Webster's Word Power English Dictionary E-Book

Betty Kirkpatrick

• Herausgeber: Geddes and Grosset
• Kategorie: Bildung
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Beschreibung

An affordable and accessible dictionary, fully updated, with over 15,00 0 headwords and 30,000 definition. Suitable for students, learners, school, home and office.

Leseprobe

ENGLISH DICTIONARY

This book is an accessible and comprehensive modern dictionary. As well as providing over 35,000 concise, up-to-date dictionary definitions, headwords are listed with parts of speech, pronunciation and inflections and variations.

Features:

Strict alphabetical order is followed. All compound words and hyphenated words are alphabetized as if they are one word.

Variant spellings appear in bold type next to the headword.

Parts of speech are indicated in italic, after the bold headword by the abbreviations shown on the following page. Other parts of speech after the main headword are indicated by a full point (.) and •. Other terms, of a different part of speech, that are related to the headword are given at the end of an entry in bold preceded by •.

Inflected forms of verbs and plural forms of nouns appear in bold following the headword.

Different senses within parts of speech are numbered. Parts of speech are separated by full points (.) and •.

Words of different origins but with the same spelling are given separate, numbered entries.

Pronunciation guides are both spelled out and phonetic.

This book includes pronunciation guides in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and a specially commissioned, crystal-clear, spelled-out pronunciation guide. This is a syllable-based “spelling pronunciation”.

This spelling pronunciation for each word provides a pronunciation that stays as close to the original spelling of the word as is usefully possible. It uses the conventions of English spelling to provide an easy-to-understand guide.

Our words often have more than one syllable, with one syllable in each word more prominent than others. This is known as the stressed syllable. For each word, there is a series of syllable blocks divided by hyphens (-) which, when read, reveal the pronunciation of the word. The main stress is marked in bold.

Thi re-zult is a clear and in-choo-wi-tiv spe-ling pro-nun-see-ay-shun which is baist on thi sound and spe-ling normz ov thi ing-glish lang-gwidge at a si-la-bic le-vel and which iz i-mee-dee-it-lee in-choo-wi-tiv.

For those familiar with IPA there is also a phonetic guide to pronunciation too. Below is a key to the symbols used.

Vowels

Q

h

a

t, s

a

ddle, b

a

ggy

A

aj

a

r, al

a

rm, ap

a

rt

´I

b

i

le, b

i

ke, al

i

ght

aI

h

igh

, h

i

ve, str

i

ve

aU

sh

ou

t, b

ough

, c

ou

ch

E

fr

e

t, v

e

t, s

ay

s, s

ai

d

eI

w

ay

, h

ey

, c

a

ge, n

eigh

I

h

i

t, s

ie

ve, k

i

tty, b

ui

ld, w

o

men

i˘

h

ea

ve, j

ee

p, s

ie

ge

Å

h

o

t, g

o

t, all

o

tment, b

o

ther

ç˘

th

ough

t, fr

augh

t, th

aw

o˘

n

o

te, fl

oa

t, t

o

te, b

oa

t

çI

b

oy

, av

oi

d, empl

oy

U

w

o

man, w

oo

d, c

oul

d

å

tr

u

mp, fr

o

nt, fl

oo

d

u˘

tr

ue

, br

ew

, y

ou

, sh

oe

´

th

e

, hard

e

r, doct

o

r, brew

e

r

Consonants

The following consonant symbols have the usual meaning b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w, z

g

gh

ost, e

x

ample [

Eg»zQmpl

],

g

ive

j

y

es, se

ni

or [

sinj´r

], o

ni

on [

ånj´n

], future [

fju˘tS´r

]

S

sh

ould, ma

ch

ine,

s

ugar

Z

lei

s

ure, a

z

ure, inva

s

ion

tS

ha

tch

, cap

t

ure,

ch

ew

dZ

j

am, he

dge

[

h

E

d

Z

], sol

di

er [

s´UldZ´r

]

T

th

in, brea

th

,

th

oughts

D

th

ere,

th

en,

th

e, brea

the

N

si

ng

, li

ng

er [

lINg´r

], amazi

ng

f

cou

gh

, enou

gh

,

f

an

k

bo

x

[

bÅks

],

c

art, hi

k

e

x

lo

ch

[the Scots voiceless uvular fricative sound]

The symbol : denotes a long vowel.

The stressed syllable for multisyllabic words is preceded by the symbol ». Syllables with a secondary stress are preceded by « .

ABBREVIATIONS

abbr

abbreviation

adj

adjective

adv

adverb

approx

approximately

astron

astronomy

aux

auxiliary

Br

Britain, British

c

circa, about

Cdn

Canadian

cent

century

compar

comparative

comput

computing

conj

conjunction

derog

derogatory, derogatorily

dial

dialect

e.g.

exempli gratis, for example

etc

etcetera, and so on

esp

especially

f

feminine

fig

figuratively

fml

formal

gram

grammar

hum

humorous

i.e.

id est, that is

incl

including

inf

informal

interj

interjection

lit

literary

m

masculine

math

mathematics

med

medicine

mus

music

myth

mythology

n

noun

neut

neuter

npl

noun plural

NT

New Testament

obs

obsolete

old

old fashioned, archaic

off

offensive

orig

original, originally, origin

OT

Old Testament

p

participle

pers

person, personal

pl

plural

poet

poetical

poss

possessive

pp

past participle

prep

preposition

pres t

present tense

pron

pronoun

prp

present participle

pt

past tense

RC

Roman Catholic

reflex

reflexive

Scot

Scotland, Scottish

sing

singular

sl

slang

TM

trademark

TV

television

UK

United Kingdom

US, USA

United States of America

usu

usually

var

variant

vb

verb

vulg

vulgar

zool

zoology

A

A, a /eI/, /ay/ n1 the first letter of the English alphabet. 2 (mus) the sixth note of the scale of C major. 3 a human blood type.

a /´, eI/, /a/ indefinite article (an before a vowel) 1 any, some, one. 2 one single thing. 3 per, for each.

aardvark /»ArdvArk/, /ard-vark/ n an African mammal with a long snout that feeds on ants.

abacus /»Qb´k´s/, /a-ba-kus/ n a counting frame with beads.

abalone /»Qb´»lo˘ni/, /a-ba-lo-nee/ n an edible sea snail with a shell that is shaped like an ear.

abandon /´»bQnd´n/, /a-ban-don/ vb1 to give up. 2 to depart from forever, desert. • n freedom from care.

abandoned /´»bQnd´nd/, /a-ban-dond/ adj1 deserted. 2 immoral, shameless.

abattoir /»Qb´«twAr/, /a-ba-twar/ n a place where animals are killed for food.

abate /´»beIt/, /a-bate/ vb to lessen. • nabatement.

abbess /»Qb´s/, /a-bess/ n the chief nun in a convent.

abbey /»Qbi/, /a-bee/ n1 a monastery or convent. 2 a church, once part of a monastery or convent.

abbot /»Qb´t/, /a-bot/ n the chief monk in a monastery.

abbreviate /´»bri˘vI«eIt/, /a-bree-vee-ate/ vb to shorten. • nabbreviation.

abdicate /»QbdI«keIt/, /ab-di-kate/ vb to give up high office, especially a throne. • nabdication.

abdomen /»Qbd´m´n/, /ab-do-men/ n the part of the body between your chest and your thighs. • adjabdominal.

abduct /´b»dåkt/, /ab-duct/ vb to kidnap. • nabduction, abductor.

abhor /´b»hçr/, /ab-hor/ vb to loathe. • nabhorrence.

abhorrent /´b»hAr´nt/, /ab-hor-rent/ adj loathsome.

abide /´»baId/, /a-bide/ vb to put up with. • abide by to obey, to remain true to.

abiding /´»baIdIN/, /a-bide-ing/ adj lasting.

ability /´»bIlIti/, /a-bil-it-ee/, n1 skill or power to do a thing. 2 cleverness.

ablaze /´»bleIz/, /a-blaze/ adj, adv on fire, in flames.

able /»eIb´l/, /ay-bl/ adj1 having skill or power to do a thing. 2 clever. • advably.

able-bodied /»eIb´l«bÅdi˘d/, /ay-bl-bod-eed/ adj able to walk; physically healthy.

abnormal /Qb»nçrml/, /ab-nor-mal/ adj different from the usual. • advabnormally.

abnormality /«Qbnçr»mQlIti/, /ab-nor-mal-it-ee/ n an unusual quality.

aboard /´»bçrd/, /a-board/ adv, prep on board, on a ship, train, aeroplane, etc.

abode /´»bo˘d/, /a-bode/ n (fml or hum) house, home.

abolish /´»bÅlIS/, /a-bol-ish/ vb to put an end to, to do away with. • nabolition, abolitionist.

abominable /´»bÅmIn´bl/, /a-bom-in-na-bl/ adj hateful.

aboriginal /«Qb´»rIdZ´n´l/, /a-bor-ri-ji-nal/ adj1 describing a feature that is native to a country. 2 (cap) describing the native peoples of Australia. • n (cap) a descendant of the people who inhabited Australia before the arrival of the Europeans.

aborigine /«Qb´»rIdZIni/, /a-bor-ri-ji-nee/ n1 one of the original inhabitants of a country, who has been there since the earliest times. 2 (cap) another name for an Australian Aboriginal. • adjaboriginal, Aboriginal.

abort /´»bçrt/, /a-bort/ vb1 to have an abortion or miscarriage. 2 to perform an abortion on. 3 to stop something, especially in the early stages.

abortion /´»bçrS´n/, /a-bor-shun/ n a miscarriage, usually induced.

abortive /´»bçrtIv/, /a-bor-tive/ adj unsuccessful because done too soon.

abound /´»baUnd/, /a-bound/ vb to be plentiful.

about /´»båUt/, /a-bout/ adv, prep1 concerning. 2 around. 3 near to. 4 nearly. 5 on the point of.

above /´»båv/, /a-buv/ adv, prep1 over. 2 higher (than).

aboveboard /´»båv«bçrd/, /a-buv-board/ adj honest, fair.

abrasion /´»breIZ´n/, /a-bray-zhen/ n1 the act of rubbing away at something. 2 an area of skin that has been scraped.

abrasive /´»breIsIv/, /a-bray-ziv/ adj1 causing abrasion. 2 harsh or irritating. • n something that causes abrasion.

abreast /´»brEst/, /a-brest/ adv side by side. • abreast of the times up-to-date.

abridge /´»brIdZ/, /a-bridge/ vb to make shorter. • nabridg(e)ment.

abroad /´»brÅd/, /a-brawd/ adv1 out of your own country. 2 far and wide.

abrupt /´»bråpt/, /a-brupt/ adj1 sudden, hasty. 2 discourteous. • advabruptly. • nabruptness.

abscess /»QbsEs/, /ab-sess/ n a boil, a gathering of pus in some part of the body.

abseil /»QbseIl/, /ab-sail/ vb to go down a very steep slope, such as a cliff face or a very tall building, using a rope secured at the top and passed around the body in a kind of harness.

absenceseeabsent.

absent /»Qbs´nt/, /ab-sent/ adj not present. • nabsence.

absentee /«Qbs´n»ti˘/, /ab-sen-tee/ n someone who is not present.

absentminded /«Qbs´nt»maInd´d/, /ab-sent-mind-ded/ adj not thinking of what you are doing.

absolute /»Qbs´«lu˘t/, /ab-so-lute, ab-so-lute/ adj1 complete. 2 free from controls or conditions. • advabsolutely.

absolutionseeabsolve.

absolve /´b»zÅlv/, /ab-solve/ vb to set free, as from guilt or punishment. • nabsolution.

absorb /´b»zçrb/, /ab-sorb/ vb1 to soak up. 2 to take up all the attention of.

absorbed /´b»zçrbd/, /ab-sorbd/ adj giving the whole mind to.

absorbent /´b»zçrb´nt/, /ab-sor-bent/ adj drinking in.

absorption /´b»zçrpS´n/, /ab-sorp-shen/ n1 act of absorbing. 2 full attention.

abstain /´b»steIn/, /ab-stain/ vb1 to keep yourself from, to hold back from. 2 not to vote. • nabstainer, abstention.

abstract /»QbstrQkt/, /ab-stract/ n a summary. • adj1 existing in the mind only. 2 portraying ideas rather than realistic images.

absurd /´b»s´rd/, /ab-surd/ adj foolish. • nabsurdity.

abundance /´»bånd´ns/, /a-bun-dance/ n more than enough, plenty. • adjabundant. • advabundantly.

abuse /´»bju˘z/, /a-byooz/ vb1 to make wrong use of. 2 to ill-treat, to maltreat, especially physically or sexually. 3 to use insulting language. • n /´»bju˘s/, /a-byooss/ abuse.

abusive /´»bju˘sIv/, /a-byoo-sive/ adj1 ill-treating, cruel. 2 insulting. • advabusively.

abysmal /´»bIzm´l/, /a-biz-mal/, adj very bad.

abyss /´»bIs/, /a-biss/ n a very deep pit or ravine.

academic /«Qk´»dEmIk/, /a-ca-de-mic/ adj1 of or concerning education, especially in a college or university. 2 not practical or useful; theoretical. • n teacher in a college or university.

academy /´»kQd´mi/, /a-ca-de-mee/ n1 a school for special studies. 2 a society for advancing arts and sciences.

accelerate /´k»sEl´«reIt/, /ac-sel-le-rate/ vb to increase speed. • nacceleration.

accelerator /´k»sEl´«reIt´r/, /ac-sel-le-ray-tor/ n a device that controls the speed of a car.

accent /»QksEnt/, /ac-sent/ n1 a special emphasis given to part of a word. 2 the mark that indicates such emphasis. 3 a way of speaking peculiar to certain persons or groups. • vb to emphasize a certain part of a word.

accentuate /Qk»sEntSU«eIt/, /ac-sen-choo-ate/ vb to emphasize.

accept/´k»sEpt/, /ak-sept/ vb1 to receive something offered. 2 to regard as true, reasonable, satisfactory, etc. • nacceptance.

acceptable /´k»sEpt´b´l/, /ak-sep-ta-bl/ adj1 pleasant to receive. 2 satisfactory, good enough. 3 allowable, tolerable.

access /»QksEs/, /ak-sess/ n a way or means of approach. • vb to find on a computer file.

accessible /´k»sEs´b´l/, /ak-sess-i-bl/ adj1 easily approached. 2 easily reached. 3 easily obtained or understood. • naccessibility.

accessory /´k»sEs´ri/, /ak-sess-or-ee/ n1 an assistant, especially in crime. 2 an additional part or tool. 3 an additional item worn with clothing.

accident /»QksId´nt/, /ak-sid-ent/ n1 an unexpected happening. 2 an unexpected event that causes damage or injury. • adjaccidental.

acclaim /´»kleIm/, /a-claim/ vb to greet with applause • n recognition and praise; applause.

acclamation /«Qkl´»meIS´n/, /ak-la-may-shun/ n a shout of joy or approval.

acclimatize /´»klaIm´«taIz/, /a-clime-a-tize/ vb, alsoacclimatise to accustom to a new climate or situation. • nacclimatization, acclimatisation.

accolade /»Qk´«leId/, /a-ko-lade/ n1 the touching on the shoulder with a sword in the ceremony of making someone a knight. 2 praise or approval.

accommodate /´»kÅm´«deIt/, /a-com-o-date/ vb1 to provide lodgings for. 2 to have space for. 3 to supply with. 4 to make suitable, to adapt.

accommodating /´»kÅm´«deItIN/, /a-com-o-date-ing/ adj obliging.

accommodation /´«kÅm´»deIS´n/, /a-com-o-day-shun/ n1 lodgings. 2 adaptation.

accompaniment /´»kåmp´nim´nt/, /a-com-pan-ee-ment/ n the music played with a singer or player.

accompanist /´»kåmp´nIst/, /a-com-pan-ist/ n someone who plays the accompaniment for a singer or player.

accompany /´»kåmp´ni/, /a-com-pan-ee/ vb1 to go with. 2 to join a singer or player by playing a musical instrument.

accomplice /´»kÅmplIs/, /a-com-pliss/ n a helper, especially in crime.

accomplish /´»kÅmplIS/, /a-com-plish/ vb to perform successfully, to finish.

accomplished /´»kÅmplISd/, /a-com-plisht/ adj1 finished. 2 skilled.

accomplishment /´»kÅmplISm´nt/, /a-com-plish-ment/ n1 something which is done successfully. 2 completion.

accord /´»kçrd/, /a-cord/ vb1 to agree. 2 to give. • n agreement. • of your own accord by your own wish.

accordance /´»kçrd´ns/, /a-cor-dans/ n agreement.

accordingly /´»kçrdINli/, /a-cor-ding-lee/ adv therefore.

according to /´»kçrdIN tu˘/, /a-cor-ding to/ prep1 in keeping with. 2 as stated by.

accordion /´»kçrdi´n/, /a-cor-dee-on/ n a portable musical instrument played by keys and worked by bellows. • naccordionist.

accost /´»kÅst/, /a-cost/ vb to approach and speak to in an aggressive way.

account /´»kaUnt/, /a-count/ vb (fml) to consider, to reckon. • n1 a statement of money received and paid, a bill. 2 a report, description. • account for give an explanation of. • of no account of no importance. • on account of because of.

accountable /´»kaUnt´b´l/, /a-count-a-bl/ adj responsible.

accountancy /´»kaUnt´nsi/, /a-count-an-see/ n the work of an accountant.

accountant /´»kaUnt´nt/, /a-count-ant/ n someone who keeps or examines money accounts.

accumulate /´»kju˘mjU«leIt/, /a-kyoom-yoo-late/ vb1 to increase, to heap up. 2 to collect.

accumulation /´«kju˘mU»leIS´n/, /a-kyoom-yoo-lay-shun/ n growth, a large collection.

accuracy /»QkjUr´si/, /ak-yoo-rass-ee/ n exactness, precision.

accurate /»Qkj´r´t/, /ak-yoo-rit/ adj1 correct, exact. 2 correct, careful. • advaccurately.

accursed /´»k´rst/, /a-curst/ adj1 under a curse, doomed. 2 hateful.

accusation /«Qkju˘»zeIS´n/, /a-kyoo-zay-shun/ n a charge brought against anyone.

accuse /´»kju˘z/, /a-kyooz/ vb to charge with wrongdoing. • naccuser.

accused /´»kju˘zd/, /a-kyoozd/ n someone charged with wrongdoing.

accustom /´»kåst´m/, /a-cuss-tom/ vb to make well known by use.

accustomed /´»kåst´md/, /a-cuss-tomd/ adj1 usual. 2 used (to), familiar with.

ace /eIs/, /ace/ n1 the value of ‘one’ in games of cards, dice, or dominoes. 2 someone good at sports. • within an ace of on the very point of.

acetic /´»si˘tIk/, /a-set-ic/ adj sour, of vinegar.

acetylene /´sEtI»li˘n/, /a-set-ill-een/ n a gas used for giving light and heat, and commonly used with oxygen for welding or cutting metal.

ache /eIk/, /ake/ vb to be in or to give prolonged pain. • n a prolonged or throbbing pain.

achieve /´»tSi˘v/, /a-cheev/ vb1 to succeed in doing. 2 to gain.

achievement /´»tSi˘vm´nt/, /a-cheev-ment/ n1 something done successfully. 2 a feat.

acid /»QsId/, /a-sid/ n a sour or corrosive substance. • adj sour; sharp to the taste; bitter.

acid rain /»QsId«reIn/, /a-sid rane/ n rain that has been polluted by acid from factory waste, car exhausts, etc. and is harmful to the environment.

acid test /»QsId«tEst/, /a-sid test/ n a test that indicates the worth or value of something.

acidity /´»sIdItI/, /a-sid-it-ee/ n sourness.

acknowledge /´k»nÅlIdZ/, /ak-naw-ledge/ vb1 to admit as true. 2 to admit the receipt of. • nacknowledg(e)ment.

acne /»Qkni/, /ak-nee/ n a skin condition that causes pimples.

acorn /eI»kçrn/, /ay-corn/ n the fruit or seed of the oak tree.

acoustic /´»ku˘stIk/, /a-coos-tik/ adj1 having to do with hearing and sound. 2 making its natural sound, not electric.

acoustics /´»ku˘stIks/, /a-coos-tiks/ npl the science of sound.

acquaint /´»kweInt/, /a-kwaint/ vb1 to make familiar with. 2 to inform.

acquaintance /´»kweInt´ns/, /a-kwain-tanse/ n1 a person you know. 2 knowledge.

acquire /´»kwaIr/, /a-kwire/ vb to gain, to obtain.

acquit /´»kwIt/, /a-kwit/ vb1 to declare innocent. 2 to conduct yourself.

acquittal /´»kwItl/, /a-kwi-tal/ n a setting free.

acre /»eIk´r/, /ay-kr/ n an imperial measure of land (= 4840 square yards or 4046.9 square metres).

acrobat /»Qkr´bQt/, /a-cro-bat/ n a high-wire or trapeze artiste. • adjacrobatic. • nplacrobatics.

acronym /»Qkr´nIm/, /a-cro-nym/ n an abbreviation, made from the initial letters, or from combinations of letters from a word, which itself can be pronounced as a word.

act /Qkt/, /act/ vb1 to do. 2 to conduct yourself. 3 to perform on the stage, in films, or on television. 4 to produce an effect. • n1 a deed. 2 a law. 3 a part of a play.

action /»QkS´n/, /ac-shon/ n1 something done. 2 a movement. 3 the producing of an effect. 4 the events in a narrative or drama. 5 a battle. 6 a lawsuit.

active /Qk»tIv/, /ac-tiv/ adj1 energetic. 2 taking part, involved. 3 being in action, working, operative.

activity /Qk»tIvIti/, /ac-ti-vi-tee/ n1 energy. 2 occupation or pastime.

actor /»Qkt´r/, /ac-tor/ n a man who performs in a play or film or on television.

actress /»QktrIs/, /ac-tress/ n a woman who performs in a play or film or on television.

actual /Qk»tSUw´l/, /ac-chul/ adj1 real, not imaginary. 2 true.

actuality /Qk«tSU»wQlIti, -«Su˘-/, /ac-chu-wa-li-tee/ n reality.

actually /»QktSU´li, »QkS´li/, /ac-cha-lee/ adv really, as a matter of fact.

acupuncture /»Qkju˘«påNktS´r/, /a-kyoo-punk-cher/ n a treatment used in alternative medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at certain points along energy paths known as meridians.

acute /´»kju˘t/, /a-kyoot/ adj1 coming to a sharp point. 2 sharp-witted. 3 (of emotions or diseases) intense but short-lasting. • advacutely.

acute angle /´«kju˘t »QNg´l/, /a-kyootang-gl/ n an angle less than 90º.

ad /Qd/, /ad/ n short for advertisement.

adage /»QdIdZ/, /a-didge/ n a proverb, an old wise saying.

adamant /»Qd´m´nt/, /a-da-mant/ adj determined, firm.

adapt /´»dQpt/, /a-dapt/ vb1 to make suitable, to fit to a different use. 2 to change, adjust.

adaptable /´»dQpt´bIl«/ /a-dap-ta-bl/ adj easily fitted to new uses or conditions. • nadaptability.

adaptation /«QdQp»teIS´n/, /a-dap-tay-shun/ n the action or result of adapting.

adapter /´»dQpt´/, /a-dap-ter/ n a device for connecting electrical plugs with a socket.

add /Qd/, /add/ vb1 to join one thing to another. 2 to increase. 3 to say more.

adder /»Qd´r/, /a-der/ n a small poisonous snake, a viper.

addict /»QdIkt/, /a-dict/ n a person who is dependent on and so unable to give up a habit, especially a harmful one such as drug-taking.

addicted /´»dIktId/, /a-dic-ted/ adj dependent on, unable to give up. • naddiction.

addition /´»dIkS´n/, /a-di-shen/ n1 act of adding. 2 something added. • adjadditional.

additive /»QdItIv/, /a-di-tiv/ n a substance added to another, especially to add flavour or colour.

address /´»drEs/, /a-dress/ vb1 to speak to. 2 to direct a letter. 3 to direct your attention or energy to. • n1 the place where a person lives or works. 2 the directions on a letter or envelope. 3 a formal talk.

adenoids /»Qd´«nçIdz/, /a-de-noids/ npl glands at the back of the nose that if enlarged can hinder breathing.

adept /»QdEpt/, /a-dept/ adj very skilful. • n someone who is skilled.

adequate /»Qd´kw´t/, /a-de-kwit/ adj1 enough. 2 satisfactory. 3 able. • advadequately. • nadequacy.

adhere /´d»hi˘r/, /ad-heer/ vb1 to stick (to). 2 to remain loyal to. • nadherence.

adhesive /´d»hi˘sIv/, /ad-hee-ziv/ adj sticky. • n a sticky substance, glue.

adieu /´»dju˘/, /a-dyoo/ interj the French word for farewell, goodbye. • n (pladieusoradieux) a farewell.

adjacent /´»dZeIs´nt/, /a-jay-sent/ adj lying near (to).

adjective /»QdZ´ktIv/, /a-jec-tiv/ n a word that describes a noun. • adjadjectival. • advadjectivally.

adjourn /´»dZ´rn/, /a-jurn/ vb1 to put off to another time. 2 to go to another place. • nadjournment.

adjust /´»dZåst/, /a-just/ vb1 to set right. 2 to put in order. • adjadjustable. • nadjuster, adjustment.

administer /´d»mInIst´r/, /ad-mi-ni-ster/ vb1 to manage, to govern. 2 to carry out. 3 (fml) to give.

administration /´d«mInI»streIS´n/, /ad-mi-ni-stray-shun/ n1 the management of a business or a government. 2 people involved in this. • adjadministrative.

administrator /´d»mInI«streIt´r/, /ad-mi-ni-stray-tor/ n a person who works in administration.

admirable /»Qdm´r´b´l/, /ad-mi-ra-bl/ adj deserving admiration or praise. • advadmirably.

admiral /»Qdm´r´l/, /ad-mi-ral/ n the highest rank of naval officer.

admiration /«QdmI»reIS´n/, /ad-mi-ray-shun/ n a feeling of respect for another person.

admire /´d»maIr/, /ad-mire/ vb to think very highly of. • nadmirer.

admission /´d»mIS´n/, /ad-mi-shen/ n1 permission to enter. 2 the amount payable for entry. 3 a confession.

admit /´d»mIt/, /ad-mit/ vb1 to allow to enter. 2 to accept as true or just. 3 to confess.

admittance /´d»mIt´ns/, /ad-mi-tanse/ n right or permission to enter.

admittedly /´d»mIt´dli/, /ad-mi-ted-lee/ adv it cannot be denied.

admonish /´d»mÅnIS/, /ad-mo-nish/ vb to give a warning or scolding to. • nadmonition. • adjadmonitory.

ado /´»du˘/, /a-doo/ n fuss, trouble.

adobe /´»do˘bi/, /a-doe-bee/ n1 a building material made of sun-dried earth and straw. 2 a building made of this material.

adolescent /«Qd´»lEs´nt/, /a-doe-less-sent/ adj growing up from youth to adulthood. • n a person of either sex when adolescent. • nadolescence.

adopt /´»dÅpt/, /a-dopt/ vb1 to take as your own. 2 to take over and use. 3 to choose formally. • nadoption.

adorable /´»dçr´b´l/, /a-doe-ra-bl/ adj lovable.

adore /´»dçr/, /a-dore/ vb1 to worship. 2 to love or like very much. • nadoration.

adorn /´»dçrn/, /a-dorn/ vb to decorate, to make beautiful. • adjadorned.

adornment /´»dçrnm´nt/, /a-dorn-ment/ n an ornament.

adrift /´»drIft/, /a-drift/ adj and adv floating without control.

adrenalin /´»drEnIlIn/,/a-dre-na-lin/ n, alsoadrenaline a chemical produced by your body when you are scared or excited.

adulation /»QdZU»leIS´n/, /a-je-lay-shun/ n extreme praise, flattery.

adult /´»dålt, »Qdålt/, /a-dult, a-dult/ adj grown-up. • n a grown-up person.

adulterate /´»dålt´«reIt/, /a-dul-te-rayt/ vb to lower in value by mixing with something of less worth (e.g. to mix wine with water, gold with tin, etc). • n adulteration.

advance /´d»vQns/, /ad-vanse/ vb1 to put forward. 2 to go forward. 3 to help promote. 4 to lend. • n1 a forward movement. 2 progress. 3 a loan (of money), especially a payment made before the normal time. 4 increase. • in advance in front; before.

advanced /´d»vQnst/, /ad-vanst/ adj1 far on (in life, time, etc). 2 at a high level, not elementary. 3 modern and new and sometimes not yet generally accepted.

advantage /´d»vQntIdZ/, /ad-van-tidge/ n1 a better position or something that puts someone in a better position. 2 gain, profit, benefit.

advantageous /«Qdv´n»teIdZ´s/, /ad-van-tey-jess/ adj profitable; helpful. • advadvantageously.

advent /»QdvEnt/, /ad-vent/ n a coming, an arrival.

Advent /»QdvEnt/, /ad-vent/ n in the Christian church, the period from the fourth Sunday before Christmas to Christmas Day.

adventure /´d»vEntS´r/, /ad-ven-cher/ n an exciting or dangerous deed or undertaking.

adventurer /´d»vEntS´r´r/, /ad-ven-cher-rer/ (m/f), adventuress /ad-ven-che-ress/ (f) n1 someone who seeks adventures. 2 someone who lives by his or her wits.

adventurous /-´s/, /ad-ven-che-russ/ adj1 daring, eager for adventure. 2 dangerous, involving risk.

adverb /»Qdv´rb/, /ad-verb/ n a word that modifies the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. • adjadverbial.

adversary /»Qdv´r«sEri/, /ad-ver-se-ree/ n an enemy.

adverse /´d»v´rs, »Qd-/, /ad-verse, ad-verse/ adj acting against, unfavourable. • advadversely.

adversity /´d»v´rsIti/, /ad-ver-si-tee/ n misfortune.

advertise /»Qdv´r«taIz/, /ad-ver-tize/ vb to make known to the public. • nadvertiser.

advertisement /«´d»v´rtIzm´nt/, /ad-ver-tiss-ment/ n an announcement to the public, often for the purpose of selling something.

advice /´d»vaIz/, /ad-vice/ n1 a helpful opinion offered to another. 2 a formal letter, etc, giving information.

advisable /´d»vaIz´b´l/, /ad-vie-za-bl/ adj wise; correct in the circumstances. • nadvisability.

advise /´d»vaIz/, /ad-vize/ vb1 to give advice. 2 to inform.

adviser /´d»vaIz´r/, /ad-vie-zer/ n someone who gives advice.

advisory /´d»vaIz´ri/, /ad-vie-zo-ree/ adj for the purpose of giving advice.

advocate /»Qdv´k´t/, /ad-vo-kit/ n1 someone who speaks for another. 2 a lawyer who pleads a cause in court. • vb /»Qdv´keIt/, /ad-vo-kate/ to recommend, to speak in favour of.

aeonalsoeon (US) /»i˘´n, »i˘«Ån/, /ee-on/ n1 (inf) a period of time so long it is impossible to measure. 2 (astron) one thousand million years. • adjaeonian.

aerial /»Eri´l/, /ae-ree-al/ adj of or from the air. • n a wire or rod for receiving radio waves or television signals.

aerie /»i˘ri/, /ee-ree/ n, alsoeyrie the nest of a bird of prey.

aerobatics /«Er´»bQtIks/, /ae-ro-ba-tics/ npl difficult exercises performed by an aircraft.

aerobics /E»´Ur«bIks/, /ae-ro-bics/ n a type of physical exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs by temporarily increasing the heart rate. • adjaerobic.

aerodynamic /«E´r´UdaI»nQmIk/, /ae-ro-die-na-mic/ adj streamlined for smooth movement through the air.

aeronautics /-Iks/, /ae-ro-naw-tics/ n the science of the operation and flight of aircraft.

aeroplane /»Er´«pleIn/, /air-plane/ n, alsoairplane (US) a heavier-than-air flying machine with wings.

aerosol /»Er´«sÅl/, /ae-ro-sol/ n1 a liquid under pressure in a container, which is released in a fine spray. 2 the container for this.

aesthetics /Es»TEtIks/, /ess-theh-ticks/ n, alsoesthetics (US) the science or philosophy of art and the beautiful.

affable /»Qf´b´l/, /a-fa-bl/ adj pleasant, polite, easy to talk with. • naffability. • advaffably.

affair /´»fEr/, /a-fair/ n1 business. 2 a matter, a concern. 3 happenings or events connected with a particular person or thing. 4 a romantic or sexual relationship.

affect /´»fEkt/, /a-fect/ vb1 to act upon. 2 to move the feelings. 3 to pretend.

affected /´»fEkt´d/, /a-fec-ted/ adj full of affectation.

affectation /«QfEk»teIS´n/, /a-fec-tay-shun/ n manner or behaviour that is not natural; pretence.

affection /´»fEkS´n/, /a-fec-shun/ n fondness, love.

affectionate /´»fEkS´n´t/, /a-fec-shi-nit/ adj loving. • advaffectionately.

affiliate /´»fIli˘«eIt/, /a-fi-lee-ate/ v to be joined or be connected with something. • naffiliation.

affinity /´»fInIti/, /a-fi-ni-tee/ n1 relationship. 2 attraction.

affirm /´»f´rm/, /a-firm/ vb to state with certainty.

affirmation /«Qf´r»meIS´n/, /a-fir-may-shun/ n1 a statement. 2 a solemn statement of the truth.

affirmative /´»f´rm´tIv/, /a-fir-ma-tiv/ adj answering ‘yes’. • n an answer meaning ‘yes’. • answer in the affirmative to say ‘yes’.

afflict /´»flIkt/, /a-flict/ vb to cause pain, distress, etc, to. • naffliction.

affluence /»QflU´ns/, /a-floo-ents/ n wealth.

affluent /»QflU´nt/, /a-floo-ent/ adj wealthy.

afford /´»fçrd/, /a-ford/ vb1 to be able to pay for. 2 to be able to do, spend, etc, something without trouble, loss, etc. 3 (fml) to give.

afloat /´»flo˘t/, /a-float/ adj, adv floating.

aforesaid /-«sEd/, /a-fore-said/ adj already mentioned.

afraid /´»freId/, /a-frade/ adj frightened.

afresh /´»frES/, /a-fresh/ adv again.

African American /»QfrIk´n ´»mErik´n/, /a-fri-can a-me-ri-can/ n a United States citizen who has African ancestors. • adj describing African Americans, or their culture, history, etc.

aft /Qft/, /aft/ adj, adv at or near the stern of a ship.

after /»Qft´r/, /af-ter/ adv, prep1 later in time (than). 2 behind.

aftermath /»Qft´r«mQT/, /af-ter-math/ n the period of time, or consequences, following an unpleasant or unfortunate event.

afternoon /»Qft´r«nu˘n/, /af-ter-noon/ n the time from noon to evening.

afterthought /»Qft´r«TÅt/, /af-ter-thot/ n1 a fresh thought after an act or speech. 2 something added or done later, not part of an original plan.

afterwards /»Qft´rw´rdz/, /af-ter-wards/ adv later.

again /´»geIn, ´»gEn/, / a-gain, a-gen/ adv once more.

against /´»geInst, ´»gEnst/, /a-gainst, a-genst/ prep1 in opposition to. 2 supported by.

agate /»Qg´t/, /a-get/ n a very hard precious stone.

age /eIdZ/, /ayj/ n1 the length of time a person or thing has lived or existed. 2 (inf) a long time. 3 the state of being old. 4 a particular period in history. • vb1 to become old. 2 to make old.

aged /eIdZd/, /ayjd/ adj1 at the age of. 2 /ayj-ed/ old.

ageless /»eIdZl´s/, /ayj-less/ adj never becoming old.

agency /»eIdZ´nsi/, /ay-jen-see/ n the office or business of an agent.

agenda /´»dZEnd´/, /a-jen-da/ n a list of matters to be discussed at a meeting.

agent /»eIdZ´nt/, /ay-jent/ n1 someone or something that acts. 2 a person who acts on behalf of someone else.

aggravate /»Qgr´«veIt/, /a-gra-vate/ vb1 to make worse. 2 (inf) to make angry. • adjaggravating. • naggravation.

aggression /»Qgr´»geIS´n/, /a-gre-shun/ n1 an attack. 2 hostile feelings.

aggressive /´»grEsIv/, /a-gre-siv/ adj1 always ready to attack, quarrelsome. 2 forceful, determined. • advaggressively.

aggressor /´»grEs´r/, /a-gre-sor/ n the first to attack.

aggro /»Qgro˘/, /ag-gro/ n (inf) aggravation: 1 aggressive behaviour. 2 annoying problems or difficulties.

agile /»QdZaIl, »QdZ´l/, /a-jile, a-jel/ adj quick of movement, nimble. • nagility.

agitate /»QdZI«teIt/, /a-ji-tate/ vb1 to excite, to make anxious. 2 to try to stir up public feeling. 3 (fml) to shake. • nagitation.

agitator /»QdZI«teIt´r/, /a-ji-tay-tor/ n someone who tries to cause public discontent or revolt.

agnostic /Qg»nÅstIk/, /ag-naw-stic/ n someone who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved.

ago /´»go˘/, /a-go/ adv in the past.

agonize /»Qg´«naIz/, /a-gon-eyes/ v to suffer, or cause to suffer, agony.

agonizing /»Qg´«naIzIN/, /a-gon-eye-zing/ adj, alsoagonising 1 causing great pain. 2 causing great distress.

agony /»Qg´ni/, /a-gon-ee/ n1 great pain. 2 great distress.

agree /´»gri˘/, /a-gree/ vb1 to be of the same opinion. 2 to be alike. 3 to suit.

agreeable /´»gri˘´b´l/, /a-gree-a-bl/ adj1 pleasant. 2 ready to agree. • advagreeably.

agreement /´»gri˘m´nt/, /a-gree-ment/ n1 sameness of opinion. 2 likeness. 3 a contract.

agriculture /«QgrI»kåltS´r/, /a-gri-cul-cher/ n the science of cultivating the land, farming. • adjagricultural.

aground /´»graUnd/, /a-ground/ adj, adv on or on to the sea bed.

ahead /´»hEd/, /a-hed/ adv1 in front. 2 forward, for the future.

aid /eId/, /aid/ vb to help. • n help.

ailing /»eIlIN/, /ay-ling/ adj1 unwell. 2 weak.

ailment /»eIlm´nt/, /ayl-ment/ n a minor health problem.

aim /eIm/, /aim/ vb1 to point a weapon (at). 2 to intend, to try. • n1 the act of aiming a weapon. 2 intention, goal, purpose.

aimless /»eIml´s/, /aim-less/ adj without purpose.

air /Er/, /air/ n1 the mixture of gases composing the earth’s atmosphere. 2 a light breeze. 3 a tune. 4 manner. 5pl a manner that is not genuine. • vb1 to expose to fresh air. 2 to expose to warm air, to dry. 3 to speak openly about.

air bag /»ErbQg/, /air-bag/ n an inflatable safety device in automobiles that inflates on impact to cushion the driver.

air-conditioning /»Erk´n«dIS´nIN/, /air-con-dish-un-ing/ n a system for controlling the temperature and quality of the air in a building. • adjair-conditioned. • nair-conditioner.

aircraft /»ErkrQft/, /air-craft/ n (plaircraft) a flying machine.

airfield /»Erfi˘ld/, /air-feeld/ n a starting and landing place for aircraft.

airily /air-ill-ee/ adv in an airy manner.

airing /»ErIN/, /air-ing/ n1 act of exposing to fresh or warm air. 2 an outing in the open air.

airless /»Erl´s/, /air-less/ adj stuffy.

airline /»ErlaIn/, /air-line/ n a company providing regular aircraft services.

airliner /»ErlaIn´r/, /air-line-er/ n a large passenger aircraft.

airmail /»ErmeIl/, /air-male/ n a postal service where mail is carried by aeroplane.

airplane /»ErpleIn/, /air-plane/ US variant of aeroplane.

air pocket /»ErpokIt/, /airpock-it/ n a stream of air that carries an aircraft suddenly up or down.

airport /»Erpçrt/, /air-port/ n a station for passenger aircraft.

air raid /»Er reId/, /air rade/ n an attack by aircraft.

airship /»ErSIp/, /air-ship/ n an aircraft kept aloft by a gas-filled balloon and driven by a motor.

airtight /'ErtaIt/, /air-tite/ adj so sealed that air can pass neither in nor out.

airy /»Eri/, /ay-ree/ adj1 with plenty of fresh air. 2 lacking seriousness.

aisle /aIl/, /ile/ n1 the side part of a church, often separated from the central part by a row of pillars. 2 a passage in a church. 3 a passageway in a theatre or store.

ajar /´»dZAr/, /a-jar/ adv partly open.

akimbo /´»kImbo˘/, /a-kim-bo/ adv with the hand on the hip and the elbow outward.

akin /´»kIn/, /a-kin/ adj similar.

alabaster /»Ql´«bQst´r/, /a-la-bas-ter/ n a soft marble-like stone.

alarm /´»lArm/, /a-larm/ n1 a warning of danger. 2 sudden fear. • vb to frighten.

alarm clock /´»lArm klÅk/, /a-larm clock/ n a clock that can be set to ring or buzz to wake you.

alarming /´»lAr«mIN/, /a-larm-ing/ adj frightening. • advalarmingly.

alarmist /´»lAr«mIst/, /a-larm-ist/ n someone who needlessly spreads frightening news or rumours. • adj causing needless fear.

alas /´»lQs/, /a-las/ interj a cry of grief or pity.

albatross /»Qlb´«trÅs/, /al-ba-tross/ n a large white seabird.

albino /Ql»baIno˘/, /al-bee-no/ n a person or animal with white skin and hair and pink eyes because he or she has no natural colouring.

album /»Qlb´m/, /al-bum/ n1 a blank book into which may be put autographs, photographs, stamps, etc. 2 a collection of songs on a CD or other recording.

alcohol /»Qlk´hÅl/, /al-co-hol/ n1 pure spirit, also called ethanol. 2 an intoxicating drink containing such spirit.

alcoholic /«Qlk´»hÅlIk/, /al-co-hol-ic/ n someone who is addicted to alcohol. • adj having to do with alcohol.

alcove /»Ql«ko˘v/, /al-cove/ n a recess, a section of a room, etc, that is set back from the main part.

ale /eIl/, /ale/ n a light-coloured, bitter beer.

alert /´»l´rt/, /a-lert/ adj1 attentive. 2 quick. • n a warning of danger. • nalertness.

alfalfa /»QlfQlf´/, /al-fal-fa/ n a green plant used as cattle food.

algebra /»QldZ´br´/, /al-ji-bra/ n a method of calculation in which letters and symbols are used to represent numbers. • adjalgebraic.

alias /»eIli´s/, /ay-lee-ass/ adv otherwise. • n a false name.

alibi /»QlI«baI/, /a-li-buy/ n the plea that you were elsewhere when a crime was committed.

alien /»eIli´n/, /ay-lee-an/ adj1 foreign. 2 different, strange. • n1 a foreigner, a person who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where he or she is living. 2 a being from another world.

alienate /»eIli´neIt/, /ay-lee-an-ate/ vb to make unfriendly.

alight1 /´»l´It/, /a-lite/ vb1 to get down (from). 2 to settle upon.

alight2 /´»l´It/, /a-lite/ adj, adv, adj on fire.

align /´»laIn/, /a-line/ vb1 to put in line, to straighten. 2 to join, ally yourself with. • nalignment.

alike /´»l´Ik/, /a-like/ adj like, similar. • adv in the same way.

alimentary canal /´lI«mEn»tri k´nQl»/, /a-li-men-tree ca-nal/ n the passage through the body by which food is received and digested.

alimony /»Ql´«mo˘ni/, /a-li-mone-ee/ n the money payable regularly by a man or woman to his or her former spouse after legal separation or divorce.

alive /´»laIv/, /a-laiv/ adj1 living. 2 lively. 3 aware of.

alkali /»Qlk´laI/, /al-ka-lie/ n a substance such as potash or soda that neutralizes acids and unites with oil or fat to form soap.

all /Ål/, /ol/ adj1 every one of. 2 the whole of. • n1 everyone. 2 everything. • adv wholly, entirely.

Allah /»Ql´, Q»lA/, /a-la, a-lah/ n the Islamic name for God.

allay /»QleI/, /a-lay/ vb to calm.

allege /´»lEdZ/, /a-ledge/ vb to state without proof. • nallegation. • adjalleged.

allegiance /´»li˘dZ´ns/, /a-lee-jance/ n loyalty.

allegory /»QlI«g´ri/, /a-li-go-ree/ n a story with a hidden meaning different from the obvious one. • adjallegorical.

allegro /´»lEgro˘/, /a-le-gro/ adv (mus) briskly.

allergy /»Ql´rdZi/, /a-ler-jee/ n a reaction of the body to some substance. • adjallergic.

alleviate /´»li˘vieIt/, /a-lee-vee-ate/ vb to lessen. • nalleviation.

alley /»Qli/, /a-lee/ n1 a narrow walk or passage. 2 a lane for bowling. 3 a building containing lanes for bowling.

alliance /´»laI´ns/, /a-lie-anse/ n a union between families, governments, etc.

alliedseeally.

alligator /»QlI«geIt´r/, /a-li-gay-tor/ n a reptile related to the crocodile found in North America, South America and China.

alliteration /´«lIt´»reIS´n/, /a-lit-er-ay-shon/ n the repetition of a sound at the beginning of words especially in poetry, for example, ‘Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper’.

allocate /»Ql´«keIt/, /a-lo-cate/ vb to share out, to distribute. • nallocation.

allot /´»lÅt/, /a-lot/ vb (allotted, allotting) to give a share, to distribute.

allotment /-m´nt/, /a-lot-ment/ n1 act of allotting. 2 a small piece of land for growing vegetables, etc.

allow /´»laU/, /al-ow/ vb1 to permit. 2 to provide, to set aside.

allowable /´»laU´b´l/, /al-ow-a-bl/ adj permissible.

allowance /´laU»´ns/, /al-ow-anse/ n a sum of money granted for a special purpose. • make allowance for take into consideration.

alloy /Q»lçI/, /a-loy/ n a mixture of metals.

all right /Ål »raIt/, /ol rite/ adj1 acceptable or satisfactory. 2 safe or well. • adv an expression of agreement.

allude /´»lu˘d/, /a-lood/ vb to refer to, to mention. • nallusion. • adjallusive.

allure /´»lUr/, /a-loor/ vb to attract. • n attraction, charm. • nallurement. • adjalluring.

allusion /´»lu˘Z´n/, seeallude.

ally /Q»laI/, /a-lie/ vb to join with another for a special purpose (e.g. by marriage or by treaty). • adjallied. • n1 a helper. 2 a nation bound to another by treaty of friendship.

almanac /»Qlm´«nQk, »Ålm´«nQk/, /al-man-ac, ol-man-ac/ n, alsoalmanack (old) a book containing a calendar and information about anniversaries, tides, stars and planets, etc.

almighty /Ål»maIti/, /ol-mite-ee/ adj1 (often cap) all-powerful. 2 (inf) very great, strong, loud, etc. • nThe Almighty God.

almond /A˘m´nd/, /a-mond/ n an oval nut.

almost /»Ålmo˘st/, /ol-most/ adv nearly.

aloe /»Q«lo˘/, /a-loe/ n a plant with a bitter juice used in medicines, especially for the skin.

aloft /´»lÅft/, /a-loft/ adv high up in the air.

alone /´»lo˘n/, /a-lone/ adj, adv1 without company. 2 taken by itself.

alongside /´lÅN«saId»/, /a-long-side/ adv, prep by the side of.

aloof /´»lu˘f/, /a-loof/ adv apart, distant. • adj distant, cool. • naloofness.

aloud /´»laUd/, /a-loud/ adv so as can be heard.

alp /Qlp/, /alp/ n a high mountain.

alphabet /»Qlf´«bEt/, /al-fa-bet/ n the set of letters used in writing a language. • adjalphabetical.

alpine /Ql»paIn/, /al-pine/ adj having to do with high mountains, especially the Swiss Alps.

already /Ål»rEdi/, /ol-red-ee/ adv1 before this time, previously. 2 now or before the expected time.

altar /»Ålt´r/, /ol-ter/ n1 a raised place or table on which sacrifices are offered. 2 a Communion table.

alter /»Ålt´r/, /ol-ter/ vb to change. • nalteration.

alternate /»Ålt´rneIt/, /ol-ter-nit/ adj1 first one coming, then the other. 2 every other. 3 (esp US) alternative. • vb1 to do, use, cause, arrange, etc, by turns. 2 to happen by turns. • advalternately. • nalternation.

alternative /«Ålt´r»neItIv/, /ol-ter-na-tiv/ n1 a choice between two things. 2 (inf) a choice of two or more possibilities. • adj1 available, used, etc. instead of something else. 2 not conventional or traditional. • advalternatively.

although /Ål»Do˘/, /ol-tho/ conj though.

altitude /»QltI«tu˘d, »QltI«tju˘d/, /al-te-tood, al-te-tyood/ n height.

alto /»Qlto˘, »Ålto˘/, /al-toe, awl-toe/ n1 the highest male singing voice. 2 a low female singing voice, properly called contralto /con-tral-toe/. 3 a singer having this voice. • also adj.

altogether /«Ålt´»gED´r, »çlt´gED´r/, /ol-te-ge-ther, ol-te-ge-ther/ adv1 wholly. 2 including everything. 3 on the whole.

altruism /»Ål«tru˘Iz´m, »Ql«tru˘Iz´m/, /ol-trew-ism, al-troo-izm/ n acting to please others rather than yourself. • naltruist. • adjaltruistic.

aluminium /´»lju˘mIni´m, al-yoo-min-ee-em/, alsoaluminum /´»lu˘mIn´m/, /al-oo-min-em/ (US) n a soft, white, light metal.

Alzheimer’s (disease) /»Ålts«haIm´rz, »Qlts-/, /olts-hime-ers, altz-/ n a brain disease mainly affecting elderly people and causing memory loss and confusion.

always /ȁlweIz/, /ol-waze/ adv at all times.

am /Qm/, /am/ vb the form of the verb to be used with ‘I’.

amalgam /´»mQlg´m/, /a-mal-gam/ n a mixture, especially of mercury with another metal.

amalgamate /´»mQlg´«meIt/, /a-mal-ga-mate/ vb to unite, to join together. • namalgamation.

amass /´»mQs/, /a-mass/ vb to collect a large amount of.

amateur /-t´r, »Qm´tS´r/, /a-ma-ter, a-ma-cher/ n1 someone who takes part in any activity for the love of it, rather than for money. 2 a person without skill or expertise in something. • namateurism.

amateurish /»Qm´t»S´rIS, «Qm´»tS´rIS, -»t´rIS/, /a-ma-te-rish, a-ma-che-rish/ adj inexpert, unskilful.

amaze /´»meIz/, /a-maze/ vb to astonish. • namazement.

ambassador /Qm»bQs´d´r/, /am-bass-sa-dor/ n a high-ranking official appointed to represent his or her government in a foreign country. • adjambassadorial.

amber /»Qmb´r/, /am-ber/ n a clear yellowish substance used for ornaments. • adj1 made of amber. 2 brownish yellow.

ambidextrous /«Qmbi»dEkstr´s/, /am-bi-dek-strus/ adj able to do things equally well with either hand.

ambiguous /Qm»bIgju˘´s/, /am-bi-gyoo-uss/ adj having more than one meaning. • nambiguity.

ambition /Qm»bIS´n/, /am-bi-shen/ n1 desire for power, determination to succeed. 2 a goal, aim. • adjambitious.

amble /»Qmb´l/, /am-bl/ vb to walk at an easy pace. • n1 an easy pace. 2 a slow walk. • nambler.

ambulance /»QmbjUl´ns/, /am-byoo-lanss/ n a vehicle for carrying the sick or injured.

ambush /»QmbUS/, /am-boosh/ n1 a body of people so hidden as to be able to make a surprise attack on an approaching enemy. 2 the place where such people hide. 3 a surprise attack made by people in hiding. • vb to lie in wait, to attack from an ambush.

ameba US variant of amoeba.

ameliorate /´»mi˘li´«reIt/, /a-meel-ye-rayt/ vb1 to make better. 2 to grow better. • namelioration.

amen /Å»mEn, eI»mEn/, /ay-men, ay-men/ interj may it be so!; so be it!

amenable /´»mEn´b´l/, /a-mee-na-bl/ adj ready to be guided or influenced.

amend /´»mEnd/, /a-mend/ vb1 to correct. 3 to alter slightly. • to make amends to make up for a wrong done.

amendment /´»mEndm´nt/, /a-mend-ment/ n1 an improvement. 2 an alteration (e.g. in a law).

amenities /´»mi˘n´tiz/, /a-mee-ne-tees, a-meh-ne-tees/ npl things that make life easier or more pleasant.

American Indian /´»mErik´n »indi´n/, /a-me-ri-can in-dee-an/ n a native person of the United States or Canada. • adj describing the native people of the United States and Canada and their languages, customs, etc.

amethyst /»QmETIst/, /a-me-thest/ n a precious stone of a bluish-violet or purple colour.

amiable /»eImi´b´l/, /ay-mee-abl/ adj friendly, pleasant. • namiability.

amicable /»QmIk´b´l/, /a-mi-ca-bl/ adj friendly.

amid, /´»mId/, amidst /´mIdst/, /a-mid, a-midst/ prep in the middle of, among.

amiss /´»mIs/, /a-miss/ adv wrong. • take amiss to take offence at.

ammonia /´»mo˘ni´, /a-mo-nee-a/ n1 a strong-smelling, colourless gas. 2 a solution of ammonia gas and water.

ammunition /«QmjU»nIS´n/, /am-ye-ni-shen/ n1 gunpowder, bullets, shells, etc. 2 facts, etc, used against someone in an argument.

amnesia /Qm»ni˘S´/, /am-nee-zha/ n loss of memory.

amnesty /»Qmn´sti/, /am-ne-stee/ n a general pardon.

amoeba /´»mi˘b´/, /a-mee-ba/ n, alsoameba (US) (plamoebae, amebae a tiny living creature found in water. • adjamoebic, amebic.

among, /´»måN/, amongst /´»måNst/, /a-mung, a-mungst/ prep1 in the middle of. 2 in shares or parts to each person. 3 in the group of.

amorous /»Qm´r´s/, /a-mo-rus, am-rus/ adj feeling or expressing love or sexual desire.

amount /´»maUnt/, /a-mount/ vb1 to add up to. 2 to be equal to. • n the sum total.

ampseeampere.

ampere /»QmpEr/, /am-pir/ n the unit used in measuring electric current, usually shortened to amp.

ampersand /»Qmp´r«sQnd/, /am-per-sand/ n a character (&) that stands for ‘and’.

amphibian /Qm»fIbi´n/, /am-fi-bee-an/ n1 a creature that can live both on land and in water. 2 a vehicle designed to move over land or water. 3 an aircraft that can take off from or land on either land or water. • adjamphibious.

amphitheatre /«QmfI»Ti˘´t´r/, /am-fe-thee-e-ter/ n, alsoamphitheater (US) an oval or circular theatre or building in which the seats rise in tiers around and above a central stage or arena.

ample /Qmp´l/, /am-pl/ adj1 large. 2 enough, sufficient, more than enough.

amplificationseeamplify.

amplifier /»Qmpl´«faIr/, /am-ple-fie-er/ n an instrument for making sounds louder.

amplify /»Qmpl´«faI/, /am-ple-fie/ vb1 to enlarge. 2 to make louder. • namplification /»Qmpl´f´»keIS´n/, /am-pli-fi-kay-shun/.

amplitude /»Qmpl´«tu˘d, -«tju˘d/, /am-pli-tood, am-pli-tyood/ n size, extent, abundance.

amply /»Qmpli/, /am-plee/ adv fully, sufficiently.

amputate /»QmpjU«teIt/, /am-pye-tate/ vb to cut off. • namputation.

amulet /»QmjUl´t/, /am-ye-let/ n an ornament worn as a charm against evils.

amuse /´»mju˘z/, /a-myooz/ vb1 to entertain, to give pleasure. 2 to make laugh or smile. • adjamusing.

amusement /´»mju˘zm´nt/, /a-myooz-ment/ n1 pleasure, entertainment. 2 entertainment, pastime.

an /Qn/, /an/ seea.

anaconda /«Qn´»kÅnd´/, /a-na-con-da/ n a large snake of South America.

anaemia /´»ni˘mi´/, /a-nee-mee-a/ n, alsoanemia (US) a condition caused by lack of red corpuscles in the blood, which causes pallor and fatigue.

anaemic /´»ni˘mIk/, /a-nee-mic/ adj, alsoanemic (US) 1 suffering from anaemia. 2 pale, colourless. 3 lifeless, lacking spirit.

anaesthesia /«Qn´s»Ti˘zi´, -Z´/, /a-ness-thee-zha/ n, alsoanesthesia (US) loss of feeling.

anaesthetic /«Qn´s»TEtIk/, /a-ness-thet-ic/ n, alsoanesthetic (US) a substance that causes loss of feeling for a time, either in the whole body (general anaesthetic) or in a limited area of the body, such as a leg (local anaesthetic). • alsoadj. • vbanaesthetize, -ise, alsoanesthetize (US).

anaesthetist /´»nEsT´tIst, ´»ni˘-/, /a-nes-the-tist/ n, alsoanesthetist (US) a medical doctor specializing in anaesthetics.

anagram /»Qn´«grQm/, /a-na-gram/ n a word or words formed by arranging the letters of a word or phrase in a new order (e.g. mite from time).

analogue /»Qn´«lÅg/, /a-na-log/ n, alsoanalog (US) an object, e.g. such as a pointer on a dial, used to measure something else.

analogous /´»nQl´g´s/, /a-na-lo-gus/ adj similar.

analogy /´»nQl´dZi/, /a-na-lo-jee/ n1 likeness. 2 the process of reasoning based on such similarity.

analyse /»Qn´«laIz/, /a-na-lize/ vb, alsoanalyze (US) to break a thing up into its parts or elements.

analysis /´»nQl´sIs/, /a-na-li-siss/ n (planalyses) 1 the process of analysing. 2 a statement of the results of this. 3short forpsychoanalysis. • adjanalytical.

analyst /»Qn´lIst/, /a-na-list/ n1 someone who analyses, especially in chemistry. 2 short for psychoanalyst.

analyticalseeanalysis.

anarchist /»Qn´rkIst/, /a-nar-kist/ n who wishes to do away with all government.

anarchy /»Qn´rki/, /a-nar-kee/ n1 lawlessness. 2 absence of government.

anathema /´»nQT´m´/, /a-na-the-ma/ n1 a solemn curse. 2 a thing that is accursed or hateful. 3 something or someone that one detests or strongly disapproves of.

anatomy /´»nQt´mi/, /a-na-ta-mee/ n1 the study of the way the body is put together. 2 the cutting up of a body to study its parts and their relation to one another. 3 the body. • adjanatomical. • nanatomist.

ancestor /»Qn«sEst´r/, /an-sess-tor/ n forefather, a person from whom you are descended. • adjancestral.

ancestry /»QnsEstri˘/, /an-sess-tree/ n line of forefathers.

anchor /»QNk´r/, /ang-kor/ n1 a heavy iron hook that grips the sea bed and holds a ship at rest in the water. 2 a person or thing that provides support, stability or security. • vb1 to hold fast by an anchor. 2 to drop an anchor. • to weigh anchor to take up an anchor before sailing.

anchorage /»QNk´rIdZ/, /ang-ko-ridge/ n a place where a ship can anchor.

anchovy /»Qn«tSo˘vi/, /an-tcho-vee/ n a small strong-tasting fish of the herring family.

ancient /»eInS´nt/, /ayn-shent/ adj1 old, existing since early times. 2 belonging to old times. 3 (inf) very old. • the ancients those who lived long ago, especially the Greeks and Romans.

ancillary /Qn»sIl´ri/, /ant-si-le-ree/ adj supporting, helping, subsidiary.

andante /Qn»dÅnteI, -»dQnteI/, /an-dan-tay/ adj (mus) with slow and graceful movement.

anecdote /»Qn´k«do˘t/, /a-nec-dote/ n a short, interesting or amusing story about a person or event.

anemia US variant of anaemia.

anemic US variant of anaemic.

anemone /´»nEm´ni/, /a-ne-me-nee/ n the wind-flower, a kind of garden plant with red, purple, or white flowers.

anesthesia US variant of anaesthesia.

anesthesiologist US variant of anaesthetist.

anesthetic US variant of anaesthetic.

anesthetist US variant of anaesthetist.

anew /´»nu˘, -»nju˘/, /a-noo, a-nyoo/ adv (fml or old) again, in a new or different way.

angel /»eIndZ´l/, /ayn-jel/ n1 in Christianity, a spirit created to serve God. 2 a very good and helpful person. • adjangelic.

anger /»QNg´r/, /ang-ger/ n a feeling of rage or fury. • vb to enrage.

angina /Qn»dZaIn´/, /an-jie-na/ n a disease of the heart, causing sudden, sharp pains.

angle1 /»QNg´l/, /ang-gl/ n1 the space between two meeting lines. 2 a corner. 3 point of view.

angle2 /»QNg´l/, /ang-gl/ vb1 to fish with hook and bait. 2 to try to get by indirect means.

angling /»QNglIN/, /ang-gling/ n the art of fishing with a rod. • nangler.

angora /Qn»gçr´/, /ang-go-ra/ n wool from a long-haired goat.

angry /»QNgri/, /ang-gree/ adj feeling or showing anger. • advangrily.

anguish /»QNgwIS/, /ang-guish/ n very great pain, of body or mind. • adjanguished.

angular /»QNgjUl´r/, /ang-gyoo-lar/ adj1 sharp-cornered. 2 thin and bony.

animal /»QnIm´l/, /a-ni-mal/ n1 a living being with the power to feel and to move at will. 2 such a living being other than human beings. 3 a four-footed creature, as distinct from a bird, fish, or insect. 4 a wild or uncivilized person.

animate /»QnIm´t/, /a-ni-mate/ vb1 to give life to. 2 to enliven, to make lively and interesting. • adj /a-ni-mit/ living.

animation /«QnI»meIS´n/, /a-ni-may-shun/ n liveliness, excitement.

animosity /«Qn´»mÅsIti/, /a-ni-mo-si-tee/ n strong dislike, hatred.

ankle /»QNk´l/, /ang-kl/ n the joint that connects the foot with the leg.

annex /»QnEks/, /a-neks, a-neks/ vb, alsoannexe 1 to add to the end. 2 to take possession of. • n a part added to or situated near a building. • nannexation.

annihilate /´»naI´«leIt/, /a-nie-e-late/ vb to destroy completely. • nannihilation.

anniversary /«QnI»v´rs´ri/, /an-ni-ver-sa-ree/ n the yearly return of the date on which some event occurred and is remembered.

annotate /»Qno˘«teIt, -n´-/, /an-no-tate/ vb to write notes upon. • nannotation.

announce /´»naUns/, /a-nounse/ vb to make known. • nannouncement.

announcer /-´r/, /a-noun-ser/ n in broadcasting, someone who makes known the programmes or reads news items.

annoy /´»nçI/, /an-noy/ vb to vex; to tease; to be troubled by something you dislike. • nannoyance.

annual /»QnjU´l/, /an-ye-wel/ adj1 yearly. 2 happening every year or only once a year. • n1 a plant lasting only for one year. 2 a book of which a new edition is published yearly. • advannually.

anoint /´»nçInt/, /a-noint/ vb to put oil on, especially with the intention of making holy.

anomaly /´»nÅm´li/, /a-nom-a-lee/ n something unusual, irregular or not normal. • adjanomalous.

anon1 /´»nÅn/, /a-non/ adv (old or hum) soon.

anonymous /´»nÅnIm´s/, /a-non-ni-muss/ adj nameless, of unknown name. • nanonymity.

anorak /»Qn´«rQk/, /an-o-rak/ n1 a light waterproof jacket with a hood and zip. 2 a person who is so interested in a particular subject that other people regard them as a bore.

anorexia /«Qn´»rEksi´/, /a-ne-rek-see-a/ n an eating disorder in which someone refuses to eat in order to lose weight, although already very thin. • adjanorexic.

answer /»Qns´r/, /an-ser/ vb1 to reply to. 2 to be suitable, to fit. 3 to accept blame for or punishment. 4 to be responsible to. • n1 a reply. 2 a solution (to a problem).

answerable /»Qns´r´b´l/, /an-se-re-bl/ adj open to blame for.

answering machine /»Qns´rIN m´»Si˘n/ /an-se-ring ma-sheen/ n a machine that records telephone messages while someone is out.

ant /Qnt/, /ant/ n a small, social insect, that lives in a colony.

antagonism /Qn»tQg´«nIz´m/, /an-ta-ge-nizm/ n opposition, ill feeling.

antagonist /Qn»tQg´nIst/, /an-ta-ge-nist/ n an opponent.

antagonistic /Qn«tQg´»nIstIk/, /an-ta-ge-nis-tic/ adj opposed to, hostile.

antagonize /Qn»tQg´«naIz/, /an-ta-ge-nize/ vb, alsoantagonise to make an enemy of.

antacid /Qnt»QsId/, /an-tass-id/ n a medicine that makes the stomach less acidic and relieves pain caused by acid.

Antarctic /Qnt»ArktIk, -»ArtIk/, /ant-arc-tic/ adj of south polar regions. • nthe ~ Antarctica, the continent around the South Pole.

anteater /»Qnt«i˘t´r/, /an-tee-ter/ n a mammal with a long snout that feeds on ants and termites.

antecedent /-»si˘d´nt/, /an-te-see-dent/ adj (fml) going before. • nplantecedents the previous family, history, etc, of a person.

antelope /»Qnt´«lo˘p/, /an-te-lope/ n a graceful, delicate animal like the deer.

antenatal /«QntI»neIt´l/, /an-ti-nay-tal/ adj before birth.

antenna /Qn»tEn´/, /an-ten-na/ n1 (plantennae) the feeler of an insect. 2 (esp US) (plantennas) a wire or rod, etc, for receiving radio waves or television signals.

anthem /»QnT´m/, /an-thum/ n a hymn or song of praise to God.

anthology /Qn»TÅl´dZi/, /an-tho-le-jee/ n a collection of pieces of poetry or prose by different authors.

anthracite /»QnTr´«s´It/, /ant-thre-site/ n a type of coal that burns almost without flame or smoke.

anthrax /»QnTrQks/, /an-thraks/ n a disease attacking sheep or cattle and sometimes infecting humans.

anthropology /«QnTr´»pÅl´dZi/, /an-thre-po-le-jee/ n the study of human beings in relation to their surroundings.

anti- /»Qnti, »QntaI/, /an-tie, an-ti/ prefix against.

antibiotic /«QntibaI»Åtik/, /an-ti-bie-o-tic/ n a substance used in medicine to destroy bacteria that cause disease. • alsoadj.

antibody /»Qnti«bÅdi/, /an-ti-bo-dee/ n a protein your body produces to fight infections and illnesses.

anticipate /Qn»tIsI«peIt/, /an-ti-si-pate/ vb1 to expect. 2 to take action in advance of. 3 to foresee. • nanticipation.

anticlimax /«QntI»klaImQks, »QntaI-/, /an-ti-clie-maks/ n an unexpectedly dull ending to a striking series of events.

anticlockwise /«Qnti»klÅkwaIz/, /an-ti-clock-wise/ adj going around in the opposite direction from the hands of a clock.

antics /»QntIcs/, /an-tiks/ npl absurd or exaggerated behaviour.

antidote /»QntI«do˘t/, /an-ti-dote/ n a medicine that counteracts the effects of poison or disease.

antipathy /Qn»tIp´Ti/, /an-ti-pa-thee/ n dislike, opposition to.

antiquated /»QntI«kweIt´d/, /an-te-kway-ted/ adj old-fashioned, out of date.

antique /Qn»ti˘k/, /an-teek/ adj1 made in an earlier period and usually valuable. 2 (fml) connected with ancient times. • n a piece of furniture, jewellery, etc, made in an earlier period and considered valuable.

antiquity /Qn»tIkwIti/, /an-ti-kwe-tee/ n1 ancient times, especially those of the Greeks and Romans. 2 great age.

antiseptic /«QntI»sEptIk/, /an-ti-sep-tic/ adj having the power to kill germs. • n an antiseptic substance.

antithesis /Qn»tIT´sIs/, /an-ti-thi-sis/ n (plantitheses) 1 contrast of ideas, emphasized by similarity in expressing them. 2 the exact opposite. • adjantithetical.

antler /»Qntl´r/, /ant-ler/ n a branch of a stag’s horn. • adjantlered.

antonym /»Qnt´nIm/, /an-ti-nim/ n a word meaning the opposite of.

anxious /»QnkS´s/, /ang-shus/ adj worried about what will happen or has happened. • nanxiety.

any /»Eni/, /en-ee/ adj1 one out of many. 2 some. 3 every. • adv at all.

anybody /»Eni«bådi, -«bÅdi/, /en-ee-baw-dee/ pron any person.

anyhow /»Eni«haU/, /en-ee-how/ adv1 in any way, whatever. 2 in any case.

anyone /»Eni«wån/, /en-ee-won/ pron any person, anybody.

anything /»EniTIN/, /en-ee-thing/ pron any object, event, fact etc. • n a thing, no matter what kind. • adv at all.

anytime /»Eni«ta"m/, /en-ee-time/ adv at any hour, day, week, etc.

anyway /»Eni«wEI/, /en-ee-way/ adv in any case. • advany way in any manner.

anywhere /»Eni«wEr/, /en-ee-ware/ in, at, or to any place.

aorta /eI»çrt´/, /ae-or-ta/ n the great artery leading from the heart, carrying blood to all parts of the body.

apart /´»pArt/, /a-part/ adv separately.

apartheid /´»pArt´It, -taId/, /a-part-hide/ n a policy where different races are kept apart.

apartment /´»pArtm´nt/, /a-part-ment/ n1 a room. 2 (esp. US) a set of rooms rented as a dwelling.

apathy /»Qp´Ti/, /a-path-ee/ n lack of feeling or interest. • adjapathetic.

ape /eIp/, /ape/ n a mammal resembling a tailless monkey (e.g. gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan, gibbon). • vb to imitate exactly.

aperture /»Qp´r«tS´r/, /a-per-choor/ n an opening, a hole.

apex /»eIpEks/, /ay-peks/ n (plapexesorapices) the top or highest point.

aphid /»eIfId/, /ay-fid/ n an insect that lives on the sap of green plants.

aphorism /»Qf´«rIz´m/, /a-for-iz-um/ n a short, wise saying.

apiary /»eIpi«Eri/, /ay-pee-ar-ee/ n a place where bees are kept.

apiece /´»pi˘s/, /a-peess/ adv to or for each one.

apocalyptic /´«pÅk´»lIptIk/, /a-poc-a-lip-tic/ adj1 telling of great misfortune in the future. 2 relating to an event of great importance, particularly an event of disastrous or catastrophic importance.

apocryphal /´»pÅkrIf´l/, /a-poc-ra-fal/ adj not likely to be genuine; doubtful or untrue.

apologetic /´«pÅl´»dZEtIk/, /a-pol-o-je-tic/ adj making excuses, expressing regret.

apologize /´»pÅl´«dZaIz/, /a-pol-o-jize/ vb, alsoapologise to express regret for a fault or error, to say you are sorry.

apology /´»pÅl´dZi/, /a-pol-o-jee/ n an admission that wrong has been done, an expression of regret.

apostle /´»pÅs´l/, /a-pos-l/ n1 someone sent to preach the gospel. 2 one of the twelve disciples of Christ.

apostrophe /´»pÅstr´fi/, /a-pos-tro-fee/ n a mark (’) indicating the possessive case or omission of certain letters.

appal /´»pÅl/, /a-pawl/ vb, alsoappall (US) to shock, to horrify. • appals, appalled, appallingalso (US) appalls, appalled, appalling.

appalling /-IN/, /a-paw-ling/ adj shocking, terrible, horrific.

apparatus /«Qp´»rQt´s, -»reIt-/, /a-pa-ra-tus/ n tools or equipment for doing work.

apparel /´»pQr´l/, /a-par-el/ n clothing. • vb (old) to dress.

apparent /´»pQr´nt/, /a-pa-rent/ adj1 easily seen, evident. 2 seeming but not necessarily real.

apparently /´»pEr´ntlI/, /a-pa-rent-lee/ adv evidently, seemingly.

appeal /´»pi˘l/, /a-peel/ vb1 to make an earnest and strong request for. 2 to carry (a law case) to a higher court. 3 to interest, to please. • alson.

appear /´»pi˘r/, /a-peer/ vb1 to come into sight. 2 to seem. • nappearance.

appease /´»pi˘z/, /a-peez/ vb1 to calm, to make peaceful. 2 to satisfy by giving what is wanted. • nappeasement.

append/´»pEnd/, /a-pend/ vb to add, to attach.

appendage /´»pEndIdZ/, /a-pen-dige/ n1 something added or attached. 2 something forming a part or attached to something larger or more important.

appendicitis /´«pEndI»saItIs/, /a-pend-ih-sie-tis/ n a painful disease of the appendix, requiring surgical removal.

appendix /´»pEndIks/, /a-pen-diks/ n (plappendixesorappendices) 1 information added at the end of a book. 2 in your digestive system, a short, closed tube leading off the bowels.

appetite /»Qp´«t´It/, /a-pe-tite/ n desire to have something, especially food or pleasure.

appetizer /-«taIz´r/, /a-pe-tize-er/ n, alsoappetiser something eaten or drunk to stimulate the appetite.

appetizing /-«taIzIN/, /a-pe-tize-ing/ adj, alsoappetising increasing the desire for food.

applaud /´»plÅd/, /a-plod/ vb1 to praise by clapping or shouting. 2 to praise. • napplause.

apple /»Qp´l/, /a-pl/ n1 a tree with many varieties, and pink or white blossom. 2 the sweet fruit of this tree.

appliance /´»plaI´ns/, /a-plie-anse/ n an instrument intended for some particular use.

applicable /´»plIk´b´l/, /a-pli-ca-bl/ adj that may be applied, suitable under the circumstances. • napplicability.

applicant /»QplIk´nt/, /a-plic-ant/ n someone who asks for, a person who applies for or makes a formal request for.

application /«QplI»keIS´n/, /a-pli-cay-shon/ n1 the act of applying. 2 a formal request. 3 perseverance, hard work.

apply /´»plaI/, /a-ply/ vb1 to put or spread on. 2 to use. 3 to pay attention (to), to concentrate. 4 to ask for, to put in a formal request for. 5 to concern or be relevant to.

appoint /´»pçInt/, /a-point/ vb1 to choose for a job or position. 2 (fml) to fix or decide on.

appointment /´»pçIntm´nt/, /a-point-ment/ n1 a post or position. 2 a meeting arranged for a certain time.

appraisal /´»preIz´l/, /a-prase-al/ n the assessment of the value or quality of.

appraise /´»preIz/, /a-prase/ vb to judge the value, quality, ability, etc, of.

appreciable /´»pri˘S´b´l/, /a-pree-sha-bl/ adj enough to be noticed. • advappreciably.

appreciate /´»pri˘Si«eIt/, /a-pree-shee-ate/ vb1 to recognize the value or good qualities of, to enjoy. 2 to understand fully, to recognize. 3 to be grateful for. 4 to rise in value.

appreciation /´«pri˘Si»eIS´n/, /a-pree-shee-ay-shon/ n1 a good or just opinion of. 2 gratitude. 3 understanding. 4 increase in value.

appreciative /´»pri˘S´tIv/, /a-pree-sha-tive/ adj1