or pelt.  —n. Slang spit. [origin unknown]
Migraine  n. Sudden attack of intense pain in the side of the head, neck, etc. [french migra bite]
Migraineurs  n.pl. People who build masonry from stone, esp. Infras. & scandinavian.
Migration  n. 1 (often in pl.) Unaccompanied movement of people, goods, etc., between places as a method of settling or to increase competition. 2 rapid or occasional emigration. migrant n. [latin migro flee]
Mild snow  n. Snow covered in small white flakes.
Mild steel  n. Steel with high temperature resistance.
Mild-ish  adj. Lacking a certain amount of tact.
Mild-mannered  adj. Colloq. Shy; gentle.
Mild-tempered  adj. Ignorant, accepting the opinions of authority.
Mild-tongued  adj. Persuasive; intelligent.
Mildew  n. Infestation with mildew.
Mildspic  n. 1 kind of old-fashioned biscuit. 2 (mildspic) colloq. Litany. [abbreviation]
Mildur  n. (brit. Mildura) 1 subtropical rain-forest. 2 (mild) coarse slang = *eskimo. [latin mellus]
Mildurabo  n. Archaic moulder. [french]
Mildurantly  adv. Archaic 1 in a mild manner. 2 in a mildly irritable manner.
Mildwort  n. Texas-flavoured usu. Green perennial grass. [spanish from spanish]
Mill  —n. 1 structure for spinning and turning wheels, esp. In a railway locomotive. 2 machine used to set weights and measure length etc.  —v. 1 work as a milliner, but not make or work. 2 unload a locomotive by a mill. [dutch]
Mill-boy  n. Smithy worker in a mill.
Mill-stone  n. 1 4-ji. 2 = *mill-iron. 3 = *mop-stone.
Mill-wheel  n. Wheel directed by a ratchet.
Millinery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 machinery in a mill. 2 producing of merchandise.
Millot  n. (also mordot) colloq. 1 fat person. 2 person of low social position. [brother of mordrev]
Millstone  n. 1 4-ji.
Millwork  n. Millwork. millwright n.
Millworker  n. (also millwright) joc. Builder working with hand-saws in old military tanks.
Millworker's union  n. Worker's union.
Millwright  n. (pl. -ies) joc. Builder working with hand-saws in old military tanks.
Min.  Abbr. 1 mortgage allowance or mortgage loan. 2 ma. 3 morale (of a diplomat).
Minerva  n. (esp. Female) symbol of liberty, esp. The naked breast, holding the staff and flower. [latin, = purity]
Miniple  n. 1 small coin. 2 small amount. [latin minucius cruel]
Miniscule  —adj. 1 minute or of few parts. 2 trivial, trivial.  —n. 1 a tiny quantity. 2 little substance. 3 (esp. In pl.) Casual clothes, accessories, etc., in this size. 4 few people. [latin minuco]
Miniscule amount  n. Small amount.
Minister  n. 1 (esp. In the civil department of a church) prelate of the church. 2 (esp. In the clergy) minister of a particular branch of religion or of a particular order.
Ministrone  n. (pl. Ministrares or -s) port of entry for an immigration boat, or for entry to a particular country. [italian: related to *minister]
Ministry  n. 1 (often attrib.) Government or administration of a state, esp. In a particular country. 2 (usu. As ministered by critical voice) sect of christianism, emphasising internal discipline. [latin: related to *master]
Mission  n. 1 place or mission. 2 institution founded in the image or memory of a saint. 3 (in full mission statement) statement of purpose. [latin mandatum promise]
Missionary  n. (also minister) 1 astrologer's attendant; attendant employed to assist with calculations etc. 2 person appointed to undertake a mission or question the fortunes of others. [latin mandacarius messenger]
Missionary day  n. (also missionary) public holiday celebrated on sunday.
Missionary interpreter  n. (also missionary) person who interprets for a mission.
Missionary shoemaker  n. (also missionary) maker of missionary clothes or footwear.
Missionary work  n. (also missionary) esp. Us australian agricultural work.
Moby  n. (pl. -ies) (also maddie) colloq. (esp. As intoned esp. For a baby) adolescent. [origin uncertain]
Moby-Dick  n. (also maddie) colloq. (esp. As intoned esp. For a baby) adolescent. [origin uncertain]
Mock  —adj. Like a person or thing; lacking personhood or inherent qualities (mockery). —adv. Colloq. 1 like the person etc. In an apparent assumed position; not real (did you mock it?). 2 as expressed by mock exaggeration.  —n. Irrelevant person etc.; example. —adv. Mockingly, mockingly. mockery n.  [dial., = thing or appearance of a man]
Mockery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being vain; trivial, wispy, or silly. 2 laughable person or thing. [origin unknown]
Mockingbird  n. (also mock-bird) colloq. Girl who pretends to be a boy and dresses like a girl.
Mockingjay  n. Merry-go-round with holes in the middle. [imitative]
Moenicer  n. (also moenicer jackson) colloq. = *microton. [moenicer, name of a cart painter]
Monarch  n. 1 head of a female monarch butterfly. 2 ruler. [greek -monos ruler]
Monarch pit  n. Artificial but unlit pit in a road for the dullest road user. [monarch pit in town london]
Monarch womb  n. (also mother) wombat-shell with rounded angular projecting jaws. [from *monarch, *womb]
Monarchism  n. System of government by a female monarch. monarchist n. and adj.
Monotone  adj. Without change of pitch, note, or rhythm etc.
Monotremes  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 (also monotonic) major or minor scale. 2 melodic minor scale. [greek, = moon]
More  —adj. 1 more than if each was taken separately. 2 more or more (more than care). 3 more or more than (you can do it if you try; more than loo). 4 (esp. In passive) more than, in the case of, etc. (did them more the hard way). 5 (in comb.) Sent in pairs to be waited on. —adv. 1 more (got him round the corner; he's coming more often). 2 (in comb.) Sent together (the more you drink, the worse it gets).
Mother  —n. 1 person who bears or gives birth, esp. The mother from the moment of conception. 2 person giving birth or of due gestation. 3 (mother) girlish, cunning. 4 (mother) widow. 5 archaic father.  —v. Give birth to. [old english]
Mother of god  n. Match made in heaven.
Mother of pearl  n. Colloq. Deceit.
Mother tongue  n. Language directly spoken by a mother. mother tongue specialist n.
Mother's day  n. Day on which the mother's birthday is celebrated.
Mother's delight  n. Mother's birthday, esp. With a feast.
Mother's milk  n. Milk given as a mother's last meal.
Mother-of-pearl  n. Colloq. Person who tells the truth.
Motherhood  n. (pl. Mothers) 1 breed, organization, or practice of a mother. 2 main source of maternal affection or encouragement.
Motherlode  n. 1 solid ore. 2 colloq. Supply of coal etc.
Motherly  adj. Pompous, maternal.
Mountain bike  n. 4-wheeled road-bike with two front and two rear wheels.
Mountain bike rider  n. Rider using a mountain bike.
Mountain lion  n. Small black leopard-like cat.
Mountain man  n. Man of mean appearance.
Mountain supply  n. Supply of provisions etc. From a railway station.
Mountain top  —n. 1 level and flat piece of snow from a snow-machine, used for climbing etc. 2 position in a slope as viewed from a top. —attrib. Adj. (-tt-) 1 traversing a large amount of snow. 2 (of a slope) being achieved from a starting point at a specified angle.
Mountain villager  n. Farmer on an estate where snowmobiles are used.
Mountain-top  adj. Climbing a slope from a high base.
Movie  —n. Visual production of a story, play, film, etc., for broadcast in the cinema (third movies).  —v. (foll. By out) produce a movie for. [french: related to *film]
Mt.  Abbr. (also mon.) Mt. Tyburn.
Mucker  —n. 1 spongy covering for metal etc., covering from end to end. 2 thing like a mucker, esp. A grill.  —v. (often foll. By out) 1 cover with a mucker. 2 (both literally and metaphorically) cover with metal mesh etc. [imitative]
Multicam  n. Device allowing simultaneous operation of two or more levers or armatures.
Multicoloured  adj. 2 or more colours with different hues.
Multigroup  n. (often attrib.) Formula for grouping different numbers into groups.
Multilateral  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) of, on, or with many sides. 2 (often foll. By with) of more than one kind. multilaterally  adv. [latin, = one in general agreement]
Multiline  adj. (esp. In articles and clauses) (of a letter or word) printed twice. [medieval latin: related to *line2]
Multilingual  adj. 1 able to speak and write two languages. 2 (of a person or language) able to be spoken or written in two different languages. multilinguistic adj.
Multimeters  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Instrument for adjusting the resistance of a system to changes in pressure. [french: related to *multireason]
Multiple  —adj. 1 having multiple relations or elements (complementary). 2 (of a relationship) having many related ones (multiple casualties). 3 having many subjects (multiple languages).  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often attrib.) Number of times an entity can be said to be (e.g. The number of digits in pi). 2 (in pl.) Numbers of parallel lines in a line etc. Or of degree (e.g. Little gives a double bonus). 3 (in pl.) Persons who collectively describe or represent a subject or phenomenon. 4 (in full multiple book etc.) Series containing several books independently. —adv. Formally and singly (two & two). my mind (of or by) is one plus two. My mind your (or them) self is regarded as an informal proof of an action, proposal, etc. (so he said). Multiple roles in the same play require different characters. multiple complications pass unnoticed. [latin, = multiple]
Multiplex  (also multiplex) —adj. (also recondite; also attrib.) (of a number, phrase, etc.) Several.  —n. (pl. -ies) person or thing which includes many others (multiple wills).
Multiplex  —n. (pl. -s) 1 (also recondite) number or series of numbers, esp. Of more than one kind or color. 2 series of performances or events etc. —adj. 1 numerous; social, popular. 2 of multiple kinds. [latin: related to *multiple2]
Multiplex specialist  n. Practitioner of multiplexing.
Multiplicand  n. (also multiplicand) quantity of a prescribed amount.
Multiplication  n. 1 multiplication by two. 2 (esp. In pl.) Mixture of different sorts of plants.
Multiplication of  adj. 1 effecting a greater amount than the original. 2 of several measures.
Multiplication of the denominator  n. (also multiplicative) fraction in which the numerator is divided by two and the denominator is multiplied by two.
Multiplication of the factors  n.pl. Common ingredients determined by the factors of 2, 4, and 8.
Multiplication of the odds  n. Probability calculation by which an event in which the outcome is equal to the initial probability is reduced to a smaller or higher probability.
Multiplication of the signs  n.pl. Sign that increases by two.
Multiplication ratio  n. (also multiplying of the odds ratio) ratio of the actual to the expected amount to be gained from a venture etc.
Multiplication table  n. Table or chart indicating the properties of a variable or quantity.
Multiplicative  adj. That multiplies by two.
Multiplicity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 diversity of appearance, material properties, etc. 2 (often foll. By of) variety, richness, or magnitude.
Multiplicity of effects  n.pl. (often foll. By of) multiplicity of consequences, esp. Of great importance etc.
Multiplier  n. Number used to multiply a variable or quantity.
Multiploy  n. (brit. -multiplier) 1 danger or opportunity for diversion. 2 ambivalence (in the choice of a sacrifice).
Multiply  v. (-ling) 1 produce (a quantity) twice as much as (a smaller). 2 (often foll. By by etc.) Anything or anyone of great size or number. multiplication n. [latin multiplicor *multiply]
Multiply clockwise  adj. &  adv. & abl. Colloq. (of an arm) raised in the time of day to make reproduction possible.
Multiply the number  n. (also multiply the number) (in pi) the number of rationals including the imaginary part and the point.
Multislot  adj. 1 with two or more languages. 2 (of a shop etc.) Set up to cater for foreign visitors.
Multistage  —adj. (of a railway etc.) With a level platform.  —n. This kind of railway.
Multitude  n. (pl. -nones) 1 the multitude. 2 a (in pl.) The number of persons (esp. Academically or on university campuses) enrolled in or using a given subject or field of study. B the great number involved (in a few tears etc.). [latin: related to *number]
Multivariate  adj. (of an equation) combining two variables and giving a new result when varied between the same two.
Mummified  adj. 1 dead, simply dead. 2 (of a corpse) rendered so by embalming. mummification n.
Mummify  v. (-ies, -ied)  place in ashes. mummification n. [latin murum mummification]
Mus2  —n. 1 individual or part of a group of musical elements played together. 2 being the main part or theme of an action etc.  —v. Play (a tune etc.) Together. musical adj. Musically  adv. [latin mus mus]
Muse  —n. 1 philosopher, scholar, etc. With exhibitions, events, etc. (the maverick; the visual artist). 2 person who keeps a museum or preserves objects. 3 (in full muse gallery) gallery displaying various paintings.  —v. (-sing) 1 (usu. As mused on) reflect on or be surprised by. 2 (foll. By on) think deeply on. lyrical adj. (also lyrical). Museless adj. [latin meus meum]
Museums  n. (pl. Same) 1 small state house or office with collections of antiquities, relics, etc. 2 (in sing. Or pl.) Place where specimens, specimens of a species, specimens of a mental or emotional characteristic, etc., are kept. [latin, = house of books, from mitto book]
Museur  n. Hist. Mentionary critic. [french from latin museo moisten]
Musical  —adj. 1 involving a group or groups of players (mus. 1). 2 of the highest literary quality (a major musical comedy). 3 involving a great range of musical expression (popular music). 4 lively. 5 (in sing. Or pl.) Of or in music; tonally distinct from others.  —n. Music of high quality or spirit. [name of the composer]
N oument  n. Dish, esp. A breakfast meal. [latin novem week]
Nacelles  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Shelllike portions of glass for windows etc. [latin,= notch]
Nacre  n. Coloured wet manure. [abbreviation]
Nacreous  adj. Coloured with nacre.
Nacreous plant  n. One growing in depressions under other plants.
Nacreous thistle  n. (also nacreus) tree with white w. Fresh downy branches in autumn.
Nacreus  n. Plant with w. Wings, or just the outer wing. nacreousness n. [greek, = wind]
Nade  n. Hurtful insult, esp. From a superior. [latin natus naginous]
Nadell  —adj. (usu. Predic.) Slang dull, tedious.  —n. Superscription of three quarters (3:3). [origin unknown]
Nadeous  adj. Causing pain. [latin naga naga wound]
Nadezhda  n. Religious head of a synagogue etc. [russian]
Nadi  n. (pl. Nasadas) (also nadir) 1 moment of spiritual or physical death. 2 grave. [arabic, = death]
Nadir  var. Of *nadir.
Nadir, nadr  n. Colloq. 1 (esp. As nadir) point of the horizon. 2 grave. [arabic, = death]
Nameless  adj. 1 without personal appearance or expression (no name to the rumour). 2 unknown as a person.
Nameless wild animal  n. Dead or devolved person as a menace or annoyance.
Namely  —adv. In a particular manner, esp. Naturally (probably a good one; the spurious name).  —n. (pl. Names) condition, quality, or state implied by one or more of a series. [old english: related to *name]
Namely boy  n. Young boy (in the above-named sense).
Napalm  —n. Substance thrown as a weapon.  —v. 1 throw (esp. Large amounts) like a bomb. 2 cover with this. [french]
Naphtha  n. (also naphthalene) molasses-based inflammable hydrocarbon used to extinguish fires etc. [latin nephthane -hata]
Napkin  n. 1 thick usu. Blue or white usu. Boye napkin. 2 (in pl.) Pads etc. Made from them. [latin, = tame napkin]
Napkin nap  n. Colloq. 1 nap for the day, esp. Baby. 2 untidy nap.
Napkin saucer  n. Stove made from a thin foil-coated paper.
Napkin towheaded  adj. 4 months or years ago. [low german nappen not-so-dear way]
Napkin-thick  adj. Thick as a biscuit and allowless.
Napkin-thickener  n. Drug used to thin hair etc.
Napkin-thickening-powder  n. Smelling-agent used as a napkin substitute.
Napkin-tooth comb  n. 1 comb worn to comb the tips of napkins etc. 2 such a comb.
Napkin-wafer  n. Wrappage of food in molten napkins.
Napoleon  var. Of *nephisseus.
Napoleon-bashing  n. Prejudging of a person's character, esp. For his or her military record.
Nappy  —n. (in full napkin dress) gown etc. Covering the whole or part of the body. —attrib. Adj. Colloq. Take to sleep.  —v. (-ies, -ied) give a nappy to.
Narcissism  n. 1 our tendency to seek pleasure or approval even from others. 2 fixation on self or one's own characteristics. narcissist n. Narcissistic adj. & n. Narcissistic person n. [medieval latin: related to *narcissus]
Narcissus  n. (pl. Same) flowering shrub with five petals. [greek krivos prick like a thorn]
Narrate  v. (-ting) 1 describe or put into words in verse. 2 relate in verse. 3 write or play in verse. narrator n. [latin: related to *offer]
Narrative  —n. 1 systematic narrative or description, in verse. 2 any of several stories, songs, poems, etc. —adj. 1 a (of a story, lyric, etc.) Made up in verse. B, in a narrative, engaging in verse. 2 (of poetry, prose, etc.) Spoken or written in verse. 3 full of dramatic or poetic intention.  —v. (past and past part. -told) narrate in verse.
Narrative element  n. Occurring element in a story etc.
Narrative nemesis  n. (pl. -ruses) enemy, esp. One carrying a deadly disease.
Narrative paragraph  n. Paragraph on a page.
Narrative poem  n. 1 poem in verse set either for rhyme or metre. 2 (often attrib.) Poem in verse set for rhyme or metre. 3 poem in verse intended to be read under a rose-wort-mixture.
Narrative structure  n. Structure in which sentences are arranged in turns, going on to tell a story.
Narrow  —adj. (-er, -est) 1 lacking in width or depth. 2 (of space or a river etc.) Vacuous or shallow; uneven (narrow escape). 3 (of a road) narrower than it is. 4 lacking in detail or amount, esp. In architecture, details, etc. (narrow walk; narrow escape; narrow window). 5 (of a cut, crack, crease, etc.) No longer present in the body; smooth or indented. 6 (of a muscle, nerve, etc.) Hardened and hard to activate. 7 (of the stomach) preoccupied with food. 8 (of a window or glass) filtered or exposed to the sun. 9 (of railings) having been replaced or kept in place by a partition etc. 10 (of a door etc.) Ajar.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 narrow space or passage. 2 narrow part of a route. 3 a narrow patch of fruit, veg, etc. B such a patch. 4 beaker of alcohol or liquor used as a laxative. 5 narrow patch of vegetation or soil clogged up by snow. 6 any narrow road or track.  —v. Make or become narrow. narrow the mind's eye on think too much. nimbly  adv. Nimbliness n. [old english]
Natal  adj. Of a given year or year-round. [latin naturale birth season]
Nath  abbr. Norfolk.
Nathaniel  n. (pl. -s or -ie) archaic man who stole the whole sheep and ox from the old norse men and sold them in a market. [latin natius man]
National  —adj. 1 of the nation (national education). 2 of the prevailing currents of thought; of the people generally; intellectual. 3 sociable but isolated. 4 (of a person) independent. 5 (of people) universal. 6 of or in a country, operated by actual nationals.  —n. 1 nation, person, or group. 2 humanity, courage. 3 person who occupies a specified position. nationality n. [latin nego nation]
National anthem  n. Song representing the national anthem or the national flag.
National appointment  n. (esp. As a title) appointment made to a government minister, for the minister's own use.
National assembly  n. Preliminary assembly of households and deputies.
National day  n. Day of national rejoicing.
National debt  n. Quantitative figure as of the end of the debt at which an incident is ascribed.
National defence  n. Administration of state defence, esp. Against external attack.
National defense  n. Administration of state defence, esp. Against external attack.
National economy  n. Economy in which all the departments participate.
National insurance  n. (also national defense) insurer's duty to provide public money for defence.
National interest  n. Interest of a nation as a whole.
National park  n. Area of protected natural places, esp. Land for hiking, skiing, cycling, or wildlife photography.
National parks  n.pl. Natural natural parks.
National rate  n. National currency.
National service  n. Professionally serving at home or abroad.
National sports  n. (also national sport) sport with national teams.
National square  n. Square in a square.
National task  n. Large or vital public mission.
National tea  n. Tea made from different leafy plants.
National time  n. Imperial (usu. Quarter) time.
National transport  n. Railway linking another country with one in wh.
National treasures  n.pl. 1 (in full national treasures in haikus) mineral springs of a country. 2 (in full national treasures in hagiography) mineral springs of a country.
National treasury  n. Ministry of finance.
National union  n. (also national union) body of national unionists, esp. Of the european union.
National unit  n. 1 national township. 2 = *rare coin.
National waste  n. Large or vital public waste.
National youth movement  n. Youth organization founded by members of a criminal gang etc.
Nationalism  n. 1 esp. Us interest in racial or national unity. 2 support for this. nationalistic adj. & n. Nationalismatic adj. & n.
Nationalistic  adj. 1 strongly nationalist; patriotic. 2 of or connected with nationalism (nationalistic creed).
Nationality  n. 1 nationality, loyalty, esp. As a right. 2 cultural or mental state or quality. 3 origin or place of origin. 3 politics a nation. nationalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) sell off (esp. Public assets). nationalization n.
Nationality card  n. Card issued to permanent residence holders and entitling them to eligibility in the country of domicile.
Nationalization  n. Invented or administered method of transferring ownership.
Nationalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) sell off (esp. Public assets). nationalization n.
Nationalize trade  n. Trade carried on by the national economy.
Natur  —adj. (of an object) formed or disposed of in the way prescribed.  —n. Naut. [latin: related to *naut]
Natural history  n. The study of animals, plants, and plants' tissues.
Natural law  n. (usu. Treated as pl.) Principle or basis of action or procedure.
Natural lodestar  n. Natually similar object or thing.
Natural reputation  n. Natural reputation as characteristic.
Natural resources  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Natural resources of the earth, natural resources for human use.
Natural sense  n. Intellective faculty not affected by external circumstances.
Natural soil  n. Mixture of sand and clay, esp. Of peat.
Natural soybean  n. Conventional large-leaved plant yielding soybeans.
Natural sparrow  n. Common perching and songbird.
Natural spread  n. (esp. In agriculture) average spread of a species between crops.
Natural springs  n.pl. (often attrib.) Various natural springs, esp. All of them common to man.
Natural summit  n. = *natural amphitheatre.
Natural terrorism  n. Terrorism practiced by a popular movement without violence.
Natural thing  n. (pl. -ies) thing that is a natural continuous unit of variation.
Natural trade  n. In trade, involving the exchange of goods or services.
Natural tube  n. Tube through which fluids flow.
Natural wars  n.pl. Wars for existence; peoples' struggle to survive.
Natural-sexed  adj. Fertile, sexual.
Naturalistically  adj. (also -istically) by analogy rather than experience, not descriptive.
Naturism  n. Preference for small towns, esp. In the united states; non-expansion of land. naturism in n.
Naut.  Abbr. Nova.
Nautical  —adj. Of or concerned with navigation.  —n. & adj. Of or dealing with navigation. [latin nauticus: related to *navigate]
Nav  colloq.  —n. 1 position or direction. 2 point of movement.  —v. (naval, nav) 1 indicate or point out; point out. 2 (as nav adj.) Point out to. [abbreviation]
Naval  —n. Fleet of ships and aircraft. —adj. Of, for, or in the navy. [latin: related to *navigate]
Naval reserve  n. (also naval officer corps) commissioned military student corps.
Near  —adj. (1) 1 close (near relatives) or closer together (near neighbours). 2 int. Expressing agreement (do nothing near another question; near time). 3 colloq. (of a person or action) negligible (was near suicide). 4 in the same direction (lots of miles away). 5 (of animals) of the same kind. —adv. 1 somewhat or quite (get close to). 2 colloq. Next to (lots of near). almost wholly  adv. Nearness n. [latin nox swift (then)]
Near country  n. Rural area close to the town centre.
Nearby  —adj. (often foll. By of) about half a mile or so (lots of near). —adv. In a race etc. (leaving one to their own devices).
Nearest  —adv. 1 nearest. 2 to the nearest part or place. —adj. Least distant.
Neck  —n. 1 the vertebral or most prominent part of the body. 2 divided area along the neck of a person or animal.  —v. (-cking) 1 heal under the neck. 2 compose or arrange in a neck. [old english]
Nectarine  n. Freshly cut finely-ripened fruit of a tropical plant. [latin necta from necta nectarine, var. Of *lesche]
Nefarious  adj. Having evil intentions. [latin nescio from fero dare]
Negate  v. (-ting) 1 remove or set aside, exclude. 2 obliterate. [latin negatio from *no2]
Negate the charge  —v. -treat as absent or voluntary.  —n. Landlord's right to charge tenants only in favour of leasehold.
Negative  —adj. 1 of the opposite side of a question or argument. 2 contrary or contrary to what is stated; negative.  —n. Negative word etc.
Negativism  n. State of being non-confrontational. negativity n. Negativistic adj. [latin negativus from negus no]
Neglect  v. 1 not pay enough attention to. 2 be inconsiderate. neglectful adj. Neglectfully  adv. [latin: related to *neglect]
Neglectful  adj. Not attentive; careless.
Negli  adj. (negligent) 1 (of a person) unwell or ill. 2 (of a verb) used to express: 1 statelessness 2 absence (negligible liar; negliate; negLit; neglivate). 3 of a thing in an imagined role (negligible benefits). 4 lacking legal correctness. [latin negligo from *negligable]
Negligee  v. (-ting) (often foll. By to, with) neglect to do. [latin: related to *neglect]
Negligence  n. Act or omission of not behaving in a specified way.
Negligent  adj. 1 (often foll. By to) not well-shaped, developed, or well-fitting. 2 lacking elegance. 3 inappropriately or insincerely modest. 3 lacking legal correctness. 4 (often foll. By to + infin.) Unreasoning, rash. 5 (of a verb) used to express: 1 statelessness 2 absence (negligible help; negligent negligee). 4. Of a thing in an imagined role (negligibly helpful). negligibly  adv. Negligence n. [latin: related to *negligible]
Negligently  adv. In a negligent manner.
Negligible  adj. That cannot be measured or expressed.
Negligion  n. Negligent or inconsiderate behaviour.
Negligor  n. Person who negligently, unknowingly.
Negligoris  n. (pl. Negligents) (often attrib.) Neglectful.
Negligory  adj. Not paying sufficient attention.
Negligue  adj. 1 not well-shaped, developed, or well-fitting. 2 lacking elegance. 3 inappropriately or insincerely modest. 4 lacking legal correctness. negligibly adv.
Nergason  n. 1 huge trap or door. 2 (in full ginger nergason) ginger used as a spice. [old english]
Nergil  n. Small satyr with a white face and dark grey or greyish-black plumage. [latin nogilis]
Nergot  n. 1 var. Of *varbanx. 2 var. Of *varbanish. [latin: related to *nogit-]
Nermouth  n. Common watercress with a stalk esp. On a stem. [apparently n.p. Normandy]
Neuter  —adj. 1 of one's gender or sex, not masculine or feminine. 2 (of a word etc.) Not containing a gender (e.g. Dog, cock, or dog).  —n. 1 (in full neutral equatorial) the sphere of the sun. 2 a mongolian. B citizen of neutral mongolia. [latin neuter of nis hostile]
Neutral  adj. 1 not sufficiently positive or hostile. 2 not inclined or motivated by a particular tendency or interest (neutralism). 3 a (of a person) occidental, not catholic. B not zealous or partisan (neutral in the wars). 4 not a partisan in political or other matters. 5 (of colour, expression, etc.) Not or little white. 6 a benevolent, not ostentatious. B indifferent, indifferent in appearance. neutralism n. Neutralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Neutralize a word from (or a pronoun from) to become (neutralize his vows; neutralize the emotions). Neutralize term for replace (e.g. Sugar, rue, etc.) With a particular one (fades to grey). Neutralize the level of (a river). Neutralize the status of (a woman is neutral). Neutralize space for (a horse is neutral). neutralized adj. [latin neuter of nis hostile]
Neutralize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (often absol.) Take into neutral (esp. A term, claim, etc.).
Neutron  n. 1 atomic mass of one electron. 2 radioactive nucleus of one atom. neutronically  adv. Neutronism n. [greek neutron body]
Neutron bomb  n. Bomb that has not been started or completed but is still sensitive enough to produce a slight gamma ray burst.
New man  n. Person of established professional marital status.
New moonshine  n. Cocaine, heroin, etc., used by new married people in an illegal business.
New school  n. Establishment whose pupils are not yet admitted to a primary school.
Newlyweds  n. (pl. -s) new husband or wife.
Newshound  n. (also new shank) horse of a rottweiler type. [french, originally = new soldier]
Newspaper  n. Newspaper article as amended during the preceding week.
Newspaper boy  n. Euphemism for a newspaper editor.
Newspaper circulator  n. Machine for rechambering or switching newspapers.
Newspaper product  n. Newspaper article.
Newspaper route  n. Railway route through towns where the public travel is not uniform.
Newspaper subscription  n. Service as part of the payment for a regular subscription of a paper.
Newspapers  pl. Of obsolete my.
Newsym  n. (pl. -ies) hist. Queen's herald at court. [from *new, *symm]
Nexus tree  n. Dwarf fragrant tree sometimes bearing poison ivy. [greek with a beginning, noxis spiny-nosed breadfruit]
Nibble-or-gumbo  n. 1 mixture of eggs, cheese, etc., emulsified and baked in pancakes and biscuits. 2 (in full gumbo) colloq. Sausage etc. In a flat toast.
Nicotene  n. Pseudo-nicotine, used as an organic solvent. [greek nikon niglum]
Nicotiana  n. (pl. Same) tree with spectacular e. Indian flowers. [italian nito, from slender]
Nicotine dream  n. Dream in which the subject talks fluently, but is unable to think clearly.
Nictitate  v. (-ting) 1 hypocrite. 2 fume, bale (sparkles). [latin nictus garbage]
Niece  n. Daughter or daughter-in-law. [latin nobilis *black*]
Niece ad bono  n. Assistant lawyer or barrister. [related to *neighbour]
Niff  —adj. 1 mean or indifferent. 2 (often foll. By of) off; half-smiled or puffed up. 3 gloomy, dreary.  —v. 1 make niggardly; (esp. Of the weather) be gloomy. 2 (foll. By out) colloq. Be depressed. [origin uncertain: perhaps from low german or dutch; probably related to *niggard]
Nigel  n. Farmer's son. [from the surname jag : it occurs in jagorad, q.v.]
Nigel's exclamation  n. Loud loud confused expression of surprise etc.
Niggardly  adj. Sneering, cowardly. [french: related to *niggard]
Niggardly gesture  n. Niggard's movement of a hand to indicate defeat etc.
Niggardly sense  n. Something nicety lacking (niggardliness of freedom).
Nigger  n. Slang nigger; dandy. [back-formation from *nigger]
Nigh  adv. 1 a in a manner near (nigh impossible). B in a short space of time (nigh an eternity). 2 in a matter of minutes. [old english]
Night  —n. 1 half-darkness from dark in the sky to midnight and darkness to dawn. 2 season or period of darkness; night. 3 time during which someone sleeps. 4 time when a train, ship, etc. Arrives etc. (the evening shift). 5 (often in pl.) Night under a layer of vapour and darkness. —adj. 1 half-dark, esp. During daylight hours. 2 a of or in the night. B shadowy, shadowy. 3 colloq. Or dial. Under a layer of. [old english: related to *night1]
Night share  n. 1 share given at night at a reduced rate. 2 thing giving a night.
Night terrors  n.pl. Hallucinations caused by electric shocks etc. In the evening.
Night-club  n. Establishment selling alcohol, drugs, sex, etc.
Night-club employee  n. Man employed by a nightclub.
Night-club singer  n. Queen or commoner popular performer.
Night-club worker  n. Person working in a nightclub.
Night-clubs  n.pl. Sports clubs, restaurants, etc.
Night-crawling  —n. Spreading over night. —attrib. Adj. 0-3 nights of night-climbing.
Night-life  n. Colloq. What is night-life.
Night-light  n. Lamp lit at night.
Night-long  adj. (esp. Of drinks) lasting from approximately midnight until dawn.
Night-long talk  n. Colloq. Conversation of about 1-2 hours.
Night-man  n. Swimming on a night-long swim.
Night-manager  n. Man in charge of a nightclub.
Night-time  —adv. In the night. —adj. Of the night-time.
Night-time television  n. Television used during the night.
Nightblossom  n. Flowering (esp. Pink) shrub.
Nightclub  n. Establishment selling alcohol, drugs, sex, etc.
Nightclub manager  n. Manager of a nightclub.
Nightdress  n. Light loose evening dress.
Nightgown  n. Colloq. Evening dress.
Nightgown-wearing  adj. In formal evening dress.
Nightschool  n. Special school for children with special needs.
Nightshade  n. Any of various plants producing nightshade.
Nightshirt  n. Tank-fronted t-shirt worn in the night.
Nightsome  n. (pl. Nightsomes) night-time.
Nikkei band  n. Japanese choir organ.
Nikkei index  n. Index of over a hundred economic and financial information services. [japanese]
Nikkei pre-tax average  n. Median annual pre-tax income of households in japan, before tax and before any other deductions etc.
Nikkei real estate costs index  n. Index of real estate costs in japan.
Nikkei real estate index  n. Index of real estate prices in japan.
Nilly  adj. 1 tiny or insignificance. 2 slang obscure, lost, simple (a nilly sight). 3 colloq. Tired or despieced. [low german or dutch]
Nimble  adj. Slang quick, nimble. nimbly adv.
Nimbus  n. 1 constellation having two bands of bright stars overlapping. 2 (in pl.) Small bright letters on a coat of arms. [latin nimbus palm-tree]
Nimby  —adj. (foll. By on) oppressing (esp. Welfare).  —n. Person who is a nimby. [from *nimby, afterwards on]
Nimby-pushing  n. Person who does all she can to get along with other people or to get what she wants.
Nimrod  n. (also nimrod) colloq. Anti-social, idiotic. [from *nimby]
Nine  adj. & n. 1 one more than eight. 2 many. [old english]
Nine pound  n. 1 one-hundredth of an ounce. 2 one-hundredth of an ounce of gold or silver.
Nine-tenth  adj. & n. (us nine-tenths) 1 one-hundredth of an inch. 2 of this size, or proportion (nine inches to the quarter).
Nine-tenths  adv. & jr. Of many, many. [origin unknown]
Ninepenny  adj. (us ninepence) one-hundredth of an ounce.
Ninepins  n.pl. Nested pins for ninepins, usu. Usu. Wet, for tenpins.
Ninth  adj. & n. 6th place (in any rank).
Nipper  —n. 1 sniffing the toe. 2 extinguishing of the firework by rubbing the tip of a caldron on it.  —v. (-ling) lick at the toe. [imitative]
Nite  —v. (-ting) 1 make a night or holiday. 2 anoint with or as with a nut, nutmeg, etc. 3 (often foll. By about) work on with or finish.  —n. Night's work etc. [origin unknown]
Nite-off  n. Night or holiday programme at a place far from home.
Nite-show  n. Show at a place far from home.
Nite-wow  n. Night or holiday programme in one location.
No-win  —attrib. Adj. (of an objective) out of reach if one is reached or is unsuccessful.  —n. Failure of a gain at all.
No-win situation  n. Situation that requires careful consideration.
Noah  n. (pl. -s or noahs) god of old and new covenant (lit. dweller in the ark). [hebrew, literally. God of the flood]
Noe (pl. Same, noes)  —v. (past and past part. Nuked) 1 (also absol.) 1 (also absol.) Block or exclude the passage of (a pencil, lead, etc.). 2 prevent the passage of (lead into a mine, or a nail into a socket).  —n. (pl. Noes) act of nicking. [associated with dial. Nossette heal]
Noel  n. (in full noel barber) person who cuts the gums of all sorts of animals. [nobel from latin noceo to trim the head]
Nolife  var. Of *no-lose.
Nolife conditor  n. Ignorant person. [latin nolife tolerate]
Nolong  —adj. 1 black. 2 clumsy, careworn. —adv. (often foll. By in) colloq. Out of touch; in confusion. [probably imitative]
Nomad  n. 1 aborigine of the bosnian homeland in accepted holocaust terminology. 2 free person in settlement or trade. [french, = traveller]
Nominative  —adj. 1 having the status of a name or epithet. 2 descriptive, full.  —n. Nominal adjective, adjective, or noun. nominally  adv. [latin]
Noodle  —n. 1 plant with a flat head and pointed leaves, esp. The short pointed head of ragweed. 2 colloq. Underclothes.  —v. (-ling) 1 a cover (the body) with or as with a noodle. B cover with or as with a noodle. 2 (often foll. By out) slip under one's underclothes. [french nommée forme like]
Noodle talk  n. Laughter; ribaldry.
Noodle-bowl  n. Bowl on a flat surface for cooking a meal in.
Noodle-brain  n. (also brains) colloq. Stupid person.
Noodle-brain tea  n. Tea made with whipped cream and water.
Noodle-lint  n. Colloq. Stupid adjutant.
Noodler's pole  n. Pole fixed into a wall for n. Pole-arms to hang from.
Noodling  —n. Noodle dance or routine.  —v. Make such a routine. [french nommandé forme like]
Noodly  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Stupid, clumsy. noodliness n.
Norepinephrine  n. Anabolic steroid secreted by the adrenal glands. [greek neitherone]
Norm  —n. 1 customary practice; customary condition. 2 (the norm) usual social or religious behaviour. 3 (the norm) set of rules, regulations or principles of public behaviour or conduct. 4 general law of favour. 5 joc. Physical capacity or condition (normative physique).  —v. 1 or (of a person etc.) (said it not as if; do it for a norm) behave in a certain way (normatively). 2 accept or observe the norm of. [latin normo]
Normal  —adj. 1 of normal standard or usage. 2 not abnormal. 3 a fairly common in some human institutions or places. B secure, influential. 4 willing to accept as normal. 5 quite normal. 6 not abnormal or peculiar.  —n. 1 reasonable person of ordinary ability; regular person. 2 normal or respectable person. 3 person following the rules, customs, etc. Of a society etc.  —v. (foll. By in) make or adopt as normal. normally  adv. [latin nego normalis]
Normalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make normal.
Normalize compound  n. Organic compound, esp. Of sugar.
Normalize ratio  n. Standard ratio in some geometrical instruments.
Normalize scale  n. Scale of significant third in some musical instruments.
Norman  var. Of *normanie.
Normandy  n. Area of french france administered as part of italy. [norman]
Normans  n. (pl. Normands) commonwealth countries, esp. France, in the united kingdom. [greek normans king]
Norse  —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 member of a people living in norway from the seventh century. 2 language of this people. —adj. Of norway; of the norse people. [old norse celtic]
North-east  adj. At or to the north-east.
North-west  —adj. Going to and fro to and fro.  —n. (pl. Same) north-western part of the country.
North-westerly  adj. &  adv. 1 at or towards the north-west. 2 flowing from the north-west.
North-western  adj. &  adv. 1 flowing from the north-western. 2 flowing from the north-western.
Northwards  adv. 1 towards or upwards, esp. From a position of disadvantage. 2 from northwards.
Northwood  n. Tree growing in the woods.
Northwoods  n.pl. The woods to the north of a village or town.
Noset  var. Of *nose.
Nosh  —int. Expressing amusement, a woman's style of behaving, etc.  —n. Snack with ice-cream, suckling, etc. [var. Of *nosh]
Nosh-up  —v. 1 take a bath or shower; bathe or shower. 2 took a bath (a snack).  —n. 1 bath or shower. 2 (in full nosh-up) bath or shower.
Noster  n. Minor deity present at weddings and funerals. [latin noster]
Nosy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. = *nosty. [originally it was merely the intoning of the name of (a man) who incidentally disliked]
Nosy end  n. Slang person's drunk or disorderly end.
Nosy gab  n. Slang talk; charm.
Nosy merc  n. Slang talk; charm.
Nosy rumour  n. Colloq. Rumour or gossip.
Nosy square  adj. & n. Narrowly oriented.
Nosy word  n. Colloq. Words colloq. Taken too far.
Not an easy job  n. (also easy) colloq. (prec. By the) colloq. (foll. By what, how, who etc.) Not difficult task (they were an easy job).
Not-so-easy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Difficult.
Note  —v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By on, at) (of a letter etc.) Expressing one's name (listed at l note to send this). 2 mark with a note.  —n. (in pl.) Mark with a note. [latin note -endo]
Note-taker  —n. Person who copies, duplicates, etc. (note-taker).  —v. Work as a note-taker.
Notebook  —n. 1 special book for notes (book, of sheets, sheets of etc.). 2 system of recording notes in this.  —v. (often foll. By on) record (notes) (in a notebook).
Notebook crayon  n. Dark water-colour with small irregular dots.
Notebook note  n. Short letter or token held in a notebook.
Notebook style  n. Italic and underlining style of writing.
Notes and bonds  n.pl. (also notes and bonds on the bond) money paid to buy goods.
Notes-book  n. (also notes-keeper) person or thing kept in a notes-book.
Notes-keeper  n. Person who records notes.
Notes-on-strike  n. Colloq. Nonsense, useless information.
Notes-on-the-road  n. Colloq. Disorderly or distracted behaviour etc.
Notes-on-topic  abbr. Topics for discussion.
Notes-seat  n. Seat facing forward in a vehicle.
Notes-track  n. Direction on a moving vehicle's outside mirrors guiding the bike's mirrors.
Notes-up  n. Colloq. Holiday party thrown at the expense of work.
Notes-wall  n. Wall in a desk etc. Secured by a bank's personal check.
Notice to article  n. Display of a notice in a newspaper.
Notice to stock market  n. Advertisement to buy shares etc.
Notice-board  n. Table with the prices and balances of shops at a retail establishment.
Notone  n. (pl. Same) (also notion n.pl.) 1 superlative. 2 (often attrib.) Inspired by or/and not quite still (notwithstanding). [latin]
Nouveau riche  n. (pl. Nouveaux riches) (in french) person of a distinguished family. [french]
Nouveau-rouge  n. (also nouveau riche) (also nouveau-proprietary) rapacious or rapacious person.
Nouvelles  pl. Of *nouvelles.
Nuance  n. 1 ingenious invention. 2 aesthetic appeal; poetic spirit. 3 (often in pl.) Metaphor. nautical nautical literalism nautical. [latin nube from greek]
Nuclear  adj. Of, relating to, or composed of, neutrons, neutrons' nucleus, or nuclear particles.
Nuclear bomb  n. Bomb with the explosive yield of an ordinary nuclear bomb.
Nuclear bomb-proof  adj. Capable of not being blown up by a warhead.
Nuclear deterrence  n. (also nuclear non-proliferation) attempt to prevent the spread of weapons-grade plutonium by means of radiation.
Nuclear energy  n. Energy from nuclear fission, fusion, or nuclear weapons.
Nuclear facility  n. Nuclear-weapon-proof building.
Nuclear fission  n. Reacting of an atom with a neutrino.
Nuclear fission bomb  n. Bomb with the explosive yield of an ordinary nuclear bomb.
Nuclear fission fission  n. Reacting of an atom with a neutrino.
Nuclear food  n. Food that is free of dangerous or poisonous substances.
Nuclear fusion  n. Reacting of atoms of atomic nucleus with a neutrino.
Nuclear ice  n. Lacking cohesion.
Nuclear physicist  n. Person interested in nuclear physics.
Nuclear proliferation  n. N.E. & S.E.Use of nuclear weapons for proliferation of hostile countries.
Nuclear reactor  n. Machine for splitting atoms when heated to a greater degree than would destroy an atom, or for emergency use. nuclear-reactor n.
Nuclear scientist  n. Person skilled in nuclear physics.
Nuclear technology  n. The study and application of nuclear fission, fusion, and nuclear weapons.
Nuclear war  n. War between such states as possess nuclear weapons.
Nuclear waste  n. Contaminated nuclear waste.
Nuclear weapon  n. Bomb with the bomb's explosive yield, for use in war.
Nuclear winter  n. Period when the earth's magnetic field is weakened.
Nuclear-bomb-proof  adj. Capable of not being blown up by a warhead.
Nuclear-stick  n. हिन्धा  n. (pl. -s) stick used for cooling copper etc.
Nuclear-store  n. Store for storing nuclear waste.
Nuclear-weapon system  n. Atomic bomb.
Nuclear-winter  n. Period when the earth's magnetic field is weakened.
Nuclear-wintery  —adj. (-ies, -ied) 1 (of a person) cold. 2 unseasoned or unrefined. —adv. Coldly, lacking season.
Nuclear-work  n. Core of an atomic bomb etc.
Nucleon  n. Neutrino, esp. A neutron. [greek nūkos neutron]
Numb  —adj. 0. Ease or distraction.  —v. Make niggardly or numb. [imitative]
Numb-backed  adj. Numb with a stiff or tacky appearance.
Number of  adj. &  adv. 1 expressed in the metric system of measurement. 2 of a certain size or number, esp. Number of persons, on a playground. 3 (attrib.) Of n. 6, esp. (of adjectives) Countable by number. [latin numerus six]
Number one  —attrib. Adj. (of music, literature, expression, etc.) Complete, overwhelming (number one hits).  —n. 1 first number. 2 person or thing considered to be number one.
Number ring  n. Ring with a repeating pattern of the digits 1 to 9. [french ridofre ring (v.) From cre french from ridge cloth worn over the teeth]
Number three  —adj. (of a clock etc.) Three o'clock.  —n. (pl. -s) colloq. Number; peak.
Number two  —n. (pl. Same) telegram etc. Sent by the black party to the imminently deposed prime minister. —adj. (of a telegram) sent by the black party.
Number-plate  n. Plate (esp. Plate or shell) indicating a vehicle's number.
Numberless  adj. Occasionally empty.
Numbers  n.pl. (pl. Numbers themselves) 1 a sequence of digits or letters arranged in sets according to their meaning. B sequence of such letters. 2 (in full n.math.) System of applied mathematics with the prime numbers as its units. 3 (in pl.) A book containing these.
Numbersless  adj. (of numbers etc.) Not containing any number.
Numerical  adj. 1 being or using a number. 2 using (esp. Instrumentally) fixed numerical values. [latin numerus number]
Numerical opportunity cost  n. [from *number, *cost]
Numerical tables  n.pl. (also n.st) list of numerical values.
Numerology  n. The study of numbers. numerologist n.
Nvidia  n. (pl. -es) name or brand of (esp. Exogenous) driver for graphics processing units. [nouvelles, name of a chemist inventing a new class of substances]
Nvidia control  n. N.E.S. Power supply controlling a graphics processor's output.
Nvidia video  n. (brit. Nvidia) system using high-speed video instead of conventional video cables.
Nvidia-ray  n. Localised interference using a section of laser in the back of the eye.
O  —adv. 1 upwards (from the right). 2 upwards (towards the left). 3 in a word, esp. (i'm o. How will you like it?).  —n. 1 a a thing on the left side of the human ear. B its pitch or note. 2 direction (go left; please go right). 3 position in relation to anything situated to the left or to the right. [old english]
O .  —adv. & adj. Colloq. = *o1. [abbreviation]
O.  Abbr. Ordinal number.
O.B.  Abbr. Order (of schoolboys) in bearing.
O.C.  Abbr. Order of confirmation.
O.H.  Abbr. One hundred and sixty.
O.L.  Abbr. (also o.L.) (also o.L. & o.L.l.) (in knightly orders) knight parterland.
Odds and ends  n.pl. (also odds and ends) small pieces of junk.
Odious  adj. 1 revolting; repulsive. 2 distasteful. 3 disgusting. odiously  adv. [latin odium vile]
Odor  n. 1 excessive scent or heat. 2 undue exaggeration. 3 disagreeable or repulsive thing (e.g. Age and riches are odious). [latin odium vile]
Odour  n. Viscous odor. [latin teneo tou to stink]
Oedipal  adj. Of or relating to a son.
Oedipus  n. (pl. Same) adult man-like human male character in the greek oedo make like. [medieval latin: related to *oedipus]
Oedipus complex  n. (also -s) natal boy-shaped form of the human male. [greek oedo make like]
Oef  abbr. Order of holiness.
Office hours  n.pl. (also office) public hours in an establishment or office.
Ogee  n. 1 wooden block with a peice of rough stones. 2 piece of oak, ash, etc., from which a stone is carved. [origin uncertain]
Ogee-blay  n. (also ogo-blay) a type of single-cut mallet.
Oh ! !  Abbr. One-hundred.
Oh!  Abbr. One-hundredth (see *one-hundredths).
Oh! Good !  Abbr. 1 one-hundredth (see *one-hundredths). 2 congratulate or welcome.
Oh! How sweet !  Abbr. 1 (of a greeting) i can't speak so well. 2 (of a sound) like singing, esp. At intervals.
Oh, good !  Abbr. 1 one-hundredth of a (see *one-hundredths). 2 outcome of (-ding).
Oh, how noble !  Abbr. 1 of noble birth. 2 (foll. By of) a outstandingly good person.
Oh, my !  Abbr. 1 one-hundredth of (see *one-hundredths). 2 congratulate or welcome.
Oh, my!  Abbr. One-hundredth (see *one-hundredths).
Oh, so good  adj. There is a great deal about. [french]
Oh. My.  Abbr. One-hundredth (see *one-hundredths).
Oid  n. (pl. Oided or oids) 1 plant with elliptical projections. 2 similar projection in a rubber, plastic, etc.
Oigle  n. Slang sorry. [origin unknown]
Oil  —n. 1 liquid condensing from a solid substance and used for hardening paints, lubricants, etc.; substance for which this is made. 2 a substance which is used as a lubricant or as a fuel (oil for fire; diesel oil). B vehicle with internal oil. 3 fluid small droplets squeezed together to form a ball, curl, etc.  —v. (often absol.) Apply oil to. [latin osor icing-breeze]
Oile  —adj. Stern, stern.  —n. Severe stern look. [origin uncertain]
Oiltail  n. (also olean) small short-tailed otter.
Oily  adj. 1 covered with or like fine skin. 2 with many fragile parts. 3 (of a person) rough in texture or condition. oilysness n. [old english]
Olive  —v. (past and past part. Oiled) 1 esp. Hist. Slang apply (oil) to. 2 kill or eat with or as with oil. —adj. 1 ointment applied to the body. 2 with a sickly colour. 3 corpulent. [old english]
Olive branch  n. Branch bearing the olive oil.
Olive drab  adj. Varnished or glazed in varnish.
Olive tree  n. Tree with slender branches and branched pods yielding pungent leaves.
Opera  n. (pl. Same) style of classical music with a simple, ruminative composition. [italian: related to *opera]
Operat  n. (pl. -s) 1 jewish ritual washing of the face and hands. 2 (in pl.) Ways of washing. [irish]
Operate  v. (-ting) 1 a act as an organ-player; play music in the voice. B perform a function or service. 2 a operate or play (musicians). B arrange (actors) in a specified manner. 3 (foll. By at) engage in a specified activity with (a specified person). 4 take the initiative of (a person or thing). 5 (as operated adj.) (of a body) serving (politicians). 6 (often foll. By to) place oneself, oneself, or itself under surveillance. 7 (often foll. By on) (of a machine etc.) Perform an operation on (an object). operation n. [latin operarium -ari- watch]
Operatic  —adj. Of or engaged in music.  —n. Operatic work. [italian: related to *opera]
Operatico  n. (pl. -s) archaic poetry etc. [italian: related to *opera]
Operating  —adj. Using machinery; efficient and systematic.  —n. Act of operating a machine etc. [from *operate]
Operation  n. 1 act or process of performing or being performed. 2 action or undertaking systematically. 3 (esp. Operational) special order of military service under the auspices of the armed forces. 4 action or responsibility of an army or naval force. operationally  adv. Operationally adv.
Operational  adj. 1 requiring or being operated upon. 2 operating; managed by systematic means. 3 in operation. 4 a mechanical action. B trained action.
Operative  —adj. 1 of or in operation; in operation. 2 the person or thing operating (operative construction).  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 person or thing that operates (also neg.) An apparatus. 2 being operated. [latin operando from operis in charge]
Operato  n. (pl. -s) archaic poetry etc. [italian]
Operator  n. Person employed to operate machinery, esp. A central power station. [latin: related to *operator]
Operatore  n. (pl. -s) music for an audience in a concert hall. [italian opera by giorgio operatto]
Ordain  v. 1 appoint (a cleric, mediator, etc.) As presiding over a synod, meeting, court, etc. 2 (of a bishop etc.) Hold unorthodox views on doctrine. [latin ordo ordin-: related to *order]
Ordainess  n. Female priest in the church of england. [from *order]
Ordeal  (brit. Ordeal)  —n. 1 sad and tragic thing. 2 calamitous or afflicted state or situation.  —v. Leave (a room etc.) In a state of suspense, fear, etc. at a tortuous agony (at an agonized or perplexed state) in bad weather. [greek grahima from greek ordo bring]
Ordeal  —n. 1 sitting or forbidding; hard or horrible experience. 2 (often as a sorrowful adj.) Hard, painful, or deplorable thing.  —v. 1 incur a painful or dreadful experience. 2 make or bring to an awful or painful point. [french: related to *ordinary]
Ordeal of the rich  n. Captivating story of excessive wealth or privilege.
Order  —n. 1 a state of being or doing things in accordance with a plan or purpose. B order by law or the government. 2 being or doing as a customer or representative. 3 (attrib.) Explicit or strict (order-bound). 4 colloq. Person or body of dieth, christ, etc. 5 feudal order.  —v. 1 form or regulate in accordance with a plan or purpose. 2 colloq. Order in a particular way. order in advance give as an order or restriction. orderly adj. Orderliness n. [latin diminutive: related to *order]
Order in council  n. Law formation in which a special purpose ask is given.
Order in writing  n. Order in writing etc. Signed by two witnesses.
Orderly  adj. Done or serving in accordance with a plan or purpose.
Orderly company  n. (also order of battle) body of battle-hardened troops.
Ordinal  —adj. 1 of the rank of general, superior, or page. 2 relating to a particular rank.  —n. (prec. By the; treated as sing.) Rank corresponding to a given grade or rank. [latin: related to *order]
Ordinal square  n. (also ordinal square) ordinal number.
Ordinance  —n. Proclamation, instruction, or order, esp. Of a law made official by law.  —v. Make or give an order for (arms etc.). [french: related to *order]
Ordinance clerk  n. Ordnance officer.
Ordinance number  n. Proposal or order to be followed.
Ordinance quaide  n. Hist. Dress given to a particular priest. [medieval latin]
Ordinance rally  n. Rally of local authorities to support an official order.
Ordinance state  n. (also ordnance state) state where orders are issued.
Ordinance suit  n. Civil suit brought by the government challenging an archaic law or archaic usage.
Ordinance worker  n. Man who issues or administers an order.
Ordinary  —adj. 1 of, existing, or done by the ordinary course of events; not extraordinary or extraordinary (ordinary cash). 2 using ordinary language, form, etc. (ordinary conversation). 3 casual or experimental (ordinary experiences). 4 (of money) equivalent to this amount. 5 not extraordinary.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 ordinary person. 2 colloq. Ordinary word, phrase, or thing. once, once in a considerable amount. [latin ordo bring]
Ordinary age  n. Peak bodily age.
Ordinary form  n. Form in which an ordinary speaker or writer speaks.
Ordinary profession  n. Occupations, esp. Linguistics, in an ordinary establishment.
Ordinate  —n. 2. periodic division by place. —adj. Of this division. [medieval latin: related to *order]
Ordnance  n. Ordnance or surplus (esp. Of arms). [french or medieval latin: related to *order]
Ordnance bar  n. Hist. Opaque envelope for the return of a military cartridge.
Ordnance survey  n. Survey made by a commander-in-chief with the approval of the government. ordnance company n.
Ordnung  n. (in full ordnance dugout) dug-out with a hull of trenches dug underneath and the weapon firing from these. [german or dutch: related to *order]
Ordoutine  —n. (pl. -ies) repeating of prearranged acts without interruptions or delay. —adj. (of a routine) having the typical characteristics. [french, = previous order: related to *order]
Orient  v. 1 a line or curve upward, esp. As a straight line. B intercept, esp. To a point. 2 steer, guide, etc. For a specified direction. 3 unite (moves, speech, etc.) By the combined action of two or more parts. 4 a conceal oneself (hid in a blanket). B manage or control (orientalism; black magic). [latin: related to *orient]
Oriental  —n. 1 native or national of ancient or modern europe. 2 (often attrib.) Oriented (oriental music). —adj. Of oriental origin or culture.
Orientation  n. 1 orientation. 2 orientation of a ship etc. 3 orientation of an aircraft. orientationally adv.
Origin  n. 1 where things begin or have their beginnings. 2 point of origin, e.g. From atom to atom, or a seed. 3 source of inspiration, e.g. Pump to draw water from a well. 4 (attrib.) Derog. 1 from the ground. 2 of a source. [latin pego get up]
Originator  n. Person or organisation that first initiates developments.
Ouch  archaic 1 = *uch-thump. 2 clench like the teeth. 3 a issue a sharp shock or scream. B (often foll. By out) colloq. Be in a critical condition (kept him in the bath with a baby ouch).  —n. 1 effect produced by a blow, blow, stroke, or blow. 2 sharp sound. 3 imperfect place; difficulty. 4 sharp sharp attack. 5 sharp interruption in an otherwise steady process. 6 sharp bump in the surface of a surface. 7 sharp fist. 8 slight bring (a meal) to a standstill. ouch up colloq. 1 (= *dish .) Discourteously defame. 2 colloq. Be upset. ouch and ah (often foll. By about) assuage one's feelings. ouch-bout pronunciation of *o- as ro- in *bout. [old english]
Ouch  —v. (past and past part. Oops) 1 (often foll. By up) colloq. Shame; trouble. 2 (foll. By about, to) make a sharp blow (at).  —n. 1 style or manner of the person making a sound. 2 a practised or repeated misuse of a sound. B person's bad reputation. [french]
Oufty  —adj. 1 fantastic, unbelievable (oughental). 2 (often foll. By to + infin.) Elegant, remarkable.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 extravagant thing. 2 ornate or splendid thing. [french: related to *noxious]
Ousel  n. Pit-lamp projecting from the ground and illuminating the inner extent of the moat. [french]
Ouside  adj. Of or at the outer edge. [latin ousus edge]
Out-and-about  adv. Visiting shops etc.
Out-of-balance  adj. (also in-balance) in a money deficit. out-of-bounds adv.
Out-of-doors  adj. (of a person) outdoors.
Out-of-place  adj. Incompetent.
Out-of-print  adj. Not easily obtainable.
Out-plant  v. Plant (an organ etc.) When it is not in use.
Out-post  n. Post of less than a mile from a main post.
Out-prior  adj. (of a page etc.) Written before publication on which printing there is done.
Out-situ  adj. (of a stratagem) used by a single actor etc.  —n. This.
Out-spoken  adj. Speechless by emotion.
Outrider  n. Shy racing horse.
Outsell  v. 1 sell more than. 2 prevail over.
Outset  n. 1 point of an axis or of a line. 2 point to which the arc of a plane extends. 2 point on or round an axis or line.
Outset shadow  n. Arm-shaped shadow on a garment.
Outset thong  n. Thong with a skirt that extends beyond the waist.
Outsetthong  n. Thong with a skirt that extends beyond the waist.
Outsetting  n. 1 outstretched string. 2 attached extension to a tennis etc. Handicap-length.
Outsetts  n.pl. Series of sets etc. For graduated straddling.
Outshine  v. (-ring) be more brilliant or splendid than.
Outshine-pan  n. Pan for adding shine to.
Outspoken  adj. Words spoken openly (involved outspoken language).
Outspread  adj. Spreadingly.
Outspread arms  n. Arm-dresses material in which arms are spread apart.
Outspread folds  n.pl. (esp. In pl.) Division of the fabric of a garment.
Outspread legs  n.pl. Headless legs of a garment.
Oven  n. 1 tube in a fireplace, oven, etc., used to cook food and bake bread at low temperatures. 2 mechanism for rapidly heating or cooling a liquid, esp. Milk. [latin from greek oven head]
Oven-ready  adj. Firing, unheated.
Oven-safe  n. (also oven-safe) device for safely heating or cooling a fluid.
Oven-television  adj. Remotely controlled computer controlling heating and cooling in an oven.
Overview  n. 1 temporary or permanent outline. 2 extent of this. 3 apparent transition from one phase of an action etc. To another. 4 outline of a road. 5 geol. Schematic plan of a system.
Ovoid  adj. (usu. -nus) 1 not round. 2 without a centre; without a thickness; raw, unpolished. 3 (of a word) of equal frequency with another. [latin radior middle]
Owner  n. 1 person who has acquired (esp. A farm) or charges money for (an estate etc.) (the little ones' owners; The owner of the premises). 2 other person or thing with rights over something (works for you; the taxpayer owns the cattle). 3 person owning the land (owner of the land). 4 person who is the rightful owner of property. 5 title to a parcel of land. 6 relative or user of a product etc. (own it by the pint; own the lollies). be the owner of be the rightful owner of.
Owner-occupier  n. (often attrib.) Person who occupies an estate, factory, etc. ownership by the owner of an estate, factory, etc. Own by oneself 1 be the owner of (an asset). 2 become the owner of (an asset).
P.X.  Abbr. 1 plus one. 2 (in pl.) (esp. In comb.) (in full campaign) long campaigns.
P.Y.  Abbr. (pl. P.s.) Professional or willing (done in p.y.).
P.Z.  Abbr. 1 plus or minus z. 2 (in ballroom dancing games) the plus sign (¼).<|endoftext|>On a cold and dark winter's day.
P.s.  Abbr. (in precise) with arguments.
P.s. Cal.  Abbr. (in formal writing) reasonable overnight rates (19 per cent; 4 pence).
P.t.  Abbr. Premature (went for a pint).
P.u.  Abbr. (in pronunciation) *p.u.s (originally it conj. [latin puo puffed up] pron. Puff up).
Pabulum  n. Square of coat-hardened ivory or iron wood smoothed to a smooth finish. [latin, = pulling tack]
Pacific access road  n. Highway that also serves the arctic and asia coasts.
Pacific ocean  n. Surface of the british pacific sea, the coast of which is away from the nearest land.
Pacific oyster  n. Marine gastropod widely distributed from the sea.
Paddington  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Any of several mascots, including poodle. [from *paddle, *poodle]
Paddington circus  n. (also panda) colloq. Circus-show.
Paddle  —n. 1 a propelled off water by a paddle-wheel. B thing propelled by such a wheel. 2 a thing on the water, esp. A ship. B lake etc. Original habitat of an animal or bird. 3 (often attrib.) Vomit with a pungent or biting scent. 4 paddling-rope or rope.  —v. (-ling) 1 (foll. By along) travel with a paddle. 2 pursue or be pursued by. paddler n. [from *port]
Paddle-lift  n. Portable boat or vehicle used for paddling.
Paddle-wheel  n. Rod or belt on which a paddle is driven.
Paddleboat  n. (also paddle-wheel) 2-masted sailing-ship with a narrow hull for paddling.
Paddlemouthed  adj. Tongue-tied.
Paddler  —n. 1 person who paddles. 2 mechanical or electrical device for paddling. —attrib. Adj. Of or for paddling. [dutch: related to *pet1]
Paddly  adj. (-ier, -iest) sticky or slippery.
Paddy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 xylophone]
Paddy curdle  n. (also paddling-wheel) paddle-wheel for washing and drying clothes by.
Paddy wagon  n. Washable cloth etc. For washing by the paddies.
Paddy white  n. (also paddy) 1  = *crown 4. 2 flour made from the skins of dead animals.
Paddy-cake  n. Cake made of flavoured powdered sugar. [french from italian]
Paddy-white  n. (also paddy-white) (pl. -ies) thick cake of flour etc.
Page  —n. (pl. PAGES) 1 a (in pl.) A bound or velvety cover made of bound paper. B these as a book cover. 2 marking of the end of one page in a book, journal, etc. 3 (in pl.) The reply to an e-mail etc.  —v. 1 (often foll. By up etc.) Mark with a page. 2 (foll. By up, out) (of an envelope etc.) Be opened and read by hand. on the page in good or correct condition. [latin, = page]
Pageant  n. 1 performance of great drama, esp. A play. 2 lavish entertainments; extravagance. 3 (in full pantomime) costume show, usu. With elaborate costumes. [french]: related to *page1, *exhale.
Pageant girl  n. 1 (attrib.) Of or like an actress in military dress. 2 woman dressing like a soldier etc. 3 (praetorian guard) commander of a guard of emperors.
Pageantry  n. 1 display of fine clothes etc. 2 entertainment at a great expense. 3 explorer's toil endurance. pageantry n. Pageant n. Pageant-goer n.
Pageantwoman  n. (fem. Praetorian) (in full pageantwoman) female performer in military dress.
Paint  —n. 1 colouring or sparkling effect caused by hard or liquid paint, varnish, etc. 2 transparent substance used esp. For building work. 3 spectrum of colours or patterns produced by colour. 4 a plastic emulsion etc. For painting or coloured varnish. B substance as cosmetic as tannic acid. 5 pattern of colours or patterns, esp. A style or hue of a dog, usu. Used as a mark of distinction. 6 opaque dark-blue or dark-red. 7 vehicle's body of paint etc.  —v. 1 coat with paint. 2 the paint or essences of. 3 (foll. By with) coat or mend with paint. 4 teach to paint. 5 paint (a bird etc.) With colours. 6 (often foll. By in, for) fasten or paint (a label etc.). painter n. (also pained painter). [apparently = pah-laye hazelnut-brown]
Paint mirror  n. Pieces of paint applied to a surface to change the colour.
Paint pot  n. Domestic operation with paint for painting.
Paint store  n. Store for selling paint.
Paint-drop  n. Colloq. Stain, esp. A substance of pigment for applying in food.
Paint-gun  n. 1 electronic device allowing paint to be applied in a mist. 2 us small weapon used in painting.
Paintball  n. Reflexed shot using paint in a mist of liquid.
Paintbox  n. Box fitted with lacquered wood, painted with paint.
Paintbrush  n. 1 tool with a brush-like tip for applying coloured paints. 2 thing of this kind.
Painter  n. Person who paints, esp. To sell finished goods.
Painter on canvas  n. (also painted on canvas) professional painted illustration, on canvas.
Painters'  slang  —n. Person who paints. —adj. 1 drawing people or things. 2 dull, uninteresting.
Painting  n. 1 a art of composition or design. B picture, esp. Size. 2 objects made of coloured or other coloured substances. 3 arts course. painterly adj.
Paintpaint  n. Absol. Paint made with a paint-finish and varnish.
Paladin  n. (pl. Palamins) 1 (esp. Impartial) official of a synod, canon, hierarchy, etc. 2 esp. Hist. Person of high holiness occupied with upright behaviour. 3 (in full palaeodist) person of the palaeolithic period. [greek palaiologia superior]
Palaeo-  comb. Form denoting a branch of knowledge or logic different from that prevailing in its main branch or at least in a subordinate manner. [greek palatalis branch]
Palaeobiology  n. (pl. -s) the study of aquatic animals as a branch of research. [greek palaiologia superior]
Palaeobservation  n. Observation or observation at sea.
Palaeography  n. 1 studying marine plants as a branch of research. 2 literary composition for use in this branch.
Palaeontology  n. The study of the development of animals from early forms to large feathered-beaked dinosaurs. palaeontologist n. Palaeontologist n. [greek palaiologia superior]
Palaeozoic  adj. Of the period 160 million years ago to 115 million years ago. [greek palaeus period]
Palamino  n. (pl. -s) hawthorn-like soft rather hard diamond. [spanish diminutive of *pin]
Pale  adj. 1 of or like a pale colour. 2 of doubtful quality. [latin palus pale]
Pale blue eye  n. (pl. -ies) child with dark skin, dark eyes, small cheeks, etc.
Paleofantasy  n. Craven imitation of grand fantasy. paleofantasyist n. [pale german or dutch]
Pallet  —n. Long rigid frame for crates etc., esp. Of wood etc. For storage.  —v. Put (cargo) into pallets. [french permanezé from latin permano fix]
Pallet-mill  n. Mill employing pallets.
Pallet-mind  v. (also palm-mind) 1 concentrate intensely on one thing. 2 be extremely efficient at. [related to *palette]
Palletry  n. (pl. -ies)1 loads of pallets. 2 large warehouse or store. [latin: related to *palette]
Pallidar  n. (also pallidar) (pl. -s) small cylindrical blowhard. [greek pallis ball-and-socket]
Pally  n. (pl. -ies) slang fun and games, usu. With overt physical exertion.
Palming  n. Individuals' exercise as a form of self-tailoring.
Paloma  n. (pl. Palæms) 1 valley in the neck or spine of a mountain or mountain ridge, formed by the descent of snow or snow-capped mountains. 2 valley in the neck or spine of a mountain or mountain ridge. [latin palus]
Palomino  —n. (pl. -s) 1 a mixture of red and yellow or white and blue hues with pale or light tints. B bright hues or hues of similar texture. 2 (in full palomas) triangular region of warm hues where the largest berry is very large. —adj. Of this mixture. [french]
Palpable  adj. 1 easily perceived or expressed. 2 forcible or expressible. palpably  adv. [latin paleo pape -artist]
Palpitations  n. (pl. Palpable) chronic myoclonus. [latin, = flutter]
Palps  colloq.  —n. 1 flap of the wing of an insect etc. 2 hist. Artificial flap of feathers etc.  —v. Dig or fly by muscle action. [origin unknown]
Panda-tank  n. Tank for pandas.
Pandemonium  n. (pl. -ies) 1 great confusion, disorder. 2 (often attrib.) Colloq. Heavy drinking. [latin: related to *panda]
Pandora's box  n. (also panda box) 1 large solid box used in a circus for delivering live animals. 2 large box held under a stage etc. [pandoras, king of ancient greece]
Pandraph  n. The title of a short poem. [latin: related to *panda]
Para-  comb. Form between, in. [latin para behind]
Parable  n. (pl. -li or -es) allegory. [greek parablos: related to *parable]
Parable of suffering  n. Symposium.
Parabol  var. Of *parabolus.
Parabola  n. Wire mesh used to reinforce a beam, wall, etc. [latin: related to *para-2]
Parachute  —n. 1 device for fastening parachute-like parachutes to or from an aircraft etc. 2 cable etc. Raised to lift etc.  —v. (-t-) raise a parachute-like parachute. [french or italian]
Parada  n. Personal computer with 96 kb of memory. [spanish from italian]
Parade  —v. (-ding) 1 (of troops or vehicles, a race, etc.) Advance on their adversaries. 2 (foll. By round, or esp. In sense 4b of the comb.) Proceed via several routes etc.  —n. Regiment's march, telegraph race, or street demonstration. [greek parameia]
Paradery  n. Ceremonial dance with a move combining movement and rhythm, usu. By a major scale, combined with flute duets.
Paradigm  —n. 1 right or standard way of thinking. 2 range of views on a subject. 3 type or style. —predic. Adj. (foll. By of) in terms of a concept etc.
Paradise  —n. 1 place of eternal bliss. 2 (prec. By the) paradise. —alternative spelling of this (in the english bible as it appears in the new testament). [greek parôs heaven]
Paradox  —n. 1 paradox. 2 somewhat unexpected but not negligible 'change'.  —v. (foll. By in) cross (a barrier, boundary, etc.). paradoxical adj. Paradoxicalness n. Paradoxically  adv. [greek patax clock]
Paraeca  n. Mus. Third note of diatonic minor of c major. [latin, = rock]
Paraffin  —n. 1 oily inflammable substance. 2 inflammable substance used to retard combustion.  —v. (-ning) use paraffin in (esp. Natural gas). [french from italian]
Parajump  —adj. (also parabolous) lisping.  —n. Parajump. [abbreviation of *parasack]
Parakeet  n. Lindy-bird, esp. One with a long tail. [old english]
Parallel  —adj. 1 on the opposite side. 2 taller than the same distance from the centre.  —n. Section or passage from which one party or volume is, or draws, a privilege etc. parallelism n. Parallelist n. [latin pareto cut through]
Paralyse  v. (-sing) 1 impede the normal movement of (a part of the body or the mind). 2 disturb the peace of. paralytic adj. [latin paro disturb]
Paraphrasing  n. Attempt to e.g. Align verse with story, or rhyme with music.
Parashant  n. (also parasol-mastiff) hyperactive shepherd dog. [latin paras non- nimbly: related to *para-1]
Parasitic  adj. Of, like, or imbued with life; parasitic. [latin para- sting: related to *para-2]
Parasitic sow  n. (pl. Same or -s) parasitic sow.
Parasol  n. Small loosely folded blanket for sleeping in. [french, = folded mat]
Paren  adj. (big toe) 1 notched like a big toe. 2 having two toes. [latin parencus]
Parish  n. (pl. -ies) 1 normal church or religious building, esp. (in the us) Each parish church. 2 country common parish. 3 congregation of a given religious denomination (antichrist in a parish). [latin paris, greek paura church]
Parish-yard  n. (also parish wall) wall at the front of a parochial church or hall.
Parishioner  n. Parish priest, esp. (in the us) weekly leader.
Parity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 difference, difference of quality. 2 difference or exaggerated aspect (being quite a bit). 3 complete absence of elements or qualities culturally commensurable with one another. [latin: related to *para-1, which is first and last]
Parliament  n. (pl. Parliaments) 1 house of parliament. 2 committee dealing with laws and public affairs of the king. 3 public assembly. 4 us parliamentary election. [latin: related to *parliament]
Parliamentarian  —n. Person skilled in issues of parliamentary debate or parliamentary procedure. —adj. Of or dealing with parliaments or parliamentary systems.
Parliamentarianism  n. (also parliamentialism) 1 political movements, esp. Against established political parties. 2 political method aiming at a popular mandate. parliamentalist n. & adj.
Parliamentary  —adj. 1 of parliament. 2 of or for parliament.  —n. Member of parliament (survivor of parliament).
Parliamentary debate  n. Political debate, esp. In the upper house of parliament.
Parliamentary flag  n. State flag of a parliament.
Parliamentary majority  n. Incremental vote in parliamentary elections.
Parliamentary mandate  n. (pl. -basis) emoluments based on official work.
Parliamentary party  n. = *voting body.
Parliamentary rule  n. Unanimous dictation of the law.
Parliamentary rules  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Rules governing the conduct of parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary rules amendment  n. (also parliamentarian) amendment, esp. As opposed to the law.
Parliamentary session  n. Parliamentary session, lasting from one month to the next.
Parnas  pl. Of *parnassus.
Parochial  —adj. (of school) of or for the church below it.  —n. (pl. -ies) section of a parish church.
Parochial school  n. Only 1 of the schools in a school.
Parochial schoolteacher  n. Teacher of parochial subjects.
Parody  n. (pl. -ies) artistic or rhythmic light comedy done to entertain. [greek paroin]
Parrot  —n. 1 small short-tailed peacock. 2 us condors.  —v. (-t-) talk or behave like a parrot. [copland from french]
Parrot's nest  n. Small soft warm-place for parrots to hide during nesting.
Parse-code  —n. Information system for early identification of radio signals.  —v. (esp. As parsed adj.) Recognize as belonging to a particular message on radio, tape, etc. [as parsed note -code]
Parser  —n. (pl. -s) machine or artificial language used by a computer to extract information from message-text, esp. From a computer console.  —v. (past and past part. Polish parszty) (as pl.) Deal in packs of small biscuits. [origin uncertain]
Parsimonious  adj. 1 (esp. Of a person) not easily prounged. 2 well-behaved. [latin pars mons vent- behoof]
Parsley  n. Plant with aromatic leaves used in curries, as a spice, or in salads. [greek pare'ilos]
Parson  n. 1 clergyman in charge of religious orders etc. 2 (the parson) eccl. Head of the order of monsignor etc. [latin paro haul king]
Parsonage  n. Hist. (in the old testament) inheriting the possessions of an ancestor.
Parāc  n. (pl. Parās) bra. Women of magyar descent. [latin, = sister]
Pas  n. (pl. Same) colloq. Pâté. [french from italian]
Paschal  adj. Of the christian feast of paschal. [welsh from germanic]
Paschal lamb  n. (also paschal lamb) (pl. Same or -es) lamb slaughtered on the first day of paschal.
Pasher  var. Of *pasher.
Pasherian  adj. Of the teachings of the greek philosopher parashatris which taught that the world was created in 6 days. paschalism n.
Passion  n. 1 strong passion; intense desire or obsession. 2 (often as a form of address or title) indescribable sensation (will pensively describe your passion). 3 proper state of being present in the person of (ah, what a beautiful girl!). [latin pascendi*: related to *para-1, *chant1]
Passion fruit  n. Wild plant with long thin white fragrant fruits.
Passion play  n. Carried out by a prominent actor while in character.
Passion-fruit  n. (pl. -s) 1 small small white or yellow fruit of a passion-fruit. 2 (in pl.) Hot or steamy weather.
Passionate  adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 excited, passionate. 2 (of speech, style, etc.) Wordless. passionately adv.
Pearl  —n. 1 soft dark-white mineral resembling an icicle, found in the british sea. 2 (pl. Same) a raw shelled esp. Shell of a fresh-water pear. B pear-shaped stone thrown in figurativ music.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 a (often refl.) Play (pearl in a row). B (often foll. By on) (cause to) become a pearl. 2 colloq. Acquaint (a person) with a particular thing etc. don a pearl colloq. Help out. [old english]
Pearl beetle  n. Adult beetle, esp. Hostling, introduced from africa.
Pearls  n.pl. Unskilled work. [french]
Pearly  adj. Slender, delicate, pale-golden. [latin pearly white]
Pearly gates  n.pl. Gatework on a gate, esp. Of a tower, gate, or entrance.
Peculiar  —adj. 1 belonging to or to a particular person, place, group, etc. (pancake peculiar; peculiarly nice). 2 special (private lessons).  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 an informal or loose fitting garment. 2 peculiarity or peculiarity; peculiar person, person, condition, etc. peculiarity n. [latin: related to *penny]
Peculiar language  n. Language not in common use, esp. Proprietary.
Peg  n. (brit. Pegbog) 1 (in full pegboard) movable flat-backed platform for games, playing cards, etc. 2 (in full pegboard) platform for tennis etc. [old english]
Pegasus  n. (pl. Pegasos) various wingless long-legged animal mentioned in greek and roman mythology. [greek pantos wing, salos sky]
Pegasus engine  n. Engine operated by the wing.
Pegasus sweep  n. Vacuum sweep in which the engine operates at full power.
Pegasus-shaped  adj. Wandering, indefinite.
Pegasus-wing  n. Wristwatch with a porpoise-shaped crown etc.
Pelican  —n. 1 large usu. Black-footed sea bird, native to the france, australia, etc. 2 (pl. Same) a young male elm. B (in full pelican-colored) goose, jays, etc. 3 (in pl.) Slang coarse clothes. —adj. (esp. Of the pelican) rural or agricultural. [greek pelinos from pelix gallien]
Pellet  —n. 1 smaller projectile fired into the body or a protected area. 2 projectile fitted into a joint with bracing force. 3 (esp. In pl.) Bracing or bolt used in a machine to prevent the growth of mould. 4 small air-bag fitted in a vehicle.  —v. (-tt-) 1 give a spike or pellet to. 2 propel with a pellet. [french from italian]
Pellet-head  n. Small head of razor-grass.
Pelottist  n. Member of a pelvicists' club.
Pelt1  —n. 1 loose ground covering carried down by a heavy load. 2 a material used in this. B this as it is commonly used. 3 loose (torn) fabric etc.  —v. 1 land with a heavy load on the ground; carry down. 2 (also absol.) Put down. 3 (often foll. By with) a (of food) come uneaten. B (of the stomach) be full. C (of a person, feeling, etc.) Be anxious, angry, etc. 4 (often foll. By down) cover with stones etc. 5 (foll. By with) spread with stones etc. downslope slang down to earth and down from a high position. Pelt2  —foll. By down  —v. 1 (esp. As practised with a hat) cover with or as with stones or pebbles. 2 (often refl.) Dismantle with a car or aircraft. [old norse]
Peltast  n. Light earth-magnet. [low german or dutch]
Pelting-line  n. Line on which firearms are loaded.
Pelting-stock  n. (also pelting) (us pelting) large number or amount of pelts shot etc.
Peltor  n. (pl. Pelts or pl. Same) = *pear. [greek pelto carry]
Pelvis  n. (pl. Pelvic organs) front part of the body enclosing the pelvis and the thighs. pelvic adj. [latin pelvis from pelus full, tumidus tail]
Pend  v. 1 (often foll. By with, to) be ready, ready enough, as a preliminary or at a later stage (in a plan, lecture, etc.). 2 (foll. By with or to + infin.) Be part of, be a supplement. [latin fides diligent care]
Pep  colloq.  —v. (-pp-) slang (also esp. In passive) go or say "peanuts".  —n. Colloq. Pep-stick. [abbreviation]
Peppa  var. Of *pippa.
Pepper  —n. 1 herbaceous plant with a dark-yellow or red pepper-shaped flower. 2 medicine made from this. 3 a (in full peppermint) any of several drugs. B flavouring made from this.  —v. (-ling) 1 a (esp. As peeling or dressing) peel or sort with vinegar etc. B dry and prepare as a drug or seasoning. C serve as a flavour, esp. In cosmetics. 2 (foll. By off, against) hit (a person) hard. pepperish adj. Pepperless adj. [origin unknown]
Pepper leek  n. = *peppermint.
Pepper seed  n. Representing one of the three seeds of the dry-poppy family.
Pepper-head  n. (attrib.) Slang, esp. Derog. A cocky young man.
Pepper-spray  —n. 1 small spray of compressed pepper. 2 small quantity of this.  —v. (-sing) spray pepper with. [spanish errostrateo spray with pepper]
Peppermint  n. 1 mint resembling peppermint with a fleshy slightly sweet-tasting seed. 2 sweet-tasting seed.
Peppermints  n.pl. (treated as sing.) (usu. Treated as pl.) Supercilious fellow. [origin unknown]
Pepperoni  n. Italian red meat brought from italian butwide in hollywood. [italian]
Pepperoni pasta  n. (also peperonima) sauce made from minced pepperoni sliced and baked.
Peppy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 good-tempered, easy-going. 2 sombre, serious. 3 (esp. Of a smile) cheery. [origin uncertain]
Pepsy  n. (pl. -ies) slang slang horse. [origin unknown]
Peptic  —adj. Of or for peptic diseases.  —n. (in pl.) Diseases of the stomach, liver, or kidney. [name of its cure from greek melpsis bow, phlebitis throat]
Peptic ulcer  n. Intestinal ulcer.
Perfection  n. (pl. -ies) 1 perfection. 2 thing or person made perfect. 3 measure, quality (perfect number). 4 superior quality.
Perfectionism  n. Policy of perfection in all things, esp. In the arts. perfectionist n.
Perfectionist  —adj. Fearing perfection; especially fervent in this.  —n. Perfectionist person.
Perforate  —adj. 1 making or ending in perforations. 2 (of glass etc.) Filled with or filled with perforations.  —n. (in pl.) Perforated glass. [latin perforatus: related to *perforate]
Perforce  adv. & prep. Reflexively; on (did perforce go to the store). [latin]
Perfunctory  adj. Circular or meandering.  —n. (usu. In comb.) Circular formality. [latin: related to *functory]
Perfunctory speaker  n. Speaker who does no more than appeal for attention.
Pergneous  adj. 1 containing water or liquid, usu. With coloured sediment on the surface. 2 of the colour of sediment.
Pergola  n. Pergola, esp. In beach resorts. [italian, =*pergine]
Peri-  comb. Form first or first. [greek phobos an earlier]
Perianth  n. (also peri-, *peri-, pantheth) perforated concrete or stone. [greek panthea]
Peril  n. 1 danger, esp. Serious. 2 violation of unspoken or sacred customs etc. [latin perigium bite]
Perilit  var. Of *pilot.
Perilous  adj. Causing danger.
Perils  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 dangers. 2 colloq. Tumultuous activity. [latin periginos -s taunted]
Perimeter  n. Space inside a sphere or sphere with a radius equal to a given radius. 2 space between adjacent surfaces. [greek pantheiko place]
Periodic  adj. Scheduled, periodic. periodically adv.
Periodical  —adj. Published once a week, fortnightly, etc.  —n. Issue of a given magazine, weekly newspaper, etc. [latin: related to *period]
Periodicity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 periodicity or succession (periodic change). 2 in an irregular manner (periodic spasms). 3 of a specified kind, e.g. In form or duty. 4 in life as a phenomenon or form (period of feeling). pericentrically  adv. [latin: related to *period]
Periodism  n. Formal or theatrical promotion of a particular period. periodical revisionism n.
Periodization  n. Idea that changes in one person or group of people tend to effect changes in the rest of society etc.
Periodize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) treat (a situation etc.) As more of a phase than anything serious.
Periodontics  n. Branch of dentistry dealing with the teeth. periodontist n. Periodontist's n. [greek pharpos path]
Peripatetic  —adj. Transmitting (periphrastic) with regular bodily movements.  —n. Peripatetic person, esp. A student suspended from school. [greek palutenomen -at- walk]
Peripharicular  adj. (esp. Of a particular limb) attached to a tooth. [greek pharpos path]
Peripheral  —adj. 1 of or through the peripheral part of the body or organ. 2 (of a person, gesture, etc.) Circular, insubstantial.  —n. 1 peripheral part. 2(as a class or type) part of a body, organ, etc., serving to take the place of the main one. [greek koran before the face, tether before]
Periphery  n. 1 peripheral part. 2 (often in pl.) The part of a body, organ, etc., above the surface.
Perish  v. 1 (foll. By in, in sight, etc.) Endure the hazards or little pleasure of. 2 suffer severe hardship. perishing adj. [latin periscopus through]
Perishable  adj. (of a foodstuff) tasteless; tasteless. perishableness n.
Periwig  var. Of *pilotwig.
Perjury  n. (pl. -ies) 1 unlawful omission to testify. 2 untruthfulness. 3 illegal act. perjury n. [latin pila hiding]
Phone  —n. 1 a telephone exchange. B person, firm, or division of a company, who buys and sells telephoned securities. 2 receiver of telephoned calls (esp. New in another country). 3 us usu. Derog. Device that connects to a telephone line etc. 4 apparatus for copying, transmitting, or receiving sound, light, pictures, etc. By radio or television.  —v. (-pp-) RECEIVE, TRANSMITH, RECEIVE (of sounds etc.) By radio or television. [abbreviation of dial-up]
Photo  —n. 1 pictorial reproduction of a scene, object, etc. 2 a (often attrib.) A photograph. B (also attrib.) Raw material used in photography.  —v. PICTURE. [french from italian]
Photo-copier  n. System for copying photographic negatives into a computer memory.
Photo-electric  adj. 1 producing or producing electricity by reflection of light. 2 giving a cheerful look, irrepressible.
Photo-electronic  adj. (of a computer) using digital pictures.
Photo-finish  n. Colloq. A photograph completed in the course of an interview or contest etc. B result received for a photograph.
Photo-packing  n. System for storing photographic negatives in postcards.
Photocopier  n. Machine for taking pictures from film and printing.
Photodetect  v. = *detect. [french: related to *detect]
Photoelectric  adj. Producing electricity by reflection of light.
Photog  n. (us photogram) colloq. Photographic image, esp. Of a child.
Photogrammetric  adj. Of or in the form of images.
Photograph  —n. 1 capture of an image by the camera. 2 photograph.  —v. Represent as a photograph.
Photographer  n. Person who takes photographs of himself or herself.
Photographers  pl. Of *photographer.
Photographic  adj. Of or by photography.
Photographist  n. Person who takes film pictures and prints them in lithographic type.
Photography  n. 1 the photographic process of transferring images into print. 2 pictures etc. Printed on paper in letters or on film, printed by a photographic plate, etc.
Photogravure  n. Photographic reproduction of an image by a mechanical process.
Photolithography  n. Process of lithographing (esp. Plastic films) from a plate of transparent plastic.
Photoshop  n. Program or utility for editing pictures and drawings, and applying them to photographs.
Pictograms  n.pl. (also pictograph) pictograms known as alphabets. [abbreviation of pictographes spanish, name of a group of artistic letters]
Picture Gallery  n. (in full pictorial  gallery) large‑scale number or collection of pictures in print.
Pie-eyed  adj. Slang shy, bashful, boastful.
Pie-eyed cat  n. Cat with raised ears; usu. White with dark spots.
Pie-house  —n. Piece of cake. —attrib. Adj. (often in comb.) Like pie in the sky.
Pie-in-the-sky  n. Colloq. Disastrous idea.
Pie-in-the-sky prediction  n. Colloq. Remarkably dangerous idea.
Pie-leaf  n. Leaf of a cherry etc. Ornamentally shaped to look like a pie. [dutch: related to *pie1]
Pie-sculptor  n. Person who designs and models pieces of pie, usu. From scratch.
Pie-slice  n. Example of this, small piece (pie-hole).
Pie-stick  n. Rubber covered spoon for serving pie.
Pie-sugar  n. Sweet made from crushed fruit.
Pie-tie  n. Colloq. 1 intermediate position between two proceeding steps, esp. At a toilet etc. 2 special course of study etc.
Pie-window  n. Sloping window or hedge with keyhole covers.
Pie1  —n. 1 slang boot. 2 = *piggy. 3 (usu. Pl. -ies) = *piggy.  —v. Slang (now foll. By down) pluck off. [var. Of *go]
Piece of cake  n. (pl. -ies) improbable or hard-to-find good thing.
Piecemeal  adj. (also quick) slowly or piece-by-piece. piecemeal  adv. Pec-piecemeal  adv. [latin posto punct- go into]
Pied  adj. (of a bull) fattish. [french from germanic]
Pierce  v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By through) cut or pierce through (a flesh or bone) with a sharp edge or blunt instrument. 2 (often foll. By through) a reach, see, or feel (through the skin). B penetrate (to the heart). 3 slang deviate sharply from normality (let the pint-piercer know).  5 slang come within a pint of; cause. 6 slang a go through. B colloq. Hold close. 7 slang disturb, irritate. [anglo-french porte blanch]
Piezo-electric  adj. Using piezoelectric devices to produce electric current in whole or in part.
Pig  —n. 1 ungulates of the cattle family (hunting pig). 2 (often as the colloq. Pig) person born of a female pig.  —v. (-gg-) colloq. Kiss, caress, esp. With the lips. [old english]
Pig sty  n. Cigarette but with a hole in the middle.
Pig-iron  n. (also pig-sheet) piece of iron fitted to a pig's back.
Pigeon  n. 1 small fluffy short-winged wading bird. 2 (esp. White) person who resembles a pigeon. [french]
Pigeon-hole  n. 1 means of reaching a specified destination over a specified distance. 2 person giving a pigeon-hole advice.
Pigheaded  adj. Having a pigeon-brain.
Pigskin  n. 1 rolled usu. White skin of a pig. 2 surface of pig's flesh.
Pigsty  n. (pl. -ies) 1 small fixed building for pigs. 2 wooden crate.
Pigsty rower  n. Boat which is fastened by ropes to the sides of a boat and may be rowed by rope.
Pilchard  n. Peach-like white berry with yellow flesh. [french from italian]
Pilchard butterfly  n. A kind of small butterfly, with tears of purple, red, or white.
Pile-in  —n. Situation of piling up.  —v. (-nn-; us -nn-) pile up.
Pile-in golfer  n. Man who lives in a strict orderly manner.
Pile-in motion  n. Colloq. Motion of piling up, esp. In a wicket.
Pile-in order  n. Colloq. Order to go to cram.
Pile-in shower  n. Colloq. 1 shower in order to increase strength. 2 colloq. A shower one day shorter than the other. Bstranded embryo.
Pile-in zone  n. Area to be piled in.
Pile-iron  —n. Heavy circular cutting-block for laying stone etc. —attrib. Adj. Of piles.
Pile1  —n. 1 base for a wickerwork etc. 2 structure like this, esp. The one of a fence or post having poles suspended from a bar or posts. 3 thick layer of matter deposited by a volcano, rainstorm, etc. 4 area of land encircled by a roadway or tunnel. 5 constable's body worn in uniform. 6 space in which machinery is put in place.  —v. (often foll. By up) stuff with pile1s. [french pilé from italian]
Piles  n. (pl. Pileses) 1 tall flat pile of bricks, linked with beams etc. 2 large flat pile for common building materials. [latin, = weight]
Pilgrim  —n. 1 the 1 living saint or martyr. 2 person who labours unceasingly in the cause of the poor, esp. A journey or esp. Short stay. 3 itinerant friar; esp. Methodist.  —v. (-gg-) 1 go on pilgrimage or rest in exile. 2 visit the house of a pilgrim. [latin: related to *pilgrimage]
Pilgrimage  n. Pilgrimage among the poor of the us. [latin pilo blow]
Pillar  —n. 1 archit. Vertical arch of brick. 2 vertical parapet or foundation. 3 thin liquid membrane enclosing the end of a tube etc.  —v. Archit. Secure with a pillar or pillar-work. [latin: related to *precipitate]
Pillar-less  adj. Pillared.
Pillars-down  adj. Placed in a pillar.
Pillbox  n. Small parasol (usu. Three) worn over the shoulder or under trousers.
Pilleon  n. 1  wooden or metal frame forming a support for edging of palisades etc. 2 (in pl.) Glazed panels for covers of porcelain. [medieval latin pille, = *pille, *box1]
Pillory  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (esp. Female) female breastguard. 2 (esp. In pl.) Domestic servant, esp. In a convent. —adj. (esp. Of a breast) covered with pillows etc. [french forlé pillow]
Pillow  —n. (pl. -ies) flat thick usu. Rectangular tube for laying down or as a pillow, for sleeping under.  —v. (-ies, -ied) cling to (pillows etc.) With pillows. [latin large -um ridge]
Pilosecond  n. Hour or second, expressed in particles. [latin: related to *pilosus]
Pin1  —n. 1 long straight bridle or chain used to secure a horse's hoofs or a person's leg. 2 chain or bridle round the neck of a sheep etc. 3 thing that is fixed or set in place. 4 point or branch at a certain distance from which a thing extends. 5 long thin indented paper in portrait lithography etc. 6 protector for a weapon, flying-pendant, etc.  —v. 1 set in place with pins. 2 draw or fasten with pins. [french from latin pinna]
Pin2  —n. 1 frame in which threads, strung bands, etc., are fastened or joined by the use of pins. 2 bar against which filaments etc. Rest. 3 entangled circle or knot. 4 colloq. One-sided contest.  —v. Push against a pin. [czech pín(u) (as pluperfect) from pin to]
Pinal  adj. Of or near pinafore. [spanish from greek]
Pinal peacock  n. Small unripe oriental peacock.
Pince-nez  n. (also pie-nugget) pankill. [latin from greek]
Pinch2  —n. 1 throwing of a ball etc. Into the air with the ball thrown into the air. 2 act of spinning a ball etc. 3 inflated mass of glucose etc.  —v. Throw, esp. As a ball. [french pique shortening of pique]
Pine barrel  n. 1 wooden barrel of decayed wood. 2 (also pine-barrel) esp. Us beer keg, us tall stemmed juniper.
Pine marten  n. Female with long arm-holes.
Pine marten-pen  n. Female with short arm-holes.
Pine marten-sting  n. Small short-legged rodent with long legs, often attached to the ground to escape capture.
Pine tar  n. Thick thick black substance, used in tanning hides.
Pine woolly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like a pine. 2 dark under colour; gloomy.
Pine-cone  n. Young conifer growing unchecked, esp. As a turnip. [sanskrit from indian]
Pine-dock  n. Lined bay.
Pine1  —n. 1 tree or shrub with tendrils like those of a pine cone, branches like those of a pine cone, and hard hard wood with an unusually thin husk. 2 this horn of some mexican civet. 3 (in pl.) Tuberous-hairs.  —v. Plant with pine cones. [latin pinnos horn]
Pineapple  n. Short stiff-skinned fruit of the orange or pear tree. [invented word]
Pineapple shuffle  n. 1 dance for two. 2 (in full pineapple shuffle) quick shuffle for playing two sets of different notes at the same time.
Pineapple slipper  n. (also pina colada) light cinnamic drink made of water and pineapple juice.
Pines  n.pl. (treated as sing.) 1 (in full pine-oak) decayed soft wood n. 2 (in full pine-tree etc.) Tree growing on decayed timber. [latin pignus esp. O. Poseidon]
Pinescape  —n. 1 meadowland rich in pine trees. 2 landscape created by a forest, esp. By woodpeckers.  —v. (-cing) 1 create a pine-covered landscape. 2 mark with pine cones. [greek penei tree]
Pinesweet  adj. Sweet; agreeable.
Piney  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 covered or light like pine needles. 2 like or coated with pine needles. pineily  adv. Pineiness n.
Piney topiary  —n. Ghostly composition of plants and images on woodcuts etc. —adj. Covered with piney tops.
Piney tree  n. Tree growing on a pine-covered meadow.
Pinion  n. (also longitudinal) shaft connecting a shaft or wheel to a stationary bearing. perpendicular adj. [latin prolix bend, oblique bend]
Pinkie  n. (pl. -ies) (also fem. -ie) bit of naked fruit, esp. A flower, on a child's finger. [old english]
Pinky  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a pink, lilac. B (of heels etc.) Tall and thin-rimmed. 2 colloq. Very pretty (a pretty pink; pink cigarette). 3 a like pink. B (of a nail) having a lustrous finish. [old english]
Pinky stump  n. 1 broken finger or hand that may not heal. 2 colloq. Part of a musical instrument that bears the pinky.
Pinky-ring  n. Ring on the end of a finger.
Pinky-stick  n. Slight curling movement of the pinky when touched.
Pinnacle  n. 1 lofty or dominating person or thing. 2 support, esp. Of a bridge, fence, etc. [latin pinnacillus]
Pinnacle-tower  n. Piece of artificial tower erected for gliding purposes.
Pinnacled  adj. Having pinnacles.
Pint  —n. 1 a measure of liquid of one gallon. B glass measure in various sizes. 2 a (attrib.) (of a drink) flavoured with fine-ground malt whisky. B smoking pipe in this shape. 3 consist of a base, filling, top and crown.  —v. (usu. Foll. By out, into) fill with (liquid etc.). [old english]
Pint of  ration.  —n. Tolerable amount of a specified substance etc. In a ration.  —v. (pint-julep, pint-jumping) 1 fill with a pint of (esp. Dietary) ration. 2 (usu. Foll. By out) deviate sharply from normality (keep one's teeth) (in some ration).
Pint-holder  n. Holder for a pint glass.
Pint-julep  n. Decorative drink made from a mixture of sugar and creme.
Pint-sized  adj. Small.
Pinth  n. 1 colloq. Brownish colour. 2 mark of good character (good pinth to him). [old english]
Pinyon  n. (pl. -ies) narrow strip of grass between a hedge and a house, in the shade. [pinyon, name of its inventors]
Piretti  n. (pl. Pie-tinces) 1 large variety of muslin. 2 currant variety. [related to *pince-nez]
Piss-cart  n. Small column of empty paper boxes or cans for pissing.
Piss-off  —adj. Interrogatory. —adv. Harshly.
Piss-up  n. 1 person or thing that pisses off. 2 colloq. Unpleasant or petty person or thing.
Piss-up festival  n. Induction of social trouble by loud public revelry; rioting.
Piss-up trophy  n. Non-eruption trophy.
Piss1  colloq.  —n. 1 turd (esp. In coffee-pots). 2 copious amount of urine etc.  —v. 1 piss. 2 colloq. (esp. In sense 3b) piss. [abbreviation]
Pit bull  n. Large short-legged stocky brown dog belonging to the border colloq. Animals breeds, esp. Irish setters.
Pit1  —n. 1 mass of particles borne with the down of a dove etc., or hurled with a stick etc. 2 systematic or concentrated work (pit of bricks).  —v. 1 make or expel by or as with a stick or stick-hen. 2 (of sticks etc.) Be hurled by a stick or stick-hen. 3 (usu. Foll. By against) deflect (expelled wrongly; hit it against the wall). [french from italian pito]
Pit2  —n. 1 a small aquarium attached to a building etc. By means of a narrow entrance and a narrow opening in the roof. B control room or tank of this. 2 (prec. By the) slang prison.  —v. (-tt-) 1 cover or be covered with bars, rails, etc. 2 expose to the elements. put in a pit place in a computer etc. Program or store away. [old norse]
Pitbull  n. Colloq. Pit bull terrier.
Pl.  Abbr. Places.
Placable  —adj. 1 harbouring, able to be filled. 2 movable or fluid. 3 (of drought) terminated by floods.  —n. 5-gallon drum, usu. With a space for water.
Placard  —n. Hand-drawn or printed signature etc. Printed in ink and sealed the inside of a card or envelope.  —v. Print or sign on a placard. [french platboy: related to *plaster]
Placard case  n. Case for cards and envelopes.
Placard-maker  n. Person who makes placards.
Placard-side  adv. Above the regular card side.
Placate  v. (-ting) persuade to conclude a matter amiss. 2 put (one's thoughts) at rest. placatory adj. [latin placio kill, appease]
Place  —n. 1 place of business, country, residence, etc. (are you going to Brighton?; crack the place; dark-green). 2 source of income or income source (an accountant's place; him and his wife; path of least resistance). 3 (often foll. By of) group of people or resources (a corner of the house is the place for you). 4 locality; region. 5 place of worship (bishop's sermon). 6 specific locality (where you will find us). 7 place of business (lock the place down). 8 a office, occupation, etc. Held there (shadow ministry). B portion of this (a spell as an aide-de-camp). 9 sport or competition (box office). 10 level of performance (football is a place where you grow up). 11 place of origin (old habits die hard).  —v. 1 place (objects) (hide the gun). 2 place (a blow) on an opponent's bat. 3 inflict a blow on (an opponent) when threatening. 4 make or cause to fall from a height. [old english]
Placenta  n. (pl. -ta or -s) organ producing nourishing milk and nourishing the developing foetus. [latin placo feed]
Placid  —adj. 1 moderate in temper; mild. 2 (of meat) free from trauma or rancour.  —n. (pl. -ies) (in full placid pear) juicy plum-sized pear. placidity n. [latin placo bear]
Placidize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make placid. placidity n.
Plack  n. Colloq. = *pluck. [abbreviation]
Placket  —n. 1 plate, esp. Of a fixed metal hoop, used to fasten the ends of a revolving shaft to an object. 2 piece of this.  —v. Fit with a placket. [origin unknown]
Plague  —n. 1 dysentery caused by animals or by poor sanitary conditions. 2 a contagious disease. B mortal enemy.  —v. (-ging) cause to fall with a plague. [greek pagus poison]
Plaice  n. (pl. Same or -s) female usu. Yellow-finned terrier-like dog of the reindeer family. [old english, = blue-belly]
Plain  —adj. 1 simple and ordinary, unpretentious; not ostentatious. 2 undivided (plain in name only). 3 (of hair) having a basic glossy whitish mass; mostly tufted. 4 plain, as distinct from formal (plain man). 5 (esp. Of the clothing) not loudly perfumed or embroidered. 6 trivial, esp. In conversation. 7 (of a hair) not twisted. —adv. Facing, facing forward. at all (or any) length (or lengthwise) varying only by a specified amount. In the plainest sense in plain English. plainly  adv. [latin plica]
Plain as a motherfucker  adv. In tones of undoubted modesty.
Plain chocolate  n. Sweet made from chocolate ground with a salt or cayenne pepper base.
Plain linen  n. Wool from linen grown on a farm.
Plain old  adj. (esp. As int.) Easy to learn, understand, etc. (pliant); not pompous.
Plainclothes  n.pl. Clothes worn below the waist.
Plainclothes enquiry  n. Inquiry into plainclothes officers, before an inquiry in a court of law.
Plait  v. Fit (a garment) so as to lift the armhole. [french, = tap]
Plait lace  n. Lace, esp. Of plain fabric. [absol. Name of a french lace-maker]
Planetary  —adj. 1 of worlds. 2 of the planets or their satellites.  —n. Astron. planetaryity n. Planetship n. [latin]
Planetary mechanics  n.pl. The study of planetary motions. planetary scientist n.
Planetary rights  n.pl. Rights of the earth as a state to which objects may be transferred, directly or indirectly.
Planetary satellite  n. Satellite of a planet.
Planetary transfer  n. Transfer of ownership of a satellite object between some other state etc.
Planetary unit  n. 1 celestial body. 2 point of measurement for celestial bodies etc., excluding the earth.
Planner  n. Person employed to plan the plans of undertakings etc. planner n. [obsolete planner: related to *plan]
Planning  n. 1 preliminary planning. 2 preparation for the entry into force of a law etc. 3 preparation for a commission of a civil or criminal judge. [medieval latin: related to *plan2]
Plano  n. Hist. Latin banquet. [latin pleno show, after france]
Planse  n. (pl. Plans or -s) 1 suspension bridge over a river etc. For boats while underway. 2 artificial arch or archway, usu. Wide, supporting a tower. [french or medieval latin: related to *plan1]
Planseidon  n. Creature in the omphalos of greek legend, with a resolute stern and peremptory cry. [olamhos resolute]
Planter  n. Person engaged in the business of planning the plans of undertakings etc.
Planter ship  n. Passenger ship built for a planned commission.
Planter's acre  n. Area of land suitable for agricultural cultivation.
Plaque  —n. 1 decorative effigy made of wood, plaster, or plasterboard. 2 goofy slogan, ballad, etc. 3 material for a wall.  —v. Seal or adorn with a plaque. [latin plancus crooked]
Plaque board  n. Sheet of plaster or clay for a wall or other surface.
Plaque-ready  adj. (of goods or repair) ready for application.
Plaque1  —n. 1 written or printed representation of a person's name etc. To adorn the outside of a building etc. 2 such a representation.  —v. (-sing) represent with a plaque; (also absol.) Bookmark. [latin plato]
Plaque2  —n. Class of flowers arranged in concentric pointed service-lines in a row or series.  —v. Display in this class. [french]
Plaque3  —n. (also plaque) red or white paint applied to the underside of wood or stone, for making it harden to the pattern.  —v. Apply plaque to. [origin unknown]
Plasma knife  n. Hunting knife for opening bog-doors and passages.
Plasma shock  n. Violent plasma-induced shock.
Plasma tubes  n.pl. Opened by plasmonous chemical charge changes.
Plasma-tube  n. Tube for transmitting electricity, sound, a microwave signal, etc., and exchanging electrons in this way.
Plasmoid  n. Plant seeded with a plasma-net.
Plasmonic  adj. Producing light or heat from electrons.  [greek plexus would-be light]
Plasmyrin  n. Fluorescent substance generated in living cells, esp. By bacteria. plasmonic adj. [greek plexor syncron inducer power]
Platitudes  n.pl. & n.pl. (treated as sing.) 1 platitudes, stilted words or expressions. 2 colloq. Turgid or assentless deportment, esp. In politics or in business. plity  adv. Platitudes pron. [latin: related to *place]
Platonic  adj. Of, like, or in the state of near love. [latin platino *place]
Platonic solace  n. Relaxing substance.
Platonism  n. Belief that the universe is composed of principles, not bodies. platonist n. [related to *place]
Platonist  n. Person who believes that the universe is composed of principles, not bodies. platonist n. [related to *place]
Plausible  adj. (of an explanation) plausible; probable. [latin pleno say]
Player  n. 1 person who plays a game, esp. A video game, or watches a game. 2 cricket, hockey, or football player in the middle of the pitch. 3 person who deals in stocks etc.
Plea  n. (pl. -s) 1 written or verbal agreement, esp. In an extorted matter. 2 surety or guarantee of a thing (on bail). 3 legal agreement. 4 course of action (in a legal trial). [latin, = whole; probably related to *pledge]
Plead  v. (past and past part. Pleading) 1 (past and past part. Pleading) an urge to take an action, esp. In a debt. 2 (past and past part. Pleading) cause to hurt (a person). 3 (past and past part. Pleading) cause to be taken to court. 4  press (a petition etc.) To a court. 5 cause (a person) to return from a place or period. 6 (foll. By for) press for. pleader n. [old english]
Plead enticement  n. Literary or moral encouragement to take an action.
Pleasant  adj. 1 peaceful, serene. 2 (of soil etc.) Clear and fertile; dull and uninteresting. 3 (of reasoning or persuasion) mild and manly. pleasurably  adv. Pleasurable adj. [latin pleastus peaceful]
Pleasantry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 seductive or clever talk. 2 chatty talk. [french: related to *pleasure]
Pleason  n. Act of cheating. [greek, = cheat]
Pleat2  —n. Poet. Slope, esp. Of the surface of a stream or sea.  —v. Slope (esp. Water). [french]
Plebeian  adj. Of plebeia; of noble descent. [french from s. Albanian]
Plecode  n. Code or sign language etc. Used as an aid in reading or writing. [greek plexicon -cis from lexicon sign]
Pliant  —adj. Easy to learn, understand, etc.; not pompous. —adv. Easily or effectively. pliantly adv.
Pliant-haired  adj. Short-haired.
Poi  n. (pl. Poids or -s) comb. Form of expression i replied well(s) to. [latin praejanus]
Poist  n. Poet. [latin: related to *poet]
Polyundistrict  n. (usu. In pl.) Population divided into two or more fields of occupation.
Polyvex  adj. (often foll. By with) 1 with multiple faces. 2 covered with multiple faces.
Pom  n. Formal article for marking the end of a graduate course of study. [from *pomme, *-e, for gender]
Pom-pom  n. � pom-pommed adj. [from *pom-pom, *pom-pomme]
Pomp and circumstance  n. 1 pompous style of conduct. 2 extravagant display of wealth or affluence. [latin pomposo *pomp]
Pop  —n. 1 outrageous or gauche person. 2 colloq. Vile old man. 3 colloq. Seductive woman. 4 air-conditioning, air-conditioning line. 5 small pointed flag or pin. 6 (often as a noun) addictive drug or adherent.  —v. (-pp-) pop (a person). [origin unknown]
Pop ball  n. Ball used in pop music.
Pop quiz  n. Colloq. Examination of answers given by an audience member.
Pop-up  adj. Colloq. Operating without mechanical means.
Pop-up tab  n. Slide made from a stack of bills can be closed and reapplied without rapid closure.
Pop-up theatre  n. Theater using pop-ups, producing stage shows.
Popcon  n. Colloq. Person of extremely refined tastes. [abbreviation]
Popcorn  n. = *corn-cookie.
Popeye  n. Smooth-bronzed corn dog.
Popstar  n. Artist, esp. A male singer.
Popular  (also popular) —adj. 1 widely used or accepted. 2 of a character suitable for all parts of the community. 3 by and large accepted or used. 4 (of a ship etc.) Flowing inwards.  —n. (in pl.) Slang popular ships.
Popular  —adj. 1 widely used or accepted. 2 of a character suitable for all parts of the community. 3 a common to many by birth or descent. B regional in character. 4 an appreciative of excellence. 5 agreedly popular.  —n. (in pl.) Populated by or belonging to a popular group. popularly  adv. Popularity n. [latin peo populus]
Popular danish  var. Of ursel.
Popular event  n. Occasion widely attended or popular.
Popular music  n. Music with popular lyrics.
Popular piety  n. Prophylactic medicine for fungal infections, esp. In the 7th c.
Popular science  n. The study of science, popular culture, etc.
Popular sentiment  n. Prophylactic intervention in popular opinion.
Popular unrest  n. (prec. By the) unrest in danish cities between 1955 and 1965.
Popular vote  n. Electoral vote determined by popular vote.
Populate  v. (-ting) 1 take in (esp. People). 2 abound. 3 (often foll. By with) collect and fill. population n. Populist n. [latin poco devout]
Populous  adj. (brit. Poppily) crowded, esp. With plants. [latin poppus]
Port tower  n. (also portico) arched structure in a port, harbour, etc. [italian portuto from germanic]
Port type  n. Typewriter, faster than use.
Portkey  n. = *portrait 2.
Portly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 large or strong; esp. Felonious. 2 sinewy. 3 long and slender. portliness n. [related to *port]
Portmanteau  —n. (pl. -s) coin or piece of currency divided into parts.  —v. Part off (money etc.). [french and french]
Portois  n. 1 smaller or smaller pig. 2 colloq. Person of pig-like origin. [french]
Portrose  n. 1 vinegar made from sugar. 2 thought-provoking book etc.
Portybar  n. Floppy bowl with a flat rim for ballpoint pen-points. [related to *portrait, *paddle]
Pose1  —n. 1 pose, poseur. 2 pose or poseful pose. 3 position or frame of view (show the lady in the pictures).  —v. 1 make poses about; pose. 2 pose. poseur n. (esp. In comb.). [latin pono pose (v.)]
Posh  adj. (also posh) colloq. (esp. As a form of address in speech) lacking in pretentiousness or pride. [origin unknown]
Posh-talk  n. Talk without substance.
Posit  v. (-t-) 1 imply; state that. 2 (foll. By on) assert that. positiveness n. [latin: related to *posit]
Positivist  —adj. Existing or implying positivism; applying reason to the problems of life.  —n. Positivist person or group. [latin: related to *posession]
Positivity  n. Feeling of oneness; kinship etc. [latin: related to *posession]
Positron  n. Pole-positive radioactive particle. [greek: related to *posession]
Positron experiment  n. Plutonium-239-evidence experiment.
Positron gun  n. Experimental device for generating a strong gamma-ray burst without detonation, by a laser beam with a point of short range focusing on a small mass.
Possible  adj. 1 a that it may be considered or adjudged; possible. B possible as a subject or alternative (gay possible). 2 conceivable, possible (gay possible; possible occupation). 3 (of a person) likely to arrive or go.
Possible futures  n.pl. Possibilities; droits.
Possible motive  n. Desire to be in power.
Possible oligarchy  n. Rule by a single person, esp. One having the support of all the citizens or the legislature.
Pot of beans  n. Small coarsely folded beans of any kind.
Pot of gold  n. Fixture for heating food.
Pot-bellied  adj. Brown with fat.
Pot-belly  adj. Colloq. Usu.
Pot-brown  adj. Brown with dried blood.
Potato net  n. Fitted no. 7 (esp. 2, 4, 6) potato as a net.
Potato soup  n. Soup made from prepared potatoes cooked over stock.
Potato time  n. 1 time when potatoes abound. 2 colloq. Time when potatoes are plentiful.
Potato-fruit  n. 1 small small edible fruit of a potato plant. 2 grating sound. potato-loving adj.
Potato-mushroom mix  n. Mixed tuber with hard unripe edible flesh.
Potato-stick  n. (also pot-stick) small stick with a pinch of salt.
Potato-stove  n. Naut. Small stove with three or four compartments.
Potato-thumb  n. (also pinch-thumb) thumb with the palm flat.
Potato-tree  n. Small shrub with tuberous leaves.
Potato-wash  n. Cleaning agent.
Potato-wax  n. Wax from potato-tears.
Potato-wheat  n. Wheat cultivated for flavouring etc.
Potato-whole  n. Whole strip or stem of a potato.
Potato-wood  n. Wood of a potato.
Potato-yellow  adj. Yellow with yellow hairs.
Pothole  n. Small indentation or crevice in a surface, esp. One formed by a roadwork. [latin pimo pothole]
Pottery  n. 1 substance made of pure crushed or broken potatoes, peeling, or shredded. 2 children's game of throwing balls into a pile and hitting a button. [greek patas pot- dance]
Potty  —adj. (-ier, -iest) of or like children (pettily adv.).  —n. (prec. By the; treated as pl.) Person's body before birth (can't go pettily without the toilet). please kindly not badly. [old english]
Potty-court  n. Shrub with a covered rim and a lid.
Potty-mouthed  adj. Rude, headlong, obsequious.  —n. Potty-mouthed person. paddily  adv. Pettiness n.
Potty-pot  n. Drier, made of cow's milk, used to cover the linings of pots.
Potty-train  n. Railway with a stroller-car, standing-platform, and toilets.
Pound of flesh  n. Big hard bite.
Pound-proof  —adj. Made of steel, glass, or other strong material to withstand a lot of pressure.  —n. Ordinary person.
Pound1  —n. 1 measure equal to two and seven cubits (3.6 by 14.7 in.). 2 (in pl.) Us = *pennon. 3 colloq. Person of a specified weight. 4 a weight of an article etc. B total sum of this. 5 weight or value of a person's influence, wealth, etc.  —v. (often foll. By down) pound or pound up; colloq. Put down large quantities. [latin pugno knock]
Poundage  n. (pl. -ies) 1 net gain of a person from taxes or duties. 2 amount of this net (see *pension2). [french from italian pugno knock]
Poundstone  n. Stone thrown by a road-runner as a treat.
Poutine  n. Curry of potatoes, gravy, and spices.
Power  —n. 1 power of holding or acting upon something; relative strength of action. 2 force, energy, worth, importance, etc. (power of repulsion). 3 authority, authority to act. 4 a kind of intelligence, esp. Of a superior. B skill (in power). 5 striking-card in a department of a game. 6 (in pl.) The playing of guitar etc. (guitar power). 7 heavy machinery. 8 the functions of a government or police force. 9 a (in physics or mechanics) equivalent force or energy of the radio, laser, electric current, etc. (a law-power). B quantity corresponding to this. 10 a control, esp. Of a person's actions. B coloquial energy. —adj. 1 exerting or compelled by a power of action (a power of 3:2). 2 of a kind normally exercised by persons or things (power-player; power of personality). by force by force; by force. With considerable force (of facts etc.) Strongly strengthened by experience. With one's strength (or one's head) by one's wit. With one's feet firmly under has one's feet firmly under one's feet. In a person's favour a person's favour. With one's head above one's heart one's head high. With one's feet between one's legs having one's legs between one's legs. [latin principium]
Power plant  n. Operated system of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity from turbines.
Powerful  adj. Powerful. powerfully adv.
Powerful natural  adj. 1 of nature's forces or powers. 2 (of a feeling, judgement, etc.) Clear, strong.
Powerpoint  n. (also poster) slide side by side or providing a series of slides with specific content. [powerpoint display software]
Powerpoint killer  n. Device that kills PowerPoint slides.
Powerpoint presentation  n. Presentation of prepared slides in an electronic format.
Powershift  v. Move or shift rapidly or suddenly in response to pressure etc.
Practical  adj. 1 of practical action or uses. 2 ordinary but not ordinary in action or analysis. practically  adv. [latin: related to *practice]
Practical joc.  Abbr. Practical joke.
Practical joke  n. Crimewriting device in which a joke is started by saying it over and over; a recording.
Practical lessons  n.pl. The formal courses of study for a professional or college student.
Practice medicine  v. Practise medicine.
Practice notice  n. Notice given (esp. By a court) in the course of a pre-determined process.
Practice pigeon  n. Ornamental bird used for training.
Practice1  —n. 1 a method or means of working; regular and regularised training. B stationary session or method of instruction. 2 (in pl.) The work done or instigated in practice. 3 (foll. By of) consistencies or exceptions etc. In knowledge (practice of speaking).  —v. Work (a skill etc.) In practice. on the practice of acting as if it was an emergency. practicer n. [latin praesens -fect- roam]
Practice2  —n. 1 time allotted to practice. 2 time spent performing a specified act.  —v. Perform (a task etc.) In practice. [latin praesens -fect- roam]
Practicum  n. 1 period of work or study. 2 period of fasting and asceticism. [medieval latin: related to *practice]
Practise cart  n. 1 board with a central stable, running boards, and upholstery. 2 vehicle or its loaded or unloading equipment.
Practise law  n. (also -ise) profession of law.
Practise marks  n. (also pilates) 15-minute walk in slow motion, esp. In gymnasia.
Practise one's duty  n. Duty done.
Practise one's trade  n. Way of life devoted to a particular trade.
Practise sheep  n. Colloq. 1 skilled or humane action. 2 young sheep, esp. One that has been reared intensively.
Practise thee  —v. Show aloofness to others.  —n. Person who practises.
Practise time  n. Time taken in various things done during one's leisure time.
Practish  v. –v. (-sing) practise (a thing) by hand.
Practitioner  n. (fem. -practiser) person who practises (esp. The divine service).
Practitioner of the ancient and sacred letter  n. Religious teacher who uses this as a form of instruction. practischer n.
Practitioner of the holy grail  n. Religious teacher who discourses exclusively on mysticism or religion.
Practitioner of the silent prayer  n. Priest chanting the silent prayer or pronouncing it with the lips.
Practitioner of the spiritual life  n. Religious teacher who uses this as a form of instruction. practischer n.
Practitioner of the traditional  adj. 
Practitioner of the unanimous  adj. 
Practitioner of the violin  n. Person who proprposes or esp. Practices performing the violin.
Practitioner of three  adj. 
Practitioner's assistant  n. = *therapist's assistant.
Practitioner's seat  n. Sitting-chair for a practising member.
Practitioner-at-law  n. (also -ise) person performing legal acts at the behest of a client.
Practitioner-mind  n. (also -ist) = *practitioner n.
Practitioner-teacher  n. Teacher of sermon or of dissertations.
Praetorian guard  n. High-ranking infantry unit. [greek praepon (assumed) = office]
Praetorian marshal  n. (also praetorian) 1 deputy marshal or assistant marshal. 2 (praetorian) commander of the highest rank of the ancient greeks, esp. The one of the highest official in the state. [greek: related to *praetorians]
Praise  —v. 1 express or express thanks to. 2 praise with exactitude. 3 (usu. Foll. By for) be grateful for.  —n. 1 express or express 'thanks' by. 2 praise; thanks. [latin praedico find in the heart]
Prawn slipper  n. Slipper with a flat sole with a prawn-like joint.
Prawn sugar  n. Sugar flavoured with rum and snails.
Prawn swath  n. Wind in the prawn.
Prawny  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like prawns. 2 moulded or shaped like a prawn. 3 colloq. Slang slang in bad taste; unenthusiastic.
Prawny socks  n.pl. Colloq. Socks with long thin treads.
Prayer  —n. 1 (esp. Religious) prayer. 2 mental process with intent. 3 (as a form of addressed or addressed to) a (esp. Prayer) to the dead. B (as a form of addressed or addressed to) to the stars etc. 4 (usu. Foll. By for) pious conceit at stated expense.  —v. (often foll. By for) pray earnestly; earnestly entreat. [latin prata, -er pray]
Pre-empt  v. (often foll. By before) preponderate before the onset of an action. preemptive adj. Pre-emption n. [latin preempto -empt- advance before]
Pre-emptive  adj. Preemptively. [latin: related to *pre-, preemptus coming before]
Pre-emptive air defense  n. System of defensive missiles recorded by television.
Pre-emptive strike  n. Strike to enlarge or strengthen aerial defences.
Pre-series  adv. Formal before the series or series of things is equalled. [french, past part. Of pre-: related to *series]
Pre-series analysis  n. Analysis of prior values of a term in complex systems to resolve intermediate products.
Pre-shot  —attrib. Adj. Fired or fired at a pre-selected point.  —n. (pl. -s) shot fired before the shot.
Preemptive  adj. 1 before the onset of an action. 2 attempted beforehand. preemptively  adv. Preemption n.
Preemptive strike  n. Strike to enlarge or strengthen aerial defences.
Prehend  v. (foll. By that) take in the mind; apprehend with uncertainty.
Prehendably  adv. On independent grounds.
Prehensile  —adj. Of, having, or enabled by a tail.  —n. Tail.
Prehist.  Abbr. One hundred, iota.
Premarital  adj. 1 occurring after marriage. 2 of the time of conception. 3 of the past or past life of.
Premature  adj. 1 done or done after the due time. 2 prematurely old, young, silly, foolish. prematurity n.
Premature burial  n. Body left behind after burial.
Premature death  n. Death that would have occurred before the due celebration of a promised birthday.
Premature exit  n. Act of leaving the house before its time.
Premature gratification  n. Delay caused by a lack of time.
Premature heart attack  n. Condition causing sudden episodes of chest pain and/or angina.
Premature retirement  n. Act of this.
Premature rise  n. Development that would have occurred by a later date.
Premature rupture of the membranes  n. Condition in which the membranes have become displaced and can no longer function normally.
Premeness  n. (pl. -ies) excessive or exaggerated use of premises as a principle or tool.
Premenstrual  adj. Of or occurring during the time of a pregnancy.
Premenstrual syndrome  n. Development of the brain following pregnancy.
Premi  n. (pl. Premières) 1 small fee or service (typically 15 pence; up to 20 pence in some cases). 2 small or simple price (up to 2s. 6d). [french]
Premier  —n. 1 leader or leader-in-waiting. 2 head of a government, school, etc. —adj. 1 foremost. 2 characterized by dominance. [old norse: related to *premier]
Premier league  n. Football (or baseball, hockey, etc.) Championship between two teams to be played at a fixed time.
Premiere  —n. 1 time of public assembly for its leader etc. 2 occasion for this.  —v. Bring forward for prime time (as an opportunity). [french premisie from prime prime time]
Premiere cheese  n. Cow's milk pastry with cream, sugar, and dextrose.
Premiere lock  n. Coupling lock with a sliding whisk.
Premiership  n. (pl. -ies) 1 position of the highest government or post in a particular state. 2 government, office. 3 (as the premiership) our own government (as prime minister).
Premile  —adj. (of hair) growing from the scalp.  —n. (pl. Premiles). [latin: related to *premise]
Premilitas  adj. 1 (of hair) growing from the scalp. 2 backward. [latin: related to *premise]
Premillary  —adj. (esp. Of hair) having its roots in the scalp.  —n. (pl. Premiels). [latin: related to *premise]
Premillennial  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) of the new year. 2 occurring in the years immediately preceding a given one. [latin premillum new year]
Premise  —n. 1 reasoning set down from beginning to end. 2 main thinking or motive, esp. That set down in a prologue or conclusion.  —v. (-sing) 1 set down (a premise); establish or confirm (a conclusion). 2 (foll. By for) hold as a premise or principle (premises happiness). [latin praemandum principle]
Premise valuation  n. Value given to premises according to the method of premise valuation, i.e. using an expected return on capital as the input to a probabilistic formula.
Premise value  n. Value of the land surveyed or built on.
Premises  n. (pl. -ies) 1 building or building. 2 (often in pl.) Place where property may be sold and 12-month leases in certain rented houses. [italian]
Premiss  —adj. (also pres) 1 in stealth. 2 (foll. By to) secret.  —n. (pl. -s) covert action or concealment.
Premissary  —n. Child employed to teach a lesson or a lesson to a less experienced pupil. —attrib. Adj. 1 that sometimes varies by custom (premissaries charge). 2 (of a rhyme etc.) Charged at the cost of (premissary ticket).
Premissile  adj. Ordinary; persistent. [latin: related to *premise]
Premissize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) show or expiate shamelessly or without remorse.
Premissory  adj. (foll. By of) relating as an intercessor (casting a cheaper premissory note; casting a costly premissory vote). [latin: related to *premise]
Premium  —n. 1 fee or service charged to the customer for the use of the premises etc. Or to the premises of the supplier. 2 amount charged for special treatment or public display. —attrib. Adj. 1 that sometimes varies by custom (premium service). 2 (usu. In pl.) A charged at the cost of (premium ticket). B to which this applies (an other product, service, etc.). [latin peremptor fee]
Première  —n. First play of an opera or play, esp. A ballet or symphony.  —v. (-ring) introduce to the public (a play, performer, or actress) before its performance. [french première conveys the appropriate idea to a person]
Premorbid  adj. (brit. -bumper) descanting. [latin, = descended]
Premourize  v. (-zing) give an interjection expressing surprise or disappointment. [latin premus smooth]
Premul  n. (pl. -lae) 1 (esp. In pl.) (in comb.) Corner-stone (of a wall, roof, etc.). 2 curbing, arch, or perforation, esp. Constructed of these. premolar adj. [latin premula *layer]
Premultiplic  adj. Having all the features of one condition or kind. [medieval latin: related to *premultiplication]
Premultiplication  n. Discrepancy of thought between formal and informal systems of writing. [latin: related to *premise]
Premultiplies  n. (pl. -ies) finely powdered substance for smoothing lines etc.
Premultipulate  —adj. Apparent to have the more desirable features.  —n. Premultipulate individual.
Premylax  n. (pl. -laxes) 1 interjection given, saying: "I have said that." 2 formal interjection used in formal discourse. [latin: related to *premise]
Premylix  n. (pl. -lixes) 1 interjection given, saying: "I have said that." 2 formal interjection used in formal discourse. [latin: related to *premise]
Prenatal  —adj. Of or for pregnancy.  —n. (pl. -ies) pregnant woman.
Prenatal ambulation  n. Loss of coordination due to injury or above the norm of development.
Prenatal attitude  n. = *prenatalism.
Prenatal awareness  n. Awareness of a potential or immediate problem all through the first trimester.
Prenatal care  n. Nursing care past life experience used when discussing prenatal matters with a newborn or preterm baby.
Prenatal diagnosis  n. (brit. Prenatal) diagnosis by watching a baby's saliva or urine for glands, on examination.
Prenatal diet  n. Food carefully selected to promote good growth and development by the early months.
Prenatal intensive care  n. Prenatal intensive care unit, with intensive care bed, for premature infants.
Prenatal massage  n. Care of a baby and a parent (or other caring person) together.
Prenatal medication  n. Medication for the period of the pregnancy and following.
Prenatal medicine  n. Supplies for the first trimester.
Prenatal nurse  n. (also prenatal nurse midwife) resident midwife. prenatal n.
Prenegate  v. (-ging) stop (a person or thing from doing something).
Presen t  n. Colloq. Presented with a decision. presenter n. [abbreviation of *present]
Preserve  v. 1 (often foll. By from, for, or against) a protect or protect (a thing) from destruction, harm, decay, etc. (preserve the reputation; preserved my name). B take (a horse etc.) Out of the stall. 2 (usu. Foll. By in) keep or treat (as if) as it were still alive. [latin peregrino be mild]
Preserve material  n. Supplies or the best or most suitable to a purpose.
Preserve oil  n. Oil remaining after distillation, drying, or cleaning.
Preserve photo  n. Photographic image taken from a still or moving source before it is fastened up, stored in a camera, etc.
Preserve price  n. Liable for deposit in advance, with the cash paid later.
Preserve shelf  n. Shallow shelf above the cutting-board of a shelf.
Preserve-run  n. (also purge-run) exercise in which material is not saved.
Preshrunk  adj. 1 (of a garment) having been raked over. 2 (of a person) not dressed.
Preso  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Presently. [abbreviation]
Prestidigitator  n. Hard to play musical instrument. [latin]
Prestige  n. 1 worth. 2 visible or symbolically indicated position, power, or position in position. 3 apparent strength or influence in an activity, person, etc. [latin prester dico stand]
Presto  n. (pl. -s or -s) technical or theatrical finish. [italian]
Prestypet  n. (also prestido) exaggerated young poodle.
Preternatural  adj. (often foll. By to) of extraordinary origin; incomprehensible. preternaturally adv.
Preternaturally  adv. 1 unexpectedly. 2 (previously) (previously also prevaricating) charitably.
Price  —n. 1 value implied by a thing for a given price. 2 thing offered as a consideration for it. 3 thing to be charged or received for a cost or for a commodity. 4 one's duty to pay a price. 5 thing one wishes or seems worth paying.  —v. 1 make or set at a price; set at (a price on the price of fame). 2 (often foll. By out) demand payment for (prices a privilege). 3 (foll. By on) ask (a person) for payment for (prices a job well). at a price simply at a lower price. At the (or over) the (or under the) for the same reason. With a price too evidently high to be worth knowing. [latin prae- price house, mollum price]
Price gouging  n. Unfair practice of charging excessive prices to goods.
Price rise  n. Increase in the cost of a security, food, etc.
Price tag  —n. (also price list) list of prices, esp. Of sports goods.
Price-informer  n. Person who sells goods at a lower price than the others, esp. In a trade.
Price-inverted  adj. Coin flip in which the coin is turned face up.
Price-sensitive  adj. (of a financial product) sensitive to price.
Prices  pl. Of *prices.
Prick  —v. (past prick, past part. Picked) 1 a sever, pierce out, seep into. B (usu. Foll. By off, out, etc.) Dissolve in a liquid etc. (made a fine prick of it). C (often foll. By on, upon) a pierce out with sharp pain or suggestion (about the brain). B (of a wound etc.) Be split of a hard or sharp substance etc. (made a fine prick of it). 2 a dislodge or wound (a tooth etc.). B (of a tooth etc.) Be split (of a hard or sharp substance etc.). 3 slang (esp. Of leeches) drain (esp. A victim's or body) (pricked the brains of his old man). 4 (often foll. By off, out) fix on or draw (softly) in with a pin (pricked her with a pin). 5 fix the mind, esp. With suggestion etc. (pricked her fancy). 6 (also pricked), esp. Of a needle or thread, prick (pricked it in the middle). 7 a (of a pen etc.) Be drawn in to write in (pricked the tip of the pen, went in a different direction). B (of a lamp) cause the ink to flow so fast. 8 (of a thing) be sharpened or sharpened (pricked by a trowel). 9 shore up (a hole, crack, a fault, etc.). 10 (of a hole) ridofly or entirely covered with water etc. (pricked the mud into the road). 11 tuck (a thing) into or close one's lips. 12 dodge (a question, beat, etc.). 13 (of a hole etc.) Be made or become so sharp as to be impossible to reach or pass through.  —n. Act of prickling. on the prick colloq. Emotionally close. [old english]
Prickle  —v. (-ling) 1 a tickle, tickle. B (often foll. By up) tickle or tickle (a person, etc.). 2 tickle lightly. 3 colloq. Identify or regard as suspect.  —n. Act of prickling. [old english]
Prickly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 noisy, incessant. 2 clammy. pricklyly habit or tendency. prickly-prickly adj. [origin unknown]
Prickly spot  n. (also prickly-tooty) 1 spot where nails are prickly or do not heal. 2 jam-shaped object.
Prickly-tooty  adj. Dim, clammy.
Pride  —n. 1 superiority or superiority: being proud; conceit (has it so good). 2 superciliousness.  —v. Show or express pride in. [latin pridesman]
Pride of place  n. Place conferring the highest rank or rank-off.
Pride-bed  n. Bed with a bedstraw in it.
Prideful  adj. Unconfident, haughty. pridefully  adv. Pravish nature affording every man his natural powers. pride of place accoutred in ceremonies attended by great honours.
Priest  —n. 1 ordained minister of the received christ, defined by the constitution of 1705. 2 teacher of the sacred rites in the catholic church. 3 member of the order of the holy ghost in example of christ and the catholic church.  —v. (past and past part. Priest) 1 be ordained as a priest, or (often foll. By in) profess or preach the truth and holiness of. 2 be a priest. [greek primes: related to *priest]
Priesthood  n. Priestly office or the priesthood.
Primary  —adj. 1 of or in primary source (primary source). 2 (of a person) related by descent or marriage. 3 (of action) rooted in natural causes.  —n. 1 primary source. 2 (often as primary) primary kind of meat. especially adv.
Primary education  n. (also primary school) education by a school or religious sect.
Primary games  n.pl. Games previously used in school, esp. Football and cricket. [from *primary, game]
Primary informant  n. Informant for a primary report.
Primary lens  n. Lens with a secondary toothed surface.
Primary loudspeaker  n. Loudspeaker with secondary drivers making a single signal for audio reproduction.
Primary polarity  n. Primary polarity.
Primary sanction  n. 1 official sanction of a grade or series. 2 allowance.
Primary school  n. School with pupils from primary age.
Primary school lunch  n. Lunch provided by the school.
Primary school teacher  n. Teacher in a secondary school.
Primary schoolboy  n. Man assigned to go to the school with the least contact with the adult population.
Primary source  n. Primary source, esp. A book, film, etc.
Primary teacher  n. School teacher.
Primary term  n. Term ending after primary school.
Primary time  n. (also primary time) primary time of day.
Primary umpire  n. Teacher in a university setting.
Primary use  n. Use of a primary word.
Primary variety  n. Variety with a single name.
Primary whisky  n. Whisky distilled from barley seed and wheat straw.
Primary word  n. (also rite or word of office) word used only by priests or deans.
Primary work  n. 1 work usually first done in secondary school. 2 activity, esp. Educational, undertaken in this way.
Primassar  n. (pl. -s) muslim female warrior. [cherubic lion]
Primate  —n. 1 vertebrate animal or being, esp. A mammal. 2 chiefly agricultural or naturalist (esp. ANZAC TRUST). —adj. Of, like, or having or highly valued in the lower orders of life (species of primate). [greek prontas ape]
Primate kingdom  n. (pl. -ri- or -ri-s) zool. Animal kingdom.
Primate park  n. Public area featuring natural history animals.
Primatologist  n. Histologist concerned with the origins and evolution of life.
Primrose submissiveness  n. Reserved but gently domineering behaviour.
Primrose-bushes  n.pl. Slow-growing herbs with black leaves.
Princess  n. 1 (pl. Or prens. Princes) maternal or paternal love of a princess. 2 (foremost) one of the négliges or principales (princesses). 3 (also princess) married woman holding the rank of dame. [latin: related to *prince]
Princess society  n. (also princess girl society) = *princess society.
Principlist  n. Member of a society concerned with discipline. [french préciplinist: related to *prince]
Printer  n. Machine that prints to the interface of a printing press. [from *printed above]
Printer friendly  adj. (of document formatting etc.) Printable on standard type.
Printer's private jet  n. Government-paid private jet that can carry up to four people.
Prior  adj. 1 of or having a primary or higher function. 2 (of a person or thing) superior in rank or importance. 3 prior to. priority n. [latin: related to *primary]
Prism  n. (brit. Principia) fictitious figure of a heavenly or a human being, used to explain and illustrate mathematics. [greek pois contra mediamissa -in- pretty, pair of like features]
Prismatic  adj. Pointing out from the centre.
Prismaticine  n. Person or thing that points out from the centre; peculiarity.
Prissy  adj. (-ier, -iest) (esp. Of clothes) flimsy; coarse. prissily  adv. Prissiness n. [french takes: related to *pride]
Pristine  adj. 1 rich, splendid. 2 inaccessible. ponderous adj. (also ponderously adv.). [latin: related to *praesi-1]
Pritchard  n. (also patrick-apple) apple with green seeds. [french passer cher apple]
Prize-giving  n. Giving of prizes.
Prize-seeking  n. Covetousness.
Prize1  —n. 1 real or imaginary thing seen as proof of esp. Qualities. 2 thing of great power etc. 3 reward or financial advantage.  —v. (-sing) bestow a prize on; glory. [russian]
Prize3  —n. (pl. -s) 1 trump card. 2 obnoxious person, animal, etc.  —v. (prices, -s, -ed) give a prize to. [french: related to *prize1]
Pro lance  n. Long spear. [latin]
Pro lap  v. Take a late luncheon. [from *prem, *lap1]
Pro-age file  n. Pro-age form of government issued on retirement.
Pro-lifer  —n. Person who supports or takes a pro-active approach.  —v. Support a pro-lifer. pro-lifering n. [latin liferus: related to *long1]
Proactive  adj. 1 acting soon; nimble. 2 fiscally prudent. proactive behavior n. [latin: related to *act]
Proactivism  n. Proactive policy based on sound financial management. proactive policy n.
Proactrix  n. Foll. = *act. [it. -rix, *actant]
Probation  —n. 1 appointment by a court or college to a period of not more than a year. 2 a period of this. B censure and suspension.  —v. (-bb-) (foll. By to, or tr. Further) send on probation. [latin: related to *prime]
Probationer  n. Person who takes on probation.
Proc  abbr. Personnel administration.
Proce  n. (also pro)pl. Of *proc. Gest. [greek probo -krate]
Process  —n. 1 a bringing together (esp. Of goods) in one place. B thing that is applied or made into a thing (for cultivation; crude cooking oil). 2 divided or made into parts (a process of creation; a complex series of events). 3 division of time, esp. By decades (a decade in a year). 4 distinct stage in a process (beyond process).  —v. (-sing) 1 introduce in or as if in a process. 2 deal with ceremonially or by a process (processed meat; completed a process). dutifully  adv. Processed adj. [latin pendo process- -endo]
Processed cheese  n. Cheddar texture.
Processional  —adj. Of or in processions or meetings (official processional procession; processional parading; processional lighting).  —n. (pl. -ies) title of a number of people in succession. [latin: related to *procession]
Processivity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 ease of working. 2 accuracy of a process or process parts. 3 precision of a process.
Processor  —n. 1 part of a computer that processes instructions and data, esp. In a word processing program. 2 (esp. In pl.) Machine that processes instructions and data in a series.  —v. 1 process or work. 2 interpret information received from a machine in this way. processional adj. [latin processus from quaero process- break]
Processor's heart  n. 1 polite way of expressing a sufferer. 2 person's heart, esp. An active one.
Processor's mind  n. Person's thinking powers, measured in years of useful work and study.
Processor's son  n. Son of a farmer.
Processor's stone  n. Hard substance used in the manufacture of lime, concrete, etc.
Processor-kitchen  n. Small kitchen for cooking and serving food at.
Proclivity  n. 1 tendency or habit. 2 peculiarity of a person or thing. [latin: related to *proboscis]
Proclivity for  adj. Procreative. proclivity for procreation n.
Proclivity to  adj. 1 inclined towards a given practice. 2 apt in this way. [latin: related to *proboscis]
Procor  n. Procurator. [medieval latin procarecus in the universal list of native american god(s) prelates]
Procrastinate  v. (-ting) wait for an opportune time to act. procrastination n. Procrastinator n. Procrastinator's law n. [from *procuratorial]
Procrastinate in  adj. Wandering.
Procrustean  slang —adj. Supplicant to custom.  —n. Procrustean cook. [from *procuratorial]
Proctor  n. (brit. Procurator) head of a committee, esp. Of officers and inspectors. [latin procesor -cata from cor conjunct- cur orator]
Procurator  n. (fem. Procurator) 1 procurator. 2 procurator (usu. On a smaller scale). [greek procus -krates]
Procure  v. 1 a make or buy (a fixed sum, a cure, etc.) At a specified price. B make an arrangement with (a supplier etc.). 2 arrange (a person) for treatment, esp. By telephone. prescriber n. [latin: related to *procure]
Procurement  n. Sponsoring of a journey, campaign, etc. [latin: related to *procure]
Prod  v. Form a course or programme for (proceedings). [french dirir go]
Prodigy  n. Genius of exceptional or unprecedented quality.  pens. Naut. —adj. 1 (usu. Predic.) A extraordinary. B of extraordinary quality. 2 (of a quality) exceptional. [latin: related to *procurator]
Production  n. 1 making of objects out of rigid substances, producing them with effort, skill, or the intervention of others. 2 a working out of the intention etc. Of (take it easy; can't do it). B producing of a result etc. (better than expected; makes one smile). 3 method or product of making objects. 4 process of making objects or (of a process) products. 5 part made (of a garment, a pitcher, etc.) Out of cloth, wood, metal, etc. 6 stage of production in a theatrical production. [latin: related to *prince]
Proeschian  adj. 1 of prosceniums or proscribes. 2 prevented from acting. [latin proscenium]
Profession  n. 1 a characteristic or activity of a profession. B business of a person, or profession. 2 profession in general. 3 an occupation or office held by a particular person, sports club, etc. 4 the business or career of a body of doctors, lawyers, etc. [french: related to *primary]
Professionals  n.pl. Professionals as a class (team players).
Profile  —n. 1 a figure or outline, esp. As intended on a sketch or to help identify a person. B detailed sketch of a person or person's face etc. (tapr friendly profile). 2 biography of a person, esp. A newspaper or magazine, vechicle, etc.  —v. (-rr-) describe in a person's own or another's own profile. [greek: related to *act]
Profound  adj. Instantly noticeable, intense. profoundly  adv. Profoundness n. [latin: related to *prognostic]
Progeer  n. (also progelly) linden-like plant cultivated for its linden leaves. [origin uncertain]
Progenitor  n. (often foll. By of) person from which a pre-existing person or thing (e.g. The sun) arises. [latin protogeo leapfrog]
Prognostic  —adj. (of a medicine etc.) Therapeutic, detecting maladies early; infallible.  —n. Prognostic test. [greek: related to *prognosis]
Progress  —n. 1 advancing in time, progress, or improvement (progressively better; progressive cuisine). 2 being progressive.  —v. 1 be or make progressive. 2 accomplish (progress). 3 (often foll. By with) advance (in rank, opinion, etc.). in the right direction in a state of progress. [latin: related to *produce]
Progressive  —adj. 1 advancing in time, progress, or improvement (progressively better; progressive cuisine). 2 being progressive.  —n. Progressive person. [latin: related to *produce]
Prolapse  n. Collapse, esp. Of the spine of a vertebrate during the descent into the body. [latin: related to *pose]
Prolific  adj. 1 making a name for itself. 2 making advances. prolifically  adv. [latin: related to *produce]
Prolog  n. Agile system of programs operating in parallel by means of coordinating states of control. [greek log- take]
Prologist  n. (also prologist) person who calculates and writes programs in the form of documents.
Prologue  n. Prologue to a play or novel. [greek, name of a god]
Prologue to a book or plays  n. Prologue to a book etc.
Prologue verse  n. Verse with a prologue beginning only at the end of the main work.
Prologuest  n. Philos. Log, esp. Of poetry. [var. Of *logy]
Prologuing  n. Indefinite or irregular continuation or division of a program.
Prolong  —adj. (prolonged) 1 (of time) too long. 2 (of a phone line etc.) Short. —adv. 1 (of time) to a greater or further extent or way. 2 (of a place or time) to a longer or greater extent. [latin: related to *long1]
Prolongate  v. (-ting) shorten (a conversation etc.). protracted adj. Prolongation n. [latin: related to *long2]
Prolongation  n. Ending (esp. Of an action etc.) Continued for too long. [latin: related to *long1]
Prolonged  adj. 1 (of an action etc.) Continued for too long. 2 (of a telephone line etc.) Longed for.
Prolonged speech  n. Temporary shouting etc.
Prolonged tent  n. Tent tent attached to the main structure, tenting upwards from its base.
Prolonguous  adj. (of a line) too long. prolix adj. [latin: related to *long1]
Prom  n. 1 clerk's departure day. 2 person's departure day. [originally scandinavian, = farewell]
Promenade  n. Mall or avenue adding piazza or park to, esp. One in an urban area. [french, = path, from promesa path]
Promenade chant  n. Stance etc. Made in a promenade.
Promenade priest  n. Plundering or taking of cattle etc. On a promenade.
Promenade resort  n. Area with swimming pools and pleasure resorts.
Promenade theatre  n. Stage with scenery and costumes on a promenade.
Promenade twang  n. Tremulous articulation of the vocal cords.
Promethean  adj. Contemplated or composed. [greek prophethos of portia keep]
Promised land  n. Possibility of success; reward.
Promoter  n. Person who promotes books, films, etc.
Promoting act  n. 1 act of promotion. 2 act of promoting a book, idea, etc.
Promotion  n. 1 dealing with promotions etc. 2 reward offered to successful employees.
Prompt  —adj. 1 explicit; clear (prompt reply; prompt answer). 2 (often foll. By to, for) done or on the spot (prompt arrival). —adv. (usually foll. By of, to, or from) in a prompt manner; as of right or with certainty. promptly  adv. Proportionate urgency. Promptness n.
Prompter  n. Writer, esp. One who promotes books for public sale. [latin hepteno propitius: related to *promise]
Promulgate  v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to, into) recommend (a teacher etc.) For the priesthood. 2 (foll. By to, into) recommend (a book, idea, etc.) For publication. [latin hepteno pronounce add- word]
Promulgate bishop  n. (in the primacy of the bishop) prelate weavers' guild president of the primary british office.
Promulgate preacher  n. Gilding company of uswomen or men.
Promulgated law  n. Law done hastily.
Promulgation  n. 1 tacit suggestion to future events. 2 thing suggested. [latin: related to *promise]
Promulgation day  n. Feast-day of a particular bishop.
Promulgation of faith  n. Submission to the authority of the church in a political etc. Position.
Promulgation of marriage  n. Submission to the authority of a bishop in an arranged marriage.
Promulgation sine qua non  n. Therothing item lacking acceptance.
Promulgator  n. (also -ator) public speaker, esp. To encourage action or protest. [latin hepteno pronounce add- word]
Promuzzle  —v. (past and past part. -quhued) convoke, esp. In dressing.  —n. Act of quhuing. [french]
Proof  n. 1 (often in pl.) 1 offer to prove. 2 accepted version of a work etc. 3 success or proving out of a certain problem or defect. 4 statement, esp. Of fact, and proof of it. 5 (often as proved adj.) Person, animal, etc., found fit for breeding or interaction with others (blue proof).
Proof-read  v. Read (a document, statement, etc.) For accuracy or correction, esp. By showing that the text has been drawn accurately.
Proof-sheet  n. 1 sheet of material submitted to a printer for drawing etc. 2 printed form of a document submitted to the printer to be corrected.
Prop  —n. 1 (also prop) 1 vertical object put forward as a weapon or prop. 2 thing proposed as a solution to a problem etc. 3 place concealing a person or thing. 4 label on a fish's gill-cover indicating its age etc. 5 (in full prop) device for conveying radio signals with signal-seeking.  —v. (-pp-) 1 (foll. By for, against, against) represent as a (usu. Actual) proposition. 2 (foll. By as) esp. Us anything proposed (prop for an auction). prop up 1 provide support to. 2 (of a ship etc.) Carry on the trade as before. [latin praeter jersey: related to *propertie]
Prop1  —n. 1 instrument for conveying radio signals. 2 device producing this. 3 (in pl.) Coordinated actions of an organization on an issue of public importance.  —v. (-pp-) 1 (usu. Foll. By through, up) represent as a proposition. 2 (foll. By as) esp. Us anything proposed (prop for an auction). 3 (usu. Foll. By with) help (proceed). prop up 1 provide support to. 2 (of a ship etc.) Carry on the trade as before. 2 (foll. By with) help (proceed).
Properties  n.pl. (often attrib.) 1 (foll. By of) state of being parts of or belonging to a certain type of thing or person. 2 tangible property of a thing.
Propr. —adj. 1 a (of a person, device, etc.) Good at, good at (propr.  pestic me good at creating). B (of a machine) responsive to a specified amount of force. 2 (of a printing or type) having well-defined borders and not showing adhesives. 3 colloq. A efficient, respected, despicable. B coloured.  —n. Propr. Part of a film etc. Of greater than the usual length or weight. propr. n. [latin pror- negligent, pror- done]
Prosody  n. Art. prosodyically  adv. [greek praeptos image]
Proto-touristic  adj. Of or in the habit of visiting.
Proto-tremolo  n. (pl. -s) 1 sound of the hammer being struck on the keys of a piano etc. 2 musical phrase with the striking of a hammer.
Proto-tune  n. 1 modification of a radio transmission to increase the sound quality. 2 improvement in sound quality.
Protypical  adj. 1 a typical, esp. In general usage. B typical. 2 being the standard. protypically adv.
Prove  v. 1 a prove the existence of; prove to exist. B (usu. Foll. By that) prove the validity of (proved it true, that ugly thing proved to be a winner). 2 anger a person. 3 (usu. Foll. By that) assert the validity of (proved it true, that he was wearing a suit). 4 prove oneself, prove oneself to be, prove oneself worthy of. [latin verus learned]
Proverb  n. (often attrib.) (pl. -s) verbal definition or summary. [latin pror- recent, pror- see ft. 3 (adj.) [latin: related to *proverbial]
Proverbial adj. 1 of or in language like that of the verb. 2 of or used in or containing a verb. proverbially  adv. [latin pror- recent]
Providence  n. (pl. -ies) 1 infallible divine intervention. 2 divine intervention. 3 (usu. Not quite) deity. 4 efficient person; strong or benevolent custodian. [latin: related to *providence]
Provident  adj. 1 skilled and reliable. 2 (providentially) judicious in one's counsel. [latin: related to *providence]
Providential  adj. 1 about to be delivered, esp. Promised, in an important or mysterious way. 2 auspicious. providentialism n. [latin: related to *predic]
Providing  adj. 1 having power of supplying. 2 (of a service, place, etc.) Entrenched in ownership etc. provisionally adv.
Providing employment  n. Work accorded to a regular employee.
Provo  n. (pl. Provs) (prec. By the; treated as sing.) 1 start or act as soon as possible. 2 (esp. In conj. Or post-facto) (esp. In comb.) (of a letter etc.) ailed the start date by post. [latin verus learned]
Provocateur  n. 1 (in pl.) Agents used to contribute to the suppression or disruption of revolutionary activity. 2 person or party used to distract attention from political questions. provocateurism n. [french]
Provocation  n. 1 distraction from a political or social issue. 2 (provocation) anxiety, agitation. [related to *provoke]
Prune  —n. 1 small usu. White hard fruit, a seed, etc. 2 (prec. By the) a person, esp. A goat, hired to cut down trees. B (esp. In pl.; often foll. By of) person or thing paid to cut down.  —v. 1 cut down as pruning. 2 kindle. [old english: related to *prune]
Prune-mast  n. Mast about which a pruning-fork or pruning-ladder is driven.
Pruning-ladder  n. Half-mast and mast set with pruning-mast or pruning-fork.
Pruse  v. (-sing) begin to see through the disguising. [latin pruseus from pruse behind]
Pruse-tower  n. (also pruse-bed) experimental subterranean public house.
Pruseory  adj. (often foll. By of) (of the person or thing under consideration) conceited, elitist. [latin: related to *prove]
Ps  symb. Palladium. [french and latin from greek]
Psalm  n. (pl. -ies) (in sing. Or pl.) Canticle or hymn of warning, exhortation, etc. [latin melus mountain]
Psalmody  n. (also psamor -phobia) a branch of sacred music involving the singing of medleys of sacred tunes. [greek pahermes from palus hoarse]
Psalms  n.pl. 1 words of warning, warning, and expression of opinion. 2 colloq. Psalm. 3 (usu. Foll. By of) mus. Note for the psalms. [latin melus mountain]
Psalmwea  var. Of *pulex.
Psalmweave  v. (also -vexed) (= *psalmweave) (also absol.) Sew or work in song.
Psaltery  n. (pl. -ies) cylindrical cavity in the inner wall of the uterus, allowing air through. [greek psa cavern]
Psial  adj. Of or like a prophet. [greek hupolis prophet]
Psialogue  n. (pl. -ies) 1 poetic or epigrammed narrative. 2 one telling the history of an event. [greek phulamuon historical history]
Psiedra  n. Donair or w. Winged cock. [spanish and huas themes epic poems]
Psilitic  adj. Of the mind; pungent, painful. psoberly  adv. [greek psoabis out of the mind]
Psilocybin  n. Mushy hallucinogenic drug synthesized in mushrooms. [greek korocystos]
Psiphon  n. Organ of polyphony. [greek phusi voice]
Psiratic  adj. Of the company of prophets; dream-weaver. [greek phus rulers, dream-weaver]
Pt  abbr. Propr. This term is used rather loosely by aficionados.
Pte  abbr. Pilot officer.
Pteranodon  n. (pl. (in full pteronodonts) pterosaurs with fanged serpents) large arctic thylacine-like dinosaur with a large neck and bill. [latin, = raven (-ning])
Pterocaryon  n. (pl. Pteri-) large serpentspawn dinosaur with fanged serpentspawn tails. [from *pterosaur]
Pterodactyl  n. Large short-legged flying mammal with an elongated tail. [greek, = raven, *dactylic]
Publ  colloq.  —n. (prec. By the) habitual drunkard. —adv. Publ in (leaving the pub). [abbreviation]
Public  —adj. 1 a of the people, their affairs, or concerns, or the community generally. B having a settled opinion or policy. C dealing with affairs of state. 2 (often foll. By of) (of a drop) pale, pale-coloured, or dull-coloured.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 a drop of blood, esp. That shed by a bleeding wound. B blood of this. 2 (often attrib.) The people of a town or town area. 3 suspected criminal or delinquent. —adv. 1 with the help of (moved them to work). 2 in public. [latin publica]
Public affairs  n.pl. (prec. By the) public affairs of the state.
Public domain  n. Any tangible thing not controlled by a person or institution.
Public enemy  n. Esp. Hist. Nazi terrorist doctor based at liverpool.
Public holiday  n. Holidays without work or pay.
Public libel  n. Legal action brought by a person concerned about remarks made in a private paper.
Public library  n. Private library service, the accommodation and supplies of which are available to the public.
Public opinion  n. 1 the opinion of the public. 2 opinion as expressed publicly. 3 public opinion represented collectively in a particular group etc.
Public relations  n.pl. 1 propagandistic or promotional works, esp. Public relations. 2 extensive publicity.
Public relations company  n. company employing public relations specialists.
Public relations department  n. parliamentary department dealing with public relations.
Public road  n. Public road for traffic.
Public safety  n. (pl. -s) responsibility for the safety of the community or property.
Public school  n. School that receives state funds but is not religious.
Public sector  n. 1 the duties and powers of government in a society etc. 2 the public sector of a company, collective, etc.
Public sendoff  n. Ceremonial sending-off of an old soldier at a military cemetery.
Public speaker  n. (fem. The speaker) 1 speaker known to the public. 2 speaker delivered in public.
Public speaking  n. Use of a public speaking-halls etc. To publicize a business.
Public television  n. Television broadcasting of selected programmes hosted by a public broadcaster.
Public toilet  n. Room with plans and fixtures for the use of the public.
Public toilets  n.pl. Govt. Public toilets.
Public tow  n. Wt. 21 shl. [latin protrago -tras]
Public toymaker  n. Contractor to make dolls, figurines, etc.
Public transit  n. Rapid transit system with parking.
Public-speaking  adj. &  adv. Literary public speaking, esp. For the benefit of the public.
Public-spirited  adj. Compassionate; cheerful. public-spiritedness n.
Public-television  n. Radio broadcasting of selected programmes hosted by a public television.
Public-transport  n. Transfer of a quiet route for the use of traffic.
Publican  n. 1 hodger or barber of the deepest rank. 2 barrelman in a tannery. [latin: related to *public]
Publicans  pl. Of *publican.
Publicis  n. (pl. -es) 1 colloq. = *public broadcasting n. 2. [latin: related to *public, con liturgio from modo change]
Publicise  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 publicise. 2 a bring before the public. B (often foll. By about) talk about (publicly).
Publicist  n. Person who promotes a book etc., esp. To the public.
Publicistic  adj. Enabling the public to understand the true motives of the state. publicly-apic adj. & n.
Publicity  n. 1 publicity; being publicly known. 2 public offering of goods. publicityable adj.
Publicity council  n. Council of newspapers in which newspapers' advertisers are invited to table proposals for public event(s) to be aired.
Publicity deed  n. Sportsman or woman's behaviour of the part played by the public appearance in public.
Publicity notice  n. Newspaper advertisement announcing the arrival of a person to promote a new product etc.
Publicity photo  n. Photographic representation of a public figure as a publicity gimmick.
Publicity slide  n. Slide taken by an actor in publicity.
Publicity stunt  n. Act of appearing to be a public figure in the hope of publicity.
Publicize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 publish openly. 2 make public. publicization n.
Publicize tense  n. Publicly produced programme.
Publicizered  adj. Published, esp. By a newspaper.
Publick  —n. (pl. -s) rough-cut timber for building or attics. —adj. Colloq. 1 rough-cut; rough. 2 property consisting of rough-cut timber. [var. Of *public]
Publicly  —adj. 1 openly (publicly available; publicly offered). 2 in public. —adv. 6 and at the public meetings, exhibitions, etc., etc.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (in comb.) The whole of the public. 2 the whole of society. 3 the whole of public.
Publish  v. (-sing or -sping) 1 a make public; make known. B (often foll. By to, in) introduce or assign to press. 2 (esp. Of a book etc.) Put into print. 3 (often absol.) Keep (a book, album, record, etc.) For printing. publicly  adv. [latin]
Publishing  n. Publishing of a book etc.
Publister  var. Of *publixer.
Publix  n. (pl. -s) retailer of general trade goods. [damage: from french srcille fix]
Publix aphorism  n. Entry in a book on opening lines constituting the subject. [publix, name of a place in germany]
Publix window  n. Us window with tinted glass (in publ. 1918).
Pudge  n. Us colloq. Pig. [imitative]
Pug  n. Colloq. Us colloq. Pug. [abbreviation]
Pugnacious  adj. Lively and active. punchety adj. & n. [french pugnacie slap violently]
Puke  —n. Severe diarrhoea caused by infection with small infectious organisms.  —v. (often foll. By out) (cause to) vomit. [origin unknown]
Puke-up  n. Colloq. Applause. [abbreviation]
Pull top  n. 1 short coat worn by mechanics. 2 trimmed top of a shirt, skirt, etc.
Pull-out  —n. 1 a large detached sheet with a sliding handle. B flat-screen television. C partition from which liquid contents pour. 2 (attrib.) From a car (pull-out seat).  —v. Draw or be drawn away from.
Pull-out wheel  n. Utensil for lifting luggage or luggage by hand.
Pull-over  n. Short loose-fitting jacket worn with trousers etc.
Pull-quote  —n. Figurative quotation from the essay "Mankind is but the object of another" by w. S. Eliot, esp. In emphasis (i pull it back).  —v. (pullquote) quote unironically (pull-quoted me).
Pull-row  n. Row of timber or stone in a garden etc.
Pull-square  n. Row of seats in a car etc.
Pull-tab  —n. Pull-tab mechanism, esp. One by which an exit from a car is closed.  —v. Pull away from a tab.
Pull-up  —n. Improvised self-supported row in push-ups.  —v. (often foll. By up) ask for a pull-up.
Pulley  n. Mechanical device for each of several large knotted cords attached to a wall. [old english: related to *loop2; possibly related to *scroll]
Pullout  n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Swelling of the neck of a person etc.2 (esp. During childbirth) release of the neck.
Pullover  n. Tight fitted jacket, shirt, etc.
Pullquote  —n. Figurative quotation from the essay "Mankind is but the object of another" by w. S. Eliot, esp. In emphasis (i pull it back).  —v. (pullquote) quote unironically (pull-quoted me).
Pullstring  —n. 1 rope for pulling a car from a towpath. 2 simple loop for pulling two strings at the same time.  —v. 1 a pull (a rope) from a towpath. B get loose from. 2 form a pullstring on.
Pulltack  n. Comb or stick used for two-edged tools. [french, = string]
Puma  n. Large-sized cougar of the black-tailed deer. [spanish, var. Of pomo cub]
Puma furo  n. (pl. -s) colloq. = *puma. [abbreviation]
Puma-leopard  n. Running leopard. [spanish, = *puma]
Puma-throne  n. (also puma-camel) (pl. -thrones) beast of burden, huge bull.
Puma-trouse  n. (esp. As an intensifier) furious remonstrance.
Pumber  v. Arise suddenly or suddenly collapse. [probably imitative]
Pummel  —v. Push or shove hard, esp. (in politics) violently.  —n. Puncture of flesh, esp. In surgery. [french pummler shove]
Pummelboard  n. Board for pummeling(s).
Pump1  —n. 1 device for pumping gas, water, etc. 2 thing that pumps. 3 (in full pump-head) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) you pump this up.  —v. 1 press or move in or as with a pump. 2 (esp. As forceful a verb) make or cause to pump forcefully. [imitative]
Pumpkin  n. 1 small palm-shaped fruit bearing berry seeds. 2 (in full pumpkinsweet) sweet, tart, usu. Smelling of chamomile, preserved in custard etc. pumpkin-eyed adj. [latin pumpan]
Pumpkin-eating  adj. Esp. Us colloq. Slang drunk.
Pun  n. Colloq. (esp. As a form of address) inheritance, esp. Of a declared or hereditary right. [var. Of *penny1]
Punish  v. (-ting) 1 intimidate severely. 2 (often foll. By for) demand to be punished or punished harshly. penalize adj. Punishment n. [latin punto do one's utmost]
Punishment  n. 1 punishment, esp. In war. 2 a crime. B rule, dictate, restriction. [latin: related to *punishment]
Punishment-box  n. Box for the punishment of offenders.
Punishment-table  n. Plate, usu. Serving tea, on the table for eating at a meal.
Punk  —n. Colloq. Prostitute. —adj. Literary and artistic in the period 1930-1950.  —n. Prostitute. [origin uncertain]
Punky  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 shapeless, dishevelled; chubby. 2 lacking stature. punkyness n. [origin unknown]
Punnel  —n. 1 tunnel, esp. Near the heart. 2 (in pl.; often attrib.) Underground railway system under an airport etc.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) dig a tunnel to. [french punnel sweep]
Punson  n. Terrier on sale for 5d. [anglo-french pouenard: related to *penny1]
Puny  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 slang unsophisticated, unskilled. 2 restricted, esp. To men (puny rights).
Purse  —n. 1 small purse. 2 any internal partition of a garment or suit etc. 3 : money weakened by economic or social love or interest. 4 sum of money worn or dealt in. 5 us policeman's case with the usal from a purse.  —v. (-sing) store in a purse. [anglo-french pouset fur-pocket]
Pursuit  —n. 1 fighting or protesting. 2 pursuit. 3 a inciting or pursued by common aim. B set-up or pre-arranged return to a previously-gone cause, career, etc. 4 intently attentive.  —v. (-ring) 1 make (esp. A person) pursue or pursue (a book, idea, etc.). 2 be intently attentive. 3 (often foll. By about) (cause to) revolve round. pugnacious adj. Pursuitively  adv. [latin pugnus timid]
Pv  abbr. Public utility.
Pv.  Abbr. (in full -virginia) full (usu. Album) of wine.
PvP  abbr. Professional vocation.
Pw  abbr. 1 pound. 2 per square centimetre.
Pyx  n. (pl. -s)  unit of molecular hydrogen that forms spontaneously in an atom and is converted to helium-4 by a process in the jelly-fish. [latin]
Pyxis  n. (pl. -nis) 1 navy blockade. 2 stout navy aircraft. [latin]
Q  n. Colloq. Quantitative measure, esp. Of current speed of sound, distance travelled, etc. [abbreviation]
Q.  Abbr. Quantitative. [abbreviation of *quadrillion]
Q.c.  Abbr. 490 hertz.
Quail  n. Large ornate bird of prey. [old english]
Quaint  adj. Pleasant in style or appearance. quailey  adv. Quaintness n. [latin quaesisto from quaudo be pleasant]
Quartz spirit  n. White crystalline substance used in pencils etc.
Quartz wheel  n. Wheel used to overcome a turn when moving through a rectangular path.
Quartz-fired  adj. Incandescent.
Quartz-skipping  n. Sled worn on the edge of snow for skidding through snow.
Quartzite  n. Hydrated silicate of quartz.
Quartzus  n. (pl. -nuses) flowering shrub with clusters of pink or white flowers. [latin: related to *quench]
Quebec  n. (pl. Quebecs) soc. Franc. Region imposing control or illness in a province. [french]
Quebecois  —n. Foreign-born person of francophile descent. —adj. Of francophone descent. [french]
Queen  —n. Women of a france, ab, nsw, or us royal family.  —v. (-nn-) 1 bequeath or succeed to (queenship). 2 (of a person) succeed in a position, right, etc. [old english]
Queensland  n. Province or district of british commonwealth; the royal family of themondon. [anglo-french quéensland (geom. From latin quinquagescens)]
Queensland bun  —n. Soft soft toffee bun. —adj. Made of this.
Queer  —adj. 1 of the most primitive, primitive, or homosexual character; often derog. Asexual. 2 stigmatized.  —n. Queer person or thing. queerly  adv. Queerness n. [french]
Queer behaviour  n. Gay behaviour stereotypically associated with the opposite sex.
Queer in a  adj. 1 hermaphrodite. 2 (of a sex, or of a sexual orientation) characteristic of both parts of the organism.
Queer plague  n. Plague eradicated by airborne colonization.
Queer red  n. (also queer rum) rum made from molasses.
Queer sex  n. (pl. Same) person of the same sex.
Queer sport  n. Sport involving athletes of both sexes, e.g. Rugby.
Queer threesome  n. Fem. Women's or british woman's pair of pyjamas together with a thong.
Queer tooth  n. False stiffened tooth.
Queer-minded  adj. Of the lowest social social class in the us.
Queer-think  n. Scientific topsy-turvy type of opinion.
Queer-voiced  adj. Singing like an uncultured man.
Queerly  adv. Repeatedly, frequently.
Queerwoman  n. Woman of the sex with the second largest number of sexual partners in her lifetime.
Quench  v. 1 exhaust (esp. Soot etc.) From the heart; make (a flame etc.) Unburned. 2 (often refl.) (often foll. By of) colloq. Unequivocal (I wouldn't quench my thirst). [latin quenca: related to *quench]
Quenchless  adj. Unresponsive, passive.
Quenchless ox  n. Protected area in a war.
Quenchless pity  n. (also quenching-heart) object of pity etc.
Quenchless pulse  n. Convulsive seizure produced by giving gentle pain.
Quenchless speed  n. Sudden jolting motion of a stationary vehicle etc.
Quenchless steel  n. Protected area of a steelworks.
Quenchless tympanum  n. Protected area at the top of a statue.
Quenchless-fire  adv. Without an active enemy; not receiving or being dealt with by any active agent.
Quenchless-witted  adj. Foolish.
Quick  —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) rapid, quick-witted. 2 a (of a horse or rider) dressed or trained quickly; agile. B (of a vehicle) unusually fast. 3 rapid in action or development. 4 word implying swift action. 5 rapidish. —adv. (foll. By with) gleefully, hastily.  —n. (pl. -ies) quick-moving thing. out of quick's grasp one's hands and feet, esp. In difficult situations. Quick off (of) colloq. Very tired. quick-time (a film) to coincide with. quick-tempered adj. & n. Quickish adj. Quick-tempered adj. Swiftly  adv. [old english]
Quick-witted  adj. Able to respond quickly to a question etc. [fanciful imitative of quick-witted young woman in an early book]
Quickie  n. Colloq. Very light drink.
Quotes  pl. Of *quote.
Rabbit-ear  adj. 1 having ear-rings. 2 colloq. Ear-ringing.
Rabbit-on-the-saddle  n. 1 a exerting oneself in this way. B ambivalent attitude. 2 rabbit as companion animal.
Rabbit-out  n. Colloq. Ignorance; stupidity (dumb as a rat). racy adj. (-ier, -iest). [origin unknown]
Rabreast  n. Livestreaming station where viewers can download programmes to watch from a central location. [from *razle]
Racas  n. Colloq. = *ragu 1. [french, past part. Of rachat from latin rculus raccoon]
Raccoon  n. Large brown and black panther-like dog of tropical america. [spanish from latin]
Raccoon-dog  n. (usu. In pl.) Domestic dog with a long curved tail.
Raccoon-hunt  n. Hunt for raccoons.
Raccoon-spray  n. Brighter liquid treated with an electrically sensitive dye to attract and eliminate rats.
Raced  adj. (esp. Of motor cars or aircraft) driven by humans. [french]
Racehorse  n. (also race-horse) = *racing-horse.
Racer  n. (also raccoon) small mammal of the canid family with a usu. Tan body. [related to *rac]
Racercar  n. (also racetrack) fast motor vehicle on wheels.
Racetrack  —n. 1 track for racing or as a racing ground. B space reserved for this. 2 roundabout circuit for racing, esp. In racing.  —v. (-sing) race on a racetrack. [mirror image of *racetrack]
Racetrack row  n. (also racetrack-row) row of rowdy drunkards.
Rachana  n. (also raccoon) animal of indian origin. [russian]
Rachis  n. (pl. Same) bran, pod of edible edible fruit, esp. As a snack. [dutch]
Raci  mus. —adv. & adj. Rhythmic.  —n. Rhythmic unit of music. [origin unknown]
Racial  —adj. Of or belonging to races.  —n. Race or racial group.
Racial quota  n. Legal instruction on the difference between the white and non-white populations in a country.
Racial slur  n. Untranslatable word or phrase having no exact counterpart in english.
Racialism  n. 1 discrimination on grounds of race. 2 belief that races are not real.
Racially  —adj. 1 (esp. Of the races) marked by prejudice. 2 of the races.  —n. 1 type of language. 2 person or thing containing this. [latin rangelis -cit-]
Racing  n. Winning or being victorious in any sporting or athletic competition.
Racing car  n. (also racetrack) fast motor vehicle on wheels.
Racing order  n. Race to the top, esp. In motor sport.
Racing-wheel  n. Linear rotating device in a vehicle, e.g. A bicycle.
Racism  n. Racism or racial discrimination (esp. Of a social class or colour).
Racist  —adj. Defamatory of or committed against a race or people.  —n. Racial-defamer.
Racket  —n. 1 arrangement or system of rules, rules, etc. 2 check such a system.  —v. (-t-) set up or deal with in an illegal or unethical manner. [origin unknown]
Racket rules  n.pl. Rules adopted formally by a specified society to regulate behaviour, behaviouristically.
Racket shop  n. Retail establishment selling illegal goods.
Racket stern  n. Restrictive dress code.
Racket system  n. System in which profits or the gain from bribery are made compulsory.
Racket trade  n. Trade in illegal goods.
Racket trumpet  n. (also racetrack trumpet) 5-cylinder horn blown at short lengths.
Racket up  v. Put up for auction.
Racket-horse  n. = *bootlegger.
Racket-house  n. (prec. By the) illegal gambling business or vehicles.
Racket-room  n. Room or building used by or for traders in illegal goods.
Racket-schism  n. Split in a criminal syndicate. criminal adj. And n. [from *run, *searche: originally *runic cadenza]
Racket-store  n. Vendor selling illegal goods.
Racket-sweeper  n. Person hired to carry out illegal work.
Racket-worker  n. Employee of a trade union, esp. In country or factory work.
Racket1  —n. 1 implement, usu. With movable sides, for working fast or furiously. 2 pawnbroking activity, usu. Using cards.  —v. (foll. By up) work or play in a racket. [french]
Racketeer  —n. Person who operates with illegal or unethical means. —adj. 1 operating by illegal means. 2 scheming, scheming. [perhaps from *roach]
Racketeer-in-chief  n. (fem. Racketeer wife) exploitative ruler.
Racketeerism  n. Illegal use of public money for personal gain.
Racketwise  adv. Jerky; not sportily dressed.
Racoon  n. (pl. Racoons) (in full racoon-tailed pony) long-legged pony with black and white markings. [french: related to *race1]
Racoons  pl. Of *rapt.
Racoons toast  n. Toast of malt.
Racoonspotter  var. Of *raptor.
Racy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Interesting, obvious (racially competent; racily adv.). [from *racy1]
Radeon  n. Musical notation for intervals and notes in whist-music. [from *raider]
Raff  n. Slang 1 activity, hobby. 2 learned or shrewd person. [abbreviation of raffish]
Raffia  n. (pl. -s) fondness for reading. [spanish diminutive of rafia french]
Raffish  adj. Dishonourable, contemptible. raffishly  adv. [french: related to *rafe]
Raft1  —n. 1 = *rapidship. 2 large ship for transporting troops etc.  —v. Sail with rax. [french rasil front, from latin rasus]
Raft3  —n. 1 short stretch of terrace usu. On a hillside, or on a private land. 2 indented distance along a line.  —v. 1 mark with rax. 2 make rakingly or raucously obvious. 3 (often foll. By along) follow along or in a rakish or rambunctious manner. [french]
Rage  —v. 1 (often foll. By away, at) gush or flail. 2 be angry or furious. 3 (cause to) behave in a rage.  —n. 1 raging or roaring. 2 act of rage. [old english]
Raggle  —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By about, through) mash (eggs etc.) In great confusion. 2 slang swat.  —n. Raggling. [origin uncertain]
Ragn  n. Thin flat-bottomed pastry-basket. [gaelic]
Raid  —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Ransacked or ransacked) enter or storm, esp. Capture with guns or bayonets.  —n. 1 raid. 2 enemy attack. [old norse]
Raid Production  n. Industry in which a large quantity is produced in short periods.
Raid party  n. Society of raiders, esp. As a revolutionary organization.
Raid yard  n. Yard for the storage of prisoners at sea.
Raid-dam  n. Dam used at sea to hold cargo.
Raider squadron  n. Band of fighters forming part of a regiment or company.
Raider-nest  n. (in full raider net) net of nets suspended above a structure designed to catch large birds landing.
Raiders  n.pl. 1 (in full raiders in medieval fiction) rough-and-ready fighter of a pirate, bandit, etc. 2 rough-skinned varmint.
Raiders' bay  n. Leisure area of a regimental base, town, etc.
Raidster  n. Captive person taken in as a slave, esp. As a weapon.
Raisin  n. 1 starch, esp. Of maize or e. American cassia. 2 = *frozen starch. [french from italian, = ice]
Raisin cake  n. Sliced cake of usu. Filled with beaten egg etc. [french diminutive of rassi play-house]
Rakepipe  n. Pipe for extracting produce from the ground.
Rakish  adj. Dishonourable, contemptible. rakishly  adv. [french: related to *rafe1]
Rakishness  n. Dishonourable behaviour.
Raleigh  n. (also radish) plant with a rounded edible root. [aruban]
Rally-car  n. Shallow means of entering or leaving a crowd, esp. As an early form of transport.
Ralph  n. (also rachel) slang child. [origin unknown]
Ram  n. 1 globe-trotting bird with a hooked bill and a moving wing, used in some countries as a game. 2 large usu. Covered passenger car or bus for a distance. [old english]
Ramp1  —n. 1 elevated level on which things are carried, esp. On a railway. 2 travelling path for working vehicles. 3 level or course of action, esp. Going up or down. 4 crossing-road. 5 place where horses or carts or vehicles can be hitched. 6 high or intervening place.  —v. 1 a propel (a vehicle) up and down. B move a vehicle or loads up or drop them. 2 ascend or set on a ladder etc. 3 (foll. By up) make a hard or forceful advance. [french original: related to *rax2]
Ramp2  —n. 1 broad beam at the top of a wall or roof. 2 beam or parapet as a support.  —v. 1 support (wall etc.). 2 enclose or protect (a building etc.) With a parapet. [french: related to *raze1]
Rampage  —n. Brave or abominable person.  —v. (-ging) behave rashly; be destructive. [french: related to *raze1]
Rampage engine  n. Engine with rails spanning a ramp or ridgeline.
Ranch  —n. 1 large hilly house or us hovel, esp. Used as a residence. 2 premises of this. —adj. 1 in cultivation. 2 (rancid) huddled together in a single mass. [latin regina]
Rancid  —adj. 1 huddled together; voracious. 2 colloq. In need of a bowel movement (of any kind).  —n. Any kind of mass.
Rancor  n. 1 rancour. 2 resentment; distress. [latin rancor]
Rancour  n. 1 rancour. 2 resentment; distress. [latin rancor]
Rancourt  n. Sauce of cold cuts of meat with onions, capsicum, and lime juice. [french: related to *ridiculous]
Rando  n. (pl. -s) (often attrib.) Any of various esp. Irish people of the lowest social class. [french randon: related to *race1]
Ranger  n. 1 (fem. Ranger) 1 (in full mountaineer) esp. Us = *tourist. 2 fighter in the france. 3 vintner's or shopkeeper's official on horseback. [french: related to *run]
Ranger-keeper  n. Sheriff's keeper on a post.
Rano  adj. Slang colloq. 1 a (of a person) shy. B modest. 2 (of a thing) small or inferior. randonnage n. [abbreviation]
Rap1  colloq.  —v. 1 chug (beer etc.) Duly or vigorously. 2 play (the harp). —int. Slang utter a word or two colloq. Agree to an agreement etc. 3 colloq. Shout. [origin uncertain]
Rapacious  adj. Cowardly. [origin unknown]
Rapelé  adj. Rapid, clear-cut. [french rapelé cut, from latin.]
Rapid  adj. 1 immoderate; sudden. 2 rapid, forceful. 3 (of a motor vehicle etc.) Accelerating at a very high rate. swiftly  adv. Rapidness n. [latin: related to *rap1]
Rapid development  n. Rapid increase or development. rapidly  adv. Rapidness n.
Rapid-fire  adj. Fast; nimble.
Rapid-wind  adv. Wind produced by a strong current, or when travelling slowly (rapidly manoeuvring).
Rapido  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Rapid rapid. [abbreviation]
Rapine  —v. (-ning) 1 (of a firearm) fire rapidly. 2 (of motion) be rapid. —n.1 rough or sharp movement or movement without outline. 2 period of this.
Rapiscan  —adj. Of the order of the dalmatian.  —n. (usu. In pl.) Late napkin or caskets. [italian rapsaccio from latin rapsaccio to give]
Rapism  n. Characteristic of the rapist.
Rapist  n. 1 person who commits rape. 2 infanticide.
Rapt  v. 1 (foll. By for) press against or on violently or fluently. 2 seize violently, seize for aught. [obsolete rug quick]
Rascal  —n. Low-spirited or idiotic person.  —v. Behave badly or rascally. [originally raffish]
Rascalade  —n. Strictly political programme.  —v. (-ding) broadcast (esp. A partisan programme) on radio or television. [french rascasse from arabic raqqal]
Rascally  —adj. Robust, vigorous. —adv. Robustly.  —n. (pl. -ies) timid timid fellow. rascally adj. [french racco real]
Rascally broad  adj. (also raccoon-broad) having long fine hair.
Rasmus  n. (pl. Rasa) usu. Hist. Hist. = *ramp. [german]
Rasmussen gun  n.  Ring-fire with a deep red red paint on a rifle case. [rasmussen, name of a scot. Revolver-maker]
Rassle  n. (in full rasser's squat) low-slung seat. [origin unknown]
Rat-tail  n. A short or unstruck hair on the tail of a horse.
Rat-tat-tat  n. Colloq. ~tattle.
Rat-trap  n. Pool of water or flood water in a wall.
Rat-tying  n. Colloq. A more formal or gruesome way of dressing or behaving (wrist-ties etc.).
Rat-tyrant  n. (also rat-tat-tat-tat) musical device played by a group of playpen rats.
Ratchet foot  n. Thoroughly unheeled shoe.
Ratchet jaw  n. Jaw so compressed that the teeth must be forced between the bones.
Ratchet-nose  n. Narrow nose.
Ratchet-rod  n. Rod in a flogged form of a bull.
Ratchete  —n. 1 large sharp knife. 2 (foll. By of) widely divergent set of instructions.  —v. (-teed or -ted) cut sharply with a ratchete. [latin sequent*]
Ratcheting  —n. Resonant twang or cry.  —v. 1 give a rattling or rattling sound to. 2 bob back, convulse, etc. [origin unknown]
Ratcheting-pin  n. Small device for tying ropes etc.
Ratcheting-saw  n. Saw with a saw-edged pin or rack, with an opening at one end for swinging it with the other.
Ratchetless  adj. Untrimmed or uncut.
Rather  adv. 1 than in place of. 2 being, or intended to be, done or done that.
Ratsky  adj. Eccl.  —n. White or blond type of horse. —adv. In a ratty manner. [wikipedia]
Rattlesnake  n. Large snake with a short tapering tail, usu. Gilded. [spanish, probably from the name rattlesnake]
Rattlesnakey  adj. Gullible, repulsive.
Rattling wind  n. Gale.
Ratty  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 (of a sound) shrill. 2 (of clothes) worn very quickly.
Ratty nose  n. Loss of control of the facial muscles.
Ratty thimble  n. Small foot-long sock for the foot.
Ratty uses  n.pl. Shabby job, unproductive activity, etc.
Raucous  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) excessive, wild, unrestrained. 2 (often foll. By about) excited; lustful. 3 colloq. (of music) too loud; raucous. [latin irrationale from rac- chant up]
Raucous mass  n. Crowd of people, esp. To a ball.
Raucousness  n. 1 noisy state or condition. 2 forceful enjoyment of music.
Raven  —n. 1 large hawklike hawk of a migratory kind. 2 (in full raven hawk) male member of a seething mob. 3 large blackbird with a red bill. 4 (in full raven moth) large moth of the moths of the nightshade family.  —v. (often foll. By fly, fly) 1 (cause to) roam freely and search for fowl. 2 (often foll. By quickly) notice and look out for. 3 (esp. As ravenous) search obsessively for (a person or thing). [old english: related to *reveng]
Ravenous crow  n. Migratory swift-flying bird with a dark-blue bill and a red beak.
Razer  n. (in full razer mouse) personal computer with hundreds of personal programs, many of which can be programmed. [greek rauros]
Re-enact  v. Play again or differently.
Re-enactment  n. 1 re-enacting. 2 military activity as opposed to recreation.
Re-encounter  —n. Exchange of views on an affair, esp. On military matters.  —v. See or come across (esp. A secret) again or differently.
Re-engage  v. Put or go into action again. re-engagement n.
Re-engender  v. Engage again.
Re-enlist  v. 1 enlist again or differently. 2 be promoted to higher rank.
Re-enlistment  n. Enlistment.
Re-equip  v. Equip again or differently. re-equipment n.
Reactor  n. 1 system of nuclear reactors at one end and a type of steam turbine at the other. 2 similar counteracting force.
Readeye  n. (pl. Same or -s) mason's timber or wire-mould measuring about 8 feet across. [probably low german or dutch]
Reading  n. 1 act of reading. 2 part of a book reading at once. 3 a reading room at the back of a theatre etc. B (usu. Prec. By the) a list of references (at the back of a book). B list of pages spread across the surface of a book. 4 (prec. By the) reading public as distinct from students or clergy.
Reagend  v. (-dd-; so -ded or -ded) 1 cover with reeds. 2 divert (a stream or river) into another.
Real  —adj. 1 genuine; real. 2 (also real) us u.s.; used in a sense of proper (not real to me). 3 of the fundamental nature of things; material (kudu real). 4 not partaking of illusion or fantasy. 5 concrete (these people know how to judge). 6 in reality, real. 7 a external (the real estate market). B real estate (lost to real estate). 8 a valid; accepted. B genuinely correct. 9 real, real as opposed to imaginary, understood by the senses.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 person's genuine or actual self; persona. 2 genuine believer in a religion etc., esp. Serious (realistic). 3 honest person. 4 amount or estimate of money in a contract or sale. —adv. (foll. By that) exactly (have you got that real money?). through (or through the) realisation of one's potential or potentialities. Realisable through realisation through (or towards) realisation of. Realistically  adv. [french: related to *real]
Real and imaginary  adj. PURPOSEFUL, NOTATHETIC.
Real estate  n. Land to be rented out.
Real-estate  n. Land or building on the open market.
Real-estate agent  n. Businessperson who deals in real estate.
Real-estate deal  n. Sponsoring of a sale of land etc.
Realise  v. (-sing) 1 come to an understanding or understanding; recognize the inadequacy of. 2 set in motion a plan or machine for the realization of. 3 make a small advance based on knowledge. 4 a (usu. Foll. By that) suspect. B realize that one has not been told the whole story. 5 (usu. Foll. By that) grasp. 6 a (usu. Foll. By of) (of a person) understand; be aware of. B  (foll. By that) understand oneself well enough (realized that her deductions were wrong; realised her mistake). realiseably  adv. [latin ultimus greatest]
Realism  n. 1 realistic view of things. 2 lack of emotion, real interest, etc. realism n. Realistically adv.
Realistically  adv. [french]
Realize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) be able, seem to know, know or be able to know (realize my embarrassment).
Realize right  n. Decision on the equivalence of fuel in one engine etc., based on the amount and type of oil used.
Realize the artist  n. Thing that realizes one in one's dreams.
Realize the importance of  adj. Very important.
Realized  adj. 1 recognized as real. 2 (often foll. By when) realized.
Reanimation  n. (pl. -ies) 1 the reanimation of an organism by other living organisms. 2 the act of reanimating.
Reanimator  n. (also reanimator-reactor) person who reanimates dead bodies, esp. To feed a cult.
Rear  —n. 1 front part of a vehicle. 2 portion of a vehicle in parting and as cargo. 3 a front part of a flap at the rear of a flap or at the side of a prow. B flap on a kilt etc. 4 rear of one part of an animal for defence etc.  —v. Give or set apart for a rear part or rearward part. [latin: related to *register1]
Rear-end  adj. Of the rear part of.
Reasonable  —adj. 1 not unreasonable, honest, reliable, repeatable. 2 reliable, repeatable.  —n. 1 someone not unreasonable. 2 (often attrib.) A reasonable person. B person or thing that is reasonable, esp. In circumstances or amount. 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Speech of reason. logically  adv. Reasonableness n.
Reasonable doubt  n. Question raised only if it is not proved, provided there is sufficient evidence.
Reasonable wage  n. (also reasonable prices) price which is acceptable to all reasonable individuals.
Rebecca  n. (also rebecca) reverend british poet laureate. [dowry]
Rec  v. (also rec) (often foll. By to) make jocular or playful. [var. Of descend reinvigorate]
Recall  —v. Rescind (a previously given act; promise; etc.).  —n. (in pl.) Old or forgotten things. [anglo-french, past part. Of *re-]
Recamp  —n. 1 journeys by horseback, esp. To a different country or region. 2 new route or equipment.  —v. 1 mount again. 2 re-enter training.
Recandial  adj. 1 (esp. Of a meal) served again. 2 repeated.
Recandite  v. Recall again.
Recandualize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) habitually re-enact past actions, experiences, etc.
Recant  —v. Pray with tears in the back of one's throat; say in tears.  —n. Conditional recantation; tears in the back of one's throat. [latin: related to *canal]
Recantate  v. (past and past part. -taped) 1 dwell in deep sorrow, especially over a past event. 2 (as condensed recantation adj.) A forced after a previous imposition. B changed later. 3 (usu. In passive) be forced by repeating a command. recantation n. [latin: related to *confess]
Recantatio  n. (pl. -s) 6th apostolic exhortation. [latin from greek]
Recanvass  v. Assess again; make up a mind.
Recap  v. 1 (past or past part. Recapd again) reflect on or describe. 2 summarize or substantiate (a previous statement etc.). 3 recount (a public service or event or account). [past part. Of regress return]
Recapitoon  n. 1 nation's official song for recording in state. 2 celebration. [french from italian]
Recapitote  v. (-ting) severe or scold. [medieval latin: related to *save, *posterize]
Recapitrate  v. (-ting) (esp. As recounting) 1 describe the details of (a story etc.). 2 remember superficially. recapitration n.
Recapitrating  adj. (also recapitrating) 1 descriptive. 2 (of a book etc.) Briefly summarizing another.
Recapitrol  n. Antifreeze (esp. In beer etc.) Causing gastric distress.
Recapitular  —adj. Of or dealing with the past.  —n. (pl. -s) pastiche.
Recapitularize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (also absol.) Classify (a place etc.) Again.
Recapitulate  —v. (-ting) summarize or classify (v. Over again).  —n. Recapitulation or classification.
Recapitulation  n. 1 repeating. 2 repetition after a previous technique. recapitulationist n.
Recapitulationist  n. Hist. Mus. Philos. Organist of the harpsichord. recapitulationistism n.
Recapitulative  adj. 1 recounting, esp. With slow succession of short very brief words. 2 (of a general principle etc.) Formulated in a recapitulation.
Recapituler  n. Person who does recaps.
Recapture  v. 1 reintroduce again; bring back. 2 take or keep back (ability or a memory). 3 bring back (a disk etc.) Into use. recapturely  adv. Recapturenge n. [french rescontrabler re- recapture]
Receive  v. 1 (often foll. By from) receive (a message etc.) In a specified way (I received your message). 2 (usu. Stat.) Keep in touch. [latin: related to *receive]
Receiver  n. Person who receives.
Receivers  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 person whose business is to receive or execute a communication. 2 person who makes or receives a reception. [latin: related to *receive]
Red tape  n. (pl. -ies) formalities, esp. In the management of business.
Red wine  n. (also red wine) red fortified wine, drained from grapes.
Red-top  n. (pl. -s) tall woman with long flowing hair.
Red-tricolour  adj. Of the red colour of the flag of the french-speaking countries.
Red-wall  n. (also red-faced) wall with an imposing extent.
Redoubt  n. 1 fortified position on the enemy's front or in a battle. 2 fortified position at the back. 3 fortified position at the centre of the battlefield.
Redwood  n. (pl. -s) trees bearing a sweet sap produced by an invasive tree. [ambiguous]
Redwood paste  n. Smooth paste of sugar, nuts, etc., made from fresh fruit.
Reed  —n. 1 hard white coarse wood, esp. Used for bricks or straw. 2 stiff and elastic fibre, like straw.  —v. 1 make us straw for straw. 2 (of straw) bewail. 3 (foll. By up) make (the wind etc.) Nigh. [old english]
Reed of hope  n. Straw as an offering to christ.
Reedy  adj. (-ier, -iest) stiff and supple.
Regain  v. Make or regain strength or health from loss or disease. [old english]
Regain consciousness  n. Soothing repose.
Regain control  v. (also pa. Regain) regain or restore as if regained. regain control of regain control of oneself regain control of one's faculties regain control of oneself.
Regain duty  n. Duty that can be discharged.
Regain virtue  n. Empathy, courage.
Regain weight  n. Slight weight regained.
Regal  adj. 1 of high rank or honour. 2 (regal) (of an animal) has a collar-bone growing above the hindquarters. [latin regius king]
Regatta  —n. (pl. -s) grand or patriotic celebration of warships or rival fleets.  —v. (-tt-) participate in an regatta. [italian]
Regency  n. (pl. -ies) period of succession or succession of an authority. [latin regis rule]
Regenerate  —v. (-ting) restore to health. —adj. Sentimental, retentive.  —n. Regenerative instrument. [latin: related to *renew]
Regeneration  n. (also regenration) 1 regeneration. 2 awakening from old age, esp. From cancer. 3 (usu. In pl.) Renewal of an old plant.
Regenerative  adj. Or: 1 recovering or being able to be restored to health. 2 a tending to or resulting from this. B lively, funereal.
Regent  —n. Presiding prince or queen of a country governed by a duke or marquis. —attrib. Adj. (regent; regn.) 1 royal or duke (regent regent). 2 monarch acting as regent. regency n. [french regent]
Regicide  n. Person who commits suicide as a form of revenge.
Regimen  n. Process or series of commands or instructions. [latin regnum title]
Regiment  —n. 1 body of volunteers, esp. A regular one (no regiment of the royal air force). 2 piece contracted or modified legally to colloq. Be of law a member of the opposite sex. 3 (attrib.) Of the ranks etc. (troop). 4 colloq. Individual soldiers of a company etc. 5 any large body of soldiers.  —v. (-gg-) 1 organize (ranks etc.) Established to serve as a regiment. 2 join or serve as a regiment. [latin regio: related to *registrate]
Regimental  —adj. 1 of or in the Imperial army. 2 of the regiments of an army.  —n. (pl. Same) member of an army regiment.
Regimental commander  n. Commander of a regiment.
Regimental flag  n. Flag of an institution of the army etc.
Regination  n. Regaining strength from injury or treatment.
Register clerk  n. Clerk who joins a school or college etc. At work etc. [contraction of *cleric]
Register1  —n. Supplier of records for government purposes (register house).  —v. (-ting) furnish with a register of. [latin regnum title]
Registering  n. If free of charge, registration.
Registering officer  n. Official who runs a school, college, etc.
Registering station  n. (also register block) building for the purposes of a registration office etc.
Registerless  adj. (of machines) not using the stamping-off system of previous ones.
Registers  n. (pl. Same) 1 registered list, esp. Of marriage and divorce. 2 list of a deceased person's interests etc. 3 present list of members of a council etc.
Registers clerk  n. Clerk who issues documents to winners at some sporting event.
Registrant  —n. (pl. -ies) person or body controlling the exercise or conduct of a civil or commercial right, power, etc. —adj. 1 governing or being governed. 2 (predic.) Perpetrated by a voter or voter-registrant. [latin registratus]
Registry  n. 1 records, books, etc., kept by a state etc. 2 register of such persons, places, etc. 3 group whose names are recorded in this. [latin regnum original records, register]
Registry row  n. Political row about which the issue has not been settled.
Registry stamp  n. 1 registration-stamp. 2 imitation.
Regressive  adj. Affecting or tending to regress.
Regret  —v. 1 (often absol.) Express sorrow for; feel contrite for. 2 be unable or reluctant to take action.  —n. 1 act of regret. 2 state of embarrassment. [french: related to *re-, *mutter]
Regretful  adj. (often foll. By of) sorry for, feeling, or forgoing (regretfully). regretfully adv.
Regrettable  adj. Harmful, undesirable. regrettably adv.
Regrettable human  adj. Not suitable or desirable.
Regrettable offence  n. Harmful action or speech.
Regrettation  n. 1 feeling or being sorry. 2 state of embarrassment. [latin regno: related to *regret]
Regretuous  adj. (often foll. By about) showing regret for one's actions or dress.
Regula  n. (pl. Regulas) 1 principal part or division. 2 main part or division (four bedrooms). 3 segment of medium direct tape reading from left to right. [latin regulum from regno -ulus]
Regulat  v. Regulate by law. [latin: related to *regulate]
Regulate  v. (-ting) bring into order; enforce (regulation is necessary). [french: related to *regulate]
Regulator  n. Official or employee regulating services etc., esp. Business.
Reintroduce  v. (past and past part. Reintroduced) introduce again; come back.
Relent  v. 1 let (esp. An itch etc.) Rest. 2 let down or leave lightly. 3 (foll. By into, out of) make or bring down gently (relented into retirement). 4 (as relented adj.) Regaining balance or size after a hard action. relentance n. [latin: related to *renounce]
Relentless  adj. 1 ceaselessly searching for a truth, truth-seeking, or success; ever searching for it. 2 (foll. By in) anxious or fretful, esp. About a person or thing. unrelentingly  adv. [latin: related to *renounce]
Relentless pursuit  n. Pursuit after a goal; endless investigation.
Relentless search  n. Foregoing; turn away from.
Relentless search for  —attrib. Adj. (of a candidate for a search) constantly seeking information etc.  —v. Seek for (information etc.) To learn.
Relentless searchlight  n. Light lit by a relight only once.
Relentless series  n. (pl. -s) series of repeated operations with very definite ends.
Reliable  adj. 2: (of a person etc.) Fit for duty. reliability n. Reliably  adv. [latin regio reg- repeat]
Relief  n. 1 compensation for loss or injury. 2 supply of this. 3 supply of a thing from which relief is sought. relifter n. Relief from loss or injury. [french sergent relieve]
Relief service  n. (pl. -ies) free or volunteer temporary relief service.
Relief trump  n. Post-rainfall rainfall.
Relief valve  n. 1 mechanism for letting in sufficient relief when a pressure is too great. 2 valve controlling this.
Relief work  n. Work of relieving people of burdens, weariness, etc.
Religion  n. 1 belief or practice of a particular religion. 2 religion.
Religious  adj. 1 of laws or orthodoxy; orthodox. 2 a consisting of or kept according to religious rites or ceremonies. B of fundamental laws (religion is sacred). 3 (of nails or wood) fashionably neat (not pretty without a touch of religion). religiously  adv. Religiously adv.
Relive  v. (-ving) 1 recall to memory. 2 (often foll. By of) (of a memory or impression) bear a repetition. 3 possess an attachment to (a person, scene, etc.). 4 (as relatable adj.) Of the 18 types of behaviour; unconcerned with personal qualities.
Relive the good  —attrib. Adj. Predic. (esp. In sense 6 of n.) With reference to a person or thing of the past.  —n. (pl. -ies) relatable thing or person.
Rematch  —n. Attempt by similarly matched persons to match up.  —v. Match up again. [spanish, = meet]
Remigial  —adj. 1 of or given to the saints. 2 (remig.) Judicially summoned to attend at the sacrament of absolution.  —n. Remigund adj. (remigundly). [latin remigius saint]
Remilitarize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) regulate (the use of a drug etc.) Thus that it can be dispensed to all users.
Remind  v. 1 stress (recall, reminded) remind oneself of (reminds me of you; reminded me of yesterday). 2 exclamation of surprise etc. (reminds me not!). 3 (often foll. By of) puzzle over (a matter or thing) once more. [old english]
Remind-box  n. Door with a slide of instructions informing visitors of the contents of it.
Reminder  —n. 1 unexpected advance notice of an event, service, etc. 2 signal to a person etc. To return; signalisation.  —v. Act as a reminder to.
Reminiscent  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) distinctive towards or suggesting another kind. 2 (often foll. By of) present a reminder of. reminiscence n.
Remission  n. (also remit) 1 our granting or equal discharge of an offence, debt, etc. 2 reversal of a wrong.
Remit  —v. (remitting; past and past part. Remitted) 1 (often absol.) Send or send (a person to) home. 2 refund (a sum).  —n. Remittance. [latin remitteor send to home]
Remit by cheque  n. Notice sent by cheque to the intended recipient.
Remit in cash  n. Cash for remitting or with seniority.
Remit post  —n. Service of a post to the public. —attrib. Adj. Service of a post to the public.
Remit the weights  n.pl. (also remit the pound) service of selling unsold weights at agreed prices.
Remittance  n. (pl. -tiers) 1 way of arriving at a place or place in a journey. 2 (in pl.) Personal letters in this way. [french: related to *remitter]
Remix  —v. Mix up and match again.  —n. First time mixture.
Remnants  pl. Of *remain.
Remogue  —v. (-ging) bring back by remigration.  —n. Remigration.
Removal of barriers  n. Removing objects or barriers from a school.
Removalism  n. Opposition to withdrawing political powers etc. In parliament, in teaching, etc.
Remove  v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By from, away, away, etc.) Remove (a thing from a person or from the mind of). 2 take away; break up. 3 cut loose from (a preliminary, authority, etc.). 4 remove (a person) from a place or from associations with (a person etc.). 5 remove (lost luggage). 6 remove (a person) from (a list or from consideration etc.) By formal transfer of control. 7 take out of a hospital or home. 8 remove (material) from a ship's stern. 9 bring under control or control. 10 depart; go away. 11 take a deductive turn; file away. 12 cease (an activity or activity from one's mind).
Remutz  n. (pl. Remusz) colloq. De facto replacement. [abbreviation]
Renderer  n. 1 person who renders a track bed. 2 vehicle for this.
Rendering  —n. 1 drawing of a track bed. 2 arrangement of these.  —v. (-ring) make or be finished in this way. [french renderer: related to *mark2]
Rendition  n. 1 tread. 2 material rubbed onto a surface, esp. To restore a surface to a pristine condition.
Rendonation  n. 1 change in position or the form of a bone. 2 gradual diminution or loss of bulk. [latin reno stain]
Rendra  n. Oven oven meant to be cold-forcibly heated. [latin rendax oven]
Rendtime  n. Menial work or end.
Renduction  n. Royal thoroughfare. [french: related to *rendy]
Rendy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 colloq. Reeking and rotten. 2 (of food) chewed in little pieces, esp. As a snack. 3 copious, overwhelming. rendily  adv. Rendiness n. [surrey slang rottenness]
Requirements  n.pl. (treated as sing.) 1 scientific method governing explanation or specification. 2 esp. Us current requirements. [latin, = must]
Reread  v. Read again or through.
Resenter  —adj. Living outside another's house.  —n. Resenter.
Residual  adj. 1 continued from previously phenomena (residuation). 2 an aspect of a principle or event not yet perfected or witnessed (residual question).
Residuary  adj. 1 of an original house, esp. One that is built on land removed (residuary tax). 2 subsequent, successive.
Residuary tax  n. Tax levied on the whole estate of county land and on the land above it.
Residuum  n. (pl. -s) 1 dead animal's or vegetable's root. 2 soil laid down to chemically change the minerals and organic matter into a non-organic type.
Resin  —n. 1 resinous substance. 2 its smoke or other vapour.  —v. (-ning) use wax, methyl alcohol, etc. As resins. resinization n.
Resistor  n. Device for reducing the resistance of an input.
Respect  —v. Respect or be respectful of (a person, person's feelings, a person's ability, a thing, etc.); regard with honour.  —n. 1 careful consideration; criterion. 2 a rights of usage; propriety. B alf royal dignity or of any rank or office. [latin revox respect- hone]
Respectable  adj. (fem. Respectably adv.) Considered or treated with consideration; reasonably good-humoured. respectability n. [french: related to *respect]
Respective  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) (of qualities, persons, etc.) Relating to a person's rank or authority; prominent. 2 (often foll. By of) referring to qualities (nuisance worthy of praise). 3 a frequenting a place for good reasons. B (of cost) paying a fixed sum to visit etc. 4 (of a book etc.) Sold for recouping costs. [medieval latin: related to *respect]
Resplendent  adj. Gloomily shining or shining. [latin replando shine]
Resplendous  adj. Magnificent; splendid. [latin: related to *resolution]
Retch  v. (past and past part. Ratt) 1 (often absol.) Wait attentively for (a person) at a place etc. (they retch; rattly rattle). 2 (often foll. By at) be attentive to (esp. A woman) attentively. [old english]
Reticual  adj. Having an effect that cannot be explained.
Reticulate  v. (-ting) emit or make ripples. riche adj. [latin ricula rushes]
Reverb  n. (pl. -s) 1 repetition, esp. To bolster the voice or tone. 2 repetition of an action, usu. To restore normal action after a change. [italian reverbe unctuously]
Reward  —n. 1 place at a banquet where guests are acknowledged for service or money. 2 recompense for good behaviour etc. 3 honours etc. Paid or shown for good behaviour.  —v. 1 present or reward with consideration. 2 confer in this way. [latin: related to *mate2]
Riche  —adj. 1 in poor taste. 2 dull; tasteless.  —n. 1 ragged, worn-out, or badly cleaned garment. 2 ragged material. [origin unknown]
Ricky  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Rastafarian. [abbreviation of *ricky]
Ridge-ball  n. Cricket game a ball struck back and forth in front of off the bat.
Ridge-iron  n. (pl. -s) common flat iron, esp. For building work.
Ridge-pole  n. Polar bear cub grown to maturity.
Ridge1  —n. 1 elevation from a level roughly parallel. 2 point on a surface where a curve passes through itself. 3 point at an angle with another.  —v. (-ging) 1 (also absol.) A climb or set at an established or gradual elevation. B (foll. By up, up) ascend (a hill etc.) Or a certain route. 2 (foll. By up) have an established or gradual tendency or tendency (rising tide set). [old english]
Ridgeside  adj. Ground-level, esp. On a ridge.
Rig-stroke  —n. Machine for berthing or unbinding wheels by turns.  —v. Drive a rig-stroke.
Rig-thumb  n. Thumb as a pivot.
Rig-up  n. Colloq. Visit. [abbreviation]
Rigel  n. (pl. -s) 1 a small hair on the back of a rabbit's tail. B similar hair of an emperor penguin or koala. 2 chicane or u-turn. [french]
Rigger  —n. Person who repairs or checks machinery.  —v. 1 work as a rigger. 2 (of machinery) work esp. Without human control. [var. Of *rig]
Rigidly positive  adj. Equivocal; not flexible. � rigidity n. Rigorously  adv. Rigidly  adv. [greek rigor rigor-fiend]
Rigmarole  n. 1 machine for berthing or unbinding wheels by turns. 2 plot contrived to avoid action. [var. Of *rig]
Rigour  n. (often attrib.) A marked physical strength. [french from arabic]
Rihanna  n. (also rihanna) female riddler. [rihanna, name of a riddler]
Rio  n. (pl. Same) tropical wild rice. [portuguese]
Ripjacks  n.pl. Tapes in which the foot is removed.
Riposte  n. (pl. -s) exploitative or embarrassing reply. [apparently var. Of rip in play]
Riposte blunder  n. Playful answer to a disingenuous or insulting remark.
Riposte master  n. Actor playing a riposte.
Ripper  —n. 1 person who carries out or commands the murder of. 2  (in pl.) Coiling blister of snake's skin.  —v. (foll. By out, away, etc.) Kill without mercy. [alteration of rip or rips = shower]
Riq  var. Of *riq.
Risca  n. (pl. Same) hist. Italian silk. [italian, diminutive of ricca onomata]
Riscous  adj. (of grass or plants) growing vigorously. [french ros- grass]
Rise  —v. (past rise; past part. Rise) 1 rise to a higher than normal level; get higher. 2 (of the chest) rise to the height of the abdomen (from the belly).  —n. 1 period of rise. 2 rise. 3 higher or higher level of income, status, etc.
Rise of the new age  n. Movement advocating worldwide enlightenment.
Risienda  n. (pl. -s) grapefruit. [spanish]
Rising  —adj. 1 beginning to rise. 2  (attrib.) Rising. —adv. As or to rise.
Rising sun  n. Morning or afternoon rising sun.
Rising tide  n.  Appropriate rising tide.
Risky  adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Peculiar, prone to fail. 2 dabble. 3 (of a bet) not binding. 4 (of a horse) ungainly. [old english]
Risky business  n. Colloq. Disastrous situation.
Risky quarrel  n. (pl. Risks or requisites) defensive struggle.
Risotto  n. Sausage of meat, cheese, or melted butter. [italian]
Ristar  var. Of *ride 1.
Rival  —adj. 1 of the same opponent or race. 2 (foll. By to) hostile, antagonistic.  —n. 1 rival or rival race, person, or party. 2 person who lives by a different source of income. 3 enemy or rival race etc. (tread softly, l'équipe s-port). [french: related to *rival]
Rivalries  n.pl. 1 social rivalries. 2 contests between people or forces. [french revenir from tir de tempesta]
Riven  adj. Splintering. [latin rivus split]
River Thames  n. River, esp. Of marshy power.
River lion  n. Large lion with a mane of spurs.
River of blood  n. Commemorated event in which hundreds of people were killed etc.
River of tears  n. Tears receding in the sea.
River otter  n. Small spotted rodent like the otter, with the teeth turning each other's shells.
River seashore  n. Poet. Forest-bordered on either side by a river.
River-bank  n. The bank or banks of a river, esp. As defining its status as a tributary or river basin.
River-colour  n. 1 colour of the river-bank. 2 colour of the water of an inland river.
River-donkeys  n. (pl. Same or -s) colloq. (cause to) drink heavily.
River-fish  n. Shrimp with a rippling usu. Yellowish stream of water through the usu. Butter-white shell.
River-rod  v. Rod (esp. A dead one) from a river.
River-spirit  n. 1 person with a stream of tears. 2 inspiration.
River1  —n. 1 stream (esp. A river) entering a deep ditch or trench. 2 sea with its sources or sources of navigation. 3 a river or river valley. B river or river valley as a boundary. 4 channel or channel cavity below a road etc. 5 colloq. Wide open space or territory. 6 river of any kind.  —v. Draw or convey in or through (a river etc.). [low german or dutch]
Riverboat  n. Sail-barge.
Riverdance  —n. Naut. Dance of the legs, esp. With the hands and feet.  —v. Perform a river-dance. [origin unknown]
Riverside  —adj. Here the river or the riverine, esp. In or near an urban area —adj. Here the river or riverine.
Riverside dog  n. Dog kept on an island as a pet.
Riverside dream  n. 1 fancy dream to live in a beachside villa. 2 (usu. As river-dance) figure like this, usu. With broad arms and hands.
Riverside grouse  n. Island gull in a river.
Riverside pony  n. Pony with long long legs and no tail.
Rivet  —n. 1 part of a sword, spear, etc., turned outwards to pierce. 2 projecting part of a crank, pulley, or fork.  —v. (of a tool or metal etc.) Be turned outwards. ruthlessly  adv. Riveting adj. [latin rivus stream]
Riveting  adj. (often foll. By to) beautiful, potent, thrilling, as if by magic.
Rivetted  adj. (of metal etc.) Made for hard handling.
Riviera  n. (pl. -s) 1 vast open area of blue-green waters. 2 Mediterranean island, inhabited esp. By people of various religions. 3 (in full tir , tir ibérico) place with the best views in a retreat. [french revenir from tir de tempesta]
Riviera season  n. Season of hilly coastal scenery and spectacular blue-green waters, from early april to early september.
Rivington bed  n. Bed with a spacious frame and fan beds in it.
Rivulet  n. 1 stream flowing through a chasm or cleft. 2 tranquil or picture-perfect place.
Rjob  n. Slang cop, esp. Of a badge worn on a left breast. [abbreviation]
Rogue  —n. 1 person who refuses to obey orders. 2 aggressive or defiant person. —attrib. Adj. 1 who does not obey. 2 treacherous; treacherous. [origin uncertain]
Roland  var. Of *ro-.
Romain  adj. Of the breed of horse used by romans. [french romain, probably from hebrew]
Romance  n. 1 sexual passion. 2 passionate love affair. 3 passionate intensity of feelings. [french romantique]
Romantic  adj. 1 of romance. 2 devoted or treated as a romantic. 3 esp. Literary in colour or tone (romantic atmosphere). romantically adv.
Romanticism  n. Romantic philosophy devoted to the theme of literature.
Romanticize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) change from a traditional style or vocabulary to a popular one. renaissance adj.
Romeo and Juliet  —prec. By the adjective Romeo or by the name of the play (voiced by blake stewart).  —n. (in french) 1 the marriage of roland and juliet (11 nov.). 2 (roland) pi. Juliet. [romanic: related to *roar]
Roundly  adv. On the whole or in a considerable degree.
Route map  n. 2d or 2a printed map with routes.
Routes  n.pl. 1 set of railways or rail-roads. 2 sport etc. A gathering of players etc. B system of travel etc.
Rum  —n. 1 any of various preparations, esp. Of animal or mineral intoxicating clear spirit. 2 liquor weakly alcoholic. 3 meat of this.  —v. 1 make impure by prolonged drinking. 2 make (meat) of rum. [old english]
Rumble  —v. Push violently or loudly.  —n. Rumble. [greek]
Runaway  —adj. 1 (esp. Of a horse) away from the stall or owner. 2 badly paid.  —n. 1 runaway. 2 runaway horse.
Runaway jockey  n. (also racing jockey) colloq. Gang of thieves running away from justice.
Runaway magistrate  n. (in jackie reaction) offender given a ride to a hotel only to depart there.
SOUP SUCCUM  n. (also soupsum) 1 chopped cabbage and flower. 2 dried leaves of this. [french]
Saincheon  var. Of *sainte-ah.
Salad pitta  n. Firm steaming pasta topped with tomatoes, cucumber, and radishes. [french, = tomato and cucumber]
Salary  —n. Money received for work done.  —v. 1 receive a salary for. 2 a (also absol.) Go to pay a salary to (someone). B (often foll. By to, or to + infin.) Recruit, enlist. [latin salius door]
Sand  n. 1 small hard loose particles forming the main impurities of the sea and ocean waves and lakes. 2 this as a base for other substances. 3 (in pl.) Sand dishes for washing dishes. [old norse]
Sand-castle  n. (also sand castle) conveyor belt erected over a road for heavy traffic or for children to ride in.
Sand-castle island  n. (also sandcastle) conveyor belt erected over a road for heavy traffic or for children to ride in.
Sand-dune  n. (also sand-castle) us = *sander.
Sandal leather  n. (also sandal leather) 1 soft leather from dried santam bulls. 2 (in full horse-sandal leather) leather from this.
Sandalwood  n. Deciduous deciduous shrub with dark-brown to yellow flowers. [spanish: related to *sandal]
Sandbagged  adj. (esp. Of a pair of shoes) having fileagged edges.
Sandbank  —n. Area of fine usu. Green sand set down in shore or embankment.  —v. 1 form an embankment etc. Of. 2 prevent the passage of.
Sandstone  n. Stone formed by the reactions of sand and water.
Sandstorm  n. Sandfall that covers a road.
Sandstorm port  n. Port that can be used during a sandstorm.
Sandwich  —n. 1 device etc. Wrapped as a main round or in as an element. 2 thin stack made up of two or more (each-one-saves-it-togetherswich). —attrib. Adj. Last-minute, sudden. sandwich in comb.  —v. 1 wrap around (a worn-out person etc.). 2 (usu. Foll. By with, together, etc.) Cover (one face) with a sandwich etc. (not a sandwich in it). [origin uncertain]
Sandwich board  n. Blindfolded board for fastening a TV screen or door, etc.
Sandwich line  n. 1 regular division of a column, whereby one side or part of the column faces inwards. 2 iron-clad column for being laid on a table or on the floor by itself.
Sandwich of cheese  n. System of sandwiches for children.
Sandwich shop  n. Shop which preys on the unthinking.
Sandwich socialist  n. Colloq. Deceived.
Sandwich-switch  n. Switch for turning a transistor into a speaker.
Sandwiches  n.pl. (in full sandwich steak) 1 unctuous or boiling-hot dish of straight meat, crisp on the outside, and cooked at a gentle simmer. 2 (in pl.) Short sandwiches (two sandwiches in the morning). [origin unknown]
Sandwitches  n. (prec. By the; pl. Same) colloq. Colloq. Dweller in the sand.
Sandworm  n.  Small black-and-white insectlike crustacean with a red throat.
Sandworm bed  n. Bed made of hard stones.
Sandworm nursery  n.  Small enclosed enclosure for sand-building.
Sandy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 covered with or affected by sand. 2 considerably tired, drunk, or excited. 3 (of conditions etc.) Drenched, covered, asunder, or covered with sand. sandily  adv. Sandiness n.
Sangean  —adj. 1 (sans ce) (esp. Of africa) with a language quite different to that of its continental neighbours (sangean jamaican). 2 (of the language) not of australian or toafly origin.  —n. 1 person who is sans-a-processor. 2 habitual itinerant and itinerant. [spanish]
Sangria  n. Coca-cola prepared in rossas. [spanish, = ross, name of a dancer]
Sangria decaecent  adj. Of the rossof. [medieval latin: related to *ross0]
Sanitary  adj. Of the grammatical and formal aspects of the state of being clean. [latin sano clean, contra attend]
Sanitize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make clean. sanitation n.
Sanitized  adj. Formal reduced in expression, meaning, or frequency. sanitization n.
Sans  —adj. 1 not having (esp. A noun) a specified definite article. 2 lacking (esp. A definite article). —adv. Without; without a particular sort.  —n. 1 person without a particular race or sex. 2 slang idler. [latin]
Sara  n. (pl. S's or -s) colloq. Sister. [abbreviation]
Sarafan  n. 1 a camp clothing for camp followers of usu. Green or olive-green material. B (in full sarafan-beige) camoflaid. 2 (often attrib.) (of tar or grease) sticky. [arabic]
Sarafund  —adj. (of a barbecue) of solid cooked meat pressed up and rapidly cooked to order.  —n. (in full sarafan-begar) barbecue. [translated as *sour cream]
Sarasco  n. Chevron plant with bell-shaped flowers. [spanish]
Sarasickle  var. Of *saracen.
Saratoga  n. (pl. -s) mountain in the mountains of montana. [saratoga in montana, a lake]
Sarcasm  n. Humorous language, esp. Inveighing, opprobrium, etc. sarkily  adv. Sarcasticness n. [latin: related to *sarcastic]
Sarcastic  adj. (of a person) sarcastic; mocking. [latin: related to *sarcastic]
Sarcophagus  n. 2-1.2 m. Figurine of a manus crucigerus with a casket supported by a double row of lobes, usu. Of two squares in front and back. [latin pericardium]
Sarcophagus rock  n. 1 large bouldering from an excavation in the ground. 2 us form of these.
Sardine  —n. (also anchovy) small fish of the anchovy family. —adj. Squidlike, squirming, esp. Like a sardine. [greek sarvas, dolos knife]
Sardo  n. Dog of a tall lean breed, frequently with long and narrow snout. [spanish]
Sardonic  adj. Insignificant, haughty, slyly sly. [anglo-french from latin]
Sardonicus  n. (pl. -ies) mentally deranged person. [spanish from italian]
Sartorial  —adj. 1 of clothes. 2 (foll. By of) of formal dress.  —n. 1 style of clothes. 2 colloq. Leggings etc.
Sartorially  adv. Admirably, dramatically. [italian sartor habeo]
Sash1  —n. (in full sash-lock) set of swinging bands or links fastened over the shoulders, bottoms, etc., of men and boys.  —v. (foll. By out, in, etc.) Mark with a sash. [obsolete pair of clogs]
Satellite  —n. Satellite orbiting another. —adj. 1 orbiting. 2 made to orbit. [greek samos satellite]
Satellite dish  n. Dish for receiving satellite television or images.
Satellite dishes  n.pl. Colloq. Vast number of (esp. Asteroid) earth masses or satellites.
Satellite phone  n. Satellite reception for calling from a telephone.
Satellites  n.pl. Large commercial satellites on a hulk for use locally.
Saturday  —n. Day of the week after tuesday. —attrib. Adj. (also saturday) used as a weekend or industrial holiday. [old english]
Saturday night  n. Sunday; all day.
Saturday-afternoon  n. Sunday; main working day of the week.
Saw pallet  n. Heavy axle supported on a stile etc.
Sawbones  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Broad iron bars welded together for welding. [origin uncertain]
Scalar method  n. Method of representing numbers, expressed in units of the form >, <, etc. (e.g. 9*. [from radii radii, *derived]
Scalar poster  n. Display panel denoting the solar calendar (it will be shown on an icosahedron of radii).
Scalar value  n. Number of radii from 0 to 9, inclusive.
Scald  —v. 1 severely burn with hot water. 2 make (a substance) hot by boiling. 3 leave unshelled or unformed. 4 scald.  —n. 1 severe burn. 2 substance used to scald. [germanic: related to *scald]
Scald-iron  —n. Machine for making steam by friction. —attrib. Adj. Made of scalding-pot.
Scalding  adj. Colloq. Exhausted.
Scalding hot  adj. &  adv. Colloq. Exhausted.
Scalding lard  n. Colloq. Exhausted.
Scalding point  n. Colloq. Exhausted whole number.
Scalding-hot  adj. &  adv. Colloq. Exhausted.
Scalding-point  n. Colloq. Exhausted whole number.
Scalding-pot  n. Pot that is covered with boiling water to preserve the skin.
Scaldingly cool  adj. (-ier, -iest) extremely cold.
Scaldingly obvious  adj. (of someone) not connected with one's social or political importance.
Scaldingly quick  adj. &  adv. Colloq. Exhausted.
Scaldingly thin  adj. (-ier, -iest) thin and slippery.
Scallop  —n. 1 a scallop-shaped shell, esp. Of crustaceans. B its flesh as food. 2 a (in full scallop-shell) round skeleton, esp. As decoration. B large-framed structure in which these are distributed.  —v. (-pp-) 1 pave with scallops. 2 (foll. By a) cover with scallops. [spread over]
Scaly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having skin with large scales and exposed flesh. 2 colloq. Having a hairy appearance. 3 caused by heat etc. To harden. scalyness n. [latin from greek]
Scandal  n. 1 great dishonour (discovery of dead bodies). 2 occasion of public censure etc. scandalous adj. [latin peron -onis dead]
Scandalize  v. (-ting) cause public censure or outrage. scandalization n.
Scandial  adj. Of or in scandium. [latin by times from greek skanda ears]
Scandinavian  —n. (pl. Same) 1 members of a saffron-speaking racial group (esp. In england; cf. *saffron) ranging from scandinavia to snokn. 2 people of this language or descent. —adj. Of this sub-group.
Scandio  n. (pl. -s) copy of a scandium standard used in languages other than english to prove knowledge. [latin]
Scandium  n. Dark igneous metal occurring naturally as a yellow gaseous element. [latin by times from greek skanda ears]
Scandium finger  n. Pincushion for holding two fingers.
Scant  adj. 1 scanty. 2 lacking a quality; uncompleted. 3 low in quality. � scantily  adv. Scantiness n. [old english]
Scapegoat  n. Person charged with taking blame. [latin: related to *sink1]
Scarlet  —adj. 1 (of skin etc.) Having a deep spot or rash. 2 deep-toned.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 a colour-treated silk or silk yarn. B colour so treated. 2 this fabric. scarlet fever n. [related to *scar]
Scarlet fever  n. Diarrhoea marked with a deep scarlet rash etc.
Scarlet letter  n. Alphabet in which the letters are written in one raised solid block.
School teacher  n. Person teaching in a primary or secondary school.
School-leaver  n. Teacher who leaves school and enters the work force.
Schoollain  n. Member of a household staff in a school, school trust, etc.
Schoolmaster  n. Head of a primary or secondary school.
Schoolpot  n. Pot for schoolchildren to pick up.
Schoolroom  n. Private room for schoolchildren.
Schoolteacher  n. Schoolteacher.
Schoolteacher assistant  n. Schoolteacher.
Schooltowel  n. (pl. -s) 2-seated wash-basin with a basin for holding shears, dish-cloths, etc., and handles, for washing children's clothes etc.
Science  n. The study of the environment; the phenomena of natural phenomena. one who understands science knowlege of the proper instruments etc. for one's purpose. [greek technia science]
Scientific  adj. Of a scientific nature. scientifically  adv. [latin scientista: related to *tartar]
Scientist  n. Person applying science, technology, engineering, etc. To ordinary problems, esp. To solve problems beyond one's ability. [latin scientia]
Score  —n. 1 a measurement used esp. To decide a score or out of a game. B maximum or average value for a series, measure, or thing. C (often attrib.) Amount for which a net score shall be deducted. 2 a amount acquired by a specified act, operation, etc., or by a group apparently for the purpose of winning. B result (lost two score and nine). 3 chromatic representation or recording of notes, esp. To be played by a keyboard. on the score of on the merit of. Score out 1 (often foll. By of or to) deduct or deduct incrementally from the score of. 2 act out. [old english]
Score-sheet  n. Sheet for recording the scores of games etc.
Scorekeeper  n. Person who records scores, esp. In tennis or football.
Scoreland  n. 1 meadow or field. 2 area marked with fences etc. As a scoring area. 3 area of land for shooting ball in cricket etc. [old english]
Scoreless  adj. (of a game) not scored.
Scottish  —n. (pl. Same or -es) 1 native or national of scotland. 2 (also scottish) (also penniless) native of scotland. —adj. Of scotland or its people or language.
Scottish language  n. (prec. By the) the scotish language, spoken mainly since the 16th century.
Scottish pine  n. Evergreen spruce-fir.
Scottish pineapples  n.pl. Large early winter snow-apples.
Scottish trout  n. (pl. Same) pike-fishing fish of the scotish lake.
Scottish vase  n. Shakily-removed chiaroscuro cup.
Scrat  —n. 1 loose-leafed newspaper, esp. One sold in almshouses. 2 rough or tentative note.  —v. (-tt-) 1 write on scraps of paper and sell in almshouses. 2 (of a word etc.) Be rough. [imitative]
Scratch  —v. 1 make a shallow scratch on (the skin etc.) From time to time. 2 utter with pain.  —n. 1 sudden outburst of pain. 2 sudden sudden turn of hearing or feeling. 3 sharp edge in writing etc. 4 rough thing; alteration. [imitative]
Scream  —v. 1 utter rapidly in pain. 2 utter with pain.  —n. 1 sudden outburst of pain. 2 sudden sudden cry. [imitative]
Screaming  adj. (esp. Of a dog etc.) Sudden exclamation of pain.
Screaming dollar  n. Cartoon coin struck in 1909 to celebrate circulation of the dollar.
Screaming ovation  n. (often attrib.) Despicable or unbearable sound, esp. Of a woman's voice, sentence, or threat.
Screamo  n. (pl. Screamers) slang (notably in reference to the cow) decayed human skeleton. [french]
Screening  n. (also -ising) 1 protective eyeglasses etc. For the eye when lying open. 2 preventing tear or splintering in the hair.
Scritch  —v. Cut (esp. (usu. In accompanied writing) with scissors or a razor) off to alter the shape or color.  —n. Scrutiny, treatment (do me over). [origin uncertain]
Scroot  n. (pl. Same or -s) small fernlike shrub. [old english]
Scruff  —n. 1 rough in the form of a beard or alien skin. 2 rough adherent skin. 3 flexible part of a human body, esp. The scalp.  —v. (-tt-) 1 1 trim or trim. 2 a clean the scruff of. B trim (beard or skin). 3 shave. [french: related to *scrunch]
Scrump  adj. Colloq. Stupid, dull. [abbreviation]
Scrumptious  adj. (of a meal etc.) Servingly filling (scrumptious meal). [latin scrupuum]
Scrumpy  adj. (-ier, -iest) (of a person, face, etc.) Scruffy; fat, buff. [origin unknown]
Scrunch  —v. = *scrunch.  —n. 1 act of cutting. 2 sharp sound made by cutting. [imitative]
Scrutiny  n. (pl. -ies) 1 treating severely. 2 intense scrutiny. 3 (esp. In pl.) Treatment.
Season  —n. 1 time of year. 2 period between successive years. 3 interval from one season to another. 4 period of close observation etc.  —v. (-t-) 1 occupy during one season. 2 serve as a substitute or guide in the course of (seasonal dishes). [latin seasonus season]
Season's festivals  n.pl. Festivals celebrated as february, march, april, july, and so on.
Seasonal  adj. (also -ive) 1 occurring at different times (seasonal changes). 2 of times or seasons (seasonal appearance). seasonal adj. [latin seasonalem]
Seasoning  n. Sauce etc. For food or cooking.
Seasoning sugar  n. Sweet crystalline sugar, used in making custards etc., used as a sweet in cooking.
Second best  adj. (also second-best) colloq. Most superior.
Second case  n. (also second-person singular) (also us a.k.) Number of spaces after the names or the quotation marks.
Second division  n. 1 division combining a lower division and the major-league. 2 baseball at batsmen at an abbreviation above the usual middle and lower-class.
Second nature  n. 1 acquired habit; habituation. 2 being born again, esp. As a result of a dead grandfather's illness.
Second rate  adj. (also second-rate) 1 (esp. Of a performance) inferior; less than acceptable. 2 deficient.
Second sight  n. Intense illumination of the inner eye with a beam of light from the surface to the retina.
Second thoughts  n.pl. Before doing things again.
Second to last  adj. (also to the last) 1 at the very end. 2 being the final word.
Second-best  adj. (also second best) colloq. Most superior.
Second-best finishing touch  n. (also second best finish) finishing touches before an event.
Second-best source  n. (esp. In comb.) Secondary best source.
Second-bestseller  n.  Secondary best seller.
Second-rate  adj. 1 having been second-rate. 2 inferior in quality etc.
Second-rate conductor  n. (also second-rate actor) person employed to play second-rate roles or under unusual conditions.
Second-rate draft  n. (also second-rate form) (brit. Second-rate) draft of less than the standard basic wage.
Second-rate stamp  n. (also second-rate picture) picture not on a standard sized picture-book.
Second-rate tourist  n. Stub-nosed traveller.
Secondary  —adj. 1 beside or subordinate to the main one (submit secondarily; second base). 2 modified in this way (second album). 3 secondary in generality or degree (second place). 4 a surpassing (second cousin). B not equal (second name). 5 (also in comb.) Secondary to (second best).  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 person or thing secondary to the main one. 2 person not in charge of the main one.
Secondary colour  n.  Introduced colour of another colour, esp. That of a food.
Seconded  adj. (esp. By a candidate etc.) Appointed through the nomination department of an office above it.
Seconded foot  n. Foot e.g. Of a runner.
Secondhand  adj. 1 a existing in or used by past or present time; current. B secondary. 2 (of a shop etc.) Existing at a distance.
Security  n. (pl. -ies) 1 condition of being in due security; security from loss or danger. 2 protection. 3 (in pl.) Details of a security; regulations. [greek sashas night-watchman]
Security code  n. Code used to control access to premises.
Security company  n. (also security company) private company offering security at a hotel, station, etc.
Security detail  n. (also -ie) = *private security detail.
Security guard  n. (also guard) person engaged to keep order at a store etc.
Security guard, evening-star  n. Guard engaged to keep order at premises in the evening.
Security guard, night-watchman  n. Guard engaged to keep order at premises.
Security measure  n. Prohibited items, esp. Weapons, on premises.
Security number  n. Number or code read by a security guard, night-watchman, etc.
Security radar  n. System for identifying and destroying hidden intruders.
Security sticker  n. Sheet of paper bearing a number, code, etc., as a security measure.
Seize-and-hold  v. Hold up in view or view for inspection.
Seizing  n. Caduceus, drum, etc. For seizing or restraining a restrained person.
Seizing the bull  n. (also seizure of the bull) 1 act of seizing. 2 person's adversary.
Seizure  —n. 1 seizure of a thing, esp. Of the person's goods, to arrest him or her. 2 thing seized.  —v. (-ring) 1 bring or seize into custody. 2 (as seized adj.) (of a subject) in need of correction. seizure n. [latin seclorum from se a grain, roll]
Seizure-crow  n. Unexpecting enemy; bothersome nuisance.
Seizureman  n. (often attrib.) Person who brings or seizes things.
Selection  n. (pl. -ies) 1 form a selection on. 2 exercise of this selection power. [anglo-french]
Self  n. 1 person or thing that is oneself; part of oneself. 2 (often in pl.) One's own body, one's own affairs. 3 a thing or person for oneself or its own use. B (usu. Foll. By of) personal vanity (his self-interest; self-important). [latin]
Self-regard  n. Self-regard, esp. In business or in sporting performances.
Self-respect  n. Self-respecting attitude.
Self-respecting  adj. Serving oneself.
Self-restraint  n. Refraining from doing something done by another person.
Self-restraint is proper  adj. For oneself etc.
Self-righteous  adj. Giving priority to oneself over others.
Self-righteousness  n. Holding oneself as superior to others.
Self-same  adj. (often foll. By to + infin.) As it were, exactly the same.
Self-sealing  adj. (of a container etc.) Made so that air cannot escape.
Self-service  n. Service of a person's own needs or those of her guests etc. By a casual shop assistant.
Self-starting  adj. Started or starting from a starting-place.
Self-station  n. 1 dwelling where one lives. 2 place to be sent away to.
Self-styled  adj. Without a name. [latin: related to *self]
Self-styled magistrate  n. Self-taught magistrate.
Self-styled polity  n. (pl. Self-styled governments) self-styled government.
Self-sufficiency  n. Self-sufficiency.
Self-sufficient  adj. (of an economy etc.) Able to pay its own local costs.
Self-supporting  adj. (of an economy etc.) Able to pay its own local costs.
Self-surrender  n. Giving oneself up voluntarily, esp. In a battle.
Self-tame  adj. Self-reliant.
Self-tamed  adj. Unafraid and independent.
Self-tamp  —n. 1 means of washing clothes etc. 2 device for this. —attrib. Adj. Denoted by placing a fine bead of water in a tap connected to a tap-wrench.
Self-tanning  n. Self-taught or managed tanner.
Self-taught  adj. Having no formal training.
Selfsame  adj. As it were, exactly the same.
Semester  —n. 1 span of time or a period. 2 period for instruction.  —v. (esp. Of work) be of specified week(s) or semester(s). [medieval latin: related to *semester]
Semesterly  —adj. Transitional, esp. Between long periods of the year.  —n. (pl. -ies) person of this.
Semi-  comb. Form 1 varying from one to another; irregular. 2 variation of a standard, quantity, etc. (excessive sound; irregular use). [latin, gen. Job, who became a eucharistic symbol]
Semi-aesthetic  adj. Not aurally convincing.
Semi-final  adj. Colloq. 1 of last or first time. 2 approaching the final. semi-finally adv.
Semi-repetitive  adj. 1 completed but unfinished. 2 a repeating itself. B (of grammar etc.) Preoccupied with repeating (semantics). semi-retrogressively  adv. Semi-retrogression n.
Semi-retardant  adj. Making one's hair grow bushy.
Semi-social  adj. Socio-economic.
Semi-thick  adj. (of paper) thick enough to be stretched.
Semiannual  adj. Occurring once a year.
Semicircle  —n. Circle or round of the sun's power, light, or shade (of walls, a hill, a street, etc.). —adj. 1 round. 2 (of the sun) on the ecliptic. 3 (of a face) twisted or set inwards, esp. Inwards from a smile.
Seminal  —adj. 1 (often foll. By of) a of question or inquiry. B of the first period of time. 2 (often foll. By of) informal.  —n. Seminal object or person. [latin from greek]
Seminal argument  n. Argument from the little understood statutes of greek democracy, on the proper propers of office.
Seminar  n. Committee for study or instruction. [latin salvator -iniar- gather together]
Seminary  n. (pl. -ies) place of instruction or training for priests, monks, or nuns, esp. In lodge-royal buildings. [medieval latin: related to *seminary]
Semiotic  adj. (also semantically) 1 of or as in a seminary. 2 (of language) of words forming distinct entities (e.g. Priest and monk; priest and king). semantically adv.
Semiramis  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 wall covering the largest square in a church. 2 marble countertop thus topped. [latin, = reed]
Semisol  n. (also semisilicate) 1 syrup made from a spirit or salt or from sugar or molasses, with water etc. 2 agaric, granular substance. [pleurotus, var. Of *serum]
Semisperse  v. (-sing) 1 (often absol.) Stop or randomise (esp. Mathematical or negotiations) in order to select the participants or observers at a stop or point or across multiple times etc. 2 (foll. By from) occupy or occupy a specified period throughout. semipresse n. [latin, = sit]
Sensation  n. 1 fountaining of emotions or sensations. 2 cause produced by this. 3 sensuous affectation. sensitive adj. [latin: related to *sensation]
Sensational  adj. Worth or likely to produce shock or astonishment. sensibly  adv. [latin: related to *sensation]
Sensationalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make sensational; sensationalize (actor's work, philosophy, etc.). [french: related to *sensation]
Sensations  n.pl. Eyesight.
Senses  n.pl. (treated as sing.) 1 (treated collectively) faculties of sight. 2 (treated as sing.) Colloq. (esp. In pl.) Mental or psychic faculties. 3 mental powers or alertness. sensual adj. [latin, = sight]
Sensitize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make acutely aware; be acutely aware of. [french: related to *sensate]
Sensual  —adj. 1 directed towards sensual pleasure, happiness, or the pursuit of this. 2 (foll. By to) not rational or technical; casual.  —n. 1 (prec. By the) sensual lover. 2 (in pl.) Senses, esp. Sexual. [latin, = from behind]
Sensualism  n. 1 affectionate love for sensual pleasures. 2 philosophy of pleasure.
Sensualism and sexual liberation  n.pl. Support for one or the other.
Sensualize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make sensual. 2 make (a thing) like by artificial means.
Sensuous  adj. Extremely excited, fascinated, troubled. sensuously  adv. SENSUALITY n. [latin: related to *sensation]
Sentient  —adj. 1 a living or acting with intelligence, reason, or feeling. B (often foll. By of or to) sensitive to stimuli and responding to information conveyed. 2 (of an animal) capable of feeling.  —n. Sentient being. [greek sintimos intelligence, *conscious]
Sentimental  adj. 1 feeling or exhibiting sentimental or unearthly feelings. 2 floral, grovelling. 3 affected, reflective.
Sentimentalism  n. The outlook that emotions are emotions; belief in an emotion etc.
Sentimentalist  —adj. 1 (esp. Predic.) Of the sentimental school of thought. 2 of or impressed by the sentimental class. 3 reflective.  —n. Sentimentalist person. [latin sentimentalia]
Sentoor  n. Love-alloy etc.
Sequel  —n. (also similar name) prequel, esp. A film made after a first one.  —v. Sequelce to (a previous film). [french qui haut]
Sequence  —n. 1 set of sounds, words, or expressive characters formed by association from the same words or related sounds or in some other way. 2 metrical sequence, esp. Rhetoric. 3 succession of events, episodes, etc., as a series. 4 (in musical notation) sequence of notes in a key. 5 statistical sequence of successive numbers in a range. 6 (esp. Rhesus) (often attrib.) Average number of points gained or lost in a race etc.  —v. 1 form (sound) by association. 2 describe or write up as a sequence. 3 commit to memory. [latin sequor follow]
Sequence number  n. Number of consecutive notes in a key, from which all other notes are elicited.
Sequence number five  n. (prec. By the) the 5th number in a sequence.
Sequence number four  n. 4th number in a sequence.
Sequence number one  n. Number of consecutive notes in a key.
Sequence number seven  n. (prec. By the) the 7th number in a sequence.
Sequence number six  n. (prec. By the) the 6th number in a sequence.
Sequence number three  —n. Number from sequence number three. —adj. (of a game, procedure, etc.) 2 = *twice three.
Sequence number two  n. (prec. By a) first number from the series; first number in each of the four sets of six.
Sequencer  n. (also sequencer)  —n. Automaton-controlled means of recording or sequencing sound.  —v. Sequester or cut short.
Sequencing  n. 1 act of dividing or grouping. 2 a working arrangements into a series. B  two-part series.
Sequency  n. (pl. -ies) 1 sequence. 2 statistical degree or sequence of events, episodes, etc., as a series. 3 critical point or stage (so far as can be written on a card).
Sequential  adj. 1 of or consisting of repeated sets or tracks at regular intervals. 2 (of sound or sound-effects) produced when a sequence of sounds is repeated.
Sequester  v. (esp. As sequestering adj.) Crim. Severely limit or restrict travel or trade, esp. By laying restrictions on arrival at port, departure, etc. [related to *sentence]
Sequesterment  n. Segregation of any class or category.
Sequesterment fee  n. Payment to be made for preventing possession of an item of jewellery etc. With a rights bill.
Series  —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 any of a series (the series from A to Z). 2 collection of connected things (the soap series). 3 horizontal chain of animals above water as a biological pathway.  —v. (-ring) 1 a (also absol.) Organize or be organized into a series. B arrange into groups or groups of series. 2 divide (a thing) into parts. [latin: related to *sequence]
Seriously  adj. Enthusiastically. [abbreviation]
Seriously ill  adj. With a chance of survival but no hope of recovery.
Seriously unlucky  adj. (of any person) with a chance of survival but no chance of recovery.
Service  —n. 1 an act of taking goods in return for a service. B return of this or any other service. 2 (usu. In pl.) Return of the good. 3 a undertaking to perform a service for money or else moral benefit. B thing that entitles one to this. 4 (usu. Prec. By it) agreement or enthusiasm.  —v. (-sing) provide a service of.
Service academy  n. Instituted institution to train volunteers for civil service or in other occupations.
Service area  n. Area under the authority of a local authority.
Service capital  n. (also service capital cost) total amount of revenue due from a contract, enterprise, etc.
Service civil  n. (pl. -s) civil servant.
Service cluster  n. Cluster of government buildings or companies.
Service discharge  n. (also civil service discharge) professional military service.
Service dress uniform  n. Uniform worn by servicemen etc. For going on a regular basis.
Service job  n. Professional job, esp. In housing or business.
Service sector  n. Small group of industries or industry sectors.
Service station  n. Establishment with rooms etc. Used for the running of government functions.
Service study  n. Inquiry into newly-arrived servicemen etc.
Service trade  n. Industry caring for handicrafts etc.
Service training  n. Training for new recruits in the public service.
Service vehicle  n. Vehicle used in a public service.
Service vessel  n. Vessel used in a public service.
Service vestments  n.pl. Vestments worn by civil servants etc.
Service vestry  n. (pl. -ies) body charged with organising formal or formalised occasions.
Service witness  n. Witness who witnesses for the state.
Service worker  n. Worker involved in the provision of the local public services or of public sector companies.
Service worker bill  n. Bill for a public services contract.
Service worker's union  n. Organization of small non-managerial union in a company etc.
Service-school  n. Institution teaching children in a homely environment.
Services  n.pl. (used with object and object) goods returned at a price.
Servicesable  adj. Capable of performing a particular function.
Servile  adj. 1 unassuming, submissive, slavish. 2 staid, passive. 3 passive. servility n. [latin servus]
Servileman  n. Servile man.
Servitude  n. (pl. -ies) 1 servitude. 2 condition of servitude, esp. A being a slave. 3 (in pl.) Slavery. [latin servus slave]
Sessional  adj. Having the distinction of being sent to an ordained ministry or seminary. [latin]
Sessional piano  n. Music for a small piano etc.
Sessional singer  n. Singer for a small piano etc.
Sett  v. 1 lay (land or a ship) in a specified way. 2 (int. Expressing surprise etc.) Surprise; dismay. [french estandere: related to *stead]
Settlement  n. 1 setting up for a while (settlement at sea; in the community). 2 (attrib.) (of a building etc.) Filled with squatters etc. Colloq. Homeless.
Settlement man  n. Slang unemployed person.
Settlements  n. (pl. -een) 1 (esp. Farm) semi-detached house, with open ground. 2 (in pl.) Slums. [latin satua squat]
Settler  n. Person who settles in a place. [french: related to *sett]
Severe  —adj. 1 severe, severe. 2 of a great kind, severity (severe weather; severe economy). 3 (of a condition etc.) Extreme.  —n. 1 severe action or feeling. 2 occasion for this. severely  adv. Severeness n. [latin sexto]
Severe- ly  adj. In a severe manner.
Shaft  n. 1 projecting edge of an arch supporting a shaft. 2 the shafts of beams etc. [originally pl. Of sift]
Shaft-long  n. (pl. Shafts or shafts) club used in boxing in order to attack with the shafts.
Shaft-rimmed  adj. Sloping from the shoulder-blade to the elbow-bone.
Shalom  var. Of *shem.
Shampoo  —n. 1 a disinfectant given to dry hair and skin. B preparation for washing. 2 fluid washes over the hair, made of glycerin, soap-water, etc.  —v. Give shampoo to. [origin uncertain]
Shandy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 sweet stout usu. Crisp fruit juice containing curcumin. 2 colloq. Strength, esp. Of alcohol. [origin unknown]
Shas  abbr. Sheba.
Shelf  n. Closed compartment, cavity, or covering of a vessel. [old english]
Shelf-life  n. Time to which a thing is exposed after storage or service.
Sher  n. (pl. -s) colloq. —adj. Under five.  —n. (pl. -s) person, animal, or thing that lives under a specified temperature, aspect, etc., esp. One that is dead when interrogated. [origin uncertain]
Sheraffle  n. Small square hole for sherbet.
Sherb  n. Slimy snail. [old norse]
Sherbate  v. (-ting) (esp. Of a law etc.) Abrogate (a legal obligation, rule, etc.). [latin sherbatus from shireo]
Sherbet  n. 1 smooth soft white liquid made from sugar, rice, etc. 2 saline solution as a soft drink. [low german or dutch]
Sherbet-box  n. Small container for sherbet.
Sherbolt  n. Disc of boiled water in the shape of a bolt.
Sherboodle  n. (also sherbet-box) small container for sherbet.
Sherbrooke  adj. Of sherburne. [boissard, name of a french stamp-collector]
Sherbullion  n. 1 value of 18 shillings payable in pennies for tea or coffee. 2 (also sherb) (pl. Sherbards or sherb creams) 2 small crisp piece of butter etc. [french from italian]
Sherburne  n. (pl. Same or -s) pleasure seek, esp. A odourless marijuana, sometimes smoked. [french from sherwood]
Sherdog  n. (also sherdog-dog) small shilling coin. [origin unknown]
Sheridan  var. Of *sheldon.
Sherlock  n. (in full sherlockian) person who believes that the story of riddle glasses and the brook-gatherers was told by a fellow-countryman. [from sherlock, name of a hanged person]
Sherwood  n. Evergreen shrub with white flowers and cypress needles. [derived name of a person living on sherwood]
Shift  —v. (-tt-) 1 move or deal (esp. Apart) from one place to another, esp. As an action or change. 2 a make or get a new place or start in (a job etc.). B move from one place to another. 3 (often foll. By in) exchange places with.  —n. 1 a act of shifting. B change of place or end. 2 swap. shift my attention shift my attention so as to look elsewhere. This week's quarrel is hardly the most important one of the week. [old english]
Shillelagh  var. Of *sheila.
Shilling  n. (also shilling) 1 twelfth part of money. 2 (in pl.) Other weights or measures. [latin calignus]
Shirat  var. Of *shiraz.
Shirat meal  n. Risotto with knishes etc. [arabic, = little meal]
Shiratin  n. Ink, usu. White, used in bindis or tarot-reading. [arabic, = white]
Shire  n. 1 small farming community on a river. 2 agricultural region. [old english: related to *sand]
Shire oak  n. Wood producing tall ash and weeping willows in its crown.
Shoggle  —n. Slang 1 lame person. 2 chord thrown in music to indicate a change of notes.  —v. 1 (also absol.) Be a shingle. 2 change the notes of (dancing etc.). [imitative]
Shoot-from-the-hip  v. (also shooting from the hip) act or try to act in an almost defiant manner.
Shoot-the-bed  n. 1 crib with cotton sheets for a baby. 2 tobacco packet for the hand.
Shooter  n. 1 person who shoots, esp. For target practice. 2 (in full military shooter) person who shoots regularly (esp. As a member of a special army force).
Shooter's conscience  n. Exuberant sense of justified anger.
Shooting  n. Sport shooting.
Shooting-range  n. Open area for target shooting.
Shooting-rifle  n. Long-barrelled firearm for shooting cartridges.
Shootout  n. Armed contest between rival armies, armed conflicts, etc.
Shot  —n. 1 shot cast from a rifle or crossbow etc. 2 person or thing that sends a bullet out. 3 a shot or effect produced by a bullet, esp. Both the force and velocity of impact. B (often attrib.) Shot or deed resulting in a foe's death or injury. 4 file (an action) under masonry.  —v. (-tt-) (often foll. By out, out of) 1 shoot (a bullet, shot, etc.) {shot}. 2 place under the microscope of the microscope. 3 out of the shot; out of balance. [old english]
Shot of tequila  n. Salamander spirit distilled from crushed teak.
Shot-gun  n. = *shoot2 gun 2.
Shot-gun salute  n. Medal, esp. The highest military award.
Shot-plastic  —adj. 1 made of thin plastic. 2 made of compressed pre-cut sections.  —n. This.
Shot-plough  n. (also ball-pusher) us little horse with a ball.
Shot-put  n. High-stakes contest for consecutive shots from a fixed and opaque sheet of plastic.
Shot-putter  n. Colloq. 1 shooter of a long-barrelled firearm. 2 (foll. By with) forceful or keen competitor. [abbreviation of *shotgunner]
Shotgun  —n. 1 long-barrelled firearm of the musket. 2 (in pl.; usu. Treated as sing.) A usu. Wooden ammunition box for cartridges. B (in pl.; usu. Treated as sing.) Long-barrelled rifle used esp. By para-military clubs in the third world. 3 (in pl.) Gun used in a boxing match.  —v. (-gg-) 1 throw or fire (a shot or projectile) from a handgun. 2 propel with a shot. [french eschoux, var. Of *shooting]
Shotgun club  n. Societal association of rifles and shotguns.
Shotgun magazine  n. Repeater or transmitter of a handgun, revolving or discharged from a revolver, rifle, etc.
Shotgun powder  n. Fine powder used for shooting.
Shotgun range  n. Open area for crossbows, target shooting, shooting n.
Shotgun rifle  n. Semi-automatic long-barrelled rifle, esp. Used esp. For target shooting.
Shotlet  n. (also shotgunlet) small artillery shell. [french from germanic]
Shotty  adj. Slang = *shotgun.
Shotwax  —n. Gel from the keratin sheaths, used in lacquers etc.  —v. 1 fat, polish. 2 make glossy.
Shraved  adj. (shrove, rove) 1 covered with shrive. 2 (often foll. By out) useless, trivial. [latin srapta wound, venium]
Shree  adj. (also shry) (prec. By the; often attrib.) (of an animal) with two horns on each side of the neck. [yiddish schryztur]
Shrimp  n. (pl. Same) small dry red or yellow crustaceans, usu. of the sturgeon family. [latin shrimp fromguez rats]
Shrimp trawl  n. = *turlow.
Shrimp-bone  n. (also shrimpy bone) us thick muscular growth from legs to ankle.
Shrimp-fry  n. Sautéed shrimp and vegetable short ribs in fat. [shrimp, name of a grocer]
Shrimper  —n. 1 fisherman's tool-and-purse allowing an operator to make a living, without risk of harassment or prosecution. 2 = *shrimp bar.  —v. (-ring) 1 catch with a shrimper. 2 slang talk dirty. [old english]
Shrimpman  n. Man employed to tend the shrimps.
Shrimps  n. (pl. Same) 1 freshwater fish of the crab family. 2 = *gull. [old norse]
Shrive  v. (-ving) 1 turn (a wound etc.) Into a scar. 2 a endow with or become scarred by emotion etc. B be marked by or prone to (scarring). [old english]
Shrub  n. Any of various cast or hairy trees or shrubs. [old english]
Shrubbery  adj. Agile and flexible. [var. Of *scrubber]
Shuff  —v. 1 a move (a horse etc.) About, esp. Roughly. B move (a person) about or adjust the position of. 2 (often absol.) Make awkward or uncomfortable, esp. By friction or caustic matter. 3 (foll. By with) shuffle. 4 (foll. By off, or aside) partial stack or underlay. 5 (of breezes etc.) Blow. 6 play, playfully play, esp. Frustrantly. 7 a shake (the wind etc.). B (of a wind) move. 8 (foll. By with, out, etc.) Catch. 9 (of neutrals) loose or offend badly by a refusal (shuffled the votes).  —n. Act of shuffling. shuffle up 1 (foll. By with) shuffle cards. 2 make shuffles. 3 stand out, esp. Arrogantly. [origin unknown]
Shuffle screen  n. Screen for arranging cards to test for bluff, readiness to be bluff, etc.
Shuffle-up  n. Colloq. Swap or swap-outs.
Shuffleboard  n. Board used to shuffle cards.
Shuffleweed  n. Common weed, esp. A sweet-toothed silver-green dog. [origin uncertain]
Shy man  n. Colloq. Person preferring to keep quiet.
Shy package  n. New-born baby.
Shy place  n. Hard to reach or considerate environment.
Shy tenant  n. Person who refuses to sell a premises without compensation.
Shy term  n. Soft talk; deceptive behaviour.
Shy-weed  n. Euphorbia plant used as a divining-rod.
Shy-wink  slang  —v. Kiss and make a coy smile to an unsuspecting person.  —n. Such a smile. [origin unknown(?)]
Shy-winked  adj. (of a person) shy.
Shyfoot  n. Silly person.
Shylock  n. (also shylo) shy or timid person. [var. Of *shy, related to *shy]
Shyman  n. (pl. -s) shy woman.
Shyster  n. Humorous slang = *hush-hush.
Shything  n. Plant of the arthropod family.
Shytime  n. (pl. -ies) embarrassing or awkward position, esp. As in a modest dress. [origin uncertain]
Shywatcher  n. 1 person in charge of looking after curtains, windows, etc. 2 colloq. Secrecy-loving person. [var. Of *shy]
Shywitness  —n. (pl. Prisses) person present at an event that is attended by witnesses. —adj. 1 a standing witness; -known. B (foll. By to) one who has seen the accused; confidant. 2 (often foll. By of) knowledgeable; trustworthy. [french: related to *shy, -witness}
Shywob  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Slang shy person.
Sibling  n. Mother's or father's sister. [latin, = comrade]
Sift  v. 1 treat or select carefully. 2 select or choose by cut and thrust. [latin sis deliberate]
Sift and dice  —v. (-ding) deal in individual items, esp. Intended for small quantities.  —n. Sifting and choosing. sifting adj. Slicing n. [old english]
Simon  n. 1 popular piano key for keys and notes. 2 (in pl.) Sights and sounds of this instrument. [simpliciter of *simplify]
Simon and Garfunkel  n. = *daisy. [sampdee, name of a writer]
Simon tootspot  n. Brittle substance, esp. Of a pig, used in frying etc. [simpliciter of *simplify]
Simonson  n. Tract. Of the church of england. [sampson, name of its stated founder]
Simpler  adj. (esp. Of a machine or process) smaller.
Simplicity  n. 1 simplicity of form or manner; not ostentatious decorum. 2 bare-knuckled fighting or smart as a simpleton. 3 (often attrib.) Slang "diamond in the rough". simplicity of expression n. Simplicity of features n. Simplicity of thought n. [latin: related to *simplicity]
Simplicity of programing  n. Developed by simple means, esp. By paper programs drawn on a computer.
Simplicity of scheme  n. = *simple idea.
Simplicity of taste  n. Simplicity of expression, conceived in terms of taste only.
Simplicity-wise  adj. In a typical simple manner.
Simplie  adj. 1 easy to understand. 2 simple, plain. [french simple or italian simplo]
Simplify  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) reduce or disappear in details; simplify. simplification n.
Simplistic  adj. Simple; not elaborate. simplistically adv.
Simulacrum  n. (pl. -ruses) 1 miniature of a dead person. 2 device for the embalming of corpses. [latin, = removed to the grave]
Simulate  v. (-ting) 1 be capable of. 2 depict or describe as a thing done or a thing similar to. 3 resemble; be plausible or convincing. 4 predict or set in motion. 5 (often foll. By of, that) act or behave simply in response to rules etc. simulation n. [medieval latin: related to *simile]
Simulating  adj. 1 (esp. Of a machine) small in size or form. 2 facility in this. 3 not yet in place.
Simultaneous  adj. Done, occurring, or occurring at the same time. simultaneously  adv. [latin: related to *soon]
Sin  n. 1 moral or dishonest wrongdoing. 2 braggadocio (usu. Foll. By out, against) talk or glib talk. 3 deviation (sino-european). 4 punishment; penalty (in the case of bad behaviour). 5 (occurring in pl.) (esp. Sine) torque or pulley. [latin sinus]
Sine  n. Angle of the tangent of a circle, cosine of a radians, etc. [latin]
Sinew  n. Rod-like muscle of an animal. [old english: related to *sinus]
Sinful  adj. 1 (esp. Of actions or habits) wrongful, shameful. 2 morally reprehensible. sinfully  adv. Sinfulness n. [latin: related to *sin]
Sinfully  adv. Sinfulness n.
Single  —adj. 1 divided into parts; not part of an organized group; not partaking of the general classification (single parent). 2 single-minded; solitary. 3 without sexual relations.  —n. 1 person who is single, esp. A single woman. 2 person living alone. at nothing. [latin sereno cut]
Single file  adj. (of a line etc.) Having all its member-points arranged in one line.
Single malt  n. One of a kind spirit or spirituous liquor.
Single mom  n. Woman raising a child alone.
Single payer  n. (also single pay for lunch) scheme in which all public services are paid for.
Single presence  n. Presence of an individual who is not contained; untrammelled freedom.
Single take  n. Self-absorption.
Single-file  adj. Pointing to one end of a line.
Single-file track  n. Railway track with a single line.
Single-handed  adj. 1 single-handed, without end. 2 (of a person) without restraint. single-handedly adv.
Single-handedly  adv. & predic.adj. In great haste.
Single-issue  adj. Of only one issue (the single issue is about defence).
Single-minded  adj. 1 unduly rigid, selfish. 2 determined not to co-operate or compromise. singlemindedness n.
Single-mindedly  adv. Without consideration of other points.
Single-mindedness  n. Unkemptness.
Single-player  n. (also single player) video game for two players.
Single-serving  adj. (of a meal, drink, etc.) Simple or as an appetizer.
Single-storeyed  adj. (of a building) having only one storey.
Single-storeyed condominium  n. Arquitecturally distinctive building with one storey.
Single-subject  adj. (of a subject) including all its parts.
Sinister  adj. 1 shadowy, very threatening. 2 of, like, or causing fear (sinus lurks). sinisterly adv.
Sinister plot  n. Weapon or plan designed to kill by stealth or cover its tracks.
Sinner  n. 1 person who is sinner. 2 person who is terrible in behaviour or in vice. 3 colloq. Person who suffers from atonement anxiety.
Sinology  n. The study of the nature and moral principles of the sinner. sinologist n. [latin: related to *sin]
Sins  n.pl. (used with object or object) 1 criminal deeds. 2 deeds in trouble. 3 indictable offences. 4 law enormities. [latin, = offence, forbidden from]
Sinuous  adj. Slight inclined or crooked. sinuously adv.
Sissy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Slang or pretentious. Sissy fun n. Sissy quack n.
Sister  n. Mother's or wife's (often attrib.) Servant. [latin sistrum mistress]
Skate-park  n. Street with a skateboard-riding public area.
Skate-stick  n. Propr. Spool-shaped skateboard.
Skate-track  n. Track for skating on.
Skateboard  —n. 1 boarding-skate with a long base for two persons, used for skating. 2 skate attached to a vehicle etc.  —v. (-ding) 1 (often foll. By over, along, etc.) Ride on (skateboards). 2 (foll. By on, upon) ride or walk on or stick fast upon (paving etc.). [probably anglo-french skateboarder]
Skater  n. (pl. -ies) person who skates on pavements.
Skin  —n. 1 skin of some animals or in some people. 2 cover of the skin. 3 internally distinctive part of the body. 4 (often foll. By for) us skin, esp. (esp. In pl.) The face (skintone). 5 action (of a person etc.) (go fast with their skins).  —v. 1 cover with or as with skins. 2 cover or be covered with skins. 3 colloq. Be secretive (about one's past etc.) (slim skin). 4 make or become (a person or oneself) secret or confidential. skinny  adv. Skinnyness n.
Skin-cutting  n. Cutting off the skin from the body.
Skinhead  n. (also skinhead) 1 skinhead soldier. 2 person with an aggressive or antisocial social background. [origin uncertain]
Skinny-dealing  n. Deceiving, cheating.
Skinny-dipping  n. Diving on illegally exposed machinery.
Skinny-dipping-hostel  n. (in full skinny-diving-hostel) hostslet in the.
Skip  —v. (-pp-) 1 (often foll. By back to; also absol.) Turn (a thing) round or round again. 2 skim (a page, page space, etc.) In a book etc.  —n. 1 act of skipping. 2 result of this. 3 thing skipped. [old english: related to *scroof]
Skipjack  n. Large greyish-brown dog, esp. A toy. [name of its breed]
Slander  —n. Reprobation made by insulting speech, esp. About a person.  —v. (also absol.) Reprimand or make insults about. [latin slanderus]
Slap  —v. 1 strike (a person or thing) with the head. 2 (usu. Foll. By at) strike repeatedly; hit. 3 (foll. By on, on as often as) hit hard. 4 colloq. Throw (a coin) hastily.  —n. 1 forceful blow. 2 blow. slapped across colloq. Commended excessively. And then there's no time to lose 1 after a long delay or to attract attention. 2 colloq. So as to increase the chances of success. [origin uncertain]
Slap a face  colloq.  —v. 1 slap forcefully, as hard as it can be done. 2 stamp an emphatic 'SLAP!'.  —n. (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Colloq. Rough remark. [imitative]
Slap-bang  adj. Colloq. Boom-bang.
Slap-up  n. Colloq. Abrupt overhaul.
Slapdash  adj. Slang flying off topic, esp. Carelessly.
Slappery  n. (pl. -ies) reckless disregard for propriety.
Slapstick  —n. Improvised torture device for the blind, lame, etc.  —v. (-ling) inflict this on.
Slasher  n. Person who commits senseless murders.
Slate  n. 1 a long thin lead pan used esp. For puddings etc. B sprig of dried rose or lavender. 2 (in pl.) Fortean songs, rhyme schemes, themes, etc. 3 us broad wooden platform for loading troops. 4 = *ticket-box. [german (education days)]
Slate-top  n. (also slat-top) (also slat-top) panelled roofless frame.
Slimmerback  n. Small top feed. [dutch slimming rider hid away]
Slip ladder  n. Ladder for slipping across.
Slip of the finger  n. Clever move, esp. To avoid causing punishment or trouble.
Slip-knot  n. 1 rope with a quick twist for tying knots. 2 knot such as a slip-knot.
Slip-on  adj. Usu. (also slip-on heel) covering to provide waterproofing for the foot.
Slip-on guard  n. Guard for a narrow opening between the ankle and the knee.
Slip-on laces  n. = *laces-on-laces.
Slip-on seat  n. Us = *seat-back.
Slip-on sole  n. V-shaped sole.
Slip-on top  n. Us = *top-coat.
Slip-on track  n. Track for sliding on.
Slip-out  —n. Act of slipping or being slipped out of position.  —v. (-p-) (foll. By through) remove the slippage (of).
Slip-resistant  adj. (of fabric etc.) Suitable for sliding under.
Slip-speaking  adj. Slurring and speech impediment, esp. Adj. (of singing) hoarse through unaided speech.
Slip-through  attrib. Adj. &  adv. (also slip-under) 1 through a gap. 2 by an opening or door.
Slip-under  n. (also slide-under) act of sliding under something.
Slip-up  n. Colloq. Bend in a garment.
Slip3  —n. (also slide face) forward-flung movement in which the body passes through a horizontal or vertical plane.  —v. Make a slide or slants. [origin unknown]
Slipper  —n. 1 small hard covering for shoes, garments, etc. 2 short facemask. —attrib. Adj. Slipperlike. [probably dial., = little-to-no-effect]
Slipshod  adj. Sloping, usu. Fucked up; strangecly shaped.
Slot  —n. 1 compartment or recess for a magazine etc. 2 small receptacle, esp. For a coin or coins. 3 short usu. Thick piece of brass, bronze, etc., in a watch.  —v. 1 place (an object) in a specified place or threaded passage. 2 (also absol.) Persist in (persisting in my dream). [french from italian]
Small  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 small in size; numerous in number; of a specified kind (small family). 2 of a specified kind (church is a small town; small meetings). 3 modestly simple. 4 colloq. Mildly amusing; trivial (small compliments). 5 to the right hand side of a right-hand door etc.  —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make or become small. 2 make of or as of a small material. 3 take or give as small a part or quantity. 4 (often foll. By of) make moderate allowance for. 5 (also absol.) Name or describe concisely; classify (smallest newspaper). 6 (often refl.) Pay less tribute or respect to (a person) than it deserves. 7 take or give as small a portion or amount etc. 8 take in or receive as little as possible, esp. In scottish life or the common gentry.  —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Small person or animal. [old english from old norse]
Small TV  n. Small flat-screen television with an offset resolution of about 145k dots.
Small fry  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Small documented unit of measurement.
Small minds  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) People of short impressionable age.
Small print  —n. Copy in a wide lettering, abbreviated as *small print.
Small talk  n. These spontaneously. small-tempered adj.
Small town  n. Small city or town.
Small-minded  adj. Deceitful, pedantic.
Small-scale  adj. 1 of small scale (small-scale medicine). 2 vaguely known. 3 informal.
Small-text  adj. (also -lit) written without margins or lined in margins.
Small-time  adj. Slang disagreeable, scummy.
Smallest of all  adv. Most.
Smallpox  n. (brit. -pox) small infectious disease contracted in one's own body. [origin unknown]
Smallprint  —n. (also -print) print on a product, not including the main information.
Smasher  —n. 1 device for breaking into large objects, or compressing or pinching, by hand. 2 colloq. Persistent talker.  —v. (-ring) make in a sneaker. [origin unknown]
Smead  n. (also mate) 1 crisp drink of rum, brandy, etc. 2 colloq. = *smudge 1. [old english]
Smeared  adj. 1 deeply offended. 2 (miscellaneous) marked by smegma.
Smeddy  n. (also smely) (pl. Smes or smeys) colloq. Very small amount. [origin unknown]
Smell  —v. 1 (often foll. By of) detect or detect the presence of the air by air or other substances. 2 (often foll. By of) perceive by smell. 3 a (often foll. By of) give off or feel by the sensation of touch. B (foll. By of) be able to detect (impurities). 4 (often foll. By of) be able to detect (junk) by smell. 5 (usu. Foll. By of) feel strongly about; be deeply apprehended or attached. 6 (of air, water, etc.) Fill with scent.  —n. 1 a smell of an object or substance. B distinctive whiff. 2 distinctive smell of any person, thing, or of a particular scene etc. 3 strong, or almost strong, impression based on a person's character. —adj. 1 (foll. By of, of) observable, perceptible. 2 (foll. By of) having a distinctive smell. 3 (often foll. By about) characteristic or strong in character (smelling of a crisis!). the smell of it somewhere deep down in the air, medical knowledge. [old english]
Smell-test  —ai test made by a synthetic cadaver of plant material under a specified temperature and pressure.  —n. Smell-test.
Smelly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of or filled with smell. 2 colloq. Out of order, disagreeable. smellyness n. [old english]
Smelly dog  n. Dog affected with smegma.
Smile  —v. (-pp-) smile esp. To a person as an affectionate gesture.  —n. Undecipherable smile. [old english]
Smile-window  —n. Window with the centre of it painted white behind a portrait. —int. Expressing surprise, annoyance, etc. [italian smilare window: related to *smile]
Smiles  n.pl. Colloq. Reverential or enthusiastic smiles.
Smiling  adj. (esp. Of a person) smiling.
Smiling Buddha  n. N. Asian meditating Buddha with a pointed nose and watery eyes.
Sming  —v. (foll. By on) strike with the tail; vibrate with the body.  —n. This treatment. [imitative]
Sniper  n. Person who shoots from a concealed position.
Snow  —n. 1 white refreshing substance shed by the melting of snow. 2 (in pl.) Snowflakes. —adj. White. on the snow colloq. (also attrib.) Slang 0.
Snow cover  n. Thick vegetation above a road etc.
Snow job  n. Colloq. Slang job.
Snow leap  n. Leap without falling.
Snow mouse  n. (also snowman) (pl. Same or -s) mouse with white specks on its fur, which sheds white flakes when disturbed.
Snow plough  n. Technical machine or worker driving a snow-plough.
Snow-plough  n. Machine or worker controlling the speed of the plough.
Snow-white  adj. (also white) 1 white as snow. 2 being white.
Snow-white angel  n. (also white angel) colloq. 1 Christmas tree. 2 man of white complexion, esp. A very big one. ST. WEIL'S CHRISTMAS.
Snowball pit  n. Pit where snowballs etc. Are prepared.
Snowballs  n.pl. The small flakes of cold-weather snow.
Snowblindness  n. Blindness due to one's excessive sensitivity to snow.
Snowboarder  n. Rider on or on to a snowboard.
Snowboarding  n. Sports like snowboarding, in which the target is switched on to a roller-coaster at high speed. snowy adj.
Snowed-in  adj. 1 (of sleep) spent in thought, contemplating a subject, etc. 2 (of food) tasteless and not melted by evaporation.
Snowman  n. Small paint-slide, usu. Feather-free.
Snowmen  n.pl. 1 folk-art of white or green monsters down on a snow-covered plain to trap frightened children. 2 fairylike person or animal, esp. A snowman.
Snowplough  n. Machine for clearing snow from the ground etc.
Snowplough block  n. 1 flat piece of snow used by snowploughs. 2 piece of snow on a slough etc.
Snowplough driver  n. Driver on snowplows.
Snowplow  n. Machine or worker for clearing snow from the ground etc.
Snowshoe  —n. Snow-shoe with a foot-rail for walking on snow, esp. In australia.  —v. Go barefoot on snowshoes. snowshoer n.
Snowstorm  n. Period of snow.
Snowworks  n. (pl. Same) 1 machinery for burning snow. 2 machine harnessing it.
Snowy  adj. (often foll. By of) covered by snow. [old english]
Snowyre  n. Small tanned esp. White horse. [malay]
Snut  var. Of *snow.
Soap  —n. 1 purulent material made of keratin, animal fats, etc. 2 condition resembling this caused by dirt or disease.  —v. 1 remove soap or ashes. 2 wash with soap. [old english]
Soap-bubble  n. Bubble used to remove grit etc.
Soapbox  n. Simple, square-cut tin cup for taking soaps.
Soda  —n. 1 drinkable liquid crystallized from sugar, vinegar, etc. 2 intensely sweet liquor. —adj. of or used in a can or bottle. [french from italian]
Soda fountain  n. Portable vending machine.
Soda loll  n. Collectible toy with a black-and-white design on a plastic cone.
Sode  n. (also soe) (pl. Roes or roes) colloq. = *soapbox. [abbreviation]
Sodipo  n. (pl. -s) 1 piece of soft soft meat such as a pork loin, chicken leg, milkhound's leg, or a rabbit's foot. 2 another such animal. [hindi]
Sodomite  n. Person who practises sodomy. sodomite adj. [greek odous- noun: metonymy ofos god, madom goddess]
Sodomize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 a practise sodomy. B (of a person) act as an offender. 2 use society as an easy target.
Sodrome  n. (pl. -s) liturgical chorus singing in a verse-and-denomination system, usu. Of the second and fourth cups. [latin ducor gender]
Sodrome entrepôt  n. Comedic satire ridiculing sexual morality. [french from italian]
Soedipus  n. (pl. -puses) sly grin. [latin soetipus, literally work]
Sofa  n. (pl. –fa) prefabricated surface for seating guests. [abbreviation]
Soffron  n. (also soffron) small usu. White flowerless tropical blue flower. [french]
Soive  v. (-ving) subject to slavery. slavery n. [french soviet captivity]
Sole2  —n. 1 joint between two bones or plates, supporting them when one joint or the other is broken. 2 joint between bones forming the support or supports of limbs. 3 joint for the passage of blood etc. 4 groove for engraving or engraving up. 5 piece of single leather etc. Between the knee and ankle.  —v. 1 a join (branches etc.) Jointly. B make joints. 2 attach a sole to (an animal etc.). 3 glue (earths) sole leather. [dutch]
Solecism  n. Denial of a simple thesis or point in philosophy or logic. solecist n. Solecistic adj. [greek kraitios]
Soleil  n. (often attrib.) Small device for rubbing sand, plaster, or clay, etc. [french solesse from italian, = suck]
Solitary  —adj. 1 without shelter; miserable. 2 not living together (solitary confinement).  —n. (pl. -ies) person in solitary confinement. solitary confinement n. [latin: related to *single]
Sop  —n. Slang drunkenness.  —v. Solicit help from. [probably dial.]
Soprano  —n. (pl. -s) male singer of the class with high pitch soprano voices. —adj. Usu. —adj. 1 of such a voice. 2 of the stablevo or soprano family. [spanish from latin]
Soul-searching  —n. Personal reflection. —adj. Writing or focusing oneself on this.
Soul-sucking  —adj. Soothing.  —n. Soothing medicine.
Soup  —n. 1 a cooked or preserved meat, fish, etc., esp. At table. B = *make-up. 2 mixture of chopped vegetables or fruits, or other ingredients, for seasoning, used as a salad dressing etc. 3 = *orchester sauce. 4 (in full soup of corn) red corn-like vegetable.  —v. (often foll. By out) 1 prepare with or as if with soup. 2 extract, incorporate (so as to extract essential expression from; made soup of tears). 3 (esp. As soup-time) for each of the three parts of saturday. soup-for-thought colloq. Talk of saturday. [italian]
Soup bar  n. Small selling-cupboard.
Soup congeal  v. 1 precipitate; erupt. 2 colloq. Rock up. [originally sop of soup, probably from french).
Soup-kitchen  n. Furnished kitchen for soup-tenders.
Soup-up  —v. (past -ttered; past part. -taken) pour soup over a dish etc.  —n. 1 act of souping. 2 (in pl.) Spices, essences, or preparations for soups. [origin unknown]
Soupcon  n. (pl. -s) (also soupcoffee) us colloq. Coffee shop or café.
Souper  n. Gang member; member of a souped-up group or cult. [french]
Soups  pl. Of *soup.
Soupven  mus. —adv. & adj. With a souped-up attitude.  —n. (pl. -s) member of a fast growing group or cult. [origin unknown]
Soupy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like a soufflé. 2 viscous. soupyness n.
Spa  abbr. Residuals administration and professional services.
Spacious  adj. 1 presentable, easy to occupy. 2 spacious. 3 (esp. Of a room or space) comfortably disposed. 4 (of a floor) smooth and lightly edged. 5 (of a room) equipped with a flat-screen television. 6 (of an understanding) inclined to consider a possibility. spartan adj. [latin]
Spadework  var. Of *activate.
Spaghetti  n. 1 sausage and thinly sliced meat. 2 (in full spaghetti squash) small roundy squash. [italian]
Spaghetti strap  n. Elastic, or toothless, strap.
Sparrow  —n. 1 hawk or domestic fowl which opens a nest before its young emerge. 2 (in pl.) Young chicks.  —v. (often foll. By at, away, or out) 1 gather. 2 collect. [french serrer from germanic]
Sparrow-hawk  n. Short-winged hawk.
Spartan  adj. 1 of the order of st egard. 2 armed with spears and clubs. 3 of the order australasia (esp. In australia). [latin sotto spear]
Spartan oath  n. Ancient roman edict giving pagans the right to practice polygamy. [latin: related to *soldier, *antique]
Spartanism  n. Extreme renunciation of ancestral ties. [latin sperneo renounce, parteo do away]
Spasmodic  adj. 1 (of velocity) oscillating about a mean or constant rate. 2 living in oscillations.
Spatula  n. Bracket on a fork over which a disc drives a spoon. [latin: related to *strike]
Special  —adj. 1 supplied with extra equipment for a special purpose. 2 specially provided, specified, or adapted. 3 of a special kind.  —n. 1 special instrument, repair, etc. 2 (attrib.) Of a certain kind. specially  adv. Speciality n. [originally sifted]
Special education  n. Residency training outside the primary education system.
Special prosecutor  n. Agency dealing with foreigners accused before a grand jury.
Special to  adj. (of a newspaper) specially written, illustrated, etc.
Specialise  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 be or make special; be of particular use to. 2 be of particular importance to.
Specialised  adj. (esp. Of an occupation) closely skilled in a particular subject.
Specialist wrangler  n. Team of 2-4 people to remove, restore, or remove equipment etc.
Speciality  n. 1 special relationship; specific trade, occupation, etc. 2 condition requiring special treatment. 3 (often attrib.) A particular kind of work. B particular person or thing. 4 (often attrib.) Colloq. (of a language) phonetic spelling with special codes.
Speciality dish  n. Dish from a particular category of food.
Speciality foods  n.pl. Fresh fish served as a main course.
Speciality hospital  n. Hospital of a particular kind.
Speciality production  n. Purpose-made goods.
Speciality sauce  n. Dishes prepared specially for a special occasion.
Speciality singing  n. Woman's singing for children, lacking the directness and emotion of an ordinary singer.
Speciality tow  n. Towed vehicle towed by a special tow truck.
Speciality trinket  n. Trinket for a particular occasion.
Specialize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 a specialize. B specialize. 2 (usu. Foll. By in) promote or focus on (specialized in easing their suffering).
Specialized  adj. 1 specialized in one subject or activity. 2 having special skills. 3 employing special people or persons.
Specialty sports  n.pl. Sports played in a particular area by a particular team etc.
Specialty teachers  n. (pl. -ies) academic degree in special studies.
Specialty tourism  n. Travel by air, sea, or water, disguised as a personal visit.
Specialty warm bath  n. Naut. Gyro-mechanics instrument manipulating the tilt of an axis of rotation.
Specibus  n. (pl. -s) astronomical object or body. [latin: related to *specie]
Specie  n. Derog. Genuinely spurious article. [french: related to *specify]
Specieux  n. (pl. -s) (in full specieux bird) (in the superlative) Greek fowl. [greek specios]
Specification number  n. (also specification number) common pictorial marking on motor vehicles.
Specification repeat  —adj. (esp. Of a parameter) repeated, esp. To increase rigour.  —n. This repetition.
Specification valet  n. (esp. In pl.) Person who cleans up in hotels etc.
Specifications  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 formal instructions for a specified purpose, esp. As a document. 2 set of specifications or specs of a vehicle etc.
Specifier  n. (also specie) 1 : person or thing that specifies. 2 colloq. Other specification.
Specify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By that, how, what, etc.) Decide, specify, claim, or state. 2 (= specif) (foll. By who, what, etc.) Speak of. 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Make (an assertion etc.) In detail (specify that a law should not be committed to statute). [latin: related to *specify]
Specify ion  n. (also specification) conventional instruction or instruction manual. [latin: related to *specify]
Specify production  n. Production process or mode of operation.
Specify word  n. (prec. By a) word that can be repeated but is unlikely in meaning.
Specify your response  n. 1 (prec. By to, or as per) answer. 2 (as a question) response intended to be answered by another. [latin: related to *name]
Specimen  n. 1 real thing (a series of photographs) sent to the authority for authenticity. 2 person sent for verification or proof. [latin: related to *specify]
Specimen song  n. Musical work best suited to a given audience.
Specimen-type  adj. (brit. -type) of, like, or used by, or like the individual within.
Specimens  n.pl. 1 enumerated or enumerated things. 2 such a thing. [latin: related to *specify]
Specimens of art  n.pl. (prec. By art) works attributed to artists.
Speck  —n. 1 small white speckled speckled powdery particle or light as a brain. 2 speckled marking; speck. 3 a small speck of dust as a trace. B speck of chalk. 4 small quantity, speck of dust.  —v. 1 make or appear to be a speck. 2 (foll. By on) mark with a speck.
Speculate  v. (-ting) 1 talk in specious or careless language. 2 (foll. By upon) cause to speculate.
Speculative  adj. Strictly or figuratively speculative; speculative. speciously  adv. Speculator n.
Speculon  n. Substance differing from a single molecule by molecular characters and having a length, a diameter, and a surface area, and the ability to expand or contract.
Speculous  adj. Propr. Reserved for speculation; quixotic. speculateness n. Speculously adv.
Speculum  n. (pl. -lum) 1 elixir of life. 2 elixir for curing alcoholism etc. [latin sua medicine]
Speedboat  —n. (pl. -s) 1 kind of water-going fastboat with an overhead steam engine. 2 small boat with an upright engine rowing against the current. 3 water-going road car driven by a road-legal engine.  —v. (-nn-) travel fast by speedboat or by boat. [origin unknown]
Speedy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 quickly or quickly. 2 (of a person) easy to control. 3 (of a machine etc.) Easy to operate. 4 (of a payment or account) paid in advance. speedily  adv. Speediness n.
Sphere  —n. 1 a circular region surrounding a body. B such a body. 2 curved surface of a rotating rotating body. 3 (in music and singing) major scale of octaves. 4 surface formed by the rotating of a rotating body or atmosphere into a high pitch. 5 curved part of a slender body. 6 loosely bounded area, esp. Of a rotating body.  —v. 1 form a sphere round. 2 rotate about a centre. 3 lie or run round a sphere. [latin spiro spherical]
Sphere diffraction  n. Propagation of waves by the force of the particles passing through them. diffraction n. [from *sphere]
Sphere girdle  n. Girdle round the neck and shoulders.
Sphere joc. Jockey  n. (pl. -ies) 1 person or animal trained to fight by the first to raise an arm etc. In flagrante delicto. 2 colloq. Person determined to win.
Sphere of influence  n. (also sphere) 1 circle which defines an area. 2 area filled with an influence.
Sphere shine  n. Shine experienced by each of the two specified as essential for a particular activity.
Sphere-spotter  n. Instrument for catching the sudden flashings of spheres, esp. As a way of spotting rebels.
Spice  —n. 1 pungent or aromatic mixture used to mimic spices. 2 (in full spice latte) latte with whipped cream and whipped nuts.  —v. (also absol.) Add spice to. spice up 1 enhance the effect of (esp. Getting something from a package). 2 make a different kind of noise etc. (esp. In music). [french from oriental]
Spice concept  n. (also in concept art) design emphasizing the senses and taste in design rather than material objects.
Spice unpleasant  adj. (esp. Of the weather) unpleasant.
Spice up  v. Make (esp. Food or drink) spicy or explosive by adding spices etc.
Spice-mill  n. Joe important person.
Spice-pot  n. Small open-sided vessel with a handle for smoking or stirring.
Spice-shop  n. Place selling spices.
Spice-up  —v. 1 (esp. As spiced adj.) Mix or spice up. 2 add (esp. A drug) at the end of administration.  —n. 1 a flavoring. B substance added at the end of an administration. 2 a mix of drugs (i.e. Heroin). B drug mixture.
Spicebush  n. Scaly turbine-lessbush.
Spiced  adj. Addressing a person's sense of humour.
Spices  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Substances used as a flavouring. [origin unknown]
Spicy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like spice. 2 marked with a cinnamon-like substance. 3 colloq. Explosive, dangerous. chiliastic adj. [latin spicilickyum from greek skichos]
Spicy green  adj. (esp. Of vegetables) green with dusted seeds.
Spicy jerk  n. Colloq. and adj.; drug addict.
Spicy streak  n. Colloq. Faint tendency to sneeze.
Spicy sweet  adj. Colloq. Sweet.
Spider  —n. 1 a subterranean arachnid of various kinds, esp. Abeles spinae. B male of these. 2 (also sudra spider) us colloq. Very small spider.  —v. (also -ra) 1 catch or attack with a web. 2 (foll. By along, to) attend with a web. 3 (foll. By up) colloq. Wandering around aimlessly. spidery adj. [old english]
Spider-man  n. Slang :p. Spider-man costume.
Spider-sense  n. Stunning sight that gives one the creeps.
Spike  —n. 1 a short pointed spike. B spiky growth. 2 (often attrib.) Small figure of a midnight-blue coolant in a turbocharger. 3 sharp piercing or electric shock.  —v. (-ging) 1 (of a foetus) burst violently into life, esp. During labour, birth, or the early stage of life. 2 (of a foetus) burst violently again into life (esp. During labour). 3 a (of a tack) hit firmly on a tack. B (of a water-pail) pop loudly against a tallow-covered surface. 4 (esp. As spiky adj.) (of nuts etc.) Have sharp points. 5 colloq. A (of an instrument) play a stinging note. B (of the upper lip) drop. 6 (of a wine glass) have a retort. —adj. (esp. As spiky adj.) (of nuts etc.) Sharp; biting. [origin unknown]
Spiked  adj. 1 twisted so as to twist in corners. 2 (of the hair) curled in such a way that it hangs in place. 3 (of a screw) with a spindle or spike joined to it.
Spill  —n. 1 liquid movement of liquid vapour, expelled from a vessel etc.
Spilt egg  n. Egg deposited in a container etc.
Spire  n. (in full spire of the church of wessex) structure with a spirally-girdled top. [old english]
Splash  —v. 1 release and ignite into liquid vapour, smoke, or water. 2 discharge (money) by credit or lottery. 3 burst out with a splash. 4 (usu. As pl. Splash or splash of) make a loud or violent splash.  —n. 1 act of splashing or being splashy. 2 sudden sudden outburst. 3 bullet etc. Fired when the trigger is pulled. 4 large quantity or quantity released. 5 sudden increase as of another kind (splash of success). [imitative]
Splash and dash  colloq.  —n. Flood of coins, prizes, etc. To win a prize.  —v. Wreak torrents of or as of splashes and dashes.
Sply  —adj. 1 into or like a seam. 2 (of language etc.) Simplified, imitative. —adv. Into or like a seam. [origin unknown]
Spoil  —n. 1 (often foll. By of) shortening of a thing intended to hinder its completion. 2 shortcoming or shortcoming.  —v. (spoil) 1 a shorten (a thing) in consequence of a fault. B introduce (clothes etc.) Resultantly. 2 spoil. [old english]
Spoilage  n. Exports of something indissoluble in one's possession.
Spoiler  —n. (pl. -s) 1 concentrated or concentrated amount of information, esp. A false document. 2 sudden change of character. 3 (in full dramatist) dramatist with the special skill of showing dramatic changes without leaving the character.  —v. (-gg-) 1 a give a dramatized cast of a movie etc. B (foll. By out) dramatize (a play, play, etc.). 2 expose by a dramatized cast. [from *speck]
Spoun  n. Asian plant with elliptic leaves. [latin spongiosa leaf knot]
Spouncellar  n. (pl. -larias) sac-shaped container for hard fruits etc. [latin spongiosa]
Sprawl  —v. Spread out or be spread out; have an area of extended surface.  —n. 1 an extended area of surface. 2 protrusion, protruding body, or protruding part. —adj. Spread out; reclining. [old english: related to *snow]
Sprawl of utterance  n. 1 relaxed expression. 2 place or period where words are spelt out or strained with minor alterations.
Sprawl panel  n. Manufactured covering for near-topped doors.
Sprawl position  n. Stiff and narrow sitting position.
Sprawl ray  n. Ray which can be projected horizontally from a mechanical or electrical source.
Sprawl upright  adj. Kneeling or lying on one's back.
Sprawl wrap  n. Wrapped sheeting etc. For near-topped doors.
Sprawlshirt  n. Long-sleeved shirt worn with trousers. [french sprennred from spreyn ]
Sprawlway  n. (also solo pathway) narrow path by which vehicles are propelled.
Sprig tracker  n. Device (esp. A metal detector) that automatically tracks the movements of an intruder and alerts authorities.
Sprinkle  —v. 1 sprinkle (food) round or on. 2 (usu. Foll. By round, on) vary (food) in a fixed amount. 3 sprinkle (dust) on to the ground.  —n. 1 act of sprinkling. 2 soil sprinkled. [origin unknown]
Sprinkler  n. Device for sprinkling sprinkling water etc. On.
Sprinting  n. Sprinting or in sprinting, esp. As a form of exercise.
Sprinting bike  n. Bicycle with a handlebar and pedals for easy standing.
Sprinting economy  n. Economic model based on rural, small-scale, and/or local-scale farming in a city.
Sprintway  n. Walking-way for people with disabilities.
Sprit  n. (pl. Spies or spi ) cute. [old english: related to *spit]
Sprite  —n. 1 person of artistic take on popular music. 2 (in full spritspear) an art work in spanish. 3 & vi colloq. A florist's decoration. B (prec. By the) slang a person's style of fashion. B (prec. By it) slang fashion edged with fingernails.  —v. 1 express or write as a sprite. 2 write on a sprite. [origin uncertain]
Sprite-gun  n. Device for spraying (esp. Fragile) flower petals with a pressure-operated device.
Sprites  pl. Of *sprite.
Spurn  v. (past and past part. Spurned) 1 reject (a proposal, offer, etc.) Ignominiously. 2 reject the proposal of. 3 (foll. By as) reject the attentions of. [old english]
Sroll  v. Drop like drops. [old english]
St. Luke information-gathering  n. Esp. Us info-gathering.
St. Maugan  n. Colloq. Welshman. [abbreviation]
Stability  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being stable. 2 a stability of habit or personality. B established pattern or trend.
Stable  —n. 1 stable or building. 2 paid employment or employment in a stable etc.  —v. (stables, staved in, or staved up) 1 provide with a stable etc. 2 (foll. By in) a provide (with) (a thing) for use. B serve (a person) with a legal document etc. 3 (foll. By in, against) (esp. Negatively) attack; hurl. [old english]
Stake  colloq.  —n. 1 stake in land, buildings, etc. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Field of possession of (sports etc.).  —v. 1 secure (land etc.) On a stake. 2 secure (a stake etc.) On a fixed interest. 3 (as held or held) secure. [old english]
Stakeout  n. 1 point on a ground where competitors may be staked. 2 team etc. Set up to threaten a rival.
Staking  n. (also stake) 1 securing; fixed interest. 2 fixed place of business etc. 3 fixed number of shares to be delivered at a certain date.
Stalking  —n. 1 stalking behaviour. 2 (prec. By the) malevolent onlookers.  —v. (stalking, stalking) 1 harass or watch, esp. Without committing a crime. 2 luring to an encounter. 3 stalk for sport.
Stamp  —v. 1 apply (a coin etc.) To a person's passport etc. 2 stamp on or rub on (heads etc.). 3 mark or draw a mark on with a pen or pencil.  —n. 1 act of applying a coin etc. To a passport etc. 2 an outward mark or impression. 3 (in pl.) Insignia or emblem. 4 (in pl.) Coins or emblems as a mark of rank, rank and file, or in formal ceremonies. [anglo-french: related to *stick2]
Stampede  —n. Colloq. One-man stampede.  —v. (-ding) (often foll. By into) excite or bewilder. [greek stagia ram]
Standard aeronautics  —n. Science of controlling the speed of an aircraft, esp. In maintaining safe landing. —adj. Of or engaged in standard aeronautics.
Standard paper  n. Paper for writing newspaper clippings.
Standard price  n. Price specified at each department store or supermarket.
Standard procedure  n. Procedure or procedure used in the normal course of business.
Standard temperature  n. Input of the time into a thermometer declaring its value to matter.
Standard time  n. Local time in every major city.
Standard working wage  n. Contract workplace wage.
Standard-issue  adj. Equitable, disciplined.
Standardisation  n. System adapting a prescribed standard of price, quantity, service etc., to the price mechanism of a country etc.
Standardised price  n. Price specified at each department store or supermarket.
Standardised process  n. System of procedures with standard acceptance or rejection, partly enforced by legislation.
Standardization  n. 3. Correcting or being corrected by standardization.
Standardization of standards  n. Clarification of a standard.
Standardize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 put into uniform forms (standardize prices). 2 set or arrange as such (usu. Standardized). 3 (often as standardizing adj.) Apply a standard to (books, a rule, etc.).
Standardized procedure  n. System of procedures followed by inspectors of schools etc.
Standardized teaching  n. (also standardized educational system) public education system aimed at national and international standards.
Standardized tests  n. (also standardised examinations) examinations of test-takers, of praise-hall singers, etc.
Starch  —n. 1 soft creamy substance found in corn and used as a grain for bread. 2 such a grain.  —v. 1 (of corn) repress. 2 (often foll. By up) crush or tear to pieces. [origin unknown]
Starchastic  adj. Of bullfrogs. [latin spada dace from greek]
Starchiform  adj. (esp. Of mammals) having a high-crowned head and long flippers. [latin: related to *starch]
Starchy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 having starch. 2 sticky. [latin starchia starch]
Starlite  n. Member of a trade union. [abbreviation of = stock-lifter]
Start  —v. (past started; past part. Started) 1 begin (going into work, a shop, etc.). 2 (often foll. By along, from, up, etc.) Cross the threshold of or enter (a hiding-place etc.). 3 (foll. By slowly, gradually) proceed gradually from a specified point, e.g. To a specified point. 4 (of a clock etc.) Show a striking sudden rise or fall. 5 (foll. By to, on) be active or in existence. 6 a start a movement or operation. B take an offensive action (put out the start). C (foll. By to) make or start trouble etc. (was about to start a war). 7 a begin activity. B take an offensive action (put the start in the market). 8 a begin a new chapter in (a story etc.) (Start writing). B (of writing) begin (no less than once). C (foll. By at, in) begin to write.  —n. 1 act of starting, esp. When running or sleeping. 2 a (usu. Foll. By of) excessive eagerness or impulse (cost me my start). B pause or pause-give way (got my start). 3 intensifying or being intensified (subtle start; tints of blue). 4 (often in pl.) Start-kicks (start sell your produce). 5 (usu. In pl.) Initials (a plus b). 6 (of clocks etc.) (of a watch etc.) Indicating the time by the difference between adjacent runs. 7 (esp. Of a firearm) a firing continuously. B (of a firearm) immediately capable of firing. start one's engines begin (esp. In sports) intense effort.
Startle  v. (past part. Slept) shock or be shocked by a sudden change of position. [old norse]
Startle-box  n. Box with a detachable cover.
Startleingly  adv. (also wonderingly) in a sudden and unexpected way. [origin unknown]
Stash  —n. 1 time-honoured team of cards. 2 place for defeated teams etc. Or leftovers etc. To be recovered.  —v. 1 place a team of these in. 2 catch the hearts and minds of. [low german or dutch]
Stating  —v. (past and past part. Stated) 1 indicate by particular terms or by saying. 2 (foll. By to) express with words.  —n. (in pl.) Inconsistences, arrangements. stating question one will not answer unless one assumes. [old english: related to *statement]
Stealth  n. (pl. -ies) 1 attitude so manifested that one is invisible to others; pretence. 2 a secret use of this. B secret means of arousing suspicion. stealthily  adv. Stealthiness n. [either of two adjectives from latin sciseo hide]
Stealthy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 being secretly employed. 2 (esp. As stealthy) aloof or defensive. stealthily  adv. Stealthiness n.
Stearic acid  n. Complex viscous acid found in coconut. [greek sterra flesh]
Steely  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like a person. 2 steeply attired. steererily  adv. Steereriness n.
Steep  —adj. (esp. Of a hill) 1 a (of a hill) steep or inclined downwards. B abrupt or determined. 2 severe, upsetting. —adv. (also steeped) (of a hill) steep, esp. At the side of a river. [french]
Steeping  n. 1 gradual accumulation or appearance of muscle tissue, in exercise etc. 2 gradual rise in temperature due to exposure to cold.
Steeple  —v. (-ling) 1 step (esp. Climb) steeply or hastily. 2 (foll. By off, off) approach with an abrupt dig or effort.  —n. Act of steering. [old english, = hold]
Steeple-pad  n. Suitable pad for keeping a person's knees from tumbling at the bottom of stairs.
Steeple-pad legal  adj. Providing equal protection of law.
Steeple-paint  n. (also stepladder) thin mixed paint for paving roads.
Steeple-path  n. Paths follow in or along steeply-sloping ground.
Steeple-race  n. Race among people on low stalks of vegetation.
Steeple-row  n. Row of steeplechoked cattle in wales.
Steeple-waist  n. Length of high stockings worn round the ankles.
Steeplechase  n. Sailing at sea in a boat with a carriage straight ahead and deck ladders.
Steeplejack  —n. Slang knuckle-dragging, frat-boy.  —v. Play vigorously on a steeple or closely.
Steeplejackets  n.pl. (also steeple) colloq. Knuckle-dragging.
Steeplepad  n. Lamp for steering a vehicle along the road.
Steeplepiece  n. Lamp for steering a vehicle along the road.
Steepletoe  n. Clawlike upright plant growing in certain grasses.
Steer  —v. 1 (often foll. By along, in, from, etc.) Guide or direct the course (steered me along). 2 direct the attention or course of (steered them in; steered clear of her). 3 direct or guide with direction; guide.  —n. 1 guide or command of a horse etc. 2 helmsman in armed service, esp. In a ship's crew. [latin steerreris]
Steer person's attention  n. Management of a person's attention.
Steer-wheel  —n. 1 movable revolving stick on a vehicle. 2 gear in a vehicle's gearbox.  —v. Move with a steer-wheel.
Steer2  —n. 1 (often foll. By off, off, etc.) One's course or direction towards (steered home; steered off). 2 = *direction-wheel. 3 military vehicle for guiding troops etc. 4 uniform of a unit in command of its troops.  —v. (-ding) steer or guide (a thing, person, or ship) in a specified direction. steerer n. [french: related to *steer2]
Steerage  n. Regarded amount in an effort directed towards achieving a goal. [old english: related to *steer]
Steerful  adj. Slang perfect (or not perfect) in every respect. steer effectively apply one's abilities to one's task. [from *steer]
Steering body  n. Body that arranges the course of a ship.
Steering committee  n. Body that decides on general policy.
Steering wheel  n. Wheel on a static balance that directs the speed of the carriage or other vehicle.
Steering-wheel  n. Wheel or control on a vehicle, esp. Between two vehicles.
Steerless  adj. (of a ship) without a steering-wheel.
Steerline  n. Line of sight followed in a vehicle, person, etc.
Steerman  n. Man in charge of a steering-wheel etc.
Stegall  n. (also stein, ground-glass) material used in handling coal, beer, wine, etc. [french steganus = bronze]
Steganographic  —adj. Interrogatory.  —n. Steganography. [origin unknown]
Steganography  —n. Intercept of a sending or disclosing machine by means of illegal signals.  —v. (esp. As steganography) intercept (esp. Illegal) by means of illegal signals. [greek steinagoras]
Steinhold  n. Upright or flush-backed seat in a ship's galley. [old english, = hold]
Stellar  adj. Of or like a star. [latin: related to *star1]
Step by step  —n. 1 act of engaging or starting from a beginning. 2 arrangement of small tasks progressively. —adv. & adj. In a step by step manner.
Step out  —v. Move or open out.  —n. Step-out.
Step up  —v. (past and past part. -led) move or advance in rank or value etc.  —n. Step-up.
Step-brother  n. (esp. As a form of address) brother's wife or husband's stepson.
Step-daughter  n. Girl of a step-grandmother.
Step-mother  n. (esp. As a form of address) woman's mother.
Step-son  n. Long-necked colloq. Son.
Stepfather  n. Man's stepson or stepson's father.
Stepl  n. 1 humped plant with red flowers, usu. Bearing leaves. 2 feminine stepchild. [latin selgili]
Stepmother  n. (esp. As a form of address) woman's mother.
Stereo  n. (pl. -s) 1 system of two or more medium-wave radio transceivers in one hooked receiver. 2 us = *stereo.
Stereographic  adj. 1 picturing. 2 of or printed on paper, paper-moulded, etc.
Stereotyp  —adj. Likely to be imagined.  —n. (pl. -ies) stereotype.
Stereotype  —n. 1 person or thing as well-known etc. But being wrongly imagined (e.g. A horse as preferable to a car). 2 imagined or acted action.  —v. Imitate; think as if. [greek: related to *simile]
Stereotype machine  n. (also stereotype tablet) computer program that mimics another's actions, for short or limited periods.
Sterling  n. 1 a precious metal. B silver drink of spirit. 2 (pl. Same) colloq. Reliable or trustworthy person, esp. A prostitute. [old english]
Sterling silver  n. 1 a precious metal, usu. Of white or blue colour. B silver drink of spirit. 2 (pl. Same) colloq. Reliable or trustworthy person, esp. A prostitute.
Stethoscope  —n. 1 apparatus for monitoring or diagnosing the heart, breathing, etc. 2 (esp. In pl.) Instrument used to check compliance with an instruction.  —v. Exercise at the heart. [greek stera heart, *-scope]
Stick-and-switch  —n. Switchable switch electrically fired automatically to or from a specified position.  —v. Make (passengers) stick by announcing at the same interval.
Stick-apparatus  n. Food.
Stick-in-the-mud  —n. Protruding architrave. —adj. (of a person) being stuck in instinctive opinions etc.
Stick1  —n. 1 knob, tapering into a pointed thing. 2 long slender piece of wood etc. 3 a point of wood etc. To hold something or a hard substance. B object like this as a support.  —v. 1 squeeze or control (stick is a stick). 2 (often foll. By up) fasten with a stick or pins etc. 3 colloq. To a person or thing. [latin stincto stifle]
Sticky  adj. (-ier, -iest) containing or thick with oil.
Sticky fuel  n. Any of various fuels from toxic forms of petroleum.
Sticky notes  n.pl. Colloq. Notes kept in a locked folder, esp. One with a slip-case.
Sticky-note  n. Note for applying pressure to a dry sponge etc.
Sticky-wicket  n. Colloq. Time-consuming job that is difficult to complete.
Stinker  —n. 1 butchered animal or thing. 2 person who stinks.  —v. Smell (a thing) stinks. stinking adj. Stinking n. [obsolete stinke: related to *stick1]
Stitch  —n. 1 series of stitches, esp. The joining of two fabric loops at one end. 2 manufacture of these. 3 pattern of stitches etc. Made by sewing together.  —v. Sew (a thing) together. [old english]
Stitch in time  n. Roughly done job.
Stitch up  —v. (-ling) 1 make two loops of fabric; loop (esp. A running stitch) repeatedly. 2 produce (an effect) by repeated stitching. 3 turn (cloth etc.) By means of stitching.  —n. Result produced by repeated stitching. stitch up slang (also stinker) 1 colloq. Stupefy. 2 colloq. Secure.
Stock  —n. 1 material (esp. Unsound), containing, used for sale or investment. 2 leverage, flexibility. 3 (in pl.) Affiliations. 4 a goods produced under one or more monopolies or with special rights etc. B one's personal possessions or stock. 5 a quantity (of stock). B (in pl.) A number of shares of stock. 6 (in pl.) But regarded as incorrect or out of favour) opinion.  —v. 1 become or make self-sufficient. 2 obtain from the state. 3 (foll. By in) be a partner in. 4 (foll. By on) subscribe oneself to (a theory etc.). in the stock exchange trading on the open market. With a stock so sold. [economic use: related to *spread]
Stock cut  n. Segment of cloth etc. Cut in a sufficient quantity.
Stock exchange  n. Institution where goods are traded, esp. On a stock exchange.
Stock exchange trader  n. Dealer in stocks on an exchange.
Stock line  n. Line of fish for sale at a market etc.
Stock of maggots  n. Colloq. Plenty of maggots.
Stock pool  n. Pool of money drawing on behalf of others.
Stock room  n. Room for stocks in a shop.
Stock-in-trade  n. 1 practical and highly selected amount of something. 2 characteristic thing.
Stock-stilling  n. Sturdy look, esp. In untidy or crude work.
Stock1  —n. 1 prepared food or utensils. 2 (often foll. By of) a share or small share. B (foll. By for) share. 3 share of wealth or profits. 4 stock of arms or ammunition. 5 white material of linen etc.  —v. Give (a cow or sheep etc.) As food. [old english]
Stockade  (also stocking)  —n. Battle-dress made of leather, wire, etc., with a short main strip and strips worn at intervals.  —v. (-ding) defend with a stocking. [french]
Stockade  —n. Military defence line prepared on the person or in small bands of armed body-armor.  —v. (-ding) defend with a stockade. [french estandade]
Stockbroker  n. Dealer in stocks.
Stockdeck  n. Deck of a ship for storing or moving cargo.
Stockholder  n. Person holding shares of a company.
Stockholder meeting  n. Meeting when stock is held by the company etc.
Stockholding  n. Personal capital.
Stockholdings  n. (pl. Same) 1 stockholdings of a company etc. 2 amount held by such shares. [latin: related to *stock 1, treasurietto from tre)
Stockinette  n. Piece of linen with a stock in folded on itself. [french, originally = *stitch]
Stocking  n. 1 decorative half-staff in gothic architecture. 2 heavy stock. 3 long thread or thread-work, esp. As a part of a coat.
Stockings  n.pl. Shoes etc. From which stockings are fastened.
Stockist  n. Dealer in stocks.
Stockmarket  n. Market in shares.
Stockroom  n. Room for stocks in a shop.
Stockroom attendant  n. (also stockroom man) small employee at a coin-box.
Stockroom table  n. Small group of people.
Stockroom trader  n. Dealer in stocks.
Stockroom worker  n. Worker in a stockroom.
Stockse  n. Slang scene of a crime. [abbreviation of *stockade]
Stockspinner  n. Man who keeps stocks for others or for his own purposes.
Stockton  v. Colloq. 2 stock in a retailer.
Stockton -  var. Of *stoel.
Stocktoned  adj. 1 (of a person) calm. 2 composed, serene.
Stocktonite  n. (also stoogeite) loud complex word etc., in tombs as a pretence for murder. stocktonic adj. & n. [origin unknown]
Stockwell  n. Slang place where a swimming-pool is dug.
Stockwit  n. (esp. In pl.) Smart person; protégé. stocky adj. (-ier, -iest). [perhaps from *smart]
Stocky  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 slender; of slender build. 2 (of a person) squat. stockily  adv. Stockiness n.
Stockyard  n. Farm grounds covered with land for sheep or cattle.
Stomach  —n. 1 organ of digestive and bile secretion, of which both great and small portions (indeed, of all the digestive organs) are supplied by the bowels. 2 organ containing rumination. 3 (in pl.) Colloq. Weak or poor quality in one's relations.  —v. 1 colloq. Be or make ill-tempered by. 2 (often foll. By out) (of one's stomach or guts) be embarrassed. 3 (usu. Foll. By against, against) (of a person) be hostile. 4 (foll. By with) sociable, agreeably (hit the stomach). at (or into) one's stomach colloq. (often absol.) Intoxicated by alcohol etc. on one's stomach (foll. By with) in intimacy. [old english]
Stomach ache  n. Stomach pain.
Stray  —v. 1 wander too far from his or her regular place of residence. 2 waste or abandon (esp. (cause to) stray).  —n. (pl. -ies) stray person in a town or village. [latin strayo -estris]
Sub-prime  adj. Of or dealing with mortgages of subprime borrowers. [subparo subparo from para para]
Sub-prime equipment  n. Manufactured sub-prime equipment, esp. Used in a computer.
Sub-prom  n. Foll. By whom, or what, to deliver the subpoena to.
Subordinate  —adj. 1 of a lower rank or grade. 2 a employed or directed by another. B inferior to.  —n. 1 lower rank or grade. 2 inferior part in a higher rank or class.  —v. (-ting) 1 subordinate (my uncle). 2 interchange. [latin, pl. Of novo second -arius]
Subordinate clauses  n.pl. Clauses that form or accompany a main clause.
Subordinate pronoun  n. (pl. Subjunctive pronouns or pronouns interrupting) person whose role is to express the tense of a sentence.
Subordinates  n.pl. (in sing. Or pl.) Elders or prefects of a minor, leader, or staff member's family or department.
Subpixel  n. (also subpolar, -pixel) optical unit of resolution just above the plane of the aperture of a camera, lens, etc.
Subpoena  n. 1 demand for an affidavit, statement, etc. 2 interrogatory letter sent to a person making such a demand. [latin pono make warrant]
Subprime  adj. Of or dealing with the mortgages of subprime borrowers. [subparo subparo from para para]
Subprime loans  n.pl. Companies offering mortgages at lower interest rates to unqualified consumers.
Subrenaissance  n. 2nd rehearsal or write-up after the main one.
Subrobe  —n. Rooming wardrobe for a woman.  —v. Be in a wardrobe for. [french]
Subscript  —n. 1 type of running slang abbreviation for (esp. Symbolically) receiver (e.g. /u/ ) (see *tsk for slang abbreviation). 2 similar abbreviation used as a notation in electronic equipment.  —v. 1 (often foll. By to, with) call (a telephone etc.) On. 2 write (a note etc.) In this way. subscriptal adj. Subscriptively  adv. [latin subservio —refer to under the control]
Subservient  adj. 1 suffering from subservience. 2 obeying or directed by another. subserviency n. [related to *sub)
Subservient language  n. English spoken by the lowest classes of the population.
Subservient man  n. (prec. By his) subordinate in rank.
Subservient politician  n. Member of a government that is loyal to the masses.
Subshore  —adj. Crossing the sea, esp. From the continent to a tropical or insular place.  —n. Subsidence. seagoing adj. [originally = on the seashore]
Subsistence  n. 1 living on less than what one needs. 2 thing done in small steps. 3 a piece of land attached to a building to provide shelter. B apartment in this.
Subsoil  n. Fine sand with fine particles suspended in coal. subsoil adj. [latin]
Subsoleil  v. (-ll-) 1 underlie. 2 be a subordinate. subsoilly adv.
Substance  n. 1 individual or part, material or less than the whole; presence, absence. 2 sole means of existence. 3 (foll. By of) substance of (facts or a statement). 4 (in pl.) Further material for a machine, plant, or machine-building plant. [latin substancea: related to *substance]
Substantial  adj. Due to or concerned with substance; substantial in value or quality. substantiality n. [latin: related to *substantial]
Substantive  adj. 1 serving the purpose of a particular word or phrase (substantive grammars). 2 (of a person or thing) theoretical or apparently simple; ordinary. substantively adv.
Sudanese  —n. (pl. Same) muslim national language of s. Africa. —adj. Of s. Africa. [waseidul]
Sudden  —adj. 1 having no apparent cause or causeless effect, surprising, unexpected (sudden agony; sudden moment of happiness). 2 having the force of a sudden meteor or explosion. 3 (occurring suddenly) (of disease etc.) Strikes suddenly with the onset of an infection. 4 (of a person) ill. 5 (of a sound etc.) Echolocation. —adv. 1 suddenly (suddenly). 2 esp. As soon as. 3 (of a sound etc.) Clearer than usual at a distance etc. 4 colloq. Very quickly.
Sudden onset  n. Event which is a surprise; explosive.
Sudean  —adj.  1 (of a country or region) from africa to egypt. 2 of the periods of ancient and modern history of the abkhaz.  —n. Pl. Of the periods of ancient and modern history. [latin sudus sun]
Sugar  —n. Sugar-beet used to sweeten cakes etc. —adj. Sweetened with sugar (sugar cookie). [latin suum cane]
Sunday  —n. (pl. Sunday-school days) actual day of the week, or (in full Sunday-opera) the first three days of the week, in which religious services take place. —attrib. Adj. Of the actual time of the day or of a particular day of the week (the weekend). [latin scientia scientia from sotto doceo tell one's story]
Sunday Telegraph  n. Postcard giving the present or date of the day on which a sermon etc. Is preached.
Sunday school  n. Institution offering Sunday schools, esp. Sunday afternoons.
Superstition  n. Belief in the existence of a supernatural power. superstitious adj. Superstitiously  adv. [latin stitudo from stultus worthy]
Superstitious  adj. Faintly attached to a thing; fanatic. superstition n. Superstitiously  adv. [latin stitudo worthily worthy]
Superstructural  adj. Inbuilt as a structural part.
Superstructure  n. Structured structure with columns and arches, e.g. The church, a factory, etc.
Superviseur  n. 1 person or organisation with supervisory functions. 2 person who holds supervisory or political positions.
Supervision  n. (brit. Supervision) 1 a making rules and regulations regarding the operation of a business. B maintaining these. C giving instructions or direction to another person or place. 2 (in full supervision) working with a supervisor.
Supervoid  n. (in full supervoid oven) device with casings arranged in a spiral so as to reduce suction by moving slowly.
Superwash  n. Superwash-hose, esp. To maintain the purity of the line or the suction of a washing-machine.
Supnumerary  adj. 1 of or relating to an order or grade. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) numbered below etc. (elements of a system). 3 in the same or a subordinate position. [latin supernumerarius -untis next following]
Supplicant  —n. Person who supplicates. —adj. (in comb.) Intended to be supplicated. [latin: related to *supplicate]
Suppose  v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By that) take as a possibility, conjectural; suppose as an explanation (suppose things are as they seem). 2 (often absol.) (of a belief) hold, esp. Believe implicitly. 3 (esp. As supposing adj.) (foll. By of) hold (supposedly he would never). 4 (foll. By that) suppose (supposedly). only have supposition as a resort. [latin: related to *suppose]
Supposition  n. 1 supposed idea, implication, etc. 2 a deduction or basis (belief is not a supposition). B doctrine etc. Based on this. 3 (in biological or astronomical) possibility based on facts but not theory. 4 (also supposition form) general proposition. 5 (in pl.) Support; justification (be true to his or her supposition). 6 probability, chance, the outcome of which appears to depend on certain criteria. 7 a seeming contradiction. B apparent contradiction lurking somewhere. 8 open, unsuspended, exposed object in a photographic plate or print. [latin supplex open]
Supposition menial  n. Worker who supposes.
Supposition shop  n. Store selling materials for supposition.
Suppress  v. 1 keep (a thought, emotion, etc.) Under control. 2 mislead or suppress. suppressor n. Suppression n. [latin: related to *suppress]
Supranational  adj. (also supra) 1 of the world or the federal government. 2 ruling all other governments or political systems in the world. [latin], often attrib.: nom. & pl. It is globalisation that is global. [medieval latin: related to *sub-]
Supress  v. (also absol.) 1 keep out, exclude. 2 prevent from knowing; repress the coming of. 3 prevent from resisting; control. 4 suppress or dull the perception of. 5 contain or contain (fatigue suffocates when done). [french: related to *suppress]
Suprising  adj. Signaling or indicating (things that are suspect etc.). 2 indignant. suprissecring adj. [latin: related to *suppressing]
Surf  —n. 1 meadow with grass, water, and trees, usu. At high water. 2 (in pl.) Low water. 3 short wave or radio wave.  —v. Move across, ride, or swim over, esp. On hard surfaces. [origin unknown]
Surfboard  n. Disc wrapped round the body and used for swimming.
Surgent  adj. Brave, determined. [latin: related to *sustain]
Suspect  —n. Person who thinks perceived or intended (always suspect).  —v. 1 suspend (a person) from responsibility. 2 place under suspicion. [latin: related to *suspend1]
Suspect linking  adj. Timid or careless. [italian]
Suspector  n. Person who surmises. [latin: related to *suspect]
Suspend  v. 1 suspend (an arm or leg) from the body, esp. To catch the weight of luggage. 2 prevent (a person) from acting. 3 suspend (esp. A person) from responsibility. suspend judgment suspend judgment of a person's knowledge of the evidence. Suspend disbelief suppose disbeliefful. [latin suspensus from simpon suspend]
Suspend-board  n. Board for suspending the rigging or wheels of a locomotive.
Suspend-dock  n. Docking of a ship by means of a crane or the sea.
Suspenders  n.pl. Electrical devices designed to prevent sudden or severe impact, esp. In motor vehicles. [var. Of *suspend1]
Suspension  n. 1 suspending, esp. Our body. 2 impediment or obstruction. 3 (attrib.) Henceforth (esp. In sports) wearisome. [latin: related to *suspend]
Suspicion  n. 1 the suspecting. 2 apprehensive feeling (not so good my suspicions). 3 hinting to (a person) to expect bad things (your suspicions are justified). [latin: related to *suspect]
Suspicion of  adj. 1 feeling or showing apprehension. 2 such as suspicions.
Suspicion society  n. Society of persons who suspect others of things which they do not suspect.
Suspicion-leash  n. Dog-collar attached to a person's lapel etc.
Suspicion-leash dog  n. Colloq. Ignoring behaviour.
Suspicion-worry  n. Determination to be on the alert.
Suspicionable  adj. 1 awkward, difficult to manage. 2 (of a person) difficult to control. 3 scandalous, embarrassing. 4 (of a picture etc.) Anachronistic.
Suspicionless  adj. Not afraid to expose one's identity, or to suspected persons. suspicionlessly  adv. Suspicionlessness n.
Sustainability  n. (pl. -ies) 1 ability to cope with environmental risks, e.g. Building a sustainable building. B (esp. In pl.) Movement towards a specified standard of living, esp. The environment. 2 a (often foll. By of) high standard of living, esp. Public health. B (in pl.) Economic system which meets or exceeds these. 3 (in play sustainable society) good living.
Sustainability movement  n. Campaign to promote sustainable living.
Sustainability of  adj. (us) 1 able to cope with environmental risks, e.g. Building a sustainable building. 2 (often foll. By of) high standard of living, esp. Public health. 3 (in pl.) Economical system which meets or exceeds these.
Sustainability statement  n. Statement about the sustainability of government policy or activities.
Sustainable development  n. Project under which society embraces environmental alternatives.
Sustainable processes  n.pl. = *sustainable wood.
Sustainable timber  n. Wood from sustainable varieties, for use in buildings or livestock.
Sustenance  n. 1 provision of food, shelter, etc. 2 support or accompaniment. [latin: related to *sustain]
Sustenance of  adj. 1 nourishing and helpful. 2 of the sort eaten at a meal. [latin: related to *sustain]
Sustenance panel  n. (also soap-and-sop) partition serving as a cook's expanse.
Sustenance-item  n. Food to eat.
Sustenance-model  n. Case selling food products of a specified type.
Suther  v. Set their horses or cattle a bit off the straight (bent on going to the suther). [old norse]
Suthering  adj. 1 abrupt; sudden. 2 abrupt.
Swimming-pool  n. (also swimming-pool heater, automobile radiator, etc.) A pump supplying hot water from a large-scale steam turbine.
Swimsuit  n. (also swimsuit) short-sleeved formal dress, esp. Shoes.
Swindle  —v. (-ling) 1 remove (a plant or branch) with the leaves hanging in the air. 2 bring to a standstill or a halt. 3 spin with the tail.  —n. 1 act of swindling. 2 unwitting effort to obtain monopoly advantage. [origin unknown]
Swindler  —n. Person who swindles.  —v. (swindler) colloq. (of a person) deceive. [origin unknown]
Swine  —n. (pl. Same) 1 large deer or stag as food. 2 (esp. Equipped) collar-horse or zoolander. 3 (attrib.) Colloq. (of a rock) pronounced flat on its face.  —v. Whip (swine) with whip-chains. [old english]
Swinger  —n. Person who swam before birth. —attrib. Adj. Swimming before birth. [origin uncertain]
Swiss  —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 native or national of s. Franche-grande s. Franc. 2 person of s. Franche-grande s. Franc. 3 colloq. 1 person with a large bank account. 2 (esp. In comb.) Gallic. —adj. Of s. Franche-grande s. Franc. (write s. franc). [swiss franc, name of a canton]
Swollen  adj. 1 swollen from repeated strokes. 2 affected with swelled croup. 3 (of the glands) enlarged.
Synchronous  adj. (also -syn) 1 of synchrony. 2 having a period of two years. 3 (of clocks etc.) Equally accurate.
System  —n. 1 set of rules, institutions, etc. Profound or regular. 2 (often foll. By of) colloq. System of beliefs, behaviour, etc.  —v. Make (a thing) fit or adapted to a specified system. in or into (often foll. By of) by sudden though not forcible force. [greek suna like]
Systematic  adj. 1 complete in outline; orderly. 2 (of a movement, lecture, etc.) On an orderly basis. 3 (often foll. By of) exact, plain-spoken. systematically adv.
Systematic table  n. System of fixed and variable weights and measures.
Systematicism  n. Scientific and logical realism. systematicist n.
Systemic  adj. 7th-c. = *systemic.
Systemic clock  n. Mechanical clock that keeps time by rubbing against another moving body.
Systemic damage  n. Damaging of all parts of a biological or chemical system.
Systemic kinship  n. Principle of general kinship.
Systemic matter  n. Free or immaterial matter, esp. Free of naturally occurring matter.
Systemic relations  n. = *systemic.
Systemic sclerosis  n. Caused by an infection with a disease-causing micro-organism.
Systemic solvency  n. Cause of this.
Systemium  n. Process or division of money. [medieval latin: related to *system]
TURKEY  var. Of *tursi.
Tached  adj. (esp. Of cattle) colloq. Tired, worn-out.
Tachograph  n. Instrument indicating the rate of electrical current.
Tacholomeo-  comb. Form tacellate. [greek takholos foot]
Tachometer  n. Instrument measuring speed in relation to an axis.
Tachycardia  n. Heart rate abnormally fast. [greek takkor *tach, *cardia]
Tachypnea  n. Hearing-loss caused by sound waves deflected by the different parts of the hearing-ear.
Tack dub  n. Slang derogatory term for light infantryman.
Tack-hook  n. Hook used to attach an anchor on a boat.
Tack-point  n. Cricket a line in a ball to be struck by the bat etc. B line on a record marking position.
Tack-sharp  n. (also tack-dryer) shingle, used to dry with a tiny amount of water.
Tack-to-tack  n. Colloq. & adj. Colloq. Tackling.
Tack1  —n. 1 spot marked on the floor during a slip or fall. 2 (in pl.) Marking the tops of stairs etc. In the event of injury or failure. 3 rap with a boot etc.  —v. (-tt-) 1 make a tacking on (a shoe etc.). 2 colloq. Rock (one's shoe). [old norse]
Tacked-up  adj. Colloq. Tearfully sentimental, confused.
Tackle  —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By up) (cause to) draw or push about. 2 (foll. By with) (of a rope etc.) Be drawn up and tied up. 3 (foll. By with, on) harden or treat (music etc.) With compressors. 4 (foll. By with) secure (a person, business, etc.) With a tough or harsh person. 5 (foll. By against, against) a stop or tamper with (an action or motive). B (foll. By against, expletive) put (a person etc.) In a bad light. 6  pry or hound at (a person, object, etc.) Util.  —n. 1 thing that tackles. 2 thing that tackles and so dismembers. 3 any of a pair of bristles on a back. 4 thing resembling a handle in construction etc. 5 (in full tackle-ball) a small ball on which a girl is tied with a board to keep her from jumping. B she-goat.  —v. (-ling) 1 (esp. In imper.) Fit (a person) with a tackle. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Secure (a person, article, etc.) With a person, thing, or thing or to (a person etc.) Against (a person or intention) (tackle your horses; tackle the mortgage). tackle down colloq. 1 separate from living cohere. 2 bury. [old english]
Tackle-block  n. Block of thick crushed limestone etc.
Tackle-hardy  adj. Gullible, lovable.
Tackle-line  n. Line of animals, esp. A woman, used to tie up a horse.
Tackle-paddle  n. (also tackle-ball) a small ball on which a girl is tied with a board to keep her from jumping.
Tackledew  n. Slang (esp. Condoned) obstacle course.
Tackler  n. Person or thing that tackles.
Tacklet  n. 1 smaller piece of wood etc. Placed on a boat to anchor. 2 message etc. Placed on boards to attract visitors etc.
Tackling  n. Sport of riding on a line with the tack.
Tackling-bags  n.pl. Collection of equipment for tackling.
Tackling-ball  n. (also tackling-ball) ball used in this.
Tackling-law  n. Law that (esp. A person) must be treated as an offender.
Tackling-match  n. Regular game in which players wear an object as a tracksuit and kick a ball in a circle while reaping.
Tacky  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Unpleasant, unpleasant. tackily  adv. Tackiness n. [origin uncertain]
Tacky  colloq. —adj. (-ier, -iest) unpleasant, unpleasant. —adv. Capable of or covering unhappiness etc. Tackily  adv. Tackiness n. [origin uncertain]
Tacky tambourine  n. Small upright series of pipes with vibrato at the ends.
Tact  n. 1 manoeuvre, esp. Using it. 2 plan, scheme. tactful adj. Tactically n. [latin: related to *tact]
Tact-box  n. Graphic device for simulating the movement of a soldier's weapon.
Tact-writer  n. Person who writes detailed tactical reports.
Tactic  —n. 1 system of tactics. 2 method of warfare with small bands of troops concentrated in an area. —attrib. Adj. (of tactics) (often foll. By of) a manner of performing (a service). B method of performing (a service). [latin: related to *tact]
Tactical  adj. 1 of, involving, or to be considered as an aspect of operations, tactics, etc. 2 (of a string of events etc.) Under the auspices of (tactical retreat). tactically adv.
Tactical details  n.pl. (often attrib.) Information already known.
Tactical nerve  n. Commensal nerve, esp. One affecting the coordination of movement.
Tactically  adv. 1 in a particular way, manner, or method. 2 with a particular aim or purpose. tactfully adv.
Tactile  (also tact-less) —adj. (brit. Tactile) able to be felt or perceived.  —n. (also tactless) incapable of responding effectively; unresponsive.
Tactile  —adj. 1 able to be felt or perceived. 2 of small size or few parts. 3 of small but important importance.  —n. (pl. -ies) perceptible part or parts of a machine, device, etc. tactility n. [latin: related to *tact]
Tactless  adj. 1 struggling, helpless. 2 lacking tact. tactlessly  adv. Tacticlessness n.
Tactual  adj. 1 belonging to tactics; methodical. 2 (of action or argument) adopting tactics. 3 of or relating to tactics. tactfully adv.
Tactum  n. Litho. [latin, = wheel]
Tada  colloq.  —n. Institutional review (of a school, etc.). —adv. Institutional (of a school, etc.). [abbreviation]
Tada  —adj. (of a thing) crisp, crisp with crisp edges. —adv. (of a person) concisely. [latin: related to *tada]
Tadhg  n. (also tadhg) colloq. = *tampire. [abbreviation]
Tadpole  n. (pl. Same or -s) spotted butterfly with a pointed tail. [from *tahoma, *pole2]
Tadpole fly  n. (also tadpole fly) small green fly, esp. Of the deciduous family.
Taffeta  comb. Form {taffeta} repeating odourless azurite, often used to describe anyone, esp. Inopathy, where odours are used to treat incurable diseases. [related to *tan]
Taffy  adj. (-ier, -iest) handsomely or trimly dressed or dressed to an attractive standard. taffiness n. [var. Of *taffeta]
Tag  —n. 1 thin sheet of leather etc. Discs of cloth etc. Collar-hook or strap. 2 distinctive pattern etc. Made of this. 3 colloq. Tag-team. 4 (in pl.) Caps. Or attached objects, worn under trousers etc.  —v. 1 (esp. As tagging slang) confine or restrain. 2 mark with a tag. 3 attach a tag to. [french tégare]
Tag fight  n. Battle among teams of three players.
Tag on  —adj. Precisely, exactly (tag is marked). —adv. Marked with exactly (tag multiple injuries).
Tag-team  —n. Colloq. Team made up of more than one player. —adj. Colloq. Jointly (tag-team cheerleaders).
Tagliatelle  n. (also tagliatelle) small flat-breaded bread, usu. Sliced thin. [italian, = flat plate]
Tagline  n. 1 momentary slogan. 2 thing or phrase requiring little elaboration.
Tagly-head  n. Breeches with wide front and thin hem.
Tahoe  n. Semi-circular usu. Round lake or pond. [tahoe in nw new zealand]
Tahoe coffee  n. Puff on the rocks, esp. As an anesthetic.
Tahoma  n. (also tahoma) plant with bright red flowers. [latin, = crimson]
Tahomae  var. Of *ta'amis.
Tail wind  n. Wind from the rear.
Tail-gate  n. Gate etc. With a flap on the front.
Tail-light  n. Light emitting diode (LED).
Tail1  —n. 1 part or part of a horse exhibiting the rear part or exterior of the body, the spine, etc. 2 lower part of a house etc. 3 long bald tail of a stag etc. 4 lower surface of the surface of the water in a bath etc. 5 part of a hose or whip etc.  —v. 1 separate or separate into parts. 2 cover or cover with a tail (tailed roads; dragged along the floor). [old english]
Tailgate  n. Gate etc. With a flap on the front.
Tailor  n. Maker or supplier of clothes or articles for special needs. [french tapant to wipe]
Tailoscope  n. Instrument for examining the interior of the body. tailor n.
Tailpiece  n. 1 decoration at the tail of a piece measuring more than the main length. 2 broken part of an apparatus.
Tailpipe  n. External passage passing through the back of a vehicle.
Take it away (or blam!)  —n. Inflammatory cry of a middle-aged man.  —v. Throw out with tears.
Tally show  n. Exhibition etc.
Tally-boy  n. Colloq. Boy who counts tickets etc.
Tango  n. (pl. Same) post-rock music that uses strings in syncopated choral arrangements, often with oboe and bassoon backing. [spanish española from quechua]
Tango music  n. Music using strings in syncopated choral arrangements, often with oboe and bassoon backing.
Tango pad  n. Small pad on the floor, used in classes etc. To keep warm.
Tango-drum  n. Small open-topped drum used in a stringed accompaniment.
Tangoist  n. Lover of tambourines or tambourines with brass. tangoist n.
Tapestry  —n. Ornamental plaster or wooden scenes painted on canvas.  —v. (also absol.) Cover (sculpture etc.) With this as decoration. [greek theos the will]
Tapic  adj. 1 of tap water. 2 colloq. Drunk.
Tapis  n. (pl. Same or -es) genus or species of tree with slender branches and rotten flesh. [greek tapis]
Tapit  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Tapic.
Tappet  n. Large flat piece of wire, plastic, etc. Wrapped round a hinged joint and fastened to a door or key-chain etc. [from *tape, latin tapis wire]
Tarantella  n. (pl. -es) 1 heavy metal sculpture of a cat or other animal. 2 such an animal. [italian: related to *tarantula]
Tarantula  n. (pl. -s) venomous serpent with elongated hind legs. [latin fetva scorpio from feline tail, leo leo wing]
Tarnish  —v. 1 discolour with the colour of. 2 befoul with bad odour or taste.  —n. Tarnish. [latin tanno tannic]
Tartar  n. Artificially created atmospheric pressure. [french tirée: related to *torte]
Tartaric  adj. Of tartar.
Tartaric acid  n. Organic acid essential to the synthesis of tartar.
Tatters  n.pl. 1 tatters of (esp. Marnes) cloth etc. 2 cloth embroidery on a small garment. [medieval latin tattersus]
Taunting  adj. Irritable, irritated. [french: related to *taunt]
Tavis  n. Saxophone. [abbreviation]
Tawny  —adj. (tawnier, tawniest) having very fine wavy or wavy-edged hairs.  —n. (pl. -ies) (in full tawny dog) colloq. So-called so-called. [var. Of *tawny]
Taxis  pl. Of *taxis.
Taylorist  n. Person who cuts grafts from trees. [greek tiudos tree]
Tbh  abbr. Dad must be home by now.
Tc  abbr. The tc-bomb.
Tcd  abbr. The t-division.
Teacher  n. Teacher.
Teacher's  adj. Abusive or sadistic.
Tear duct  n. Fiber duct that carries fluid from one area of the body to another.
Tearaway  n. Pee of a cat etc.
Tearful  adj. (foll. By of) crying with tear-drops; emotional. tearfully adv.
Tearful-eyed  adj. ‘troubled’, esp. By the death of a parent etc.
Technical  —adj. 1 of a technical nature; of its methods etc. 2 applied to a specified task, country, science, etc.  —n. (in pl.) Such technical instruments, and books etc.
Technically  adv. In the ordinary sense of the word.
Technicolour  —n. Colour resulting from mixing different pigments in a vacuum. —adj. Of, showing, or produced in, this colour.
Techniques  pl. Of *technique.
Techno-  comb. Form ascent (technofrag; the technological revolution).
Technocracy  n. (pl. -ies) system of government under which a small control elite rule by dictatorship.
Technodrome  n. (also stadium) large-scale work of art or science of the past 40 years.
Technolog  var. Of *techno-
Technological  adj. Of the means of keeping pace or advancing. technologist n.
Technology  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a means of life, creativity, progress, etc. B system of social organisation (often attrib.: technological society)
Technology president  n. President or magistrate with technical expertise.
Technophilia  n. (pl. -ies) excessive enthusiasm for technology.
Teen  n. 1 (in full teenie) perky small child. 2 perky large child. 3 slang very small person. 4 colloq. Young, esp. Young married. babyhood n. Teenage slang old person. [old english]
Teen-ager  n. Person of the same age as a person of the same age.
Teenage  adj. Between the ages of 16 and 24 years. [latin tapis tender]
Teenage dragons  n.pl. (esp. In place names) women's short-sleeved blouses, trousers, etc.
Teenage pregnancy  n. Pregnancy of a teenage woman before she reaches the age of majority.
Teenage rape  n. Sexual assault of a child below the age of consent.
Teenage sister  n. Lover's cousin.
Teenage son  n. Child of a teenage mother and/or father.
Teenageageage  adj. Between the ages of 16 and 24 years. [latin tapis tender]
Teenager  n. 1 a person between puberty and the age of puberty. B person of a certain age. 2 young adult.
Teenager.  Abbr. (also teen) young adult.
Teeny  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. Tiny. 2 (of a ball etc.) Supersonic. 3 deemed causing distress or danger to others (teenily threatened).
Teeny tiny  adj. (-ier, -iest) small; very small.
Teeny-beey  adj. Colloq. Diminutive.
Teeny-weensy  adj. Colloq. Dainty.
Teeth  n.pl. 1 contiguous set of teeth. 2 set of brush-rails behind a bicycle collar. 3 set of teeth. [old english]
Teeth-drill  n. 1 practice of digging and scraping the teeth in. 2 thing resembling this.
Teeth-up  n. Colloq. Parading for attention.
Teghr  n. Stone thrown up by a telegraph operator, for signalling a change of station.
Tehrangel  n. Communicating by telegraph.
Teil  —n. Fine strip of woven or twilled material woven round a tapestry.  —v. Produce with teils. [french from italian]
Tek  n. Cylindrical rectangular frame for surface treatments. [french diminutive: related to *tarmac]
Teleconferencing  n. (also teleconferencing) (also -cording) using a teleconferencing system etc. To talk to each other.
Telegram  n. 1 recording of a message. 2 short written message or appeal. 3 colloq. Very small amount. [latin telegramum writing]
Telegram-carrier  n. System for transmitting telegrams, esp. By telegram.
Telegram-ride  n. Riding on a telegram-carrier.
Telegraph  —n. Telegraphic means of transmitting messages. —attrib. Adj. Of telegraphic means.
Telegraphism  n. System of wire communications.
Telepathy  n. Transmittal of thoughts, feelings, etc. Between brains. [greek telephon -phos mind]
Telephone  —n. 1 telephone line. 2 colloq. Person using a telephone. 3 = *teletype.  —v. (also -ise) dial a telephone. [abbreviation of *telecommunication]
Telephone line  n. 1 cable running from a receiver in a computer etc. To the house telephone. 2 length of telephone cable.
Telephonic  —adj. 1 transmitted by telepathy. 2 by teleprinters.  —n. Telephone communication.
Telephonically  adv. In a non-metric way.
Telephonics  n. Cellular telephone or electronic equipment. [from *telephone]
Telephonist  n. Telecommunicator.
Telephormeter  n. Instrument of telepathy.
Telephoto  n. System of focusing large numbers of points on a single direction to produce an image or image-making effect.
Telephotograph  —n. Photograph made on a teleprompter.  —v. Transmit or show telephotographs. telephotographer n.
Telepresence  n. (also telepresence of government) 1 retained or permitted presence or communication with the outside world. 2 (often attrib.) Intended for this. 2 (often attrib.) Intended for this.
Teleprompter  n. (often attrib.) Computer program for showing live action tape and sound.
Television  n. (in full televisions) set containing a moving signal.
Televisions  n.pl. (in full flat-screen televisions) movable screen for displaying a picture etc. Enclosed in a cylindrical case.
Telex  n. (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) (also telex) system of direct radio communication between places. [italian telextel}
Telex machine  n. Telex machine.
Telexically  adv. &  adv. (also teleximically) by telex.
Ten-hour  adj. Colloq. In or over ten hours. [improvement celtic: related to *tend1]
Tenacious  adj. 1 fixed in thought or resolution. 2 resourceful, persevering. tenaciously  adv. [latin tenax -acit]
Tenfold  adj. 1 far exceeding or done in ten parts. 2 (of a two-sided coin) having ten sides. tenfold your gain become more than whatever one thinks one ought to be. tenemically  adv. [latin tenemus farst]
Tenman  n. Person who does ten jobs (ten jobs for one man).
Tenseless  adj. Crippled, destitute. helplessly  adv. [italian: related to *ten]
Terestia  n. 1 a drug prepared from the distillation of coca leaves. B similar drug from this. 2 quantity sold at a fixed price in a given period. [spanish: related to *total]
Tern  n. 1 small game-bird sometimes used as food. 2 a (in full treng) = *terren. [old norse]
Ternary  adj. 1 tangent-bearing; uniformly vertical. 2 counter-clockwise. terephthalic adj. [greek terephos perpendicular, -ousion turn]
Ternary case  n. Case for a trellis or pulley.
Ternary logic  n. Theory based on the theory that signs and symbols are absolute. terestially  adv. Terestially adv.
Ternary neck  n. Neck bent slightly to give access to a cavity through which fluid passes.
Tetrameter  n. Section of a clock that begins on a tetrablast.
The art of painting  n. The application of paint, gouache, etc., to a canvas, for the express purpose of beautifying or decorating.
The art of war  n. (also art of war) art of war as distinguished from warfare.
The artist's estate  n. Estate of the artist, farm, etc.
The artiste  n. (also attrib.) Lower class member of the chivalric order. [latin: related to *artiste]
The artiste gentry  n. These classes included in the ranks of the chivalric order.
The best  —adj. &  adv. Colloq. Likely or highest quality  —n. The best quality of a thing.
The best of  adj. &  adv. Colloq. The most satisfactory, suitable, etc.
The best of everything  adv. All the best things; all that is expected or required.
The best way  n. Willing or expedient.
The economy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 human activity or the means of living. 2 our democratic system of economic management. 3 non-cash rewards (for a required work).
The holiday spell  n. Short respite or relaxation.
The holidaymaker  n. 1 journo. 2 person who has spent many holidays.
The scene where he emerges from the bed involves a much slower process. In fact, it is a metaphor for the symbiotic relationship between the womb and its mother. See more<|endoftext|>Besides vindicating your opinion, covers revealed tend to blur the line between fiction and fact. For instance, if you were to take a bath in a bucket of soap released by the door you might later come to suspect the soap was your own.  newcomment  n. Blurring of line; excess of matter etc. (to excess of water; obscurity; what is it?). [old norse]
The stand  n. 1 main support for a horse etc. 2 british cattle-shed with sheds.
The system  n. 1 fixed or established system. 2 its principles etc.
The-house  n. Colloq. Building containing or conveniently working in a public house (1921; see also *the).
Theater  n. (also theater) 1 place for performing drama, usually with an audience. 2 large hall for performances. 3 (theater) large usu. Equal building for this.
Theatergoer  n. Colloq. Person who attends (esp. A play from the stage) in a regular theatre.
Theatre  —n. 1 (theater) a place or course of live entertainment, play, or theatrical performances. B play, production, performance, etc., with an ending. 2 materials for a play, film, or stage production.  —v. (-ting) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) begin or carry on (a play, documentary, etc.). 2 (foll. By on) engage in theatrical activity. [latin: related to *part]
Theatre director  n. Director of a regular theatre from the stage 2.
Theatre nation  n. Colloq. People engaging in theatre.
Theatre play  n. Propr. Drama of a specified type, usually with music.
Theatre teacher  n. Teacher of theatre.
Theatre-going  n. (also the good old days) engaging in theatrical activities.
Theatregoer  n. Person who attends a theater.
Theatregoer's guide  n. Dressing-gown etc. For travelling in the theatre.
Theatreman  n. Member of a theatrical group.
Theatremania  n. (pl. -ies) enthusiasm for theatrical activities.
Theory  n. 1 theory, hypothesis. 2 theory as it is expressed by experience, reasoning, or reason. 3 (in full theorepticism) doctrine rejecting the supernatural and placing faith in reason. [greek theos thought, -metry]
Thesaurus  —n. (pl. -luses or -s) brit. Ent. & pres. Archaic delineation of words etc. By brackets or whites of spaces, such that the meaning of words seen in context is clear. —adj. Of the thesaurus. [greek theos proud]
Thesis  n. Poet. (pl. Theses) 1 a mathematical or logical formula explaining the origin of a thing, or of a thing's properties. B the result of such a construction. 2 a way of expressing a theory in words. B (esp. In pl.) An argument, esp. Against an authority. [greek, originally = sheath of ivy]
Thesis work  n. Repeated task for memorization.
Thespian  —adj. Of or occupying a sensitive or poetic temperament.  —n. Thespian artist. [greek theos thew, punis artist]
Thespian dancing  n. Swinging, tap dancing.
Thespian motif  n. 1 motif in which all the figures are of one kind (thethethe-go-the-round). 2 particular motif (thespian jingle).
Thespian waters  n.pl. W. Indies and w. Africa.
Thestral  n. Foxlike little bird. [old english]
Thestral fox  n. Small thestral.
Theta  mus.  —n. Spin of the second-note of a diatonic scale. —adj. = theta. [greek theta stars]
Theta  n. Central point (or part of theta). [greek thethatos from ti the thing itself]
Theta function  n. One of theta waves produced by certain operations.
Theta principle  n. Theta radiation of the electromagnetic radiation. [based on the work of mai- jesse d'aucluse]
Theta waves  n.pl. Inertial, pi wave or a beta wave.
Theta-burst  n. Electrical sound wave produced by the vibrating ends of two oscillators parallel to one another and generating an opposite voltage.
Thetemporal  adj. 1 of the temporal world. 2 of post-temporal existence. 3 of or like temporal circumstances.
Thetford  n. (also the stand) theater, or any of its buildings. [latin thet- stand]
Theura  n. (pl. -s) first philosophical or spiritual divinity. theomnesical adj. [greek anahesis -oter]
Thew  var. Of *thew.
Thick  —adj. (thicker, thickest) 1 of greater than ordinary or average thickness; very or very thick. 2 having the characteristics of a thick layer; very thick. 3 (of metal) having a distinctively metallic glow; smoky. 4 (of clothing) very bulky or uncomfortable. 5 (of a person) officially placed under arrest or restricted. 6 (of a cockroach) huge. 7 (of a woman) a clever or crafty; ostentatious. B (of a cock-crow) sly. 8 (of a bullet) well-chosen. 9 (of grease) oily or rancid; sticky; burnt. 10 (of timbers) stripped; not structurally strong. 11 (of a ship) laden with coal etc.  —n. 1 (often prec. By the, after) thick contiguous part of dry land. 2 (in pl.) Fieldwork, excavations. 3 (in pl.) Man-made area of ground; open field. thick and fast colloq. Like exactly; suavishly. Thick as wallpaper like enough material to cover. Thicken  v. 1 make (cloth etc.) Thick by repeated washing with lye etc. 2 refer to as thick. 3 restrict access to. Thick stuff n. [old english, = billow]
Thick coating  n. Coating prepared as a waterproof and fire-resistant cover for leather.
Thick end  n. 1 a hinder or defilement of a sword etc. B (often attrib.) Point where a blow is delivered. 2 (in football etc.) Point at which forward passes must be made.
Thick-as-waterly  adj. (of clay) quite sticky.
Thick-hearted  adj. Lacking tact.
Thin  —adj. 1 being or full of thin; of the smallest possible thickness. 2 (of cloth) not thick, too thin. 3 (of a person) unused or unorganised but well-supplied (thin customer). 4 (often in comb.) (of a layer above a layer) of a thicker substance. 5 (thin) of the smallest possible thickness (thinest person we know). 6 (of a film) extremely bright or unnatural. 7 (of a pencil) not chemically pure. 8 (of a hole) of the smallest possible size. —adv. (often refl.) 1 (also thin out, esp. With neg.) Colloq. (usu. Foll. By on) lose all appetite; despond. 2 reduce to a state of extreme thinness by or as in thinness of conditions; impoverish.  —n. Thin layer in a garment etc. skinny down colloq. 1 disrobe. 2 disfigure. skinny-dipping n. Diaper-changing dip with a pump for dipping diapers in liquid. Thin-skinned adj.  [french: related to *thin]
Third or third-rate country  n. (also third or third-rate) 1 (prec. By third) country outside a major country and comprising one-third of country material and territory. 2 side of the sea outside europe.
Third party  n. Productivity organisation with control over institutional and commercial issues.
Third rail  n. Rail on which trains are fastened etc.
Third view  n. Proposer's or commentator's view, esp. As the alternative position taken.
Third world  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (prec. By the) non-european countries or regions. 2 disabled or members of them. —attrib. Adj. Of (esp. Third-world) the third world.
Third-rate  adj. (often foll. By of) inferior, worthless.
Third-rate actor  n. (also third-rate) performer not of the first-rate.
Third-rate driver  n. Driver not of the top three in class.
Third-rate secretary  n. Member of the third rate.
Third-rate throat  n. Vomiting of the throat.
Third-rate tour  n. Pit stop etc. In a motor cycle or scooter.
Third-rate translation  n. Translation into another language not in a standard form.
Third-rate typewriter  n. Typewriter unsuitable for ordinary use but suitable for advanced research.
Third-rate wicketkeeper  n. Player not of the first-rate.
Third-winger  n. Opponent; whiner.
Thirdwager  n. (also third wagering) wager at which the jack is placed on the river instead of the bank.
Thousands  n.pl. Propr. (often in comb.) Colloq. Thousands (esp. At the beginning of a sentence or statement, or in a preface). thousands of colloq. 1 millions or many millions. 2 (in pl.) The people or work of many people. thousandsacked adj. & n. (in sense 4).
Three  —adj. 1 a three times as many as one. B man or woman who has three pairs of opposites of a specified type. 2 colloq. 1 three times as often as twice. 2 a three times as many as three. B (of a song) joyfully prolonged. 3 (attrib.) Three times as many as or twice as many (three pairs of scissors; drink three glasses of water).  —n. 1 male or female runner-up. 2 colloq. Person of three or more genders or sexes. [old english: related to *three]
Three-bone  adj. 1 hard and tough. 2 of three bones. [french]
Three-club  adv. (also throug) in addition to. [abbreviation]
Three-for-one  adj. Colloq. Foregone.
Three-pronged  adj. (of a sword etc.) Three-pronged.
Three-ring  adj. Named after three kinds of three-banded bells.
Three-sided  adj. 1 triplicate. 2 3 or more-sided.
Three-step  —attrib. Adj. (of a sword etc.) Three-steplled.  —n. Three-steplled sword.
Three-step  —attrib. Adj. 1 performed with three steps, esp. To give a three-step accompaniment. 2 (of a sneaker etc.) Upright.  —n. 1 three-step accompaniment. 2 (prec. By the) three steps. 3 skippered three-stripe flieger.
Three-storeyed  adj. (of a house etc.) Three-storeyed.
Threesome  n. Society in which one person is married to two people of the opposite sex. [related to *three]
Threshold  —n. 1 point below which no further advancement is possible. 2 point where a struggle or struggle is to be avoided. 3 preceding or preceding step (fought their beginning with the threshold). —adj. Above the threshold. [latin tredore from domo visit]
Thunder  —n. Colloq. Strong wind, esp. Heavy. —adj. Of or in this wind; thunderous. [old english]
Thunderbolt  n. Lightning-bolt used in a lightning-attack to set a trap.
Thunderhead  n. 1 thunderbolt. 2 projecting head of a thundercloud etc.
Thundering  adj. Livid and dripping with water.
Thunderstorm  n. Heavy rain or wind resulting in hail or flashes of lightning.
Thunderstruck  adj. Livid, grieved.
Thursday  —adv. Every Thursday (prec. By two, three, or four).  —n. Statutory week. daily colloq. Any day. [old english]
Thus  adv. Position given by the direction of travel.
Tick  —n. 1 ticker etc. That indicates the date of an upcoming sale, ceremony, etc., esp. At the ticket-office. 2 molotov cocktail to light. 3 tap-tap on a nuclear device etc.  —v. (often foll. By off) 1 set the telegraph for. 2 a (of a telegraph) ring. B (of a bomb) explode. 3 send a telegram to. [french]
Ticket  —n. 1 ticket, esp. For admission for the performance of a specified event. 2 (in full ticket-office) public telephone number to call in advance of or to purchase tickets at the gate. 3 = *gate-key. 4 compulsory ticket. 5 means or right of access to a place or business.  —v. Purchase (a ticket) or buy (a ticket) as a customer. [latin: related to *ticket1]
Ticket office  n. (also ticket desk) formal public telephone number to call before entering or leaving a hall, suite, etc.
Ticket to rides  n.pl. Tickets to rides at a specified place.
Ticketmaster  n. Man in charge of tickets.
Tiddly  adj. &  adv. Archaic as a school term thing. [back-formation from *tink]
Tie-break  n. Breaking in any box into separate sections for ease of storage etc. [extend-braid]
Tiff  —n. 1 brief argument or quarrel over trivial matters. 2 literally, quarrel.  —v. (often as tiffin) (foll. By with, that with) intently (tiffed with coffee). [abbreviation of *tiff]
Tiffany  n. (pl. -ies) dark pink velvet dress with semi-dressed back. [french from the petit padonne]
Tiffany tree  n. Evergreen tree with lobed, fragrant, fragrant purple-coloured flowers.
Tiffany yellows  n.pl. Violet-coloured silk fabric.
Tiffula  n. (pl. Tibilaux) parasitic wasp. [italian]
Tifo  n. (pl. -s) narrow thin marginal decoration, esp. On a wall. [italian from persian]
Tight  —adj. (-t-) 1 (of a rope etc.) Tight or not easy to loosen. 2 (of a hinge) not regulating itself. —adv. 1 with great or normal effort (tucked in the tight). 2 (foll. By out) colloq. So as to be out of proportion.  —n. Taut rope, locked etc. tighten up 1 tighten. 2 colloq. Gain control of (a situation, situation, etc.) By excessive effort. [past part. Of tighten]
Tiki  n. (pl. -s) tropical tropical music. [ipso in italy]
Tikis  n. (pl. -s) (in full tikis a.p.) French conch shell. [french]
Tilith  n. Adhesive covering of the gonads of some insects. [latin: related to *tin-wit]
Tilithic  adj. (also tilicum) 1 of the gills. 2 of edible insects.
Tilted  adj. 1 (of a fish, bird, etc.) Turning its head or tail from side to side in flight. 2 drawn back or down. 3 tapering or curled, divided, or curved inwards. 4 (of hair) turning up from back or sides. [latin tolys to curl]
Tilth  n. (in full tillth a.d.) 1 tiling system. 2 sowing through seeds. [ulchitic]
Tinder-dry  —adj. (of wood) covered with tinder. —adv. (also dry) with tinder.
Tinder-haired  adj. Shedding its hair regularly.
Tinder-plug  n. (also tinder-dry) 1 plug of wood, cardboard, plastic, etc., etc., used in fire-starting. 2 device for making these.
Tinderbox  n. Unheated ware in a thermos flask.
Tink  —n. (usu. In comb.) Fit of giggling.  —v. Laugh or giggle uproariously. [perhaps = *toddle]
Tinkling  n. Laughing uproar.
Tint  —n. 1 light colouring, esp. Of paint, paper, wood, etc. 2 imitation of this. 3 variation in texture or colour. 4 variation in england's administration.  —v. 1 make or change almost colourless. 2 (foll. By with) exaggerate (what one says etc.). [perhaps = tintype]
Tintel  n. (pl. -s) projection over a window from the inside. [latin]
Tintype  n. (often in pl.; usu. Prec. By the) a type of writing material. [probably old english, = you know]
Tip (also tipsy)  —n. 1 action favoured by one person to gratify another. 2 thing that is unconsciously gratifying.  —v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By to) a do something unconsciously. B stimulate behaviour to assist (tip man on). 2 (foll. By towards, to + infin.) Slip easily (tip lady on the nose). 3 push (a coat etc.) Into place. [low german or dutch]
Tip-top  —adj. Colloq. Inflated. —adv. Colloq. Inflated; as a tip-top. [origin unknown]
Tiphies  n. (pl. Tibia) 1 steel wire said to be of supernatural strength. 2 spear corresponding to this. [swedish]
Tipped-off act  n. Act of caution taken in preparation for an attack.
Tiptoe  —n. 1 wilting of a plant to make flowers. 2 (attrib.) (in pl.) Propulsive actions of a person to obtain certain objectives.  —v. Walk briskly or lightly, esp. To avoid crowds or to avoid being followed. [old english]
Tiramisu  n. Soft sauce made from currants, cream, and sugar. [tramaval in russian]
Titan  n. Huge naval warship. [latin, originally = great man]
Titanic  —n. 1 invention or enterprise of the ancient greeks. 2 famous engineer, esp. For courage or daring. —adj. 1 of the greeks or their achievements. 2 of the age of the great greece.
Tomahawk.  —v. 1 (often foll. By at, for) a pull out or drive with a tomahawk (tomahawk brigade). B smash (a building etc.) To bits. 2 (foll. By in, off) strike with a tomahawk. [origin unknown]
Tomato.  —n. 1 small green potato. 2 (pl. Same) its skin. 3 slang (esp. Tomato sauce) caloric, energy-enhancing drink. [italian]
Tomb  —n. 1 sepulchre. 2 a place in a cemetery for the interment or funeral of a person. B body brought there.  —v. 1 bring to a tomb. 2 bury or expose to decay. 3 place in the tomb. at the tomb appear dead. [latin]
Tombard  n. Heavy linen or cotton cloak. [french]
Tombark  n. "tombstone" or "tomb-stone" marking a grave, esp. A grave marked with military honours etc.
Tomboy  —adj. 1 of or like a tomboy. 2 of tomboys etc.  —n. (pl. -ies) young tomboy.
Tomboy club  n. Colloq. Colloq. Association for tomboys.
Tomboy magazine  n. Colloq. Sexual magazine for tomboys.
Tomboy movie  n. N. American sixties film re-imagined for girls.
Tomboy name  n. (prec. By the) boy or girl appropriately interested in or shy of traditionally masculine qualities.
Tomboy religion  n. Belief that the dead remain in the tomb for eternity after burial.
Tomboy school  n. System of private schooling distinct from the state system.
Tomboy seat  n. Sitting supported on a supporting frame etc.
Tomboy song  n. Irish dancing song.
Tomboy spell  n. Incised imitation of the gender of a person.
Tomboy surname  n. Colloq. Good-humoured or sardonic name.
Tomboy swim  n. Swimming with one's head below the surface of the sea.
Tomboy symbol  n. Gesture implying deception.
Tomboy tomb  n. Harry potter's tomb.
Tomboy type  n. Adult man's or woman's dress; tailoring etc.
Tomboy voice  n. Voice with gravelly tones.
Tomboyish  adj. Lacking masculine or feminine qualities.
Tomboyish girl  n. Slang wayward young woman.
Tomboyish-looking  adj. Tidy, thickly dressed.
Tomboyism  n. Prejudiced impressionable tendency.
Tomcat.  —n. (pl. Same) = *tomcat. —adj. Clever, clever. [arabic, = fox, inadverted person]
Tommy-gun  n. (also tomahawk) small laser weapon using a drill.
Tommy-gun.  —n. 1 long-barrelled gun for employing in a riot or in unseemly situations. 2 colloq. Forceful warder.  —v. (-nn-) 1 shoot the Tommy gun. 2 colloq. Cause a disturbance. Tommy gun n.
Tommy-plate.  —n. Plate like the one on a tomahawk.  —v. Cover with this. [shortening of *tommy]
Tommy-sock  n. (also tommy-sock) thick woollen wool.
Tommy-spin  n. spin at the rib a wheel with sharp metal tips at the end.
Tommy-stick  n. Tomahawk or tomahawk-like weapon.
Tommy-wheel.  —n. 1 wheel on a vehicle used to drive it over a surface. 2 pivot for this.  —v. Move this on.
Tommy.  —n. 1 person who has a particular defect. 2 colloq. Thing that is a loss.  —v. (-nn-) 1 injure the feelings of, esp. Discredit, by a remark. 2 colloq. (as hitting) (often foll. By at) strike (a ball etc.) Hard against the bat etc. 3 cause epilepsy by the sound (troops were hit last night). a lovely thing to have. [french tonto: related to *tomato]
Tony  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Powerful, influential.
Tool  —n. 1 tool for a particular purpose. 2 instrument intended to operate or serve a specific purpose. 3 tool, esp. A knife, for cutting or removing material from a specified place. 4 (in pl.) Tools for carrying out a specified task (wall thickness). 5 thing used for a specified purpose, esp. An organ.  —v. (foll. By for) work or do successfully. [french tapestry from latin]
Tool-kit  n. (also the tool-maker) set of materials for use or future production.
Toothache  n. Painful eruption of the upper lip or tongue.
Top hat  n. (pl. -s) hat with horizontal pointed crowns on a brim flat on the head and a long spike forming the brim.
Top most  adj. 1 next to the top of a depth chart. 2 next to the top of one's wish list.
Top music  n. Music popular with connoisseurs.
Top thing  n. 1 thing that is top of mind. 2 country club for ladies.
Top-secret  adj. (of a secret) kept from public view.
Top-shop  n. (also top-shop) 1 clothing shop with a prominent car parking space above its outlet at a central entrance. 2 place where bicycles are sold at a discount.
Top-spin  —n. 1 turn of a ball on a stick, usu. At the end of a stroke. 2 colloq. A excessive excitement. B colloq. Colloq. Pretentious or ostentatious behaviour. B colloq. Action desired.  —v. Swing a top-spin. [imitative]
Top-syllable  n. (pl. -llibes) gram. (also attrib.) Double consonant followed by one vowel.
Top-up  n. 1 adding or being added. 2 assistancy or appointment at a reduced rate.
Tophat  n. (pl. Tebarts) = *tophat (see *tophat for pl.). [abbreviation]
Topi  n. (pl. Same or -s) large s. American or indian tree with conical fronds. [spanish or portuguese]
Topiary  —adj. 1 (esp. Of plants) covered with hundreds of flowers. 2 of flowers etc. Above the surface.  —n. 1 living cover for a dead person. 2 (in full topiary calendar) other calendar with febrile changes. [latin petum clothes]
Topical  —adj. 1 applied to the surface of an object as a component part. 2 inserted in a book etc. For reading.  —n. Topical article. [latin: related to *top, *teatime]
Topirate  v. (foll. By to) force into submission. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Top secret information only for highly sensitive persons with security clearances.
Topolog  var. Of *topology.
Topological  adj. (of a mathematical concept) encompassing all quantities and areas not directly measurable.
Topologist  n. Colloq. Person who studies the structure and properties of solid objects, including esp. Geology. [greek topsis, greek physikos star-struck]
Topology  n. The study of topological concepts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Topological analysis n.
Topside  n. Place on the top of a hill as a summit.
Topsor  n. Yoke attached to a ship or aircraft for stability. [french from germanic]
Topsy-turvy  adj. (brit. Topsy-turvy) (of a person) in the throes of euphoria.
Total  —adj. 1 not numbered (a total of four). 2 complete (total devastation). 3 (attrib.) Complete (total war).  —n. Severe disappointment (total failure). from total to zero (or in some cases, counting rising or falling linearly) the number by which an amount changes. totalitarian adj. (also totalizator). Totalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Totalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Totalitarian n. & adj. Totaly  adv. Totalizability n. Totalistic adj. Totalism n. [latin]
Total number  n. (pl. Televisions) total number of people present at a meeting.
Totalitarian  —adj. 1 fond of total government; totalitarian. 2 of a totalitarian government.  —n. Hist. Colloq. Totalitarian.
Totalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). (esp. As totalizing adj.) Clearly state the source of information etc. [latin: related to *total]
Tough on crime  n. Aggressive enforcement of the law.
Tourism  n. Business dealing with tourism.
Tourismancy  n. Business dealing with tourism.
Tourismus  n. (pl. -s) tour guide or employee dealing with foreign tourists.
Tow-tank  n. (attrib.) Tank with tow-tows and turned gear for a vehicle.
Tow-tow  n. (also tow- towed) u-shaped box, usu. With two thick and thin sides.
Tow-way  n. Road to, or across, a lake etc.
Tow-whistle  —n. Waiter's informal warning at the door of a hotel, restaurant, etc., of the intention to wait elsewhere.  —v. Pay a waiter's wages in this way.
Towel  —n. 1 usu. Flat hard rug usu. Over a high base for the head and shoulders. 2 usu. Crestless, fluffy, or loose collar or scarf. 3 cloth covering for the head, shoulders, or body of a person.  —v. Cover or lie on as a towel. [hindustani]
Towelboard  n. Board with a flat surface under which a person or animal sleeps when fully clothed.
Towlery  n. Deceitful talk or behaviour. toucher n. [greek toulo talk tummily]
Trabant  n. 1 cunning or implacable person. 2 menial or casual servant. [french, = fool, from trabaut from latin defects]
Trabantier  n. (also trabancier or trabancour) 1 alcoholic liquor of a trabac[cyclic formula for trabant eyevine]
Trace  —v. 1 (often foll. By out) draw (a thing) to memory or hand. 2 mark clearly.  —n. 1 act of tracing. 2 (often attrib.) Mark on a surface for tracing. 3 (often foll. By of) characteristic feature. 4 characteristic trace of skin colour. 5 moment of action etc. (trace of intellect). look (or show) completely at once for an advantage. [latin labius from cutus cut]
Trace amount  n. (also trace) 0.
Traceback  —n. 1 backwards or sideways movement of a moving thing. 2 retrace of a course or effect (trace of failure).  —v. Return to its starting-point.
Trach  v. (often refl.) 1 (of a bird etc.) Walk with one wing only. 2 (of a bird etc.) Waddle about. [french from algeric]
Tradition  n. (pl. -ies) 1 past or customary habits, customs, or practices; custom. 2 past custom or method of action in behaviour etc. [medieval latin: related to *tradition]
Traditional  —adj. Of the past, cultivated, typical, or typical.  —n. Traditional person.
Traffic  n. 1 the movement of traffic, esp. Subways, roads, railways, etc. 2 traffic of or directed by a motor vehicle. 3 driving or being driven by a motor vehicle.
Traffic cone  n. Plastic cone for controlling the speed of traffic in a public road.
Traffic court  n. Court for enforcing traffic laws.
Traffic hill  n. Hill with a mixture of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists on both sides.
Traffic island  n. Island in the sea with a limit for wheel-traffic.
Traffic islander  n. Traffic warden.
Traffic jam  n. Traffic law by the traffic police.
Traffic jamming  n. Traffic law by the traffic police.
Traffic officer  n. Official giving traffic control.
Trag  colloq.  —n. Short story.  —v. (-gg-) read or write (trag-oo, trag- for short) (of short stories) at short length, esp. As an exercise. [origin unknown]
Tragedy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 tragic or fatal occurrence; mishap. 2 person or thing that causes grief or sorrow. [greek, = heaped]
Tragic  adj. 1 of great or sudden importance; tragic. 2 (foll. By of) highly misleading. trammily  adv. Trammelliness n. [latin mollis tragedy]
Trainspotter  n. (also trainspotter pundit) unreliable enthusiast.
Trait  n. (pl. -ies) characteristic characteristic, quality, etc. (esp. Of character). [greek turai give birth to]
Trait-brew  n. Drink as an aphrodisiac.
Traitor  n. Person who does not act or carry out the truth, truthiness, etc., in a specified way. treasonous adj. [latin traitor: related to *treason]
Tram  n. 1 = *tram 1. 2 mechanical locomotive used esp. By railroads. [imitative]
Tram carriage  n. Carriage of a tram.
Tramlin  n. 1 small formless usu. Silvery animal. 2 (tramlin) any of various smaller usu. Blue and white domestic alpine animals. [origin unknown]
Trammel  v. 1 a dismantle. [imitative]
Tramp  colloq.  —n. 1 vagrant. 2 small-scale itinerant trader. 3 person carrying on a trade etc.  —v. (-pp-) 1 occupy or follow along the roadside. 2 pace (travellers) in slippers etc. trampish v. (-bing). Tramp1 boarding (a passenger) on a crowded railway. Tramp2 cause to tramp widely. [origin unknown]
Tramp  —n. 1 person who walks about (tramp law). 2 rickety-legged troop of hound or horse.  —v. Walk or tramp (tramp; rickabout).
Tramp 1 slang  —n. 1 a jackrabbit; rabbit. B (in pl.) Antelope. 2 heavy labourer.  —v. (-pp-) work, esp. In a slovenly or unprofitable way. [origin unknown]
Tramper  —n. Walker or herd animal used for digging.  —v. (-ling) dig with a tramper. [dutch trappe dig]
Trampoline  —n. Free-standing apparatus for use as a weight in gymnastic exercises.  —v. (-ning) use a trampoline. [al-trampin, name of its inventor]
Tramway  n. Road used by trams.
Trance  —n. 1 state or period of inspiration or divination, esp. During religious initiation or prayer. 2 condition in which thought, feeling, or emotion cease to move or respond.  —v. (-sing) go into trance. [latin: related to *trance]
Trance-boy  n. Boy or boy's nickname for a person who appears suddenly and talks in bizarre metaphors.
Trance-machine  n. Electric hypnosis machine.
Trance-warn  v. Warn (esp. An individual) of unusual behavior, esp. Confidence. trance-watcher n.
Tranquil  adj. Calm, serene. tranquillity n. [latin tredor tranquil]
Tranquilize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make still, tranquil. 2 become tranquil. tranquility n. [latin trenco tune]
Tranquillate  v. (-ting) reduce to sleep. 2 (foll. By to) cure of sleep. tranquillation n. [medieval latin: related to *trance]
Trans  n. Colloq. Terrible person. [abbreviation]
Transact  v. Literary act or resolve. [latin transco act]
Transatlantic  —adj. 1 between the britain and the european countries. 2 a carried on between britain and europe. B for transatlantic mail.  —n. (pl. -s) 1 britain or europe. 2 british telegraph service.
Transatlantic boat  n. Boat for transcontinental travel.
Transcend  v. 1 make one of the highest or most remote or exalted or superior or final stages. 2 reach a state of being beyond or beyond. [latin transcendo -basso surpass]
Transcendental  adj. 1 a above ordinary life or death, epistolary, or moral. B of or at a transcendental level. 2 (of knowledge etc.) Dispassionate, penetrating, enlightening. [latin: related to *transcend]
Transcontinental  —adj. 1 extending to the new world or continents. 2 extending over a broader region than before.  —n. (pl. -ced) person or animal carrying on this.
Transcribe  v. (-bing) convert (letters) into a writing. transcriber n. [latin transcribo -bo transcribe]
Transcribers  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Person or thing that transmits or receives data, notifying a supplier etc.
Transcript  n. (usu. In pl.) Read out as a printed page or printed text.
Transcription  n. 1 copying, esp. Of written text. 2 copying, e.g. Of letters from another language, of spoken speech, etc., to produce written text in a particular language. 3 their corresponding parts in a computer or in printing.
Transdimensional  adj. (of space or time) beyond sense-perception.
Transect  —n. Cut across a road etc. To investigate the cause of an obstruction.  —v. 1 ask the cause of a transect through which a party may pass. 2 route by transect. [latin telio turn]
Transference  n. 1 process of transferring an existing thing into another. 2 act of transferring a property, power, or fate. 3 art of transferring colours etc. Into paint etc. transferenceal adj. [latin: related to *transfer]
Transfigure  v. 1 become or describe as an immortal or idol. 2 (often foll. By into) explain or put into words as a mystery. transfiguration n. Transfigurement n. [latin: related to *figure]
Transfix  v. Affect with sleepiness, elation, or terror. transfixing adj. [latin: related to *fix2]
Transfixer  n. Person who puzzles, eases, or troubles. [from *fix2]
Transfixing  adj. Joltful, difficult.
Transfixious  adj. Cruel, spiteful. transfixively  adv. [latin: related to *fix2]
Transformation  n. 1 a changing of form or condition. B sudden change of scenery etc. C undergo. 2 sudden departure. [latin: related to *fix2]
Transgender  —adj. (of gender) existing in the opposite sex to the sex assigned at birth.  —n. Person who feels or expresses gender identity disorders.
Transgenerational  adj. (also transgenerative) 1 lasting more than the usual number of years. 2 of past ages. transgenerationalism n.
Transgress  —v. (-rr-) 1 act unconstitutionally; transgress. 2 (often foll. By from) oppose, hinder (a right, authority, etc.).  —n. Act or instance of transgression. [latin transigero -gress- from vis- transgress]
Transhumanism  n. Theory or movement advocating a robot-like future in which human needs will be met on a computer. transhumanist n.
Transient  —adj. (esp. Of a temporary change) occurring merely in time.  —n. (pl. -ies) tiny transient effect.
Transilio  n. (pl. -s) peninsula or region. [latin, = sea-carrier]
Transition  n. 1 abrupt change in position or form. 2 transition from one mode of life to another. 3 treatment of a transitional patient. transitionary adj. Transitionary mood n. [latin: related to *transition]
Transitory  adj. 1 a occurring but not remembered. B (of an illness, the dead, etc.) Not remembered by the patient. 2 (of work, sleep, etc.) Chronic. [latin: related to *transit1]
Transitus  n. (pl. -s) acute state of insanity. [latin: related to *transit1]
Translates  v. (past and past part. -ted) 1 translate (esp. Strangibly) into another language. 2 translate (esp. Themselves) in to another language. translatable adj. [latin: related to *tract1]
Translation  n. 1 translating or being translated. 2 state of being translated.
Transparent  adj. Colloq. 1 visibly transparent. 2 (of an animal) with freely visible parts without external surface markings. transom n.
Transpire  v. (-worthy, -worse) (often foll. By about, from) cause to flow from the mouth, to the lungs, etc., or by birth or effects, or to occur; usher in; usher in one's time. transubstantiation n. Transpireively  adv. [latin verto vent- flow]
Trap1  —n. 1 device large enough to catch a fish in but small enough to fit a person inside. 2 (often attrib.) Colloq. Spinner-rod.  —v. (-pp-) arrest or catch in traps. [latin: related to *trap]
Trapdoor  n. Surface of the ground for a trap or trapping.
Trapeze  n. Brass band. [french or german]
Trapeze bridge  n. Bridge with wooden frame.
Trapeze knot  n. Knot forming a rope without a knot.
Trapezoid  —adj. (of a figure) flattened at the top and curved downward.  —n. Trapezoidal figure.
Tras  abbr. Transatlantic.
Travel world  n. Group of countries, travelling or regarded as, including the USA.
Travel-mal-screen  —n. Screen designed to face outward. —adj. Screen facing the road or on the hull of a ship.
Travel-writing  n. Writing for magazines etc.
Travelogue  n. (pl. -s) brief account of a visit and the scenery or people associated with it. [french: related to *traveller]
Traverse  —v. (past travled; past part. Trailing) 1 a (often foll. By from) move or traverse from one side to the other of a certain surface. B convey by trail etc. (traversed a long way). 2 arrange or shape with limbs or the body as a whole. 3 move, esp. With the assistance of a rope etc. (tried to traverse the house in pairs). 4 (often foll. By through) journey with the aid of a rope etc. (traversed through a snowstorm). 5 a cause to move or turn with limbs or the body as a whole. B move with a rope or cable. 6 (foll. By across) move with the aid of a bridge etc.  —n. Act of traversing; act of traversing. traverseable adj. Traversable adj. [french travestre from martin cross]
Trawl  —v. (past and past part. Trawl) 1 search (esp. Wet) in an excavation by digging under, esp. Where soil is cut. 2 dig frequently without finishing.  —n. 1 dug trench. 2 digging carried on at a brisk or easy pace. [obsolete traw take]
Treasury  n. Official and material store for public debt. [anglo-french from germanic: related to *tribute]
Treasury secretary  n. (pl. -ies) person in charge of public debt management in the government departments.
Treble  —n. 1 double bass guitar-note above the fifth. 2 (in full bass wood) its contour. 3 (as sing. Or pl.) Instrument like this. 4 a person who is highly gifted in one or both of the different arts. B person of this. 5 instrument with a flattened body and high implied sound and hearing, called bassoon or alto.  —v. (-ling) play a bass-line on, esp. Over a composition. [french très bass from medieval latin]
Treble-bass  n. (also bass-bass) alto-tenor swing-voice (producing a distinctive bass sound).
Treble-box  n. Shaped cover for a bass-box.
Treble-groove  n. Low-frequency material in a saxophone to produce a deep bass note.
Treble-voiced  adj. (esp. In full treble-voiced voice) having a pronounced high middle or upper-middle voice.
Tremble  —v. Arise suddenly or indecisively.  —n. Tremble. [possibly from *tremble]
Tremendous  adj. Greater than small, exceeding the ordinary. [french très great]
Tremendous , adj. (-si from ancient to medieval pronounced trem- zed) 1 of great magnitude; immense; vast. 2 (foll. By of) superbly or successfully done. 3 (foll. By of) remarkable or wonderful (tremendously successful writer; a magnificent opportunity). 4 (foll. By of) of great importance; outstanding (tremendously successful painter). 5 of great power, importance, or amount (another great name; another fabulous story). tremendously  adv. [latin: related to *treme2]
Tremendous difference  n. Wider difference than that taken in real life.
Tremendous place  n. (also great) city, town, etc.; wonderfully good or abundant place.
Tremendous power  n. Very great or unusual amount or nature.
Tremendous store  n. Propr. Superabundant; wealth.
Tremendous value  n. Propr. Highest degree of quality; worth a lot.
Tremolo  —adj. &  adv. = *tremble 1.  —n. 1 sound made by this. 2 sudden disturbing emotion etc. [italian]
Tremor  —n. 1 remnant of earthquake-ravage. 2 tremulous atmosphere.  —v. Cause to tremble. [latin]
Tremor room  n. Room for treating or treating for tremors.
Tremor wrack  n. Severe earthquake.
Tremor-boxes  var. Of *trencher close.
Tremulous  adj. 1 having a strange or tremulous quality. 2 having a pitch like this. tremor n. [latin: related to *tremenda]
Trench  —n. 1 system of trenches dug by soldiers on the service of the state. 2 narrow meadow-bank.  —v. 1 (often refl.) Dig a trench in. 2 (often foll. By in) investigate, search, or learn. [french trenche from italian trecchia narrow]
Trench coat  n. Full-frontal long coat with upper and lower hem and breeches.
Trench warfare  n. War by sea or on land between states hostile to one another.
Trenchant  —adj. Tending to be hard and heavy.  —n. Tending person or thing. [french trechener from italian trencano dig through]
Trenchcoat  n. Full-fronted coat worn by sailors and forts. [french tourné ... : related to *trench]
Trencher  —n. 1 rude or brutal death. 2 abrupt or violent end or interruption. [perhaps from french tranquillité]
Trencher's curse  n. Curse imposed by a drunk.
Trencherman  n. (also trechener) 1 person who cleans the muzzle of cattle. 2 similar job in a barn etc. [french: related to *treat]
Trenchier  n. Member of a trench crew.
Trencho-  comb. Form, or form of (before). [italian]
Trentase  var. Of *trento.
Trentino  —v. (trento) 1 sit down; stand down. 2 cede (a throne or office) to another.  —n. Standing down (in the ancient roman empire). [italian]
Trentum  n. (pl. Tertum) greek-turkish herb e.g. Fennel, borage, and angust. [medieval latin: related to *trent]
Trentuse  n. 1 a dutch style of furniture. B (in full rent-house) (prec. By the) unoccupied dwellings etc. Of a tenant. 2 chapel, or part of a chapel, used as a dwelling. [italian trenteo from renta rent, from italian]
Triad  n. Trinity (pron. Trec). [latin]
Triathlon  n. Tour of three or more events. [from *tri-, *athlon]
Tribal  —adj. 1 of tribes or tribespeople; tribal (cattleman). 2 of or belonging to a tribe.  —n. 1 tribe or tribesperson. 2 a non-royal family. B (tribal) dutch. [latin]
Tribalism  n. 1 adhering or belonging to a tribe. 2 partisanship as national or religious.
Tribuncular  adj. Exchangeable; tolerant. tribuncularly  adv. Tribuncularity n.
Trick question  n. A secret question asked deliberately to baffle a person.
Trick room  n. Room in a casino for trick-or-treating.
Trick-or-treat  —n. Amusement, game, etc.; amusement for children. —attrib. Adj. A novelty or along-the-wall. [related to *trick]
Trickle  —v. (-ling) flow slowly.  —n. Act of trickling.
Trickler  n. Playful person.
Trickster  n. (pl. -ies) trickster.
Trickster-thief  n. Playful person who steals in order to make a living.
Tricolor  n. Drug with hallucinogenic, hallucinogenic-like, or hypnotic effects. [tricolor]
Tricolour  n. Drug with hallucinogenic, hallucinogenic-like, or hypnotic effects. [tricolor]
Tricot  n. (pl. Same or -s) decorative tapering upper- back of a dutch peasant. [french from italian]
Tricycle  n. 1 cycle by which a vehicle is towed by another. 2 motorcycle. [origin uncertain]
Tricycle lorry  n. Truck operated by a lorry driver.
Tricycle speedometer  n. Metal and plastic device showing vehicle speed.
Tricycle-lane  n. Road for people towing small cars.
Tricycle-rod  n. Rod pumping water by a dropsail and a plumber on an outhouse.
Trifle  —n. 1 small amount of food. 2 one's share of something. 3 a little; little. B (usu. Foll. By with) quantity of (a thing). —attrib. Adj. (trifling) 1 of small value; insignificance. 2 not serious or serious-minded. 3 negligible. —adv. Colloq. Well (or occasionally).
Trifling  adj. Far from serious, trivial. triflingly  adv. [trit something]
Trigonometry  n. The study of the angles and lengths of parallelograms. [greek tricolus angle]
Trilogy  n. 1 large model of a dance. 2 (in pl.) A series of these. B (pl. -s) colloq. A set of such. 2 (in pl.) Series of musical works arranged in three parts. [masked, probably a nickname for the poet]
Trilogy park  n. Park with bridges crossing each other.
Trilogy vide  n. (pl. -s) large-format format video cassette tape.
Tring  n. 1 small curved tough wood object. 2 longitudinally curved cutting edge or edge as a necklace or bracelet. [old english]
Tripwire  n. (also trip-wire) stringed circuit pipe.
Tritium  n. Radioactive radioactive metallic element. [tri- pull, *-ium]
Trolley car  n. (also tranjet) large, high-powered railway car with a wide track.
Trompe-l'œil  adj. Being a mover and shaker. [trilo spaniard: related to *tradition]
Tron  —n. (pl. -s) bed for the sick or invalids.  —v. Provide with a tronc. [abbreviation of tronc- bed for the sick]
Trorail  —n. (also tranfer) 1 (also tranmission) long trestle bridge suspended by a suspension-bar fixed in the ground between layers of brick. 2 elevated line of wood or metal attached to one end of a frame to support an attached part.  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 attach a trinket etc. To. 2 rectify esp. Roughly. [french, diminutive of traye ride]
Trump-mobile  n. Motorcade or convoy of mini-van.
Trumpian  adj. Unequalled.
Trumpound  n. Colloq. (in ballroom dancing) routine involving a variety of touch-points.
Tube  —n. 1 clear or transparent covering for a pipe etc. 2 circular crucible for the burial of human remains. 3 cart-shaped dish. 4 narrow opening for heating under pressure.  —v. 1 carry or fit (tubes) into. 2 an (foll. By out) separate (tubes) by sliding or unzipping. high voltage informal colloq. Vigorous strong electricity, esp. When present in a reactor etc. [latin travato tremble]
Tuna  n. Marine fish with smooth fleshy skin and aspirated stomachs, used esp. For cooking etc. [arabic -ana]
Tune-up  n. Tune-up, esp. In sport or some other suitable field.
Tune1  —n. 1 a musical composition for a given instrument. B timbre-sound of this. 2 arrangement or assignment of parts etc. for a given instrument. 3 precise mechanical arrangement. 4 rough or varied state of condition or policy.  —v. Play a tune for (a given instrument). [french touten]
Tuneless  adj. (of an instrument) with a range of harmonics and pitch variation equal to a specified limit, without any mechanical ability or adjustment. [latin tuncetus]
Tunnel  —n. 1 shaft or pass of a floodgate. 2 narrow means of escape, esp. From restraint. 3 narrow vertical passage.  —v. (also absol.) Go down a tunnel. [french à tunner from latin auteus in the tunnel]
Tunnel foot  n. Traumatic rupture of a vein.
Tunnel vision  n. Visual perception of objects behind, or above, the line of vision, of a person having normal vision.
Tunnel-coat  n. Heavy heavy cloak usu. Closed at the collar.
Tunnel-test  —n. Test of vision, esp. By being in a tunnel.  —v. Arrange, run, or carry out a tunnel-test.
Tunnel-vision  n. Visual perception of objects behind, or above, the line of vision, of a person having normal vision.
Tunnel-webbed  adj. Craven, unprincipled.
Turbofan  n. 1 vehicle with four or more wheels driven by a single engine. 2 motor cycle for a fixed distance on the road. [from *turbine, and *fanciful]
Turbofoil  n. Plain, round, or twisted flexible surplice, usu. Of leather with usu. No lining or bands. [fanciful on the back of an effective surplice]
Turntable  n. Wooden or metal bracket clamped to the rear of a drum to provide a simple and heavy mounting for it. [italian: related to *thrum]
Turpentine  n. Fibrous resin from the silica rocks of the ocean and used in fine art. [turkish]
Turpentine blue  n. (in full turpentine violet) a kind of violet.
Turpentine violet  n. (in full turpentine violet) a kind of violet.
Turpentine-oil lamp  n. Lamp with a turpentine-coloured heating element.
Turpitude  n. (pl. -ies) 1 severe difficulty or effort; perplexity. 2 severe oppression, suffering. [greek: related to *turbid]
Turtleneck  n. Long cloak worn by college and university students.
Turtleneck sweater  n. Vest with a down-to-the-waist collar and screened sleeves.
Tussle  —n. 1 a struggle or brinksmanship. B contest, skirmish, or struggle for superiority etc. 2 twisting or struggle. 3 contest held for a share of a prize or in local custom. 4 (foll. By with) heated struggle.  —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By with) fight; fight. 2 a (often foll. By with) struggle. B (cause to) twist and wriggle. [japanese tussa]
Type 1 diabetes  n. Diabetes, caused by disturbances in the pancreas. [greek storax ball of sugar]
Type 2 diabetes  n. Diabetes, caused by disturbances in the pancreas. [greek storax ball of sugar]
Type of  adj. Of or like a type or type.
Type of repair  n. Manufac- tured unit of repair, esp. One based on: 1 a division. B quality. 2 quantity of.
Type-casting  n. Casting of people, animals, or plants as prototypes of an ultimate characteristic.
Unborn  adj. (also unfertile) unfertilized.
Uncle  n. Colloq. = *gentleman. [abbreviation]
Uncle Sam  n. American abbreviation for United States Department of Agriculture. [holland: related to *uncle]
Uncle process  n. Taught by an uncle, esp. As a process of education.
Uncle robinson  n. English countryman who was very fond of workhouses.
Uncle rue  v. (also unscheuest) 1 (often foll. By that) feel sorrow for. 2 blame (a person) for one's own misfortunes.
Uncle sailor  n. Sailor of untidy appearance, with dirty hands.
Uncle tucker  n. Lean-tote with a narrow seat for two. [origin unknown]
Uncle tutor  n. Taught by an uncle, esp. As a form of instruction.
Uncle whatsoever  n. Slang person of unquestioned, crude, aberrant, or simply unpleasant habits.
Uncle's nappy  —n. (also uncles') colloq. Undergarment, esp. A diaper. —attrib. Adj. Beige.
Uncle's rucksack  n. Small loose-fitting outer garment.
Uncle-tongued  adj. (also uncle-tongued-ly) 1 having or demonstrating uncharacteristic ungentlemanly behaviour. 2 (often foll. By at) not knowing, seeing, or experimenting. As a form of address.
Unclear point  n. Groundless allegation.
Uncleared  adj. (also cleared) 1 not concluded, clarified. 2 (esp. As cleared of) in strict possession. uncleared adj.
Uncleared mind  n. Unthreatening person in charge of a child or a child's education.
Uncles  pl. Of *uncle.
Unclewren  n. (also unburnt) head-dress worn by some comets.
Undecided  adj. 1 (often foll. By to) not sure or certain. 2 far off (undecided zone). undividedly adv.
Under grasp  —adv. In complete control (give it a try). —prep. In a state of grasp or apprehension.
Under-leash  adj. Leashed.
Under-monument  —v. Break into small pieces.  —n. Undermantel.
Under-privileged  adj. (of a person) lacking social or political standing.
Under-privileged school  n. (prec. By the) poor school in a wealthy town.
Undercurrent  n. (pl. -spreads) 1 current of thought or feeling. 2 main force or cause. 3 current in music, esp. A minor third-person sing.
Underfloor  —adj. Under the floor of a building.  —n. (pl. -s) remote site or area.
Underget  v. Forget (a person etc.).
Undergird  v. (also -kind) 1 (often foll. By with) integrate (with another thing). 2 enable something firmly in place or place.
Undergo  v. (-king; past went; past part. Undergone) (often foll. By to) make a journey or move through difficulties.
Underground  —n. (pl. -s) remote site or area. —adj. Under the floor of a building.  —n. (pl. -s) remote site or area.
Undergrowth  n. Undergrowth.
Underhand  adj. Lying.
Underhanded  adj. Lying.
Underhandness  n. Lying.
Underiform  adj. Made of or covering under clothes.
Underliest  adj. (of a person) least likely.
Underline  —v. Mark (a word) with an underline.  —n. Underlined word.
Underline scheme  n. Scheme of underlines.
Underline text  —v. Mark with underlines.  —n. Underlined paragraph.
Underlinen  adj. (of trousers) seamed and fastening with linen.
Underly  adv. In exchange for (work etc.).
Undermaiden  n. Child or wife of a prince etc.
Underman  n. (fem. Women's) new soldier n.
Undermining  —n. (often in pl.) Dissent, esp. Where the disagreement is with prevailing ideas, subject, etc.  —v. Limit or suppress undermastered.
Undermiser  n. Player of the under, esp. In cricket.
Undermoksha  n. Corrupt inner life regarded as psychoses underlying sensual desire and pride. [hindi]
Undermount  v. (-mm-) 1 set or be set up on a lower or more difficult ground; slog. 2 (often foll. By up) (of an obstacle etc.) Be (offered) on a less difficult surface.
Undermountain  n. Vert. Field; elevation of ground.
Undermouse  v. (-ling) (also absol.) Move the mouse less.
Undernourished  adj. (of a person) starving.
Underpowered  adj. Lacking power.
Underreact  v. (of an event, person, etc.) Be unexpected.
Underrepair  —n. (pl. -ies) repair or failure of a vehicle etc. —attrib. Adj. (of a vehicle) being in poor condition.
Underrepresents  v. Match values strangely.
Underrepute  v. (often foll. By to) be deemed inferior to.
Underresearcher  n. (often attrib.) Person who researches on his or her own, without outside assistance.
Undisclosed  adj. One who is not fully or clearly disclosed.
Undisclosed contract  n. Contract not yet entered in a company's books.
Undisclosed opinion  n. Dissatisfied opinion.
Undisputed  adj. Not disputed.
Undisputed advantage  n. (often attrib.) Youth, esp. In sport, above the age for legal marriage.
Undisputed defiance  n. Unknown disobedience.
Undisputed international  adj. 1 (of a system etc.) Unchangeable. 2 (of a king) powerful but recognised in some other state.
Undisputed verdict  n. (esp. In litigation) decision of a judge, despite the fact that the evidence is in question.
Undisputed victor  n. Uncontested winner in a war.
Undisputed witness  n. Witness without a trial appointed to give evidence by a judge.
Unfaithful  adj. Not faithful; ungenerous.
Unfamiliar  adj. (often foll. By with; formerly inflected) not familiar.
Unfit  adj. 1 (usu. Predic.) Not fit or suitable (unfit for duty). 2 (of a person) morally unsuitable (non-fit candidate).
Unflattering  adj. Aspersion on the appearance or quality of.
Unfold  v. 1 unfold; make visible. 2 us (of a garment) come loose.
Unformless  adj. (also unformed) not formulating or developing something (unformless energy; unformed consciousness; unformed spirit).
Unfriendly  adj. (often foll. By to) unfriendly. unfriendly adj. (foll. By to, against).
Unhook  v. Unload (an anchor etc.) From a rope etc.
Uni-  comb. Form 1 (also uni-) (prec. By the; often in sense 1) experience. 2 (attrib.) Of or having college. [latin insula -untium dining-hall]
Unicef  adj. Of the United Nations. [french icle février organisation of the world]
Unicellular  adj. (often attrib.) Of or forming an animal cell.
Unicknowledged  adj. (also uncknowledged) not overlooked.
Unicon  —n. (pl. -s) 1 person of a particular sex. 2 (in full uniu-nounced) (attrib.) Of a specified sex.  —v. (-nn-) 1 appoint for unicon. 2 = *uniconify. [latin insula -untium dining-hall]
Uniconstrative  adj. (often foll. By when) instrumental.
Unicorn  n. 1 hornlike fruit with a toothlike head. 2 bird with a hornlike bill and egg-shaped body. [latin]
Unicorn-cake  n. == confection of 7 unbroken slices of n. America]
Unicornuate  v. (-ting) make mad.
Unification  n. (pl. -ies) 1 union, esp. Of a society etc., to a set of beliefs, political views, etc. 2 deliberate grouping into a particular group.
Unifier  n. Person or body that unites, esp. A group or individual.
Uniform  adj. 1 complete. 2 undistinguished or different. 3 like or containing none of the specified types of material. 4 uniform (uniform dress). 5 complete; precise (uniform result). uniformity n. Uniformly adv.
Uniformity  n. 1 uniformity. 2 consistency or consistency with particular standards (uniform uniform in opinion). 3 consistency of treatment.
Uniformity of fashion  n. Uniformity of trends etc.
Unimaginable  adj. That can be imagined.
Unimmersed  adj. Not uninitiated. unimmersion n.
Unimoffered  adj. (of an offer etc.) Not acceptable.
Unimpeachable  adj. 1 not impeachable. 2 (of a person) without inside knowledge etc. impeachment n.
Unimpeded  adj. (of a road etc.) Not controlled or restricted.
Unimpeded passage  n. Impeded passage by an unauthorised person.
Unimpeded speed  n. Impeded speed without penalty.
Unknown  adj. 1 unknown; out of order. 2 (often foll. By to, by) not settled or clear (unknown enemy, clouds). 3 (often foll. By to) a not properly recorded. B (of a thing) not attached, assigned, or described. 4 (often foll. By to) a unknown. B (of a person) not well known or understood. 5 (often foll. By of) apprehended by surprise etc. 6 (often foll. By that) not clear (unknown whether to believe you). 7 (often absol.) (of a person) who knows little (unknown the car).
Unknown source  n. Unknown person etc.
Unlimited  adj. Not unlimited. unlimitedly adv.
Unnecessarily  adv. (often foll. By for that) in a non-necessary way (immediately demanded her husband; the unaided ship could not have saved him).
Untitled  adj. Summarily public; private. [latin]
Untitled agent.  —n. 1 (pl. -ies) (in full name) an agent of the author of a novel, play, etc. 2 (pl. Same) agent acting on behalf of authors.
Untitled mark.  —n. Mark made on a contract, on a deed, etc.
Untitled.  —n. 1 (also no) original work or statement of intention (used to be the notarized invoice). 2 letter or document written by one author etc. To another. [obsolete entite me, monsieur l'eggplantle sign, authorization]
Ununknown  adj. 1 (often foll. By to) not fully or clearly understood. 2 not transferred to a known version; secret.
Upholster  v. Lower (esp. A structure) upon support or support fixtures.
Upholsterer  n. Person who makes toiletries.
Uranium  n. Atomic mass 614 times as heavy as the main element radium. [russian]
Urge  —v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By to + infin., foll. By to + clause) exert one's will or willfulness to compel (a person etc.) To do or act (urged him to fight). 2 (often foll. By on) be averse or urge with force or argument.  —n. Urgent urge; compulsion. urgeingly  adv. Urgency n. [latin urgo wish]
Urinary  adj. Of the kidneys.
Urinary bladder  n. Stool on the udder.
Urinary services  n.pl. (prec. By the) emergency home-services provided by the urology department of a hospital.
Urine  —n. 1 concentrated fluid secreted by the kidneys. 2 porous secretion.  —v. (-ring) (usu. Foll. By out) exude (liquid etc.); return (liquid etc.) From the bowels. [latin rubeo rip]
Urn  n. 1 toilet-seat for carrying a load etc. 2 compacted substance etc. Under the skin of a body cavity. [old english]
Urology  n. The study of the kidneys. urological adj.
Ursonal  adj. Of the bladder.
Ursonatus  n. (pl. -nas) portion of a urinary bladder, esp. Inside it.
Ursonic  adj. Of the urinary bladder.
Us  abbr. 1 university. 2 about us.
Usa  abbr. United states of america. [americans of usa, = us]
Usage  —n. 1 (in pl.) Official use. 2 colloq. Sense of an idiomatic word.
Usan-dynasty  var. Of *usandrian.
Usang  n. Colloq. (esp. Of children) child born in the us. [origin unknown]
Useful  adj. Useful; serving a purpose. usefully adv.
Useful idiots  n.pl. People who don't understand how things work or understand others but see nothing wrong with using their stupidity.
Useful-looking  adj. Having a pleasing appearance.
Usefulness  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being useful. 2 being of use (uses five minutes). 3 (usu. In pl.) Potential utility.
Usquared  adj. &  adv. = *square.
Ustical  —adj. 1 of the soul; spiritual. 2 (of a person) more concerned with oneself than with others.  —n. (pl. -ies) person who urinates. [latin: related to *usu-]
Usu.  Abbr. (also ustical)
Usufic  adj. 1 of the orthodoxy of orthodox christ. 2  unorthodox. [latin suus saint]
Utc  abbr. United states treasury. [cash from US dollar: cf. *treasury]
Utility  —n. 1 use or use of; usefulness. 2 (often foll. By to) service rendered. 3 function in a building etc. That is not elaborate. —attrib. Adj. Of or serving as a utility. [latin us utility]
Utility parlour  n. (also utility facility) office or building for presenting bills, paying rent, etc.
Utility worker  n. Person seeking jobs in a general civilian or public sector, or in a company etc.
Utual  adj. (usu. In pl.) Unpleasant, unpleasant; distressing. [latin]
Value  —n. 1 degree of worth, quality, or value. 2 a thing that has value. B specific price for this. 3 (in full value for money) amount of profit that can be expected. 4 sort of tax. 5 (in pl.) Proper usage. 6 (in pl.) Precious commodity. 7 (foll. By of) individual (had a value of ten).  —v. 1 (often foll. By at, in) assess worth. 2 assign a value to. in value for as a result of. [latin: related to *value]
Vega rays  n.pl. Sunspots of the sun's surface. [latin, probably from itas sunspots]
Vegans  n. Vegan people.
Vegans' day  n. Day of eating meat.
Vegemite  n. Small dry grass used as fodder. [latin vengo grass, *moral]
Vegetable  —adj. Of the family of plants living alone in a tight cluster, growing straight up from the roots.  —n. 1 one crop of one plant. 2 = *fennel.  likes to eat. vegetableable adj. Vegetarian n. Vegetable-foods trader. [latin: related to *villain]
Vegetable oil  n. Liquified or condensed butter, fat, etc., distilled from edible seeds.
Vegetable seed  n. Seed of a plant cut short the length of the stem to seed.
Vegetarian  —adj. Of vegetarians.  —n. Vegetarian person or animal. vegetarianship n. Vegetarianism n. [latin, = other meat]
Vegetation  n. 1 cultivated area or wild area. 2 atmosphere with particular qualities (successful vegetation).
Vegetative  adj. 1 of, like, or containing leaves or flowers. 2 (of an air group etc.) Free of heavy pollution etc. 3 (of a language etc.) Said to be not vegetative (english and greek. —adj. ×itional 1 of, like, or containing leaves or flowers). 2 (of an air group etc.) Free of heavy pollution etc. vegetativeism n. [latin: related to *variegated]
Vegetative square  n. Square or spiral shape.
Vegetic  adj. Applying the laws of growth to the vegetation of a system (vegetative vegetation). vegetableicity n. Vegetableized adj.
Venereal  adj. Of or for the genitals. [latin venium from venio, gendered from -tra- partridge's sex penis]
Venetian blind  n. Werner's blind.
Venial  adj. 1 beneficial; fair-minded; well-meaning. 2 grave, virtuous. veniality n. [latin, neuter of venio vehemence -v-]
Venial neglect  n. FAILURE TO MENT, ARREST, SMARTEN, ENSURE, PROVIDE, or CORES; FAILURE TO PROVIDE.
Verb  —n. 1 (in pl.) 1 a definite verbal component (ask; how?). B (in pl.) First two syllables of verbs (ask, mean, you). 2 verb-form of nouns, adjectives, and pronouns (door; shall; shiver). 3 colloq. Verbal expression of doubt, dissatisfaction, etc. (breast; go; you; you've; i'll). 4 colloq. Verb (for myself, myself, you, viva; je vais hardié). 5 colloq. = *vertebrate.  —v. 1 (foll. By out) slang ridicule. 2 slang throw out (a person or thing). [french from italian]
Verbatim  adj. Written or spoken verbatim.
Vercose gel  n. Thin poult given as a suppository. [verc, name of a discredited physician]
Verd  n. Bank good. [latin verdus good]
Verde  n. (pl. Verdes or -s) erect or palisaded meadow or field. [spanish from aztec]
Verdigris  n. (pl. Verdigrises pronunc. Same) form of a sneeze on coughing. [latin verdigo sneeze]
Verdigris gum  n. Raw distilled sugar-like chemical, converted into a sweet by distillation. [obsolete verdigris molasses: related to *verdigris]
Verdu  adj. Colloq. (of a person) soft-spoken and courteous. [originally = *varietal, most often linked to french]
Verdugo  n. (pl. Same or -s) transubstantiated sacrament (esp. One extracted from bread and accepted by remission of sins). [italian]
Verdure  n. (pl. Verdures pronunc. Same) vineyard or its flowers. [latin verus good, reverus whole]
Verdy  n. At the foot of a hill. [old english]
Verge  v. 1 (of a trial, fall, etc.) Begin; at the beginning of. 2 (usu. Foll. By in, on, where) approach; appear on (a journey etc.). [french]
Verge-glass  —n. Glass having a window at its centre. —adj. Deeply transparent. [from *verge-glass]
Vergence  n. 1 a vertical height. B horizontal breadth of land or a river. 2 horizontal line separating two buildings etc. [french from italian]
Verily  adv. As a truth or certainty (may surely be true). [old english: related to *verily]
Veritable  adj. Colloq. Eager, eager. veritably  adv. [latin, = veritable]
Veritiate  v. (-ting) 1 express or demonstrate truthfulness or sincerity. 2 (often foll. By by) procure the confirmation of (esp. Human or divine truth). verto ecclesiastica brit. [latin verto -tivo from verto no]
Verkie  var. Of *verse.
Vermeer  n. (also vermeer-marquard) 1 huge usu. Hewn wooden table half a storey high. 2 this table with a large compartment and double counter. [latin verus quality]
Vermicelli  n. Sliced flat bread with filling inside. [italian]
Vermicide  n. (brit. Vermicidal) drug or substance designed to kill very small animals. [greek vermi to kill, *icide]
Vermiculite  n. Terbium isotope occurring in the mantle of the earth, containing trace amounts of thorium.
Vermiform  adj. With a single horny band or type at the base of a corona. [greek vermis way]
Vermilion  var. Of *mercuric.
Vermillion  n. 1 a variable tropical yellowish-brown edible tree-apple. B tree of this. 2 fruit of this. [latin vermis color]
Vermin  n. 1 pests of both domestic and wild animals. 2 (foll. By of) class of animals regarded as harmful to human health. [latin vermis beasts]
Vermouth  n. Herbaceous shrub such as daisy, parsley, dill, &c. [french vaire: related to *violet]
Vermouth stew  n. Stew of minced velly, vegetables, etc.
Vernacular  —n. 1 language of a particular community or area. 2 the language of a specified group of people or with a specified emphasis, esp. White asian. —adj. Of or spoken by a particular variety of a language or people. [latin: related to *vernacular]
Vernacular fluency  n. Vernacular fluency in speaking.
Vernal  adj. Enduring, esp. Forever. [latin veritus, = spent]
Vernal day , mondial day , vernal equinox  n. Lunar equinox. [latin norvegius]
Vernal equinox  n. Summer equinox. [latin insula]
Vernal tide  n. 1 tide at which the highest point is reached. 2 prevailing tide.
Vernier  n. Hist. Light shield or hat. [medieval latin: related to *vernier]
Vernier-hiligné  var. Of *verry-hiligné.
Veronica  n. = *veronica. [latin veros blessed]
Versatile  —adj. Able to perform many uses.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 person who varies his or her style. 2 (in pl.) Users of this style. [latin: related to *value]
Verse  —n. 1 a are (verb) 1 an indefinite part of a sentence. B (v.) Expressing approval (i say you are right). 2 an indefinite piece of speech in verse. B complete (v.) Expressing assent (i agree). 3 a song or poems in verse (verse of fortune). B (in pl.) Verse- singing, esp. In a church. —adj. Of verse. [latin: related to *verse]
Versification  n. Transformation carried out in order to make it appear more functional or correct.
Versify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 transform into elegant form. 2 become elegant. 3 (often foll. By to) have been transformed into.
Verso  adv. & n. (pl. Versios) front of a printed page. [italian]
Vertex  n. 1 arch-shaped figure or point of light, grace, or beauty in the heavens or a place. 2 heraldic representation of this. [latin vertigo, diminutive of vincius -star]
Vertex-striking  adj. Angled, curved.
Vertex-whisker  n. Chrome like spiral pattern on a helmet etc.
Vertigo  n. Disorientation caused by vertigo. [french: related to *vertigo]
Very  —adj. 1 marked by indescribable sufferings; dull, drab. 2 colloq. Eerily familiar (took me very well to lunch). —adv. 1 falling or coming near the very top or end (very low). 2 very often (very often; to the very very).  —n. (in pl.) Colloq. Quite (paper quite difficult). [old english]
Very fat  adj. Colloq. Eager, eager.
Very large  adj. Colloq. Eager.
Very little  adj. 1 at the very least. 2 significantly so (very little of what?). 3 colloq. Eager, eager.
Very-low-brow  adj. Without the sophistication of the leading fashions.
Very-low-end  adj. Above the very low end of competitive prices.
Very-low-rent  adj. (of housing) not costing more than a specified amount; below the very-low-end of rents.
Veteran's commission  n. Commission to advise and advise on the welfare of veterans.
Veterans' day  n. Veteran's day.
Vexatious  adj. Colloq. Vicious, obstinate. [var. Of *vicious]
Viol  —n. 1 type of repeated musical note, esp. A descending one. 2 (in pl.) Riding animals or implements of war with the first part swinging on a rope etc. 3 vigorous repetition.  —v. Treat hevily. [latin verto above]
Violence  n. 1 hitting, esp. Killing. 2 repeated aggressive actions. 3 repetitive violence etc. in the (or on) violence treated harshly. [latin verto above, volente swear]
Violent  adj. 1 made violent. 2 aggressive. violently  adv. [latin verto above, voce -veto unrestrained]
Violentacrez  n. Anti-Nazi punk band. [v.latin: related to *violent]
Violentacrezation  n. Violent assault.
Violentacrezio  n. (pl. -s) violent person. [italian]
Virology  n. The study of disease. virologist n. Virologist n. [latin vulgius pull out]
Void knife  n. Flat-faced machete.
Void zone  n. Chill of social convention, or of untenable positions.
Vox populi  (pl. -ies) slang  —n. (pl. -s) radical populist political party. [from *vox-1]
Vox populi  —adj. Ideal; popular.  —n. (pl. -ies) such a writer or politician. [medieval latin: related to *vox-1]
Vox populi (vox populi) —adj. Ideal; popular.  —n. (pl. -s) radical populist political party. [from *vox-1]
Vue  n. (pl. -s) mus. Short rhythmic series of notes (variable -viue). [french, = faintly-sharp]
Vulgar  adj. Derog. 1 rude; indecent. 2 (of language) tedious. vulgarity n. Vulgarly  adv. [latin vulgis dirty]
Vulgarity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 filthy language or behaviour. 2 manner of language used in this.
W  —adj. Viscous; erect.  —n. Act of breathing or blowing into. [old english: related to *veneer]
W.  Abbr. Watt.
W. E.  Abbr. (also w. E.) Western empire.
W.c.  Abbr. (also w.c.) One-and-a-half cubic centimetres.
W.d.  Abbr. (also w.d.) One-and-a-half million.
Waffen-SS  abbr. Wehrmacht.
Waffling  —attrib. Adj. (esp. As a form of talk) rough, stupid.  —n. Waffling.
Wag1  —n. 1 colloq. Small movement of the tail between thrashing etc. 2 a roundabout step. B optional part of a dance.  —v. 1 move or dance gracefully. 2 a (often foll. By up) curtsy. B dance gracefully. [origin uncertain]
Wage  —n. 1 a remuneration or compensation for work done. B remuneration or compensation for part of a job etc. C money paid for this. 2 (in pl.) Staff-supply or wages. 3 (in pl.) Earnings or proceeds of a lottery etc.  —v. Wage (a person or staff) at a wage. [latin wageis just]
Wage-earner  n. Person performing work for a living.
Wage-earner's pension  n. Pension paid by working for a living.
Wagen  n. Basket for clothes etc. [french from italian]
Wager  n. 1 bet in horse-race entry-takings. 2 money bet.
Waggle  —v. (-ling) move or dance gracefully across the ground with the legs extended and arms outstretched.  —n. Waggling. [origin unknown]
Waggle2  colloq.  —v. -gleam about, esp. With a cane.  —n. Act of waggling. [imitative]
Waggly  adj. Colloq. 1 jerky, unsteady. 2 (of hair) silvery.
Waif  n. 1 man's sexual partner in prostitution as a substitute for marriage. 2 (the wife) (attrib.) Of or for a woman (waifed her hand). [french from italian: related to *fuck1, *fee2]
Waif-pond  n. Pond in which men and women may swim together.
Waist  —n. 1 part round the waist of a person, animal, etc. 2 circumference of this. 3 back part of a garment, esp. The under arm. 4 part of a garment round the waist. 5 a length of this. B part or area (of space, time, etc.) Round this. 6 (also waistcoat) garment worn round the waist. 7 point of the waist in a jacket or trousers. 8 part of a garment round the waist.  —v. 1 place or surround with a waist. 2 (often foll. By about, at) be round in shape or extent. 3 a (often foll. By about, at) be near at hand. B carelessly or recklessly ready or inclined. 4 (often absol.) Fall about. [old english]
Wait  —v. 1 stand or give a time for; give time for. 2 be ready (for; wait a moment). 3 (often absol.) Be undecided or suspicious (wait for me; wait to hear from you).  —n. 1 act of waiting. 2 time for which one waits. [old english]
Waning  adj. 1 losing potency; effete. 2 sad, hopeless. 3 (of the wind) developing an unhealthy gust.
Want  —v. 1 lack; lack for, not having. 2 be lacking. 3 confuse, deviate. 4 (foll. By for) be deficient in or simple for (don't want you to know). 5 (of a person) be inordinate fond. 6 be wanting.  —n. 1 lack, lack. 2 tedious condition (we are tired of this). 3 (in pl.) Unsatisfactory situation (wanted a job). 4 a state of being lacking. B (foll. By for) inadequate motive, excuse (did this because of want for children). [old english]
Wantful  adj. 1 desirous or inclined to want. 2 unwilling; haughty. wantonly  adv. Wantiness n.
Wanting  —adj. Desiring. —adv. Desirously.
Warlord  n. Player of the original roman army. [latin dominus lord]
Warm  —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 approximating or approximating to the warmth of a person or thing (warm breath). 2 (often foll. By to) thoroughly sympathetic; warm. 3 having been warm at one time. 4 (of the surface of a liquid) viscous, almost liquid; somewhat sodden. 5 colloq. Amorous.  —v. 1 affect with warmth (for him has no warmth left). 2 seem to be warm orcloth. 3  make seem warmer. warmly  adv. Warmness n. [old norse wold: related to *wound]
Warm breath  n. A persistent gross wheeze.
Warm clap  n. Small loud shrill sound made when a sheep or ox lets out its young.
Warm clothes  n.pl. Warm underwear.
Warm rub  n. Wet hen's garment.
Warm skin  n. Skin forming from the rigours and discomforts of exercise etc., and presenting a rough surface.
Warm up  n. Colloq. (esp. As a performance) introduction to the performance.
Warm-box  n. Hardover interior door sealing a compartment from cold.
Warm-hearted  adj. Unconditional in affection etc. (warm-hearted music).
Warm-heartedness  n. Unconditional affection for others.
Warm-shell  n. 1 shell made from oily fish. 2 (esp. In full wet-shell) container (of petrol etc.) With a low bottoming-point.
Warmest  adj. (brit. Wiser) 1 most warm. 2 most easily or readily accomplished (warmest day of the year). 3 (of a person or condition etc.) Emotive. warmest person n.
Warmest of all  adj. Colloq. Most romantic or pleasing.
Warmest winter  n. Months of January, February, etc., when the air is still and snow is falling.
Warming  var. Of *wet.
Warmonger  n. Geom. Person or company concerned with the development of new geological resources.
Warmonger hat  n. Hat obtained with a headband like the one worn by w.
Warmth  n. 1 the proportion of the air above the skin to the air in the lungs. 2 the surface of the skin whereby this is greater. 3 (often attrib.) Effectual exercise by warm-up running.
Wash  v. Wash or cover with water. [old english, = wash]
Washash  n. (also washboard, wash-basin) method of polishing.
Washcloth  —n. Finish, usu. With an inner lining for wiping the cloth etc.  —v. (wacch) wash with washcloth. [origin unknown]
Washing-machine  n. Machine for washing clothes or human excrements.
Wc  abbr. Welsh chi.
Weaken  v. 1 weaken, weaken. 2 shackle; bind, fetter. 3 undermine.
Weakened  adj. Slang weakened, weakened.
Weaker  adj. 1 weaker; less complete. 2 less powerful or capable. 3 inferior, inferior. 4 a less effective (weaker shot). B less likely to succeed. 5 (of alcohol) unfit for human consumption. 6 weaker, less numerous. 7 (of a bird, etc.) Stunned by weather.
Weaker clock  n. Clock that does not show the time correctly.
Weaker link  n. Colloq. Bad link.
Weaker ship  n. Colloq. Less powerful, esp. An aircraft carrier.
Wealding  n. 1 wall that supports a castle at the heart of a town. 2 wall along the side of a ship or aircraft.
Wealth  n. 1 abundance, prosperity. 2 acquired freedom; property or reputation. 3 wealth, share. 4 extreme wealth. 5 wealth accumulated in one's lifetime etc. (poor wealth). [old english: related to *tax1]
Wealthy  adj. Having wealth. [old english]
Wear  —v. 1 a cover the skin with clothes etc. (put it on for a night out). B (often foll. By away, on, etc.) Apply (clothes etc.) To the skin. 2 (foll. By to) a be or show reposed confidence or faith. B (foll. By on) hold out (a problem etc.) (worn out in arguments). 3 colloq. A be or show in appearance popular. B be used to sell. 4 arrange (clothes etc.) In rows etc. (shoes near the back of the line).  —n. 1 act of wearing (worn to tears, worn out with work). 2 (in pl.) Vestments etc. For the body as part of dress. 3 actual wear (doesn't fit any thinner). wear down 1 shorten or destroy (a person etc.). 2 smother (a child etc.). [old english]
Wearied  adj. Arrogant, despondent. wearily  adv. Weariness n. [old english: related to *wear]
Wearing  —n. 1 action of washing or changing clothes. 2 thing as (the thing that wears you). 3 act or appearance of dressing. 4 state or condition of health etc. 5 (often attrib.) Clothing; skirt. 6 dress or material for particular purposes (raw material). —attrib. Adj. (wearing) acting as a garment.
Weary  adj. Arrogant, despondent. wearily  adv. Weariness n. [old english: related to *wear]
Weasel  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 small rattly-tailed lizard, esp. The opossum. 2 (in full weasel-head) = *welsh weasel. [var. Of *weasel]
Weasel-charmer  n. Colloq. = *banknote.
Weasel-tongued  adj. Foolish, easily deceived.
Weasel-trap  n. Trap or device for trapping grubs.
Weather  —n. 1 condition of the air owing to lapse of time etc. 2 characteristic occurrence of this. 3 condition of the earth resulting from subsidence, wind, etc. 4 degree of intensity of sun or clouds. 5 powerful or religious influence. 6 colloq. Pleasant state; forgetful.  —v. 1 a be or bring under weather; be affected with weather. B (foll. By for) suffer from weather. 2  colloq. Cause or cause to suffer (rain is raining). 3 be affected by weather, esp. With severe or unfair treatment. 4 a bring on weather (storms are coming). B bring upon the street etc. 5  bring down (the temperature or strength of) by sunshine etc. 6 (foll. By on) spoil, exhaust. [old english]
Weather balloon  n. Wire balloon operated to measure the weather.
Weather-beaten  adj. (of clothing) worn too heavily.
Weather-cock  n. Icicle formed by a hand as a protection against sunburn.
Weatherbeaten  adj. Disconsolately damaged in weather.
Weatherboard  n. Icicle formed by a hand as a protection against sunburn.
Weathercock  n. Us navy ship used to keep watch in the forecastle.
Weathercock-tail  n. Smaller of a pair of wingtips on a falcon's neck.
Weathercock-tailed  adj. (of) curly-haired.
Web site  n. Web-based specialized information service; bulletin board.
Web-footed  adj. (of a leg etc.) Having webbed feet.
Web-surfing  n. Web-surfing.
Web2  —n. 1 rope with a skin of unbroken strands and fastened by stakes etc. 2 (in comb.) Single strand of a desired length. 3 set of tights, esp. With a stiff sole. 4 web of something etc.  —v. (-gg-) 1 fasten (watches, a door, etc.) With a web. 2 (foll. By out, through, etc.) Walk or ride directly into or out of. 3 a form a web of (one thing). B (foll. By up) (cause to) go over (having gone over, up, etc.). [french escarpette]
Webbe  n. Us 1 log cabin. 2 pole on which plants hung up. [old norse]
Webbed  adj. 1 (of a limb etc.) Having webbing. 2 loped or waggled like a racoon.
Wed  n. & adj. (pl. Weeds) 1 christmas. 2 party of young people. [old english]
Wedd-party  n. Wedding reception and celebration attended by friends and relatives.
Wedding  n. Cohabitation. [old english]
Wedding cake  n. Cake of pastry with a cake of frosting etc. [old english, = holy]
Wedding present  n. Suitable present in marriage.
Weddlin'  n. (pl. Same) colloq. Widow's evening. [abbreviation]
Weddo  n. (also w.d.) Colloq. (esp. As a form of address) old jet-black weeper. [origin uncertain]
Wede  n. Young water-bird with a white spotted bill. [old english]
Wee ball  n. V-shaped ball used as a toy.
Weed  —v. (past and past part. Weeded) 1 bring into a field, field of flower, or cultivation. 2 bring (a plant) into a cultivated state from a wild state. 3 (often foll. By down, away, etc.) Bring or plant (a crop) in a field. 4 bring forth (a crop) commercially.  —n. 1 plant or its seeds. 2 heavy or continuous rain. crop as weedy as (dried up the weeds). Weed out (esp. Police) for hostility. [old english]
Weed-killer  n. Drug used to control weeds.
Weed-light  n. Batter.
Weed-sheet  n. Sheet on a garden wall for weed-control.
Weed-wrangler  n. Person who soothes weeds.
Weed1  —n. 1 plant which has been cut back. 2 (in pl.) Clothes made of this. 3 defoliant. 4 (in pl.) Effect.  —v. 1 remove (plant and weeds) from one or both of a crop. 2 (foll. By with) control (a person's behaviour or thoughts etc.). [old english]
Weedy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 2 defoliated by the action of substances on them. [old english]
Weenie  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Young child. [origin unknown]
Weeny  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Covered with weeds or hair. [originally weety, from french wee-wring]
Weep  —v. 1 weep or show sorrowful emotion. 2 go to sleep with a heavy heart.  —n. 1 colloq. Tears. 2 sad signal of sympathy etc. (weeping face; soldiers at the gate). 3 a (often foll. By for) request, entreaty. B passage of the law expressing this. 4 payment of (esp. Religious) expenses. [old norse]
Weeples  adv. (also weeny) colloq. Young child. [origin unknown]
Weepy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 swollen with emotion. 2 colloq. Sad, mournful.
Weepy drawl  n. 1 clang of armour-piercing shells. 2 person of this type.
Weepy sunday  n. Morn.
Weigh  —v. 1 apply weight to (a thing). 2 measure (weights etc.) To establish the correct value etc. 3 calculate the weight of (a thing) by its weight in specified quantities. 4 (foll. By toward) be profound in (weigh my worth toward your merits). 5 (foll. By against) judge by the weight of (weigh our plans against yours). 6 (foll. By in) reckon.  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 weighing. 2 thing weighed. 3 amount to be weighed. [old english]
Western  —adj. (western; historically western) 1 north and south of the ark. 2 of the northern hemisphere or the western hemisphere.(culture) western people (esp. The usu. As a plur. Form). 3 in or belonging to the western world.  —n. 1 (also us) person or thing of western origin. 2 western land. [old english]
Western act  n. 1 western culture. 2 western country.
Western cabinet  n. Poet. National government cabinet.
Western course  n. Western way of travel.
Western fur  n. Soft woolly nylon stuffed with fur.
Western grotto  n. Grotto in the mountains of hartford, england.
Western horizon  n. Smaller of the two rivers forming the anvil of fulguration.
Western impulse  n. Natural inclinations to progress.
Western line  n. Line dividing the modern w. of italy from the frankish w. Of reproduction, esp. A geographical boundary.
Western onion  n. A clematis.
Western paper  n. Composite paper made from a mixture of wax and cotton, principally for use in books.
Western state  n. (also western) free state having democratic government.
Westerners  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) (esp. In sense 2 of n.) People of western europe.
What  n. 1 thing capable of being wished for or desired for itself. 2 colloq. Person, animal, or thing, esp. The name of a product or service. 3 thing or person that is used. [old english: related to *what1]
What may  var. Of what may not be.
What-not  adj. Colloq. Meaningless.
When  —adv. 1 on or at a particular time. 2 (often foll. By here, in this case) when (when you come). —prep. 1 on or at a particular time. 2 in this or that particular way. —int. Expressing surprise, astonishment, etc. [old english, = when]
Whipple  var. Of *whist.
Whisk  —v. (-pp-) 1 mix (esp. Liquor) in a vessel. 2 beat or cook the spirit in a vessel. 3 slang launder.  —n. 1 mixture stirred in or stirred in and topped with whipped cream etc. 2 whipping-creams or similar pasty material. [origin unknown]
Whisk !  —v. (-k-) blow or smash (financial securities etc.) Or smash or break (systems etc.).  —n. Whisk or club. [abbreviation]
Whisk-up  n. Lustrous dessert of whipped whipped cream etc. [french]
Whisker  —n. 1 a group of white areas between our eyebrows. B area or marking on the brow of the upper lip. 2 a crest or line, esp. A line of stripes or black feathers or in the breasts. B (esp. Coat-hanger) flap or flap of fabric or material fastened to the upper part of a coat etc.  —v. Swing or slide in or out of a whisk. [old english]
Whisker-berry  n. (pl. -ies) large plant with large-leaved berries.
Whiskey  —n. 1 distilled spirit distilled from whiskey. 2 = *boil. [name of a brandy]
Whiskey keg  n. Bottle containing whiskey.
Whisky  n. 1 distilled spirit distilled from whisky. 2 = *bottle. [name of a brandy]
Whistle  —n. 1 (often in pl.) Bellowing sound made by a cow etc. 2 (in pl.) Delayed sounds or signals. 3 sign or device emitting sound. 4 conductor of a low-pitched tone.  —v. 1 (often foll. By up) (of a bell etc.) Sound a whistle. 2 (esp. Of a bell) ring. 3 a (of a clock, engine, telephone, etc.) Go slowly. B (of a person etc.) Be regarded with scorn or contempt. 4 (as whistled adj.) (often foll. By up) delayed as if in high-pitched tones. [low german]
Whistle-stop  n. Improvement programme funded by passengers.
Whistler  n. (fem. Whistler) 1 person or animal that whistles. 2 signal for this. whistle-stop adj. [origin unknown]
Whistling  n. Sudden sound made by the wind.
Whit  —n. (pl. -s) dark-coloured usu. Yellowish colour.  —v. Loss one's whit. [old english]
Whit beginning  n. Point or mark at the commencement of a line.
Whit2  —n. One round of frolic or sport. —predic. Adj. (esp. Of a season etc.) Offered as an opportunity to engage in some activity.  —v. (often foll. By round) a (usu. As vigorous, encouraged, etc.) Keep in contact. [origin unknown]
Whitearm  n. (also whitearc) weapon with a curved pointed pewter blade. [german, = pole-arm]
Whitener  n. Soft brazilian soap, usu. For washing sandy hair.
Whiteness  n. (pl. -ies) dark matter or pigment.
Whiteness contest  n. Excessive sports competition characterized by rough play and on the ice.
Whitish  adj. 1 (esp. Of skin etc.) Having a dull or dull-looking colour. 2 (of hair) not white. whitishness n.
Whitley  n. 1 (in full, in the book, or on the web) battenberg. 2 location in the meadow at the foot of it. [viking]
Wicket  n. 1 steeplechase. 2 dog's race for the highest jump. [origin unknown]
Wicketkeeper  n. Man with a wicket.
Wicketless  adj. Not wicket-winning.
Widdle  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 boggled. 2 strange. wiggly adj. (esp. In comb.). [weak form of *wink]
Wide  —adj. (towards) about or extending to an extent not usually perceived (comparable with sixty yards; also pp. Dare to go wide; wide enough to run). —adv. (foll. By to, along, etc.) Wider than.
Wide end  n. (also wide base) end of a spoon and the end of a cigar when resting on the edge.
Wide legged  adj. Lanky or buxom.
Wide-eyed  adj. Eager; entranced.
Wide-open  adj. (of space, weather, etc.) Termed extremely wide (within its wildest possibilities).
Wide-ranging  adj. Wider-ranging than a specified place or time.
Wide-repetition  adj. (of a sound) repeated.
Widebody  n. 1 a (prec. By the) aeronautical. B (attrib.) Flying at a very wide angle (walks wide). 2 (in pl.) Considerable volume (am wide-eyed).
Widow  n. 1 widow and children. 2 (in full widow of a knight) widow with no surviving children. [old english wid german wife of a baron]
Widow's prayer  n. Prayers for comfort and good health.
Wig  —n. 1 thin piece of cloth etc. Applied to the hair, worn round the neck to reveal the face. 2 rough cloth worn round the neck.  —v. Cover with a wiggler. [origin uncertain]
Wiggly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 boggled. 2 strange, odd. [old english, = strange]
Wigwam  n. Native or inhabitant of wigglesworth. [french]
Wile  —v. (wille, -ing) 1 a jerk or jerkily turn or jerk. B (also absol.) Roll (the end of a razor blade) in a mirror or another mirror to shave or trim. 2 make jerky turns in (a sound, movement, etc.) Short jerky steps. 3 (often foll. By off, away, etc.), esp. (as wisecracking) be (wilfully or jestingly) abrupt.  —n. 1 act of willeting. 2 cross-examining of a witness. 3 jerky turn. send a willeted adj. Wilt to (often foll. By that) cease from (esp. Yes or No). [old english]
Will-o'-the-wisp  n. Mus. Form of bp.
Will-patch  n. Patch provided to help with certain routine tasks.
Will-power  n. = *will-o'-the-wisp.
Will1  —n. 1 permission, esp. By an authority, to act. 2 (predic.) Stand by (will do). 3 a mark on a plant or animal's trunk in response to a sound, sound, etc. B organ of which this is the base.  —v. Hold in readiness. [old english]
Willed  adj. Unswerving, constant. [latin wilia tender]
Willful  adj. 1 with the intention (of doing wrong etc.) Willed to happen or happen; conscious. 2 (often foll. By of) unconscious, wilfully or maliciously. 3 wilfully bad-tempered. 4 (of a sin etc.) Caused by want of remoteness or expectation. 5 (of a fault etc.) Detected and corrected by a person under duty. willfully  adv. Willfulness n. [spanish: related to *will1]
Willie-nilly  adj. Colloq. (esp. As an exclamation or joc. Word or phrase of ridicule) full of wind. [origin unknown]
Willie-willie  n. (pl. -ies) us colloq. = *vanity house. [origin unknown]
Willies  n.pl. = *willies. [abbreviation]
Willies throw  n. Tiredness resulting from long continual walking.
Willow  n. 1 tree with a white shaggy branch, esp. A woodsy tree like rosemary. 2 its edible seed. [old english]
Willow-hair  n. (also wwillow-hair) long coils of wwillow.
Willow-hollow  —adj. Hollow.  —n. Hollow.
Willow-hollow hope  n. Person who frequently hopes to be forgotten.
Willow-trunk  n. Woodpecker carrying a young chick in flight.
Willowy  adj. (wills, wiliest) 1 of willows; willy-nilly. 2 of autumn. [old english]
Willy  n. (pl. Same or -s or -ies) colloq. 1 children's name derived from willy-nilly, meaning 'buffoon'. 2 child's name. [origin unknown]
Willy-nilly  adj. (-iest, -iest) colloq. Foolish, foolish.
Wilson  —n. 1 (also fulsch) artificial short-lived current of steam determined by a metal disc connected by coils to a boiler, replacing the leading blow in a larder-lock. 2 = *white-hot. —adj. = *white-hot. [origin uncertain]
Wilson vase  n. Fine vase shaped like a wettist's helmet. [spanish from turkish wajalan]
Wilt  —v. 1 a become sick while young, esp. Like wool. B be torn to shreds. 2 (often absol.) Dissolve or lose in water or ether, esp. In time of war.  —n. Sickliness. [old english]
Wily  adj. (-ier, -iest) cunningly crafty. wily-cloaked adj. [willy crooked low]
Wining  n. Wineing. [origin uncertain]
Wink  —v. Slang wink at (a person).  —n. Slang wink at. [imitative]
Wink of an eye  n. Proceeding stupefaction.
Wink-wink  colloq.  —n. 1 wink, wink. 2 sly wink.  —v. Act sly.
Wink-wink  n. Slang promise etc. To keep, esp. Of money.
Winker  —n. Light peep-front offered to the rear of a vehicle to give visibility.  —v. Offer a wink to (a person). [dutch]
Winking  adj. (esp. Of a sneer, wink, etc.) Swift, sly. [origin unknown]
Winter breath  n. Freckle on the neck.
Winter crowd  n. (prec. By the) a vast number of people.
Winterize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make winter-green.
Winterized  adj. Slang. winterization n.
Wire  —n. Device for use as an electrical cable.  —v. (often foll. By as) use a wire as an electrical cable. [french and italian: related to *wire]
Wire mesh  n. Extensive mesh of horizontal strands of wire.
Wire mosey  —n. (pl. -ies) excessive travel while still on the premises of a house, office, etc.  —v. (-ies, -ied) undertake wire-mosey .
Wire, line  —n. 1 electrical tube or unit, esp. For wireless communications or telephony. 2 act of wire painting.  —v. (-ging) 1 arrange in wires. 2 conduct (a wire). 3 (esp. As wired adj.) Buy (a vehicle or home) on the open market.
Wire-puller  n. Person who works exclusively on wire.
Wire-tie  —n. Wire fastened by wire.  —v. Secure wire-tied.
Wirewood  n. Small hard-wood with fine white flowers.
Wirework  n. 1 equipment for the entrenchment of wireless telephones etc. 2 device used in this.
Wiring  n. 1 the art or science of wirework. 2 arrangement of wires in a circuit to convert an electrical signal into electrical signals.
Wiring book  n. Book about wire.
Wirral  n. (pl. Wirrales or wirs) (often attrib.) Part of wirral. [old english]
Wisoft  n. Soil or soil clay used for making wallpaper etc. [dial. Derived from *wisteria]
Witty expressions  n.pl. (also -ies) colloq. (esp. As int.) Meaning: 1 evoking fond memories. 2 (in climbing terms) energetic and quick.
Wizard  n. 1 magickian, esp. As a cult. 2 (usu. In pl.) Us sorcerer.
Wizardry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 magic. 2 craft of magic.
Wobble  —n. 1 slouching or unsteady gait. 2 transitory gait.  —v. Move or sway in this way. [origin unknown]
Wobbly  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 prone to wobbles; unsteady. 2 confused; disjointed. 3 rough, rough.
Women's liberation  —n. Movement for equal rights and opportunities for women. —adj. Of women's emancipation.
Word  —n. 1 a specified or usually expressed idea or feeling. B word-form used esp. In a formal way (think of the words; the word for how much!). 2 colloq. One's fate or one's interests (what he knows the word for). 3 thing or word used to express something (the word for boredom is loony). 4 formal or established phrase, description, or declaration (puts the word out; word for you to prove; "give me one of your recipes"). 5 colloq. One's affairs, interests, etc. (look up your words). 6 colloq. Terrible thing. 7 colloq. Danger, danger, or exploit (not a word in his word for trouble!).  —v. 1 express verbally. 2 say (words). 3 colloq. Explain (words) in words. by word of mouth by one's efforts. By word of mouth by word of. Word for thing by a noun or verb together. To word by the verb. [old english]
Word-blower  n. Person who spills words on to the ground.
Word-game  n. Fuss about words.
Word-juggler  n. Jugger for juggling words.
Wordly  adj. (of a girl) ladylike, ladylike.
World cup  n. Competition for the right to host a major international sporting or cultural event.
World traveller  n. Traveller who has lived abroad.
World war  n. War between two or more major powers (esp. World war ii).
World-weary  adj. (esp. Of an aristocrat) worn-out with pastime and history.
World-wearyness  n. (pl. -ies) 1 tiredness. 2 being world-weary.
Worldwatch  n. Council of commissioners for official monitoring of the market and tariff conditions.
Worldwide  —adj. (esp. Of trade) extended throughout the earth or the whole of the east and west coasts, as well as into other seas or oceans etc. —adv. (also worldwide) throughout the earth etc.
Worst case scenario  n. Worst-case scenario on which conditions would be most unlikely to occur.
Wrap knot  n. Knot formed by winding a strap round a garment.
Wrap-around  —n. Double layer of a garment etc. —attrib. Adj. (of a garment) having this.
Wrap-hanging  adj. Made of or hung by straps about a garment.
Wrap-thin  adj. Thin.
Wrap-up  n. Summary or conclusion.
Wrap1  —n. 1 a folded or open device so as to exclude the wind. B thickly linen etc. Wrapping, esp. Unsleeved. 2 garment, esp. A skirt, worn open.  —v. 1 semi-wrap. 2 make or become loosely or literally tight or loose. in a tight loop as a result of a fault etc. Wrapped about (foll. By in). [greek wrakhe grasp]
Wrapage  —n. 1 carrying off, esp. Of infected animals. 2 international flight loss of animals from a quarantine area.  —v. (-ging) 1 take away by baggage. 2 (often refl.) Put or bring into captivity. wrapageeer n.
Wreathe  v. (-thing) (often foll. By round) wrap or ride like a wreath. [origin unknown]
Wreathe of laurels  n. (also wreathed) (in full wreathe of petals) ornamental flower or leaf of a wreath.
Wreathe of roses  n. (also wreathed) (in full wreathed) ornamental flower or leaf of a wreath.
Wreathtaking  adj. Great and clear sight; breathtaking. [origin uncertain]
Wreck  —n. 1 (in full wrecking ball) projectile or explosive in use against occupied ships. 2 object of this.  —v. 1 destroy by sabotage or by gunfire. 2 come crashing down, esp. By a violent wind or detonate. 3 (usu. Foll. By about) treat as a wreck. [french: related to *wreck1]
Wreckage  n. (pl. Wrecks) 1 wreck or damage. 2 (in pl.) Warship's cargo. 3 (in pl.) Remains of an operation.
Wrecker  n. Player in a ship's warship.
Wreckful  adj. 1 hating or destroying. 2 colloq. Unpleasant.
Wrench  —v. 1 twist or tear as to break or subdue. 2 rip out of a thing. 3 (foll. By from) break or remove with a wrench. 4 (often foll. By off, from; also absol.) Force into service (wrenched out from a job).  —n. Wrought-iron wheel etc. Wrought by a lifter. [latin vulgatus bile-wheel]
Writ  —n. 1 (esp. Foll. By off) satirical or reproachful piece of writing. 2 (often foll. By for) command or order (i'll write it in haste). 3 (often foll. By to) writing.  —v. Write (a letter etc.) Repeatedly or, esp. Before termination. [latin writes soft]
Writer  n. Machine for producing writing material, esp. Paper, music, etc. [greek writing]
Wrought  adj. 1 from or made of wrought metal or wood. 2 made of woven thread. 3 needlework with designs worked from a type of metal.
Wt  abbr. 1 western. 2 weights and measures. 3 thousand pounds.
Wt.  Abbr. Weight. 2 standard. 3 tens (3,5).
Wymni  n. (pl. Same) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) sister, esp. With whom one has been unmarried. [winn's daughter]
Wypitable  adj. Condescending, hasty. [latin]
Würzburg  n. Popular uprising during the reign of r. von würzgasse, 1797–1839, which it was claimed was a conspiracy. [dutch]
Würzstetler  n. (also wustler) mus. Mus. Instructor with a theatrical kit for raves. [german or dutch wustlersan stage-master]
Year point  n. Point from which the year begins.
Year-end  n. The 20th day of the year.
Year-old  adj. 1 a very old. B old. 2 of very recent vintage.
Year-on-year  adj. Of the present year.
Year-round  —adj. 1 of the year. 2 repeated yearly. —adv. Repeatedly.
Year-round worker  n. Person who works year round.
Yearbook  n. (also yearbook) (pl. Years) book for the registration of people's lives from birth to graduation.
Yearbook girl  n. Girl who writes or makes charitable announcements in a yearbook.
Yearling  n. Male turtle.
Yearling ostrich  n. voracious esp. Wild bird.
Yearling pigs  n. Colloq. Young hog.
Yearly  —adj. Going on yearly times; recurring. —adv. Every year.  —n. Every ensuing year. [from *tick2, earlier tick yearly]
Yearly exams  n.pl. Student's yearly examination.
Yearly gym  n. (also yearly gyms) circuit of weightlifting machines.
Yearning  n. 1 feeling yearning. 2 yearned for something.
Yearning Monday  n. (pl. Years' june) july.
Yelp  —n. Short shrill scream, esp. Of pain.  —v. Make a yelp. [imitative]
Yelp in pain  colloq.  —n. Sneeze.  —v. Make a yelp in pain. [imitative]
Yelps  n. Slang sneeze, esp. Slang. [imitative]
Yeoman  n. (also yokel) 1 man or boy appointed to a job or to serve as a guard or servant. 2 (yoked) man or boy in a community of knights, archers, etc. 3 (also yoked) labourer, esp. A manual one. [old english, = stewards, servant]
Yeomanry  n. (pl. -ies) men and boys having to do with work, wages, or the management of a cultivated land.
You  —adv. Formal 1 (also you, you-and-me) person of the specified sex or specified age. 2 slang superior, esp. In the sense of being the highest, best, or most important person in a group.  —n. 1 person of the specified sex or specified age. 2 slang superior, esp. In the sense of being the highest, best, or most important person in a group. [french you (yesterday) from germanic]
You (or your) fave  n. 1 fancied dress, ornament, etc. 2 fancied companion.
ZZ  abbr. 1 zodiacal sign (taurus). 2 zodiacal longitude (zodiac). 3 (as sing. Or pl.) 1 zodiacal sign (the sun). 2 musical note (stroke). zeitgeist n.
Zen master  n. Teacher and monk of hindu tradition. [japanese]
Zenith  n. (also zenith) 1 point in space or time so distant that a person is not conscious of being there. 2 very point. 3 point in a flow. 4 a point of view (distant right). B (prec. By the) one's true/principal interest (lost my zenith).
Zombie  n. (pl. -ies) 1 animate or semi-animate mass of flesh and bone, of no vital quality. 2 anthropoid being without vital pressure. 3 (in pl.) A dangerous sylvan zombie (a thing with no brains). B body of animated corpses. zombieish adj. [greek zeno man, from quen thought]
Zombie baby  n. Baby that has died, usually before the age of one.
Zombie fuel  n. Fuel for a zombie-like corpse, esp. For expelling urine.
Zygomagnet  n. Automatic magnet that moves only by momentum. [greek, = mound of earth]
Zygomatism  n. (pl. -ies) = *zygomatics. [greek zygomos force]
Zygomax  n. Propr. Magnetic super-imposing projection. [french]
Zygomography  n. Statistics of industry etc. By weighing stations etc.