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<hw>A (1)</hw> \K/eI/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Ba)\b \I(pl.\i \BAs\b or \BA's)\b\p\B1\b the first letter of the alphabet.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i the sixth note of the diatonic scale of C major.\p\B3\b the first hypothetical person or example.\p\B4\b the highest class or category (of roads, academic marks, etc.).\p\B5\b (usu. \Ba)\b \IAlgebra\i the first known quantity.\p\B6\b \IPhysiol\i a human blood type of the ABO system.\p\1from A to B\c from one place to another \3(a means of getting from A to B).\c\p\1from A to Z\c over the entire range; completely.\Kidm A1/Aa1, 2 etc. denested Apr 94\k
<hw>A (3)</hw> \K/eI/\k \Isymb.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysics\i ampere(s).\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \Ihist.\i (of films) classified as suitable for an adult audience but not necessarily for children.
<hw>┼</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IPhysics\i σngstr÷m(s).
<hw>a (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n/, /eI/\k \Idet.\i (also \Ban\b before a vowel) \I(called \Bthe indefinite article)\b\i\p\B1\b one, some, any (used when referring to something for the first time in a text or conversation) \I(cf.\i \J\Xthe\x).\j\p\B2\b one like \3(a Judas).\c\p\B3\b one single \3(not a thing in sight).\c\p\B4\b the same \3(all of a size).\c\p\B5\b in, to, or for each \3(twice a year;\c \2ú20 a man;\c \2seven a side).\c \BEtymology:\b \3weakening of Old English \Ian\i 'one'; sense 5 originally = \J\Xa\x (2)\j\c See Usage Note at \J\Xan\x.\j
<hw>a (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Iprep.\i \I(usu. as \Bprefix)\b\i\p\B1\b to, towards \3(ashore;\c \2aside).\c\p\B2\b \I(with verb in pres. part. or infin.)\i in the process of; in a specified state \3(a-hunting;\c \2a-wandering;\c \2abuzz;\c \2aflutter).\c\p\B3\b on \3(afire;\c \2afoot).\c\p\B4\b in \3(nowadays).\c \BEtymology:\b \3weakening of Old English prep. \Ian,\i \Ion\i (see \J\Xon\x)\j\c
<hw>a (3)</hw> \Iabbr.\i (also \Ba.)\b\p\B1\b arrives.\p\B2\b before. \BEtymology:\b \3sense 2 from Latin \Iante\i\c
<hw>a- (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n/, /eI/, /a/\k \Iprefix\i not, without \3(amoral;\c \2agnostic;\c \2apetalous).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ia-,\i or Latin from Greek, or French via Latin from Greek\c
<hw>a- (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Iprefix\i implying motion onward or away, adding intensity to verbs of motion \3(arise;\c \2awake).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ia-,\i originally \Iar-\i\c
<hw>a- (3)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Iprefix\i to, at, or into a state \3(adroit;\c \2agree;\c \2amass;\c \2avenge).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Ia-\i (= Old French prefix \Ia-),\i from Latin \Iad-\i 'to, at': in later words sometimes via French\c
<hw>a- (4)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Iprefix\i\p\B1\b from, away \3(abridge).\c\p\B2\b of \3(akin;\c \2anew).\c\p\B3\b out, utterly \3(abash;\c \2affray).\c\p\B4\b in, on, engaged in, etc. (see \J\Xa\x (2)).\j \BEtymology:\b \3sense 1 from Middle English \Ia-,\i Old French \Ia-,\i from Latin \Iab;\i sense 2 from Middle English \Ia-,\i from Old English \Iof\i \I(prep.);\i sense 3 from Middle English, Anglo-French \Ia-\i = Old French \Ie-,\i \Ies-,\i from Latin \Iex\i\c
<hw>a- (5)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \Isc,\i \Isp,\i \Ist.\i
<hw>-a (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns from Greek, Latin, and Romanic feminine singular, esp.:\p\B1\b \IZool Bot\i ancient or Latinized modern names of animals and plants \3(amoeba;\c \2campanula).\c\p\B2\b \IChem\i oxides \3(alumina).\c\p\B3\b \IGeog\i geographical names \3(Africa).\c\p\B4\b ancient or Latinized modern feminine names \3(Lydia;\c \2Hilda).\c
<hw>-a (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i \IZool\i forming plural nouns from Greek and Latin neuter plural, esp. corresponding to a singular in \I-um\i or \I-on\i \3(addenda;\c \2phenomena),\c and in names (often from modern Latin) of zoological groups \3(Carnivora).\c
<hw>-a (3)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b of \3(kinda;\c \2coupla).\c\p\B2\b have \3(mighta;\c \2coulda).\c\p\B3\b to \3(oughta).\c
<hw>A1</hw> \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\INaut.\i a first-class vessel in Lloyd's Register of Shipping. \Iadj.\i \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b excellent; first-rate.\p\B2\b fit; in excellent health.\Kdenested and sense 2 added f. corpus Apr 94\k
<hw>A3</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPrinting\i\p\B1\b a standard European size of paper, 420 ╫ 297 mm.\p\B2\b paper of this size \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2A3 sheets).\c\Kdenested and expanded Apr 94\k
<hw>A4</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPrinting\i\p\B1\b a standard European size of paper, 210 ╫ 297 mm.\p\B2\b paper of this size \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2A4 sketchpad).\c\Kdenested and expanded Apr 94\k
<hw>A5</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPrinting\i\p\B1\b a standard European size of paper, 210 ╫ 148 mm.\p\B2\b paper of this size \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2A5 pages).\c\Kdenested and expanded Apr 94\k
<hw>AA</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IMotoring\i (in the UK) Automobile Association.\p\B2\b \IDrink\i Alcoholics Anonymous.\p\B3\b \IMil.\i anti-aircraft.\p\B4\b \BBrit.\b \Ihist.\i (of films) classified as suitable for persons of over 14 years.
<hw>aa</hw> \K/"A:A:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i lava forming very rough, jagged, light-textured masses \I(cf.\i \J\Xpahoehoe\x).\j\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Hawaiian \I'a-'a\i\c
<hw>AAA</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \ISport\i (in the UK) Amateur Athletic Association.\p\B2\b \IMotoring\i American Automobile Association.\p\B3\b \IMotoring\i Australian Automobile Association.
<hw>A. & M.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IRelig\i (Hymns) Ancient and Modern.
<hw>A. & R.</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \ITheatr\i artists and recording.\p\B2\b artists and repertoire.
<hw>aardvark</hw> \K/"A:dvA:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a nocturnal mammal of southern Africa, Orycteropus afer, with a tubular snout and a long extensible tongue, that feeds on termites. \IAlso called\i \Iant-bear,\i \Iearth-pig.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans from \Iaarde\i 'earth' + \Ivark\i 'pig'\c
<hw>aardwolf</hw> \K/"A:dwUlf/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baardwolves\b \K/-wUlvz/\k) \IZool\i an African mammal, Proteles cristatus, of the hyena family, with grey fur and black stripes, that feeds on insects. \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans from \Iaarde\i 'earth' + \Iwolf\i 'wolf'\c
<hw>Aaron's beard</hw> \K/"E:r(\F'\n)nz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of several plants, esp. rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum). \BEtymology:\b \3with reference to Ps. 133:2\c
<hw>Aaron's rod</hw> \K/"E:r(\F'\n)nz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of several tall plants, esp. the great mullein (Verbascum thapsus). \BEtymology:\b \3with reference to Num. 17:8\c
<hw>A'asia</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Australasia.
<hw>aasvogel</hw> \K/"A:sf\F'\nUg(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\BS.Afr.\b \IZool\i a vulture. \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans from \Iaas\i 'carrion' + \Ivogel\i 'bird'\c
<hw>AAU</hw> \Iabbr.\i \ISport\i (in the US) Amateur Athletic Union.
<hw>AB (1)</hw> \p\In.\i\p\IPhysiol\i a human blood type of the ABO system.
<hw>AB (2)</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \INaut\i able rating or seaman.\p\B2\b \BUS\b Bachelor of Arts. \BEtymology:\b \3sense 1 from \Iable-bodied;\i sense 2 from Latin \IArtium Baccalaureus\i\c
<hw>Ab</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IBiol.\i antibody.\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k
<hw>ab-</hw> \K/\F'\nb/, /ab/\k \Iprefix\i off, away, from \3(abduct;\c \2abnormal;\c \2abuse).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French or Latin\c
<hw>abaca</hw> \K/"ab\F'\nk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b Manila hemp.\p\B2\b the plant, Musa textilis, yielding this. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish \Iabacß\i\c
<hw>aback</hw> \K/\F'\n"bak/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \Iarchaic\i backwards, behind.\p\B2\b \INaut.\i (of a sail) pressed against the mast by a headwind.\p\1take aback\c\p\B1\b surprise, disconcert \3(your request took me aback;\c \2I was greatly taken aback by the news).\c\p\B2\b (as \Btaken aback\b \Iadj.)\i \INaut\i (of a ship) with the sails pressed against the mast by a headwind. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ion bµc\i (as \J\Xa\x (2),\j \J\Xback\x)\j\c
<hw>abacus</hw> \K/"ab\F'\nk\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Babacuses)\b\p\B1\b \IMath\i an oblong frame with rows of wires or grooves along which beads are slid, used for calculating.\p\B2\b \IArchit.\i the flat slab on top of a capital, supporting the architrave. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin via Greek \Iabax abakos\i 'slab, drawing board' originally in the sense 'a board strewn with sand, for writing on', from Hebrew '\Iabak\i 'dust'\c
<hw>abaft</hw> \K/\F'\n"bA:ft/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \INaut.\i \Iadv.\i in the stern half of a ship. \Iprep.\i nearer the stern than; aft of. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \I-baft\i from Old English \Ibeµftan\i from \Ibe\i \J\Xby\x\j + \Iµftan\i 'behind'\c
<hw>abalone</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"l\F'\nUni/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a mollusc of the genus \IHaliotis,\i with a shallow ear-shaped shell having respiratory holes, and lined with mother-of-pearl, e.g. the ormer. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin American Spanish \Iabul≤n,\i from Shoshonean \Iaulun\i\c
<hw>abandon</hw> \K/\F'\n"band(\F'\n)n/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b give up completely or before completion \3(abandoned hope;\c \2abandoned the game).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b forsake or desert (a person or a post of responsibility). \Bb\b leave or desert (a motor vehicle, ship, building, etc.).\p\B3\b \Ba\b give up to another's control or mercy. \Bb\b \Irefl.\i yield oneself completely to a passion or impulse.\p\In.\i\plack of inhibition or restraint; reckless freedom of manner. \Kabandoner omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k\Babandonment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, in the sense 'bring under control', from Old French \Iabandoner\i from \Iα bandon\i 'under control', ultimately from Late Latin \Ibannus,\i \I-um\i \J\Xban\x\j\c
<hw>abandoned</hw> \K/\F'\n"band(\F'\n)nd/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b (of a person or animal) deserted, forsaken \3(an abandoned child).\c \Bb\b (of a building, vehicle, etc.) left empty or unused \3(an abandoned cottage;\c \2an abandoned ship).\c\p\B2\b (of a person or behaviour) unrestrained, profligate.
<hw>abase</hw> \K/\F'\n"beIs/\k \Iv.tr. & refl.\i humiliate or degrade (another person or oneself). \Babasement\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iabaissier\i (as \J\Xa-\x (3),\j \Ibaissier\i 'to lower', ultimately from Late Latin \Ibassus\i 'short of stature'): influenced by \J\Xbase\x (2)\j\c
<hw>abash</hw> \K/\F'\n"baS/\k \Iv.tr.\i (usu. as \Babashed\b \Iadj.)\i embarrass, disconcert. \Babashment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iesba∩r\i \I(es-\i = \J\Xa-\x (4) 3,\j \Iba∩r\i 'astound' or \Ibaer\i 'yawn')\c
<hw>abate</hw> \K/\F'\n"beIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i make or become less strong, severe, intense, etc.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \ILaw\i \Ba\b quash (a writ or action). \Bb\b put an end to (a nuisance). \Babatement\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iabatre\i from Romanic (as \J\Xa-\x (3),\j Latin \Ibatt(u)ere\i 'beat')\c
<hw>abatis</hw> \K/"ab\F'\ntIs/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Babattis)\b \I(pl.\i same or \Babatises,\b \Babattises)\b \IMil\i \Ihist.\i a defence made of felled trees with the boughs pointing outwards.\Kabatised omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French from Old French \Iabatre\i 'fell': see \J\Xabate\x\j\c
<hw>abaxial</hw> \K/ab"aksI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i facing away from the stem of a plant, esp. designating the lower surface of a leaf \I(cf.\i \J\Xadaxial\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xab-\x\j + \J\Xaxial\x\j\c
<hw>abaya</hw> \K/\F'\n"beIj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IClothing Anthropol\i a sleeveless outer garment worn by Arabs.\Kvariants aba, abba omitted Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic \I'aba'\i\c
<hw>abbacy</hw> \K/"ab\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IRelig\i the office, jurisdiction, or period of office of an abbot or abbess. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from ecclesiastical Latin \Iabbacia,\i from \Iabbat-\i \J\Xabbot\x\j\c
<hw>Abbasid</hw> \K/\F'\n"basId/, /"ab\F'\nsId/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPeople\i\p\In.\i\pa member of a dynasty of caliphs ruling in Baghdad 750-1258. \Iadj.\i of this dynasty. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAbbas,\i Muhammad's uncle d. 652\c
<hw>abbatial</hw> \K/\F'\n"beIS(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i of an abbey, abbot, or abbess. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabbatial\i or medieval Latin \Iabbatialis\i (as \J\Xabbot\x)\j\c
<hw>abbΘ</hw> \K/"abeI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i (in France) an abbot; a man entitled to wear ecclesiastical dress. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from ecclesiastical Latin \Iabbas abbatis\i \J\Xabbot\x\j\c
<hw>abbess</hw> \K/"abEs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a woman who is the head of certain communities of nuns. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iabbesse\i from ecclesiastical Latin \Iabbatissa\i (as \J\Xabbot\x)\j\c
<hw>Abbevillian</hw> \K/ab"vIlI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IArchaeol\i\p\In.\i\pthe culture of the earliest palaeolithic period in Europe. \Iadj.\i of this culture. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IAbbevillien\i from \IAbbeville\i in N. France, where tools from this period were discovered\c
<hw>abbey</hw> \K/"abi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-eys)\b \IRelig\i\p\B1\b the building(s) occupied by a community of monks or nuns.\p\B2\b the community itself.\p\B3\b a church or house that was once an abbey. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iab(b)e∩e\i from medieval Latin \Iabbatia\i \J\Xabbacy\x\j\c
<hw>abbot</hw> \K/"ab\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a man who is the head of an abbey of monks. \Babbotship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iabbod\i via ecclesiastical Latin \Iabbas -atis\i from Greek \Iabbas\i 'father', from Aramaic '\Iabba\i\c
<hw>abbreviate</hw> \K/\F'\n"bri:vIeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i shorten, esp. represent (a word etc.) by a part of it. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Late Latin \Iabbreviare\i 'shorten' from Latin \Ibrevis\i 'short': cf. \J\Xabridge\x\j\c
<hw>abbreviation</hw> \K/\F'\nbri:vI"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGram. etc.\i\p\B1\b an abbreviated form, esp. a shortened form of a word or phrase.\p\B2\b the process or result of abbreviating.
<hw>ABC (1)</hw> \p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ILinguistics\i the alphabet.\p\B2\b the rudiments of any subject.\p\B3\b an alphabetical guide.
<hw>ABC (2)</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IBroadcasting\i\p\B1\b Australian Broadcasting Corporation.\p\B2\b American Broadcasting Company.
<hw>abdicate</hw> \K/"abdIkeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. \Babsol.)\b\i \IPolit\i give up or renounce (the throne).\p\B2\b renounce (a responsibility, duty, etc.). \Babdication\b \K/-"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Babdicator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabdicare abdicat-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Idicare\i 'declare')\c
<hw>abdomen</hw> \K/"abd\F'\nm\F'\nn/, /ab"d\F'\nUm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i the part of the body containing the stomach, bowels, reproductive organs, etc.\p\B2\b \IZool.\i the hinder part of an insect, crustacean, spider, etc. \Babdominal\b \K/ab"dQmIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\K-minally omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>abduct</hw> \K/\F'\nb"dVkt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \ILaw etc.\i carry off or kidnap (a person) illegally by force or deception.\p\B2\b \IAnat\i (of a muscle etc.) draw (a limb etc.) away from the midline of the body. \Babduction\b\p\In.\i\p\Babductor\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabducere abduct-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iducere\i 'draw')\c
<hw>abeam</hw> \K/\F'\n"bi:m/\k \Iadv.\i \INaut Aeron\i\p\B1\b on a line at right angles to a ship's or an aircraft's length.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i opposite the middle of (a ship etc.). \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xbeam\x\j\c
<hw>abed</hw> \K/\F'\n"bEd/\k \Iadv.\i \Iarchaic\i in bed. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English (as \J\Xa\x (2),\j \J\Xbed\x)\j\c
<hw>abele</hw> \K/\F'\n"bi:l/, /"eIb(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the white poplar, Populus alba. \BEtymology:\b \3Dutch \Iabeel\i from Old French \Iabel,\i \Iaubel,\i ultimately from Latin \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>abelia</hw> \K/\F'\n"bi:lI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a hardy evergreen shrub of the genus \IAbelia\i (honeysuckle family).\Knew f. NSOED, OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3C. \IAbel,\i English botanist d. 1826\c
<hw>abelian</hw> \K/\F'\n"bi:lI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \IMath.\i (of a group) having members related by a commutative operation (i.e. \Ia\i * \Ib\i = \Ib\i * \Ia).\i\Knew f. OERD Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3named after Niels H. \IAbel,\i Norwegian mathematician d. 1829\c
<hw>Aberdeen Angus</hw> \K/%ab\F'\ndi:n "aNg\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b an animal of a Scottish breed of hornless black beef cattle.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAberdeenshire\i and \IAngus,\i former Scottish counties, where the breed originated\c
<hw>Aberdonian</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"d\F'\nUnI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i of Aberdeen.\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i a native or citizen of Aberdeen. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \IAberdonia\i\c
<hw>aberrant</hw> \K/\F'\n"bEr(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Iesp. Biol.\i diverging from the normal type.\p\B2\b departing from an accepted standard. \Baberrance\b\p\In.\i\p\Baberrancy\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaberrare aberrant-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ierrare\i 'stray')\c
<hw>aberration</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a departure from what is normal or accepted or regarded as right.\p\B2\b a moral or mental lapse.\p\B3\b \IBiol.\i deviation from a normal type.\p\B4\b \IOptics\i the failure of rays to converge at one focus because of a defect in a lens or mirror.\p\B5\b \IAstron.\i the apparent displacement of a celestial object from its true position caused by the observer's relative motion. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaberratio\i (as \J\Xaberrant\x)\j\c
<hw>abet</hw> \K/\F'\n"bEt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(abetted,\b \Babetting)\b (usu. in \Baid and abet)\b encourage or assist (an offender or offence). \Babetment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Iabeter\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ibeter\i \J\Xbait\x\j\c
<hw>abetter</hw> \K/\F'\n"bEt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Babettor)\b a person who abets.
<hw>abeyance</hw> \K/\F'\n"beI\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. prec. by \Bin,\b \Binto)\b\i a state of temporary disuse or suspension. \Babeyant\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French \Iabeiance,\i from Old French \Iabeer,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ibeer,\i from medieval Latin \Ibatare\i 'gape'\c
<hw>ABH</hw> \Iabbr.\i \ILaw\i actual bodily harm.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>abhor</hw> \K/\F'\nb"hO:/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(abhorred,\b \Babhorring)\b detest; regard with disgust and hatred. \Babhorrer\b\p\In.\i\p\K-rer moved here from abhorrent Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from French \Iabhorrer\i or from Latin \Iabhorrere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ihorrere\i 'shudder')\c
<hw>abhorrence</hw> \K/\F'\nb"hQr(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b disgust; detestation.\p\B2\b a detested thing.
<hw>abhorrent</hw> \K/\F'\nb"hQr(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i (of conduct etc.) inspiring disgust; repugnant, hateful, detestable.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i not in accordance with; strongly conflicting with \3(abhorrent to the spirit of the law).\c\Ksense 3 omitted Dec 93\k
<hw>abide</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVId/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\I(past\i and \Ipast part.\i \Babided\b or rarely \Babode\b \K/\F'\n"b\F'\nUd/\k)\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. in \Bneg.\b or \Binterrog.)\b\i tolerate, endure \3(can't abide him).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bby)\b\i \Ba\b act in accordance with \3(abide by the rules).\c \Bb\b remain faithful to (a promise).\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \Iarchaic\i \Ba\b remain, continue. \Bb\b dwell.\Ksense sustain, endure omitted Dec 93\k \Babidance\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iabidan\i (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \Ibidan\i \J\Xbide\x)\j\c
<hw>abiding</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVIdIN/\k \Iadj.\i enduring, permanent \3(an abiding sense of loss).\c \Babidingly\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>ability</hw> \K/\F'\n"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i capacity or power \3(has the ability to write songs).\c\p\B2\b cleverness, talent; mental power \3(a person of great ability;\c \2has many abilities).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iablete\i from Latin \Ihabilitas -tatis,\i from \Ihabilis\i 'able'\c
<hw>-ability</hw> \K/\F'\n"bIlIti/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns of quality from, or corresponding to, adjectives in \I-able\i \3(capability;\c \2vulnerability).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-abilitΘ\i or Latin \I-abilitas:\i cf. \J\X-ity\x\j\c
\B\Iab initio\b\i \K/ab I"nISI\F'\nU/\k \Iadv.\i from the beginning. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>abiogenesis</hw> \K/%eIbVI\F'\n"dZEnIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i\p\B1\b the formation of organic matter without the action of living organisms.\p\B2\b the supposed spontaneous generation of living organisms. \Babiogenic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Ibios\i 'life' + \J\Xgenesis\x\j\c
<hw>abiotic</hw> \K/eIbVI"QtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol\i inanimate, non-living, not of a biological nature. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \J\Xbiotic\x\j\c\Knew f. NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>abject</hw> \K/"abdZEkt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b miserable, wretched.\p\B2\b degraded, self-abasing, humble.\p\B3\b despicable. \Babjectly\b \Iadv.\i \Babjectness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iabjectus,\i past part. of \Iabicere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ijacere\i 'throw')\c
<hw>abjection</hw> \K/ab"dZEkS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pa state of misery or degradation. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iabjection\i or Latin \Iabjectio\i (as \J\Xabject\x)\j\c
<hw>abjure</hw> \K/\F'\nb"dZU\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i \ILaw\i\p\B1\b renounce on oath (an opinion, cause, claim, etc.).\p\B2\b swear perpetual absence from (one's country etc.). \Babjuration\b \K/abdZU"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabjurare\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ijurare\i 'swear')\c
<hw>Abkhazian</hw> \K/\F'\nb"kA:zI\F'\nn/, /\F'\nb"keIzj\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a native or inhabitant of Abkhazia, an autonomous republic in NW Georgia.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the Caucasian language of Abkhazia. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Abkhazia, its people, or its language.\Knew f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>ablation</hw> \K/\F'\n"bleIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ISurgery\i the surgical removal of body tissue.\p\B2\b \IGeol.\i the wasting or erosion of a glacier, iceberg, or rock by melting or the action of water.\p\B3\b \IAstron.\i the loss of surface material from a spacecraft, meteorite, etc. through evaporation or melting caused by friction with the atmosphere. \Bablate\b \Iv.tr.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iablation\i or Late Latin \Iablatio,\i from Latin \Iablat-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ilat-,\i past part. stem of \Iferre\i 'carry')\c
<hw>ablative</hw> \K/"abl\F'\ntIv/\k \In. & adj.\i \IGram.\i\p\In.\i\pthe case (esp. in Latin) of nouns and pronouns (and words in grammatical agreement with them) indicating an agent, instrument, or location. \Iadj.\i of or in the ablative. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iablatif -ive\i or Latin \Iablativus\i (as \J\Xablation\x)\j\c
<hw>ablative absolute</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGram\i an absolute construction in Latin with a noun and participle or adjective in the ablative case (see \J\Xabsolute\x \Iadj.\i 5).\j
<hw>ablaut</hw> \K/"ablaUt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhonet\i a change of vowel in related words or forms, esp. in Indo-European languages, arising from differences of accent and stress in the parent language, e.g. in \Ising,\i \Isang,\i \Isung.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German, from \Iab\i 'off' + \ILaut\i 'sound'\c
<hw>ablaze</hw> \K/\F'\n"bleIz/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i\p\B1\b on fire \3(set it ablaze;\c \2the house was ablaze).\c\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i glittering, glowing, radiant.\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i greatly excited.
<hw>able</hw> \K/"eIb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \B(abler,\b \Bablest)\b\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto\b + infin.;\i \Iused esp. in \Bis able,\b \Bwill be able,\b \Bwas able,\b etc., replacing tenses of \Bcan)\b\i having the capacity or power \3(was not able to come).\c\p\B2\b having great ability; clever, skilful. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ihable,\i \Iable\i from Latin \Ihabilis\i 'handy', from \Ihabere\i 'hold'\c
<hw>-able</hw> \K/\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives meaning:\p\B1\b that may or must be \3(eatable;\c \2forgivable;\c \2payable).\c\p\B2\b that can be made the subject of \3(dutiable;\c \2objectionable).\c\p\B3\b that is relevant to or in accordance with \3(fashionable;\c \2seasonable).\c\p\B4\b \I(with active sense, in earlier word-formations)\i that may \3(comfortable;\c \2suitable).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-able,\i or Latin \I-abilis\i forming verbal adjectives from verbs of first conjugation\c
<hw>able-bodied</hw> \Iadj.\i fit, healthy.
<hw>able-bodied rating</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bable-bodied seaman)\b \INaut.\i a rating able to perform all duties.
<hw>abled</hw> \K/"eIb(\F'\n)ld/\k \Iadj.\i having a full range of physical or mental abilities; able-bodied.\Knew in COD9 f. ODNW Jul 93\k
<hw>ableism</hw> \K/"eIblIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bablism)\b discrimination in favour of able-bodied people.\Knew in COD9 f. ODNW Jul 93\k
<hw>able rating</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bable seaman)\b \INaut.\i = \J\Xable-bodied rating\x.\j\Knew to correspond with AB (2)\k
<hw>abloom</hw> \K/\F'\n"blu:m/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i blooming; in flower.
<hw>ablution</hw> \K/\F'\n"blu:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i the ceremonial washing of parts of the body or of sacred vessels etc.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i the ordinary washing of the body.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b a building containing washing places etc. in a camp, ship, etc. \Bablutionary\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iablution\i or Latin \Iablutio\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ilutio\i from \Iluere lut-\i 'wash')\c
<hw>abnegate</hw> \K/"abnIgeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b give up or deny oneself (a pleasure etc.).\p\B2\b renounce or reject (a right or belief). \Babnegator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabnegare abnegat-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Inegare\i 'deny')\c
<hw>abnegation</hw> \K/abnI"geIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b denial; the rejection or renunciation of a doctrine.\p\B2\b = \J\Xself-denial\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iabnegation\i or Late Latin \Iabnegatio\i (as \J\Xabnegate\x)\j\c
<hw>abnormal</hw> \K/\F'\nb"nO:m(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b deviating from what is normal or usual; exceptional.\p\B2\b relating to or dealing with what is abnormal \3(abnormal psychology).\c \Babnormally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Ianormal,\i \Ianomal,\i via French from Greek \Ianomalos\i \J\Xanomalous\x,\j associated with Latin \Iabnormis\i 'abnormality, monstrosity'\c
<hw>abnormality</hw> \K/abnO:"malIti/, /-n\F'\n"malIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b an abnormal quality, occurrence, etc. \Bb\b the state of being abnormal.\p\B2\b a physical irregularity.
<hw>aboard</hw> \K/\F'\n"bO:d/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \ITransport\i\p\B1\b on or into (a ship, aircraft, train, etc.).\p\B2\b alongside.\p\1all aboard!\c a call that warns of the imminent departure of a ship, train, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xboard\x\j and French \Iα bord\i\c
<hw>abode (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n"b\F'\nUd/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b habitual residence; a house or home.\p\B2\b \Iarchaic\i a stay or sojourn. \BEtymology:\b \3verbal noun of \J\Xabide\x:\j cf. \Iride,\i \Irode,\i \Iroad\i\c
<hw>abode (2)</hw> \I\Ipast\i of\i \J\Xabide\x.\j
<hw>abolish</hw> \K/\F'\n"bQlIS/\k \Iv.tr.\i put an end to the existence or practice of (esp. a custom or institution). \Babolishable\b \Iadj.\i \Babolisher\b\p\In.\i\p\Babolishment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \Iabolir\i from Latin \Iabolere\i 'destroy'\c
<hw>abolition</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"lIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of abolishing or being abolished.\p\B2\b an instance of this. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabolition\i or Latin \Iabolitio\i (as \J\Xabolish\x)\j\c
<hw>abolitionist</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"lIS(\F'\n)nIst/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who favours the abolition of a practice or institution, esp. of capital punishment or (formerly) of slavery. \Babolitionism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>abomasum</hw> \K/ab\F'\nU"meIs\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Babomasa\b \K/-s\F'\n/\k) \IZool Anat\i the fourth stomach of a ruminant. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from \J\Xab-\x\j + \J\Xomasum\x\j\c
<hw>abominable</hw> \K/\F'\n"bQm(\F'\n)n\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b detestable; loathsome; morally reprehensible.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i very bad or unpleasant \3(abominable weather).\c \Babominably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iabominabilis,\i from \Iabominari\i 'deprecate' (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iominari\i from \J\Xomen\x)\j\c
<hw>Abominable Snowman</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i an unidentified manlike or bearlike animal said to exist in the Himalayas; a yeti.
<hw>abomination</hw> \K/\F'\nbQmI"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an object of disgust.\p\B2\b an odious or degrading habit or act.\p\B3\b loathing. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French (as \J\Xabominate\x)\j\c
<hw>aboral</hw> \K/ab"O:r(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool Anat\i furthest from or opposite the mouth. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xab-\x\j + \J\Xoral\x\j\c
<hw>aboriginal</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"rIdZIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IAnthropol People\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of races and natural phenomena) inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists.\p\B2\b \B(Aboriginal)\b of the Australian Aboriginals or their languages.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an aboriginal inhabitant.\p\B2\b \B(Aboriginal)\b = \J\Xaborigine\x 2.\j\p\B3\b \B(Aboriginal)\b \ILanguage\i any of the Australian Aboriginal languages.\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k\Kaboriginally omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xaborigine\x\j + \J\X-al\x\j\c With reference to indigenous Australians, some people prefer \IAborigine\i and others \IAboriginal\i as the noun. The adjective is always \IAboriginal.\i
<hw>aborigine</hw> \K/ab\F'\n"rIdZIni:/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IAnthropol People\i\p\B1\b an aboriginal inhabitant.\p\B2\b \B(Aborigine)\b an aboriginal inhabitant of Australia.\p\B3\b an aboriginal plant or animal. \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from pl. \Iaborigines\i from Latin, probably from the phrase \Iab origine\i 'from the beginning'\c See Usage Note at \J\Xaboriginal\x.\j
<hw>aborning</hw> \K/\F'\n"bO:nIN/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Iadv.\i (esp. in phr. \Bdie aborning)\b while being born or produced. \Ipredic. adj.\i being born or produced.\Knew f. SOED, K. Barber Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (4) 4\j + \Iborning\i verbal noun from \Iborn\i 'be born'\c
<hw>abort</hw> \K/\F'\n"bO:t/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \IMed\i \Ba\b (of a woman) undergo abortion; miscarry. \Bb\b (of a foetus) suffer abortion.\p\B2\b \IMed\i \Itr.\i \Ba\b effect the abortion of (a foetus). \Bb\b effect abortion in (a mother).\p\B3\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i cause to end fruitlessly or prematurely; stop in the early stages. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i end unsuccessfully or prematurely.\p\B4\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i abandon or terminate (a space flight or other technical project) before its completion, usu. because of a fault. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i terminate or fail to complete such an undertaking.\p\B5\b \IBiol.\i \Ba\b \Iintr.\i (of an organ or embryo) remain undeveloped; shrink away. \Bb\b \Itr.\i cause to do this.\p\In.\i\p\IAeron Astronaut\i\p\B1\b a prematurely terminated space flight or other undertaking.\p\B2\b the termination of such an undertaking. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaboriri\i 'miscarry' (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ioriri ort-\i 'be born')\c
<hw>abortifacient</hw> \K/\F'\nbO:tI"feIS(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMed\i \Iadj.\i effecting abortion.\p\In.\i\pa drug or other agent that effects abortion.
<hw>abortion</hw> \K/\F'\n"bO:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i the expulsion of a foetus (naturally or esp. by medical induction) from the womb before it is able to survive independently, esp. in the first 28 weeks of a human pregnancy.\p\B2\b a stunted or deformed creature or thing.\p\B3\b the failure of a project or an action.\p\B4\b \IBiol.\i the arrest of the development of an organ or embryo. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabortio\i (as \J\Xabort\x)\j\c
<hw>abortionist</hw> \K/\F'\n"bO:S(\F'\n)nIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i a person who carries out abortions, esp. illegally.\p\B2\b \IPolit\i a person who favours the legalization of abortion.
<hw>abortive</hw> \K/\F'\n"bO:tIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b fruitless, unsuccessful, unfinished.\p\B2\b \IMed\i resulting in abortion.\p\B3\b \IBiol.\i (of an organ etc.) rudimentary; arrested in development. \Babortively\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iabortif -ive\i from Latin \Iabortivus\i (as \J\Xabort\x)\j\c
<hw>ABO system</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysiol\i a system of four types (A, AB, B, and O) by which human blood may be classified, based on the presence or absence of certain inherited antigens.
<hw>aboulia</hw> \K/\F'\n"bu:lI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Babulia)\b \IMed\i the loss of will-power as a mental disorder. \Baboulic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ia-\i 'not' + \Iboule\i 'will'\c
<hw>abound</hw> \K/\F'\n"baUnd/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b be plentiful.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bin,\b \Bwith)\b\i be rich; teem or be infested. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iabunder\i etc. from Latin \Iabundare\i 'overflow' (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iundare\i from \Iunda\i 'wave')\c
<hw>about</hw> \K/\F'\n"baUt/\k \Iprep. & adv.\i \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b on the subject of; in connection with \3(a book about birds;\c \2what are you talking about?;\c \2argued about money).\c \Bb\b relating to \3(something funny about this).\c \Bc\b in relation to \3(symmetry about a plane).\c \Bd\b so as to affect \3(what are you going to do about it?).\c\p\B2\b at a time near to \3(come about four).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b in, round, surrounding \3(wandered about the town;\c \2a scarf about her neck).\c \Bb\b all round from a centre \3(look about you).\c\p\B4\b here and there in; at points throughout \3(toys lying about the house).\c\p\B5\b at a point or points near to \3(fighting going on about us).\c\p\B6\b carried with \3(have no money about me).\c\p\B7\b occupied with \3(what are you about?).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b approximately \3(costs about a pound;\c \2is about right).\c \Bb\b \Icolloq.\i used to indicate understatement \3(just about had enough;\c \2it's about time they came).\c\p\B2\b here and there; at points nearby \3(a lot of flu about;\c \2I've seen him about recently).\c\p\B3\b all round; in every direction \3(look about).\c\p\B4\b on the move; in action \3(out and about).\c\p\B5\b in partial rotation or alteration from a given position \3(the wrong way about).\c\p\B6\b in rotation or succession \3(turn and turn about).\c\p\B7\b \INaut.\i on or to the opposite tack \3(go about;\c \2put about).\c\p\1be about\c \Icolloq.\i have as its most important aim \3(putting on the play was not about making money but having fun).\c\p\1be about to\c\p\B1\b be on the point of (doing something) \3(was about to laugh).\c\p\B2\b \I(with \Bneg.)\b\i \Icolloq.\i intending to; prepared to \3(we're not about to give in).\c\K2 new f. SOED Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ionbutan\i \I(on\i = \J\Xa\x (2),\j \Ibutan\i \J\Xbut\x (1))\j\c
<hw>about-turn</hw> \In., v., & int.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i a turn made so as to face the opposite direction.\p\B2\b a change of opinion or policy etc. \Iv.intr.\i make an about-turn. \Iint.\i \B(about turn)\b \IMil.\i a command to make an about-turn. \BEtymology:\b \3originally as int.\c
<hw>above</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVv/\k \Iprep., adv., adj., & n.\i \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b over; on the top of; higher (vertically, up a slope or stream etc.) than; over the surface of \3(head above water;\c \2above the din).\c\p\B2\b more than \3(above twenty people;\c \2above average).\c\p\B3\b higher in rank, position, importance, etc., than \3(thwarted by those above him).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b too great or good for \3(above one's station;\c \2is not above cheating at cards).\c \Bb\b beyond the reach of; not affected by \3(above my understanding;\c \2above suspicion).\c\p\B5\b \Iarchaic\i to an earlier time than \3(not traced above the third century).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b at or to a higher point; overhead \3(the floor above;\c \2the clouds above).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b upstairs \3(lives above).\c \Bb\b upstream.\p\B3\b (of a text reference) further back on a page or in a book \3(as noted above).\c\p\B4\b on the upper side \3(looks similar above and below).\c\p\B5\b in addition \3(over and above).\c\p\B6\b \Iliterary\i in heaven \3(Lord above!).\c \Iadj.\i mentioned earlier; preceding \3(the above argument).\c\p\In.\i\p\I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i what is mentioned above \3(the above shows).\c\p\1above all\c more than anything else; most of all.\Kabove all new as IDM in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k\p\1above ground\c alive.\p\1above one's head\c \Isee\i \J\Xhead\x.\j\p\1above oneself\c conceited, arrogant. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + Old English \Ibufan,\i from \Ibe\i = \J\Xby\x\j + \Iufan\i 'above'\c
<hw>above board</hw> \Iadj. & adv.\i without concealment; fair or fairly; open or openly.
\B\Iab ovo\b\i \K/ab "\F'\nUv\F'\nU/\k \Iadv.\i from the very beginning. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = from the egg\c
<hw>Abp.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IRelig\i Archbishop.
<hw>abracadabra</hw> \K/abr\F'\nk\F'\n"dabr\F'\n/\k \Iint. & n.\i \Iint.\i a supposedly magic word used by conjurors in performing a trick.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a spell or charm.\p\B2\b jargon or gibberish. \BEtymology:\b \3a mystical word engraved and used as a charm: Latin from Greek\c
<hw>abrade</hw> \K/\F'\n"breId/\k \Iv.tr.\i scrape or wear away (skin, rock, etc.) by rubbing. \Babrader\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin from \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iradere ras-\i 'scrape'\c
<hw>abrasion</hw> \K/\F'\n"breIZ(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the scraping or wearing away (of skin, rock, etc.).\p\B2\b a damaged area resulting from this. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabrasio\i (as \J\Xabrade\x)\j\c
<hw>abrasive</hw> \K/\F'\n"breIsIv/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b tending to rub or graze. \Bb\b capable of polishing by rubbing or grinding.\p\B2\b harsh or hurtful in manner.\p\In.\i\pan abrasive substance. \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xabrade\x\j + \J\X-ive\x\j\c
<hw>abreact</hw> \K/abrI"akt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IPsychol.\i release (an emotion) by abreaction. \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xabreaction\x\j\c
<hw>abreaction</hw> \K/abrI"akS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i the free expression and consequent release of a previously repressed emotion. \Babreactive\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xab-\x\j + \J\Xreaction\x,\j influenced by German \IAbreagierung\i\c
<hw>abreast</hw> \K/\F'\n"brEst/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b side by side and facing the same way.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i up to date. \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i well informed \3(abreast of all the changes).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xbreast\x\j\c
<hw>abridge</hw> \K/\F'\n"brIdZ/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \ILiterature Cinematog\i shorten (a book, film, etc.) by using fewer words or making deletions.\p\B2\b curtail (liberty). \Babridgeable\b \Iadj.\i\Kspelling changed in COD9 to match NSOED, OED's variant, and to match bridgeable Jul 93\k \Babridger\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iabreg(i)er\i from Late Latin \Iabbreviare\i \J\Xabbreviate\x\j\c
<hw>abridgement</hw> \K/\F'\n"brIdZm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Babridgment)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b \ILiterature Cinematog\i a shortened version, esp. of a book; an abstract. \Bb\b the process of producing this.\p\B2\b a curtailment (of rights). \BEtymology:\b \3French \IabrΘgement\i (as \J\Xabridge\x)\j\c
<hw>abroad</hw> \K/\F'\n"brO:d/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b in or to a foreign country or countries.\p\B2\b over a wide area; in different directions; everywhere \3(scatter abroad).\c\p\B3\b at large; freely moving about; in circulation \3(there is a rumour abroad).\c\p\B4\b \Iarchaic\i in or into the open; out of doors.\p\B5\b \Iarchaic\i wide of the mark; erring.\p\1from abroad\c from another country. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xbroad\x\j\c
<hw>abrogate</hw> \K/"abr\F'\ngeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \ILaw etc.\i repeal, annul, or abolish (a law or custom). \Babrogation\b \K/abr\F'\n"geIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Babrogator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabrogare\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Irogare\i 'propose a law')\c
<hw>abrupt</hw> \K/\F'\n"brVpt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b sudden and unexpected; hasty \3(his abrupt departure).\c\p\B2\b (of speech, manner, etc.) uneven; lacking continuity; curt.\p\B3\b steep, precipitous.\p\B4\b \IBot.\i truncated.\KGeol. sense omitted from COD9 as not in NSOED Jul 93\k \Babruptly\b \Iadv.\i \Babruptness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabruptus,\i past part. of \Iabrumpere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Irumpere\i 'break')\c
<hw>ABS</hw> \Iabbr.\i \ITransport\i anti-lock braking system (for motor vehicles).
<hw>abs-</hw> \K/\F'\nbs/, /abs/\k \Iprefix\i = \J\Xab-\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3variant of Latin \Iab-\i used before \Ic,\i \Iq,\i \It\i\c
<hw>abscess</hw> \K/"absIs/, /-sEs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a swollen area accumulating pus within a body tissue. \Babscessed\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabscessus\i 'a going away' (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Icedere cess-\i 'go'): from the elimination of bad matter via the pus\c
<hw>abscisic acid</hw> \K/ab"sIsIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a plant hormone which promotes leaf detachment and bud dormancy and inhibits germination. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabscis-\i past part. stem of \Iabscindere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iscindere\i 'cut')\c
<hw>abscissa</hw> \K/ab"sIs\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Babscissae\b \K/-si:/\k or \Babscissas)\b \IMath.\i\p\B1\b (in a system of coordinates) the shortest distance from a point to the vertical or \Iy\i-axis, measured parallel to the horizontal or \Ix\i-axis; the Cartesian \Ix\i-coordinate of a point \I(cf.\i \J\Xordinate\x).\j\p\B2\b the part of a line between a fixed point on it and an ordinate drawn to it from any other point. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iabscissa\i \I(linea)\i 'cut-off (line)', fem. past part. of \Iabscindere absciss-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iscindere\i 'cut')\c
<hw>abscission</hw> \K/\F'\nb"sIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of cutting off.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i the natural detachment of leaves, branches, flowers, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabscissio\i (as \J\Xabscissa\x)\j\c
<hw>abscond</hw> \K/\F'\nb"skQnd/\k \Iv.intr.\i depart hurriedly and furtively, esp. unlawfully or to avoid arrest. \Babsconder\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3originally in the sense 'hide, conceal (oneself)': Latin \Iabscondere\i 'hide, put away' (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Icondere\i 'stow')\c
<hw>abseil</hw> \K/"abseIl/, /-zVIl/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Besp. Brit.\b \IMountaineeringSport\i \Iv.intr.\i descend a steep rock face etc. by using a doubled rope coiled round the body and fixed at a higher point.\p\In.\i\pa descent made by abseiling. \Babseiler\b\p\In.\i\p\K-er new f. corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3German \Iabseilen\i from \Iab\i 'down' + \ISeil\i 'rope'\c
<hw>absence</hw> \K/"abs(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the state of being away from a place or person.\p\B2\b the time or duration of being away.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i the non-existence or lack of.\p\1absence of mind\c inattentiveness. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iabsentia\i (as \J\Xabsent\x)\j\c
<hw>absent</hw> \Iadj. & v.\i \Iadj.\i \K/"abs(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\B1\b \Ba\b not present. \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i not present at or in.\p\B2\b not existing.\p\B3\b inattentive to the matter in hand. \Iv.refl.\i \K/ab"sEnt/\k\p\B1\b stay away.\p\B2\b withdraw. \Babsently\b \Iadv.\i (in sense 3 of \Iadj.).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, ultimately from Latin \Iabsent-,\i pres. part. of \Iabesse\i 'be absent'\c
<hw>absentee</hw> \K/abs(\F'\n)n"ti:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IIndustry Education\i a person not present, esp. one who is absent from work or school.
<hw>absenteeism</hw> \K/abs(\F'\n)n"ti:Iz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IIndustry Education\i the practice of absenting oneself from work or school etc., esp. frequently or illicitly.
<hw>absentee landlord</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a landlord who lets a property while living elsewhere.
<hw>absent-minded</hw> \K/abs(\F'\n)nt"mVIndId/\k \Iadj.\i habitually forgetful or inattentive; with one's mind on other things. \Babsent-mindedly\b \Iadv.\i \Babsent-mindedness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>absinth</hw> \K/"absInT/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i the shrub wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, or an essence from it.\p\B2\b (usu. \Babsinthe)\b \IDrink\i a green aniseed-flavoured potent liqueur turning milky when water is added, originally made with wormwood. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabsinthe\i via Latin \Iabsinthium\i from Greek \Iapsinthion\i 'wormwood'\c
\B\Iabsit omen\b\i \K/"absIt "\F'\nUm\F'\nn/\k \Iint.\i may what is threatened not become fact. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = may this (evil) omen be absent\c
<hw>absolute</hw> \K/"abs\F'\nlu:t/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b complete, utter, perfect \3(an absolute fool;\c \2absolute bliss).\c\p\B2\b unconditional, unlimited \3(absolute authority).\c\p\B3\b \IPolit\i despotic; ruling arbitrarily or with unrestricted power \3(an absolute monarch).\c\p\B4\b (of a standard or other concept) universally valid; not admitting exceptions; not relative or comparative.\p\B5\b \IGram.\i \Ba\b (of a construction) syntactically independent of the rest of the sentence, as in \Idinner being over,\i \Iwe left the table;\i \Ilet us toss for it,\i \Iloser to pay.\i \Bb\b (of an adjective or transitive verb) used or usable without an expressed noun or object (e.g. \Ithe deaf,\i \Iguns kill).\i\p\B6\b \ILaw\i (of a legal decree etc.) final.\p\In.\i\p\IPhilos.\i\p\B1\b a value, standard, etc., which is objective and universally valid, not subjective or relative.\p\B2\b \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \Ba\b \IPhilos.\i that which can exist without being related to anything else. \Bb\b \ITheol.\i ultimate reality; God. \Babsoluteness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iabsolutus,\i past part. of \Iabsolvere:\i see \J\Xabsolve\x\j\c
<hw>absolute alcohol</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i ethanol which is at least 99 per cent pure.
<hw>absolutely</hw> \K/"abs\F'\nlu:tli/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b completely, utterly, perfectly \3(absolutely marvellous;\c \2he absolutely denies it).\c\p\B2\b independently; in an absolute sense \3(God exists absolutely).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bneg.)\b\i (no or none) at all \3(absolutely no chance of winning;\c \2absolutely nowhere).\c\p\B4\b \Icolloq.\i in actual fact; positively \3(it absolutely exploded).\c\p\B5\b \IGram.\i in an absolute way, esp. (of a verb) without a stated object.\p\B6\b \K/-"lu:tli/, /-"lju:tli/\k \Icolloq.\i (used in reply) quite so; yes.
<hw>absolute magnitude</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the magnitude, i.e. brightness, of a celestial object as it would be seen at a standard distance of 10 parsecs \I(opp.\i \J\Xapparent magnitude\x).\j
<hw>absolute majority</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i\p\B1\b a majority over all others combined.\p\B2\b more than half.
<hw>absolute pitch</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i\p\B1\b the ability to recognize the pitch of a note or produce any given note; perfect pitch.\p\B2\b a fixed standard of pitch defined by the rate of vibration.
<hw>absolute temperature</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a temperature measured from absolute zero.
<hw>absolute zero</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a theoretical lowest possible temperature, at which the particles whose motion constitutes heat would be minimal, calculated as -273.15 ░C (or zero on the Kelvin scale).\Kdegree symbol not used with kelvins\k
<hw>absolution</hw> \K/abs\F'\n"lu:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICriminol\i a formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i an ecclesiastical declaration of forgiveness of sins.\p\B3\b a remission of penance.\p\B4\b forgiveness. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iabsolutio -onis\i (as \J\Xabsolve\x)\j\c
<hw>absolutism</hw> \K/"abs\F'\nlu:tIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit Philos Relig\i the acceptance of or belief in absolute principles in political, philosophical, ethical, or theological matters. \Babsolutist\b \In. & adj.\i
<hw>absolve</hw> \K/\F'\nb"zQlv/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bfrom,\b \Bof)\b\i \Ba\b set or pronounce free from blame or obligation etc. \Bb\b \ICriminol\i acquit; pronounce not guilty.\p\B2\b pardon or give absolution for (a sin etc.).\Kabsolver omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabsolvere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Isolvere solut-\i 'loosen')\c
<hw>absorb</hw> \K/\F'\nb"zO:b/, /-"sO:b/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b include or incorporate as part of itself or oneself \3(the country successfully absorbed its immigrants).\c\p\B2\b take in; suck up (liquid, heat, knowledge, etc.) \3(she quickly absorbed all she was taught).\c\p\B3\b reduce the effect or intensity of; deal easily with (an impact, sound, difficulty, etc.).\p\B4\b consume (income, time, resources, etc.) \3(his debts absorbed half his income).\c\p\B5\b engross the attention of \3(television absorbs them completely).\c \Babsorbable\b \Iadj.\i \Babsorbability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Babsorber\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from French \Iabsorber\i or Latin \Iabsorbere absorpt-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Isorbere\i 'suck in')\c
<hw>absorbance</hw> \K/\F'\nb"zO:b(\F'\n)ns/, /-"sO:b(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a measure of the capacity of a substance to absorb light etc., equal to the logarithm of the reciprocal of the transmittance.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Dec 93\k
<hw>absorbed</hw> \K/\F'\nb"zO:bd/, /-"sO:bd/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i intensely engaged or interested \3(he was absorbed in his work).\c \Babsorbedly\b \K/-bIdli/\k \Iadv.\i
<hw>absorbent</hw> \K/\F'\nb"zO:b(\F'\n)nt/, /-"sO:b-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i having a tendency to absorb (esp. liquids).\p\In.\i\pan absorbent substance or thing.\Ksense 2 omitted f. COD9 as now rare or obs in NSOED Jul 93\k \Babsorbency\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabsorbent-\i from \Iabsorbere\i \J\Xabsorb\x\j\c
<hw>absorption</hw> \K/\F'\nb"zO:pS(\F'\n)n/, /-"sO:p-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the process or action of absorbing or being absorbed.\p\B2\b disappearance through incorporation into something else.\p\B3\b mental engrossment. \Babsorptive\b \K/-"zO:ptIv/, /-"sO:b-/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabsorptio\i (as \J\Xabsorb\x)\j\c
<hw>absorption spectrum</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics Sci\i a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through a substance, with dark lines or bands showing absorption at specific wavelengths.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>abstain</hw> \K/\F'\nb"steIn/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i restrain oneself; refrain from indulging in \3(abstained from cakes and sweets;\c \2abstained from mentioning it).\c \Bb\b refrain from drinking alcohol.\p\B2\b formally decline to use one's vote. \Babstainer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iastener\i and Old French \Iabstenir\i from Latin \Iabstinere abstent-\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Itenere\i 'hold')\c
<hw>abstemious</hw> \K/\F'\nb"sti:mI\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i (of a person, habit, etc.) moderate, not self-indulgent, esp. in eating and drinking. \Babstemiously\b \Iadv.\i \Babstemiousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iabstemius\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Itemetum\i 'strong drink')\c
<hw>abstention</hw> \K/\F'\nb"stEnS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pthe act or an instance of abstaining, esp. from voting. \Babstentionism\b\p\In.\i\p\K-ism new f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabstention\i or Late Latin \Iabstentio -onis\i (as \J\Xabstain\x)\j\c
<hw>abstinence</hw> \K/"abstIn\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\pthe act of abstaining, esp. from food, alcohol, or sexual activity. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iabstinentia\i (as \J\Xabstinent\x)\j\c
<hw>abstinent</hw> \K/"abstIn\F'\nnt/\k \Iadj.\i practising abstinence. \Babstinently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin (as \J\Xabstain\x)\j\c
<hw>abstract</hw> \Iadj., v., & n.\i \Iadj.\i \K/"abstrakt/\k\p\B1\b \Ba\b to do with or existing in thought rather than matter, or in theory rather than practice; not tangible or concrete \3(abstract questions rarely concerned him).\c \Bb\b \IGram\i (of a word, esp. a noun) denoting a quality or condition or intangible thing rather than a concrete object.\p\B2\b \IArt\i (of art) achieving its effect by grouping shapes and colours in satisfying patterns rather than by the recognizable representation of physical reality.\p\Iv.\i\p\K/\F'\nb"strakt/\k\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i take out of; extract; remove.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i summarize (an article, book, etc.). \Bb\b \Iintr.\i do this as an occupation.\p\B3\b \Itr. & refl.\i \I(often foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i disengage (a person's attention etc.); distract.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i consider abstractly or separately from something else.\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \Ieuphem.\i steal.\p\In.\i\p\K/"abstrakt/\k\p\B1\b a summary or statement of the contents of a book etc.\p\B2\b an abstract work of art.\p\B3\b an abstraction or abstract term.\p\1in the abstract\c in theory rather than in practice. \Babstractly\b \K/"abstraktli/\k \Iadv.\i \Babstractor\b \K/\F'\nb"strakt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in sense 2 of \Iv.).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French or Latin \Iabstractus,\i past part. of \Iabstrahere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Itrahere\i 'draw')\c
<hw>abstracted</hw> \K/\F'\nb"straktId/\k \Iadj.\i inattentive to the matter in hand; preoccupied. \Babstractedly\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>abstract expressionism</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i a development of abstract art which aims at a subjective emotional expression of an ideal rather than a picture of a physical object.
<hw>abstraction</hw> \K/\F'\nb"strakS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of abstracting or taking away.\p\B2\b \Ba\b an abstract or visionary idea. \Bb\b the formation of abstract ideas.\p\B3\b \IArt\i \Ba\b abstract qualities (esp. in art). \Bb\b an abstract work of art.\p\B4\b absent-mindedness. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabstraction\i or Latin \Iabstractio\i (as \J\Xabstract\x)\j\c
<hw>abstractionism</hw> \K/\F'\nb"strakS(\F'\n)nIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArt\i the principles and practice of abstract art.\p\B2\b the pursuit or cult of abstract ideas. \Babstractionist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>abstruse</hw> \K/\F'\nb"stru:s/\k \Iadj.\i hard to understand; obscure; profound. \Babstrusely\b \Iadv.\i \Babstruseness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabstruse\i or Latin \Iabstrusus\i 'put away, hidden' (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Itrusus,\i past part. of \Itrudere\i 'push')\c
<hw>absurd</hw> \K/\F'\nb"s\F'\n:d/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of an idea, suggestion, etc.) wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.\p\B2\b (of a person) unreasonable or ridiculous in manner.\p\B3\b (of a thing) ludicrous, incongruous \3(an absurd hat;\c \2the situation was becoming absurd).\c\p\In.\i\p\B(the absurd)\b \IPhilos\i that which is absurd, esp. human existence in a purposeless chaotic universe.\Kn. new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \Babsurdly\b \Iadv.\i \Babsurdness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iabsurde\i or Latin \Iabsurdus\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Isurdus\i 'deaf, dull')\c
<hw>absurdism</hw> \K/\F'\nb"s\F'\n:dIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhilos\i the belief that human beings exist in a purposeless chaotic universe. \Babsurdist\b \Iadj. & n.\i\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>absurdity</hw> \K/\F'\nb"s\F'\n:dIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b wild inappropriateness or incongruity.\p\B2\b extreme unreasonableness.\p\B3\b an absurd statement or act. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IabsurditΘ\i or Late Latin \Iabsurditas\i (as \J\Xabsurd\x)\j\c
<hw>ABTA</hw> \K/"abt\F'\n/\k \Iabbr.\i \ICommerce\i Association of British Travel Agents.
<hw>abundance</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVnd(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a very great quantity, usu. considered to be more than enough.\p\B2\b wealth, affluence.\p\B3\b wealth of emotion \3(abundance of heart).\c\p\B4\b \ICards\i a call in solo whist undertaking to make nine tricks. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iabundance\i from Latin \Iabundantia\i (as \J\Xabundant\x)\j\c
<hw>abundant</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVnd(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bin)\b\i having an abundance of \3(a country abundant in fruit).\c \Babundantly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin, pres. part. of \Iabundare\i \J\Xabound\x\j\c
<hw>abuse</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"bju:z/\k\p\B1\b use to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse \3(abused his position of power).\c\p\B2\b insult verbally.\p\B3\b maltreat; assault (esp. sexually).\p\In.\i\p\K/\F'\n"bju:s/\k\p\B1\b \Ba\b incorrect or improper use \3(the abuse of power).\c \Bb\b an instance of this.\p\B2\b insulting language \3(a torrent of abuse).\c\p\B3\b unjust or corrupt practice.\p\B4\b maltreatment or (esp. sexual) assault of a person \3(child abuse).\c \Babuser\b \K/\F'\n"bju:z\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iabus\i \I(n.),\i \Iabuser\i \I(v.)\i from Latin \Iabusus,\i \Iabuti\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Iuti us-\i \J\Xuse\x)\j\c
<hw>abusive</hw> \K/\F'\n"bju:sIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b using or containing insulting language.\p\B2\b (of language) insulting. \Babusively\b \Iadv.\i \Babusiveness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>abut</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(abutted,\b \Babutting)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bon)\b\i (of estates, countries, etc.) adjoin (another).\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bon,\b \Bagainst)\b\i (of part of a building) touch or lean upon (another) with a projecting end or point \3(the shed abutted on the side of the house).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i abut on. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iabouter\i \J(\Xbutt\x (1))\j and Anglo-Latin \Iabuttare,\i from Old French \Ibut\i 'end'\c
<hw>abutment</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVtm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i\p\B1\b the lateral supporting structure of a bridge, arch, etc.\p\B2\b the point of junction between such a support and the thing supported.
<hw>abutter</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the owner of an adjoining property.
<hw>abuzz</hw> \K/\F'\n"bVz/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i in a 'buzz' (see \J\Xbuzz\x\p\In.\i\p3);\j in a state of excitement or activity.
<hw>abysmal</hw> \K/\F'\n"bIzm(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Icolloq.\i extremely bad \3(abysmal weather;\c \2the standard is abysmal).\c\p\B2\b profound, utter \3(abysmal ignorance).\c \Babysmally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3archaic or poet. \Iabysm\i = \J\Xabyss\x,\j via Old French \Iabi(s)me\i from medieval Latin \Iabysmus\i\c
<hw>abyss</hw> \K/\F'\n"bIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.\p\B2\b \Ba\b an immeasurable depth \3(abyss of despair).\c \Bb\b a catastrophic situation as contemplated or feared \3(his loss brought him a step nearer the abyss).\c\p\B3\b \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i primal chaos; hell. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Late Latin \Iabyssus\i from Greek \Iabussos\i 'bottomless' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Ibussos\i 'depth')\c
<hw>abyssal</hw> \K/\F'\n"bIs(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b at or of the ocean depths or floor.\p\B2\b \IGeol.\i at or from a great depth in the earth's crust; plutonic.
<hw>AC</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b (also \Bac)\b \IPhysics\i alternating current.\p\B2\b \IAeron\i aircraftman.\p\B3\b \IRelig\i before Christ.\p\B4\b Companion of the Order of Australia.\p\B5\b \IDrink\i \Iappellation contr⌠lΘe.\i\Ksense 5 new in COD9 f. dict. of abbrevs, E.Pollard Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3sense 3 from Latin \Iante Christum\i\c
<hw>Ac</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element actinium.
<hw>ac-</hw> \K/ak/, /\F'\nk/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \Ic,\i \Ik,\i \Iq.\i
<hw>a/c</hw> \Iabbr.\i \ICommerce\i account. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iaccount current:\i see \J\Xaccount\x\p\In.\i\p2, 3\j\c
<hw>-ac</hw> \K/ak/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives which are often also (or only) used as nouns \3(cardiac;\c \2maniac)\c (see also \J\X-acal\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-aque,\i Latin \I-acus,\i or Greek \I-akos\i adjectival suffix\c
<hw>acacia</hw> \K/\F'\n"keIS\F'\n/, /-sj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b (also \Bacacia tree)\b a leguminous tree of the genus \IAcacia,\i with yellow or white flowers, esp. A. senegal yielding gum arabic.\p\B2\b (also \Bfalse acacia)\b the locust tree, Robinia pseudoacacia, grown for ornament. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iakakia\i\c
<hw>academe</hw> \K/"ak\F'\ndi:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the world of learning. \Bb\b universities collectively.\p\B2\b \Iliterary\i a college or university. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \IAkademos\i (see \J\Xacademy\x):\j used by Shakespeare \I(Love's Labour's Lost\i i. i. 13) and Milton \I(Paradise Regained\i iv. 244)\c
<hw>academia</hw> \K/ak\F'\n"di:mI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i the academic world; scholastic life. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin: see \J\Xacademy\x\j\c
<hw>academic</hw> \K/ak\F'\n"dEmIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IEducation\i \Ba\b scholarly; to do with learning. \Bb\b of or relating to a scholarly institution \3(academic dress).\c\p\B2\b abstract; theoretical; not of practical relevance.\p\B3\b \IArt\i conventional, over-formal.\p\B4\b \IPhilos\i \Ba\b of or concerning Plato's philosophy. \Bb\b sceptical.\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i a teacher or scholar in a university or institute of higher education. \Bacademically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacadΘmique\i or Latin \Iacademicus\i (as \J\Xacademy\x)\j\c
<hw>academical</hw> \K/ak\F'\n"dEmIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IEducation\i \Iadj.\i belonging to a college or university.\p\In.\i\p\I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \BBrit.\b formal university attire.
<hw>academician</hw> \K/\F'\nkad\F'\n"mIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i\p\B1\b a member of an Academy, esp. of the Royal Academy of Arts, the AcadΘmie franτaise, or the Russian Academy of Sciences.\p\B2\b \BUS\b an academic; an intellectual.\Ksense 2 new f. F. Abate Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacadΘmicien\i (as \J\Xacademic\x)\j\c
<hw>academicism</hw> \K/ak\F'\n"dEmIsIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bacademism\b \K/\F'\n"kad\F'\nmIz(\F'\n)m/\k) \IArt\i academic principles or their application in art.
<hw>academic year</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHorol\i a period of nearly a year reckoned from the time of the main student intake, usu. from the beginning of the autumn term to the end of the summer term.
<hw>academy</hw> \K/\F'\n"kad\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IEducation\i \Ba\b a place of study or training in a special field \3(military academy;\c \2academy of dance).\c \Bb\b \Ihist.\i a place of study.\p\B2\b (usu. \BAcademy)\b a society or institution of distinguished scholars, artists, scientists, etc. \3(Royal Academy).\c\p\B3\b \BUS\b & \BSc.\b a secondary school, esp. \B(US)\b a private one.\p\B4\b \IPhilos\i \Ba\b Plato's followers or philosophical system. \Bb\b the garden near Athens where Plato taught. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacadΘmie\i or Latin \Iacademia\i from Greek \Iakademeia,\i from \IAkademos\i the hero after whom Plato's garden was named\c
<hw>Acadian</hw> \K/\F'\n"keIdI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \Ihist.\i a native or inhabitant of the 17th-c. French colony of Acadia on the east coast of Canada. \Bb\b \Besp. Canad.\b a French-speaking descendant of the early French settlers in Acadia.\p\B2\b \BUS\b a descendant of the Acadians deported to Louisiana in the 18th c. (see \J\XCajun\x).\j\Krevised after Canad. COD Mar 94\k \Iadj.\i of or relating to Acadia or its people. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAcadie,\i the French name for Nova Scotia\c
<hw>-acal</hw> \K/\F'\nk(\F'\n)l/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives, often used to distinguish them from nouns in \I-ac\i \3(heliacal;\c \2maniacal).\c
<hw>acanthus</hw> \K/\F'\n"kanT\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus \IAcanthus,\i with spiny leaves.\p\B2\b \IArchit.\i a conventionalized representation of an acanthus leaf, used esp. as a decoration for Corinthian column capitals. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iakanthos,\i from \Iakantha\i 'thorn', perhaps from \Iake\i 'sharp point'\c
<hw>acaricide</hw> \K/"ak\F'\nrIsVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem Hort\i a preparation for destroying mites.
<hw>acarid</hw> \K/"ak\F'\nrId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any small arachnid of the order Acarina, including mites and ticks. \Bacarology\b \K/ak\F'\n"rQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\K-ology new f. Collins, NSOED Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iacarus\i + \J\X-id\x (3),\j from Greek \Iakari\i 'mite'\c
<hw>ACAS</hw> \K/"eIkas/\k \Iabbr.\i \IPolit\i (in the UK) Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service.
<hw>acausal</hw> \K/eI"kO:z(\F'\n)l/, /a-/\k \Iadj.\i not causal; not causally related.\Knew f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k
<hw>accede</hw> \K/\F'\nk"si:d/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b take office, esp. become monarch.\p\B2\b assent or agree \3(acceded to the proposal).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i formally subscribe to a treaty or other agreement. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iaccedere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icedere cess-\i 'go')\c
<hw>accelerando</hw> \K/\F'\nksEl\F'\n"rand\F'\nU/, /\F'\ntSEl-/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadj. & adv.\i with a gradual increase of speed.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baccelerandos\b or \Baccelerandi\b \K/-di/\k) a passage performed accelerando. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian\c
<hw>accelerate</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEl\F'\nreIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b \IPhysics Transport\i (of a moving body, esp. a vehicle) move or begin to move more quickly; increase speed. \Bb\b (of a process) happen or reach completion more quickly.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b cause to increase speed. \Bb\b cause (a process) to happen more quickly. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccelerare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icelerare\i from \Iceler\i 'swift')\c
<hw>acceleration</hw> \K/\F'\nksEl\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysics\i the process or act of accelerating or being accelerated.\p\B2\b an instance of this.\p\B3\b \ITransport\i (of a vehicle etc.) the capacity to gain speed \3(the car has good acceleration).\c\p\B4\b \IPhysics\i the rate of change of velocity measured in terms of a unit of time. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaccΘlΘration\i or Latin \Iacceleratio\i (as \J\Xaccelerate\x)\j\c
<hw>accelerative</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEl\F'\nr\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i tending to increase speed; quickening.
<hw>accelerator</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEl\F'\nreIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ITransport Mech\i a device for increasing speed, esp. the pedal that controls the speed of a vehicle's engine.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i an apparatus for imparting high speeds to charged particles.\p\B3\b \IChem.\i a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.
<hw>accelerator board</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Baccelerator card)\b \IComputing\i an accessory circuit board which can be plugged into a small computer to increase its speed of operation.\Knew f. Incs Sept 94\k
<hw>accelerometer</hw> \K/\F'\nksEl\F'\n"rQmIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech Astronaut\i an instrument for measuring acceleration esp. of rockets. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaccelerate\x\j + \J\X-meter\x\j\c
<hw>accent</hw> \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"aks(\F'\n)nt/, /-sEnt/\k\p\B1\b a particular mode of pronunciation, esp. one associated with a particular region or group \3(Liverpool accent;\c \2German accent;\c \2upper-class accent).\c\p\B2\b \IPhonet\i prominence given to a syllable by stress or pitch.\p\B3\b \IPhonet\i a mark on a letter or word to indicate pitch, stress, or the quality of a vowel.\p\B4\b a distinctive feature or emphasis \3(an accent on comfort).\c\p\B5\b \IMus.\i emphasis on a particular note or chord. \Iv.tr.\i \K/ak"sEnt/\k\p\B1\b \IPhonet\i pronounce with an accent; emphasize (a word or syllable).\p\B2\b \IPhonet\i write or print accents on (words etc.).\p\B3\b accentuate.\p\B4\b \IMus.\i play (a note etc.) with an accent. \Baccentual\b \K/\F'\nk"sEntjU\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccentus\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icantus\i 'song') representing Greek \Iprosoidia\i \J(\Xprosody\x),\j or through French \Iaccent,\i \Iaccenter\i\c
<hw>accentor</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEnt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a songbird of the Eurasian genus \IPrunella\i (formerly \IAccentor),\i e.g. the hedge sparrow or dunnock. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iaccentor\i from Latin \Iad\i 'to' + \Icantor\i 'singer'\c
<hw>accentuate</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEntjUeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i emphasize; make prominent. \Baccentuation\b \K/\F'\nksEntjU"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iaccentuare accentuat-\i (as \J\Xaccent\x)\j\c
<hw>accept</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEpt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i consent to receive (a thing offered).\p\B2\b \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i give an affirmative answer to (an offer or proposal).\p\B3\b regard favourably; treat as welcome \3(her mother-in-law never accepted her).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b believe or receive (an opinion, explanation, etc.) as adequate, valid, or correct. \Bb\b be prepared to subscribe to (a belief, philosophy, etc.).\p\B5\b receive as suitable \3(the hotel accepts traveller's cheques;\c \2the machine only accepts tokens).\c\p\B6\b \Ba\b tolerate; submit to \3(accepted the umpire's decision).\c \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bthat\b + clause)\i \Besp. Brit.\b be willing to believe \3(we accept that you meant well).\c\p\B7\b undertake (an office or responsibility).\p\B8\b \ICommerce\i agree to meet (a draft or bill of exchange). \Baccepter\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaccepter\i or Latin \Iacceptare,\i from \Iaccipere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icapere\i 'take')\c
<hw>acceptable</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEpt\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b worthy of being accepted. \Bb\b pleasing, welcome.\p\B2\b adequate, satisfactory.\p\B3\b tolerable \3(an acceptable risk).\c \Bacceptability\b \K/\F'\nksEpt\F'\n"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bacceptableness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bacceptably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Late Latin \Iacceptabilis\i (as \J\Xaccept\x)\j\c
<hw>acceptance</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEpt(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b willingness to receive (a gift, payment, duty, etc.).\p\B2\b an affirmative answer to an invitation or proposal.\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i a willingness to accept (conditions, a circumstance, etc.).\p\B4\b \Ba\b approval, belief \3(found wide acceptance).\c \Bb\b willingness or ability to tolerate.\p\B5\b \ICommerce\i \Ba\b agreement to meet a bill of exchange. \Bb\b a bill so accepted. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Iaccepter\i (as \J\Xaccept\x)\j\c
<hw>acceptation</hw> \K/aksEp"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISemantics\i a particular sense, or the generally recognized meaning, of a word or phrase. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from medieval Latin \Iacceptatio\i (as \J\Xaccept\x)\j\c
<hw>acceptor</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEpt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i a person who accepts a bill.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i an atom or molecule able to receive an extra electron, esp. an impurity in a semiconductor.\p\B3\b \IChem.\i a molecule or ion etc. to which electrons are donated in the formation of a bond.\p\B4\b \IElectr.\i a circuit tuned to resonate at a particular frequency.
<hw>access</hw> \K/"aksEs/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a way of approaching or reaching or entering \3(a building with rear access).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i the right or opportunity to reach, use, or visit; admittance \3(has access to secret files;\c \2was granted access to the prisoner).\c \Bb\b the condition of being readily approached; accessibility.\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i an attack or outburst \3(an access of anger).\c\p\B4\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i \BBrit.\b \IBroadcasting Telev\i (of broadcasting) given over to minority or special-interest groups \3(access television).\c \Iv.tr.\i \Iesp. Computing\i gain access to (data, a file, etc.).\K'accession' omitted as rare Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacces\i or Latin \Iaccessus,\i from \Iaccedere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icedere cess-\i 'go')\c The use of the verb to mean 'gain access to' in contexts other than computing (as in \IThe kitchen can be accessed from the dining room)\i is considered incorrect by some people.
<hw>accessary</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xaccessory\x.\j
<hw>accessible</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEsIb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b that can readily be reached, entered, or used.\p\B2\b (of a person) readily available (esp. to subordinates).\p\B3\b (in a form) easy to understand. \Baccessibility\b \K/\F'\nksEsI"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baccessibly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaccessible\i or Late Latin \Iaccessibilis\i (as \J\Xaccede\x)\j\c
<hw>accession</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sES(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b entering upon an office (esp. the throne) or a condition (as manhood).\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i a thing added (e.g. a book to a library); increase, addition.\p\B3\b \ILaw\i the incorporation of one item of property in another.\p\B4\b assent; the formal acceptance of a treaty etc. \Iv.tr.\i \IBibliog\i record the addition of (a new item) to a library or museum. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaccession\i or Latin \Iaccessio -onis\i (as \J\Xaccede\x)\j\c
<hw>accessorize</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEs\F'\nrVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IFashion\i (also \B-ise)\b provide (an outfit etc.) with accessories.
<hw>accessory</hw> \K/\F'\nk"sEs(\F'\n)ri/\k \In. & adj.\i (also \Baccessary)\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b an additional or extra thing.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \Ba\b a small attachment or fitting. \Bb\b \IFashion\i a small item of (esp. a woman's) dress (e.g. shoes, gloves, handbag).\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i \ILaw\i a person who helps in or knows the details of an (esp. illegal) act, without taking part in it. \Iadj.\i additional; contributing or aiding in a minor way; dispensable.\p\1accessory before (or after) the fact\c \ILaw\i a person who incites (or assists) another to commit a crime. \Baccessorial\b \K/aksE"sO:rI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iaccessorius\i (as \J\Xaccede\x)\j\c
<hw>access road</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i\p\B1\b a road giving access to a place, site, or buildings.\p\B2\b a slip road.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. ALD, CED Jul 93\k
<hw>access time</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i the time taken to retrieve data from storage.
<hw>acciaccatura</hw> \K/\F'\ntSak\F'\n"tU\F'\nr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a grace note performed as quickly as possible before an essential note of a melody. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, from \Iacciacare\i 'to crush'\c
<hw>accidence</hw> \K/"aksId(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGram\i the part of grammar that deals with the variable parts or inflections of words. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin sense of Latin \Iaccidentia\i (translation of Greek \Iparepomena\i 'accompanying things'), neut. pl. of \Iaccidens\i (as \J\Xaccident\x)\j\c
<hw>accident</hw> \K/"aksId(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an event that is without apparent cause, or is unexpected \3(their early arrival was just an accident).\c\p\B2\b an unfortunate event, esp. one causing physical harm or damage, brought about unintentionally.\p\B3\b occurrence of things by chance; the working of fortune \3(accident accounts for much in life).\c\p\B4\b \Icolloq.\i an occurrence of involuntary urination or defecation.\p\B5\b an irregularity in structure.\p\1by accident\c unintentionally. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French and Late Latin \Iaccidens\i from Latin \Iaccidere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icadere\i 'fall')\c
<hw>accidental</hw> \K/aksI"dEnt(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b happening by chance, unintentionally, or unexpectedly.\p\B2\b not essential to a conception; subsidiary.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMus.\i a sign indicating a momentary departure from the key signature by raising or lowering a note.\p\B2\b something not essential to a conception.\p\B3\b = \J\Xvagrant\x\p\In.\i\p3.\j\Ksense 3 new f. OERD Sep 94\k \Baccidentally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Late Latin \Iaccidentalis\i (as \J\Xaccident\x)\j\c
<hw>accident-prone</hw> \Iadj.\i (of a person) subject to frequent accidents.
<hw>accidie</hw> \K/"aksIdi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b laziness, sloth, apathy.\p\B2\b black despair.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iaccidie\i and Old French \Iaccide\i from medieval Latin \Iaccidia,\i alteration of Late Latin \J\Xacedia\x\j\c
<hw>accipiter</hw> \K/ak"sIpIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a short-winged, long-legged hawk of the genus \IAccipiter,\i e.g. a sparrowhawk, a goshawk.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = hawk, bird of prey\c
<hw>acclaim</hw> \K/\F'\n"kleIm/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b welcome or applaud enthusiastically; praise publicly.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by compl.)\i hail as \3(acclaimed him king;\c \2was acclaimed the winner).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b applause; welcome; public praise.\p\B2\b a shout of acclaim.\Kacclaimer omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iacclamare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Iclamare\i 'shout': spelling assimilated to \Iclaim)\i\c
<hw>acclamation</hw> \K/akl\F'\n"meIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b loud and eager assent to a proposal.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i shouting in a person's honour.\p\B3\b the act or process of acclaiming.\p\1by acclamation\c \IPolit.\i\p\B1\b \BUS\b by overwhelming vocal approval and without ballot.\p\B2\b \BCanad.\b by virtue of being the sole candidate.\Ksense 2 of idiom new f. Kpb Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacclamatio\i (as \J\Xacclaim\x)\j\c
<hw>acclimate</hw> \K/\F'\n"klVIm\F'\nt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b acclimatize.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i adapt physiologically to environmental stress.\Ksense 2 f. OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacclimater\i (as \J\Xa-\x (3)\j + \Iclimat\i \J\Xclimate\x)\j\c
<hw>acclimation</hw> \K/aklI"meIS(\F'\n)n/, /\F'\nklVI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b acclimatization.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i physiological adaptation to environmental stress.\Ksense 2 f. OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3formed irregularly from \J\Xacclimate\x\j\c
<hw>acclimatize</hw> \K/\F'\n"klVIm\F'\ntVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p(also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i accustom to a new climate or to new conditions.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i become acclimatized. \Bacclimatization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacclimater:\i see \J\Xacclimate\x\j\c
<hw>acclivity</hw> \K/\F'\n"klIvIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b an upward slope. \Bacclivitous\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacclivitas\i from \Iacclivis\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Iclivis\i from \Iclivus\i 'slope')\c
<hw>accolade</hw> \K/"ak\F'\nleId/, /ak\F'\n"lA:d/, /-k\F'\nUl-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the awarding of praise; an acknowledgement of merit.\p\B2\b a touch made with a sword at the bestowing of a knighthood. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Provenτal \Iacolada\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j Latin \Icollum\i 'neck')\c
<hw>accommodate</hw> \K/\F'\n"kQm\F'\ndeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b provide lodging or room for \3(the flat accommodates three people).\c\p\B2\b adapt, harmonize, reconcile \3(must accommodate ourselves to new surroundings;\c \2cannot accommodate your needs to mine).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b do a service or favour to; oblige (a person). \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bwith)\b\i supply (a person) with. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccommodare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icommodus\i 'fitting')\c
<hw>accommodation</hw> \K/\F'\nkQm\F'\n"deIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(in \Bsing.\b or \BUS\b in \Bpl.)\b\i room for receiving people, esp. a place to live or lodgings.\p\B2\b an adjustment or adaptation to suit a special or different purpose.\p\B3\b a convenient arrangement; a settlement or compromise.\p\B4\b the automatic adjustment of the focus of the eye by flattening or thickening of the lens.\Ksense 4 new f. Collins Mar 94\k\Ka seat in a vehicle etc. omitted on lack of evidence (1 ex in OED) Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaccommodation\i or Latin \Iaccommodatio -onis\i (as \J\Xaccommodate\x)\j\c
<hw>accommodation address</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b an address used on letters to a person who is unable or unwilling to give a permanent address.
<hw>accommodation bill</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a bill to raise money on credit.
<hw>accommodationist</hw> \K/\F'\nkQm\F'\n"deIS(\F'\n)nIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \IPolit\i a person who seeks esp. political compromise.\Knew f. usab, Inc. Sept 94\k
<hw>accommodation ladder</hw>\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i a ladder up the side of a ship from a small boat.
<hw>accommodation road</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i \BBrit.\b a road for access to a place not on a public road.
<hw>accompaniment</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmp(\F'\n)nIm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMus.\i an instrumental or orchestral part supporting or partnering a solo instrument, voice, or group.\p\B2\b an accompanying thing; an appendage. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaccompagnement\i (as \J\Xaccompany\x)\j\c
<hw>accompanist</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmp\F'\nnIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a person who provides a musical accompaniment.\Kaccompanyist omitted Aug 93\k
<hw>accompany</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmp\F'\nni/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b\p\B1\b go with; escort, attend.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpassive;\b\i \Ifoll. by \Bwith,\b \Bby)\b\i \Ba\b be done or found with; supplement \3(speech accompanied with gestures).\c \Bb\b have as a result \3(pills accompanied by side effects).\c\p\B3\b \IMus.\i support or partner with accompaniment. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iaccompagner\i (as \J\Xa-\x (3)\j + Old French \Icompaing\i \J\Xcompanion\x (1)):\j assimilated to \J\Xcompany\x\j\c
<hw>accomplice</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmplIs/, /\F'\n"kQm-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a partner or helper, esp. in a crime or wrongdoing. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English and French \Icomplice\i (probably by association with \J\Xaccompany\x),\j from Late Latin \Icomplex complicis\i 'confederate': cf. \J\Xcomplicate\x\j\c
<hw>accomplish</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmplIS/, /\F'\n"kQm-/\k \Iv.tr.\i perform; complete; succeed in doing. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iacomplir\i from Latin \Icomplere\i \J\Xcomplete\x\j\c
<hw>accomplished</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmplISt/, /\F'\n"kQm-/\k \Iadj.\i clever, skilled; well trained or educated.
<hw>accomplishment</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVmplISm(\F'\n)nt/, /\F'\n"kQm-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the fulfilment or completion (of a task etc.).\p\B2\b an acquired skill, esp. a social one.\p\B3\b a thing done or achieved.
<hw>accord</hw> \K/\F'\n"kO:d/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i (esp. of a thing) be in harmony; be consistent.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b grant (permission, a request, etc.). \Bb\b give (a welcome etc.).\p\In.\i\p\B1\b agreement, consent.\p\B2\b \IMus Art etc.\i harmony or harmonious correspondence in pitch, tone, colour, etc.\p\1in accord\c of one mind; united; in harmony.\Kin accord new in COD9 f. Wordfinder Jul 93\k\p\1of one's own accord\c on one's own initiative; voluntarily.\p\1with one accord\c unanimously; in a united way. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iacord,\i \Iacorder\i from Latin \Icor cordis\i 'heart'\c
<hw>accordance</hw> \K/\F'\n"kO:d(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\pharmony, agreement.\p\1in accordance with\c in a manner corresponding to \3(we acted in accordance with your wishes).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacordance\i (as \J\Xaccord\x)\j\c
<hw>accordant</hw> \K/\F'\n"kO:d(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i in tune; agreeing.\Kaccordantly omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacordant\i (as \J\Xaccord\x)\j\c
<hw>according</hw> \K/\F'\n"kO:dIN/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i \Ba\b as stated by or in \3(according to my sister;\c \2according to their statement).\c \Bb\b in a manner corresponding to; in proportion to \3(he lives according to his principles).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bas\b + clause)\i in a manner or to a degree that varies as \3(he pays according as he is able).\c
<hw>accordingly</hw> \K/\F'\n"kO:dINli/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b as suggested or required by the (stated) circumstances \3(silence is vital so please act accordingly).\c\p\B2\b consequently, therefore \3(accordingly, he left the room).\c
<hw>accordion</hw> \K/\F'\n"kO:dI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i\p\B1\b a portable musical instrument with metal reeds blown by bellows, played by means of keys and buttons.\p\B2\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i folding like the bellows of an accordion \3(accordion pleat;\c \2accordion wall).\c \Baccordionist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3German \IAkkordion\i from Italian \Iaccordare\i 'to tune'\c
<hw>accost</hw> \K/\F'\n"kQst/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b approach and address (a person), esp. boldly.\p\B2\b (of a prostitute) solicit. \BEtymology:\b \3originally in the sense 'lie or go alongside': French \Iaccoster\i from Italian \Iaccostare,\i ultimately from Latin \Icosta\i 'rib, side'\c
\B\Iaccouchement\b\i \K/a"ku:SmQ~/, French /akuSmA~/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i\p\B1\b childbirth.\p\B2\b the period of childbirth. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Iaccoucher\i 'act as midwife'\c
\B\Iaccoucheur\b\i \K/aku:"S\F'\n:/, French /akuS9r/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a male midwife. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xaccouchement\x)\j\c
<hw>account</hw> \K/\F'\n"kaUnt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a narration or description \3(gave a long account of the ordeal).\c\p\B2\b \ICommerce\i \Ba\b an arrangement or facility at a bank or building society etc. for commercial or financial transactions, esp. for depositing and withdrawing money \3(opened an account).\c \Bb\b the assets credited by such an arrangement \3(has a large account;\c \2paid the money into her account).\c \Bc\b \Besp. Brit.\b an arrangement at a shop for buying goods on credit \3(has an account at the newsagent's).\c\p\B3\b \ICommerce\i \Ba\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i a record or statement of money, goods, or services received or expended, with the balance \3(firms must keep detailed accounts).\c \Bb\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i the practice of accounting or reckoning \3(is good at accounts).\c\p\B4\b \ICommerce\i a statement of the administration of money in trust \3(demand an account).\c\p\B5\b \BBrit.\b \IStock Exch\i the period during which transactions take place on a stock exchange; the period from one account day to the next.\p\B6\b counting, reckoning. \Iv.tr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto be\b or compl.)\i consider, regard as \3(account it a misfortune;\c \2account him wise;\c \2account him to be guilty).\c\p\Baccount for\b\p\B1\b serve as or provide an explanation or reason for \3(that accounts for their misbehaviour).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b give a reckoning of or answer for (money etc. entrusted). \Bb\b answer for (one's conduct).\p\B3\b succeed in killing, destroying, disposing of, or defeating.\p\B4\b supply or make up a specified amount or proportion of \3(rent accounts for 50\F%\n of expenditure).\c\p\1by all accounts\c in everyone's opinion.\p\1call to account\c require an explanation from (a person).\p\1give a good (or bad) account of oneself\c make a favourable (or unfavourable) impression; be successful (or unsuccessful).\p\1keep account of\c keep a record of; follow closely.\p\1leave out of account\c fail or decline to consider.\p\1money of account\c \ICommerce\i denominations of money used in reckoning, but not current as coins.\p\1of no account\c unimportant.\p\1of some account\c important.\p\1on account\c \ICommerce\i\p\B1\b (of goods) to be paid for later.\p\B2\b (of money) in part payment.\p\1on one's account\c for one's benefit \3(don't do it on my account).\c\Kon one's account new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k\p\1on account of\c because of.\p\1on no account\c under no circumstances; certainly not.\p\1on one's own account\c for one's own purposes; at one's own risk.\p\1settle (or square) accounts with\c\p\B1\b receive or pay money etc. owed to.\p\B2\b have revenge on.\p\1take account of\c (or \Btake into account)\b consider along with other factors \3(took their age into account).\c\p\1turn to account\c (or \Bgood account)\b turn to one's advantage. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacont,\i \Iaconter\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Iconter\i \J\Xcount\x (1))\j\c The use of the verb with \Ias\i (e.g. \IWe accounted him as wise)\i is considered incorrect in standard English.
<hw>accountable</hw> \K/\F'\n"kaUnt\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b responsible; required to account for one's conduct \3(accountable for one's actions).\c\p\B2\b explicable, understandable. \Baccountability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baccountably\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>accountancy</hw> \K/\F'\n"kaUnt(\F'\n)nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i the profession or duties of an accountant.
<hw>accountant</hw> \K/\F'\n"kaUnt(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a professional keeper or inspector of accounts. \BEtymology:\b \3legal French from pres. part. of Old French \Iaconter\i \J\Xaccount\x\j\c
<hw>account day</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IStock Exch\i a day of periodic settlement of stock exchange accounts.
<hw>account executive</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a business executive, esp. in advertising, who manages a client's account.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, RL, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>accounting</hw> \K/\F'\n"kaUntIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i the process of or skill in keeping and verifying accounts.\p\B2\b \Iin senses of\i \J\Xaccount\x\p\Iv.\i\p\j
<hw>account rendered</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a bill which has been sent but is not yet paid.
<hw>accounts payable</hw> \In.pl.\i \ICommerce\i money owed by a company.\Knew f. K. Barber, books in library\k
<hw>accounts receivable</hw> \In.pl.\i \ICommerce\i money owed to a company.\Knew f. K. Barber, books in library Aug 93\k
<hw>accoutre</hw> \K/\F'\n"ku:t\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(US\b \Baccouter)\b (usu. as \Baccoutred,\b \BUS\b \B-tered\b \Iadj.)\i attire, equip, esp. with a special outfit. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaccoutrer\i from Old French \Iacoustrer\i (as \J\Xa-\x (3),\j \Icousture\i 'sewing')\c
<hw>accoutrement</hw> \K/\F'\n"ku:t\F'\nm(\F'\n)nt/, /-tr\F'\n-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Baccouterment\b \K/-t\F'\nm(\F'\n)nt/\k) \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i\p\B1\b equipment, trappings.\p\B2\b \IMil.\i a soldier's outfit other than weapons and garments. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xaccoutre\x)\j\c
<hw>accredit</hw> \K/\F'\n"krEdIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(accredited,\b \Baccrediting)\b\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i attribute (a saying etc.) to (a person).\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bwith)\b\i credit (a person) with (a saying etc.).\p\B3\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto\b or \Bat)\b\i send (an ambassador etc.) with credentials; recommend by documents as an envoy \3(was accredited to the sovereign).\c\p\B4\b gain belief or influence for or make credible (an adviser, a statement, etc.). \Baccreditation\b \K/-"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \IaccrΘditer\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \IcrΘdit\i \J\Xcredit\x)\j\c
<hw>accredited</hw> \K/\F'\n"krEdItId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a person or organization) officially recognized.\p\B2\b (of a belief) generally accepted; orthodox.\p\B3\b (of cattle, milk, etc.) having guaranteed quality.
<hw>accrete</hw> \K/\F'\n"kri:t/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i grow together or into one.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i form round or on, as round a nucleus.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i attract (such additions). \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccrescere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icrescere cret-\i 'grow')\c
<hw>accretion</hw> \K/\F'\n"kri:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the addition of external matter or things. \Bb\b growth by this means. \Bc\b a thing formed by such growth.\p\B2\b an extraneous addition to something.\p\B3\b the growing together or cohesion of separate things to form one.\p\B4\b \IBiol\i growth by organic enlargement.\p\B5\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b = \J\Xaccession\x\p\In.\i\p3.\j \Bb\b the increase of a legacy etc. by the share of a failing co-legatee.\Ksenses 1 - 4 recast after NSOED Mar 94\k \Baccretive\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccretio\i (as \J\Xaccrete\x)\j\c
<hw>accrue</hw> \K/\F'\n"kru:/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(accrues,\b \Baccrued,\b \Baccruing)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i come as a natural increase or advantage, esp. financial.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i accumulate; collect.\K2 new f. corpus, SOED Aug 94\k \Baccrual\b\p\In.\i\p\Baccrued\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iacru(e),\i past part. of \Iacreistre\i 'increase', from Latin \Iaccrescere\i \J\Xaccrete\x\j\c
<hw>acculturate</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVltS\F'\nreIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i adapt to or adopt a different culture.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i cause to do this. \Bacculturation\b \K/-"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bacculturative\b \K/-r\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>accumulate</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:mjUleIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b acquire an increasing number or quantity of; heap up. \Bb\b produce or acquire (a resulting whole) in this way.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i grow numerous or considerable; form an increasing mass or quantity. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccumulare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icumulus\i 'heap')\c
<hw>accumulation</hw> \K/\F'\nkju:mjU"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of accumulating or being accumulated.\p\B2\b an accumulated mass.\p\B3\b the growth of capital by continued interest. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccumulatio\i (as \J\Xaccumulate\x)\j\c
<hw>accumulative</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:mjUl\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b arising from accumulation; cumulative \3(accumulative evidence).\c\p\B2\b arranged so as to accumulate.\p\B3\b acquisitive; given to hoarding. \Baccumulatively\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>accumulator</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:mjUleIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b \IElectr\i a rechargeable electric cell.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b a bet placed on a sequence of events, the winnings and stake from each being placed on the next.\p\B3\b \IComputing\i a register in a computer used to contain the results of an operation.\p\B4\b a person who accumulates things.
<hw>accuracy</hw> \K/"akjUr\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b exactness or precision, esp. arising from careful effort.\p\B2\b the degree of refinement in measurement or specification.\Ksense 2 new f. SOED Jan 94\k
<hw>accurate</hw> \K/"akjUr\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b careful, precise; lacking errors.\p\B2\b conforming exactly with the truth or with a given standard. \Baccurately\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccuratus\i 'done carefully', past part. of \Iaccurare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icura\i 'care')\c
<hw>accursed</hw> \K/\F'\n"k\F'\n:sId/, /\F'\n"k\F'\n:st/\k \Iadj.\i \I(archaic\i \Baccurst\b \K/\F'\n"k\F'\n:st/\k)\p\B1\b lying under a curse; ill-fated.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i detestable, annoying. \BEtymology:\b \3past part. of \Iaccurse,\i from \J\Xa-\x (2)\j + \J\Xcurse\x\j\c
<hw>accusation</hw> \K/akjU"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of accusing or being accused.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i a statement charging a person with an offence or crime. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iaccusatio -onis\i (as \J\Xaccuse\x)\j\c
<hw>accusative</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:z\F'\ntIv/\k \In. & adj.\i \IGram.\i\p\In.\i\pthe case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, expressing the object of an action or the goal of motion. \Iadj.\i of or in this case.\Kaccusatival, accusatively omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Iaccusatif -ive\i or Latin \I(casus)\i \Iaccusativus,\i translation of Greek \I(ptosis)\i \Iaitiatike\i '(the case) showing cause'\c
<hw>accusatorial</hw> \K/\F'\nkju:z\F'\n"tO:rI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i (of proceedings) involving accusation by a prosecutor and a verdict reached by an impartial judge or jury \I(opp.\i \J\Xinquisitorial\x 3).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaccusatorius\i (as \J\Xaccuse\x)\j\c
<hw>accusatory</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:z\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i (of language, manner, etc.) of or implying accusation.
<hw>accuse</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:z/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i \ILaw\i charge (a person etc.) with a fault or crime; indict \3(accused them of murder;\c \2was accused of stealing a car).\c\p\B2\b lay the blame on.\p\1the accused\c \ILaw\i the person or persons charged with a crime. \Baccuser\b\p\In.\i\p\Baccusingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iacuse\i via Old French \Iac(c)user\i from Latin \Iaccusare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \J\Xcause\x)\j\c
<hw>accustom</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVst\F'\nm/\k \Iv.tr. & refl.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i make (a person or thing or oneself) used to \3(the army accustomed him to discipline;\c \2was accustomed to their strange ways).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacostumer\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icostume\i \J\Xcustom\x)\j\c
<hw>accustomed</hw> \K/\F'\n"kVst\F'\nmd/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i used \3(accustomed to hard work).\c\p\B2\b customary, usual.
<hw>AC/DC</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IElectr.\i alternating current/direct current.\p\B2\b \ISex\i \Islang\i bisexual.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>ace</hw> \K/eIs/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICards Games\i \Ba\b a playing card, domino, etc., with a single spot and generally having the value 'one' or in card games the highest value in each suit. \Bb\b a single spot on a playing card etc.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a person who excels in some activity. \Bb\b \IAeron.\i a pilot who has shot down many enemy aircraft.\p\B3\b \ITennis etc.\i \Ba\b a service that is too good for the opponent to return. \Bb\b a point scored in this way.\p\B4\b \IGolf\i a hole in one.\K4 new f. SOED Aug 94\k \Iadj.\i \Islang\i excellent.\p\1ace up one's sleeve\c (or \BN. Amer.\b \Bin the hole)\b something effective kept in reserve.\p\1play one's ace\c use one's best resource.\p\1within an ace of\c on the verge of. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Ias\i 'unity', \J\Xas\x (2)\j\c
<hw>-acea</hw> \K/"eIS\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i \IZool\i forming the plural names of orders and classes of animals \3(Crustacea)\c \I(cf.\i \J\X-acean\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3neut. pl. of Latin adjectival suffix \I-aceus\i 'of the nature of'\c
<hw>-aceae</hw> \K/"eIsIi:/\k \Isuffix\i \IBot\i forming the plural names of families of plants \3(Rosaceae).\c \BEtymology:\b \3fem. pl. of Latin adjectival suffix \I-aceus\i 'of the nature of'\c
<hw>-acean</hw> \K/"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k \Isuffix\i \IZool\i\p\B1\b forming adjectives, = \J\X-aceous\x.\j\p\B2\b forming nouns as the sing. of names in \I-acea\i \3(crustacean).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I-aceus:\i see \J\X-acea\x\j\c
<hw>acedia</hw> \K/\F'\n"si:dI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p= \J\Xaccidie\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iacedia\i from Greek \Iakedia\i 'listlessness'\c
<hw>acellular</hw> \K/eI"sEljUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol.\i\p\B1\b having no cells; not consisting of cells.\p\B2\b (esp. of protozoa) consisting of one cell only; unicellular.
<hw>-aceous</hw> \K/"eIS\F'\ns/\k \Isuffix\i \IZool Bot\i forming adjectives, esp. from nouns in \I-acea,\i \I-aceae\i \3(herbaceous;\c \2rosaceous).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I-aceus:\i see \J\X-acea\x\j\c
<hw>acephalous</hw> \K/eI"sEf(\F'\n)l\F'\ns/, /-"kEf-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b headless.\p\B2\b having no chief.\p\B3\b \IZool.\i having no part of the body specially organized as a head.\p\B4\b \IProsody\i lacking a syllable or syllables in the first foot. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iacephalus\i from Greek \Iakephalos\i 'headless' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Ikephale\i 'head')\c
<hw>acer</hw> \K/"eIs\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a tree or shrub of the genus \IAcer,\i which includes maples and the European sycamore.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = maple\c
<hw>acerbic</hw> \K/\F'\n"s\F'\n:bIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b astringently sour; harsh-tasting.\p\B2\b bitter in speech, manner, or temper. \Bacerbically\b \Iadv.\i \Bacerbity\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacerbus\i 'sour-tasting'\c
<hw>acetabulum</hw> \K/asI"tabjUl\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bacetabula\b \K/-l\F'\n/\k)\p\B1\b \IAnat.\i the socket of the hip bone, into which the head of the femur fits.\p\B2\b \IZool\i a cup-shaped sucker in tapeworms, cuttlefish, and other animals. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin, = vinegar cup, from \Iacetum\i 'vinegar' + \I-abulum,\i diminutive of \I-abrum\i 'holder'\c
<hw>acetal</hw> \K/"asItal/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of a class of organic compounds formed by the condensation of two alcohol molecules with an aldehyde molecule. \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xacetic\x\j + \J\X-al\x\j\c
<hw>acetaminophen</hw> \K/\F'\nsEt\F'\n"mIn\F'\nfEn/, /%asIt-/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b = \J\Xparacetamol\x.\j\KNew f. OERD, Incomings Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3para-\Iacet\iyl\Iaminophen\iol (cf. \J\Xparacetamol\x\j\c
<hw>acetate</hw> \K/"asIteIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i\p\B1\b a salt or ester of acetic acid, esp. the cellulose ester used to make textiles, gramophone records, etc.; \Ialso called\i \Iethanoate.\i\p\B2\b a fabric made from cellulose acetate. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xacetic\x\j + \J\X-ate\x (1)\j\c
<hw>acetate fibre</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bacetate silk)\b \ITextiles\i fibre (or silk) made artificially from cellulose acetate.
<hw>acetic</hw> \K/\F'\n"si:tIk/, /\F'\n"sEt-/\k \Iadj.\i of or like vinegar or acetic acid. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacΘtique\i from Latin \Iacetum\i 'vinegar'\c
<hw>acetic acid</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i the clear liquid acid that gives vinegar its characteristic taste. \IAlso called\i \Iethanoic acid.\i Chem. formula: CH3COOH.\Kformula\k
<hw>acetone</hw> \K/"asIt\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a colourless volatile liquid ketone valuable as a solvent of organic compounds esp. paints, varnishes, etc. \IAlso called\i \Ipropanone.\i Chem. formula: CH3COCH3.\Kformula\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaceto-\x\j + \J\X-one\x\j\c
<hw>acetous</hw> \K/\F'\n"si:t\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b having the qualities of vinegar.\p\B2\b producing vinegar.\p\B3\b sour. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iacetosus\i 'sour' (as \J\Xacetic\x)\j\c
<hw>acetyl</hw> \K/"asItVIl/, /-tIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i the monovalent radical of acetic acid, CH3CO-.\Kformula\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xacetic\x\j + \J\X-yl\x\j\c
<hw>acetylcholine</hw> \K/asItIl"k\F'\nUli:n/, /asItVIl-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a compound serving to transmit impulses from nerve fibres. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xacetyl\x\j + \J\Xcholine\x\j\c
<hw>acetylene</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEtIli:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a colourless hydrocarbon gas, burning with a bright flame, used esp. in welding and formerly in lighting. \IAlso called\i \Iethyne.\i Chem. formula: C2H2.\Kformula\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xacetic\x\j + \J\X-yl\x\j + \J\X-ene\x\j\c
<hw>acetylide</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEtIlVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i any of a class of salts formed from acetylene and a metal.
<hw>Achaean</hw> \K/\F'\n"ki:\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to Achaea in ancient Greece.\p\B2\b \Iliterary\i (esp. in Homeric contexts) Greek.\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b an inhabitant of Achaea.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \Iliterary\i a Greek. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAchaeus\i from Greek \IAkhaios\i\c
<hw>Achaemenid</hw> \K/\F'\n"ki:m\F'\nnId/\k \Iadj. & n.\i (also \BAchaemenian\b \K/akI"mi:nI\F'\nn/\k) \Iadj.\i of or relating to the dynasty ruling in Persia from Cyrus I to Darius III (553-330 bc).\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i a member of this dynasty. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAchaemenius\i from Greek \IAkhaimenes,\i the name of the ancestor of the dynasty\c
\B\Iacharnement\b\i \K/\F'\n"SA:nmQ~/, French /aSarn\F'\nmA~/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b bloodthirsty fury; ferocity.\p\B2\b gusto. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>ache</hw> \K/eIk/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a continuous or prolonged dull pain.\p\B2\b mental distress. \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b suffer from or be the source of an ache \3(I ached all over;\c \2my left leg ached).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i desire greatly \3(we ached to be at home again).\c \Bachingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµce\i \I(n.),\i \Iacan\i \I(v.)\i\c
<hw>achene</hw> \K/\F'\n"ki:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i a small dry one-seeded fruit that does not open to liberate the seed (e.g. a strawberry pip). \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iachaenium\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j Greek \Ikhaino\i 'gape')\c
<hw>Acheulian</hw> \K/\F'\n"Su:lI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i (also \BAcheulean)\b \IArchaeol\i \Iadj.\i of the palaeolithic period in Europe etc. following the Abbevillian and preceding the Mousterian.\p\In.\i\pthe culture of this period. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacheulΘen\i from St-\IAcheul\i in N. France, where remains dating from this period were found\c
<hw>achieve</hw> \K/\F'\n"tSi:v/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b reach or attain by effort \3(achieved victory).\c \Bb\b acquire, gain, earn \3(achieved notoriety).\c\p\B2\b accomplish or carry out (a feat or task).\p\B3\b \Iabsol.\i be successful; attain a desired level of performance. \Bachievable\b \Iadj.\i \Bachiever\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iachever\i 'come or bring to a head' from \Ia chief\i 'to a head'\c
<hw>achievement</hw> \K/\F'\n"tSi:vm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something achieved.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the act or process of achieving. \Bb\b an instance of this.\p\B3\b \IPsychol.\i performance in a standardized test.\p\B4\b \IHeraldry\i a representation of a coat of arms with all the adjuncts to which a bearer of arms is entitled.
<hw>achillea</hw> \K/akI"li:\F'\n/, /a"kIlI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAchillea\i (daisy family), usu. aromatic with heads of small white or yellow flowers, e.g. common yarrow or milfoil. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \IAkhilleios,\i a plant supposed to have been used medicinally by Achilles\c
<hw>Achilles heel</hw> \K/\F'\n"kIli:z/\k\p\In.\i\pa person's weak or vulnerable point.\Kspelling changed in accordance with corpus evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAchilles\i from Greek \IAkhilleus,\i a hero in the \IIliad,\i invulnerable except in the heel\c
<hw>Achilles tendon</hw> \K/\F'\n"kIli:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i the tendon connecting the heel with the calf muscles.\Kspelling changed in accordance with corpus evidence Jul 93\k
<hw>achiral</hw> \K/eI"kVI\F'\nr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i (of a crystal or molecule) not chiral.
<hw>achondroplasia</hw> \K/\F'\nkQndr\F'\n"pleIzj\F'\n/, /eI%kQn-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i a hereditary condition in which the growth of long bones by ossification of cartilage is retarded, resulting in very short limbs and often a small face. \Bachondroplasic\b \Iadj.\i \Bachondroplastic\b \K/-"plastIk/\k \Iadj.\i\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Ikhondros\i 'cartilage' + \Iplasis\i 'moulding' + \J\X-ia\x (1)\j\c
<hw>achromat</hw> \K/"akr\F'\n(U)mat/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a lens made achromatic by correction.
<hw>achromatic</hw> \K/akr\F'\n(U)"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IOptics\i\p\B1\b that transmits light without separating it into constituent colours \3(achromatic lens).\c\p\B2\b without colour \3(achromatic fringe).\c \Bachromatically\b \Iadv.\i \Bachromaticity\b \K/\F'\nkr\F'\nUm\F'\n"tIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bachromatism\b \K/\F'\n"kr\F'\nUm\F'\ntIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iachromatique\i from Greek \Iakhromatos\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \J\Xchromatic\x)\j\c
<hw>achy</hw> \K/"eIki/\k \Iadj.\i full of or suffering from aches.
<hw>acid</hw> \K/"asId/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IChem.\i \Ba\b any of a class of substances that liberate hydrogen ions in water, are usu. sour and corrosive, turn litmus red, and have a pH of less than 7. \Bb\b any compound or atom donating protons.\p\B2\b (in general use) any sour substance.\p\B3\b \Islang\i the drug LSD. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b sharp-tasting; sour.\p\B2\b biting, sharp \3(an acid wit).\c\p\B3\b \IChem.\i having the essential properties of an acid.\p\B4\b \IGeol.\i containing much silica.\p\B5\b (of a colour) intense, bright.\p\1put the acid on\c \BAustral.\b \Islang\i seek to extract a loan or favour etc. from. \Bacidic\b \K/\F'\n"sIdIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bacidimetry\b \K/asI"dImItri/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bacidly\b \Iadv.\i \Bacidness\b\p\In.\i\p\Kacidimeter omitted Feb 93: obs. in NSOED\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacide\i or Latin \Iacidus,\i from \Iacere\i 'be sour'\c
<hw>acid drop</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IFood\i a kind of sweet with a sharp taste.
<hw>acid head</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Islang\i a user of the drug LSD.
<hw>acid house</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a kind of synthesized music with a simple repetitive beat, often associated with the taking of hallucinogenic drugs \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2acid house parties).\c
<hw>acidify</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIdIfVI/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b make or become acid. \Bacidification\b \K/-fI"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>acidity</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIdIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b an acid quality or state, esp. an excessively acid condition of the stomach.
<hw>acidophilic</hw> \K/asId\F'\n"fIlIk/, /\F'\nsId-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IBiol.\i (of a cell etc.) readily stained with acid dyes.\p\B2\b \Iesp. Bot.\i growing best in acidic conditions.\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xacid\x\j + \J\X-philic\x\j (see \J\X-philia\x)\j\c
<hw>acidophilus</hw> \K/asI"dQfIl\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i a bacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, used to make yogurt and to supplement the intestinal flora.\Knew f. incomings Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, = acid-loving\c
<hw>acidosis</hw> \K/asI"d\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an over-acid condition of the body fluids or tissues. \Bacidotic\b \K/-"dQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>acid radical</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a radical formed by the removal of hydrogen ions from an acid.
<hw>acid rain</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEcol\i rain containing acid formed in the atmosphere esp. from industrial waste gases.
<hw>acid test</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a severe or conclusive test.\p\B2\b \IMineral\i a test in which acid is used to test for gold etc.
<hw>acidulate</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIdjUleIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i make somewhat acid. \Bacidulation\b \K/-"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacidulus,\i diminutive of \Iacidus\i 'sour'\c
<hw>acinus</hw> \K/"asIn\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bacini\b \K/-nVI/\k) \IAnat.\i a small saclike cavity, esp. one in a gland surrounded by secretory cells. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = berry, kernel\c
<hw>-acious</hw> \K/"eIS\F'\ns/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives meaning 'inclined to, full of' \3(vivacious;\c \2pugnacious;\c \2voracious;\c \2capacious).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I-ax -acis,\i added chiefly to verbal stems to form adjectives + \J\X-ous\x\j\c
<hw>-acity</hw> \K/"asIti/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns of quality or state corresponding to adjectives in \I-acious.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-acitΘ\i or Latin \I-acitas -tatis\i\c
<hw>ack-ack</hw> \K/ak"ak/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMil\i \Icolloq.\i \Iadj.\i anti-aircraft.\p\In.\i\pan anti-aircraft gun etc. \BEtymology:\b \3formerly signallers' name for the letters \IAA\i\c
<hw>ackee</hw> \K/"aki/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bakee)\b \IBot\i\p\B1\b a tropical tree, Blighia sapida.\p\B2\b its fruit, edible when cooked. \BEtymology:\b \3Kru \Iakee\i\c
<hw>ack emma</hw> \K/ak "Em\F'\n/\k \Iadv. & n.\i \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i = \J\Xa.m.\x\j \BEtymology:\b \3formerly signallers' name for the letters \IAM\i\c
<hw>acknowledge</hw> \K/\F'\nk"nQlIdZ/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b recognize; accept; admit the truth of \3(acknowledged the failure of the plan).\c \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bto be\b + compl.)\i recognize as \3(acknowledged it to be a great success).\c \Bc\b \I(often foll. by \Bthat\b + clause or \Bto\b + infin.)\i admit that something is so \3(acknowledged that he was wrong;\c \2acknowledged him to be wrong).\c\p\B2\b \ICommerce\i confirm the receipt of \3(acknowledged her letter).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b show that one has noticed \3(acknowledged my arrival with a grunt).\c \Bb\b express appreciation of (a service etc.).\p\B4\b own; recognize the validity of \3(the acknowledged king).\c \Backnowledgeable\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete verb \Iknowledge,\i influenced by obsolete \Iacknow\i (as \J\Xa-\x (4),\j \J\Xknow\x),\j or from obsolete noun \Iacknowledge:\i see \J\Xknowledge\x\j\c
<hw>acknowledgement</hw> \K/\F'\nk"nQlIdZm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Backnowledgment)\b\p\B1\b the act or an instance of acknowledging.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a thing given or done in return for a service etc. \Bb\b a letter confirming receipt of something.\p\B3\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \ILiterature\i an author's statement of indebtedness to others.
<hw>acme</hw> \K/"akmi/\k\p\In.\i\pthe highest point or period (of achievement, success, etc.); the peak of perfection \3(displayed the acme of good taste).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = highest point\c
<hw>acne</hw> \K/"akni/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i a skin condition, usu. of the face, characterized by red pimples. \Bacned\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from erroneous Greek \Iaknas\i for \Iakmas,\i accusative pl. of \Iakme\i 'facial eruption': cf. \J\Xacme\x\j\c
<hw>acolyte</hw> \K/"ak\F'\nlVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i a person assisting a priest in a service or procession.\p\B2\b an assistant; a beginner. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iacolyt\i or ecclesiastical Latin \Iacolytus,\i from Greek \Iakolouthos\i 'follower'\c
<hw>aconite</hw> \K/"ak\F'\nnVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IBot\i any poisonous plant of the genus \IAconitum\i (buttercup family), esp. monkshood or wolfsbane. \Bb\b \IPharm\i = \J\Xaconitine\x.\j\p\B2\b (in full \Bwinter aconite)\b \IBot\i any related plant of the genus \IEranthis,\i with yellow flowers.\Kaconitic omitted Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaconit\i or Latin \Iaconitum,\i from Greek \Iakoniton\i\c
<hw>aconitine</hw> \K/\F'\n"kQnIti:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a poisonous alkaloid obtained from the aconite.
<hw>acorn</hw> \K/"eIkO:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the fruit of the oak, a smooth nut in a rough cuplike base. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµcern,\i related to \Iµcer\i \J\Xacre\x,\j later associated with \J\Xoak\x\j and \J\Xcorn\x (1)\j\c
<hw>acorn barnacle</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any stalkless barnacle of the family Balanidae, forming a sharp-edged encrustation on rocks by the sea.
<hw>acorn worm</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any wormlike burrowing marine animal of the phylum Hemichordata, having a proboscis and gill slits, and inhabiting seashores.
<hw>acotyledon</hw> \K/\F'\nkQtI"li:d(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant with no distinct seed-leaves. \Bacotyledonous\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iacotyledones\i pl. (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \J\Xcotyledon\x)\j\c
<hw>acoustic</hw> \K/\F'\n"ku:stIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysics\i relating to sound or the sense of hearing.\p\B2\b (of a musical instrument, gramophone, or recording) not having electrical amplification \3(acoustic guitar).\c\p\B3\b \IBuilding\i (of building materials) used for soundproofing or modifying sound.\p\B4\b \IMil.\i (of a mine) that can be exploded by sound waves transmitted under water.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IPhysics\i the properties or qualities (esp. of a room or hall etc.) in transmitting sound \3(good acoustics;\c \2a poor acoustic).\c\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.;\b\i \Iusu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i the science of sound \3(acoustics is not widely taught).\c \Bacoustical\b \Iadj.\i \Bacoustically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iakoustikos\i from \Iakouo\i 'hear'\c
<hw>acoustic coupler</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i a modem which converts digital signals into audible signals and vice versa, so that the former can be transmitted and received over telephone lines.
<hw>acoustician</hw> \K/aku:"stIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i an expert in acoustics.
<hw>acquaint</hw> \K/\F'\n"kweInt/\k \Iv.tr. & refl.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i make (a person or oneself) aware of or familiar with \3(acquaint me with the facts).\c\p\1be acquainted with\c have personal knowledge of (a person or thing). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iacointier\i from Late Latin \Iaccognitare\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Icognoscere cognit-\i 'come to know')\c
<hw>acquaintance</hw> \K/\F'\n"kweInt(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i slight knowledge (of a person or thing).\p\B2\b the fact or process of being acquainted \3(our acquaintance lasted a year).\c\p\B3\b a person one knows slightly.\p\1make one's acquaintance\c first meet or introduce oneself to another person.\p\1make the acquaintance of\c (or \Bmake a person's acquaintance)\b meet (a person) for the first time; come to know.\Kvar. new from corpus, WF Jul 93\k \Bacquaintanceship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacointance\i (as \J\Xacquaint\x)\j\c
<hw>acquaintance rape</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISex Law\i the rape of a girl or woman by a person known to her.\Knew f. NSOED, NEWS Feb 94\k
<hw>acquiesce</hw> \K/akwI"Es/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bin)\b\i agree, esp. tacitly; accept (an arrangement).\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i raise no objection.\Ksenses combined Aug 94\k \Bacquiescence\b\p\In.\i\p\Bacquiescent\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacquiescere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Iquiescere\i 'rest')\c
<hw>acquire</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwVI\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b gain by and for oneself; obtain.\p\B2\b come into possession of \3(acquired fame;\c \2acquired much property).\c \Bacquirable\b \Iadj.\i \Bacquirer\b\p\In.\i\p\K-er new f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaquerre,\i ultimately from Latin \Iacquirere\i (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \Iquaerere\i 'seek')\c
<hw>acquired characteristic</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i a characteristic caused by the environment, not inherited.
<hw>acquired taste</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a liking gained by experience.\p\B2\b the object of such a liking.
<hw>acquirement</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwVI\F'\nm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something acquired, esp. a mental attainment.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of acquiring.
<hw>acquisition</hw> \K/akwI"zIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something acquired, esp. if regarded as useful.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of acquiring. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacquisitio\i (as \J\Xacquire\x)\j\c
<hw>acquisitive</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwIzItIv/\k \Iadj.\i keen to acquire things; avaricious; materialistic. \Bacquisitively\b \Iadv.\i \Bacquisitiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacquisitive\i or Late Latin \Iacquisitivus\i (as \J\Xacquire\x)\j\c
<hw>acquit</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(acquitted,\b \Bacquitting)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i \ILaw\i declare (a person) not guilty \3(were acquitted of the offence).\c\p\B2\b \Irefl.\i \Ba\b conduct oneself or perform in a specified way \3(we acquitted ourselves well).\c \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i discharge (a duty or responsibility). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaquiter\i from medieval Latin \Iacquitare\i 'pay a debt' (as \J\Xac-\x,\j \J\Xquit\x)\j\c
<hw>acquittal</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwIt(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ILaw\i the process of freeing or being freed from a charge, esp. by a judgement of not guilty.\p\B2\b performance of a duty.
<hw>acquittance</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwIt(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i\p\B1\b payment of or release from a debt.\p\B2\b a written receipt attesting settlement of a debt. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaquitance\i (as \J\Xacquit\x)\j\c
<hw>acre</hw> \K/"eIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a measure of land, 4,840 sq. yards, 0.405 hectare.\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.;\b usu. foll. by \Bof)\b\i a large area or amount.\Ksense 'field' omitted Apr 94\k \Bacred\b \Iadj.\i \I(esp. in \Bcomb.).\b\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµcer,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>acreage</hw> \K/"eIk(\F'\n)rIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a number of acres.\p\B2\b an extent of land.
<hw>acrid</hw> \K/"akrId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b bitterly pungent; irritating; corrosive.\p\B2\b bitter in temper or manner. \Bacridity\b \K/\F'\n"krIdIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bacridly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3formed irregularly from Latin \Iacer acris\i 'keen' + \J\X-id\x (1),\j probably influenced by \Iacid\i\c
<hw>acridine</hw> \K/"akrIdi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a solid colourless organic compound used in the manufacture of dyes and drugs. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xacrid\x\j + \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>acriflavine</hw> \K/akrI"fleIvIn/, /-i:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i a reddish powder used as an antiseptic. \BEtymology:\b \3formed irregularly from \J\Xacridine\x\j + \J\Xflavine\x\j\c
<hw>acrimonious</hw> \K/akrI"m\F'\nUnI\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i bitter in manner or temper. \Bacrimoniously\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacrimonieux,\i \I-euse\i via medieval Latin \Iacrimoniosus\i from Latin \Iacrimonia\i \J\Xacrimony\x\j\c
<hw>acrimony</hw> \K/"akrIm\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b bitterness of temper or manner; ill feeling. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacrimonie\i or Latin \Iacrimonia\i 'pungency' (as \J\Xacrid\x)\j\c
<hw>acrobat</hw> \K/"akr\F'\nbat/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ITheatr\i a performer of spectacular gymnastic feats.\p\B2\b a person noted for constant change of mind, allegiance, etc. \Bacrobatic\b \K/akr\F'\n"batIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bacrobatically\b \K/akr\F'\n"batIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacrobate\i from Greek \Iakrobates,\i from \Iakron\i 'summit' + \Ibaino\i 'walk'\c
<hw>acrobatics</hw> \K/akr\F'\n"batIks/\k \In.pl.\i\p\B1\b acrobatic feats.\p\B2\b \I(treated as \Bsing.)\b\i the art of performing these.\p\B3\b a skill requiring ingenuity \3(mental acrobatics).\c
<hw>acromegaly</hw> \K/akr\F'\n(U)"mEg\F'\nli/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i abnormal growth of the hands, feet, and face, caused by overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. \Bacromegalic\b \K/-mI"galIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacromΘgalie,\i from Greek \Iakron\i 'extremity' + \Imegas megal-\i 'great'\c
<hw>acronym</hw> \K/"akr\F'\nnIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i a word, usu. pronounced as such, formed from the initial letters of other words (e.g. \IErnie,\i \Ilaser,\i \INato).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iakron\i 'end' + \Ionuma\i = \Ionoma\i 'name'\c
<hw>acropetal</hw> \K/\F'\n"krQpIt(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i developing from below upwards. \Bacropetally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iakron\i 'tip' + Latin \Ipetere\i 'seek'\c
<hw>acrophobia</hw> \K/akr\F'\n"f\F'\nUbI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i an abnormal dread of heights. \Bacrophobic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iakron\i 'peak' + \J\X-phobia\x\j\c
<hw>acropolis</hw> \K/\F'\n"krQp\F'\nlIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IFortification\i a citadel or upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city.\p\B2\b \B(Acropolis)\b the ancient citadel at Athens. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iakropolis\i from \Iakron\i 'summit' + \Ipolis\i 'city'\c
<hw>across</hw> \K/\F'\n"krQs/\k \Iprep. & adv.\i \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b to or on the other side of \3(walked across the road;\c \2lives across the river).\c\p\B2\b from one side to another side of \3(the cover stretched across the opening;\c \2a bridge across the river).\c\p\B3\b at or forming an angle (esp. a right angle) with \3(deep cuts across his legs).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b to or on the other side \3(ran across;\c \2shall soon be across).\c\p\B2\b from one side to another \3(a blanket stretched across).\c\p\B3\b forming a cross \3(with cuts across).\c\p\B4\b (of a crossword clue or answer) read horizontally \3(cannot do nine across).\c\p\1across the board\c general; generally; applying to all. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ia croix,\i \Ien croix\i 'in, on a cross', later regarded as from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xcross\x\j\c
<hw>acrostic</hw> \K/\F'\n"krQstIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IProsody\i a poem or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or words.\p\B2\b \IGames\i a word-puzzle constructed in this way. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iacrostiche\i or Greek \Iakrostikhis,\i from \Iakron\i 'end' + \Istikhos\i 'row, line of verse', assimilated to \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>acrylic</hw> \K/\F'\n"krIlIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ITextiles\i made with a synthetic polymer derived from acrylic acid.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i of or derived from acrylic acid.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ITextiles\i an acrylic textile fibre.\p\B2\b \I(also in \Bpl.)\b\i acrylic paint.\Ksense 2 paint new f. JHM, OERD Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\Iacrolein\i (from Latin \Iacer acris\i 'pungent' + \Iolere\i 'to smell') + \J\X-yl\x\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>acrylic acid</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a pungent liquid organic acid. Chem. formula: C3H4O2.\Kformula\k
<hw>acrylic resin</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i any of various transparent colourless polymers of acrylic acid.
<hw>ACT</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Australian Capital Territory.
<hw>act</hw> \K/akt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something done; a deed; an action.\p\B2\b the process of doing something \3(caught in the act).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b a piece of entertainment, usu. one of a series in a programme. \Bb\b the performer(s) of this.\p\B4\b a pretence; behaviour intended to deceive or impress \3(it was all an act).\c\p\B5\b \ITheatr\i a main division of a play or opera.\p\B6\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b (also \BAct)\b a written ordinance of a parliament or other legislative body. \Bb\b a document attesting a legal transaction.\p\B7\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i the recorded decisions or proceedings of a committee, an academic body, etc.\p\B8\b \B(Acts)\b (in full \BActs of the Apostles)\b \IRelig\i the New Testament book relating the growth of the early Church.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i behave \3(see how they act under stress).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i perform actions or functions; operate effectively; take action \3(act as referee;\c \2the brakes failed to act;\c \2we must act quickly).\c\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(also foll. by \Bon)\b\i exert energy or influence \3(the medicine soon began to act;\c \2alcohol acts on the brain).\c\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b \ITheatr\i perform a part in a play, film, etc. \Bb\b pretend.\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b \ITheatr\i perform the part of \3(acted Othello;\c \2acts the fool).\c \Bb\b \ITheatr\i perform (a play etc.). \Bc\b portray (an incident) by actions. \Bd\b feign \3(we acted indifference).\c\p\Bact for\b \ILaw\i be the (esp. legal) representative of.\p\1act of God\c \ILaw\i an instance of uncontrollable natural forces in operation.\p\1act of grace\c a privilege or concession that cannot be claimed as a right.\p\Bact on\b (or \Bupon)\b perform or carry out; put into operation \3(acted on my advice).\c\p\Bact out\b\p\B1\b translate (ideas etc.) into action.\p\B2\b \IPsychol.\i represent (one's subconscious desires etc.) in action.\p\Bact up\b \Icolloq.\i misbehave; give trouble \3(my car is acting up again).\c\p\1get one's act together\c \Islang\i become properly organized; make preparations for an undertaking etc.\p\1get in on the act\c \Islang\i become a participant (esp. for profit).\Kget into the act omitted f. COD9, get in on the act new in COD9 f. corpus, COD box Jul 93\k\p\1put on an act\c \Icolloq.\i carry out a pretence. \Bactable\b \Iadj.\i (in sense 5 of\p\Iv.\i\p). \Bactability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p(in sense 5 of\p\Iv.\i\p). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, ultimately from Latin \Iagere act-\i 'do'\c
<hw>actin</hw> \K/"aktIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i a protein which with myosin forms the contractile filaments of muscle fibres.\Knew from NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaktis\i \I-inos\i 'ray' + \J\X-in\x\j\c
<hw>acting</hw> \K/"aktIN/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ITheatr\i the art or occupation of performing parts in plays, films, etc.\p\B2\b \Iin senses of\i \J\Xact\x\p\Iv.\i\p\j \Iattrib.adj.\i serving temporarily or on behalf of another or others \3(acting manager;\c \2Acting Captain).\c
<hw>acting pilot officer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil Aeron\i a rank in the RAF above warrant officer and below pilot officer.\Knew f. COD box, research Aug 94\k
<hw>actinia</hw> \K/ak"tInI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bactiniae\b \K/-nIi:/\k) \IZool\i a sea anemone, esp. of the genus \IActinia.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iaktis -inos\i 'ray'\c
<hw>actinide</hw> \K/"aktInVId/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bactinoid\b \K/"aktInOId/\k) \IChem.\i any of the series of 15 radioactive elements of increasing atomic number from actinium (no. 89) to lawrencium (no. 103). \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xactinium\x\j + \J\X-ide\x\j on the pattern of \Ilanthanide\i\c
<hw>actinide series</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i the series of 15 radioactive elements from actinium to lawrencium.
<hw>actinism</hw> \K/"aktInIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the property of short-wave radiation that produces chemical changes, as in photography. \Bactinic\b \K/ak"tInIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaktis -inos\i 'ray'\c
<hw>actinium</hw> \K/ak"tInI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a radioactive metallic element of the actinide series, occurring naturally in pitchblende (symbol \BAc).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaktis -inos\i 'ray' + \J\X-ium\x\j\c
<hw>actinoid</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xactinide\x.\j
<hw>actinometer</hw> \K/aktI"nQmIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiation, esp. ultraviolet radiation. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaktis -inos\i 'ray' + \J\X-meter\x\j\c
<hw>actinomycete</hw> \K/%aktIn\F'\n(U)"mVIsi:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i any of the usu. non-motile filamentous anaerobic bacteria of the order Actinomycetales. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaktis,\i \I-inos\i 'ray' + \I-mycetes\i from Greek \Imukes -etos\i 'fungus'\c
<hw>action</hw> \K/"akS(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the fact or process of doing or acting \3(demanded action;\c \2put ideas into action).\c\p\B2\b forcefulness or energy as a characteristic \3(a woman of action).\c\p\B3\b the exertion of energy or influence \3(the action of acid on metal).\c\p\B4\b something done; a deed or act \3(not aware of his own actions).\c\p\B5\b \Ba\b a series of events represented in a story, play, etc. \Bb\b \Islang\i exciting activity \3(arrived late and missed the action;\c \2want some action).\c\p\B6\b \Ba\b armed conflict; fighting \3(killed in action).\c \Bb\b an occurrence of this, esp. a minor military engagement.\p\B7\b \Ba\b the way in which a machine, instrument, etc. works \3(explain the action of an air pump).\c \Bb\b the mechanism that makes a machine, instrument, etc. (e.g. a musical instrument, a gun, etc.) work. \Bc\b the mode or style of movement of an animal or human (usu. described in some way) \3(a runner with good action).\c\p\B8\b \ILaw\i a legal process; a lawsuit \3(bring an action).\c\p\B9\b \I(in \Bimper.)\b\i \ICinematog\i a word of command to begin, esp. used by a film director etc. \Iv.tr.\i \ILaw\i bring a legal action against.\p\1go into action\c start work.\p\1out of action\c not working.\p\1take action\c begin to act (esp. energetically in protest). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iactio -onis\i (as \J\Xact\x)\j\c
<hw>actionable</hw> \K/"akS(\F'\n)n\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i giving cause for legal action.\Kactionably omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k
<hw>action committee</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Baction group\b etc.) a body formed to take active steps, esp. in politics.
<hw>action-packed</hw> \Iadj.\i \Icolloq.\i full of action or excitement.
<hw>action painting</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i an aspect of abstract expressionism with paint applied by the artist's random or spontaneous gestures.
<hw>action point</hw>\p\In.\i\pa proposal for action, esp. arising from a discussion etc.
<hw>action replay</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ISportTelev\i a playback of part of a television broadcast, esp. a sporting event, often in slow motion.
<hw>action research</hw>\p\In.\i\presearch carried out in the course of an activity or occupation, esp. education, to improve the methods and approach of those involved.\Knew f. Incs Sept 94\k
<hw>action stations</hw> \In.pl.\i \Besp. Brit.\b \IMil\i positions taken up in readiness for action, esp. by troops preparing for battle.
<hw>activate</hw> \K/"aktIveIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b make active; bring into action.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i cause reaction in; excite (a substance, molecules, etc.).\p\B3\b \IPhysics\i make radioactive. \Bactivation\b \K/-"veIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bactivator\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>activated carbon</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i carbon, esp. charcoal, treated to increase its adsorptive power.
<hw>activated sludge</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i aerated sewage containing aerobic micro-organisms to break it down.
<hw>active</hw> \K/"aktIv/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b consisting in or marked by action; energetic; diligent \3(leads an active life;\c \2an active helper).\c \Bb\b able to move about or accomplish practical tasks \3(infirmity made him less active).\c\p\B2\b working, operative \3(an active volcano).\c\p\B3\b originating action; not merely passive or inert \3(active support;\c \2active ingredients).\c\p\B4\b \IPhysics\i radioactive.\p\B5\b \IGram.\i designating the voice that attributes the action of a verb to the person or thing from which it logically proceeds (e.g. of the verbs in \Iguns kill;\i \Iwe saw him).\i\p\In.\i\p\IGram.\i the active form or voice of a verb. \Bactively\b \Iadv.\i \Bactiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iactif -ive\i or Latin \Iactivus\i (as \J\Xact\x\p\Iv.\i\p)\j\c
<hw>active birth</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i childbirth during which the mother is encouraged to be as active as possible, mainly by moving around freely and assuming any position which feels comfortable.\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>active citizen</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISociol.\i a person who plays an active role in the community, esp. by participating in crime prevention, self-help schemes, etc.\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>active duty</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil etc.\i participation in policing or military operational activities.\Knew f. corpus, Sept 94\k
<hw>active matrix</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IElectronics\i a display system in which each pixel is individually controlled \I(also \Battrib.:\b\i \2active matrix LCD).\c\Knew f. incomings March 94\k
<hw>active service</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i participation in warfare as a member of the armed forces.
<hw>active transport</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.\Knew f. Collins Dec 93\k
<hw>activism</hw> \K/"aktIvIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i a policy of vigorous action in a cause, esp. in politics. \Bactivist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>activity</hw> \K/ak"tIvIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b the condition of being active or moving about. \Bb\b the exertion of energy; vigorous action.\p\B2\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i a particular occupation or pursuit \3(outdoor activities).\c\p\B3\b \IPhysics\i = \J\Xradioactivity\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3French \IactivitΘ\i or Late Latin \Iactivitas\i (as \J\Xactive\x)\j\c
<hw>Act of Supremacy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IPolit Eccl\i \Ihist.\i an act securing ecclesiastical supremacy to the Crown and excluding the authority of the Pope.
<hw>Act of Uniformity</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IRelig Law\i \Ihist.\i any of four acts (esp. that of 1662) for securing uniformity in public worship and the use of a particular Book of Common Prayer.
<hw>actor</hw> \K/"akt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a person who acts a part in a play etc. \Bb\b a person whose profession is performing such parts.\p\B2\b a person who pretends to be something he or she is not.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. RL Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = doer, actor (as \J\Xact\x,\j \J\X-or\x (1))\j\c
<hw>actor-manager</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i a person who is both manager of and actor in a theatre company.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>actress</hw> \K/"aktrIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i a female actor.
<hw>actual</hw> \K/"aktjU\F'\nl/, /-tSU\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i\p\B1\b existing in fact; real (often as distinct from ideal).\p\B2\b existing now; current. \Bactualize\b \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise).\b \Bactualization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iactuel\i from Late Latin \Iactualis,\i from \Iactus\i \J\Xact\x\p\In.\i\p\j\c Redundant use, as in \ITell me the actual facts,\i is common but to be avoided in formal contexts.
<hw>actual bodily harm</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i injury, such as bruising, broken bones, etc., inflicted intentionally on a person but less serious than grievous bodily harm.\Knew f. corpus, books in library Oct 93\k
<hw>actuality</hw> \K/aktjU"alIti/, /-tSU-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b reality; what is the case.\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i existing conditions. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IactualitΘ\i 'entity' or medieval Latin \Iactualitas\i (as \J\Xactual\x)\j\c
<hw>actually</hw> \K/"aktjU\F'\nli/, /-tSU-/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b as a fact, really \3(I asked for ten, but actually got nine).\c\p\B2\b as a matter of fact, even (strange as it may seem) \3(he actually refused!).\c\p\B3\b at present; for the time being.
<hw>actuary</hw> \K/"aktjU\F'\nri/, /-tSU-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IFinance\i an expert in statistics and probability theory, esp. one who calculates insurance risks and premiums. \Bactuarial\b \K/-"E:rI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \Bactuarially\b \K/-"E:rI\F'\nli/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iactuarius\i 'bookkeeper' from \Iactus\i \J\Xact\x\p\In.\i\p\j\c
<hw>actuate</hw> \K/"aktjUeIt/, /-tSU-/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b communicate motion to (a machine etc.).\p\B2\b cause the operation of (an electrical device etc.).\p\B3\b cause (a person) to act. \Bactuation\b \K/-"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bactuator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iactuare\i from Latin \Iactus\i \J\Xact\x\p\In.\i\p\j\c
<hw>acuity</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:Iti/\k\p\In.\i\psharpness, acuteness (of a needle, senses, understanding). \BEtymology:\b \3French \IacuitΘ\i or medieval Latin \Iacuitas,\i from \Iacuere\i 'sharpen': see \J\Xacute\x\j\c
<hw>aculeate</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:lI\F'\nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IZool.\i having a sting.\p\B2\b pointed, incisive.\p\In.\i\p\IZool.\i any hymenopteran insect of the section Aculeata, including bees, wasps, and ants.\Knoun new from NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaculeatus\i from \Iaculeus\i 'sting', diminutive of \Iacus\i 'needle'\c
<hw>acumen</hw> \K/"akjUm\F'\nn/, /\F'\n"kju:m\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\pkeen insight or discernment; penetration. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacumen -minis\i 'point, acuteress' from \Iacuere\i 'sharpen': see \J\Xacute\x\j\c
<hw>acuminate</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:mIn\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol.\i tapering to a point. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacuminatus\i 'pointed' (as \J\Xacumen\x)\j\c
<hw>acupressure</hw> \K/"akjUprES\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i = \J\Xshiatsu\x.\j\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW, OMED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3portmanteau word from \J\Xacupuncture\x\j + \J\Xpressure\x\j\c
<hw>acupuncture</hw> \K/"akjUpVNktS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a method (originally Chinese) of treating various medical conditions by pricking the skin or tissues with needles. \Bacupuncturist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacu\i 'with a needle' + \J\Xpuncture\x\j\c
<hw>acushla</hw> \K/\F'\n"kUSl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BIr.\b darling.\Ketymology corrected from Playfair and NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Irish \Ia chuisle\i \I(moi chroi)\i 'O pulse (of my heart)!'\c
<hw>acute</hw> \K/\F'\n"kju:t/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \B(acuter,\b \Bacutest)\b\p\B1\b (of sensation or senses) keen, penetrating.\p\B2\b shrewd, perceptive \3(an acute critic).\c\p\B3\b \IMed\i (of a disease) coming sharply to a crisis; severe, not chronic.\p\B4\b (of a difficulty or controversy) critical, serious.\p\B5\b \Ba\b \IMath\i (of an angle) less than 90░. \Bb\b sharp, pointed.\p\B6\b (of a sound) high, shrill.\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i = \J\Xacute accent\x.\j \Bacutely\b \Iadv.\i \Bacuteness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iacutus,\i past part. of \Iacuere\i 'sharpen' from \Iacus\i 'needle'\c
<hw>acute accent</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i a mark (┤) placed over letters in some languages to show quality, vowel length, pronunciation (e.g. \ImatΘ),\i etc.
<hw>-acy</hw> \K/\F'\nsi/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns of state or quality \3(accuracy;\c \2piracy;\c \2supremacy),\c or an instance of it \3(conspiracy;\c \2fallacy)\c (see also \J\X-cracy\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3a branch of the suffix \J\X-cy\x\j from or influenced by French \I-acie,\i Latin \I-acia\i or \I-atia,\i or Greek \I-ateia\i\c
<hw>acyclovir</hw> \K/eI"sVIkl\F'\nvVI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm.\i an antiviral drug used esp. in the treatment of herpes and Aids.\Knew f. Incs, OED Sept 94; etymol unresearched\k
<hw>acyl</hw> \K/"eIsVIl/, /"asIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i the monovalent radical of a carboxylic acid. \BEtymology:\b \3German (as \J\Xacid\x,\j \J\X-yl\x)\j\c
<schw>ad</schw> \Iabbr.\i \IHorol\i (of a date) of the Christian era. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAnno Domini,\i 'in the year of the Lord'\c Strictly, ad should precede a date (e.g. ad 410), but uses such as \Ithe tenth century\i ad are well established.
<hw>ad</hw> \K/ad/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i \Icolloq.\i an advertisement. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>ad-</hw> \K/ad/, /\F'\nd/\k \Iprefix\i (also \Ba-\b before \Isc,\i \Isp,\i \Ist,\i \Bac-\b before \Ic,\i \Ik,\i \Iq,\i \Baf-\b before \If,\i \Bag-\b before \Ig,\i \Bal-\b before \Il,\i \Ban-\b before \In,\i \Bap-\b before \Ip,\i \Bar-\b before \Ir,\i \Bas-\b before \Is,\i \Bat-\b before \It)\i\p\B1\b with the sense of motion or direction to, reduction or change into, addition, adherence, increase, or intensification.\p\B2\b formed by assimilation of other prefixes \3(accurse;\c \2admiral;\c \2advance;\c \2affray).\c \BEtymology:\b \3(sense 1) (via Old French \Ia-)\i from Latin \Iad\i 'to': (sense 2) \Ia-\i representing various prefixes other than \Iad-\i\c
<hw>-ad (1)</hw> \K/ad/, /\F'\nd/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns:\p\B1\b in collective numerals \3(myriad;\c \2triad).\c\p\B2\b in fem. patronymics \3(Dryad).\c\p\B3\b in names of poems and similar compositions \3(Iliad;\c \2Dunciad;\c \2jeremiad).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \I-as -ada\i\c
<hw>adage</hw> \K/"adIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\pa traditional maxim; a proverb. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iadagium\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j root of \Iaio\i 'say')\c
<hw>adagio</hw> \K/\F'\n"dA:dZI\F'\nU/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadv. & adj.\i in slow time.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b an adagio movement or passage. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, from \Iad agio\i 'at ease'\c
<hw>Adam (1)</hw> \K/"ad\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the first man, in the biblical and Koranic traditions.\p\1not know a person from Adam\c be unable to recognize the person in question. \BEtymology:\b \3Hebrew '\Iadam\i 'man'\c
<hw>Adam (2)</hw> \K/"ad\F'\nm/\k \Iadj.\i \IArchit Furniture\i of the style of architecture, furniture, and design created by the Scottish brothers Robert and James Adam (18th c.).
<hw>adamant</hw> \K/"ad\F'\nm(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i stubbornly resolute; resistant to persuasion.\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i \Iarchaic\i diamond or other hard substance. \Badamance\b\p\In.\i\p\Badamantine\b \K/-"mantVIn/\k \Iadj.\i \Badamantly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iadamaunt\i via Latin \Iadamas adamant-\i 'untameable' from Greek (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Idamao\i 'to tame')\c
<hw>Adam's ale</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFood\i water.
<hw>Adam's apple</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i the projection at the front of the neck formed by the thyroid cartilage of the larynx.
<hw>adapt</hw> \K/\F'\n"dapt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i fit, adjust (one thing to another). \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfor)\b\i make suitable for a purpose. \Bc\b alter or modify (esp. a text). \Bd\b \IBroadcasting\i arrange for broadcasting etc.\p\B2\b \Iintr. & refl.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i become adjusted to new conditions. \Badaptive\b \Iadj.\i\Kadaptively omitted on lack of evidence Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadapter\i from Latin \Iadaptare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iaptare\i from \Iaptus\i 'fit')\c
<hw>adaptable</hw> \K/\F'\n"dapt\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b able to adapt oneself to new conditions.\p\B2\b that can be adapted. \Badaptability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badaptably\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>adaptation</hw> \K/ad\F'\np"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of adapting or being adapted.\p\B2\b a thing that has been adapted.\p\B3\b \IBiol.\i the process by which an organism or species becomes suited to its environment. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Late Latin \Iadaptatio -onis\i (as \J\Xadapt\x)\j\c
<hw>adaptive radiation</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i the diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.\Knew f. Coll., NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>adaptor</hw> \K/\F'\n"dapt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Badapter)\b\p\B1\b a device for making equipment compatible.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \IElectr\i a device for connecting several electrical plugs to one socket.\p\B3\b a person who adapts.
<hw>adaxial</hw> \K/a"daksI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i facing toward the stem of a plant, esp. designating the upper side of a leaf \I(cf.\i \J\Xabaxial\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xad-\x\j + \J\Xaxial\x\j\c
<hw>add</hw> \K/ad/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b join (one thing to another) as an increase or supplement \3(add your efforts to mine;\c \2add insult to injury).\c\p\B2\b \IMath\i put together (two or more numbers) to find a number denoting their combined value.\p\B3\b say in addition \3(added a remark;\c \2added that I was wrong;\c \2'What's more, I don't like it,' he added).\c\p\Badd in\b include.\p\Badd to\b increase; be a further item among \3(this adds to our difficulties).\c\p\Badd up\b\p\B1\b find the total of.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i amount to; constitute \3(adds up to a disaster).\c\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i make sense; be understandable. \Badded\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iaddere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Idare\i 'put')\c
<hw>addax</hw> \K/"adaks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a large antelope, Addax nasomaculatus, of N. Africa, with twisted horns. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from an African word\c
<hw>addendum</hw> \K/\F'\n"dEnd\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baddenda\b \K/-d\F'\n/\k)\p\B1\b a thing (usu. something omitted) to be added, esp. \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i as additional matter at the end of a book.\p\B2\b an appendix; an addition. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, gerundive of \Iaddere\i \J\Xadd\x\j\c
<hw>adder</hw> \K/"ad\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a small often venomous snake, esp. the common viper, Vipera berus, the only poisonous snake in Britain. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Inµdre:\i \In\i lost in Middle English by wrong division of \Ia naddre:\i cf. \J\Xapron\x,\j \J\Xauger\x,\j \J\Xumpire\x\j\c
<hw>adder's tongue</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of several plants, esp. a fern of the genus \IOphioglossum\i or \B(N. Amer.)\b the dog's tooth violet.
<hw>addict</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr. & refl.\i \K/\F'\n"dIkt/\k \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i devote or apply habitually or compulsively; make addicted.\p\In.\i\p\K/"adIkt/\k\p\B1\b \IMed\i a person addicted to a habit, esp. one dependent on a (specified) drug \3(drug addict;\c \2heroin addict).\c\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i an enthusiastic devotee of a sport or pastime \3(film addict).\c \BEtymology:\b \3originally as \Iadj.,\i in the sense 'formally assigned or bound to': Latin \Iaddicere\i 'assign' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Idicere dict-\i 'say')\c
<hw>addicted</hw> \K/\F'\n"dIktId/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i dependent on as a habit; unable to do without a thing \3(addicted to heroin;\c \2found he was addicted).\c\p\B2\b devoted \3(addicted to football).\c
<hw>addiction</hw> \K/\F'\n"dIkS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the fact or process of being addicted, esp. the condition of taking a drug habitually and being unable to give it up without incurring adverse effects. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaddictio:\i see \J\Xaddict\x\j\c
<hw>addictive</hw> \K/\F'\n"dIktIv/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed\i (of a drug, habit, etc.) causing addiction or dependence.
<hw>Addison's disease</hw> \K/"adIs(\F'\n)nz dI%zi:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a condition caused by an adrenal deficiency and marked by weakness, low blood pressure, and brown discoloration of the skin. \BEtymology:\b \3named after T. \IAddison,\i English physician d. 1860, who first recognized it\c
<hw>addition</hw> \K/\F'\n"dIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of adding or being added.\p\B2\b a person or thing added \3(a useful addition to the team).\c\p\1in addition\c \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i as something added. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaddition\i or from Latin \Iadditio\i (as \J\Xadd\x)\j\c
<hw>additive</hw> \K/"adItIv/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa thing added, esp. a substance added to another so as to give it specific qualities \3(food additive).\c \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b characterized by addition \3(additive process).\c\p\B2\b to be added. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iadditivus\i (as \J\Xadd\x)\j\c
<hw>addle</hw> \K/"ad(\F'\n)l/\k \Iv. & adj.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i muddle, confuse.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i (of an egg) become addled. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(in \Bcomb.)\b\i muddled, unsound \3(addle-brained;\c \2addle-head).\c\p\B2\b empty, vain.\p\B3\b (of an egg) addled. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iadela\i 'filth', used as adj., then as verb\c
<hw>addled</hw> \K/"ad(\F'\n)ld/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of an egg) rotten, producing no chick.\p\B2\b muddled. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaddle\x \Iadj.\i,\j assimilated to past part. form\c
<hw>add-on</hw>\p\In.\i\psomething added to an existing object or quantity \I(also \Battrib.:\b\i \2several add-on features are available).\c
<hw>address</hw> \K/\F'\n"drEs/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the place where a person lives or an organization is situated. \Bb\b particulars of this, esp. for postal purposes. \Bc\b \IComputing\i the location of an item of stored information.\p\B2\b a discourse delivered to an audience.\p\B3\b skill, dexterity, readiness.\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i a courteous approach; courtship \3(pay one's addresses to).\c\p\B5\b \Iarchaic\i manner in conversation. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b write directions for delivery (esp. the name and address of the intended recipient) on (an envelope, packet, etc.).\p\B2\b direct in speech or writing (remarks, a protest, etc.).\p\B3\b speak or write to, esp. formally \3(addressed the audience;\c \2asked me how to address a duke).\c\p\B4\b direct one's attention to.\p\B5\b \IGolf\i take aim at or prepare to hit (the ball).\p\1address oneself to\c\p\B1\b speak or write to.\p\B2\b attend to. \Baddressable\b \Iadj.\i\K-able new f. Incs Sept 94\k \Baddresser\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iadresser,\i ultimately from Latin (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Idirectus\i \J\Xdirect\x):\j the noun perhaps from French \Iadresse\i\c
<hw>addressee</hw> \K/adrE"si:/\k\p\In.\i\pthe person to whom something (esp. a letter) is addressed.
<hw>Addressograph</hw> \K/\F'\n"drEs\F'\ngrA:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ipropr.\i a machine for printing addresses on envelopes.
<hw>adduce</hw> \K/\F'\n"dju:s/\k \Iv.tr.\i cite as an instance or as proof or evidence. \Badducible\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadducere adduct-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iducere\i 'lead')\c
<hw>adduct</hw> \K/\F'\n"dVkt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IAnat\i draw towards a middle line, esp. draw (a limb) towards the midline of the body. \Badduction\b\p\In.\i\p\Badductor\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>-ade (1)</hw> \K/eId/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns:\p\B1\b an action done \3(blockade;\c \2tirade).\c\p\B2\b the body concerned in an action or process \3(cavalcade).\c\p\B3\b the product or result of a material or action \3(arcade;\c \2lemonade;\c \2masquerade).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or influenced by French \I-ade,\i via Provenτal, Spanish, or Portuguese -\Iada\i or Italian -\Iata\i from Latin -\Iata,\i fem. sing. past part. of verbs ending in -\Iare\i\c
<hw>-ade (3)</hw> \K/eId/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns:\p\B1\b = \J\X-ade\x (1)\j \3(brocade).\c\p\B2\b a person concerned \3(renegade).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish or Portuguese \I-ado,\i masc. form of \I-ada:\i see \J\X-ade\x (1)\j\c
<hw>adenine</hw> \K/"adIni:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a purine derivative found in all living tissue as a component base of DNA or RNA. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAdenin\i from Greek \Iaden\i 'gland': see \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>adenoids</hw> \K/"adInOIdz/\k \In.pl.\i \IMed.\i a mass of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the back of the nose and the throat, often hindering speaking and breathing in the young. \Badenoidal\b \K/-"nOId(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\Kadenoidally omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaden\i 'gland' + \J\X-oid\x\j\c
<hw>adenoma</hw> \K/adI"n\F'\nUm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Badenomas\b or \Badenomata\b \K/-m\F'\nt\F'\n/\k) \IMed\i a glandlike benign tumour. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iaden\i 'gland' + \J\X-oma\x\j\c
<hw>adenosine</hw> \K/\F'\n"dEn\F'\nUsi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a nucleoside of adenine and ribose present in all living tissue in combined form. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xadenine\x\j + \J\Xribose\x\j\c
<hw>adenosine triphosphate</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a nucleotide important in living cells, whose breakdown to the diphosphate provides energy for physiological processes (abbr.: \BATP).\b\Kabbr.\k\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>adept</hw> \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \K/"adEpt/, /\F'\n"dEpt/\k \I(foll. by \Bat,\b \Bin)\b\i thoroughly proficient.\p\In.\i\p\K/"adEpt/\k a skilled performer; an expert. \Badeptly\b \Iadv.\i \Badeptness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadeptus,\i past part. of \Iadipisci\i 'attain'\c
<hw>adequate</hw> \K/"adIkw\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b sufficient, satisfactory (often with the implication of being barely so).\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i proportionate.\p\B3\b barely sufficient. \Badequacy\b\p\In.\i\p\Badequately\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadaequatus,\i past part. of \Iadaequare\i 'make equal' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iaequus\i 'equal')\c
\B\Iα deux\b\i \K/A: "d\F'\n:/, French /a d{/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i\p\B1\b for two.\p\B2\b between two. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
\B\Iad fin.\b\i \K/ad "fIn/\k \Iabbr.\i at or near the end. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iad finem\i\c
<hw>adhere</hw> \K/\F'\nd"hI\F'\n/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i (of a substance) stick fast to a surface, another substance, etc.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i behave according to; follow in detail \3(adhered to our plan).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i give support or allegiance to. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IadhΘrer\i or Latin \Iadhaerere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ihaerere haes-\i 'stick')\c
<hw>adherent</hw> \K/\F'\nd"hI\F'\nr(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a supporter of a party, person, etc.\p\B2\b a devotee of an activity. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i faithfully observing a rule etc.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i (of a substance) sticking fast. \Badherence\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \IadhΘrent\i (as \J\Xadhere\x)\j\c See Usage Note at \J\Xadhesion\x.\j
<hw>adhesion</hw> \K/\F'\nd"hi:Z(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of adhering.\p\B2\b the capacity of a substance to stick fast.\p\B3\b \IMed.\i an abnormal union of surfaces due to inflammation or injury.\p\B4\b the maintenance of contact between the wheels of a vehicle and the road.\p\B5\b the giving of support or allegiance. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IadhΘsion\i or Latin \Iadhaesio\i (as \J\Xadhere\x)\j\c Adhesion is more common in physical senses (e.g. \IThe glue has good adhesion),\i with \Iadherence\i used in abstract senses (e.g. \Iadherence to principles).\i
<hw>adhesive</hw> \K/\F'\nd"hi:sIv/, /-zIv/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i sticky, enabling surfaces or substances to adhere to one another.\p\In.\i\pan adhesive substance, esp. one used to stick other substances together. \Badhesively\b \Iadv.\i \Badhesiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \IadhΘsif -ive\i (as \J\Xadhere\x)\j\c
<hw>adhibit</hw> \K/\F'\nd"hIbIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(adhibited,\b \Badhibiting)\b\p\B1\b affix.\p\B2\b apply or administer (a remedy). \Badhibition\b \K/adhI"bIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadhibere adhibit-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ihabere\i 'have')\c
<hw>ad hoc</hw> \K/ad "hQk/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i for a particular (usu. exclusive) purpose \3(an ad hoc appointment).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = to this\c
\B\Iad hominem\b\i \K/ad "hQmInEm/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i\p\B1\b relating to or associated with a particular person.\p\B2\b (of an argument) appealing to the emotions and not to reason. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = to the person\c
<hw>adiabatic</hw> \K/%eIdVI\F'\n"batIk/, /%adI\F'\n-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPhysics\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b impassable to heat.\p\B2\b occurring without heat entering or leaving the system.\p\In.\i\pa curve or formula for adiabatic phenomena. \Badiabatically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iadiabatos\i 'impassable' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Idiabaino\i 'pass')\c
<hw>adieu</hw> \K/\F'\n"dju:/\k \Iint. & n.\i \Iint.\i goodbye.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Badieus\b or \Badieux\b \K/\F'\n"dju:z/\k) a goodbye. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, from \Iα\i 'to' + \IDieu\i 'God'\c
<hw>ad infinitum</hw> \K/ad InfI"nVIt\F'\nm/\k \Iadv.\i without limit; for ever. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = to infinity\c
\B\Iad interim\b\i \K/ad "Int\F'\nrIm/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i for the meantime. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>adipocere</hw> \K/adIp\F'\n(U)"sI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a greyish fatty or soapy substance generated in dead bodies subjected to moisture. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadipocire,\i from Latin \Iadeps adipis\i 'fat' + French \Icire\i 'wax' from Latin \Icera\i\c
<hw>adipose</hw> \K/"adIp\F'\nUs/, /-z/\k \Iadj.\i of or characterized by fat, esp. as stored in the body tissues; fatty. \Badiposity\b \K/-"pQsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iadiposus\i from \Iadeps adipis\i 'fat'\c
<hw>adit</hw> \K/"adIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMineral\i a horizontal entrance or passage in a mine.\p\B2\b a means of approach. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaditus\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iitus\i from \Iire it-\i 'go')\c
<hw>Adivasi</hw> \K/A:dI"vA:si/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAdivasis)\b \IPeople Anthropol\i a member of the aboriginal tribal peoples of India. \BEtymology:\b \3Hindi \Iadivasi\i 'original inhabitant'\c
<hw>Adj.</hw> \K/adZ/\k \Iabbr.\i \IMil\i (preceding a name) Adjutant.
<hw>adjacent</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZeIs(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i lying near or adjoining. \Badjacency\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iadjacere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijacere\i 'lie')\c
<hw>adjective</hw> \K/"adZIktIv/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IGram\i a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify it or describe it. \Iadj.\i additional; not standing by itself; dependent. \Badjectival\b \K/adZIk"tVIv(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Badjectivally\b \K/adZIk"tVIv(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iadjectif -ive,\i ultimately from Latin \Iadjicere adject-\i 'throw to, add, attribute' in the phrase \Inomen adjectivus\i 'attributive noun' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijacere\i 'throw')\c
<hw>adjoin</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZOIn/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b be next to and joined with.\p\B2\b \Iarchaic\i = \J\Xadd\x 1.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iajoindre,\i \Iajoign-\i from Latin \Iadjungere adjunct-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijungere\i 'join')\c
<hw>adjourn</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZ\F'\n:n/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b put off; postpone. \Bb\b break off (a meeting, discussion, etc.) with the intention of resuming later.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i of persons at a meeting: \Ba\b break off proceedings and disperse. \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i transfer the meeting to another place. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iajorner\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijorn\i 'day', ultimately from Latin \Idiurnus\i \J\Xdiurnal\x):\j cf. \J\Xjournal\x,\j \J\Xjourney\x\j\c
<hw>adjournment</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZ\F'\n:nm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\padjourning or being adjourned.
<hw>adjournment debate</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IPolit\i a debate in the House of Commons on the motion that the House be adjourned, used as an opportunity for raising various matters.
<hw>adjudge</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZVdZ/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b adjudicate (a matter).\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bthat\b + clause,\i \Ior \Bto\b + infin.)\i pronounce judicially.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i award judicially.\p\B4\b \Iarchaic\i condemn. \Badjudgement\b\p\In.\i\p(also \Badjudgment).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iajuger\i from Latin \Iadjudicare:\i see \J\Xadjudicate\x\j\c
<hw>adjudicate</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZu:dIkeIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i act as judge in a competition, court, tribunal, etc.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b decide judicially regarding (a claim etc.). \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bto be\b + compl.)\i pronounce \3(was adjudicated to be bankrupt).\c \Badjudication\b \K/-"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badjudicative\b \Iadj.\i \Badjudicator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadjudicare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijudicare\i from \Ijudex -icis\i 'judge')\c
<hw>adjunct</hw> \K/"adZVN(k)t/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bto,\b \Bof)\b\i a subordinate or incidental thing.\p\B2\b an assistant; a subordinate person, esp. one with temporary appointment only.\p\B3\b \IGram.\i a word or phrase used to amplify or modify the meaning of another word or words in a sentence. \Badjunctive\b \K/\F'\n"dZVN(k)tIv/\k \Iadj.\i\Kadjunctively omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadjunctus:\i see \J\Xadjoin\x\j\c
<hw>adjure</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZU\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i charge or request (a person) solemnly or earnestly, esp. under oath. \Badjuration\b \K/adZU\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badjuratory\b \K/-r\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iadjurare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijurare\i 'swear') in Late Latin sense 'put a person to an oath'\c
<hw>adjust</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZVst/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b arrange; put in the correct order or position. \Bb\b regulate, esp. by a small amount.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i make suitable.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i harmonize (discrepancies).\p\B4\b \Itr.\i assess (loss or damages).\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i make oneself suited to; become familiar with \3(adjust to one's surroundings).\c \Badjustable\b \Iadj.\i \Badjustability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badjuster\b\p\In.\i\p\Badjustment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadjuster\i from Old French \Iajoster,\i ultimately from Latin \Ijuxta\i 'near'\c
<hw>adjutant</hw> \K/"adZUt(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IMil.\i an officer who assists superior officers by communicating orders, conducting correspondence, etc. \Bb\b an assistant.\p\B2\b (in full \Badjutant bird)\b a large black and white S. Asian stork of the genus \ILeptoptilos.\i \Badjutancy\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadjutare,\i frequentative of \Iadjuvare:\i see \J\Xadjuvant\x\j\c
<hw>Adjutant General</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAdjutant Generals)\b \IMil\i a high-ranking army administrative officer.
<hw>adjuvant</hw> \K/"adZUv(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b helpful, auxiliary.\p\B2\b \IMed.\i (of therapy) applied after initial treatment for cancer, esp. to suppress secondary tumour formation.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an adjuvant person or thing.\p\B2\b \IMed.\i a substance which enhances the body's immune response to an antigen.\Ksense 2 of adj. and n. new f. OERD April 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadjuvant\i or Latin \Iadjuvare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijuvare jut-\i 'help')\c
<hw>Adlerian</hw> \K/ad"lI\F'\nrI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \IPsychol\i of or relating to A. Adler, Austrian psychologist d. 1937, or his system of psychology.
<hw>ad lib</hw> \K/ad "lIb/\k \Iv., adj., adv., & n.\i \IMus. etc.\i \Iv.intr.\i \B(ad libbed,\b \Bad libbing)\b speak or perform without formal preparation; improvise. \Iadj.\i improvised. \Iadv.\i as one pleases; to any desired extent.\p\In.\i\psomething spoken or played extempore. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of \J\Xad libitum\x\j\c
\B\Iad libitum\b\i \K/ad "lIbIt\F'\nm/\k \Iadv.\i \IMus. etc.\i = \J\Xad lib\x \Iadv.\i\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = according to pleasure\c
\B\Iad litem\b\i \K/ad "lVItEm/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i (of a guardian etc.) appointed for a lawsuit. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>Adm.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \INaut\i (preceding a name) Admiral.
<hw>adman</hw> \K/"adman/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Badmen)\b \ICommerce\i \Icolloq.\i a person who produces advertisements commercially.
<hw>admass</hw> \K/"admas/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \ICommerce Sociol\i the section of the community that is regarded as readily influenced by advertising and mass communication.
<hw>admeasure</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mEZ\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i \Iarchaic\i apportion; assign in due shares. \Badmeasurement\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iamesurer\i from medieval Latin \Iadmensurare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \J\Xmeasure\x)\j\c
<hw>adminicle</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mInIk(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a thing that helps.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i (in Scottish law) collateral evidence of the contents of a missing document. \Badminicular\b \K/admI"nIkjUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadminiculum\i 'prop'\c
<hw>administer</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mInIst\F'\n/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i attend to the running of (business affairs etc.); manage.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b be responsible for the implementation of (the law, justice, punishment, etc.). \Bb\b \IEccl.\i give out, or perform the rites of (a sacrament). \Bc\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i direct the taking of (an oath).\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b provide, apply (a remedy). \Bb\b give, deliver (a rebuke).\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i act as administrator. \Badministrable\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaministrer\i from Latin \Iadministrare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \J\Xminister\x)\j\c
<hw>administrate</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mInIstreIt/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i administer (esp. business affairs); act as an administrator. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadministrare\i (as \J\Xadminister\x)\j\c
<hw>administration</hw> \K/\F'\ndmInI"streIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b management of a business, institution, etc. \Bb\b \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \BN. Amer.\b the people responsible for this, regarded collectively.\Ksense 1b new f. kpb Sept 94\k\p\B2\b the management of public affairs; government.\p\B3\b \IPolit\i the government in power; the ministry.\p\B4\b \BN. Amer.\b \IPolit\i the term of office of a political leader or government.\p\B5\b \B(Administration)\b (in the US) a government agency \3(the Food and Drug Administration).\c\Ksense 5 new f. Kpb Sept 94\k\p\B6\b \ILaw\i the management of another person's estate.\p\B7\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i \Ba\b the administering of justice, an oath, etc. \Bb\b application of remedies. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Iadministration\i or Latin \Iadministratio\i (as \J\Xadministrate\x)\j\c
<hw>administrative</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mInIstr\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i concerning or relating to the management of affairs. \Badministratively\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadministratif -ive\i or Latin \Iadministrativus\i (as \J\Xadministration\x)\j\c
<hw>administrator</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mInIstreIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a person who administers a business or public affairs.\p\B2\b a person capable of organizing \3(is no administrator).\c\p\B3\b \ILaw\i a person appointed to manage the estate of a person who has died intestate.\p\B4\b a person who performs official duties in some sphere, e.g. in religion or justice. \Badministratorship\b\p\In.\i\p\Badministratrix\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin (as \J\Xadminister\x)\j\c
<hw>admirable</hw> \K/"adm(\F'\n)r\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b deserving admiration.\p\B2\b excellent. \Badmirably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \Iadmirabilis\i (as \J\Xadmire\x)\j\c
<hw>admiral</hw> \K/"adm(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \INaut\i \Ba\b the commander-in-chief of a country's navy. \Bb\b a naval officer of high rank; the commander of a fleet or naval squadron. \Bc\b \B(Admiral)\b an admiral of the second grade.\p\B2\b \IZool\i a boldly patterned nymphalid butterfly \3(red admiral;\c \2white admiral).\c \Badmiralship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ia(d)mira(i)l\i etc. and medieval Latin \Ia(d)miralis\i etc., from Arabic '\Iamir\i 'commander' (cf. \J\Xamir\x),\j associated with \J\Xadmirable\x\j\c
<hw>Admiral of the Fleet</hw>\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i an admiral of the first grade.
<hw>Admiralty</hw> \K/"adm(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)lti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \INaut\i \I(hist.\i except in titles) (in the UK) the department administering the Royal Navy.\p\B2\b \B(admiralty)\b \INaut\i \ILaw\i the maritime branch of the administration of justice. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iadmiral(i)tΘ\i (as \J\Xadmiral\x)\j\c
<hw>Admiralty Board</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \INaut\i \Ihist.\i a committee of the Ministry of Defence superintending the Royal Navy.
<hw>admiration</hw> \K/adm\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b pleased contemplation.\p\B2\b respect; warm approval.\p\B3\b an object of this \3(was the admiration of the whole town).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadmiration\i or Latin \Iadmiratio\i (as \J\Xadmire\x)\j\c
<hw>admire</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mVI\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b regard with approval, respect, or satisfaction.\p\B2\b express one's admiration of. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadmirer\i or Latin \Iadmirari\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Imirari\i 'wonder at')\c
<hw>admirer</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mVI\F'\nr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a woman's suitor.\p\B2\b a person who admires, esp. a devotee of an able or famous person.
<hw>admissible</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mIsIb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of an idea or plan) worth accepting or considering.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i allowable as evidence.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i capable of being admitted. \Badmissibility\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadmissible\i or medieval Latin \Iadmissibilis\i (as \J\Xadmit\x)\j\c
<hw>admission</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an acknowledgement \3(admission of error;\c \2admission that he was wrong).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b the process or right of entering or being admitted. \Bb\b a charge for this \3(admission is ú5).\c\p\B3\b \IMed\i a person admitted to a hospital. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iadmissio\i (as \J\Xadmit\x)\j\c
<hw>admit</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(admitted,\b \Badmitting)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b \I(often foll. by \Bto be,\b or \Bthat\b + clause)\i acknowledge; recognize as true. \Bb\b accept as valid or true.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i acknowledge responsibility for (a deed, fault, etc.).\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b allow (a person) entrance or access. \Bb\b allow (a person) to be a member of (a class, group, etc.) or to share in (a privilege etc.). \Bc\b \IMed\i (of a hospital etc.) bring in (a person) for residential treatment.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i (of an enclosed space) have room for; accommodate.\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i allow as possible. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iadmittere admiss-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Imittere\i 'send')\c
<hw>admittance</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mIt(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the right or process of admitting or being admitted, usu. to a place \3(no admittance except on business).\c\p\B2\b \IElectr.\i a measure of electrical conduction, the reciprocal of impedance.
<hw>admittedly</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mItIdli/\k \Iadv.\i as an acknowledged fact \3(admittedly there are problems).\c
<hw>admix</hw> \K/"admIks/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i \I(foll. by \Bwith)\b\i mingle.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i add as an ingredient.
<hw>admixture</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mIkstS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a thing added, esp. a minor ingredient.\p\B2\b the act of adding this. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadmixtus,\i past part. of \Iadmiscere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Imiscere\i 'mix')\c
<hw>admonish</hw> \K/\F'\nd"mQnIS/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b reprove.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b + infin.,\i \Ior \Bthat\b + clause)\i urge.\p\B3\b give earnest advice to.\p\B4\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i warn. \Badmonishment\b\p\In.\i\p\Badmonition\b \K/adm\F'\n"nIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badmonitory\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iamonester,\i ultimately from Latin \Iadmonere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Imonere monit-\i 'warn')\c
<hw>ad nauseam</hw> \K/ad "nO:zIam/, /-sIam/\k \Iadv.\i to an excessive or disgusting degree. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = to sickness\c
<hw>adnominal</hw> \K/\F'\nd"nQmIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IGram.\i attached to a noun. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadnomen -minis\i 'added name'\c
<hw>Adnyamathanha</hw> \K/"adnj\F'\nmVd\F'\nn\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i an Aboriginal language of S. Australia.\Knew from ACOD Oct 93\k
<hw>ado</hw> \K/\F'\n"du:/\k\p\In.\i\pbusy activity; fuss, trouble, difficulty.\Kpl. form omitted f. COD9: rare Jul 93\k\p\1without more (or further) ado\c immediately. \BEtymology:\b \3originally in \Imuch ado\i = much to do, from northern Middle English \Iat do\i (= to do), from Old Norse \Iat\i \J\Xat\x\j (used to mark an infinitive) + \J\Xdo\x (1)\j\c
<hw>-ado</hw> \K/"eId\F'\nU/, /"A:-/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns \3(desperado)\c \I(cf.\i \J\X-ade\x (3)).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish or Portuguese \I-ado\i from Latin \I-atus,\i past part. of verbs ending in \I-are\i\c
<hw>adobe</hw> \K/\F'\n"d\F'\nUbi/, /\F'\n"d\F'\nUb/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBuilding\i an unburnt sun-dried brick.\p\B2\b \IGeol\i the clay used for making such bricks. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish from Arabic\c
<hw>adolescent</hw> \K/ad\F'\n"lEs(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i between childhood and adulthood.\p\In.\i\pan adolescent person. \Badolescence\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iadolescere\i 'grow up'\c
<hw>Adonis</hw> \K/\F'\n"d\F'\nUnIs/\k\p\In.\i\pa handsome young man. \BEtymology:\b \3the name of a youth loved by Venus: Latin via Greek from Phoenician \Iadon\i 'lord'\c
<hw>Adonis blue</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a European butterfly, Lysandra bellargus.
<hw>adopt</hw> \K/\F'\n"dQpt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b take (a person) into a relationship, esp. another's child as one's own.\p\B2\b choose to follow (a course of action etc.).\p\B3\b take over (an idea etc.) from another person.\p\B4\b \BBrit.\b choose as a candidate for office.\p\B5\b \BBrit.\b (of a local authority) accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road etc.).\p\B6\b accept; formally approve (a report, accounts, etc.). \Badoption\b \K/-pS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadopter\i or Latin \Iadoptare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ioptare\i 'choose')\c
<hw>adoptive</hw> \K/\F'\n"dQptIv/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i as a result of adoption \3(adoptive son;\c \2adoptive father).\c \Badoptively\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iadoptif -ive\i from Latin \Iadoptivus\i (as \J\Xadopt\x)\j\c
<hw>adorable</hw> \K/\F'\n"dO:r\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b deserving adoration.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i delightful, charming. \Badorably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iadorabilis\i (as \J\Xadore\x)\j\c
<hw>adore</hw> \K/\F'\n"dO:/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b regard with honour and deep affection.\p\B2\b \Ba\b worship as divine. \Bb\b \IRC Ch.\i offer reverence to (the Host etc.).\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i like very much. \Badoration\b \K/ad\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badoring\b \Iadj.\i \Badoringly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iao(u)rer\i from Latin \Iadorare\i 'worship' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iorare\i 'speak, pray')\c
<hw>adorer</hw> \K/\F'\n"dO:r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a worshipper.\p\B2\b an ardent admirer.
<hw>adorn</hw> \K/\F'\n"dO:n/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b add beauty or lustre to; be an ornament to.\p\B2\b furnish with ornaments; decorate. \Badornment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iao(u)rner\i from Latin \Iadornare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iornare\i 'furnish, deck')\c
<hw>ADP</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IBiochem\i adenosine diphosphate.\p\B2\b \IComputing\i automatic data processing.
\B\Iad personam\b\i \K/ad p\F'\n:"s\F'\nUnam/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \Iadv.\i to the person. \Iadj.\i personal. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>ad rem</hw> \K/ad "rEm/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i to the point; to the purpose. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = to the matter\c
<hw>adrenal</hw> \K/\F'\n"dri:n(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IAnat\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b at or near the kidneys.\p\B2\b of the adrenal glands.\p\In.\i\p(in full \Badrenal gland)\b \IAnat\i either of two ductless glands above the kidneys, secreting adrenalin, corticosteroids, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xad-\x\j + \J\Xrenal\x\j\c
<hw>adrenal cortex</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i the outer part of the adrenal glands, secreting corticosteroids etc.\Knew f. JMH Mar 94\k
<hw>adrenalin</hw> \K/\F'\n"drEn(\F'\n)lIn/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Badrenaline)\b \IBiochem\i\p\B1\b a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, affecting circulation and muscular action, and causing excitement and stimulation.\p\B2\b the same substance obtained from animals or by synthesis, used as a stimulant.
<hw>adrenocorticotrophic hormone</hw> \K/\F'\n%dri:n\F'\n%kO:tIk\F'\n"trQfIk/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Badrenocorticotropic hormone\b \K/-"trQpIk/\k) \IBiochem\i a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulating the adrenal cortex (abbr.: \BACTH).\b\Kabbr\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xadrenal\x\j + \J\Xcortex\x\j + \J\X-trophic\x,\j \J\X-tropic\x\j\c
<hw>adrift</hw> \K/\F'\n"drIft/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b drifting.\p\B2\b at the mercy of circumstances.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i \Ba\b unfastened. \Bb\b out of touch. \Bc\b absent without leave. \Bd\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i failing to reach a target. \Be\b out of order. \Bf\b ill-informed. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xdrift\x\j\c
<hw>adroit</hw> \K/\F'\n"drOIt/\k \Iadj.\i dexterous, skilful. \Badroitly\b \Iadv.\i \Badroitness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French from \Iα droit\i 'according to right, properly'\c
<hw>adsorb</hw> \K/\F'\nd"sO:b/, /-"zO:b/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IChem\i (usu. of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid or solute) to its surface, causing a thin film to form. \Badsorbable\b \Iadj.\i \Badsorbent\b \Iadj. & n.\i \Badsorption\b \K/-"sO:pS(\F'\n)n/, /-"zO:pS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Badsorbtion).\b \Badsorptive\b \Iadj.\i\Kadsorptive new f. OERD, NSOED Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xad-\x,\j on the pattern of \J\Xabsorb\x\j\c
<hw>adsorbate</hw> \K/ad"sO:beIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a substance adsorbed.
<hw>adsuki</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xadzuki\x.\j
<hw>ADT</hw> \Iabbr.\i Atlantic Daylight Time (one hour ahead of Atlantic Standard Time).\KNew f. JHM Aug 94\k
<hw>aduki</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xadzuki\x.\j\Knew f. corpus, cookery books in library Dec 93\k
<hw>adult</hw> \K/"adVlt/, /\F'\n"dVlt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b mature, grown-up.\p\B2\b \Ba\b of or for adults \3(adult education).\c \Bb\b \Ieuphem.\i sexually explicit; indecent \3(adult films).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an adult person.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i a person who has reached the age of majority. \Badulthood\b\p\In.\i\p\Badultly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadultus,\i past part. of \Iadolescere\i 'grow up': cf. \J\Xadolescent\x\j\c
<hw>adulterant</hw> \K/\F'\n"dVlt(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i used in adulterating.\p\In.\i\pan adulterant substance.
<hw>adulterate</hw> \Iv. & adj.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"dVlt\F'\nreIt/\k debase (esp. foods) by adding other or inferior substances. \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"dVlt(\F'\n)r\F'\nt/\k spurious, debased, counterfeit. \Badulteration\b \K/-"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badulterator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadulterare adulterat-\i 'corrupt'\c
<hw>adulterer</hw> \K/\F'\n"dVlt(\F'\n)r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Badulteress\b \K/-(\F'\n)rIs/\k) a person who commits adultery. \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete verb \Iadulter\i via Old French \Iavoutrer\i from Latin \Iadulterare:\i see \J\Xadulterate\x\j\c
<hw>adulterine</hw> \K/\F'\n"dVlt(\F'\n)rVIn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b illegal, unlicensed.\p\B2\b spurious.\p\B3\b born of adultery. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadulterinus\i from \Iadulter\i 'adulterous': see \J\Xadultery\x\j\c
<hw>adulterous</hw> \K/\F'\n"dVlt(\F'\n)r\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i of or involved in adultery. \Badulterously\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from obsolete noun \Iadulter,\i from Old French \Iavoutrer:\i see \J\Xadulterer\x\j\c
<hw>adultery</hw> \K/\F'\n"dVlt(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ILaw\i\p\B1\b voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person (married or not) other than his or her spouse.\p\B2\b an instance of this.\Ksense 2 new f. corpus Jan 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iavout(e)rie,\i from \Iavoutre\i 'adulterer' from Latin \Iadulter,\i assimilated to Latin \Iadulterium\i\c
\B\Iad valorem\b\i \K/ad v\F'\n"lO:rEm/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i (of taxes) in proportion to the estimated value of the goods concerned. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = according to the value\c
<hw>advance</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vA:ns/\k \Iv., n., & adj.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i move or put forward.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i make progress.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b pay (money) before it is due. \Bb\b lend (money).\p\B4\b \Itr.\i give active support to; promote (a person, cause, or plan).\p\B5\b \Itr.\i put forward (a claim or suggestion).\p\B6\b \Itr.\i cause (an event) to occur at an earlier date \3(advanced the meeting three hours).\c\p\B7\b \Itr.\i raise (a price).\p\B8\b \Iintr.\i rise (in price).\p\B9\b \Itr.\i (as \Badvanced\b \Iadj.)\i \Ba\b far on in progress \3(the work is well advanced).\c \Bb\b ahead of the times \3(advanced ideas).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an act of going forward.\p\B2\b progress.\p\B3\b a payment made before the due time.\p\B4\b a loan.\p\B5\b \I(esp. in \Bpl.;\b\i \Ioften foll. by \Bto)\b\i an amorous or friendly approach.\p\B6\b a rise in price. \Iattrib.adj.\i done or supplied beforehand \3(advance warning;\c \2advance copy).\c\p\Badvance on\b approach threateningly.\p\1in advance\c ahead in place or time. \Badvancer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iavancer\i and Late Latin \Iabante\i 'in front' from Latin \Iab\i 'away' + \Iante\i 'before': the noun partly through French \Iavance\i\c
<hw>advanced level</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i (in the UK except Scotland) a GCE examination of a standard higher than ordinary level and GCSE.
<hw>advanced supplementary level</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i (in the UK except Scotland) a GCE examination with a smaller syllabus than A levels.
<hw>advance guard</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i a body of soldiers preceding the main body of an army.
<hw>advance man</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \IPolit\i a person who visits a location ahead of a dignitary etc. to make appropriate arrangements.\Knew f. NSOED, corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>advancement</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vA:nsm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\pthe promotion of a person, cause, or plan. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iavancement,\i from \Iavancer\i (as \J\Xadvance\x)\j\c
<hw>advantage</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vA:ntIdZ/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a beneficial feature; a favourable circumstance.\p\B2\b benefit, profit \3(is not to your advantage).\c\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bover)\b\i a better position; superiority in a particular respect.\p\B4\b \ITennis\i the next point won after deuce. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b be beneficial or favourable to.\p\B2\b further, promote.\p\1have the advantage of\c be in a better position in some respect than.\p\1take advantage of\c\p\B1\b make good use of (a favourable circumstance).\p\B2\b exploit or outwit (a person), esp. unfairly.\p\B3\b \Ieuphem.\i seduce.\p\1to advantage\c in a way which exhibits the merits \3(was seen to advantage).\c\p\1turn to advantage\c benefit from. \Badvantageous\b \K/adv(\F'\n)n"teIdZ\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \Badvantageously\b \K/adv(\F'\n)n"teIdZ\F'\nsli/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iavantage,\i \Iavantager,\i from \Iavant\i 'in front' from Late Latin \Iabante:\i see \J\Xadvance\x\j\c
<hw>advection</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vEkS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol.\i transfer of heat by the horizontal flow of air. \Badvective\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadvectio\i from \Iadvehere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivehere vect-\i 'carry')\c
<hw>Advent</hw> \K/"adv(\F'\n)nt/, /-vEnt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i the season before Christmas, including the four preceding Sundays.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i the coming or second coming of Christ.\p\B3\b \B(advent)\b the arrival of esp. an important person or thing. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English via Old French \Iadvent,\i \Iauvent\i from Latin \Iadventus\i 'arrival', from \Iadvenire\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivenire vent-\i 'come')\c
<hw>Advent calendar</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHorol.\i a calendar for Advent, usu. made of card with flaps to open each day to reveal a picture, scene, or small gift.
<hw>Adventist</hw> \K/"adv(\F'\n)ntIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a member of a Christian sect that believes in the imminent second coming of Christ. \BAdventism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>adventitious</hw> \K/adv(\F'\n)n"tIS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b accidental, casual.\p\B2\b added from outside.\p\B3\b \IBiol.\i formed accidentally or in an unusual anatomical position.\p\B4\b \ILaw\i (of property) coming from a stranger or by collateral succession rather than directly. \Badventitiously\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iadventicius\i (as \J\XAdvent\x)\j\c
<hw>Advent Sunday</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the first Sunday in Advent.
<hw>adventure</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vEntS\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an unusual and exciting experience.\p\B2\b a daring enterprise; a hazardous activity.\p\B3\b enterprise \3(the spirit of adventure).\c\p\B4\b \ICommerce\i a commercial speculation. \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Binto,\b \Bupon)\b\i dare to go or come.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bon,\b \Bupon)\b\i dare to undertake.\p\B3\b incur risk; engage in adventure. \Badventuresome\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaventure\i \I(n.),\i \Iaventurer\i \I(v.)\i from Latin \Iadventurus\i 'about to happen' (as \J\XAdvent\x)\j\c
<hw>adventure playground</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a playground where children are provided with functional materials for climbing on, building with, etc.
<hw>adventurer</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vEntS(\F'\n)r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Badventuress\b \K/-(\F'\n)rIs/\k)\p\B1\b a person who seeks adventure, esp. for personal gain or enjoyment.\p\B2\b a financial speculator. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaventurier\i (as \J\Xadventure\x)\j\c
<hw>adventurism</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vEntS\F'\nrIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i a tendency to take risks, esp. in foreign policy. \Badventurist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>adventurous</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vEntS(\F'\n)r\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b rash, venturesome; enterprising.\p\B2\b characterized by adventures. \Badventurously\b \Iadv.\i \Badventurousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaventuros\i (as \J\Xadventure\x)\j\c
<hw>adverb</hw> \K/"adv\F'\n:b/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGram\i a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies another word (esp. an adjective, verb, or other adverb) or a word-group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc. (e.g. \Igently,\i \Iquite,\i \Ithen,\i \Ithere).\i \Badverbial\b \K/\F'\nd"v\F'\n:bI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadverbe\i or Latin \Iadverbium\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \J\Xverb\x)\j\c
<hw>adversary</hw> \K/"adv\F'\ns(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b an enemy.\p\B2\b an opponent in a sport or game; an antagonist. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iadversarie\i from Latin \Iadversarius,\i from \Iadversus:\i see \J\Xadverse\x\j\c
<hw>adversative</hw> \K/\F'\nd"v\F'\n:s\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \IGram\i (of words etc.) expressing opposition or antithesis.\Kadversatively omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iadversatif -ive\i or Late Latin \Iadversativus,\i from \Iadversari\i 'oppose' from \Iadversus:\i see \J\Xadverse\x\j\c
<hw>adverse</hw> \K/"adv\F'\n:s/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b contrary, hostile.\p\B2\b hurtful, injurious. \Badversely\b \Iadv.\i \Badverseness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iadvers\i from Latin \Iadversus,\i past part. of \Iadvertere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivertere vers-\i 'turn')\c
<hw>adversity</hw> \K/\F'\nd"v\F'\n:sIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b the condition of adverse fortune.\p\B2\b a misfortune. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \IadversitΘ\i from Latin \Iadversitas -tatis\i (as \J\Xadverse\x)\j\c
<hw>advert (1)</hw> \K/"adv\F'\n:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICommerce\i \Icolloq.\i an advertisement. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>advert (2)</hw> \K/\F'\nd"v\F'\n:t/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i \Iliterary\i refer in speaking or writing. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ia(d)vertir\i from Latin \Iadvertere:\i see \J\Xadverse\x\j\c
<hw>advertise</hw> \K/"adv\F'\ntVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i \ICommerce\i draw attention to or describe favourably (goods, services, or vacant positions) in a public medium in order to sell, promote sales, or seek employees.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i make generally or publicly known.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i seek by public notice, esp. in a newspaper.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bof,\b or \Bthat\b + clause)\i notify. \Badvertiser\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ia(d)vertir\i (stem \Iadvertiss-):\i see \J\Xadvert\x (2)\j\c
<hw>advertisement</hw> \K/\F'\nd"v\F'\n:tIzm(\F'\n)nt/, /-tIs-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \ICommerce\i a public notice or announcement, esp. one advertising goods or services in newspapers, on posters, or in broadcasts. \Bb\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bfor)\b\i \Icolloq.\i a person or thing regarded as a means of conveying the merits or demerits of something \3(he's a good advertisement for a healthy lifestyle).\c\Ksense 1b new f. SOED Jul 93\k\p\B2\b the act or process of advertising.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i a notice to readers in a book etc. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Iavert-\i from French \Iavertissement\i (as \J\Xadvertise\x)\j\c
<hw>advertorial</hw> \K/adv\F'\n:"tO:rI\F'\nl/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i an advertisement in the style of editorial comment.\Knew f. SOED Aug 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3blend of \J\Xadvertisement\x\j and \J\Xeditorial\x\j\c
<hw>advice</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vVIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b words given or offered as an opinion or recommendation about future action or behaviour.\p\B2\b information given; news.\p\B3\b formal notice of a transaction.\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i communications from a distance.\p\1take advice\c\p\B1\b obtain advice, esp. from an expert.\p\B2\b act according to advice given. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, in the sense 'point of view, opinion (given)', via Old French \Iavis\i from Latin \Iad\i 'to' + \Ivisum,\i past part. of \Ividere\i 'see'\c
<hw>advisable</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vVIz\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i (of a course of action etc.) to be recommended; expedient. \Badvisability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Badvisably\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>advise</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i give advice to.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i recommend; offer as advice \3(they advise caution;\c \2advised me to rest).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bof,\b or \Bthat\b + clause)\i inform, notify.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bwith)\b\i \BUS\b consult. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, in the sense 'look at, consider', via Old French \Iaviser\i from Latin (as \J\Xad-\x\j + \Ivisare,\i frequentative of \Ividere\i 'see')\c
<hw>adviser</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vVIz\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \B\Idisp.\i advisor)\b a person who advises, esp. one appointed to do so and regularly consulted.\Ka person who advises students on education, careers, etc. omitted: not in NSOED Jul 93\k The variant form \Iadvisor\i is fairly common, but is considered incorrect by some people. Its spelling is probably influenced by the adjective \Iadvisory.\i
<hw>advisory</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vVIz(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b giving advice; constituted to give advice \3(an advisory body).\c\p\B2\b consisting in giving advice.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \BN. Amer.\b \IMeteorol\i an advisory statement, esp. a warning about bad weather or potential danger.
<hw>advocaat</hw> \K/"adv\F'\nkA:/, /-kA:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i a liqueur of eggs, sugar, and brandy. \BEtymology:\b \3Dutch, = \J\Xadvocate\x\j (being originally an advocate's drink)\c
<hw>advocacy</hw> \K/"adv\F'\nk\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bof)\b\i verbal support or argument for a cause, policy, etc.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i the function of an advocate. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ia(d)vocacie\i from medieval Latin \Iadvocatia\i (as \J\Xadvocate\x)\j\c
<hw>advocate</hw> \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"adv\F'\nk\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i a person who supports or speaks in favour.\p\B2\b a person who pleads for another.\p\B3\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b a professional pleader in a court of justice. \Bb\b \BSc.\b a barrister. \Iv.tr.\i \K/"adv\F'\nkeIt/\k\p\B1\b recommend or support by argument (a cause, policy, etc.).\p\B2\b \ILaw\i plead for, defend. \Badvocateship\b\p\In.\i\p\Kadvocatory omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iavocat\i from Latin \Iadvocatus,\i past part. of \Iadvocare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivocare\i 'call')\c
<hw>advowson</hw> \K/\F'\nd"vaUz(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IEccl.Law\i (in ecclesiastical law) the right of recommending a member of the Anglican clergy for a vacant benefice, or of making the appointment. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Ia(d)voweson\i and Old French \Iavoeson\i from Latin \Iadvocatio -onis\i (as \J\Xadvocate\x)\j\c
<hw>adytum</hw> \K/"adIt\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Badyta\b \K/-t\F'\n/\k) \IRelig\i the innermost part of an ancient temple. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iaduton,\i neut. of \Iadutos\i 'impenetrable' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Iduo\i 'enter')\c
<hw>adze</hw> \K/adz/\k \In. & v.\i \B(US\b also \Badz)\b \ICarpentry\i\p\In.\i\p\ITools\i a tool like an axe with an arched blade at right angles to the handle, used for cutting away the surface of wood. \Iv.tr.\i dress or cut with an adze. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iadesa\i\c
<hw>adzuki</hw> \K/\F'\nd"zu:ki/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Badzuki bean)\b (also \Badsuki,\b \Baduki\b \K/\F'\n"du:ki/\k, \Bazuki\b \K/\F'\n"zu:ki/\k) \IBot\i\p\B1\b an annual leguminous plant, Vigna angularis, native to China and Japan.\p\B2\b the small round dark red edible bean of this plant. \BEtymology:\b \3Japanese \Iazuki\i\c
<hw>-ae</hw> \K/i:/\k \Isuffix\i \IZool Bot\i forming plural nouns, used in names of animal and plant families, tribes, etc. \3(Felidae;\c \2Rosaceae)\c and instead of \I-as\i in the plural of many non-naturalized or unfamiliar nouns in \I-a\i derived from Latin or Greek \3(larvae;\c \2actiniae).\c \BEtymology:\b \3pl. \I-ae\i of Latin nouns ending in \I-a\i or pl. ending \I-ai\i of some Greek nouns\c
<hw>aedile</hw> \K/"i:dVIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRom.Hist.\i either of a pair of Roman magistrates who administered public works, maintenance of roads, public games, the corn-supply, etc. \Baedileship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaedilis\i 'concerned with buildings' from \Iaedes\i 'building'\c
<hw>AEEU</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IPolit.\i Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>aegis</hw> \K/"i:dZIs/\k\p\In.\i\pa protection; an impregnable defence.\p\1under the aegis of\c under the auspices of. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iaigis,\i the mythical shield of Zeus or Athene\c
<hw>aegrotat</hw> \K/VI"gr\F'\n(U)tat/, /"i:-/, /i:"gr\F'\n(U)-/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IEducation\i\p\B1\b a certificate that a university student is too ill to attend an examination.\p\B2\b an examination pass awarded in such circumstances. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = is sick from \Iaeger\i 'sick'\c
<hw>-aemia</hw> \K/"i:mI\F'\n/\k \Icomb. form\i (also \B-haemia\b \K/"hi:mI\F'\n/\k, \BUS\b \B-emia,\b \B-hemia\b \K/"hi:mI\F'\n/\k) \IMed\i forming nouns denoting that a substance is (esp. excessively) present in the blood \3(bacteriaemia;\c \2pyaemia).\c \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \I-aimia\i from \Ihaima\i 'blood'\c
<hw>aeolian</hw> \K/i:"\F'\nUlI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \B(US\b \Beolian)\b wind-borne. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAeolius\i from \IAeolus,\i the name of the god of the winds, from Greek \IAiolos\i\c
<hw>aeolian harp</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a stringed instrument or toy that produces musical sounds when the wind passes through it.
<hw>Aeolian mode</hw> \K/i:"\F'\nUlI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i the mode represented by the natural diatonic scale A-A. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAeolius\i 'from \IAeolis\i' (in Asia Minor), from Greek \IAiolis\i\c
<hw>aeon</hw> \K/"i:\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Beon)\b\p\B1\b a very long or indefinite period.\p\B2\b an age of the universe.\p\B3\b \IAstron.\i a thousand million years.\p\B4\b an eternity.\p\B5\b \IPhilos.\i (in Neoplatonism, Platonism, and Gnosticism) a power existing from eternity; an emanation or phase of the supreme deity. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin from Greek \Iaion\i 'age'\c
<hw>aerate</hw> \K/"E:reIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IChem\i\p\B1\b charge (a liquid) with a gas, esp. carbon dioxide, e.g. to produce effervescence.\p\B2\b expose to the mechanical or chemical action of the air. \Baeration\b \K/-"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baerator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaer\i \J\Xair\x\j + \J\X-ate\x (3),\j influenced by French \IaΘrer\i\c
<hw>aerenchyma</hw> \K/E:"rENkIm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i a soft plant tissue containing air spaces, found esp. in many aquatic plants. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaer\i 'air' + \Iegkhuma\i 'infusion'\c
<hw>aerial</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nl/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IRadio\i a metal rod, wire, or other structure by which signals are transmitted or received as part of a radio or television transmission or receiving system. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b by or from or involving aircraft \3(aerial navigation;\c \2aerial photography).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b existing, moving, or happening in the air. \Bb\b of or in the atmosphere; atmospheric.\p\B3\b \Ba\b thin as air; ethereal. \Bb\b immaterial, imaginary. \Bc\b of air; gaseous. \Baeriality\b \K/-"alIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baerially\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaerius\i from Greek \Iaerios,\i from \Iaer\i 'air'\c
<hw>aerialist</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nlIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i a high-wire or trapeze artist.
<hw>aerial torpedo</hw> see \J\Xtorpedo\x\p\In.\i\p1b.\j\Knew as hwd Aug 94\k
<hw>aerobatics</hw> \K/E:r\F'\n"batIks/\k \In.pl.\i \IAeron\i feats of expert and usu. spectacular flying and manoeuvring of aircraft.\Ksense 2 omitted Nov 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaero-\x\j + \J\Xacrobatics\x\j\c
<hw>aerobe</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nUb/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i a micro-organism usu. growing in the presence of air, or needing oxygen for growth. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaΘrobie\i (as \J\Xaero-\x,\j Greek \Ibios\i 'life')\c
<hw>aerobic</hw> \K/E:"r\F'\nUbIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ISport\i of or relating to aerobics.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i relating to or requiring free oxygen.
<hw>aerobics</hw> \K/E:"r\F'\nUbIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(often treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \ISport\i vigorous exercises designed to increase the body's oxygen intake.
<hw>aerobiology</hw> \K/%E:r\F'\n(U)bVI"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i the study of airborne micro-organisms, pollen, spores, etc., esp. as agents of infection.
<hw>aerodrome</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\ndr\F'\nUm/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i a small airport or airfield. \IAerodrome\i has now been largely replaced by \Iairfield\i and \Iairport.\i
<hw>aerodynamics</hw> \K/%E:r\F'\n(U)dVI"namIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(usu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \IPhysics\i the study of the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it. \Baerodynamic\b \Iadj.\i \Baerodynamically\b \Iadv.\i \Baerodynamicist\b \K/-sIst/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>aero-engine</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nU%EndZIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i an engine used to power an aircraft.
<hw>aerofoil</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nfOIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i a structure with curved surfaces (e.g. a wing, fin, or tailplane) designed to give lift in flight.
<hw>aerogramme</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\ngram/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baerogram)\b an air letter in the form of a single sheet that is folded and sealed.
<hw>aerolite</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nlVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i a stony meteorite.
<hw>aerology</hw> \K/E:"rQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i the study of the atmosphere, esp. away from ground level. \Baerological\b \K/-\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>aeronautics</hw> \K/E:r\F'\n"nO:tIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(usu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \IAeron\i the science or practice of motion or travel in the air. \Baeronautic\b \Iadj.\i \Baeronautical\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iaeronautica\i (as \J\Xaero-\x,\j \J\Xnautical\x)\j\c
<hw>aeronomy</hw> \K/E:"rQn\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i the science of the upper atmosphere.
<hw>aeroplane</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\npleIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \IAeron\i a powered heavier-than-air flying vehicle with fixed wings. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaΘroplane\i (as \J\Xaero-\x,\j \J\Xplane\x (1))\j\c
<hw>aerosol</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nsQl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a substance packed under pressure, usu. with a propellant gas, and able to be released as a fine spray. \Bb\b a container holding such a substance.\p\B2\b a system of colloidal particles dispersed in a gas (e.g. fog or smoke). \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaero-\x\j + \J\Xsol\x (2)\j\c
<hw>aerospace</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nspeIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the earth's atmosphere and outer space.\p\B2\b \IAeron\i the technology of aviation in this region.
<hw>aerostat</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nstat/\k\p\In.\i\pan airship or balloon, esp. a tethered balloon.\Knew f. corpus, Incs Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaΘrostat\i (as \J\Xaero-\x\j + Greek \Istatos\i 'standing')\c
<hw>aerotowing</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nU%t\F'\nUIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport Aeron\i the towing of a glider etc. by a powered aircraft.\Knew f. corpus Mar 94\k
<hw>aerotrain</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nU%treIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITransport Railways\i a train that is supported on an air cushion and guided by a track. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaΘrotrain\i (as \J\Xaero-\x,\j \J\Xtrain\x)\j\c
<hw>Aesculapian</hw> \K/i:skjU"leIpI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i of or relating to medicine or physicians. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAesculapius\i from Greek \IAsklepios,\i the name of the god of medicine\c
<hw>aesthete</hw> \K/"i:sTi:t/, /"Es-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Besthete)\b a person who has or professes to have a special appreciation of beauty. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaisthetes\i 'a person who perceives', or from \J\Xaesthetic\x\j\c
<hw>aesthetic</hw> \K/i:s"TEtIk/, /Es-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \B(US\b also \Besthetic)\b \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.\p\B2\b having such appreciation; sensitive to beauty.\p\B3\b in accordance with the principles of good taste.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i the philosophy of the beautiful, esp. in art.\p\B2\b a set of principles of good taste and the appreciation of beauty. \Baesthetically\b \Iadv.\i \Baestheticism\b \K/-sIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaisthetikos\i from \Iaisthanomai\i 'perceive'\c
<hw>aesthetician</hw> \K/i:sT\F'\n"tIS(\F'\n)n/, /Es-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Besthetician)\b\p\B1\b a person versed in or devoted to aesthetics.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b \IFashion\i a beautician.\Knew f. CANOD, SOED, corpus Aug 94\k
<hw>aestival</hw> \K/"i:stIv(\F'\n)l/, /i:"stVIv(\F'\n)l/; /"E-/, /E-/\k \Iadj.\i \B(US\b \Bestival)\b \Iformal\i belonging to or appearing in summer. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iestival\i from Latin \Iaestivalis,\i from \Iaestivus\i from \Iaestus\i 'heat'\c
<hw>aestivate</hw> \K/"i:stIveIt/, /"Est-/\k \Iv.intr.\i \B(US\b \Bestivate)\b\p\B1\b \IZool.\i spend the summer or dry season in a state of torpor.\p\B2\b \Iformal\i pass the summer. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaestivare aestivat-\i\c
<hw>aestivation</hw> \K/i:stI"veIS(\F'\n)n/, /Est-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bestivation)\b\p\B1\b \IBot.\i the arrangement of petals in a flower bud before it opens \I(cf.\i \J\Xvernation\x).\j\p\B2\b \IZool.\i spending the summer or dry season in a state of torpor.
<hw>aetiology</hw> \K/i:tI"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Betiology)\b\p\B1\b \IPhilos\i the assignment of a cause or reason.\p\B2\b the study of causation.\p\B3\b \IMed.\i the causation of diseases and disorders, esp. of a specific disease, as a subject of investigation. \Baetiologic\b \K/-\F'\n"lQdZIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Baetiological\b \K/-\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Baetiologically\b \K/-\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iaetiologia\i from Greek \Iaitiologia,\i from \Iaitia\i 'cause'\c
<hw>AEU</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IIndustry\i \Ihist.\i (in the UK) Amalgamated Engineering Union.\Khist. label new f. SOED Jul 93\k
<hw>af-</hw> \K/af/, /\F'\nf/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \If.\i
<hw>afar</hw> \K/\F'\n"fA:/\k \Iadv.\i at or to a distance.\p\1from afar\c from a distance. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \J\Xa-\x (4)\j + \J\Xfar\x\j\c
<hw>AFC</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IAeron\i (in the UK) Air Force Cross.\p\B2\b \IFootball\i (in the UK) Association Football Club.
<hw>AFDCS</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IIndustry\i (in the UK) Association of First Division Civil Servants \I(cf.\i \J\XFDA\x).\j
<hw>affable</hw> \K/"af\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i friendly, good-natured.\Ksense 2 omitted Nov 93\k \Baffability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baffably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iaffabilis,\i from \Iaffari\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifari\i 'speak')\c
<hw>affair</hw> \K/\F'\n"fE:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a concern; a business; a matter to be attended to \3(that is my affair).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b a celebrated or notorious happening or sequence of events. \Bb\b \Icolloq.\i a noteworthy thing or event \3(was a puzzling affair).\c\p\B3\b = \J\Xlove affair\x.\j\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \Ba\b ordinary pursuits of life. \Bb\b business dealings. \Bc\b public matters \3(current affairs).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iafere\i from Old French \Iafaire,\i from \Iα faire\i 'to do': cf. \J\Xado\x\j\c
<hw>affaire</hw> \K/afE:r/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baffaire de or du c£ur\b \K/a%fE: d\F'\n/, /dy "k\F'\n:/\k) a love affair. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
\B\IaffairΘ\b\i \K/a"fE:reI/, French /afere/\k \Iadj.\i busy; involved. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>affect (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n"fEkt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b produce an effect on \3(their business was not affected by the recession).\c \Bb\b (of a disease etc.) attack \3(his liver is affected).\c\p\B2\b move; touch the feelings of \3(affected me deeply).\c \Baffecting\b \Iadj.\i \Baffectingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaffecter\i or Latin \Iafficere affect-\i 'influence' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifacere\i 'do')\c \IAffect\i should not be confused with \Ieffect\i which means 'to bring about, to accomplish', e.g. \IThe government effected great changes.\i Note also that \Ieffect\i is commonly used as a noun as well as a verb.
<hw>affect (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n"fEkt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b pretend to have or feel \3(affected indifference).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i pretend.\p\B3\b assume the character or manner of; pose as \3(affect the freethinker).\c\p\B4\b make a show of liking or using \3(she affects fancy hats).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaffecter\i or Latin \Iaffectare\i 'aim at', frequentative of \Iafficere\i (as \J\Xaffect\x (1))\j\c
<hw>affect (3)</hw> \K/"afEkt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i an emotion, a feeling, or a desire, esp. as leading to action. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAffekt\i from Latin \Iaffectus\i 'disposition', from \Iafficere\i (as \J\Xaffect\x (1))\j\c
<hw>affectation</hw> \K/afEk"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an assumed or contrived manner of behaviour, esp. in order to impress.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i a studied display.\p\B3\b pretence. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaffectation\i or Latin \Iaffectatio\i (as \J\Xaffect\x (2))\j\c
<hw>affected</hw> \K/\F'\n"fEktId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Iin senses of\i \J\Xaffect\x (1),\j \J\Xaffect\x (2).\j\p\B2\b artificially assumed or displayed; pretended \3(an affected air of innocence).\c\p\B3\b (of a person) full of affectation; artificial.\p\B4\b \I(prec. by adv.;\i \Ioften foll. by \Btowards)\b\i \Iarchaic\i disposed, inclined. \Baffectedly\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>affection</hw> \K/\F'\n"fEkS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bfor,\b \Btowards)\b\i goodwill; fond or kindly feeling.\p\B2\b a disease; a diseased condition.\p\B3\b a mental state; an emotion.\p\B4\b a mental disposition.\p\B5\b the act or process of affecting or being affected. \Baffectional\b \Iadj.\i (in sense 3).\Kaffectionally omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iaffectio -onis\i (as \J\Xaffect\x (1))\j\c
<hw>affectionate</hw> \K/\F'\n"fEkS(\F'\n)n\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i loving, fond; showing love or tenderness. \Baffectionately\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaffectionnΘ\i or medieval Latin \Iaffectionatus\i (as \J\Xaffection\x)\j\c
<hw>affective</hw> \K/\F'\n"fEktIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b concerning the affections; emotional.\p\B2\b \IPsychol.\i relating to affects. \Baffectivity\b \K/afEk"tIvIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaffectif -ive\i from Late Latin \Iaffectivus\i (as \J\Xaffect\x (1))\j\c
<hw>affenpinscher</hw> \K/"af\F'\nnpInS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a dog of a small breed resembling the griffon.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3German from \IAffe\i 'monkey' + \IPinscher\i 'terrier'\c
<hw>affiance</hw> \K/\F'\n"fVI\F'\nns/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(usu. in \Bpassive)\b\i \Iliterary\i promise solemnly to give (a person) in marriage. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iafiancer\i from medieval Latin \Iaffidare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifidus\i 'trusty')\c
<hw>affiant</hw> \K/\F'\n"fVI\F'\nnt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \ILaw\i a person who makes an affidavit.\Knew f. Kpb, Inc., NSOED Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French: see \J\X-ant\x\j\c
<hw>affidavit</hw> \K/afI"deIvIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a written statement confirmed by oath, for use as evidence in court. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin, = has stated on oath, from \Iaffidare:\i see \J\Xaffiance\x\j\c
<hw>affiliate</hw> \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\K/\F'\n"fIlIeIt/\k\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. in \Bpassive;\b\i \Ifoll. by \Bto,\b \Bwith)\b\i attach or connect (a person or society) with a larger organization.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i (of an institution) adopt (persons as members, societies as branches).\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i associate oneself with a society. \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bwith)\b\i \IPolit\i associate oneself with a political party.\p\In.\i\p\K/\F'\n"fIlI\F'\nt/\k an affiliated person or organization. \Baffiliative\b \K/\F'\n"fIlI\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i\Kaffiliative new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iaffiliare\i 'adopt' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifilius\i 'son')\c
<hw>affiliation</hw> \K/\F'\nfIlI"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pthe act or process of affiliating or being affiliated. \BEtymology:\b \3French from medieval Latin \Iaffiliatio,\i from \Iaffiliare:\i see \J\Xaffiliate\x\j\c
<hw>affiliation order</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ILaw\i a legal order that the man judged to be the father of an illegitimate child must help to support it.
<hw>affined</hw> \K/\F'\n"fVInd/\k \Iadj.\i related, connected. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iaffine\i \I(adj.)\i from Latin \Iaffinis\i 'related': see \J\Xaffinity\x\j\c
<hw>affinity</hw> \K/\F'\n"fInIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bbetween,\b \Bfor,\b or \Bwith)\b\i a spontaneous or natural liking for or attraction to a person or thing.\p\B2\b relationship, esp. by marriage.\p\B3\b resemblance in structure between animals, plants, or languages.\p\B4\b a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship; family likeness.\p\B5\b \IChem.\i the tendency of certain substances to combine with others. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \IafinitΘ\i from Latin \Iaffinitas -tatis,\i from \Iaffinis\i 'related', literally 'bordering on' (as \J\Xad-\x\j + \Ifinis\i 'border')\c
<hw>affinity card</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i\p\B1\b a discount card issued to members of an affinity group.\p\B2\b (in the UK) a bank card for which the bank donates to a specific charity etc. a portion of the money spent using the card.\Knew word in COD9 f. SOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>affinity group</hw>\p\In.\i\pa group of people linked by a common interest or purpose.\Knew f. NSOED, NEWS Feb 94\k
<hw>affirm</hw> \K/\F'\n"f\F'\n:m/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i assert strongly; state as a fact.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b \ILaw\i make an affirmation. \Bb\b make a formal declaration.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \ILaw\i confirm, ratify (a judgement). \Baffirmatory\b \Iadj.\i \Baffirmer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iafermer\i from Latin \Iaffirmare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifirmus\i 'strong')\c
<hw>affirmation</hw> \K/af\F'\n"meIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of affirming or being affirmed.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i a solemn declaration by a person who conscientiously declines to take an oath. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaffirmation\i or Latin \Iaffirmatio\i (as \J\Xaffirm\x)\j\c
<hw>affirmative</hw> \K/\F'\n"f\F'\n:m\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj., n., & int.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b affirming; asserting that a thing is so. \Bb\b \IGram.\i (of a word, clause, etc.) stating that a fact is so; answering 'yes' to a question.\K1b new f. Ox. Dict. Eng. Gram., Sue Atkins Aug 94\k\p\B2\b (of a vote) expressing approval.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an affirmative statement or reply.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i a word or particle expressing affirmation.\Knew as separate sense.\k\p\B3\b \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i a positive or affirming position. \Iint.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b yes.\Kint. new f. Kpb. Sept 94\k\p\1in the affirmative\c with affirmative effect; so as to accept or agree to a proposal; yes \3(the answer was in the affirmative).\c \Baffirmatively\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaffirmatif -ive\i from Late Latin \Iaffirmativus\i (as \J\Xaffirm\x)\j\c
<hw>affirmative action</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \IPolit\i action favouring those who tend to suffer from discrimination; positive discrimination, esp. in recuitment to jobs.
<hw>affix</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"fIks/\k\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bon)\b\i attach, fasten.\p\B2\b add in writing (a signature or postscript).\p\B3\b impress (a seal or stamp).\p\In.\i\p\K/"afIks/\k\p\B1\b an appendage; an addition.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i an addition or element placed at the beginning \I(prefix)\i or end \I(suffix)\i of a root, stem, or word, or in the body of a word \I(infix),\i to modify its meaning. \Baffixation\b \K/afIk"seIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Kaffixture omitted, affixation added Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaffixer,\i \Iaffixe\i or medieval Latin \Iaffixare,\i frequentative of Latin \Iaffigere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifigere fix-\i 'fix')\c
<hw>afflict</hw> \K/\F'\n"flIkt/\k \Iv.tr.\i inflict bodily or mental suffering on.\p\1afflicted with\c suffering from. \Bafflictive\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Latin \Iafflictare\i or from Latin \Iafflict-,\i past part. stem of \Iaffligere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifligere flict-\i 'dash')\c See Usage Note at \J\Xinflict\x.\j
<hw>affliction</hw> \K/\F'\n"flIkS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b physical or mental distress, esp. pain or illness.\p\B2\b a cause of this. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iafflictio -onis\i (as \J\Xafflict\x)\j\c
<hw>affluence</hw> \K/"aflU\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\pan abundant supply of money, commodities, etc.; wealth. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iaffluentia,\i from \Iaffluere:\i see \J\Xaffluent\x\j\c
<hw>affluent</hw> \K/"aflU\F'\nnt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b wealthy, rich.\p\B2\b abundant.\p\B3\b flowing freely or copiously.\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i a tributary stream. \Baffluently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iaffluere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifluere flux-\i 'flow')\c
<hw>afflux</hw> \K/"aflVks/\k\p\In.\i\pa flow towards a point; an influx. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iaffluxus\i from Latin \Iaffluere:\i see \J\Xaffluent\x\j\c
<hw>afford</hw> \K/\F'\n"fO:d/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(prec. by \Bcan\b or \Bbe able to;\b\i \Ioften foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i \Ba\b have enough money, means, time, etc., for; be able to spare \3(can afford ú50;\c \2could not afford a holiday;\c \2can we afford to buy a new television?).\c \Bb\b be in a position to do something (esp. without risk of adverse consequences) \3(can't afford to let him think so).\c\p\B2\b yield a supply of.\p\B3\b provide \3(affords a view of the sea).\c \Baffordable\b \Iadj.\i \Baffordability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Igeforthian\i 'promote' (as \J\Xy-\x,\j \J\Xforth\x),\j assimilated to words in \J\Xaf-\x\j\c
<hw>afforest</hw> \K/\F'\n"fQrIst/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IHort.\i\p\B1\b convert into forest.\p\B2\b plant with trees. \Bafforestation\b \K/-"steIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iafforestare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iforesta\i \J\Xforest\x)\j\c
<hw>affranchise</hw> \K/\F'\n"fran(t)SVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i release from servitude or an obligation. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iafranchir\i (as \J\Xenfranchise\x,\j with prefix \J\Xa-\x (3))\j\c
<hw>affray</hw> \K/\F'\n"freI/\k\p\In.\i\pa breach of the peace by fighting or rioting in public. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iafrayer\i \I(v.)\i and Old French \Iesfreer\i from Romanic\c
<hw>affricate</hw> \K/"afrIk\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhonet.\i a combination of a plosive with an immediately following fricative or spirant, e.g. \Ich\i as in \Ichair.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaffricare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ifricare\i 'rub')\c
<hw>affront</hw> \K/\F'\n"frVnt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\pan open insult \3(feel it an affront;\c \2offer an affront to).\c \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b insult openly.\p\B2\b offend the modesty or self-respect of.\p\B3\b face, confront. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iafronter\i 'slap in the face, insult', ultimately from Latin \Ifrons frontis\i 'face'\c
<hw>Afghan</hw> \K/"afgan/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i \Ba\b a native or national of Afghanistan. \Bb\b a person of Afghan descent.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the official language of Afghanistan; \Ialso called\i \J\XPashto\x.\j\p\B3\b \B(afghan)\b \IKnitting Needlework\i a knitted and sewn woollen blanket or shawl.\p\B4\b (in full \BAfghan coat)\b \BBrit.\b \IClothing\i a kind of sheepskin coat with the skin outside and usu. with a shaggy border. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Afghanistan, its people, or its language. \BEtymology:\b \3Pashto \Iafghani\i\c
<hw>Afghan hound</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a tall hunting dog of a breed with long silky hair.\p\B2\b this breed.
<hw>afghani</hw> \K/af"gA:ni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bafghanis)\b \ICurrency\i the chief monetary unit of Afghanistan. \BEtymology:\b \3Pashto\c
<hw>aficionado</hw> \K/afIsj\F'\n"nA:d\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b a devotee of a sport or pastime (originally of bullfighting). \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish\c
<hw>afield</hw> \K/\F'\n"fi:ld/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b away from home; to or at a distance (esp. in phr. \Bfar afield).\b\p\B2\b in the field. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English (as \J\Xa\x (2),\j \J\Xfield\x)\j\c
<hw>afire</hw> \K/\F'\n"fVI\F'\n/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b on fire.\p\B2\b intensely roused or excited.
<hw>aflame</hw> \K/\F'\n"fleIm/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b in flames.\p\B2\b = \J\Xafire\x 2.\j
<hw>aflatoxin</hw> \K/afl\F'\n"tQksIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of a class of toxic compounds produced by the mould Aspergillus flavus, which cause liver damage and cancer. \BEtymology:\b \3\IA\ispergillus + \Ifla\ivus + \J\Xtoxin\x\j\c
<hw>AFL-CIO</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IPolit Industry\i American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.\Knew in COD9 f. OERD. Feb 94\k
<hw>afloat</hw> \K/\F'\n"fl\F'\nUt/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b floating in water or air.\p\B2\b at sea; on board ship.\p\B3\b out of debt or difficulty.\p\B4\b in general circulation; current.\p\B5\b full of or covered with a liquid.\p\B6\b in full swing. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English (as \J\Xa\x (2),\j \J\Xfloat\x)\j\c
<hw>AFM</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IAeron\i (in the UK) Air Force Medal.
<hw>afoot</hw> \K/\F'\n"fUt/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b in operation; progressing.\p\B2\b astir; on the move.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \Ba\b on foot \3(dismounted and went afoot).\c \Bb\b on one's feet \3(slow afoot).\c\Ksense 3 new f. Kpb, Inc., Sept 94\k
<hw>afore</hw> \K/\F'\n"fO:/\k \Iprep., conj., & adv.\i \Iarchaic\i or \Idial.\i before; previously; in front (of).\Kconj. new pos in COD9 f. NSOED, DJT, corpus Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ionforan\i (as \J\Xa\x (2),\j \J\Xfore\x)\j\c
<hw>aforethought</hw> \K/\F'\n"fO:TO:t/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i premeditated \I(following a noun:\i \2malice aforethought).\c
<hw>a fortiori</hw> \K/eI fO:tI"O:rVI/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i with a yet stronger reason (than a conclusion already accepted); more conclusively. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>afoul</hw> \K/\F'\n"faUl/\k \Iadv.\i (in phrs. \Bfall afoul of,\b \Brun afoul of)\b \BN. Amer.\b foul (see \J\Xfall\x,\j \J\Xrun\x).\j\Knew f. kpb, incomings, Sept 94\k
<hw>afraid</hw> \K/\F'\n"freId/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bof,\b or \Bthat\b or \Blest\b + clause)\i alarmed, frightened.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i unwilling or reluctant for fear of the consequences \3(was afraid to go in).\c\p\1be afraid\c \I(foll. by \Bthat\b + clause)\i \Icolloq.\i admit or declare with (real or politely simulated) regret \3(I'm afraid there's none left).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English (past part. of obsolete verb \Iaffray),\i via Anglo-French \Iafrayer\i from Old French \Iesfreer\i\c
<hw>A-frame</hw> \K/"eIfreIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i\p\B1\b \I(often \Battrib.)\b\i a frame shaped like a capital letter A.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b an A-frame house.\Knew f. Inc., corpus, Kpb, Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\XA\x (1)\j + \J\Xframe\x\j\c
<hw>afreet</hw> \K/"afri:t/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bafrit)\b \IMythol\i a demon in Arabian mythology. \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iifrit\i\c
<hw>afresh</hw> \K/\F'\n"frES/\k \Iadv.\i anew; with a fresh beginning. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (2)\j + \J\Xfresh\x\j\c
<hw>African</hw> \K/"afrIk(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPeople\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a native of Africa (esp. a dark-skinned person).\p\B2\b a person of African descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Africa. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAfricanus\i\c
<hw>Africana</hw> \K/afrI"kA:n\F'\n/\k \In.pl.\i \IAnthropol\i things connected with Africa.
<hw>African-American</hw> \In. & adj.\i \IPeople\i\p\In.\i\pa black American. \Iadj.\i of or relating to black Americans.\Kadj. new in COD9 f. SOED Jul 93\k
<hw>Africander</hw> \K/afrI"kand\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BAfrikander)\b \IZool\i one of a S. African breed of sheep or longhorn cattle. \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans \IAfrikaander,\i alteration of Dutch \IAfrikaner\i on the pattern of \IHollander\i etc.\c
<hw>African elephant</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i the elephant, Loxodonta africana, of Africa, which is larger than the Indian elephant.
<hw>Africanize</hw> \K/"afrIk(\F'\n)nVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b make African in character.\p\B2\b place under the control of African blacks.\p\B3\b (usu. as \BAfricanized\b \Iadj.)\i hybridize (honey bees) with African stock producing an aggressive strain. \BAfricanization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Knew f. NSOED, incomings Apr 94\k
<hw>African violet</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a small E. African plant of the genus \ISaintpaulia,\i with heart-shaped velvety leaves and blue, purple, or pink flowers, esp. S. ionantha, a popular house plant. \IAlso called\i \Isaintpaulia.\i
<hw>Afrikaans</hw> \K/afrI"kA:ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i the language of the Afrikaner people developed from Dutch, an official language of the Republic of South Africa. \BEtymology:\b \3Dutch, = African\c
<hw>Afrikaner</hw> \K/afrI"kA:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i an Afrikaans-speaking white person in S. Africa, esp. one of Dutch descent.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i a S. African species of \IGladiolus\i or \IHomoglossum.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans from Dutch: see \J\XAfricander\x\j\c
<hw>afrit</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xafreet\x.\j
<hw>Afro</hw> \K/"afr\F'\nU/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i (of a hairstyle) long and bushy, as naturally grown by some blacks.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IHairdressing\i an Afro hairstyle. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\XAfro-\x,\j or abbreviation of \J\XAfrican\x\j\c
<hw>Afro-Caribbean</hw> \K/%afr\F'\nUkarI"bi:\F'\nn/, /-k\F'\n"rIbI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPeople\i\p\In.\i\pa person of African descent living in or coming from the Caribbean. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Afro-Caribbeans.
<hw>Afrocentric</hw> \K/afr\F'\nU"sEntrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \ISociol\i centring on African or Afro-American culture; regarding African or black culture as pre-eminent.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS, corpus Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\XAfro-\x\j + \J\X-centric\x\j\c
<hw>afrormosia</hw> \K/afrO:"m\F'\nUzI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b an African tree, \IPericopsis\i (formerly \IAfrormosia)\i \Ielata,\i yielding a hardwood resembling teak and used for furniture.\p\B2\b \IForestry\i this wood. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from \J\XAfro-\x\j + \IOrmosia,\i a related genus\c
<hw>aft</hw> \K/A:ft/\k \Iadv.\i \INaut.\i & \IAeron.\i at or towards the stern or tail. \BEtymology:\b \3probably from Middle English \Ibaft:\i see \J\Xabaft\x\j\c
<hw>after</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\n/\k \Iprep., conj., adv., & adj.\i \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b following in time; later than \3(after six months;\c \2after midnight;\c \2day after day).\c \Bb\b \BN. Amer.\b in specifying time \3(a quarter after eight).\c\p\B2\b (with causal force) in view of (something that happened shortly before) \3(after your behaviour tonight what do you expect?).\c\p\B3\b (with concessive force) in spite of \3(after all my efforts I'm no better off).\c\p\B4\b behind \3(shut the door after you).\c\p\B5\b in pursuit or quest of \3(run after them;\c \2enquire after him;\c \2hanker after it;\c \2is after a job).\c\p\B6\b about, concerning \3(asked after her;\c \2asked after her health).\c\p\B7\b in allusion to \3(named him William after the prince).\c\p\B8\b in imitation of (a person, word, etc.) \3(a painting after Rubens;\c \2'aesthete' is formed after 'athlete').\c\p\B9\b next in importance to \3(the best book on the subject after mine).\c\p\B10\b according to \3(after a fashion).\c \Iconj.\i in or at a time later than that when \3(left after they arrived).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b later in time \3(soon after;\c \2a week after).\c\p\B2\b behind in place \3(followed on after;\c \2look before and after).\c \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b later, following \3(in after years).\c\p\B2\b \INaut.\i nearer the stern \3(after cabins;\c \2after mast;\c \2after-peak).\c\p\1after all\c\p\B1\b in spite of all that has happened or has been said etc. \3(after all, what does it matter?).\c\p\B2\b in spite of one's exertions, expectations, etc. \3(they tried for an hour and failed after all;\c \2so you have come after all!).\c\p\1after one's own heart\c \Isee\i \J\Xheart\x.\j\p\1after you\c a formula used in offering precedence. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµfter,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>afterbirth</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nb\F'\n:T/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed Vet\i the placenta and foetal membranes discharged from the womb after the birth of offspring.
<hw>afterburner</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\n%b\F'\n:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron Mech\i an auxiliary burner in a jet engine to increase thrust.
<hw>aftercare</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nkE:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMed Criminol\i care of a patient after a stay in hospital or of a person on release from prison.\p\B2\b \Ba\b subsequent care or maintenance \3(tips for aftercare).\c\Ksense 2a new f. corpus Feb 94\k \Bb\b \ICommerce\i support or advice offered to a customer following the purchase of a product or service.\Ksense 3b new f. News, corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>afterdamp</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\ndamp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMining\i choking gas left after an explosion of firedamp in a mine.
<hw>after-effect</hw>\p\In.\i\pan effect that follows after an interval or after the primary action of something.
<hw>afterglow</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\ngl\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a light or radiance remaining after its source has disappeared or been removed.\p\B2\b a pleasant feeling remaining after a pleasurable experience.\Ksense 2 new f. corpus, incomings, Frank Abate Apr 94\k
<hw>after-hours</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i taking place after normal hours.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>after-image</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i an image retained by a sense organ, esp. the eye, and producing a sensation after the cessation of the stimulus.
<hw>afterlife</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nlVIf/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig.\i life after death.\p\B2\b life at a later time.
<hw>aftermarket</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\n%mA:kIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i a market in spare parts and components.\p\B2\b \IStock Exch.\i a market in shares after their original issue.\KUS label omitted as SOED Jul 93\k
<hw>aftermath</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nmaT/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b consequences or after-effects, esp. when unpleasant \3(the aftermath of war).\c\p\B2\b \IBot\i \Idial.\i new grass growing after mowing or after a harvest. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xafter\x \Iadj.\i\j + \Imath\i 'mowing' (Old English \Imµth,\i from Germanic)\c
<hw>aftermost</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nm\F'\nUst/\k \Iadj.\i \INaut.\i furthest aft.\Ksense last omitted as obs. Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xafter\x \Iadj.\i\j + \J\X-most\x\j\c
<hw>afternoon</hw> \K/A:ft\F'\n"nu:n/\k \In. & int.\i \IHorol\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the time from noon or lunchtime to evening \3(this afternoon;\c \2during the afternoon;\c \2afternoon tea).\c\p\B2\b this time spent in a particular way \3(had a lazy afternoon).\c\p\B3\b a time compared with this, esp. the later part of something \3(the afternoon of life).\c \Iint.\i \Icolloq.\i = \Igood afternoon\i (see \J\Xgood\x \Iadj.\i 14).\j
<hw>afterpains</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\npeInz/\k \In.pl.\i \IMed\i pains caused by contraction of the womb after childbirth.
<hw>afters</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nz/\k \In.pl.\i \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i the course following the main course of a meal; dessert.
<hw>after-school</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i taking place after normal school hours.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>aftershave</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nSeIv/\k\p\In.\i\pan astringent lotion for use after shaving.
<hw>aftershock</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nSQk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i a lesser shock following the main shock of an earthquake.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, incomings Jul 93\k
<hw>aftertaste</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nteIst/\k\p\In.\i\pa taste remaining or recurring after eating or drinking.
<hw>afterthought</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nTO:t/\k\p\In.\i\pan item or thing that is thought of or added later.
<hw>afterwards</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nw\F'\ndz/\k \Iadv.\i \B(US\b also \Bafterward\b \K/-w\F'\nd/\k) later, subsequently.\Ketymology changed to correspond with NSOED, Hoad Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµfterwearde\i \I(adj.)\i from \Iµftan\i \J\Xaft\x\j + \J\X-ward\x\j\c
<hw>afterword</hw> \K/"A:ft\F'\nw\F'\n:d/\k\p\In.\i\pconcluding remarks in a book, esp. by a person other than its author.
<hw>Ag (1)</hw> \K/ag/ \k \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element silver. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iargentum\i\c
<hw>Ag (2)</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IBiol\i antigen.\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k
<hw>ag-</hw> \K/ag/, /\F'\ng/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \Ig.\i
<hw>Aga</hw> \K/"A:g\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICookery\i \Ipropr.\i a type of heavy heat-retaining cooking stove or range burning solid fuel or powered by gas, oil, or electricity, and intended for continuous heating. \BEtymology:\b \3Swedish, from Svenska \IA\iktienbolaget \IG\ias\Ia\ickumulator (Swedish Gas Accumulator Company), the original manufacturer\c
<hw>aga</hw> \K/"A:g\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in Muslim countries, esp. under the Ottoman Empire) a commander; a chief. \BEtymology:\b \3Turkish \Iaga\i 'master'\c
<hw>again</hw> \K/\F'\n"gEn/, /\F'\n"geIn/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b another time; once more.\p\B2\b as in a previous position or condition \3(back again;\c \2home again;\c \2quite well again).\c\p\B3\b in addition \3(as much again;\c \2half as many again).\c\p\B4\b further, besides \3(again, what about the children?).\c\p\B5\b on the other hand \3(I might, and again I might not).\c\p\1again and again\c repeatedly. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iongean,\i \Iongµgn,\i etc., from Germanic\c
<hw>against</hw> \K/\F'\n"gEnst/, /\F'\n"geInst/\k \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b in opposition to \3(fight against the invaders;\c \2am against hanging;\c \2arson is against the law).\c\p\B2\b into collision or in contact with \3(ran against a rock;\c \2lean against the wall;\c \2up against a problem).\c\p\B3\b to the disadvantage of \3(his age is against him).\c\p\B4\b in contrast to \3(against a dark background;\c \299 as against 102 yesterday).\c\p\B5\b in anticipation of or preparation for \3(against his coming;\c \2against a rainy day;\c \2protected against the cold;\c \2warned against pickpockets).\c\p\B6\b as a compensating factor to \3(income against expenditure).\c\p\B7\b in return for \3(issued against payment of the fee).\c\p\1against the clock\c \Isee\i \J\Xclock\x (1) 3.\j\p\1against the grain\c \Isee\i \J\Xgrain\x.\j\p\1against time\c \Isee\i \J\Xtime\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iayenes\i etc., from \Iayen\i \J\Xagain\x\j + adverbial genitive \I-s\i + \I-t\i as in \Iamongst\i\c
<hw>Aga Khan</hw> \K/A:g\F'\n "kA:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the spiritual leader of the Nizari sect of Ismaili Muslims.
<hw>agal</hw> \K/a"gA:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IClothing\i a fillet worn by Bedouin Arabs to keep the keffiyeh in place.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, RL Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iikal\i 'bond, rope'\c
<hw>agama</hw> \K/\F'\n"gA:m\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i an iguana-like Old World lizard of the genus \IAgama\i or a related genus. \BEtymology:\b \3Carib\c
<hw>agamospermy</hw> \K/"ag\F'\nm\F'\n%sp\F'\n:mi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i asexual reproduction by division of an unfertilized ovule.\Knew Mar 93 from Minidict. Biol.\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iagamos\i 'unmarried' + \Isperma\i 'seed'\c
<hw>agapanthus</hw> \K/ag\F'\n"panT\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any lilylike plant of the African genus \IAgapanthus.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iagape\i 'love' + \Ianthos\i 'flower'\c
<hw>agape (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n"geIp/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i gaping, open-mouthed, esp. with wonder or expectation.
<hw>agape (2)</hw> \K/"ag\F'\npi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a Christian feast in token of fellowship, esp. one held by early Christians in commemoration of the Last Supper.\p\B2\b \ITheol.\i Christian love, esp. as distinct from erotic love. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = brotherly love\c
<hw>agar</hw> \K/"eIgA:/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bagar-agar\b \K/eIgA:r"eIgA:/\k) \IChem\i a gelatinous substance obtained from various kinds of red seaweed and used in making soups, biological culture media, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Malay\c
<hw>agaric</hw> \K/"ag(\F'\n)rIk/, /\F'\n"gA:rIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any fungus of the family Agaricaceae, with cap and stalk, including the common edible mushroom. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagaricum\i from Greek \Iagarikon\i\c
<hw>agate</hw> \K/"ag\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i\p\B1\b a hard usu. banded variety of chalcedony.\p\B2\b a coloured toy marble resembling this. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagate,\i \I-the,\i via Latin \Iachates\i from Greek \Iakhates\i\c
<hw>agave</hw> \K/\F'\n"geIvi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAgave,\i with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves, and tall inflorescences, e.g. the American aloe. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \IAgaue,\i a proper name in mythology, from \Iagauos\i 'illustrious'\c
<hw>age</hw> \K/eIdZ/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the length of time that a person or thing has existed or is likely to exist. \Bb\b a particular point in or part of one's life, often as a qualification \3(old age;\c \2voting age).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i \Icolloq.\i a long time \3(took an age to answer;\c \2have been waiting for ages).\c \Bb\b a distinct period of the past \3(golden age;\c \2Bronze Age;\c \2Middle Ages).\c \Bc\b \IGeol.\i a period of time. \Bd\b a generation.\p\B3\b the latter part of life; old age \3(the peevishness of age).\c\p\Iv.\i\p\I(pres. part.\i \Bageing,\b \Baging)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i show signs of advancing age \3(has aged a lot recently).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i grow old.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i mature.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i cause or allow to age.\p\1come of age\c reach adult status (esp. in Law at 18, formerly 21). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, ultimately from Latin \Iaetas -atis\i 'age'\c
<hw>-age</hw> \K/IdZ/, /A:Z/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns denoting:\p\B1\b an action \3(breakage;\c \2spillage).\c\p\B2\b a condition or function \3(bondage;\c \2a peerage).\c\p\B3\b an aggregate or number of \3(coverage;\c \2the peerage;\c \2acreage).\c\p\B4\b fees payable for; the cost of using \3(postage).\c\p\B5\b the product of an action \3(dosage;\c \2wreckage).\c\p\B6\b a place; an abode \3(anchorage;\c \2orphanage;\c \2parsonage).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old French, ultimately from Latin \I-aticum,\i neut. of adjectival suffix \I-aticus\i \J\X-atic\x\j\c
<hw>aged</hw> \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \K/eIdZd/\k \Ba\b of the age of \3(aged ten).\c \Bb\b that has been subjected to ageing. \Bc\b (of a horse) over six years old.\p\B2\b \K/"eIdZId/\k having lived long; old.
<hw>age group</hw>\p\In.\i\pa number of persons or things classed together as of similar age.\Knew f. corpus, SOED Mar 94\k
<hw>ageing</hw> \K/"eIdZIN/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baging)\b\p\B1\b growing old.\p\B2\b giving the appearance of advancing age.\p\B3\b \IMetallurgy\i a change of properties occurring in some metals after heat treatment or cold working.
<hw>ageism</hw> \K/"eIdZIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of age. \Bageist\b \Iadj. & n.\i
<hw>ageless</hw> \K/"eIdZlIs/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b never growing or appearing old or outmoded.\p\B2\b eternal, timeless.
<hw>age-long</hw> \Iadj.\i lasting for a very long time.
<hw>agency</hw> \K/"eIdZ(\F'\n)nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b the business or establishment of an agent \3(employment agency).\c \Bb\b the function of an agent.\p\B2\b \Ba\b active operation; action \3(free agency).\c \Bb\b intervening action; means \3(fertilized by the agency of insects).\c \Bc\b action personified \3(an invisible agency).\c\p\B3\b \B(also Agency)\b a department or body providing a specific service for a government, political union, etc. \3(United Nations relief agency;\c \2News Agency).\c \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iagentia\i from Latin \Iagere\i 'do'\c
<hw>agenda</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZEnd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(pl.\i \Bagendas)\b \Ba\b a list of items of business to be considered at a meeting. \Bb\b a series of things to be done; a plan of activities or action.\p\B2\b \I(sing.\i \Bagendum)\b \I(treated as \Bpl.)\b\i \Ba\b items of business to be considered. \Bb\b things to be done. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, neut. pl. of gerundive of \Iagere\i 'do'\c \IAgenda\i is now usually treated as a singular noun (with plural \Iagendas),\i as in sense 1 above, e.g. \IThe agenda for the meeting was very long;\i \IToday's agenda includes a visit to the old town;\i \IAnticipate what hidden agendas others may have.\i It is occasionally found in sense 2 (its original sense) meaning 'items to be considered' or 'things to be done'. Cf. \J\Xdata\x,\j \J\Xmedia\x (1).\j
<hw>agent</hw> \K/"eIdZ(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a person who acts for another in business, politics, etc. \3(literary agent).\c \Bb\b a person or company that acts as broker and provides a specified service \3(estate agent;\c \2travel agent).\c \Bc\b a travelling salesman or saleswoman.\K1c new from DJT Aug 94\k \Bd\b a spy.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a person or thing that exerts power or produces an effect. \Bb\b the cause of a natural force or effect on matter \3(oxidizing agent).\c \Bc\b such a force or effect.\Kagential omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagent-,\i part. stem of \Iagere\i 'do'\c
<hw>agent-general</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bagents-general)\b \IDiplomacy\i a representative of an Australian state or Canadian province.
<hw>agent noun</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGram.\i a noun denoting an agent or agency (e.g. \Ilawyer,\i \Iaccelerator).\i\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>agent provocateur</hw> \K/%aZQ~ pr\F'\n%vQk\F'\n"t\F'\n:/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bagents provocateurs\b \Ipronunc.\i same) \ICriminol\i a person employed to detect suspected offenders by tempting them to overt self-incriminating action.\Kipa keyed as aide-de-camp May 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, = provocative agent\c
<hw>age of consent</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the age at which consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law.
<hw>age of discretion</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xdiscretion\x.\j
<hw>age of puberty</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the age at which puberty begins, in law usu. 14 in boys and 12 in girls.
<hw>age-old</hw> \Iadj.\i having existed for a very long time.
<hw>age range</hw>\p\In.\i\pa range of ages.\Knew word in COD9 f. box, OED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>agglomerate</hw> \Iv., n., & adj.\i \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \K/\F'\n"glQm\F'\nreIt/\k\p\B1\b collect into a mass.\p\B2\b accumulate in a disorderly way.\p\In.\i\p\K/\F'\n"glQm\F'\nr\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b a mass or collection of things.\p\B2\b \IGeol.\i a mass of large volcanic fragments bonded under heat \I(cf.\i \J\Xconglomerate\x \Iadj.\i 2,\p\In.\i\p3).\j \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"glQm\F'\nr\F'\nt/\k collected into a mass. \Bagglomeration\b \K/-"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bagglomerative\b \K/\F'\n"glQm\F'\nr\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagglomerare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iglomerare\i from \Iglomus -meris\i 'ball')\c
<hw>agglutinate</hw> \K/\F'\n"glu:tIn\F'\nt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i unite as with glue.\p\B2\b \Itr. & intr.\i \IBiol.\i cause or undergo rapid clumping (of bacteria, erythrocytes, etc.).\p\B3\b \ILinguistics\i \Itr.\i (of language) combine (simple words) without change of form to express compound ideas. \Bagglutination\b \K/-"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bagglutinative\b \K/\F'\n"glu:tIn\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagglutinare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iglutinare\i from \Igluten -tinis\i 'glue')\c
<hw>agglutinin</hw> \K/\F'\n"glu:tInIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i an antibody, lectin, or other substance causing agglutination. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xagglutinate\x\j + \J\X-in\x\j\c
<hw>aggrandize</hw> \K/\F'\n"grandVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b increase the power, rank, or wealth of (a person or state).\p\B2\b cause to appear greater than is the case. \Baggrandizement\b \K/-dIzm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baggrandizer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagrandir\i (stem \Iagrandiss-),\i probably via Italian \Iaggrandire\i from Latin \Igrandis\i large: assimilated to verbs in \J\X-ize\x\j\c
<hw>aggravate</hw> \K/"agr\F'\nveIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b increase the gravity of (an illness, offence, etc.) \3(the war was aggravating the situation).\c\p\B2\b \Idisp.\i annoy, exasperate (a person). \Baggravating\b \Iadj.\i \Idisp.\i \Baggravation\b \K/-"veIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaggravare aggravat-\i 'make heavy' from \Igravis\i 'heavy'\c The use of \Iaggravate\i in sense 2, to mean 'annoy, exasperate', is regarded by some people as incorrect but is common in informal use and dates back to the 17th century. \IAggravating\i meaning 'annoying' is similarly frowned upon.
<hw>aggregate</hw> \In., adj., & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"agrIg\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b a collection of, or the total of, disparate elements.\p\B2\b pieces of crushed stone, gravel, etc., used in making concrete.\p\B3\b \Ba\b \IGeol.\i a mass of minerals formed into solid rock. \Bb\b a mass of particles. \Iadj.\i \K/"agrIg\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b (of disparate elements) collected into one mass.\p\B2\b constituted by the collection of many units into one body.\p\B3\b \IBot.\i (of a group of species) comprising several very similar species formerly regarded as a single species. \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \K/"agrIgeIt/\k collect together; combine into a whole.\Ksenses 2 and 3 omitted Dec 93\k\p\1in the aggregate\c as a whole. \Baggregation\b \K/-"geIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baggregative\b \K/"agrIg\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaggregare aggregat-\i 'herd together' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Igrex gregis\i 'flock')\c
<hw>aggregate fruit</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i a fruit formed from several carpels derived from the same flower (e.g. raspberry).\Knew as hwd Apr 94\k
<hw>aggression</hw> \K/\F'\n"grES(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or practice of attacking without provocation, esp. beginning a quarrel or war.\p\B2\b an unprovoked attack.\p\B3\b self-assertiveness; forcefulness.\p\B4\b \IPsychol.\i a hostile or destructive tendency; such behaviour. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagression\i or Latin \Iaggressio\i 'attack', from \Iaggredi aggress-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Igradi\i 'walk')\c
<hw>aggressive</hw> \K/\F'\n"grEsIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of a person: \Ba\b given to aggression; openly hostile. \Bb\b forceful; self-assertive.\p\B2\b (of an act) offensive, hostile.\p\B3\b of aggression. \Baggressively\b \Iadv.\i \Baggressiveness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>aggressor</hw> \K/\F'\n"grEs\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who attacks without provocation. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin (as \J\Xaggression\x)\j\c
<hw>aggrieved</hw> \K/\F'\n"gri:vd/\k \Iadj.\i having a grievance. \Baggrievedly\b \K/-vIdli/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, past part. of \Iaggrieve,\i from Old French \Iagrever\i 'make heavier' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \J\Xgrieve\x (1))\j\c
<hw>aggro</hw> \K/"agr\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Islang\i\p\B1\b aggressive trouble-making.\p\B2\b trouble, difficulty. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of \J\Xaggravation\x\j (see \J\Xaggravate\x)\j or \J\Xaggression\x\j\c
<hw>aghast</hw> \K/\F'\n"gA:st/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bat)\b\i filled with dismay or consternation. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, past part. of obsolete \Iagast,\i \Igast\i 'frighten': see \J\Xghastly\x\j\c
<hw>agile</hw> \K/"adZVIl/\k \Iadj.\i quick-moving, nimble, active. \Bagilely\b \Iadv.\i \Bagility\b \K/\F'\n"dZIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iagilis,\i from \Iagere\i 'do'\c
<hw>agin</hw> \K/\F'\n"gIn/\k \Iprep.\i \Icolloq.\i or \Idial.\i against. \BEtymology:\b \3corruption of \J\Xagainst\x\j or obsolete prep. \Iagain,\i with the same meaning\c
<hw>aging</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xageing\x.\j
<hw>agio</hw> \K/"adZI\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bagios)\b \ICommerce\i\p\B1\b the percentage charged on the exchange of one currency, or one form of money, into another more valuable.\p\B2\b the excess value of one currency over another.\p\B3\b money-exchange business. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Iaggio\i\c
<hw>agist</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZIst/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IAgriculture Law\i take in and feed (livestock) for payment. \Bagistment\b\p\In.\i\p\Knew in COD9 f. COD7, correspondence Jul 93\k
<hw>agitate</hw> \K/"adZIteIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i disturb or excite (a person or feelings).\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bfor,\b \Bagainst)\b\i stir up interest or concern, esp. publicly \3(agitated for tax reform).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i shake or move, esp. briskly. \Bagitatedly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagitare agitat-,\i frequentative of \Iagere\i 'drive'\c
<hw>agitation</hw> \K/adZI"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of agitating or being agitated.\p\B2\b mental anxiety or concern. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagitation\i or Latin \Iagitatio\i (as \J\Xagitate\x)\j\c
<hw>agitato</hw> \K/adZI"tA:t\F'\nU/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \IMus.\i in an agitated manner. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian\c
<hw>agitator</hw> \K/"adZIteIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a person who agitates, esp. publicly for a cause.\p\B2\b an apparatus for shaking or mixing liquid etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin (as \J\Xagitate\x)\j\c
<hw>agitprop</hw> \K/"adZItprQp/, /"ag-/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ihist.\i \IPolit\i the dissemination of Communist political propaganda, esp. in plays, films, books, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Russian (as \J\Xagitation\x,\j \J\Xpropaganda\x)\j\c
<hw>aglet</hw> \K/"agl\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a metal tag attached to each end of a shoelace etc.\p\B2\b \IMil\i = \J\Xaiguillette\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iaiguillette\i 'small needle', ultimately from Latin \Iacus\i 'needle'\c
<hw>aglow</hw> \K/\F'\n"gl\F'\nU/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i glowing; in a glow (of warmth, excitement, etc.).
<hw>AGM</hw> \Iabbr.\i \BBrit.\b annual general meeting.
<hw>agma</hw> \K/"agm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhonet\i\p\B1\b the speech sound of 'ng' as in \Ithing,\i represented by the symbol \K/N/\k.\p\B2\b this symbol. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, literally 'fragment'\c
<hw>agnail</hw> \K/"agneIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a piece of torn skin at the root of a fingernail.\p\B2\b the soreness resulting from this. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iangnµgl\i from \Inµgl\i \J\Xnail\x\p\In.\i\p2a:\j cf. \J\Xhangnail\x\j\c
<hw>agnate</hw> \K/"agneIt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b descended esp. by male line from the same male ancestor \I(cf.\i \J\Xcognate\x \Iadj.\i 1).\j\p\B2\b descended from the same forefather; of the same clan or nation.\p\B3\b of the same nature; akin.\p\In.\i\pa person who is descended esp. by male line from the same male ancestor. \Bagnatic\b \K/-"natIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bagnation\b \K/-"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagnatus,\i from \Iad\i \J\Xag-\x\j + \I(g)natus\i 'born'\c
<hw>agnolotti</hw> \K/anj\F'\n"lQti/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i small pasta shapes containing meat stuffing.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Italian\c
<hw>agnosia</hw> \K/\F'\ng"n\F'\nUsI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i the loss of the ability to interpret sensations. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iagnosia\i 'ignorance'\c
<hw>agnostic</hw> \K/ag"nQstIk/\k \In. & adj.\i \IRelig\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a person who believes that nothing is known, or can be known, of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena.\p\B2\b a person who is uncertain or non-committal about a certain thing.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \Iadj.\i of or relating to agnostics or agnosticism. \Bagnosticism\b \K/-sIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \J\Xgnostic\x\j\c
<hw>Agnus Dei</hw> \K/"agnUs "deIi:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b a figure of a lamb bearing a cross or flag, as an emblem of Christ.\p\B2\b the part of the Roman Catholic Mass beginning with the words 'Lamb of God'. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = Lamb of God\c
<hw>ago</hw> \K/\F'\n"g\F'\nU/\k \Iadv.\i earlier; before the present \3(ten years ago;\c \2long ago).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \I(ago,\i \Iagone),\i past part. of obsolete verb \Iago\i (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \J\Xgo\x (1))\j\c Note the construction \Iit is ten years ago that\i (not \Isince)\i \II saw them.\i
<hw>agog</hw> \K/\F'\n"gQg/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \Iadv.\i eagerly, expectantly. \Ipredic.adj.\i eager, expectant. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ien gogues,\i from \Ien\i 'in' + pl. of \Igogue\i 'fun'\c
<hw>agogic</hw> \K/\F'\n"gQdZIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadj.\i designating or relating to an accent effected by lengthening the time value of a note.\p\In.\i\p\I(in \Bpl.,\b usu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i the use of agogic accents; the deliberate modification of time values in a musical performance.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3German \Iagogisch,\i from Greek \Iagogos\i 'leading'\c
<hw>agonic line</hw> \K/\F'\n"gQnIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i a line passing through both the north pole and the north magnetic pole and joining places at which a compass needle points to true north (i.e. without declination). \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iagon(i)os,\i from \Ia-\i \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Igonia\i 'angle' + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>agonist</hw> \K/"ag\F'\nnIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysiol.\i a muscle whose contraction moves a part directly.\p\B2\b \IBiochem.\i a substance which initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor.\p\B3\b = \J\Xprotagonist\x 1, 2.\j\Knew f. Collins. NSOED Sep 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iagonistes\i 'contestant', from \Iagon\i 'contest'\c
<hw>agonistic</hw> \K/ag\F'\n"nIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b polemical, combative.\p\B2\b \IZool.\i (of animal behaviour) associated with conflict.\p\B3\b \IBiochem.\i of or relating to an agonist; acting as an agonist.\Ksenses 2, 3 new f. incomings Mar 94\k \Bagonistically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iagonisticus\i from Greek \Iagonistikos,\i via \Iagonistes\i 'contestant' from \Iagon\i 'contest'\c
<hw>agonize</hw> \K/"ag\F'\nnVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p(also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bover)\b\i undergo (esp. mental) anguish; suffer agony.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i cause agony to.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i (as \Bagonized\b \Iadj.)\i expressing agony \3(an agonized look).\c\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i struggle, contend. \Bagonizingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagoniser\i or Late Latin \Iagonizare\i from Greek \Iagonizomai\i 'contend', from \Iagon\i 'contest'\c
<hw>agony</hw> \K/"ag\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b extreme mental or physical suffering.\p\B2\b a severe struggle. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iagonie\i or Late Latin from Greek \Iagonia,\i from \Iagon\i 'contest'\c
<hw>agony aunt</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(masc.\i \Bagony uncle)\b \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i a person who answers letters in an agony column.\Kagony uncle new in COD9 f. corpus, RL Jul 93\k
<hw>agony column</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b a column in a newspaper or magazine offering personal advice to readers who write in.\p\B2\b \I=\i \J\Xpersonal column\x.\j
<hw>agoraphobe</hw> \K/"ag(\F'\n)r\F'\nf\F'\nUb/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol\i a person who suffers from agoraphobia.
<hw>agoraphobia</hw> \K/ag(\F'\n)r\F'\n"f\F'\nUbI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i an abnormal fear of open spaces or public places. \Bagoraphobic\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iagora\i 'place of assembly, market place' + \J\X-phobia\x\j\c
<hw>agouti</hw> \K/\F'\n"gu:ti/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baguti)\b \I(pl.\i \B-tis)\b \IZool\i\p\B1\b a burrowing rodent of the genus \IDasyprocta\i or \IMyoprocta\i of Central and S. America, related to the guinea pig.\p\B2\b any animal whose fur has each hair banded dark and light.\Ksense 2 new f. SOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagouti\i or Spanish \Iaguti,\i from Tupi \Iaguti\i\c
<hw>agrarian</hw> \K/\F'\n"grE:rI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IAgriculture\i of or relating to the land or its cultivation.\p\B2\b relating to landed property.\p\In.\i\pa person who advocates a redistribution of landed property. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iagrarius,\i from \Iager agri\i 'field'\c
<hw>agree</hw> \K/\F'\n"gri:/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(agrees,\b \Bagreed,\b \Bagreeing)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i hold a similar opinion \3(I agree with you about that;\c \2they agreed that it would rain).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i consent \3(agreed to the arrangement;\c \2agreed to go).\c\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i \Ba\b become or be in harmony. \Bb\b suit; be good for \3(caviar didn't agree with him).\c \Bc\b \IGram.\i have the same number, gender, case, or person as.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \BBrit.\b reach agreement about \3(agreed a price).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \BBrit.\b consent to or approve of (terms, a proposal, etc.).\p\B6\b \Itr.\i \BBrit.\b bring (things, esp. accounts) into harmony.\p\B7\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bon)\b\i decide by mutual consent \3(agreed on a compromise).\c\p\1agree to differ\c leave a difference of opinion unresolved.\p\1be agreed\c have reached the same opinion. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iagreer,\i ultimately from Latin \Igratus\i 'pleasing'\c
<hw>agreeable</hw> \K/\F'\n"gri:\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i pleasing.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i (of a person) willing to agree \3(was agreeable to going).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i conformable. \Bagreeableness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bagreeably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iagreable,\i from \Iagreer\i \J\Xagree\x\j\c
<hw>agreement</hw> \K/\F'\n"gri:m(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act of agreeing; the holding of the same opinion \3(reached agreement).\c\p\B2\b mutual understanding.\p\B3\b an arrangement between parties as to a course of action etc.\p\B4\b \IGram.\i having the same number, gender, case, or person.\p\B5\b mutual conformity of things; harmony. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French (as \J\Xagree\x)\j\c
<hw>agribusiness</hw> \K/"agrIbIznIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i\p\B1\b agriculture conducted on strictly commercial principles, esp. using advanced technology.\p\B2\b an organization engaged in this.\p\B3\b the group of industries dealing with the produce of, and services to, farming. \Bagribusinessman\b \K/-"bIznIsm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men).\b \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xagriculture\x\j + \J\Xbusiness\x\j\c
<hw>agriculture</hw> \K/"agrIkVltS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAgriculture\i the science or practice of cultivating the soil and rearing animals. \Bagricultural\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bagriculturalist\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)lIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bagriculturally\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \Bagriculturist\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)rIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagriculture\i or Latin \Iagricultura,\i from \Iager agri\i 'field' + \Icultura\i \J\Xculture\x\j\c
<hw>agrimony</hw> \K/"agrIm\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IBot\i any perennial plant of the genus \IAgrimonia,\i esp. A. eupatoria with small yellow flowers. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaigremoine\i from Latin \Iagrimonia,\i alteration of \Iargemonia,\i from Greek \Iargemone\i 'poppy'\c
<hw>agrochemical</hw> \K/agr\F'\nU"kEmIk(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a chemical used in agriculture.
<hw>agroforestry</hw> \K/agr\F'\nU"fQrIstri/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAgriculture Forestry\i agriculture incorporating the cultivation and conservation of trees.\Knew f. Incomings, Canad.COD Mar 94\k
<hw>agronomy</hw> \K/\F'\n"grQn\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i the science of soil management and crop production. \Bagronomic\b \K/agr\F'\n"nQmIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bagronomical\b \K/agr\F'\n"nQmIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bagronomically\b \K/agr\F'\n"nQmIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \Bagronomist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iagronomie\i from \Iagronome\i 'agriculturist', from Greek \Iagros\i 'field' + \I-nomos\i from \Inemo\i 'arrange'\c
<hw>aground</hw> \K/\F'\n"graUnd/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i \INaut\i (of a ship) on or on to the bottom of shallow water \3(be aground;\c \2run aground).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xground\x (1)\j\c
<hw>ague</hw> \K/"eIgju:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i\p\B1\b \Ihist.\i a malarial fever, with cold, hot, and sweating stages.\p\B2\b a shivering fit. \Bagued\b \Iadj.\i \Baguish\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from medieval Latin \Iacuta\i \I(febris)\i 'acute (fever)'\c
<schw>ah</schw> \Iabbr.\i \IRelig\i in the year of the Hegira (ad 622); of the Muslim era. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianno Hegirae\i\c
<hw>ah</hw> \K/A:/\k \Iint.\i expressing surprise, pleasure, sudden realization, resignation, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ia\i\c See Usage Note at \J\Xaha\x.\j
<hw>aha</hw> \K/\F'\n"hA:/, /A:"hA:/\k \Iint.\i expressing surprise, triumph, mockery, irony, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xah\x\j + \J\Xha\x (1)\j\c As with many exclamations, sense depends much on intonation.
<hw>ahead</hw> \K/\F'\n"hEd/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b further forward in space or time.\p\B2\b in the lead; further advanced \3(ahead on points).\c\p\B3\b in the line of one's forward motion \3(roadworks ahead).\c\p\B4\b straight forwards.\p\1ahead of\c\p\B1\b further forward or advanced than.\p\B2\b in the line of the forward motion of. \BEtymology:\b \3originally nautical, from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xhead\x\j\c
<hw>ahem</hw> \K/\F'\n"hEm/\k (not usu. clearly articulated) \Iint.\i used to attract attention, gain time, or express disapproval. \BEtymology:\b \3lengthened form of \J\Xhem\x (2)\j\c
<hw>ahimsa</hw> \K/\F'\n"hImsA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhilos Relig\i (in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist tradition) respect for all living things and avoidance of violence towards others both in thought and deed. \BEtymology:\b \3Sanskrit, from \Ia\i 'without' + \Ihimsa\i 'injury'\c
<hw>ahoy</hw> \K/\F'\n"hOI/\k \Iint.\i \INaut.\i a call used in hailing. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xah\x\j + \J\Xhoy\x (1)\j\c
\B\Iα huis clos\b\i \K/A: wi: "kl\F'\nU/, French /a Hi klo/\k \Iadv.\i in private. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = with closed doors\c
<hw>AI</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i artificial insemination.\p\B2\b \IComputing\i artificial intelligence.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k
<hw>ai</hw> \K/"A:I/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bais)\b \IZool\i the three-toed sloth of S. America, of the genus \IBradypus.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Tupi \Iai,\i representing its cry\c
<hw>AID</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IMed\i artificial insemination by donor.
<hw>aid</hw> \K/eId/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b help.\p\B2\b financial or material help, esp. given by one country to another.\p\B3\b a material source of help \3(teaching aid).\c\p\B4\b a person or thing that helps.\p\B5\b \I(as second element in \Bcomb.)\b\i \Besp. Brit.\b denoting an organization or event that raises money for charity \3(Band Aid).\c\p\B6\b \Ihist.\i a grant of subsidy or tax to a king. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bin\b + gerund)\i help.\p\B2\b promote or encourage \3(sleep will aid recovery).\c\p\1in aid of\c \BBrit.\b in support of.\p\1what's this (or all this) in aid of?\c \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i what is the purpose of this? \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ia∩de\i \I(n.),\i \Ia∩dier\i \I(v.),\i ultimately from Latin \Iadjuvare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ijuvare jut-\i 'help')\c
<hw>aide</hw> \K/eId/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i an aide-de-camp.\p\B2\b an assistant.\Ksense 3 omitted f. COD9 Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>aide-de-camp</hw> \K/eIdd\F'\n"kQ~/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baides-de-camp\b \Ipronunc.\i same) \IMil\i an officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = camp adjutant\c
<hw>aide-mΘmoire</hw> \K/%eIdmEm"wA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baides-mΘmoires\b or \Baides-mΘmoire\b \Ipronunc.\i same)\p\B1\b \Ba\b an aid to the memory. \Bb\b a book or document meant to aid the memory.\p\B2\b \IDiplomacy\i a memorandum. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from \Iaider\i 'to help' + \ImΘmoire\i 'memory'\c
<hw>Aids</hw> \K/eIdz/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BAIDS)\b \IMed\i acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a condition caused by a virus transmitted in the body fluids, marked by severe loss of resistance to infection and so ultimately fatal. \BEtymology:\b \3acronym\c
<hw>Aids-related complex</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the symptoms of a person who is affected with the Aids virus but does not necessarily develop the disease.
<hw>aigrette</hw> \K/"eIgrEt/, /eI"grEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a white plume from an egret.\p\B2\b a tuft of feathers or hair.\p\B3\b a spray of gems or similar ornament. \BEtymology:\b \3French: see \J\Xegret\x\j\c
<hw>aiguille</hw> \K/"eIgwi:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol\i a sharp peak of rock, esp. in the Alps. \BEtymology:\b \3French: see \J\Xaglet\x\j\c
<hw>aiguillette</hw> \K/eIgwI"lEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i a tagged point hanging from the shoulder on the breast of some uniforms. \BEtymology:\b \3French: see \J\Xaglet\x\j\c
<hw>AIH</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IMed\i artificial insemination by husband.
<hw>aikido</hw> \K/VI"ki:d\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i a Japanese form of self-defence and martial art, using locks, holds, throws, and the opponent's own movements. \BEtymology:\b \3Japanese, from \Iai\i 'together, unify' + \Iki\i 'spirit' + \Ido\i 'way'\c
<hw>ail</hw> \K/eIl/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(only in 3rd person interrog. or indefinite constructions)\i \Iarchaic\i trouble or afflict in mind or body \3(what ails him?).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i (usu. \Bbe ailing)\b be ill. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iegl(i)an,\i from \Iegle\i 'troublesome'\c
<hw>ailanthus</hw> \K/eI"lanT\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a tall deciduous tree of the genus \IAilanthus,\i native to Asia and Australasia, esp. the tree of heaven, A. altissima. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, via French \Iailante\i from Amboinese \Iaylanto:\i ending influenced by \I-anthus\i = Greek \Ianthos\i 'flower'\c
<hw>aileron</hw> \K/"eIl\F'\nrQn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a hinged surface in the trailing edge of an aeroplane wing, used to control lateral balance. \BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \Iaile\i 'wing', from Latin \Iala\i\c
<hw>ailing</hw> \K/"eIlIN/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b ill, esp. chronically.\p\B2\b in poor condition.
<hw>ailment</hw> \K/"eIlm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an illness, esp. a minor one.
<hw>aim</hw> \K/eIm/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bat\b + verbal noun, or \Bto\b + infin.)\i intend or try \3(aim at winning;\c \2aim to win).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bat)\b\i direct or point (a weapon, remark, etc.).\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i take aim.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bat,\b \Bfor)\b\i seek to attain or achieve.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a purpose or design; an object aimed at.\p\B2\b the directing of a weapon, missile, etc., at an object.\p\1take aim\c direct a weapon etc. at an object. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, ultimately from Latin \Iaestimare\i 'reckon'\c
<hw>aimless</hw> \K/"eImlIs/\k \Iadj.\i without aim or purpose. \Baimlessly\b \Iadv.\i \Baimlessness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>ain't</hw> \K/eInt/\k \Icontr.\i \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b am not; are not; is not \3(you ain't doing it right;\c \2she ain't nice).\c\p\B2\b has not; have not \3(we ain't seen him).\c \BEtymology:\b \3contraction of \Iare not\i\c \IAin't\i is usually regarded as an uneducated use, and unacceptable in spoken and written English, except in representations of dialect speech.
<hw>aioli</hw> \K/VI"\F'\nUli/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Ba∩oli)\b \IFood\i mayonnaise seasoned with garlic.\Knew f. Incs, NSOED Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Provenτal \Iai\i 'garlic' + \Ioli\i 'oil'\c
<hw>air</hw> \K/E:/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the earth's atmosphere. \Bb\b the free or unconfined space in the atmosphere \3(birds of the air;\c \2in the open air).\c \Bc\b \IAeron Broadcasting\i the atmosphere as a place where aircraft operate or as a medium for transmitting radio waves.\p\B3\b \Ba\b a distinctive impression or characteristic \3(an air of absurdity).\c \Bb\b one's manner or bearing, esp. a confident one \3(with a triumphant air;\c \2does things with an air).\c \Bc\b \I(esp. in \Bpl.)\b\i an affected manner; pretentiousness \3(gave himself airs).\c\p\B4\b \IMus.\i a tune or melody; a melodious composition.\p\B5\b a breeze or light wind. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b warm (washed laundry) to remove damp, esp. at a fire or in a heated cupboard.\p\B2\b expose (a room etc.) to the open air; ventilate.\p\B3\b express publicly (an opinion, grievance, etc.).\p\B4\b parade; show ostentatiously (esp. qualities).\p\B5\b \Irefl.\i go out in the fresh air.\p\1airs and graces\c affected elegance designed to attract or impress.\p\1by air\c by aircraft; in an aircraft.\p\1in the air\c (of opinions or feelings) prevalent; gaining currency.\p\1on (or off) the air\c in (or not in) the process of broadcasting.\p\1take the air\c go out of doors.\p\1tread (or walk) on air\c feel elated.\p\1up in the air\c (of projects etc.) uncertain; not decided.\Ksense 2 of in the air replaced by up in the air as new idiom from corpus, COD box Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French and Latin from Greek \Iaer\i\c
<hw>air bag</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i a safety device that fills with air or nitrogen on impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle in a collision.
<hw>airbase</hw> \K/"E:beIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil Aeron\i a base for the operation of military aircraft.
<hw>air-bed</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b an inflatable mattress.
<hw>air bladder</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool Bot Anat\i a bladder or sac filled with air in fish or some plants \I(cf.\i \J\Xswim-bladder\x).\j
<hw>airborne</hw> \K/"E:bO:n/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b transported by air.\p\B2\b \IAeron\i (of aircraft) in the air after taking off.
<hw>air brake</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMech\i a brake worked by air pressure.\p\B2\b \IAeron\i a movable flap or other device on an aircraft to reduce its speed.
<hw>airbrick</hw> \K/"E:brIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IBuilding\i a brick perforated with small holes for ventilation.
<hw>air bridge</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i a portable bridge or walkway put against an aircraft door.
<hw>airbrush</hw> \K/"E:brVS/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i an artist's device for spraying paint by means of compressed air. \Iv.tr.\i paint or paint over with an airbrush esp. for the purpose of enhancement.
<hw>Airbus</hw> \K/"E:bVs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron Transport\i \Ipropr.\i an aircraft designed to carry a large number of passengers economically, esp. over relatively short routes.
<hw>Air Chief Marshal</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an RAF officer of high rank, below Marshal of the RAF and above Air Marshal.
<hw>Air Commodore</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an RAF officer next above Group Captain.
<hw>air-conditioning</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a system for regulating the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building or vehicle.\p\B2\b the apparatus for this. \Bair-conditioned\b \Iadj.\i \Bair-conditioner\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>air-cooled</hw> \Iadj.\i \IMech\i cooled by means of a current of air.
<hw>aircraft</hw> \K/"E:krA:ft/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \IAeron Transport\i a machine capable of flight, esp. an aeroplane or helicopter.
<hw>aircraft carrier</hw>\p\In.\i\p\INaut Mil\i a warship that carries and serves as a base for aeroplanes.\Kspelling changed in accordance with corpus evidence Jul 93\k
<hw>aircraftman</hw> \K/"E:krA:ftm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men;\b \Ifem.\i \Baircraftwoman\b \K/"E:krA:ft%wUm\F'\nn/\k, \Ipl.\i \B-women)\b \IAeron\i the lowest rank in the RAF.
<hw>aircrew</hw> \K/"E:kru:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i\p\B1\b the crew manning an aircraft.\p\B2\b \I(pl.\i same) a member of such a crew.
<hw>air cushion</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an inflatable cushion.\p\B2\b \INaut\i the layer of air supporting a hovercraft or similar vehicle.
<hw>airdrop</hw> \K/"E:drQp/\k \In. & v.\i \IMil Aeron\i\p\In.\i\pthe act or an instance of dropping supplies, troops, etc. by parachute. \Iv.tr.\i \B(-dropped,\b \B-dropping)\b drop (supplies etc.) by parachute.\Knew f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>Airedale</hw> \K/"E:deIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a large terrier of a rough-coated breed.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAiredale,\i a district in Yorkshire\c
<hw>airer</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a frame or stand for airing or drying clothes etc.
<hw>airfield</hw> \K/"E:fi:ld/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an area of land where aircraft take off and land, are maintained, etc.
<hw>airflow</hw> \K/"E:fl\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron. Transport\i the flow of air, esp. that encountered by a moving aircraft or vehicle.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>air force</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a branch of the armed forces concerned with fighting or defence in the air.
<hw>airframe</hw> \K/"E:freIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i the body of an aircraft as distinct from its engine(s).
<hw>airglow</hw> \K/"E:gl\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i radiation from the upper atmosphere, detectable at night.
<hw>airgun</hw> \K/"E:gVn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBallistics\i a gun using compressed air to propel pellets.
<hw>airhead</hw> \K/"E:hEd/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil.\i a forward base for aircraft in enemy territory.\p\B2\b \Islang\i a silly or foolish person. \BEtymology:\b \3sense 1 on the pattern of \Ibridgehead\i\c
<hw>air hostess</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i a stewardess in a passenger aircraft.
<hw>airing</hw> \K/"E:rIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b exposure to fresh air, esp. for exercise or an excursion.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b exposure (of laundry etc.) to warm air.\p\B3\b public expression of an opinion etc. \3(the idea will get an airing at tomorrow's meeting).\c
<hw>air lane</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a path or course regularly used by aircraft \I(cf.\i \J\Xlane\x 4).\j
<hw>airless</hw> \K/"E:lIs/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b stuffy; not ventilated.\p\B2\b without wind or breeze; still. \Bairlessness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>air letter</hw>\p\In.\i\pa sheet of light paper forming a letter for sending by airmail.
<hw>airlift</hw> \K/"E:lIft/\k \In. & v.\i \IMil\i\p\In.\i\pthe transport of troops and supplies by air, esp. in a blockade or other emergency. \Iv.tr.\i transport in this way.
<hw>airline</hw> \K/"E:lVIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAeron\i an organization providing a regular public service of air transport on one or more routes.\p\B2\b \IDiving\i a pipe supplying air, esp. to a diver.\Kairline sense 2 now one word as in NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>airliner</hw> \K/"E:lVIn\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron Transport\i a large passenger aircraft.
<hw>airlock</hw> \K/"E:lQk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a stoppage of the flow in a pump or pipe, caused by an air bubble.\p\B2\b a compartment with controlled pressure and parallel sets of doors, to permit movement between areas at different pressures.
<hw>airmail</hw> \K/"E:meIl/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a system of transporting mail by air.\p\B2\b mail carried by air. \Iv.tr.\i send by airmail.
<hw>airman</hw> \K/"E:m\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \IAeron\i\p\B1\b a pilot or member of the crew of an aircraft, esp. in an air force.\p\B2\b a member of the RAF below commissioned rank.
<hw>Air Marshal</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an RAF officer of high rank, below Air Chief Marshal and above Air Vice-Marshal.
<hw>air mattress</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b = \J\Xair-bed\x.\j\Knew from incomings Sept 94\k
<hw>air mile</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a nautical mile used as a measure of distance flown by aircraft.\p\B2\b \B(Air Miles)\b \Ipl.\i \Ipropr.\i points (equivalent to miles of free air travel) accumulated by buyers of airline tickets and other products.\Knew f. OED, OERD, corpus Aug 94\k
<hw>airmiss</hw> \K/"E:mIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i a circumstance in which two or more aircraft in flight on different routes are less than a prescribed distance apart.
<hw>airmobile</hw> \K/E:"m\F'\nUbVIl/\k \Iadj.\i \IMil\i (of troops) that can be moved about by air.
<hw>Air Officer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i any RAF officer above the rank of Group Captain.
<hw>air plant</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant growing naturally without soil.
<hw>airplay</hw> \K/"E:pleI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBroadcasting\i broadcasting (of recorded music).
<hw>air pocket</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a cavity containing air.\Ksense 1 new f. JMH Jul 93\k\p\B2\b \IAeron\i a region of low pressure etc. causing an aircraft to lose height suddenly.
<hw>airport</hw> \K/"E:pO:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a complex of runways and buildings for the take-off, landing, and maintenance of civil aircraft, with facilities for passengers.
<hw>air power</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i the ability to defend and attack by means of aircraft, missiles, etc.
<hw>air pump</hw>\p\In.\i\pa device for pumping air into or out of an enclosed space.
<hw>air raid</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i an attack by aircraft.
<hw>air rifle</hw>\p\In.\i\pa rifle using compressed air to propel pellets.
<hw>air sac</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool Anat\i an extension of the lungs in birds or of the tracheae in insects.
<hw>airscrew</hw> \K/"E:skru:/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i an aircraft propeller.
<hw>air-sea rescue</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i rescue from the sea by aircraft.
<hw>airship</hw> \K/"E:SIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron Transport\i a power-driven aircraft that is lighter than air.
<hw>air show</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a show at which aircraft are on view and perform aerial displays.\Knew f. SOED, corpus, incomings April 94\k
<hw>airsick</hw> \K/"E:sIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed Aeron\i affected with nausea due to travel in an aircraft. \Bairsickness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>airside</hw> \K/"E:sVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron.\i the side of an airport terminal from which aircraft can be observed; the area beyond passport and customs control (opp. \J\Xlandside\x).\j\Knew word in COD9 f. News, CED Jul 93\k
<hw>airspace</hw> \K/"E:speIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i the air available to aircraft to fly in, esp. the part subject to the jurisdiction of a particular country.
<hw>air speed</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i the speed of an aircraft relative to the air through which it is moving.
<hw>airstream</hw> \K/"E:stri:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a current of air.\p\B2\b = \J\Xairflow\x.\j\Knew f. OED, corpus Aug 94\k
<hw>airstrip</hw> \K/"E:strIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a strip of ground suitable for the take-off and landing of aircraft.
<hw>air terminal</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b an airline office in a town to which passengers report and which serves as a base for transport to and from an airport.\p\B2\b = \J\Xterminal\x\p\In.\i\p3.\j
<hw>airtight</hw> \K/"E:tVIt/\k \Iadj.\i not allowing air to pass through.
<hw>airtime</hw> \K/"E:tVIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBroadcasting\i time allotted for a broadcast.
<hw>air-to-air</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i \IAeron Ballistics\i from one aircraft to another in flight \3(air-to-air refuelling;\c \2air-to-air missile).\c
<hw>air traffic control</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i the control of air traffic by giving radio instructions to pilots concerning route, altitude, take-off, and landing. \Bair traffic controller\b\p\In.\i\p\Kair traffic control new in COD9 f. corpus, DJT Jul 93\k
<hw>Air Vice-Marshal</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an RAF officer of high rank, just below Air Marshal.
<hw>airwaves</hw> \K/"E:weIvz/\k \In.pl.\i \IRadio Broadcasting\i radio waves used in broadcasting.\Kspelling changed to one word in accordance with News, NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>airway</hw> \K/"E:weI/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i a natural or artificial passage by which air reaches the lungs.\Ksense 1 new f. F. Abate, NSOED Apr 94\k\p\B2\b \IAeron\i \Ba\b a recognized route followed by aircraft. \Bb\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i = \J\Xairline\x 1.\j\p\B3\b \IMining\i a ventilating passage in a mine.
<hw>airwoman</hw> \K/"E:wUm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-women)\b \IAeron\i\p\B1\b a woman pilot or member of the crew of an aircraft, esp. in an air force.\p\B2\b a female member of the RAF below commissioned rank.
<hw>airworthy</hw> \K/"E:w\F'\n:Di/\k \Iadj.\i \IAeron\i (of an aircraft) fit to fly. \Bairworthiness\b\p\In.\i\p\K-iness new f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k
<hw>aisle</hw> \K/VIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b part of a church, esp. one parallel to and divided by pillars from the nave, choir, or transept.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a passage between rows of pews, seats, etc. \Bb\b a passage between cabinets and shelves of goods in a supermarket etc.\Ksense 2b new f. SOED, incomings April 94\k \Baisled\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iele,\i \Iile\i via Old French \Iele\i from Latin \Iala\i 'wing': spelling influenced by confusion with \Iisle\i and French \Iaile\i 'wing'\c
<hw>ait</hw> \K/eIt/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Beyot)\b \BBrit.\b \IGeog\i a small island, esp. in a river. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iiggath\i etc., from \Iieg\i \J\Xisland\x\j + diminutive suffix\c
<hw>aitch</hw> \K/eItS/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the name of the letter H.\p\1drop one's aitches\c fail to pronounce the initial \Ih\i in words. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iache\i\c
<hw>aitchbone</hw> \K/"eItSb\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i\p\B1\b the buttock or rump bone of cattle.\p\B2\b a cut of beef lying over this. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Inage-,\i \Inache-bone\i 'buttock', ultimately from Latin \Inatis,\i \I-es\i 'buttock(s)': for loss of \In\i cf. \J\Xadder\x\j\c
<hw>ajar (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZA:/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i (of a door) slightly open. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + obsolete \Ichar\i from Old English \Icerr\i 'a turn'\c
<hw>ajar (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n"dZA:/\k \Iadv.\i out of harmony. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xjar\x (2)\j\c
<hw>AK</hw> \Iabbr.\i \BUS\b \IGeog\i Alaska (in official postal use).
<hw>aka</hw> \Iabbr.\i also known as.
<hw>akee</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xackee\x.\j
<hw>Akela</hw> \K/A:"keIl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IScouting\i \Icolloq.\i the adult leader of a group of Cub Scouts, officially termed Cub Scout Leader. \BEtymology:\b \3name of the leader of a wolf pack in Kipling's \IJungle Book\i (1894-5)\c
<hw>akimbo</hw> \K/\F'\n"kImb\F'\nU/\k \Iadv.\i (of the arms) with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iin kenebowe,\i probably from Old Norse\c
<hw>akin</hw> \K/\F'\n"kIn/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i\p\B1\b \IGenealogy\i related by blood.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i of similar or kindred character. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (4)\j + \J\Xkin\x\j\c
<hw>Akkadian</hw> \K/\F'\n"keIdI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i (also \BAccadian)\b \Ihist.\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to Akkad in ancient Babylonia or its language.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ILanguage\i the Semitic language of Akkad.\p\B2\b \IPeople\i an inhabitant of Akkad.
<hw>akvavit</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xaquavit\x.\j
<hw>AL</hw> \Iabbr.\i \BUS\b \IGeog\i Alabama (in official postal use).
<hw>Al</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element aluminium.
<hw>al-</hw> \K/al/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \I-l.\i
<hw>-al</hw> \K/\F'\nl/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming adjectives meaning 'relating to, of the kind of': \Ba\b from Latin or Greek words \3(central;\c \2regimental;\c \2colossal;\c \2tropical)\c \I(cf.\i \J\X-ial\x,\j \J\X-ical\x).\j \Bb\b from English nouns \3(tidal).\c\p\B2\b forming nouns, esp. of verbal action \3(animal;\c \2rival;\c \2arrival;\c \2proposal;\c \2trial).\c \BEtymology:\b \3sense 1 from French \I-el\i or Latin \I-alis,\i adjectival suffix related to \I-aris\i \J(\X-ar\x (1));\j sense 2 from French \I-aille\i or from (or influenced by) Latin \I-alis\i used as a noun\c
<hw>Ala.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Alabama.
\B\Iα la\b\i \K/A: lA:/, French /a la/\k \Iprep.\i \I\Iesp.\i Cookery\i after the manner of \3(α la russe).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French, from \J\Xα la mode\x\j\c
<hw>alabaster</hw> \K/"al\F'\nbA:st\F'\n/, /-bast\F'\n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i a translucent usu. white form of gypsum, often carved into ornaments. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of alabaster.\p\B2\b like alabaster in whiteness or smoothness. \Balabastrine\b \K/-"bA:strIn/, /-"bastrIn/, /-VIn/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ialabastre\i from Latin \Ialabaster,\i \I-trum,\i from Greek \Ialabast(r)os\i\c
<hw>α la carte</hw> \K/A: lA: "kA:t/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \ICookery\i ordered as separately priced item(s) from a menu, not as part of a set meal. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = according to the card (menu)\c
<hw>alack</hw> \K/\F'\n"lak/\k \Iint.\i (also \Balack-a-day)\b \Iarchaic\i an expression of regret or surprise. \BEtymology:\b \3probably from \J\Xah\x\j + \J\Xlack\x\j\c
<hw>alacrity</hw> \K/\F'\n"lakrIti/\k\p\In.\i\pbriskness or cheerful readiness. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialacritas,\i from \Ialacer\i 'brisk'\c
<hw>Aladdin's cave</hw> \K/\F'\n"ladInz/\k\p\In.\i\pa place of great riches. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAladdin\i in the \IArabian Nights' Entertainments,\i a collection of oriental folk tales\c
<hw>Aladdin's lamp</hw> \K/\F'\n"ladInz/\k\p\In.\i\pa talisman enabling its holder to gratify any wish.
<hw>α la mode</hw> \K/A: lA: "m\F'\nUd/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i\p\B1\b in fashion; fashionable.\p\B2\b \ICookery\i \Ba\b (of beef) braised in wine. \Bb\b \BN. Amer.\b served with ice cream. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = in the fashion\c
<hw>alanine</hw> \K/"al\F'\nni:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i a hydrophobic amino acid present in proteins.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAlanin\i\c
<hw>Alar</hw> \K/"eIlA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IHort.\i \Ipropr.\i a growth retardant sprayed on fruit and vegetables to enhance the quality of the crop.\Knew word in COD9 f. incomings, SOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \320th c.: origin unknown\c
<hw>alar</hw> \K/"eIl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b relating to wings.\p\B2\b winglike or wing-shaped.\p\B3\b \IAnat Bot\i axillary. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialaris,\i from \Iala\i 'wing'\c
<hw>alarm</hw> \K/\F'\n"lA:m/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a warning of danger etc. \3(gave the alarm).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b a warning sound or device \3(the burglar alarm was set off accidentally).\c \Bb\b \IHorol.\i = \J\Xalarm clock\x.\j\p\B3\b frightened expectation of danger or difficulty \3(were filled with alarm).\c \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b frighten or disturb.\p\B2\b arouse to a sense of danger. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ialarme\i from Italian \Iallarme,\i from \Iall\i'\Iarme!\i 'to arms'\c
<hw>alarm clock</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHorol.\i a clock with a device that can be made to sound at the time set in advance.
<hw>alarmist</hw> \K/\F'\n"lA:mIst/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa person given to spreading needless alarm. \Iadj.\i creating needless alarm. \Balarmism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>alarum</hw> \K/\F'\n"lA:r\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iarchaic\i = \J\Xalarm\x.\j\p\1alarums and excursions\c \Ijoc.\i confused noise and bustle.
<hw>Alas.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Alaska.
<hw>alas</hw> \K/\F'\n"las/, /\F'\n"lA:s/\k \Iint.\i an expression of grief, pity, or concern. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ia las(se),\i from \Ia\i 'ah' + \Ilas(se)\i from Latin \Ilassus\i 'weary'\c
<hw>alate</hw> \K/"eIleIt/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool Bot.\i having wings or winglike appendages. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialatus,\i from \Iala\i 'wing'\c
<hw>alb</hw> \K/alb/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a white vestment reaching to the feet, worn by clergy and servers in some Christian Churches. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialbe\i from ecclesiastical Latin \Ialba,\i fem. of Latin \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>albacore</hw> \K/"alb\F'\nkO:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a long-finned tunny, Thunnus alalunga; \Ialso called\i \Igermon.\i\p\B2\b any of various other related fish. \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese \Ialbacor,\i \I-cora,\i from Arabic \Ial\i 'the' + \Ibakr\i 'young camel' or \Ibakur\i 'premature, precocious'\c
<hw>Albanian</hw> \K/al"beInI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a native or national of Albania in SE Europe. \Bb\b a person of Albanian descent.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language of Albania. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Albania, its people, or its language.
<hw>albatross</hw> \K/"alb\F'\ntrQs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b any long-winged stout-bodied bird of the family Diomedeidae related to petrels, inhabiting the Pacific and Southern Oceans. \Bb\b a source of frustration or guilt; an encumbrance (in allusion to Coleridge's \IThe Rime of the Ancient Mariner).\i\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \IGolf\i a score of three strokes under par at any hole. \BEtymology:\b \3alteration (influenced by Latin \Ialbus\i 'white') of 17th-c. \Ialcatras,\i applied to various seabirds including the pelican, from Spanish and Portuguese \Ialcatraz,\i from Arabic \Ialkadus\i 'the pitcher' (probably from the belief that the pelican carried water in its bill)\c
<hw>albedo</hw> \K/al"bi:d\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IPhysics\i the proportion of light or radiation reflected by a surface, esp. of a planet or moon. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin, = whiteness, from Latin \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>albeit</hw> \K/O:l"bi:It/\k \Iconj.\i though \3(he tried, albeit without success).\c \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xall\x \Iadv.\i\j + \J\Xbe\x\j + \J\Xit\x (1)\j \Ipron.,\i = although it be (that)\c
<hw>albert</hw> \K/"alb\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IFashion\i a watch-chain with a bar at one end for attaching to a buttonhole. \BEtymology:\b \3named after Prince \IAlbert,\i consort of Queen Victoria, d. 1861\c
<hw>albescent</hw> \K/al"bEs(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i growing or shading into white. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialbescere albescent-,\i from \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>Albigenses</hw> \K/albI"gEnsi:z/, /-"dZEn-/\k \In.pl.\i \IRelig\i the members of a heretic sect in southern France in the 12th-13th c. \BAlbigensian\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from \IAlbi\i in S. France\c
<hw>albino</hw> \K/al"bi:n\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IBiol\i\p\B1\b a person or animal having a congenital absence of pigment in the skin and hair (which are white), and the eyes (which are usu. pink).\p\B2\b a plant lacking normal colouring. \Balbinism\b \K/"albInIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\Balbinotic\b \K/albI"nQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish & Portuguese (originally of albinos among African blacks), from Latin \Ialbo\i from \Ialbus\i 'white' + \I-ino\i = \J\X-ine\x (1)\j\c
<hw>Albion</hw> \K/"albI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bperfidious Albion)\b Britain or England. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English via Latin from Celtic, probably related to Latin \Ialbus\i 'white', with reference to the white cliffs of Dover: French \Ila perfide Albion\i with reference to alleged treachery to other nations\c
<hw>albite</hw> \K/"albVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral.\i a feldspar, usu. white, rich in sodium. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialbus\i 'white' + \J\X-ite\x (1)\j\c
<hw>album</hw> \K/"alb\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a blank book for the insertion of photographs, stamps, etc.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a long-playing gramophone record. \Bb\b a set of recordings issued together. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = a blank tablet, neut. of \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>albumen</hw> \K/"albjUmIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBiol\i egg white.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i the substance found between the skin and germ of many seeds, usu. the edible part; = \J\Xendosperm\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialbumen -minis\i 'white of egg', from \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>albumin</hw> \K/"albjUmIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i any of a class of water-soluble proteins found in egg white, milk, blood, etc. \Balbuminous\b \K/al"bju:mIn\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialbumine\i from Latin \Ialbumin-:\i see \J\Xalbumen\x\j\c
<hw>albuminuria</hw> \K/%albjUmI"njU\F'\nrI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the presence of albumin in the urine, usu. a symptom of kidney disease.
<hw>alburnum</hw> \K/al"b\F'\n:n\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i = \J\Xsapwood\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<hw>alcahest</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xalkahest\x.\j
<hw>alcaic</hw> \K/al"keIIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IProsody\i \Iadj.\i of the verse metre invented by Alcaeus, lyric poet of Mytilene \Ic\i600 bc, occurring in four-line stanzas.\p\In.\i\p\I(in \Bpl.)\b\i alcaic verses. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Ialcaicus\i from Greek \Ialkaikos,\i from \IAlkaios\i 'Alcaeus'\c
<hw>alcalde</hw> \K/al"kaldi/\k\p\In.\i\pa magistrate or mayor in a Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin American town. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish from Arabic \Ial-kadi\i 'the judge': see \J\Xcadi\x\j\c
<hw>alchemy</hw> \K/"alkImi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IChem\i\p\B1\b the medieval forerunner of chemistry, esp. seeking to turn base metals into gold or silver.\p\B2\b a miraculous transformation or the means of achieving this. \Balchemic\b \K/al"kEmIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Balchemical\b \K/al"kEmIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Balchemist\b\p\In.\i\p\Balchemize\b \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ialkemie,\i \Ialkamie\i and medieval Latin \Ialchimia,\i \I-emia\i from Arabic \Ialkimiya\i', from \Ial\i 'the' + \Ikimiya\i' from Greek \Ikhemia,\i \I-meia\i 'art of transmuting metals'\c
<hw>alcheringa</hw> \K/altS\F'\n"rINg\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i (in the mythology of some Australian Aboriginals) the 'golden age' when the first ancestors were created. \BEtymology:\b \3Aranda \Ialjerre-nge\i 'in the dreamtime'\c
<hw>alcid</hw> \K/"alsId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a bird of the auk family, Alcidae.\Knew. f. NSOED Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAlcidae\i from genus name \IAlca:\i cf. \J\Xauk\x\j\c
<hw>alcohol</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nhQl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bethyl alcohol)\b a colourless volatile inflammable liquid forming the intoxicating element in wine, beer, spirits, etc., and also used as a solvent, as fuel, etc.; \Ialso called\i \Iethanol.\i Chem. formula: C2H5OH.\Kformula\k\p\B2\b \IDrink\i drink containing this \3(had always enjoyed food and alcohol).\c\p\B3\b \IChem.\i any of a large class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups attached to carbon atoms. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier applied to powders, specifically kohl, and esp. those obtained by sublimation; hence, a distilled or rectified spirit: French or medieval Latin from Arabic \Ial-kuhl,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Ikuhl\i \J\Xkohl\x\j\c
<hw>alcohol-free</hw> \Iadj.\i \IDrink\i\p\B1\b not containing alcohol.\p\B2\b where, or during which, alcoholic drinks are not consumed.\Knew f. corpus, DJT Jul 93\k
<hw>alcoholic</hw> \K/alk\F'\n"hQlIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IDrink\i \Iadj.\i of, relating to, containing, or caused by alcohol.\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a person suffering from alcoholism.
<hw>alcoholism</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nhQlIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IDrink\i an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor.\p\B2\b \IMed\i the diseased condition resulting from this. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ialcoholismus\i (as \J\Xalcohol\x)\j\c
<hw>alcoholometer</hw> \K/alk\F'\nhQ"lQmIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i an instrument for measuring alcoholic concentration. \Balcoholometry\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>alcove</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nUv/\k\p\In.\i\pa recess, esp. in the wall of a room or of a garden. \BEtymology:\b \3French via Spanish \Ialcoba\i from Arabic \Ial-kubba,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Ikubba\i 'vault'\c
<hw>aldehyde</hw> \K/"aldIhVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of a class of compounds formed by the oxidation of alcohols (and containing the group -CHO). \Baldehydic\b \K/aldI"hIdIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of modern Latin \Ialcohol dehydrogenatum\i 'alcohol deprived of hydrogen'\c
<hw>al dente</hw> \K/al "dEnti/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \ICookery\i (of pasta etc.) (cooked) so as to be still firm when bitten. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, literally 'to the tooth'\c
<hw>alder</hw> \K/"O:ld\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (also \Balder tree)\b \IBot\i a tree of the genus \IAlnus,\i related to the birch, bearing catkins and toothed leaves, esp. A. glutinosa, common in damp ground.\p\B2\b the wood of this tree. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialor,\i \Ialer,\i related to Latin \Ialnus,\i with euphonic \Id\i\c
<hw>alder buckthorn</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a shrub, Frangula alnus, related to the buckthorn.
<hw>alder fly</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a neuropterous insect of the genus \ISialis,\i found near streams.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>alderman</hw> \K/"O:ld\F'\nm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \IPolit\i\p\B1\b \Iesp. hist.\i a co-opted member of an English county or borough council, next in dignity to the Mayor.\p\B2\b \I(fem.\i \Balderwoman,\b \Ipl.\i \B-women)\b \BN. Amer.\b & \BAustral.\b an elected member of a city council. \Baldermanic\b \K/-"manIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Baldermanship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialdor\i 'patriarch', from \Iald\i 'old' + \J\Xman\x\j\c
<hw>alderperson</hw> \K/"O:ld\F'\np\F'\n:s(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \IPolit\i an alderman or alderwoman (used as a neutral alternative).\Knew f. incomings, kpb Sep 94\k
<hw>Aldis lamp</hw> \K/"O:ldIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ipropr.\i a hand-held lamp for signalling in Morse code. \BEtymology:\b \3A. C. W. \IAldis\i d. 1953, its inventor\c
<hw>aldosterone</hw> \K/al"dQst\F'\nr\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysiol.\i a corticosteroid hormone which stimulates absorption of sodium by the kidneys and so regulates water and salt balance.\Knew f. NSOED Mar. 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaldehyde\x\j + \J\Xsteroid\x\j + \J\X-one\x\j\c
<hw>aldrin</hw> \K/"O:ldrIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a white crystalline chlorinated hydrocarbon formerly used as an insecticide. \BEtymology:\b \3K. \IAlder,\i German chemist d. 1958 + \J\X-in\x\j\c
<hw>ale</hw> \K/eIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i\p\B1\b \Besp. Brit.\b beer (now usu. as a trade word).\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b a type of beer fermented rapidly at high temperatures.\Ksense 2 new f. kpb Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialu,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>aleatoric</hw> \K/eIlI\F'\n"tQrIk/, /al-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b depending on the throw of a die or on chance.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i & \IArt\i involving random choice by a performer or artist. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialeatorius aleator\i 'dice-player', from \Ialea\i 'die'\c
<hw>alec</hw> \K/"alIk/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baleck)\b \BAustral.\b \Islang\i a stupid person. \BEtymology:\b \3shortening of \J\Xsmart alec\x\j\c
<hw>alee</hw> \K/\F'\n"li:/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i \INaut\i\p\B1\b on the lee or sheltered side of a ship.\p\B2\b to leeward. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xlee\x\j\c
<hw>alehouse</hw> \K/"eIlhaUs/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ihist.\i a tavern.
<hw>alembic</hw> \K/\F'\n"lEmbIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ihist.\i \IChem\i an apparatus formerly used in distilling.\p\B2\b a means of refining or extracting. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French and medieval Latin \Ialembicus\i from Arabic \Ial-\i'\Ianbik,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + '\Ianbik\i 'still', from Greek \Iambix,\i \I-ikos\i 'cup, cap of a still'\c
<hw>aleph</hw> \K/"A:lEf/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. \BEtymology:\b \3Hebrew '\Ialep,\i literally 'ox'\c
<hw>alert</hw> \K/\F'\n"l\F'\n:t/\k \Iadj., n., & v.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b watchful or vigilant; ready to take action.\p\B2\b nimble (esp. of mental faculties); attentive.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a warning call or alarm.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a warning of an air raid. \Bb\b the duration of this. \Iv.tr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i make alert; warn \3(were alerted to the danger).\c\p\1on the alert\c on the lookout against danger or attack. \Balertly\b \Iadv.\i \Balertness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialerte\i from Italian \Iall\i' \Ierta\i 'to the watchtower'\c
<hw>-ales</hw> \K/"eIli:z/\k \Isuffix\i \IBot\i forming the plural names of orders of plants \3(Rosales).\c \BEtymology:\b \3pl. of Latin adjectival suffix \I-alis:\i see \J\X-al\x\j\c
<hw>aleurone</hw> \K/\F'\n"ljU\F'\nr\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baleuron\b \K/-r\F'\nn/\k) \IBiochem.\i protein stored as granules in the seeds of plants etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ialeuron\i 'flour'\c
<hw>alewife</hw> \K/"eIlwVIf/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balewives)\b \IZool\i a fish of the NW Atlantic, Alosa pseudoharengus, related to the herring. \BEtymology:\b \317th-c.: origin uncertain\c
<hw>alexanders</hw> \K/alIg"zA:nd\F'\nz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an umbelliferous plant, Smyrnium olusatrum, formerly used in salads but superseded by celery. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English, from medieval Latin \Ialexandrum\i\c
<hw>Alexander technique</hw> \K/alIg"zA:nd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa system of body awareness designed to promote well-being by ensuring minimum effort in maintaining postures and carrying out movements. \BEtymology:\b \3F. M. \IAlexander,\i Australian-born physiotherapist d. 1955\c
<hw>Alexandrian</hw> \K/alIg"zA:ndrI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or characteristic of Alexandria in Egypt.\p\B2\b \Ba\b belonging to or akin to the schools of literature and philosophy of Alexandria. \Bb\b (of a writer) derivative or imitative; fond of recondite learning.
<hw>alexandrine</hw> \K/alIg"zA:ndrIn/, /-VIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IProsody\i \Iadj.\i (of a line of verse) having six iambic feet.\p\In.\i\pan alexandrine line. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialexandrin,\i from \IAlexandre\i = Alexander the Great, the subject of an Old French poem in this metre\c
<hw>alexandrite</hw> \K/alIg"zA:ndrVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral.\i a green variety of chrysoberyl, originally found in the Ural Mountains. \BEtymology:\b \3named after Tsar \IAlexander\i I of Russia: see \J\X-ite\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alexia</hw> \K/\F'\n"lEksI\F'\n/, /eI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the inability to see words or to read, caused by a defect of the brain. \ICf.\i \J\Xdyslexia\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Ilexis\i 'speech' from \Ilegein\i 'speak', confused with Latin \Ilegere\i 'read'\c
<hw>alfalfa</hw> \K/al"falf\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a leguminous plant, Medicago sativa, with clover-like leaves and flowers, grown for fodder and as a salad vegetable. \IAlso called\i \J\Xlucerne\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, from Arabic \Ial-fasfasa,\i a green fodder\c
<hw>alfresco</hw> \K/al"frEsk\F'\nU/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i in the open air \3(we lunched alfresco;\c \2an alfresco lunch).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ial fresco\i 'in the fresh (air)'\c
<hw>alga</hw> \K/"alg\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balgae\b \K/"aldZi:/, /"algi:/\k) \IBot\i \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i a non-flowering stemless usu. aquatic plant, esp. a seaweed or a single-celled plant. \Balgal\b \Iadj.\i\Kalgoid omitted: not in SOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>algebra</hw> \K/"aldZIbr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i\p\B1\b the branch of mathematics that uses letters and other general symbols to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations.\p\B2\b a system of this based on given axioms \3(linear algebra;\c \2the algebra of logic).\c \Balgebraic\b \K/aldZI"breIIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Balgebraical\b \K/aldZI"breIIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Balgebraically\b \K/aldZI"breIIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \Balgebraist\b \K/aldZI"breIIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Italian, Spanish, and medieval Latin, from Arabic \Ial-jabr\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Ijabr\i 'reunion of broken parts' from \Ijabara\i 'reunite'\c
<hw>-algia</hw> \K/"aldZ\F'\n/\k \Icomb. form\i \IMed.\i denoting pain in a part specified by the first element \3(neuralgia).\c \B-algic\b \Icomb. form\i forming adjectives. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek from \Ialgos\i 'pain'\c
<hw>algicide</hw> \K/"aldZIsVId/, /"algI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a preparation for destroying algae.
<hw>alginate</hw> \K/"aldZIneIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a salt or ester of alginic acid, e.g. the sodium salt, used as a thickener. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalga\x\j + \J\X-in\x\j + \J\X-ate\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alginic acid</hw> \K/al"dZInIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i \IChem.\i an insoluble carbohydrate found (chiefly as salts) in many brown seaweeds. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalga\x\j + \J\X-in\x\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>Algol</hw> \K/"algQl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i a high-level computer programming language. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalgorithmic\x\j (see \J\Xalgorithm\x)\j + \J\Xlanguage\x\j\c
<hw>algolagnia</hw> \K/alg\F'\nU"lagnI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol\i sexual pleasure derived from inflicting pain on oneself or others; masochism or sadism. \Balgolagnic\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from German \IAlgolagnie,\i from Greek \Ialgos\i 'pain' + \Ilagneia\i 'lust'\c
<hw>algology</hw> \K/\F'\nl"gQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the study of algae. \Balgological\b \K/-"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Balgologist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>Algonquian</hw> \K/al"gQNkwI\F'\nn/, /-kI-/\k \In. & adj.\i (also \BAlgonkian\b \K/-kI\F'\nn/\k) \IAnthropol\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a member of any of a large group of scattered N. American Indian peoples.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i any of the family of languages used by them, including Cree and Ojibwa. \Iadj.\i of or relating to these peoples or their languages. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAlgonquin,\i N. American tribal name, + \J\X-ian\x\j\c
<hw>Algonquin</hw> \K/al"gQNkwIn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a member of a N. American Indian people living in Canada along the Ottawa River and its tributaries.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the dialect of Ojibwa spoken by this people.\p\B3\b = \J\XAlgonquian\x\p\In.\i\p1, 2.\j \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to the Algonquins or their language.\p\B2\b = \J\XAlgonquian\x \Iadj.\i\j\Knew f. ACOD, OERD Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French from an Algonquian word meaning 'at the place of spearing fish and eels'\c The use of \IAlgonquin\i to refer to the Algonquian peoples or their languages (sense 3 above) is widespread but strictly incorrect.
<hw>algorithm</hw> \K/"alg\F'\nrID(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMath.\i a process or set of rules used for calculation or problem-solving, esp. with a computer.\p\B2\b \Ihist.\i the Arabic or decimal notation of numbers.\Kalgorism omitted f. COD9 Oct 93\k \Balgorithmic\b \K/-"rIDmIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Balgorithmically\b \K/-"rIDmIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i\K-ically new f. corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Ialgorism,\i ultimately from Arabic \Ial-Kuwarizmi,\i the cognomen of a 9th-c. mathematician: \Ialgorithm\i influenced by Greek \Iarithmos\i 'number' (cf. French \Ialgorithme)\i\c
<hw>alguacil</hw> \K/algw\F'\n"sIl/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balguazil\b \K/algw\F'\n"zIl/\k)\p\B1\b \IBullfighting\i a mounted official at a bullfight.\p\B2\b \ICriminol\i a constable or an officer of justice in Spain or Spanish-speaking countries. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, from Arabic \Ial-wazir\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Iwazir:\i see \J\Xvizier\x\j\c
<hw>alias</hw> \K/"eIlI\F'\ns/\k \Iadv. & n.\i \Iadv.\i also named or known as.\p\In.\i\pa false or assumed name. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = at another time, otherwise\c
<hw>alibi</hw> \K/"alIbVI/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balibis)\b\p\B1\b a claim, or the evidence supporting it, that when an alleged act took place one was elsewhere.\p\B2\b \Idisp.\i an excuse of any kind; a pretext or justification.\p\Iv.\i\p\B(alibis,\b \Balibied,\b \Balibiing)\b \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i provide an alibi or offer an excuse for (a person).\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i provide an alibi. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = elsewhere\c The use of the noun \Ialibi\i in sense 2, meaning 'an excuse', is informal and to some people unacceptable.
<hw>alicyclic</hw> \K/alI"sVIklIk/, /-"sIk-/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i of, denoting, or relating to organic compounds combining a cyclic structure with aliphatic properties, e.g. cyclohexane. \BEtymology:\b \3German \Ialicyclisch\i (as \J\Xaliphatic\x,\j \J\Xcyclic\x)\j\c
<hw>alidade</hw> \K/"alIdeId/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISurveying\i & \IAstron.\i a sighting device or pointer for determining directions or measuring angles. \BEtymology:\b \3French via medieval Latin from Arabic \Ial-\i'\Iidada\i 'the revolving radius', from '\Iadud\i 'upper arm'\c
<hw>alien</hw> \K/"eIlI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i unfamiliar; not in accordance or harmony; unfriendly, hostile; unacceptable or repugnant \3(army discipline was alien to him;\c \2struck an alien note).\c \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i different or separated.\p\B2\b foreign; from a foreign country \3(help from alien powers).\c\p\B3\b of or relating to beings supposedly from other worlds; extraterrestrial.\p\B4\b \IBot.\i (of a plant or animal species) introduced from elsewhere and naturalized.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPolit\i a foreigner, esp. one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where he or she is living.\p\B2\b a being from another world.\p\B3\b an alien plant or animal species. \Balienness\b \K/"eIlI\F'\nnnIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Ialienus\i 'belonging to another', from \Ialius\i 'other'\c
<hw>alienable</hw> \K/"eIlI\F'\nn\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i able to be transferred to new ownership. \Balienability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>alienage</hw> \K/"eIlI\F'\nnIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\pthe state or condition of being an alien.
<hw>alienate</hw> \K/"eIlI\F'\nneIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b cause (a person) to become unfriendly or hostile. \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i cause (a person) to feel isolated or estranged from (friends, society, etc.).\p\B2\b transfer ownership of (property) to another person etc. \Balienator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Ialienare alienat-\i (as \J\Xalien\x)\j\c
<hw>alienation</hw> \K/eIlI\F'\n"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or result of alienating.\p\B2\b (in full \Balienation effect)\b \ITheatr.\i a dramatic effect whereby an audience remains objective, not identifying with the characters or action of a play. \BEtymology:\b \3in sense 2 a translation of German \IVerfremdungseffekt\i\c
<hw>alienist</hw> \K/"eIlI\F'\nnIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \IPsychol Law\i a psychiatrist, esp. a legal adviser on psychiatric problems. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IaliΘniste\i (as \J\Xalien\x)\j\c
<hw>aliform</hw> \K/"eIlIfO:m/\k \Iadj.\i wing-shaped. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ialiformis,\i from Latin \Iala\i 'wing': see \J\X-form\x\j\c
<hw>alight (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVIt/\k \Iv.intr.\i \B(alighted)\b\p\B1\b \Besp. Brit.\b \Ba\b \I(often foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i descend from a vehicle. \Bb\b dismount from a horse.\p\B2\b descend and settle; come to earth from the air.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bon)\b\i find by chance; notice. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialihtan\i (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \Ilihtan\i \J\Xlight\x (2)\p\Iv.\i\p)\j\c
<hw>alight (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVIt/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b on fire; burning \3(they set the old shed alight;\c \2is the fire still alight?).\c\p\B2\b lit up; excited \3(eyes alight with expectation).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, probably from the phrase \Ion a light\i (= lighted) \Ifire\i\c
<hw>align</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVIn/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b put in a straight line or bring into line \3(three books were neatly aligned on the shelf).\c\p\B2\b \Iesp. Polit.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i bring (oneself etc.) into agreement or alliance with (a cause, policy, political party, etc.). \Balignment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialigner\i from the phrase \Iα ligne\i 'into line': see \J\Xline\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alike</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVIk/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Bpredic.)\b\i similar, like one another; indistinguishable. \Iadv.\i in a similar way or manner \3(all were treated alike).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Igelic\i and Old Norse \Iglφkr\i \J(\Xlike\x (1))\j\c
<hw>aliment</hw> \K/"alIm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iformal\i\p\B1\b food.\p\B2\b support or mental sustenance. \Balimental\b \K/-"mEnt(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Ialiment\i or Latin \Ialimentum,\i from \Ialere\i 'nourish'\c
<hw>alimentary</hw> \K/alI"mEnt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i of, relating to, or providing nourishment or sustenance. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialimentarius\i (as \J\Xaliment\x)\j\c
<hw>alimentary canal</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i the whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus during digestion.
<hw>alimentation</hw> \K/%alIm(\F'\n)n"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b nourishment; feeding.\p\B2\b maintenance, support; supplying with the necessities of life. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialimentation\i or medieval Latin \Ialimentatio,\i from \Ialimentare\i (as \J\Xaliment\x)\j\c
<hw>alimony</hw> \K/"alIm\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. US\b \ILaw\i money payable by a man to his wife or former wife or by a woman to her husband or former husband after they are separated or divorced (in UK use now replaced by \Imaintenance).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialimonia\i 'nutriment', from \Ialere\i 'nourish'\c
<hw>A-line</hw> \K/"eIlVIn/\k \Iadj.\i \IFashion\i (of a garment) having a narrow waist or shoulders and a slightly flared skirt.
<hw>aliphatic</hw> \K/alI"fatIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i of, denoting, or relating to organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains, not aromatic rings. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ialeiphar -atos\i 'fat'\c
<hw>aliquot</hw> \K/"alIkwQt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \IMath.\i (of a part or portion) contained by the whole an integral or whole number of times \3(4 is an aliquot part of 12).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMath.\i an aliquot part; an integral factor.\p\B2\b \IChem\i a known fraction of a whole; a sample. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialiquote,\i from Latin \Ialiquot\i 'some, so many'\c
<hw>alive</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVIv/\k \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Bpredic.)\b\i\p\B1\b (of a person, animal, plant, etc.) living, not dead.\p\B2\b \Ba\b (of a thing) existing; continuing; in operation or action \3(kept his interest alive).\c \Bb\b under discussion; provoking interest \3(the topic is still very much alive today).\c\p\B3\b (of a person or animal) lively, active.\p\B4\b charged with an electric current; connected to a source of electricity.\p\B5\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i aware of; alert or responsive to.\p\B6\b \I(foll. by \Bwith)\b\i \Ba\b swarming or teeming with. \Bb\b full of.\p\1alive and kicking\c \Icolloq.\i very active; lively.\p\1alive and well\c still alive or active (esp. despite contrary assumptions or rumours). \Baliveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ion life\i (as \J\Xa\x (2),\j \J\Xlife\x)\j\c
<hw>alizarin</hw> \K/\F'\n"lIz(\F'\n)rIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem Dyeing\i\p\B1\b the red colouring matter of madder root, used in dyeing.\p\B2\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i (of a dye) derived from or similar to this pigment. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ializarine\i from \Ializari\i 'madder', from Arabic \Ial-\i'\Iisara\i 'pressed juice' from '\Iasara\i 'to press fruit'\c
<hw>alkahest</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nhEst/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balcahest)\b the universal solvent sought by alchemists. \BEtymology:\b \3sham Arabic, probably invented by Paracelsus\c
<hw>alkali</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nlVI/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balkalis)\b\p\B1\b \IChem.\i any of a class of substances which neutralize acids and turn litmus blue, typically dissolving in water to form often caustic solutions with a pH of more than 7, containing free hydroxide ions; a soluble base.\p\B2\b \IAgriculture\i any soluble salt present in excess in the soil.\Ksense 2 new f. K. Barber Oct 94\k \Balkalimeter\b \K/alk\F'\n"lImIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Balkalimetry\b \K/alk\F'\n"lImItri/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, applied to a saline substance derived from the ashes of various plants: from medieval Latin, from Arabic \Ial-kali\i 'calcined ashes' of the glasswort etc., from \Ikala\i 'fry'\c
<hw>alkali metal</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of the group of monovalent metals, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and caesium, whose hydroxides are alkalis.
<hw>alkaline</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nlVIn/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem\i of, relating to, or having the nature of an alkali; rich in alkali. \Balkalinity\b \K/alk\F'\n"lInIti/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>alkaline earth</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i\p\B1\b (in full \Balkaline earth metal)\b any of the group of divalent metals, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.\p\B2\b a basic oxide of an element of this group.
<hw>alkaloid</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nlOId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i \IBiochem\i any of a series of nitrogenous organic compounds of plant origin, many of which are used as drugs, e.g. morphine, quinine. \BEtymology:\b \3German (as \J\Xalkali\x)\j\c
<hw>alkalosis</hw> \K/alk\F'\n"l\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i an excessive alkaline condition of the body fluids or tissues.
<hw>alkane</hw> \K/"alkeIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of a series of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having the general formula C\In\iH2\In\i+2, including methane, ethane, and propane. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalkyl\x\j + \J\X-ane\x (2)\j\c
<hw>alkanet</hw> \K/"alk\F'\nnEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b any plant of the genus \IAlkanna,\i esp. A. tinctoria, yielding a red dye from its roots. \Bb\b the dye itself.\p\B2\b any of various similar plants. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Spanish \Ialcaneta,\i diminutive of \Ialcana,\i from Arabic \Ial-hinna\i' = the henna shrub\c
<hw>alkene</hw> \K/"alki:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of a series of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons containing a double bond and having the general formula C\In\iH2\In,\i including ethylene and propene. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalkyl\x\j + \J\X-ene\x\j\c
<hw>alky</hw> \K/"alki/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balkie)\b \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \Islang\i an alcoholic.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>alkyd</hw> \K/"alkId/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \IChem.\i any of a group of synthetic resins derived from various alcohols and acids. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalkyl\x\j + \J\Xacid\x\j\c
<hw>alkyl</hw> \K/"alkVIl/, /-kIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \IChem.\i a radical derived from an alkane by the removal of a hydrogen atom. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAlkohol\i \J\Xalcohol\x\j + \J\X-yl\x\j\c
<hw>alkylate</hw> \K/"alkIleIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IChem.\i introduce an alkyl radical into (a compound).
<hw>alkyne</hw> \K/"alkVIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any of a series of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons containing a triple bond and having the general formula C\In\iH2\In\i-2, including acetylene. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalkyl\x\j + \J\X-yne\x\j\c
<hw>all</hw> \K/O:l/\k \Ipredet., pron., n., & adv.\i \Ipredet.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the whole amount, quantity, or extent of \3(all the upheaveal;\c \2all this clutter;\c \2waited all day;\c \2all his life).\c \Bb\b \I(with \Bpl.)\b\i the entire number of \3(all the others left;\c \2all ten men).\c\p\B2\b any whatever \3(beyond all doubt).\c\p\B3\b greatest possible \3(with all speed).\c \Ipron.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b all the persons or things concerned \3(all were present;\c \2all were thrown away).\c \Bb\b everything \3(all is lost;\c \2that is all).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i \Ba\b the whole of \3(take all of it).\c \Bb\b every one of \3(all of us).\c \Bc\b \Icolloq.\i as much as \3(all of six feet tall).\c \Bd\b \Icolloq.\i affected by; in a state of \3(all of a dither).\c\p\In.\i\p\I(prec. by \Bmy,\b \Byour,\b etc.)\i one's whole strength or resources \3(gave his all).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b entirely, quite \3(dressed all in black;\c \2all round the room).\c \Bb\b as an intensifier \3(a book all about ships;\c \2stop all this grumbling;\c \2it was all too clear).\c\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i very \3(went all shy).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bthe\b + \Bcompar.)\b\i \Ba\b by so much; to that extent \3(if they go, all the better).\c \Bb\b in the full degree to be expected \3(that makes it all the worse).\c\p\B4\b (in games) on both sides \3(two goals all).\c\p\1all along\c all the time \3(he was joking all along).\c\p\1all and sundry\c everyone.\p\1all but\c very nearly \3(it was all but impossible;\c \2he was all but drowned).\c\p\1all for\c \Icolloq.\i strongly in favour of.\p\1all in\c \Icolloq.\i exhausted.\p\1all in all\c everything considered.\p\1all manner of\c \Isee\i \J\Xmanner\x.\j\p\1all of a sudden\c \Isee\i \J\Xsudden\x.\j\p\1all one\c (or \Bthe same)\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i a matter of indifference \3(it's all one to me).\c\p\1all out\c involving all one's strength or resources; at full speed \I(also, with hyphen, \Battrib.:\b\i \2an all-out effort).\c\p\1all over\c\p\B1\b completely finished.\p\B2\b in or on all parts of (esp. the body) \3(went hot and cold all over;\c \2mud all over the carpet).\c\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i typically \3(that is you all over).\c\p\B4\b \Islang\i effusively attentive to (a person).\p\1all right\c \Ipredic.adj.\i satisfactory; safe and sound; in good condition; adequate. \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b satisfactorily, as desired \3(it worked out all right).\c\p\B2\b as an intensifier \3(that's the one all right).\c \Iint.\i an interjection expressing consent or assent to a proposal or order.\p\1all round\c \B(\BUS\b also all around)\b\p\B1\b in all respects \3(a good performance all round).\c\p\B2\b for each person \3(he bought drinks all round).\c\p\1all the same\c nevertheless, in spite of this \3(he was innocent but was punished all the same).\c\p\1all set\c \Icolloq.\i ready to start.\p\1all standing\c\p\B1\b \INaut.\i without time to lower the sails.\p\B2\b taken by surprise.\p\1all there\c \I(usu. in \Bneg.)\b\i \Icolloq.\i mentally alert; not mentally deficient.\p\1all the time\c \Isee\i \J\Xtime\x.\j\p\1all together\c all at once; all in one place or in a group \3(they came all together)\c \I(cf.\i \J\Xaltogether\x).\j\p\1all told\c in all.\p\1all very well\c \Icolloq.\i an expression used to reject or to imply scepticism about a favourable or consoling remark.\p\1all the way\c the whole distance; completely.\p\1at all\c \I(with \Bneg.\b or \Binterrog.)\b\i in any way; to any extent \3(did not swim at all;\c \2did you like it at all?).\c\p\1be all up with\c \Isee\i \J\Xup\x.\j\p\1in all\c in total number; altogether \3(there were 10 people in all).\c\p\1on all fours\c \Isee\i \J\Xfour\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iall,\i \Ieall,\i probably from Germanic\c \IAll of\i meaning 'the whole of, every one of' is usual before pronouns (e.g. \Iall of it,\i \Iall of us)\i and emphatically, often paralleling \Inone of,\i \Isome of,\i etc., before nouns (e.g. \Iall of the advantages but none of the disadvantages).\i Otherwise, \Iall\i + noun is normal, e.g. \Iphoned all his friends,\i \Iate all the bread).\i See also Usage Notes at \J\Xalright\x\j and \J\Xaltogether\x.\j
<hw>alla breve</hw> \K/al\F'\n "breIvi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a time signature indicating 2 or 4 minim beats in a bar. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, = at the \J\Xbreve\x\j\c
<hw>Allah</hw> \K/"al\F'\n/, /\F'\n"lA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the name of God among Arabs and Muslims. \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iallah,\i contraction of \Ial-\i'\Iilah,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + '\Iilah\i 'god'\c
<hw>all-American</hw> \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b representing the whole of (or only) America or the US.\p\B2\b truly American \3(all-American boy).\c\p\B3\b (also \Ball-America)\b \BUS\b \ISport\i honoured as one of the best amateur sportsmen in the US.\p\In.\i\p(also \Ball-America)\b \BUS\b \ISport\i an all-American sportsman.\Ksense 3 and noun new from incomings Sept 94\k
<hw>allantois</hw> \K/\F'\n"lant\F'\nUIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Ballantoides\b \K/-Idi:z/\k) \IBiol.\i \IPhysiol\i the foetal membrane lying below the chorion in embryonic reptiles, birds, and mammals. \Ballantoic\b \K/al\F'\nn"t\F'\nUIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iallantoeides\i 'sausage-shaped'\c
<hw>All Blacks</hw> \In.pl.\i \ISport\i \Icolloq.\i the New Zealand international Rugby Union football team. \BEtymology:\b \3from their black strip\c
<hw>all-clear</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. prec. by \Bthe)\b\i a signal that danger or difficulty is over \3(had further tests and was given the all-clear).\c
<hw>all comers</hw> \In.pl.\i \ISport\i any applicants (with reference to a position, or esp. a challenge to a champion, that is unrestricted in entry).
<hw>all-day</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i lasting or available throughout the day.\Knew f. corpus Apr 94\k
<hw>allegation</hw> \K/alI"geIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an assertion, esp. an unproved one; an accusation.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of alleging or accusing. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \IallΘgation\i or Latin \Iallegatio,\i from \Iallegare\i 'allege'\c
<hw>allege</hw> \K/\F'\n"lEdZ/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bthat\b + clause, or \Bto\b + infin.)\i declare to be the case, esp. without proof.\p\B2\b advance as an argument or excuse. \Balleged\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Ialegier,\i Old French \Iesligier\i 'clear at law'; confused in sense with Latin \Iallegare:\i see \J\Xallegation\x\j\c
<hw>allegedly</hw> \K/\F'\n"lEdZIdli/\k \Iadv.\i as is alleged or said to be the case.
<hw>allegiance</hw> \K/\F'\n"li:dZ(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b loyalty (to a person or cause etc.).\p\B2\b the duty of a subject to his or her sovereign or government. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French from Old French \Iligeance\i (as \J\Xliege\x):\j perhaps associated with \J\Xalliance\x\j\c
<hw>allegorical</hw> \K/alI"gQrIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Ballegoric\b \K/-rIk/\k) consisting of or relating to allegory; by means of allegory. \Ballegorically\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>allegorize</hw> \K/"alIg(\F'\n)rVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b treat as or by means of an allegory. \Ballegorization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>allegory</hw> \K/"alIg(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b a story, play, poem, picture, etc., in which the meaning or message is represented symbolically.\p\B2\b the use of such symbols.\p\B3\b a symbol. \Ballegorist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iallegorie\i and Latin \Iallegoria\i from Greek \Iallegoria,\i from \Iallos\i 'other' + \I-agoria\i 'speaking'\c
<hw>allegretto</hw> \K/alI"grEt\F'\nU/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadv. & adj.\i in a fairly brisk tempo.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b an allegretto passage or movement. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, diminutive of \J\Xallegro\x\j\c
<hw>allegro</hw> \K/\F'\n"leIgr\F'\nU/, /-"lEg-/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadv. & adj.\i in a brisk tempo.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b an allegro passage or movement. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, = lively, gay\c
<hw>allele</hw> \K/"ali:l/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Ballel\b \K/"alEl/\k) \IBiol\i one of the (usu. two) alternative forms of a gene, found at the same place on a chromosome. \Ballelic\b \K/\F'\n"li:lIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAllel,\i abbreviation of \J\Xallelomorph\x\j\c
<hw>alleluia</hw> \K/alI"lu:j\F'\n/\k \Iint. & n.\i (also \Balleluya,\b \Bhallelujah\b \K/hal-/\k) \IRelig\i \Iint.\i God be praised.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b praise to God.\p\B2\b a song of praise to God.\p\B3\b \IRC Ch.\i the part of the Mass including this. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via ecclesiastical Latin and Greek \Iallelouia\i (in the Septuagint), from Hebrew \Ihalleluyah\i 'praise ye the Lord'\c
<hw>allemande</hw> \K/"almA:nd/, /almQ~d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IDancing\i the name of several German dances. \Bb\b \IMus\i the music for any of these, esp. as a movement of a suite.\p\B2\b a figure in a country dance. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = German (dance)\c
<hw>all-embracing</hw> \Iadj.\i embracing or including much or all; comprehensive.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>Allen key</hw> \K/"al\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i \Ipropr.\i a spanner designed to fit into and turn an Allen screw. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAllen,\i the name of the US manufacturer\c
<hw>Allen screw</hw> \K/"al\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i \Ipropr.\i a screw with a hexagonal socket in the head. \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\XAllen key\x\j\c
<hw>allergen</hw> \K/"al\F'\ndZ(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i any substance that causes an allergic reaction. \Ballergenic\b \K/al\F'\n"dZEnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallergy\x\j + \J\X-gen\x\j\c
<hw>allergic</hw> \K/\F'\n"l\F'\n:dZIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i \Ba\b \IMed\i having an allergy to. \Bb\b \Icolloq.\i having a strong dislike for (a person or thing).\p\B2\b \IMed\i caused by or relating to an allergy.
<hw>allergy</hw> \K/"al\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IMed.\i a damaging immune response by the body to a substance (esp. a particular food, pollen, fur, or dust) to which it has become hypersensitive.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i an antipathy. \Ballergist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3German \IAllergie,\i on the pattern of \IEnergie\i \J\Xenergy\x,\j from Greek \Iallos\i 'other'\c
<hw>alleviate</hw> \K/\F'\n"li:vIeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i lessen or make less severe (pain, suffering, etc.). \Balleviation\b \K/-"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Balleviative\b \K/-vI\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \Balleviator\b\p\In.\i\p\Balleviatory\b \K/-vI\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Ialleviare\i 'lighten', from Latin \Iallevare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ilevare\i 'raise')\c
<hw>alley (1)</hw> \K/"ali/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-eys)\b\p\B1\b (also \Balleyway)\b \Ba\b a narrow street. \Bb\b a narrow passageway, esp. between or behind buildings.\p\B2\b a path or walk in a park or garden.\p\B3\b \IGames\i an enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc.\Ktennis sense 4 omitted as not current Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Ialee\i 'walking, passage' from \Ialer\i 'go', from Latin \Iambulare\i 'walk'\c
<hw>alley (2)</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xally\x (2).\j
<hw>alley cat</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a stray town cat, often mangy or half wild.
<hw>all flesh</hw>\p\In.\i\pall human and animal creation.
<hw>All Hallows</hw> \K/"hal\F'\nUz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i All Saints' Day, 1 Nov.
<hw>alliaceous</hw> \K/alI"eIS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i of or relating to the genus \IAllium,\i which includes onion, garlic, leek, etc.\p\B2\b tasting or smelling like onion or garlic. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ialliaceus,\i from Latin \Iallium\i 'garlic'\c
<hw>alliance</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVI\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b union or agreement to cooperate, esp. of states by treaty or families by marriage. \Bb\b the parties involved.\p\B2\b \B(Alliance)\b \IPolit\i a political party formed by the allying of separate parties.\p\B3\b a relationship resulting from an affinity in nature or qualities etc. \3(the old alliance between logic and metaphysics).\c\p\B4\b \IBot.\i a group of allied families. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ialiance\i (as \J\Xally\x (1))\j\c
<hw>allicin</hw> \K/"alIsIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i a pungent oily liquid with antibacterial properties, present in garlic.\Knew f. NEWS Mar. 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iallium\i 'garlic'\c
<hw>allied</hw> \K/"alVId/, /\F'\n"lVId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b united or associated in an alliance. \Bb\b \B(Allied)\b \IPolit\i of or relating to Britain and her allies in the First and Second World Wars.\p\B2\b connected or related \3(studied medicine and allied subjects).\c \BEtymology:\b \3past part. of \J\Xally\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alligator</hw> \K/"alIgeIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a large reptile of the order Crocodilia native to the Americas and China, with upper teeth that lie outside the lower teeth and a head broader and shorter than that of the crocodile.\p\B2\b (in general use) any of several large members of this order.\p\B3\b \Ba\b the skin of such an animal or material resembling it. \Bb\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i shoes of this. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish \Iel lagarto\i 'the lizard', from Latin \Ilacerta\i\c
<hw>alligator clip</hw>\p\In.\i\pa clip with teeth for gripping.
<hw>alligator pear</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \IBot\i an avocado.
<hw>alligator snapper</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Balligator tortoise)\b \IZool\i a large freshwater snapping turtle found around the Gulf of Mexico.
<hw>all-in</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i \BBrit.\b inclusive of all.
<hw>all-inclusive</hw> \Iadj.\i including all or everything.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>all-in-one</hw> \Iadj.\i combining two or more items in a single unit \3(all-in-one shampoo and conditioner).\c\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>all-in wrestling</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \ISport Wrestling\i wrestling with few or no restrictions.
<hw>alliterate</hw> \K/\F'\n"lIt\F'\nreIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b contain alliteration. \Bb\b use alliteration in speech or writing.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b construct (a phrase etc.) with alliteration. \Bb\b speak or pronounce with alliteration. \Balliterative\b \K/\F'\n"lIt(\F'\n)r\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xalliteration\x\j\c
<hw>alliteration</hw> \K/\F'\nlIt\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pthe occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (e.g. \Icool,\i \Icalm,\i \Iand collected).\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ialliteratio\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ilittera\i 'letter')\c
<hw>allium</hw> \K/"alI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAllium,\i usu. bulbous and strong-smelling, e.g. onion and garlic. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = garlic\c
<hw>all-night</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i lasting or available throughout the night.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>allocate</hw> \K/"al\F'\nkeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i assign or devote to (a purpose, person, or place). \Ballocable\b \K/"al\F'\nk\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Ballocation\b \K/al\F'\n"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ballocator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iallocare\i (as \J\Xal-\x,\j \Ilocus\i 'place')\c
<hw>allochthonous</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQkT\F'\nn\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IGeol.\i (of a deposit) formed at a distance from its present position (cf. \J\Xautochthonous\x 3).\j\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallo-\x\j + Greek \Ikhthon -onos\i 'earth'\c
<hw>allocution</hw> \K/al\F'\n"kju:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pa formal or hortatory speech or manner of address. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iallocutio,\i from \Ialloqui allocut-\i 'speak to' (as \J\Xal-\x,\j \Iloqui\i 'speak')\c
<hw>allogamy</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQg\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i cross-fertilization in plants. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallo-\x\j + Greek \I-gamia,\i from \Igamos\i 'marriage'\c
<hw>allograft</hw> \K/"al\F'\ngrA:ft/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed, Biol\i a tissue graft from a donor of the same species as the recipient but not genetically identical \I(cf.\i \J\Xhomograft\x).\j\Knew from NSOED jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallo-\x\j + \J\Xgraft\x (1)\j\c
<hw>allomorph</hw> \K/"al\F'\nmO:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i any of two or more alternative forms of a morpheme. \Ballomorphic\b \K/al\F'\n"mO:fIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallo-\x\j + \J\Xmorpheme\x\j\c
<hw>allopath</hw> \K/"al\F'\npaT/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a person who practises allopathy. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iallopathe,\i back-formation from \Iallopathie =\i \J\Xallopathy\x\j\c
<hw>allopathy</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQp\F'\nTi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the treatment of disease by conventional means, i.e. with drugs having opposite effects to the symptoms \I(cf.\i \J\Xhomoeopathy\x).\j \Ballopathic\b \K/al\F'\n"paTIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Ballopathist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3German \IAllopathie\i (as \J\Xallo-\x,\j \J\X-pathy\x)\j\c
<hw>allopatric</hw> \K/al\F'\n"patrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol.\i occurring in separate geographical areas.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallo-\x\j + Greek \Ipatra\i 'fatherland'\c
<hw>allophone</hw> \K/"al\F'\nf\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i any of the variant sounds forming a single phoneme. \Ballophonic\b \K/al\F'\n"fQnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xallo-\x\j + \J\Xphoneme\x\j\c
<hw>allot</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(allotted,\b \Ballotting)\b\p\B1\b give or apportion to (a person) as a share or task; distribute officially to \3(they allotted us each a pair of boots;\c \2the men were allotted duties).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i give or distribute officially to \3(a sum was allotted to each charity).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Ialoter\i (as \J\Xa-\x (3)\j + \J\Xlot\x)\j\c
<hw>allotment</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQtm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b a small piece of land rented (usu. from a local authority) for cultivation.\p\B2\b a share allotted.\p\B3\b the action of allotting.
<hw>allotrope</hw> \K/"al\F'\ntr\F'\nUp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem Geol\i each of two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist \3(graphite, charcoal, and diamond are all allotropes of carbon).\c \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xallotropy\x\j\c
<hw>allotropy</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQtr\F'\npi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem Geol\i the existence of two or more different physical forms of a chemical element. \Ballotropic\b \K/al\F'\n"trQpIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Ballotropical\b \K/al\F'\n"trQpIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iallotropos\i 'of another form', (as \J\Xallo-\x\j + \Itropos\i 'manner' from \Itrepo\i 'turn')\c
<hw>allottee</hw> \K/\F'\nlQ"ti:/\k\p\In.\i\pa person to whom something is allotted.
<hw>all-over</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i covering the whole of something \3(an all-over tan).\c\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>allow</hw> \K/\F'\n"laU/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i permit (a practice, a person to do something, a thing to happen or be done, etc.) \3(smoking is not allowed;\c \2we allowed them to speak).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i give or provide; permit (a person) to have (a limited quantity or sum) \3(we were allowed ú500 a year).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i provide or set aside for a purpose; add or deduct in consideration of something \3(allow 10\F%\n for inflation).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b admit, agree, concede \3(he allowed that it was so;\c \2'You know best,' he allowed).\c \Bb\b \Idial.\i assert; be of the opinion.\p\B5\b \Irefl.\i permit oneself, indulge oneself in (conduct) \3(allowed herself to be persuaded;\c \2allowed myself a few angry words).\c\p\B6\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i admit of.\p\B7\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i take into consideration or account; make addition or deduction corresponding to \3(allowing for wastage).\c \Ballowable\b \Iadj.\i \Ballowably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, originally = 'praise, assign as a right', from Old French \Ialouer,\i partly from Latin \Iallaudare\i 'to praise', partly from medieval Latin \Iallocare\i 'to place': see \J\Xallocate\x\j\c
<hw>allowance</hw> \K/\F'\n"laU\F'\nns/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b an amount or sum allowed to a person, esp. regularly for a stated purpose. \Bb\b \BN. Amer.\b = \J\Xpocket money\x 2.\j\Ksense 1b new f. kpb Sep 94\k\p\B2\b an amount allowed in reckoning.\p\B3\b a deduction or discount \3(an allowance on your old cooker).\c\p\B4\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i tolerance of. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b make an allowance to (a person).\p\B2\b supply in limited quantities.\p\1make allowances\c \I(often foll. by \Bfor)\b\i\p\B1\b take into consideration (mitigating circumstances) \3(made allowances for his demented state).\c\p\B2\b look with tolerance upon; make excuses for (a person, bad behaviour, etc.). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ialouance\i (as \J\Xallow\x)\j\c
<hw>allowedly</hw> \K/\F'\n"laUIdli/\k \Iadv.\i as is generally allowed or acknowledged.
<hw>alloy</hw> \In. & v.\i \IChem\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"alOI/\k\p\B1\b a mixture of two or more chemical elements at least one of which is a metal, e.g. brass (a mixture of copper and zinc).\p\B2\b an inferior metal mixed esp. with gold or silver. \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"lOI/\k\p\B1\b mix (metals).\p\B2\b \Ba\b debase (a pure substance) by admixture. \Bb\b reduce the quality or spoil the character of a thing by adding something else.\K2b new from corpus Jul 93\k\p\B3\b moderate. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialoi\i \I(n.),\i \Ialoyer\i \I(v.)\i via Old French \Ialoier,\i \Ialeier\i 'combine' from Latin \Ialligare\i 'bind'\c
<hw>all-party</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i \IPolit.\i involving all (esp. political) parties.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>all-pervading</hw> \Iadj.\i (also \Ball-pervasive)\b pervading everything.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>all-points bulletin</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \ICriminol\i a general alert issued among police officers, esp. one giving information for the capture of a suspected criminal.\Knew f. kpb, incomings Sep 94\k
<hw>all-powerful</hw> \Iadj.\i having complete power; almighty.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>all-purpose</hw> \Iadj.\i suitable for many uses.
<hw>all-round</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i (of a person) versatile.
<hw>all-rounder</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a versatile person or thing.
<hw>All Saints' Day</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a Christian festival in honour of the saints, 1 Nov.
<hw>all-seater</hw> \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \ISport\i (of a sports stadium etc.) providing only seats and no standing places.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>allseed</hw> \K/"O:lsi:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of various plants producing much seed, esp. Radiola linoides.
<hw>All Souls' Day</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a Roman Catholic festival with prayers for the souls of the dead, 2 Nov.
<hw>allspice</hw> \K/"O:lspVIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot Cookery\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the aromatic spice obtained from the ground berry of the W. Indian tree Pimenta dioica. \Bb\b this plant. \IAlso called\i \J\Xpimento\x.\j\p\B2\b any of various other aromatic shrubs.
<hw>all-star</hw> \Iadj. & n.\i \ISport Theatr\i \Iadj.\i composed wholly of outstanding performers.\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b a member of an all-star group or team.\Knew f. Incomings Apr 94\k
<hw>all-ticket</hw> \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \ISport\i (of an event) that may be attended only by those with tickets bought in advance.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>all-time</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i (of a record etc.) hitherto unsurpassed.
<hw>allude</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:d/, /\F'\n"lju:d/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b refer to indirectly or covertly.\p\B2\b \Idisp.\i mention. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialludere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iludere lus-\i 'play')\c \IAllude to\i should not be used simply as a synonym for \Imention.\i The sentence \IMr Smith was alluded to several times, though not actually mentioned by name, in the president's speech\i illustrates the difference.
<hw>all-up weight</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAeron\i the total weight of an aircraft with passengers, cargo, etc. when airborne.
<hw>allure</hw> \K/\F'\n"ljU\F'\n/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i attract, charm, or fascinate.\p\In.\i\pattractiveness, personal charm; fascination. \Ballurement\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ialurer\i 'attract' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iluere\i \J\Xlure\x (1)\p\Iv.\i\p1)\j\c
<hw>allusion</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:Z(\F'\n)n/, /-"lju:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i an indirect or passing reference. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iallusion\i or Late Latin \Iallusio\i (as \J\Xallude\x)\j\c Care should be taken not to confuse \Iallusion\i with \Iillusion.\i See also Usage Note at \J\Xallude\x.\j
<hw>allusive</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:sIv/, /-"lju:-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i containing an allusion.\p\B2\b containing many allusions. \Ballusively\b \Iadv.\i \Ballusiveness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>alluvial</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:vI\F'\nl/, /-"lju:-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IGeol\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to alluvium.\p\In.\i\palluvium, esp. containing a precious metal.
<hw>alluvion</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:vI\F'\nn/, /-"lju:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i \IGeol\i the formation of new land by the movement of the sea or of a river.\Ksenses 1-3 omitted as archaic: see SOED Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Ialluvio -onis,\i from \Iluere\i 'wash'\c
<hw>alluvium</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:vI\F'\nm/, /-"lju:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balluvia\b \K/-vI\F'\n/\k or \Balluviums)\b \IGeol\i a deposit of usu. fine fertile soil left during a time of flood, esp. in a river valley or delta. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, neut. of \Ialluvius\i \I(adj.),\i from \Iluere\i 'wash'\c
<hw>all-weather</hw> \Iadj.\i of, relating to, or suitable for all types of weather \I(usu. \Battrib.:\b\i \2all-weather track).\c\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>ally (1)</hw> \K/"alVI/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IPolit\i a state formally cooperating or united with another for a special purpose, esp. by a treaty.\p\B2\b a person or organization that cooperates with or helps another. \Iv.tr.\i \Kalso /\F'\n"lVI/\k \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i combine or unite in alliance. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ial(e)ier\i from Latin \Ialligare\i 'bind': cf. \J\Xalloy\x\j\c
<hw>ally (2)</hw> \K/"ali/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balley)\b \I(pl.\i \B-ies\b or \B-eys)\b \IGames\i a choice playing-marble made of marble, alabaster, or glass. \BEtymology:\b \3perhaps diminutive of \J\Xalabaster\x\j\c
<hw>-ally</hw> \K/\F'\nli/\k \Isuffix\i forming adverbs from adjectives in \I-al\i \I(cf.\i \J\X-al\x,\j \J\X-ly\x (2),\j \J\X-ically\x).\j
<hw>Alma Mater</hw> \K/%alm\F'\n "mA:t\F'\n/, /"meIt-/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balma mater)\b \IEducation\i the university, school, or college one attends or attended. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = bounteous mother\c
<hw>almanac</hw> \K/"O:lm\F'\nnak/, /"Ql-/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balmanack)\b\p\B1\b an annual table, or book of tables, containing a calendar of months and days and usu. astronomical data and other information.\p\B2\b a usu. annual directory or handbook containing statistical and other information of either general or specialist interest.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. DJT, KB Sep 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via medieval Latin \Ialmanac(h)\i from Greek \Ialmenikhiaka\i\c
<hw>almandine</hw> \K/"alm\F'\nndi:n/, /-dVIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i a kind of garnet with a violet tint. \BEtymology:\b \3French, alteration of obsolete \Ialabandine\i from medieval Latin \Ialabandina,\i from \IAlabanda,\i an ancient city in Asia Minor, where these stones were cut\c
<hw>almighty</hw> \K/O:l"mVIti/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b having complete power; omnipotent.\p\B2\b \B(the Almighty)\b \IRelig\i God.\p\B3\b \Islang\i very great \3(an almighty crash).\c \Iadv.\i \Islang\i extremely; very much. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµlmihtig\i (as \J\Xall\x,\j \J\Xmighty\x)\j\c
<hw>almond</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\nnd/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b the oval nutlike seed (kernel) of the stone fruit from the tree Prunus dulcis, of which there are sweet and bitter varieties.\p\B2\b (in full \Balmond tree)\b the tree itself, of the rose family and allied to the peach and plum. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ialemande\i etc., medieval Latin \Iamandula,\i and Latin \Iamygdala\i from Greek \Iamugdale\i\c
<hw>almond oil</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i \IMed\i the oil expressed from the seed of the almond (esp. the bitter variety), used for toilet preparations, flavouring, and medicinal purposes.
<hw>almoner</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\nn\F'\n/, /"alm-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i \Ihist.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b = \J\Xhospital social worker\x.\j\p\B2\b an official distributor of alms. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iaumoner,\i Old French \Iaumonier,\i ultimately from medieval Latin \Ieleemosynarius\i (as \J\Xalms\x)\j\c
<hw>almost</hw> \K/"O:lm\F'\nUst/\k \Iadv.\i all but; very nearly. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµlmµst\i 'for the most part' (as \J\Xall\x,\j \J\Xmost\x)\j\c
<hw>alms</hw> \K/A:mz/\k \In.pl.\i \ISociol\i \Ihist.\i charitable donations of money or food to the poor. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµlmysse,\i \I-messe\i from Germanic, ultimately from Greek \Ieleemosune\i 'compassionateness' via \Ieleemon\i \I(adj.)\i from \Ieleos\i 'compassion'\c
<hw>almshouse</hw> \K/"A:mzhaUs/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i \Ihist.\i a house founded by charity for the poor.
<hw>almucantar</hw> \K/alm\F'\n"kant\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balmacantar)\b \IAstron.\i a line of constant altitude above the horizon. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via medieval Latin \Ialmucantarath\i or French \Ialmucantara\i etc. from Arabic \Ialmukantarat\i \I(pl.)\i 'lines of celestial latitude', from \Ikantara\i 'arch'\c
<hw>aloe</hw> \K/"al\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b any plant of the genus \IAloe,\i usu. having toothed fleshy leaves.\p\B2\b \IMed\i \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i (in full \Bbitter aloes)\b a strong laxative obtained from the bitter juice of various species of aloe.\p\B3\b (also \BAmerican aloe)\b an agave native to Central America, which flowers only once in many years, and from whose sap tequila is made; \Ialso called\i \Icentury plant.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ial(e)we\i via Latin \Ialoe\i from Greek\c
<hw>aloe vera</hw> \K/"vI\F'\nr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot Pharm\i\p\B1\b a Caribbean aloe, Aloe vera, yielding a gelatinous substance used esp. in cosmetics as an emollient.\p\B2\b this substance.\Knew f. News Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, = true aloe\c
<hw>aloft</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQft/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i\p\B1\b high up; overhead.\p\B2\b upwards. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old Norse \Iß lopt(i),\i from \Iß\i 'in, on, to' + \Ilopt\i 'air': cf. \J\Xlift\x,\j \J\Xloft\x\j\c
<hw>alogical</hw> \K/eI"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ILogic\i not logical.\p\B2\b opposed to logic.
<hw>aloha</hw> \K/\F'\n"l\F'\nUh\F'\n/\k \Iint. & n.\i a Hawaiian expression of love or affection, used as a greeting and at parting.\Knew in COD9 f. Wordfinder, incomings Jul 93\k
<hw>aloha shirt</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IClothing\i a loose brightly coloured Hawaiian shirt.\Knew in COD9 f. Wordfiner, incomings Jul 93\k
<hw>alone</hw> \K/\F'\n"l\F'\nUn/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b without others present \3(they wanted to be alone;\c \2the tree stood alone).\c \Bb\b without others' help \3(succeeded alone).\c \Bc\b lonely and wretched \3(felt alone).\c\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bin)\b\i standing by oneself in an opinion etc. \3(was alone in thinking this).\c\p\B3\b only, exclusively \3(you alone can help me).\c\p\1go it alone\c act by oneself without assistance. \Baloneness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xall\x\j + \J\Xone\x\j\c
<hw>along</hw> \K/\F'\n"lQN/\k \Iprep. & adv.\i \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b from one end to the other end of \3(a handkerchief with lace along the edge).\c\p\B2\b on or through any part of the length of \3(was walking along the road).\c\p\B3\b beside or through the length of \3(shelves stood along the wall).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b onward; into a more advanced state \3(come along;\c \2getting along nicely).\c\p\B2\b at or to a particular place; arriving \3(I'll be along soon).\c\p\B3\b in company with a person, esp. oneself \3(bring a book along).\c\p\B4\b beside or through part or the whole length of a thing.\p\1along with\c in addition to; together with. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iandlang\i from West Germanic, related to \J\Xlong\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alongshore</hw> \K/\F'\nlQN"SO:/\k \Iadv.\i along or by the shore.
<hw>alongside</hw> \K/\F'\nlQN"sVId/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \Iadv.\i at or to the side (of a ship, pier, etc.). \Iprep.\i close to the side of; next to.\p\1alongside of\c side by side with; together or simultaneously with.
<hw>aloof</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:f/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \Iadj.\i distant, unsympathetic. \Iadv.\i away, apart \3(he kept aloof from his colleagues).\c \Baloofly\b \Iadv.\i \Baloofness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3originally nautical, from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xluff\x\j\c
<hw>alopecia</hw> \K/al\F'\n"pi:S\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i the absence (complete or partial) of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows; baldness. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Ialopekia\i 'fox-mange' from \Ialopex\i 'fox'\c
<hw>aloud</hw> \K/\F'\n"laUd/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b audibly; not silently or in a whisper.\p\B2\b \Iarchaic\i loudly. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xloud\x\j\c
<hw>alow</hw> \K/\F'\n"l\F'\nU/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i \INaut.\i in or into the lower part of a ship. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xlow\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alp</hw> \K/alp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a high mountain. \Bb\b \B(the Alps)\b the high range of mountains in Switzerland and adjoining countries.\p\B2\b (in Switzerland) pastureland on a mountainside. \BEtymology:\b \3originally pl., from French via Latin \IAlpes\i from Greek \IAlpeis\i\c
<hw>alpaca</hw> \K/al"pak\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i a S. American mammal, Lama pacos, related to the llama, with long shaggy hair.\p\B2\b wool from this animal.\p\B3\b \ITextiles\i fabric made from the wool, with or without other fibres. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, from Aymara or Quechua\c
<hw>alpargata</hw> \K/alpA:"gA:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFashion\i a light canvas shoe with a plaited fibre sole; an espadrille. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish\c
<hw>alpenhorn</hw> \K/"alp\F'\nnhO:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAgriculture\i a long wooden horn used by Alpine herdsmen to call their cattle. \BEtymology:\b \3German, = Alp-horn\c
<hw>alpenstock</hw> \K/"alp\F'\nnstQk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMountaineering\i a long iron-tipped staff used in hillwalking. \BEtymology:\b \3German, = Alp-stick\c
<hw>alpha</hw> \K/"alf\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ILinguistics\i the first letter of the Greek alphabet (A, \Fa\a).\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b a first-class mark given for a piece of work or in an examination.\p\B3\b \B(Alpha)\b \IAstron.\i the first (usu. brightest) star in a constellation \I(foll. by Latin genitive:\i \2Alpha Centauri).\c\p\1alpha and omega\c the beginning and the end; the most important features. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, via Latin from Greek\c
<hw>alphabet</hw> \K/"alf\F'\nbEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i\p\B1\b the set of letters used in writing a language \3(the Russian alphabet).\c\p\B2\b a set of symbols or signs representing letters. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Ialphabetum\i from Greek \Ialpha,\i \Ibeta,\i the first two letters of the alphabet\c
<hw>alphabetical</hw> \K/alf\F'\n"bEtIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Balphabetic\b \K/-"bEtIk/\k)\p\B1\b of or relating to an alphabet.\p\B2\b in the order of the letters of the alphabet. \Balphabetically\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>alphabet soup</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i a confusing variety of acronyms or symbols.\Knew f. Incs, NSOED Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3alluding to a kind of clear soup containing pasta in the shapes of letters\c
<hw>alpha decay</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted.\Knew f. Collins, OERD Mar 94\k
<hw>alphanumeric</hw> \K/alf\F'\nnju:"mErIk/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Balphanumerical)\b\Kaphameric omitted Dec 93\k containing both alphabetical and numerical symbols. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalphabetic\x\j + \J\Xnumerical\x\j\c
<hw>alpha particle</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Balpha ray)\b \IPhysics\i a helium nucleus emitted by a radioactive substance, originally regarded as a ray.
<hw>alpha rhythm</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Balpha waves)\b \IPhysiol.\i \IPsychol\i the normal electrical activity of the brain when conscious and relaxed, with a frequency of approx. 8 to 13 hertz.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>alpha test</hw> \In. & v.\i \IComputing etc.\i\p\In.\i\pa test of machinery, software, etc. carried out by the developer before the product is made available for beta testing. \Iv.tr.\i subject (a product) to an alpha test.\Knew word in COD9 f. NEWS, ODNW Jul 93\k
<hw>alpine</hw> \K/"alpVIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \IGeog\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b of or relating to high mountains. \Bb\b growing or found on high mountains.\p\B2\b \B(Alpine)\b of or relating to the Alps.\p\B3\b \B(Alpine)\b \ISkiing\i (of skiing) involving fast downhill racing.\Ksense 3 new f. OERD Apr 94\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a plant native to mountain districts.\p\B2\b \IHort Bot\i a plant suited to rock gardens.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAlpinus:\i see \J\Xalp\x\j\c
<hw>Alpinist</hw> \K/"alpInIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i (also \Balpinist)\b a climber of high mountains, esp. in the Alps. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialpiniste\i (as \J\Xalpine\x;\j see \J\X-ist\x)\j\c
<hw>already</hw> \K/O:l"rEdi/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b before the time in question \3(I knew that already).\c\p\B2\b as early or as soon as this \3(already at the age of six).\c\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i as an intensive at the end of a phrase, to express impatience \3(enough already!).\c\Ksense 3 new f. OERD, NSOED, AHD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xall\x\j \Iadv.\i + \J\Xready\x:\j sense 3 influenced by Yiddish use\c
<hw>alright</hw> \K/O:l"rVIt/\k \Iadj., adv., & int.\i \Idisp.\i = \Iall right\i \I(see\i \J\Xall\x).\j Although widely used, \Ialright\i is still non-standard and considered incorrect by many people.
<hw>Alsatian</hw> \K/al"seIS(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b \IZool\i \Ba\b a large dog of a breed used as guard dogs etc. and for police work. \Bb\b this breed. \IAlso called\i \IGerman shepherd (dog).\i\p\B2\b \IPeople\i a native of Alsace, a region of eastern France. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants.\Kadj new f. corpus April 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\IAlsatia\i (the ancient name of Alsace) + \J\X-an\x\j\c
<hw>alsike</hw> \K/"alsIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a species of clover, Trifolium hybridum. \BEtymology:\b \3named after \IAlsike\i in Sweden\c
<hw>also</hw> \K/"O:ls\F'\nU/\k \Iadv.\i in addition; likewise; besides. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialswa\i (as \J\Xall\x\j \Iadv.\i, \J\Xso\x (1))\j\c
<hw>also-ran</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ISport Racing\i a horse or dog etc. not among the winners in a race.\p\B2\b an undistinguished person.
<hw>alstroemeria</hw> \K/alstr\F'\n"mI\F'\nrI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an ornamental plant of the S. American genus \IAlstroemeria\i (lily family), with showy lily-like flowers.\Knew f. NSOED Mar. 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, named after K. von \IAlstroemer,\i Swedish naturalist d. 1796\c
<hw>Alta.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Alberta.
<hw>altar</hw> \K/"O:lt\F'\n/, /"Ql-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b a table or flat-topped block, often of stone, for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity.\p\B2\b a Communion table.\p\1lead to the altar\c marry (a woman). \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ialtar -er,\i Germanic adoption of Late Latin \Ialtar,\i \Ialtarium,\i from Latin \Ialtaria\i (pl.) 'burnt offerings, altar', probably related to \Iadolere\i 'burn in sacrifice'\c
<hw>altar boy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a boy who serves as a priest's assistant in a service.
<hw>altarpiece</hw> \K/"O:lt\F'\npi:s/, /"Ql-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt Relig\i a piece of art, esp. a painting, set above or behind an altar.
<hw>altazimuth</hw> \K/al"tazIm\F'\nT/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i an instrument for measuring altitude and azimuth in astronomy and navigation, or vertical and horizontal angles in surveying \I(usu. \Battrib.:\b\i \2altazimuth mount).\c \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaltitude\x\j + \J\Xazimuth\x\j\c
<hw>alter</hw> \K/"O:lt\F'\n/, /"Ql-/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i make or become different; change.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \BUS\b & \BAustral.\b castrate or spay. \Balterable\b \Iadj.\i \Balteration\b \K/-"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ialterer\i and Late Latin \Ialterare\i from Latin \Ialter\i 'other'\c
<hw>alterative</hw> \K/"O:lt(\F'\n)r\F'\ntIv/, /"Ql-/\k \Iadj.\i tending to produce alteration.\Ksense 2 and noun omitted as archaic Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from medieval Latin \Ialterativus\i (as \J\Xalter\x)\j\c
<hw>alter ego</hw> \K/%alt\F'\nr "Eg\F'\nU/, /%Qlt-/, /"i:g-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balter egos)\b\p\B1\b a person's secondary or alternative personality.\p\B2\b an intimate and trusted friend. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = other self\c
<hw>alternate</hw> \Iv., adj., & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\K/"O:lt\F'\nneIt/, /"Ql-/\k\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i (of two things) succeed each other by turns \3(rain and sunshine alternated;\c \2elation alternated with depression).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bbetween)\b\i change repeatedly (between two conditions) \3(the patient alternated between hot and cold fevers).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i cause (two things) to succeed each other by turns \3(the band alternated fast and slow tunes;\c \2we alternated criticism with reassurance).\c \Iadj.\i \K/O:l"t\F'\n:n\F'\nt/, /Ql-/\k\p\B1\b \I(with noun in \Bpl.)\b\i every other \3(comes on alternate days).\c\p\B2\b (of things of two kinds) each following and succeeded by one of the other kind \3(alternate joy and misery).\c\p\B3\b (of a sequence etc.) consisting of alternate things.\p\B4\b \IBot.\i (of leaves etc.) placed alternately on the two sides of the stem.\p\B5\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b = \J\Xalternative\x\j \3(an alternate route).\c\p\In.\i\p\K/O:l"t\F'\n:n\F'\nt/, /Ql-/\k \Besp. N. Amer.\b a deputy or substitute. \Balternately\b \K/O:l"t\F'\n:n\F'\ntli/, /Ql-/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialternatus,\i past part. of \Ialternare\i 'do things by turns', from \Ialternus\i 'every other' from \Ialter\i 'other'\c See Usage Note at \J\Xalternative\x.\j
<hw>alternate angles</hw> \In.pl.\i \IMath\i two angles, not adjoining one another, that are formed on opposite sides of a line that intersects two other lines.
<hw>alternating current</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IElectr\i an electric current that reverses its direction at regular intervals (abbr. \BAC,\b \Bac).\b\Kabbr\k
<hw>alternation</hw> \K/O:lt\F'\n"neIS(\F'\n)n/, /Ql-/\k\p\In.\i\pthe action or result of alternating.
<hw>alternation of generations</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i a reproductive pattern in which two different forms (often sexual and asexual or haploid and diploid) alternate in the life cycle, as in ferns and some jellyfish.
<hw>alternative</hw> \K/O:l"t\F'\n:n\F'\ntIv/, /Ql-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of one or more things) available or usable instead of another \3(an alternative route).\c\p\B2\b (of two things) mutually exclusive.\p\B3\b of or relating to practices that offer a substitute for the conventional ones \3(alternative theatre).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b any of two or more possibilities.\p\B2\b the freedom or opportunity to choose between two or more things \3(I had no alternative but to go).\c \Balternatively\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialternatif -ive\i or medieval Latin \Ialternativus\i (as \J\Xalternate\x)\j\c Use of the adjective in sense 1 with reference to more than two options (e.g. \Imany alternative methods)\i is common, and acceptable. \IAlternative\i should not be used in place of \Ialternate\i in the sense 'every other', e.g. \IThere was a dance on alternate Saturdays.\i
<hw>alternative birth</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Balternative birthing)\b \IMed\i any method of childbirth in which the delivery occurs at home or in a similar environment, often with minimal medical intervention.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS, NSOED Feb 94\k
<hw>alternative comedy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i a style of comedy which seeks to reject established (esp. racist or sexist) stereotypes.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS, NSOED, corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>alternative energy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEcol\i energy fuelled in ways that do not use up the earth's natural resources or otherwise harm the enviroment.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>alternative fuel</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMotoring\i a fuel other than petrol for powering motor vehicles.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS, corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>alternative medicine</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i any of a range of medical therapies not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, e.g. chiropractic, faith healing, herbalism, homoeopathy, and reflexology. \IAlso called\i \Icomplementary medicine.\i\Knew in COD9 f. OERD Apr 94\k
<hw>alternative society</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \Besp. Brit.\b \ISociol\i a group of people dissociating themselves from conventional society and its values.
<hw>alternator</hw> \K/"O:lt\F'\nneIt\F'\n/, /"Ql-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr\i a dynamo that generates an alternating current.
<hw>althorn</hw> \K/"althO:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i an instrument of the saxhorn family, esp. the alto or tenor saxhorn in E flat. \BEtymology:\b \3German, from \Ialt\i 'high' (from Latin \Ialtus)\i + \J\Xhorn\x\j\c
<hw>although</hw> \K/O:l"D\F'\nU/, /Ql-/\k \Iconj.\i = \J\Xthough\x \Iconj.\i 1, 3, 4.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xall\x\j \Iadv.\i + \J\Xthough\x\j\c
<hw>altimeter</hw> \K/"altImi:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics Aeron\i an instrument for showing height above sea or ground level, esp. one fitted to an aircraft. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialtus\i 'high' + \J\X-meter\x\j\c
<hw>altitude</hw> \K/"altItju:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the height of an object in relation to a given point, esp. sea level or the horizon.\p\B2\b \IGeom.\i the length of the perpendicular from a vertex to the opposite side of a figure.\p\B3\b a high or exalted position \3(a social altitude).\c \Baltitudinal\b \K/altI"tju:dIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Latin \Ialtitudo\i from \Ialtus\i 'high'\c
<hw>altitude sickness</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a sickness experienced at high altitudes.
<hw>alto</hw> \K/"alt\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IMus\i\p\B1\b = \J\Xcontralto\x.\j\p\B2\b \Ba\b the highest adult male singing voice, above tenor. \Bb\b a singer with this voice. \Bc\b a part written for it.\p\B3\b \Ba\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i denoting the member of a family of instruments pitched second or third highest. \Bb\b an alto instrument, esp. an alto saxophone. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ialto\i \I(canto)\i 'high (singing)'\c
<hw>alto clef</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a clef placing middle C on the middle line of the staff, used chiefly for viola music.
<hw>altocumulus</hw> \K/alt\F'\nU"kju:mjUl\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol.\i cloud formed at medium altitude as a layer of rounded masses with a level base. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Latin \Ialtus\i 'high' + \J\Xcumulus\x\j\c
<hw>altogether</hw> \K/O:lt\F'\n"gED\F'\n/, /Ql-/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b totally, completely \3(you are altogether wrong).\c\p\B2\b on the whole \3(altogether it had been a good day).\c\p\B3\b in total.\p\1in the altogether\c \Icolloq.\i naked. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English, (as \J\Xall\x\j + \J\Xtogether\x)\j\c Note that \Ialtogether\i means 'in total', as in \Ithere are six bedrooms altogether,\i whereas \Iall together\i is used to mean 'all in one place' or 'all at once', as in \Ithere are six bedrooms all together;\i \Ithey came in all together.\i
<hw>alto-relievo</hw> \K/%alt\F'\nUrI"li:v\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Balto-rilievo\b \K/-rI"ljeIv\F'\nU/\k) \I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \ISculpture\i\p\B1\b = \Ihigh relief\i \I(see\i \J\Xrelief\x 6a).\j\p\B2\b a sculpture, carving, etc. in high relief. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ialto-rilievo\i\c
<hw>altostratus</hw> \K/alt\F'\nU"strA:t\F'\ns/, /-"streIt\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol.\i cloud formed as a continuous uniform layer at medium altitude. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Latin \Ialtus\i 'high' + \J\Xstratus\x\j\c
<hw>altricial</hw> \K/\F'\nl"trIS(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IZool\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a young bird or animal) requiring care and feeding by the parents after hatching or birth.\p\B2\b having such young.\p\In.\i\pan altricial bird \I(cf.\i \J\Xprecocial\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialtrix altricis\i fem. of \Ialtor\i 'nourisher', from \Ialere\i 'nourish'\c
<hw>altruism</hw> \K/"altrUIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b regard for others as a principle of action.\p\B2\b unselfishness; concern for other people. \Baltruist\b\p\In.\i\p\Baltruistic\b \K/altrU"IstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Baltruistically\b \K/altrU"IstIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ialtruisme\i from Italian \Ialtrui\i 'somebody else' (influenced by Latin \Ialter\i 'other')\c
<hw>alum</hw> \K/"al\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i\p\B1\b a double sulphate of aluminium and potassium.\p\B2\b any of a group of crystalline salts which are double sulphates of a monovalent metal (or group) and a trivalent metal. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Ialumen aluminis\i\c
<hw>alumina</hw> \K/\F'\n"lu:mIn\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i the compound aluminium oxide occurring naturally as corundum and emery. Chem. formula: Al2O3.\Kformula\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ialumen\i 'alum', on the pattern of \Isoda\i etc.\c
<hw>aluminium</hw> \K/aljU"mInI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(N. Amer.\b \Baluminum\b \K/\F'\n"lu:mIn\F'\nm/\k) \IChem\i a silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air (symbol \BAl).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3\Ialuminium,\i alteration (on the pattern of \Isodium\i etc.) from \Ialuminum,\i earlier \Ialumium,\i from \J\Xalum\x\j + \J\X-ium\x\j\c
<hw>aluminium bronze</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i an alloy of copper and aluminium.
<hw>aluminosilicate</hw> \K/\F'\n%lu:mIn\F'\nU"sIlIkeIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral.\i a silicate containing aluminium, esp. a rock-forming mineral of this kind, e.g. a feldspar, a clay mineral.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaluminium\x\j + \J\X-o-\x\j + \J\Xsilicate\x\j\c
<hw>alumnus</hw> \K/\F'\n"lVmn\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balumni\b \K/-ni/\k; \Ifem.\i \Balumna,\b \Ipl.\i \Balumnae\b \K/-ni/\k) a former pupil or student of a particular school, college, or university. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = 'nursling, pupil' from \Ialere\i 'nourish'\c
<hw>alveolar</hw> \K/al"vI\F'\nl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i of an alveolus.\p\B2\b \IPhonet.\i (of a consonant) pronounced with the tip of the tongue in contact with the ridge of the upper teeth, e.g. \In,\i \Is,\i \It.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xalveolus\x\j + \J\X-ar\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alveolus</hw> \K/al"vI\F'\nl\F'\ns/, /alvI"\F'\nUl\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Balveoli\b \K/-lVI/, /-li:/\k)\p\B1\b a small cavity, pit, or hollow.\p\B2\b \IAnat\i any of the many tiny air sacs of the lungs which allow for rapid gaseous exchange.\p\B3\b \IAnat\i the bony socket for the root of a tooth.\p\B4\b the cell of a honeycomb. \Balveolate\b \K/al"vI\F'\nl\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, diminutive of \Ialveus\i 'cavity'\c
<hw>always</hw> \K/"O:lweIz/, /-Iz/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b at all times; on all occasions \3(they are always late).\c\p\B2\b whatever the circumstances \3(I can always sleep on the floor).\c\p\B3\b repeatedly; often \3(they are always complaining).\c\p\B4\b for ever; for all time \3(he will always be a fool).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, probably distributive genitive from \J\Xall\x\j + \J\Xway\x\j + \J\X-'s\x (1)\j\c
<hw>alyssum</hw> \K/"alIs(\F'\n)m/, /\F'\n"lIs(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a cruciferous plant of the genus \IAlyssum,\i widely cultivated and usu. having yellow or white flowers.\p\B2\b (in full \Bsweet alyssum)\b a small Mediterranean cruciferous plant, Lobularia maritima, with fragrant white flowers.\Ksense 2 new f. NSOED, Coll. Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Ialusson\i\c
<hw>Alzheimer's disease</hw> \K/"altshVIm\F'\nz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a serious disorder of the brain manifesting itself in premature senility. \BEtymology:\b \3named after A. \IAlzheimer,\i German neurologist (d. 1915), who first identified it\c
<hw>AM</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IElectr\i amplitude modulation.\p\B2\b \BUS\b Master of Arts.\p\B3\b Member of the Order of Australia. \BEtymology:\b \3(sense 2) Latin \Iartium Magister\i\c
<hw>Am</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element americium.
<hw>am</hw> \I\I1st person sing. present\i of\i \J\Xbe\x.\j
<hw>a.m.</hw> \Iabbr.\i before noon. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iante meridiem\i\c
<hw>amadavat</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xavadavat\x.\j
<hw>amadou</hw> \K/"am\F'\ndu:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a spongy and combustible tinder prepared from dry fungi. \BEtymology:\b \3French from modern Provenτal, literally 'lover' (because quickly kindled) from Latin (as \J\Xamateur\x)\j\c
<hw>amah</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i (in the Far East and India) a nursemaid or maid. \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese \Iama\i 'nurse'\c
<hw>amalgam</hw> \K/\F'\n"malg\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a mixture or blend.\p\B2\b \IChem Dentistry\i an alloy of mercury with one or more other metals, used esp. in dentistry. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \Iamalgame\i or medieval Latin \Iamalgama\i from Greek \Imalagma\i 'an emollient'\c
<hw>amalgamate</hw> \K/\F'\n"malg\F'\nmeIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i combine or unite to form one structure, organization, etc.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \IChem\i (of metals) alloy with mercury. \Bamalgamation\b \K/-"meIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iamalgamare amalgamat-\i (as \J\Xamalgam\x)\j\c
<hw>amanuensis</hw> \K/\F'\n%manjU"EnsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bamanuenses\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b a person who writes from dictation or copies manuscripts.\p\B2\b a literary assistant. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from \I(servus)\i \Ia manu\i '(slave) at hand(writing), secretary' + \I-ensis\i 'belonging to'\c
<hw>amaranth</hw> \K/"am\F'\nranT/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAmaranthus,\i usu. having small green, red, or purple tinted flowers, e.g. prince's feather.\p\B2\b an imaginary flower that never fades.\p\B3\b a purple colour. \Bamaranthine\b \K/am\F'\n"ranTVIn/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iamarante\i or modern Latin \Iamaranthus\i via Latin from Greek \Iamarantos\i 'everlasting', (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Imaraino\i 'wither'), alteration influenced by \Ipolyanthus\i etc.\c
<hw>amaretto</hw> \K/am\F'\n"rEt\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bamaretti\b \K/-ti/\k)\p\B1\b \IDrink\i an Italian almond-flavoured liqueur.\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i Italian almond-flavoured biscuits.\Knew f. OERD, corpus Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, diminutive of \Iamaro\i 'bitter' (with reference to bitter almonds\c Care should be taken not to confuse \Iamaretto\i/\Iamaretti\i 'a liqueur; almond-flavoured biscuits' with \Iamoretto\i 'a Cupid'.
<hw>amaryllis</hw> \K/am\F'\n"rIlIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a bulbous lily-like plant, Amaryllis belladonna, native to S. Africa, with white or rose-pink flowers; \Ialso called\i \Ibelladonna lily.\i\p\B2\b a related plant formerly of this genus, esp. one of the genus \IHippeastrum.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \IAmarullis,\i a name for a country girl in pastoral poetry\c
<hw>amass</hw> \K/\F'\n"mas/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b gather or heap together.\p\B2\b accumulate (esp. riches). \Bamasser\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iamasser\i or medieval Latin \Iamassare,\i ultimately from Latin \Imassa\i \J\Xmass\x\j\c
<hw>amateur</hw> \K/"am\F'\nt\F'\n/, /-tjU\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a person who engages in a pursuit (e.g. an art or sport) as a pastime rather than a profession. \Bb\b \Iderog.\i a person who does something unskilfully or amateurishly.\K1b new in COD9 f. Wordfinder Jul 93\k\p\B2\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i for or done by amateurs \3(amateur athletics).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i a person who is fond of (a thing). \Bamateurism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French, via Italian \Iamatore\i from Latin \Iamator -oris\i 'lover', from \Iamare\i 'love'\c
<hw>amateurish</hw> \K/"am\F'\nt\F'\nrIS/\k \Iadj.\i characteristic of an amateur, esp. \Iderog.\i one who is unskilful or inept. \Bamateurishly\b \Iadv.\i \Bamateurishness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>amatory</hw> \K/"am\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \ISex\i of or relating to sexual love or desire. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamatorius,\i from \Iamare\i 'love'\c
<hw>amaurosis</hw> \K/amO:"r\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i partial or total loss of sight, from disease of the optic nerve, retina, spinal cord, or brain. \Bamaurotic\b \K/-"rQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, from \Iamauroo\i 'darken' from \Iamauros\i 'dim'\c
<hw>amaze</hw> \K/\F'\n"meIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bat,\b or \Bthat\b + clause, or \Bto\b + infin.)\i surprise greatly; overwhelm with wonder \3(am amazed at your indifference;\c \2was amazed to find them alive).\c \Bamazement\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamazing\b \Iadj.\i \Bamazingly\b \Iadv.\i \Bamazingness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iamasian,\i of uncertain origin\c
<hw>Amazon</hw> \K/"am\F'\nz(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol\i a member of a legendary race of female warriors in Scythia and elsewhere.\p\B2\b \B(amazon)\b a very tall, strong, or athletic woman. \BAmazonian\b \K/am\F'\n"z\F'\nUnI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin from Greek: explained by the Greeks as 'breastless' (as if \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Imazos\i 'breast'), but probably of foreign origin\c
<hw>amazon ant</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i an ant of the genus \IPolyergus,\i which captures pupae of other ant species to raise as slaves.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>ambassador</hw> \K/am"bas\F'\nd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IDiplomacy\i an accredited diplomat sent by a state on a mission to, or as its permanent representative in, a foreign country.\p\B2\b a representative or promoter of a specified thing \3(an ambassador of peace).\c \Bambassadorial\b \K/ambas\F'\n"dO:rI\F'\nl/, /am"bas-/\k \Iadj.\i \Bambassadorship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \Iambassadeur\i from Italian \Iambasciator,\i ultimately from Latin \Iambactus\i 'servant'\c
<hw>ambassador-at-large</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \IDiplomacy\i an ambassador with special duties, not appointed to a particular country.
<hw>ambassadress</hw> \K/am"bas\F'\ndrIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDiplomacy\i\p\B1\b a female ambassador.\p\B2\b an ambassador's wife.
<hw>ambatch</hw> \K/"ambatS/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an African tree, Aeschynomene elaphroxylon, with very light spongy wood. \BEtymology:\b \3Ethiopic\c
<hw>amber</hw> \K/"amb\F'\n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IMineral\i a yellowish translucent fossilized resin deriving from extinct (esp. coniferous) trees and used in jewellery. \Bb\b the honey-yellow colour of this.\p\B2\b \ITransport\i a cautionary yellow light, esp. a traffic light showing between green for 'go' and red for 'stop'. \Iadj.\i made of or coloured like amber. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iambre\i from Arabic '\Ianbar\i 'ambergris, amber'\c
<hw>ambergris</hw> \K/"amb\F'\ngrIs/, /-i:s/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i a strong-smelling waxlike secretion of the intestine of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfume manufacture. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Iambre gris\i 'grey' \J\Xamber\x\j\c
<hw>amberjack</hw> \K/"amb\F'\ndZak/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \IZool\i any large brightly coloured marine fish of the genus \ISeriola\i found in tropical and subtropical Atlantic waters.
<hw>ambidextrous</hw> \K/ambI"dEkstr\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b able to use the right and left hands equally well.\p\B2\b working skilfully in more than one medium.\K-dexterous omitted Dec 93\k \Bambidexterity\b \K/-"stErIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bambidextrously\b \Iadv.\i \Bambidextrousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iambidexter,\i from Latin \Iambi-\i 'on both sides' + \Idexter\i 'right-handed'\c
<hw>ambience</hw> \K/"ambI\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the surroundings or atmosphere of a place.\p\B2\b \IElectronics Mus\i background noise added to a musical recording to give the impression that it was recorded live.\Ksense 2 new f. Incomings Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xambient\x\j + \J\X-ence\x\j or French \Iambiance\i\c
<hw>ambient</hw> \K/"ambI\F'\nnt/\k \Iadj.\i surrounding; of the surroundings \3(ambient temperature).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iambiant\i or Latin \Iambiens -entis,\i pres. part. of \Iambire\i 'go round'\c
<hw>ambient music</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i background music used to create atmosphere.\Knew in COD9 f. corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>ambiguity</hw> \K/ambI"gju:Iti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b double meaning, either deliberate or caused by inexactness of expression \3(tried to avoid ambiguity in setting out the rules).\c \Bb\b an example of this.\p\B2\b an expression able to be interpreted in more than one way (e.g. \Idogs must be carried).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \IambiguitΘ\i or Latin \Iambiguitas\i (as \J\Xambiguous\x)\j\c
<hw>ambiguous</hw> \K/am"bIgjU\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b having an obscure or double meaning.\p\B2\b difficult to classify. \Bambiguously\b \Iadv.\i \Bambiguousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iambiguus\i 'doubtful' from \Iambigere,\i from \Iambi-\i 'both ways' + \Iagere\i 'drive'\c
<hw>ambisonics</hw> \K/ambI"sQnIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \IElectr\i a system of high-fidelity sound reproduction designed to reproduce the directional and acoustic properties of the sound source using two or more channels. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iambi-\i 'on both sides' + \J\Xsonic\x\j\c
<hw>ambit</hw> \K/"ambIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the scope, extent, or bounds of something.\p\B2\b precincts or environs. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iambitus\i 'circuit', from \Iambire:\i see \J\Xambient\x\j\c
<hw>ambition</hw> \K/am"bIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(often foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i\p\B1\b drive to succeed or progress \3(was full of ambition to succeed).\c\p\B2\b a strong desire or aspiration \3(her ambition to be a doctor;\c \2an ambition to visit Rome).\c\Ksense object of this determination omitted as archaic; sense 2 new f. corpus, SOED Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iambitio -onis,\i from \Iambire ambit-\i 'canvass for votes': see \J\Xambient\x\j\c
<hw>ambitious</hw> \K/am"bIS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b full of ambition. \Bb\b showing ambition \3(an ambitious attempt).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bof,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i strongly determined. \Bambitiously\b \Iadv.\i \Bambitiousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iambitieux\i from Latin \Iambitiosus\i (as \J\Xambition\x)\j\c
<hw>ambivalence</hw> \K/am"bIv(\F'\n)l(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bambivalency\b \K/-\F'\nnsi/\k) the coexistence in one person's mind of opposing feelings, esp. love and hate, in a single context. \Bambivalent\b \Iadj.\i \Bambivalently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAmbivalenz\i from Latin \Iambo\i 'both', on the pattern of \I─quivalenz\i 'equivalence': cf. \J\Xequivalent\x\j\c
<hw>ambivert</hw> \K/"ambIv\F'\n:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i a person who fluctuates between being an introvert and an extrovert. \Bambiversion\b \K/ambI"v\F'\n:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iambi-\i 'on both sides' + \I-vert\i from Latin \Ivertere\i 'to turn', on the pattern of \J\Xextrovert\x,\j \J\Xintrovert\x\j\c
<hw>amble</hw> \K/"amb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b move at an easy pace, in a way suggesting an ambling horse.\p\B2\b \IRiding\i (of a horse etc.) move by lifting the two feet on one side together.\p\B3\b \IRiding\i ride an ambling horse; ride at an easy pace.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an easy pace.\p\B2\b \IRiding\i the gait of an ambling horse. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iambler\i from Latin \Iambulare\i 'walk'\c
<hw>amblyopia</hw> \K/amblI"\F'\nUpI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i dimness of vision without obvious defect or change in the eye. \Bamblyopic\b \K/-"QpIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek from \Iambluopos\i \I(adj.),\i from \Iamblus\i 'dull' + \Iops,\i \Iopos\i 'eye'\c
<hw>ambo</hw> \K/"amb\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os\b or \Bambones\b \K/-"b\F'\nUni:z/\k) \IRelig\i a stand for reading the lesson in an early Christian church etc. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin from Greek \Iambon\i 'rim' (in medieval Greek = pulpit)\c
<hw>amboyna</hw> \K/am"bOIn\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the decorative wood of the SE Asian tree Pterocarpus indicus. \BEtymology:\b \3named after \IAmboina\i Island in Indonesia\c
<hw>ambrosia</hw> \K/am"br\F'\nUzj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol\i (in Greek and Roman mythology) the food of the gods; the elixir of life.\p\B2\b anything very pleasing to taste or smell.\p\B3\b \IZool\i \Ba\b a fungal product used as food by pinhole borers. \Bb\b = \J\Xbee-bread\x.\j \Bambrosial\b \Iadj.\i \Bambrosian\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, = elixir of life, from \Iambrotos\i 'immortal'\c
<hw>ambrosia beetle</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a small beetle of the family Scolytidae or Platypodidae, whose larvae are pinhole borers.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k
<hw>ambry</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xaumbry\x.\j
<hw>ambulance</hw> \K/"ambjUl(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a vehicle specially equipped for conveying the sick or injured to and from hospital, esp. in emergencies.\p\B2\b \IMil\i a mobile hospital following an army. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xambulant\x)\j\c
<hw>ambulance chaser</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i \Iderog.\i\p\B1\b a lawyer who specializes in personal injury litigation.\p\B2\b a person seeking to profit from others' misfortunes.\Knew f. incomings, kpb Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3from the reputation gained by certain lawyers for attending accidents and encouraging victims to sue\c
<hw>ambulance man</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Bambulance woman)\b a member of an ambulance crew.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus, incomings, RL Jul 93\k
<hw>ambulant</hw> \K/"ambjUl(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed.\i\p\B1\b (of a patient) able to walk about; not confined to bed.\p\B2\b (of treatment) not confining a patient to bed. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iambulare ambulant-\i 'walk'\c
<hw>ambulatory</hw> \K/"ambjUl\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i = \J\Xambulant\x.\j\p\B2\b of or adapted for walking.\p\B3\b \Ba\b movable. \Bb\b not permanent.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IRelig\i a place for walking, esp. an aisle or cloister in a church or monastery. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iambulatorius,\i from \Iambulare\i 'walk'\c
<hw>ambuscade</hw> \K/amb\F'\n"skeId/\k \In. & v.\i \IMil\i\p\In.\i\pan ambush.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i attack by means of an ambush.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i lie in ambush.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i conceal in an ambush. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iembuscade\i via Italian \Iimboscata\i or Spanish \Iemboscada\i from Latin \Iimboscare:\i see \J\Xambush\x,\j \J\X-ade\x (1)\j\c
<hw>ambush</hw> \K/"ambUS/\k \In. & v.\i \IMil\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a surprise attack by persons (e.g. troops) in a concealed position.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the concealment of troops etc. to make such an attack. \Bb\b the place where they are concealed. \Bc\b the troops etc. concealed. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b attack by means of an ambush.\p\B2\b lie in wait for. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, in the sense 'set (troops) to ambush': via Old French \Iembusche,\i \Iembuschier,\i from a Romanic form = 'put in a wood': related to \J\Xbush\x (1)\j\c
<hw>ameliorate</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:lI\F'\nreIt/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \Iformal\i make or become better; improve. \Bamelioration\b \K/\F'\n%mi:lI\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bameliorative\b \Iadj.\i \Bameliorator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3alteration of \J\Xmeliorate\x,\j influenced by French \IamΘliorer\i\c
<hw>amen</hw> \K/A:"mEn/, /eI-/\k \Iint. & n.\i \Iint.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn etc., meaning 'so be it'.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i expressing agreement or assent \3(amen to that).\c\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i an utterance of 'amen'. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English via ecclesiastical Latin and Greek from Hebrew '\Iamen\i 'certainly'\c
<hw>amenable</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:n\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b responsive, tractable.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i \ILaw\i (of a person) responsible to law.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i (of a thing) subject or liable. \Bamenability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bamenableness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamenably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French \I(Law)\i via French \Iamener\i 'bring to' (as \J\Xa-\x (3)\j + \Imener\i 'bring') via Late Latin \Iminare\i 'drive (animals)' from Latin \Iminari\i 'threaten'\c
<hw>amend</hw> \K/\F'\n"mEnd/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b make minor improvements in (a text or a written proposal).\p\B2\b correct an error or errors in (a document).\p\B3\b make better; improve. \Bamendable\b \Iadj.\i \Bamender\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Iamender,\i ultimately from Latin \Iemendare\i \J\Xemend\x\j\c \IAmend\i should not be confused with \Iemend,\i a more technical word used in the context of textual correction.
\B\Iamende honorable\b\i \K/\F'\n%mQ~d QnO:"rA:b(\F'\n)l/, French /amA~d OnOrabl/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B\Iamendes honorables\b\i \Ipronunc.\i same) a public or open apology, often with some form of reparation. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = honourable reparation\c
<hw>amendment</hw> \K/\F'\n"mEn(d)m(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a minor improvement in a document (esp. a legal or statutory one).\p\B2\b an article added to the US Constitution. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamend\x\j + \J\X-ment\x\j\c
<hw>amends</hw> \K/\F'\n"mEn(d)z/\k\p\In.\i\p\1make amends\c \I(often foll. by \Bfor)\b\i compensate or make up (for). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iamendes\i 'penalties, fine', pl. of \Iamende\i 'reparation', from \Iamender\i \J\Xamend\x\j\c
<hw>amenity</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:nIti/, /-"mEn-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i a pleasant or useful feature.\p\B2\b pleasantness (of a place, person, etc.). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IamenitΘ\i or Latin \Iamoenitas,\i from \Iamoenus\i 'pleasant'\c
<hw>amenity bed</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IMed\i a bed available in a hospital to give more privacy for a small payment.
<hw>amenorrhoea</hw> \K/\F'\nmEn\F'\n"ri:\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bamenorrhea)\b \IMed.\i an abnormal absence of menstruation. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \J\Xmenorrhoea\x\j\c
<hw>ament</hw> \K/"eImEnt/, /\F'\n"mEnt/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bamentum\b \K/-t\F'\nm/\k) \I(pl.\i \Baments\b or \Bamenta\b \K/-t\F'\n/\k) \IBot.\i a catkin. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = thong\c
<hw>amentia</hw> \K/eI"mEnS\F'\n/, /\F'\n-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i severe congenital mental handicap. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from \Iamens ament-\i 'mad' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Imens\i 'mind')\c
<hw>Amerasian</hw> \K/am\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/, /-Z(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPeople\i \Iadj.\i of mixed American and Asian parentage.\p\In.\i\pan Amerasian person, esp. a child fathered by an American serviceman in Asia.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, RL, DJT Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3portmanteau word from \J\XAmerican\x\j + \J\XAsian\x\j\c
<hw>amerce</hw> \K/\F'\n"m\F'\n:s/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \ILaw\i punish by fine.\p\B2\b punish arbitrarily. \Bamercement\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamerciable\b \K/-sI\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iamercy\i from Anglo-French \Iamercier\i from \Iα merci\i 'at (the) mercy'\c
<hw>American</hw> \K/\F'\n"mErIk(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of, relating to, or characteristic of the United States or its inhabitants.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bcomb.)\b\i of or relating to the continents of America \3(Latin American).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a native or citizen of the United States.\p\B2\b \IPeople\i \I(usu. in \Bcomb.)\b\i a native or inhabitant of the continents of America \3(North Americans).\c\p\B3\b \ILanguage\i the English language as it is used in the United States. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAmericanus\i from \IAmerica,\i from the Latinized form of the name of \IAmerigo\i Vespucci, Italian navigator (d. 1512), who made several voyages to the New World\c
<hw>Americana</hw> \K/\F'\nmErI"kA:n\F'\n/\k \In.pl.\i things connected with America, esp. with the United States.
<hw>American dream</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i the traditional social ideals of the American people, such as equality, democracy, and material prosperity.
<hw>American football</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i a kind of football played with an oval ball, evolved from rugby.
<hw>American Indian</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i a member of a group of indigenous peoples of N. and S. America and the Caribbean. The term \INative American\i is now often, though not universally, preferred.
<hw>Americanism</hw> \K/\F'\n"mErIk(\F'\n)nIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a word, sense, or phrase peculiar to or originating from the United States. \Bb\b a thing or feature characteristic of or peculiar to the United States.\p\B2\b attachment to or sympathy for the United States.
<hw>Americanize</hw> \K/\F'\n"mErIk(\F'\n)nVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p(also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b make American in character. \Bb\b naturalize as an American.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i become American in character. \BAmericanization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>American Legion</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i (in the US) an association of ex-servicemen formed in 1919.
<hw>American plaice</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xplaice\x 2.\j\Knew as hwd Aug 94\k
<hw>American plan</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \ICommerce\i a system of charging for a hotel room and meals \I(cf.\i \J\XEuropean plan\x).\j\Knew f. kpb Sep 94\k
<hw>americium</hw> \K/am\F'\n"rIsj\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i an artificially made transuranic radioactive metallic element (symbol \BAm).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3\IAmerica\i (where it was first made) + \J\X-ium\x\j\c
<hw>Amerind</hw> \K/"am\F'\nrInd/\k \Iadj. & n.\i (also \BAmerindian\b \K/am\F'\n"rIndI\F'\nn/\k) = \J\XAmerican Indian\x.\j\KAmerindic omitted Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3portmanteau word from \J\XAmerican\x\j + \J\XIndian\x\j\c
<hw>amethyst</hw> \K/"am\F'\nTIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i a precious stone of a violet or purple variety of quartz. \Bamethystine\b \K/-"TIsti:n/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iametiste\i and Latin \Iamethystus\i from Greek \Iamethustos\i 'not drunken', the stone being supposed to prevent intoxication\c
<hw>Amex</hw> \K/"amEks/\k \Iabbr.\i \IFinance\i\p\B1\b \Ipropr.\i American Express.\p\B2\b American Stock Exchange.\Knew word in COD9 f. NEWS, corpus, incomings, Ox.Dict. of Abbrevs Jul 93\k
<hw>Amharic</hw> \K/am"harIk/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pthe official and commercial language of Ethiopia. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this language. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAmhara,\i Ethiopian province + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>amiable</hw> \K/"eImI\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i friendly and pleasant in temperament; likeable. \Bamiability\b \K/eImI\F'\n"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bamiableness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamiably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Late Latin \Iamicabilis\i 'amicable': the spelling from confusion with French \Iaimable\i 'lovable'\c
<hw>amianthus</hw> \K/amI"anT\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bamiantus\b \K/-t\F'\ns/\k) \IChem Mineral\i a fine silky-fibred variety of asbestos. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iamiantos\i 'undefiled' from \Ia-\i 'not' + \Imiaino\i 'defile' (i.e. purified by fire, being incombustible): for \I-h-\i cf. \J\Xamaranth\x\j\c
<hw>amicable</hw> \K/"amIk\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i showing or done in a friendly spirit \3(an amicable meeting).\c \Bamicability\b \K/amIk\F'\n"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bamicableness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamicably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iamicabilis,\i from Latin \Iamicus\i 'friend'\c
<hw>amice (1)</hw> \K/"amIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a white linen cloth worn on the neck and shoulders by a priest celebrating the Eucharist. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via medieval Latin \Iamicia,\i \I-sia\i from Latin \Iamictus\i 'outer garment'\c
<hw>amice (2)</hw> \K/"amIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a cap, hood, or cape worn by members of certain religious orders. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaumusse\i from medieval Latin \Ialmucia\i etc., of unknown origin\c
<hw>amicus curiae</hw> \K/a%mVIk\F'\ns "kjU\F'\nrIi:/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bamici curiae\b \K/-si/\k) \ILaw\i an impartial adviser in a court of law.\Knaturalized in line with NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, = friend of the court\c
<hw>amid</hw> \K/\F'\n"mId/\k \Iprep.\i (also \Bamidst\b \K/\F'\n"mIdst/\k)\p\B1\b in the middle of.\p\B2\b in the course of. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iamidde(s)\i (as \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xmid\x)\j\c
<hw>amide</hw> \K/"eImVId/, /"amVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a compound formed from ammonia by replacement of one (or sometimes more than one) hydrogen atom by a metal or an acyl radical. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xammonia\x\j + \J\X-ide\x\j\c
<hw>amidships</hw> \K/\F'\n"mIdSIps/\k \Iadv.\i \B(US\b also \Bamidship)\b \INaut\i in or into the middle of a ship. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xmidship\x,\j influenced by \J\Xamid\x\j\c
<hw>amidst</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xamid\x.\j
<hw>amigo</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:g\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i (often as a form of address) a friend or comrade, esp. in Spanish-speaking areas. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish\c
<hw>amine</hw> \K/"eImi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a compound formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by an organic radical or radicals. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xammonia\x\j + \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>amino</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:n\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(used \Battrib.)\b\i \IChem.\i the monovalent group -NH2. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamine\x\j\c
<hw>amino acid</hw> \K/\F'\n%mi:n\F'\nU "asId/, /\F'\n%mVIn-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i any of a group of simple organic compounds containing both the carboxyl (COOH) and amino (NH2) group, many occurring naturally in plant and animal tissues and forming the basic constituents of proteins.
<hw>amir</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bameer)\b \IAnthropol\i the title of some Arab rulers. \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iamir\i 'commander' from \Iamara\i 'command': cf. \J\Xemir\x\j\c
<hw>Amish</hw> \K/"amIS/, /"A:-/, /"eI-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i belonging to a strict US Mennonite sect. \In.pl.\i \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i the members of this sect.\Kn. new f. Incomings Apr. 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3probably from German \IAmisch,\i from J. \IAmen\i 17th-c. Swiss Mennonite preacher\c
<hw>amiss</hw> \K/\F'\n"mIs/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \Ipredic.adj.\i wrong; out of order; faulty \3(knew something was amiss).\c \Iadv.\i wrong; wrongly; inappropriately \3(everything went amiss).\c\p\1take amiss\c be offended by \3(took my words amiss).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, probably from Old Norse \Iα mis\i 'so as to miss', from \Iα\i 'on' + \Imis\i related to \J\Xmiss\x (1)\j\c
<hw>amitosis</hw> \K/amI"t\F'\nUsIs/, /eImVI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i a form of nuclear division that does not involve mitosis. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \J\Xmitosis\x\j\c
<hw>amitriptyline</hw> \K/amI"trIptIli:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm.\i an antidepressant drug that has a mild tranquillizing action. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamine\x\j + \J\Xtri-\x\j + \Iheptyl\i (see \J\Xheptane\x)\j + \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>amity</hw> \K/"amIti/\k\p\In.\i\pfriendship; friendly relations. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IamitiΘ,\i ultimately from Latin \Iamicus\i 'friend'\c
<hw>ammeter</hw> \K/"amIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr\i an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xampere\x\j + \J\X-meter\x\j\c
<hw>ammonia</hw> \K/\F'\n"m\F'\nUnI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i\p\B1\b a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. Chem. formula: NH3.\Kformula\k\p\B2\b (in general use) a strongly alkaline solution of ammonia gas in water. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from \J\Xsal ammoniac\x\j\c
<hw>ammoniacal</hw> \K/am\F'\n(U)"nVI\F'\nk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem\i of, relating to, or containing ammonia or sal ammoniac. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iammoniac\i via Old French and Latin from Greek \Iammoniakos\i 'of Ammon', used as a noun for the salt and gum obtained near the temple of Jupiter Ammon (the Greek name for the Egyptian deity Amen) at Siwain Egypt (cf. \J\Xsal ammoniac\x)\j\c
<hw>ammoniated</hw> \K/\F'\n"m\F'\nUnIeItId/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem\i combined or treated with ammonia.
<hw>ammonite</hw> \K/"am\F'\nnVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool Geol\i an extinct cephalopod mollusc of the order Ammonoidea, with a flat coiled spiral shell found as a fossil. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iammonites,\i from medieval Latin \Icornu Ammonis\i 'horn of Ammon' (see \J\Xammoniacal\x),\j from the fossil's resemblance to the ram's horn associated with Ammon\c
<hw>ammonium</hw> \K/\F'\n"m\F'\nUnI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i the monovalent ion NH4+, formed from ammonia. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin (as \J\Xammonia\x)\j\c
<hw>ammunition</hw> \K/amjU"nIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i a supply of projectiles (esp. bullets, shells, and grenades).\p\B2\b points used or usable to advantage in an argument. \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete French \Iamunition,\i corruption of \I(la)\i \Imunition\i '(the) \J\Xmunition\x\j'\c
<hw>amnesia</hw> \K/am"ni:zj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a partial or total loss of memory. \Bamnesiac\b \K/-zIak/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bamnesic\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, = forgetfulness\c
<hw>amnesty</hw> \K/"amnIsti/\k \In. & v.\i \IPolit\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b a general pardon, esp. for political offences. \Iv.tr.\i \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b grant an amnesty to. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iamnestie,\i or Latin from Greek \Iamnestia\i 'oblivion'\c
<hw>Amnesty International</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i an independent international organization in support of human rights, esp. for prisoners of conscience.
<hw>amnio</hw> \K/"amnI\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IMed.\i \Icolloq.\i amniocentesis.\Knew word in COD9 f. Nexis, incomings Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>amniocentesis</hw> \K/%amnI\F'\nUsEn"ti:sIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bamniocenteses\b \K/-si:z/\k) \IMed.\i the sampling of amniotic fluid by insertion of a hollow needle into the uterus to determine the condition of a foetus. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamnion\x\j + Greek \Ikentesis\i 'pricking', from \Ikento\i 'to prick'\c
<hw>amnion</hw> \K/"amnI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bamnia)\b \IZool.\i & \IPhysiol.\i the innermost membrane that encloses the embryo of a reptile, bird, or mammal. \Bamniotic\b \K/amnI"QtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = caul (diminutive of \Iamnos\i 'lamb')\c
<hw>amniote</hw> \K/"amnI\F'\nUt/\k \In. & adj.\i \IZool.\i\p\In.\i\pan animal whose embryo develops in an amnion. \Iadj.\i of or relating to such animals.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xamniotic\x\j (see \J\Xamnion\x)\j\c
<hw>amniotic fluid</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i the fluid surrounding a foetus within the amnion.\Knew f. NSOED Apr 94\k
<hw>amoeba</hw> \K/\F'\n"mi:b\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Bameba)\b \I(pl.\i \Bamoebas\b or \Bamoebae\b \K/-bi:/\k) \IBiol Zool\i any usu. aquatic protozoan of the genus \IAmoeba,\i esp. A. proteus, capable of changing shape. \Bamoebic\b \Iadj.\i \Bamoeboid\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iamoibe\i 'change'\c
<hw>amoebiasis</hw> \K/ami:"bVI\F'\nsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bamebiasis)\b \I(pl.\i \Bamoebiases)\b \IMed.\i infection with amoebas, esp. as causing dysentery.\Knew f. incomings, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamoeba\x\j + \J\X-asis\x\j\c
<hw>amoebic dysentery</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Bamebic dysentery)\b \IMed\i dysentery caused by infection of the gut with certain amoebae.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Nov 93\k
<hw>amok</hw> \K/\F'\n"mQk/\k \Iadv.\i (also \Bamuck\b \K/\F'\n"mVk/\k)\p\1run amok\c run about wildly in an uncontrollable violent rage. \BEtymology:\b \3Malay \Iamok\i 'rushing in a frenzy'\c
<hw>among</hw> \K/\F'\n"mVN/\k \Iprep.\i (also \Besp. Brit.\b \Bamongst\b \K/\F'\n"mVNst/\k, \Ipoet.\i \B'mongst\b \K/mVNst/\k)\p\B1\b surrounded by; in the company of \3(lived among the trees;\c \2be among friends).\c\p\B2\b in the number of \3(among us were those who disagreed).\c\p\B3\b an example of; in the class or category of \3(is among the richest men alive).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b between; within the limits of (collectively or distributively); shared by \3(had ú5 among us;\c \2divide it among you).\c \Bb\b by the joint action or from the joint resources of \3(among us we can manage it).\c\p\B5\b with one another; by the reciprocal action of \3(was decided among the participants;\c \2talked among themselves).\c\p\B6\b as distinguished from; pre-eminent in the category of \3(she is one among many).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iongemang,\i (as \J\XA\x (2)\j + \Igemang\i 'assemblage'): \I-st\i = adverbial genitive \I-s\i + \I-t\i as in \J\Xagainst\x\j\c
<hw>amontillado</hw> \K/\F'\nmQntI"lA:d\F'\nU/, /-"ljA:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IDrink\i a medium dry sherry. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, from \IMontilla\i in Spain + \I-ado\i = \J\X-ate\x (2)\j\c
<hw>amoral</hw> \K/eI"mQr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b not concerned with or outside the scope of morality \I(cf.\i \J\Ximmoral\x).\j\p\B2\b having no moral principles. \Bamoralism\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamoralist\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamorality\b \K/-"ralIti/\k\p\In.\i\p
\B\Iamoretto\b\i \K/am\F'\n"rEt\F'\nU/, Italian /amo"retto/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B\Iamoretti\b\i \K/-ti:/\k) a Cupid. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, diminutive of \Iamore\i 'love', from Latin \Iamor\i\c See Usage Note at \J\Xamaretto\x.\j
<hw>amorist</hw> \K/"am\F'\nrIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISex Literature\i a person who professes or writes of (esp. sexual) love. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamor\i or French \Iamour\i + \J\X-ist\x\j\c
<hw>amoroso (1)</hw> \K/am\F'\n"r\F'\nUz\F'\nU/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \IMus.\i in a loving or tender manner. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian\c
<hw>amoroso (2)</hw> \K/am\F'\n"r\F'\nUz\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IDrink\i a full rich type of sherry. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, = amorous\c
<hw>amorous</hw> \K/"am(\F'\n)r\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b showing, feeling, or inclined to sexual love.\p\B2\b of or relating to sexual love. \Bamorously\b \Iadv.\i \Bamorousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French and medieval Latin \Iamorosus\i from Latin \Iamor\i 'love'\c
<hw>amorphous</hw> \K/\F'\n"mO:f\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b shapeless.\p\B2\b vague, ill-organized.\p\B3\b \IMineral.\i & \IChem.\i non-crystalline; having neither definite form nor structure. \Bamorphously\b \Iadv.\i \Bamorphousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iamorphus\i from Greek \Iamorphos\i 'shapeless' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Imorphe\i 'form')\c
<hw>amortize</hw> \K/\F'\n"mO:tVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \ICommerce\i\p\B1\b gradually extinguish (a debt) by money regularly put aside.\p\B2\b gradually write off the initial cost of (assets).\p\B3\b \Ihist.\i transfer (land) to a corporation in mortmain. \Bamortization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iamortir\i (stem \Iamortiss-),\i ultimately from Latin \Iad\i 'to' + \Imors mort-\i 'death'\c
<hw>amount</hw> \K/\F'\n"maUnt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\pa quantity, esp. the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, extent, etc. \3(a large amount of money;\c \2came to a considerable amount).\c\Kthe full effect or significance omitted Dec 93\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i be equivalent to in number, size, significance, etc. \3(amounted to ú100;\c \2amounted to a disaster).\c\p\1any amount of\c a great deal of.\p\1no amount of\c not even the greatest possible amount of. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iamunter\i from \Iamont\i 'upward', literally 'uphill', from Latin \Iad montem\i\c
<hw>amour</hw> \K/\F'\n"mU\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa love affair, esp. a secret one. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = love, from Latin \Iamor amoris\i\c
\B\Iamour propre\b\i \K/a%mU\F'\n "prQpr(\F'\n)/, French /amur prOpr/\k\p\In.\i\pself-respect. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>amp (1)</hw> \K/amp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr.\i an ampere. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>amp (2)</hw> \K/amp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr\i \Icolloq.\i an amplifier. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>ampelopsis</hw> \K/ampI"lQpsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAmpelopsis\i or \IParthenocissus,\i usu. a climber supporting itself by twining tendrils, e.g. Virginia creeper. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iampelos\i 'vine' + \Iopsis\i 'appearance'\c
<hw>amperage</hw> \K/"amp(\F'\n)rIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr.\i the strength of an electric current in amperes.
<hw>ampere</hw> \K/"ampE:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISci\i \IElectr.\i the SI base unit of electric current (symbol \BA).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3named after A. M. \IAmpΦre,\i French physicist d. 1836\c
<hw>ampersand</hw> \K/"amp\F'\nsand/\k\p\In.\i\pthe sign & (= \Iand,\i Latin \Iet).\i \BEtymology:\b \3corruption of \Iand per se and\i ('&' by itself is 'and'), chanted as an aid to learning the sign\c
<hw>amphetamine</hw> \K/am"fEt\F'\nmi:n/, /-In/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i a synthetic drug used esp. as a stimulant. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of chemical name \Ia\ilpha-\Im\iethyl \Iphe\ine\It\ihyl\Iamine\i\c
<hw>amphi-</hw> \K/"amfi/\k \Icomb. form\i\p\B1\b both.\p\B2\b of both kinds.\p\B3\b on both sides.\p\B4\b around. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek\c
<hw>amphibian</hw> \K/am"fIbI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b living both on land and in water.\p\B2\b \IZool.\i of or relating to the class Amphibia.\p\B3\b (of a vehicle) able to operate on land and water.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool.\i any vertebrate of the class Amphibia, with a life history of an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage, including frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.\p\B2\b (in general use) a creature living both on land and in water.\p\B3\b an amphibian vehicle. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iamphibium\i from Greek \Iamphibion,\i from \J\Xamphi-\x\j + \Ibios\i 'life'\c
<hw>amphibious</hw> \K/am"fIbI\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b living both on land and in water.\p\B2\b of or relating to or suited for both land and water.\p\B3\b \IMil.\i \Ba\b (of a military operation) involving forces landed from the sea. \Bb\b (of forces) trained for such operations.\p\B4\b having a twofold nature; occupying two positions. \Bamphibiously\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>amphibole</hw> \K/"amfIb\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral.\i any of a class of rock-forming silicate and aluminosilicate minerals with fibrous or columnar crystals.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iamphibolus\i 'ambiguous', so called because of the varied structure of these minerals\c
<hw>amphibolite</hw> \K/am"fIb\F'\nlVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i a granular metamorphic rock consisting mainly of hornblende and plagioclase.\Knew f. NSOED Apr 94\k
<hw>amphibology</hw> \K/amfI"bQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b a quibble.\p\B2\b an ambiguous wording. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French and Late Latin from Latin, from Greek \Iamphibolia\i 'ambiguity'\c
<hw>amphimixis</hw> \K/amfI"mIksIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i true sexual reproduction with the fusion of gametes from two individuals \I(cf.\i \J\Xapomixis\x).\j \Bamphimictic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin (as \J\Xamphi-\x\j + Greek \Imixis\i 'mingling')\c
<hw>amphioxus</hw> \K/amfI"Qks\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any lancelet of the genus \IBranchiostoma\i (formerly \IAmphioxus).\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin (as \J\Xamphi-\x\j + Greek \Ioxus\i 'sharp')\c
<hw>amphipathic</hw> \K/amfI"paTIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i\p\B1\b (of a molecule) having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.\p\B2\b consisting of such molecules. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamphi-\x\j + Greek \Ipathikos\i (as \J\Xpathos\x)\j\c
<hw>amphipod</hw> \K/"amfIpQd/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any crustacean of the largely marine order Amphipoda, having a laterally compressed abdomen with two kinds of limb, e.g. the freshwater shrimp (Gammarus pulex). \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamphi-\x\j + Greek \Ipous podos\i 'foot'\c
<hw>amphiprostyle</hw> \K/am"fIpr\F'\nstVIl/\k \In. & adj.\i \IArchit\i\p\In.\i\pa classical building with a portico at each end. \Iadj.\i of or in this style. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamphiprostylus\i from Greek \Iamphiprostulos\i (as \J\Xamphi-\x,\j \Iprostulos\i \J\Xprostyle\x)\j\c
<hw>amphisbaena</hw> \K/amfIs"bi:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol.\i & \Ipoet.\i a fabulous serpent with a head at each end.\p\B2\b \IZool.\i a burrowing wormlike lizard of the genus \IAmphisbaena,\i having no apparent division of head from body, making both ends look similar. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin from Greek \Iamphisbaina,\i from \Iamphis\i 'both ways' + \Ibaino\i 'go'\c
<hw>amphitheatre</hw> \K/"amfITi:\F'\nt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bamphitheater)\b\p\B1\b a round, usu. unroofed building with tiers of seats surrounding a central space.\p\B2\b a semicircular gallery in a theatre.\p\B3\b a large circular hollow.\p\B4\b the scene of a contest. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamphitheatrum\i from Greek \Iamphitheatron\i (as \J\Xamphi-\x,\j \J\Xtheatre\x)\j\c
<hw>amphora</hw> \K/"amf(\F'\n)r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bamphorae\b \K/-ri:/\k or \Bamphoras)\b a Greek or Roman vessel with two handles and a narrow neck. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iamphoreus\i\c
<hw>amphoteric</hw> \K/amf\F'\n"tErIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i able to react as a base and an acid. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iamphoteros,\i comparative of \Iampho\i 'both'\c
<hw>ampicillin</hw> \K/ampI"sIlIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm.\i a semi-synthetic penicillin used esp. in treating infections of the urinary and respiratory tracts. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iam\iino + \Ip\ien\Iicillin\i\c
<hw>ample</hw> \K/"amp(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \B(ampler,\b \Bamplest)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b plentiful, abundant, extensive. \Bb\b \Ieuphem.\i (esp. of a person) large, stout.\p\B2\b enough or more than enough. \Bampleness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bamply\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \Iamplus\i\c
<hw>amplifier</hw> \K/"amplIfVI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectronics\i\p\B1\b an electronic device for increasing the strength of electrical signals, used esp. in sound reproduction.\p\B2\b this combined with a loudspeaker and used to amplify musical instruments etc.\Ksense 2 new f.DJT, corpus Aug 94\k
<hw>amplify</hw> \K/"amplIfVI/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \IElectr\i increase the volume or strength of (sound, electrical signals, etc.).\p\B2\b \Itr.\i enlarge upon or add detail to (a story etc.).\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i expand what is said or written. \Bamplification\b \K/-fI"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iamplifier\i from Latin \Iamplificare\i (as \J\Xample\x,\j \J\X-fy\x)\j\c
<hw>amplitude</hw> \K/"amplItju:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IPhysics\i the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation from the position of equilibrium. \Bb\b \IElectr.\i the maximum departure of the value of an alternating current or wave from the average value.\p\B2\b \Ba\b spaciousness, breadth; wide range. \Bb\b abundance. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iamplitude\i or Latin \Iamplitudo\i (as \J\Xample\x)\j\c
<hw>amplitude modulation</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IElectr.\i the modulation of a wave by variation of its amplitude, esp. as a means of carrying an audio signal by radio (abbr. \BAM).\b\Kabbr\k
<hw>ampoule</hw> \K/"ampu:l/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Besp. US\b \Bampul\b or \Bampule\b \K/"ampju:l/\k) \IMed\i a small capsule in which measured quantities of liquids or solids, esp. for injecting, are sealed ready for use. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \J\Xampulla\x\j\c
<hw>ampulla</hw> \K/am"pUl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bampullae\b \K/-li:/\k)\p\B1\b \Ba\b a Roman globular flask with two handles. \Bb\b a vessel for sacred uses.\p\B2\b \IAnat.\i \IZool\i the dilated end of a vessel or duct. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>amputate</hw> \K/"ampjUteIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \ISurgery\i cut off by surgical operation (a part of the body, esp. a limb), usu. because of injury or disease. \Bamputation\b \K/-"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bamputator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamputare,\i from \Iamb-\i 'about' + \Iputare\i 'prune'\c
<hw>amputee</hw> \K/ampjU"ti:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISurgery\i a person who has lost a limb etc. by amputation.
<hw>amtrac</hw> \K/"amtrak/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bamtrak)\b \BUS\b \IMil\i an amphibious tracked vehicle used for landing assault troops on a shore. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iam\iphibious + \Itrac\itor\c
<hw>amu</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IChem Physics\i atomic mass unit.
<hw>amuck</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xamok\x.\j
<hw>amulet</hw> \K/"amjUlIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an ornament or small piece of jewellery worn as a charm against evil.\p\B2\b something which is thought to give such protection. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamuletum,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>amuse</hw> \K/\F'\n"mju:z/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b cause (a person) to laugh or smile.\p\B2\b \I(also \Brefl.;\b\i \Ioften foll. by \Bwith,\b \Bby)\b\i interest or occupy; keep (a person) entertained. \Bamusing\b \Iadj.\i \Bamusingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iamuser\i 'cause to muse'(see \J\Xmuse\x (2))\j from causal, \Ia\i 'to' + \Imuser\i 'stare'\c
<hw>amusement</hw> \K/\F'\n"mju:zm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something that amuses, esp. a pleasant diversion, game, or pastime.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the state of being amused. \Bb\b the act of amusing.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b a mechanical device (e.g. a roundabout) for entertainment at a fairground etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Iamuser:\i see \J\Xamuse\x,\j \J\X-ment\x\j\c
<hw>amusement arcade</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b an indoor area for entertainment with automatic game machines.
<hw>amusement park</hw>\p\In.\i\pa large outdoor area with fairground amusements etc.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>amygdaloid</hw> \K/\F'\n"mIgd\F'\nlOId/\k \Iadj.\i shaped like an almond. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamygdala,\i from Greek \Iamugdale\i 'almond'\c
<hw>amygdaloid nucleus</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i a roughly almond-shaped mass of grey matter deep inside each cerebral hemisphere, associated with the sense of smell.
<hw>amyl</hw> \K/"eImVIl/, /"amIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(used \Battrib.)\b\i \IChem.\i the monovalent group C5H11-, derived from pentane. \IAlso called\i \Ipentyl.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iamylum\i 'starch'\c
<hw>amylase</hw> \K/"amIleIz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i an enzyme that converts starch and glycogen into simple sugars. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamyl\x\j + \J\X-ase\x\j\c
<hw>amyloid</hw> \K/"amIlOId/\k \In. & adj.\i \IMed.\i \IBiochem\i\p\In.\i\pa glycoprotein deposited in connective tissue in certain diseases. \Iadj.\i of or involving this substance.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamyl\x\j + \J\X-oid\x\j\c
<hw>amylopsin</hw> \K/amI"lQpsIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i a digestive enzyme, secreted by the pancreas, that converts starch into maltose. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamyl\x,\j on the pattern of \Ipepsin\i\c
<hw>Amytal</hw> \K/"amIt(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i \Ipropr.\i a barbiturate drug used as a sedative and a hypnotic. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xamyl\x\j + \J\Xbarbital\x\j\c
<hw>an</hw> \K/an/, /\F'\nn/\k \Idet.\i the form of the indefinite article (see \J\Xa\x (1))\j used before words beginning with a vowel sound \3(an egg;\c \2an hour;\c \2an MP).\c Some people retain the use of \Ian\i before words beginning with a sounded \Ih\i e.g. \Ian hotel,\i \Ian historian.\i Historically this was justifiable because the \Ih-\i was dropped in these words, but today this is not the case and \Ia hotel,\i \Ia historian\i are now the preferred forms.
<hw>an- (2)</hw> \K/\F'\nn/, /an/\k \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before\p\In.\i\p
<hw>-an</hw> \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b \K/(\F'\n)n/\k (also \B-ean,\b \B-ian)\b forming adjectives and nouns, esp. from names of places, systems, zoological classes or orders, and founders \3(Mexican;\c \2Anglican;\c \2crustacean;\c \2European;\c \2Lutheran;\c \2Georgian;\c \2theologian).\c\p\B2\b \K/an/\k \IChem.\i forming names of organic compounds \3(dextran).\c\Ksense 2 new f. SOED Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3ultimately from Latin adjectival endings -\I(i)anus,\i \I-aeus:\i cf. Greek \I-aios,\i \I-eios\i\c
<hw>ana</hw> \K/"A:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(treated as \Bpl.)\b\i anecdotes or literary gossip about a person.\p\B2\b \I(treated as \Bsing.)\b\i a collection of a person's memorable sayings. \BEtymology:\b \3= \J\X-ana\x\j\c
<hw>ana-</hw> \K/"an\F'\n/\k \Iprefix\i (usu. \Ban-\b before a vowel)\p\B1\b up \3(anadromous).\c\p\B2\b back \3(anamnesis).\c\p\B3\b again \3(anabaptism).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iana\i 'up'\c
<hw>-ana</hw> \K/"A:n\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i forming plural nouns meaning 'things associated with' \3(Victoriana;\c \2Americana).\c \BEtymology:\b \3neut. pl. of Latin adjectival ending -\Ianus\i\c
<hw>Anabaptism</hw> \K/an\F'\n"baptIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the doctrine that baptism should only be administered to believing adults. \BAnabaptist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin \Ianabaptismus\i from Greek \Ianabaptismos\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \J\Xbaptism\x)\j\c
<hw>anabas</hw> \K/"an\F'\nbas/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i = \J\Xclimbing perch\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, past part. of \Ianabaino\i 'walk up'\c
<hw>anabasis</hw> \K/a"nab\F'\nsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banabases\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b the march of Cyrus the Younger into Asia in 401 bc as narrated by Xenophon in his work \IAnabasis.\i\p\B2\b \IMil\i a military up-country march. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = ascent, from \Ianabaino\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Ibaino\i 'go')\c
<hw>anabatic</hw> \K/an\F'\n"batIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IMeteorol.\i (of a wind) caused by local upward motion of warm air \I(cf.\i \J\Xkatabatic\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianabatikos\i 'ascending' (as \J\Xanabasis\x)\j\c
<hw>anabiosis</hw> \K/an\F'\nbVI"\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i\p\B1\b a temporary state of suspended animation or greatly reduced metabolism.\p\B2\b the ability to revive from this. \Banabiotic\b \K/-"QtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin from Greek \Ianabiosis,\i from \Ianabioo\i 'return to life'\c
<hw>anabolic</hw> \K/an\F'\n"bQlIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiochem.\i of or relating to anabolism.
<hw>anabolic steroid</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i \ISport\i a synthetic steroid hormone used to increase muscle size.
<hw>anabolism</hw> \K/a"nab\F'\nlIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i the synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism \I(opp.\i \J\Xcatabolism\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianabole\i 'ascent' (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Iballo\i 'throw')\c
<hw>anabranch</hw> \K/"an\F'\nbrA:n(t)S/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Austral.\b \IGeog\i a stream that leaves a river and re-enters it lower down. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanastomose\x\j + \J\Xbranch\x\j\c
<hw>anachronism</hw> \K/\F'\n"nakr\F'\nnIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the attribution of a custom, event, etc. to a period to which it does not belong. \Bb\b a thing attributed in this way.\p\B2\b \Ba\b anything out of harmony with its period. \Bb\b an old-fashioned or out-of-date person or thing. \Banachronistic\b \K/-"nIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banachronistically\b \K/-"nIstIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianachronisme\i or Greek \Ianakhronismos\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Ikhronos\i 'time')\c
<hw>anacoluthon</hw> \K/an\F'\nk\F'\n"lu:TQn/, /-T(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banacolutha\b \K/-T\F'\n/\k) \IGram\i a sentence or construction which lacks grammatical sequence (e.g. \Iwhile in the garden the door banged shut).\i \Banacoluthic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin, from Greek \Ianakolouthon\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Iakolouthos\i 'following')\c
<hw>anaconda</hw> \K/an\F'\n"kQnd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a S. American boa of the genus \IEunectes,\i esp. the very large semiaquatic E. murinus. \BEtymology:\b \3alteration of Latin \Ianacandaia\i 'python' from Sinhalese \Ihenakandaya\i 'whip snake', from \Ihena\i 'lightning' + \Ikanda\i 'stem': originally the name of a snake in Sri Lanka\c
<hw>anacreontic</hw> \K/\F'\nnakrI"QntIk/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IProsody\i a poem written after the manner of Anacreon, a Greek lyric poet (d. 478 bc). \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b after the manner of Anacreon.\p\B2\b convivial and amatory in tone. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Ianacreonticus\i from Greek \IAnakreon\i\c
<hw>anacrusis</hw> \K/an\F'\n"kru:sIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banacruses\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b \IProsody\i (in poetry) an unstressed syllable at the beginning of a verse.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i an unstressed note or notes before the first bar line. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ianakrousis\i 'prelude' (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Ikrousis\i from \Ikrouo\i 'strike')\c
<hw>anadromous</hw> \K/\F'\n"nadr\F'\nm\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool\i (of a fish, e.g. the salmon) that swims up a river from the sea to spawn \I(opp.\i \J\Xcatadromous\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianadromos\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Idromos\i 'running')\c
<hw>anaemia</hw> \K/\F'\n"ni:mI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Banemia)\b \IMed\i a deficiency in the blood, usu. of red cells or their haemoglobin, resulting in pallor and weariness. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ianaimia\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \J\X-aemia\x)\j\c
<hw>anaemic</hw> \K/\F'\n"ni:mIk/\k \Iadj.\i \B(US\b \Banemic)\b \IMed\i\p\B1\b relating to or suffering from anaemia.\p\B2\b pale; lacking in vitality.
<hw>anaerobe</hw> \K/"an\F'\nr\F'\nUb/, /\F'\n"nE:r\F'\nUb/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i an organism that grows without air, or requires oxygen-free conditions to live. \Banaerobic\b \K/anE:"r\F'\nUbIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanaΘrobie\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \J\Xaerobe\x)\j\c
<hw>anaesthesia</hw> \K/anIs"Ti:zj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Banesthesia)\b the absence of sensation, esp. artificially induced insensitivity to pain, usu. achieved by the administration of gases or the injection of drugs. \Banaesthesiology\b \K/-"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ianaisthesia\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Iaisthesis\i 'sensation')\c
<hw>anaesthetic</hw> \K/anIs"TEtIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \B(US\b \Banesthetic)\b \IMed\i\p\In.\i\pa substance that produces insensibility to pain etc. \Iadj.\i producing partial or complete insensibility to pain etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianaisthetos\i 'insensible' (as \J\Xanaesthesia\x)\j\c
<hw>anaesthetist</hw> \K/\F'\n"ni:sT\F'\ntIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a specialist in the administration of anaesthetics.
<hw>anaesthetize</hw> \K/\F'\n"ni:sT\F'\ntVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise,\b \BUS\b \Banesthetize)\b\p\B1\b \IMed\i administer an anaesthetic to.\p\B2\b deprive of physical or mental sensation. \Banaesthetization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>anaglyph</hw> \K/"an\F'\nglIf/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhotog.\i a composite stereoscopic photograph printed in superimposed complementary colours.\p\B2\b an embossed object cut in low relief. \Banaglyphic\b \K/-"glIfIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianagluphe\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Igluphe\i from \Iglupho\i 'carve')\c
<hw>Anaglypta</hw> \K/an\F'\n"glIpt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i \Ipropr.\i a type of thick embossed wallpaper, usu. for painting over. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianaglypta\i 'work in low relief': cf. \J\Xanaglyph\x\j\c
<hw>anagram</hw> \K/"an\F'\ngram/\k\p\In.\i\pa word or phrase formed by transposing the letters of another word or phrase. \Banagrammatic\b \K/-gr\F'\n"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banagrammatical\b \K/-gr\F'\n"matIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Banagrammatize\b \K/-"gram\F'\ntVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise).\b \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianagramme\i or modern Latin \Ianagramma,\i from Greek \J\Xana-\x\j + \Igramma -atos\i 'letter': cf. \J\X-gram\x\j\c
<hw>anal</hw> \K/"eIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnat\i relating to or situated near the anus. \Banally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ianalis\i (as \J\Xanus\x)\j\c
<hw>analects</hw> \K/"an\F'\nlEkts/\k \In.pl.\i (also \Banalecta\b \K/an\F'\n"lEkt\F'\n/\k) a collection of short literary extracts. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Ianalekta\i 'things gathered', from \Ianalego\i 'pick up'\c
<hw>analeptic</hw> \K/an\F'\n"lEptIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPharm\i \Iadj.\i (of a drug etc.) restorative.\p\In.\i\pa restorative medicine or drug. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianaleptikos\i from \Ianalambano\i 'take back'\c
<hw>analgesia</hw> \K/an(\F'\n)l"dZi:zj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the absence or relief of pain. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, = painlessness\c
<hw>analogize</hw> \K/\F'\n"nal\F'\ndZVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p(also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i represent or explain by analogy.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i use analogy.
<hw>analogous</hw> \K/\F'\n"nal\F'\ng\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b partially similar or parallel; showing analogy.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i performing a similar function but having a different evolutionary origin \I(opp.\i \J\Xhomologous\x 2).\j \Banalogously\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianalogus\i from Greek \Ianalogos\i 'proportionate'\c \IAnalogous\i means 'similar in certain respects'. It should not be used as a mere synonym for \Isimilar.\i
<hw>analogue</hw> \K/"an\F'\nlQg/\k \In. & adj.\i \B(US\b also \Banalog)\b\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an analogous or parallel thing.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i a compound with a molecular structure closely similar to that of another.\p\B3\b \IFood\i a synthetic food product resembling a natural food in taste and texture. \Iadj.\i (usu. \Banalog)\b\p\B1\b \IElectronics Computing\i relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable quantity such as spatial position, voltage, etc.\p\B2\b (of a watch etc.) showing the time by means of hands or a pointer rather than displayed digits. \ICf.\i \J\Xdigital\x \Iadj.\i 2.\j\Kentry remodelled on SOED, sense 2 + 3 of n. new Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French from Greek \Ianalogon\i neut. adj.: see \J\Xanalogous\x\j\c
<hw>analogy</hw> \K/\F'\n"nal\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bwith,\b \Bbetween)\b\i correspondence or partial similarity.\p\B2\b \ILogic\i a process of arguing from similarity in known respects to similarity in other respects.\p\B3\b \IPhilol.\i the imitation of existing words in forming inflections or constructions of others, without the existence of corresponding intermediate stages.\p\B4\b \IBiol.\i the resemblance of function between organs essentially different.\p\B5\b an analogue. \Banalogical\b \K/an\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Banalogically\b \K/an\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianalogie\i or Latin \Ianalogia\i 'proportion', from Greek (as \J\Xanalogous\x)\j\c
<hw>anal-retentive</hw> \Iadj.\i \IPsychol\i (of a person) excessively orderly and fussy (supposedly owing to conflict over toilet-training in infancy). \Banal retention\b\p\In.\i\p\Banal retentiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\Ka. retention and retentiveness new f. incomings, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>analysand</hw> \K/\F'\n"nalIsand/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol\i a person undergoing psychoanalysis.
<hw>analyse</hw> \K/"an(\F'\n)lVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(US\b \Banalyze)\b\p\B1\b examine in detail the constitution or structure of.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i ascertain the constituents of (a sample of a mixture or compound).\p\B3\b find or show the essence or structure of (a book, music, etc.).\p\B4\b \IGram.\i resolve (a sentence) into its grammatical elements.\p\B5\b \IPsychol\i psychoanalyse. \Banalysable\b \Iadj.\i \Banalyser\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3obsolete \Ianalyse\i \I(n.)\i or French \Ianalyser\i \I(v.),\i from medieval Latin \J\Xanalysis\x\j\c
<hw>analysis</hw> \K/\F'\n"nalIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banalyses\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b \Ba\b a detailed examination of the elements or structure of a substance etc. \Bb\b a statement of the result of this.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \IChem.\i the determination of the constituent parts of a mixture or compound. \Bb\b the act or process of breaking something down into its constituent parts.\K2b new in COD9 f. Wordfinder Jul 93\k\p\B3\b \IPsychol\i psychoanalysis.\p\B4\b \IMath.\i the use of algebra and calculus in problem-solving.\p\B5\b \ICricket\i a statement of the performance of a bowler, usu. giving the numbers of overs and maiden overs bowled, runs conceded, and wickets taken.\p\1in the final (or last or ultimate) analysis\c after all due consideration; in the end. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin from Greek \Ianalusis\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Iluo\i 'set free')\c
<hw>analyst</hw> \K/"an(\F'\n)lIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IChem Computing\i a person skilled in (esp. chemical) analysis.\p\B2\b \IPsychol\i a psychoanalyst. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianalyste\i\c
<hw>analytic</hw> \K/an\F'\n"lItIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to analysis.\p\B2\b \IPhilol.\i analytical.\p\B3\b \ILogic\i (of a statement etc.) such that its denial is self-contradictory; true by definition (cf. \J\Xsynthetic\x \Iadj.\i 3).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin, from Greek \Ianalutikos\i (as \J\Xanalysis\x)\j\c
<hw>analytical</hw> \K/an\F'\n"lItIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b using analytic methods.\p\B2\b \IPhilol.\i using separate words instead of inflections \I(cf.\i \J\Xsynthetic\x \Iadj.\i 4).\j \Banalytically\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>analytical geometry</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeom\i geometry using coordinates.
<hw>anamnesis</hw> \K/an\F'\nm"ni:sIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banamneses\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b \IMed\i recollection (esp. of a supposed previous existence).\p\B2\b \IMed\i a patient's account of his or her medical history.\p\B3\b \IEccl.\i the part of the anaphora recalling the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = remembrance\c
<hw>anamorphosis</hw> \K/an\F'\n"mO:f\F'\nsIs/\k\p\In.\i\pa distorted projection or drawing which appears normal when viewed from a particular point or in a suitable mirror. \Banamorphic\b \Iadj.\i\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianamorphosis\i 'transformation'\c
<hw>anandrous</hw> \K/\F'\n"nandr\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i having no stamens. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianandros\i 'without males' (as \J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \Ianer andros\i 'male')\c
<hw>anapaest</hw> \K/"an\F'\npi:st/, /-pEst/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Banapest)\b \IProsody\i a foot consisting of two short or unstressed syllables followed by one long or stressed syllable. \Banapaestic\b \K/-"pi:stIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianapaestus\i from Greek \Ianapaistos\i 'reversed' (because the reverse of a dactyl)\c
<hw>anaphase</hw> \K/"an\F'\nfeIz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i the stage of meiotic or mitotic cell division when the chromosomes move away from one another to opposite poles of the spindle. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xana-\x\j + \J\Xphase\x\j\c
<hw>anaphora</hw> \K/\F'\n"naf(\F'\n)r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRhet.\i the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i the use of a word referring to or replacing a word used earlier in a sentence, to avoid repetition (e.g. \Ido\i in \II like it and so do they).\i\p\B3\b \IEccl.\i the part of the Eucharist which contains the consecration, anamnesis, and Communion. \Banaphoric\b \K/an\F'\n"fQrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, = repetition (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Iphero\i 'to bear')\c
<hw>anaphrodisiac</hw> \K/\F'\nnafr\F'\n"dIzIak/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMed\i \Iadj.\i tending to reduce sexual desire.\p\In.\i\pan anaphrodisiac drug.
<hw>anaphylaxis</hw> \K/an\F'\nfI"laksIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i an extreme, often life-threatening reaction to an antigen, e.g. to a bee sting, due to hypersensitivity following an earlier dose. \Banaphylactic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from French \Ianaphylaxie\i (as \J\Xana-\x\j + Greek \Iphulaxis\i 'guarding')\c
<hw>anaptyxis</hw> \K/an\F'\np"tIksIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhonet.\i the insertion of a vowel between two consonants to aid pronunciation (as in \Iwent thataway).\i \Banaptyctic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ianaptuxis\i (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Iptusso\i 'fold')\c
<hw>anarchism</hw> \K/"an\F'\nkIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i the doctrine that all government should be abolished. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianarchisme\i (as \J\Xanarchy\x)\j\c
<hw>anarchist</hw> \K/"an\F'\nkIst/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPolit.\i\p\In.\i\pan advocate of anarchism or of political disorder. \Iadj.\i relating to anarchism or its advocates.\Kadj. new f. OERD, Inc., corpus, April 94\k \Banarchistic\b \K/-"kIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianarchiste\i (as \J\Xanarchy\x)\j\c
<hw>anarchy</hw> \K/"an\F'\nki/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b disorder, esp. political or social.\p\B2\b lack of government in a society. \Banarchic\b \K/\F'\n"nA:kIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banarchical\b \K/\F'\n"nA:kIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Banarchically\b \K/\F'\n"nA:kIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin from Greek \Ianarkhia\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Iarkhe\i 'rule')\c
<hw>anastigmat</hw> \K/\F'\n"nastIgmat/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a lens or lens system made free from astigmatism by correction. \BEtymology:\b \3German from \Ianastigmatisch\i \J\Xanastigmatic\x\j\c
<hw>anastigmatic</hw> \K/an\F'\nstIg"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IPhysics\i (of a lens) free from astigmatism. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \J\Xastigmatic\x\j (see \J\Xastigmatism\x)\j\c
<hw>anastomose</hw> \K/\F'\n"nast\F'\nm\F'\nUz/\k \Iv.intr.\i link by anastomosis. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianastomoser\i (as \J\Xanastomosis\x)\j\c
<hw>anastomosis</hw> \K/\F'\nnast\F'\n"m\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banastomoses\b \K/-si:z/\k) a cross-connection of arteries, branches, rivers, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, from \Ianastomoo\i 'provide with a mouth' (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Istoma\i 'mouth')\c
<hw>anastrophe</hw> \K/\F'\n"nastr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRhet.\i the inversion of the usual order of words or clauses. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianastrophe\i 'turning back' (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \Istrepho\i 'to turn')\c
<hw>anathema</hw> \K/\F'\n"naT\F'\nm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banathemas)\b\p\B1\b a detested thing or person \3(is anathema to me).\c\p\B2\b \IRelig\i \Ba\b a curse of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. \Bb\b a cursed thing or person. \Bc\b a strong curse. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin, = excommunicated person, excommunication, from Greek \Ianathema\i 'thing devoted', (later) 'accursed thing', from \Ianatithemi\i 'set up'\c
<hw>anathematize</hw> \K/\F'\n"naT\F'\nm\F'\ntVIz/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i (also \B-ise)\b curse. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanathΘmatiser\i via Latin \Ianathematizare\i from Greek \Ianathematizo\i (as \J\Xanathema\x)\j\c
<hw>anatomical</hw> \K/an\F'\n"tQmIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i of or relating to anatomy.\p\B2\b of or relating to bodily structure. \Banatomically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianatomique\i or Late Latin \Ianatomicus\i (as \J\Xanatomy\x)\j\c
<hw>anatomist</hw> \K/\F'\n"nat\F'\nmIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i a person skilled in anatomy. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianatomiste\i or medieval Latin \Ianatomista\i (as \J\Xanatomize\x)\j\c
<hw>anatomize</hw> \K/\F'\n"nat\F'\nmVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b examine in detail.\p\B2\b \IAnat\i dissect. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianatomiser\i or medieval Latin \Ianatomizare,\i from \Ianatomia\i (as \J\Xanatomy\x)\j\c
<hw>anatomy</hw> \K/\F'\n"nat\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IAnat\i\p\B1\b the science of the bodily structure of animals and plants.\p\B2\b this structure.\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i a human body.\p\B4\b analysis.\p\B5\b the dissection of the human body, animals, or plants. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianatomie\i or Late Latin \Ianatomia,\i from Greek (as \J\Xana-\x,\j \J\X-tomy\x)\j\c
<hw>ANC</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IPolit\i African National Congress.
<hw>-ance</hw> \K/(\F'\n)ns/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns expressing:\p\B1\b a quality or state or an instance of one \3(arrogance;\c \2protuberance;\c \2relevance;\c \2resemblance).\c\p\B2\b an action \3(assistance;\c \2furtherance;\c \2penance).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or on the pattern of French \I-ance,\i from Latin \I-antia,\i \I-entia\i (cf. \J\X-ence\x),\j from pres. part. stem \I-ant-,\i \I-ent-\i\c
<hw>ancestor</hw> \K/"ansEst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Bancestress\b \K/-strIs/\k)\p\B1\b any (esp. remote) person from whom one is descended.\p\B2\b \IBiol\i an early type of animal or plant from which others have evolved.\p\B3\b an early prototype or forerunner \3(ancestor of the computer).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iancestre\i from Latin \Iantecessor -oris,\i from \Iantecedere\i (as \J\Xante-\x,\j \Icedere cess-\i 'go')\c
<hw>ancestral</hw> \K/an"sEstr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i belonging to or inherited from one's ancestors. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iancestrel\i (as \J\Xancestor\x)\j\c
<hw>ancestry</hw> \K/"ansEstri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b one's (esp. remote) family descent.\p\B2\b one's ancestors collectively. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English alteration of Old French \Iancesserie\i (as \J\Xancestor\x)\j\c
<hw>anchor</hw> \K/"aNk\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \INaut\i a metal device designed to dig into the seabed and moor a ship when lowered from it on a long chain.\p\B2\b a thing affording stability.\p\B3\b a source of confidence.\p\B4\b \IBroadcasting Sport\i = \J\Xanchorperson\x.\j\Ksense 4 new in COD9 f. Incomings Feb 94\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \INaut Aeron\i secure (a ship) by means of an anchor.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i fix firmly.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \INaut\i cast anchor.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \INaut\i be moored by means of an anchor.\p\1at anchor\c \INaut\i moored by means of an anchor.\p\1cast (or come to) anchor\c \INaut\i let down the anchor.\p\1weigh anchor\c \INaut\i take up the anchor. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iancor\i via Latin \Ianchora\i from Greek \Iagkura\i\c
<hw>anchorage</hw> \K/"aNk(\F'\n)rIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \INaut\i a place where a ship may be anchored.\p\B2\b \INaut\i the act of anchoring or lying at anchor.\p\B3\b anything dependable.
<hw>anchorite</hw> \K/"aNk\F'\nrVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Banchoret\b \K/-rIt/\k) \I(fem.\i \Banchoress\b \K/-rIs/\k)\p\B1\b \IRelig\i a hermit; a religious recluse.\p\B2\b a person of secluded habits. \Banchoretic\b \K/-"rEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banchoritic\b \K/-"rItIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via medieval Latin \Ianc(h)orita,\i ecclesiastical Latin \Ianchoreta\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Ianakhoretes,\i from \Ianakhoreo\i 'retire'\c
<hw>anchorman</hw> \K/"aNk\F'\nm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men;\b \Ifem.\i \Banchorwoman,\b \Ipl.\i \B-women)\b\p\B1\b \IBroadcasting\i a person who coordinates activities, esp. as compΦre in a broadcast.\p\B2\b \ISport\i a person who plays a crucial part, esp. at the back of a tug-of-war team or as the last runner in a relay race.\K-woman new f. SOED Jul 93\k
<hw>anchorperson</hw> \K/"aNk\F'\np\F'\n:s(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banchorpersons\b or \Banchorpeople)\b \IBroadcasting Sport\i an anchorman or anchorwoman (used as a neutral alternative).\Knew in COD9 f. SOED, corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>anchor plate</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i a heavy piece of timber or metal, e.g. as support for suspension bridge cables.
<hw>anchoveta</hw> \K/antS\F'\n"vEt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a small Pacific anchovy caught for use as bait or to make fishmeal. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, diminutive of \Ianchova:\i cf. \J\Xanchovy\x\j\c
<hw>anchovy</hw> \K/"antS\F'\nvi/, /an"tS\F'\nUvi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IZool\i any of various small silvery fish of the herring family, usu. preserved in salt and oil and having a strong taste. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish & Portuguese \Iancho(v)a,\i of uncertain origin\c
<hw>anchovy pear</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a W. Indian fruit like a mango.
<hw>anchovy toast</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i toast spread with paste made from anchovies.
<hw>anchusa</hw> \K/\F'\nN"kju:z\F'\n/, /an"tSu:z\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAnchusa,\i akin to borage. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iagkhousa\i\c
\B\Iancien rΘgime\b\i \K/%QnsI\F'\nn reI"Zi:m/, French /A~sjE~ reZim/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B\Ianciens rΘgimes\b\i \Ipronunc.\i same) \IPolit\i\p\B1\b the political and social system in France before the Revolution of 1789.\p\B2\b any superseded regime. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = old rule\c
<hw>ancient (1)</hw> \K/"eInS(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of long ago.\p\B2\b having lived or existed long.\p\In.\i\p\Iarchaic\i an old man.\p\1the ancients\c \IPeople\i the people of ancient times, esp. the Greeks and Romans. \Bancientness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iauncien\i from Old French \Iancien,\i ultimately from Latin \Iante\i 'before'\c
<hw>ancient (2)</hw> \K/"eInS(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iarchaic\i = \J\Xensign\x 1, 2.\j \BEtymology:\b \3corruption of form \Iensyne\i etc. by association with \Iancien\i = \J\Xancient\x (1)\j\c
<hw>ancient history</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IHist.\i the history of the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean area and the Near East before the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476.\p\B2\b something already long familiar.
<hw>ancient lights</hw> \In.pl.\i \BBrit.\b a window that a neighbour may not deprive of light by erecting a building.
<hw>anciently</hw> \K/"eInS(\F'\n)ntli/\k \Iadv.\i long ago.
<hw>ancient monument</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b an old building etc. preserved usu. under Government control.
<hw>ancient world</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAntiq Hist\i the region around the Mediterranean and the Near East before the fall of the Roman Empire in ad 476.\Knew f. OERD, Inc., corpus april 94\k
<hw>ancillary</hw> \K/an"sIl\F'\nri/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a person, activity, or service) providing essential support to a central service or industry, esp. the medical service.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i subordinate, subservient.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b an ancillary worker.\p\B2\b something which is ancillary; an auxiliary or accessory. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iancillaris,\i from \Iancilla\i 'maidservant'\c
<hw>ancon</hw> \K/"aNkQn/, /-k(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bancones\b \K/aN"k\F'\nUni:z/\k) \IArchit.\i\p\B1\b a console, usu. of two volutes, supporting or appearing to support a cornice.\p\B2\b each of a pair of projections on either side of a block of stone etc. for lifting or repositioning. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iagkon\i 'elbow'\c
<hw>-ancy</hw> \K/(\F'\n)nsi/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns denoting a quality \3(constancy;\c \2relevancy)\c or state \3(expectancy;\c \2infancy)\c \I(cf.\i \J\X-ance\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3from or on the pattern of Latin \I-antia:\i cf. \J\X-ency\x\j\c
<hw>and</hw> \K/\F'\nnd/, /(\F'\n)n/, /and/\k \Iconj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b connecting words, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly \3(cakes and buns;\c \2white and brown bread;\c \2buy and sell;\c \2two hundred and forty).\c \Bb\b implying progression \3(better and better).\c \Bc\b implying causation \3(do that and I'll hit you;\c \2she hit him and he cried).\c \Bd\b implying great duration \3(he cried and cried).\c \Be\b implying a great number \3(miles and miles).\c \Bf\b implying addition \3(two and two are four).\c \Bg\b implying variety \3(there are books and books).\c \Bh\b implying succession \3(walking two and two).\c\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i to \3(try and open it).\c\p\B3\b in relation to \3(Britain and the EEC).\c\p\1and/or\c \ILaw Commerce\i either or both of two stated possibilities (usually restricted to legal and commercial use). \BEtymology:\b \3Old English\c
<hw>-and</hw> \K/and/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns meaning 'a person or thing to be treated in a specified way' \3(analysand;\c \2ordinand).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin gerundive ending \I-andus\i\c
<hw>Andalusian</hw> \K/and\F'\n"lu:zj\F'\nn/, /-sj\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPeople Language\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to Andalusia in southern Spain, its inhabitants, or its language.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a native or inhabitant of Andalusia.\p\B2\b the variety of Spanish spoken in Andalusia.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus, NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>andante</hw> \K/an"danti/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadv. & adj.\i in a moderately slow tempo.\p\In.\i\pan andante passage or movement. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, pres. part. of \Iandare\i 'go'\c
<hw>andantino</hw> \K/andan"ti:n\F'\nU/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadv. & adj.\i rather quicker (originally slower) than andante.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b an andantino passage or movement. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, diminutive of \J\Xandante\x\j\c
<hw>Andean</hw> \K/"andI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i of or relating to the region of the Andes, a high mountain range in western S. America.\Knew f. corpus, SOED April 94\k
<hw>Andean condor</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xcondor\x 1.\j
<hw>andesite</hw> \K/"andIzVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol\i a fine-grained brown or greyish intermediate volcanic rock. \BEtymology:\b \3named after the \IAndes\i mountain chain in S. America (where it is found) + \J\X-ite\x (1)\j\c
<hw>andiron</hw> \K/"andVI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\pa metal stand (usu. one of a pair) for supporting burning wood in a fireplace; a firedog. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iandier,\i of unknown origin: assimilated to \J\Xiron\x\j\c
<hw>androecium</hw> \K/an"dri:sj\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bandroecia\b \K/-sI\F'\n/\k) \IBot.\i the stamens taken collectively. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iandro-\i 'male' + \Ioikion\i 'house'\c
<hw>androgen</hw> \K/"andr\F'\ndZ(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i any of a group of male sex hormones, esp testosterone, involved in developing and maintaining certain male sexual characteristics. \Bandrogenic\b \K/-"dZEnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iandro-\i 'male' + \J\X-gen\x\j\c
<hw>androgyne</hw> \K/"andr\F'\ndZVIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IBiol\i \Iadj.\i = \J\Xandrogynous\x.\j\p\In.\i\pan androgynous person. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iandrogyne\i or Latin \Iandrogynus,\i from Greek \Iandrogunos\i \I(aner andros\i 'male', \Igune\i 'woman')\c
<hw>androgynous</hw> \K/an"drQdZIn\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b having a partly male, partly female appearance; of ambiguous gender.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i with stamens and pistils in the same flower or inflorescence.\p\B3\b \IBiol\i = \J\Xhermaphrodite\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xandrogyne\x\j\c
<hw>android</hw> \K/"andrOId/\k\p\In.\i\pa robot with a human appearance. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iandro-\i 'male, man' + \J\X-oid\x\j\c
<hw>-androus</hw> \K/"andr\F'\ns/\k \Icomb. form\i \IBot.\i forming adjectives meaning 'having specified male organs or stamens' \3(monandrous).\c \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \I-andros,\i from \Ianer andros\i 'male' + \J\X-ous\x\j\c
<hw>-ane (1)</hw> \K/eIn/\k \Isuffix\i \Ivar. of\i \J\X-an\x;\j usu. with distinction of sense \3(germane; humane; urbane)\c but sometimes with no corresponding form in \I-an\i \3(mundane).\c
<hw>-ane (2)</hw> \K/eIn/\k \Isuffix\i \IChem.\i forming names of saturated hydrocarbons \3(methane;\c \2propane).\c \BEtymology:\b \3on the pattern of \I-ene,\i \I-ine,\i etc.\c
<hw>anecdotage</hw> \K/"anIkd\F'\nUtIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ijoc.\i garrulous old age.\p\B2\b anecdotes. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanecdote\x\j + \J\X-age\x:\j sense 1 \J\Xdotage\x\j\c
<hw>anecdote</hw> \K/"anIkd\F'\nUt/\k\p\In.\i\pa short account (or painting etc.) of an entertaining or interesting incident. \Banecdotal\b \K/-"d\F'\nUt(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Banecdotalist\b \K/-"d\F'\nUt(\F'\n)lIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\Banecdotic\b \K/-"dQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banecdotist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French or modern Latin, from Greek \Ianekdota\i 'things unpublished' (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Iekdotos\i from \Iekdidomi\i 'publish')\c
<hw>anechoic</hw> \K/anI"k\F'\nUIk/\k \Iadj.\i free from echo.
<hw>anele</hw> \K/\F'\n"ni:l/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IRelig\i \Iarchaic\i anoint, esp. in extreme unction. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xan-\x (2)\j + \Ielien,\i from Old English \Iele\i 'oil' from Latin \Ioleum\i\c
<hw>anemograph</hw> \K/\F'\n"nEm\F'\ngrA:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i an instrument for recording on paper the direction and force of the wind. \Banemographic\b \K/-"grafIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianemos\i 'wind' + \J\X-graph\x\j\c
<hw>anemometer</hw> \K/anI"mQmIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i an instrument for measuring or indicating the force of the wind. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianemos\i 'wind' + \J\X-meter\x\j\c
<hw>anemometry</hw> \K/anI"mQmItri/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i the measurement of the force of the wind. \Banemometric\b \K/-m\F'\n"mEtrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianemos\i 'wind' + \J\X-metry\x\j\c
<hw>anemone</hw> \K/\F'\n"nEm\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b any plant of the genus \IAnemone,\i akin to the buttercup, with flowers of various vivid colours.\p\B2\b \IZool\i = \J\Xsea anemone\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Ianemone\i 'windflower', from \Ianemos\i 'wind'\c
<hw>anent</hw> \K/\F'\n"nEnt/\k \Iprep.\i \Iarchaic\i or \BSc.\b or \BN. Amer.\b concerning. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ion efen\i 'in line with, in company with'\c
<hw>aneroid</hw> \K/"an\F'\nrOId/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPhysics Meteorol\i \Iadj.\i (of a barometer) that measures air pressure by its action on the elastic lid of an evacuated box.\p\In.\i\pan aneroid barometer. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanΘro∩de\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Ineros\i 'water')\c
<hw>anesthesia</hw> etc. \BUS\b \Ivar. of\i \J\Xanaesthesia\x\j etc.
<hw>aneurysm</hw> \K/"anjUrIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baneurism)\b \IMed\i an excessive localized enlargement of an artery. \Baneurysmal\b \K/-"rIzm(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Baneurismal).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianeurusma\i from \Ianeuruno\i 'widen out', from \Ieurus\i 'wide'\c
<hw>anew</hw> \K/\F'\n"nju:/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b again.\p\B2\b in a different way. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xa-\x (4)\j + \J\Xnew\x\j\c
<hw>anfractuosity</hw> \K/\F'\nnfraktjU"QsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b circuitousness.\p\B2\b intricacy. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanfractuositΘ\i via Late Latin \Ianfractuosus\i from Latin \Ianfractus\i 'a bending'\c
<hw>angary</hw> \K/"aNg\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the right of a belligerent (subject to compensation for loss) to seize or destroy neutral property under military necessity. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iangarie,\i via Italian or Latin \Iangaria\i 'forced service' from Greek \Iaggareia,\i from \Iaggaros\i 'courier'\c
<hw>angel</hw> \K/"eIndZ(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i \Ba\b an attendant or messenger of God. \Bb\b a conventional representation of this in human form with wings. \Bc\b an attendant spirit \3(evil angel;\c \2guardian angel).\c \Bd\b a member of the lowest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy (see \J\Xorder\x\p\In.\i\p19).\j\p\B2\b \Ba\b a very virtuous person. \Bb\b an obliging person \3(be an angel and answer the door).\c\p\B3\b a messenger or bringer of something \3(angel of death;\c \2angel of mercy).\c\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. corpus, COD box Jul 93\k\p\B4\b \ICurrency\i an old English coin bearing the figure of the archangel Michael piercing the dragon.\p\B5\b \ICommerce\i \Islang\i a financial backer of an enterprise, esp. in the theatre.\p\B6\b \IPhysics\i an unexplained radar echo. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iengel\i or Old French \Iangele,\i via ecclesiastical Latin \Iangelus\i from Greek \Iaggelos\i 'messenger'\c
<hw>angel cake</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bangel food cake)\b \ICookery\i a very light sponge cake of flour and egg whites and no fat.
<hw>angel dust</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Islang\i the hallucinogenic drug phencyclidine hydrochloride.
<hw>Angeleno</hw> \K/andZ\F'\n"li:n\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \BLos Angeleno\b \K/lQs/\k) \I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \Besp. US\b \IPeople\i a native or inhabitant of Los Angeles in California.\Knew f. Inc., Kpb, NSOED, Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3American Spanish\c
<hw>angelfish</hw> \K/"eIndZ(\F'\n)lfIS/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i usu. same) \IZool\i any of various fish, esp. Pterophyllum scalare, with large dorsal and ventral fins.
<hw>angelic</hw> \K/an"dZElIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b like or relating to angels.\p\B2\b having characteristics attributed to angels, esp. sublime beauty or innocence. \Bangelical\b \Iadj.\i \Bangelically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \IangΘlique\i or Late Latin \Iangelicus\i from Greek \Iaggelikos\i (as \J\Xangel\x)\j\c
<hw>angelica</hw> \K/an"dZElIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b an aromatic umbelliferous plant, Angelica archangelica, used in cooking and medicine.\p\B2\b \ICookery\i its candied stalks. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \I(herba)\i \Iangelica\i 'angelic (herb)'\c
<hw>angels-on-horseback</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICookery\i a savoury of oysters wrapped in slices of bacon.
<hw>angelus</hw> \K/"andZ(\F'\n)l\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRC Ch\i\p\B1\b a Roman Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation, said at morning, noon, and sunset.\p\B2\b a bell announcing this. \BEtymology:\b \3from the opening words \IAngelus domini\i (Latin, = the angel of the Lord)\c
<hw>anger</hw> \K/"aNg\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\pextreme or passionate displeasure. \Iv.tr.\i make angry; enrage. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old Norse \Iangr\i 'grief', \Iangra\i 'vex'\c
<hw>Angevin</hw> \K/"andZ\F'\nvIn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a native or inhabitant of Anjou.\p\B2\b a Plantagenet, esp. any of the English kings from Henry II to John. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of Anjou.\p\B2\b of the Plantagenets. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>angina</hw> \K/an"dZVIn\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bangina pectoris \K/"pEkt(\F'\n)rIs/\k)\b \IMed\i pain in the chest brought on by exertion, owing to an inadequate blood supply to the heart.\p\B2\b an attack of intense constricting pain, esp. in the throat, often causing suffocation. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = quinsy (the earliest use in English), from Greek \Iagkhone\i 'strangling' (+ Latin \Ipectoris\i 'of the chest' in sense 1)\c
<hw>angiogram</hw> \K/"andZI\F'\n(U)gram/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a radiograph of blood and lymph vessels, made by introducing a substance opaque to X-rays. \Bangiography\b\p\In.\i\p\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaggeion\i 'vessel' + \J\X-gram\x\j\c
<hw>angioma</hw> \K/andZI"\F'\nUm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bangiomata\b \K/-m\F'\nt\F'\n/\k) \IMed\i an abnormal growth produced by the dilatation or new formation of blood vessels. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iaggeion\i 'vessel'\c
<hw>angioplasty</hw> \K/"andZI\F'\n(U)plasti/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or to unblock a coronary artery.\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW, NSOED, corpus, News Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaggeion\i 'vessel' + \J\X-plasty\x\j\c
<hw>angiosperm</hw> \K/"andZI\F'\n(U)sp\F'\n:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the subdivision Angiospermae producing flowers and reproducing by seeds enclosed within a carpel, including herbaceous plants, herbs, shrubs, grasses, and most trees (opp. \J\Xgymnosperm\x).\j \Bangiospermous\b \K/andZI\F'\n(U)"sp\F'\n:m\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaggeion\i 'vessel' + \Isperma\i 'seed'\c
<hw>Angle</hw> \K/"aNg(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IPeople\i a member of a tribe from Schleswig that settled in eastern Britain in the 5th c. \BAnglian\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAnglus\i from Germanic (Old English \IEngle:\i cf. \J\XEnglish\x),\j from \IAngul\i a district of Schleswig (now in N. Germany) (as \J\Xangle\x (2),\j so called from its shape)\c
<hw>angle (1)</hw> \K/"aNg(\F'\n)l/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeom\i \Ba\b the space between two meeting lines or surfaces. \Bb\b the inclination of two lines or surfaces to each other.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a corner. \Bb\b a sharp projection.\p\B3\b \Ba\b the direction from which a photograph etc. is taken. \Bb\b the aspect from which a matter is considered.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i move or place obliquely.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i present (information) from a particular point of view \3(was angled in favour of the victim).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iangle\i or from Latin \Iangulus\i 'corner'\c
<hw>angle (2)</hw> \K/"aNg(\F'\n)l/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bfor)\b\i fish with hook and line.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i seek an objective by devious or calculated means \3(angled for a pay rise).\c\p\In.\i\p\Iarchaic\i a fish-hook. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iangul\i\c
<hw>angle brackets</hw> \In.pl.\i brackets in the form < > (see \J\Xbracket\x\p\In.\i\p3).\j
<hw>angled</hw> \K/"aNg(\F'\n)ld/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b placed at an angle to something else.\p\B2\b presented to suit a particular point of view.\p\B3\b having an angle.
<hw>angle-iron</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEngin\i a piece of iron or steel with an L-shaped cross-section, used to strengthen a framework.
<hw>angle of attack</hw>\p\In.\i\pthe angle between the chord of an aerofoil etc. and the direction of the surrounding undisturbed flow of air, water, etc.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Sep 93\k
<hw>angle of incidence</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xincidence\x.\j
<hw>angle of reflection</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xreflection\x.\j
<hw>angle of refraction</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xrefraction\x.\j
<hw>angle of repose</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the steepest angle at which a sloping surface formed of loose material is stable.
<hw>anglepoise</hw> \K/"aNg(\F'\n)lpOIz/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(often \Battrib.)\b\i \Ipropr.\i a type of desk lamp with a sprung and jointed adjustable arm.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus, RL Jul 93\k
<hw>angler</hw> \K/"aNgl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IFishing\i a person who fishes with a hook and line.\p\B2\b = \J\Xangler fish\x.\j
<hw>angler fish</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of various fishes that prey upon small fish, attracting them by filaments arising from the dorsal fin. \IAlso called\i \Ifrogfish.\i
<hw>Anglican</hw> \K/"aNglIk(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Church of England or any Church in communion with it.\p\In.\i\pa member of an Anglican Church. \BAnglicanism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \IAnglicanus\i (Magna Carta) from \IAnglicus\i (Bede) from \IAnglus\i \J\XAngle\x\j\c
<hw>anglice</hw> \K/"aNglIsi/\k \Iadv.\i in English. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin\c
<hw>Anglicism</hw> \K/"aNglIsIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a peculiarly English word or custom.\p\B2\b Englishness.\p\B3\b preference for what is English. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAnglicus\i (see \J\XAnglican\x)\j + \J\X-ism\x\j\c
<hw>Anglicize</hw> \K/"aNglIsVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b make English in form or character.
<hw>Anglist</hw> \K/"aNglIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i a student of or scholar in English language or literature. \BAnglistics\b \K/-"glIstIks/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3German from Latin \IAnglus\i 'English'\c
<hw>Anglo</hw> \K/"angl\F'\nU/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAnglos)\b\p\B1\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Ba\b a person of British or northern European origin, esp. \B(US)\b as distinct from a Hispanic American. \Bb\b an English-speaking person, esp. a white N. American who is not \B(US)\b of Hispanic descent or \B(Canad.)\b of French descent.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \ISport\i a Scottish, Irish, or Welsh sports player who plays for an English club.\Ksense 2 new f. OERD April 94\k \Iadj.\i of or relating to Anglos.\Kadj. new f. Inc., NSOED, Aug 94. Entry revised Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of \J\XAnglo-Saxon\x\j\c
<hw>Anglo-</hw> \K/"aNgl\F'\nU/\k \Icomb. form\i\p\B1\b English \3(Anglo-Catholic).\c\p\B2\b of English origin \3(an Anglo-American).\c\p\B3\b English or British and \3(an Anglo-American agreement).\c \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Latin \IAnglus\i 'English'\c
<hw>Anglo-Catholic</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"kaT(\F'\n)lIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig\i \Iadj.\i of a High Church Anglican group which emphasizes its Catholic tradition.\p\In.\i\pa member of this group.
<hw>Anglocentric</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"sEntrIk/\k \Iadj.\i centred on or considered in terms of England.
<hw>Anglo-French</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"frEn(t)S/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b English (or British) and French.\p\B2\b of Anglo-French.\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i the French language as retained and separately developed in England after the Norman Conquest.
<hw>Anglo-Indian</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"IndI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to England and India.\p\B2\b \IPeople\i \Ba\b of British descent or birth but living or having lived long in India. \Bb\b of mixed British and Indian parentage.\p\B3\b \ILanguage\i (of a word) adopted into English from an Indian language.\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i an Anglo-Indian person.
<hw>Anglo-Irish</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"VIrIS/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPeople Language\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of Engish descent but born or resident in Ireland.\p\B2\b of mixed English and Irish parentage.\p\B3\b of or belonging to both Britain and the Republic of Ireland.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(prec. by \Bthe;\b treated as \Bpl.)\b\i Anglo-Irish people.\p\B2\b the English language as used in Ireland.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>Anglo-Latin</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"latIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \ILanguage\i \Iadj.\i of Latin as used in medieval England.\p\In.\i\pthis form of Latin.
<hw>Anglomania</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"meInI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pexcessive admiration of English customs.
<hw>Anglo-Norman</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"nO:m\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b English and Norman.\p\B2\b \IPeople\i of the Normans in England after the Norman Conquest.\p\B3\b \ILanguage\i = \J\XAnglo-French\x \Iadj.\i 2.\j\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i = \J\XAnglo-French\x\p\In.\i\p\j
<hw>Anglophile</hw> \K/"aNgl\F'\n(U)fVIl/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa person who is fond of or greatly admires England or the English. \Iadj.\i being or characteristic of an Anglophile.\K-phil omitted Jan 94\k
<hw>Anglophobe</hw> \K/"aNgl\F'\n(U)f\F'\nUb/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa person who greatly hates or fears England or the English. \Iadj.\i being or characteristic of an Anglophobe.
<hw>Anglophobia</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\n(U)"f\F'\nUbI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pintense hatred or fear of England or the English.
<hw>anglophone</hw> \K/"aNgl\F'\n(U)f\F'\nUn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \ILinguistics\i \Iadj.\i English-speaking.\p\In.\i\pan English-speaking person. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\XAnglo-\x,\j on the pattern of \J\Xfrancophone\x\j\c
<hw>Anglo-Saxon</hw> \K/aNgl\F'\nU"saks(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of the English Saxons (as distinct from the Old Saxons of the Continent, and from the Angles) before the Norman Conquest.\p\B2\b of the Old English people as a whole before the Norman Conquest.\p\B3\b of English descent.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i an Anglo-Saxon person.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the Old English language.\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i plain (esp. crude) English.\p\B4\b \BUS\b \ILanguage\i the modern English language.\Ksense 4 new f. usab Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAnglo-Saxones,\i medieval Latin \IAngli Saxones,\i translating Old English \IAngulseaxe,\i \I-an\i\c
<hw>angora</hw> \K/aN"gO:r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(often \Battrib.)\b\i\p\B1\b \ITextiles\i a fabric made from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit.\p\B2\b \IZool\i a long-haired variety of cat, goat, or rabbit. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAngora\i (the former name of Ankara in Turkey)\c
<hw>angora wool</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITextiles\i a mixture of sheep's wool and angora rabbit hair.
<hw>angostura</hw> \K/aNg\F'\n"stjU\F'\nr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bangostura bark)\b \IBot Pharm\i an aromatic bitter bark used as a flavouring, and formerly used as a tonic and to reduce fever. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAngostura,\i a town in Venezuela on the Orinoco, now Ciudad Bolφvar\c
<hw>Angostura Bitters</hw> \In.pl.\i \IDrink\i \Ipropr.\i a kind of tonic first made in Angostura.
<hw>angry</hw> \K/"aNgri/\k \Iadj.\i \B(angrier,\b \Bangriest)\b\p\B1\b feeling or showing anger; extremely displeased or resentful.\p\B2\b (of a wound, sore, etc.) inflamed, painful.\p\B3\b suggesting or seeming to show anger \3(an angry sky).\c \Bangrily\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xanger\x\j + \J\X-y\x (1)\j\c
<hw>angst</hw> \K/aNst/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b anxiety.\p\B2\b a feeling of guilt or remorse. \BEtymology:\b \3German\c
<hw>angstrom</hw> \K/"aNstr\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bσngstr÷m\b \K/"QNstr\F'\n:m/\k) \ICrystallog\i a unit of length equal to 10-10 metre (symbol \B┼).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3named after A.J. \I┼ngstr÷m,\i Swedish physicist d. 1874\c
<hw>anguine</hw> \K/"aNgwIn/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool\i of or resembling a snake. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianguinus\i from \Ianguis\i 'snake'\c
<hw>anguish</hw> \K/"aNgwIS/\k\p\In.\i\psevere mental or physical pain or suffering. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ianguisse\i 'choking' from Latin \Iangustia\i 'tightness', from \Iangustus\i 'narrow'\c
<hw>anguished</hw> \K/"aNgwISt/\k \Iadj.\i suffering or expressing anguish. \BEtymology:\b \3past part. of \Ianguish\i via Old French \Ianguissier\i from ecclesiastical Latin \Iangustiare\i 'to distress': see \J\Xanguish\x\j\c
<hw>angular</hw> \K/"aNgjUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b having angles or sharp corners. \Bb\b (of a person) having sharp features; lean and bony. \Bc\b awkward in manner.\p\B2\b forming an angle.\p\B3\b measured by angle \3(angular distance).\c \Bangularity\b \K/-"larIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bangularly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iangularis\i from \Iangulus\i \J\Xangle\x (1)\j\c
<hw>angular momentum</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the quantity of rotation of a body, the product of its moment of inertia and angular velocity.
<hw>angular velocity</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the rate of change of angular position of a rotating body.
<hw>angwantibo</hw> \K/\F'\nN"gwQntIb\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IZool\i a small rare primate, Arctocebus calabarensis of west central Africa, related to the potto.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Efik\c
<hw>anhedral</hw> \K/an"hi:dr(\F'\n)l/, /-"hEd-/\k \In. & adj.\i \IAeron.\i\p\In.\i\pthe angle between the wing of an aircraft and the horizontal when the wing is inclined downwards. \Iadj.\i of or having an anhedral. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \I-hedral\i (see \J\X-hedron\x)\j\c
<hw>anhinga</hw> \K/an"hINg\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \IZool\i a darter, esp. Anhinga anhinga of America. \IAlso called\i \Isnake bird.\i\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese, from Tupi \Ißyinga\i\c
<hw>anhydride</hw> \K/an"hVIdrVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a compound obtained by removing the elements of water from another compound, esp. from an acid. \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xanhydrous\x\j + \J\X-ide\x\j\c
<hw>anhydrite</hw> \K/an"hVIdrVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i a naturally occurring usu. rock-forming anhydrous mineral form of calcium sulphate. \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xanhydrous\x\j + \J\X-ite\x (1)\j\c
<hw>anhydrous</hw> \K/an"hVIdr\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i without water, esp. water of crystallization. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianudros\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Ihudor\i 'water')\c
<hw>ani</hw> \K/"A:ni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banis)\b \IZool\i any of various glossy black large-billed birds of the genus \ICrotophaga,\i of the cuckoo family, found in Central and S. America.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, COD box Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish \Ianφ,\i Portuguese \Ianum,\i from Tupi \Ianu\i\c
<hw>aniline</hw> \K/"anIli:n/, /-lIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a colourless oily liquid, used in the manufacture of dyes, drugs, and plastics. Chem. formula: C6H5NH2.\Kformula\k \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAnilin\i from \IAnil\i 'indigo' (from which it was originally obtained), ultimately from Arabic \Ian-nil\i\c
<hw>aniline dye</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IDyeing\i a synthetic dye, esp. one made from aniline.
<hw>anima</hw> \K/"anIm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i\p\B1\b the inner personality (opp. \J\Xpersona\x 1).\j\p\B2\b Jung's term for the feminine part of a man's personality \I(opp.\i \J\Xanimus\x 4).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = mind, soul\c
<hw>animadvert</hw> \K/%anIm\F'\nd"v\F'\n:t/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(foll. by \Bon)\b\i criticize, censure (conduct, a fault, etc.). \Banimadversion\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianimadvertere\i from \Ianimus\i 'mind' + \Iadvertere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivertere vers-\i 'turn')\c
<hw>animal</hw> \K/"anIm(\F'\n)l/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a living organism which feeds on organic matter, usu. with specialized sense organs and nervous system, and able to respond rapidly to stimuli.\p\B2\b \Ba\b such an organism other than a human. \Bb\b a quadruped.\Ksense 2b new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k\p\B3\b a brutish or uncivilized person.\p\B4\b \Icolloq.\i a person or thing of any kind \3(there is no such animal).\c \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b characteristic of animals.\p\B2\b of animals as distinct from plants \3(animal charcoal).\c\p\B3\b characteristic of the physical needs of animals; carnal, sensual. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from \Ianimale,\i neut. of \Ianimalis\i 'having breath' from \Ianima\i 'breath'\c
<hw>animalcule</hw> \K/anI"malkju:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iarchaic\i \IZool\i a microscopic animal. \Banimalcular\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ianimalculum\i (as \J\Xanimal\x,\j \J\X-cule\x)\j\c
<hw>animal husbandry</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAgriculture\i the science of breeding and caring for farm animals.
<hw>animalism</hw> \K/"anIm(\F'\n)lIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the nature and activity of animals.\p\B2\b the belief that humans are not superior to other animals.\p\B3\b concern with physical matters; sensuality.
<hw>animality</hw> \K/anI"malIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the animal world.\p\B2\b the nature or behaviour of animals. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanimalitΘ\i from \Ianimal\i \I(adj.)\i\c
<hw>animalize</hw> \K/"anIm(\F'\n)lVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b make (a person) bestial; sensualize.\p\B2\b \IChem\i convert to animal substance. \Banimalization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>animal liberation</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i the liberation of animals from exploitation by humans.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>animal magnetism</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ihist.\i mesmerism.\p\B2\b sexual attraction.\Ksense 2 new f. OERD Aug 94\k
<hw>animal rights</hw> \In.pl.\i \IPolit.\i the natural right of animals to live free from human exploitation \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2animal rights activists).\c\Knew word in COD9 f. OMED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>animate</hw> \Iadj. & v.\i \Iadj.\i \K/"anIm\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b having life.\p\B2\b lively. \Iv.tr.\i \K/"anImeIt/\k\p\B1\b enliven, make lively.\p\B2\b give life to.\p\B3\b inspire, actuate; encourage.\p\B4\b (esp. as \Banimated\b \Iadj.)\i \ICinematog.\i give (a film, cartoon figure, etc.) the appearance of movement using animation techniques. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianimatus,\i past part. of \Ianimare\i 'give life to', from \Ianima\i 'life, soul'\c
<hw>animated</hw> \K/"anImeItId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b lively, vigorous.\p\B2\b having life. \Banimatedly\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>animateur</hw> \K/anIma"t\F'\n:/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who enlivens or encourages something, esp. a promoter of artistic projects.\Knew f. Incs Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>animation</hw> \K/anI"meIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b vivacity, ardour.\p\B2\b the state of being alive.\p\B3\b \ICinematog.\i the technique of filming successive drawings or positions of puppets or models to create an illusion of movement when the film is shown as a sequence.
<hw>animator</hw> \K/"anImeIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an artist who prepares animated films, esp. cartoons.\p\B2\b a person who animates something, esp. who facilitates a discussion.\Knew as hwd Sept 94\k
<hw>animatronics</hw> \K/%anIm\F'\n"trQnIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \ICinematog.\i the technique of making and operating lifelike robots. \Banimatronic\b \Iadj.\i\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW, files Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3portmanteau word from \J\Xanimated\x\j + \J\Xelectronics\x\j\c
<hw>animΘ</hw> \K/"anImeI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i any of various resins, esp. a W. Indian resin used in making varnish. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Tupi \Iwana'ni\i\c
<hw>animism</hw> \K/"anImIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol Relig\i\p\B1\b the attribution of a living soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.\p\B2\b the belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the material universe. \Banimist\b\p\In.\i\p\Banimistic\b \K/-"mIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianima\i 'life, soul' + \J\X-ism\x\j\c
<hw>animosity</hw> \K/anI"mQsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b a spirit or feeling of strong hostility. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IanimositΘ\i or Late Latin \Ianimositas,\i from \Ianimosus\i 'spirited', formed as \J\Xanimus\x\j\c
<hw>animus</hw> \K/"anIm\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a display of animosity.\p\B2\b ill feeling.\p\B3\b a motivating spirit or feeling.\p\B4\b \IPsychol.\i Jung's term for the masculine part of a woman's personality \I(opp.\i \J\Xanima\x 2).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = spirit, mind\c
<hw>anion</hw> \K/"anVI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i \IPhysics\i a negatively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the anode in electrolysis (opp. \J\Xcation\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xana-\x\j + \J\Xion\x\j\c
<hw>anionic</hw> \K/anVI"QnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i \IPhysics\i\p\B1\b of an anion or anions.\p\B2\b having an active anion.
<hw>anise</hw> \K/"anIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an umbelliferous plant, Pimpinella anisum, having aromatic seeds (see \J\Xaniseed\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ianis\i and Latin from Greek \Ianison\i 'anise, dill'\c
<hw>aniseed</hw> \K/"anIsi:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the seed of the anise, used to flavour liqueurs and sweets. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xanise\x\j + \J\Xseed\x\j\c
<hw>anisette</hw> \K/anI"zEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i a liqueur flavoured with aniseed. \BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \Ianis\i \J\Xanise\x\j\c
<hw>anisotropic</hw> \K/%anVIs\F'\n"tr\F'\nUpIk/, /-"trQp-/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem\i having physical properties that are different in different directions, e.g. the strength of wood along the grain differing from that across the grain (opp. \J\Xisotropic\x).\j \Kanisotropically omitted Jul 93\k\Banisotropy\b \K/-"sQtr\F'\npi/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \J\Xisotropic\x\j\c
<hw>ankh</hw> \K/aNk/\k\p\In.\i\pa device consisting of a looped bar with a shorter crossbar, used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of life. \BEtymology:\b \3Egyptian, = life, soul\c
<hw>ankle</hw> \K/"aNk(\F'\n)l/\k \In. & v.\i \IAnat\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the joint connecting the foot with the leg.\p\B2\b the part of the leg between this and the calf. \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \Islang\i walk.\p\B2\b \ICycling\i flex the ankles while cycling to increase pedalling efficiency.\Ksense 2 new f. NSOED Mar. 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English and Old Norse, from Germanic: related to \J\Xangle\x (1)\j\c
<hw>ankle-biter</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer. & Austral.\b \Islang\i a child.\Knew f. K. Barber, corpus, incomings Oct 94\k
<hw>ankle-bone</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i a bone forming the ankle.
<hw>ankle sock</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IClothing\i a short sock just covering the ankle.
<hw>anklet</hw> \K/"aNklIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFashion\i\p\B1\b an ornament or fetter worn round the ankle.\p\B2\b \Besp. US\b \IClothing\i = \J\Xankle sock\x.\j\Ksense 2 new f. usab, Inc., Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xankle\x\j + \J\X-let\x,\j on the pattern of \J\Xbracelet\x\j\c
<hw>ankylosaur</hw> \K/"aNkIl\F'\nsO:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a member of the suborder Ankylosauria of heavily armoured quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaurs.\Knew f. NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAnkylosaurus\i genus name, from Greek \Iagkulosis\i \J\Xankylosis\x\j + \Isauros\i 'lizard'\c
<hw>ankylose</hw> \K/"aNkIl\F'\nUz/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i (also \Banchylose)\b \IMed\i (of bones or a joint) stiffen or unite by ankylosis. \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xankylosis\x,\j on the pattern of \Ianastomose\i etc.\c
<hw>ankylosis</hw> \K/aNkI"l\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Banchylosis)\b \IMed\i\p\B1\b the abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint by fusion of the bones.\p\B2\b such fusion. \Bankylotic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iagkulosis,\i from \Iagkuloo\i 'crook'\c
<hw>anna</hw> \K/"an\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICurrency\i a former monetary unit of India and Pakistan, one-sixteenth of a rupee. \BEtymology:\b \3Hindustani \Iana\i\c
<hw>annal</hw> \K/"an(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the annals of one year.\p\B2\b a record of one item in a chronicle. \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xannals\x\j\c
<hw>annals</hw> \K/"an(\F'\n)lz/\k \In.pl.\i\p\B1\b a narrative of events year by year.\p\B2\b historical records. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iannales\i or Latin \Iannales\i \I(libri)\i 'yearly (books)', from \Iannus\i 'year'\c
<hw>annates</hw> \K/"aneIts/\k \In.pl.\i \IRC Ch.\i the first year's revenue of a see or benefice, paid to the Pope. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iannate\i from medieval Latin \Iannata\i 'year's proceeds', from \Iannus\i 'year'\c
<hw>annatto</hw> \K/\F'\n"nat\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Banatta\b \K/-t\F'\n/\k, \Banatto)\b \IChem Dyeing\i an orange-red dye from the pulp of a tropical fruit, used for colouring foods. \BEtymology:\b \3Carib name of the fruit tree\c
<hw>anneal</hw> \K/\F'\n"ni:l/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \IChem\i heat (metal or glass) and allow it to cool slowly, esp. to toughen it.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i toughen.\p\B3\b \IBiochem.\i \Ba\b \Itr.\i recombine (DNA) in the double-stranded form. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i undergo this process.\Ksense 3 new f. OERD, NSOED Aug 94\k\p\In.\i\ptreatment by annealing. \Bannealer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ionµlan,\i from \Ion\i + \Iµlan\i 'burn, bake' from \Ial\i 'fire'\c
<hw>annelid</hw> \K/"an(\F'\n)lId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a segmented worm of the phylum Annelida, which includes earthworms, lugworms, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IannΘlide\i or modern Latin \Iannelida\i \I(pl.),\i from French \IannelΘs\i 'ringed animals' via Old French \Ianel\i 'ring' from Latin \Ianellus,\i diminutive of \Ianulus\i 'ring'\c
<hw>annelidan</hw> \K/\F'\n"nElId(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IZool\i \Iadj.\i of the annelids.\p\In.\i\pan annelid.
<hw>annex</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"nEks/\k\p\B1\b \Ba\b add as a subordinate part. \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i append to a book etc.\p\B2\b incorporate (territory of another) into one's own.\p\B3\b add as a condition or consequence.\p\B4\b \Icolloq.\i take without right.\p\In.\i\p\K/"anEks/\k = \J\Xannexe\x.\j\Knoun new as crossref. Sept 94\k \Bannexation\b \K/-"seIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iannexer\i from Latin \Iannectere\i (as \J\Xan-\x (2),\j \Inectere nex-\i 'bind')\c
<hw>annexe</hw> \K/"anEks/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b\p\B1\b a separate or added building, esp. for extra accommodation.\p\B2\b an addition to a document. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iannexe\i from Latin \Iannexum,\i past part. of \Iannectere\i 'bind': see \J\Xannex\x\j\c
<hw>annihilate</hw> \K/\F'\n"nVIIleIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b completely destroy.\p\B2\b defeat utterly; make insignificant or powerless. \Bannihilator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iannihilare\i (as \J\Xan-\x (2),\j \Inihil\i 'nothing')\c
<hw>annihilation</hw> \K/\F'\nnVII"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of annihilating.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i the conversion of a particle and an antiparticle into radiation. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iannihilation\i or Late Latin \Iannihilatio\i (as \J\Xannihilate\x)\j\c
<hw>anniversary</hw> \K/anI"v\F'\n:s(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b the date on which an event took place in a previous year.\p\B2\b the celebration of this. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Ianniversarius,\i from \Iannus\i 'year' + \Iversus\i 'turned'\c
<hw>Anno Domini</hw> \K/%an\F'\nU "dQmInVI/\k \Iadv. & n.\i \Iadv.\i in the year of our Lord, in the year of the Christian era.\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i advancing age \3(suffering from Anno Domini).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = in the year of the Lord\c
<hw>announce</hw> \K/\F'\n"naUns/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bthat)\b\i make publicly known.\p\B2\b make known the arrival or imminence of (a guest, dinner, etc.).\p\B3\b make known (without words) to the senses or the mind; be a sign of. \Bannouncement\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iannoncer\i from Latin \Iannuntiare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Inuntius\i 'messenger')\c
<hw>announcer</hw> \K/\F'\n"naUns\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBroadcasting\i a person who announces, esp. introducing programmes in broadcasting.
<hw>annoy</hw> \K/\F'\n"nOI/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b cause slight anger or mental distress to.\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpassive)\b\i be somewhat angry \3(am annoyed with you;\c \2was annoyed at my remarks).\c\p\B3\b molest; harass repeatedly. \Bannoyance\b\p\In.\i\p\Bannoyer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ianuier,\i \Ianui,\i \Ianoi,\i etc., ultimately from Latin \Iin odio\i 'hateful'\c
<hw>annual</hw> \K/"anjU\F'\nl/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b reckoned by the year.\p\B2\b occurring every year.\p\B3\b living or lasting for one year.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a book etc. published once a year; a yearbook.\p\B2\b \IBot\i a plant that lives only for a year or less. \Bannually\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iannuel\i and Late Latin \Iannualis\i from Latin \Iannalis,\i from \Iannus\i 'year'\c
<hw>annual general meeting</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICommerce\i a yearly meeting of members or shareholders, esp. for holding elections and reporting on the year's events.
<hw>annualized</hw> \K/"anjU\F'\nlVIzd/\k \Iadj.\i \IEcon\i (of rates of interest, inflation, etc.) calculated on an annual basis, as a projection from figures obtained for a shorter period.
<hw>annual ring</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a ring in the cross-section of a plant, esp. a tree, produced by one year's growth.
<hw>annuitant</hw> \K/\F'\n"nju:It(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a person who holds or receives an annuity. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xannuity\x\j + \J\X-ant\x,\j by assimilation to \Iaccountant\i etc.\c
<hw>annuity</hw> \K/\F'\n"nju:Iti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ICommerce\i\p\B1\b a yearly grant or allowance.\p\B2\b an investment of money entitling the investor to a series of equal annual sums over a stated period.\p\B3\b a sum payable in respect of a particular year. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \IannuitΘ\i and medieval Latin \Iannuitas -tatis\i from Latin \Iannuus\i 'yearly' (as \J\Xannual\x)\j\c
<hw>annul</hw> \K/\F'\n"nVl/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(annulled,\b \Bannulling)\b\p\B1\b declare (a marriage etc.) invalid.\p\B2\b cancel, abolish. \Bannulment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ianuller\i from Late Latin \Iannullare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Inullus\i 'none')\c
<hw>annular</hw> \K/"anjUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i ring-shaped; forming a ring. \Bannularly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iannulaire\i or Latin \Iannularis,\i from \Ian(n)ulus\i 'ring'\c
<hw>annular eclipse</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i an eclipse of the sun in which the edge of the sun remains visible as a bright ring around the moon.
<hw>annulate</hw> \K/"anjUl\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot Zool\i having rings; marked with or formed of rings. \Bannulation\b \K/-"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iannulatus\i (as \J\Xannulus\x)\j\c
<hw>annulet</hw> \K/"anjUlIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchit.\i a small fillet or band encircling a column.\p\B2\b a small ring. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iannulus\i 'ring' + \J\X-et\x (1)\j\c
<hw>annunciate</hw> \K/\F'\n"nVnsIeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b proclaim.\p\B2\b indicate as coming or ready. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iannunciare\i from Latin \Iannuntiare annuntiat-\i 'announce'\c
<hw>annunciation</hw> \K/\F'\nnVnsI"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \B(Annunciation)\b \IRelig\i \Ba\b the announcing of the Incarnation, made by the angel Gabriel to Mary, related in Luke 1:26-38. \Bb\b the festival commemorating this (Lady Day) on 25 March.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the act or process of announcing. \Bb\b an announcement. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iannonciation\i from Late Latin \Iannuntiatio -onis\i (as \J\Xannunciate\x)\j\c
<hw>annunciator</hw> \K/\F'\n"nVnsIeIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IElectr\i a device giving an audible or visible indication of which of several electrical circuits has been activated, of the position of a train, etc.\p\B2\b an announcer. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iannuntiator\i (as \J\Xannunciate\x)\j\c
<hw>anoa</hw> \K/\F'\n"n\F'\nU\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of several small deerlike water buffalo of the genus \IBubalus,\i native to Sulawesi. \BEtymology:\b \3its name in Sulawesi\c
<hw>anode</hw> \K/"an\F'\nUd/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr.\i\p\B1\b the negative terminal of an electrical device \I(opp.\i \J\Xcathode\x).\j\p\B2\b \IChem\i the terminal or electrode by which electric current enters a device. \Banodal\b \K/\F'\n"n\F'\nUd(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Banodic\b \K/\F'\n"nQdIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianodos\i 'way up', from \Iana\i 'up' + \Ihodos\i 'way'\c
<hw>anodize</hw> \K/"an\F'\ndVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \IChem\i coat (a metal, esp. aluminium) with a protective oxide layer by electrolysis. \Banodizer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanode\x\j + \J\X-ize\x\j\c
<hw>anodyne</hw> \K/"an\F'\ndVIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i able to relieve pain.\p\B2\b mentally soothing.\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an anodyne drug or medicine. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianodynus\i from Greek \Ianodunos\i 'painless' (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Iodune\i 'pain')\c
<hw>anoesis</hw> \K/an\F'\nU"i:sIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i consciousness with sensation but without thought. \Banoetic\b \K/-"EtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Inoesis\i 'understanding'\c
<hw>anoint</hw> \K/\F'\n"nOInt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i apply oil or ointment to, esp. as a religious ceremony (e.g. at baptism, or the consecration of a priest or king, or in ministering to the sick).\p\B2\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i smear, rub.\p\1Anointing of the Sick\c \Iesp. RC Ch.\i the sacramental anointing of the ill or infirm with blessed oil; unction.\Knew f. JHM, Canada Jul 93\k \Banointer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Ianoint\i \I(adj.)\i from Old French \Ienoint,\i past part. of \Ienoindre,\i from Latin \Iinungere\i (as \J\Xin-\x (2),\j \Iungere unct-\i 'smear with oil')\c
<hw>anole</hw> \K/\F'\n"n\F'\nUli/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a lizard of the American genus \IAnolis,\i esp. the green A. carolinensis.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Carib\c
<hw>anomalistic</hw> \K/\F'\nnQm\F'\n"lIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IAstron.\i of or relating to the anomaly of a planet etc.
<hw>anomalistic month</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHorol\i \IAstron\i a month measured between successive perigees of the moon.
<hw>anomalistic year</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHorol\i \IAstron\i a year measured between successive perihelia of the earth.
<hw>anomalous</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQm(\F'\n)l\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i having an irregular or deviant feature; abnormal. \Banomalously\b \Iadv.\i \Banomalousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Ianomalus\i from Greek \Ianomalos\i (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Ihomalos\i 'even')\c
<hw>anomalure</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQm\F'\nljU\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of the squirrel-like rodents of the family Anomaluridae, having tails with rough overlapping scales on the underside. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ianomalurus,\i from Greek \Ianomalos\i \J\Xanomalous\x\j + \Ioura\i 'tail'\c
<hw>anomaly</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQm(\F'\n)li/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b an anomalous circumstance or thing; an irregularity.\p\B2\b irregularity of motion, behaviour, etc.\p\B3\b \IAstron.\i the angular distance of a planet or satellite from its last perihelion or perigee. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Ianomalia,\i from \Ianomalos\i \J\Xanomalous\x\j\c
<hw>anomie</hw> \K/"an\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Banomy)\b \ISociol\i lack of the usual social or ethical standards in an individual or group. \Banomic\b \K/\F'\n"nQmIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianomia\i from \Ianomos\i 'lawless': \I-ie\i from French\c
<hw>anon</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQn/\k \Iadv.\i \Iarchaic\i or \Iliterary\i soon, shortly \3(will say more of this anon).\c \BEtymology:\b \3originally = in or into one state, course, etc., later = at once: Old English \Ion an\i 'into one', \Ion ane\i 'in one'\c
<hw>anon.</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQn/\k \Iabbr.\i anonymous; an anonymous author.
<hw>anonym</hw> \K/"an\F'\nnIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an anonymous person or publication.\p\B2\b a pseudonym. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianonyme\i from Greek \Ianonumos:\i see \J\Xanonymous\x\j\c
<hw>anonymous</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQnIm\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of unknown name.\p\B2\b of unknown or undeclared source or authorship.\p\B3\b without character; featureless, impersonal. \Banonymity\b \K/an\F'\n"nImIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Banonymously\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Ianonymus\i from Greek \Ianonumos\i 'nameless' (as \J\Xan-\x (1),\j \Ionoma\i 'name')\c
<hw>anopheles</hw> \K/\F'\n"nQfIli:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool Med\i a mosquito of the genus \IAnopheles,\i which includes many that are carriers of the malarial parasite. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ianopheles\i 'unprofitable'\c
<hw>anorak</hw> \K/"an\F'\nrak/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFashion\i\p\B1\b a waterproof jacket of cloth or plastic, usu. with a hood, of a kind originally used in polar regions.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i \Iderog.\i a boring, studious, or socially inept person with unfashionable and solitary interests.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. News Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greenland Eskimo \Ianoraq\i\c
<hw>anorexia</hw> \K/an\F'\n"rEksI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i\p\B1\b a lack or loss of appetite for food.\p\B2\b (in full \Banorexia nervosa \K/n\F'\n:"v\F'\nUs\F'\n/\k)\b a psychological illness, esp. in young women, characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin from Greek (as \J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \Iorexis\i 'appetite')\c
<hw>anorexic</hw> \K/an\F'\n"rEksIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i (also \Banorectic\b \K/-"rEktIk/\k) \IMed\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b involving, producing, or characterized by a lack of appetite, esp. in anorexia nervosa.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i extremely thin.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. Wordfinder Jul 93\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an anorexic agent.\p\B2\b a person with anorexia. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanorΘxique:\i \Ianorectic\i from Greek \Ianorektos\i 'without appetite' (as \J\Xanorexia\x)\j\c
<hw>anorthosite</hw> \K/\F'\n"nO:T\F'\nsVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i a granular igneous rock composed largely of plagioclase.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianorthose\i 'plagioclase' + \J\X-ite\x (1)\j\c
<hw>anosmia</hw> \K/a"nQzmI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the loss of the sense of smell. \Banosmic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin from Greek (as \J\Xan-\x (2)\j + \Iosme\i 'smell')\c
<hw>another</hw> \K/\F'\n"nVD\F'\n/\k \Idet. & pron.\i \Idet.\i\p\B1\b an additional; one more \3(have another cake;\c \2after another six months).\c\p\B2\b a person like or comparable to \3(another Callas).\c\p\B3\b a different \3(quite another matter).\c\p\B4\b some or any other \3(will not do another man's work).\c \Ipron.\i\p\B1\b an additional one \3(have another).\c\p\B2\b a different one \3(take this book away and bring me another).\c\p\B3\b some or any other one \3(I love another).\c\p\B4\b \BBrit.\b \ILaw\i an unnamed additional party to a legal action \3(X versus Y and another).\c\p\B5\b (usu. \BA. N. Other\b \K/eI En "VD\F'\n/\k) \BBrit.\b a player unnamed or not yet selected.\p\1such another\c another of the same sort. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xan\x\j + \J\Xother\x\j\c
<hw>another place</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IParl\i the other House of Parliament (used in the Commons to refer to the Lords, and vice versa).
<hw>ANOVA</hw> \K/"an\F'\nvA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IStatistics\i analysis of variance, a statistical method in which the variation in a set of observations is divided into distinct components.\Knew f. incomings Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3acronym\c
<hw>anoxia</hw> \K/a"nQksI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i an absence or deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues; severe hypoxia. \Banoxic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xan-\x (1)\j + \J\Xoxygen\x\j + \J\X-ia\x (1)\j\c
\B\Ianschluss\b\i \K/"anSlUs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i a unification, esp. \B\I(Anschluss)\b\i the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938. \BEtymology:\b \3German from \Ianschliessen\i 'join'\c\Kkbd fulc tags on the list but not recognized by ic: ref comp informed Jul 93\k
<hw>anserine</hw> \K/"ans\F'\nrVIn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i of or like a goose.\p\B2\b silly. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianserinus,\i from \Ianser\i 'goose'\c
<hw>ANSI</hw> \Iabbr.\i American National Standards Institute.\Knew f. Incs; pronunc.? Sept 94\k
<hw>answer</hw> \K/"A:ns\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something said or done to deal with or in reaction to a question, statement, or circumstance.\p\B2\b the solution to a problem.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i make an answer to \3(answer me;\c \2answer my question).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i make an answer.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i respond to the summons or signal of \3(answer the door;\c \2answer the telephone).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i be satisfactory for (a purpose or need).\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfor,\b \Bto)\b\i be responsible \3(you will answer to me for your conduct).\c\p\B6\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i correspond, esp. to a description.\p\B7\b \Iintr.\i be satisfactory or successful.\p\1answer back\c answer a rebuke etc. impudently.\p\1answer to the name of\c be called. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iandswaru,\i \Iandswarian\i from Germanic, = swear against (charge)\c
<hw>answerable</hw> \K/"A:ns(\F'\n)r\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfor)\b\i responsible \3(answerable to them for any accident).\c\p\B2\b that can be answered.
<hw>answering machine</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITelephony\i a tape recorder which supplies a recorded answer to a telephone call.
<hw>answering service</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a business that receives and answers telephone calls for its clients.
<hw>answerphone</hw> \K/"A:ns\F'\nf\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ITelephony\i a telephone answering machine.
<hw>ant</hw> \K/ant/\k \In. & v.\i \IZool\i\p\In.\i\pany small insect of the widely distributed hymenopterous family Formicidae, living in complex social colonies, wingless (except for adults at the time of mating), and proverbial for industry. \Iv.intr. & refl.\i (usu. as \Banting\b \In.)\i (of a bird) place or rub ants on the feathers to repel parasites.\Kverb new f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k\p\1have ants in one's pants\c \Icolloq.\i be fidgety or restless.\Kidm new f. OERD, corpus, Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµmet(t)e,\i \Iemete\i (see \J\Xemmet\x),\j from West Germanic\c
<hw>ant-</hw> \K/ant/\k \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xanti-\x\j before a vowel or \Ih\i \3(Antarctic).\c
<hw>-ant</hw> \K/(\F'\n)nt/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming adjectives denoting attribution of an action \3(pendant;\c \2repentant)\c or state \3(arrogant;\c \2expectant).\c\p\B2\b forming nouns denoting an agent \3(assistant;\c \2celebrant;\c \2deodorant).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-ant\i or Latin \I-ant\i-, \I-ent-,\i pres. part. stem of verbs: cf. \J\X-ent\x\j\c
<hw>antacid</hw> \K/ant"asId/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPharm\i\p\In.\i\pa substance that prevents or corrects acidity esp. in the stomach. \Iadj.\i having these properties.
<hw>antagonism</hw> \K/an"tag(\F'\n)nIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\pactive opposition or hostility. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantagonisme\i (as \J\Xantagonist\x)\j\c
<hw>antagonist</hw> \K/an"tag(\F'\n)nIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an opponent or adversary.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i a substance or organ that partially or completely opposes the action of another. \Bantagonistic\b \K/-"nIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bantagonistically\b \K/-"nIstIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantagoniste\i or Late Latin \Iantagonista,\i from Greek \Iantagonistes\i (as \J\Xantagonize\x)\j\c
<hw>antagonize</hw> \K/an"tag(\F'\n)nVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b evoke hostility or opposition or enmity in.\p\B2\b (of one force etc.) counteract or tend to neutralize (another). \Bantagonization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iantagonizomai\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Iagonizomai\i from \Iagon\i 'contest')\c
<hw>Antarctic</hw> \K/an"tA:ktIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IGeog\i \Iadj.\i of the south polar regions.\p\In.\i\pthese regions. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iantartique\i or Latin \Iantarcticus\i from Greek \Iantarktikos\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Iarktikos\i \J\XArctic\x)\j\c
<hw>Antarctic Circle</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i the parallel of latitude 66░ 33\Fó\n S., forming an imaginary line round the Antarctic regions.
<hw>Antarctic Ocean</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i = \J\XSouthern Ocean\x.\j\Knew f. SOED Apr 94\k
<hw>ante</hw> \K/"anti/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICards\i a stake put up by a player in poker etc. before receiving cards.\p\B2\b (esp. in phr. \Bup the ante)\b an amount to be paid in advance; a stake. \Iv.tr.\i \B(antes,\b \Banted)\b\p\B1\b \ICards\i put up as an ante.\p\B2\b \Ba\b bet, stake. \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bup)\b\i pay. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = before\c
<hw>anteater</hw> \K/"anti:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a mammal that feeds on ants and termites, esp. one of the edentate family Myrmecophagidae, with a long snout and sticky tongue.
<hw>ante-bellum</hw> \K/antI"bEl\F'\nm/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i occurring or existing before a particular war, esp. the US Civil War. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from \Iante\i 'before' + \Ibellum\i 'war'\c
<hw>antecedent</hw> \K/antI"si:d(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a preceding thing or circumstance.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i a word, phrase, clause, or sentence, to which another word (esp. a relative pronoun, usu. following) refers.\p\B3\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i past history, esp. of a person.\p\B4\b \ILogic\i the statement contained in the 'if' clause of a conditional proposition. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i previous.\p\B2\b presumptive, a priori. \Bantecedence\b\p\In.\i\p\Bantecedently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from French \IantΘcΘdent\i or Latin \Iantecedere\i (as \J\Xante-\x,\j \Icedere\i 'go')\c
<hw>antechamber</hw> \K/"antItSeImb\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa small room leading to a main one. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Ianti-:\i French \Iantichambre\i from Italian \Ianticamera\i (as \J\Xante-\x,\j \J\Xchamber\x)\j\c
<hw>antechapel</hw> \K/"antI%tSap(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig Archit\i the outer part at the west end of a college chapel.
<hw>antedate</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/antI"deIt/, /"antIdeIt/\k\p\B1\b exist or occur at a date earlier than.\p\B2\b assign an earlier date to (a document, event, etc.), esp. one earlier than its actual date.\p\In.\i\p\K/"antIdeIt/\k a date earlier than the actual one.
<hw>antediluvian</hw> \K/%antIdI"lu:vI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i very old or out of date. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xante-\x\j + Latin \Idiluvium\i \J\Xdeluge\x\j + \J\X-an\x\j\c
<hw>antelope</hw> \K/"antIl\F'\nUp/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Bantelopes)\b\p\B1\b \IZool\i a deerlike ruminant of the family Bovidae, mainly found in Africa, typically tall, slender, graceful, and swift-moving with smooth hair and upward-pointing horns, e.g. gazelles, gnus, kudus, and impala.\p\B2\b leather made from the skin of any of these.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b = \J\Xpronghorn\x.\j\Ksense 3 new f. KPB Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iantelop\i or medieval Latin \Iant(h)alopus\i from late Greek \Iantholops,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>antenatal</hw> \K/antI"neIt(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Besp. Brit.\b \IMed\i\p\B1\b existing or occurring before birth.\p\B2\b relating to the period of pregnancy.
<hw>antenna</hw> \K/an"tEn\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(pl.\i \Bantennae\b \K/-ni:/\k) \IZool.\i each of a pair of mobile appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, etc., sensitive to touch and taste; a feeler.\p\B2\b \I(pl.\i \Bantennas)\b = \J\Xaerial\x\p\In.\i\p\j \Bantennal\b \Iadj.\i (in sense 1). \Bantennary\b \Iadj.\i (in sense 1). \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = yard (of a ship), used in pl. to translate Greek \Ikeraioi\i 'horns' of insects\c
<hw>antenuptial</hw> \K/antI"nVpS(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Besp. Brit.\b existing or occurring before marriage. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iantenuptialis\i (as \J\Xante-\x,\j \J\Xnuptial\x)\j\c
<hw>antenuptial contract</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BS.Afr.\b \ILaw\i a contract between two persons intending to marry each other, setting out the terms and conditions of their marriage.
<hw>antepenult</hw> \K/%antIpI"nVlt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the last syllable but two in a word. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of Late Latin \Iantepaenultimus\i (as \J\Xante-\x,\j \Ipaenultimus\i \J\Xpenult\x)\j\c
<hw>antepenultimate</hw> \K/%antIpI"nVltIm\F'\nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i last but two.\p\In.\i\panything that is last but two.
<hw>ante-post</hw> \K/antI"p\F'\nUst/\k \Iadj.\i \BBrit.\b \ISport\i (of betting) done at odds determined at the time of betting, in advance of the event concerned. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xante-\x\j + \J\Xpost\x (1)\j\c
<hw>anterior</hw> \K/an"tI\F'\nrI\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b nearer the front.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i earlier, prior. \Banteriority\b \K/-rI"QrIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Banteriorly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IantΘrieur\i or Latin \Ianterior,\i from \Iante\i 'before'\c
<hw>ante-room</hw> \K/"antIru:m/, /-rUm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a small room leading to a main one.\p\B2\b \IMil.\i a sitting room in an officers' mess.
<hw>anthelion</hw> \K/ant"hi:lI\F'\nn/, /an"Ti:l-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banthelia\b \K/-lI\F'\n/\k) \IMeteorol\i a luminous halo projected on a cloud or fog bank opposite to the sun. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, neut. of \Ianthelios\i 'opposite to the sun' (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Ihelios\i 'sun')\c
<hw>anthelmintic</hw> \K/anT(\F'\n)l"mIntIk/\k \In. & adj.\i (also \Banthelminthic\b \K/-TIk/\k) \IPharm\i\p\In.\i\pany drug or agent used to destroy parasitic, esp. intestinal, worms, e.g. tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes. \Iadj.\i having the power to eliminate or destroy parasitic worms. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j + Greek \Ihelmins helminthos\i 'worm'\c
<hw>anthem</hw> \K/"anT\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i an elaborate choral composition usu. based on a passage of scripture for church use.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a solemn hymn of praise etc., esp. = \J\Xnational anthem\x.\j \Bb\b a popular song that is identified with a person, group, etc. \3(rock anthem).\c\Ksense 2b new f. Incomings, OERD, corpus Apr 94\k\p\B3\b a composition sung antiphonally. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iantefn,\i \Iantifne\i from Late Latin \Iantiphona\i \J\Xantiphon\x\j\c
<hw>anthemion</hw> \K/an"Ti:mI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Banthemia\b \K/-mI\F'\n/\k) \IArt\i a flower-like ornament used in art. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = flower\c
<hw>anther</hw> \K/"anT\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i the apical portion of a stamen containing pollen. \Bantheral\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanthΦre\i or modern Latin \Ianthera,\i in Latin 'medicine extracted from flowers', from Greek \Ianthera\i 'flowery', fem. adj. from \Ianthos\i 'flower'\c
<hw>antheridium</hw> \K/anT\F'\n"rIdI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bantheridia\b \K/-dI\F'\n/\k) \IBot.\i the male sex organ of algae, mosses, ferns, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from \Ianthera\i (as \J\Xanther\x)\j + Greek \I-idion\i diminutive suffix\c
<hw>anthill</hw> \K/"anthIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i a moundlike nest built by ants or termites.\p\B2\b a community teeming with people.
<hw>anthologize</hw> \K/an"TQl\F'\ndZVIz/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \IBibliog\i compile or include in an anthology.
<hw>anthology</hw> \K/an"TQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IBibliog\i a published collection of passages from literature (esp. poems), songs, reproductions of paintings, etc. \Banthologist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianthologie\i or medieval Latin from Greek \Ianthologia,\i from \Ianthos\i 'flower' + \I-logia\i 'collection' from \Ilego\i 'gather'\c
<hw>anthozoan</hw> \K/anT\F'\n"z\F'\nU\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IZool\i\p\In.\i\pa sessile marine coelenterate of the class Anthozoa which includes sea anemones and corals. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this class. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAnthozoa,\i from Greek \Ianthos\i 'flower' + \Izoia\i 'animals'\c
<hw>anthracene</hw> \K/"anTr\F'\nsi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a colourless crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon obtained by the distillation of crude oils and used in the manufacture of chemicals. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianthrax -akos\i 'coal' + \J\X-ene\x\j\c
<hw>anthracite</hw> \K/"anTr\F'\nsVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i coal of a hard variety containing relatively pure carbon and burning with little flame and smoke. \Banthracitic\b \K/-"sItIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianthrakitis\i a kind of coal (as \J\Xanthracene\x)\j\c
<hw>anthracnose</hw> \K/an"Trakn\F'\nUs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot Hort\i a fungal disease of plants causing dark lesions.\Knew f. NSOED Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French from Greek \Ianthrak-\i \Ianthrax\i 'coal' + \Inosos\i 'disease'\c
<hw>anthrax</hw> \K/"anTraks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a fatal bacterial disease of sheep and cattle, transmissible to humans, usu. affecting the skin and lungs. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin from Greek, = carbuncle (the earliest sense in English)\c
<hw>anthropic principle</hw> \K/an"TrQpIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhilos\i the cosmological principle that theories of the origin of the universe are constrained by the necessity to allow individual human existence.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianthropikos,\i from \Ianthropos\i 'human being'\c
<hw>anthropocentric</hw> \K/anTr\F'\np\F'\n"sEntrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \ISociol\i regarding humankind as the centre of existence. \Banthropocentrically\b \Iadv.\i \Banthropocentrism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>anthropogenic</hw> \K/anTr\F'\np\F'\n"dZEnIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ISociol.\i relating to anthropogeny.\p\B2\b \IEcol.\i originating in human activity.\Ksense 1 was derivative in COD8. Sense 2 new in COD9 from OED, incomings Jul 93\k
<hw>anthropogeny</hw> \K/anTr\F'\n"pQdZIni/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i the study of the origin of man.
<hw>anthropoid</hw> \K/"anTr\F'\npOId/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b resembling a human being in form, esp. (of an ape) tailless and often bipedal.\p\B2\b \IZool\i of or relating to the primate suborder Anthropoidea, which includes monkeys, apes, and humans. \Icolloq.\i (of a person) apelike.\Ksense 2 of adj. new f. OERD Mar. 94\k\p\In.\i\pa being that is human in form only, esp. an anthropoid ape. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianthropoeides\i (as \J\Xanthropo-\x,\j \J\X-oid\x)\j\c
<hw>anthropology</hw> \K/anTr\F'\n"pQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i\p\B1\b the study of humankind, esp. of its societies and customs.\p\B2\b the study of the structure and evolution of humans as animals. \Banthropological\b \K/-p\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Banthropologist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>anthropometry</hw> \K/anTr\F'\n"pQmItri/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i the scientific study of the measurements of the human body. \Banthropometric\b \K/-p\F'\n"mEtrIk/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>anthropomorphic</hw> \K/anTr\F'\np\F'\n"mO:fIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnthropol\i of or characterized by anthropomorphism. \Banthropomorphically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xanthropomorphous\x\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>anthropomorphism</hw> \K/anTr\F'\np\F'\n"mO:fIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i the attribution of a human form or personality to a god, animal, or thing. \Banthropomorphize\b \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise).\b
<hw>anthropomorphous</hw> \K/anTr\F'\np\F'\n"mO:f\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnthropol\i human in form. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianthropomorphos\i (as \J\Xanthropo-\x,\j \Imorphe\i 'form')\c
<hw>anthropophagy</hw> \K/anTr\F'\n"pQf\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i the eating of human flesh; cannibalism. \Banthropophagous\b \K/-g\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ianthropophagia\i (as \J\Xanthropo-\x,\j \Iphago\i 'eat')\c
<hw>anthroposophy</hw> \K/anTr\F'\n"pQs\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhilos\i\p\B1\b the knowledge of the nature of humans; human wisdom.\p\B2\b a movement inaugurated by Rudolf Steiner to develop the faculty of cognition and the realization of spiritual reality.\Knew word in COD9 f. COD box, NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanthropo-\x\j + Greek \Isophos\i 'wise'\c
<hw>anti</hw> \K/"anti/\k \Iprep. & n.\i \Iprep.\i \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i opposed to \3(is anti everything;\c \2seems to be rather anti).\c\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bantis)\b a person opposed to a particular policy etc. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j\c
<hw>anti-</hw> \K/"anti/\k \Iprefix\i (also \Bant-\b before a vowel or \Ih)\i forming nouns and adjectives meaning:\p\B1\b opposed to; against \3(antivivisectionism).\c\p\B2\b preventing \3(antiscorbutic).\c\p\B3\b the opposite of \3(anticlimax).\c\p\B4\b rival \3(antipope).\c\p\B5\b unlike the conventional form \3(anti-hero;\c \2anti-novel).\c\p\B6\b \IPhysics\i the antiparticle of a specified particle \3(antineutrino;\c \2antiproton).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or influenced by Greek \Ianti-\i 'against'\c
<hw>anti-abortion</hw> \K/%antI\F'\n"bO:S(\F'\n)n/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IPolit\i opposing abortion. \Banti-abortionist\b\p\In.\i\p\Knew word in COD9 f. POD, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>anti-aircraft</hw> \K/antI"E:krA:ft/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IMil\i (of a gun, missile, etc.) used to attack enemy aircraft.
<hw>anti-apartheid</hw> \K/%antI\F'\n"pA:teIt/, /-tVIt/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IPolit Sociol\i opposed to the policy or system of apartheid.\Knew in COD9 f. corpus Feb 94\k
<hw>antibacterial</hw> \K/%antIbak"tI\F'\nrI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i active against bacteria.\Knew f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k
<hw>antibiosis</hw> \K/%antIbVI"\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i an antagonistic association between two organisms (esp. micro-organisms), in which one is adversely affected \I(cf.\i \J\Xsymbiosis\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantibiose\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \J\Xsymbiosis\x)\j\c
<hw>antibiotic</hw> \K/%antIbVI"QtIk/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPharm.\i \IBiochem\i\p\In.\i\pany of various substances (e.g. penicillin) produced by micro-organisms or made synthetically, that can inhibit or destroy susceptible micro-organisms. \Iadj.\i functioning as an antibiotic. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantibiotique\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j Greek \Ibiotikos\i 'fit for life' from \Ibios\i 'life')\c
<hw>antibody</hw> \K/"antIbQdi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IBiochem\i any of a class of blood proteins (immunoglobulins) produced in response to and counteracting antigens. \BEtymology:\b \3translation of German \IAntik÷rper\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \IK÷rper\i 'body')\c
<hw>antic</hw> \K/"antIk/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i absurd or foolish behaviour.\p\B2\b an absurd or silly action. \Iadj.\i \Iarchaic\i grotesque, bizarre. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Iantico\i \J\Xantique\x,\j used to mean 'grotesque'\c
<hw>anticathode</hw> \K/antI"kaT\F'\nUd/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the target (or anode) of an X-ray tube on which the electrons from the cathode impinge and from which X-rays are emitted.
<hw>Antichrist</hw> \K/"antIkrVIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b an arch-enemy of Christ.\p\B2\b a postulated personal opponent of Christ expected by the early Church to appear before the end of the world. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iantecrist\i from ecclesiastical Latin \Iantichristus\i from Greek \Iantikhristos\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \IKhristos\i \J\XChrist\x)\j\c
<hw>antichristian</hw> \K/antI"krIstS(\F'\n)n/, /-tI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i\p\B1\b opposed to Christianity.\p\B2\b concerning the Antichrist.
<hw>anticipate</hw> \K/an"tIsIpeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b be aware of (a thing) in advance and act accordingly; forestall (an action) \3(anticipated his opponent's moves;\c \2anticipated the hard winter ahead;\c \2anticipates my every need).\c\p\B2\b \Idisp.\i expect, foresee; regard as probable \3(did not anticipate any difficulty).\c\p\B3\b take action before (another person); forestall \3(was about to announce the discovery but was anticipated by his pupil).\c\p\B4\b look forward to \3(I anticipated the interview with pleasure).\c\p\B5\b cause (a future event) to happen earlier; accelerate. \Banticipative\b \Iadj.\i \Banticipator\b\p\In.\i\p\Banticipatory\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianticipare\i (as \J\Xante-\x\j + \I-cipare\i from \Icapere\i 'take')\c The use of \Ianticipate\i in sense 2 above is well established in informal use, but is regarded as incorrect by some people.
<hw>anticipation</hw> \K/antIsI"peIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of anticipating.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i the introduction beforehand of part of a chord which is about to follow. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ianticipation\i or Latin \Ianticipatio\i (as \J\Xanticipate\x)\j\c
<hw>anticlerical</hw> \K/antI"klErIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig\i \Iadj.\i opposed to the influence of the clergy, esp. in politics.\p\In.\i\pan anticlerical person. \Banticlericalism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>anticlimax</hw> \K/antI"klVImaks/\k\p\In.\i\pa trivial conclusion to something significant or impressive, esp. where a climax was expected. \Banticlimactic\b \K/-"maktIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banticlimactically\b \K/-"maktIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i
<hw>anticline</hw> \K/"antIklVIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i a ridge or fold of stratified rock in which the strata slope down from the crest \I(opp.\i \J\Xsyncline\x).\j \Banticlinal\b \K/-"klVIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j + Greek \Iklino\i 'lean', on the pattern of \J\Xincline\x\j\c
<hw>anticlockwise</hw> \K/antI"klQkwVIz/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \BBrit.\b \Iadv.\i in a curve opposite in direction to the movement of the hands of a clock. \Iadj.\i moving anticlockwise.
<hw>anticoagulant</hw> \K/%antIk\F'\nU"agjUl(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPharm Chem\i\p\In.\i\pany drug or agent that retards or inhibits coagulation, esp. of the blood. \Iadj.\i retarding or inhibiting coagulation.
<hw>anticodon</hw> \K/antI"k\F'\nUdQn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA.
<hw>anti-communist</hw> \K/antI"kQmjUnIst/\k \Iadj.\i \IPolit\i against communism or communists.\Knew f. corpus Mar 94\k
<hw>anticonstitutional</hw> \K/%antIkQnstI"tju:S(\F'\n)n(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IPolit\i violating a political constitution.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus, OED Jul 93\k
<hw>anticonvulsant</hw> \K/%antIk\F'\nn"vVls(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPharm\i\p\In.\i\pany drug or agent that prevents or reduces the severity of convulsions, esp. epileptic fits. \Iadj.\i preventing or reducing convulsions.
<hw>anticyclone</hw> \K/antI"sVIkl\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i a system of winds rotating outwards from an area of high barometric pressure, producing fine weather. \Banticyclonic\b \K/-"klQnIk/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>antidepressant</hw> \K/%antIdI"prEs(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPharm\i\p\In.\i\pany drug or agent that alleviates depression. \Iadj.\i alleviating depression.
<hw>antidote</hw> \K/"antId\F'\nUt/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(often foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfor,\b \Bagainst)\b\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i a medicine etc. taken or given to counteract poison.\p\B2\b anything that counteracts something unpleasant or evil \3(antidote to jet lag).\c \Bantidotal\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantidote\i or Latin \Iantidotum\i from Greek \Iantidoton,\i neut. of \Iantidotos\i 'given against' (as \J\Xanti-\x\j + stem of \Ididonai\i 'give')\c
<hw>anti-establishment</hw> \K/%antII"stablISm(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Banti-Establishment)\b against the Establishment or established authority.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>antifreeze</hw> \K/"antIfri:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a substance (usu. ethylene glycol) added to water to lower its freezing point, esp. in the radiator of a motor vehicle.
<hw>anti-g</hw> \K/antI"dZi:/\k \Iadj.\i \IAstronaut Physics\i (of clothing for an astronaut etc.) designed to counteract the effects of high acceleration. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j + \Ig\i (symbol for acceleration due to gravity)\c
<hw>antigen</hw> \K/"antIdZ(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a foreign substance (e.g. a toxin) which induces an immune response in the body, esp. the production of antibodies. \Bantigenic\b \K/-"dZEnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German (as \J\Xantibody\x,\j \J\X-gen\x)\j\c
<hw>anti-government</hw> \K/antI"gVv(\F'\n)nm(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i \IPolit\i (also \Banti-Government)\b against a government or the ministry in office.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>anti-gravity</hw> \K/antI"gravIti/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a hypothetical force opposing gravity. \Iadj.\i = \J\Xanti-g\x.\j\Kadj. new f. OERD Apr 94\k
<hw>anti-hero</hw> \K/"antI%hI\F'\nr\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-oes)\b a central character in a story or drama who noticeably lacks conventional heroic attributes.
<hw>antihistamine</hw> \K/antI"hIst\F'\nmIn/, /-mi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i a substance that counteracts the effects of histamine, used esp. in the treatment of allergies.
<hw>anti-inflammatory</hw> \K/%antIIn"flam\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMed\i \Iadj.\i (of a drug etc.) reducing inflammation.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b an anti-inflammatory drug.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>antiknock</hw> \K/"antInQk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i \I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i a substance added to motor fuel to prevent premature combustion.
<hw>anti-lock</hw> \K/"antIlQk/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IEngin.\i (of brakes) set up so as to prevent locking and skidding if applied suddenly.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD, ODNW Jul 93\k
<hw>antilogarithm</hw> \K/antI"lQg\F'\nrID(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i the number to which a logarithm belongs \3(100 is the common antilogarithm of 2).\c
<hw>antilogy</hw> \K/an"tIl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b a contradiction in terms. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantilogie\i from Greek \Iantilogia\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \J\X-logy\x)\j\c
<hw>antimacassar</hw> \K/%antIm\F'\n"kas\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFurniture\i a covering put over furniture, esp. over the back of a chair, as a protection from grease in the hair or as an ornament. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j + \J\XMacassar\x\j\c
<hw>antimatter</hw> \K/"antI%mat\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i matter composed solely of antiparticles.
<hw>antimetabolite</hw> \K/%antImI"tab\F'\nlVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm.\i a drug that interferes with the normal metabolic processes within cells, usu. by combining with enzymes.
<hw>antimony</hw> \K/"antIm\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a brittle silvery-white metallic element used esp. in alloys with lead (symbol \BSb).\b\Ksymb\k \Bantimonial\b \K/-"m\F'\nUnI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \Bantimonic\b \K/-"mQnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bantimonious\b \K/-"m\F'\nUnI\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from medieval Latin \Iantimonium\i (11th c.), of unknown origin\c
<hw>antinode</hw> \K/"antIn\F'\nUd/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the position of maximum displacement in a standing wave system.
<hw>antinomian</hw> \K/antI"n\F'\nUmI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i of or relating to the view that Christians are released from the obligation of observing the moral law.\p\In.\i\p\B(Antinomian)\b \Ihist.\i a person who holds this view. \Bantinomianism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \IAntinomi,\i name of a sect in Germany (1535) alleged to hold this view (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j Greek \Inomos\i 'law')\c
<hw>antinomy</hw> \K/an"tIn\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b a contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themselves reasonable; a paradox.\p\B2\b a conflict between two laws or authorities. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iantinomia\i from Greek (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Inomos\i 'law')\c
<hw>antinovel</hw> \K/"antI%nQv(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILiterature\i a novel in which the conventions of the form are studiously avoided.
<hw>anti-nuclear</hw> \K/antI"nju:klI\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i \IMil Polit\i opposed to the development of nuclear weapons or nuclear power.
<hw>antioxidant</hw> \K/antI"QksId(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IChem.\i an agent that inhibits oxidation, esp. used to counteract deterioration of stored food products.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i a substance (e.g. vitamin C or E) that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.\Ksense 2 new f. incomings etc. Aug 94\k
<hw>antiparticle</hw> \K/"antI%pA:tIk(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a subatomic particle having the same mass as a given particle but opposite electric or magnetic properties.
<hw>antipasto</hw> \K/antI"pA:st\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bantipasti\b \K/-ti/\k) \ICookery\i an hors d'oeuvre, esp. in an Italian meal. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian (as \J\Xante-\x\j + Latin \Ipastus\i 'food')\c
<hw>antipathetic</hw> \K/%antIp\F'\n"TEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i having a strong aversion or natural opposition. \Bantipathetical\b \Iadj.\i \Bantipathetically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xantipathy\x,\j on the pattern of \J\Xpathetic\x\j\c
<hw>antipathic</hw> \K/antI"paTIk/\k \Iadj.\i of a contrary nature or character.
<hw>antipathy</hw> \K/an"tIp\F'\nTi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \I(often foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfor,\b \Bbetween)\b\i a strong or deep-seated aversion or dislike. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantipathie\i or Latin \Iantipathia\i from Greek \Iantipatheia,\i from \Iantipathes\i 'opposed in feeling' (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Ipathos -eos\i 'feeling')\c
<hw>anti-personnel</hw> \K/%antIp\F'\n:s\F'\n"nEl/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IMil\i (of a bomb, mine, etc.) designed to kill or injure people rather than to damage buildings or equipment.
<hw>antiperspirant</hw> \K/antI"p\F'\n:spIr\F'\nnt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa substance applied to the skin to prevent or reduce perspiration. \Iadj.\i that acts as an antiperspirant.
<hw>antiphon</hw> \K/"antIf(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig Mus\i\p\B1\b a hymn or psalm, the parts of which are sung or recited alternately by two groups.\p\B2\b a versicle or phrase from this.\p\B3\b a sentence sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle.\p\B4\b a response. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin \Iantiphona\i from Greek (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Iphone\i 'sound')\c
<hw>antiphonal</hw> \K/an"tIf\F'\nn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig Mus\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b sung or recited alternately by two groups.\p\B2\b responsive, answering.\p\In.\i\pa collection of antiphons. \Bantiphonally\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>antiphonary</hw> \K/an"tIf(\F'\n)n\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IRelig Mus\i a book of antiphons. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin \Iantiphonarium\i (as \J\Xantiphon\x)\j\c
<hw>antiphony</hw> \K/an"tIf(\F'\n)ni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IRelig Mus\i\p\B1\b antiphonal singing or chanting.\p\B2\b a response or echo.
<hw>antipode</hw> \K/"antIp\F'\nUd/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. foll. by \Bof,\b \Bto)\b\i the exact opposite. \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xantipodes\x\j\c
<hw>antipodes</hw> \K/an"tIp\F'\ndi:z/\k \In.pl.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b (also \BAntipodes)\b a place diametrically opposite to another, esp. Australasia as the region on the opposite side of the earth to Europe. \Bb\b places diametrically opposite to each other.\p\B2\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bof,\b \Bto)\b\i the exact opposite. \Bantipodal\b \Iadj.\i \Bantipodean\b \K/-"di:\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French or Late Latin, from Greek \Iantipodes\i 'having the feet opposite' (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Ipous podos\i 'foot')\c
<hw>antipope</hw> \K/"antIp\F'\nUp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig RC Ch\i a person set up as pope in opposition to one (held by others to be) canonically chosen. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantipape\i from medieval Latin \Iantipapa,\i assimilated to \J\Xpope\x (1)\j\c
<hw>antiproton</hw> \K/antI"pr\F'\nUtQn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the negatively charged antiparticle of a proton.
<hw>antipruritic</hw> \K/%antIprU\F'\n"rItIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPharm\i \Iadj.\i relieving itching.\p\In.\i\pan antipruritic drug or agent. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j + \J\Xpruritus\x\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>antipyretic</hw> \K/%antIpVI"rEtIk/. /-pI-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPharm\i \Iadj.\i preventing or reducing fever.\p\In.\i\pan antipyretic drug or agent.
<hw>antiquarian</hw> \K/antI"kwE:rI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or dealing in antiques or rare books.\p\B2\b of the study of antiquities.\p\In.\i\pan antiquary. \Bantiquarianism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3see \J\Xantiquary\x\j\c
<hw>antiquary</hw> \K/"antIkw\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b a student or collector of antiques or antiquities. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iantiquarius\i from \Iantiquus\i 'ancient'\c
<hw>antiquated</hw> \K/"antIkweItId/\k \Iadj.\i old-fashioned; out of date. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin \Iantiquare antiquat-\i 'make old'\c
<hw>antique</hw> \K/an"ti:k/\k \In., adj., & v.\i \IFurniture Art etc.\i\p\In.\i\pan object of considerable age, esp. an item of furniture or the decorative arts having a high value. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or existing from an early date.\p\B2\b old-fashioned, archaic.\p\B3\b of ancient times. \Iv.tr.\i \B(antiques,\b \Bantiqued,\b \Bantiquing)\b give an antique appearance to (furniture etc.) by artificial means. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantique\i or Latin \Iantiquus,\i \Ianticus\i 'former, ancient', from \Iante\i 'before'\c
<hw>antiquity</hw> \K/an"tIkwIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b ancient times, esp. the period before the Middle Ages.\p\B2\b great age \3(a city of great antiquity).\c\p\B3\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i physical remains or relics from ancient times, esp. buildings and works of art.\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i customs, events, etc., of ancient times.\p\B5\b \IPeople\i the people of ancient times regarded collectively. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \IantiquitΘ\i from Latin \Iantiquitas -tatis,\i from \Iantiquus:\i see \J\Xantique\x\j\c
<hw>anti-racism</hw> \K/antI"reIsIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit Sociol\i the policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance. \Banti-racist\b \In. & adj.\i
<hw>antirrhinum</hw> \K/antI"rVIn\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IAntirrhinum\i (figwort family), with tubular two-lipped flowers, esp. the snapdragon. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iantirrhinon,\i from \Ianti\i 'counterfeiting' + \Irhis rhinos\i 'nose' (from the resemblance of the flower to an animal's snout)\c
<hw>antiscorbutic</hw> \K/%antIskO:"bju:tIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPharm\i \Iadj.\i preventing or curing scurvy.\p\In.\i\pan antiscorbutic agent or drug.
<hw>anti-Semite</hw> \K/antI"si:mVIt/, /-"sEmVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig Sociol\i a person hostile to or prejudiced against Jews. \Banti-Semitic\b \K/-sI"mItIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Banti-Semitism\b \K/-"sEmItIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>antisepsis</hw> \K/antI"sEpsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the process of using antiseptics to eliminate undesirable micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause disease. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \J\Xsepsis\x)\j\c
<hw>antiseptic</hw> \K/antI"sEptIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMed\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b counteracting sepsis esp. by preventing the growth of disease-causing micro-organisms.\p\B2\b sterile or free from contamination.\p\B3\b lacking character.\p\In.\i\pan antiseptic agent. \Bantiseptically\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>antiserum</hw> \K/"antI%sI\F'\nr\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bantisera\b \K/-r\F'\n/\k) \IMed\i a blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens, injected to treat or protect against specific diseases.
<hw>antisocial</hw> \K/antI"s\F'\nUS(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \ISociol\i\p\B1\b contrary to or harmful to the existing social order \3(antisocial behaviour).\c\p\B2\b not sociable.\Ksenses 1 and 3 combined Aug 94\k See Usage Note at \J\Xunsociable\x.\j
<hw>antistatic</hw> \K/antI"statIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IElectr\i that counteracts the effects of static electricity.
<hw>antistrophe</hw> \K/an"tIstr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IProsody\i the second section of an ancient Greek choral ode or of one division of it (see \J\Xstrophe\x 1c).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin from Greek \Iantistrophe,\i from \Iantistrepho\i 'turn against'\c
<hw>anti-tank</hw> \K/antI"taNk/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IMil\i for use against tanks.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k
<hw>antitetanus</hw> \K/antI"tEt\F'\nn\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed\i effective against tetanus.
<hw>antithesis</hw> \K/an"tIT\F'\nsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bantitheses\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b \I(foll. by \Bof,\b \Bto)\b\i the direct opposite.\p\B2\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bof,\b \Bbetween)\b\i contrast or opposition between two things.\p\B3\b a contrast of ideas expressed by parallelism of strongly contrasted words. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin, from Greek \Iantitithemi\i 'set against' (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Itithemi\i 'place')\c
<hw>antithetical</hw> \K/antI"TEtIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Bantithetic)\b\p\B1\b contrasted, opposite.\p\B2\b connected with, containing, or using antithesis. \Bantithetically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iantithetikos\i (as \J\Xantithesis\x)\j\c
<hw>antitoxin</hw> \K/antI"tQksIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i an antibody that counteracts a toxin. \Bantitoxic\b \Iadj.\i
<hw>antitrades</hw> \K/antI"treIdz/, /"antI-/\k \In.pl.\i \IMeteorol\i winds that blow in the opposite direction to (and usu. above) a trade wind.
<hw>antitrust</hw> \K/antI"trVst/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \BUS\b \ILaw\i (of a law etc.) opposed to or controlling trusts or other monopolies \I(see\i \J\Xtrust\x\p\In.\i\p8c).\j
<hw>antitype</hw> \K/"antItVIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b that which is represented by a type or symbol.\p\B2\b a person or thing of the opposite type. \Bantitypical\b \K/-"tIpIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iantitupos\i 'corresponding as an impression to the die' (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \Itupos\i 'stamp')\c
<hw>antivenin</hw> \K/antI"vEnIn/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bantivenom\b \K/-"vEn\F'\nm/\k) \IPharm\i an antiserum containing antibodies against specific poisons in the venom of snakes, spiders, scorpions, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanti-\x\j + \J\Xvenom\x\j + \J\X-in\x\j\c
<hw>antiviral</hw> \K/antI"vVI\F'\nr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed\i effective against viruses.
<hw>antivivisectionism</hw> \K/%antI%vIvI"sEkS(\F'\n)nIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\popposition to vivisection. \Bantivivisectionist\b \In. & adj.\i
<hw>antler</hw> \K/"antl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i\p\B1\b each of the branched horns of a stag or other (usu. male) deer.\p\B2\b a branch of this. \Bantlered\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French, variant of Old French \Iantoillier,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>ant-lion</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a dragonfly-like neuropterous insect with predatory larvae which trap other insects in conical pits.
<hw>Antonine</hw> \K/"ant\F'\nnVIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Roman emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius or their rules (ad 137-80).\p\In.\i\peither of the Antonine emperors.\Knew in COD9 f. corpus Mar 94\k
<hw>antonomasia</hw> \K/ant\F'\nn\F'\n"meIzI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i\p\B1\b the substitution of an epithet or title etc. for a proper name (e.g. \Ithe Maid of Orleans\i for Joan of Arc, \Ihis Grace\i for an archbishop).\p\B2\b the use of a proper name to express a general idea (e.g. \Ia Scrooge\i for a miser). \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek from \Iantonomazo\i 'name instead' (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j + \Ionoma\i 'name')\c
<hw>antonym</hw> \K/"ant\F'\nnIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i a word opposite in meaning to another in the same language (e.g. \Ibad\i and \Igood)\i \I(opp.\i \J\Xsynonym\x 1).\j \Bantonymous\b \K/an"tQnIm\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iantonyme\i (as \J\Xanti-\x,\j \J\Xsynonym\x)\j\c
<hw>antrum</hw> \K/"antr\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bantra\b \K/-tr\F'\n/\k) \IAnat.\i\p\B1\b a natural chamber or cavity in the body, esp. in a bone.\p\B2\b the part of the stomach just inside the pylorus.\Ksense 2 new f. NSOED, CMedD. Mar 94\k \Bantral\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iantron\i 'cave'\c
<hw>ant's eggs</hw> \In.pl.\i \IZool\i \Icolloq.\i the pupae of ants.
<hw>antsy</hw> \K/"antsi/\k \Iadj.\i \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i agitated, impatient, fidgety.\Knew f. Inc., Kpb, Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3from the phrase \Ihave ants in one's pants:\i see \J\Xant\x\j\c
<hw>anuran</hw> \K/\F'\n"njU\F'\nr(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & adj.\i \IZool\i\p\In.\i\pany tailless amphibian of the order Anura, including frogs and toads. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this order. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAnura\i \J(\Xan-\x (1)\j + Greek \Ioura\i 'tail')\c
<hw>anus</hw> \K/"eIn\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i the excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>anvil</hw> \K/"anvIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a block (usu. of iron) with a flat top, concave sides, and often a pointed end, on which metals are worked in forging.\p\B2\b \IAnat.\i a bone of the ear; the incus. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ianfilte,\i from the Germanic base of \J\Xon\x \Iprep.\i\j + a verbal stem meaning 'beat'\c
<hw>anxiety</hw> \K/aN"zVI\F'\nti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b the state of being anxious.\p\B2\b concern about an imminent danger, difficulty, etc.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bfor,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i anxious desire.\p\B4\b a thing that causes anxiety \3(my greatest anxiety is that I shall fall ill).\c\p\B5\b \IPsychol.\i a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IanxietΘ\i or Latin \Ianxietas -tatis\i (as \J\Xanxious\x)\j\c
<hw>anxiolytic</hw> \K/%aNzI\F'\n"lItIk/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPharm.\i\p\In.\i\pa drug reducing anxiety. \Iadj.\i reducing anxiety.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanxiety\x\j + \J\X-lytic\x\j\c
<hw>anxious</hw> \K/"aN(k)S\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b troubled; uneasy in the mind.\p\B2\b causing or marked by anxiety \3(an anxious moment).\c\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bfor,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i earnestly or uneasily wanting or trying \3(anxious to please;\c \2anxious for you to succeed).\c \Banxiously\b \Iadv.\i \Banxiousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ianxius\i from \Iangere\i 'choke'\c
<hw>any</hw> \K/"Eni/\k \Idet., pron., & adv.\i \Idet.\i\p\B1\b \I(with \Binterrog.,\b \Bneg.,\b or conditional expressed or implied)\i \Ba\b one, no matter which, of several \3(cannot find any answer;\c \2are there any good films on?).\c \Bb\b some, no matter how much or many or of what sort \3(if any books arrive;\c \2have you any sugar?).\c\p\B2\b a minimal amount of \3(hardly any difference).\c\p\B3\b whichever might be chosen \3(any fool knows that).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b an appreciable or significant \3(did not stay for any length of time).\c \Bb\b a very large \3(has any amount of money).\c \Ipron.\i\p\B1\b any one \3(did not know any of them;\c \2is any of these films worth seeing?).\c\p\B2\b any number \3(are any of them yours?).\c\p\B3\b any amount \3(is there any left?).\c \Iadv.\i \I(usu. with \Bneg.\b or \Binterrog.)\b\i at all; in some degree \3(is that any good?;\c \2do not make it any larger;\c \2without being any the wiser).\c\p\1any more\c to any further extent; any longer \3(don't like you any more).\c\p\1any time\c \Icolloq.\i at any time.\p\1any time (or day or minute etc.) now\c \Icolloq.\i at any time in the near future.\p\1not having any\c \Icolloq.\i unwilling to participate. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµnig,\i from Germanic (as \J\Xone\x,\j \J\X-y\x (1))\j\c The pronoun \Iany\i can be used with either a singular or plural verb depending on the context (see examples above).
<hw>anybody</hw> \K/"EnIbQdi/\k \In. & pron.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a person, no matter who. \Bb\b a person of any kind. \Bc\b whatever person is chosen.\p\B2\b a person of importance \3(are you anybody?).\c\p\1anybody's\c (of a contest) evenly balanced \3(it was anybody's game).\c\p\1anybody's guess\c \Isee\i \J\Xguess\x.\j
<hw>anyhow</hw> \K/"EnIhaU/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b anyway.\p\B2\b in a disorderly manner or state \3(does his work anyhow;\c \2things are all anyhow).\c
<hw>anymore</hw> \K/EnI"mO:/\k \Iadv.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b = \Iany more\i \I(see\i \J\Xany\x).\j\Knew f. SOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>anyone</hw> \K/"EnIwVn/\k \Ipron.\i anybody. \IAnyone\i is written as two words to imply a numerical sense, as in \IAny one of us can do it.\i
<hw>any road</hw> \Iadv.\i \Besp. N.Engl.\b = \J\Xanyway\x 2, 3.\j\Kany road new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>anything</hw> \K/"EnITIN/\k \Ipron.\i\p\B1\b a thing, no matter which.\p\B2\b a thing of any kind.\p\B3\b whatever thing is chosen.\p\1anything but\c not at all \3(was anything but honest).\c\p\1like anything\c \Icolloq.\i with great vigour, intensity, etc.
<hw>anytime</hw> \K/"EnItVIm/\k \Iadv.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i = \Iany time\i \I(see\i \J\Xany\x).\j\Knew f. SOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>anyway</hw> \K/"EnIweI/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b (also \Bany way)\b in any way or manner.\p\B2\b at any rate; in any case.\p\B3\b to resume \3(anyway, as I was saying).\c
<hw>anyways</hw> \K/"EnIweIz/\k \Iadv.\i \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i or \Idial.\i = \J\Xanyway\x.\j\Knew in COD9 f. SOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>anywhere</hw> \K/"EnIwE:/\k \Iadv. & pron.\i \Iadv.\i in or to any place. \Ipron.\i any place \3(anywhere will do).\c
<hw>anywise</hw> \K/"EnIwVIz/\k \Iadv.\i \Iarchaic\i in any manner. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ion µnige wisan\i 'in any wise'\c
<hw>Anzac</hw> \K/"anzak/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i\p\B1\b a soldier in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (1914-18).\p\B2\b a person, esp. a member of the armed services, from Australia or New Zealand. \BEtymology:\b \3acronym\c
<hw>Anzac Day</hw>\p\In.\i\p(in Australia and New Zealand) the day (25 April) commemorating the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915.
<hw>Anzus</hw> \K/"anz\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BANZUS)\b \IMil Polit\i Australia, New Zealand, and the US, as an alliance for the Pacific area.
<hw>AO</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IMil\i Officer of the Order of Australia.
<hw>AOB</hw> \Iabbr.\i \BBrit.\b any other business.
<hw>AOC</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IDrink\i \Iappellation d'origine contr⌠lΘe.\i\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus, News, incomings Jul 93\k
<hw>A-OK</hw> \Iabbr.\i \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i excellent; in good order. \BEtymology:\b \3\Ia\ill systems \IOK\i\c
<hw>aorist</hw> \K/"eI\F'\nrIst/, /"E:r-/\k \In. & adj.\i \IGram.\i\p\In.\i\pan unqualified past tense of a verb (esp. in Greek), without reference to duration or completion. \Iadj.\i of or designating this tense. \Baoristic\b \K/eI\F'\n"rIstIk/, /E:"r-/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaoristos\i 'indefinite' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Ihorizo\i 'define, limit')\c
<hw>aorta</hw> \K/eI"O:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baortas)\b \IAnat\i the main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system, in humans passing over the heart from the left ventricle and running down in front of the backbone. \Baortic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaorte,\i from \Ia(e)iro\i 'raise'\c
\B\Iα outrance\b\i \K/A: "u:trQns/, French /a utrA~s/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b to the death.\p\B2\b to the bitter end. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = to the utmost\c
<hw>ap- (1)</hw> \K/\F'\np/, /ap/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \Ip.\i
<hw>ap- (2)</hw> \K/\F'\np/, /ap/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xapo-\x\j before a vowel or \Ih.\i
<hw>apace</hw> \K/\F'\n"peIs/\k \Iadv.\i \Iliterary\i swiftly, quickly. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iα pas\i 'at (a considerable) pace'\c
<hw>Apache</hw> \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \K/\F'\n"patSi/\k \Ba\b \I(pl.\i same or \BApaches)\b \IPeople\i a member of a N. American Indian people of New Mexico and Arizona. \Bb\b \ILanguage\i the language of this people.\p\B2\b \B(apache\b \K/\F'\n"paS/\k) \I(pl.\i \Bapaches\b \Ipronunc.\i same) a violent street ruffian, originally in Paris. \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"patSi/\k of or relating to the Apache or their langauge.\Ksense 1b of n., & adj. new from NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Mexican Spanish\c
<hw>apanage</hw> \K/"ap(\F'\n)nIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bappanage)\b\p\B1\b provision for the maintenance of the younger children of kings etc.\p\B2\b a perquisite.\p\B3\b a natural accompaniment or attribute. \BEtymology:\b \3French, ultimately from medieval Latin \Iappanare\i 'endow'\c
<hw>apart</hw> \K/\F'\n"pA:t/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b separately; not together \3(keep your feet apart).\c\p\B2\b into pieces \3(came apart in my hands).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b to or on one side. \Bb\b out of consideration \I(placed after noun:\i \2joking apart).\c\p\B4\b to or at a distance.\p\1apart from\c\p\B1\b excepting; not considering.\p\B2\b in addition to \3(apart from roses we grow irises).\c \Bapartness\b\p\In.\i\p\K-ness new f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ipart\i 'side'\c
<hw>apartheid</hw> \K/\F'\n"pA:theIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ihist.\i \IPolit Sociol\i (esp. in S. Africa) a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race.\p\B2\b segregation in other contexts. \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans (as \J\Xapart\x,\j \J\X-hood\x)\j\c
<hw>apartment</hw> \K/\F'\n"pA:tm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i a suite of rooms, usu. furnished and rented.\p\B2\b a single room in a house.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \Ba\b a flat. \Bb\b = \J\Xapartment building\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iappartement\i from Italian \Iappartamento,\i from \Iappartare\i 'to separate' from \Ia parte\i 'apart'\c
<hw>apartment building</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b a block of flats.\Knew f. kpb, inc., Sept 94\k
<hw>apartment hotel</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \ICommerce\i a hotel with furnished suites of rooms including kitchen facilities, available for long-term or short-term rental.\Knew f. inc., kpb, Sept 94\k
<hw>apathetic</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"TEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i having or showing no emotion or interest. \Bapathetically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapathy\x,\j after \J\Xpathetic\x\j\c
<hw>apathy</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nTi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(often foll. by \Btowards)\b\i lack of interest or feeling; indifference. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapathie\i via Latin \Iapathia\i from Greek \Iapatheia,\i from \Iapathes\i 'without feeling' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Ipathos\i 'suffering')\c
<hw>apatite</hw> \K/"ap\F'\ntVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i a mineral consisting of calcium phosphate with other elements, esp. fluorine, used in the manufacture of fertilizers. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IApatit\i from Greek \Iapate\i 'deceit' (from its deceptive similarity to other substances)\c
<hw>apatosaurus</hw> \K/\F'\npat\F'\n"sO:r\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a huge plant-eating dinosaur of the genus \IApatosaurus\i (formerly \IBrontosaurus),\i of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, with a long tail and trunklike legs. \IAlso called\i \Ibrontosaurus.\i\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iapate\i 'deceit' + \Isauros\i 'lizard'\c
<hw>APB</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \ICriminol\i an all points bulletin.\Knew f. usab, inc., Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>ape</hw> \K/eIp/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i any of the various primates of the family Pongidae characterized by the absence of a tail, e.g. the gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, and gibbon.\p\B2\b \IZool\i (in general use) any monkey.\p\B3\b \Ba\b an imitator. \Bb\b an apelike person. \Iv.tr.\i imitate, mimic.\p\1go ape\c \Islang\i become crazy. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iapa,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>apeman</hw> \K/"eIpm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \IZool\i any of various extinct apelike primates held to be related to present-day humans.\Khyphen removed to follow POD, CED, corpus, Nexis Jul 93\k
<hw>aperτu</hw> \K/apE:"sju:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a summary or survey.\p\B2\b an insight. \BEtymology:\b \3French, past part. of \Iapercevoir\i 'perceive'\c
<hw>aperiodic</hw> \K/%eIpI\F'\nrI"QdIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b not periodic; irregular.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i (of a potentially oscillating or vibrating system, e.g. an instrument with a pointer) that is adequately damped to prevent oscillation or vibration.\p\B3\b \IPhysics\i (of an oscillation or vibration) without a regular period. \Baperiodicity\b \K/-rI\F'\n"dIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>aperitif</hw> \K/\F'\n"pErIti:f/, /\F'\npErI"ti:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IapΘritif\i via medieval Latin \Iaperitivus\i from Latin \Iaperire\i 'to open'\c
<hw>aperture</hw> \K/"ap\F'\ntjU\F'\n/, /-tS(U)\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an opening; a gap.\p\B2\b \IPhotog\i a space through which light passes in an optical or photographic instrument, esp. a variable opening by which light enters a camera. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iapertura\i (as \J\Xaperitif\x)\j\c
<hw>apery</hw> \K/"eIp\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\ppretentious or silly mimicry.\Ksense ape-house omitted f. COD9: NSOED says rare, no exx on corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>apetalous</hw> \K/eI"pEt(\F'\n)l\F'\ns/, /\F'\n-/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i (of flowers) having no petals. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iapetalus\i from Greek \Iapetalos\i 'leafless', from \Ia-\i 'not' + \Ipetalon\i 'leaf'\c
<hw>APEX</hw> \K/"eIpEks/\k \Iabbr.\i (in the UK) Association of Professional, Executive, Clerical, and Computer Staff.
<hw>Apex</hw> \K/"eIpEks/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BAPEX)\b \I(often \Battrib.)\b\i \IAeron\i a system of reduced fares for scheduled airline flights when paid for before a certain period in advance of departure. \BEtymology:\b \3\IA\idvance \IP\iurchase \IEx\icursion\c
<hw>apex</hw> \K/"eIpEks/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bapexes\b or \Bapices\b \K/"eIpIsi:z/\k)\p\B1\b the highest point.\p\B2\b a climax; a high point of achievement etc.\p\B3\b the vertex of a triangle or cone.\p\B4\b a tip or pointed end. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = peak, tip\c
<hw>apfelstrudel</hw> \K/"apf(\F'\n)lStru:d(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i an originally Austrian confection of flaky pastry filled with spiced apple. \BEtymology:\b \3German, from \IApfel\i 'apple' + \J\Xstrudel\x\j\c
<hw>aphaeresis</hw> \K/\F'\n"fI\F'\nrIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the omission of a letter or syllable at the beginning of a word as a morphological development (e.g. in the derivation of \Iadder).\i\Kpl. omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin, from Greek \Iaphairesis\i (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ihaireo\i 'take')\c
<hw>aphasia</hw> \K/\F'\n"feIzI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i the loss of ability to understand or express speech, owing to brain damage. \Baphasic\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, from \Iaphatos\i 'speechless' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Ipha-\i 'speak')\c
<hw>aphelion</hw> \K/ap"hi:lI\F'\nn/, /\F'\n"fi:lI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baphelia\b \K/-lI\F'\n/\k) \IAstron\i the point in the orbit of a planet, comet, etc., at which it is furthest from the sun \I(opp.\i \J\Xperihelion\x)\j (symbol \BQ).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3Graecized from modern Latin \Iaphelium,\i from Greek \Iaph\i' \Iheliou\i 'from the sun'\c
<hw>aphesis</hw> \K/"afIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the gradual loss of an unstressed vowel at the beginning of a word (e.g. of \Ie\i from \Iesquire\i to form \Isquire).\i\Kpl. omitted Jul 93\k \Baphetic\b \K/\F'\n"fEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Baphetically\b \K/\F'\n"fEtIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = letting go (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ihiemi\i 'send')\c
<hw>aphid</hw> \K/"eIfId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a small homopterous insect of the family Aphididae, feeding by sucking sap from leaves, stems, or roots of plants, e.g. a greenfly, a blackfly. \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \Iaphides:\i see \J\Xaphis\x\j\c
<hw>aphis</hw> \K/"eIfIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baphides\b \K/-di:z/\k) \IZool\i an aphid, esp. of the genus \IAphis\i which includes the greenfly. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, perhaps a misreading (\Fa\a° \Iaph\i for kop \Ikor)\i of \Ikoris\i 'bug'\c
<hw>aphonia</hw> \K/eI"f\F'\nUnI\F'\n/, /\F'\n-/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baphony\b \K/"af(\F'\n)ni/\k) \IMed.\i the loss or absence of the voice through a disease of the larynx or mouth. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iaphonia\i from Greek, from \Iaphonos\i 'voiceless' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Iphone\i 'voice')\c
<hw>aphorism</hw> \K/"af\F'\nrIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a short pithy maxim.\p\B2\b a brief statement of a principle. \Baphorist\b\p\In.\i\p\Baphoristic\b \K/-"rIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Baphoristically\b \K/-"rIstIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \Baphorize\b \Iv.intr.\i (also \B-ise).\b \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaphorisme\i or Late Latin from Greek \Iaphorismos\i 'definition', from \Iaphorizo\i (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ihoros\i 'boundary')\c
<hw>aphrodisiac</hw> \K/afr\F'\n"dIzIak/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IPharm\i \Iadj.\i that arouses sexual desire.\p\In.\i\pan aphrodisiac drug. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaphrodisiakos\i from \Iaphrodisios,\i from \IAphrodite,\i the name of the Greek goddess of love\c
<hw>aphyllous</hw> \K/\F'\n"fIl\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i (of plants) having no leaves. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iaphullos\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Iphullon\i 'leaf')\c
<hw>apian</hw> \K/"eIpI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool\i of or relating to bees. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iapianus\i from \Iapis\i 'bee'\c
<hw>apiary</hw> \K/"eIpI\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IZool\i a place where bees are kept. \Bapiarist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iapiarium\i from \Iapis\i 'bee'\c
<hw>apical</hw> \K/"eIpIk(\F'\n)l/, /"ap-/\k \Iadj.\i of, at, or forming an apex.\Kapically omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iapex apicis:\i see \J\Xapex\x\j\c
<hw>apices</hw> \I\Ipl.\i of\i \J\Xapex\x.\j
<hw>apiculture</hw> \K/"eIpIkVltS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i bee-keeping. \Bapicultural\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bapiculturist\b \K/-"kVltS\F'\nrIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iapis\i 'bee', on the pattern of \J\Xagriculture\x\j\c
<hw>apiece</hw> \K/\F'\n"pi:s/\k \Iadv.\i for each one; severally \3(had five pounds apiece).\c \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xpiece\x\j\c
<hw>apish</hw> \K/"eIpIS/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or like an ape.\p\B2\b silly; affected. \Bapishly\b \Iadv.\i \Bapishness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>aplanat</hw> \K/"apl\F'\nnat/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a reflecting or refracting surface made aplanatic by correction. \BEtymology:\b \3German\c
<hw>aplanatic</hw> \K/apl\F'\n"natIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IPhysics\i (of a reflecting or refracting surface) free from spherical aberration. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaplanetos\i 'free from error' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Iplanao\i 'wander')\c
<hw>aplasia</hw> \K/\F'\n"pleIzI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i total or partial failure of development of an organ or tissue. \Baplastic\b \K/\F'\n"plastIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Iplasis\i 'formation')\c
<hw>aplenty</hw> \K/\F'\n"plEnti/\k \Iadv.\i in plenty.
<hw>aplomb</hw> \K/\F'\n"plQm/\k\p\In.\i\passurance; self-confidence. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = perpendicularity, from \Iα plomb\i 'according to a plummet'\c
<hw>apnoea</hw> \K/ap"ni:\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bapnea)\b \IMed.\i a temporary cessation of breathing. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iapnoia,\i from \Iapnous\i 'breathless'\c
<hw>apo-</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nU/\k \Iprefix\i\p\B1\b away from \3(apogee).\c\p\B2\b separate \3(apocarpous).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapo\i 'from, away, un-, quite'\c
<hw>Apoc.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IBibl\i\p\B1\b Apocalypse (New Testament).\p\B2\b Apocrypha.
<hw>apocalypse</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQk\F'\nlIps/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \B(the Apocalypse)\b \IRelig\i = \J\Xrevelation\x 3.\j\p\B2\b a revelation, esp. of the end of the world.\p\B3\b a grand or violent event resembling those described in the Apocalypse. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, ultimately from Greek \Iapokalupsis\i from \Iapokalupto\i 'uncover, reveal'\c
<hw>apocalyptic</hw> \K/\F'\npQk\F'\n"lIptIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i of or resembling the Apocalypse.\p\B2\b revelatory, prophetic. \Bapocalyptically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapokaluptikos\i (as \J\Xapocalypse\x)\j\c
<hw>apocarpous</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"kA:p\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i (of ovaries) having distinct carpels not joined together \I(opp.\i \J\Xsyncarpous\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapo-\x\j + Greek \Ikarpos\i 'fruit'\c
<hw>apochromat</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nkr\F'\nmat/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a lens or lens system that reduces spherical and chromatic aberrations. \Bapochromatic\b \K/-kr\F'\n"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapo-\x\j + \J\Xchromatic\x\j\c
<hw>apocope</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQk\F'\npi/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the omission of a letter or letters at the end of a word as a morphological development (e.g. in the derivation of \Icurio).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin from Greek \Iapokope\i (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ikopto\i 'cut')\c
<hw>Apocr.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IRelig\i Apocrypha.
<hw>apocrine</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nkrVIn/, /-krIn/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol.\i (of a multicellular gland, e.g. the mammary gland) releasing parts of its cells with its secretion. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapo-\x\j + Greek \Ikrino\i 'sift'\c
<hw>Apocrypha</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQkrIf\F'\n/\k \In.pl.\i \I(also treated as \Ising.)\i\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i biblical writings not forming part of the accepted canon.\p\B2\b \B(apocrypha)\b writings or reports not considered genuine. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via ecclesiastical Latin \Iapocrypha\i \I(scripta)\i 'hidden (writings)' from Greek \Iapokruphos,\i from \Iapokrupto\i 'hide away'\c The Old Testament Apocrypha include those writings appearing in the Septuagint and Vulgate versions but not in the Hebrew Bible; they are accepted by the Roman Catholic Church as the 'deuterocanonical' books.
<hw>apocryphal</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQkrIf(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i of doubtful authenticity (originally of some early Christian texts resembling those of the New Testament).\p\B2\b invented, mythical \3(an apocryphal story).\c\p\B3\b \IRelig\i of or belonging to the Apocrypha.
<hw>apodal</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nd(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool.\i\p\B1\b without (or with undeveloped) feet.\p\B2\b (of fish) without ventral fins. \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete \Iapod\i 'apodal creature' from Greek \Iapous\i 'footless' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Ipous podos\i 'foot')\c
<hw>apodosis</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQd\F'\nsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bapodoses\b \K/-%si:z/\k) \IGram\i the main (consequent) clause of a conditional sentence (e.g. \II would agree\i in \Iif you asked me I would agree).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin, from Greek from \Iapodidomi\i 'give back' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ididomi\i 'give')\c
<hw>apogee</hw> \K/"ap\F'\ndZi:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAstron\i the point in a body's orbit at which it is furthest from the earth \I(opp.\i \J\Xperigee\x).\j\p\B2\b the most distant or highest point. \Bapogean\b \K/ap\F'\n"dZi:\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IapogΘe\i or modern Latin \Iapogaeum,\i from Greek \Iapogeion\i 'away from earth' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ige\i 'earth')\c
<hw>apolitical</hw> \K/eIp\F'\n"lItIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IPolit\i not interested in or concerned with politics.
<hw>Apollinaris</hw> \K/\F'\npQlI"nE:rIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i an effervescent mineral water from Apollinarisburg.\Knew f. SOED; needed for polly entry Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\IApollinarisburg\i in the Rhineland of Germany\c
<hw>Apollonian</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"l\F'\nUnI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol\i of or relating to Apollo, the Greek and Roman sun-god, patron of music and poetry.\p\B2\b orderly, rational, self-disciplined. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IApollonius\i from Greek \IApollonios\i\c
<hw>apologetic</hw> \K/\F'\npQl\F'\n"dZEtIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b regretfully acknowledging or excusing an offence or failure.\p\B2\b diffident.\p\B3\b of reasoned defence or vindication.\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IRelig\i a reasoned defence, esp. of Christianity. \Bapologetically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IapologΘtique\i via Late Latin \Iapologeticus\i from Greek \Iapologetikos,\i from \Iapologeomai\i 'speak in defence'\c
<hw>apologia</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"l\F'\nUdZI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa formal defence of one's opinions or conduct. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin: see \J\Xapology\x\j\c
<hw>apologist</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQl\F'\ndZIst/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who defends something by argument. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapologiste\i from Greek \Iapologizomai\i 'render account', from \Iapologos\i 'account'\c
<hw>apologize</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQl\F'\ndZVIz/\k \Iv.intr.\i (also \B-ise)\b make an apology; express regret. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapologizomai:\i see \J\Xapologist\x\j\c
<hw>apologue</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nlQg/\k\p\In.\i\pa moral fable. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapologue\i or Latin \Iapologus,\i from Greek \Iapologos\i 'story' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Ilogos\i 'discourse')\c
<hw>apology</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b a regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure.\p\B2\b an assurance that no offence was intended.\p\B3\b an explanation or defence.\p\B4\b \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i a poor or scanty specimen of \3(this apology for a letter).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapologie\i or Late Latin \Iapologia\i from Greek (as \J\Xapologetic\x)\j\c
<hw>apolune</hw> \K/"ap\F'\n(U)lu:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the point in a body's lunar orbit at which it is furthest from the moon \I(opp.\i \J\Xperilune\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapo-\x\j + Latin \Iluna\i 'moon', on the pattern of \Iapogee\i\c
<hw>apophthegm</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nTEm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Bapothegm)\b a terse saying or maxim, an aphorism. \Bapophthegmatic\b \K/-TEg"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapophthegme\i or modern Latin \Iapothegma\i from Greek \Iapophthegma -matos,\i from \Iapophtheggomai\i 'speak out'\c
<hw>apoplectic</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"plEktIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed\i\p\B1\b of, causing, suffering, or liable to apoplexy.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i enraged. \Bapoplectically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapoplectique\i or Late Latin \Iapoplecticus\i from Greek \Iapoplektikos,\i from \Iapoplesso\i 'strike completely' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Iplesso\i 'strike')\c
<hw>apoplexy</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nplEksi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMed.\i = \J\Xstroke\x\p\In.\i\p2.\j\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i a rush of extreme emotion, esp. anger.\Ksense 2 new f. incomings April 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapoplexie\i and Late Latin \Iapoplexia\i from Greek \Iapoplexia\i (as \J\Xapoplectic\x)\j\c
<hw>apoptosis</hw> \K/ap\F'\np"t\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i the controlled death of cells as part of an organism's normal growth, development, etc. \Bapoptotic\b \K/-"tQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i\Knew f. OERD Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapoptosis\i 'falling off' (as \J\Xapo-\x\j + \J\Xptosis\x)\j\c
<hw>aporia</hw> \K/\F'\n"pO:rI\F'\n/, /\F'\n"pQrI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRhet.\i an expression of doubt.\p\B2\b a doubtful matter; a perplexing difficulty.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, COD box Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin from Greek, from \Iaporos\i 'impassable' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Iporos\i 'passage')\c
<hw>apostasy</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQst\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IRelig\i renunciation of a belief or faith, esp. religious.\p\B2\b abandonment of principles or of a party.\p\B3\b an instance of apostasy. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via ecclesiastical Latin and NT Greek \Iapostasia\i from \Iapostasis\i 'defection' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Istat-\i 'stand')\c
<hw>apostate</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nsteIt/\k \In. & adj.\i \IRelig\i\p\In.\i\pa person who renounces a belief, adherence, etc. \Iadj.\i engaged in apostasy. \Bapostatical\b \K/ap\F'\n"statIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapostate\i or ecclesiastical Latin \Iapostata\i from Greek \Iapostates\i 'deserter' (as \J\Xapostasy\x)\j\c
<hw>apostatize</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQst\F'\ntVIz/\k \Iv.intr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \IRelig. etc.\i renounce a former belief, adherence, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iapostatizare\i from \Iapostata:\i see \J\Xapostate\x\j\c
<hw>a posteriori</hw> \K/eI/, /A:/, /pQ%stErI"O:rVI/, /pQ%stI\F'\n-/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \ILogic\i \Iadj.\i (of reasoning) inductive, empirical; proceeding from effects to causes. \Iadv.\i inductively, empirically; from effects to causes \I(opp.\i \J\Xa priori\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = from what comes after\c
<hw>apostle</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQs(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i \Ba\b \B(Apostle)\b each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ. \Bb\b any of a number of early Christian teachers ranked with these, esp. St Paul.\Ksense 1b new f. JHM Aug 94\k \Bc\b the first successful Christian missionary in a country or to a people.\p\B2\b a leader or outstanding figure, esp. of a reform movement \3(apostle of temperance).\c\p\B3\b a messenger or representative. \Bapostleship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iapostol\i via ecclesiastical Latin \Iapostolus\i from Greek \Iapostolos\i 'messenger' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Istello\i 'send forth')\c
<hw>apostle-bird</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of various Australian birds, forming flocks of about a dozen.
<hw>Apostles' Creed</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i an early form of the Christian creed, traditionally ascribed to the Apostles.
<hw>apostolate</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQst\F'\nleIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i the position or authority of an Apostle.\p\B2\b leadership in reform. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin \Iapostolatus\i (as \J\Xapostle\x)\j\c
<hw>apostolic</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"stQlIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i\p\B1\b of or relating to the Apostles.\p\B2\b of the Pope regarded as the successor of St Peter.\p\B3\b of the character of an Apostle. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapostolique\i or ecclesiastical Latin \Iapostolicus,\i from Greek \Iapostolikos\i (as \J\Xapostle\x)\j\c
<hw>Apostolic Fathers</hw> \In.pl.\i \IRelig\i the Christian leaders immediately succeeding the Apostles.
<hw>apostolic succession</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops.
<hw>apostrophe (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQstr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGram\i a punctuation mark used to indicate:\p\B1\b the omission of letters or numbers (e.g. \Ican\i'\It;\i \Ihe\i'\Is;\i \I1 Jan.\i '\I92).\i\p\B2\b the possessive case (e.g. \IHarry\i'\Is book;\i \Iboys\i' \Icoats).\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapostrophe\i or Late Latin \Iapostrophus\i from Greek \Iapostrophos\i 'accent of elision', from \Iapostrepho\i 'turn away' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Istrepho\i 'turn')\c
<hw>apostrophe (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQstr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\pan exclamatory passage in a speech or poem, addressed to a person (often dead or absent) or thing (often personified). \Bapostrophize\b \Iv.tr. & intr.\i (also \B-ise).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, literally 'turning away' (as \J\Xapostrophe\x (1))\j\c
<hw>apothecaries' measure</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bapothecaries' weight)\b \Ihist.\i units of weight and liquid volume formerly used in pharmacy (12 ounces = one pound; 20 fluid ounces = one pint).
<hw>apothecary</hw> \K/\F'\n"pQTIk(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IPharm\i \Iarchaic\i a chemist licensed to dispense medicines and drugs. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapotecaire,\i Late Latin \Iapothecarius,\i and Latin \Iapotheca\i from Greek \Iapotheke\i 'storehouse'\c
<hw>apothem</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nTEm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeom.\i a line from the centre of a regular polygon at right angles to any of its sides. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapotithemi\i 'put aside' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Itithemi\i 'place')\c
<hw>apotheosis</hw> \K/\F'\npQTI"\F'\nUsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bapotheoses\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b \IRelig\i elevation to divine status; deification.\p\B2\b a glorification of a thing; a sublime example \3(apotheosis of the dance).\c\p\B3\b a deified ideal. \BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin, from Greek \Iapotheoo\i 'make a god of' (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Itheos\i 'god')\c
<hw>apotropaic</hw> \K/ap\F'\ntr\F'\n"peIIk/\k \Iadj.\i supposedly having the power to avert an evil influence or bad luck. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapotropaios\i (as \J\Xapo-\x,\j \Itrepo\i 'turn')\c
<hw>app</hw> \K/ap/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \IComputing\i application.\Knew f. KPB, incomings Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>appal</hw> \K/\F'\n"pO:l/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(US\b \Bappall)\b \B(appalled,\b \Bappalling)\b\p\B1\b greatly dismay or horrify.\p\B2\b (as \Bappalling\b \Iadj.)\i \Icolloq.\i shocking; unpleasant; bad. \Bappallingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iapalir\i 'grow pale'\c
<hw>Appaloosa</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"lu:s\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a horse of a N. American breed having dark spots on a light background.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3\IOpelousas\i in Louisiana, or \IPalouse,\i a river in Idaho\c
<hw>appanage</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xapanage\x.\j
<hw>apparat</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"rA:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i \Iesp. hist.\i the administrative system of a Communist party, esp. in a Communist country. \BEtymology:\b \3Russian from German, = apparatus\c
<hw>apparatchik</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"ratSIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bapparatchiks\b or \Bapparatchiki\b \K/-%ki:/\k) \IPolit\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \Iesp. hist.\i a member of a Communist apparat. \Bb\b a Communist agent or spy.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a member of a political party in any country who executes policy; a zealous functionary. \Bb\b an official of a public or private organization. \BEtymology:\b \3Russian: see \J\Xapparat\x\j\c
<hw>apparatus</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"reIt\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ISci\i the equipment needed for a particular purpose or function, esp. scientific or technical.\p\B2\b \IPolit\i a political or other complex organization.\p\B3\b \IAnat.\i the organs used to perform a particular process.\p\B4\b (in full \Bapparatus criticus\b \K/"krItIk\F'\ns/\k) a collection of variants and annotations accompanying a printed text and usu. appearing below it. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from \Iapparare apparat-\i 'make ready for'\c
<hw>apparel</hw> \K/\F'\n"par(\F'\n)l/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BUS\b or \Iformal\i clothing, dress.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i embroidered ornamentation on some ecclesiastical vestments. \Iv.tr.\i \B(apparelled,\b \Bapparelling;\b \BUS\b \Bappareled,\b \Bappareling)\b \Iarchaic\i clothe. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iaparailen,\i in the sense 'make ready or fit', from Old French \Iapareillier,\i ultimately from Latin \Ipar\i 'equal'\c
<hw>apparent</hw> \K/\F'\n"par(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b readily visible or perceivable.\p\B2\b seeming. \Bapparently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaparant\i from Latin (as \J\Xappear\x)\j\c
<hw>apparent magnitude</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the magnitude, i.e. brightness, of a celestial object as seen from the earth \I(opp.\i \J\Xabsolute magnitude\x).\j
<hw>apparent time</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i solar time (see \J\Xsolar\x \Iadj.\i).\j
<hw>apparition</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"rIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pa sudden or dramatic appearance, esp. of a ghost or phantom; a visible ghost. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iapparition\i or from Latin \Iapparitio\i 'attendance' (as \J\Xappear\x)\j\c
<hw>appeal</hw> \K/\F'\n"pi:l/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i make an earnest or formal request; plead \3(appealed for calm;\c \2appealed to us not to leave).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i be attractive or of interest; be pleasing.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i resort to or cite for support.\p\B4\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i apply (to a higher court) for a reconsideration of the decision of a lower court. \Bb\b \Itr.\i refer to a higher court to review (a case). \Bc\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bagainst)\b\i apply to a higher court to reconsider (a verdict or sentence).\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \ICricket\i call on the umpire for a decision on whether a batsman is out.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of appealing.\p\B2\b a formal or urgent request for public support, esp. financial, for a cause.\p\B3\b \ILaw\i the referral of a case to a higher court.\p\B4\b attractiveness; appealing quality \3(sex appeal).\c \Bappealer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapel,\i \Iapeler\i from Latin \Iappellare\i 'to address'\c
<hw>appealable</hw> \K/\F'\n"pi:l\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i (of a case) that can be referred to a higher court for review.
<hw>appear</hw> \K/\F'\n"pI\F'\n/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b become or be visible.\p\B2\b be evident \3(a new problem then appeared).\c\p\B3\b seem; have the appearance of being \3(appeared unwell;\c \2you appear to be right).\c\p\B4\b present oneself publicly or formally, esp. on stage or as the accused or counsel in a law court.\p\B5\b be published \3(it appeared in the papers;\c \2a new edition will appear).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapareir\i from Latin \Iapparere apparit-\i 'come in sight'\c
<hw>appearance</hw> \K/\F'\n"pI\F'\nr(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of appearing.\p\B2\b an outward form as perceived (whether correctly or not), esp. visually \3(smartened up his appearance;\c \2gives an appearance of scalded skin).\c\p\B3\b a semblance \3(lend an appearance of legitimacy).\c\p\1keep up appearances\c maintain an impression or pretence of virtue, affluence, etc.\p\1make (or put in) an appearance\c be present, esp. briefly.\p\1to all appearances\c as far as can be seen; apparently. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaparance,\i \I-ence\i from Late Latin \Iapparentia\i (as \J\Xappear\x,\j \J\X-ance\x)\j\c
<hw>appease</hw> \K/\F'\n"pi:z/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b make calm or quiet, esp. conciliate (a potential aggressor) by making concessions.\p\B2\b satisfy (an appetite, scruples). \Bappeasement\b\p\In.\i\p\Bappeaser\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iapeser,\i Old French \Iapaisier\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ipais\i \J\Xpeace\x\j\c
<hw>appellant</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEl(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a person who appeals to a higher court. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French (as \J\Xappeal\x,\j \J\X-ant\x)\j\c
<hw>appellate</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEl\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i \ILaw\i (esp. of a court) concerned with or dealing with appeals. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iappellatus\i (as \J\Xappeal\x,\j \J\X-ate\x (2))\j\c
<hw>appellation</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iformal\i a name or title; nomenclature. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iappellatio -onis\i (as \J\Xappeal\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
\B\Iappellation contr⌠lΘe\b\i \K/ap\F'\n%lasjQn k\F'\nn"trQleI/, French /apElasjO~ kO~trole/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \B\Iappellation d'origine\b\i \K/dOriZin/\k \B\Icontr⌠lΘe)\b\i \ICommerce Drink\i a guarantee of the description of a bottle of French wine or of a foodstuff as to its origin, in conformity with statutory regulations.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, = controlled appellation\c
<hw>appellative</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEl\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b naming.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i (of a noun) that designates a class; common. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iappellativus\i (as \J\Xappeal\x,\j \J\X-ative\x)\j\c
<hw>append</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEnd/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i attach, affix, add, esp. to a written document etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iappendere\i 'hang'\c
<hw>appendage</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEndIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something attached; an addition.\p\B2\b \IZool.\i a leg or other projecting part of an arthropod.
<hw>appendant</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEnd(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i attached in a subordinate capacity.\p\In.\i\pan appendant person or thing. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iapendant\i from \Iapendre\i (as \J\Xappend\x,\j \J\X-ant\x)\j\c
<hw>appendectomy</hw> \K/ap(\F'\n)n"dEkt\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BBrit.\b \Bappendicectomy\b \K/\F'\npEndI"sEkt\F'\nmi/\k) \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ISurgery\i the surgical removal of the appendix. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xappendix\x\j + \J\X-ectomy\x\j\c
<hw>appendicitis</hw> \K/\F'\npEndI"sVItIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i inflammation of the appendix. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xappendix\x\j + \J\X-itis\x\j\c
<hw>appendix</hw> \K/\F'\n"pEndIks/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bappendices\b \K/-si:z/\k; \Bappendixes)\b\p\B1\b (in full \Bvermiform appendix)\b \IAnat.\i a small outgrowth of tissue forming a tube-shaped sac attached to the lower end of the large intestine.\p\B2\b subsidiary matter at the end of a book or document. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iappendix -icis\i from \Iappendere\i \J\Xappend\x\j\c
<hw>apperceive</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"si:v/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b be conscious of perceiving.\p\B2\b \IPsychol.\i compare (a perception) to previously held ideas so as to extract meaning from it. \Bapperception\b \K/-"sEpS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bapperceptive\b \K/-"sEptIv/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English (in obsolete sense 'observe') from Old French \Iaperceveir,\i ultimately from Latin \Ipercipere\i \J\Xperceive\x\j\c
<hw>appertain</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"teIn/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b relate.\p\B2\b belong as a possession or right.\p\B3\b be appropriate. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapertenir\i and Late Latin \Iappertinere\i from Latin \Ipertinere\i \J\Xpertain\x\j\c
<hw>appetence</hw> \K/"apIt(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bappetency\b \K/-(\F'\n)nsi/\k) \I(pl.\i \B-ces\b or \B-cies)\b \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i longing or desire. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IappΘtence\i or Latin \Iappetentia,\i from \Iappetere\i 'seek after'\c
<hw>appetite</hw> \K/"apItVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a natural desire to satisfy bodily needs, esp. for food or sexual activity.\p\B2\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bfor)\b\i an inclination or desire. \Bappetitive\b \K/\F'\n"pEtItIv/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iapetit\i from Latin \Iappetitus,\i from \Iappetere\i 'seek after'\c
<hw>appetizer</hw> \K/"apItVIz\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \B-iser)\b a small amount, esp. of food or drink, to stimulate an appetite. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iappetize\i (back-formation from \J\Xappetizing\x)\j\c
<hw>appetizing</hw> \K/"apItVIzIN/\k \Iadj.\i (also \B-ising)\b stimulating an appetite, esp. for food. \Bappetizingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IappΘtissant,\i irregular formation from \IappΘtit\i (as \J\Xappetite\x)\j\c
<hw>applaud</hw> \K/\F'\n"plO:d/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i express strong approval or praise, esp. by clapping.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i express approval of (a person or action) verbally or by clapping. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iapplaudere applaus-\i 'clap hands'\c
<hw>applause</hw> \K/\F'\n"plO:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an expression of approbation, esp. from an audience etc. by clapping.\p\B2\b emphatic approval. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iapplausus\i (as \J\Xapplaud\x)\j\c
<hw>apple</hw> \K/"ap(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b the fruit of a tree of the genus \IMalus,\i rounded in form and with a crisp flesh.\p\B2\b (in full \Bapple tree)\b the tree bearing this.\p\1apple of one's eye\c \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i a cherished person or thing.\p\1she's apples\c \BAustral.\b \Islang\i everything is fine.\p\1upset the apple-cart\c spoil careful plans. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµppel,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>apple-cheeked</hw> \Iadj.\i having round rosy cheeks.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>applejack</hw> \K/"ap(\F'\n)ldZak/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \IDrink\i a spirit distilled from fermented apple juice. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapple\x\j + \J\Xjack\x (1)\j\c
<hw>apple-pie bed</hw>\p\In.\i\pa bed made (as a joke) with the sheets folded short, so that the legs cannot be accommodated.
<hw>appliance</hw> \K/\F'\n"plVI\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\pa device or piece of equipment used for a specific task, esp. a machine for domestic use. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapply\x\j + \J\X-ance\x\j\c
<hw>applicable</hw> \K/\F'\n"plIk\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/, /"aplIk-/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b that may be applied.\p\B2\b having reference; appropriate. \Bapplicability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bapplicably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iapplicable\i or medieval Latin \Iapplicabilis\i (as \J\Xapply\x,\j \J\X-able\x)\j\c
<hw>applicant</hw> \K/"aplIk(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who applies for something, esp. a job. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapplication\x\j + \J\X-ant\x\j\c
<hw>application</hw> \K/aplI"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act of applying, esp. medicinal ointment to the skin.\p\B2\b a formal request, usu. in writing, for employment, membership, etc.\p\B3\b \Ba\b relevance. \Bb\b the use to which something can or should be put.\p\B4\b sustained or concentrated effort; diligence. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iapplicatio -onis\i (as \J\Xapply\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>application program</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i a computer program designed and written to fulfil a particular purpose of the user.\Knew f. Coll., corpus Mar 94\k
<hw>applicator</hw> \K/"aplIkeIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa device for applying a substance to a surface, esp. the skin, or for inserting something into a cavity, esp. into the body. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xapplication\x\j + \J\X-or\x (1)\j\c
<hw>applied</hw> \K/\F'\n"plVId/\k \Iadj.\i (of a subject of study) put to practical use as opposed to being theoretical \I(cf.\i \J\Xpure\x \Iadj.\i 9).\j
<hw>appliquΘ</hw> \K/\F'\n"pli:keI/\k \In., adj., & v.\i \INeedlework\i\p\In.\i\pornamental work in which fabric is cut out and attached, usu. sewn, to the surface of another fabric to form pictures or patterns. \Iadj.\i executed in appliquΘ. \Iv.tr.\i \B(appliquΘs,\b \BappliquΘd,\b \BappliquΘing)\b decorate with appliquΘ; make using appliquΘ technique. \BEtymology:\b \3French, past part. of \Iappliquer\i 'apply' from Latin \Iapplicare:\i see \J\Xapply\x\j\c
<hw>apply</hw> \K/\F'\n"plVI/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bfor,\b \Bto,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i make a formal request for something to be done, given, etc. \3(apply for a job;\c \2apply for help to the governors;\c \2applied to be sent overseas).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i have relevance \3(does not apply in this case).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b make use of as relevant or suitable; employ \3(apply the rules).\c \Bb\b operate \3(apply the handbrake).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i \Ba\b put or spread on \3(applied the ointment to the cut).\c \Bb\b administer \3(applied the remedy;\c \2applied common sense to the problem).\c\p\B5\b \Irefl.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i devote oneself \3(applied myself to the task).\c \Bapplier\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaplier\i from Latin \Iapplicare\i 'fold, fasten to'\c
<hw>appoggiatura</hw> \K/\F'\npQdZ\F'\n"tU\F'\nr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a grace note performed before an essential note of a melody and normally taking half its time value. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, = lean upon, rest\c
<hw>appoint</hw> \K/\F'\n"pOInt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b assign a post or office to \3(appoint him governor;\c \2appoint him to govern;\c \2appointed to the post).\c\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bfor)\b\i fix, decide on (a time, place, etc.) \3(Wednesday was appointed for the meeting;\c \28.30 was the appointed time).\c\p\B3\b prescribe; ordain \3(Holy Writ appointed by the Church).\c\p\B4\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i declare the destination of (property etc.). \Bb\b declare (a person) as having an interest in property etc. \3(Jones was appointed in the will).\c\p\B5\b (as \Bappointed\b \Iadj.)\i equipped, furnished \3(a badly appointed hotel).\c \Bappointee\b \K/-"ti:/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bappointer\b\p\In.\i\p\Bappointive\b \Iadj.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b (in sense 1 of \Iv.).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iapointer,\i from \Iα point\i 'to a point'\c
<hw>appointment</hw> \K/\F'\n"pOIntm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an arrangement to meet at a specific time and place.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a post or office available for applicants, or recently filled \3(took up the appointment on Monday).\c \Bb\b a person appointed.\p\B3\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \Ba\b furniture, fittings. \Bb\b equipment. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iapointement\i (as \J\Xappoint\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>apport</hw> \K/\F'\n"pO:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the production of material objects by supposedly occult means at a seance.\p\B2\b an object so produced. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, in the sense 'something brought', from Old French \Iaport\i from \Iaporter,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Iporter\i 'bring'\c
<hw>apportion</hw> \K/\F'\n"pO:S(\F'\n)n/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i share out; assign as a share. \Bapportionable\b \Iadj.\i\K-ment denested Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iapportionner\i or medieval Latin \Iapportionare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \J\Xportion\x)\j\c
<hw>apportionment</hw> \K/\F'\n"pO:S\F'\nnm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of apportioning.\p\B2\b \BUS\b \IPolit\i the determination of the proportional number of members each state sends to the House of Representatives (based on population figures).\Kdenested Sept 94\k
<hw>apposite</hw> \K/"ap\F'\nzIt/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b apt; well chosen.\p\B2\b well expressed. \Bappositely\b \Iadv.\i \Bappositeness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iappositus\i past part. of \Iapponere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iponere\i 'put')\c
<hw>apposition</hw> \K/ap\F'\n"zIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b placing side by side; juxtaposition.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i the placing of a word next to another, esp. the addition of one noun to another, in order to qualify or explain the first (e.g. \IWilliam the Conqueror;\i \Imy friend Sue).\i \Bappositional\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iapposition\i or Late Latin \Iappositio\i (as \J\Xapposite\x,\j \J\X-ition\x)\j\c
<hw>appraisal</hw> \K/\F'\n"preIz(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of appraising.\p\B2\b a formal evaluation of the performance of an employee over a particular period.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. News Jul 93\k
<hw>appraise</hw> \K/\F'\n"preIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b estimate the value or quality of \3(appraised her skills).\c\p\B2\b (esp. of an official valuer) set a price on; value.\p\B3\b evaluate the performance of (an employee) formally.\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. News Jul 93\k \Bappraisable\b \Iadj.\i \Bappraisee\b \K/-"zi:/\k\p\In.\i\p\K-ee new f. News, SOED mar 94\k \Bappraiser\b\p\In.\i\p\Bappraisingly\b \Iadv.\i\K-ingly new f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k \Bappraisive\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3from \J\Xapprize\x,\j by assimilation to \J\Xpraise\x\j\c
<hw>appreciable</hw> \K/\F'\n"pri:S\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/, /-SI\F'\n-/\k \Iadj.\i large enough to be noticed; significant; considerable \3(appreciable progress has been made).\c \Bappreciably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French, from \IapprΘcier\i (as \J\Xappreciate\x)\j\c
<hw>appreciate</hw> \K/\F'\n"pri:SIeIt/, /-sI-/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b esteem highly; value. \Bb\b be grateful for \3(we appreciate your sympathy).\c \Bc\b be sensitive to \3(appreciate the nuances).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bthat\b + clause)\i understand; recognize \3(I appreciate that I may be wrong).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b \Iintr.\i \IEcon\i (of property etc.) rise in value. \Bb\b \Itr.\i \IEcon\i raise in value. \Bappreciative\b \K/-S(I)\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i \Bappreciatively\b \K/-S\F'\ntIvli/\k \Iadv.\i \Bappreciativeness\b \K/-S\F'\ntIvnIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bappreciator\b\p\In.\i\p\Bappreciatory\b \K/-S(I)\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iappretiare\i 'appraise' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ipretium\i 'price')\c
<hw>appreciation</hw> \K/\F'\npri:SI"eIS(\F'\n)n/, /-sI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b favourable or grateful recognition.\p\B2\b an estimation or judgement; sensitive understanding of or reaction to \3(a quick appreciation of the problem).\c\p\B3\b \IEcon\i an increase in value.\p\B4\b a (usu. favourable) review of a book, film, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Late Latin \Iappretiatio -onis\i (as \J\Xappreciate\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>apprehend</hw> \K/aprI"hEnd/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b understand, perceive \3(apprehend your meaning).\c\p\B2\b \ICriminol\i seize, arrest \3(apprehended the criminal).\c\p\B3\b anticipate with uneasiness or fear \3(apprehending the results).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \IapprΘhender\i or Latin \Iapprehendere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iprehendere prehens-\i 'lay hold of')\c
<hw>apprehensible</hw> \K/aprI"hEnsIb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i capable of being apprehended by the senses or the intellect \3(an apprehensible theory;\c \2an apprehensible change in her expression).\c \Bapprehensibility\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iapprehensibilis\i (as \J\Xapprehend\x,\j \J\X-ible\x)\j\c
<hw>apprehension</hw> \K/aprI"hEnS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b uneasiness; a sense of foreboding.\p\B2\b understanding, grasp.\p\B3\b \ICriminol\i arrest, capture \3(apprehension of the suspect).\c\p\B4\b an idea; a conception. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IapprΘhension\i or Late Latin \Iapprehensio\i (as \J\Xapprehend\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>apprehensive</hw> \K/aprI"hEnsIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Babout,\b \Bof,\b \Bfor)\b\i uneasily fearful; anxious.\p\B2\b relating to perception by the senses or the intellect.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i perceptive; intelligent. \Bapprehensively\b \Iadv.\i \Bapprehensiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \IapprΘhensif\i or medieval Latin \Iapprehensivus\i (as \J\Xapprehend\x,\j \J\X-ive\x)\j\c
<hw>apprentice</hw> \K/\F'\n"prEntIs/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a person who is learning a trade by being employed in it for an agreed period at low wages.\p\B2\b a beginner; a novice.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i engage or bind as an apprentice \3(was apprenticed to a builder).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \BN. Amer.\b serve as an apprentice \3(she apprenticed at a hairdresser's).\c\Ksense 2 new f. K. Barber Jan 94\k \Bapprenticeship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaprentis,\i from \Iapprendre\i 'learn' (as \J\Xapprehend\x),\j on the pattern of words ending in \I-tis,\i \I-tif,\i from Latin \I-tivus:\i see \J\X-ive\x\j\c
<hw>apprise</hw> \K/\F'\n"prVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i inform.\p\1be apprised of\c be aware of. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iappris -ise,\i past part. of \Iapprendre\i 'learn, teach' (as \J\Xapprehend\x)\j\c
<hw>apprize</hw> \K/\F'\n"prVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \Iarchaic\i\p\B1\b esteem highly.\p\B2\b appraise. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaprisier,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ipris\i \J\Xprice\x\j\c
<hw>appro</hw> \K/"apr\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i\p\1on appro\c \ICommerce etc.\i = \Ion approval\i (see \J\Xapproval\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of \Iapproval\i or \Iapprobation\i\c
<hw>approach</hw> \K/\F'\n"pr\F'\nUtS/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i come near or nearer to (a place or time).\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i come near or nearer in space or time \3(the hour approaches).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i make a tentative proposal or suggestion to \3(approached me about a loan).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b be similar in character, quality, etc., to \3(doesn't approach her for artistic skill).\c \Bb\b approximate to \3(a population approaching 5 million).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i attempt to influence or bribe.\p\B6\b \Itr.\i set about (a task etc.).\p\B7\b \Iintr.\i \IGolf\i play an approach shot.\p\B8\b \Iintr.\i \IAeron.\i prepare to land.\p\B9\b \Itr.\i \Iarchaic\i bring near.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an act or means of approaching \3(made an approach;\c \2an approach lined with trees).\c\p\B2\b an approximation \3(an approach to an apology).\c\p\B3\b a way of dealing with a person or thing \3(needs a new approach).\c\p\B4\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i a sexual advance.\p\B5\b \IGolf\i a stroke from the fairway to the green.\p\B6\b \IAeron.\i the final part of a flight before landing.\p\B7\b \IBridge\i a bidding method with a gradual advance to a final contract. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaproch(i)er\i from ecclesiastical Latin \Iappropiare\i 'draw near' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ipropius,\i comparative of \Iprope\i 'near')\c
<hw>approachable</hw> \K/\F'\n"pr\F'\nUtS\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b friendly; easy to talk to.\p\B2\b able to be approached. \Bapproachability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>approach road</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IMotoring\i a road by which traffic enters a motorway.
<hw>approbate</hw> \K/"apr\F'\nbeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \BUS\b approve formally; sanction. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iapprobare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iprobare\i 'test' from \Iprobus\i 'good')\c
<hw>approbation</hw> \K/apr\F'\n"beIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\papproval, consent. \Bapprobative\b \K/"apr\F'\nbeItIv/\k \Iadj.\i \Bapprobatory\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iapprobatio -onis\i (as \J\Xapprobate\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>appropriate</hw> \Iadj. & v.\i \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"pr\F'\nUprI\F'\nt/\k \I(often foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfor)\b\i\p\B1\b suitable or proper.\p\B2\b \Iformal\i belonging or particular. \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"pr\F'\nUprIeIt/\k\p\B1\b take possession of, esp. without authority.\p\B2\b devote (money etc.) to special purposes. \Bappropriately\b \Iadv.\i \Bappropriateness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bappropriation\b \K/\F'\npr\F'\nUprI"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bappropriator\b \K/-eIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iappropriatus,\i past part. of \Iappropriare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iproprius\i 'own')\c
<hw>approval</hw> \K/\F'\n"pru:v(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act of approving.\p\B2\b an instance of this; consent; a favourable opinion \3(with your approval;\c \2looked at him with approval).\c\p\1on approval\c (of goods supplied) to be returned if not satisfactory.
<hw>approve</hw> \K/\F'\n"pru:v/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i confirm; sanction \3(approved his application).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i give or have a favourable opinion.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i commend \3(approved the new hat).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. \Brefl.)\b\i \Iarchaic\i demonstrate oneself to be \3(approved himself a coward).\c\p\Bapprove of\b pronounce or consider good or satisfactory; commend.\Kagree to omitted Aug 94\k \Bapprovingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaprover\i from Latin (as \J\Xapprobate\x)\j\c
<hw>approved school</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICriminol\i \Ihist.\i a residential place of training for young offenders.
<hw>approximate</hw> \Iadj. & v.\i \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"prQksIm\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b fairly correct or accurate; near to the actual \3(the approximate time of arrival;\c \2an approximate guess).\c\p\B2\b near or next \3(your approximate neighbour).\c \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \K/\F'\n"prQksImeIt/\k \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i bring or come near (esp. in quality, number, etc.), but not exactly \3(approximates to the truth;\c \2approximates the amount required).\c \Bapproximately\b \K/-m\F'\ntli/\k \Iadv.\i \Bapproximation\b \K/-"meIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iapproximatus,\i past part. of \Iapproximare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iproximus\i 'very near')\c
<hw>appurtenance</hw> \K/\F'\n"p\F'\n:t(I)n\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i a belonging; an appendage; an accessory. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iapurtenaunce,\i Old French \Iapertenance\i (as \J\Xappertain\x,\j \J\X-ance\x)\j\c
<hw>appurtenant</hw> \K/\F'\n"p\F'\n:t(I)n\F'\nnt/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i belonging or appertaining; pertinent. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iapartenant\i pres. part. (as \J\Xappertain\x)\j\c
<hw>APR</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IEcon\i annual or annualized percentage rate (esp. of interest on loans or credit).
<hw>Apr.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IHorol\i April.
<hw>aprΦs-ski</hw> \K/apreI"ski:/\k \In. & adj.\i \ISkiing\i\p\In.\i\pthe evening, esp. its social activities, following a day's skiing. \Iattrib.adj.\i (of clothes, drinks, etc.) appropriate to social activities following skiing. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>apricot</hw> \K/"eIprIkQt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i \Ba\b a juicy soft fruit, smaller than a peach, of an orange-yellow colour. \Bb\b (in full \Bapricot tree)\b the tree, Prunus armeniaca, bearing it.\p\B2\b the ripe fruit's orange-yellow colour. \Iadj.\i of an orange-yellow colour \3(apricot dress).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese \Ialbricoque\i or Spanish \Ialbaricoque\i via Arabic \Ial\i 'the' + \Ibarkuk\i and late Greek \Ipraikokion\i from Latin \Ipraecoquum,\i variant of \Ipraecox\i 'early-ripe': \Iapri-\i influenced by Latin \Iapricus\i 'ripe', \I-cot\i by French \Iabricot\i\c
<hw>April</hw> \K/"eIpr(I)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IHorol\i the fourth month of the year. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \IAprilis\i\c
<hw>April Fool</hw>\p\In.\i\pa person successfully tricked on 1 April.
<hw>a priori</hw> \K/eI prVI"O:rVI/, /A: prI"O:ri/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ILogic\i (of reasoning) deductive; proceeding from causes to effects \I(opp.\i \J\Xa posteriori\x).\j\p\B2\b \IPhilos\i (of concepts, knowledge, etc.) logically independent of experience; not derived from experience \I(opp.\i \J\Xempirical\x).\j\p\B3\b not submitted to critical investigation \3(an a priori conjecture).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b in an a priori manner.\p\B2\b as far as one knows; presumptively. \Bapriorism\b \K/eI"prVI\F'\nrIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = from what is before\c
<hw>apron</hw> \K/"eIpr(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IClothing\i \Ba\b a garment covering and protecting the front of a person's clothes, either from chest or waist level, and tied at the back. \Bb\b official clothing of this kind \3(bishop's apron).\c \Bc\b anything resembling an apron in shape or function.\p\B2\b \ITheatr.\i the part of a stage in front of the curtain.\p\B3\b \IAeron\i the hard-surfaced area on an airfield used for manoeuvring or loading aircraft.\p\B4\b an endless conveyor belt.\p\1tied to a person's apron strings\c dominated by or dependent on that person (usu. a woman). \Baproned\b \Iadj.\i \Bapronful\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-fuls).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Inaperon\i etc. from Old French, diminutive of \Inape\i 'tablecloth' from Latin \Imappa:\i for loss of \In\i cf. \J\Xadder\x\j\c
<hw>apropos</hw> \K/apr\F'\n"p\F'\nU/, /"apr\F'\np\F'\nU/\k \Iadj., prep., & adv.\i \Iadj.\i to the point or purpose; appropriate \3(his comment was apropos).\c \Iprep.\i \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i \Icolloq.\i in respect of; concerning \3(apropos the meeting;\c \2apropos of the talk).\c \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b appropriately \3(spoke apropos).\c\p\B2\b \I\B(absol.)\b\i by the way; incidentally \3(apropos, she's not going).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iα propos\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ipropos\i \J\Xpurpose\x\j\c
<hw>apse</hw> \K/aps/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i a large semicircular or polygonal recess, arched or with a domed roof, esp. at the eastern end of a church.\p\B2\b = \J\Xapsis\x.\j \Bapsidal\b \K/"apsId(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \J\Xapsis\x\j\c
<hw>apsis</hw> \K/"apsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bapsides\b \K/-di:z/\k) \IAstron\i either of two points on the orbit of a planet or satellite that are nearest to or furthest from the body round which it moves. \Bapsidal\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \I(h)apsis,\i \I-idos\i 'arch, vault'\c
<hw>apt</hw> \K/apt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b appropriate, suitable \3(an apt moment).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i having a tendency; prone, likely \3(apt to lose his temper).\c\p\B3\b clever; quick to learn \3(an apt pupil;\c \2apt at the work).\c \Baptly\b \Iadv.\i \Baptness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iaptus\i 'fitted', past part. of \Iapere\i 'fasten'\c
<hw>apterous</hw> \K/"apt(\F'\n)r\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IZool.\i (of insects) without wings.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i (of seeds or fruits) having no winglike expansions. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iapteros\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Ipteron\i 'wing')\c
<hw>aptitude</hw> \K/"aptItju:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a natural propensity or talent \3(shows an aptitude for drawing).\c\p\B2\b ability or fitness, esp. to acquire a particular skill. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Late Latin \Iaptitudo -inis\i (as \J\Xapt\x,\j \J\X-tude\x)\j\c
<hw>aqua</hw> \K/"akw\F'\n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pthe colour aquamarine. \Iadj.\i of this colour. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>aquaculture</hw> \K/"akw\F'\nkVltS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the cultivation or rearing of aquatic plants or animals. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaqua\i 'water' + \J\Xculture\x,\j on the pattern of \Iagriculture\i\c
<hw>Aqua Libra</hw> \K/%akw\F'\n "li:br\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i \Ipropr.\i a drink made from mineral water and fruit juices.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, ODNW, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>aqualung</hw> \K/"akw\F'\nlVN/\k \In. & v.\i \IDiving\i\p\In.\i\pa portable breathing apparatus for divers, consisting of cylinders of compressed air strapped on the back, feeding air automatically through a mask or mouthpiece. \Iv.intr.\i use an aqualung. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaqua\i 'water' + \J\Xlung\x\j\c
<hw>aquamarine</hw> \K/%akw\F'\nm\F'\n"ri:n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMineral\i a light bluish-green beryl.\p\B2\b its colour. \Iadj.\i of bluish-green colour.\Kadj. new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaqua marina\i 'sea water'\c
<hw>aquanaut</hw> \K/"akw\F'\nnO:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISwimming\i an underwater swimmer or explorer. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaqua\i 'water' + Greek \Inautes\i 'sailor'\c
<hw>aquaplane</hw> \K/"akw\F'\npleIn/\k \In. & v.\i \ISport\i\p\In.\i\pa board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat. \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b ride on an aquaplane.\p\B2\b (of a vehicle) glide uncontrollably on the wet surface of a road. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaqua\i 'water' + \J\Xplane\x (1)\j\c
<hw>aqua regia</hw> \K/%akw\F'\n "ri:dZ\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids, a highly corrosive liquid attacking many substances unaffected by other reagents. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = royal water\c
<hw>aquarelle</hw> \K/akw\F'\n"rEl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i a painting in thin, usu. transparent, watercolours. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Iacquarella\i 'watercolour', diminutive of \Iacqua,\i from Latin \Iaqua\i 'water'\c
<hw>aquarium</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwE:rI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baquaria\b \K/-rI\F'\n/\k or \Baquariums)\b an artificial environment designed for keeping live aquatic plants and animals for study or exhibition, esp. a tank of water with transparent sides. \BEtymology:\b \3neut. of Latin \Iaquarius\i 'of water' \I(aqua),\i on the pattern of \Ivivarium\i\c
<hw>Aquarius</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwE:rI\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAstron.\i a large constellation (the Water-carrier or Water-bearer), said to represent a man pouring water from a jar.\p\B2\b \IAstrol.\i \Ba\b the eleventh sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about 21 Jan. \Bb\b a person born when the sun is in this sign. \BAquarian\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin (as \J\Xaquarium\x)\j\c
<hw>aquatic</hw> \K/\F'\n"kwatIk/, /-"kwQt-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IBot Zool\i growing or living in or near water.\p\B2\b \ISport\i (of a sport) played in or on water.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an aquatic plant or animal.\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i aquatic sports. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iaquatique\i or Latin \Iaquaticus,\i from \Iaqua\i 'water'\c
<hw>aquatint</hw> \K/"akw\F'\ntInt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i\p\B1\b a print resembling a watercolour, produced from a copper plate etched with nitric acid.\p\B2\b the process of producing this. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaquatinte\i from Italian \Iacqua tinta\i 'coloured water'\c
<hw>aquavit</hw> \K/akw\F'\n"vi:t/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bakvavit\b \K/"akv\F'\n-/\k) \IDrink\i an alcoholic spirit made from potatoes etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Norwegian, Swedish, Danish \Iakvavit\i \J\Xaqua vitae\x\j\c
<hw>aqua vitae</hw> \K/%akw\F'\n "vVIti:/, /"vi:tVI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i a strong alcoholic spirit, esp. brandy. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin = water of life\c
<hw>aqueduct</hw> \K/"akwIdVkt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IEngin\i an artificial channel for conveying water, esp. in the form of a bridge supported by tall columns across a valley.\p\B2\b \IPhysiol.\i a small canal, esp. in the head of mammals. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaquae ductus\i 'conduit', from \Iaqua\i 'water' + \Iducere duct-\i 'to lead'\c
<hw>aqueous</hw> \K/"eIkwI\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of, containing, or like water.\p\B2\b \IGeol.\i produced by water \3(aqueous rocks).\c \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iaqueus\i from Latin \Iaqua\i 'water'\c
<hw>aqueous humour</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i the clear fluid in the eye between the lens and the cornea.
<hw>aquifer</hw> \K/"akwIf\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i a layer of rock or soil able to hold or transmit much water. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaqui-\i from \Iaqua\i 'water' + \I-fer\i 'bearing' from \Iferre\i 'bear'\c
<hw>aquilegia</hw> \K/akwI"li:dZ\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IAquilegia\i (buttercup family) with (often blue) flowers having backward-pointing spurs. \IAlso called\i \J\Xcolumbine\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin, probably from Latin \Iaquilegus\i 'water-collecting'\c
<hw>aquiline</hw> \K/"akwIlVIn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i of or like an eagle.\p\B2\b \IAnat\i (of a nose) curved like an eagle's beak. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaquilinus,\i from \Iaquila\i 'eagle'\c
<hw>AR</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \BUS\b \IGeog\i Arkansas (in official postal use).\p\B2\b \IPolit\i Autonomous Republic.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. Wordfinder Jul 93\k
<hw>Ar</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element argon.
<hw>ar-</hw> \K/ar/, /\F'\nr/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \Ir.\i
<hw>-ar (1)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming adjectives \3(angular;\c \2linear;\c \2nuclear;\c \2titular).\c\p\B2\b forming nouns \3(scholar).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \I-aire\i or \I-ier,\i or Latin \I-aris\i\c
<hw>-ar (2)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns \3(pillar).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-er\i or Latin \I-ar,\i \I-are,\i neut. of \I-aris\i\c
<hw>-ar (3)</hw> \K/\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns \3(bursar;\c \2exemplar;\c \2mortar;\c \2vicar).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \I-aire\i or \I-ier,\i or Latin \I-arius,\i \I-arium\i\c
<hw>ARA</hw> \Iabbr.\i Associate of the Royal Academy.
<hw>Arab</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nb/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a member of a Semitic people inhabiting originally Saudi Arabia and the neighbouring countries, now the Middle East generally.\p\B2\b \IZool Riding\i a horse of a breed originally native to Arabia. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Arabia or the Arabs (esp. with ethnic reference). \BEtymology:\b \3French \IArabe\i via Latin \IArabs Arabis\i and Greek \IAraps -abos\i from Arabic '\Iarab\i\c
<hw>arabesque</hw> \K/ar\F'\n"bEsk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBallet\i a posture with one leg extended horizontally backwards, torso extended forwards, and arms outstretched.\p\B2\b a design of intertwined leaves, scrolls, etc.\p\B3\b \IMus.\i a florid melodic section or composition. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Iarabesco\i 'in the Arabic style', from \Iarabo\i 'Arab'\c
<hw>Arabian</hw> \K/\F'\n"reIbI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to Arabia (esp. with geographical reference) \3(the Arabian desert).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a native of Arabia.\p\B2\b \BUS\b \IZool Riding\i = \J\XArab\x\p\In.\i\p2.\j\Ksense 2 new f. incomings Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iarabi,\i probably from Arabic '\Iarabi,\i or via Latin \IArabus,\i \IArabius\i from Greek \IArabios\i\c In the sense 'a native of Arabia', the usual term is now \IArab.\i
<hw>Arabian camel</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a domesticated one-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius, native to the deserts of N. Africa and the Near East. \IAlso called\i \Idromedary.\i
<hw>Arabic</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nbIk/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i the Semitic language of the Arabs, now spoken in much of N. Africa and the Middle East. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Arabia (esp. with reference to language or literature). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarabic\i and Latin \Iarabicus\i from Greek \Iarabikos\i\c
<hw>arabica</hw> \K/\F'\n"rabIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IDrink\i coffee or coffee beans from the most widely grown species of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica.\p\B2\b \IBot\i the plant itself \I(cf.\i \J\Xrobusta\x).\j\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Latin \Iarabicus\i \J\XArabic\x\j\c
<hw>Arabic numeral</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i any of the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 \I(cf.\i \J\XRoman numeral\x).\j
<hw>arabis</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nbIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a low-growing cruciferous plant of the genus \IArabis,\i with toothed leaves and usu. white flowers. \IAlso called\i \Irock cress,\i \Iwall cress.\i \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin from Greek, = Arabian\c
<hw>Arabist</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nbIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i a student of Arabic civilization, language, etc.
<hw>arable</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IAgriculture\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of land) ploughed, or suitable for ploughing and crop production.\p\B2\b (of crops) that can be grown on arable land.\p\In.\i\parable land or crops. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarable\i or Latin \Iarabilis,\i from \Iarare\i 'to plough'\c
<hw>Araby</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nbi/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ipoet.\i Arabia. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \IArabie\i via Latin \IArabia\i from Greek\c
<hw>arachnid</hw> \K/\F'\n"raknId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any arthropod of the class Arachnida, having four pairs of legs, simple eyes, and usu. pincers or fangs e.g. scorpions, spiders, mites, and ticks. \Barachnidan\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarachnide\i or modern Latin \Iarachnida,\i from Greek \Iarakhne\i 'spider'\c
<hw>arachnoid</hw> \K/\F'\n"raknOId/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p(in full \Barachnoid membrane)\b \IAnat.\i one of the three membranes (see \J\Xmeninx\x)\j that surround the brain and spinal cord of vertebrates. \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i covered with long cobweb-like hairs. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iarachnoides\i from Greek \Iarakhnoeides\i 'like a cobweb', from \Iarakhne:\i see \J\Xarachnid\x\j\c
<hw>arachnophobia</hw> \K/\F'\nrakn\F'\n(U)"f\F'\nUbI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol\i an abnormal fear of spiders. \Barachnophobe\b \K/\F'\n"rakn\F'\nf\F'\nUb/\k\p\In.\i\p\Barachnophobic\b \Iadj.\i\K-ic new f. EWP Dec 94\k\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, OMED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iarakhne\i 'spider' + \J\X-phobia\x\j\c
<hw>arak</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xarrack\x.\j
<hw>Araldite</hw> \K/"ar(\F'\n)ldVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Ipropr.\i an epoxy resin used as a strong heatproof cement to mend china, plastic, etc. \BEtymology:\b \320th c.: origin uncertain\c
<hw>Aramaic</hw> \K/ar\F'\n"meIIk/\k \In. & adj.\i \ILanguage\i\p\In.\i\pa branch of the Semitic family of languages, esp. the language of Syria used as a lingua franca in the Near East from the sixth century bc, later dividing into varieties one of which included Syriac and Mandaean. \Iadj.\i of or in Aramaic. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAramaeus\i from Greek \IAramaios\i 'of Aram' (biblical name of Syria)\c
<hw>Aran</hw> \K/"ar(\F'\n)n/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i \IClothing\i designating a type of knitwear or garment with traditional patterns, esp. involving raised cable stitch and large diamond designs.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3from the \IAran\i islands off the W. coast of Ireland\c
<hw>Aranda</hw> \K/\F'\n"rand\F'\n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p(also \BArunta\b \K/\F'\n"rVnt\F'\n/\k) \I(pl.\i same or \B-s)\b \IPeople\i\p\B1\b a member of an Aboriginal people of central Australia.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language spoken by this people. \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Aranda or their language.\Knoun. sense 1 and adj. new f. OERD, corpus, NSOED, April 94\k\Knew from ACOD Oct 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Aboriginal\c
<hw>arapaima</hw> \K/ar\F'\n"pVIm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool.\i a very large edible S. American freshwater fish, Arapaima gigas.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Sep 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Tupi\c
<hw>arational</hw> \K/eI"raS(\F'\n)n(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \ILogic\i that does not purport to be rational.
<hw>araucaria</hw> \K/ar\F'\n"kE:rI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an evergreen conifer of the genus \IAraucaria,\i native to the southern hemisphere, e.g. the monkey-puzzle tree. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from \IArauco,\i the name of a province in Chile\c
<hw>Arawak</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nwak/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage People\i \I(pl.\i same or \BArawaks)\b\p\B1\b any of several related languages spoken by American Indian peoples of the Caribbean and parts of S. America.\p\B2\b a member of one of these peoples.\Knew f. OEED Nov 94\k
<hw>arb</hw> \K/A:b/\k\p\In.\i\p\IStock Exch.\i \Icolloq.\i = \J\Xarbitrageur\x.\j\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, OMED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>arbalest</hw> \K/"A:b\F'\nlEst/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Barblast\b \K/"A:blA:st/\k) \IMil\i \Ihist.\i a crossbow with a mechanism for drawing the string. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iarblast\i via Old French \Iarbaleste\i and Late Latin \Iarcubalista\i from Latin \Iarcus\i 'bow' + \J\Xballista\x\j\c
<hw>arbiter</hw> \K/"A:bIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Barbitress\b \K/-trIs/\k)\p\B1\b \Ba\b an arbitrator in a dispute. \Bb\b a judge; an authority \3(arbiter of taste).\c\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i a person who has entire control of something. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>arbiter elegantiarum</hw> \K/%ElIgantI"A:r\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Barbiter elegantiae\b \K/ElI"gantIVI/\k) a judge of artistic taste and etiquette.
<hw>arbitrage</hw> \K/"A:bItrIdZ/, /A:bI"trA:Z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IStock Exch\i the buying and selling of stocks or bills of exchange to take advantage of varying prices in different markets. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from \Iarbitrer\i (as \J\Xarbitrate\x)\j\c
<hw>arbitrageur</hw> \K/%A:bItrA:"Z\F'\n:/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Barbitrager\b \K/"A:bItrIdZ\F'\n/\k) \IStock Exch\i a person who engages in arbitrage. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>arbitral</hw> \K/"A:bItr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i concerning arbitration. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarbitral\i or Late Latin \Iarbitralis:\i see \J\Xarbiter\x\j\c
<hw>arbitrament</hw> \K/A:"bItr\F'\nm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the deciding of a dispute by an arbiter.\p\B2\b an authoritative decision made by an arbiter. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarbitrement\i from medieval Latin \Iarbitramentum\i (as \J\Xarbitrate\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>arbitrary</hw> \K/"A:bIt(r\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b based on or derived from uninformed opinion or random choice; capricious.\p\B2\b despotic. \Barbitrarily\b \Iadv.\i \Barbitrariness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarbitrarius\i or French \Iarbitraire\i (as \J\Xarbiter\x,\j \J\X-ary\x (1))\j\c
<hw>arbitration</hw> \K/A:bI"treIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pthe settlement of a dispute by an arbitrator. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iarbitratio -onis\i (as \J\Xarbiter\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>arbitrator</hw> \K/"A:bItreIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa person appointed to settle a dispute; an arbiter. \Barbitratorship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Late Latin (as \J\Xarbitration\x,\j \J\X-or\x (1))\j\c
<hw>arbitress</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xarbiter\x.\j
<hw>arblast</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xarbalest\x.\j
<hw>arbor (1)</hw> \K/"A:b\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i\p\B1\b an axle or spindle on which something revolves.\p\B2\b a device holding a tool in a lathe etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarbre\i 'tree, axis', from Latin \Iarbor\i\c
<hw>Arbor Day</hw> \K/"A:b\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa day dedicated annually to public tree-planting in the US, Australia, and other countries. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarbor\i 'tree'\c
<hw>arboreal</hw> \K/A:"bO:rI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot\i of, living in, or connected with trees. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarboreus,\i from \Iarbor\i 'tree'\c
<hw>arborescent</hw> \K/A:b\F'\n"rEs(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i treelike in growth or general appearance. \Barborescence\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarborescere\i 'grow into a tree', from \Iarbor\i 'tree'\c
<hw>arboretum</hw> \K/A:b\F'\n"ri:t\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Barboretums\b or \Barboreta\b \K/-t\F'\n/\k) \IBot\i a botanical garden devoted to trees. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from \Iarbor\i 'tree'\c
<hw>arboriculture</hw> \K/"A:b(\F'\n)rIkVltS\F'\n/, /A:"bO:r-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the cultivation of trees and shrubs. \Barboricultural\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Barboriculturist\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)rIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarbor -oris\i 'tree', on the pattern of \Iagriculture\i\c
<hw>arborization</hw> \K/A:b(\F'\n)rVI"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \B-isation)\b \IAnat\i a treelike arrangement esp. in anatomy.
<hw>arbor vitae</hw> \K/%A:b\F'\n "vVIti:/, /"vi:tVI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i = \J\Xthuja\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = tree of life\c
<hw>arbour</hw> \K/"A:b\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Barbor)\b a shady garden alcove with the sides and roof formed by trees or climbing plants; a bower. \Barboured\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Ierber\i and Old French \Ierbier,\i from \Ierbe\i 'herb', from Latin \Iherba:\i phonetic change to \Iar-\i assisted by association with Latin \Iarbor\i 'tree'\c
<hw>arbovirus</hw> \K/"A:b\F'\nvVIr\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i any of a group of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, etc., and causing disease, e.g. yellow fever.\Knew f. NSOED, OERD Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\Iar\ithropod-\Ib\iorne + \J\Xvirus\x\j\c
<hw>arbutus</hw> \K/A:"bju:t\F'\ns/, /"A:bjUt\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b an evergreen tree or shrub of the genus \IArbutus\i (heath family), with white or pink clusters of flowers and reddish berries, esp. the strawberry tree, A. unedo.\p\B2\b \BUS\b = \J\Xtrailing arbutus\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>ARC</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IAgriculture\i\p\B1\b \Ihist.\i (in the UK) Agricultural Research Council.\p\B2\b \IMed\i Aids-related complex.
<hw>arc</hw> \K/A:k/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeom\i part of the circumference of a circle or any other curve.\p\B2\b \IElectr.\i a luminous discharge between two electrodes. \Iv.intr.\i \B(arced\b \K/A:kt/\k; \Barcing\b \K/"A:kIN/\k) form an arc. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iarcus\i 'bow, curve'\c
<hw>arcade</hw> \K/A:"keId/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a passage with an arched roof.\p\B2\b \Besp. Brit.\b any covered walk, esp. with shops along one or both sides.\p\B3\b \IArchit.\i a series of arches supporting or set along a wall.\p\B4\b = \J\Xamusement arcade\x.\j\Ksense 4 new f. incomings Oct 94\k \Barcaded\b \Iadj.\i \Barcading\b\p\In.\i\p\K-ing new f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French via Provenτal \Iarcada\i or Italian \Iarcata\i from Romanic: related to \J\Xarch\x (1)\j\c
<hw>Arcadian</hw> \K/A:"keIdI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \ILiterature\i\p\In.\i\pan idealized peasant or country dweller, esp. in poetry. \Iadj.\i \Ipoet.\i of or relating to Arcady; ideally rustic. \BArcadianism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IArcadius\i from Greek \IArkadia,\i a mountain district in the Peloponnese\c
<hw>Arcady</hw> \K/"A:k\F'\ndi/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ipoet.\i an ideal rustic paradise. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \IArkadia:\i see \J\XArcadian\x\j\c
<hw>arcane</hw> \K/A:"keIn/\k \Iadj.\i mysterious, secret; understood by few. \Barcanely\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarcane\i or Latin \Iarcanus,\i from \Iarcere\i 'shut up' from \Iarca\i 'chest'\c
<hw>arcanum</hw> \K/A:"keIn\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Barcana\b \K/-n\F'\n/\k) \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i a mystery; a profound secret. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, neut. of \Iarcanus:\i see \J\Xarcane\x\j\c
<hw>arch (1)</hw> \K/A:tS/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchit\i \Ba\b a curved structure as an opening or a support for a bridge, roof, floor, etc. \Bb\b an arch used in building as an ornament.\p\B2\b any arch-shaped curve, e.g. as on the inner side of the foot, the eyebrows, etc.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i provide with or form into an arch.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i span like an arch.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i form an arch. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iarche,\i ultimately from Latin \Iarcus\i 'arc'\c
<hw>arch (2)</hw> \K/A:tS/\k \Iadj.\i self-consciously or affectedly playful or teasing. \Barchly\b \Iadv.\i \Barchness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xarch-\x,\j originally in \Iarch rogue\i etc.\c
<hw>arch-</hw> \K/A:tS/\k \Icomb. form\i\p\B1\b chief, superior \3(archbishop;\c \2archdiocese;\c \2archduke).\c\p\B2\b pre-eminent of its kind (esp. in unfavourable senses) \3(arch-enemy).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iarce-\i or Old French \Iarche-,\i ultimately from Greek \Iarkhos\i 'chief'\c
<hw>Archaean</hw> \K/A:"ki:\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \B(US\b \BArchean)\b \IGeol\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to the earlier part of the Precambrian era, characterized by the absence of life \I(cf.\i \J\XProterozoic\x).\j\p\In.\i\pthis period. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iarkhaios\i 'ancient', from \Iarkhe\i 'beginning'\c
<hw>archaeology</hw> \K/A:kI"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Barcheology)\b \IArchaeol\i the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of physical remains. \Barchaeologic\b \K/-"lQdZIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Barchaeological\b \K/-"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Barchaeologically\b \K/-"lQdZIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i\K-ogically new f. SOED Aug 94\k \Barchaeologist\b\p\In.\i\p\Barchaeologize\b \Iv.intr.\i (also \B-ise).\b \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iarchaeologia\i from Greek \Iarkhaiologia\i 'ancient history' (as \J\XArchaean\x,\j \J\X-logy\x)\j\c
<hw>archaeopteryx</hw> \K/A:kI"Qpt\F'\nrIks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool Archaeol\i the oldest known fossil bird, Archaeopteryx lithographica, of the late Jurassic period, which has wings and feathers like a bird, but teeth and a bony tail like a reptile. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iarkhaios\i 'ancient' + \Ipterux\i 'wing'\c
<hw>archaic</hw> \K/A:"keIIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b antiquated. \Bb\b (of a word etc.) no longer in ordinary use, though retained for special purposes.\p\B2\b primitive.\p\B3\b of an early period of art or culture, esp. the 7th-6th c. bc in Greece. \Barchaically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarcha∩que\i from Greek \Iarkha∩kos\i (as \J\XArchaean\x)\j\c
<hw>archaism</hw> \K/"A:keIIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the retention or imitation of the old or obsolete, esp. in language or art.\p\B2\b an archaic word or expression. \Karchaist omitted Jul 93\k\Barchaistic\b \K/-"IstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iarkha∩smos,\i from \Iarkha∩zo\i (as \J\Xarchaize\x,\j \J\X-ism\x)\j\c
<hw>archaize</hw> \K/"A:keIVIz/\k\p\Iv.\i\p(also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i imitate archaic style, expression, etc.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i make (a work of art, literature, etc.) imitate the archaic in style etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iarkha∩zo\i 'be old-fashioned', from \Iarkhaios\i 'ancient'\c
<hw>archangel</hw> \K/"A:keIndZ(\F'\n)l/, /A:k"eIn-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b an angel of the highest rank.\p\B2\b a member of the eighth order of the nine ranks of heavenly beings (see \J\Xorder\x\p\In.\i\p19).\j \Barchangelic\b \K/-an"dZElIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English via Anglo-French \Iarchangele\i and ecclesiastical Latin \Iarchangelus\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Iarkhaggelos\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xangel\x)\j\c
<hw>archbishop</hw> \K/A:tS"bIS\F'\np/, \Iesp. in titles\i /"A:tS-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the chief bishop of a province. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xbishop\x)\j\c
<hw>archbishopric</hw> \K/A:tS"bIS\F'\nprIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the office or diocese of an archbishop. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xbishopric\x)\j\c
<hw>archdeacon</hw> \K/A:tS"di:k\F'\nn/, \Iesp. in titles\i /"A:tS-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b an Anglican cleric ranking below a bishop.\p\B2\b a member of the clergy of similar rank in other Churches. \Barchdeaconry\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies).\b \Barchdeaconship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iarce-,\i \Iercediacon,\i via ecclesiastical Latin \Iarchidiaconus\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Iarkhidiakonos\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xdeacon\x)\j\c
<hw>archdiocese</hw> \K/A:tS"dVI\F'\nsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the diocese of an archbishop. \Barchdiocesan\b \K/A:tSdVI"QsIs(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>archduke</hw> \K/"A:tSdju:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Barchduchess\b \K/-dVtSIs/\k) \Ihist.\i the chief duke (esp. as the title of a son of the Emperor of Austria). \Barchducal\b \Iadj.\i \Barchduchy\b \K/-dVtSi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iarcheduc\i from medieval Latin \Iarchidux -ducis\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xduke\x)\j\c
<hw>archegonium</hw> \K/A:kI"g\F'\nUnI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Barchegonia\b \K/-I\F'\n/\k) \IBot.\i the female sex organ in mosses, ferns, conifers, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, diminutive of Greek \Iarkhegonos\i from \Iarkhe-\i 'chief' + \Igonos\i 'race'\c
<hw>arch-enemy</hw> \K/A:tS"En\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b a chief enemy.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i the Devil.
<hw>archer</hw> \K/"A:tS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchery\i a person who shoots with a bow and arrows.\p\B2\b \B(the Archer)\b \IAstrol Astron\i the zodiacal sign or constellation Sagittarius. \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French from Old French \Iarchier,\i ultimately from Latin \Iarcus\i 'bow'\c
<hw>archer fish</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a SE Asian fish that catches flying insects by shooting water at them from its mouth.
<hw>archery</hw> \K/"A:tS\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchery\i shooting with a bow and arrows, esp. as a sport. \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iarcherie\i from \Iarchier\i (as \J\Xarcher\x,\j \J\X-ery\x)\j\c
<hw>archetype</hw> \K/"A:kItVIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b an original model; a prototype. \Bb\b a typical specimen.\p\B2\b \IPsychol\i (in Jungian psychology) a primitive mental image inherited from man's earliest ancestors, and supposed to be present in the collective unconscious.\p\B3\b a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, etc. \Barchetypal\b \K/-"tVIp(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Barchetypical\b \K/-"tIpIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarchetypum\i from Greek \Iarkhetupon\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \Itupos\i 'stamp')\c
<hw>archidiaconal</hw> \K/%A:kIdVI"ak(\F'\n)n(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i of or relating to an archdeacon. \Barchidiaconate\b \K/-n\F'\nt/, /-neIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iarchidiaconalis\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xdiaconal\x)\j\c
<hw>archiepiscopal</hw> \K/%A:kII"pIsk\F'\np(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i of or relating to an archbishop. \Barchiepiscopate\b \K/-p\F'\nt/, /-peIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3ecclesiastical Latin \Iarchiepiscopus\i from Greek \Iarkhiepiskopos\i 'archbishop'\c
<hw>archimandrite</hw> \K/A:kI"mandrVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b the superior of a large monastery or group of monasteries in the Orthodox Church.\p\B2\b an honorary title given to a monastic priest. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarchimandrite\i or ecclesiastical Latin \Iarchimandrita,\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Iarkhimandrites\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \Imandra\i 'monastery')\c
<hw>Archimedean</hw> \K/A:kI"mi:dI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i of or associated with the Greek mathematician Archimedes (d. 212 bc).
<hw>Archimedean screw</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i a device of ancient origin for raising water by means of a spiral within a tube.
<hw>Archimedes' principle</hw> \K/A:kI"mi:di:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the law that a body totally or partially immersed in a fluid is subject to an upward force equal in magnitude to the weight of fluid it displaces.
<hw>archipelago</hw> \K/A:kI"pEl\F'\ng\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os\b or \B-oes)\b \IGeog\i\p\B1\b a group of islands.\p\B2\b a sea with many islands. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Iarcipelago,\i from Greek \Iarkhi-\i 'chief' + \Ipelagos\i 'sea' (originally = the Aegean Sea)\c
<hw>architect</hw> \K/"A:kItEkt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchit\i a designer who prepares plans for buildings, ships, etc., and supervises their construction.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i a person who brings about a specified thing \3(the architect of his own fortune).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarchitecte\i from Italian \Iarchitetto,\i or their source Latin \Iarchitectus\i from Greek \Iarkhitekton\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \Itekton\i 'builder')\c
<hw>architectonic</hw> \K/%A:kItEk"tQnIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IArchit\i of or relating to architecture or architects.\p\B2\b of or relating to the systematization of knowledge.\p\In.\i\p\I(in \Bpl.;\b\i \Iusu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i\p\B1\b the scientific study of architecture.\p\B2\b the study of the systematization of knowledge. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarchitectonicus\i from Greek \Iarkhitektonikos\i (as \J\Xarchitect\x)\j\c
<hw>architecture</hw> \K/"A:kItEktS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i\p\B1\b the art or science of designing and constructing buildings.\p\B2\b the style of a building as regards design and construction.\p\B3\b buildings or other structures collectively.\p\B4\b \IComputing\i the conceptual structure and logical organization of a computer or computer-based system.\Ksense 4 new in COD9 f. NSOED, K.Barber Jul 93\k \Barchitectural\b \K/-"tEktS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Barchitecturally\b \K/-"tEktS(\F'\n)r(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarchitecture\i or Latin \Iarchitectura,\i from \Iarchitectus\i (as \J\Xarchitect\x)\j\c
<hw>architrave</hw> \K/"A:kItreIv/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i\p\B1\b (in classical architecture) a main beam resting across the tops of columns.\p\B2\b the moulded frame around a doorway or window.\p\B3\b a moulding round the exterior of an arch. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \Itrave\i from Latin \Itrabs trabis\i 'beam')\c
<hw>archive</hw> \K/"A:kVIv/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i\p\B1\b a collection of esp. public or corporate documents or records.\p\B2\b the place where these are kept. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b place or store in an archive.\p\B2\b \IComputing\i transfer (data) to a less frequently used file, e.g. from disc to tape. \Barchival\b \K/A:"kVIv(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarchives\i (pl.) via Latin \Iarchi(v)a\i from Greek \Iarkheia\i 'public records', from \Iarkhe\i 'government'\c
<hw>archivist</hw> \K/"A:kIvIst/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who maintains and is in charge of archives.
<hw>archivolt</hw> \K/"A:kIv\F'\nUlt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i\p\B1\b a band of mouldings round the lower curve of an arch.\p\B2\b the lower curve itself from impost to impost of the columns. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarchivolte\i or Italian \Iarchivolto\i (as \J\Xarc\x,\j \J\Xvault\x)\j\c
<hw>archlute</hw> \K/"A:tSl(j)u:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a bass lute with an extended neck and unstopped bass strings. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarchiluth\i (as \J\Xarch-\x,\j \J\Xlute\x (1))\j\c
<hw>archon</hw> \K/"A:k\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\peach of the nine chief magistrates in ancient Athens. \Barchonship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iarkhon\i 'ruler' (pres. part. of \Iarkho\i 'rule') used as a noun\c
<hw>archway</hw> \K/"A:tSweI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i\p\B1\b a vaulted passage.\p\B2\b an arched entrance.
<hw>arc lamp</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Barc light)\b \IElectr\i a light source using an electric arc.
<hw>arcology</hw> \K/A:"kQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IArchit Ecol\i an ideal city that is fully integrated with its natural environment.\Knew in COD9 f. OERD, NEWS Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3blend of \J\Xarchitecture\x\j and \J\Xecology\x\j\c
<hw>Arctic</hw> \K/"A:ktIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IGeog\i of or relating to the north polar regions.\p\B2\b \B(arctic)\b \IMeteorol\i \Icolloq.\i (esp. of weather) very cold.\p\B3\b \B(arctic)\b designed for use in arctic conditions \3(arctic clothing).\c\Ksense 3 new f. kpb, inc., corpus, Sept 94\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeog\i the regions north of the Arctic Circle.\p\B2\b \B(arctic)\b \Besp. US\b \IClothing\i a thick waterproof overshoe. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iartique\i and Latin \Iar(c)ticus\i from Greek \Iarktikos,\i from \Iarktos\i 'bear, Ursa Major, pole star'\c
<hw>Arctic Circle</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i the parallel of latitude 66░ 33\Fó\n N., forming an imaginary line round the Arctic regions.
<hw>Arctic Ocean</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i the partly ice-covered expanse of ocean surrounding the North Pole.\Knew f. SOED April 94\k
<hw>arcuate</hw> \K/"A:kjU\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i shaped like a bow; curved. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarcuatus,\i past part. of \Iarcuare\i 'curve', from \Iarcus\i 'bow, curve'\c
\B\Iarcus senilis\b\i \K/%A:kUs sE"ni:lIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i a narrow opaque band commonly encircling the cornea in old age. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, literally 'senile bow'\c
<hw>arc welding</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IElectr\i a method of welding using an electric arc to melt metals to be welded.
<hw>-ard</hw> \K/\F'\nd/, /A:d/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming nouns in depreciatory senses \3(drunkard;\c \2sluggard).\c\p\B2\b forming nouns in other senses \3(bollard;\c \2Spaniard;\c \2wizard).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English & Old French from German \I-hard\i 'hard, hardy'\c
<hw>ardent</hw> \K/"A:d(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b eager, zealous; (of persons or feelings) fervent, passionate.\p\B2\b burning. \Bardency\b\p\In.\i\p\Bardently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iardant\i from Latin \Iardens -entis,\i from \Iardere\i 'burn'\c
<hw>ardour</hw> \K/"A:d\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bardor)\b zeal; burning enthusiasm; passion. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iardor -oris,\i from \Iardere\i 'burn'\c
<hw>arduous</hw> \K/"A:djU\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b hard to achieve or overcome; laborious, strenuous.\p\B2\b steep, difficult \3(an arduous path).\c \Barduously\b \Iadv.\i \Barduousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarduus\i 'steep, difficult'\c
<hw>are (2)</hw> \K/A:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMeasure\i a metric unit of measure, equal to 100 square metres. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \J\Xarea\x\j\c
<hw>area</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the extent or measure of a surface \3(over a large area;\c \23 acres in area;\c \2the area of a triangle).\c\p\B2\b \IGeog\i a region or tract \3(the southern area).\c\p\B3\b a space allocated for a specific purpose \3(dining area;\c \2camping area).\c\p\B4\b the scope or range of an activity or study.\p\B5\b a sunken enclosure giving access to the basement of a building.\KUS label omitted as NSOED and on advice of BB Jul 93\k\p\B6\b \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \IFootball\i = \J\Xpenalty area\x.\j \Bareal\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = vacant piece of level ground\c
<hw>areca</hw> \K/"arIk\F'\n/, /\F'\n"ri:k\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a tropical Asian palm of the genus \IAreca.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese from Malayalam \Ißdekka\i\c
<hw>areca nut</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i the astringent seed of a species of areca, A. catechu. \IAlso called\i \Ibetel-nut.\i
<hw>arena</hw> \K/\F'\n"ri:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the central part of an amphitheatre etc., where contests take place.\p\B2\b a scene of conflict; a sphere of action or discussion. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I(h)arena\i 'sand, sand-strewn place of combat'\c
<hw>arenaceous</hw> \K/arI"neIS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IGeol\i\p\B1\b (of rocks) containing sand; having a sandy texture.\p\B2\b sandlike.\p\B3\b \IBot\i (of plants) growing in sand. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarenaceus\i (as \J\Xarena\x,\j \J\X-aceous\x)\j\c
<hw>arena stage</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i a stage situated with the audience all round it.
<hw>aren't</hw> \K/A:nt/\k \Icontr.\i\p\B1\b are not.\p\B2\b \I(in \Binterrog.)\b\i am not \3(aren't I coming too?).\c
<hw>areola</hw> \K/\F'\n"ri:\F'\nl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bareolae\b \K/-li:/\k)\p\B1\b \IAnat.\i a circular pigmented area, esp. that surrounding a nipple.\p\B2\b \IBiol\i any of the spaces between lines on a surface, e.g. of a leaf or an insect's wing. \Bareolar\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, diminutive of \Iarea\i \J\Xarea\x\j\c
<hw>arΩte</hw> \K/\F'\n"rEt/, /\F'\n"reIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i a sharp mountain ridge. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \Iarista\i 'ear of corn, fishbone, spine'\c
<hw>argali</hw> \K/"A:g(\F'\n)li/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \IZool\i a large Asiatic wild sheep, Ovis ammon, with massive horns. \BEtymology:\b \3Mongolian\c
<hw>argent</hw> \K/"A:dZ(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i \IHeraldry\i silver; silvery white. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \Iargentum\i\c
<hw>Argentine</hw> \K/"A:dZ(\F'\n)ntVIn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i (also \BArgentinian\b \K/-"tInI\F'\nn/\k) \Iadj.\i of or relating to Argentina in S. America.\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a native or national of Argentina.\p\B2\b a person of Argentine descent.\p\1the Argentine\c Argentina. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish \IArgentina\i from Latin \Iargentum\i 'silver' (a major historical export)\c
<hw>argentine</hw> \K/"A:dZ(\F'\n)ntVIn/\k \Iadj.\i \IMineral\i of silver; silvery. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iargentin\i from \Iargent\i 'silver'\c
<hw>argil</hw> \K/"A:dZIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPottery Geol\i clay, esp. that used in pottery. \Bargillaceous\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iargille\i via Latin \Iargilla\i from Greek \Iargillos,\i from \Iargos\i 'white'\c
<hw>arginine</hw> \K/"A:dZIni:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a basic amino acid present in many animal proteins and an essential nutrient in the vertebrate diet. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IArginin,\i perhaps from Greek \Iarginoeis\i 'bright-shining, white'\c
<hw>Argive</hw> \K/"A:gVIv/, /-dZVIv/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of Argos in ancient Greece.\p\B2\b \Iliterary\i (esp. in Homeric contexts) Greek.\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a citizen of Argos.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \Iliterary\i a Greek. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IArgivus\i from Greek \IArgeios\i\c
<hw>argol</hw> \K/"A:g(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i crude potassium hydrogen tartrate. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iargoile,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>argon</hw> \K/"A:gQn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i an inert gaseous element of the noble gas group, forming almost 1 per cent of the earth's atmosphere (symbol \BAr).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, neut. of \Iargos\i 'idle' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Iergon\i 'work')\c
<hw>argosy</hw> \K/"A:g\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \INaut\i \Ipoet.\i a large merchant ship, originally esp. from Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) or Venice. \BEtymology:\b \3probably Italian \IRagusea\i \I(nave)\i 'Ragusan (vessel)'\c
<hw>argot</hw> \K/"A:g\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i the jargon of a group or class, formerly esp. of criminals. \BEtymology:\b \3French: ultimate origin unknown\c
<hw>arguable</hw> \K/"A:gjU\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i open to argument or disagreement; debatable. \Barguably\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>argue</hw> \K/"A:gju:/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B(argues,\b \Bargued,\b \Barguing)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith,\b \Babout,\b etc.)\i exchange views or opinions, especially heatedly or contentiously (with a person).\p\B2\b \Itr. & intr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bthat\b + clause)\i indicate; maintain by reasoning.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfor,\b \Bagainst)\b\i reason \3(argued against joining).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i treat by reasoning \3(argue the point).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \I(foll. by \Binto,\b \Bout of)\b\i persuade \3(argued me into going).\c\p\1argue the toss\c \Besp. Brit.\b \Icolloq.\i dispute a decision or choice already made. \Barguer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarguer\i from Latin \Iargutari\i 'prattle', frequentative of \Iarguere\i 'make clear, prove, accuse'\c
<hw>argufy</hw> \K/"A:gjUfVI/\k \Iv.intr.\i \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b \Icolloq.\i argue excessively or tediously. \BEtymology:\b \3fanciful from \J\Xargue\x:\j cf. \J\Xspeechify\x\j\c
<hw>argument</hw> \K/"A:gjUm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an exchange of views, esp. a contentious or prolonged one.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bfor,\b \Bagainst)\b\i a reason advanced; a reasoning process \3(an argument for abolition).\c\p\B3\b a summary of the subject matter or line of reasoning of a book.\p\B4\b \IMath.\i an independent variable determining the value of a function. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iargumentum,\i from \Iarguere\i (as \J\Xargue\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>argumentation</hw> \K/%A:gjUmEn"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b methodical reasoning.\p\B2\b debate or argument. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iargumentatio,\i from \Iargumentari\i (as \J\Xargument\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>argumentative</hw> \K/A:gjU"mEnt\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b fond of arguing; quarrelsome.\p\B2\b using methodical reasoning. \Bargumentatively\b \Iadv.\i \Bargumentativeness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iargumentatif -ive\i or Late Latin \Iargumentativus\i (as \J\Xargument\x,\j \J\X-ative\x)\j\c
<hw>argument from design</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITheol.\i (in Christian theology) the argument that God's existence is provable by the evidence of design in the universe.\Kdenested Oct 94\k
<hw>Argus</hw> \K/"A:g\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a watchful guardian.\p\B2\b \IZool\i an Asiatic pheasant having markings on its tail resembling eyes.\p\B3\b \IZool\i a butterfly having markings resembling eyes. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin from Greek \IArgos,\i the name of a mythical watchman with a hundred eyes\c
<hw>Argus-eyed</hw> \Iadj.\i vigilant.
<hw>argute</hw> \K/A:"gju:t/\k \Iadj.\i \Iliterary\i\p\B1\b sharp or shrewd.\p\B2\b (of sounds) shrill.\Kargutely omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iargutus,\i past part. of \Iarguere:\i see \J\Xargue\x\j\c
<hw>aria</hw> \K/"A:rI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a long accompanied song for solo voice in an opera, oratorio, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, = tune, air\c
<hw>Arian</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IRelig\i\p\In.\i\pan adherent of the doctrine of Arius of Alexandria (4th c.), who denied the divinity of Christ. \Iadj.\i of or concerning this doctrine. \BArianism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>-arian</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nn/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives and nouns meaning '(one) concerned with or believing in' \3(agrarian;\c \2antiquarian;\c \2humanitarian;\c \2vegetarian).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I-arius\i (see \J\X-ary\x (1))\j\c
<hw>arid</hw> \K/"arId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b (of ground, climate, etc.) dry, parched. \Bb\b too dry to support vegetation; barren.\p\B2\b uninteresting \3(arid verse).\c \Baridity\b \K/\F'\n"rIdIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baridly\b \Iadv.\i \Baridness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaride\i or Latin \Iaridus,\i from \Iarere\i 'be dry'\c
<hw>ariel</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a Middle Eastern and African gazelle, Gazella arabica.\Kariel new in COD9 - was omitted f. COD8 - f. COD box, NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iaryal\i\c
<hw>Aries</hw> \K/"E:ri:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same)\p\B1\b \IAstron.\i a small constellation (the Ram), said to represent the ram whose Golden Fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts.\p\B2\b \IAstrol.\i \Ba\b the first sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters at the vernal equinox (about 20 Mar.). \Bb\b a person born when the sun is in this sign. \BArian\b \K/-rI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin, = ram\c
<hw>aril</hw> \K/"arIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i an extra seed-covering, often coloured and hairy or fleshy, e.g. the red fleshy cup around a yew seed. \Barillate\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iarillus,\i of unknown origin: cf. medieval Latin \Iarilli\i 'dried grape-stones'\c
<hw>arioso</hw> \K/arI"\F'\nUz\F'\nU/, /A:-/\k \Iadj., adv., & n.\i \IMus.\i \Iadj. & adv.\i in a melodious songlike style.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b a piece of music to be performed in this way.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, COD box Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, from \J\Xaria\x\j\c
<hw>arise</hw> \K/\F'\n"rVIz/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(past\i \Barose\b \K/\F'\n"r\F'\nUz/\k; \Ipast part.\i \Barisen\b \K/\F'\n"rIz(\F'\n)n/\k)\p\B1\b begin to exist; originate.\p\B2\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bfrom,\b \Bout of)\b\i result \3(accidents can arise from carelessness).\c\p\B3\b come to one's notice; emerge \3(the question of payment arose).\c\p\B4\b \Iarchaic\i or \Ipoet.\i rise or get up. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iarisan\i (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \J\Xrise\x)\j\c
<hw>arisings</hw> \K/\F'\n"rVIzINz/\k \In.pl.\i \IIndustry\i materials forming the secondary or waste products of industrial operations.
<hw>aristocracy</hw> \K/arI"stQkr\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ISociol Polit\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the highest class in society; the nobility. \Bb\b the nobility as a ruling class.\p\B2\b \Ba\b government by the nobility or a privileged group. \Bb\b a state governed in this way.\p\B3\b \Ba\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i the best representatives or upper echelons \3(aristocracy of intellect;\c \2aristocracy of labour).\c \Bb\b any group which is privileged or is regarded as superior.\Ksense 3b new f. SOED, incomings oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaristocratie\i from Greek \Iaristokratia,\i from \Iaristos\i 'best' + \Ikratia\i (as \J\X-cracy\x)\j\c
<hw>aristocrat</hw> \K/"arIst\F'\nkrat/, /\F'\n"rIst-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISociol Polit\i a member of the nobility. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaristocrate\i (as \J\Xaristocratic\x)\j\c
<hw>aristocratic</hw> \K/%arIst\F'\n"kratIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ISociol Polit\i of or relating to the aristocracy.\p\B2\b \Ba\b distinguished in manners or bearing. \Bb\b grand; stylish. \Baristocratically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaristocratique\i from Greek \Iaristokratikos\i (as \J\Xaristocracy\x)\j\c
<hw>Aristotelian</hw> \K/%arIst\F'\n"ti:lI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IPhilos\i\p\In.\i\pa disciple or student of the Greek philosopher Aristotle (d. 322 bc). \Iadj.\i of or concerning Aristotle or his ideas.
<hw>Aristotle's lantern</hw> \K/"arIstQt(\F'\n)lz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool.\i a conical structure of calcareous plates and muscles supporting the rasping teeth of a sea urchin.\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k
<hw>Arita</hw> \K/\F'\n"ri:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \IPottery\i a type of Japanese porcelain characterized by asymmetric decoration. \BEtymology:\b \3the town of \IArita\i in Japan, where it is made\c
<hw>arithmetic</hw> \In. & adj.\i \IMath\i\p\In.\i\p\K/\F'\n"rITm\F'\ntIk/\k\p\B1\b \Ba\b the science of numbers. \Bb\b one's knowledge of this \3(have improved my arithmetic).\c\p\B2\b the use of numbers; computation \3(a problem involving arithmetic).\c \Iadj.\i \K/arIT"mEtIk/\k (also \Barithmetical\b \K/-"mEtIk(\F'\n)l/\k) of or concerning arithmetic. \Barithmetician\b \K/\F'\nrITm\F'\n"tIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarismetique\i and Latin \Iarithmetica\i from Greek \Iarithmetike\i \I(tekhne)\i 'art of counting', from \Iarithmos\i 'number'\c
<hw>arithmetic mean</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i the central number in an arithmetic progression.
<hw>arithmetic progression</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i\p\B1\b an increase or decrease by a constant quantity (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., 9, 7, 5, 3, etc.).\p\B2\b a sequence of numbers showing this.
<hw>arithmetic series</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i a series in arithmetic progression.\Karithmetical changed to -ic x2 as SOED Jul 93\k
<hw>-arium</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nm/\k \Isuffix\i forming nouns usu. denoting a place \3(aquarium;\c \2planetarium).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, neut. of adjs. ending in \I-arius:\i see \J\X-ary\x (1)\j\c
<hw>Ariz.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Arizona.
<hw>Ark.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IGeog\i Arkansas.
<hw>ark</hw> \K/A:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i = \J\XNoah's ark\x 1.\j\p\B2\b \Iarchaic\i a chest or box.\p\1out of the ark\c \Icolloq.\i very antiquated. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµrc\i from Latin \Iarca\i 'chest'\c
<hw>Ark of the Covenant</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \BArk of the Testimony)\b \IJewish Hist.\i a chest or cupboard containing the scrolls or tables of Jewish Law.
<hw>arm (1)</hw> \K/A:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \IZool\i the forelimb of an animal. \Bb\b the flexible limb of an invertebrate animal (e.g. an octopus).\p\B3\b \Ba\b \IClothing\i the sleeve of a garment. \Bb\b \IFurniture\i the side part of a chair etc., used to support a sitter's arm. \Bc\b a thing resembling an arm in branching from a main stem \3(an arm of the sea).\c \Bd\b \IBot\i a large branch of a tree.\p\B4\b a control; a means of reaching \3(arm of the law).\c\p\B5\b a subsidiary company or specialist branch of a business, institution, etc.\Knew f. Incs Sept 94\k\p\1an arm and a leg\c \Icolloq.\i a large sum of money.\p\1arm in arm\c (of two or more persons) with arms linked.\p\1as long as your (or my) arm\c \Icolloq.\i very long.\p\1at arm's length\c\p\B1\b as far as an arm can reach.\p\B2\b far enough to avoid undue familiarity.\p\1in arms\c (of a baby) too young to walk.\p\1in a person's arms\c embraced.\p\1on one's arm\c supported by one's arm.\p\1under one's arm\c between the arm and the body.\p\1within arm's reach\c reachable without moving one's position.\p\1with open arms\c cordially. \Barmful\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-fuls).\b \Barmless\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English, from Germanic\c
<hw>arm (2)</hw> \K/A:m/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IMil\i \Ba\b a weapon. \Bb\b = \J\Xfirearm\x.\j\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \IMil\i the military profession.\p\B3\b \IMil\i a branch of the military, of the armed forces, or other organization.\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \IHeraldry\i heraldic devices \3(coat of arms).\c \Iv.tr. & refl.\i\p\B1\b supply with weapons.\p\B2\b supply with tools or other requisites or advantages \3(armed with the truth).\c\p\B3\b make (a bomb etc.) able to explode.\p\1in arms\c armed.\p\1lay down one's arms\c cease fighting.\p\1take up arms\c begin fighting.\p\1under arms\c \IMil\i ready for war or battle.\p\1up in arms\c \I(usu. foll. by \Bagainst,\b \Babout)\b\i actively rebelling. \Barmless\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarmes\i \I(pl.),\i \Iarmer\i \I(v.),\i from Latin \Iarma\i 'arms, fittings'\c
<hw>armada</hw> \K/A:"mA:d\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil Naut\i a fleet of warships, esp. that sent by Spain against England in 1588. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, from Romanic \Iarmata\i 'army'\c
<hw>armadillo</hw> \K/A:m\F'\n"dIl\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IZool\i a nocturnal insect-eating edentate mammal of the family Dasypodidae, native to Central and S. America, with large claws for digging and a body covered in bony plates, often rolling itself into a ball when threatened. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, diminutive of \Iarmado\i 'armed man' from Latin \Iarmatus,\i past part. of \Iarmare\i 'to arm'\c
<hw>Armageddon</hw> \K/A:m\F'\n"gEd(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i (in the New Testament): \Ba\b the last battle between good and evil before the Day of Judgement. \Bb\b the place where this will be fought.\p\B2\b a bloody battle or struggle on a huge scale. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, from Hebrew \Ihar megiddon\i 'hill of Megiddo': see Rev. 16:16\c
<hw>armament</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\nm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i\p\B1\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i military weapons and equipment, esp. guns on a warship.\p\B2\b the process of equipping for war.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i a force equipped for war. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarmamentum\i (as \J\Xarm\x (2),\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>armamentarium</hw> \K/A:m\F'\nmEn"tE:rI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Barmamentaria\b \K/-rI\F'\n/\k)\p\B1\b \IMed\i a set of medical equipment or drugs.\p\B2\b the resources available to a person engaged in a task. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = arsenal\c
<hw>armature</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\ntS\F'\n/, /-tj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IElectr\i the rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor. \Bb\b any moving part of an electrical machine in which a voltage is induced by a magnetic field.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i = \J\Xkeeper\x 6.\j\p\B3\b \IBiol.\i the protective covering of an animal or plant.\p\B4\b \ISculpture\i a metal framework on which a sculpture is moulded with clay or similar material.\p\B5\b \IMil\i \Iarchaic\i arms; armour. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \Iarmatura\i 'armour' (as \J\Xarm\x (2),\j \J\X-ure\x)\j\c
<hw>armband</hw> \K/"A:mband/\k\p\In.\i\pa band worn around the upper arm to hold up a shirtsleeve or as a form of identification etc.
<hw>armchair</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFurniture\i\p\B1\b \K/A:m"tSE:/, /"A:m-/\k a comfortable, usu. upholstered, chair with side supports for the arms.\p\B2\b \K/"A:mtSE:/\k \I\B(attrib.)\b\i theoretical rather than active or practical \3(an armchair critic).\c
<hw>armed forces</hw> \In.pl.\i \IMil\i the army, navy, and air force as fighting resources.\Knew f. SOED Dec 94\k
<hw>Armenian</hw> \K/A:"mi:nI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i \Ba\b a native of Armenia in the Caucasus. \Bb\b a person of Armenian descent.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language of Armenia. \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i of or relating to Armenia, its language, or the Christian Church established there \Ic\i300.
<hw>armhole</hw> \K/"A:mh\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IClothing\i each of two holes in a garment through which the arms are put, usu. into a sleeve.
<hw>armiger</hw> \K/"A:mIdZ\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IHeraldry\i a person entitled to heraldic arms.\Karmigerous omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = bearing arms, from \Iarma\i 'arms' + \Igerere\i 'bear'\c
<hw>armillary sphere</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i \Ihist.\i a representation of the celestial globe constructed from metal rings and showing the equator, the tropics, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iarmillaris\i from \Iarmilla\i 'bracelet'\c
<hw>Arminian</hw> \K/A:"mInI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig\i \Iadj.\i relating to the doctrine of Arminius, a Dutch Protestant theologian (d. 1609), who opposed the views of Calvin, esp. on predestination.\p\In.\i\pan adherent of this doctrine. \BArminianism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>armistice</hw> \K/"A:mIstIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i a stopping of hostilities by common agreement of the opposing sides; a truce. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarmistice\i or modern Latin \Iarmistitium,\i from \Iarma\i 'arms' \J(\Xarm\x (2))\j + \I-stitium\i 'stoppage'\c
<hw>Armistice Day</hw>\p\In.\i\pthe anniversary of the armistice of 11 Nov. 1918 \I(cf.\i \J\XRemembrance Sunday\x).\j
<hw>armlet</hw> \K/"A:mlIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IFashion\i a band worn round the arm.\p\B2\b \IGeog\i a small inlet of the sea, or branch of a river.
<hw>armlock</hw> \K/"A:mlQk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IWrestling Judo\i a close hold by the arm in wrestling or judo.\Knew f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>armoire</hw> \K/A:"mwA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFurniture\i a cupboard or wardrobe, esp. one that is ornate or antique.\Knew f. SOED, incomings Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French: see \J\Xaumbry\x\j\c
<hw>armour</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i \B(US\b \Barmor)\b\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i a defensive covering, usu. of metal, formerly worn to protect the body in fighting.\p\B2\b \IMil\i \Ba\b (in full \Barmour-plate)\b a protective metal covering for an armed vehicle, ship, etc. \Bb\b armoured fighting vehicles collectively.\p\B3\b \IBot Zool\i a protective covering or shell on certain animals and plants.\p\B4\b \IHeraldry\i heraldic devices. \Iv.tr.\i \IMil\i (usu. as \Barmoured\b \Iadj.)\i provide with a protective covering, and often with guns \3(armoured car;\c \2armoured train).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarmure\i from Latin \Iarmatura:\i see \J\Xarmature\x\j\c
<hw>armourer</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\nr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Barmorer)\b \IMil\i\p\B1\b a maker or repairer of arms or armour.\p\B2\b an official in charge of a ship's or a regiment's arms. \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French \Iarmurer,\i Old French \I-urier\i (as \J\Xarmour\x,\j \J\X-er\x (5))\j\c
<hw>armoury</hw> \K/"A:m\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b also \Barmory)\b \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IMil\i\p\B1\b a place where arms are kept; an arsenal.\p\B2\b an array of weapons, defensive resources, usable material, etc.\p\B3\b \BUS\b a place where arms are manufactured.\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i (in Canada) a place where militia units drill and train.\Ksense 4 new f. kpb Sept 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iarmoirie,\i \Iarmoierie\i from \Iarmoier\i 'to blazon', from \Iarme\i \J\Xarm\x (2):\j assimilated to \J\Xarmour\x\j\c
<hw>armpit</hw> \K/"A:mpIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i the hollow under the arm at the shoulder; \Ialso called\i \J\Xaxilla\x.\j\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i a place or part considered disgusting or contemptible \3(the armpit of the world).\c
<hw>arms control</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil Polit\i international disarmament or arms limitation, esp. by mutual agreement.
<hw>arms race</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \IMil\i competition between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons.
<hw>arm-twisting</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i persuasion by the use of physical force or (esp.) moral pressure.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>arm-wrestling</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IWrestling\i a trial of strength in which each party tries to force the other's arm down on to a table on which their elbows rest.
<hw>army</hw> \K/"A:mi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IMil\i an organized force armed for fighting on land.\p\B2\b \I(prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \IMil\i the military profession.\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i a very large number \3(an army of locusts;\c \2an army of helpers).\c\p\B4\b an organized body regarded as fighting for a particular cause \3(Salvation Army).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iarmee\i from Romanic \Iarmata,\i fem. past part. of \Iarmare\i 'arm'\c
<hw>army ant</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any ant of the subfamily Dorylinae, foraging in large groups.
<hw>Army List</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i (in the UK) an official list of commissioned officers.
<hw>army worm</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of various moth or fly larvae occurring in destructive swarms.
<hw>arnica</hw> \K/"A:nIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a plant of the genus \IArnica\i (daisy family), having erect stems bearing yellow daisy-like flower heads, e.g. mountain tobacco.\p\B2\b \IPharm\i a medicine prepared from this, used for bruises etc. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin: ultimate origin unknown\c
<hw>aroid</hw> \K/"E:rOId/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot\i of or relating to the family Araceae, including arums. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xarum\x\j + \J\X-oid\x\j\c
<hw>aroma</hw> \K/\F'\n"r\F'\nUm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IFood\i a fragrance; a distinctive and pleasing smell, often of food.\p\B2\b a subtle pervasive quality. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iaroma -atos\i 'spice'\c
<hw>aromatherapy</hw> \K/\F'\nr\F'\nUm\F'\n"TEr\F'\npi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in massage or other treatment. \Baromatherapeutic\b \K/-"pju:tIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Baromatherapist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>aromatic</hw> \K/ar\F'\n"matIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b fragrant, spicy; (of a smell) pleasantly pungent.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i (of an organic compound) having an unsaturated ring, esp. a benzene ring.\p\In.\i\pan aromatic substance. \Baromatically\b \Iadv.\i \Baromaticity\b \K/ar\F'\nm\F'\n"tIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaromatique\i and Late Latin \Iaromaticus\i from Greek \Iaromatikos\i (as \J\Xaroma\x,\j \J\X-ic\x)\j\c
<hw>aromatize</hw> \K/\F'\n"r\F'\nUm\F'\ntVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \IChem.\i convert (a compound) into an aromatic structure. \Baromatization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>arose</hw> \I\Ipast\i of\i \J\Xarise\x.\j
<hw>around</hw> \K/\F'\n"raUnd/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b on every side; all round; round about.\p\B2\b in various places; here and there; at random \3(fool around;\c \2shop around).\c\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i \Ba\b in existence; available \3(has been around for weeks).\c \Bb\b near at hand \3(it's good to have you around).\c\p\B4\b approximately \3(around 400 people attended).\c\Ksense 4 new f. OERD Mar 94\k \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b on or along the circuit of.\p\B2\b on every side of; enveloping.\p\B3\b here and there in; here and there near \3(chairs around the room).\c\p\B4\b \BN. Amer.\b (and increasingly \BBrit.)\b \Ba\b round \3(the church around the corner).\c \Bb\b approximately at; at a time near to \3(come around four o'clock;\c \2happened around June).\c\p\1have been around\c \Icolloq.\i be widely experienced. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xround\x\j\c
<hw>arouse</hw> \K/\F'\n"raUz/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b induce; call into existence (esp. a feeling, emotion, etc.).\p\B2\b awake from sleep.\p\B3\b stir into activity.\p\B4\b \ISex\i stimulate sexually. \Barousable\b \Iadj.\i \Barousal\b\p\In.\i\p\Karouser omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (2)\j + \J\Xrouse\x\j\c
<hw>arpeggio</hw> \K/A:"pEdZI\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IMus.\i the notes of a chord played in succession, either ascending or descending. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, from \Iarpeggiare\i 'play the harp' from \Iarpa\i 'harp'\c
<hw>arrack</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nk/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Barak\b \K/\F'\n"rak/\k) \IDrink\i an alcoholic spirit, esp. distilled from coco sap or rice. \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iarak\i 'sweat', '\Iarak al-tamr\i 'alcoholic spirit from dates'\c
<hw>arraign</hw> \K/\F'\n"reIn/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b indict before a tribunal; accuse.\p\B2\b find fault with; call into question (an action or statement). \Barraignment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iarainer\i from Old French \Iaraisnier\i (ultimately as \J\Xad-\x,\j Latin \Iratio -onis\i 'reason, account')\c
<hw>arrange</hw> \K/\F'\n"reIn(d)Z/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i put into the required order; classify.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i plan or provide for; cause to occur \3(arranged a meeting).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i settle beforehand the order or manner of.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i take measures; form plans; give instructions \3(arrange to be there at eight;\c \2arranged for a taxi to come;\c \2will you arrange about the cake?).\c\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i come to an agreement \3(arranged with her to meet later).\c\p\B6\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b \IMus.\i adapt (a composition) for performance with instruments or voices other than those originally specified. \Bb\b adapt (a play etc.) for broadcasting.\p\B7\b \Itr.\i \Iarchaic\i settle (a dispute, claim, etc.). \Barrangeable\b \Iadj.\i \Barranger\b\p\In.\i\p(esp. in sense 6). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iarangier,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Irangier\i \J\Xrange\x\j\c
<hw>arrangement</hw> \K/\F'\n"reIn(d)Zm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or process of arranging or being arranged.\p\B2\b the condition of being arranged; the manner in which a thing is arranged.\p\B3\b something arranged.\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i plans, measures \3(make your own arrangements).\c\p\B5\b \IMus.\i a composition arranged for performance by different instruments or voices (see \J\Xarrange\x 6a).\j\p\B6\b settlement of a dispute etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xarrange\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>arrant</hw> \K/"ar(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iattrib.adj.\i downright, utter, notorious \3(arrant liar;\c \2arrant nonsense).\c \Barrantly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, variant of \J\Xerrant\x,\j originally in phrases like \Iarrant\i (= outlawed, roving) \Ithief\i\c
<hw>arras</hw> \K/"ar\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ihist.\i a rich tapestry, often hung on the walls of a room, or to conceal an alcove. \BEtymology:\b \3from \IArras,\i a town in NE France famous for the fabric\c
<hw>array</hw> \K/\F'\n"reI/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an imposing or well-ordered series or display.\p\B2\b \IMil\i an ordered arrangement, esp. of troops \3(battle array).\c\p\B3\b \Ipoet.\i an outfit or dress \3(in fine array).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b \IMath.\i an arrangement of quantities or symbols in rows and columns; a matrix. \Bb\b \IComputing\i an ordered set of related elements.\p\B5\b \ILaw\i a list of jurors empanelled. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b deck, adorn.\p\B2\b \IMil\i set in order; marshal (forces).\p\B3\b \ILaw\i empanel (a jury). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iaraier,\i Old French \Iareer,\i ultimately from Latin \Iad\i \J\Xar-\x\j + a Germanic root meaning 'prepare'\c
<hw>arrears</hw> \K/\F'\n"rI\F'\nz/\k \In.pl.\i an amount still outstanding or uncompleted, esp. work undone or a debt unpaid.\p\1in arrears\c (or \Barrear)\b behindhand, esp. in payment. \Barrearage\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English (originally as \Iadv.)\i via Old French \Iarere\i from medieval Latin \Iadretro\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iretro\i 'backwards'): first used in the phrase \Iin arrear\i\c
<hw>arrest</hw> \K/\F'\n"rEst/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \ICriminol\i \Ba\b seize (a person) and take into custody, esp. by legal authority. \Bb\b seize (a ship) by legal authority.\p\B2\b stop or check (esp. a process or moving thing).\p\B3\b \Ba\b attract (a person's attention). \Bb\b attract the attention of (a person).\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICriminol\i the act of arresting or being arrested, esp. the legal seizure of a person.\p\B2\b a stoppage or check \3(cardiac arrest).\c\p\1arrest of judgement\c \ILaw\i the staying of proceedings, notwithstanding a verdict, on the grounds of a material irregularity in the course of the trial. \Barrestingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iarester,\i ultimately from Latin \Irestare\i 'remain, stop'\c
<hw>arrestable</hw> \K/\F'\n"rEst\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b susceptible of arrest.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i (esp. of an offence) such that the offender may be arrested without a warrant.
<hw>arrester</hw> \K/\F'\n"rEst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Barrestor)\b \IAeron\i a device, esp. on an aircraft carrier, for slowing an aircraft by means of a hook and cable after landing.
<hw>arrestment</hw> \K/\F'\n"rEs(t)m(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Sc.\b \ILaw\i attachment of property for the satisfaction of a debt.
<hw>arrhythmia</hw> \K/\F'\n"rIDmI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iarruthmia\i 'lack of rhythm' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \J\Xrhythm\x,\j \J\X-ia\x (1))\j\c
\B\IarriΦre-pensΘe\b\i \K/arIE:"pQnseI/, French /arjErpA~se/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an undisclosed motive.\p\B2\b a mental reservation. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = behind thought\c
<hw>arris</hw> \K/"arIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit.\i a sharp edge formed by the meeting of two flat or curved surfaces. \BEtymology:\b \3corruption from French \Iareste,\i modern \J\XarΩte\x\j\c
<hw>arrival</hw> \K/\F'\n"rVIv(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the act or an instance of arriving. \Bb\b an appearance on the scene.\p\B2\b a person or thing that has arrived. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iarrivaille\i (as \J\Xarrive\x,\j \J\X-al\x)\j\c
<hw>arrive</hw> \K/\F'\n"rVIv/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bat,\b \Bin)\b\i\p\B1\b reach a destination; come to the end of a journey or a specified part of a journey \3(arrived in Tibet;\c \2arrived at the station;\c \2arrived late).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bat)\b\i reach (a conclusion, decision, etc.).\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i establish one's reputation or position.\p\B4\b \Icolloq.\i (of a child) be born.\p\B5\b (of a thing) be brought \3(the flowers have arrived).\c\p\B6\b (of a time) come \3(her birthday arrived at last).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, in the sense 'reach the end of a voyage', from Old French \Iariver,\i ultimately as \J\Xad-\x\j + Latin \Iripa\i 'shore'\c
<hw>arriviste</hw> \K/ari:"vi:st/\k\p\In.\i\pan ambitious or ruthlessly self-seeking person. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Iarriver\i (as \J\Xarrive\x,\j \J\X-ist\x)\j\c
<hw>arrogant</hw> \K/"ar\F'\ng(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj.\i (of a person, attitude, etc.) aggressively assertive or presumptuous; overbearing. \Barrogance\b\p\In.\i\p\Barrogantly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French (as \J\Xarrogate\x,\j \J\X-ant\x)\j\c
<hw>arrogate</hw> \K/"ar\F'\ngeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto\b oneself)\i claim (power, responsibility, etc.) without justification.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i attribute unjustly (to a person). \Barrogation\b \K/-"geIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarrogare arrogat-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Irogare\i 'ask')\c
<hw>arrondissement</hw> \K/a"rQndi:smA~/, /arQn"di:smA~/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i\p\B1\b a subdivision of a French department, for local government administration purposes.\p\B2\b an administrative district of a large city, esp. Paris. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>arrow</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nU/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchery\i a sharp pointed wooden or metal stick shot from a bow as a weapon.\p\B2\b a drawn or printed etc. representation of an arrow indicating a direction; a pointer.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i move like an arrow; move swiftly.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i (as \Barrowed\b \Iadj.)\i provided or marked with an arrow or arrows.\Kv. new f. Corpus, SOED Oct 93\k \Barrowy\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iar(e)we\i via Old Norse \I÷r\i from Germanic\c
<hw>arrow-grass</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a marsh plant of the genus \ITriglochin.\i
<hw>arrowhead</hw> \K/"ar\F'\nUhEd/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchery\i the pointed end of an arrow.\p\B2\b \IBot\i a water plant, Sagittaria sagittaria, with arrow-shaped leaves.\p\B3\b a decorative device resembling an arrowhead.
<hw>arrowroot</hw> \K/"ar\F'\n(U)ru:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the family Marantaceae, esp Maranta arundinacea of the W. Indies, from which a starch is prepared and used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. \BEtymology:\b \3alteration of Arawak \Iaru-aru\i (literally 'meal of meals') by assimilation to \J\Xarrow\x\j and \J\Xroot\x (1),\j the tubers having been used to absorb poison from arrow wounds\c
<hw>arroyo</hw> \K/\F'\n"rOI\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \Besp. US\b \IGeog\i\p\B1\b a usu. dry gully cut by a stream, esp. in arid regions.\p\B2\b a brook or stream. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish\c
<hw>arse</hw> \K/A:s/\k \In. & v.\i \B(N. Amer.\b \Bass\b \K/as/\k) \Icoarse slang\i\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i the buttocks. \Iv.intr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Babout,\b \Baround)\b\i play the fool. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµrs\i\c
<hw>arsehole</hw> \K/"A:sh\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(N. Amer.\b \Basshole\b \K/"as-/\k) \Icoarse slang\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i the anus.\p\B2\b \Ioffens.\i a term of contempt for a person.\Khyphen omitted in COD9 on corpus etc. evidence Jul 93\k
<hw>arse-licking</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B(N. Amer.\b \Bass-licking)\b \Icoarse slang\i obsequiousness for the purpose of gaining favour; toadying. \Barse-licker\b\p\In.\i\p\K-er new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>arsenal</hw> \K/"A:s(\F'\n)n(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i\p\B1\b a store of weapons.\p\B2\b a government establishment for the storage and manufacture of weapons and ammunition.\p\B3\b resources of anything compared with weapons (e.g. abuse), regarded collectively. \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete French \Iarsenal\i or Italian \Iarzanale\i from Arabic \Idarsina\i'\Ia,\i from \Idar\i 'house' + \Isina\i'\Ia\i 'art, industry' from \Isana\i'\Ia\i 'fabricate'\c
<hw>arsenic</hw> \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"A:s(\F'\n)nIk/\k\p\B1\b (in full \Bwhite arsenic)\b a non-scientific name for arsenic trioxide, a highly poisonous white powdery substance used in weedkillers, rat poison, etc.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i a brittle semi-metallic element, used in semiconductors and alloys (symbol \BAs).\b\Ksymb\k \Iadj.\i \K/A:"sEnIk/\k\p\B1\b of or concerning arsenic.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i containing arsenic with its higher valency of five. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French and Latin \Iarsenicum\i from Greek \Iarsenikon\i 'yellow orpiment', identified with \Iarsenikos\i 'male', but in fact from Arabic \Ial-zarnik,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Izarnik\i 'orpiment', ultimately from Persian \Izar\i 'gold'\c
<hw>arsenical</hw> \K/A:"sEnIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i of or containing arsenic.\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i a drug containing arsenic.
<hw>arsenious</hw> \K/A:"si:nI\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem.\i containing arsenic with its lower valency of three.\Knew f. NSOED Aug 94\k
<hw>arsine</hw> \K/"A:si:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i arsenic trihydride, a colourless poisonous gas smelling slightly of garlic. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xarsenic\x\j on the pattern of \Iamine\i\c
<hw>arsis</hw> \K/"A:sIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Barses\b \K/-si:z/\k) \IProsody\i a stressed syllable or part of a metrical foot in Greek or Latin verse \I(opp.\i \J\Xthesis\x 3).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Late Latin from Greek, = lifting, from \Iairo\i 'raise'\c
<hw>arson</hw> \K/"A:s(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the act of maliciously setting fire to property. \Barsonist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3legal Anglo-French, Old French, via medieval Latin \Iarsio -onis\i from Latin \Iardere ars-\i 'burn'\c
<hw>arsphenamine</hw> \K/A:s"fEn\F'\nmi:n/, /-In/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i a drug formerly used in the treatment of syphilis and parasitic diseases. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xarsenic\x\j + \J\Xphenyl\x\j + \J\Xamine\x\j\c
<hw>art (1)</hw> \K/A:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b human creative skill or its application. \Bb\b work exhibiting this.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \I(in \Bpl.;\b\i \Iprec. by \Bthe)\b\i the various branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas, e.g. painting, music, writing, considered collectively. \Bb\b any one of these branches.\p\B3\b creative activity, esp. painting and drawing, resulting in visual representation \3(interested in music but not art).\c\p\B4\b human skill or workmanship as opposed to the work of nature \3(art and nature had combined to make her a great beauty).\c\p\B5\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i a skill, aptitude, or knack \3(the art of writing clearly;\c \2keeping people happy is quite an art).\c\p\B6\b \I(in \Bpl.;\b\i \Iusu. prec. by \Bthe)\b\i those branches of learning (esp. languages, literature, and history) associated with creative skill as opposed to scientific, technical, or vocational skills. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iars artis\i\c
<hw>art deco</hw> \K/"dEk\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i the predominant decorative art style of the period 1910-30, characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric motifs, shapes, and strong colours. \BEtymology:\b \3shortened from French \Iart dΘcoratif,\i from the 1925 \IExposition des Arts dΘcoratifs\i in Paris\c
<hw>artefact</hw> \K/"A:tIfakt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bartifact)\b\p\B1\b a product of human art and workmanship.\p\B2\b \IArchaeol.\i a product of prehistoric or aboriginal workmanship as distinguished from a similar object naturally produced.\p\B3\b \IBiol. etc.\i a feature not naturally present, introduced during preparation or investigation (e.g. in the preparation of a microscope specimen). \Bartefactual\b \Iadj.\i (in senses 1 and 2). \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarte\i (ablative of \Iars\i 'art') + \Ifactum\i (neut. past part. of \Ifacere\i 'make')\c
\B\Iartel\b\i \K/A:"tEl/\k\p\In.\i\pan association of craftsmen, peasants, etc., in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union. \BEtymology:\b \3Russian\c
<hw>artemisia</hw> \K/A:tI"mIzj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an aromatic or bitter-tasting plant of the genus \IArtemisia\i (daisy family), which includes wormwood, mugwort, sagebrush, etc.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, = wormwood, from \IArtemis,\i the name of a goddess, to whom it was sacred\c
<hw>arterial</hw> \K/A:"tI\F'\nrI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i of or relating to an artery \3(arterial blood).\c\p\B2\b \ITransport\i (esp. of a road) main, important, esp. linking large cities or towns. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IartΘriel\i from \IartΦre\i \J\Xartery\x\j\c
<hw>arterialize</hw> \K/A:"tI\F'\nrI\F'\nlVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \IAnat\i convert venous into arterial (blood) by reoxygenation esp. in the lungs.\p\B2\b provide with an arterial system. \Barterialization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>arteriole</hw> \K/A:"tI\F'\nrI\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IartΘriole,\i diminutive of \IartΦre\i \J\Xartery\x\j\c
<hw>arteriosclerosis</hw> \K/A:%tI\F'\nrI\F'\nUsklI\F'\n"r\F'\nUsIs/, /-skl\F'\n-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the loss of elasticity and thickening of the walls of the arteries, esp. in old age; hardening of the arteries. \Barteriosclerotic\b \K/-"rQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xartery\x\j + \J\Xsclerosis\x\j\c
<hw>artery</hw> \K/"A:t\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IAnat\i any of the muscular-walled tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying usu. oxygen-enriched blood from the heart \I(cf.\i \J\Xvein\x 1a).\j\K'usu.' to allow for pulmonary artery Dec 94\k\p\B2\b a main road or railway line. \Barteritis\b \K/-"rVItIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin \Iarteria\i from Greek \Iarteria,\i probably from \Iairo\i 'raise'\c
<hw>artesian well</hw> \K/A:"ti:zI\F'\nn/, /-Z(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEngin\i a well bored perpendicularly, esp. through rock, into water-bearing strata lying at an angle, so that natural pressure produces a constant supply of water with little or no pumping. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IartΘsien\i from \IArtois,\i an old French province, where such wells were first made\c
<hw>Artex</hw> \K/"A:tEks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i \Ipropr.\i a kind of plaster applied to give a textured finish, often in decorative patterns, to walls and ceilings.\Knew f. OED, corpus Jul 83\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xart\x (1)\j + \J\Xtexture\x\j\c
<hw>art form</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i\p\B1\b any medium of artistic expression.\p\B2\b an established form of composition (e.g. the novel, sonata, sonnet, etc.).
<hw>artful</hw> \K/"A:tfUl/, /-f(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a person or action) crafty, deceitful.\p\B2\b skilful, clever. \Bartfully\b \Iadv.\i \Bartfulness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>arthritis</hw> \K/A:"TrVItIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i any of various diseases, esp. rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, involving pain and stiffness of the joints. \Barthritic\b \K/-"TrItIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, from \Iarthron\i 'joint'\c
<hw>arthropod</hw> \K/"A:Tr\F'\npQd/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool.\i any invertebrate animal of the phylum Arthropoda, with a segmented body, jointed limbs, and an external skeleton, e.g. an insect, spider, or crustacean. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iarthron\i 'joint' + \Ipous podos\i 'foot'\c
<hw>Arthurian</hw> \K/A:"TjU\F'\nrI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i relating to or associated with King Arthur, the legendary British ruler, or his court.
<hw>artichoke</hw> \K/"A:tItS\F'\nUk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a European plant, Cynara scolymus, allied to the thistle.\p\B2\b (in full \Bglobe artichoke)\b the flower head of the artichoke, the bracts of which have edible bases (see also \J\XJerusalem artichoke\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Iarticiocco\i from Arabic \Ial-karÜufa\i\c
<hw>article</hw> \K/"A:tIk(\F'\n)l/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i an item or commodity, usu. not further distinguished \3(a collection of odd articles).\c\p\B2\b \IJournalism\i a non-fictional essay, esp. one included with others in a newspaper, magazine, journal, etc.\p\B3\b \Ba\b a particular part \3(an article of faith).\c \Bb\b a separate clause or portion of any document \3(articles of apprenticeship).\c\p\B4\b \IGram.\i the definite or indefinite article. \Iv.tr.\i bind by articles of apprenticeship. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iarticulus,\i diminutive of \Iartus\i 'joint'\c
<hw>articled clerk</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a trainee solicitor.\Knew in COD9 f. POD8 Jul 93\k
<hw>article of virtu</hw>\p\In.\i\pan article interesting because of its workmanship, antiquity, rarity, etc.
<hw>articular</hw> \K/A:"tIkjUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnat\i of or relating to the joints. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iarticularis\i (as \J\Xarticle\x,\j \J\X-ar\x (1))\j\c
<hw>articulate</hw> \Iadj. & v.\i \Iadj.\i \K/A:"tIkjUl\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b able to speak fluently and coherently.\p\B2\b (of sound or speech) having clearly distinguishable parts.\p\B3\b \IAnat\i having joints.\p\Iv.\i\p\K/A:"tIkjUleIt/\k\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b pronounce (words, syllables, etc.) clearly and distinctly. \Bb\b express (an idea etc.) coherently.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i speak distinctly \3(was quite unable to articulate).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. in \Bpassive)\b\i \IAnat\i connect by joints.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i mark with apparent joints.\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i \IAnat\i form a joint. \Barticulacy\b\p\In.\i\p\Barticulately\b \Iadv.\i \Barticulateness\b\p\In.\i\p\Barticulator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iarticulatus\i (as \J\Xarticle\x,\j \J\X-ate\x (2))\j\c
<hw>articulated lorry</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ITransport\i a lorry consisting of two or more sections connected by a flexible joint.
<hw>articulation</hw> \K/A:%tIkjU"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the act of speaking. \Bb\b articulate utterance; speech.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the act or a mode of jointing. \Bb\b \IAnat. etc.\i a joint. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iarticulation\i or Latin \Iarticulatio,\i from \Iarticulare\i 'joint' (as \J\Xarticle\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>artifice</hw> \K/"A:tIfIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a clever device; a contrivance.\p\B2\b \Ba\b cunning. \Bb\b an instance of this.\p\B3\b skill, dexterity. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iartificium,\i from \Iars artis\i 'art' + \I-ficium\i 'making' from \Ifacere\i 'make'\c
<hw>artificer</hw> \K/A:"tIfIs\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an inventor.\p\B2\b a craftsman.\p\B3\b \IMil Naut\i a skilled mechanic in the armed forces. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French, probably alteration of Old French \Iartificien\i\c
<hw>artificial</hw> \K/A:tI"fIS(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b produced by human art or effort rather than originating naturally \3(an artificial lake).\c\p\B2\b not real; imitation, fake \3(artificial flowers).\c\p\B3\b affected, insincere \3(an artificial smile).\c \Bartificiality\b \K/-SI"alIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bartificially\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iartificiel\i or Latin \Iartificialis\i (as \J\Xartifice\x,\j \J\X-al\x)\j\c
<hw>artificial insemination</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IVet\i \IMed\i the injection of semen into the vagina or uterus other than by sexual intercourse.
<hw>artificial intelligence</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as decision-making and speech recognition.
<hw>artificial kidney</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an apparatus that performs the functions of the human kidney (outside the body), when one or both organs are damaged. \IAlso called\i \Ikidney machine.\i
<hw>artificial respiration</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the restoration or initiation of breathing by manual or mechanical or mouth-to-mouth methods.
<hw>artillery</hw> \K/A:"tIl\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IMil\i\p\B1\b large-calibre guns used in warfare on land.\p\B2\b a branch of the armed forces that uses these. \Bartillerist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iartillerie\i from \Iartiller,\i alteration of \Iatillier,\i \Iatirier\i 'equip, arm'\c
<hw>artilleryman</hw> \K/A:"tIl\F'\nrIm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \IMil\i a member of the artillery.
<hw>artiodactyl</hw> \K/A:tI\F'\n(U)"daktIl/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IZool.\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to the order Artiodactyla of ungulate mammals with two main toes on each foot, including camels, pigs, and ruminants.\p\In.\i\pan animal of this order.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Sep 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IArtiodactyla,\i from Greek \Iartios\i 'even' + \Idaktulos\i 'finger, toe'\c
<hw>artisan</hw> \K/A:tI"zan/, /"A:tIzan/\k\p\In.\i\pa skilled (esp. manual) worker; a craftsman. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Iartigiano,\i ultimately from Latin \Iartitus,\i past part. of \Iartire\i 'instruct in the arts'\c
<hw>artist</hw> \K/"A:tIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i\p\B1\b a painter.\p\B2\b a person who practises any of the arts.\p\B3\b an artiste.\p\B4\b a person who works with the dedication and attributes associated with an artist \3(an artist in crime).\c\p\B5\b \Icolloq.\i a devotee; a habitual practiser of a specified (usu. reprehensible) activity \3(con artist).\c \Bartistry\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iartiste\i from Italian \Iartista\i (as \J\Xart\x (1),\j \J\X-ist\x)\j\c
<hw>artiste</hw> \K/A:"ti:st/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITheatr\i a professional performer, esp. a singer or dancer. \BEtymology:\b \3French: see \J\Xartist\x\j\c
<hw>artistic</hw> \K/A:"tIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IArt\i\p\B1\b having natural skill in art.\p\B2\b made or done with art.\p\B3\b of art or artists. \Bartistically\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>artless</hw> \K/"A:tlIs/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b guileless, ingenuous.\p\B2\b not resulting from or displaying art.\p\B3\b clumsy. \Bartlessly\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>art nouveau</hw> \K/A: nu:"v\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt\i a European art style of the late 19th c. characterized by flowing lines and natural organic forms. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = new art\c
<hw>art of war</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i strategy and tactics.
<hw>arts and crafts</hw> \In.pl.\i \IArt\i decorative design and handicraft.
<hw>artwork</hw> \K/"A:tw\F'\n:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArt Printing\i the illustrations in a printed work.
<hw>arty</hw> \K/"A:ti/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Bartsy\b \K/"A:tsi/\k) \B(-ier,\b \B-iest)\b \Icolloq.\i pretentiously or affectedly artistic.\Kartsy new f. Incomings Sep 93\k \Bartiness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>arty-crafty</hw> \Iadj.\i \Besp. Brit.\b\p\B1\b quaintly artistic.\p\B2\b (of furniture etc.) seeking stylistic effect rather than usefulness or comfort.\Ksplit into senses 1 and 2 Sept 94\k
<hw>arty-farty</hw> \Iadj.\i (also \Bartsy-fartsy)\b \Icolloq.\i pretentiously artistic.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, COD box Jul 93\k
<hw>arugula</hw> \K/\F'\n"ru:gjUl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \IBot food\i = \J\Xrocket\x (2) 2.\j\Knew f. incomings Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Italian dialect, ultimately diminutive of Latin \Ieruca\i\c
<hw>arum</hw> \K/"E:r\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a plant of the European genus \IArum,\i usu. stemless with arrow-shaped leaves and a white spathe, e.g. cuckoo-pint.\p\B2\b any of several other plants of the family Araceae.\Ksense 2 new f. K Barber Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iaron\i\c
<hw>arum lily</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \IBot\i a tall lily-like aroid plant of the African genus \IZantedeschia.\i \IAlso called\i \Icalla lily.\i
<hw>Arunta</hw> var. of \J\XAranda\x.\j\Knew f. corpus April 94\k
<hw>-ary (2)</hw> \K/\F'\nri/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives \3(military).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-aire\i or from Latin \I-aris\i 'belonging to'\c
<hw>Aryan</hw> \K/"E:rI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a member of the peoples speaking any of the languages of the Indo-European (esp. Indo-Iranian) family.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the parent language of this family.\p\B3\b \IPeople\i (in Nazi ideology) a Caucasian not of Jewish descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Aryan or the Aryans. \BEtymology:\b \3Sanskrit \Iaryas\i 'noble'\c
<hw>aryl</hw> \K/"arVIl/, /-rIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a radical derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by removal of a hydrogen atom. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAryl\i (as \J\Xaromatic\x,\j \J\X-yl\x)\j\c
<hw>As</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element arsenic.
<hw>as (1)</hw> \K/az/, /\F'\nz/\k \Iadv., conj., & pron.\i \Iadv. & conj.\i \I\I(adv.\i as antecedent in main sentence; \Iconj.\i in relative clause expressed or implied)\i ... to the extent to which ... is or does etc. \3(I am as tall as he;\c \2am as tall as he is;\c \2am not so tall as he;\c \I(colloq.)\i \2am as tall as him;\c \2as many as six;\c \2as recently as last week;\c \2it is not as easy as you think).\c \Iconj.\i \I(with relative clause expressed or implied)\i\p\B1\b \I(with antecedent \Bso)\b\i expressing result or purpose \3(came early so as to meet us;\c \2we so arranged matters as to avoid a long wait;\c \2so good as to exceed all hopes).\c\p\B2\b \I(with antecedent adverb omitted)\i having concessive force \3(good as it is = although it is good;\c \2try as he might = although he might try).\c\p\B3\b \I(without antecedent adverb)\i \Ba\b in the manner in which \3(do as you like;\c \2was regarded as a mistake;\c \2they rose as one man).\c \Bb\b in the capacity or form of \3(I speak as your friend;\c \2Olivier as Hamlet;\c \2as a matter of fact).\c \Bc\b during or at the time that \3(came up as I was speaking;\c \2fell just as I reached the door).\c \Bd\b for the reason that; seeing that \3(as you are here, we can talk).\c \Be\b for instance \3(cathedral cities, as York).\c \Irel.pron.\i \I(with verb of relative clause expressed or implied)\i\p\B1\b that, who, which \3(I had the same trouble as you;\c \2he is a writer, as is his wife;\c \2such money as you have;\c \2such countries as France).\c\p\B2\b \I(with sentence as antecedent)\i a fact that \3(he lost, as you know).\c\p\1as and when\c to the extent and at the time that \3(I'll do it as and when I want to).\c\p\1as for\c with regard to \3(as for you, I think you are wrong).\c\p\1as from\c \Besp. Brit.\b on and after (a specified date).\p\1as if\c (or \Bthough)\b as would be the case if \3(acts as if he were in charge;\c \2as if you didn't know!;\c \2looks as though we've won).\c\p\1as it is\c (or \Bas is)\b in the existing circumstances or state.\p\1as it were\c in a way; to a certain extent \3(he is, as it were, infatuated).\c\p\1as long as\c \Isee\i \J\Xlong\x (1).\j\p\1as much\c \Isee\i \J\Xmuch\x.\j\p\1as of\c\p\B1\b = \Ias from.\i\p\B2\b as at (a specified time).\p\1as per\c \Isee\i \J\Xper\x 3.\j\p\1as regards\c \Isee\i \J\Xregard\x.\j\p\1as soon as\c \Isee\i \J\Xsoon\x.\j\p\1as such\c \Isee\i \J\Xsuch\x.\j\p\1as though\c \Isee\i \Ias if.\i\p\1as to\c with respect to; concerning \3(said nothing as to money;\c \2as to you, I think you are wrong).\c\p\1as was\c \BBrit.\b in the previously existing circumstances or state.\p\1as well\c \Isee\i \J\Xwell\x (1).\j\p\1as yet\c until now or a particular time in the past \I(usu. with \Bneg.\b and with implied reserve about the future:\i \2have received no news as yet).\c \BEtymology:\b \3reduced form of Old English \Ialswß\i \J\Xalso\x\j\c In comparisions expressed by \Ias ... as,\i the pronoun standing for the subject of the second half of the phrase should, strictly, be in the nominative case, i.e. \II am not as wealthy as he/she/they.\i However, in all but very formal contexts, the accusative or object case is now acceptable, i.e. \II am not as wealthy as her/him/them.\i These comments also apply to \Iso ... as\i and \Ithe same ... as,\i e.g. \IWe're not so eager as them\i/(formal) \Ithey;\i \II live in the same street as her\i/(formal) \Ishe.\i \IAs from\i and \Ias of,\i meaning 'from' or 'after' should be followed by a particular date, e.g. \Ias from 15 October.\i Phrases such as \Ias of now,\i \Ias of yesterday,\i etc. should be used only in informal contexts.
<hw>as (2)</hw> \K/as/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Basses)\b \ICurrency\i a Roman copper coin. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin: see \J\Xace\x\j\c
<hw>as-</hw> \K/as/, /\F'\ns/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \Is.\i
<hw>ASA</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \ISport Swimming\i Amateur Swimming Association.\p\B2\b American Standards Association (esp. in film-speed specification, as \2200 ASA).\c
<hw>asafoetida</hw> \K/as\F'\n"fi:tId\F'\n/, /-"fEt-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Basafetida)\b \IBot\i a resinous plant gum with a fetid ammoniac smell, formerly used in medicine, now as a herbal remedy and in Indian cooking. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from medieval Latin, from \Iasa\i (from Persian \Iaza\i 'mastic') + \Ifetida\i (as \J\Xfetid\x)\j\c
<hw>a.s.a.p.</hw> \Iabbr.\i as soon as possible.
<hw>asbestos</hw> \K/az"bEstQs/, /as-/, /-t\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral\i\p\B1\b a fibrous silicate mineral that is incombustible.\p\B2\b this used as a heat-resistant or insulating material. \Basbestine\b \K/-tIn/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ialbeston,\i ultimately from Greek \Iasbestos\i 'unquenchable' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Isbestos\i from \Isbennumi\i 'quench')\c
<hw>asbestosis</hw> \K/azbE"st\F'\nUsIs/, /as-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos particles.
<hw>ascarid</hw> \K/"ask\F'\nrId/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bascaris\b \K/-rIs/\k) \IZool\i a parasitic nematode worm of the genus \IAscaris,\i e.g. the intestinal roundworm of humans and pigs. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iascaris\i from Greek \Iaskaris\i\c
<hw>ascend</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnd/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i move upwards; rise.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b slope upwards. \Bb\b lie along an ascending slope.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i climb; go up.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i rise in rank or status.\p\B5\b \Itr.\i mount upon.\p\B6\b \Iintr.\i (of sound) rise in pitch.\p\B7\b \Itr.\i go along (a river) to its source.\p\B8\b \Iintr.\i \IPrinting\i \ICalligraphy\i (of a letter) have part projecting upwards.\p\1ascend the throne\c become king or queen. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iascendere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iscandere\i 'climb')\c
<hw>ascendancy</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnd(\F'\n)nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bascendency)\b \I(often foll. by \Bover)\b\i a superior or dominant condition or position.
<hw>ascendant</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnd(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b rising.\p\B2\b \IAstron.\i rising towards the zenith.\p\B3\b \IAstrol.\i just above the eastern horizon.\p\B4\b predominant.\p\In.\i\p\IAstrol.\i the point of the sun's apparent path that is ascendant at a given time \3(Aries in the ascendant).\c\p\1in the ascendant\c\p\B1\b supreme or dominating.\p\B2\b rising; gaining power or authority. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin (as \J\Xascend\x,\j \J\X-ant\x)\j\c
<hw>ascender</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICalligraphy Printing\i \Ba\b a part of a letter that extends above the main part (as in \Ib\i and \Id).\i \Bb\b a letter having this.\p\B2\b a person or thing that ascends.
<hw>ascension</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of ascending.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i \B(Ascension)\b \IEccl\i the ascent of Christ into heaven on the fortieth day after the Resurrection. \Bascensional\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iascensio -onis\i (as \J\Xascend\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>Ascension Day</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the Thursday forty days after Easter on which Christ's ascension is celebrated.
<hw>Ascensiontide</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnS(\F'\n)ntVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the period of ten days from Ascension Day to Whitsun Eve.
<hw>ascent</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of ascending.\p\B2\b \Ba\b an upward movement or rise. \Bb\b advancement or progress \3(the ascent of man).\c\p\B3\b a way by which one may ascend; an upward slope. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xascend\x,\j on the pattern of \Idescent\i\c
<hw>ascertain</hw> \K/as\F'\n"teIn/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b find out as a definite fact.\p\B2\b get to know. \Bascertainable\b \Iadj.\i \Bascertainment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iacertener,\i stem \Iacertain-,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \J\Xcertain\x\j\c
<hw>ascesis</hw> \K/\F'\n"si:sIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the practice of self-discipline. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaskesis\i 'training', from \Iaskeo\i 'exercise'\c
<hw>ascetic</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEtIk/\k \In. & adj.\i \IRelig\i\p\In.\i\pa person who practises severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of pleasure, esp. for religious or spiritual reasons. \Iadj.\i relating to or characteristic of ascetics or asceticism; abstaining from pleasure. \Bascetically\b \Iadv.\i \Basceticism\b \K/-tIsIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iasceticus\i or Greek \Iasketikos\i from \Iasketes\i 'monk', from \Iaskeo\i 'exercise'\c
<hw>ascidian</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIdI\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool.\i a tunicate animal of the class Ascidiacea, the adults of which are sedentary on rocks or seaweeds often in colonies, e.g. the sea squirt. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAscidia\i from Greek \Iaskidion,\i diminutive of \Iaskos\i 'wineskin'\c
<hw>ASCII</hw> \K/"aski/\k \Iabbr.\i \IComputing\i American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
<hw>ascites</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVIti:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \IMed.\i the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing swelling. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Late Latin from Greek, from \Iaskites\i from \Iaskos\i 'wineskin'\c
<hw>ascorbic acid</hw> \K/\F'\n"skO:bIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a vitamin found in citrus fruits and green vegetables, essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue, and a deficiency of which results in scurvy. \IAlso called\i \Ivitamin C.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + medieval Latin \Iscorbutus\i 'scurvy' + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>ascribe</hw> \K/\F'\n"skrVIb/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b attribute or impute \3(ascribes his well-being to a sound constitution).\c\p\B2\b regard as belonging. \Bascribable\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iascribere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iscribere script-\i 'write')\c
<hw>ascription</hw> \K/\F'\n"skrIpS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of ascribing.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i a preacher's words ascribing praise to God at the end of a sermon. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iascriptio -onis\i (as \J\Xascribe\x)\j\c
<hw>asdic</hw> \K/"azdIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \INaut\i an early form of echo sounder. \BEtymology:\b \3acronym from \IA\illied \IS\iubmarine \ID\ietection \II\investigation \IC\iommittee\c
<hw>-ase</hw> \K/eIz/\k \Isuffix\i \IBiochem.\i forming the name of an enzyme \3(amylase).\c \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xdiastase\x\j\c
<hw>ASEAN</hw> \K/"asI\F'\nn/\k \Iabbr.\i \IPolit\i Association of South East Asian Nations.
<hw>asepsis</hw> \K/eI"sEpsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i\p\B1\b the absence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or other micro-organisms.\p\B2\b a method of achieving asepsis in surgery.
<hw>aseptic</hw> \K/eI"sEptIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed\i\p\B1\b free from contamination caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other micro-organisms.\p\B2\b (of a wound, instrument, or dressing) surgically sterile or sterilized.\p\B3\b (of a surgical method etc.) aiming at the elimination of harmful micro-organisms, rather than counteraction \I(cf.\i \J\Xantiseptic\x).\j
<hw>asexual</hw> \K/eI"sEksjU\F'\nl/, /-SU\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IBiol.\i without sex or sexual organs.\p\B2\b \IBiol.\i (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of gametes.\p\B3\b without sexuality. \Basexuality\b \K/-"alIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Basexually\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>ASH</hw> \K/aS/\k \Iabbr.\i (in the UK) Action on Smoking and Health.
<hw>ash (1)</hw> \K/aS/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i the powdery residue left after the burning of any substance. \Bb\b \IChem.\i such residue used in chemical analysis, e.g. to assess mineral content.\Ksense 1b new f. scientists, K. Barber Aug 94\k\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i the remains of the human body after cremation or disintegration.\p\B3\b \B(the Ashes)\b \ICricket\i a trophy competed for regularly by Australia and England.\p\B4\b ashlike material thrown out by a volcano. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµsce\i\c
<hw>ash (2)</hw> \K/aS/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b (also \Bash tree)\b any forest tree of the genus \IFraxinus,\i with silver-grey bark, compound leaves, and hard, tough, pale wood.\p\B2\b \IForestry\i its wood.\p\B3\b \ILinguistics\i an Old English runic letter, = F (named from a word of which it was the first letter). \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµsc,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>ashamed</hw> \K/\F'\n"SeImd/\k \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Bpredic.)\b\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bof\b (= with regard to), \Bfor\b (= on account of), or \Bto\b + infin.)\i embarrassed or disconcerted by shame \3(ashamed of his aunt;\c \2ashamed of having lied;\c \2ashamed for you;\c \2ashamed to be seen with him).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i hesitant, reluctant (but usu. not actually refusing or declining) \3(am ashamed to admit that I was wrong).\c \Bashamedly\b \K/-mIdli/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iascamod,\i past part. of \Iascamian\i 'feel shame' (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \J\Xshame\x)\j\c
<hw>ash blonde</hw> \In. & adj.\i \B(US\b also \Bash blond)\b\Kash blond new f. incomings Dec 94\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a very pale blonde colour.\p\B2\b \IHairdressing\i a person with hair of this colour. \Iadj.\i \I(hyphenated when \Battrib.)\b\i very pale blonde.\Kadj. new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>ashcan</hw> \K/"aSkan/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b a dustbin.
<hw>ashen (1)</hw> \K/"aS(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or resembling ashes.\p\B2\b ash-coloured; grey or pale.
<hw>ashen (2)</hw> \K/"aS(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot\i\p\B1\b of or relating to the ash tree.\p\B2\b \Iarchaic\i made of ashwood.
<hw>ashen-faced</hw> \Iadj.\i very pale, esp. from shock or exhaustion.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>ashet</hw> \K/"aSIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BSc.\b & \BNZ\b a large plate or dish. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iassiette\i\c
<hw>Ashkenazi</hw> \K/aSk\F'\n"nA:zi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAshkenazim\b \K/-zIm/\k) \IRelig People\i\p\B1\b an East European Jew.\p\B2\b a Jew of East European ancestry (cf. \J\XSephardi\x).\j \BAshkenazic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Hebrew, from \IAshkenaz\i (Gen. 10:3)\c
<hw>ash-key</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IBot\i the winged seed of the ash tree, growing in clusters resembling keys.
<hw>ashlar</hw> \K/"aSl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i\p\B1\b a large square-cut stone used in building.\p\B2\b masonry made of ashlars.\p\B3\b such masonry used as a facing on a rough rubble or brick wall. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaisselier\i from Latin \Iaxilla,\i diminutive of \Iaxis\i 'board'\c
<hw>ashlaring</hw> \K/"aSl\F'\nrIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBuilding\i\p\B1\b ashlar masonry.\p\B2\b the short upright boarding in a garret which cuts off the acute angle between the roof and the floor.
<hw>ashore</hw> \K/\F'\n"SO:/\k \Iadv.\i towards or on the shore or land \3(sailed ashore;\c \2stayed ashore).\c
<hw>ashpan</hw> \K/"aSpan/\k\p\In.\i\pa tray under a grate to catch the ash.
<hw>ashplant</hw> \K/"aSplA:nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a sapling from an ash tree, used as a walking stick etc.
<hw>ashram</hw> \K/"aSr\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b (in the Indian subcontinent) a place of religious retreat; a hermitage.\p\B2\b any place of religious retreat or community life modelled on the Indian ashram.\Ksense 2 new f. JHM April 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Sanskrit \Iashrama\i 'hermitage'\c
<hw>ashtray</hw> \K/"aStreI/\k\p\In.\i\pa small receptacle for cigarette ash, stubs, etc.
<hw>Ash Wednesday</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the first day of Lent. \BEtymology:\b \3from the custom of marking the foreheads of penitents with ashes on that day\c
<hw>ashy</hw> \K/"aSi/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b = \J\Xashen\x (1).\j\p\B2\b covered with ashes.
<hw>Asian</hw> \K/"eIS(\F'\n)n/, /-Z(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a native of Asia.\p\B2\b a person of Asian descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Asia or its people, customs, or languages. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAsianus\i from Greek \IAsianos,\i from \IAsia\i\c \IAsian\i is the preferred term when referring to people, with \IAsiatic\i now widely considered derogatory. In Britain it is the usual term for people who come from (or whose parents came from) the Indian subcontinent, while in North America it commonly also includes people from the Far East.
<hw>Asiatic</hw> \K/eISI"atIk/, /eIz-/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i \Ioffens.\i an Asian. \Iadj.\i \I(offens.\i if used of people) Asian. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAsiaticus\i from Greek \IAsiatikos\i\c \IAsiatic\i is now acceptable only as an adjective, and is found chiefly in geographical, zoological, and medical contexts, e.g. \IAsiatic coastal regions;\i \IAsiatic golden plover;\i \IAsiatic cholera.\i See also Usage Note as \J\XAsian\x.\j
<hw>A-side</hw> \K/"eIsVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i the side of a gramophone record regarded as the main one.
<hw>aside</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVId/\k \Iadv. & n.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b to or on one side; away.\p\B2\b out of consideration \I(placed after noun:\i \2joking aside).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ITheatr\i words spoken in a play for the audience to hear, but supposed not to be heard by the other characters.\p\B2\b an incidental remark.\p\1aside from\c apart from.\p\Bset aside\b\p\B1\b put to one side.\p\B2\b keep for a special purpose or future use.\p\B3\b reject or disregard.\p\B4\b annul.\p\B5\b \IAgriculture\i remove (land) from agricultural production for fallow, forestry, or other use.\p\Btake aside\b engage (a person) esp. for a private conversation. \BEtymology:\b \3originally \Ion side:\i see \J\Xa\x (2)\j\c
<hw>asinine</hw> \K/"asInVIn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b stupid.\p\B2\b of or concerning asses; like an ass. \Basininity\b \K/-"nInIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iasininus\i from \Iasinus\i 'ass'\c
<hw>-asis</hw> \K/\F'\nsIs/\k \Isuffix\i (usu. as \B-iasis)\b forming the names of diseases \3(psoriasis;\c \2satyriasis).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \I-asis\i in nouns denoting a state or condition from verbs ending in \I-ao\i\c
<hw>ask</hw> \K/A:sk/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i call for an answer to or about \3(ask her about it;\c \2ask him his name;\c \2ask a question of him).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i seek to obtain from another person \3(ask a favour of;\c \2ask to be allowed).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bout\b or \Bover,\b or \Bto\b (a function etc.)\i invite; request the company of \3(must ask them over;\c \2asked her to dinner).\c\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i seek to obtain, meet, or be directed to \3(ask for a donation;\c \2ask for the post office;\c \2asking for you).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \Iarchaic\i require (a thing).\p\Bask after\b enquire about (esp. a person).\p\1ask for it\c \Icolloq.\i invite trouble.\p\1ask me another\c \Icolloq.\i I do not know.\p\1for the asking\c (obtainable) for nothing.\p\1I ask you!\c an exclamation of disgust, surprise, etc.\p\1if you ask me\c \Icolloq.\i in my opinion. \Basker\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iascian\i etc., from West Germanic\c
<hw>askance</hw> \K/\F'\n"skans/, /\F'\n"skA:ns/\k \Iadv.\i (also \Baskant\b \K/-"skant/, /-"skA:nt/\k) sideways or squinting.\p\1look askance at\c regard with suspicion or disapproval. \BEtymology:\b \315th c.: origin unknown\c
<hw>askari</hw> \K/\F'\n"skA:ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Baskaris)\b \IAnthropol\i an E. African soldier or police officer. \BEtymology:\b \3Arabic '\Iaskari\i 'soldier'\c
<hw>asking price</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i the price of an object set by the seller.
<hw>aslant</hw> \K/\F'\n"slA:nt/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \Iadv.\i obliquely or at a slant. \Iprep.\i obliquely across \3(lay aslant the path).\c
<hw>asleep</hw> \K/\F'\n"sli:p/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b in or into a state of sleep \3(he fell asleep).\c \Bb\b inactive, inattentive \3(the nation is asleep).\c\p\B2\b (of a limb etc.) numb.\p\B3\b \Ieuphem.\i dead.
<hw>Aslef</hw> \K/"azlEf/\k \Iabbr.\i (in the UK) Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. \BEtymology:\b \3acronym\c
<hw>asocial</hw> \K/eI"s\F'\nUS(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b not social; antisocial.\p\B2\b inconsiderate of or hostile to others.
<hw>asp</hw> \K/asp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a small viper, Vipera aspis, native to southern Europe, resembling the adder.\p\B2\b the Egyptian cobra, Naja haje, found throughout Africa. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaspe\i or Latin \Iaspis\i from Greek\c
<hw>asparagine</hw> \K/\F'\n"spar\F'\ndZi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i a hydrophilic amino acid, an amide of aspartic acid, occurring in proteins.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Sep 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xasparagus\x\j + \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>asparagus</hw> \K/\F'\n"spar\F'\ng\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i any plant of the genus \IAsparagus.\i\p\B2\b one species of this, A. officinalis, with edible young shoots and leaves; this as food. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iasparagos\i\c
<hw>asparagus fern</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a decorative plant, Asparagus setaceus.
<hw>aspartame</hw> \K/\F'\n"spA:teIm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i a very sweet low-calorie substance used as a sweetener instead of sugar or saccharin. \BEtymology:\b \3chemical name \I1-methyl N\i-l-\Iaspartyl\i-l-\Iphenylalanine,\i from \J\Xaspartic acid\x\j\c
<hw>aspartic acid</hw> \K/\F'\n"spA:tIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i an acidic amino acid present in many proteins, important in animal metabolism, and also acting as a neurotransmitter.\Knew f. Collins, NSEOD Sept. 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaspartique,\i formed arbitrarily from \J\Xasparagus\x\j\c
<hw>aspect</hw> \K/"aspEkt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a particular component or feature of a matter \3(only one aspect of the problem).\c \Bb\b a particular way in which a matter may be considered.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a facial expression; a look \3(a cheerful aspect).\c \Bb\b the appearance of a person or thing, esp. as presented to the mind of the viewer \3(has a frightening aspect).\c\p\B3\b the side of a building or location facing a particular direction \3(southern aspect).\c\p\B4\b \IGram.\i a verbal category or form expressing inception, duration, or completion.\p\B5\b \IAstrol.\i the relative position of planets etc. measured by angular distance. \Baspectual\b \K/a"spEktSU\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i (in sense 4). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iaspectus,\i from \Iadspicere adspect-\i 'look at' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ispecere\i 'to look')\c
<hw>aspect ratio</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAeron.\i the ratio of the span to the mean chord of an aerofoil.\p\B2\b \ITelev.\i the ratio of picture width to height.
<hw>aspen</hw> \K/"asp(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a poplar tree, Populus tremula, with especially tremulous leaves. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier name \Iasp\i (from Old English \Iµspe)\i + \J\X-en\x (2)\j forming an adjective then used as a noun\c
<hw>asperity</hw> \K/\F'\n"spErIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b harshness or sharpness of temper or tone.\p\B2\b roughness.\p\B3\b a rough excrescence. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IasperitΘ\i or Latin \Iasperitas,\i from \Iasper\i 'rough'\c
<hw>asperse</hw> \K/\F'\n"sp\F'\n:s/\k \Iv.tr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i attack the reputation of; calumniate. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, = besprinkle, spatter, from Latin \Iaspergere aspers-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ispargere\i 'sprinkle')\c
<hw>aspersion</hw> \K/\F'\n"sp\F'\n:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\1cast aspersions on\c attack the reputation or integrity of. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaspersio\i (as \J\Xasperse\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>asphalt</hw> \K/"asfalt/, /-\F'\nlt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i\p\B1\b a dark bituminous pitch occurring naturally or made from petroleum.\p\B2\b \IEngin Building\i a mixture of this with sand, gravel, etc., for surfacing roads etc. \Iv.tr.\i surface with asphalt. \Kasphalter omitted Jul 93\k\Basphaltic\b \K/-"faltIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, ultimately from Late Latin \Iasphalton,\i \I-um,\i from Greek \Iasphalton\i\c
<hw>asphodel</hw> \K/"asf\F'\ndEl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b any of various plants of the genus \IAsphodelus\i and related genera of the lily family.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i an immortal flower growing in Elysium. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iasphodelus\i from Greek \Iasphodelos:\i cf. \J\Xdaffodil\x\j\c
<hw>asphyxia</hw> \K/\F'\ns"fIksI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a lack of oxygen in the blood, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation. \Basphyxial\b \Iadj.\i \Basphyxiant\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iasphuxia\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Isphuxis\i 'pulse')\c
<hw>asphyxiate</hw> \K/\F'\ns"fIksIeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IMed\i cause (a person) to have asphyxia; suffocate. \Basphyxiation\b \K/-"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Basphyxiator\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>aspic</hw> \K/"aspIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a savoury meat jelly used as a garnish or to contain game, eggs, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = \J\Xasp\x,\j from the colours of the jelly (compared to those of the asp)\c
<hw>aspidistra</hw> \K/aspI"dIstr\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IAspidistra,\i with broad tapering leaves, native to the Far East and often grown as a house plant. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iaspis -idos\i 'shield' (from the shape of the leaves)\c
<hw>aspirant</hw> \K/\F'\n"spVI\F'\nr(\F'\n)nt/, /"asp(I)r-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bafter,\b \Bfor)\b\i \Iadj.\i aspiring.\p\In.\i\pa person who aspires. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaspirant\i or from Latin \Iaspirant-\i (as \J\Xaspire\x,\j \J\X-ant\x)\j\c
<hw>aspirate</hw> \Iadj., n., & v.\i \Iadj.\i \K/"asp(\F'\n)r\F'\nt/\k \IPhonet.\i\p\B1\b pronounced with an exhalation of breath.\p\B2\b blended with the sound of \Ih.\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"asp(\F'\n)r\F'\nt/\k \IPhonet.\i\p\B1\b a consonant pronounced in this way.\p\B2\b the sound of \Ih.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\K/"asp\F'\nreIt/\k\p\B1\b \IPhonet.\i \Ba\b \Itr.\i pronounce with a breath. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i make the sound of \Ih.\i\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \IMed\i draw (fluid) by suction from a vessel or cavity. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaspiratus,\i past part. of \Iaspirare:\i see \J\Xaspire\x\j\c
<hw>aspiration</hw> \K/asp\F'\n"reIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a strong desire to achieve an end; an ambition.\p\B2\b the act or process of drawing breath.\p\B3\b \IPhonet\i the action of aspirating. \Baspirational\b \Iadj.\i\K-ed new f. corpus, Soed Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaspiration\i or Latin \Iaspiratio\i (as \J\Xaspirate\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>aspirator</hw> \K/"aspIreIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an apparatus for aspirating fluid. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaspirare\i (as \J\Xaspirate\x,\j \J\X-or\x (1))\j\c
<hw>aspire</hw> \K/\F'\n"spVI\F'\n/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bafter,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i\p\B1\b have ambition or strong desire.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i rise high. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iaspirer\i or Latin \Iaspirare\i (as \J\Xad-\x\j + \Ispirare\i 'breathe')\c
<hw>aspirin</hw> \K/"asp(\F'\n)rIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Baspirins)\b \IPharm\i\p\B1\b a white compound, acetylsalicylic acid, used to relieve pain and fever and in the prevention of thrombosis.\p\B2\b a tablet of this. \BEtymology:\b \3German, formed as \J\Xacetyl\x\j + \Ispiraeic\i (= salicylic) \Iacid\i + \J\X-in\x\j\c
<hw>asquint</hw> \K/\F'\n"skwInt/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i (usu. in phr. \Blook asquint)\b\p\B1\b to one side; from the corner of an eye.\p\B2\b with a squint. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, perhaps from Dutch \Ischuinte\i 'slant'\c
<hw>ass (1)</hw> \K/as/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i \Ba\b either of two kinds of four-legged long-eared mammal of the horse genus \IEquus,\i E. africanus of Africa and E. hemionus of Asia. \Bb\b (in general use) a donkey.\p\B2\b a stupid person. \Iv.intr.\i \I(foll. by \Babout,\b \Baround)\b\i \Islang\i act the fool.\p\Bmake an ass of\b make (a person) look absurd or foolish. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iassa\i via Celtic from Latin \Iasinus\i\c
<hw>assai</hw> \K/a"sVI/\k \Iadv.\i \IMus.\i very \3(adagio assai).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Italian\c
<hw>assail</hw> \K/\F'\n"seIl/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b make a strong or concerted attack on.\p\B2\b make a resolute start on (a task).\p\B3\b make a strong or constant verbal attack on \3(was assailed with angry questions).\c \Bassailable\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iasaill-,\i stressed stem of \Iasalir,\i via medieval Latin \Iassalire\i from Latin \Iassilire\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isalire salt-\i 'leap')\c
<hw>assailant</hw> \K/\F'\n"seIl(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who attacks another physically or verbally. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xassail\x)\j\c
<hw>Assamese</hw> \K/as\F'\n"mi:z/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same)\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a native or inhabitant of Assam, a state of NE India.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the Indic (official) language of Assam. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Assam, its people, or its language.\Knew f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k
<hw>assassin</hw> \K/\F'\n"sasIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a killer, esp. of a political or religious leader.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i \Ihist.\i any of a group of Muslim fanatics sent on murder missions in the time of the Crusades. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iassassin\i or via medieval Latin \Iassassinus\i from Arabic \IhaÜiÜi\i 'hashish-eater'\c
<hw>assassinate</hw> \K/\F'\n"sasIneIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b kill (esp. a political or religious leader) for political or religious motives.\p\B2\b destroy or injure (esp. a person's reputation).\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \Bassassination\b \K/-"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bassassinator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iassassinare\i from \Iassassinus:\i see \J\Xassassin\x\j\c
<hw>assassin bug</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a predatory or bloodsucking hemipterous bug of the family Reduviidae\Knew f. Collins Sept. 93\k.
<hw>assault</hw> \K/\F'\n"sO:lt/, /\F'\n"sQlt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a violent physical or verbal attack.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \ILaw\i an act that threatens physical harm to a person (whether or not actual harm is done). \Bb\b \Ieuphem.\i an act of rape.\p\B3\b a vigorous start made to a lengthy or difficult task.\p\B4\b a final rush on a fortified place, esp. at the end of a prolonged attack.\p\B5\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i relating to or used in an assault \3(assault craft;\c \2assault troops).\c \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b make an assault on.\p\B2\b \Ieuphem.\i rape. \Bassaulter\b\p\In.\i\p\Bassaultive\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iasaut,\i \Iassauter,\i ultimately from Latin (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isalire salt-\i 'leap')\c
<hw>assault and battery</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the act of threatening a person followed by physical contact \I(see\i \J\Xassault\x\p\In.\i\p2a,\j \J\Xbattery\x 7).\j
<hw>assault course</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IMil\i an obstacle course used in training soldiers etc.
<hw>assay</hw> \K/\F'\n"seI/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMineral\i the testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality.\p\B2\b \IChem.\i etc. the determination of the content or concentration of a substance.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i make an assay of (a metal or ore).\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \IChem.\i etc. determine the concentration of (a substance).\p\B3\b \Itr.\i show (content) on being assayed.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i make an assay.\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \Iarchaic\i attempt. \Bassayer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iassaier,\i \Iassai,\i variant of \Iessayer,\i \Iessai:\i see \J\Xessay\x\j\c
<hw>assay office</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b an establishment which awards hallmarks.\p\B2\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b an office for the assaying of ores.\Ksense 2 new f. SOED, incomings oct 94\k
<hw>assegai</hw> \K/"as\F'\ngVI/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bassagai)\b a slender iron-tipped spear of hardwood, esp. as used by southern African peoples. \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete French \Iazagaie\i or Portuguese \Iazagaia\i from Arabic \Iaz-zagayah,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Izagayah\i 'spear'\c
<hw>assemblage</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEmblIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of bringing or coming together.\p\B2\b a collection of things or gathering of people.\p\B3\b \Ba\b the act or an instance of fitting together. \Bb\b an object made of pieces fitted together.\p\B4\b \IArt\i a work of art made by grouping found or unrelated objects.
<hw>assemble</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEmb(\F'\n)l/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i gather together; collect.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i arrange in order.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Iesp. Mech.\i fit together the parts of. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iasembler,\i ultimately from Latin (as \J\Xad-\x\j + \Isimul\i 'together')\c
<hw>assembler</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEmbl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a person who assembles a machine or its parts.\p\B2\b \IComputing\i \Ba\b a program for converting instructions written in low-level symbolic code into machine code. \Bb\b the low-level symbolic code itself; an assembly language.
<hw>assembly</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEmbli/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b the act or an instance of assembling or gathering together.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a group of persons gathered together, esp. as a deliberative body or a legislative council. \Bb\b a gathering of the entire membership or a section of a school, esp. at the start of a day.\p\B3\b the assembling of a machine or structure or its parts.\p\B4\b \IMil.\i a call to assemble, given by drum or bugle. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iasemblee,\i fem. past part. of \Iasembler:\i see \J\Xassemble\x\j\c
<hw>assembly language</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i the low-level symbolic code converted by an assembler.
<hw>assembly line</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IIndustry\i machinery arranged in stages by which a product is progressively assembled.
<hw>assembly rooms</hw> \In.pl.\i \Besp. Brit.\b public rooms in which meetings or social functions are held.
<hw>assembly shop</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bassembly room)\b \IEngin\i a place where a machine or its components are assembled.
<hw>assent</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnt/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.intr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b express agreement \3(assented to my view).\c\p\B2\b consent \3(assented to my request).\c\p\In.\i\p\B1\b mental or inward acceptance or agreement \3(a nod of assent).\c\p\B2\b consent or sanction, esp. official. \Bassenter\b\p\In.\i\p(also \Bassentor).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iasenter,\i \Ias(s)ente,\i ultimately from Latin \Iassentari\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isentire\i 'think')\c
<hw>assentient</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEnS(\F'\n)nt/, /-SI\F'\nnt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i assenting.\p\In.\i\pa person who assents. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iassentire\i (as \J\Xassent\x,\j \J\X-ent\x)\j\c
<hw>assert</hw> \K/\F'\n"s\F'\n:t/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i declare; state clearly \3(assert one's beliefs;\c \2assert that it is so).\c\p\B2\b \Irefl.\i insist on one's rights or opinions; demand recognition.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i vindicate a claim to \3(assert one's rights).\c \Bassertor\b\p\In.\i\p(also \Basserter).\b\Kvar. new in COD9 f. POD, NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iasserere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iserere sert-\i 'join')\c
<hw>assertion</hw> \K/\F'\n"s\F'\n:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a declaration; a forthright statement.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of asserting.\p\B3\b (also \Bself-assertion)\b insistence on the recognition of one's rights or claims. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iassertion\i or Latin \Iassertio\i (as \J\Xassert\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>assess</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEs/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b estimate the size or quality of. \Bb\b \ICommerce\i estimate the value of (a property) for taxation etc.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bon)\b\i fix the amount of (a tax etc.) and impose it on a person or community. \Bb\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bin,\b \Bat)\b\i fine or tax (a person, community, etc.) in or at a specific amount \3(assessed them at ú100).\c \Bassessable\b \Iadj.\i \Bassessment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \Iassesser\i from Latin \Iassidere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isedere\i 'sit')\c
<hw>assessor</hw> \K/\F'\n"sEs\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i a person who assesses taxes or estimates the value of property for taxation or \BBrit.\b insurance purposes.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i a person called upon to advise a judge, committee of inquiry, etc., on technical questions.\Kassessorial omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iassessour\i from Latin \Iassessor -oris\i 'assistant-judge' (as \J\Xassess\x,\j \J\X-or\x (1)):\j sense 1 from medieval Latin\c
<hw>asset</hw> \K/"asEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a useful or valuable quality. \Bb\b a person or thing possessing such a quality or qualities \3(is an asset to the firm).\c\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \ICommerce\i \Ba\b property and possessions, esp. regarded as having value in meeting debts, commitments, etc. \Bb\b any possession having value. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iassets\i (taken as pl.), via Anglo-French \Iasetz\i from Old French \Iasez\i enough, ultimately from Latin (as \J\Xad\x\j + \Isatis\i 'enough')\c
<hw>asset-stripping</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i the practice of taking over a company and selling off its assets to make a profit. \Basset-stripper\b\p\In.\i\p\K-er new in COD9 f. corpus, RL Jul 93\k
<hw>assibilate</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIbIleIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \IPhonet.\i \IPhilol\i\p\B1\b pronounce (a sound) as a sibilant or affricate ending in a sibilant.\p\B2\b alter (a syllable) to become this. \Bassibilation\b \K/-"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iassibilare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isibilare\i 'hiss')\c
<hw>assiduity</hw> \K/asI"dju:Iti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b constant or close attention to what one is doing.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i constant attentions to another person. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iassiduitas\i (as \J\Xassiduous\x,\j \J\X-ity\x)\j\c
<hw>assign</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVIn/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i \Ba\b allot as a share or responsibility. \Bb\b appoint to a position, task, etc.\p\B2\b fix (a time, place, etc.) for a specific purpose.\p\B3\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i ascribe or refer to (a reason, date, etc.) \3(assigned the manuscript to 1832).\c\p\B4\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i \ILaw\i transfer formally (esp. personal property) to (another).\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a person to whom property or rights are legally transferred. \Bassignable\b \Iadj.\i \Bassigner\b\p\In.\i\p\Bassignor\b\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i (in sense 4 of \Iv.).\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iasi(g)ner\i from Latin \Iassignare\i 'mark out to' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isignum\i 'sign')\c
<hw>assignation</hw> \K/asIg"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b an appointment to meet. \Bb\b a secret appointment, esp. between illicit lovers.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of assigning or being assigned. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iassignatio -onis\i (as \J\Xassign\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>assignee</hw> \K/asI"ni:/, /-sVI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw etc.\i\p\B1\b a person appointed to act for another.\p\B2\b an assign. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IassignΘ,\i past part. of \Iassigner\i \J\Xassign\x\j\c
<hw>assignment</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVInm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b something assigned, esp. a task allotted to a person.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of assigning or being assigned.\p\B3\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b a legal transfer. \Bb\b the document effecting this. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iassignement\i from medieval Latin \Iassignamentum\i (as \J\Xassign\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>assimilate</hw> \K/\F'\n"sImIleIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b absorb and digest (food etc.) into the body. \Bb\b absorb (information etc.) into the mind. \Bc\b absorb (people) into a larger group.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bwith)\b\i make like; cause to resemble.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \IPhonet.\i make (a sound) more like another in the same or next word.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i be absorbed into the body, mind, or a larger group. \Bassimilable\b \Iadj.\i \Bassimilation\b \K/-"leIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bassimilative\b \Iadj.\i \Bassimilator\b\p\In.\i\p\Bassimilatory\b \K/-l\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iassimilare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isimilis\i 'like')\c
<hw>assimilationist</hw> \K/\F'\nsImI"leIS(\F'\n)nIst/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa person who advocates or participates in racial or cultural integration. \Iadj.\i of, relating to, or promoting the views of assimilationists.\Knew f. Incs, NSOED Sept 94\k
<hw>assist</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIst/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bin\b + verbal noun)\i help (a person, process, etc.) \3(assisted them in running the playgroup).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bin,\b \Bat)\b\i attend or be present \3(assisted in the ceremony).\c\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b\p\B1\b a help; an act of helping.\p\B2\b \IBaseball etc.\i a player's action of helping to put out an opponent, score a goal, etc. \Bassistance\b\p\In.\i\p\Bassister\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French \Iassister\i from Latin \Iassistere\i 'take one's stand by' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isistere\i 'take one's stand')\c
<hw>assistant</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIst(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a helper.\p\B2\b \I(often \Battrib.)\b\i a person who assists, esp. as a subordinate in a particular job or role.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b = \J\Xshop assistant\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iassistent\i from medieval Latin \Iassistent-\i present participial stem of \Iassistere\i (as \J\Xassist\x,\j \J\X-ant\x,\j \J\X-ent\x)\j\c
<hw>assisted place</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i (in the UK) a place in an independent school which is wholly or partially subsidized by the State.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus, NEWS Feb 94\k
<hw>assize</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVIz/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \ILaw\i \Ihist.\i a court sitting at intervals in each county of England and Wales to administer the civil and criminal law. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ias(s)ise,\i fem. past part. of \Iaseeir\i 'sit at', from Latin \Iassidere:\i cf. \J\Xassess\x\j\c
<hw>Assoc.</hw> \Iabbr.\i (as part of a title) Association.
<hw>associable</hw> \K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSI\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/, /-sI-/\k \Iadj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i capable of being connected in thought. \Bassociability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French, from \Iassocier\i (as \J\Xassociate\x,\j \J\X-able\x)\j\c
<hw>associate</hw> \Iv., n., & adj.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSIeIt/, /-sIeIt/\k\p\B1\b \Itr.\i connect in the mind \3(associate holly with Christmas).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i join or combine.\p\B3\b \Irefl.\i make oneself a partner; declare oneself in agreement \3(associate myself in your endeavour;\c \2did not want to associate ourselves with the plan).\c\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i combine for a common purpose.\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i meet frequently or have dealings.\p\In.\i\p\K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSI\F'\nt/, /-sI\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b a business partner or colleague.\p\B2\b a friend or companion.\p\B3\b a subordinate member of a body, institute, etc.\p\B4\b a thing connected with another. \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSI\F'\nt/, /-sI\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b joined in companionship, function, or dignity.\p\B2\b allied; in the same group or category.\p\B3\b of less than full status \3(associate member).\c \Bassociateship\b \K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSI\F'\ntSIp/, /\F'\n"s\F'\nUs-/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bassociator\b \K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSIeIt\F'\n/, /\F'\n"s\F'\nUs-/\k\p\In.\i\p\Kassociatory omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iassociatus,\i past part. of \Iassociare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isocius\i 'sharing, allied')\c
<hw>association</hw> \K/\F'\ns\F'\nUsI"eIS(\F'\n)n/, /-SI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a group of people organized for a joint purpose; a society.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of associating.\p\B3\b fellowship; human contact or cooperation.\p\B4\b a mental connection between ideas.\p\B5\b \IChem.\i a loose aggregation of molecules.\p\B6\b \IEcol.\i a group of associated plants. \Bassociational\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iassociation\i or medieval Latin \Iassociatio\i (as \J\Xassociate\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>Association Football</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IFootball\i football played by sides of 11 players with a round ball which may not be handled during play except by the goalkeepers.
<hw>associative</hw> \K/\F'\n"s\F'\nUSI\F'\ntIv/, /-sI-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or involving association.\p\B2\b \IMath.\i & \IComputing\i involving the condition that a group of quantities connected by operators (see \J\Xoperator\x 4)\j gives the same result whatever their grouping, as long as their order remains the same, e.g. \I(a\i ╫ \Ib)\i ╫ \Ic\i = \Ia\i ╫ \I(b\i ╫ \Ic).\i\Kcer\k
<hw>assonance</hw> \K/"as(\F'\n)n\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhilol\i the resemblance of sound between two syllables in nearby words, arising from the rhyming of two or more accented vowels, but not consonants, or the use of identical consonants with different vowels, e.g. \Isonnet,\i \Iporridge,\i and \Ikilled,\i \Icold,\i \Iculled.\i \Bassonant\b \Iadj.\i \Bassonate\b \K/-neIt/\k \Iv.intr.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iassonare\i 'respond to' (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isonus\i 'sound')\c
<hw>assort</hw> \K/\F'\n"sO:t/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i classify or arrange in groups.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i suit; fit into; harmonize with (usu. in phrs. \Bassort ill\b or \Bwell with).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iassorter,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Isorte\i \J\Xsort\x\j\c
<hw>assortative mating</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i non-random mating resulting from the selection of similar partners.
<hw>assorted</hw> \K/\F'\n"sO:tId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of various sorts put together; miscellaneous.\p\B2\b sorted into groups.\p\B3\b matched \3(ill-assorted;\c \2poorly assorted).\c
<hw>assortment</hw> \K/\F'\n"sO:tm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\pa set of various sorts of things or people put together; a mixed collection.
<hw>assuage</hw> \K/\F'\n"sweIdZ/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b calm or soothe (a person, pain, etc.).\p\B2\b appease or relieve (an appetite or desire). \Bassuagement\b\p\In.\i\p\Kassuager omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ias(s)ouagier,\i ultimately from Latin \Isuavis\i 'sweet'\c
<hw>assume</hw> \K/\F'\n"sju:m/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bthat\b + clause)\i take or accept as being true, without proof, for the purpose of argument or action.\p\B2\b simulate or pretend (ignorance etc.).\p\B3\b undertake (an office or duty).\p\B4\b take or put on oneself or itself (an aspect, attribute, etc.) \3(the problem assumed immense proportions).\c\p\B5\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i arrogate, usurp, or seize (credit, power, etc.) \3(assumed to himself the right of veto).\c \Bassumable\b \Iadj.\i \Bassumedly\b \K/-mIdli/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iassumere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isumere sumpt-\i 'take')\c
<hw>assuming</hw> \K/\F'\n"sju:mIN/\k \Iadj.\i (of a person) taking too much for granted; arrogant, presumptuous.
<hw>assumption</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVm(p)S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of assuming.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the act or an instance of accepting without proof. \Bb\b a thing assumed in this way.\p\B3\b arrogance.\p\B4\b \B(Assumption)\b \IRelig\i \Ba\b the reception of the Virgin Mary bodily into heaven, according to Roman Catholic doctrine. \Bb\b the feast in honour of this, 15 Aug. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iasompsion\i or Latin \Iassumptio\i (as \J\Xassume\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>assumptive</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVm(p)tIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b taken for granted.\p\B2\b arrogant. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iassumptivus\i (as \J\Xassume\x,\j \J\X-ive\x)\j\c
<hw>assurance</hw> \K/\F'\n"SU\F'\nr(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a positive declaration that a thing is true.\p\B2\b a solemn promise or guarantee.\p\B3\b \Besp. Brit.\b \ICommerce\i insurance, esp. life insurance.\p\B4\b certainty.\p\B5\b \Ba\b self-confidence. \Bb\b impudence. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaseⁿrance\i from \Iaseⁿrer\i (as \J\Xassure\x,\j \J\X-ance\x)\j\c
<hw>assure</hw> \K/\F'\n"SU\F'\n/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i \Ba\b make (a person) sure; convince \3(assured him of my sincerity).\c \Bb\b tell (a person) confidently \3(assured him the bus went to Westminster).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b make certain of; ensure the happening etc. of \3(will assure her success).\c \Bb\b make safe (against overthrow etc.).\p\B3\b \Besp. Brit.\b insure (esp. a life).\p\B4\b (as \Bassured\b \Iadj.)\i \Ba\b guaranteed. \Bb\b self-confident.\p\1rest assured\c remain confident. \Kassurable omitted Jul 93\k\Bassurer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaseⁿrer,\i ultimately from Latin (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Isecurus\i 'safe', \J\Xsecure\x)\j\c
<hw>Assyrian</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIrI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \Ihist.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i an inhabitant of Assyria, an ancient kingdom in Mesopotamia\ILanguage\i .\p\B2\b the Akkadian dialect of Assyria. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Assyria or its dialect. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAssyrius\i from Greek \IAssurios\i 'of Assyria'\c
<hw>Assyriology</hw> \K/\F'\nsIrI"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i the study of the language, history, and antiquities of Assyria. \BAssyriologist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>AST</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IHorol\i Atlantic Standard Time.
<hw>astable</hw> \K/\F'\n"steIb(\F'\n)l/, /eI-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b not stable.\p\B2\b \IElectr.\i of or relating to a circuit which oscillates spontaneously between unstable states.
<hw>astatic</hw> \K/\F'\n"statIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b not static; unstable or unsteady.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i not tending to keep one position or direction. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iastatos\i 'unstable' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Ista-\i 'stand')\c
<hw>astatic galvanometer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a galvanometer in which the effect of the earth's magnetic field on the meter needle is greatly reduced.
<hw>astatine</hw> \K/"ast\F'\nti:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a radioactive element, the heaviest of the halogens, which occurs naturally and can be artificially made by nuclear bombardment of bismuth (symbol \BAt).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3formed as \J\Xastatic\x\j + \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>aster</hw> \K/"ast\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IAster\i (daisy family), with bright rayed flowers, e.g. the Michaelmas daisy. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iaster\i 'star'\c
<hw>asterisk</hw> \K/"ast\F'\nrIsk/\k \In. & v.\i \IPrinting\i\p\In.\i\pa symbol (*) used in printing and writing to mark words etc. for reference, to stand for omitted matter, etc. \Iv.tr.\i mark with an asterisk. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Late Latin \Iasteriscus\i from Greek \Iasteriskos,\i diminutive of \Iaster\i 'star'\c
<hw>asterism</hw> \K/"ast\F'\nrIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAstron\i a cluster of stars.\p\B2\b a group of three asterisks (&astm.) calling attention to following text.\Kcer from Ref Comp Jan 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iasterismos\i (as \J\Xaster\x,\j \J\X-ism\x)\j\c
<hw>astern</hw> \K/\F'\n"st\F'\n:n/\k \Iadv.\i \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i \INaut.\i & \IAeron.\i\p\B1\b aft; away to the rear.\p\B2\b backwards. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xstern\x (2)\j\c
<hw>asteroid</hw> \K/"ast\F'\nrOId/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAstron\i a small rocky body orbiting the sun, mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.\p\B2\b \IZool.\i a starfish. \Basteroidal\b \K/ast\F'\n"rOId(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iasteroeides\i (as \J\Xaster\x,\j \J\X-oid\x)\j\c
<hw>asthenia</hw> \K/\F'\ns"Ti:nI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i loss of strength; debility. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iastheneia\i from \Iasthenes\i 'weak'\c
<hw>asthenic</hw> \K/\F'\ns"TEnIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of lean or long-limbed build.\p\B2\b \IMed.\i of or characterized by asthenia.\p\In.\i\pa lean long-limbed person. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iasthenikos\i from \Iasthenes\i 'weak'\c
<hw>asthenosphere</hw> \K/\F'\ns"TEn\F'\nsfI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol.\i the upper layer of the earth's mantle, whose capacity for gradual flow is thought to give rise to continental drift.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED Sept. 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iasthenes\i 'weak' + \J\X-o-\x\j + \J\Xsphere\x\j\c
<hw>asthma</hw> \K/"asm\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a usu. allergic respiratory disease, often with paroxysms of difficult breathing. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Greek \Iasthma -matos,\i from \Iazo\i 'breathe hard'\c
<hw>asthmatic</hw> \K/as"matIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IMed\i \Iadj.\i relating to or suffering from asthma.\p\In.\i\pa person suffering from asthma. \Basthmatically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iasthmaticus\i from Greek \Iasthmatikos\i (as \J\Xasthma\x,\j \J\X-ic\x)\j\c
<hw>Asti</hw> \K/"asti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAstis)\b \IDrink\i an Italian white wine. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAsti,\i a province in Piedmont\c
<hw>astigmatism</hw> \K/\F'\n"stIgm\F'\ntIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a defect in the eye or in a lens resulting in distorted images, as light rays are prevented from meeting at a common focus. \Bastigmatic\b \K/astIg"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Istigma -matos\i 'point'\c
<hw>astilbe</hw> \K/\F'\n"stIlbi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IAstilbe\i (saxifrage family), with plumelike heads of tiny white or red flowers. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Istilbe,\i fem. of \Istilbos\i 'glittering'), from the inconspicuous (individual) flowers\c
<hw>astir</hw> \K/\F'\n"st\F'\n:/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i\p\B1\b in motion.\p\B2\b awake and out of bed \3(astir early;\c \2already astir).\c\p\B3\b excited. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xstir\x (1)\p\In.\i\p\j\c
<hw>Asti spumante</hw> \K/spu:"manti/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i a sparkling form of Asti.
<hw>astonish</hw> \K/\F'\n"stQnIS/\k \Iv.tr.\i amaze; surprise greatly. \Bastonishing\b \Iadj.\i \Bastonishingly\b \Iadv.\i \Bastonishment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3obsolete \Iastone\i via Old French \Iestoner\i from Gallo-Roman, ultimately from Latin (as \J\Xex-\x (1),\j \Itonare\i 'to thunder'): see \J\X-ish\x (2)\j\c
<hw>astound</hw> \K/\F'\n"staUnd/\k \Iv.tr.\i shock with alarm or surprise; amaze. \Bastounding\b \Iadj.\i \Bastoundingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3obsolete \Iastound\i \I(adj.)\i = \Iastoned,\i past part. of obsolete \Iastone:\i see \J\Xastonish\x\j\c
<hw>astraddle</hw> \K/\F'\n"strad(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i in a straddling position.
<hw>astragal</hw> \K/"astr\F'\ng(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit.\i a small semicircular moulding round the top or bottom of a column. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xastragalus\x\j\c
<hw>astragalus</hw> \K/\F'\n"strag(\F'\n)l\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bastragali\b \K/-lVI/\k)\p\B1\b \IAnat.\i = \J\Xtalus\x (1).\j\p\B2\b \IBot.\i a leguminous plant of the genus \IAstragalus,\i e.g. the milk-vetch. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, from Greek \Iastragalos\i 'ankle-bone, moulding, a plant'\c
<hw>astrakhan</hw> \K/astr\F'\n"kan/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the dark curly fleece of young lambs from Astrakhan.\p\B2\b \ITextiles\i a cloth imitating astrakhan. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAstrakhan,\i a city and region in Russia\c
<hw>astral</hw> \K/"astr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or connected with the stars.\p\B2\b consisting of stars; starry.\p\B3\b \ITheosophy\i relating to or arising from a supposed ethereal existence, esp. of a counterpart of the body, associated with oneself in life and surviving after death. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iastralis\i from \Iastrum\i 'star'\c
<hw>astray</hw> \K/\F'\n"streI/\k \Iadv. & predic.adj.\i\p\B1\b in or into error or sin (esp. in phr. \Blead astray).\b\p\B2\b out of the right way.\p\Bgo astray\b be lost or mislaid. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IestraiΘ,\i past part. of \Iestraier,\i ultimately from Latin \Iextra\i 'out of bounds' + \Ivagari\i 'wander'\c
<hw>astride</hw> \K/\F'\n"strVId/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i with a leg on each side.\p\B2\b with legs apart. \Iprep.\i with a leg on each side of; extending across.
<hw>astringent</hw> \K/\F'\n"strIn(d)Z(\F'\n)nt/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i causing the contraction of body tissues.\p\B2\b \IMed\i checking bleeding.\p\B3\b severe, austere.\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i an astringent substance or drug. \Bastringency\b\p\In.\i\p\Bastringently\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \Iastringere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Istringere\i 'bind')\c
<hw>astro-</hw> \K/"astr\F'\nU/\k \Icomb. form\i \IAstron\i\p\B1\b relating to the stars or celestial objects.\p\B2\b relating to outer space. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek from \Iastron\i 'star'\c
<hw>astrochemistry</hw> \K/astr\F'\nU"kEmIstri/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i the study of molecules and radicals in interstellar space.
<hw>astrodome</hw> \K/"astr\F'\nd\F'\nUm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i\p\B1\b a domed window in an aircraft for astronomical observations.\p\B2\b \Besp. US\b an enclosed stadium with a domed roof.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. NSOED, NEWS Jul 93\k
<hw>astroid</hw> \K/"astrOId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMath.\i a hypocycloid with four cusps (like a square with concave sides).\Knew f. NSOED, file Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iastron\i 'star' + \J\X-oid\x\j\c
<hw>astrolabe</hw> \K/"astr\F'\nleIb/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i an instrument, usu. consisting of a disc and pointer, formerly used to make astronomical measurements, esp. of the altitudes of celestial bodies, and as an aid in navigation. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iastrelabe\i and medieval Latin \Iastrolabium\i from Greek \Iastrolabon,\i neut. of \Iastrolabos\i 'star-taking'\c
<hw>astrology</hw> \K/\F'\n"strQl\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstrol\i the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as an influence on human affairs. \Bastrologer\b\p\In.\i\p\Bastrological\b \K/astr\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bastrologist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iastrologie\i and Latin \Iastrologia\i from Greek (as \J\Xastro-\x,\j \J\X-logy\x)\j\c
<hw>astronaut</hw> \K/"astr\F'\nnO:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i a person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft. \Bastronautical\b \K/astr\F'\n"nO:tIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xastro-\x,\j on the pattern of \Iaeronaut,\i \Iaquanaut\i\c
<hw>astronautics</hw> \K/astr\F'\n"nO:tIks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the science of space travel.
<hw>astronomical</hw> \K/astr\F'\n"nQmIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Bastronomic)\b\p\B1\b \IAstron\i of or relating to astronomy.\p\B2\b extremely large; too large to contemplate. \Bastronomically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iastronomicus\i from Greek \Iastronomikos\i\c
<hw>astronomical unit</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i a unit of measurement in astronomy equal to the mean distance from the centre of the earth to the centre of the sun, 1.496 ╫ 1011 metres or 92.9 million miles.
<hw>astronomy</hw> \K/\F'\n"strQn\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the scientific study of celestial objects, of space, and of the physical universe as a whole. \Bastronomer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iastronomie\i and Latin from Greek \Iastronomia,\i from \Iastronomos\i \I(adj.)\i ' star-arranging', from \Iastron\i 'star', \Inemo\i 'arrange'\c
<hw>astrophysics</hw> \K/astr\F'\n(U)"fIzIks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i a branch of astronomy concerned with the physics and chemistry of celestial bodies. \Bastrophysical\b \Iadj.\i \Bastrophysicist\b \K/-sIst/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>AstroTurf</hw> \K/"astr\F'\nt\F'\n:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i \Ipropr.\i an artificial grass surface, esp. for sports fields. \Bastroturfed\b \Iadj.\i\Kastroturfed new f. incomings Feb 95\k \BEtymology:\b \3\IAstro\idome, name of a sports stadium in Texas where it was first used, + \J\Xturf\x\j\c
<hw>astute</hw> \K/\F'\n"stju:t/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b shrewd; sagacious.\p\B2\b crafty. \Bastutely\b \Iadv.\i \Bastuteness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3obsolete French \Iastut\i or Latin \Iastutus,\i from \Iastus\i 'craft'\c
<hw>asylum</hw> \K/\F'\n"sVIl\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b sanctuary; protection, esp. for those pursued by the law \3(seek asylum).\c\p\B2\b \ISociol Psychol\i \Iesp. hist.\i any of various kinds of institution offering shelter and support to distressed or destitute individuals, esp. the mentally ill. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin from Greek \Iasulon\i 'refuge' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Isulon\i 'right of seizure')\c
<hw>asymmetry</hw> \K/a"sImItri/, /eI-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IMath\i\p\B1\b lack of symmetry.\p\B2\b an instance of this.\Ksense 2 new f. corpus Jan 94\k \Basymmetric\b \K/-"mEtrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Basymmetrical\b \K/-"mEtrIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Basymmetrically\b \K/-"mEtrIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iasummetria\i (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \J\Xsymmetry\x)\j\c
<hw>asymptomatic</hw> \K/\F'\nsImpt\F'\n"matIk/, /eI-/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed\i producing or showing no symptoms.
<hw>asymptote</hw> \K/"asIm(p)t\F'\nUt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMath\i a line that continually approaches a given curve but does not meet it at a finite distance. \Basymptotic\b \K/asIm(p)"tQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Basymptotically\b \K/asIm(p)"tQtIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iasymptota\i \I(linea\i 'line') from Greek \Iasumptotos\i 'not falling together' (as \J\Xa-\x (1),\j \Isun\i 'together' + \Iptotos\i 'falling' from \Ipipto\i 'fall')\c
<hw>asynchronous</hw> \K/\F'\n"sINkr\F'\nn\F'\ns/, /eI-/\k \Iadj.\i not synchronous. \Basynchronously\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>asyndeton</hw> \K/\F'\n"sIndIt(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Basyndeta\b \K/-t\F'\n/\k) \IGram\i the omission of a conjunction. \Basyndetic\b \K/asIn"dEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Iasundeton,\i neut. adj. from \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Isundetos\i 'bound together'\c
<hw>At</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element astatine.
<hw>at</hw> \K/at/, /\F'\nt/\k \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b expressing position, exact or approximate \3(wait at the corner;\c \2at the top of the hill;\c \2met at Bath;\c \2is at school;\c \2at a distance).\c\p\B2\b expressing a point in time \3(see you at three;\c \2went at dawn).\c\p\B3\b expressing a point in a scale or range \3(at boiling point;\c \2at his best).\c\p\B4\b expressing engagement or concern in a state or activity \3(at war;\c \2at work;\c \2at odds).\c\p\B5\b expressing a value or rate \3(sell at ú10 each).\c\p\B6\b \Ba\b with or with reference to; in terms of \3(at a disadvantage;\c \2annoyed at losing;\c \2good at cricket;\c \2play at fighting;\c \2sick at heart;\c \2came at a run;\c \2at short notice;\c \2work at it).\c \Bb\b in response to \3(starts at a touch).\c \Bc\b by means of \3(drank it at a gulp).\c\p\B7\b expressing: \Ba\b motion towards \3(arrived at the station;\c \2went at them).\c \Bb\b aim towards or pursuit of (physically or conceptually) \3(aim at the target;\c \2work at a solution;\c \2guess at the truth;\c \2laughed at us;\c \2has been at the milk again).\c\p\1at all\c \Isee\i \J\Xall\x.\j\p\1at hand\c \Isee\i \J\Xhand\x.\j\p\1at home\c \Isee\i \J\Xhome\x.\j\p\1at it\c\p\B1\b engaged in an activity; working hard.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i repeating a habitual (usu. disapproved of) activity \3(found them at it again).\c\p\1at once\c \Isee\i \J\Xonce\x.\j\p\1at that\c moreover \3(found one, and a good one at that).\c\p\1at times\c \Isee\i \J\Xtime\x.\j\p\1where it's at\c \Islang\i the fashionable scene or activity. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµt\i from Germanic, related to Latin \Iad\i 'to'\c
<hw>at-</hw> \K/at/, /\F'\nt/\k \Iprefix\i \Iassim. form of\i \J\Xad-\x\j before \It.\i
<hw>ataraxy</hw> \K/"at\F'\nraksi/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bataraxia\b \K/at\F'\n"raksI\F'\n/\k) calmness or tranquillity; imperturbability. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iataraxie\i from Greek \Iataraxia\i 'impassiveness'\c
<hw>atavism</hw> \K/"at\F'\nvIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i\p\B1\b a resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents in plants or animals.\p\B2\b reversion to an earlier type. \Batavistic\b \K/-"vIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Batavistically\b \K/-"vIstIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iatavisme\i from Latin \Iatavus\i 'great-grandfather's grandfather'\c
<hw>ataxy</hw> \K/\F'\n"taksi/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bataxia\b \K/-sI\F'\n/\k) \IMed.\i the loss of full control of bodily movements. \Bataxic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iataxia\i from Greek (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Itaxis\i 'order')\c
<hw>at bat</hw> \In. & adv.\i \IBaseball\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an inning.\p\B2\b a player's turn at batting. \Iadv.\i batting.\Knew f. Inc.; already used in defs. Sept 94\k
<hw>ATC</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IAeron\i\p\B1\b air traffic control.\p\B2\b Air Training Corps.
<hw>ate</hw> \I\Ipast\i of\i \J\Xeat\x.\j
<hw>-ate (1)</hw> \K/\F'\nt/, /eIt/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming nouns denoting: \Ba\b status or office \3(doctorate;\c \2episcopate).\c \Bb\b state or function \3(curate;\c \2magistrate;\c \2mandate).\c\p\B2\b forming nouns denoting a group \3(electorate).\c\p\B3\b \IChem.\i forming nouns denoting the salt of an acid with a corresponding name ending in \I-ic\i \3(chlorate;\c \2nitrate).\c\p\B4\b \IChem.\i forming nouns denoting a product \3(condensate;\c \2filtrate).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or suggested by Old French \I-at\i or \IΘ(e),\i or from Latin \I-atus\i noun or past part.: cf. \J\X-ate\x (2)\j\c
<hw>-ate (2)</hw> \K/\F'\nt/, /eIt/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming adjectives and nouns \3(associate;\c \2delegate;\c \2duplicate;\c \2separate).\c\p\B2\b forming adjectives from Latin or English nouns and adjectives \3(cordate;\c \2insensate;\c \2Italianate).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or influenced by French \I-Θ\i or its source, Latin \I-atus,\i past part. of verbs ending in \I-are\i\c
<hw>-ate (3)</hw> \K/eIt/\k \Isuffix\i forming verbs \3(associate;\c \2duplicate;\c \2fascinate;\c \2hyphenate;\c \2separate).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or influenced by French \I-er\i or its source, Latin \I-are\i (past part. \I-atus):\i cf. \J\X-ate\x (2)\j\c
<hw>A-team</hw>\p\In.\i\pa group consisting of one's best workers, advisers, etc.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus, files Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3from sports terminology in which an organization's A-team is its best team\c
<hw>atelier</hw> \K/\F'\n"tElIeI/\k\p\In.\i\pa workshop or studio, esp. of an artist or designer. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>a tempo</hw> \K/A: "tEmp\F'\nU/\k \Iadv.\i \IMus.\i in the previous tempo. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, literally 'in time'\c
<hw>Athanasian Creed</hw> \K/aT\F'\n"neIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a summary of Christian doctrine formerly attributed to Athanasius (bishop of Alexandria d. 373), but probably dating from the 5th c.
<hw>atheism</hw> \K/"eITIIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i the theory or belief that God does not exist. \Batheist\b\p\In.\i\p\Batheistic\b \K/-"IstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Batheistical\b \K/-"IstIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \IathΘisme\i from Greek \Iatheos\i 'without God' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Itheos\i 'god')\c
<hw>atheling</hw> \K/"aT(\F'\n)lIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ihist.\i a prince or lord in Anglo-Saxon England. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµtheling,\i from a West Germanic base meaning 'race, family': see \J\X-ing\x (3)\j\c
<hw>athematic</hw> \K/aTI"matIk/, /eI-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMus.\i not based on the use of themes.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i (of a verb form) having a suffix attached to the stem without a connecting (thematic) vowel.
<hw>athenaeum</hw> \K/aTI"ni:\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Batheneum)\b \IEducation\i\p\B1\b an institution for literary or scientific study.\p\B2\b a library. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \IAthenaeum\i from Greek \IAthenaion\i 'temple of Athene' (used as a place of teaching)\c
<hw>Athenian</hw> \K/\F'\n"Ti:nI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i a native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Athens. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Athens. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAtheniensis\i from \IAthenae,\i from Greek \IAthenai\i 'Athens', principal city of Greece\c
<hw>atherosclerosis</hw> \K/%aT\F'\nr\F'\nUsklI\F'\n"r\F'\nUsIs/, /-skl\F'\n-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the degeneration of the arteries because of the build-up of fatty deposits. \Batherosclerotic\b \K/-"rQtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAtherosklerose,\i from Greek \Iathere\i 'groats' + \J\Xsclerosis\x\j\c
<hw>athirst</hw> \K/\F'\n"T\F'\n:st/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i \Ipoet.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bfor)\b\i eager \3(athirst for knowledge).\c\p\B2\b thirsty. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iofthyrst\i for \Iofthyrsted,\i past part. of \Iofthyrstan\i 'be thirsty'\c
<hw>athlete</hw> \K/"aTli:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a skilled performer in physical exercises, esp. \BBrit.\b in track and field events.\p\B2\b a healthy person with natural athletic ability. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iathleta\i from Greek \Iathletes,\i from \Iathlein\i 'contend for a prize' from \Iathlon\i 'prize'\c
<hw>athlete's foot</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a fungal foot condition affecting esp. the skin between the toes.
<hw>athletic</hw> \K/aT"lEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to athletes or athletics \3(an athletic competition).\c\p\B2\b muscular or physically powerful. \Bathletically\b \Iadv.\i \Bathleticism\b \K/-"lEtIsIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \IathlΘtique\i or Latin \Iathleticus\i from Greek \Iathletikos\i (as \J\Xathlete\x,\j \J\X-ic\x)\j\c
<hw>athletics</hw> \K/aT"lEtIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(usu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \IAthletics\i\p\B1\b \Besp. Brit.\b \Ba\b track and field events \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2athletics meeting).\c \Bb\b the practice of these.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b physical sports and games of any kind.
<hw>at-home</hw>\p\In.\i\pa social reception in a person's home.
<hw>athwart</hw> \K/\F'\n"TwO:t/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b across from side to side (usu. obliquely).\p\B2\b perversely or in opposition. \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b from side to side of.\p\B2\b in opposition to. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xthwart\x\j\c
<hw>-atic</hw> \K/"atIk/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives and nouns \3(aquatic;\c \2fanatic;\c \2idiomatic).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \I-atique\i or Latin -\Iaticus,\i often ultimately from Greek \I-atikos\i\c
<hw>-ation</hw> \K/"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k \Isuffix\i\p\B1\b forming nouns denoting an action or an instance of it \3(alteration;\c \2flirtation;\c \2hesitation).\c\p\B2\b forming nouns denoting a result or product of action \3(plantation;\c \2starvation;\c \2vexation)\c (see also \J\X-fication\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3from or suggested by French \I-ation\i or from Latin \I-atio -ationis\i from verbs ending in \I-are:\i see \J\X-ion\x\j\c
<hw>-ative</hw> \K/\F'\ntIv/, /"eItIv/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives denoting a characteristic or propensity \3(authoritative;\c \2imitative;\c \2pejorative;\c \2qualitative;\c \2talkative).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or suggested by French \I-atif -ative\i or from Latin \I-ativus\i from past part. stem \I-at-\i of verbs ending in \I-are\i + \I-ivus\i (see \J\X-ive\x):\j cf. \J\X-atic\x\j\c
<hw>Atlantean</hw> \K/at"lantI\F'\nn/, /atl\F'\nn"ti:\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Iliterary\i of or like Atlas, esp. in physical strength.\p\B2\b of or relating to the legendary lost civilization of Atlantis.\Ksense 2 new f. Incomings Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3sense 1 from Latin \IAtlanteus\i (as \J\Xatlas\x):\j sense 2 from Greek \IAtlantis\i\c
<hw>atlantes</hw> \K/at"lanti:z/\k \In.pl.\i \IArchit.\i male figures carved in stone and used as columns to support the entablature of a Greek or Greek-style building. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, pl. of \IAtlas:\i see \J\Xatlas\x\j\c
<hw>Atlantic</hw> \K/at"lantIk/\k \In. & adj.\i \IGeog\i\p\In.\i\p\B(the Atlantic)\b = \J\XAtlantic Ocean\x.\j \Iadj.\i of or adjoining the Atlantic. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin \IAtlanticus\i from Greek \IAtlantikos\i (as \J\Xatlas\x,\j \J\X-ic\x):\j originally of the Atlas Mountains, then of the sea near the W. African coast\c
<hw>Atlanticism</hw> \K/at"lantI%sIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i belief in or support for Nato or the close relationship between western Europe and the US. \BAtlanticist\b \In. & adj.\i\Knew f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k
<hw>Atlantic Ocean</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i the ocean between Europe and Africa to the east, and America to the west.\Knew f. SOED Apr 94\k
<hw>Atlantic Standard Time</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \BAtlantic Time)\b \IHorol\i the standard time in a zone including the easternmost parts of mainland Canada, four hours behind GMT.
<hw>atlas</hw> \K/"atl\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeog\i a book of maps or charts.\p\B2\b \IAnat.\i the cervical vertebra of the backbone articulating with the skull at the neck. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \IAtlas -antos,\i the name of a Titan who held up the pillars of the universe, whose picture appeared at the beginning of early atlases\c
<hw>ATM</hw> \Iabbr.\i \ICommerce\i automated teller machine.\Knew f. incomings Sep 94\k
<hw>atm</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IPhysics\i atmosphere(s).
<hw>atman</hw> \K/"A:tm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IHinduism\i \IRelig\i\p\B1\b the real self.\p\B2\b the supreme spiritual principle. \BEtymology:\b \3Sanskrit \Iatmßn\i 'essence, breath'\c
<hw>atmosphere</hw> \K/"atm\F'\nsfI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IPhysics\i the envelope of gases surrounding the earth, any other planet, or any substance. \Bb\b the air in any particular place, esp. if unpleasant.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the pervading tone or mood of a place or situation, esp. with reference to the feelings or emotions evoked. \Bb\b the feelings or emotions evoked by a work of art, a piece of music, etc. \Bc\b a feeling of tension between people, caused by a disagreement etc.\Knew sense in COD9 f. corpus, COD box Jul 93\k\p\B3\b \IPhysics\i a unit of pressure equal to mean atmospheric pressure at sea level, 101,325 pascals (abbr.: \Batm).\b\Kabbr\k \Batmospheric\b \K/-"fErIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Batmospherical\b \K/-"fErIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Batmospherically\b \K/-"fErIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iatmosphaera\i from Greek \Iatmos\i 'vapour': see \J\Xsphere\x\j\c
<hw>atmospherics</hw> \K/atm\F'\ns"fErIks/\k \In.pl.\i \IMeteorol\i\p\B1\b electrical disturbance in the atmosphere, esp. caused by lightning.\p\B2\b interference with telecommunications caused by this.\p\B3\b \Ba\b actions intended to create a particular atmosphere or mood. \Bb\b a deliberately created atmosphere or mood.\Ksense 3 new f. incomings Oct 94\k
<hw>atoll</hw> \K/"atQl/, /\F'\n"tQl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i a ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon. \BEtymology:\b \3Maldivian \Iatolu\i\c
<hw>atom</hw> \K/"at\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem Physics\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the smallest particle of a chemical element that can take part in a chemical reaction. \Bb\b this particle as a source of nuclear energy.\p\B2\b \I(usu. with \Bneg.)\b\i the least portion of a thing or quality \3(not an atom of pity).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iatome\i and Latin \Iatomus\i from Greek \Iatomos\i 'indivisible'\c
<hw>atom bomb</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i a bomb which derives its power from the release of energy by nuclear fission.
<hw>atomic</hw> \K/\F'\n"tQmIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IChem Physics\i\p\B1\b concerned with or using atomic energy or atom bombs.\p\B2\b of or relating to an atom or atoms. \Batomically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iatomicus\i (as \J\Xatom\x,\j \J\X-ic\x)\j\c
<hw>atomic clock</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHorol\i a clock in which the periodic process (timescale) is regulated by the vibrations of an atomic or molecular system, such as caesium or ammonia.
<hw>atomicity</hw> \K/at\F'\n"mIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i\p\B1\b the number of atoms in the molecules of an element.\p\B2\b the state or fact of being composed of atoms.
<hw>atomic mass</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the mass of an atom measured in atomic mass units.
<hw>atomic mass unit</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights that is equal to one-twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12 (abbr.: \Bamu).\b\Kabbr\k
<hw>atomic number</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which is characteristic of a chemical element and determines its place in the periodic table (symbol \BZ).\b\Ksymb\k
<hw>atomic physics</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the branch of physics concerned with the structure of the atom and the characteristics of the subatomic particles.
<hw>atomic pile</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a nuclear reactor.
<hw>atomic spectrum</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the emission or absorption spectrum arising from electron transitions inside an atom and characteristic of the element.
<hw>atomic structure</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the structure of an atom as being a central positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged orbiting electrons.
<hw>atomic theory</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysics\i the theory that atoms are composed of subatomic particles.\p\B2\b the theory that all matter is made up of tiny indivisible particles called atoms, and esp. that the atoms of any one element are identical but differ from those of other elements and unite to form compounds in fixed proportions.\p\B3\b \IPhilos.\i atomism.
<hw>atomic warfare</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i \IPhysics\i warfare involving the use of atom bombs.
<hw>atomism</hw> \K/"at\F'\nmIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhilos.\i the theory that all matter consists of tiny individual particles.\p\B2\b \IPsychol.\i the theory that mental states are made up of elementary units. \Batomist\b\p\In.\i\p\Batomistic\b \K/-"mIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>atomize</hw> \K/"at\F'\nmVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b \IPhysics Chem\i reduce to atoms or fine particles.\p\B2\b fragment \3(atomized society).\c\Ksense 2 new f. corpus, Kpb, Sept 94\k\Batomization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>atomizer</hw> \K/"at\F'\nmVIz\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \B-iser)\b an instrument for emitting liquids as a fine spray.
<hw>atomy</hw> \K/"at\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \Iarchaic\i\p\B1\b a skeleton.\p\B2\b an emaciated body. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xanatomy\x\j taken as \Ian atomy\i\c
<hw>atonal</hw> \K/eI"t\F'\nUn(\F'\n)l/, /\F'\n-/\k \Iadj.\i \IMus.\i not written in any key or mode. \Batonality\b \K/-"nalIti/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>atone</hw> \K/\F'\n"t\F'\nUn/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bfor)\b\i make amends; expiate (for a wrong). \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xatonement\x\j\c
<hw>atonement</hw> \K/\F'\n"t\F'\nUnm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b expiation; reparation for a wrong or injury.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i the reconciliation of God and man.\p\1the Atonement\c \IRelig\i the expiation by Christ of mankind's sin. \BEtymology:\b \3\Iat one\i + \J\X-ment\x,\j influenced by medieval Latin \Iadunamentum\i and earlier \Ionement\i from obsolete \Ione\i \I(v.)\i 'to unite'\c
<hw>atonic</hw> \K/\F'\n"tQnIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IPhonet\i without accent or stress.\p\B2\b \IMed.\i lacking bodily tone. \Batony\b \K/"at\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>atop</hw> \K/\F'\n"tQp/\k \Iadv. & prep.\i \Iadv.\i \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i on the top. \Iprep.\i on the top of.
<hw>-ator</hw> \K/eIt\F'\n/\k \Isuffix\i forming agent nouns, usu. from Latin words (sometimes via French) \3(agitator;\c \2creator;\c \2equator;\c \2escalator).\c \ISee also\i \J\X-or\x (1).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I-ator\i\c
<hw>-atory</hw> \K/\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Isuffix\i forming adjectives meaning 'relating to or involving (a verbal action)' \3(amatory;\c \2explanatory;\c \2predatory).\c \ISee also\i \J\X-ory\x (2).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \I-atorius\i\c
<hw>atrium</hw> \K/"eItrI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Batriums\b or \Batria\b \K/-trI\F'\n/\k)\p\B1\b \IArchit\i \Ba\b the central court of an ancient Roman house. \Bb\b a usu. skylit central court rising through several storeys with galleries and rooms opening off at each level. \Bc\b (in a modern house) a central hall or glazed court with rooms opening off it.\p\B2\b \IAnat.\i a cavity in the body, esp. one of the two upper cavities of the heart, receiving blood from the veins. \Batrial\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>atrocious</hw> \K/\F'\n"tr\F'\nUS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b very bad or unpleasant \3(atrocious weather;\c \2their manners were atrocious).\c\p\B2\b extremely savage or wicked \3(atrocious cruelty).\c \Batrociously\b \Iadv.\i \Batrociousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iatrox -ocis\i 'cruel'\c
<hw>atrocity</hw> \K/\F'\n"trQsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b an extremely wicked or cruel act, esp. one involving physical violence or injury.\p\B2\b extreme wickedness. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IatrocitΘ\i or Latin \Iatrocitas\i (as \J\Xatrocious\x,\j \J\X-ity\x)\j\c
<hw>atrophy</hw> \K/"atr\F'\nfi/\k \Iv. & n.\i \IBiol\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i waste away through undernourishment, ageing, or lack of use; become emaciated.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i cause to atrophy.\p\In.\i\pthe process of atrophying; emaciation. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iatrophie\i or Late Latin \Iatrophia\i from Greek (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Itrophe\i 'food')\c
<hw>atropine</hw> \K/"atr\F'\npi:n/, /-In/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i a poisonous alkaloid found in deadly nightshade, used in medicine to dilate the pupil of the eye, and to treat intestinal spasm and counteract slowing of the heart. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \IAtropa belladonna\i 'deadly nightshade' from Greek \IAtropos\i 'inflexible', the name of one of the Fates\c
<hw>attach</hw> \K/\F'\n"tatS/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i fasten, affix, join.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \I(in \Bpassive;\b\i \Ifoll. by \Bto)\b\i be very fond of or devoted to \3(am deeply attached to her).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i attribute, assign (some function, quality, or characteristic) \3(can you attach a name to it?;\c \2attaches great importance to it).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i include; cause to form part of a thing \3(no conditions are attached).\c \Bb\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i be an attribute or characteristic \3(great prestige attaches to the job).\c\p\B5\b \Irefl.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i take part in; join \3(attached themselves to the expedition).\c\p\B6\b \Itr.\i appoint for special or temporary duties.\p\B7\b \Itr.\i \ILaw\i seize (a person or property) by legal authority. \Battachable\b \Iadj.\i\Kattacher omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iestachier\i 'fasten' from Germanic: in Law sense via Old French \Iatachier\i\c
<hw>attachΘ</hw> \K/\F'\n"taSeI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDiplomacy\i\p\B1\b a person appointed to an ambassador's staff, usu. with a special sphere of activity \3(military attachΘ;\c \2press attachΘ).\c\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b = \J\XattachΘ case\x.\j\Ksense 2 new f. kpb, incomings Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, past part. of \Iattacher:\i see \J\Xattach\x\j\c
<hw>attachΘ case</hw>\p\In.\i\pa small flat rectangular case for carrying documents etc.
<hw>attachment</hw> \K/\F'\n"tatSm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a thing attached or to be attached, esp. to a machine, device, etc., for a special function.\p\B2\b affection, devotion.\p\B3\b a means of attaching.\p\B4\b the act of attaching or the state of being attached.\p\B5\b \ILaw\i legal seizure.\p\B6\b \BBrit.\b a temporary position in, or secondment to, an organization. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iattachement,\i from \Iattacher\i (as \J\Xattach\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>attack</hw> \K/\F'\n"tak/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \IMil\i act against with (esp. armed) force.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i seek to hurt or defeat.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i criticize adversely.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i act harmfully upon \3(a virus attacking the nervous system;\c \2rust had attacked the metal).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i vigorously apply oneself to; begin work on \3(attacked his meal with gusto).\c\p\B6\b \Itr.\i (in various games) try to score goals, points, etc. against (one's opponents).\Ksense 6 new f. SOED Aug 94\k\p\B7\b \Iintr.\i make an attack.\p\B8\b \Iintr.\i be in a mode of attack.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an act, or the process, of acting against a person or thing with (esp. armed) force; an offensive operation or mode of behaviour.\p\B2\b \IMed\i a sudden occurrence of an illness.\p\B3\b gusto, vigour.\p\B4\b \IMus.\i the action or manner of beginning a piece, passage, etc.\p\B5\b \ISport\i a player or players seeking to score goals etc. \Battacker\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattaque,\i \Iattaquer\i from Italian \Iattacco\i 'attack', \Iattaccare\i \J\Xattach\x\j\c
<hw>attain</hw> \K/\F'\n"teIn/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i arrive at; reach (a goal etc.).\p\B2\b \Itr.\i gain, accomplish (an aim, distinction, etc.).\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i arrive at by conscious development or effort. \Battainable\b \Iadj.\i \Battainability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Battainableness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iatain-,\i \Iatein-,\i Old French \Iataign-\i 'stem of \Iataindre\i' from Latin \Iattingere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itangere\i 'touch')\c
<hw>attainder</hw> \K/\F'\n"teInd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i \Ihist.\i the forfeiture of land and civil rights suffered as a consequence of a sentence of death for treason or felony.\p\1act (or bill) of attainder\c an item of legislation inflicting attainder without judicial process. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French, = Old French \Iateindre\i \J\Xattain\x,\j used as a noun: see \J\X-er\x (6)\j\c
<hw>attainment</hw> \K/\F'\n"teInm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i something attained or achieved; an accomplishment.\p\B2\b the act or an instance of attaining.
<hw>attaint</hw> \K/\F'\n"teInt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \ILaw\i \Ihist.\i subject to attainder.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \IMed\i (of disease etc.) strike, affect. \Bb\b taint. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from obsolete \Iattaint\i \I(adj.)\i from Old French \Iataint,\i \Iateint\i past part. of \Iataindre\i (see \J\Xattain\x):\j confused in meaning with \J\Xtaint\x\j\c
<hw>attar</hw> \K/"at\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Botto\b \K/"Qt\F'\nU/\k) a fragrant essential oil, esp. from rose petals. \BEtymology:\b \3Persian '\Iatar\i from Arabic '\Iitr\i 'perfume'\c
<hw>attempt</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEm(p)t/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i seek to achieve or complete (a task or action) \3(attempted the exercise;\c \2attempted to explain).\c\p\B2\b seek to climb or master (a mountain etc.).\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bat,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i an act of attempting; an endeavour \3(made an attempt at winning;\c \2an attempt to succeed).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bon)\b\i an attack; an effort to overcome \3(an attempt on his life;\c \2attempt on the world record).\c\Ksense 2 new f. OERD, incomings, corpus Apr 94\k\p\Battempt the life of\b \Iarchaic\i try to kill. \Battemptable\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old French \Iattempter\i from Latin \Iattemptare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itemptare\i \J\Xtempt\x)\j\c
<hw>attend</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEnd/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b be present at \3(attended the meeting).\c \Bb\b go regularly to \3(attends the local school).\c\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b be present \3(many members failed to attend).\c \Bb\b be present in a serving capacity; wait.\p\B3\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i escort, accompany \3(the king was attended by soldiers).\c \Bb\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bon)\b\i wait on; serve.\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i turn or apply one's mind; focus one's attention \3(attend to what I am saying;\c \2was not attending).\c \Bb\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i deal with \3(shall attend to the matter myself).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \I(usu. in \Bpassive)\b\i follow as a result from \3(the error was attended by serious consequences).\c \Battender\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iatendre\i from Latin \Iattendere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itendere tent-\i 'stretch')\c
<hw>attendance</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEnd(\F'\n)ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act of attending or being present.\p\B2\b the number of people present \3(a high attendance).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iatendance\i (as \J\Xattend\x,\j \J\X-ance\x)\j\c
<hw>attendance allowance</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i (in the UK) a state benefit paid to disabled people in need of constant care at home.
<hw>attendance centre</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICriminol\i (in the UK) a place where young offenders report by order of a court as a minor penalty.
<hw>attendant</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEnd(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa person employed to wait on others or provide a service \3(cloakroom attendant;\c \2museum attendant).\c \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b accompanying \3(attendant circumstances).\c\p\B2\b waiting on; serving \3(ladies attendant on the queen).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French (as \J\Xattend\x,\j \J\X-ant\x)\j\c
<hw>attendee</hw> \K/atEn"di:/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who attends (a meeting etc.).
<hw>attention</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEnS(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & int.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or faculty of applying one's mind \3(give me your attention;\c \2attract his attention).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b consideration \3(give attention to the problem).\c \Bb\b care \3(give special attention to your handwriting).\c\p\B3\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \Ba\b ceremonious politeness \3(he paid his attentions to her).\c \Bb\b wooing, courting \3(she was the subject of his attentions).\c\p\B4\b \IMil.\i an erect attitude of readiness \3(stand at attention).\c \Iint.\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bstand at or to attention!)\b \IMil.\i an order to assume an attitude of attention.\p\B2\b an imperative warning, to gain attention \3(attention please!).\c\Ksense 2 new f. GLC Apr 94\k \Battentional\b \Iadj.\i\K-al new f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iattentio\i (as \J\Xattend\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>attentive</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEntIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b concentrating; paying attention.\p\B2\b assiduously polite.\p\B3\b heedful. \Battentively\b \Iadv.\i \Battentiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French \Iattentif -ive\i from \Iattente,\i Old French \Iatente,\i fem. past part. of \Iatendre\i \J\Xattend\x\j\c
<hw>attenuate</hw> \Iv. & adj.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"tEnjUeIt/\k\p\B1\b make thin.\p\B2\b reduce in force, value, or virulence.\p\B3\b \IElectr.\i reduce the amplitude of (a signal or current). \Iadj.\i \K/\F'\n"tEnjU\F'\nt/\k\p\B1\b slender.\p\B2\b tapering gradually.\p\B3\b rarefied. \Battenuated\b \Iadj.\i \Battenuation\b \K/-"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Battenuator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iattenuare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itenuis\i 'thin')\c
<hw>attest</hw> \K/\F'\n"tEst/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b certify the validity of. \Bb\b be evidence of.\Ksense 1b new f. SOED, incomings Oct 94\k\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i bear witness to.\p\B3\b \Besp. Brit.\b \IMil.\i \Ihist.\i \Ba\b \Iintr.\i declare oneself willing to serve if called upon. \Bb\b \Itr.\i recruit by putting on oath to serve if called upon. \Battestable\b \Iadj.\i \Battestor\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattester\i from Latin \Iattestari\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itestis\i 'witness')\c
<hw>attestation</hw> \K/atE"steIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act of attesting.\p\B2\b a testimony. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattestation\i or Late Latin \Iattestatio\i (as \J\Xattest\x,\j \J\X-ation\x)\j\c
<hw>Attic</hw> \K/"atIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to ancient Athens or Attica, or the form of Greek spoken there.\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i the form of Greek used by the ancient Athenians. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAtticus\i from Greek \IAttikos\i\c
<hw>attic</hw> \K/"atIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i\p\B1\b the uppermost storey in a house, usu. under the roof.\p\B2\b a room in the attic area. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattique,\i as \J\XAttic\x:\j originally \I(Archit.)\i a small order (column and entablature) above a taller one\c
<hw>atticism</hw> \K/"atIsIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b extreme elegance of speech.\p\B2\b an instance of this. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \IAttikismos\i (as \J\XAttic\x,\j \J\X-ism\x)\j\c
<hw>attire</hw> \K/\F'\n"tVI\F'\n/\k \Iv. & n.\i \IClothing\i \Iformal\i \Iv.tr.\i dress, esp. in fine clothes or formal wear.\p\In.\i\pclothes, esp. fine or formal. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iatir(i)er\i 'equip' from \Iα tire\i 'in order', of unknown origin\c
<hw>attitude</hw> \K/"atItju:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a settled opinion or (also \Battitude of mind)\b way of thinking. \Bb\b behaviour reflecting this \3(I don't like his attitude).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b a bodily posture. \Bb\b a pose adopted in a painting or a play, esp. for dramatic effect \3(strike an attitude).\c\p\B3\b \IAeron\i the position of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc., in relation to specified directions.\p\B4\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Islang\i \Ba\b truculence; a lack of cooperation; arrogance.\Ksense 4a new in COD9 f. COD box Jul 93\k \Bb\b style, swagger.\Ksense 4b new in COD9 f. News Feb 94\k \Battitudinal\b \K/atI"tju:dIn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French via Italian \Iattitudine\i 'fitness, posture', from Late Latin \Iaptitudo -dinis\i from \Iaptus\i 'fit'\c
<hw>attitudinize</hw> \K/atI"tju:dInVIz/\k \Iv.intr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b practise or adopt attitudes, esp. for effect.\p\B2\b speak, write, or behave affectedly. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Iattitudine\i from Late Latin (as \J\Xattitude\x)\j + \J\X-ize\x\j\c
<hw>attn.</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b attention.\p\B2\b for the attention of.
<hw>atto-</hw> \K/"at\F'\nU/\k \Icomb. form\i \IMath.\i denoting a factor of 10-18 \3(attometre).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Danish or Norwegian \Iatten\i 'eighteen' + \J\X-o-\x\j\c
<hw>attorney</hw> \K/\F'\n"t\F'\n:ni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-eys)\b \ILaw\i\p\B1\b a person, esp. a lawyer, appointed to act for another in business or legal matters.\p\B2\b \BUS\b a qualified lawyer, esp. one representing a client in a law court. \Battorneyship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \IatornΘ,\i past part. of \Iatorner\i 'assign', from \Iα\i 'to' + \Itorner\i 'turn'\c
<hw>Attorney-General</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the chief legal officer in England, the US, and other countries.
<hw>attract</hw> \K/\F'\n"trakt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i draw or bring to oneself or itself \3(attracts many admirers;\c \2attracts attention).\c\p\B2\b be attractive to; fascinate.\p\B3\b \IPhysics\i (of a magnet, gravity, etc.) exert a pull on (an object). \Battractable\b \Iadj.\i \Battractor\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iattrahere\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itrahere tract-\i 'draw')\c
<hw>attractant</hw> \K/\F'\n"trakt(\F'\n)nt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a substance which attracts (esp. insects). \Iadj.\i attracting.
<hw>attraction</hw> \K/\F'\n"trakS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the act or power of attracting \3(the attraction of foreign travel).\c \Bb\b a person or thing that attracts by arousing interest \3(the fair is a big attraction).\c\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i the force by which bodies attract or approach each other \I(opp.\i \J\Xrepulsion\x).\j\p\B3\b \IGram.\i the influence exerted by one word on another which causes it to change to an incorrect form, e.g. \Ithe wages of sin is\i (for \Iare)\i \Ideath.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattraction\i or Latin \Iattractio\i (as \J\Xattract\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>attractive</hw> \K/\F'\n"traktIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b attracting or capable of attracting; interesting \3(an attractive proposition).\c\p\B2\b aesthetically pleasing or appealing. \Battractively\b \Iadv.\i \Battractiveness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattractif -ive\i from Late Latin \Iattractivus\i (as \J\Xattract\x,\j \J\X-ive\x)\j\c
<hw>attribute</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i \K/\F'\n"trIbju:t/\k \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i\p\B1\b ascribe to or regard as the effect of (a stated cause) \3(the delays were attributed to the heavy traffic).\c\p\B2\b regard as having been created or originated by \3(a poem attributed to Shakespeare).\c\p\B3\b regard as characteristic of; regard as possessing or having \3(attributed magical powers to their gods;\c \2he attributes particular significance to their absence).\c\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k\p\In.\i\p\K/"atrIbju:t/\k\p\B1\b \Ba\b a quality ascribed to a person or thing. \Bb\b a characteristic quality.\p\B2\b a material object recognized as appropriate to a person, office, or status \3(a large car is an attribute of seniority).\c\p\B3\b \IGram.\i an attributive adjective or noun. \Battributable\b \K/\F'\n"trIbjUt\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Battribution\b \K/atrI"bju:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iattribuere attribut-\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Itribuere\i 'assign'): the noun from Old French \Iattribut\i or Latin \Iattributum\i\c
<hw>attributive</hw> \K/\F'\n"trIbjUtIv/\k \Iadj.\i \IGram.\i (of an adjective or noun) preceding the word it qualifies or modifies and expressing an attribute, as \Iold\i in \Ithe old dog\i (but not in \Ithe dog is old)\i and \Iexpiry\i in \Iexpiry date\i \I(opp.\i \J\Xpredicative\x 1).\j \Battributively\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iattributif -ive\i (as \J\Xattribute\x,\j \J\X-ive\x)\j\c
<hw>attrit</hw> \K/\F'\n"trIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(attritted,\b \Battritting)\b \BUS\b \IMil.\i \Icolloq.\i wear down (an opponent or enemy) by sustained action.\Knew word in COD9 f. OMED, NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xattrition\x\j\c
<hw>attrition</hw> \K/\F'\n"trIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the act or process of gradually wearing out, esp. by friction. \Bb\b abrasion.\p\B2\b \ITheol.\i sorrow for sin, falling short of contrition.\p\B3\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b & \BAustral.\b \ICommerce\i = \J\Xwastage\x 3.\j\K3 new f. SOED, K. Barker Aug 93\k \Battritional\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Late Latin \Iattritio,\i from \Iatterere attrit-\i 'rub'\c
<hw>attune</hw> \K/\F'\n"tju:n/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto)\b\i adjust (a person or thing) to a situation.\p\B2\b \IMus\i bring (an orchestra, instrument, etc.) into musical accord. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xat-\x\j + \J\Xtune\x\j\c
<hw>Atty.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \ILaw\i Attorney.
<hw>atypical</hw> \K/eI"tIpIk(\F'\n)l/, /a-/\k \Iadj.\i not typical; not conforming to a type. \Batypically\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>AU</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b (also \Bau.)\b \IAstron\i astronomical unit.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i σngstr÷m unit.
<hw>Au</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element gold. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaurum\i\c
<hw>aubade</hw> \K/\F'\nU"bA:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus. etc.\i a poem or piece of music appropriate to the dawn or early morning. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Spanish \Ialbada,\i from \Ialba\i 'dawn'\c
\B\Iauberge\b\i \K/\F'\nU"bE:Z/, French /obErZ/\k\p\In.\i\pan inn. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Provenτal \Ialberga\i 'lodging'\c
<hw>aubergine</hw> \K/"\F'\nUb\F'\nZi:n/\k \In. & adj.\i \Besp. Brit.\b\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i a tropical plant, Solanum melongena, having erect or spreading branches bearing white or purple egg-shaped fruit; \Ialso called\i \J\Xeggplant\x.\j\p\B2\b \IFood\i this fruit eaten as a vegetable.\p\B3\b the dark purple colour of this fruit. \Iadj.\i of the colour of the aubergine; dark purple.\Kadj. new f. SOED Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French via Catalan \Ialberginia,\i Arabic \Ial-badinjan,\i and Persian \Ibadingan\i from Sanskrit \Ivatimgana\i\c
<hw>aubrietia</hw> \K/O:"bri:S\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i (also \Baubretia)\b a dwarf perennial rock plant of the genus \IAubrieta,\i having purple or pink flowers in spring. \BEtymology:\b \3alteration of modern Latin, named after Claude \IAubriet,\i French botanist d. 1743\c Note that the correct spelling of the Latin name is \IAubrieta.\i
<hw>auburn</hw> \K/"O:b\F'\nn/, /-b\F'\n:n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i (usu. of a person's hair) of a reddish-brown colour.\p\In.\i\pthis colour.\Kn. new f. corpus Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, originally 'yellowish white', via Old French \Iauborne,\i \Ialborne,\i from Latin \Ialburnus\i 'whitish', from \Ialbus\i 'white'\c
<schw>auc</schw> \Iabbr.\i \IHorol\i (of a date) from the foundation of the city (of Rome). \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iab urbe condita\i\c
<hw>au courant</hw> \K/\F'\nU kU"rQ~/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith,\b \Bof)\b\i knowing what is going on; well informed. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = in the (regular) course\c
<hw>auction</hw> \K/"O:kS(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a sale of goods, usu. in public, in which articles are sold to the highest bidder.\p\B2\b the sequence of bids made at auction bridge. \Iv.tr.\i sell by auction. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iauctio\i 'increase, auction' from \Iaugere auct-\i 'increase'\c
<hw>auction bridge</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBridge\i a form of bridge in which players bid for the right to name trumps.
<hw>auctioneer</hw> \K/O:kS\F'\n"nI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who conducts auctions professionally, by calling for bids and declaring goods sold. \Bauctioneering\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>auction house</hw>\p\In.\i\pa company that runs auction sales.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>auction room</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i the premises where auction sales take place.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>auction sale</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i = \J\Xauction\x\p\In.\i\p1.\j\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>audible</hw> \K/"O:dIb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i capable of being heard. \Baudibility\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Baudibleness\b\p\In.\i\p\Baudibly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iaudibilis\i from \Iaudire\i 'hear'\c
<hw>audience</hw> \K/"O:dI\F'\nns/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the assembled listeners or spectators at an event, esp. a stage performance, concert, etc. \Bb\b the people addressed by a film, book, play, etc.\p\B2\b a formal interview with a person in authority.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i a hearing \3(give audience to my plea).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iaudientia,\i from \Iaudire\i 'hear'\c
<hw>audile</hw> \K/"O:dVIl/\k \Iadj.\i of or referring to the sense of hearing. \BEtymology:\b \3formed irregularly from Latin \Iaudire\i 'hear', on the pattern of \Itactile\i\c
<hw>audio</hw> \K/"O:dI\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \IPhysics\i sound or the reproduction of sound. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaudio-\x\j\c
<hw>audiotape</hw> \K/"O:dI\F'\n(U)teIp/\k \In. & v.\i \IElectronics\i\p\In.\i\p(also \Baudio tape)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b magnetic tape on which sound can be recorded. \Bb\b a length of this, esp. an audio cassette.\p\B2\b a sound recording on tape. \Iv.tr.\i record (sound, speech, etc.) on tape.
<hw>audio typist</hw>\p\In.\i\pa person who types direct from a recording.
<hw>audio-visual</hw> \K/O:dI\F'\nU"vIZjU\F'\nl/, /-"vIzjU\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \IEducation\i (esp. of teaching methods) using both sight and sound.
<hw>audit</hw> \K/"O:dIt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i an official examination of accounts.\p\B2\b a systematic review \3(safety audit).\c\Ksense 2 new f. SOED Dec 93\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(audited,\b \Bauditing)\b\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i conduct an audit of.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b \IEducation\i attend (a class) informally, without working for credits. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iauditus\i 'hearing', from \Iaudire audit-\i 'hear'\c
<hw>audition</hw> \K/O:"dIS(\F'\n)n/\k \In. & v.\i \ITheatr\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an interview for a role as a singer, actor, dancer, etc., consisting of a practical demonstration of suitability.\p\B2\b the power of hearing or listening.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i interview (a candidate) at an audition.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i be interviewed at an audition. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaudition\i or Latin \Iauditio,\i from \Iaudire audit-\i 'hear'\c
<hw>auditor</hw> \K/"O:dIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i a person who conducts an audit.\p\B2\b a listener.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \IEducation\i a person who audits a class.\Ksense 3 new f. kpb, incomings Sep 94\k \Bauditorial\b \K/-"tO:rI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iauditour\i from Latin \Iauditor -oris\i (as \J\Xauditive\x,\j \J\X-or\x (1))\j\c
<hw>auditorium</hw> \K/O:dI"tO:rI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bauditoriums\b or \Bauditoria\b \K/-rI\F'\n/\k)\p\B1\b \ITheatr\i the part of a theatre etc. in which the audience sits.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b a large room, esp. a school hall.\Ksense 2 new f. kpb, incomings Sep 94\k\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b a building incorporating a large hall for public gatherings, sports events, etc.\Ksense 3 new f. kpb, incomings Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, neut. of \Iauditorius\i \I(adj.):\i see \J\Xauditory\x,\j \J\X-orium\x\j\c
<hw>auditory</hw> \K/"O:dIt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \IPhysics\i\p\B1\b concerned with hearing.\p\B2\b received by the ear. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iauditorius\i (as \J\Xauditor\x,\j \J\X-ory\x (2))\j\c
<hw>AUEW</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IEngin Polit\i (in the UK) Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers.
<hw>au fait</hw> \K/\F'\nU "feI/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith)\b\i having current knowledge; conversant \3(fully au fait with the arrangements).\c\p\1put (or make) au fait with\c \Besp. Brit.\b instruct in. \BEtymology:\b \3French, literally 'to the fact, to the point'\c
\B\Iau fond\b\i \K/\F'\nU "fQ~/, French /o fO~/\k \Iadv.\i basically; at bottom. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>Aug.</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IHorol\i August.
<hw>Augean</hw> \K/O:"dZi:\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \Iliterary\i filthy; extremely dirty. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAugeas\i from Greek \IAugeias\i (in Greek mythology, the owner of stables which Hercules cleaned by diverting a river through them)\c
<hw>auger</hw> \K/"O:g\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICarpentry etc.\i\p\B1\b a tool resembling a large corkscrew, for boring holes in wood.\p\B2\b a similar larger tool for boring holes in the ground. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Inafogar\i from \Inafu\i \J\Xnave\x (2),\j + \Igar\i 'pierce': for loss of \In\i cf. \J\Xadder\x\j\c
<hw>aught (1)</hw> \K/O:t/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bought)\b \I(usu. implying \Bneg.)\b\i \Iarchaic\i anything at all. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iawiht,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>aught (2)</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xought\x (2).\j
<hw>augite</hw> \K/"O:dZVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral.\i a dark green or black mineral of the pyroxene group, occurring in many igneous rocks. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaugites\i from Greek \Iaugites,\i from \Iauge\i 'lustre'\c
<hw>augment</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \K/O:g"mEnt/\k make or become greater; increase.\p\In.\i\p\K/"O:gm(\F'\n)nt/\k \IGram.\i a vowel prefixed to the past tenses in the older Indo-European languages. \Baugmenter\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaugment\i \I(n.),\i French \Iaugmenter\i \I(v.),\i or Late Latin \Iaugmentum,\i \Iaugmentare\i from Latin \Iaugere\i 'increase'\c
<hw>augmentation</hw> \K/O:gmEn"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b enlargement; growth; increase.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i the lengthening of the time values of notes in melodic parts. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via French from Late Latin \Iaugmentatio -onis\i from \Iaugmentare\i (as \J\Xaugment\x)\j\c
<hw>augmentative</hw> \K/O:g"mEnt\F'\ntIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b having the property of increasing.\p\B2\b \IGram.\i (of an affix or derived word) reinforcing the idea of the original word. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaugmentatif -ive\i or medieval Latin \Iaugmentativus\i (as \J\Xaugment\x)\j\c
<hw>augmented interval</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a perfect or major interval that is increased by a semitone.
<hw>au gratin</hw> \K/\F'\nU "gratan/\k \Iadj.\i \ICookery\i sprinkled with breadcrumbs or grated cheese and browned. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Igratter,\i = by grating, from \J\Xgrate\x (1)\j\c
<hw>augur</hw> \K/"O:g\F'\n/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i (of an event, circumstance, etc.) suggest a specified outcome (usu. \Baugur well\b or \Bill);\b portend, bode \3(all augured well for our success).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b foresee, predict. \Bb\b portend.\p\In.\i\p\IAntiq Rom.Hist\i \Ihist.\i an ancient Roman religious official who observed natural signs, esp. the behaviour of birds, interpreting these as an indication of divine approval or disapproval of a proposed action. \Baugural\b \K/"O:gjUr(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>augury</hw> \K/"O:gjUri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b an omen; a portent.\p\B2\b the work of an augur; the interpretation of omens. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaugurie\i or Latin \Iaugurium\i from \J\Xaugur\x\j\c
<hw>August</hw> \K/"O:g\F'\nst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IHorol\i the eighth month of the year. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English from Latin \IAugustus\i Caesar, the first Roman emperor\c
<hw>august</hw> \K/O:"gVst/\k \Iadj.\i inspiring reverence and admiration; venerable, impressive. \Baugustly\b \Iadv.\i \Baugustness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iauguste\i or Latin \Iaugustus\i 'consecrated, venerable'\c
<hw>Augustan</hw> \K/O:"gVst(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b connected with, occurring during, or influenced by the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus, esp. as an outstanding period of Latin literature.\p\B2\b \ILiterature\i (of a nation's literature) refined and classical in style (in England of the literature of the 17th-18th c.).\p\In.\i\p\ILiterature\i a writer of the Augustan age of any literature. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAugustanus\i from \IAugustus\i\c
<hw>Augustine</hw> \K/O:"gVstIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i an Augustinian friar. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iaugustin\i from Latin \IAugustinus\i \J\XAugustinian\x\j\c
<hw>Augustinian</hw> \K/O:g\F'\n"stInI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to St Augustine, a Doctor of the Church (d. 430), or his doctrines.\p\B2\b belonging to a religious order observing a rule derived from St Augustine's writings.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an adherent of the doctrines of St Augustine.\p\B2\b a member of an Augustinian order. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IAugustinus\i 'Augustine'\c
<hw>auk</hw> \K/O:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any marine diving bird of the family Alcidae, native to the northern oceans, with heavy body, short wings, and black and white plumage, e.g. the guillemot, puffin, and razorbill. \BEtymology:\b \3Old Norse \Ißlka\i\c
<hw>auklet</hw> \K/"O:klIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of several small auks mainly of the N. Pacific.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED\k
<hw>auld</hw> \K/O:ld/, /A:ld/\k \Iadj.\i \BSc.\b old. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iald,\i Anglian form of \J\Xold\x\j\c
<hw>auld lang syne</hw> \K/O:ld laN "sVIn/\k\p\In.\i\ptimes long past. \BEtymology:\b \3Scots, = old long since: also as the title and refrain of a song\c
<hw>aumbry</hw> \K/"O:mbri/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bambry\b \K/"ambri/\k) \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IRelig\i a small recess in the wall of a church.\p\B2\b \Ihist.\i a small cupboard. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ialmarie,\i \Iarmarie\i (modern \Iarmoire)\i from Latin \Iarmarium\i 'closet, chest', from \Iarma\i 'utensils'\c
<hw>au naturel</hw> \K/%\F'\nU natjU"rEl/\k \Ipredic.adj. & adv.\i\p\B1\b \ICookery\i uncooked; (cooked) in the most natural or simplest way.\p\B2\b in its natural state.\Ksense 2 new f. corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, = in the natural state\c
<hw>aunt</hw> \K/A:nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGenealogy\i\p\B1\b the sister of one's father or mother.\p\B2\b an uncle's wife.\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i an unrelated woman friend of a child or children.\p\1my (or my sainted etc.) aunt\c \Besp. Brit.\b \Islang\i an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iaunte,\i Old French \Iante,\i from Latin \Iamita\i\c
<hw>auntie</hw> \K/"A:nti/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baunty)\b \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IGenealogy\i \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b = \J\Xaunt\x.\j\p\B2\b \B(Auntie)\b \BBrit.\b an institution considered to be conservative or cautious, esp. the BBC.
<hw>Aunt Sally</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b\p\B1\b \IGames\i a game in which players throw sticks or balls at a wooden dummy.\p\B2\b the object of unreasonable attack.
<hw>au pair</hw> \K/\F'\nU "pE:/\k\p\In.\i\pa young foreign person, esp. a woman, helping with housework etc. in exchange for room, board, and pocket money, esp. as a means of learning a language. \BEtymology:\b \3French, = on equal terms: earlier as adj. denoting payment by mutual services\c
<hw>aura</hw> \K/"O:r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baurae\b \K/-ri:/\k or \Bauras)\b\p\B1\b the distinctive atmosphere diffused by or attending a person, place, etc.\p\B2\b (in mystic or spiritualistic use) a supposed subtle emanation, visible as a sphere of white or coloured light, surrounding the body of a living creature.\p\B3\b a subtle emanation or aroma from flowers etc.\p\B4\b \IMed.\i premonitory symptom(s) in epilepsy etc. \Baural\b \Iadj.\i \Bauric\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin from Greek, = breeze, breath\c
<hw>aural</hw> \K/"O:r(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnat\i of or relating to or received by the ear. \Baurally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iauris\i 'ear'\c \IAural\i is sometimes pronounced \K/"aUr(\F'\n)l/\k (the first syllable rhyming with \Icow),\i in order to distinguish it from \Ioral.\i Some people regard this as incorrect.
<hw>aureate</hw> \K/"O:rI\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b golden, gold-coloured.\p\B2\b resplendent.\p\B3\b \IPhilol\i (of language) highly ornamented. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Late Latin \Iaureatus\i from Latin \Iaureus\i 'golden', from \Iaurum\i 'gold'\c
<hw>aureole</hw> \K/"O:rI\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Baureola\b \K/O:"rI\F'\nl\F'\n/\k)\p\B1\b \IRelig\i a halo or circle of light, esp. round the head or body of a portrayed religious figure.\p\B2\b \IAstron\i a corona round the sun or moon. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iaureola\i \I(corona)\i 'golden (crown)', fem. of \Iaureolus\i (diminutive of \Iaureus)\i from \Iaurum\i 'gold': \Iaureole\i via Old French from Latin \Iaureola\i\c
<hw>au revoir</hw> \K/\F'\nU r\F'\n"vwA:/\k \Iint. & n.\i goodbye (until we meet again). \BEtymology:\b \3French, literally 'to the seeing again'\c
<hw>auric</hw> \K/"O:rIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IMineral\i of or relating to trivalent gold. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaurum\i 'gold'\c
<hw>auricle</hw> \K/"O:rIk(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a small muscular pouch on the surface of each atrium of the heart. \Bb\b the atrium itself.\p\B2\b the external part of the ear; the pinna.\p\B3\b an appendage shaped like the ear. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xauricula\x\j\c
<hw>auricula</hw> \K/O:"rIkjUl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a primula, Primula auricula, with leaves shaped like bears' ears. \IAlso called\i \Ibear's ear.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, diminutive of \Iauris\i 'ear'\c
<hw>auricular</hw> \K/O:"rIkjUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnat\i\p\B1\b of or relating to the ear or hearing.\p\B2\b of or relating to the auricle of the heart.\p\B3\b shaped like an auricle.\K-ly omitted\k \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin \Iauricularis\i (as \J\Xauricula\x)\j\c
<hw>auriculate</hw> \K/O:"rIkjUl\F'\nt/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnat\i having one or more auricles or ear-shaped appendages. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>Aurignacian</hw> \K/O:rI"njeIS(\F'\n)n/, /-Ig"neI-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IArchaeol\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to a palaeolithic culture in Europe and the Near East, following the Mousterian and dated to \Ic\i 34,000-29,000 bc.\p\In.\i\pthis culture. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IAurignacien\i from \IAurignac\i in SW France, where remains were found\c
<hw>aurochs</hw> \K/"O:rQks/, /"aU-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \IZool\i an extinct wild ox, Bos primigenius, ancestor of domestic cattle and formerly native to many parts of the world. \IAlso called\i \Iurus.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German from Old High German \Iurohso\i from \Iur-\i 'urus' + \Iohso\i 'ox'\c
<hw>aurora</hw> \K/O:"rO:r\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bauroras\b or \Baurorae\b \K/-ri:/\k)\p\B1\b \IAstron\i a luminous electrical atmospheric phenomenon, usu. of streamers of light in the sky above the northern or southern magnetic pole.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i the dawn. \Bauroral\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = dawn, goddess of dawn\c
<hw>aurora australis</hw> \K/O:"streIlIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the aurora of the southern regions. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaustralis\i 'southern': see \J\Xaustral\x\j\c
<hw>aurora borealis</hw> \K/bO:rI"eIlIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i the aurora of the northern regions. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iborealis\i 'northern': see \J\Xboreal\x\j\c
<hw>auscultation</hw> \K/O:sk(\F'\n)l"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the act of listening, esp. to sounds from the heart, lungs, etc., as a part of medical diagnosis. \Bauscultatory\b \K/-"skVlt\F'\nt(\F'\n)ri/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iauscultatio\i from \Iauscultare\i 'listen to'\c
<hw>auspice</hw> \K/"O:spIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i patronage (esp. in phr. \Bunder the auspices of).\b\p\B2\b a forecast. \BEtymology:\b \3originally 'observation of bird-flight in divination': French \Iauspice\i or Latin \Iauspicium,\i from \Iauspex\i 'observer of birds' from \Iavis\i 'bird'\c
<hw>auspicious</hw> \K/O:"spIS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of good omen; favourable.\p\B2\b prosperous. \Bauspiciously\b \Iadv.\i \Bauspiciousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xauspice\x\j + \J\X-ous\x\j\c
<hw>austere</hw> \K/Q"stI\F'\n/, /O:-/\k \Iadj.\i \B(austerer,\b \Bausterest)\b\p\B1\b severely simple.\p\B2\b morally strict.\p\B3\b harsh, stern. \Bausterely\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French and Latin \Iausterus\i from Greek \Iausteros\i 'severe'\c
<hw>austerity</hw> \K/Q"stErIti/, /O:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b sternness; moral severity.\p\B2\b severe simplicity, e.g. of nationwide economies.\p\B3\b \I(esp. in \Bpl.)\b\i an austere practice \3(the austerities of a monk's life).\c
<hw>Austin</hw> \K/"QstIn/, /"O:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i = \J\XAugustinian\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3contraction of \J\XAugustine\x\j\c
<hw>austral</hw> \K/"Qstr(\F'\n)l/, /"O:-/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b southern.\p\B2\b \B(Austral)\b of Australia or Australasia \3(Austral English).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iaustralis,\i from \IAuster\i 'south wind'\c
<hw>Australasian</hw> \K/Qstr\F'\n"leIZ(\F'\n)n/, /-S(\F'\n)n/, /O:-/\k \Iadj.\i \IPeople\i of or relating to Australasia, a region consisting of Australia and islands of the SW Pacific. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAustralasia\i from French \IAustralasie,\i as \IAustralia\i + \IAsia\i\c
<hw>Australian</hw> \K/Q"streIlI\F'\nn/, /O:-/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a native or national of Australia.\p\B2\b a person of Australian descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Australia. \BAustralianism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaustralien\i from Latin (as \J\Xaustral\x)\j\c
<hw>Australian bear</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a koala bear.
<hw>Australian Rules</hw>\p\In.\i\p(in full \BAustralian Rules football)\b \IFootball\i a form of football played with an oval ball on an oval pitch by teams of 18. \IAlso called\i \IAustralian National Football.\i
<hw>Australian salmon</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xsalmon\x 2a.\j\Knew as hwd Aug 94\k
<hw>Australian terrier</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a wire-haired Australian breed of terrier.
<hw>Australopithecus</hw> \K/%Qstr\F'\nl\F'\nU"pITIk\F'\ns/, /%O:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool Archaeol\i an extinct bipedal primate of the genus \IAustralopithecus,\i having apelike and human characteristics, found fossilized in Africa. \Baustralopithecine\b \K/-Isi:n/\k \In. & adj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Latin \Iaustralis\i 'southern' + Greek \Ipithekos\i 'ape'\c
<hw>Austrian</hw> \K/"QstrI\F'\nn/, /"O:-/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a native or national of Austria.\p\B2\b a person of Austrian descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Austria.
<hw>Austro- (2)</hw> \K/"Qstr\F'\nU/, /"O:-/\k \Icomb. form\i \IPolit\i Australian; Australian and \3(Austro-Asiatic).\c\Knew in COD9 from NSOED Feb 94\k
<hw>Austronesian</hw> \K/Qstr\F'\n(U)"ni:zj\F'\nn/, /-Z(\F'\n)n/, /O:-/\k \In. & adj.\i \ILanguage\i\p\In.\i\pa family of agglutinative languages spoken widely in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of SE Asia, and in the islands of the central and southern Pacific. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this language family.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3German \Iaustronesisch,\i from Latin \Iaustralis\i 'southern' + \J\X-o-\x\j + Greek \Inesos\i 'island'\c
<hw>AUT</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IEducation\i (in the UK) Association of University Teachers.
<hw>autarchy</hw> \K/"O:tA:ki/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IPolit\i\p\B1\b absolute sovereignty.\p\B2\b despotism.\p\B3\b an autarchic country or society. \Bautarchic\b \K/O:"tA:kIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bautarchical\b \K/O:"tA:kIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iautarchia\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j Greek \I-arkhia\i from \Iarkho\i 'rule')\c
<hw>autarky</hw> \K/"O:tA:ki/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IPolit\i\p\B1\b self-sufficiency, esp. as an economic system.\p\B2\b a state etc. run according to such a system. \Bautarkic\b \K/O:"tA:kIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bautarkical\b \K/O:"tA:kIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bautarkist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iautarkeia\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \Iarkeo\i 'suffice')\c
<hw>auteur</hw> \K/\F'\nU"t\F'\n:/, /O:-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICinematog\i a film director who has such great influence on his or her films that he or she ranks as their author.\Knew f. SOED, corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, = author\c
<hw>authentic</hw> \K/O:"TEntIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b of undisputed origin; genuine. \Bb\b reliable or trustworthy.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i (of a mode) containing notes between the final and an octave higher (cf. \J\Xplagal\x).\j \Bauthentically\b \Iadv.\i \Bauthenticity\b \K/O:TEn"tIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iautentique\i and Late Latin \Iauthenticus\i from Greek \Iauthentikos\i 'principal, genuine'\c
<hw>authenticate</hw> \K/O:"TEntIkeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b establish the truth or genuineness of.\p\B2\b validate. \Bauthentication\b \K/-"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bauthenticator\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \Iauthenticare\i from Late Latin \Iauthenticus:\i see \J\Xauthentic\x\j\c
<hw>author</hw> \K/"O:T\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Bauthoress\b \K/"O:TrIs/, /O:T\F'\n"rEs/\k)\p\B1\b \ILiterature\i a writer, esp. of books.\p\B2\b the originator of an event, a condition, etc. \3(the author of all my woes).\c \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \Idisp.\i be the author of (a book, article, etc.).\p\B2\b be the originator of (an idea, condition, circumstance, etc.); bring about. \Bauthorial\b \K/O:"TO:rI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Iautour,\i Old French \Iautor\i from Latin \Iauctor,\i from \Iaugere auct-\i 'increase, originate, promote'\c \IAuthor\i can be used of both male and female writers and many women writers prefer it to \Iauthoress.\i The use of the verb \Iauthor\i as a mere synonym for \Iwrite\i (as in \Ihe authored several books on the subject)\i is deplored by many people, although \Iauthor\i is different from \Iwrite\i in that it implies publication of the text produced. In addition, \Iauthor\i is often used in contexts where the person or people responsible for the text (often a committee) did not actually write it themselves, and where the thing written is a report, article, or document, rather than a book, e.g. \IThe chairperson of the commission that authored the report referred to it several times in her speech.\iIn the terminology of computing, \Iauthoring\i is used to mean the creation of programs, databases, etc., as in the phrases \Iauthoring system,\i \Iauthoring package,\i or \Iauthoring tool.\iUnlike \Iauthor,\i \Ico-author\i is generally acceptable as a verb.
<hw>authoring</hw> \K/"O:T\F'\nrIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i the creation of programs, databases, etc. for computer applications such as computer-assisted learning or multimedia products.\Knew f. corpus, incomings Sept 94\k
<hw>authoritarian</hw> \K/O:TQrI"tE:rI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b favouring, encouraging, or enforcing strict obedience to authority, as opposed to individual freedom.\p\B2\b tyrannical or domineering.\p\In.\i\pa person favouring absolute obedience to a constituted authority. \Bauthoritarianism\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>authoritative</hw> \K/O:"TQrIt\F'\ntIv/, /-teItIv/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b being recognized as true or dependable.\p\B2\b (of a person, behaviour, etc.) commanding or self-confident.\p\B3\b official; supported by authority \3(an authoritative document).\c \Bauthoritatively\b \Iadv.\i \Bauthoritativeness\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>authority</hw> \K/O:"TQrIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b the power or right to enforce obedience. \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bfor,\b or \Bto\b + infin.)\i delegated power.\p\B2\b \I(esp. in \Bpl.)\b\i a person or body having authority, esp. political or administrative.\p\B3\b \Ba\b an influence exerted on opinion because of recognized knowledge or expertise. \Bb\b such an influence expressed in a book, quotation, etc. \Bc\b a person whose opinion is accepted, esp. an expert in a subject \3(an authority on vintage cars).\c\p\B4\b the weight of evidence. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \IautoritΘ\i from Latin \Iauctoritas,\i from \Iauctor:\i see \J\Xauthor\x\j\c
<hw>authorize</hw> \K/"O:T\F'\nrVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b sanction.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto\b +infin.)\i \Ba\b give authority. \Bb\b commission (a person or body) \3(authorized to trade).\c \Bauthorization\b \K/O:T\F'\nrVI"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iautoriser\i and medieval Latin \Iauctorizare\i from \Iauctor:\i see \J\Xauthor\x\j\c
<hw>Authorized Version</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \IRelig\i an English translation of the Bible made in 1611 and still widely used. \IAlso called\i \IKing James Bible.\i
<hw>authorship</hw> \K/"O:T\F'\nSIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ILiterature\i the origin of a book or other written work \3(of unknown authorship).\c\p\B2\b the occupation of writing.
<hw>autism</hw> \K/"O:tIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol.\i a mental condition, usu. present from childhood, characterized by complete self-absorption and a reduced ability to respond to or communicate with the outside world. \Bautistic\b \K/O:"tIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Iautismus\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \J\X-ism\x)\j\c
<hw>auto</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \BN. Amer.\b \ITransport\i \Icolloq.\i a motor car. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of \J\Xautomobile\x\j\c
<hw>auto-</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nU/\k \Icomb. form\i (usu. \Baut-\b before a vowel)\p\B1\b self \3(autism).\c\p\B2\b one's own \3(autobiography).\c\p\B3\b by oneself or spontaneous \3(auto-suggestion).\c\p\B4\b by itself or automatic \3(automobile).\c \BEtymology:\b \3from or on the pattern of Greek \Iauto-,\i from \Iautos\i 'self'\c
<hw>autobahn</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nbA:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i a German, Austrian, or Swiss motorway. \BEtymology:\b \3German from \IAuto\i 'motor car' + \IBahn\i 'path, road'\c
<hw>autobiography</hw> \K/O:t\F'\nbVI"Qgr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ILiterature\i\p\B1\b a personal account of one's own life, esp. for publication.\p\B2\b this as a process or literary form. \Bautobiographer\b\p\In.\i\p\Bautobiographic\b \K/%O:t\F'\nUbVI\F'\n"grafIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bautobiographical\b \K/-"grafIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>autocar</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\n(U)kA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i \Iarchaic\i a motor vehicle.
<hw>autocephalous</hw> \K/O:t\F'\nU"sEf(\F'\n)l\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \IRelig\i\p\B1\b (esp. of an Eastern Church) appointing its own head.\p\B2\b (of a bishop, Church, etc.) independent. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iautokephalos\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \Ikephale\i 'head')\c
<hw>autochthon</hw> \K/O:"tQkT(\F'\n)n/, /-T\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bautochthons\b or \Bautochthones\b \K/-T\F'\nni:z/\k) \IAnthropol People\i \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i the original or earliest known inhabitants of a country; aboriginals.\Kautochthonal, autochthonic omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek, = sprung from the earth (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \Ikhthon,\i \I-onos\i 'earth')\c
<hw>autochthonous</hw> \K/O:"tQkT\F'\nn\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IAnthropol\i indigenous, native.\p\B2\b of independent or local formation.\p\B3\b \IGeol.\i (of a deposit) formed in its present position.\Knew as hwd f. OERD April 94\k
<hw>autoclave</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nkleIv/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i\p\B1\b a strong vessel used for chemical reactions at high pressures and temperatures.\p\B2\b a sterilizer using high-pressure steam. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xauto-\x\j + Latin \Iclavus\i 'nail' or \Iclavis\i 'key': so called because self-fastening\c
<hw>autocracy</hw> \K/O:"tQkr\F'\nsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IPolit\i absolute government by one person.\p\B2\b the power exercised by such a person.\p\B3\b an autocratic country or society. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iautokrateia\i (as \J\Xautocrat\x)\j\c
<hw>autocrat</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nkrat/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPolit\i an absolute ruler.\p\B2\b a dictatorial person. \Bautocratic\b \K/-"kratIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bautocratically\b \K/-"kratIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iautocrate\i from Greek \Iautokrates\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \Ikratos\i 'power')\c
<hw>autocross</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nUkrQs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMotor Racing\i motor racing across country or on unmade roads. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xautomobile\x\j + \J\Xcross-\x 1\j\c
<hw>autocue</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nUkju:/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \ITelev\i \Ipropr.\i a device, unseen by the audience, displaying a television script to a speaker or performer as an aid to memory \I(cf.\i \J\Xteleprompter\x).\j
<hw>auto-da-fΘ</hw> \K/%O:t\F'\nUdA:"feI/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bautos-da-fΘ)\b \K/%O:t\F'\nUz-/\k\p\B1\b a sentence of punishment by the Spanish Inquisition.\p\B2\b the execution of such a sentence, esp. the burning of a heretic. \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese, = act of the faith\c
<hw>autogenous welding</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMetallurgy\i a process of joining metal by melting the edges together, without adding material.
<hw>autogiro</hw> \K/O:t\F'\nU"dZVIr\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bautogyro)\b \I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IAeron\i a form of aircraft like a small helicopter but with freely rotating horizontal vanes and a propeller. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \Igiro\i 'gyration')\c
<hw>autograft</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\ngrA:ft/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISurgery\i a graft of tissue from one point to another of the same individual's body.
<hw>autograph</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\ngrA:f/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a signature, esp. that of a celebrity. \Bb\b handwriting.\p\B2\b a manuscript in an author's own handwriting.\p\B3\b a document signed by its author. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b sign (a photograph, autograph album, etc.).\p\B2\b write (a letter etc.) by hand. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iautographe\i or Late Latin \Iautographum\i from Greek \Iautographon,\i neut. of \Iautographos\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \J\X-graph\x)\j\c
<hw>autography</hw> \K/O:"tQgr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b writing done with one's own hand.\p\B2\b the facsimile reproduction of writing or illustration. \Bautographic\b \K/-"grafIk/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>autoharp</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\n(U)hA:p/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a kind of zither with a mechanical device to allow the playing of chords.
<hw>autoimmune</hw> \K/%O:t\F'\nUI"mju:n/\k \Iadj.\i \IMed.\i (of a disease) caused by antibodies or lymphocytes produced against substances naturally present in the body. \Bautoimmunity\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>autointoxication</hw> \K/%O:t\F'\nUIntQksI"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed.\i poisoning by a toxin formed within the body itself.
<hw>autolysis</hw> \K/O:"tQlIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i the destruction of cells by their own enzymes. \Bautolytic\b \K/O:t\F'\n"lItIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3German \IAutolyse\i (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \J\X-lysis\x)\j\c
<hw>automat</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nmat/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b\p\B1\b a slot machine that dispenses goods.\p\B2\b \Ihist.\i a cafeteria containing slot machines dispensing food and drink. \BEtymology:\b \3German from French \Iautomate,\i formed as \J\Xautomation\x\j\c
<hw>automate</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nmeIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i convert to or operate by automation \3(the ticket office has been automated).\c \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xautomation\x\j\c
<hw>automatic</hw> \K/O:t\F'\n"matIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMech\i (of a machine, device, etc., or its function) working by itself, without direct human intervention.\p\B2\b \Ba\b done spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention \3(an automatic reaction).\c \Bb\b necessary and inevitable \3(an automatic penalty).\c\p\B3\b \IPsychol.\i performed unconsciously or subconsciously.\p\B4\b \IMil\i (of a firearm) that continues firing until the ammunition is exhausted or the pressure on the trigger is released.\p\B5\b \IMech Transport\i (of a motor vehicle or its transmission) using gears that change automatically according to speed and acceleration.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBallistics etc.\i an automatic device, esp. a gun or transmission.\p\B2\b \IMech Transport\i \Icolloq.\i a vehicle with automatic transmission. \Bautomatically\b \Iadv.\i \Bautomaticity\b \K/O:t\F'\nm\F'\n"tIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xautomaton\x\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>automatic pilot</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i a device for keeping an aircraft on a set course.
<hw>automation</hw> \K/O:t\F'\n"meIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i\p\B1\b the use of automatic equipment to save mental and manual labour.\p\B2\b the automatic control of the manufacture of a product through its successive stages. \BEtymology:\b \3irregular formation from \J\Xautomatic\x\j + \J\X-ation\x\j\c
<hw>automatism</hw> \K/O:"tQm\F'\ntIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPsychol.\i the performance of actions unconsciously or subconsciously; such action.\p\B2\b involuntary action.\p\B3\b unthinking routine. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iautomatisme\i from \Iautomate\i \J\Xautomaton\x\j\c
<hw>automatize</hw> \K/O:"tQm\F'\ntVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b\p\B1\b make (a process etc.) automatic.\p\B2\b subject (a business, enterprise, etc.) to automation. \Bautomatization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xautomatic\x\j + \J\X-ize\x\j\c
<hw>automaton</hw> \K/O:"tQm\F'\nt(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bautomata\b \K/-t\F'\n/\k or \Bautomatons)\b\p\B1\b \IMech\i a mechanism with concealed motive power.\p\B2\b a person who behaves mechanically, like an automaton. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, neut. of \Iautomatos\i 'acting of itself': see \J\Xauto-\x\j\c
<hw>automobile</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nm\F'\nbi:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \ITransport\i a motor car. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xauto-\x,\j \J\Xmobile\x)\j\c
<hw>automotive</hw> \K/O:t\F'\n"m\F'\nUtIv/\k \Iadj.\i \ITransport\i concerned with motor vehicles.
<hw>autonomic nervous system</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i the part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, e.g. heartbeat.
<hw>autonomous</hw> \K/O:"tQn\F'\nm\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IPolit\i having self-government.\p\B2\b acting independently or having the freedom to do so. \Bautonomously\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iautonomos\i (as \J\Xautonomy\x)\j\c
<hw>autonomy</hw> \K/O:"tQn\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IPolit\i the right of self-government.\p\B2\b personal freedom.\p\B3\b freedom of the will.\p\B4\b a self-governing community. \Bautonomist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iautonomia\i from \Iautos\i 'self' + \Inomos\i 'law'\c
<hw>autopilot</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nU%pVIl\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an automatic pilot. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>autopsy</hw> \K/"O:tQpsi/, /O:"tQpsi/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IMed\i a post-mortem examination.\p\B2\b any critical analysis.\p\B3\b a personal inspection. \Iv.tr.\i \IMed\i perform an autopsy on (a body).\Kv. new f. SOED, corpus Oct 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iautopsie\i or modern Latin \Iautopsia\i from Greek, from \Iautoptes\i 'eye-witness'\c
<hw>autoradiograph</hw> \K/O:t\F'\nU"reIdI\F'\ngrA:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhotog\i a photograph of an object produced by radiation from radioactive material in the object. \Bautoradiographic\b \K/%O:t\F'\nreIdI\F'\n"grafIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bautoradiography\b \K/%O:t\F'\nreIdI"Qgr\F'\nfi/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>autorotation</hw> \K/%O:t\F'\n(U)r\F'\n(U)"teIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAeron.\i rotation (esp. of rotor blades) not caused by engine power.\p\B2\b rotation resulting from the shape or structure of an object (e.g. a winged seed). \Bautorotate\b \Iv.intr.\i\Knew f. NSOED, Incomings Apr 94\k
<hw>autoroute</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nru:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i a French motorway. \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xautomobile\x,\j \J\Xroute\x)\j\c
<hw>autostrada</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nstrA:d\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i an Italian motorway. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian (as \J\Xautomobile\x,\j \Istrada\i 'road')\c
<hw>auto-suggestion</hw> \K/%O:t\F'\n(U)s\F'\n"dZEstS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPsychol\i a self-induced or subconscious suggestion affecting reaction, behaviour, etc.
<hw>autotelic</hw> \K/O:t\F'\n(U)"tElIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IPhilos\i having or being a purpose in itself. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xauto-\x\j + Greek \Itelos\i 'end'\c
<hw>autotomy</hw> \K/O:"tQt\F'\nmi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool.\i the casting off of a part of the body, e.g. the tail of a lizard, when threatened.
<hw>autotoxin</hw> \K/O:t\F'\n(U)"tQksIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i a poisonous substance originating within an organism. \Bautotoxic\b \Iadj.\i
<hw>autotrophic</hw> \K/O:t\F'\n(U)"tr\F'\nUfIk/, /-"trQfIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol.\i able to form complex nutritional organic substances from simple inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide \I(cf.\i \J\Xheterotrophic\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xauto-\x\j + Greek \Itrophos\i 'feeder'\c
<hw>autotype</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\n(U)tVIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPrinting\i\p\B1\b a facsimile.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a photographic printing process for monochrome reproduction. \Bb\b a print made by this process.
<hw>autoxidation</hw> \K/%O:tQksI"deIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i spontaneous oxidation at ambient temperatures in the presence of oxygen.
<hw>autumn</hw> \K/"O:t\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the third season of the year, when crops and fruits are gathered, and leaves fall, in the northern hemisphere from September to November and in the southern hemisphere from March to May.\p\B2\b \IAstron.\i the period from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice.\p\B3\b a time of maturity or incipient decay. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iautompne\i or Latin \Iautumnus\i\c
<hw>autumnal</hw> \K/O:"tVmn(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of, characteristic of, or appropriate to autumn \3(autumnal colours).\c\p\B2\b maturing or blooming in autumn.\p\B3\b past the prime of life. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iautumnalis\i (as \J\Xautumn\x,\j \J\X-al\x)\j\c
<hw>autumn crocus</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IColchicum,\i esp. the meadow saffron.
<hw>autumn equinox</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bautumnal equinox)\b \IAstron\i \IHorol\i\p\B1\b the equinox in autumn, on about 22 Sept. in the northern hemisphere and 20 Mar. in the southern hemisphere.\p\B2\b \IAstron.\i the equinox in September.
<hw>auxiliary</hw> \K/O:g"zIlI\F'\nri/, /Qg-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a person or thing) that gives help.\p\B2\b (of services or equipment) subsidiary, additional.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b an auxiliary person or thing. \Bb\b \BN. Amer.\b an auxiliary group, esp. one of volunteers involved in charitable activities.\Ksense 1b new f. kpb, incomings, AHD Sep 94\k\p\B2\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \IMil.\i auxiliary troops.\p\B3\b \IGram.\i an auxiliary verb. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iauxiliarius\i from \Iauxilium\i 'help'\c
<hw>auxiliary troops</hw> \In.pl.\i \IMil.\i foreign or allied troops in a belligerent nation's service.
<hw>auxiliary verb</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGram.\i a verb used in forming the tenses, moods, and voices of other verbs.
<hw>auxin</hw> \K/"O:ksIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of a group of plant hormones that regulate growth. \BEtymology:\b \3German, from Greek \Iauxo\i 'increase' + \J\X-in\x\j\c
<hw>AV</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IEducation\i audio-visual (teaching aids etc.).\p\B2\b \IRelig\i Authorized Version (of the Bible).
<hw>avadavat</hw> \K/"av\F'\nd\F'\nvat/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bamadavat\b \K/"am\F'\n-/\k) \IZool\i either of two brightly coloured S. Asian waxbills, the green Amandava formosa or esp. the red A. amandava. \BEtymology:\b \3named after \IAhmadabad\i in India, where the birds were sold\c
<hw>avail</hw> \K/\F'\n"veIl/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i help, benefit.\p\B2\b \Irefl.\i \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i profit by; take advantage of.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b provide help. \Bb\b be of use, value, or profit.\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bneg.\b or \Binterrog.\b phrases)\i use, profit \3(to no avail;\c \2without avail;\c \2of what avail?).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from obsolete \Ivail\i \I(v.)\i via Old French \Ivaloir\i 'be worth' from Latin \Ivalere\i\c
<hw>available</hw> \K/\F'\n"veIl\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfor)\b\i\p\B1\b capable of being used; at one's disposal.\p\B2\b obtainable; within one's reach.\p\B3\b \Ba\b (of a person) free, not otherwise occupied. \Bb\b able to be contacted.\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k\p\B4\b sexually unattached.\Ksense 4 new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \Bavailability\b \K/-"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Bavailableness\b\p\In.\i\p\Bavailably\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xavail\x\j + \J\X-able\x\j\c
<hw>avalanche</hw> \K/"av\F'\nlA:nS/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeol\i a mass of snow and ice, tumbling rapidly down a mountain.\p\B2\b a sudden appearance or arrival of anything in large quantities \3(faced with an avalanche of work).\c\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i descend like an avalanche.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i carry down like an avalanche. \BEtymology:\b \3French, alteration of dialect \Ilavanche,\i influenced by \Iavaler\i descend\c
<hw>avant-garde</hw> \K/avQ~:(N)"gA:d/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\ppioneers or innovators esp. in art and literature. \Iadj.\i (of art, ideas, etc.) new, progressive. \Bavant-gardism\b\p\In.\i\p\Bavant-gardist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French, = vanguard\c
<hw>avarice</hw> \K/"av(\F'\n)rIs/\k\p\In.\i\pextreme greed for money or gain; cupidity. \Bavaricious\b \K/av\F'\n"rIS\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i \Bavariciously\b \K/-"rIS\F'\nsli/\k \Iadv.\i \Bavariciousness\b \K/-"rIS\F'\nsnIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Latin \Iavaritia,\i from \Iavarus\i 'greedy'\c
<hw>avatar</hw> \K/"av\F'\ntA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol Relig\i \IHinduism\i the descent of a deity or released soul to earth in bodily form.\p\B2\b incarnation; manifestation.\p\B3\b a manifestation or phase. \BEtymology:\b \3Sanskrit \Iavatara\i 'descent', from \Iava\i 'down' + \Itar-\i 'pass over'\c
<hw>avaunt</hw> \K/\F'\n"vO:nt/\k \Iint.\i \Iarchaic\i begone. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French from Old French \Iavant,\i ultimately from Latin \Iab\i 'from' + \Iante\i 'before'\c
<hw>Ave.</hw> \Iabbr.\i Avenue.
<hw>ave</hw> \K/"A:vi/, /"A:veI/\k \Iint. & n.\i \Iint.\i\p\B1\b welcome.\p\B2\b farewell.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \B(Ave;\b in full \BAve Maria)\b \IRelig\i a prayer to the Virgin Mary, the opening line from Luke 1:28; \Ialso called\i \J\XHail Mary\x.\j\p\B2\b a shout of welcome or farewell. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin, 2nd sing. imperative of \Iavere\i 'fare well'\c
<hw>avenge</hw> \K/\F'\n"vEn(d)Z/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b inflict retribution on behalf of (a person, oneself, a violated right, etc.) \3(the murderer was punished and the victim avenged).\c\p\B2\b take vengeance for (an injury) \3(the loss of the aircraft would be avenged).\c\p\1be avenged\c avenge oneself. \Bavenger\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iavengier,\i from \Iα\i 'to' + \Ivengier\i from Latin \Ivindicare\i 'vindicate'\c Where necessary, though uncommon, the preposition \Ion\i (or \Iupon)\i is used with \Iavenge,\i to introduce the person on whom vengeance is being taken, e.g. \Iswore he would be avenged on their leader;\i \Ihad the power to avenge himself on them.\i \IAvenge\i usually implies that the retribution inflicted is justifiable, whereas \Irevenge\i often implies that the main aim of retribution is to satisfy the injured party's resentment. See also Usage Note at \J\Xrevenge\x.\j
<hw>avens</hw> \K/"eIv(\F'\n)nz/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a plant of the genus \IGeum\i (rose family). \ISee also\i \J\Xmountain avens\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iavence\i (medieval Latin \Iavencia),\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>aventurine</hw> \K/\F'\n"vEntS\F'\nrIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral.\i\p\B1\b brownish glass or mineral containing sparkling gold-coloured particles usu. of copper or gold.\p\B2\b a variety of spangled quartz resembling this. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Italian \Iavventurino\i from \Iavventura\i 'chance' (because of its accidental discovery)\c
<hw>avenue</hw> \K/"av(\F'\n)nju:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a broad road or street, often with trees at regular intervals along its sides. \Bb\b a tree-lined approach to a country house.\p\B2\b a way of approaching or dealing with something \3(explored every avenue to find an answer).\c\p\B3\b (in many American cities having a grid layout) a road running perpendicular to another, esp. east-west.\Ksense 3 new f. usab Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, fem. past part. of \Iavenir,\i from Latin \Iadvenire\i 'come to'\c
<hw>aver</hw> \K/\F'\n"v\F'\n:/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(averred,\b \Baverring)\b \Iformal\i assert, affirm. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaverer\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j Latin \Iverus\i 'true')\c
<hw>average</hw> \K/"av(\F'\n)rIdZ/\k \In., adj., & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the usual amount, extent, or rate. \Bb\b the ordinary standard.\p\B2\b an amount obtained by dividing the total of given amounts by the number of amounts in the set.\p\B3\b \INaut\i \ILaw\i the distribution of loss resulting from damage to a ship or cargo. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b usual, ordinary. \Bb\b mediocre.\K1b new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k\p\B2\b estimated or calculated by average. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b amount on average to \3(the sale of the product averaged one hundred a day).\c\p\B2\b do on average \3(averages six hours' work a day).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b estimate the average of. \Bb\b estimate the general standard of.\p\Baverage out\b result in an average.\p\1average out at\c result in an average of.\p\1on (or on an) average\c as an average rate or estimate. \Baveragely\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iavarie\i 'damage to ship or cargo' (see sense 3), via Italian \Iavaria\i from Arabic '\Iawariya\i 'damaged goods', from '\Iawar\i 'damage at sea, loss': \I-age\i on the pattern of \Idamage\i\c
<hw>average adjustment</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the apportionment of average (see \J\Xaverage\x\p\In.\i\p3).\j
<hw>averment</hw> \K/\F'\n"v\F'\n:m(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\pa positive statement; an affirmation, \Iesp. Law\i one with an offer of proof. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French, Old French \Iaver(r)ement\i (as \J\Xaver\x,\j \J\X-ment\x)\j\c
<hw>averse</hw> \K/\F'\n"v\F'\n:s/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bto;\b also foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i opposed, disinclined \3(was not averse to helping me).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaversus\i (as \J\Xavert\x)\j\c Although condemned in the past as etymologically improper (the literal meaning being 'turned \Ifrom\i'), \Iaverse\i is now more often followed by \Ito\i than \Ifrom.\i This can be justified by analogy with semantically related words such as \Idisinclined,\i \Ihostile,\i \Iopposed,\i etc., which are also used with \Ito.\i
<hw>aversion</hw> \K/\F'\n"v\F'\n:S(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bto,\b \Bfrom,\b \Bfor)\b\i a dislike or unwillingness \3(has an aversion to hard work).\c\p\B2\b an object of dislike \3(my pet aversion).\c \Baversive\b \Iadj.\i\K-ive new f. corpus Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaversion\i or Latin \Iaversio\i (as \J\Xavert\x,\j \J\X-ion\x)\j\c
<hw>aversion therapy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i therapy designed to make a patient give up an undesirable habit by associating it with an unpleasant effect.
<hw>avert</hw> \K/\F'\n"v\F'\n:t/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i turn away (one's eyes or thoughts).\p\B2\b prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence). \Bavertible\b \Iadj.\i (also \Bavertable).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Latin \Iavertere\i (as \J\Xab-\x,\j \Ivertere vers-\i 'turn'): partly via Old French \Iavertir\i and Romanic\c Care should be taken not to confuse sense 2 of \Iavert\i with \Iavoid,\i e.g. \IDisaster was narrowly averted\i and \IHe narrowly avoided being arrested.\i \IAvert\i incorporates the idea of taking action to ward off an undesirable event in advance, while \Iavoid\i means 'to escape' or 'evade'.
<hw>Avesta</hw> \K/\F'\n"vEst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. prec. by \Bthe)\b\i \IRelig\i the sacred writings of Zoroastrianism \I(see\i \J\XZend\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Persian\c
<hw>Avestan</hw> \K/\F'\n"vEst(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IRelig\i \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Avesta.\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i the ancient Iranian language of the Avesta.
<hw>avian</hw> \K/"eIvI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i \IZool\i of or relating to birds. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iavis\i 'bird'\c
<hw>aviary</hw> \K/"eIvI\F'\nri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IZool\i a large enclosure or building for keeping birds. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaviarium\i (as \J\Xavian\x,\j \J\X-ary\x (1))\j\c
<hw>aviate</hw> \K/"eIvIeIt/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\IAeron\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i pilot or fly in an aeroplane.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i pilot (an aeroplane). \BEtymology:\b \3back-formation from \J\Xaviation\x\j\c
<hw>aviation</hw> \K/eIvI"eIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i\p\B1\b the skill or practice of operating aircraft.\p\B2\b aircraft manufacture. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Latin \Iavis\i 'bird'\c
<hw>aviator</hw> \K/"eIvIeIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Baviatrix\b \K/"eIvI\F'\ntrIks/\k) \IAeron\i an airman or airwoman. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaviateur\i from Latin \Iavis\i 'bird'\c
<hw>aviculture</hw> \K/"eIvIkVltS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool Vet\i the rearing and keeping of birds. \Baviculturist\b \K/-"kVltS(\F'\n)rIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iavis\i 'bird', on the pattern of \J\Xagriculture\x\j\c
<hw>avid</hw> \K/"avId/\k \Iadj.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bof,\b \Bfor)\b\i eager, greedy. \Bavidly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iavide\i or Latin \Iavidus,\i from \Iavere\i 'crave'\c
<hw>avidity</hw> \K/\F'\n"vIdIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b eagerness, greed.\p\B2\b \IBiochem.\i the overall strength of binding between an antibody and an antigen.\Knew f. OERD Apr 94\k
<hw>avifauna</hw> \K/"eIvIfO:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i birds of a region or country collectively. \Bavifaunal\b \Iadj.\i\Kavifaunal new f. incomings Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iavis\i 'bird' + \J\Xfauna\x\j\c
<hw>avionics</hw> \K/eIvI"QnIks/\k \In.pl.\i \I(usu. treated as \Bsing.)\b\i \IAeron\i electronics as applied to aviation.
<hw>avitaminosis</hw> \K/eI%vIt\F'\nmI"n\F'\nUsIs/, /-%vVIt-/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bavitaminoses\b \K/-"n\F'\nUsi:z/\k) \IMed.\i a condition resulting from vitamin deficiency.
<hw>avizandum</hw> \K/avI"zand\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\BSc.\b \ILaw\i a period of time for further consideration of a judgement. \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin, gerund of \Iavizare\i 'consider' (as \J\Xadvise\x)\j\c
<hw>avocado</hw> \K/av\F'\n"kA:d\F'\nU/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \IBot\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bavocado pear)\b a pear-shaped fruit with a rough leathery skin, smooth oily edible flesh, and a large stone; \Ialso called\i \Ialligator pear.\i\p\B2\b the tropical evergreen tree, Persea americana, native to Central America, bearing this fruit.\p\B3\b the light green colour of the flesh of this fruit. \Iadj.\i of the colour avocado; light green.\Kadj. new f. SOED Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, = advocate (substituted for Nahuatl \Iahuacatl)\i\c
<hw>avocation</hw> \K/av\F'\n"keIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a minor occupation.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i a vocation or calling. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iavocatio\i from \Iavocare\i 'call away'\c
<hw>avocet</hw> \K/"av\F'\nsEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a wading bird of the genus \IRecurvirostra\i with long legs and a long slender upward-curved bill and usu. black and white plumage. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iavocette\i from Italian \Iavosetta\i\c
<hw>Avogadro's constant</hw> \K/av\F'\n"gA:dr\F'\nUz/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BAvogadro's number)\b \IChem.\i the number of atoms or molecules in one mole of a substance (symbol \BL).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3named after A. \IAvogadro,\i Italian physicist d. 1856\c
<hw>Avogadro's law</hw> \K/av\F'\n"gA:dr\F'\nUz/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \BAvogadro's hypothesis)\b \IPhysics\i a law stating that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules.
<hw>avoid</hw> \K/\F'\n"vOId/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b keep away from (a thing, person, or action); refrain from.\p\B2\b escape; evade.\p\B3\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b nullify (a decree or contract). \Bb\b quash (a sentence). \Bavoidable\b \Iadj.\i \Bavoidably\b \Iadv.\i \Bavoidance\b\p\In.\i\p\Bavoider\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French \Iavoider,\i Old French \Ievuider\i 'clear out, get rid of', from \Ivuide\i 'empty', \J\Xvoid\x\j\c See Usage Note at \J\Xavert\x.\j
<hw>avoirdupois</hw> \K/av\F'\nd\F'\n"pOIz/, /%avwA:djU"pwA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bavoirdupois weight)\b a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains.\p\B2\b weight, heaviness.\Ksense 2 new f. NSOED Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iaveir de peis\i 'goods of weight' from \Iaveir\i (modern \Iavoir)\i 'to have', used as a noun, from Latin \Ihabere\i 'have', + \Ipeis\i (see \J\Xpoise\x (1))\j\c
<hw>avouch</hw> \K/\F'\n"vaUtS/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \Iarchaic\i or \Iliterary\i guarantee, affirm, confess. \Bavouchment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iavochier\i from Latin \Iadvocare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivocare\i 'call')\c
<hw>avow</hw> \K/\F'\n"vaU/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b admit, confess.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \Irefl.\i admit that one is \3(avowed himself the author).\c \Bb\b (as \Bavowed\b \Iadj.)\i admitted \3(the avowed author).\c \Bavowal\b\p\In.\i\p\Bavowedly\b \K/\F'\n"vaUIdli/\k \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iavouer\i 'acknowledge' from Latin \Iadvocare\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Ivocare\i 'call')\c
<hw>avulsion</hw> \K/\F'\n"vVlS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a tearing away.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i a sudden removal of land by a flood etc. to another person's estate. \Bavulse\b \Iv.tr.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iavulsion\i or Latin \Iavulsio,\i from \Iavellere avuls-\i 'pluck away'\c
<hw>avuncular</hw> \K/\F'\n"vVNkjUl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i like or of an uncle; kind and friendly, esp. towards a younger person. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iavunculus\i 'maternal uncle', diminutive of \Iavus\i 'grandfather'\c
<hw>aw</hw> \K/O:/\k \Iint.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b & \BSc.\b expressing mild protest, entreaty, commiseration, or disapproval.\Knew f. SOED, corpus Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3a natural exclamation\c
<hw>AWACS</hw> \K/"eIwaks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil Aeron\i a long-range airborne radar system for detecting enemy aircraft. \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation of \Ia\iirborne \Iw\iarning \Ia\ind \Ic\iontrol \Is\iystem\c
<hw>await</hw> \K/\F'\n"weIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b wait for.\p\B2\b (of an event or thing) be in store for \3(a surprise awaits you).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iawaitier,\i Old French \Iaguaitier\i (as \J\Xad-\x,\j \Iwaitier\i \J\Xwait\x)\j\c
<hw>awake</hw> \K/\F'\n"weIk/\k \Iv. & adj.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\I(past\i \Bawoke\b \K/\F'\n"w\F'\nUk/\k; \Ipast part.\i \Bawoken\b \K/\F'\n"w\F'\nUk(\F'\n)n/\k)\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b cease to sleep. \Bb\b become active.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i become aware of.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i rouse, esp. from sleep. \Ipredic.adj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b not asleep. \Bb\b vigilant.\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bto)\b\i aware of.\p\1be awake up\c \BAustral.\b \Icolloq.\i = \Ibe a wake-up\i (see \J\Xwake\x (1)).\j\Knew idm f. ACOD, correspondent Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iawµcnan,\i \Iawacian\i (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \J\Xwake\x (1))\j\c See Usage Note at \J\Xawaken\x.\j
<hw>awaken</hw> \K/\F'\n"weIk(\F'\n)n/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iv.tr. & intr.\i = \J\Xawake\x\p\Iv.\i\p\j\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bto)\b\i make aware. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ionwµcnan\i etc. (as \J\Xa-\x (2),\j \J\Xwaken\x)\j\c \IAwake\i and \Iawaken\i are largely interchangeable, but \Iawaken\i is much rarer than \Iawake\i as an intransitive verb, and has an extra transitive usage (sense 2 above), as in \IThe strike had awakened them to the possibilities of resistance.\i
<hw>award</hw> \K/\F'\n"wO:d/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b give or order to be given as a payment, compensation, or prize \3(awarded him a knighthood;\c \2was awarded damages).\c\p\B2\b grant, assign.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a payment, compensation, or prize awarded.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i a judicial decision. \Bawarder\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Iawarder,\i ultimately from Germanic: see \J\Xward\x\j\c
<hw>aware</hw> \K/\F'\n"wE:/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Bof,\b or \Bthat\b + clause)\i conscious; not ignorant; having knowledge.\p\B2\b well informed \I(often in \Bcomb.:\b\i \2politically aware).\c \Bawareness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Igewµr,\i from West Germanic\c In popular use, \Iaware\i is sometimes used in sense 2 to mean 'well informed', without any qualifying word, as in \Ishe's a very aware person.\i This should be avoided in formal contexts.
<hw>awash</hw> \K/\F'\n"wQS/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i\p\B1\b level with the surface of water which just washes over; covered in water; flooded.\p\B2\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bwith,\b \Bin)\b\i rich, overflowing, abounding.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>away</hw> \K/\F'\n"weI/\k \Iadv., adj., & n.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b to or at a distance from the place, person, or thing in question \3(go away;\c \2give away;\c \2look away;\c \2they are away;\c \25 miles away).\c\p\B2\b towards or into non-existence \3(sounds die away;\c \2explain it away;\c \2idled their time away).\c\p\B3\b constantly, persistently, continuously \3(work away;\c \2laugh away).\c\p\B4\b without hesitation \3(ask away).\c \Iadj.\i \ISport\i played on an opponent's ground etc. \3(away match;\c \2away win).\c\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i an away match or win.\p\1away with\c \I(as \Bimper.)\b\i take away; let us be rid of. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ionweg,\i \Iaweg\i 'on one's way' from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xway\x\j\c
<hw>awe</hw> \K/O:/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\preverential fear or wonder \3(stand in awe of).\c \Iv.tr.\i inspire with awe. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iege\i and Old Norse \Iagi,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>aweigh</hw> \K/\F'\n"weI/\k \Ipredic.adj.\i \INaut.\i (of an anchor) clear of the sea or river bed; hanging. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xweigh\x (1)\j\c
<hw>awe-inspiring</hw> \Iadj.\i causing awe or wonder; amazing, magnificent.
<hw>awesome</hw> \K/"O:s(\F'\n)m/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b inspiring awe; dreaded.\p\B2\b \Islang\i marvellous, excellent.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. OMED, ODNW Jul 93\k \Bawesomely\b \Iadv.\i \Bawesomeness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xawe\x\j + \J\X-some\x (1)\j\c
<hw>awestricken</hw> \K/"O:strIk(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj.\i (also \Bawestruck\b \K/-strVk/\k) struck or affected by awe.
<hw>awful</hw> \K/"O:fUl/, /-f(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Icolloq.\i \Ba\b unpleasant or horrible \3(awful weather).\c \Bb\b poor in quality; very bad \3(has awful writing).\c \Bc\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i excessive; remarkably large \3(an awful lot of money).\c\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i inspiring awe. \Bawfulness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xawe\x\j + \J\X-ful\x\j\c
<hw>awfully</hw> \K/"O:fUli/, /-fli/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \Icolloq.\i in an unpleasant, bad, or horrible way \3(he played awfully).\c\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i very \3(she's awfully pleased;\c \2thanks awfully).\c\p\B3\b \Ipoet.\i reverently.
<hw>awhile</hw> \K/\F'\n"wVIl/\k \Iadv.\i for a short time. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iane hwile\i 'a while'\c
<hw>awkward</hw> \K/"O:kw\F'\nd/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b ill-adapted for use; causing difficulty in use.\p\B2\b clumsy or bungling.\p\B3\b \Ba\b \Besp. Brit.\b embarrassed; ill at ease \3(felt awkward about it).\c \Bb\b embarrassing \3(an awkward situation).\c\p\B4\b \Besp. Brit.\b difficult to deal with \3(an awkward customer).\c\p\1the awkward age\c adolescence. \Bawkwardly\b \Iadv.\i \Bawkwardness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3obsolete \Iawk\i backhanded, untoward (Middle English, from Old Norse \Iafugr\i 'turned the wrong way') + \J\X-ward\x\j\c
<hw>awl</hw> \K/O:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITools\i a small pointed tool used for piercing holes, esp. in leather. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµl\i\c
<hw>awn</hw> \K/O:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a stiff bristle, esp. one growing from the sheath around the seed of cereals and other grasses. \Bawned\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English from Old Norse \I÷gn\i\c
<hw>awning</hw> \K/"O:nIN/\k\p\In.\i\pa sheet of canvas or similar material stretched on a frame and used to shade a shop window, doorway, ship's deck, or other area from the sun or rain. \BEtymology:\b \317th c. (nautical): origin uncertain\c
<hw>AWOL</hw> \K/"eIwQl/\k \Iabbr.\i \IMil\i \Icolloq.\i absent without leave.
<hw>awry</hw> \K/\F'\n"rVI/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b crookedly or askew.\p\B2\b improperly or amiss. \Ipredic.adj.\i crooked; deviant or unsound \3(his theory is awry).\c\p\1go awry\c go or do wrong. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from \J\Xa\x (2)\j + \J\Xwry\x\j\c
<hw>aw-shucks</hw> \K/O:"SVks/\k \Iadj.\i \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i characterized by a self-deprecating, self-conscious, or shy manner.\Knew f. kpb, incomings Sep 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xaw\x\j + \Ishucks:\i see \J\Xshuck\x\j\c
<hw>axe</hw> \K/aks/\k \In. & v.\i \B(US\b usu. \Bax)\b\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ITools\i a chopping tool, usu. of iron with a steel edge and wooden handle.\p\B2\b \B(the axe)\b \Ba\b the drastic cutting or elimination of expenditure, staff, etc. \Bb\b the abandoning of a project.\p\B3\b \IMus\i \Islang\i a musical instrument used in jazz or pop music, esp. (originally) a saxophone, or (now) a guitar.\Ksense 3 new f. SOED Nov 94\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(axing)\b\p\B1\b cut (esp. costs, services, or staff) drastically.\p\B2\b abandon (a project).\p\1an axe to grind\c private ends to serve. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Iµx,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>axe-breaker</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an Australian tree, Notelµa longifolia, with very hard timber.\KLatin name new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>axel</hw> \K/"aks(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport Skating\i a jump in skating from the forward outside edge of one skate to the backward outside edge of the other, with one and a half turns in the air. \BEtymology:\b \3named after \IAxel\i R. Paulsen, Norwegian skater d. 1938\c
<hw>axeman</hw> \K/"aksman/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b\p\B1\b a person who works with or wields an axe.\Knew f. corpus, SOED Dec 93\k\p\B2\b \IMus\i \Islang\i a jazz or rock guitarist.\Ksense 2 new f. SOED, corpus, incomings Nov 94\k
<hw>axes</hw> \I\Ipl.\i of\i \J\Xaxis\x (1).\j
<hw>axial</hw> \K/"aksI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b forming or belonging to an axis.\p\B2\b round an axis \3(axial rotation;\c \2axial symmetry).\c \Kaxiality omitted Jul 93\k\Baxially\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>axil</hw> \K/"aksIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i the upper angle between a leaf and the stem it springs from, or between a branch and the trunk. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Iaxilla:\i see \J\Xaxilla\x\j\c
<hw>axilla</hw> \K/ak"sIl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baxillae\b \K/-li:/\k)\p\B1\b \IAnat.\i the armpit.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i an axil. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = armpit, diminutive of \Iala\i 'wing'\c
<hw>axillary</hw> \K/ak"sIl\F'\nri/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat.\i of or relating to the armpit.\p\B2\b \IBot.\i in or growing from the axil.
<hw>axiom</hw> \K/"aksI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an established or widely accepted principle.\p\B2\b \Iesp. Geom.\i a self-evident truth. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iaxiome\i or Latin \Iaxioma\i from Greek \Iaxioma axiomat-,\i from \Iaxios\i 'worthy'\c
<hw>axiomatic</hw> \K/aksI\F'\n"matIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b self-evident.\p\B2\b relating to or containing axioms. \Baxiomatically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iaxiomatikos\i (as \J\Xaxiom\x)\j\c
<hw>axis (1)</hw> \K/"aksIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Baxes\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b \IGeom\i \Ba\b an imaginary line about which a body rotates or about which a plane figure is conceived as generating a solid. \Bb\b a line which divides a regular figure symmetrically.\p\B2\b \IMath.\i a fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates etc.\p\B3\b \IBot.\i the central column of an inflorescence or other growth.\p\B4\b \IAnat.\i the second cervical vertebra.\p\B5\b \IPhysiol.\i the central part of an organ or organism.\p\B6\b \IPolit\i an agreement or alliance between two or more countries forming a centre for an eventual larger grouping of nations sharing an ideal or objective.\p\B7\b \B(the Axis)\b \Ba\b the alliance of Germany and Italy formed before and during the Second World War, later extended to include Japan and other countries. \Bb\b these countries as a group. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, = axle, pivot\c
<hw>axis (2)</hw> \K/"aksIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \IZool\i a white-spotted deer, Cervus axis, of S. Asia. \IAlso called\i \Ichital.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin\c
<hw>axle</hw> \K/"aks(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i a rod or spindle (either fixed or rotating) on which a wheel or group of wheels is fixed. \BEtymology:\b \3originally \Iaxle-tree\i (Middle English \Iaxel-tre)\i from Old Norse \I÷xull-trΘ\i\c
<hw>Axminster</hw> \K/"aksmInst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \BAxminster carpet)\b \IWeaving Textiles\i a kind of machine-woven patterned carpet with a cut pile. \BEtymology:\b \3the town of \IAxminster\i in S. England, where such carpets are made\c
<hw>axolotl</hw> \K/"aks\F'\nlQt(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i an aquatic newtlike salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum, from Mexico, which in natural conditions retains its larval form for life but is able to breed. \BEtymology:\b \3Nahuatl, from \Iatl\i 'water' + \Ixolotl\i 'servant'\c
<hw>axon</hw> \K/"aksQn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i & \IZool.\i a long threadlike part of a nerve cell, conducting impulses from the cell body. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin, from Greek \Iaxon\i 'axis'\c
<hw>axonometric</hw> \K/aks(\F'\n)n\F'\n(U)"mEtrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IArt etc.\i (of a pictorial representation) using an orthographic projection of the object on a plane inclined to each of the three principal axes of the object.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus, incomings Jul 93\k
<hw>ay</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xaye\x (1).\j
<hw>ayah</hw> \K/"VI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnthropol\i a nurse or maidservant, esp. of Europeans in India and in other former British territories abroad. \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-Indian, from Portuguese \Iaia\i 'nurse'\c
<hw>ayatollah</hw> \K/VI\F'\n"tQl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a Shi'ite religious leader in Iran. \BEtymology:\b \3Persian from Arabic, = token of God\c
<hw>aye (1)</hw> \K/VI/\k \Iadv. & n.\i (also \Bay)\b \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \Iarchaic\i or \Idial.\i yes.\p\B2\b \IPolit\i (in voting) I assent.\p\B3\b (as \Baye aye)\b \INaut.\i a response accepting an order.\p\In.\i\pan affirmative answer or assent, esp. in voting.\p\1the ayes have it\c the affirmative votes are in the majority. \BEtymology:\b \316th c.: probably from first person personal pronoun expressing assent\c
<hw>aye (2)</hw> \K/eI/, /VI/\k \Iadv.\i \Iarchaic\i ever, always.\p\1for aye\c for ever. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old Norse \Iei,\i \Iey,\i from Germanic, related to Latin \Iaevum\i 'age', Greek \Iaion\i \J\Xaeon\x\j\c
<hw>aye-aye</hw> \K/"VIVI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i an arboreal nocturnal lemur, Daubentonia madagascariensis, native to Madagascar. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Malagasy \Iaiay\i\c
<hw>Aylesbury</hw> \K/"eIlzb(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAylesburys)\b \IZool\i\p\B1\b a bird of a breed of large white domestic ducks.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3the town of \IAylesbury\i in S. England, where the ducks were bred\c
<hw>Aymara</hw> \K/"VIm\F'\nrA:/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \BAymaras)\b\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a member of a S. American Indian people of Bolivia and Peru.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language of this people. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this people or language.\Knew f. OERD Dec 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Bolivian Spanish\c
<hw>Ayrshire</hw> \K/"E:S\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b an animal of a mainly white breed of dairy cattle.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3name of a former Scottish county, where the cattle were bred\c
<hw>ayurveda</hw> \K/A:j\F'\n"veId\F'\n/, /-"vi:d\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a traditional Hindu system of medicine based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and emphasizing diet, herbal treatment, yogic breathing, etc. \Bayurvedic\b \Iadj.\i\Knew f. OERD, incomings Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Sanskrit \Iayur-veda\i 'science of life' (see \J\XVeda\x)\j\c
<hw>AZ</hw> \Iabbr.\i \BUS\b \IGeog\i Arizona (in official postal use).
<hw>azalea</hw> \K/\F'\n"zeIlI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of various flowering deciduous shrubs of the genus \IRhododendron,\i with large pink, purple, white, or yellow flowers. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek, fem. of \Iazaleos\i 'dry' (from the dry soil in which it was believed to flourish)\c
<hw>azeotrope</hw> \K/"eIzI\F'\ntr\F'\nUp/, /\F'\n"zi:\F'\n-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i a mixture of liquids in which the boiling point remains constant during distillation, at a given pressure, without change in composition. \Bazeotropic\b \K/%eIZI\F'\n"tr\F'\nUpIk/, /-"trQpIk/, /\F'\n%zi:\F'\n-/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xa-\x (1)\j + Greek \Izeo\i 'boil' + \Itropos\i 'turning'\c
<hw>Azerbaijani</hw> \K/%az\F'\nbVI"dZA:ni/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAzerbaijanis)\b \IPeople Language\i\p\B1\b a native or inhabitant of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus.\p\B2\b the Turkic language of Azerbaijan. \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Azerbaijanis or their language.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\IAzerbaijan\i + \J\X-i\x (2)\j\c
<hw>Azeri</hw> \K/\F'\n"zE:ri/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BAzeris)\b \IPeople Language\i\p\B1\b a member of a Turkic people living mainly in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and northern Iran.\p\B2\b their language. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this people or their language.\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Turkish \Iazerε\i from Persian, = fire\c
<hw>azide</hw> \K/"eIzVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any compound containing the radical N3-. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iazote\i 'nitrogen' + \J\X-ide\x\j\c
<hw>Azilian</hw> \K/\F'\n"zIlI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IArchaeol.\i\p\In.\i\pan early mesolithic culture in western Europe, dated about 10,000 to 8000 bc. \Iadj.\i of or relating to this culture. \BEtymology:\b \3named after Mas d'\IAzil\i in the French Pyrenees, where remains of it were found\c
<hw>azimuth</hw> \K/"azIm\F'\nT/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAstron\i\p\B1\b the angular distance from a north or south point of the horizon to the intersection with the horizon of a vertical circle passing through a given celestial object.\p\B2\b the horizontal angle or direction of a compass bearing. \Bazimuthal\b \K/-"mju:T(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iazimut\i from Arabic \Ias-sumut,\i from \Ial\i 'the' + \Isumut,\i pl. of \Isamt\i 'way, direction'\c
<hw>azimuthal projection</hw>\p\In.\i\pa map projection in which a region of the earth is projected on to a plane tangential to the surface, usually at the pole or equator.\Knew f. Collins\k
<hw>azine</hw> \K/"eIzi:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i any organic compound with two or more nitrogen atoms in a six-atom ring. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xazo-\x\j + \J\X-ine\x (4)\j\c
<hw>azo-</hw> \K/"eIz\F'\nU/\k \Iprefix\i \IChem.\i containing two adjacent nitrogen atoms between carbon atoms. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Iazote\i 'nitrogen' from Greek \Iazoos\i 'without life'\c
<hw>azo dye</hw>\p\In.\i\pany of a number of dyes whose molecules contain two adjacent nitrogen atoms between two carbon atoms.\Knew f. Collins, NSOED\k
<hw>azoic</hw> \K/eI"z\F'\nUIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b having no trace of life.\p\B2\b \IGeol.\i (of an age etc.) having left no organic remains. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iazoos\i 'without life'\c
<hw>AZT</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IPharm\i the drug zidovudine. \BEtymology:\b \3chemical name \Iazidothymidine\i\c
<hw>Aztec</hw> \K/"aztEk/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a member of the native people dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th c.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language of the Aztecs. \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Aztecs or their language (see also \J\XNahuatl\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3French \IAztΦque\i or Spanish \IAzteca,\i from Nahuatl \Iaztecatl\i 'men of the north'\c
<hw>azuki</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xadzuki\x.\j
<hw>azure</hw> \K/"aZ\F'\n/, /-Zj(U)\F'\n/, /-zjU\F'\n/; /"eI-/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a deep sky-blue colour. \Bb\b \IHeraldry\i blue.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i the clear sky. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b of the colour azure. \Bb\b \IHeraldry\i blue.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i serene, untroubled. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iasur,\i \Iazur\i and medieval Latin \Iazzurum,\i \Iazolum\i from Arabic \Ial\i 'the' + \Ilazaward\i from Persian \Ilazward\i 'lapis lazuli'\c
<hw>azygous</hw> \K/"azIg\F'\ns/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IAnat.\i \Iadj.\i (of any organic structure) single; not existing in pairs.\p\In.\i\pan organic structure occurring singly. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Iazugos\i 'unyoked' (as \J\Xa-\x (1)\j + \Izugon\i 'yoke')\c
<hw>B (1)</hw> \K/bi:/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bb)\b \I(pl.\i \BBs\b or \BB's)\b\p\B1\b the second letter of the alphabet.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i the seventh note of the diatonic scale of C major.\p\B3\b the second hypothetical person or example.\p\B4\b the second highest class or category (of roads, academic marks, etc.).\p\B5\b (usu. \Bb)\b \IAlgebra\i the second known quantity.\p\B6\b \IPhysiol\i a human blood type of the ABO system.
<hw>BA</hw> \Iabbr.\i\p\B1\b \IEducation\i Bachelor of Arts.\p\B2\b British Academy.\p\B3\b \IAeron\i British Airways.\p\B4\b British Association (for the Advancement of Science).
<hw>Ba</hw> \Isymb.\i \IChem.\i the element barium.
<hw>BAA</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IAeron\i British Airports Authority.
<hw>baa</hw> \K/bA:/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.intr.\i \B(baas,\b \Bbaaed\b or \Bbaa'd)\b (of a sheep etc.) bleat.\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbaas)\b the cry of a sheep or lamb. \BEtymology:\b \3imitative\c
<hw>Baagandji</hw> \K/"bA:g(\F'\n)ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i an Aboriginal language of SE Australia, now extinct.\Knew from ACOD Oct 93\k
<hw>baa-lamb</hw>\p\In.\i\p(a child's word for) a lamb.\Knew f. SOED, incomings, COD box Aug 94\k
<hw>baas</hw> \K/bA:s/\k\p\In.\i\p\BS.Afr.\b boss, master (often as a form of address). \BEtymology:\b \3Dutch: cf. \J\Xboss\x (1)\j\c
<hw>baasskap</hw> \K/"bA:skap/\k\p\In.\i\p\BS.Afr.\b domination, esp. of non-whites by whites. \BEtymology:\b \3Afrikaans from \Ibaas\i 'master' + \I-skap\i 'condition'\c
<hw>baba</hw> \K/"bA:bA:/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Brum baba)\b \ICookery\i a small rich sponge cake, usu. soaked in rum-flavoured syrup. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Polish, literally 'married peasant woman'\c
<hw>Babbitt</hw> \K/"babIt/\k\p\In.\i\pa materialistic, complacent businessman. \BBabbittry\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3George \IBabbitt,\i a character in the novel \IBabbitt\i (1922) by S. Lewis\c
<hw>babbitt</hw> \K/"babIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bbabbitt metal)\b \IChem\i any of a group of soft alloys of tin, antimony, copper, and usu. lead, used for lining bearings etc., to diminish friction.\p\B2\b a bearing-lining made of this. \BEtymology:\b \3I. \IBabbitt,\i American inventor d. 1862\c
<hw>babble</hw> \K/"bab(\F'\n)l/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \Ba\b talk in an inarticulate or incoherent manner. \Bb\b chatter excessively or irrelevantly. \Bc\b (of a stream etc.) murmur, trickle.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i repeat foolishly; divulge through chatter.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b incoherent speech. \Bb\b foolish, idle, or childish talk.\p\B2\b the murmur of voices, water, etc.\p\B3\b \ITelephony\i background disturbance caused by interference from conversations on other telephone lines. \Bbabblement\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Middle Low German \Ibabbelen,\i or imitative\c
<hw>babbler</hw> \K/"babl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a chatterer.\p\B2\b a person who reveals secrets.\p\B3\b \IZool\i a passerine bird of the large family Timaliidae, with a loud chattering voice.
<hw>babe</hw> \K/beIb/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Iliterary\i a baby.\p\B2\b an innocent or helpless person \3(babes and sucklings;\c \2babes in the wood).\c\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \Islang\i \Ioften offens.\i a young woman (often as a form of address). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English: imitative of child's \Iba,\i \Iba\i\c
<hw>babel</hw> \K/"beIb(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a confused noise, esp. of voices.\p\B2\b a noisy assembly.\p\B3\b a scene of confusion. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Hebrew \IBabel\i 'Babylon' from Akkadian \Ibab ili\i 'gate of god' (with reference to the biblical account of the tower that was built to reach heaven but ended in chaos when Jehovah confused the builders' speech: see Gen. 11)\c
<hw>Babi</hw> \K/"bA:bi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i a member of an eclectic Persian sect founded in 1844, teaching that a new prophet would follow Muhammad, and later giving rise to the Baha'i faith. \BBabism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Persian \IBab,\i 'gate' (= intermediary), name taken by the founder\c
<hw>babirusa</hw> \K/bA:bI"ru:s\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbabiroussa)\b \IZool\i a wild hog, Babyrousa babyrussa, with upturned tusks, native to the Malay Archipelago.\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Malay, from \Ibabi\i 'hog' + \Irusa\i 'deer'\c
<hw>baboon</hw> \K/b\F'\n"bu:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i any of various large Old World monkeys of the genera \IPapio\i and \IMandrillus,\i having a long doglike snout, large teeth, and naked callosities on the buttocks.\p\B2\b an ugly or uncouth person. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Ibabuin\i or medieval Latin \Ibabewynus,\i perhaps from Old French \Ibaboue\i 'muzzle, grimace'\c
<hw>babu</hw> \K/"bA:bu:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (in the Indian subcontinent) a title of respect, esp. to Hindus.\p\B2\b \BAnglo-Ind.\b \Ioffens.\i an Indian clerk or official who has a superficial knowledge of English.\Kchecked with Vineeta Gupta; baboo omitted Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Hindi \Ibabu,\i literally 'father'\c
<hw>babushka</hw> \K/b\F'\n"bUSk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b (in Russia) an old woman; a grandmother.\Ksense 1 new f. SOED, corpus Jul 93\k\p\B2\b \IFashion\i a headscarf tied under the chin. \BEtymology:\b \3Russian, = grandmother\c
<hw>baby</hw> \K/"beIbi/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b a very young child or infant, esp. one not yet able to walk.\p\B2\b an unduly childish person \3(is a baby about injections).\c\p\B3\b the youngest member of a family, team, etc.\p\B4\b \I(often \Battrib.)\b\i \Ba\b a young or newly born animal. \Bb\b a thing that is small of its kind \3(baby car;\c \2baby rose).\c\p\B5\b \Islang\i a young woman; a sweetheart (often as a form of address).\p\B6\b \Islang\i a person or thing regarded with affection or familiarity.\p\B7\b one's own responsibility, invention, concern, achievement, etc., regarded in a personal way. \Iv.tr.\i \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b\p\B1\b treat like a baby.\p\B2\b pamper.\p\1carry (or hold) the baby\c bear unwelcome responsibility.\p\1throw away (or out) the baby with the bathwater\c reject the essential with the inessential. \Bbabyhood\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English (as \J\Xbabe\x,\j \J\X-y\x (2))\j\c
<hw>baby blue</hw> \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pa light blue colour. \Iadj.\i \I(hyphenated when \Battrib.)\b\i of this colour.\Kcolour; new f. corpus, OED Dec 93\k
<hw>baby boom</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i \Icolloq.\i a temporary marked increase in the birth rate.
<hw>baby boomer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i a person born during a baby boom, esp. after the Second World War.
<hw>baby bouncer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a frame supported by elastic or springs, into which a child is harnessed to exercise its limbs.
<hw>baby buggy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b \Ipropr.\i a kind of child's collapsible pushchair.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b a pram.\Ksense 2 new f. SOED Jul 93\k
<hw>baby carriage</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b a pram.
<hw>baby face</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a smooth round face like a baby's.\p\B2\b a person with such a face. \Bbaby-faced\b \Iadj.\i\Knew f. corpus Sept 94\k
<hw>baby grand</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i the smallest size of grand piano.
<hw>Babygro</hw> \K/"beIbIgr\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \BBrit.\b \IClothing\i \Ipropr.\i a kind of all-in-one stretch garment for babies. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbaby\x\j + \J\Xgrow\x\j\c
<hw>Babylonian</hw> \K/babI"l\F'\nUnI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i an inhabitant of Babylon, an ancient city and kingdom in Mesopotamia. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Babylon. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IBabylonius\i via Greek \IBabulonios\i from \IBabulon,\i from Hebrew \IBabel\i\c
<hw>baby's breath</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot.\i any of various scented plants, esp. Gypsophila paniculata.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED, suggestions box Jul 93\k
<hw>babysit</hw> \K/"beIbIsIt/\k \Iv.intr.\i \B(-sitting;\b \Ipast\i and \Ipast part.\i \B-sat)\b look after a child or children while the parents are out. \Bbabysitter\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>baby-snatcher</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b \ICriminol\i a person who abducts a very young child.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b = \J\Xcradle-snatcher\x.\j
<hw>baby talk</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i childish talk used by or to young children.
<hw>baby walker</hw>\p\In.\i\pa wheeled frame in which a baby learns to walk.
<hw>Bacardi</hw> \K/b\F'\n"kA:di/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BBacardis)\b \Ipropr.\i \IDrink\i a West Indian rum produced originally in Cuba. \BEtymology:\b \3name of the company producing it\c
<hw>baccalaureate</hw> \K/bak\F'\n"lO:rI\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i\p\B1\b an examination intended to qualify successful candidates for higher education, esp. in France and many international schools.\p\B2\b the university degree of bachelor. \BEtymology:\b \3French \IbaccalaurΘat\i or medieval Latin \Ibaccalaureatus,\i from \Ibaccalaureus\i 'bachelor'\c
<hw>baccarat</hw> \K/"bak\F'\nrA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICards\i a gambling card game played by punters in turn against the banker. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibaccara,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>bacchanal</hw> \K/"bak\F'\nn(\F'\n)l/, /-nal/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a wild and drunken revelry.\p\B2\b a drunken reveller.\p\B3\b \IMythol Rom.Hist\i a priest, worshipper, or follower of Bacchus, the Greek or Roman god of wine. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol\i of or like Bacchus or his rites.\p\B2\b riotous, roistering. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ibacchanalis\i from \IBacchus,\i from Greek \IBakkhos\i\c
<hw>Bacchanalia</hw> \K/bak\F'\n"neIlI\F'\n/\k \In.pl.\i\p\B1\b \IRom.Hist Mythol\i the Roman festival of Bacchus.\p\B2\b \B(bacchanalia)\b a drunken revelry. \BBacchanalian\b \Iadj. & n.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin, neut. pl. of \Ibacchanalis:\i see \J\Xbacchanal\x\j\c
<hw>bacchant</hw> \K/"bak\F'\nnt/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbacchants\b or \Bbacchantes\b \K/b\F'\n"kanti:z/\k; \Ifem.\i \Bbacchante\b \K/b\F'\n"kant/, /b\F'\n"kanti/\k) \IMythol Rom.Hist\i\p\B1\b a priest, priestess, or follower of Bacchus.\p\B2\b a drunken reveller. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or like Bacchus or his rites.\p\B2\b riotous, roistering. \Bbacchantic\b \K/b\F'\n"kantIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibacchante\i from Latin \Ibacchari\i 'celebrate bacchanal rites'\c
<hw>bachelor</hw> \K/"batS\F'\nl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an unmarried man.\p\B2\b \IEducation\i a man or woman who has taken the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Science etc.\p\B3\b \Ihist.\i a young knight serving under another's banner. \Bbachelorhood\b\p\In.\i\p\Bbachelorship\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English & Old French \Ibacheler\i 'aspirant to knighthood', of uncertain origin\c
<hw>bachelor girl</hw>\p\In.\i\pan independent unmarried young woman.
<hw>bachelor's buttons</hw> \In.pl.\i \I(treated as \Bsing.\b or \Bpl.)\b\i \IBot\i any of various button-like flowers, esp. the double buttercup.
<hw>bacillary</hw> \K/b\F'\n"sIl\F'\nri/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol\i relating to or caused by bacilli.
<hw>bacillus</hw> \K/b\F'\n"sIl\F'\ns/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbacilli\b \K/-lVI/, /-li:/\k)\p\B1\b \IBiol\i any rod-shaped bacterium.\p\B2\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i any pathogenic bacterium. \BEtymology:\b \3Late Latin, diminutive of Latin \Ibaculus\i 'stick'\c
<hw>back</hw> \K/bak/\k \In., adv., v., & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IAnat\i the rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips. \Bb\b the corresponding upper surface of an animal's body. \Bc\b the spine \3(fell and broke his back).\c \Bd\b \INaut\i the keel of a ship.\p\B2\b \Ba\b any surface regarded as corresponding to the human back, e.g. of the head or hand, or of a chair. \Bb\b the part of a garment that covers the back.\p\B3\b \Ba\b the less active or visible or important part of something functional, e.g. of a knife or a piece of paper \3(write it on the back).\c \Bb\b the side or part normally away from the spectator or the direction of motion or attention, e.g. of a car, house, or room \3(stood at the back).\c\p\B4\b \ISport\i \Ba\b a defensive player in field games. \Bb\b this position.\p\B5\b \B(the Backs)\b the grounds of Cambridge colleges which back on to the River Cam. \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b to the rear; away from what is considered to be the front \3(go back a bit;\c \2ran off without looking back).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b in or into an earlier or normal position or condition \3(came back late;\c \2went back home;\c \2ran back to the car;\c \2put it back on the shelf).\c \Bb\b in return \3(pay back).\c\p\B3\b in or into the past \3(back in June;\c \2three years back).\c\p\B4\b at a distance \3(stand back from the road).\c\p\B5\b in check \3(hold him back).\c\p\B6\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i \BN. Amer.\b behind \3(was back of the house).\c\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b help with moral or financial support. \Bb\b \IRacing\i bet on the success of (a horse etc.).\p\B2\b \Itr. & intr.\i move, or cause (a vehicle etc.) to move, backwards.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b put or serve as a back, background, or support to. \Bb\b \IMus.\i accompany.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i lie at the back of \3(a beach backed by steep cliffs).\c\p\B5\b \Iintr.\i \IMeteorol\i (of the wind) move round in an anticlockwise direction. \Iattrib.adj.\i\p\B1\b situated behind, esp. as remote or subsidiary \3(back entrance;\c \2back teeth).\c\p\B2\b of or relating to the past; not current \3(back pay;\c \2back issue).\c\p\B3\b reversed \3(back flow).\c\p\B4\b \IPhonet.\i formed at the back of the mouth.\Ksense 4 new, standardized with front Sept 94\k\p\1at a person's back\c in pursuit or support.\p\1at the back of one's mind\c remembered but not consciously thought of.\p\1back and forth\c to and fro.\p\Bback down\b withdraw one's claim or point of view etc.; concede defeat in an argument etc.\p\1the back of beyond\c a very remote or inaccessible place.\p\Bback off\b\p\B1\b draw back, retreat.\p\B2\b abandon one's intention, stand, etc.\p\Bback on to\b have its back adjacent to \3(the house backs on to a field).\c\p\Bback out\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i withdraw from a commitment.\p\Bback up\b\p\B1\b give (esp. moral) support to.\p\B2\b \IComputing\i make a spare copy of (data, a disk, etc.).\p\B3\b (of running water) accumulate behind an obstruction.\p\B4\b reverse (a vehicle) into a desired position.\p\B5\b form a queue of vehicles etc., esp. in congested traffic.\p\1get (or put) a person's back up\c annoy or anger a person.\p\1get off a person's back\c stop troubling a person.\p\1go back on\c fail to honour (a promise or commitment).\p\1know like the back of one's hand\c be entirely familiar with.\p\1on one's back\c injured or ill in bed.\p\1on the back burner\c \Isee\i \J\Xburner\x.\j\p\1put one's back into\c approach (a task etc.) with vigour.\p\1see the back of\c \Isee\i \J\Xsee\x (1).\j\p\1turn one's back on\c\p\B1\b abandon.\p\B2\b ignore.\p\1with one's back to (or up against) the wall\c in a desperate situation; hard-pressed. \Bbacker\b\p\In.\i\p(in sense 1 of \Iv.).\i \Bbackless\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibµc,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>backache</hw> \K/"bakeIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a (usu. prolonged) pain in one's back.
<hw>backbar</hw> \K/"bakbA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. US\b \IDrink\i a structure behind a bar counter, with shelves for holding bottles etc.\Knew f. usab, inc., corpus, Sept 94\k
<hw>backbeat</hw> \K/"bakbi:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a strong accent on one of the normally unaccented beats of the bar, esp. in jazz and popular music.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>backbench</hw> \K/bak"bEn(t)S/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IPolit\i a backbencher's seat in the House of Commons.
<hw>backbencher</hw> \K/bAk"bEn(t)S\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IPolit\i a Member of Parliament not holding a senior office.
<hw>backbiting</hw> \K/"bakbVItIN/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\pmalicious talk. \Iattrib.adj.\i speaking ill of another or others. \Bbackbiter\b\p\In.\i\p\Kdenested to replace backbite - based on frequency Aug 94\k
<hw>backblocks</hw> \K/"bakblQks/\k \In.pl.\i \BAustral.\b & \BNZ\b \IGeog\i land in the remote and sparsely inhabited interior.
<hw>backboard</hw> \K/"bakbO:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a board worn to support or straighten the back.\p\B2\b a board placed at or forming the back of anything.\p\B3\b \IBasketball\i a board behind the basket, off which the ball may rebound.\Ksense 3 new f. SOED, incomings Oct 94\k
<hw>back boiler</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a boiler behind and integral with a domestic fire.
<hw>backbone</hw> \K/"bakb\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAnat\i the spine.\p\B2\b the main support of a structure.\p\B3\b firmness of character.\p\B4\b \BUS\b \IBibliog\i the spine of a book.
<hw>back-breaking</hw> \Iadj.\i (esp. of manual work) extremely hard.
<hw>backchat</hw> \K/"baktSat/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i the practice of replying rudely or impudently.
<hw>backcloth</hw> \K/"bakklQT/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b\p\B1\b \ITheatr.\i a painted cloth at the back of the stage as a main part of the scenery.\p\B2\b the background to a scene or situation.\Ksense 2 new in COD9 f. POD, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>backcomb</hw> \K/"bakk\F'\nUm/\k \Iv.tr.\i \BBrit.\b \IHairdressing\i comb (the hair) towards the the top of the head to make it look thicker.
<hw>backcountry</hw> \K/"bakkVntri/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b \IGeog\i an area away from settled districts.
<hw>back cross</hw> \Iv.tr. & n.\i \IBiol.\i \Iv.tr.\i cross (a hybrid) with one of its parents.\p\In.\i\pan instance or the product of this.\Kspelling changed in COD9 to match NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>backdate</hw> \K/bak"deIt/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b put an earlier date to (an agreement etc.) than the actual one.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b make retrospectively valid.
<hw>back door</hw> \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the door or entrance at the back of a building.\Ksense 1 new f. corpus Jul 93\k\p\B2\b a secret or ingenious means of gaining an objective. \Iattrib.adj.\i \B(back-door)\b (of an activity) clandestine, underhand \3(back-door deal).\c
<hw>backdown</hw> \K/"bakdaUn/\k\p\In.\i\pan instance of backing down.
<hw>backfield</hw> \K/"bakfi:ld/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAmer. Football\i\p\B1\b the area of play behind the line of scrimmage.\p\B2\b the players in this, or their positions.\Knew f. Incs, NSOED Sept 94\k
<hw>backfill</hw> \K/"bakfIl/\k \Iv.tr.\i refill (an excavated hole) with the material dug out of it.
<hw>backfire</hw> \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.intr.\i \K/bak"fVI\F'\n/\k\p\B1\b \IMech\i undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of an internal-combustion engine.\p\B2\b (of a plan etc.) rebound adversely on the originator; have the opposite effect to what was intended.\p\In.\i\p\K/"bakfVI\F'\n/\k an instance of backfiring.
<hw>backflip</hw> \K/"bakflIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGym\i a backward somersault done in the air with the arms and legs stretched out straight.\Knew word in COD9 f. files, corpus, OED Jul 93\k
<hw>back-formation</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i\p\B1\b the formation of a word from its seeming derivative (e.g. \Ilaze\i from \Ilazy).\i\p\B2\b a word formed in this way.
<hw>backgammon</hw> \K/"bakgam\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGames\i\p\B1\b a game for two played on a board with pieces moved according to throws of the dice.\p\B2\b the most complete form of win in this. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xback\x\j + \J\Xgammon\x (2)\j\c
<hw>background</hw> \K/"bakgraUnd/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArt etc.\i part of a scene, picture, or description, that serves as a setting to the chief figures or objects and foreground.\p\B2\b an inconspicuous or obscure position \3(kept in the background).\c\p\B3\b a person's education, knowledge, or social circumstances.\p\B4\b explanatory or contributory information or circumstances.\p\B5\b \IPhysics\i low-intensity ambient radiation from radioisotopes present in the natural environment.\p\B6\b \IElectronics\i unwanted signals, such as noise in the reception or recording of sound.
<hw>background music</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i music intended as an unobtrusive accompaniment to some activity, or to provide atmosphere in a film etc.
<hw>backhand</hw> \K/"bakhand/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITennis etc.\i\p\B1\b a stroke played with the back of the hand turned towards the opponent.\p\B2\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i of or made with a backhand \3(backhand volley).\c
<hw>backhanded</hw> \K/bak"handId/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a blow etc.) delivered with the back of the hand, or in a direction opposite to the usual one.\p\B2\b indirect; ambiguous \3(a backhanded compliment).\c\p\B3\b \ITennis etc.\i = \J\Xbackhand\x 2.\j
<hw>backhander</hw> \K/"bakhand\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \ITennis etc.\i a backhand stroke. \Bb\b a backhanded blow.\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i an indirect attack.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b \Islang\i a bribe.
<hw>backhoe</hw> \K/"bakh\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \IBuilding\i a mechanical excavator which draws towards itself a bucket attached to a hinged boom.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>backing</hw> \K/"bakIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b support. \Bb\b a body of supporters. \Bc\b material used to form a back or support.\p\B2\b \IMus\i musical accompaniment, esp. to a singer.
<hw>backing track</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a recorded musical accompaniment, esp. for a soloist to play or sing along with.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>backlash</hw> \K/"baklaS/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an excessive or marked adverse reaction.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a sudden recoil or reaction between parts of a mechanism. \Bb\b excessive play between such parts.
<hw>backlight</hw> \K/"baklVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhotog.\i illumination from behind.\Knew f. incomings oct 94\k
<hw>backlist</hw> \K/"baklIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPublishing\i a publisher's list of books published before the current season and still in print.
<hw>backlit</hw> \K/"baklIt/\k \Iadj.\i \IPhotog\i (esp. in photography) illuminated from behind.
<hw>backlog</hw> \K/"baklQg/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b arrears of uncompleted work etc.\p\B2\b a reserve; reserves \3(a backlog of goodwill).\c
<hw>backmarker</hw> \K/"bakmA:k\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ISport\i a competitor who has the least favourable handicap in a race etc.
<hw>back number</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IJournalism Bibliog\i an issue of a periodical earlier than the current one.\p\B2\b \Islang\i an out-of-date person or thing.
<hw>backpack</hw> \K/"bakpak/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\pa rucksack. \Iv.intr.\i travel or hike with a backpack. \Bbackpacker\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>back passage</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAnat\i \Icolloq.\i the rectum.
<hw>back-pedal</hw> \Iv.intr.\i \B(-pedalled,\b \B-pedalling;\b \BUS\b \B-pedaled,\b \B-pedaling)\b\p\B1\b pedal backwards on a bicycle etc.\p\B2\b reverse one's previous action or opinion.
<hw>back-projection</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhotog\i the projection of a picture from behind a translucent screen for viewing or filming.
<hw>backrest</hw> \K/"bakrEst/\k\p\In.\i\pa support for the back.
<hw>back room</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(often, with hyphen, \Battrib.)\b\i a place where secret work is done.
<hw>backscattering</hw> \K/"bakskat(\F'\n)rIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i the scattering of radiation in a reverse direction. \Bbackscatter\b \Iv.tr. & n.\i\Kderiv. new f. incomings, Abate oct 94\k
<hw>back-scratcher</hw> \K/"bakskratS\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a rod terminating in a clawed hand for scratching one's own back.\p\B2\b a person who performs mutual services with another for gain. \Bback-scratching\b \In. & adj.\i\Kback-scratching new f. incomings, corpus Feb 95\k
<hw>back seat</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a seat at the back of a vehicle, hall, etc.\p\B2\b an inferior position or status.\Ksense 1 new f. SOED Dec 94\k
<hw>back-seat driver</hw>\p\In.\i\pa person who is eager to advise without responsibility (originally of a passenger in a car etc.).
<hw>backside</hw> \K/bak"sVId/, /"baksVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i the buttocks.
<hw>backsight</hw> \K/"baksVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i the sight of a rifle etc. that is nearer the stock.\p\B2\b \ISurveying\i a sight or reading taken backwards or towards the point of starting.
<hw>back slang</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i slang using words spelt backwards (e.g. \Iyob).\i
<hw>backslash</hw> \K/"bakslaS/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPrinting\i a backward-sloping diagonal line; a reverse solidus (\).
<hw>backslide</hw> \K/"bakslVId/\k \Iv.intr.\i \I(past\i \B-slid;\b \Ipast part.\i \B-slid\b or \B-slidden)\b relapse into bad ways or error. \Bbackslider\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>backspace</hw> \K/"bakspeIs/\k \Iv.intr.\i move a typewriter carriage or computer cursor back one or more spaces.
<hw>backspin</hw> \K/"bakspIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i a backward spin imparted to a ball causing it to fly off at an angle on hitting a surface.
<hw>backstage</hw> \K/bak"steIdZ/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b \ITheatr.\i out of view of the audience, esp. in the wings or dressing rooms.\p\B2\b not known to the public. \Iadj.\i \Kalso /"bak-/\k that is backstage; concealed.
<hw>backstairs</hw> \K/"bakstE:z/\k \In.pl.\i\p\B1\b stairs at the back or side of a building.\p\B2\b (also \Bbackstair)\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i denoting underhand or clandestine activity.
<hw>backstay</hw> \K/"baksteI/\k\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i a rope etc. leading downwards and aft from the top of a mast.
<hw>backstitch</hw> \K/"bakstItS/\k \In. & v.\i \INeedlework\i\p\In.\i\psewing with overlapping stitches. \Iv.tr. & intr.\i sew using backstitch.
<hw>backstop</hw> \K/"bakstQp/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \ICricket etc.\i a fielder directly behind the wicketkeeper. \Bb\b \IBaseball\i \I=\i \J\Xcatcher\x 2.\j \Bc\b these fielding positions.\p\B2\b an emergency precaution.
<hw>backstreet</hw> \K/"bakstri:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a street in a quiet part of a town, away from the main streets.\p\B2\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i denoting illicit or illegal activity \3(a backstreet abortion).\c
<hw>backstroke</hw> \K/"bakstr\F'\nUk/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i a swimming stroke performed on the back with the arms lifted alternately out of the water in a backward circular motion and the legs extended in a kicking action.
<hw>back-to-back</hw> \Iadj., n., & adv.\i \IArchit\i \Iattrib.adj.\i\p\B1\b \Besp. Brit.\b (of houses) with a party wall at the rear.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b consecutive.\Ksense 2 new f. SOED, corpus Jul 93\k\p\In.\i\pa back-to-back house.\Knoun new in COD9 f. corpus Jul 93\k \Iadv.\i \B(back to back)\b\p\B1\b with backs adjacent and opposite each other \3(we stood back to back).\c\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b consecutively.\Kadv. sense 2 new f. kpb., Inc., Sept 94\k
<hw>back to front</hw> \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b with the back at the front and the front at the back.\p\B2\b in disorder.
<hw>back-to-nature</hw> \Iadj.\i \I(usu. \Battrib.)\b\i \IPhilos\i denoting a movement or enthusiast for the reversion to a simpler way of life.
<hw>back-up</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b moral or technical support \3(called for extra back-up).\c\p\B2\b a reserve.\p\B3\b \I(often \Battrib.)\b\i \IComputing\i \Ba\b the procedure for making security copies of data \3(back-up facilities).\c \Bb\b the copy itself \3(made a back-up).\c\p\B4\b \BN. Amer.\b \IMotoring\i a queue of vehicles etc., esp. in congested traffic.
<hw>backup light</hw> \K/"bakVp/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \IMotoring\i a reversing light.
<hw>backveld</hw> \K/"bakvElt/\k\p\In.\i\p\BS.Afr.\b \IGeog\i remote country districts, esp. those strongly conservative. \Bbackvelder\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>backward</hw> \K/"bakw\F'\nd/\k \Iadv. & adj.\i \Iadv.\i = \J\Xbackwards\x.\j \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b directed to the rear or starting point \3(a backward look).\c\p\B2\b reversed.\p\B3\b mentally retarded or slow.\p\B4\b reluctant, shy, unassertive.\p\B5\b \ICricket\i (of a fielding position) behind a line through the stumps at right angles to the wicket.\Ksense 5 new f. SOED Aug 94\k \Bbackwardness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Iabackward,\i associated with \J\Xback\x\j\c \IBackward\i is both an adjective and an adverb, while \Ibackwards\i is only an adverb and more common than \Ibackward\i as such, especially in literal senses.
<hw>backwardation</hw> \K/bakw\F'\n"deIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b \IStock Exch.\i the percentage paid by a person selling stock for the right of delaying the delivery of it \I(cf.\i \J\Xcontango\x).\j
<hw>backwards</hw> \K/"bakw\F'\ndz/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b away from one's front \3(lean backwards;\c \2look backwards).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b with the back foremost \3(walk backwards).\c \Bb\b in reverse of the usual way \3(count backwards;\c \2spell backwards).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b into a worse state \3(new policies are taking us backwards).\c \Bb\b into the past \3(looked backwards over the years).\c \Bc\b (of a thing's motion) back towards the starting point \3(rolled backwards).\c\p\1backwards and forwards\c in both directions alternately; to and fro.\p\1bend (or fall or lean) over backwards\c \I(often foll. by \Bto\b + infin.)\i \Icolloq.\i make every effort, esp. to be fair or helpful.\p\1know backwards\c be entirely familiar with. See Usage Note at \J\Xbackward\x.\j
<hw>backwash</hw> \K/"bakwQS/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \INaut\i receding waves created by the motion of a ship etc. \Bb\b \IAeron\i a backward current of air created by a moving aircraft.\p\B2\b repercussions.
<hw>backwater</hw> \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\K/"bakwO:t\F'\n/\k\p\B1\b a place or condition remote from the centre of activity or thought.\p\B2\b stagnant water fed from a stream. \Iv.intr.\i \B(back water)\b \INaut\i reverse a boat's forward motion using oars.
<hw>backwoods</hw> \K/"bakwUdz/\k \In.pl.\i \IGeog\i\p\B1\b remote uncleared forest land.\p\B2\b any remote or sparsely inhabited region.
<hw>backwoodsman</hw> \K/"bakwUdzm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b\p\B1\b an inhabitant of backwoods.\p\B2\b an uncouth person.\p\B3\b \IPolit.\i a peer who very rarely attends the House of Lords.\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>backyard</hw> \K/bak"jA:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b a yard at the back of a house etc.\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b a back garden.\p\1in one's own backyard\c \Icolloq.\i near one's home; in one's own area; near at hand.
<hw>baclava</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbaklava\x.\j
<hw>bacon</hw> \K/"beIk(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFood\i cured meat from the back or sides of a pig.\p\1bring home the bacon\c \Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b succeed in one's undertaking.\p\B2\b supply material provision or support. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Frankish \Ibako\i ham, flitch: related to \J\Xback\x\j\c
<hw>Baconian</hw> \K/beI"k\F'\nUnI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \IPhilos\i of or relating to the English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon (d. 1626), or to his inductive method of reasoning and philosophy.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a supporter of the view that Bacon was the author of Shakespeare's plays.\p\B2\b a follower of Bacon.
<hw>bactericide</hw> \K/bak"tI\F'\nrIsVId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm Biol Chem\i a substance capable of destroying bacteria. \Bbactericidal\b \K/-"sVId(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i
<hw>bacteriology</hw> \K/bak%tI\F'\nrI"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i the study of bacteria. \Bbacteriological\b \K/-\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bbacteriologically\b \K/-\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i \Bbacteriologist\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>bacteriolysis</hw> \K/bak%tI\F'\nrI"QlIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i the rupture of bacterial cells.
<hw>bacteriolytic</hw> \K/bak%tI\F'\nrI\F'\n"lItIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol\i capable of lysing bacteria.
<hw>bacteriophage</hw> \K/bak"tI\F'\nrI\F'\n(U)feIdZ/, /-fA:Z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i a virus which parasitizes a bacterium by infecting it and reproducing inside it. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbacterium\x\j + Greek \Iphagein\i 'eat'\c
<hw>bacteriostat</hw> \K/bak"tI\F'\nrI\F'\n(U)stat/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol\i a substance which inhibits the multiplying of bacteria without destroying them. \Bbacteriostasis\b\p\In.\i\p\Bbacteriostatic\b \Iadj.\i\Kbacteriostat new f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbacterium\x\j + Greek \Istatos\i 'standing'\c
<hw>bacterium</hw> \K/bak"tI\F'\nrI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbacteria\b \K/-rI\F'\n/\k) \IBiol\i a member of a large group of unicellular micro-organisms lacking organelles and an organized nucleus, some of which can cause disease. \Bbacterial\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ibakterion,\i diminutive of \Ibaktron\i 'stick'\c A very common mistake is the use of \Ibacteria\i as the singular form, e.g. \IThe salmonella bacteria accounts for the majority of food poisoning cases today.\i This is not acceptable and the form \Ibacterium\i should always be used in such examples.
<hw>Bactrian</hw> \K/"baktrI\F'\nn/\k \Iadj.\i of or relating to Bactria, a region and former empire in central Asia (now northern Afghanistan). \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \IBactrianus\i from Greek \IBaktrianos\i\c
<hw>Bactrian camel</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a camel with two humps, Camelus ferus, native to central Asia.
<hw>bad</hw> \K/bad/\k \Iadj., n., & adv.\i \Iadj.\i \B(worse\b \K/w\F'\n:s/\k; \Bworst\b \K/w\F'\n:st/\k)\p\B1\b inferior, inadequate, defective \3(bad work;\c \2a bad driver;\c \2bad light).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b unpleasant, unwelcome \3(bad weather;\c \2bad news).\c \Bb\b unsatisfactory, unfortunate \3(a bad business).\c\p\B3\b harmful \3(is bad for you).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b (of food) decayed, putrid. \Bb\b (of the atmosphere) polluted, unhealthy \3(bad air).\c\Ksense 4b new f. OERD, incomings Mar 94\k\p\B5\b \Icolloq.\i ill, injured \3(am feeling bad today;\c \2a bad leg).\c\p\B6\b \Icolloq.\i regretful, guilty, ashamed \3(feels bad about it).\c\p\B7\b (of an unwelcome thing) serious, severe \3(a bad headache;\c \2a bad mistake).\c\p\B8\b \Ba\b morally wicked or offensive \3(a bad man;\c \2bad language).\c \Bb\b naughty; badly behaved \3(a bad child).\c\p\B9\b worthless; not valid \3(a bad cheque).\c\p\B10\b \B(badder,\b \Bbaddest)\b \Besp. US\b \Islang\i good, excellent.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b ill fortune \3(take the bad with the good).\c \Bb\b ruin; a degenerate condition \3(go to the bad).\c\p\B2\b the debit side of an account \3(ú500 to the bad).\c\p\B3\b \I(treated as \Bpl.;\b\i \Iprec. by \Bthe)\b\i bad or wicked people. \Iadv.\i \BN. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i badly \3(took it bad).\c\p\1from bad to worse\c into an even worse state.\p\1in a bad way\c ill; in trouble \3(looked in a bad way).\c\p\1not (or not so) bad\c \Icolloq.\i fairly good.\p\1too bad\c \Icolloq.\i (of circumstances etc.) regrettable but now beyond retrieval. \Bbaddish\b \Iadj.\i \Bbadness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, perhaps from Old English \Ibµddel\i 'hermaphrodite, womanish man': for loss of \Il\i cf. \J\Xmuch\x,\j \J\Xwench\x\j\c
<hw>badass</hw> \K/"badas/\k \In. & adj.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Islang\i\p\In.\i\pan aggressive, uncooperative person; a troublemaker. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b tough, aggressive.\p\B2\b bad, worthless.\p\B3\b formidable, excellent.\Knew f. News, incomings Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xass\x (2)\j\c
<hw>bad blood</hw>\p\In.\i\pill feeling.
<hw>bad books</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xbook\x.\j\Kidm at book\k
<hw>bad break</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i\p\B1\b a piece of bad luck.\p\B2\b a mistake or blunder.
<hw>bad company</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a dull companion.\p\B2\b an unsuitable associate or group of friends.
<hw>bad debt</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a debt that is not recoverable.
<hw>baddy</hw> \K/"badi/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbaddie)\b \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ICinematog Literature\i \Icolloq.\i a villain or criminal, esp. in a story, film, etc.\Kvar. spelling new in COD9 f. corpus; now matches goody Jul 93\k
<hw>bad form</hw>\p\In.\i\pan offence against current social conventions.
<hw>badge</hw> \K/badZ/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a distinctive emblem worn as a mark of office, membership, achievement, licensed employment, etc.\p\B2\b any feature or sign which reveals a characteristic condition or quality. \Iv.tr.\i mark with or distinguish by a badge.\Kv. new f. SOED Dec 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English: origin unknown\c
<hw>badger</hw> \K/"badZ\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IZool\i an omnivorous greyish-black nocturnal Eurasian mammal, Meles meles, of the weasel family, having a white head with two black stripes, and living in burrows called sets. \Bb\b a related N. American animal, Taxidea taxus.\Knoun sense 1b new f. OERD April 94\k\p\B2\b a fishing-fly, brush, etc., made of its hair. \Iv.tr.\i pester, harass, tease. \BEtymology:\b \316th c.: perhaps from \J\Xbadge\x,\j with reference to its white forehead mark\c
<hw>badinage</hw> \K/"badInA:Z/\k\p\In.\i\phumorous or playful ridicule. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Ibadiner\i 'to joke'\c
<hw>bad job</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i an unfortunate state of affairs.
<hw>badlands</hw> \K/"badlandz/\k \In.pl.\i \IGeog Geol\i extensive uncultivable eroded tracts in arid areas. \BEtymology:\b \3translation of French \Imauvaises terres\i\c
<hw>bad lot</hw>\p\In.\i\pa person of bad character.
<hw>badly</hw> \K/"badli/\k \Iadv.\i \B(worse\b \K/w\F'\n:s/\k; \Bworst\b \K/w\F'\n:st/\k)\p\B1\b in a bad manner \3(works badly).\c\p\B2\b \Icolloq.\i very much \3(wants it badly).\c\p\B3\b severely \3(was badly defeated).\c
<hw>badminton</hw> \K/"badmInt(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ISport\i a game with rackets in which a shuttlecock is played back and forth across a net.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \IDrink\i a summer drink of claret, soda, and sugar. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBadminton\i in S. England, a country house where the game was first played\c
<hw>bad news</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i an unpleasant or troublesome person or thing.
<hw>bad scran</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xscran\x.\j
<hw>bad-tempered</hw> \Iadj.\i having a bad temper; irritable; easily annoyed. \Bbad-temperedly\b \Iadv.\i
<hw>Baedeker</hw> \K/"beIdIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pany of various travel guidebooks published by the firm founded by the German Karl \IBaedeker\i (d. 1859).
<hw>baffle</hw> \K/"baf(\F'\n)l/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b confuse or perplex (a person, one's faculties, etc.).\p\B2\b \Ba\b frustrate or hinder (plans etc.). \Bb\b restrain or regulate the progress of (fluids, sounds, etc.).\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbaffle plate)\b \IElectronics Physics\i a device used to restrain the flow of fluid, gas, etc., or to limit the emission of sound, light, etc. \Bbafflement\b\p\In.\i\p\Bbaffling\b \Iadj.\i \Bbafflingly\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3perhaps related to French \Ibafouer\i 'ridicule', Old French \Ibeffer\i 'mock, deceive'\c
<hw>baffle board</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics Electronics\i a device to prevent sound from spreading in different directions, esp. round a loudspeaker cone.
<hw>BAFTA</hw> \K/"baft\F'\n/\k \Iabbr.\i \IBroadcasting Cinematog\i British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
<hw>bag</hw> \K/bag/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a receptacle of flexible material with an opening at the top.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i a piece of luggage \3(put the bags in the boot).\c \Bb\b a woman's handbag.\p\B3\b \I(in \Bpl.;\b\i \Iusu. foll. by \Bof)\b\i \Besp. Brit.\b \Icolloq.\i a large amount; plenty \3(bags of time).\c\p\B4\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \BBrit.\b \IClothing\i \Icolloq.\i trousers.\p\B5\b \Islang\i \Iderog.\i a woman, esp. regarded as unattractive or unpleasant.\p\B6\b \IZool\i an animal's sac containing poison, honey, etc.\p\B7\b \IHunting\i an amount of game shot by a hunter.\p\B8\b \I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IAnat\i baggy folds of skin under the eyes.\p\B9\b \Islang\i a person's particular interest or preoccupation, esp. in a distinctive style or category of music \3(his bag is Indian music).\c\p\Iv.\i\p\B(bagged,\b \Bbagging)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i put in a bag.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i \Icolloq.\i \Ba\b secure; get hold of \3(bagged the best seat).\c \Bb\b \Icolloq.\i steal. \Bc\b \IHunting\i shoot (game). \Bd\b (often in phr. \Bbags I)\b \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i claim on grounds of being the first to do so \3(bagged first go;\c \2bags I go first).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b \Iintr.\i hang loosely; bulge; swell. \Bb\b \Itr.\i cause to do this.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i \BAustral.\b \Islang\i criticize, disparage.\p\1bag and baggage\c with all one's belongings.\p\1bag of bones\c an emaciated person or animal.\Kb. of bones new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k\p\1bag of nerves\c a very tense or timid person.\Kb. of nerves new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k\p\1bag (or whole bag) of tricks\c \Icolloq.\i everything; the whole lot.\p\1in the bag\c \Icolloq.\i achieved; as good as secured. \Bbagful\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-fuls).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, perhaps from Old Norse \Ibaggi\i\c
\B\Ibagarre\b\i \K/bA:"gA:/, French /bagar/\k\p\In.\i\pa scuffle or brawl. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>bagasse</hw> \K/b\F'\n"gas/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane, usable as fuel or to make paper etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French, from Spanish \Ibagazo\i\c
<hw>bagatelle</hw> \K/bag\F'\n"tEl/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGames\i a game in which small balls are struck into numbered holes on a board, with pins as obstructions.\p\B2\b a mere trifle; a negligible amount.\p\B3\b \IMus.\i a short piece of music, esp. for the piano. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Ibagatella\i diminutive, perhaps from \Ibaga\i \J\Xbaggage\x\j or Latin \Ibaca\i 'berry'\c
<hw>bagel</hw> \K/"beIg(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a hard bread roll in the shape of a ring.\Kvariant beigel omitted Oct 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Yiddish \Ibeygel\i\c
<hw>baggage</hw> \K/"bagIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b everyday belongings packed up in suitcases etc. for travelling; luggage.\p\B2\b the portable equipment of an army.\p\B3\b \Ijoc.\i or \Iderog.\i a girl or woman.\p\B4\b mental encumbrances.\Ksense 4 new in COD9 f. SOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Ibagage\i from \Ibaguer\i 'tie up' or \Ibagues\i 'bundles': perhaps related to \J\Xbag\x\j\c
<hw>bag lady</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. N. Amer.\b a homeless woman who carries her possessions around in shopping bags.
<hw>bagman</hw> \K/"bagm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b \ICommerce\i \Islang\i a travelling salesman.\p\B2\b \BAustral.\b a tramp.\p\B3\b \BCanad.\b \IPolit\i a political fund-raiser.\Ksense 3 new f. usab, inc., Sept 94\k\p\B4\b \BUS\b & \BAustral.\b \Islang\i an agent who collects or distributes the proceeds of illicit activities.
<hw>bagnio</hw> \K/"bA:nj\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b\p\B1\b a brothel.\p\B2\b an oriental prison. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ibagno\i from Latin \Ibalneum\i 'bath'\c
<hw>bagpipe</hw> \K/"bagpVIp/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i \IMus\i a musical instrument consisting of a windbag squeezed by the player's arm to force air into reeded pipes, usu. including a chanter with finger-holes to play the melody and one or more drones. \Bbagpiper\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>baguette</hw> \K/ba"gEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICookery\i a long narrow French loaf.\p\B2\b \IMineral\i a gem cut in a long rectangular shape.\p\B3\b \IArchit.\i a small moulding, semicircular in section. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Ibacchetto,\i diminutive of \Ibacchio,\i from Latin \Ibaculum\i 'staff'\c
<hw>bagworm</hw> \K/"bagw\F'\n:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \IZool\i any of various destructive caterpillars which live in silk cases covered in plant debris.\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>bah</hw> \K/bA:/\k \Iint.\i an expression of contempt or disbelief. \BEtymology:\b \3probably French\c
<hw>Baha'i</hw> \K/bA:"hA:i/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \BBaha'is)\b \IRelig\i an adherent of a monotheistic religion founded in 1863 as a branch of Babism (see \J\XBabi\x),\j emphasizing religious unity and world peace. \BBaha'ism\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Persian \Ibahß\i 'splendour'\c
<hw>Bahamian</hw> \K/b\F'\n"heImI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a native or national of the Bahamas in the W. Indies.\p\B2\b a person of Bahamian descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Bahamas.
<hw>Bahasa Indonesia</hw> \K/b\F'\n%hA:s\F'\n %Ind\F'\n"ni:zj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILanguage\i the official language of Indonesia. \BEtymology:\b \3Indonesian \Ibahasa\i 'language' from Sanskrit \Ibhasa\i 'speech, language'\c
<hw>baht</hw> \K/bA:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same) \ICurrency\i the basic monetary unit of Thailand.\Knew in COD9 f. corpus Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Thai \Ibat\i\c
<hw>Bahutu</hw> \I\Ipl.\i of\i \J\XHutu\x.\j
<hw>bail (1)</hw> \K/beIl/\k \In. & v.\i \ICriminol\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b money etc. required as security against the temporary release of a prisoner pending trial.\p\B2\b a person or persons giving such security. \Iv.tr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bout)\b\i\p\B1\b release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail.\p\B2\b (also \Bbale\b by association with \Ibale out\i 1: see \J\Xbale\x (1))\j release from a difficulty; come to the rescue of.\p\1forfeit (or \Icolloq.\i jump) bail\c fail to appear for trial after being released on bail.\p\1go (or stand) bail\c \I(often foll. by \Bfor)\b\i act as surety (for an accused person). \Bbailable\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibail\i 'custody', \Ibailler\i 'take charge of', from Latin \Ibajulare\i 'bear a burden'\c
<hw>bail (2)</hw> \K/beIl/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICricket\i either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps.\p\B2\b the bar on a typewriter holding the paper against the platen.\p\B3\b a bar separating horses in an open stable.\p\B4\b \BAustral.\b & \BNZ\b a framework for securing the head of a cow during milking.\p\Iv.\i\p\I(usu. foll. by \Bup)\b\i \BAustral.\b & \BNZ\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i secure (a cow) during milking.\p\B2\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i make (a person) hold up his or her arms to be robbed. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i surrender by throwing up one's arms. \Bc\b \Itr.\i buttonhole (a person). \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibail(e)\i 'enclosure', perhaps from Latin \Ibaculum\i 'stick'\c
<hw>bail (3)</hw> \K/beIl/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \BBrit.\b \Bbale)\b \INaut\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bout)\b\i scoop water out of (a boat etc.).\p\B2\b scoop (water etc.) out.\p\Bbail out\b \Ivar. of\i \Ibale out\i 1 (see \J\Xbale\x (1)).\j \Bbailer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3obsolete \Ibail\i 'bucket' from French \Ibaille,\i ultimately from Latin \Ibajulus\i 'carrier'\c
<hw>bail bandit</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICriminol\i \Icolloq.\i a person who commits a crime while on bail.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS Feb 94\k
<hw>bailee</hw> \K/beI"li:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a person or party to whom goods are committed for a purpose, e.g. custody or repair, without transfer of ownership. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbail\x (1)\j + \J\X-ee\x\j\c
<hw>bailey</hw> \K/"beIli/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-eys)\b \IArchit Fortification\i\p\B1\b the outer wall of a castle.\p\B2\b a court enclosed by it. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, variant of \J\Xbail\x (2)\j\c
<hw>Bailey bridge</hw> \K/"beIli/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit Mil\i a temporary bridge of lattice steel designed for rapid assembly from prefabricated standard parts, used esp. in military operations. \BEtymology:\b \3named after Sir D. \IBailey\i (d. 1985), its designer\c
<hw>bailie</hw> \K/"beIli/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i \Iesp. hist.\i a municipal officer and magistrate in Scotland. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Ibailli(s)\i \J\Xbailiff\x\j\c
<hw>bailiff</hw> \K/"beIlIf/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i\p\B1\b \Besp. Brit.\b a sheriff's officer who executes writs and processes and carries out distraints and arrests.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b the agent or steward of a landlord.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b an official in a court of law who keeps order, looks after prisoners, etc.\p\B4\b \BBrit.\b \I(hist.\i except in formal titles) the sovereign's representative in a district, esp. the chief officer of a hundred.\p\B5\b the first civil officer in the Channel Islands. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibaillif,\i ultimately from Latin \Ibajulus\i 'carrier, manager'\c
<hw>bailiwick</hw> \K/"beIlIwIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ijoc.\i a person's sphere of operations or particular area of interest.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i the district or jurisdiction of a bailie or bailiff. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbailie\x\j + \J\Xwick\x (2)\j\c
<hw>bailment</hw> \K/"beIlm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i the act of delivering goods etc. for a (usu. specified) purpose.
<hw>bailor</hw> \K/beI"lO:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ILaw\i a person or party that entrusts goods to a bailee. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbail\x (1)\j + \J\X-or\x (1)\j\c
<hw>bailout</hw> \K/"beIlaUt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFinance\i financial assistance given to a failing business, economy, etc., to save it from collapse.\Knew word in COD9 f. ODNW, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>bailsman</hw> \K/"beIlzm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \ILaw\i a person who stands bail for another. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbail\x (1)\j + \J\Xman\x\j\c
<hw>bain-marie</hw> \K/banm\F'\n"ri:/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbains-marie\b \Ipronunc.\i same) \ICookery\i a cooking utensil consisting of a vessel of hot water in which a receptacle containing a sauce etc. can be slowly and gently heated; a double boiler. \BEtymology:\b \3French, translation of medieval Latin \Ibalneum Mariae\i 'bath of Maria' (an alleged Jewish alchemist)\c
<hw>Bairam</hw> \K/bVI"rA:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i either of two annual Muslim festivals, \BGreater\b and \BLesser Bairam.\b \BEtymology:\b \3Turkish & Persian\c
<hw>bairn</hw> \K/bE:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\BSc.\b & \BN.Engl.\b a child. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibearn\i\c
<hw>bait</hw> \K/beIt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b food used to entice a prey, esp. a fish or an animal.\p\B2\b an allurement; something intended to tempt or entice.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i a halt on a journey for refreshment or a rest.\p\B4\b \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbate\x.\j\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b harass or annoy (a person). \Bb\b torment (a chained animal).\p\B2\b \Itr.\i put bait on (a hook, trap, etc.) to entice a prey.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i \Ba\b \Itr.\i \IRiding\i give food to (horses on a journey). \Bb\b \Iintr.\i stop on a journey to take food or a rest. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old Norse \Ibeita\i 'hunt or chase'\c
<hw>baize</hw> \K/beIz/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITextiles\i a coarse usu. green woollen material resembling felt used as a covering or lining, esp. on the tops of billiard tables and card tables. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibaies\i (pl.) fem. of \Ibai\i 'chestnut-coloured' \J(\Xbay\x (4)),\j treated as sing.\c
<hw>bajra</hw> \K/"bA:dZrA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFood\i (in the Indian subcontinent) pearl millet or similar grain. \BEtymology:\b \3Hindi\c
<hw>bake</hw> \K/beIk/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \ICookery\i \Ba\b \Itr.\i cook (food) by dry heat in an oven or on a hot surface, without direct exposure to a flame. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i undergo the process of being baked.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \Icolloq.\i \Ba\b (usu. as \Bbe baking)\b (of weather etc.) be very hot. \Bb\b (of a person) be hot.\p\B3\b \IPottery etc.\i \Ba\b \Itr.\i harden (clay etc.) by heat. \Bb\b \Iintr.\i (of clay etc.) be hardened by heat.\p\B4\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i (of the sun) affect by its heat, e.g. ripen (fruit). \Bb\b \Iintr.\i be affected by the sun's heat.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the act or an instance of baking.\p\B2\b a batch of baking.\p\B3\b \BUS\b a social gathering at which baked food is eaten.\p\1bake blind\c see \J\Xblind\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibacan\i\c
<hw>baked Alaska</hw> \K/\F'\n"lask\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i sponge cake and ice cream in a meringue covering. \BEtymology:\b \3\IAlaska,\i name of a state of the US\c
<hw>baked beans</hw> \In.pl.\i \ICookery\i baked haricot beans, usu. \BBrit.\b tinned in tomato sauce or \BUS\b cooked with salt pork.
<hw>Bakelite</hw> \K/"beIk\F'\nlVIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ipropr.\i \IChem\i any of various thermosetting resins or plastics made from formaldehyde and phenol and used for cables, buttons, plates, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3German \IBakelit\i from L.H. \IBaekeland,\i its Belgian-born inventor d. 1944\c
<hw>baker</hw> \K/"beIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa person who bakes and sells bread, cakes, etc., esp. professionally. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibµcere\i\c
<hw>Baker day</hw> \K/"beIk\F'\n deI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IEducation\i \Icolloq.\i (in England and Wales) a day set aside for the in-service training of teachers, now usu. called \IINSET day\i \I(see\i \J\XINSET\x).\j\Knew word in COD9 f. POD, ODNW Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3K. \IBaker,\i name of the Education Secretary (1986-9) who introduced the practice\c
<hw>baker's dozen</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i thirteen (so called from the former bakers' custom of adding an extra loaf to a dozen sold; the exact reason for this is unclear).
<hw>bakery</hw> \K/"beIk(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \ICommerce\i a place where bread and cakes are made or sold.
<hw>Bakewell tart</hw> \K/"beIkwEl/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a baked open pie consisting of a pastry case lined with jam and filled with a rich almond paste. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBakewell\i in Derbyshire\c
<hw>baking powder</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar, etc., used instead of yeast in baking.
<hw>baklava</hw> \K/"bA:kl\F'\nv\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbaclava)\b \ICookery\i a rich dessert of flaky pastry, honey, and nuts. \BEtymology:\b \3Turkish\c
<hw>baksheesh</hw> \K/bak"Si:S/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbacksheesh)\b (in some oriental countries) a small sum of money given as a gratuity or as alms. \BEtymology:\b \3ultimately from Persian \IbakÜiÜ\i from \IbakÜidan\i 'give'\c
<hw>balaclava</hw> \K/bal\F'\n"klA:v\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bbalaclava helmet)\b \IClothing Fashion\i a tight woollen garment covering the whole head and neck except for parts of the face, worn originally by soldiers on active service in the Crimean War. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBalaclava\i in the Crimea, the site of a battle in 1854\c
<hw>balalaika</hw> \K/bal\F'\n"lVIk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a guitar-like musical instrument having a triangular body and from two to four strings, popular in Russia and other Slavonic countries. \BEtymology:\b \3Russian\c
<hw>balance</hw> \K/"bal(\F'\n)ns/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysics\i an apparatus for weighing, esp. one with a central pivot, beam, and two scales.\p\B2\b \IPhysics\i \Ba\b a counteracting weight or force. \Bb\b (in full \Bbalance wheel)\b \IWatchmaking\i the regulating device in a clock etc.\p\B3\b \Ba\b an even distribution of weight or amount. \Bb\b stability of body or mind \3(regained his balance).\c\p\B4\b a preponderating weight or amount \3(the balance of opinion).\c\p\B5\b \ICommerce\i \Ba\b an agreement between or the difference between credits and debits in an account. \Bb\b the difference between an amount due and an amount paid \3(will pay the balance next week).\c \Bc\b an amount left over; the rest.\p\B6\b \Ba\b \IArt\i harmony of design and proportion. \Bb\b \IMus.\i the relative volume of various sources of sound \3(bad balance between violins and trumpets).\c\p\B7\b \B(the Balance)\b \IAstron Astrol\i the zodiacal sign or constellation Libra.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(foll. by \Bwith,\b \Bagainst)\b\i offset or compare (one thing) with another \3(must balance the advantages with the disadvantages).\c\p\B2\b \Itr.\i counteract, equal, or neutralize the weight or importance of.\p\B3\b \Ba\b \Itr.\i bring into or keep in equilibrium \3(balanced a book on her head).\c \Bb\b \Iintr.\i be in equilibrium \3(balanced on one leg).\c\p\B4\b \Itr.\i (usu. as \Bbalanced\b \Iadj.)\i establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements in \3(a balanced diet;\c \2balanced opinion).\c\p\B5\b \Itr.\i weigh (arguments etc.) against each other.\p\B6\b \ICommerce\i \Ba\b \Itr.\i compare and esp. equalize debits and credits of (an account). \Bb\b \Iintr.\i (of an account) have credits and debits equal.\p\1in the balance\c uncertain; at a critical stage.\p\1on balance\c all things considered.\p\1strike a balance\c choose a moderate course or compromise. \Kbalanceable omitted Jul 93\k\Bbalancer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, ultimately from Late Latin \I(libra)\i \Ibilanx bilancis\i '(balance) having two scale-pans'\c
<hw>balance of payments</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEcon\i \ICommerce\i the difference in value between payments into and out of a country.
<hw>balance of power</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i\p\B1\b a situation in which states of the world have roughly equal power.\p\B2\b the power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength.
<hw>balance of trade</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEcon\i \ICommerce\i the difference in value between imports and exports.
<hw>balance sheet</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a written statement of the balance of assets and liabilities of an organization at a particular point in time.
<hw>balance wheel</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xbalance\x\p\In.\i\p2b.\j\Knew as hwd Aug 94\k
<hw>balancing act</hw>\p\In.\i\pan action or activity that requires achieving a delicate balance between different situations or requirements.\Knew word in COD9 f. corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>balata</hw> \K/"bal\F'\nt\F'\n/, /b\F'\n"lA:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b any of several latex-yielding trees of Central America, esp. Manilkara bidentata.\p\B2\b the dried sap of this used as a substitute for gutta-percha. \BEtymology:\b \3ultimately from Carib\c
<hw>Balbriggan</hw> \K/bal"brIg(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITextiles\i a knitted cotton fabric used for underwear etc. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBalbriggan\i in Ireland, where it was originally made\c
<hw>balcony</hw> \K/"balk\F'\nni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b \IArchit\i a usu. balustraded platform on the outside of a building, with access from an upper-floor window or door.\p\B2\b \ITheatr\i \Ba\b the tier of seats in a theatre above the dress circle. \Bb\b the upstairs seats in a cinema etc. \Bc\b \BN. Amer.\b the dress circle in a theatre. \Bbalconied\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ibalcone\i\c
<hw>bald</hw> \K/bO:ld/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (of a person) with the scalp wholly or partly lacking hair.\p\B2\b (of an animal, plant, etc.) not covered by the usual hair, feathers, leaves, etc.\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i with the surface worn away \3(a bald tyre).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b blunt, unelaborated \3(a bald statement).\c \Bb\b undisguised \3(the bald effrontery).\c\p\B5\b meagre or dull \3(a bald style).\c\p\B6\b marked with white, esp. on the face \3(a bald horse).\c \Bbalding\b \Iadj.\i (in senses 1-3). \Bbaldish\b \Iadj.\i \Bbaldly\b \Iadv.\i (in sense 4). \Bbaldness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Iballede,\i originally 'having a white blaze', probably from an Old English root \Iball-\i 'white patch'\c
<hw>baldachin</hw> \K/"bald\F'\nkIn/, /"bO:ld-/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbaldaquin)\b\p\B1\b a ceremonial canopy over an altar, throne, etc.\p\B2\b a rich brocade. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ibaldacchino\i from \IBaldacco\i 'Baghdad', the brocade's place of origin\c
<hw>bald eagle</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a white-headed eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, used as the emblem of the United States.
<hw>balderdash</hw> \K/"bO:ld\F'\ndaS/\k\p\In.\i\psenseless talk or writing; nonsense. \BEtymology:\b \317th c. in the sense 'a mixture of drinks', then 'a senseless jumble of words': origin unknown\c
<hw>baldhead</hw> \K/"bO:ldhEd/\k\p\In.\i\pa person with a bald head.
<hw>baldmoney</hw> \K/"bO:ldmVni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-eys)\b \IBot\i = \J\Xspignel\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English in the sense 'gentian': origin unknown\c
<hw>baldric</hw> \K/"bO:ldrIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i \Ihist.\i a belt for a sword, bugle, etc., hung from the shoulder across the body to the opposite hip. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Ibaudry\i from Old French \Ibaudrei,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>baldy</hw> \K/"bO:ldi/\k \In. & adj.\i (also \Bbaldie)\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b a bald person. \Iadj.\i bald.\Knew f. corpus, SOED Sept 94\k
<hw>bale (1)</hw> \K/beIl/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAgriculture etc.\i a bundle of merchandise or hay etc. tightly wrapped and bound with cords or hoops.\p\B2\b \ISci Measure\i the quantity in a bale as a measure, \Besp. US\b 500 lb of cotton. \Iv.tr.\i make up into bales.\p\Bbale (or bail) out\b\p\B1\b \IAeron\i (of a pilot etc.) make an emergency parachute descent from an aircraft \I(cf.\i \J\Xbail\x (3)).\j\p\B2\b = \J\Xbail\x (1)\p\Iv.\i\p2.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch, ultimately identical with \J\Xball\x (1)\j\c
<hw>bale (2)</hw> \K/beIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iarchaic\i or \Ipoet.\i evil, destruction, woe, pain, misery. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ib(e)alu\i\c
<hw>baleen</hw> \K/b\F'\n"li:n/\k\p\In.\i\pwhalebone. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibaleine\i from Latin \Ibalaena\i 'whale'\c
<hw>baleen whale</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any of various whales of the suborder Mysticeti, having plates of whalebone in the mouth for straining plankton from the water.
<hw>baler</hw> \K/"beIl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAgriculture\i a machine for making bales of hay, straw, metal, etc.
<hw>Balinese</hw> \K/bA:lI"ni:z/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same)\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a native of Bali, an island in Indonesia.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language of Bali. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Bali or its people or language.
<hw>balk</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbaulk\x.\j
<hw>Balkan</hw> \K/"bQlk\F'\nn/, /"bO:l-/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of or relating to the region of SE Europe bounded by the Adriatic, the Aegean, and the Black Sea.\p\B2\b \IPeople\i of or relating to its peoples or countries.\p\In.\i\p\B(the Balkans)\b the Balkan countries. \BEtymology:\b \3Turkish\c
<hw>Balkanize</hw> \K/"bQlk\F'\nnVIz/, /"bO:l-/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \IPolit.\i divide (an area) into smaller mutually hostile states.\Knew f. COD7, incomings, corpus Aug 93\k \BBalkanization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>balky</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbaulky\x.\j
<hw>ball (1)</hw> \K/bO:l/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a solid or hollow sphere, esp. for use in a game.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a ball-shaped object; material forming the shape of a ball \3(ball of snow;\c \2ball of wool;\c \2rolled himself into a ball).\c \Bb\b \IAnat\i a rounded part of the body \3(ball of the foot).\c\p\B3\b \IBallistics\i a solid non-explosive missile for a cannon etc.\p\B4\b \ISport\i a single delivery of a ball in cricket, baseball, etc., or passing of a ball in football.\p\B5\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \IAnat\i \Icoarse slang\i \Ba\b the testicles. \Bb\b \BBrit.\b (usu. as an exclamation of contempt) nonsense, rubbish. \Bc\b \BBrit.\b = \J\Xballs-up\x.\j \Bd\b courage, 'guts'.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i squeeze or wind into a ball.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i form or gather into a ball or balls.\p\1the ball is in your etc. court\c you etc. must be next to act.\p\Bballs (or \BBrit.\b ball) up\b \Icoarse slang\i bungle; make a mess of.\p\1have the ball at one's feet\c have one's best opportunity.\p\1keep the ball rolling\c maintain the momentum of an activity.\p\1on the ball\c \Icolloq.\i alert.\p\1play ball\c \Icolloq.\i cooperate.\p\1start etc. the ball rolling\c set an activity in motion; make a start. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old Norse \Ib÷llr,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>ball (2)</hw> \K/bO:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a formal social gathering for dancing.\p\B2\b \Islang\i an enjoyable time \3(esp. have a ball).\c \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibal\i from Late Latin \Iballare\i 'to dance'\c
<hw>ballad</hw> \K/"bal\F'\nd/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IProsody Mus\i a poem or song narrating a popular story.\p\B2\b \IMus\i a slow sentimental or romantic song. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibalade\i from Provenτal \Ibalada\i 'dancing-song', from \Ibalar\i 'to dance'\c
<hw>ballade</hw> \K/ba"lA:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IProsody\i a poem of one or more triplets of stanzas with a repeated refrain and an envoi.\p\B2\b \IMus.\i a short lyrical piece, esp. for piano. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier spelling and pronunciation of \J\Xballad\x\j\c
<hw>balladeer</hw> \K/bal\F'\n"dI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a singer or composer of ballads.
<hw>ball-and-socket joint</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i a natural or man-made joint in which a rounded end lies in a concave cup or socket, allowing freedom of movement.
<hw>ballast</hw> \K/"bal\F'\nst/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \INaut\i any heavy material placed in a ship or the car of a hot-air balloon etc. to secure stability.\p\B2\b coarse stone etc. used to form the bed of a railway track or road.\p\B3\b \IBuilding\i a mixture of coarse and fine aggregate for making concrete.\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k\p\B4\b \IElectr.\i any device used to stabilize the current in a circuit.\p\B5\b anything that affords stability or permanence. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b provide with ballast.\p\B2\b afford stability or weight to. \BEtymology:\b \316th c.: from Low German or Scandinavian, of uncertain origin\c
<hw>ball-bearing</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i\p\B1\b a bearing in which the two halves are separated by a ring of small metal balls which reduce friction.\p\B2\b one of these balls.
<hw>ballboy</hw> \K/"bO:lbOI/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(fem.\i \Bballgirl\b \K/-g\F'\n:l/\k) \ITennis etc.\i a boy or girl who retrieves balls that go out of play during a game of tennis etc.
<hw>ballcock</hw> \K/"bO:lkQk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMech\i a floating ball on a hinged arm, whose movement up and down controls the water level in a cistern etc.
<hw>ballerina</hw> \K/bal\F'\n"ri:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDancing Ballet\i a female ballet dancer. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, fem. of \Iballerino\i 'dancing master' from \Iballare\i 'to dance' from Late Latin\c
<hw>ballet</hw> \K/"baleI/, /-li/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDancing Ballet\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a dramatic or representational style of dancing and mime, using set steps and techniques and usu. (esp. in classical ballet) accompanied by music. \Bb\b a particular piece or performance of ballet. \Bc\b the music for this.\p\B2\b a company performing ballet. \Bballetic\b \K/b\F'\n"lEtIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Iballetto,\i diminutive of \Iballo\i \J\Xball\x (2)\j\c
<hw>ballet dancer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBallet\i a dancer who specializes in ballet.
<hw>balletomane</hw> \K/"balIt\F'\nUmeIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDancing\i a devotee of ballet. \Bballetomania\b \K/-"meInI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>ball game</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b any game played with a ball. \Bb\b \BN. Amer.\b a game of baseball.\p\B2\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Icolloq.\i a particular affair or concern \3(a whole new ball game).\c
<hw>ballgirl</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xballboy\x.\j
<hw>ballista</hw> \K/b\F'\n"lIst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bballistae\b \K/-sti:/\k) \IMil Ballistics\i a catapult used in ancient warfare for hurling large stones etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Iballo\i 'throw'\c
<hw>ballistic</hw> \K/b\F'\n"lIstIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IMil Ballistics\i\p\B1\b of or relating to projectiles.\p\B2\b moving under the force of gravity only.\p\1go ballistic\c \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Islang\i become furious.\Knew f. OERD Sept 94\k \Bballistically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xballista\x\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>ballistic missile</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i a missile which is initially powered and guided but falls under gravity on its target.
<hw>ballistics</hw> \K/b\F'\n"lIstIks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil Ballistics\i the science of projectiles and firearms.
<hw>ball lightning</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMeteorol\i a rare globular form of lightning.
<hw>balloon</hw> \K/b\F'\n"lu:n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a small inflatable rubber pouch with a neck, used as a child's toy or as decoration.\p\B2\b \ITransport Aeron\i a large usu. round bag inflatable with hot air or gas to make it rise in the air, often carrying a basket for passengers.\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i a balloon shape enclosing the words or thoughts of characters in a comic strip or cartoon.\p\B4\b \IDrink\i a large globular drinking glass, usu. for brandy.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr. & tr.\i swell out or cause to swell out like a balloon.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i travel by balloon.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \BBrit.\b hit or kick (a ball etc.) high in the air.\p\1when the balloon goes up\c \Icolloq.\i when the action or trouble starts. \Bballoonist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French \Iballon\i or Italian \Iballone\i 'large ball'\c
<hw>ballot</hw> \K/"bal\F'\nt/\k \In. & v.\i \IPolit\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a process of voting, in writing and usu. secret.\p\B2\b the total of votes recorded in a ballot.\p\B3\b the drawing of lots.\p\B4\b a paper or ticket etc. used in voting.\p\Iv.\i\p\B(balloted,\b \Bballoting)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Bfor)\b\i \Ba\b hold a ballot; give a vote. \Bb\b draw lots for precedence etc.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i take a ballot of \3(the union balloted its members).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Iballotta,\i diminutive of \Iballa\i \J\Xball\x (1)\j (from the practice of registering votes by placing coloured balls in a container)\c
<hw>ballot box</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i a sealed box into which voters put completed ballot papers.
<hw>ballot paper</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IPolit\i a slip of paper used to register a vote.
<hw>ballpark</hw> \K/"bO:lpA:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b\p\B1\b \ISport Baseball\i a baseball ground.\p\B2\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i \Icolloq.\i approximate, rough \3(a ballpark figure).\c\p\1in the right ballpark\c \Icolloq.\i close to one's objective; approximately correct.
<hw>ballpoint</hw> \K/"bO:lpOInt/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bballpoint pen)\b a pen with a tiny ball as its writing point.\Kto match POD8 Aug 92 aaw\k
<hw>ball-race</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEngin.\i\p\B1\b a ring-shaped groove in which the balls of a ball-bearing move.\p\B2\b a ball-bearing.\Knew in COD9 f. suggestions box, CED Jul 93\k
<hw>ballroom</hw> \K/"bO:lru:m/, /-rUm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDancing\i a large room or hall for dancing.
<hw>ballroom dancing</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IDancing\i formal social dancing as a recreation or performed competitively.
<hw>balls-up</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \Icoarse slang\i a mess; a confused or bungled situation.
<hw>ballsy</hw> \K/"bO:lzi/\k \Iadj.\i \Islang\i\p\B1\b manly, powerful.\p\B2\b courageous.\Knew f. corpus, SOED, incomings Dec 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xball\x (1)\p\In.\i\p5d\j\c
<hw>ball valve</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEngin\i a valve opened or closed by a ball which fits into a cup-shaped opening.\Knew f. OED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>bally</hw> \K/"bali/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \BBrit.\b \Islang\i a mild form of \Ibloody\i (see \J\Xbloody\x \Iadj.\i 3)\j \3(took the bally lot).\c \BEtymology:\b \3alteration of \J\Xbloody\x\j\c
<hw>ballyhoo</hw> \K/balI"hu:/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a loud noise or fuss; a confused state or commotion.\p\B2\b extravagant or sensational publicity. \BEtymology:\b \319th c., originally US: origin unknown\c
<hw>balm</hw> \K/bA:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot. etc.\i\p\B1\b an aromatic ointment for anointing, soothing, or healing.\p\B2\b a fragrant and medicinal exudation from certain trees and plants.\p\B3\b a healing or soothing influence or consolation.\p\B4\b a tree that yields balm, esp. an Asian and N. African tree of the genus \ICommiphora.\i\p\B5\b any aromatic herb, esp. one of the genus \IMelissa.\i\p\B6\b a pleasant perfume or fragrance. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iba(s)me\i from Latin \Ibalsamum\i \J\Xbalsam\x\j\c
<hw>balm of Gilead</hw> \K/"gIlIad/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i (cf. Jer. 8:22)\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IMed\i a fragrant resin formerly much used as an unguent. \Bb\b a tree of the genus \ICommiphora\i yielding such resin.\p\B2\b the balsam fir or poplar.
<hw>balmoral</hw> \K/bal"mQr(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFashion Mil\i\p\B1\b a type of brimless boat-shaped cocked hat with a cockade or ribbons attached, usu. worn by certain Scottish regiments.\p\B2\b a heavy leather walking boot with laces up the front. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBalmoral\i Castle in Scotland\c
<hw>balneology</hw> \K/balnI"Ql\F'\ndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i the scientific study of bathing and medicinal springs. \Bbalneological\b \K/-nI\F'\n"lQdZIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bbalneologist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ibalneum\i 'bath' + \J\X-logy\x\j\c
<hw>BALPA</hw> \K/"balp\F'\n/\k \Iabbr.\i \IAeron\i British Air Line Pilots Association.\Kspelling checked with BALPA Aug 94\k
<hw>balsa</hw> \K/"bQls\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b (in full \Bbalsa wood)\b \IForestry Carpentry\i a type of tough lightweight wood used for making models, rafts, etc.\p\B2\b the tropical American tree, Ochroma lagopus, from which it comes. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, = raft\c
<hw>balsam</hw> \K/"bO:ls\F'\nm/, /"bQl-/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot. etc.\i\p\B1\b an aromatic resinous exudation, such as balm, obtained from various trees and shrubs and used as a base for certain fragrances and medical preparations.\p\B2\b an ointment, esp. one composed of a substance dissolved in oil or turpentine.\p\B3\b any of various trees or shrubs which yield balsam.\p\B4\b any of several flowering plants of the genus \IImpatiens.\i\p\B5\b a healing or soothing agency. \Bbalsamic\b \K/-"samIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English, from Latin \Ibalsamum\i\c
<hw>balsam fir</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a N. American tree, Abies balsamea, which yields balsam.
<hw>balsamic vinegar</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a dark, sweet, Italian vinegar, matured in wooden barrels.\Knew f. OERD Aug 94\k
<hw>balsam poplar</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i any of various N. American poplars, esp. Populus balsamifera, yielding balsam.
<hw>balsa wood</hw> \Isee\i \J\Xbalsa\x 1.\j\Knew as hwd Aug 94\k
<hw>Balti</hw> \K/"bO:lti/, /"balti/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a type of Pakistani curry, usu. cooked and served in a dish like a shallow wok.\Knew f. corpus, News Aug 93\k \BEtymology:\b \320th c.: origin uncertain; perhaps from \IBalti\i 'native or inhabitant of Baltistan'\c
<hw>Baltic</hw> \K/"bO:ltIk/, /"bQlt-/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i\p\B1\b \B(the Baltic)\b \Ba\b an almost landlocked sea of northern Europe. \Bb\b the states bordering this sea.\p\B2\b \ILanguage Linguistics\i an Indo-European branch of languages including Old Prussian, Lithuanian, Latvian, and Lettish. \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Baltic or the branch of languages called \IBaltic.\i \BEtymology:\b \3medieval Latin \IBalticus\i from Late Latin \IBalthae\i 'dwellers near the Baltic Sea'\c
<hw>baluster</hw> \K/"bal\F'\nst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i each of a series of usu. ornamental short posts or pillars supporting a rail or coping etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibalustre\i via Italian and Latin from Greek \Ibalaustion\i 'wild-pomegranate flower', which the baluster resembles in shape\c \IBaluster\i is sometimes confused with \Ibanister\i because their meanings overlap. A \Ibaluster\i is usually a curved ornamental post forming part of a \Ibalustrade\i which is mainly found around a gallery, bridge, or terrace, as in \IExpert craftsmen have restored stone balusters taken from the bridge and fitted plinths to the top to form bird tables.\i A \Ibanister\i is a post supporting the handrail of a staircase, e.g. \IHe shook the stair banisters and rail and found they were loose.\i It can also mean the posts together with the rail, as in \IHe looked over the banister(s).\i In this case it is often used in the plural.Occasionally, a large staircase in a grand house may have ornamental carved banisters, in which case they may be called \Ibalusters.\i
<hw>balustrade</hw> \K/bal\F'\n"streId/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i a railing supported by balusters, esp. forming an ornamental parapet to a balcony, bridge, or terrace. \Bbalustraded\b \Iadj.\i\Kbalustraded new in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French (as \J\Xbaluster\x)\j\c
<hw>bambino</hw> \K/bam"bi:n\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbambini\b \K/-ni/\k) \Icolloq.\i a young (esp. Italian) child. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, diminutive of \Ibambo\i 'silly'\c
<hw>bamboo</hw> \K/bam"bu:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a giant woody grass of the mainly tropical subfamily Bambusidae.\p\B2\b its hollow jointed stem, used as a stick or to make furniture etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Dutch \Ibamboes\i via Portuguese \Imambu\i from Malay\c
<hw>bamboo shoot</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFood\i a young shoot of bamboo, eaten as a vegetable.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k
<hw>ban</hw> \K/ban/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Iv.tr.\i \B(banned,\b \Bbanning)\b forbid, prohibit, esp. formally.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a formal or authoritative prohibition \3(a ban on smoking).\c\p\B2\b a tacit prohibition by public opinion.\p\B3\b \Ihist.\i a sentence of outlawry.\p\B4\b \Iarchaic\i a curse or execration. \BEtymology:\b \3originally = public proclamation or summons, from Old English \Ibannan\i 'summon', from Germanic\c
<hw>banal</hw> \K/b\F'\n"nA:l/, /-"nal/\k \Iadj.\i trite, feeble, commonplace. \Bbanality\b \K/-"nalIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies).\b \Bbanally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3originally in sense 'compulsory', hence 'common to all': French from \Iban\i (as \J\Xban\x)\j\c
<hw>banana</hw> \K/b\F'\n"nA:n\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b a long curved fruit with soft pulpy flesh and yellow skin when ripe, growing in clusters.\p\B2\b (in full \Bbanana tree)\b the tropical and subtropical treelike plant, Musa sapientum, bearing this.\p\1go bananas\c \Islang\i become crazy or angry. \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese or Spanish, from a name in Guinea\c
<hw>banana republic</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IPolit\i \Iderog.\i a small state, esp. in Central America, economically dependent on usu. one trade such as banana-growing and therefore dependent on foreign capital.
<hw>banana skin</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i the skin of a banana.\p\B2\b a cause of upset or humiliation; a blunder.
<hw>banana split</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFood\i a sweet dish made with split bananas, ice cream, sauce, etc.
<hw>banausic</hw> \K/b\F'\n"nO:sIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Iderog.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b uncultivated. \Bb\b materialistic.\p\B2\b suitable only for artisans. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibanausikos\i 'for artisans'\c
<hw>Banbury cake</hw> \K/"banb(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICookery\i a flat pastry with a spicy currant filling. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBanbury\i in S. England, where it was originally made\c
<hw>banc</hw> \K/baNk/\k\p\In.\i\p\1in banc\c \ILaw\i sitting as a full court. \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French (= bench) from medieval Latin (as \J\Xbank\x (2))\j\c
<hw>band (1)</hw> \K/band/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a flat, thin strip or loop of material (e.g. paper, metal, or cloth) put round something esp. to hold it together or decorate it \3(headband).\c\p\B2\b \Ba\b a strip of material forming part of a garment \3(hatband;\c \2waistband).\c \Bb\b a stripe of a different colour or material on an object. \Bc\b a portion of a substance or of an area in the form of a long flat strip \3(a band of cloud).\c\Ksense 2c new f. corpus, Hector Aug 94\k\p\B3\b a range or category within which items fall \3(tax band;\c \2top band of the fifth form).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b \IPhysics Electr\i a range of frequencies or wavelengths in a spectrum (esp. of radio frequencies). \Bb\b a range of values within a series.\p\B5\b a plain gold ring, esp. a gold wedding ring.\Ksense 5 new f. corpus, Hector Aug 94\k\p\B6\b \IMech.\i a belt connecting wheels or pulleys.\p\B7\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \IClothing\i a collar having two hanging strips, worn by some lawyers, ministers, and academics in formal dress.\p\B8\b \Iarchaic\i a thing that restrains, binds, connects, or unites; a bond. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b put a band on.\p\B2\b \Ba\b mark with stripes. \Bb\b (as \Bbanded\b \Iadj.)\i \IBot.\i & \IZool.\i marked with coloured bands or stripes.\p\B3\b \Ba\b divide into, or arrange in, bands or ranges with a view to treating the bands differently. \Bb\b \IEducation\i group (pupils) on the basis of ability.\Ksense 3 new in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from Old French \Ibande,\i \Ibende\i (sense 6 from Old Norse \Iband),\i from Germanic\c
<hw>band (2)</hw> \K/band/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a group of musicians who play together (usu. popular rather than classical music) \3(jazz band;\c \2brass band;\c \2rock band).\c \Bb\b \Icolloq.\i an orchestra.\p\B2\b an organized group of people having a common object, esp. of a criminal nature \3(band of cut-throats).\c\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b a herd or flock. \Iv.tr. & intr.\i \I(usu. foll. by \Btogether)\b\i form into a group for a purpose \3(band together for mutual protection).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibande\i \I(n.),\i \Ibander\i \I(v.),\i medieval Latin \Ibanda,\i probably of Germanic origin\c
<hw>bandage</hw> \K/"bandIdZ/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMed\i a strip of material for binding up a wound etc.\p\B2\b a piece of material used as a blindfold. \Iv.tr.\i bind (a wound etc.) with a bandage. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Ibande\i (as \J\Xband\x (1))\j\c
<hw>Band-Aid</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bband-aid)\b\p\B1\b \Ipropr.\i \Ba\b a type of sticking plaster with a gauze pad. \Bb\b a piece of this.\p\B2\b a makeshift or temporary solution.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k
<hw>bandanna</hw> \K/ban"dan\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IClothing Fashion\i a large coloured handkerchief or neckerchief, usu. of silk or cotton, and often having white spots. \BEtymology:\b \3probably Portuguese from Hindi\c
<hw>B. & B.</hw> \Iabbr.\i (also \Bb. & b.)\b bed and breakfast.
<hw>bandbox</hw> \K/"ban(d)bQks/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFashion\i a usu. circular cardboard box for carrying hats, used originally for neckbands.\p\1out of a bandbox\c extremely neat. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xband\x (1)\j + \J\Xbox\x (1)\j\c
<hw>bandeau</hw> \K/"band\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbandeaux\b \K/-d\F'\nUz/\k) \IFashion\i a narrow band worn round the head. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>banderilla</hw> \K/band\F'\n"rIlj\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBullfighting\i a decorated dart thrust into a bull's neck or shoulders during a bullfight. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, dimunitive of \Ibandera\i 'banner'\c
<hw>banderole</hw> \K/"band\F'\nr\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbanderol)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b \INaut\i a long narrow flag with a cleft end, flown at a masthead. \Bb\b an ornamental streamer on a knight's lance.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a ribbon-like scroll. \Bb\b a stone band resembling a banderole, bearing an inscription. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibanderole\i from Italian \Ibanderuola,\i diminutive of \Ibandiera\i 'banner'\c
<hw>bandicoot</hw> \K/"bandIku:t/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b any mainly insect-eating marsupial of the family Peramelidae, of Australia and New Guinea.\p\B2\b (in full \Bbandicoot rat)\b a destructive Asian rat of the genus \IBandicota,\i esp. the large B. indica. \BEtymology:\b \3Telugu \Ipandikokku\i literally 'pig-rat'\c
<hw>banding</hw> \K/"bandIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the presence or formation of visible bands or stripes.\p\B2\b division into a series of categories e.g. by ability, value, tax liability, etc.\p\B3\b \IBiochem.\i \Ba\b the pattern of regions on a chromosome made visible by staining. \Bb\b the separation of molecules into bands of concentration in a gel etc.\p\B4\b \IZool\i the labelling of individual birds or animals with bands.\Knew f. incomings April 94\k
<hw>bandit</hw> \K/"bandIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbandits\b or \Bbanditti\b \K/-"dIti/\k)\p\B1\b a robber or murderer, esp. a member of a gang; a gangster.\p\B2\b an outlaw. \Bbanditry\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ibandito\i (pl. \I-iti),\i past part. of \Ibandire\i 'ban', = medieval Latin \Ibannire\i 'proclaim': related to \J\Xban\x,\j \J\Xbanish\x\j\c
<hw>bandleader</hw> \K/"bandli:d\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i the leader of a musical band.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>bandmaster</hw> \K/"ban(d)mA:st\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i the conductor of a (esp. military or brass) band. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xband\x (2)\j + \J\Xmaster\x\j\c
<hw>Band of Hope</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISociol\i \IDrink\i (in the UK) an association promoting total abstinence from alcohol.
<hw>bandog</hw> \K/"bandQg/\k\p\In.\i\pa fighting dog bred for its strength and ferocity by crossing aggressive breeds.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3originally = a dog kept on a chain, from \J\Xband\x (1)\j 'fastening' + \J\Xdog\x\j\c
<hw>bandolier</hw> \K/band\F'\n"lI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbandoleer)\b \IMil\i a shoulder-belt with loops or pockets for cartridges. \BEtymology:\b \3Dutch \Ibandelier\i or French \IbandouliΦre,\i probably formed as \J\Xbanderole\x\j\c
<hw>bandpass</hw> \K/"ban(d)pA:s/\k\p\In.\i\pthe range of frequencies (of sound, electrical signals, etc.) which are transmitted through a filter.\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>bandsaw</hw> \K/"ban(d)sO:/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICarpentry Tools\i an endless saw, consisting of a steel belt with a serrated edge running over wheels.
<hw>bandsman</hw> \K/"ban(d)zm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \IMus\i a player in a (esp. military or brass) band.
<hw>bandstand</hw> \K/"ban(d)stand/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a covered outdoor platform for a band to play on, usu. in a park.
<hw>bandwagon</hw> \K/"bandwag\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\Borig. US\b a wagon used for carrying a band in a parade etc.\p\1climb (or jump) on the bandwagon\c join a party, cause, or group that seems likely to succeed.
<hw>bandwidth</hw> \K/"bandwItT/, /-wIdT/\k\p\In.\i\p\IElectr Physics\i the range of frequencies within a given band (see \J\Xband\x (1)\p\In.\i\p4a).\j
<hw>bandy (1)</hw> \K/"bandi/\k \Iadj.\i \B(bandier,\b \Bbandiest)\b\p\B1\b (of the legs) curved so as to be wide apart at the knees.\p\B2\b (also \Bbandy-legged)\b (of a person) having bandy legs. \BEtymology:\b \3perhaps from obsolete \Ibandy\i 'curved stick'\c
<hw>bandy (2)</hw> \K/"bandi/\k \Iv.tr.\i \B(-ies,\b \B-ied)\b\p\B1\b \I(often foll. by \Babout)\b\i \Ba\b pass (a story, rumour, etc.) to and fro. \Bb\b throw or pass (a ball etc.) to and fro.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Babout)\b\i discuss disparagingly \3(bandied her name about).\c\p\B3\b \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i exchange (blows, insults, etc.) \3(don't bandy words with me).\c \BEtymology:\b \3perhaps from French \Ibander\i from \Ibande\i \J\Xband\x (2)\j\c
<hw>bane</hw> \K/beIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the cause of ruin or trouble; the curse \3(esp. the bane of one's life).\c\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i ruin; woe.\p\B3\b \Iarchaic\i \I(except in \Bcomb.)\b\i poison \3(ratsbane).\c \Bbaneful\b \Iadj.\i \Bbanefully\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibana,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>baneberry</hw> \K/"beInb(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IBot\i\p\B1\b any of several plants of the genus \IActaea.\i\p\B2\b the bitter poisonous berry of these plants.
<hw>bang</hw> \K/baN/\k \In., v., & adv.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a loud short sound. \Bb\b an explosion. \Bc\b the report of a gun.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a sharp blow. \Bb\b the sound of this.\p\B3\b \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b \IHairdressing\i a fringe of hair cut straight across the forehead.\p\B4\b \ISex\i \Icoarse slang\i an act of sexual intercourse.\p\B5\b \Islang\i a drug injection \I(cf.\i \J\Xbhang\x).\j\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i strike or shut noisily \3(banged the door shut;\c \2banged on the table).\c\p\B2\b \Itr. & intr.\i make or cause to make the sound of a blow or an explosion.\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b \IHairdressing\i cut (hair) in bangs.\p\B4\b \ISex\i \Icoarse slang\i \Ba\b \Iintr.\i have sexual intercourse. \Bb\b \Itr.\i have sexual intercourse with. \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b with a bang or sudden impact.\p\B2\b \Besp. Brit.\b \Icolloq.\i exactly \3(bang in the middle).\c\p\1bang off\c \BBrit.\b \Islang\i immediately.\p\1bang on\c \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i exactly right.\p\Bbang on about\b talk tediously and at length about.\Kbang on about new f. corpus Jul 93\k\p\1go bang\c\p\B1\b (of a door etc.) shut noisily.\p\B2\b explode.\p\B3\b \Icolloq.\i be suddenly destroyed \3(bang went their chances).\c\p\1go with a bang\c go successfully. \BEtymology:\b \316th c.: perhaps from Scandinavian\c
<hw>banger</hw> \K/"baN\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Brit.\b\p\B1\b \IFood\i \Islang\i a sausage.\p\B2\b \ITransport\i \Islang\i an old car, esp. a noisy one.\p\B3\b a loud firework.
<hw>Bangladeshi</hw> \K/baNgl\F'\n"dESi/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \BBangladeshis)\b a native or inhabitant of Bangladesh, in the north-east of the Indian subcontinent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Bangladesh or its people.\Knew f. SOED, corpus Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\IBangladesh\i + \J\X-i\x (2)\j\c
<hw>bangle</hw> \K/"baNg(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\pa rigid ornamental band worn round the arm or occasionally the ankle. \BEtymology:\b \3Hindi \Ibangli\i 'glass bracelet'\c
<hw>bangtail</hw> \K/"baNteIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRiding\i a horse, esp. with its tail cut straight across.
<hw>bangtail muster</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BAustral.\b \IAgriculture\i the counting of cattle involving cutting across the tufts at the tail-ends as each is counted.
<hw>banish</hw> \K/"banIS/\k \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \IPolit Criminol\i formally expel (a person), esp. from a country.\p\B2\b dismiss from one's presence or mind. \Bbanishment\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old English \Ibanir,\i ultimately from the Germanic base of \J\Xban\x\j\c
<hw>banister</hw> \K/"banIst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbannister)\b \IBuilding Archit\i\p\B1\b \I(often in \Bpl.)\b\i the uprights and handrail at the side of a staircase.\p\B2\b each of these uprights. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Ibarrister,\i corruption of \J\Xbaluster\x\j\c See Usage Note at \J\Xbaluster\x.\j
<hw>banjo</hw> \K/"bandZ\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os\b or \B-oes)\b \IMus\i a stringed musical instrument with a neck and head like a guitar and an open-backed body consisting of parchment stretched over a metal hoop. \Bbanjoist\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3US southern corruption of earlier \Ibandore,\i ultimately from Greek \Ipandoura\i 'three-stringed lute'\c
<hw>bank (1)</hw> \K/baNk/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeog\i \Ba\b the sloping edge of land by a river. \Bb\b the area of ground alongside a river \3(had a picnic on the bank).\c\p\B2\b a raised shelf of ground; a slope.\p\B3\b an elevation in the sea or a river bed.\p\B4\b \Ba\b \IEngin\i the artificial slope of a road etc., enabling vehicles to maintain speed round a curve. \Bb\b \IAeron\i the sideways tilt of an aircraft when turning in flight.\Ksense 4b new f. SOED Oct 94\k\p\B5\b \IMeteorol\i a mass of cloud, fog, snow, etc.\p\B6\b \IMining\i the edge of a hollow place (e.g. the top of a mine shaft).\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr. & intr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bup)\b\i heap or rise into banks.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i heap up (a fire) tightly so that it burns slowly.\p\B3\b \IAeron. etc.\i \Ba\b \Iintr.\i (of a vehicle or aircraft or its occupant) travel with one side higher than the other in rounding a curve. \Bb\b \Itr.\i cause (a vehicle or aircraft) to do this.\p\B4\b \Itr.\i contain or confine within a bank or banks.\p\B5\b \Itr.\i \IEngin\i build (a road etc.) higher at the outer edge of a bend to enable fast cornering. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old Norse \Ibakki,\i from Germanic: related to \J\Xbench\x\j\c
<hw>bank (2)</hw> \K/baNk/\k \In. & v.\i \ICommerce\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a financial establishment which uses money deposited by customers for investment, pays it out when required, makes loans at interest, exchanges currency, etc. \Bb\b a building in which this business takes place.\p\B2\b = \J\Xpiggy bank\x.\j\p\B3\b \IGambling Games\i \Ba\b the money or tokens held by the banker in some gambling games. \Bb\b the banker in such games.\p\B4\b a place for storing anything for future use \3(blood bank;\c \2data bank).\c\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i deposit (money or valuables) in a bank.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i engage in business as a banker.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bat,\b \Bwith)\b\i keep money (at a bank).\p\B4\b \Iintr.\i \IGambling Games\i act as banker in some gambling games.\p\Bbank on\b rely on \3(I'm banking on your help).\c \BEtymology:\b \3originally = a money-dealers' bench or table, from French \Ibanque\i or Italian \Ibanca\i via medieval Latin \Ibanca,\i \Ibancus,\i from Germanic: related to \J\Xbank\x (1),\j \J\Xbench\x\j\c
<hw>bank (3)</hw> \K/baNk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a row of similar objects, esp. of keys, lights, or switches.\p\B2\b \IRowing\i a tier of oars. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibanc\i from Germanic: related to \J\Xbank\x (1),\j \J\Xbench\x\j\c
<hw>bankable</hw> \K/"baNk\F'\nb(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b certain to bring profit; good for the box office.\Ksense 1 new in COD9 f. POD, OMED Jul 93\k\p\B2\b \ICommerce\i acceptable at a bank.\p\B3\b reliable \3(a bankable reputation).\c \Bbankability\b \K/-\F'\n"bIlIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\Kbankability new f. Incs. Sept 94\k
<hw>bank balance</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFinance\i the amount of money held in a bank account at a given moment.
<hw>bank bill</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFinance\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b a bill drawn by one bank on another.\p\B2\b \Besp. US\b = \J\Xbanknote\x.\j
<hw>banker (1)</hw> \K/"baNk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ICommerce\i a person who manages or owns a bank or group of banks.\p\B2\b \ICards etc. Gambling Games\i \Ba\b a keeper of the bank or dealer in some gambling games. \Bb\b a card game involving gambling.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b a result forecast identically (while other forecasts differ) in several football-pool entries on one coupon. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibanquier\i from \Ibanque\i \J\Xbank\x (2)\j\c
<hw>banker (2)</hw> \K/"baNk\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \INaut Fishing\i \Ba\b a fishing boat off Newfoundland. \Bb\b a Newfoundland fisherman.\p\B2\b \BAustral.\b \Icolloq.\i a river flooded to the top of its banks. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbank\x (1)\j + \J\X-er\x (1)\j\c
<hw>banker's order</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IFinance\i an instruction to a bank to pay money or deliver property, signed by the owner or the owner's agent.
<hw>bank holiday</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a day on which banks are officially closed, (in the UK) usu. kept as a public holiday.
<hw>banking</hw> \K/"baNkIN/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i the business transactions of a bank.
<hw>bank machine</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i = \J\Xcash dispenser\x.\j\Knew f. corpus, K. Barber Mar 94\k
<hw>bank manager</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a person in charge of a local branch of a bank.
<hw>banknote</hw> \K/"baNkn\F'\nUt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a banker's promissory note, esp. from a central bank, payable to the bearer on demand, and serving as money.
<hw>Bank of England</hw>\p\In.\i\pthe central bank of England and Wales, issuing banknotes and having the British Government as its main customer.
<hw>bankroll</hw> \K/"baNkr\F'\nUl/\k \In. & v.\i \Borig. N. Amer.\b\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i\p\B1\b a roll of banknotes.\p\B2\b funds. \Iv.tr.\i \Icolloq.\i support financially.
<hw>bankrupt</hw> \K/"baNkrVpt/\k \Iadj., n., & v.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b \ILaw Commerce\i \Ba\b insolvent; declared in law unable to pay debts. \Bb\b undergoing the legal process resulting from this.\p\B2\b \I(often foll. by \Bof)\b\i exhausted or drained (of some quality etc.); deficient, lacking.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b an insolvent person whose estate is administered and disposed of for the benefit of the creditors. \Bb\b an insolvent debtor.\p\B2\b a person exhausted of or deficient in a certain attribute \3(a moral bankrupt).\c \Iv.tr.\i make bankrupt. \Bbankruptcy\b \K/-%rVptsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies).\b \BEtymology:\b \316th c.: from Italian \Ibanca rotta\i 'broken bench' (as \J\Xbank\x (2),\j Latin \Irumpere rupt-\i 'break')\c
<hw>banksia</hw> \K/"baNksI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an evergreen flowering shrub of the genus \IBanksia,\i native to Australia. \BEtymology:\b \3Sir J. \IBanks,\i English naturalist d. 1820\c
<hw>banksia rose</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i a Chinese climbing rose, Rosa banksiae, with small flowers.
<hw>bank statement</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFinance\i a printed statement of transactions and balance issued periodically to the holder of a bank account.
<hw>banner</hw> \K/"ban\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IPolit\i a large rectangular sign bearing a slogan or design and usu. carried on two side-poles or a crossbar in a demonstration or procession. \Bb\b a long strip of cloth etc. hung across a street or along the front of a building etc. and bearing a slogan.\p\B2\b a slogan or phrase used to represent a belief or principle.\p\B3\b a flag on a pole used as the standard of a king, knight, etc., esp. in battle.\p\B4\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i \BUS\b excellent, outstanding \3(a banner year in sales).\c\p\1join (or follow) the banner of\c adhere to the cause of. \Bbannered\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Ibanere,\i Old French \Ibaniere\i from Romanic, ultimately from Germanic\c
<hw>banneret</hw> \K/"ban\F'\nrIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i \Ihist.\i\p\B1\b a knight who commanded his own troops in battle under his own banner.\p\B2\b a knighthood given on the battlefield for courage. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English & Old French \Ibaneret,\i from \Ibaniere\i \J\Xbanner\x\j + \I-et\i as \J\X-ate\x (1)\j\c
<hw>banner headline</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IJournalism\i a large newspaper headline, esp. one across the top of the front page.
<hw>bannock</hw> \K/"ban\F'\nk/\k\p\In.\i\p\BSc.\b & \BN.Engl.\b \ICookery\i a round flat loaf, usu. unleavened. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibannuc,\i perhaps from Celtic\c
<hw>banns</hw> \K/banz/\k \In.pl.\i a notice read out on three successive Sundays in a parish church, announcing an intended marriage and giving the opportunity for objections.\p\1forbid the banns\c raise an objection to an intended marriage, esp. in church following the reading of the banns. \BEtymology:\b \3pl. of \J\Xban\x\j\c
<hw>banquet</hw> \K/"baNkwIt/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an elaborate usu. extensive feast.\p\B2\b a dinner for many people followed by speeches in favour of a cause or in celebration of an event.\p\Iv.\i\p\B(banqueted,\b \Bbanqueting)\b\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i hold a banquet; feast.\p\B2\b \Itr.\i entertain with a banquet. \Bbanqueter\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \Ibanc\i 'bench', \J\Xbank\x (2)\j\c
<hw>banquette</hw> \K/baN"kEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IFurniture\i an upholstered bench along a wall, esp. in a restaurant or bar.\p\B2\b \IArchit Mil\i a raised step behind a rampart. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \Ibanchetta,\i diminutive of \Ibanca\i 'bench', \J\Xbank\x (2)\j\c
<hw>banshee</hw> \K/ban"Si:/, /"banSi:/\k\p\In.\i\p\BIr.\b & \BSc.\b a female spirit whose wailing warns of a death in a house. \BEtymology:\b \3Irish \Ibean sφdhe\i from Old Irish \Iben sφde\i 'woman of the fairies'\c
<hw>bantam</hw> \K/"bant\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i\p\B1\b a breed of small domestic fowl, of which the cock is aggressive.\p\B2\b a small but aggressive person. \BEtymology:\b \3apparently from \IBanten\i in Java, although the fowl is not native there\c
<hw>bantamweight</hw> \K/"bant\F'\nmweIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport Boxing Wrestling\i\p\B1\b a weight in certain sports intermediate between flyweight and featherweight, in the amateur boxing scale 51-4 kg but differing for professional boxers, wrestlers, and weightlifters.\p\B2\b a boxer etc. of this weight.
<hw>banter</hw> \K/"bant\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\pgood-humoured teasing.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i ridicule in a good-humoured way.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i talk humorously or teasingly. \Bbanterer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \317th c.: origin unknown\c
<hw>Bantu</hw> \K/ban"tu:/, /"bantu:/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \BBantus)\b\p\B1\b \IPeople\i \Ioffens.\i \Ba\b a large group of Negroid peoples of central and southern Africa. \Bb\b a member of any of these peoples.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the group of languages spoken by them. \Iadj.\i of or relating to these peoples \I(offens.),\i or languages. \BEtymology:\b \3Bantu, = people\c \IBantu,\i originally a neutral 'scientific' term, became strongly associated with apartheid policies in South Africa and is therefore regarded as offensive with references to the peoples.
<hw>Bantustan</hw> \K/bantu:"stA:n/, /-"stan/\k\p\In.\i\p\BS.Afr.\b \Icolloq.\i \Iderog.\i = \J\Xhomeland\x 2.\j \BEtymology:\b \3\J\XBantu\x\j + \I-stan\i 'country', as in \IHindustan\i etc.\c
<hw>banyan</hw> \K/"banI\F'\nn/, /-nj\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbanian)\b\p\B1\b (also \Bbanyan tree)\b \IBot\i an Indian fig tree, Ficus benghalensis, the branches of which hang down and root themselves.\p\B2\b \ICommerce\i a Hindu trader.\p\B3\b \IClothing Anthropol\i a loose flannel jacket, shirt, or gown worn in India. \BEtymology:\b \3Portuguese \Ibanian\i from Gujarati \Ivaniyo\i 'man of trading caste', from Sanskrit: applied originally to one such tree under which banyans had built a pagoda\c
<hw>banzai</hw> \K/ban"zVI/\k \Iint. & adj.\i \Iint.\i \IMil\i a Japanese battle-cry. \Iattrib.adj.\i reckless. \BEtymology:\b \3Japanese, = ten thousand years (of life to you)\c
<hw>baobab</hw> \K/"beI\F'\nbab/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b an African tree, Adansonia digitata, with an enormously thick trunk and large edible pulpy fruit hanging down on stalks.\p\B2\b a related Australian tree, Adansonia gregorii.\Ksense 2 new f. sugg. file Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Latin (1592), probably from an African language\c
<hw>BAOR</hw> \Iabbr.\i \IMil\i British Army of the Rhine.
<hw>baptism</hw> \K/"baptIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IRelig\i \Ba\b the religious rite, symbolizing admission to the Christian Church, of sprinkling or pouring water on to the forehead, or (usu. only with adults) of immersion, generally accompanied by name-giving. \Bb\b the act of baptizing or being baptized.\p\B2\b an initiation, e.g. into battle.\p\B3\b the naming of ships, church bells, etc. \Bbaptismal\b \K/-"tIzm(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Iba(p)te(s)me\i and ecclesiastical Latin \Ibaptismus\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Ibaptismos,\i from \Ibaptizo\i \J\Xbaptize\x\j\c
<hw>baptism of fire</hw>\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i initiation into battle.\p\B2\b a painful new undertaking or experience.
<hw>baptist</hw> \K/"baptIst/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b a person who baptizes, esp. John the Baptist.\p\B2\b \B(Baptist)\b a member of a Protestant Christian denomination advocating baptism only of adult believers by total immersion. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibaptiste\i and ecclesiastical Latin \Ibaptista\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Ibaptistes,\i from \Ibaptizo\i \J\Xbaptize\x\j\c
<hw>baptistery</hw> \K/"baptIst(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbaptistry\b \K/-tri/\k) \I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IRelig\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the part of a church used for baptism. \Bb\b \Ihist.\i a building next to a church, used for baptism.\p\B2\b (in a Baptist chapel) a sunken receptacle used for total immersion. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibaptisterie\i and ecclesiastical Latin \Ibaptisterium\i from ecclesiastical Greek \Ibaptisterion\i 'bathing place', from \Ibaptizo\i \J\Xbaptize\x\j\c
<hw>baptize</hw> \K/bap"tVIz/\k \Iv.tr.\i (also \B-ise)\b \IRelig\i\p\B1\b \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i administer baptism to.\p\B2\b give a name or nickname to; christen. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibaptiser\i and ecclesiastical Latin \Ibaptizare\i from Greek \Ibaptizo\i 'immerse, baptize'\c
<hw>bar (1)</hw> \K/bA:/\k \In., v., & prep.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a long rod or piece of rigid wood, metal, etc., esp. used as an obstruction, confinement, fastening, weapon, etc.\p\B2\b \Ba\b something resembling a bar in being (thought of as) straight, narrow, and rigid \3(bar of soap;\c \2bar of chocolate).\c \Bb\b a band of colour or light, esp. on a flat surface. \Bc\b the heating element of an electric fire. \Bd\b = \J\Xcrossbar\x.\j \Be\b \BBrit.\b a metal strip below the clasp of a medal, awarded as an extra distinction. \Bf\b \IGeog\i a sandbank or shoal at the mouth of a harbour or an estuary. \Bg\b \BBrit.\b \IParl\i a rail marking the end of each chamber in the Houses of Parliament. \Bh\b \IHeraldry\i a narrow horizontal stripe across a shield.\p\B3\b \Ba\b a barrier of any shape. \Bb\b a restriction \3(colour bar;\c \2a bar to promotion).\c\p\B4\b \Ba\b a counter in a public house, restaurant, or cafΘ across which alcohol or refreshments are served. \Bb\b \IDrink\i a room in a public house in which customers may sit and drink. \Bc\b a public house. \Bd\b a small shop or stall serving refreshments \3(snack bar).\c \Be\b a specialized department in a large store \3(heel bar).\c\p\B5\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b an enclosure in which a prisoner stands in a law court. \Bb\b a public standard of acceptability, before which a person is said to be tried \3(bar of conscience).\c \Bc\b \ILaw\i a plea arresting an action or claim in a law case. \Bd\b \ILaw\i a particular court of law.\p\B6\b \IMus.\i \Ba\b any of the sections of usu. equal time value into which a musical composition is divided by vertical lines across the staff. \Bb\b = \J\Xbar line\x.\j\p\B7\b \B(the Bar)\b \ILaw\i \Ba\b barristers collectively. \Bb\b the profession of barrister. \Iv.tr.\i \B(barred,\b \Bbarring)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b fasten (a door, window, etc.) with a bar or bars. \Bb\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bin,\b \Bout)\b\i shut or keep in or out \3(barred him in).\c\p\B2\b obstruct, prevent \3(bar his progress).\c\p\B3\b \Ba\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bfrom)\b\i prohibit, exclude \3(bar them from attending).\c \Bb\b exclude from consideration \I(cf.\i \J\Xbarring\x).\j\p\B4\b mark with stripes.\p\B5\b \ILaw\i prevent or delay (an action) by objection. \Iprep.\i\p\B1\b \Besp. Brit.\b except \3(all were there bar a few).\c\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \IRacing\i except (the horses indicated: used in stating the odds, indicating the number of horses excluded) \3(33-1 bar three).\c\p\1bar none\c with no exceptions.\p\1be called to the Bar\c \BBrit.\b \ILaw\i be admitted as a barrister.\p\1be called within the Bar\c \BBrit.\b \ILaw\i be appointed a Queen's Counsel.\p\1behind bars\c \ICriminol\i in prison. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibarre\i \I(n.),\i \Ibarrer\i \I(v.),\i from Romanic\c
<hw>bar (2)</hw> \K/bA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\Iesp. Meteorol.\i \ISci\i a unit of pressure, 105 newton per square metre, approx. one atmosphere. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibaros\i 'weight'\c
<hw>barathea</hw> \K/bar\F'\n"Ti:\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITextiles\i a fine woollen cloth, sometimes mixed with silk or cotton, used esp. for coats, suits, etc. \BEtymology:\b \319th c.: origin unknown\c
<hw>Barb</hw> \K/bA:b/\k \Iabbr.\i (also \BBARB)\b Broadcasters' Audience Research Board.\Knew word in COD9 f. News, corpus Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3acronym\c
<hw>barb</hw> \K/bA:b/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a secondary backward-facing projection from an arrow, fish-hook, etc., angled to make extraction difficult.\p\B2\b a deliberately hurtful remark.\p\B3\b \IAnat\i a beardlike filament at the mouth of some fish, e.g. barbel and catfish.\p\B4\b \IAnat\i any one of the fine hairlike filaments growing from the shaft of a feather, forming the vane. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b provide (an arrow, a fish-hook, etc.) with a barb or barbs.\p\B2\b (as \Bbarbed\b \Iadj.)\i (of a remark etc.) deliberately hurtful. \Bbarbless\b \Iadj.\i\K-less new f. corpus Aug 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibarbe\i from Latin \Ibarba\i 'beard'\c
<hw>Barbadian</hw> \K/bA:"beIdI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\IPeople\i\p\B1\b a native or national of Barbados in the W. Indies.\p\B2\b a person of Barbadian descent. \Iadj.\i of or relating to Barbados or its people.
<hw>barbarian</hw> \K/bA:"bE:rI\F'\nn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IAnthropol\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b an uncultured or brutish person; a lout.\p\B2\b a member of a primitive community or tribe. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b rough and uncultured.\p\B2\b uncivilized. \BEtymology:\b \3originally of any foreigner with a different language or customs: French \Ibarbarien\i from \Ibarbare\i (as \J\Xbarbarous\x)\j\c
<hw>barbaric</hw> \K/bA:"barIk/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b brutal; cruel \3(flogging is a barbaric punishment).\c\p\B2\b rough and uncultured; unrestrained.\p\B3\b of or like barbarians and their art or taste; primitive. \Bbarbarically\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibarbarique\i or Latin \Ibarbaricus\i via Greek \Ibarbarikos,\i from \Ibarbaros\i 'foreign'\c
<hw>barbarism</hw> \K/"bA:b\F'\nrIz(\F'\n)m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the absence of culture and civilized standards; ignorance and rudeness. \Bb\b an example of this.\p\B2\b a word or expression not considered correct; a solecism.\p\B3\b anything considered to be in bad taste. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibarbarisme\i via Latin \Ibarbarismus\i from Greek \Ibarbarismos,\i from \Ibarbarizo\i 'speak like a foreigner', from \Ibarbaros\i 'foreign'\c
<hw>barbarity</hw> \K/bA:"barIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b savage cruelty.\p\B2\b an example of this.
<hw>barbarize</hw> \K/"bA:b\F'\nrVIz/\k \Iv.tr. & intr.\i (also \B-ise)\b make or become barbarous. \Bbarbarization\b \K/-"zeIS(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p
<hw>barbarous</hw> \K/"bA:b(\F'\n)r\F'\ns/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b uncivilized.\p\B2\b cruel.\p\B3\b coarse and unrefined. \Bbarbarously\b \Iadv.\i \Bbarbarousness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3originally of any foreign language or people: from Latin from Greek \Ibarbaros\i 'foreign'\c
<hw>Barbary ape</hw> \K/"bA:b(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a tailless macaque, Macaca sylvana, of N. Africa and Gibraltar. \BEtymology:\b \3\IBarbary,\i an old name of the western part of N. Africa, ultimately from Arabic \Ibarbar\i \J\XBerber\x\j\c
<hw>barbastelle</hw> \K/bA:b\F'\n"stEl/, /"bA:b\F'\nstEl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a bat of the genus Barbastella, esp. B. barbastellus, found rarely in W. Europe. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Italian \IBarbastello\i\c\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>barbecue</hw> \K/"bA:bIkju:/\k \In. & v.\i \ICookery\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a meal cooked on an open fire out of doors, esp. meat grilled on a metal appliance. \Bb\b a party at which such a meal is cooked and eaten.\p\B2\b \Ba\b the metal appliance used for the preparation of a barbecue. \Bb\b a fireplace, usu. of brick, containing such an appliance. \Iv.tr.\i \B(barbecues,\b \Bbarbecued,\b \Bbarbecuing)\b cook (esp. meat) on a barbecue. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish \Ibarbacoa\i from Arawak \Ibarbac≥a\i 'wooden frame on posts'\c
<hw>barbecue sauce</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i a highly seasoned sauce, usu. containing chillies, in which meat etc. may be cooked.
<hw>barbed wire</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil. etc.\i wire bearing sharp pointed spikes close together and used in fencing, or in warfare as an obstruction.
<hw>barbel</hw> \K/"bA:b(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i any large European freshwater fish of the genus \IBarbus,\i with fleshy filaments hanging from its mouth.\p\B2\b \IAnat\i such a filament growing from the mouth of any fish. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French from Late Latin \Ibarbellus,\i diminutive of \Ibarbus\i 'barbel', from \Ibarba\i 'beard'\c
<hw>barbell</hw> \K/"bA:bEl/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i an iron bar with a series of graded discs at each end, used for weightlifting exercises. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbar\x (1)\j + \J\Xbell\x (1)\j\c
<hw>barber</hw> \K/"bA:b\F'\n/\k \In. & v.\i \IHairdressing\i\p\In.\i\pa person who cuts men's hair and shaves or trims beards as an occupation; a men's hairdresser. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b cut the hair of; shave or trim the beard of.\p\B2\b cut or trim closely \3(barbered the grass).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English & Anglo-French, via Old French \Ibarbeor\i from medieval Latin \Ibarbator -oris,\i from \Ibarba\i 'beard'\c
<hw>barberry</hw> \K/"bA:b(\F'\n)ri/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \IBot\i\p\B1\b any shrub of the genus \IBerberis,\i with spiny shoots, yellow flowers, and ovoid red berries, often grown as hedges.\p\B2\b its berry. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Iberberis,\i of unknown origin: assimilated to \J\Xberry\x\j\c
<hw>barber-shop</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a popular style of close harmony singing, esp. for four male voices \I(often \Battrib.:\b\i \2barber-shop quartet).\c
<hw>barber's pole</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHairdressing\i a spirally painted striped red and white pole hung outside barbers' shops as a business sign.
<hw>barbet</hw> \K/"bA:bIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i any small brightly coloured tropical bird of the family Capitonidae, with bristles at the base of its beak. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Ibarbe\i 'beard'\c
<hw>barbette</hw> \K/bA:"bEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i a platform in a fort or ship from which guns can be fired over a parapet etc. without an embrasure. \BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \Ibarbe\i 'beard'\c
<hw>barbican</hw> \K/"bA:bIk(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFortification\i the outer defence of a city, castle, etc., esp. a double tower above a gate or drawbridge. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibarbacane,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>barbie</hw> \K/"bA:bi/\k\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Austral.\b \Islang\i a barbecue.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD\k \BEtymology:\b \3abbreviation\c
<hw>Barbie doll</hw> \K/"bA:bi/\k\p\In.\i\p\Ipropr.\i\p\B1\b a doll representing a conventionally attractive young woman.\p\B2\b a pretty but characterless or passive young woman.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3diminutive of the name \IBarbara\i\c
<hw>bar billiards</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IBilliards\i a form of billiards in which balls are struck with a cue into holes in the table.
<hw>barbitone</hw> \K/"bA:bIt\F'\nUn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B(US\b \Bbarbital\b \K/"bA:bIt(\F'\n)l/\k) \IPharm\i a sedative drug. \BEtymology:\b \3as \J\Xbarbituric acid\x\j + \J\X-one\x,\j \I-al\i as in \Iveronal\i\c
<hw>barbiturate</hw> \K/bA:"bItjUr\F'\nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPharm\i any derivative of barbituric acid used in the preparation of sedative and sleep-inducing drugs.
<hw>barbituric acid</hw> \K/bA:bI"tjU\F'\nrIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i \IPharm\i an organic acid from which various sedatives and sleep-inducing drugs are derived. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibarbiturique\i from German \IBarbitursΣure\i \I(SΣure\i 'acid') from the name \IBarbara\i\c
<hw>barbola</hw> \K/bA:"b\F'\nUl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bbarbola work)\b \IArt Pottery\i\p\B1\b the craft of making small models of fruit, flowers, etc. from a plastic paste.\p\B2\b articles, e.g. mirrors, decorated with such models. \BEtymology:\b \3arbitrary formation from \Ibarbotine\i clay slip for ornamenting pottery\c
<hw>Barbour</hw> \K/"bA:b\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \BBarbour jacket)\b \IClothing\i \Ipropr.\i a type of green waxed jacket.\Knew word in COD9 f. POD Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3J. \IBarbour,\i name of a draper (d. 1918) in NE England who sold waterproof clothing\c
<hw>barbule</hw> \K/"bA:bju:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAnat\i a minute filament projecting from the barb of a feather. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ibarbula,\i diminutive of \Ibarba\i 'beard'\c
<hw>barcarole</hw> \K/"bA:k\F'\nr\F'\nUl/, /bA:k\F'\n"r\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbarcarolle\b \K/-rQl/, /-"rQl/\k) \IMus\i\p\B1\b a song sung by Venetian gondoliers.\p\B2\b music in imitation of this. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibarcarolle\i from Venetian Italian \Ibarcarola\i 'boatman's song', from \Ibarca\i 'boat'\c
<hw>barchan</hw> \K/"bA:k(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\pa crescent-shaped shifting sand dune. \BEtymology:\b \3Turkic \Ibarkhan\i\c\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>bar chart</hw>\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbar graph)\b \IStatistics\i a chart or graph using bars to represent quantity.
<hw>bar code</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a machine-readable code in the form of a pattern of stripes printed on and identifying a commodity, used esp. for stock-control.
<hw>bard (1)</hw> \K/bA:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\IProsody\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b \Ihist.\i a Celtic minstrel. \Bb\b the winner of a prize for Welsh verse at an Eisteddfod.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i a poet, esp. one treating heroic themes.\p\1the Bard\c (or \Bthe Bard of Avon)\b Shakespeare. \Bbardic\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Gaelic & Irish \Ibßrd,\i Welsh \Ibardd,\i from Celtic\c
<hw>bard (2)</hw> \K/bA:d/\k \In. & v.\i \ICookery\i\p\In.\i\pa rasher of fat bacon placed on meat or game before roasting. \Iv.tr.\i cover (meat etc.) with bards. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibarde,\i originally = horse's breastplate, ultimately from Arabic\c
<hw>bardy</hw> \K/"bA:di/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b \BAustral.\b \IZool\i an edible wood-boring grub. \BEtymology:\b \3Nyungar (and other Aboriginal languages) \Ibardi\i\c
<hw>bare</hw> \K/bE:/\k \Iadj. & v.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b (esp. of part of the body) unclothed or uncovered \3(with bare head).\c\p\B2\b without appropriate covering or contents: \Ba\b (of a tree) leafless. \Bb\b unfurnished; empty \3(bare rooms;\c \2the cupboard was bare).\c \Bc\b (of a floor) uncarpeted.\p\B3\b \Ba\b undisguised \3(the bare truth).\c \Bb\b unadorned \3(bare facts).\c\p\B4\b \I\B(attrib.)\b\i \Ba\b scanty \3(a bare majority).\c \Bb\b mere \3(bare necessities).\c \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b uncover, unsheathe \3(bared his teeth).\c\p\B2\b reveal \3(bared his soul).\c\p\1bare of\c without.\p\1with one's bare hands\c without using tools or weapons. \Bbareness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibµr\i \I(n.),\i \Ibarian\i \I(v.),\i from Germanic\c
<hw>bareback</hw> \K/"bE:bak/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i \IRiding\i on an unsaddled horse, donkey, etc.
<hw>barefoot</hw> \K/"bE\F'\nfUt/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i (also \Bbarefooted\b \K/-"fUtId/\k) with nothing on the feet.
<hw>barefoot doctor</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMed\i a paramedical worker with basic medical training, esp. in China.
\B\IbarΦge\b\i \K/b\F'\n"reIZ/, French /barEZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITextiles\i a silky gauze made from wool or other material. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \IBarΦges\i in SW France, where it was originally made\c
<hw>bareheaded</hw> \K/bE:"hEdId/\k \Iadj. & adv.\i without a covering for the head.
<hw>bare-knuckle</hw> \Iattrib.adj.\i (also \Bbare-knuckled)\b \ISport\i\p\B1\b (of boxing etc.) wearing no gloves.\p\B2\b severe, implacable.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>barf</hw> \K/bA:f/\k \Iv. & n.\i \Islang\i \Iv.intr.\i vomit or retch.\p\In.\i\pan attack of vomiting. \BEtymology:\b \320th c.: origin unknown\c
<hw>barfly</hw> \K/"bA:flVI/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-flies)\b \Icolloq.\i a person who frequents bars.
<hw>barfly jumping</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i the sport of jumping at and sticking to a Velcro-covered wall while wearing a Velcro suit.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Feb 94\k
<hw>bargain</hw> \K/"bA:gIn/\k \In. & v.\i \ICommerce\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b an agreement on the terms of a transaction or sale. \Bb\b this seen from the buyer's viewpoint \3(a bad bargain).\c\p\B2\b something acquired or offered cheaply. \Iv.intr.\i \I(often foll. by \Bwith,\b \Bfor)\b\i discuss the terms of a transaction \3(expected him to bargain, but he paid up;\c \2bargained with her;\c \2bargained for the table).\c\p\Bbargain away\b part with for something worthless \3(had bargained away the estate).\c\p\Bbargain for\b (or \Icolloq.\i \Bon)\b \I(usu. with \Bneg.\b actual or implied)\i be prepared for; expect \3(didn't bargain for bad weather;\c \2more than I bargained for).\c\p\Bbargain on\b rely on.\p\1drive a hard bargain\c be uncompromising in making a bargain.\p\1into \B(US\b in) the bargain\c moreover; in addition to what was expected.\p\1make (or strike) a bargain\c agree a transaction. \Bbargainer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibargaine\i \I(n.),\i \Ibargaignier\i \I(v.),\i probably from Germanic\c
<hw>bargain basement</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i the basement of a shop where bargains are displayed \I(hyphenated when \Battrib.:\b\i \2bargain-basement prices).\c
<hw>barge</hw> \K/bA:dZ/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i\p\B1\b a long flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight on canals, rivers, etc.\p\B2\b a long ornamental boat used for pleasure or ceremony.\p\B3\b a boat used by the chief officers of a warship.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i \I(often foll. by \Baround)\b\i lurch or rush clumsily about.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bin,\b \Binto)\b\i \Ba\b intrude or interrupt rudely or awkwardly \3(barged in while we were kissing).\c \Bb\b collide with \3(barged into her).\c\p\B3\b \Itr.\i \ITransport\i convey by barge.\K3 new f. corpus, Incomings, K. Barber Apr 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French, perhaps via medieval Latin \Ibarica\i from Greek \Ibaris\i 'Egyptian boat'\c
<hw>bargeboard</hw> \K/"bA:dZbO:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i a board (often ornamental) fixed to the gable-end of a roof to hide the ends of the roof timbers. \BEtymology:\b \3perhaps from medieval Latin \Ibargus\i 'gallows'\c
<hw>bargee</hw> \K/bA:"dZi:/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \INaut\i a person in charge of or working on a barge.
<hw>bargepole</hw> \K/"bA:dZp\F'\nUl/\k\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i a long pole used for punting barges etc. and for fending off obstacles.\p\1would not touch with a bargepole\c \BBrit.\b refuse to be associated or concerned with (a person or thing).
<hw>bar graph</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbar chart\x.\j
<hw>barilla</hw> \K/b\F'\n"rIl\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i any plant of the genus \ISalsola\i found chiefly in Spain and Sicily.\p\B2\b an impure alkali made by burning either this or kelp. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish\c
<hw>barite</hw> \K/"barVIt/, /"bE:-/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbaryte)\b \IChem Mineral\i a mineral form of barium sulphate. Also called \Ibarytes.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbarium\x\j + \J\X-ite\x (1),\j \I-yte\i form influenced by \Ibarytes\i\c
<hw>baritone</hw> \K/"barIt\F'\nUn/\k \In. & adj.\i \IMus\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the second lowest adult male singing voice. \Bb\b a singer with this voice. \Bc\b a part written for it.\p\B2\b \Ba\b an instrument that is second lowest in pitch in its family. \Bb\b its player. \Iadj.\i second lowest in musical pitch \3(baritone saxophone).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Italian \Ibaritono\i from Greek \Ibarutonos,\i from \Ibarus\i 'heavy' + \Itonos\i \J\Xtone\x\j\c
<hw>barium</hw> \K/"bE:rI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IChem.\i a white reactive soft metallic element of the alkaline earth group (symbol \BBa).\b\Ksymb\k\p\B2\b \IMed\i a mixture of barium sulphate and water, opaque to X-rays, which is given to patients requiring radiological examination of the stomach or intestines \3(barium enema;\c \2barium meal).\c\Ksense 2 transferred from barium meal April 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbaryta\x\j + \J\X-ium\x\j\c
<hw>bark (1)</hw> \K/bA:k/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, etc.\p\B2\b a sound resembling this cry.\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Iintr.\i (of a dog, fox, etc.) give a bark.\p\B2\b \Itr. & intr.\i speak or utter sharply or brusquely.\p\B3\b \Iintr.\i \Icolloq.\i cough fiercely.\p\B4\b \Itr. & intr.\i \BUS\b sell or advertise publicly by calling out; tout.\p\1one's bark is worse than one's bite\c one is not as ferocious as one appears.\p\1bark up the wrong tree\c be on the wrong track; make an effort in the wrong direction. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibeorcan\i\c
<hw>bark (2)</hw> \K/bA:k/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b the tough protective outer sheath of the trunks, branches, and twigs of trees or woody shrubs.\p\B2\b \IDyeing\i this material used for tanning leather or dyeing material. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b graze or scrape (one's shin etc.).\p\B2\b strip bark from (a tree etc.).\p\B3\b \IDyeing\i tan or dye (leather etc.) using the tannins found in bark. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old Norse \Ib÷rkr bark-:\i perhaps related to \J\Xbirch\x\j\c
<hw>bark (3)</hw> \K/bA:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i \Ipoet.\i a ship or boat. \BEtymology:\b \3= \J\Xbarque\x\j\c
<hw>bark beetle</hw>\p\In.\i\pa wood-boring beetle of the family Scolytidae.\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>barkeeper</hw> \K/"bA:ki:p\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbarkeep)\b \BN. Amer.\b \IDrink\i\p\B1\b the owner of a bar.\Ksense 1 new f. F. Abate Oct 94\k\p\B2\b a person serving drinks in a bar.
<hw>barker</hw> \K/"bA:k\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\ICommerce\i a tout at an auction, sideshow, etc., who calls out for custom to passers-by. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbark\x (1)\j + \J\X-er\x (1)\j\c
<hw>barley</hw> \K/"bA:li/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i\p\B1\b any of various hardy awned cereals of the genus \IHordeum\i widely used as food and in malt liquors and spirits such as whisky.\p\B2\b the grain produced from this \I(cf.\i \J\Xpearl barley\x).\j \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibµrlic\i \I(adj.)\i from \Ibµre,\i \Ibere\i 'barley'\c
<hw>barleycorn</hw> \K/"bA:lIkO:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IBot\i the grain of barley.\p\B2\b \IMath Measure\i a former unit of measure (about a third of an inch) based on the length of a grain of barley.
<hw>barleymow</hw> \K/"bA:lIm\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IAgriculture\i a stack of barley.
<hw>barley sugar</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ICookery\i an amber-coloured sweet made of boiled sugar, traditionally shaped as a twisted stick.
<hw>barley water</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IDrink\i a drink made from water and a boiled barley mixture.
<hw>bar line</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a vertical line used to mark divisions between bars.
<hw>barm</hw> \K/bA:m/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IDrink\i the froth on fermenting malt liquor.\p\B2\b \ICookery\i \Iarchaic\i or \Idial.\i yeast or leaven. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibeorma\i\c
<hw>barmaid</hw> \K/"bA:meId/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b a woman serving behind the bar of a public house, hotel, etc.\p\B2\b \BUS\b a waitress who serves drinks.\Ksense 2 new f. F. Abate Oct 94\k
<hw>barman</hw> \K/"bA:m\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \Besp. Brit.\b a man serving behind the bar of a public house, hotel, etc.
<hw>barmbrack</hw> \K/"bA:mbrak/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Bbarnbrack\b \K/"bA:n-/\k) \BIr.\b \IFood\i soft spicy bread with currants etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Irish \Ibairin breac\i 'speckled cake'\c
<hw>Barmecide</hw> \K/"bA:mIsVId/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i illusory, imaginary; such as to disappoint.\p\In.\i\pa giver of benefits that are illusory or disappointing. \BEtymology:\b \3the name of a wealthy man in the \IArabian Nights' Entertainments\i who gave a beggar a feast consisting of ornate but empty dishes\c
<hw>bar mitzvah</hw> \K/bA: "mItsv\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IRelig\i\p\B1\b the religious initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13.\p\B2\b the boy undergoing this ceremony. \BEtymology:\b \3Hebrew, = son of the commandment\c
<hw>barn (1)</hw> \K/bA:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IAgriculture\i a large farm building for storing grain etc. or \BN. Amer.\b housing livestock.\p\B2\b \Iderog.\i a large plain or unattractive building.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \ITransport\i a large shed for storing road or railway vehicles. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibern,\i \Iberen\i from \Ibere\i 'barley' + \Iern,\i \Iµrn\i 'house'\c
<hw>barn (2)</hw> \K/bA:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a unit of area, 10-28 square metres, used esp. in particle physics (symbol \Bb).\b\Ksymb\k \BEtymology:\b \3apparently from phrase 'as big as a barn door'\c
<hw>barnacle</hw> \K/"bA:n\F'\nk(\F'\n)l/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IZool\i any of various small marine crustaceans of the class Cirripedia which in adult form cling to rocks, ships' bottoms, etc., forming a rough encrustation.\IZool\i\p\B2\b a tenacious attendant or follower who cannot easily be shaken off. \Bbarnacled\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English \Ibernak\i (= medieval Latin \Ibernaca),\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>barnacle goose</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i an Arctic goose, Branta leucopsis, which winters in N. Europe. \BEtymology:\b \3the bird was formerly thought to hatch from shellfish\c
<hw>barnbrack</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbarmbrack\x.\j
<hw>barn dance</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IDancing\i\p\B1\b an informal social gathering for country dancing, originally in a barn.\p\B2\b a dance for a number of couples forming a line or circle, with couples moving along it in turn.
<hw>barn owl</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a kind of owl, Tyto alba, frequenting barns.
<hw>barnstorm</hw> \K/"bA:nstO:m/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b \ITheatr\i tour rural districts giving theatrical performances (formerly often in barns).\p\B2\b \BN. Amer.\b \IPolit\i make a rapid tour, esp. for political meetings.\p\B3\b \BN. Amer.\b \IAeron.\i give informal flying exhibitions; do stunt flying.\p\B4\b (as \Bbarnstorming\b \Iadj.)\i effective in a spectacular or swaggering way.\Ksense 4 new f. corpus, incomings AJS Nov 94\k \Bbarnstormer\b\p\In.\i\p
<hw>barnyard</hw> \K/"bA:njA:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\IAgriculture\i the area around a barn; a farmyard.
<hw>barograph</hw> \K/"bar\F'\ngrA:f/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a barometer that records its readings on a moving chart. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibaros\i 'weight' + \J\X-graph\x\j\c
<hw>barometer</hw> \K/b\F'\n"rQmIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPhysics\i an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, esp. in forecasting the weather and determining altitude.\p\B2\b anything which reflects changes in circumstances, opinions, etc. \Bbarometric\b \K/bar\F'\n"mEtrIk/\k \Iadj.\i \Bbarometrical\b \K/bar\F'\n"mEtrIk(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \Bbarometry\b \K/-mItri/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibaros\i 'weight' + \J\X-meter\x\j\c
<hw>baron</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a member of the lowest order of the British nobility. \Bb\b a similar member of a foreign nobility.\p\B2\b an important businessman or other powerful or influential person \3(sugar baron;\c \2newspaper baron).\c\p\B3\b \Ihist.\i a person who held lands or property from the sovereign or a powerful overlord. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Anglo-French \Ibarun,\i Old French \Ibaron\i from medieval Latin \Ibaro,\i \I-onis\i 'man, warrior', of unknown origin\c
<hw>baronage</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)nIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b barons or nobles collectively.\p\B2\b an annotated list of barons or peers. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibarnage\i (as \J\Xbaron\x)\j\c
<hw>baroness</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)nIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a woman holding the rank of baron either as a life peerage or as a hereditary rank.\p\B2\b the wife or widow of a baron. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibaronesse\i (as \J\Xbaron\x)\j\c
<hw>baronet</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)nIt/\k\p\In.\i\pa member of the lowest hereditary titled British order. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-Latin \Ibaronettus\i (as \J\Xbaron\x)\j\c
<hw>baronetage</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)nItIdZ/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b baronets collectively.\p\B2\b an annotated list of baronets.
<hw>baronetcy</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)nItsi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b the domain, rank, or tenure of a baronet.
<hw>baronial</hw> \K/b\F'\n"r\F'\nUnI\F'\nl/\k \Iadj.\i of, relating to, or befitting barons.
<hw>baron of beef</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICookery Agriculture\i an undivided double sirloin.
<hw>barony</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)ni/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-ies)\b\p\B1\b the domain, rank, or tenure of a baron.\p\B2\b (in Ireland) a division of a county.\p\B3\b (in Scotland) a large manor or estate. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibaronie\i (as \J\Xbaron\x)\j\c
<hw>baroque</hw> \K/b\F'\n"rQk/, /-"r\F'\nUk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \IArchit Art Mus\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b highly ornate and extravagant in style, esp. of European art, architecture, and music of the 17th and 18th c.\p\B2\b of or relating to this period.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the baroque style.\p\B2\b baroque art collectively. \BEtymology:\b \3French (originally = 'irregular pearl') from Portuguese \Ibarroco,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>baroreceptor</hw> \K/"bar\F'\nUrI%sEpt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBiol.\i a receptor sensitive to changes in pressure.\Knew f. NSOED, Coll. Oct 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibaros\i 'weight'\c
<hw>barouche</hw> \K/b\F'\n"ru:S/\k\p\In.\i\p\ITransport\i a horse-drawn carriage with four wheels and a collapsible hood over the rear half, used esp. in the 19th c. \BEtymology:\b \3German (dialect) \IBarutsche\i from Italian \Ibaroccio,\i ultimately from Latin \Ibirotus\i 'two-wheeled'\c
<hw>bar person</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a barmaid or barman.
<hw>barque</hw> \K/bA:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\INaut\i\p\B1\b a sailing ship with the rear mast fore-and-aft-rigged and the remaining (usu. two) masts square-rigged.\p\B2\b \Ipoet.\i any boat. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from French, probably via Provenτal \Ibarca\i from Latin \Ibarca\i 'ship's boat'\c
<hw>barquentine</hw> \K/"bA:k(\F'\n)nti:n/\k\p\In.\i\p(also \Besp. US\b \Bbarkentine)\b \INaut\i a sailing ship with the foremast square-rigged and the remaining (usu. two) masts fore-and-aft-rigged.\Kbarquantine omitted Mar 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbarque\x\j on the pattern of \Ibrigantine\i\c
<hw>barrack (1)</hw> \K/"bar\F'\nk/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.,\b\i \Ioften treated as \Bsing.)\b\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i a building or building complex used to house soldiers.\p\B2\b any building used to accommodate large numbers of people.\p\B3\b a large building of a bleak or plain appearance. \Iv.tr.\i \IMil\i place (soldiers etc.) in barracks. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibaraque\i from Italian \Ibaracca\i or Spanish \Ibarraca\i 'soldier's tent', of unknown origin\c
<hw>barrack (2)</hw> \K/"bar\F'\nk/\k\p\Iv.\i\p\BBrit.,\b \BAustral.,\b & \BNZ\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \I(also \Babsol.)\b\i shout or jeer at (players in a game, a performer, speaker, etc.).\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Bfor)\b\i (of spectators at games etc.) cheer for, encourage (a team etc.).\Ketymol. changed to match NSOED, AND Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3probably from N. Irish dialect\c
<hw>barrack-room lawyer</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b a pompously argumentative person.
<hw>barrack square</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IMil\i a drill ground near a barracks.
<hw>barracouta</hw> \K/bar\F'\n"ku:t\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Bbarracoutas)\b \IZool\i\p\B1\b a long slender fish, Thyrsites atun, usu. found in southern oceans.\p\B2\b \BNZ\b \IFood\i a small narrow loaf of bread. \BEtymology:\b \3variant of \J\Xbarracuda\x\j\c
<hw>barracuda</hw> \K/bar\F'\n"ku:d\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Bbarracudas)\b \IZool\i a large and voracious tropical marine fish of the family Sphyraenidae. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin American Spanish \Ibarracuda\i\c
<hw>barrage</hw> \K/"barA:Z/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMil\i a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area.\p\B2\b a rapid succession of questions or criticisms.\p\B3\b \BBrit.\b an artificial barrier, esp. in a river.\p\B4\b a heat or deciding event in fencing, showjumping, etc. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Ibarrer\i (as \J\Xbar\x (1))\j\c
<hw>barrage balloon</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMil\i \Ihist.\i a large anchored balloon, often with netting suspended from it, used (usu. as one of a series) as a defence against low-flying aircraft.
<hw>barramundi</hw> \K/bar\F'\n"mVndi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Bbarramundis)\b \IZool\i any of various Australian freshwater fishes, esp. Lates calcarifer, used as food. \BEtymology:\b \3probably Aboriginal (Queensland)\c
<hw>barrator</hw> \K/"bar\F'\nt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a malicious person causing discord.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i \Ihist.\i a vexatious litigant. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Ibaratour,\i Old French \Ibarateor\i 'trickster', from \Ibarat\i 'deceit', ultimately from Greek \Iprattein\i 'do, perform, manage'\c
<hw>barratry</hw> \K/"bar\F'\ntri/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \INaut\i fraud or gross negligence of a ship's master or crew at the expense of its owners or users.\p\B2\b \ILaw\i \Ihist.\i vexatious litigation or incitement to it.\p\B3\b \ICommerce Relig\i \Ihist.\i trade in the sale of church or state appointments. \Bbarratrous\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Old French \Ibaraterie\i (as \J\Xbarrator\x)\j\c
<hw>barre</hw> \K/bA:/\k\p\In.\i\p\IDancing\i a horizontal bar at waist level used in dance exercises. \BEtymology:\b \3French\c
<hw>barrΘ</hw> \K/"bareI/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus.\i a method of playing a chord on the guitar etc. with a finger laid across the strings at a particular fret, raising their pitch. \BEtymology:\b \3French, past part. of \Ibarrer\i 'bar'\c
<hw>barrel</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)l/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a cylindrical container usu. bulging out in the middle, traditionally made of wooden staves with metal hoops round them.\p\B2\b the contents of this.\p\B3\b \ISci\i a measure of capacity, usu. varying from 30 to 40 gallons.\p\B4\b a cylindrical tube forming part of an object such as a gun or a pen.\p\B5\b the belly and loins of a four-legged animal, e.g. a horse.\p\Iv.\i\p\B(barrelled,\b \Bbarrelling;\b \BUS\b \Bbarreled,\b \Bbarreling)\b\p\B1\b \Itr.\i put into a barrel or barrels.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \BN. Amer.\b \Islang\i drive fast.\p\1a barrel of fun (or laughs)\c \I(often with \Bneg.)\b\i \Icolloq.\i a source of much fun or amusement.\Kbarrel of fun/laughs new in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k\p\1over a barrel\c \Icolloq.\i in a helpless position; at a person's mercy. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibaril\i from medieval Latin \Ibarrilus\i 'small cask'\c
<hw>barrel-chested</hw> \Iadj.\i having a large rounded chest.
<hw>barrel organ</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a mechanical musical instrument in which a rotating pin-studded cylinder acts on a series of pipe-valves, strings, or metal tongues.
<hw>barrel roll</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAeron\i an aerobatic manoeuvre in which an aircraft follows a single turn of a spiral while rolling once about its longitudinal axis.
<hw>barrel vault</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IArchit.\i a vault forming a half cylinder. \Bbarrel-vaulted\b \Iadj.\i\K-ed new f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>barren</hw> \K/"bar(\F'\n)n/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i \B(barrener,\b \Bbarrenest)\b\p\B1\b \Ba\b \IBiol\i unable to bear young. \Bb\b \IBot\i unable to produce fruit or vegetation.\p\B2\b meagre, unprofitable.\p\B3\b dull, unstimulating.\p\B4\b \I(foll. by \Bof)\b\i lacking in \3(barren of wit).\c\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i a barren tract or tracts of land, esp. \I(in \Bpl.)\b\i in N. America. \Bbarrenly\b \Iadv.\i \Bbarrenness\b \K/"bar(\F'\n)nnIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Ibarai(g)ne,\i Old French \Ibarhaine\i etc., of unknown origin\c
<hw>barrette</hw> \K/ba"rEt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IFashion\i a hairslide.\Knew in COD9 f. NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \J\Xbarre\x\j\c
<hw>barricade</hw> \K/barI"keId/\k \In. & v.\i \IFortification etc.\i\p\In.\i\pa barrier, esp. one improvised across a street etc. \Iv.tr.\i block or defend with a barricade. \BEtymology:\b \3French from \Ibarrique\i 'cask', from Spanish \Ibarrica,\i related to \J\Xbarrel\x\j\c
<hw>barrier</hw> \K/"barI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a fence or other obstacle that bars advance or access.\p\B2\b an obstacle or circumstance that keeps people or things apart, or prevents communication \3(class barriers;\c \2a language barrier).\c\p\B3\b anything that prevents progress or success.\p\B4\b \BBrit.\b a gate at a car park, railway station, etc., that controls access.\p\B5\b \Icolloq.\i = \J\Xsound barrier\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English from Anglo-French \Ibarrere,\i Old French \Ibarriere\i\c
<hw>barrier cream</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IPharm\i a cream used to protect the skin from damage or infection.
<hw>barrier reef</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IGeog\i a coral reef separated from the shore by a broad deep channel.
<hw>barrio</hw> \K/"barI\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os)\b \ISociol\i (in the US) the Spanish-speaking quarter of a town or city. \BEtymology:\b \3Spanish, = district of a town\c
<hw>barrister</hw> \K/"barIst\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bbarrister-at-law)\b \ILaw\i \Besp. Brit.\b a person called to the bar and entitled to practise as an advocate in the higher courts. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, from \J\Xbar\x (1),\j perhaps on the pattern of \Iminister\i\c
<hw>bar room</hw>\p\In.\i\p\I(hyphenated when \Battrib.)\b\i \IDrink\i a room with a bar selling alcoholic refreshments.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus; used in def. of cantina Jul 93\k
<hw>barrow (1)</hw> \K/"bar\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \BBrit.\b \ICommerce\i a two-wheeled handcart used esp. by street vendors.\p\B2\b \IHort\i = \J\Xwheelbarrow\x.\j\p\B3\b a metal frame with two wheels used for transporting luggage etc. \Bbarrowload\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibearwe,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>barrow (2)</hw> \K/"bar\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchaeol.\i an ancient grave mound or tumulus. \BEtymology:\b \3Old English \Ibeorg,\i from Germanic\c
<hw>barrow boy</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \ICommerce\i a boy or man who sells wares from a barrow.
<hw>bar sinister</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IHeraldry\i in popular use, a supposed heraldic sign of bastardy (cf. \Ibend sinister\i at \J\Xbend\x (2)).\j
<hw>bar stool</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFurniture\i a tall stool for sitting on at a bar.\Knew f. corpus Dec 93\k
<hw>Bart.</hw> \K/bA:t/\k \Iabbr.\i Baronet.
<hw>bartender</hw> \K/"bA:tEnd\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\pa person serving behind the bar of a public house.
<hw>barter</hw> \K/"bA:t\F'\n/\k \Iv. & n.\i \ICommerce\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i exchange (goods or services) without using money.\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i make such an exchange.\p\In.\i\ptrade by exchange of goods. \Bbarterer\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3probably Old French \Ibarater:\i see \J\Xbarrator\x\j\c
<hw>bartizan</hw> \K/bA:tI"zan/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit.\i a battlemented parapet or an overhanging corner turret at the top of a castle or church tower.\Kbartizaned omitted Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3variant of \Ibertisene,\i erroneous spelling of \Ibratticing:\i see \J\Xbrattice\x\j\c
<hw>bar tracery</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i tracery with strips of stone across an aperture.
<hw>baryon</hw> \K/"barIQn/\k\p\In.\i\p\IPhysics\i a subatomic particle that has a mass equal to or greater than that of a proton (i.e. is a nucleon or a hyperon). \Bbaryonic\b \K/-"QnIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibarus\i 'heavy' + \J\X-on\x\j\c
<hw>barysphere</hw> \K/"barIsfI\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IGeol\i the dense interior of the earth, including the mantle and core, enclosed by the lithosphere. \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibarus\i 'heavy' + \Isphaira\i 'sphere'\c
<hw>baryta</hw> \K/b\F'\n"rVIt\F'\n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i barium oxide or hydroxide. \Bbarytic\b \K/-"rItIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbarytes\x,\j on the pattern of \Isoda\i etc.\c
<hw>baryte</hw> \Ivar. of\i \J\Xbarite\x.\j\Knew xref Aug 94\k
<hw>barytes</hw> \K/b\F'\n"rVIti:z/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMineral Chem\i = \J\Xbarite\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Greek \Ibarus\i 'heavy', partly assimilated to mineral names in \I-ites\i\c
<hw>basal</hw> \K/"beIs(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b of, at, or forming a base.\p\B2\b fundamental. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbase\x (1)\j + \J\X-al\x\j\c
<hw>basal ganglia</hw> \In.pl.\i \IAnat.\i a group of structures linked to the thalamus in the base of the brain and involved in coordination of movement.\Knew from SOED, Coll. Oct 93\k
<hw>basal metabolism</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem\i the chemical processes occurring in an organism at complete rest.
<hw>basalt</hw> \K/"basO:lt/, /-(\F'\n)lt/, /b\F'\n"sO:lt/, /-"sQlt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IGeol\i a dark basic volcanic rock whose deposits sometimes form columns.\p\B2\b \IPorcelain\i a kind of black stoneware resembling basalt. \Bbasaltic\b \K/b\F'\n"sO:ltIk/\k \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin \Ibasaltes,\i variant of \Ibasanites,\i from Greek, from \Ibasanos\i 'touchstone'\c
<hw>bascule bridge</hw> \K/"baskju:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i a type of drawbridge which is raised and lowered using counterweights. \BEtymology:\b \3French, earlier \Ibacule\i 'see-saw' from \Ibattre\i 'bump' + \Icul\i 'buttocks'\c
<hw>base (1)</hw> \K/beIs/\k \In. & v.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a part that supports from beneath or serves as a foundation for an object or structure. \Bb\b a notional structure or entity on which something draws or depends \3(power base;\c \2economic base).\c\p\B2\b a principle or starting point; a basis.\p\B3\b \Iesp. Mil.\i a place from which an operation or activity is directed.\p\B4\b \Ba\b a main or important ingredient of a mixture. \Bb\b a substance, e.g. water, in combination with which pigment forms paint etc.\p\B5\b a substance used as a foundation for make-up.\p\B6\b \Ba\b \IChem.\i a substance capable of reacting with an acid to form a salt and water, or (more broadly) of accepting or neutralizing hydrogen ions. \Bb\b \IBiochem.\i a purine or pyrimidine group as in a nucleotide or nucleic acid.\Ksense 6b new f. OERD April 94\k\p\B7\b \IMath.\i \IComputing\i a number in terms of which other numbers or logarithms are expressed (see \J\Xradix\x 1).\j\p\B8\b \IArchit.\i the part of a column between the shaft and pedestal or pavement.\p\B9\b \IGeom.\i a line or surface on which a figure is regarded as standing.\p\B10\b \ISurveying\i a known line used as a geometrical base for trigonometry.\p\B11\b \IElectronics\i the middle part of a transistor separating the emitter from the collector.\p\B12\b \ILinguistics\i a root or stem as the origin of a word or a derivative.\p\B13\b \IBaseball etc.\i one of the four stations that must be reached in turn to score a run.\p\B14\b \IBot.\i & \IZool.\i the end at which an organ is attached to the trunk or main part.\p\B15\b \IHeraldry\i the lowest part of a shield. \Iv.tr.\i\p\B1\b \I(usu. foll. by \Bon,\b \Bupon)\b\i found or establish \3(a theory based on speculation;\c \2his opinion was soundly based).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bat,\b \Bin,\b etc.)\i station \3(troops were based in Malta).\c\p\1get to first base\c \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Islang\i achieve the first step towards one's objective.\p\1off base\c \Besp. N. Amer.\b \Islang\i\p\B1\b mistaken.\p\B2\b unprepared, unawares.\p\1touch base\c \I(often foll. by \Bwith)\b\i \Besp. N. Amer.\b make (personal) contact. \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibase\i or Latin \Ibasis\i 'stepping, step, pedestal', from Greek\c
<hw>base (2)</hw> \K/beIs/\k \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b lacking moral worth; cowardly, despicable.\p\B2\b menial.\p\B3\b not pure; alloyed \3(base coin).\c\p\B4\b (of a metal) not regarded as noble or precious. \Bbasely\b \Iadv.\i \Bbaseness\b\p\In.\i\p\BEtymology:\b \3Middle English in the sense 'of small height', via French \Ibas\i from medieval Latin \Ibassus\i 'short' (in Latin as a cognomen)\c
<hw>baseball</hw> \K/"beIsbO:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport Baseball\i\p\B1\b a game played esp. in the US with teams of nine, a bat and ball, and a circuit of four bases which the batter must complete to score.\p\B2\b the ball used in this game.
<hw>baseboard</hw> \K/"beIsbO:d/\k\p\In.\i\p\BN. Amer.\b \IBuilding\i a skirting board.
<hw>base camp</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMountaineering Mil.\i a camp from which expeditions set out or operations are conducted.\Knew f. OED, corpus Aug 93\k
<hw>basehead</hw> \K/"beIshEd/\k\p\In.\i\p\BUS\b \IDrugs\i \Islang\i a person who habitually takes either of the drugs freebase or crack.\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xfreebase\x\j + \J\Xhead\x\j\c
<hw>base hospital</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Besp. Austral.\b \IMed Mil\i a hospital in a rural area, or (in warfare) removed from the field of action.
<hw>BASE jump</hw> \K/beIs/\k \In. & v.\i (also \Bbase jump)\b\p\In.\i\pa parachute jump from a fixed point (esp. a high building or promontory) rather than an aircraft. \Iv.intr.\i perform such a jump. \BBASE jumper\b\p\In.\i\p\Knew in COD9 f. NEWS\k \BEtymology:\b \3acronym from \Ib\iuilding, \Ia\intenna-tower, \Is\ipan, \Ie\iarth, denoting the types of structure used\c
<hw>baseline</hw> \K/"beIslVIn/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a line used as a base or starting point.\p\B2\b \ISport\i (in tennis, volleyball, etc.) the line marking each end of a court.
<hw>baseload</hw> \K/"beIsl\F'\nUd/\k\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IElectr.\i the permanent load on power supplies etc.
<hw>baseman</hw> \K/"beIsm\F'\nn/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-men)\b \IBaseball\i a fielder stationed near a base.
<hw>basement</hw> \K/"beIsm(\F'\n)nt/\k\p\In.\i\p\IArchit\i the lowest floor of a building, usu. at least partly below ground level. \BEtymology:\b \3probably Dutch, perhaps from Italian \Ibasamento\i 'column-base'\c
<hw>basement membrane</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IAnat.\i a thin delicate membrane separating the epithelium from underlying tissue.\Knew f. OERD May 94\k
<hw>basenji</hw> \K/b\F'\n"sEndZi/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbasenjis)\b \IZool.\i a smallish hunting dog of a central African breed, which growls and yelps but does not bark.\Knew in COD9 f. COD7, COD box, NSOED Jul 93\k \BEtymology:\b \3Bantu\c
<hw>base pairing</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IBiochem.\i complementary binding by means of hydrogen bonds of a purine to a pyrimidine base in opposite strands of nucleic acids.
<hw>base rate</hw>\p\In.\i\p\BBrit.\b \IFinance\i the interest rate set by the Bank of England, used as the basis for other banks' rates.
<hw>base unit</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ISci\i a unit that is defined arbitrarily and not by combinations of other units.
<hw>bash</hw> \K/baS/\k \Iv. & n.\i\p\Iv.\i\p\B1\b \Itr.\i \Ba\b strike bluntly or heavily. \Bb\b \I(often foll. by \Bup)\b\i \Icolloq.\i attack violently. \Bc\b \I(often foll. by \Bdown,\b \Bin,\b etc.)\i damage or break by striking forcibly. \Bd\b \Besp. N. Amer.\b criticize severely.\Ksense 1d new f. SOED, incomings Oct 94\k\p\B2\b \Iintr.\i \I(foll. by \Binto)\b\i collide with.\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a heavy blow.\p\B2\b \BBrit.\b \Icolloq.\i an attempt \3(had a bash at painting).\c\p\B3\b \Islang\i a party or social event. \BEtymology:\b \3imitative, perhaps from \Ibang,\i \Ismash,\i \Idash,\i etc.\c
<hw>basho</hw> \K/"baS\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \B-os)\b \ISport\i a sumo wrestling tournament.\Knew in COD9 f. corpus, NEWS Feb 94\k \BEtymology:\b \3Japanese from \Iba\i 'place' + \Isho\i 'victory, win'\c
<hw>BASIC</hw> \K/"beIsIk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IComputing\i a computer programming language using familiar English words, designed for beginners and widely used on microcomputers. \BEtymology:\b \3\IB\ieginner's \IA\ill-purpose \IS\iymbolic \II\instruction \IC\iode\c
<hw>basic</hw> \K/"beIsIk/\k \Iadj. & n.\i \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b forming or serving as a base.\p\B2\b fundamental.\p\B3\b \Ba\b simplest or lowest in level \3(basic pay;\c \2basic requirements).\c \Bb\b vulgar \3(basic humour).\c\p\B4\b \IChem.\i having the properties of or containing a base.\p\B5\b \IGeol.\i (of volcanic rocks etc.) having less than 50 per cent silica.\p\B6\b \IMetallurgy\i designating, involving, or resulting from steel-making processes using lime-rich refractories etc. \3(basic slag).\c\p\In.\i\p\I(usu. in \Bpl.)\b\i the fundamental facts or principles. \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbase\x (1)\j + \J\X-ic\x\j\c
<hw>basically</hw> \K/"beIsIk(\F'\n)li/\k \Iadv.\i\p\B1\b fundamentally, essentially.\p\B2\b (qualifying a clause) in fact, actually.\Knew as hwd in COD9 f. ODNW Jul 93\k
<hw>basic dye</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem Dyeing\i a dye consisting of salts of organic bases.
<hw>Basic English</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ILinguistics\i a simplified form of English limited to 850 selected words, intended for international communication.
<hw>basic industry</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IEcon\i an industry of fundamental economic importance.
<hw>basicity</hw> \K/beI"sIsIti/\k\p\In.\i\p\IChem.\i the number of protons with which a base will combine.
<hw>basic slag</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IChem\i slag containing phosphates formed as a by-product during steel manufacture and used as fertilizer.
<hw>basic wage</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IFinance\i\p\B1\b a minimum wage earned before possible additional payments such as overtime etc.\Ksense new f. corpus, incomings, OERD May 94\k\p\B2\b \BAustral.\b & \BNZ\b the minimum living wage, fixed by industrial tribunal.
<hw>basidium</hw> \K/b\F'\n"sIdI\F'\nm/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbasidia\b \K/-dI\F'\n/\k) \IBiol\i a microscopic spore-bearing structure produced by certain fungi. \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin from Greek \Ibasidion,\i diminutive of \J\Xbasis\x\j\c
<hw>basil</hw> \K/"baz(\F'\n)l/, /-zIl/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i an aromatic herb of the genus \IOcimum,\i esp. O. basilicum (in full \Bsweet basil),\b whose leaves are used as a flavouring in savoury dishes. \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibasile\i and medieval Latin \Ibasilicus\i from Greek \Ibasilikos\i 'royal'\c
<hw>basilar</hw> \K/"basIl\F'\n/\k \Iadj.\i \IAnat\i of or at the base (esp. of the skull). \BEtymology:\b \3modern Latin \Ibasilaris\i (as \J\Xbasis\x)\j\c
<hw>basilica</hw> \K/b\F'\n"sIlIk\F'\n/, /-"zIl-/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IArchit\i an ancient Roman public hall with an apse and colonnades, used as a law court and place of assembly.\p\B2\b \IRelig\i a similar building used as a Christian church.\p\B3\b \IRelig\i a church having special privileges from the Pope. \Bbasilican\b \Iadj.\i \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek \Ibasilike\i \I(oikia,\i \Istoa)\i 'royal (house, portico)' from \Ibasileus\i 'king'\c
<hw>basilisk</hw> \K/"bazIlIsk/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IMythol\i a mythical reptile with a lethal breath and look.\p\B2\b \IZool\i any small American lizard of the genus \IBasiliscus,\i with a crest from its back to its tail.\p\B3\b \IHeraldry\i = \J\Xcockatrice\x 2.\j \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Latin \Ibasiliscus\i from Greek \Ibasiliskos\i 'little king, serpent'\c
<hw>basin</hw> \K/"beIs(\F'\n)n/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b = \J\Xwashbasin\x.\j \Bb\b a wide round open container, esp. one for preparing food in or for holding water.\p\B2\b a hollow rounded depression.\p\B3\b \INaut\i any sheltered area of water where boats can moor safely.\p\B4\b a round valley.\p\B5\b \IGeog\i an area drained by rivers and tributaries.\p\B6\b \IGeol.\i \Ba\b a rock formation where the strata dip towards the centre. \Bb\b an accumulation of rock strata formed in this dip as a result of subsidence and sedimentation. \Bbasinful\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-fuls).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English via Old French \Ibacin\i from medieval Latin \Iba(s)cinus,\i perhaps from Gaulish\c
<hw>basipetal</hw> \K/beI"sIpIt(\F'\n)l/\k \Iadj.\i \IBot.\i (of each new part produced) developing nearer the base than the previous one did. \Bbasipetally\b \Iadv.\i \BEtymology:\b \3\J\Xbasis\x\j + Latin \Ipetere\i 'seek'\c
<hw>basis</hw> \K/"beIsIs/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbases\b \K/-si:z/\k)\p\B1\b the foundation or support of something, esp. an idea or argument.\p\B2\b the main or determining principle or ingredient \3(on a purely friendly basis).\c\p\B3\b the starting point for a discussion etc. \BEtymology:\b \3Latin from Greek, = \J\Xbase\x (1)\j\c
<hw>bask</hw> \K/bA:sk/\k \Iv.intr.\i\p\B1\b sit or lie back lazily in warmth and light \3(basking in the sun).\c\p\B2\b \I(foll. by \Bin)\b\i derive great pleasure (from) \3(basking in glory).\c \BEtymology:\b \3Middle English, apparently from Old Norse: related to \J\Xbathe\x\j\c
<hw>basket</hw> \K/"bA:skIt/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b a container made of interwoven cane etc.\p\B2\b a container resembling this.\p\B3\b the amount held by a basket.\p\B4\b \ISport\i the goal in basketball, or a goal scored.\p\B5\b \IEcon.\i a group or range (of currencies).\p\B6\b \BBrit.\b \Ieuphem.\i \Icolloq.\i bastard. \Bbasketful\b\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-fuls).\b \BEtymology:\b \3Anglo-French & Old French \Ibasket,\i Anglo-Latin \Ibaskettum,\i of unknown origin\c
<hw>basketball</hw> \K/"bA:skItbO:l/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISport\i\p\B1\b a game between two teams of five, in which goals are scored by making the ball drop through hooped nets fixed high up at each end of a court.\p\B2\b the ball used in this game.
<hw>basket case</hw>\p\In.\i\p\Icolloq.\i \Ioffens.\i\p\B1\b a person who has lost both arms and legs.\p\B2\b something regarded as hopeless, esp. a bankrupt country or a helpless person.\Knew word in COD9 f. NSOED, corpus Jul 93\k
<hw>basket-maker</hw>\p\In.\i\pa person who makes baskets. \Bbasket-making\b\p\In.\i\p\Knew f. SOED, corpus Sept 94\k
<hw>basketry</hw> \K/"bA:skItri/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b the art of making baskets.\p\B2\b baskets collectively.
<hw>basket weave</hw>\p\In.\i\p\ITextiles\i a weave resembling that of a basket.
<hw>basketwork</hw> \K/"bA:skItw\F'\n:k/\k\p\In.\i\p\B1\b material woven in the style of a basket.\p\B2\b the art of making this.
<hw>basking shark</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IZool\i a very large shark, Cetorhinus maximus, which feeds on plankton and often lies near the surface of the sea.
<hw>basmati</hw> \K/bas"mA:ti/, /-z-/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bbasmati rice)\b \IFood\i a kind of long-grain Indian rice, with a delicate nutty flavour. \BEtymology:\b \3Hindi, = fragrant\c
<hw>basophilic</hw> \K/beIz\F'\n(U)"fIlIk/\k \Iadj.\i \IBiol.\i (of a cell etc.) readily stained with basic dyes.\Knew f. OERD May 94\k
<hw>Basque</hw> \K/bask/, /bA:sk/\k \In. & adj.\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \IPeople\i a member of a people of the western Pyrenees.\p\B2\b \ILanguage\i the language of this people. \Iadj.\i of or relating to the Basques or their language. \BEtymology:\b \3French from Latin \IVasco -onis\i\c
<hw>basque</hw> \K/bask/, /bA:sk/\k\p\In.\i\p\IClothing\i a close-fitting bodice extending from the shoulders to the waist and often with a short continuation below waist level. \BEtymology:\b \3origin unknown: perhaps allusively from \J\XBasque\x,\j referring to Basque dress\c
<hw>bas-relief</hw> \K/"basrIli:f/, /"bA:(s)-/\k\p\In.\i\p\ISculpture\i\p\B1\b = \Ilow relief\i \I(see\i \J\Xrelief\x 6a).\j\p\B2\b a sculpture, carving, etc. in low relief. \BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Ibasse relieve\i from Italian \Ibasso-rilievo\i 'low relief': later altered to French form\c
<hw>bass (1)</hw> \K/beIs/\k \In. & adj.\i \IMus\i\p\In.\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b the lowest adult male singing voice. \Bb\b a singer with this voice. \Bc\b a part written for it.\p\B2\b the lowest part in harmonized music.\p\B3\b \Ba\b an instrument that is the lowest in pitch in its family. \Bb\b a player of such an instrument.\p\B4\b \Icolloq.\i \Ba\b a bass guitar or double bass. \Bb\b a player of this instrument.\p\B5\b the low-frequency output of a radio, record player, etc., corresponding to the bass in music. \Iadj.\i\p\B1\b lowest in musical pitch.\p\B2\b deep-sounding. \Bbassist\b\p\In.\i\p(in sense 4b of \In.).\i \BEtymology:\b \3alteration of \J\Xbase\x (2)\j influenced by \J\Xbasso\x\j\c
<hw>bass (2)</hw> \K/bas/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i same or \Bbasses)\b \IZool\i\p\B1\b the common European freshwater perch.\p\B2\b \Ba\b a similar marine fish, Dicentrarchus labrax of European waters. \Bb\b a related N. American fish of the genus \IMorone.\i\p\B3\b (in full \Bsea bass)\b a similar marine fish of the family Serranidae, esp. of the genus \ICentropristis.\i\p\B4\b (in full \Bblack bass)\b an American freshwater fish of the genus \IMicropterus.\i \BEtymology:\b \3earlier \Ibarse\i from Old English \Ibµrs\i\c
<hw>bass (3)</hw> \K/bas/\k\p\In.\i\p\IBot\i = \J\Xbast\x.\j \BEtymology:\b \3alteration of \J\Xbast\x\j\c
<hw>bass clef</hw>\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i a clef placing F below middle C on the second highest line of the staff.
<hw>basset</hw> \K/"basIt/\k\p\In.\i\p(in full \Bbasset-hound)\b \IZool Hunting\i\p\B1\b a sturdy hunting dog of a breed with a long body, short legs, and big ears.\p\B2\b this breed. \BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \Ibas basse\i 'low': see \J\Xbase\x (2)\j\c
<hw>basset-horn</hw> \K/"basIthO:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i an alto clarinet in F, with a dark tone. \BEtymology:\b \3German, translation of French \Icor de bassette,\i from Italian \Icorno di bassetto\i from \Icorno\i 'horn' + \Ibassetto,\i diminutive of \Ibasso\i \J\Xbase\x (2)\j\c
<hw>bassinet</hw> \K/basI"nEt/\k\p\In.\i\pa child's wicker cradle, usu. with a hood. \BEtymology:\b \3French, diminutive of \Ibassin\i \J\Xbasin\x\j\c
<hw>basso</hw> \K/"bas\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \B-os\b or \Bbassi\b \K/-si/\k) \IMus\i a singer with a bass voice. \BEtymology:\b \3Italian, = \J\Xbass\x (1)\j\c
<hw>bassoon</hw> \K/b\F'\n"su:n/\k\p\In.\i\p\IMus\i\p\B1\b \Ba\b a bass instrument of the oboe family, with a double reed. \Bb\b a player of this instrument.\p\B2\b an organ stop with the quality of a bassoon. \Bbassoonist\b\p\In.\i\p(in sense 1a). \BEtymology:\b \3French \Ibasson\i from \Ibas\i \J\Xbass\x (1)\j\c
<hw>basso profundo</hw> \K/pr\F'\n"fVnd\F'\nU/\k\p\In.\i\p\I(pl.\i \Bbasso profundos\b or \Bbassi profundi\b \K/-di/\k) \IMus\i a bass singer with an exc
