English language - Dictionaries C...Oxford English ReferenceBritish Library Cataloguing Data The concise Oxford dictionary of current English.--8th ed. 1. English language--Dictionaries I. Allen, R. E. (Robert Edward), 1944-423 ISBN 0-19-861243-5 thumb index ISBN 0-19-861200-1 plain 1.0 C... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- C(1) n. (also c) (pl. Cs or C's) 1 the third letter of the alphabet. 2 Mus. the first note of the diatonic scale of C major (the major scale having no sharps or flats). 3 the third hypothetical person or example. 4 the third highest class or category (of academic marks etc.). 5 Algebra (usu. c) the third known quantity. 6 (as a Roman numeral) 100. 7 (c) the speed of light in a vacuum. 8 (also °) copyright. C(2) symb. Chem. the element carbon. C(3) abbr. (also C.) 1 Cape. 2 Conservative. 3 Command Paper (second series, 1870-99). 4 Celsius, Centigrade. 5 coulomb(s), capacitance. c. abbr. 1 century; centuries. 2 chapter. 3 cent(s). 4 cold. 5 cubic. 6 colt. 7 Cricket caught by. 8 centi-. c. abbr. circa, about. c/- abbr. Austral. & NZ care of. 2.0 CA... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CA abbr. 1 US California (in official postal use). 2 Sc. & Can. chartered accountant. Ca symb. Chem. the element calcium. ca. abbr. circa, about. CAA abbr. (in the UK) Civil Aviation Authority. Caaba var. of KAABA. CAB abbr. 1 Citizens' Advice Bureau. 2 US Civil Aeronautics Board. cab n. 1 a taxi. 2 the driver's compartment in a lorry, train, or crane. 3 hist. a hackney carriage. [abbr. of CABRIOLET] cabal n. 1 a secret intrigue. 2 a political clique or faction. 3 hist. a committee of five ministers under Charles II, whose surnames happened to begin with C, A, B, A, and L. [F cabale f. med.L cabala, CABBALA] cabala var. of CABBALA. caballero n. (pl. -os) a Spanish gentleman. [Sp.: see CAVALIER] cabana n. US a hut or shelter at a beach or swimming-pool. [Sp. caba¤a f. LL (as CABIN)] cabaret n. 1 an entertainment in a nightclub or restaurant while guests eat or drink at tables. 2 such a nightclub etc. [F, = wooden structure, tavern] cabbage n. 1 a any of several cultivated varieties of Brassica oleracea, with thick green or purple leaves forming a round heart or head. b this head usu. eaten as vegetable. 2 colloq. derog. a person who is inactive or lacks interest. Ьcabbage palm a palm tree, Cordyline australis, with edible cabbage-like terminal buds. cabbage rose a double rose with a large round compact flower. cabbage tree = cabbage palm. cabbage white a butterfly, Pieris brassicae, whose caterpillars feed on cabbage leaves. ЬЬcabbagy adj. [earlier cabache, -oche f. OF (Picard) caboche head, OF caboce, of unkn. orig.] cabbala n. (also cabala, kabbala) 1 the Jewish mystical tradition. 2 mystic interpretation; any esoteric doctrine or occult lore. ЬЬcabbalism n. cabbalist n. cabbalistic adj. [med.L f. Rabbinical Heb. kabbalѓ tradition] cabby n. (also cabbie) (pl. -ies) colloq. a taxi-driver. [CAB + -Y(2)] caber n. a roughly trimmed tree-trunk used in the Scottish Highland sport of tossing the caber. [Gael. cabar pole] cabin n. & v. --n. 1 a small shelter or house, esp. of wood. 2 a room or compartment in an aircraft or ship for passengers or crew. 3 a driver's cab. --v.tr. (cabined, cabining) confine in a small place, cramp. Ьcabin-boy a boy who waits on a ship's officers or passengers. cabin class the intermediate class of accommodation in a ship. cabin crew the crew members on an aeroplane attending to passengers and cargo. cabin cruiser a large motor boat with living accommodation. [ME f. OF cabane f. Prov. cabana f. LL capanna, cavanna] cabinet n. 1 a a cupboard or case with drawers, shelves, etc., for storing or displaying articles. b a piece of furniture housing a radio or television set etc. 2 (Cabinet) the committee of senior ministers responsible for controlling government policy. 3 archaic a small private room. Ьcabinet-maker a skilled joiner. Cabinet Minister Brit. a member of the Cabinet. cabinet photograph one of about 6 by 4 inches. cabinet pudding a steamed pudding with dried fruit. [CABIN + -ET(1), infl. by F cabinet] cable n. & v. --n. 1 a thick rope of wire or hemp. 2 an encased group of insulated wires for transmitting electricity or electrical signals. 3 a cablegram. 4 a Naut. the chain of an anchor. b a measure of 200 yards. 5 (in full cable stitch) a knitted stitch resembling twisted rope. 6 Archit. a rope-shaped ornament. --v. 1 a tr. transmit (a message) by cablegram. b tr. inform (a person) by cablegram. c intr. send a cablegram. 2 tr. furnish or fasten with a cable or cables. 3 Archit. tr. furnish with cables. Ьcable-car 1 a small cabin (often one of a series) suspended on an endless cable and drawn up and down a mountainside etc. by an engine at one end. 2 a carriage drawn along a cable railway. cable-laid (of rope) having three triple strands. cable railway a railway along which carriages are drawn by an endless cable. cable television a broadcasting system with signals transmitted by cable to subscribers' sets. [ME f. OF chable, ult. f. LL capulum halter f. Arab. habl] cablegram n. a telegraph message sent by undersea cable etc. cableway n. a transporting system with a usu. elevated cable. cabman n. (pl. -men) the driver of a cab. cabochon n. a gem polished but not faceted. Ь en cabochon (of a gem) treated in this way. [F dimin. of caboche: see CABBAGE] caboodle n. Ьthe whole caboodle sl. the whole lot (of persons or things). [19th c. US: perh. f. phr. kit and boodle] caboose n. 1 a kitchen on a ship's deck. 2 US a guard's van; a car on a freight train for workmen etc. [Du. cabuse, of unkn. orig.] cabotage n. 1 Naut. coastal navigation and trade. 2 esp. Aeron. the reservation to a country of (esp. air) traffic operation within its territory. [F f. caboter to coast, perh. f. Sp. cabo CAPE(2)] cabotin n. (fem. cabotine) a second-rate actor; a strolling player. [F, = strolling player, perh. formed as CABOTAGE, from the resemblance to vessels travelling from port to port] cabriole n. a kind of curved leg characteristic of Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture. [F f. cabrioler, caprioler f. It. capriolare to leap in the air; from the resemblance to a leaping animal's foreleg: see CAPRIOLE] cabriolet n. 1 a light two-wheeled carriage with a hood, drawn by one horse. 2 a motor car with a folding top. [F f. cabriole goat's leap (cf. CAPRIOLE), applied to its motion] ca'canny n. 1 the practice of 'going slow' at work; a trade union policy of limiting output. 2 extreme caution. [Sc., = proceed warily: see CALL v. 16, CANNY] cacao n. (pl. -os) 1 a seed pod from which cocoa and chocolate are made. 2 a small widely cultivated evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, bearing these. [Sp. f. Nahuatl cacauatl (uatl tree)] cachalot n. a sperm whale. [F f. Sp. & Port. cachalote, of unkn. orig.] cache n. & v. --n. 1 a hiding-place for treasure, provisions, ammunition, etc. 2 what is hidden in a cache. --v.tr. put in a cache. [F f. cacher to hide] cachectic adj. relating to or having the symptoms of cachexia. cachet n. 1 a distinguishing mark or seal. 2 prestige. 3 Med. a flat capsule enclosing a dose of unpleasant-tasting medicine. [F f. cacher press ult. f. L coactare constrain] cachexia n. (also cachexy) a condition of weakness of body or mind associated with chronic disease. [F cachexie or LL cachexia f. Gk kakhexia f. kakos bad + hexis habit] cachinnate v.intr. literary laugh loudly. ЬЬcachinnation n. cachinnatory adj. [L cachinnare cachinnat-] cacholong n. a kind of opal. [F f. Mongolian kashchilon beautiful stone] cachou n. 1 a lozenge to sweeten the breath. 2 var. of CATECHU. [F f. Port. cachu f. Malay kachu: cf. CATECHU] cachucha n. a Spanish solo dance. [Sp.] cacique n. 1 a W. Indian or American Indian native chief. 2 a political boss in Spain or Latin America. [Sp., of Carib orig.] cack-handed adj. colloq. 1 awkward, clumsy. 2 left-handed. ЬЬcack-handedly adv. cack-handedness n. [dial. cack excrement] cackle n. & v. --n. 1 a clucking sound as of a hen or a goose. 2 a loud silly laugh. 3 noisy inconsequential talk. --v. 1 intr. emit a cackle. 2 intr. talk noisily and inconsequentially. 3 tr. utter or express with a cackle. Ьcut the cackle colloq. stop talking aimlessly and come to the point. [ME prob. f. MLG, MDu. kakelen (imit.)] cacodemon n. (also cacodaemon) 1 an evil spirit. 2 a malignant person. [Gk kakodaimon f. kakos bad + daimon spirit] cacodyl n. a malodorous, toxic, spontaneously flammable liquid, tetramethyldiarsine. ЬЬcacodylic adj. [Gk kakodes stinking f. kakos bad] cacoethes n. an urge to do something inadvisable. [L f. Gk kakoethes neut. adj. f. kakos bad + ethos disposition] cacography n. 1 bad handwriting. 2 bad spelling. ЬЬcacographer n. cacographic adj. cacographical adj. [Gk kakos bad, after orthography] cacology n. 1 bad choice of words. 2 bad pronunciation. [LL cacologia f. Gk kakologia vituperation f. kakos bad] cacomistle n. any racoon-like animal of several species of the genus Bassariscus, native to Central America, having a dark-ringed tail. [Amer. Sp. cacomixtle f. Nahuatl tlacomiztli] cacophony n. (pl. -ies) 1 a harsh discordant mixture of sound. 2 dissonance; discord. ЬЬcacophonous adj. [F cacophonie f. Gk kakophonia f. kakophonos f. kakos bad + phone sound] cactus n. (pl. cacti or cactuses) any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae, with a thick fleshy stem, usu. spines but no leaves, and brilliantly coloured flowers. Ьcactus dahlia any kind of dahlia with quilled petals resembling a cactus flower. ЬЬcactaceous adj. [L f. Gk kaktos cardoon] cacuminal adj. Phonet. pronounced with the tongue-tip curled up towards the hard palate. [L cacuminare make pointed f. cacumen -minis tree-top] CAD abbr. computer-aided design. cad n. a person (esp. a man) who behaves dishonourably. ЬЬcaddish adj. caddishly adv. caddishness n. [abbr. of CADDIE in sense 'odd-job man'] cadastral adj. of or showing the extent, value, and ownership, of land for taxation. [F f. cadastre register of property f. Prov. cadastro f. It. catast(r)o, earlier catastico f. late Gk katastikhon list, register f. kata stikhon line by line] cadaver n. esp. Med. a corpse. ЬЬcadaveric adj. [ME f. L f. cadere fall] cadaverous adj. 1 corpselike. 2 deathly pale. [L cadaverosus (as CADAVER)] caddie n. & v. (also caddy) --n. (pl. -ies) a person who assists a golfer during a match, by carrying clubs etc. --v.intr. (caddies, caddied, caddying) act as caddie. Ьcaddie car (or cart) a light two-wheeled trolley for transporting golf clubs during a game. [orig. Sc. f. F CADET] caddis-fly n. (pl. -flies) any small hairy-winged nocturnal insect of the order Trichoptera, living near water. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] caddish see CAD. caddis-worm n. (also caddis) a larva of the caddis-fly, living in water and making protective cylindrical cases of sticks, leaves, etc., and used as fishing-bait. [as CADDIS-FLY] caddy(1) n. (pl. -ies) a small container, esp. a box for holding tea. [earlier catty weight of 1 1/3 lb., f. Malay kati] caddy(2) var. of CADDIE. cadence n. 1 a fall in pitch of the voice, esp. at the end of a phrase or sentence. 2 intonation, tonal inflection. 3 Mus. the close of a musical phrase. 4 rhythm; the measure or beat of sound or movement. ЬЬcadenced adj. [ME f. OF f. It. cadenza, ult. f. L cadere fall] cadential adj. of a cadence or cadenza. cadenza n. Mus. a virtuosic passage for a solo instrument or voice, usu. near the close of a movement of a concerto, sometimes improvised. [It.: see CADENCE] cadet n. 1 a young trainee in the armed services or police force. 2 NZ an apprentice in sheep-farming. 3 a younger son. ЬЬcadetship n. [F f. Gascon dial. capdet, ult. f. L caput head] cadge v. 1 tr. get or seek by begging. 2 intr. beg. ЬЬcadger n. [19th c., earlier = ? bind, carry: orig. unkn.] cadi n. (also kadi) (pl. -is) a judge in a Muslim country. [Arab. kadi f. kada to judge] Cadmean victory n. = pyrrhic victory (see PYRRHIC(1)). [L Cadmeus f. Gk Kadmeios f. Kadmos Cadmus: see CADMIUM] cadmium n. a soft bluish-white metallic element occurring naturally with zinc ores, and used in the manufacture of solders and in electroplating. °Symb.: Cd. Ьcadmium cell Electr. a standard primary cell. cadmium yellow an intense yellow pigment containing cadmium sulphide and used in paints etc. [obs. cadmia calamine f. L cadmia f. Gk kadm(e)ia (ge) Cadmean (earth), f. Cadmus legendary founder of Thebes: see -IUM] cadre n. 1 a basic unit, esp. of servicemen, forming a nucleus for expansion when necessary. 2 also a a group of activists in a communist or any revolutionary party. b a member of such a group. [F f. It. quadro f. L quadrus square] caduceus n. (pl. caducei) an Ancient Greek or Roman herald's wand, esp. as carried by the messenger-god Hermes or Mercury. [L f. Doric Gk karuk(e)ion f. kerux herald] caducous adj. Biol. (of organs and parts) easily detached or shed at an early stage. ЬЬcaducity n. [L caducus falling f. cadere fall] caecilian n. (also coecilian) any burrowing wormlike amphibian of the order Gymnophiona, having poorly developed eyes and no limbs. [L caecilia kind of lizard] caecitis n. (US cecitis) inflammation of the caecum. caecum n. (US cecum) (pl. -ca) a blind-ended pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. ЬЬcaecal adj. [L for intestinum caecum f. caecus blind, transl. of Gk tuphlon enteron] Caenozoic var. of CENOZOIC. Caerns. abbr. Caernarvonshire (a former county in Wales). Caerphilly n. a kind of mild white cheese orig. made in Caerphilly in Wales. Caesar n. 1 the title of the Roman emperors, esp. from Augustus to Hadrian. 2 an autocrat. 3 Med. sl. a Caesarean section; a case of this. ЬCaesar's wife a person required to be above suspicion. [L, family name of Gaius Julius Caesar, Roman statesman d. 44 BC] Caesarean adj. & n. (also Caesarian, US Ces-) --adj. 1 of Caesar or the Caesars. 2 (of a birth) effected by Caesarean section. --n. a Caesarean section. ЬCaesarean section an operation for delivering a child by cutting through the wall of the abdomen (Julius Caesar supposedly having been born this way). [L Caesarianus] caesious adj. Bot. bluish or lavender. [L caesius] caesium n. (US cesium) a soft silver-white element of the alkali metal group, occurring naturally in a number of minerals, and used in photoelectric cells. °Symb.: Cs. Ьcaesium clock an atomic clock that uses caesium. [as CAESIOUS (from its spectrum lines)] caesura n. (pl. caesuras) Prosody 1 (in Greek and Latin verse) a break between words within a metrical foot. 2 (in modern verse) a pause near the middle of a line. ЬЬcaesural adj. [L f. caedere caes- cut] CAF abbr. US cost and freight. cafard n. melancholia. [F, = cockroach, hypocrite] caf‚ n. (also cafe also joc.) 1 a small coffee-house or teashop; a simple restaurant. 2 US a bar. Ь caf‚ au lait 1 coffee with milk. 2 the colour of this. caf‚ noir black coffee. caf‚ society the regular patrons of fashionable restaurants and nightclubs. [F, = coffee, coffee-house] cafeteria n. a restaurant in which customers collect their meals on trays at a counter and usu. pay before sitting down to eat. [Amer. Sp. cafeterЎa coffee-shop] caff n. Brit. sl. = CAFђ. [abbr.] caffeine n. an alkaloid drug with stimulant action found in tea leaves and coffee beans. [F caf‚ine f. caf‚ coffee] caftan n. (also kaftan) 1 a long usu. belted tunic worn by men in countries of the Near East. 2 a a woman's long loose dress. b a loose shirt or top. [Turk. kaftan, partly through F cafetan] cage n. & v. --n. 1 a structure of bars or wires, esp. for confining animals or birds. 2 any similar open framework, esp. an enclosed platform or lift in a mine or the compartment for passengers in a lift. 3 colloq. a camp for prisoners of war. --v.tr. place or keep in a cage. Ьcage-bird a bird of the kind customarily kept in a cage. [ME f. OF f. L cavea] cagey adj. (also cagy) (cagier, cagiest) colloq. cautious and uncommunicative; wary. ЬЬcagily adv. caginess n. (also cageyness). [20th-c. US: orig. unkn.] cagoule n. a hooded thin windproof garment worn in mountaineering etc. [F] cahoots n.pl. Ьin cahoots (often foll. by with) sl. in collusion. [19th c.: orig. uncert.] CAI abbr. computer-assisted (or -aided) instruction. caiman var. of CAYMAN. Cain n. Ьraise Cain colloq. make a disturbance; create trouble. [Cain, eldest son of Adam (Gen. 4)] Cainozoic var. of CENOZOIC. caique n. 1 a light rowing-boat on the Bosporus. 2 a Levantine sailing-ship. [F f. It. caicco f. Turk. kayik] cairn n. 1 a mound of rough stones as a monument or landmark. 2 (in full cairn terrier) a a small terrier of a breed with short legs, a longish body, and a shaggy coat (perhaps so called from its being used to hunt among cairns). b this breed. [Gael. carn] cairngorm n. a yellow or wine-coloured semi-precious form of quartz. [found on Cairngorm, a mountain in Scotland f. Gael. carn gorm blue cairn] caisson n. 1 a watertight chamber in which underwater construction work can be done. 2 a floating vessel used as a floodgate in docks. 3 an ammunition chest or wagon. Ьcaisson disease = decompression sickness. [F (f. It. cassone) assim. to caisse CASE(2)] caitiff n. & adj. poet. or archaic --n. a base or despicable person; a coward. --adj. base, despicable, cowardly. [ME f. OF caitif, chaitif ult. f. L captivus CAPTIVE] cajole v.tr. (often foll. by into, out of) persuade by flattery, deceit, etc. ЬЬcajolement n. cajoler n. cajolery n. [F cajoler] cake n. & v. --n. 1 a a mixture of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, etc., baked in the oven. b a quantity of this baked in a flat round or ornamental shape and often iced and decorated. 2 a other food in a flat round shape (fish cake). b = cattle-cake. 3 a flattish compact mass (a cake of soap). 4 Sc. & N.Engl. thin oaten bread. --v. 1 tr. & intr. form into a compact mass. 2 tr. (usu. foll. by with) cover (with a hard or sticky mass) (boots caked with mud). Ьcakes and ale merrymaking. have one's cake and eat it colloq. enjoy both of two mutually exclusive alternatives. like hot cakes rapidly or successfully. a piece of cake colloq. something easily achieved. a slice of the cake participation in benefits. [ME f. ON kaka] cakewalk n. 1 a dance developed from an American Black contest in graceful walking with a cake as a prize. 2 colloq. an easy task. 3 a form of fairground entertainment consisting of a promenade moved by machinery. CAL abbr. computer-assisted learning. Cal abbr. large calorie(s). Cal. abbr. California. cal abbr. small calorie(s). Calabar bean n. a poisonous seed of the tropical African climbing plant Physostigma venosum, yielding a medicinal extract. [Calabar in Nigeria] calabash n. 1 a an evergreen tree, Crescentia cujete, native to tropical America, bearing fruit in the form of large gourds. b a gourd from this tree. 2 the shell of this or a similar gourd used as a vessel for water, to make a tobacco pipe, etc. [F calebasse f. Sp. calabaza perh. f. Pers. karbuz melon] calaboose n. US a prison. [Black F calabouse f. Sp. calabozo dungeon] calabrese n. a large succulent variety of sprouting broccoli. [It., = Calabrian] calamanco n. (pl. -oes) hist. a glossy woollen cloth chequered on one side. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] calamander n. a fine-grained red-brown ebony streaked with black, from the Asian tree Diospyros qualsita, used in furniture. [19th c.: orig. unkn.: perh. conn. with Sinh. word for the tree kalu-madiriya] calamary n. (pl. -ies) any cephalopod mollusc with a long tapering penlike horny internal shell, esp. a squid of the genus Loligo. [med.L calamarium pen-case f. L calamus pen] calamine n. 1 a pink powder consisting of zinc carbonate and ferric oxide used as a lotion or ointment. 2 a zinc mineral usu. zinc carbonate. [ME f. F f. med.L calamina alt. f. L cadmia: see CADMIUM] calamint n. any aromatic herb or shrub of the genus Calamintha, esp. C. officinalis with purple or lilac flowers. [ME f. OF calament f. med.L calamentum f. LL calaminthe f. Gk kalaminthe] calamity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a disaster, a great misfortune. 2 a adversity. b deep distress. ЬCalamity Jane a prophet of disaster. ЬЬcalamitous adj. calamitously adv. [ME f. F calamit‚ f. L calamitas -tatis] calando adv. Mus. gradually decreasing in speed and volume. [It., = slackening] calash n. hist. 1 a a light low-wheeled carriage with a removable folding hood. b the folding hood itself. 2 Can. a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle. 3 a woman's hooped silk hood. [F calЉche f. G Kalesche f. Pol. kolaska or Czech kolesa] calc- comb. form lime or calcium. [G Kalk f. L CALX] calcaneus n. (also calcaneum) (pl. calcanei or calcanea) the bone forming the heel. [L] calcareous adj. (also calcarious) of or containing calcium carbonate; chalky. [L calcarius (as CALX)] calceolaria n. Bot. any plant of the genus Calceolaria, native to S. America, with slipper-shaped flowers. [mod.L f. L calceolus dimin. of calceus shoe + - aria fem. = -ARY(1)] calceolate adj. Bot. slipper-shaped. calces pl. of CALX. calciferol n. one of the D vitamins, routinely added to dairy products, essential for the deposition of calcium in bones. Also called ERGOCALCIFEROL, vitamin D[2]. [CALCIFEROUS + -OL(1)] calciferous adj. yielding calcium salts, esp. calcium carbonate. [L CALX lime + -FEROUS] calcify v.tr. & intr. (-ies, -ied) 1 harden or become hardened by deposition of calcium salts; petrify. 2 convert or be converted to calcium carbonate. ЬЬcalcific adj. calcification n. calcine v. 1 tr. a reduce, oxidize, or desiccate by strong heat. b burn to ashes; consume by fire; roast. c reduce to calcium oxide by roasting or burning. 2 tr. consume or purify as if by fire. 3 intr. undergo any of these. ЬЬcalcination n. [ME f. OF calciner or med.L calcinare f. LL calcina lime f. L CALX] calcite n. natural crystalline calcium carbonate. [G Calcit f. L CALX lime] calcium n. a soft grey metallic element of the alkaline earth group occurring naturally in limestone, marble, chalk, etc., that is important in industry and essential for normal growth in living organisms. °Symb.: Ca. Ьcalcium carbide a greyish solid used in the production of acetylene. calcium carbonate a white insoluble solid occurring naturally as chalk, limestone, marble, and calcite, and used in the manufacture of lime and cement. calcium hydroxide a white crystalline powder used in the manufacture of plaster and cement; slaked lime. calcium oxide a white crystalline solid from which many calcium compounds are manufactured: also called QUICKLIME, CALX. calcium phosphate the main constituent of animal bones and used as bone ash fertilizer. calcium sulphate a white crystalline solid occurring as anhydrite and gypsum. [L CALX lime + -IUM] calcrete n. Geol. a conglomerate formed by the cementation of sand and gravel with calcium carbonate. [L calc lime + con crete] calcspar n. = CALCITE. [CALC- + SPAR(3)] calculable adj. able to be calculated or estimated. ЬЬcalculability n. calculably adv. calculate v. 1 tr. ascertain or determine beforehand, esp. by mathematics or by reckoning. 2 tr. plan deliberately. 3 intr. (foll. by on, upon) rely on; make an essential part of one's reckoning (calculated on a quick response). 4 tr. US colloq. suppose, believe. ЬЬcalculative adj. [LL calculare (as CALCULUS)] calculated adj. 1 (of an action) done with awareness of the likely consequences. 2 (foll. by to + infin.) designed or suitable; intended. ЬЬcalculatedly adv. calculating adj. (of a person) shrewd, scheming. ЬЬcalculatingly adv. calculation n. 1 the act or process of calculating. 2 a result got by calculating. 3 a reckoning or forecast. [ME f. OF f. LL calculatio (as CALCULATE)] calculator n. 1 a device (esp. a small electronic one) used for making mathematical calculations. 2 a person or thing that calculates. 3 a set of tables used in calculation. [ME f. L (as CALCULATE)] calculus n. (pl. calculuses or calculi) 1 Math. a a particular method of calculation or reasoning (calculus of probabilities). b the infinitesimal calculuses of integration or differentiation (see integral calculus, differential calculus). 2 Med. a stone or concretion of minerals formed within the body. ЬЬcalculous adj. (in sense 2). [L, = small stone used in reckoning on an abacus] caldera n. a large volcanic depression. [Sp. f. LL caldaria boiling-pot] caldron var. of CAULDRON. Caledonian adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to Scotland. 2 Geol. of a mountain-forming period in Europe in the Palaeozoic era. --n. a Scotsman. [L Caledonia northern Britain] calefacient n. & adj. Med. --n. a substance producing or causing a sensation of warmth. --adj. of this substance. [L calefacere f. calere be warm + facere make] calendar n. & v. --n. 1 a system by which the beginning, length, and subdivisions of the year are fixed. 2 a chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year, or giving special seasonal information. 3 a timetable or programme of appointments, special events, etc. --v.tr. register or enter in a calendar or timetable etc. Ьcalendar month (or year) see MONTH, YEAR. ЬЬcalendric adj. calendrical adj. [ME f. AF calender, OF calendier f. L calendarium account-book (as CALENDS)] calender n. & v. --n. a machine in which cloth, paper, etc., is pressed by rollers to glaze or smooth it. --v.tr. press in a calender. [F calendre(r), of unkn. orig.] calends n.pl. (also kalends) the first of the month in the ancient Roman calendar. [ME f. OF calendes f. L kalendae] calendula n. any plant of the genus Calendula, with large yellow or orange flowers, e.g. marigold. [mod.L dimin. of calendae (as CALENDS), perh. = little clock] calenture n. hist. a tropical delirium of sailors, who think the sea is green fields. [F f. Sp. calentura fever f. calentar be hot ult. f. L calere be warm] calf(1) n. (pl. calves) 1 a young bovine animal, used esp. of domestic cattle. 2 the young of other animals, e.g. elephant, deer, and whale. 3 Naut. a floating piece of ice detached from an iceberg. Ьcalf-love romantic attachment or affection between adolescents. in (or with) calf (of a cow) pregnant. ЬЬcalfhood n. calfish adj. calflike adj. [OE c‘lf f. WG] calf(2) n. (pl. calves) the fleshy hind part of the human leg below the knee. ЬЬ-calved adj. (in comb.). [ME f. ON k lfi, of unkn. orig.] calfskin n. calf-leather, esp. in bookbinding and shoemaking. calibrate v.tr. 1 mark (a gauge) with a standard scale of readings. 2 correlate the readings of (an instrument) with a standard. 3 determine the calibre of (a gun). 4 determine the correct capacity or value of. ЬЬcalibration n. calibrator n. [CALIBRE + -ATE(3)] calibre n. (US caliber) 1 a the internal diameter of a gun or tube. b the diameter of a bullet or shell. 2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance (we need someone of your calibre). ЬЬcalibred adj. (also in comb.). [F calibre or It. calibro, f. Arab. kalib mould] caliche n. 1 a mineral deposit of gravel, sand, and nitrates, esp. Chile saltpetre, found in dry areas of America. 2 = CALCRETE. [Amer. Sp.] calico n. & adj. --n. (pl. -oes or US -os) 1 a cotton cloth, esp. plain white or unbleached. 2 US a printed cotton fabric. --adj. 1 made of calico. 2 US multicoloured, piebald. [earlier calicut f. Calicut in India] Calif. abbr. California. californium n. Chem. a transuranic radioactive metallic element produced artificially from curium. °Symb.: Cf. [California (where it was first made) + -IUM] caliper var. of CALLIPER. caliph n. esp. hist. the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of Muhammad. ЬЬcaliphate n. [ME f. OF caliphe f. Arab. Kalifa successor] calisthenics var. of CALLISTHENICS. calk US var. of CAULK. call v. & n. --v. 1 intr. a (often foll. by out) cry, shout; speak loudly. b (of a bird or animal) emit its characteristic note or cry. 2 tr. communicate or converse with by telephone or radio. 3 tr. a bring to one's presence by calling; summon (will you call the children?). b arrange for (a person or thing) to come or be present (called a taxi). 4 intr. (often foll. by at, in, on) pay a brief visit (called at the house; called in to see you; come and call on me). 5 tr. a order to take place; fix a time for (called a meeting). b direct to happen; announce (call a halt). 6 a intr. require one's attention or consideration (duty calls). b tr. urge, invite, nominate (call to the bar). 7 tr. name; describe as (call her Della). 8 tr. consider; regard or estimate as (I call that silly). 9 tr. rouse from sleep (call me at 8). 10 intr. guess the outcome of tossing a coin etc. 11 intr. (foll. by for) order, require, demand (called for silence). 12 tr. (foll. by over) read out (a list of names to determine those present). 13 intr. (foll. by on, upon) invoke; appeal to; request or require (called on us to be quiet). 14 tr. Cricket (of an umpire) disallow a ball from (a bowler). 15 tr. Cards specify (a suit or contract) in bidding. 16 tr. Sc. drive (an animal, vehicle, etc.). --n. 1 a shout or cry; an act of calling. 2 a the characteristic cry of a bird or animal. b an imitation of this. c an instrument for imitating it. 3 a brief visit (paid them a call). 4 a an act of telephoning. b a telephone conversation. 5 a an invitation or summons to appear or be present. b an appeal or invitation (from a specific source or discerned by a person's conscience etc.) to follow a certain profession, set of principles, etc. 6 (foll. by for, or to + infin.) a duty, need, or occasion (no call to be rude; no call for violence). 7 (foll. by for, on) a demand (not much call for it these days; a call on one's time). 8 a signal on a bugle etc.; a signalling-whistle. 9 Stock Exch. an option of buying stock at a fixed price at a given date. 10 Cards a a player's right or turn to make a bid. b a bid made. Ьat call = on call. call away divert, distract. call-box a public telephone box or kiosk. call-boy a theatre attendant who summons actors when needed on stage. call down 1 invoke. 2 reprimand. call forth elicit. call-girl a prostitute who accepts appointments by telephone. call in tr. 1 withdraw from circulation. 2 seek the advice or services of. calling-card US = visiting-card. call in (or into) question dispute; doubt the validity of. call into play give scope for; make use of. call a person names abuse a person verbally. call off 1 cancel (an arrangement etc.). 2 order (an attacker or pursuer) to desist. call of nature a need to urinate or defecate. call out 1 summon (troops etc.) to action. 2 order (workers) to strike. call-over 1 a roll-call. 2 reading aloud of a list of betting prices. call the shots (or tune) be in control; take the initiative. call-sign (or -signal) a broadcast signal identifying the radio transmitter used. call to account see ACCOUNT. call to mind recollect; cause one to remember. call to order 1 request to be orderly. 2 declare (a meeting) open. call up 1 reach by telephone. 2 imagine, recollect. 3 summon, esp. to serve in the army. call-up n. the act or process of calling up (sense 3). on call 1 (of a doctor etc.) available if required but not formally on duty. 2 (of money lent) repayable on demand. within call near enough to be summoned by calling. [OE ceallian f. ON kalla] calla n. 1 (in full calla lily) = arum lily. 2 an aquatic plant, Calla palustris. [mod.L] caller n. 1 a person who calls, esp. one who pays a visit or makes a telephone call. 2 Austral. a racing commentator. calligraphy n. 1 handwriting, esp. when fine or pleasing. 2 the art of handwriting. ЬЬcalligrapher n. calligraphic adj. calligraphist n. [Gk kalligraphia f. kallos beauty] calling n. 1 a profession or occupation. 2 an inwardly felt call or summons; a vocation. calliope n. US a keyboard instrument resembling an organ, with a set of steam whistles producing musical notes. [Gk Kalliope muse of epic poetry (lit. 'beautiful-voiced')] calliper n. & v. (also caliper) --n. 1 (in pl.) (also calliper compasses) compasses with bowed legs for measuring the diameter of convex bodies, or with out-turned points for measuring internal dimensions. 2 (in full calliper splint) a metal splint to support the leg. --v.tr. measure with callipers. [app. var. of CALIBRE] callisthenics n.pl. (also calisthenics) gymnastic exercises to achieve bodily fitness and grace of movement. ЬЬcallisthenic adj. [Gk kallos beauty + sthenos strength] callop n. Austral. a gold-coloured freshwater fish, Plectroplites ambiguus, used as food. Also called golden perch. [Aboriginal] callosity n. (pl. -ies) a hard thick area of skin usu. occurring in parts of the body subject to pressure or friction. [F callosit‚ or L callositas (as CALLOUS)] callous adj. & n. --adj. 1 unfeeling, insensitive. 2 (of skin) hardened or hard. --n. = CALLUS 1. ЬЬcallously adv. (in sense 1 of adj.). callousness n. [ME f. L callosus (as CALLUS) or F calleux] callow adj. inexperienced, immature. ЬЬcallowly adv. callowness n. [OE calu] calluna n. any common heather of the genus Calluna, native to Europe and N. Africa. [mod.L f. Gk kalluno beautify f. kallos beauty] callus n. 1 a hard thick area of skin or tissue. 2 a hard tissue formed round bone ends after a fracture. 3 Bot. a new protective tissue formed over a wound. [L] calm adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 tranquil, quiet, windless (a calm sea; a calm night). 2 (of a person or disposition) settled; not agitated (remained calm throughout the ordeal). 3 self-assured, confident (his calm assumption that we would wait). --n. 1 a state of being calm; stillness, serenity. 2 a period without wind or storm. --v.tr. & intr. (often foll. by down) make or become calm. ЬЬcalmly adv. calmness n. [ME ult. f. LL cauma f. Gk kauma heat] calmative adj. & n. Med. --adj. tending to calm or sedate. --n. a calmative drug etc. calomel n. a compound of mercury, esp. when used medicinally as a cathartic. [mod.L perh. f. Gk kalos beautiful + melas black] Calor gas n. propr. liquefied butane gas stored under pressure in containers for domestic use and used as a substitute for mains gas. [L calor heat] caloric adj. & n. --adj. of heat or calories. --n. hist. a supposed material form or cause of heat. [F calorique f. L calor heat] calorie n. (also calory) (pl. -ies) a unit of quantity of heat: 1 (in full small calorie) the amount needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water through 1 шC. °Abbr.: cal. 2 (in full large calorie) the amount needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water through 1 шC, often used to measure the energy value of foods. °Abbr.: Cal. [F, arbitr. f. L calor heat + -ie] calorific adj. producing heat. Ьcalorific value the amount of heat produced by a specified quantity of fuel, food, etc. ЬЬcalorifically adv. [L calorificus f. calor heat] calorimeter n. any of various instruments for measuring quantity of heat, esp. to find calorific values. ЬЬcalorimetric adj. calorimetry n. [L calor heat + -METER] calory var. of CALORIE. calque n. Philol. = loan-translation. [F, = copy, tracing f. calquer trace ult. f. L calcare tread] caltrop n. (also caltrap) 1 hist. a four-spiked iron ball thrown on the ground to impede cavalry horses. 2 Heraldry a representation of this. 3 any creeping plant of the genus Tribulus, with woody carpels usu. having hard spines. [(sense 3) OE calcatrippe f. med.L calcatrippa: (senses 1-2) ME f. OF chauchetrape f. chauchier tread, trappe trap: ult. the same word] calumet n. a N. American Indian peace-pipe. [F, ult. f. L calamus reed] calumniate v.tr. slander. ЬЬcalumniation n. calumniator n. calumniatory adj. [L calumniari] calumny n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 slander; malicious representation. 2 an instance of this. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) slander. ЬЬcalumnious adj. [L calumnia] calvados n. an apple brandy. [Calvados in France] Calvary n. the place where Christ was crucified. [ME f. LL calvaria skull, transl. Gk golgotha, Aram. g–lg–ltѓ (Matt. 27:33)] calve v. 1 a intr. give birth to a calf. b tr. (esp. in passive) give birth to (a calf). 2 tr. (also absol.) (of an iceberg) break off or shed (a mass of ice). [OE calfian] calves pl. of CALF(1), CALF(2). Calvinism n. the theology of the French theologian J. Calvin (d. 1564) or his followers, in which predestination and justification by faith are important elements. ЬЬCalvinist n. Calvinistic adj. Calvinistical adj. [F calvinisme or mod.L calvinismus] calx n. (pl. calces) 1 a powdery metallic oxide formed when an ore or mineral has been heated. 2 calcium oxide. [L calx calcis lime prob. f. Gk khalix pebble, limestone] calypso n. (pl. -os) a W. Indian song in African rhythm, usu. improvised on a topical theme. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] calyx n. (also calix) (pl. calyces or calyxes) 1 Bot. the sepals collectively, forming the protective layer of a flower in bud. 2 Biol. any cuplike cavity or structure. [L f. Gk kalux case of bud, husk: cf. kalupto hide] cam n. a projection on a rotating part in machinery, shaped to impart reciprocal or variable motion to the part in contact with it. [Du. kam comb: cf. Du. kamrad cog-wheel] camaraderie n. mutual trust and sociability among friends. [F] camarilla n. a cabal or clique. [Sp., dimin. of camara chamber] Camb. abbr. Cambridge. camber n. & v. --n. 1 the slightly convex or arched shape of the surface of a road, ship's deck, aircraft wing, etc. 2 the slight sideways inclination of the front wheel of a motor vehicle. --v. 1 intr. (of a surface) have a camber. 2 tr. give a camber to; build with a camber. [F cambre arched f. L camurus curved inwards] Camberwell Beauty n. a deep purple butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, with yellow-bordered wings. [Camberwell in London] cambium n. (pl. cambia or cambiums) Bot. a cellular plant tissue responsible for the increase in girth of stems and roots. ЬЬcambial adj. [med.L, = change, exchange] Cambodian n. & adj. --n. 1 a a native or national of Cambodia (Kampuchea) in SE Asia. b a person of Cambodian descent. 2 the language of Cambodia. --adj. of or relating to Cambodia or its people or language. Also called KAMPUCHEAN. Cambrian adj. & n. --adj. 1 Welsh. 2 Geol. of or relating to the first period in the Palaeozoic era, marked by the occurrence of many forms of invertebrate life (including trilobites and brachiopods). °Cf. Appendix II. --n. this period or system. [L Cambria var. of Cumbria f. Welsh Cymry Welshman or Cymru Wales] cambric n. a fine white linen or cotton fabric. [Kamerijk, Flem. form of Cambrai in N. France, where it was orig. made] Cambridge blue n. & adj. a pale blue. [Cambridge in S. England] Cambs. abbr. Cambridgeshire. camcorder n. a combined video camera and sound recorder. [camera + re corder] came past of COME. camel n. 1 either of two kinds of large cud-chewing mammals having slender cushion-footed legs and one hump (Arabian camel, Camelus dromedarius) or two humps (Bactrian camel, Camelus bactrianus). 2 a fawn colour. 3 an apparatus for providing additional buoyancy to ships etc. Ьcamel (or camel's) -hair 1 the hair of a camel. 2 a a fine soft hair used in artists' brushes. b a fabric made of this. [OE f. L camelus f. Gk kamelos, of Semitic orig.] cameleer n. a camel-driver. camellia n. any evergreen shrub of the genus Camellia, native to E. Asia, with shiny leaves and showy flowers. [J. Camellus or Kamel, 17th-c. Jesuit botanist] camelopard n. archaic a giraffe. [L camelopardus f. Gk kamelopardalis (as CAMEL, PARD)] camelry n. (pl. -ies) troops mounted on camels. Camembert n. a kind of soft creamy cheese, usu. with a strong flavour. [Camembert in N. France, where it was orig. made] cameo n. (pl. -os) 1 a a small piece of onyx or other hard stone carved in relief with a background of a different colour. b a similar relief design using other materials. 2 a a short descriptive literary sketch or acted scene. b a small character part in a play or film, usu. brief and played by a distinguished actor. [ME f. OF camahieu and med.L cammaeus] camera n. 1 an apparatus for taking photographs, consisting of a lightproof box to hold light-sensitive film, a lens, and a shutter mechanism, either for still photographs or for motion-picture film. 2 Telev. a piece of equipment which forms an optical image and converts it into electrical impulses for transmission or storage. Ьcamera obscura an internally darkened box with an aperture for projecting the image of an external object on a screen inside it. camera-ready Printing (of copy) in a form suitable for immediate photographic reproduction. in camera 1 Law in a judge's private room. 2 privately; not in public. on camera (esp. of an actor or actress) being filmed or televised at a particular moment. [orig. = chamber f. L camera f. Gk kamara vault etc.] cameraman n. (pl. -men) a person who operates a camera professionally, esp. in film-making or television. camiknickers n.pl. Brit. a one-piece close-fitting undergarment formerly worn by women. [CAMISOLE + KNICKERS] camisole n. an under-bodice, usu. embroidered. [F f. It. camiciola or Sp. camisola: see CHEMISE] camomile n. (also chamomile) any aromatic plant of the genus Anthemis or Matricaria, with daisy-like flowers. Ьcamomile tea an infusion of its dried flowers used as a tonic. [ME f. OF camomille f. LL camomilla or chamomilla f. Gk khamaimelon earth-apple (from the apple-smell of its flowers)] camouflage n. & v. --n. 1 a the disguising of military vehicles, aircraft, ships, artillery, and installations by painting them or covering them to make them blend with their surroundings. b such a disguise. 2 the natural colouring of an animal which enables it to blend in with its surroundings. 3 a misleading or evasive precaution or expedient. --v.tr. hide or disguise by means of camouflage. [F f. camoufler disguise f. It. camuffare disguise, deceive] camp(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a a place where troops are lodged or trained. b the military life (court and camp). 2 temporary overnight lodging in tents etc. in the open. 3 a temporary accommodation of various kinds, usu. consisting of huts or tents, for detainees, homeless persons, and other emergency use. b a complex of buildings for holiday accommodation, usu. with extensive recreational facilities. 4 an ancient fortified site or its remains. 5 the adherents of a particular party or doctrine regarded collectively (the Labour camp was jubilant). 6 S.Afr. a portion of veld fenced off for pasture on farms. 7 Austral. & NZ an assembly place of sheep or cattle. --v.intr. 1 set up or spend time in a camp (in senses 1 and 2 of n.). 2 (often foll. by out) lodge in temporary quarters or in the open. 3 Austral. & NZ (of sheep or cattle) flock together esp. for rest. Ьcamp-bed a folding portable bed of a kind used in camping. camp-fire an open-air fire in a camp etc. camp-follower 1 a civilian worker in a military camp. 2 a disciple or adherent. camp-site a place for camping. ЬЬcamping n. [F f. It. campo f. L campus level ground] camp(2) adj., n., & v. colloq. --adj. 1 affected, effeminate. 2 homosexual. 3 done in an exaggerated way for effect. --n. a camp manner or style. --v.intr. & tr. behave or do in a camp way. Ьcamp it up overact; behave affectedly. ЬЬcampy adj. (campier, campiest). campily adv. campiness n. [20th c.: orig. uncert.] campaign n. & v. --n. 1 an organized course of action for a particular purpose, esp. to arouse public interest (e.g. before a political election). 2 a a series of military operations in a definite area or to achieve a particular objective. b military service in the field (on campaign). --v.intr. conduct or take part in a campaign. ЬЬcampaigner n. [F campagne open country f. It. campagna f. LL campania] campanile n. a bell-tower (usu. free-standing), esp. in Italy. [It. f. campana bell] campanology n. 1 the study of bells. 2 the art or practice of bell-ringing. ЬЬcampanologer n. campanological adj. campanologist n. [mod.L campanologia f. LL campana bell] campanula n. any plant of the genus Campanula, with bell-shaped usu. blue, purple, or white flowers. Also called BELLFLOWER. [mod.L dimin. of L campana bell] campanulate adj. Bot. & Zool. bell-shaped. Campeachy wood n. = LOGWOOD. [Campeche in Mexico, from where it was first exported] camper n. 1 a person who camps out or lives temporarily in a tent, hut, etc., esp. on holiday. 2 a large motor vehicle with accommodation for camping out. camphor n. a white translucent crystalline volatile substance with aromatic smell and bitter taste, used to make celluloid and in medicine. ЬЬcamphoric adj. [ME f. OF camphore or med.L camphora f. Arab. kafur f. Skr. karpuram] camphorate v.tr. impregnate or treat with camphor. campion n. 1 any plant of the genus Silene, with usu. pink or white notched flowers. 2 any of several similar cultivated plants of the genus Lychnis. [perh. f. obs. campion f. OF, = CHAMPION: transl. of Gk lukhnis stephanomatike a plant used for (champions') garlands] campus n. (pl. campuses) 1 the grounds of a university or college. 2 esp. US a university, esp. as a teaching institution. [L, = field] CAMRA abbr. Campaign for Real Ale. camshaft n. a shaft with one or more cams attached to it. camwood n. a hard red wood from a tree Pterocarpus soyauxii, native to W. Africa. [perh. f. Temne] can(1) v.aux. (3rd sing. present can; past could) (foll. by infin. without to, or absol.; present and past only in use) 1 a be able to; know how to (I can run fast; can he?; can you speak German?). b be potentially capable of (you can do it if you try). 2 be permitted to (can we go to the party?). [OE cunnan know] can(2) n. & v. --n. 1 a metal vessel for liquid. 2 a tin container in which food or drink is hermetically sealed to enable storage over long periods. 3 (prec. by the) sl. a prison (sent to the can). b US lavatory. --v.tr. (canned, canning) 1 put or preserve in a can. 2 record on film or tape for future use. Ьcan of worms colloq. a complicated problem. can-opener a device for opening cans (in sense 2 of n.). in the can colloq. completed, ready (orig. of filmed or recorded material). ЬЬcanner n. [OE canne] Can. abbr. Canada; Canadian. Canaan n. 1 a promised land (orig. that west of the River Jordan, the Promised Land of the Israelites). 2 heaven. [eccl.L f. eccl.Gk Khanaan f. Heb. k e na'an] Canada balsam n. Biol. a yellow resin obtained from the balsam fir and used for mounting preparations on microscope slides (its refractive index being similar to that of glass). Canada goose n. a wild goose, Branta canadensis, of N. America, with a brownish-grey body and white cheeks and breast. canaille n. the rabble; the populace. [F f. It. canaglia pack of dogs f. cane dog] canal n. 1 an artificial waterway for inland navigation or irrigation. 2 any of various tubular ducts in a plant or animal, for carrying food, liquid, or air. 3 Astron. any of a network of apparent linear markings on the planet Mars, which are observed from earth but not at close range. Ьcanal boat a long narrow boat for use on canals. canal ray a beam of positive ions moving through a bored hole in the cathode of a high-vacuum tube. [ME f. OF (earlier chanel) f. L canalis or It. canale] canalize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 make a canal through. 2 convert (a river) into a canal. 3 provide with canals. 4 give the desired direction or purpose to. ЬЬcanalization n. [F canaliser: see CANAL] canap‚ n. 1 a small piece of bread or pastry with a savoury on top, often served as an hors-d'oeuvre. 2 a sofa. [F] canard n. 1 an unfounded rumour or story. 2 an extra surface attached to an aeroplane forward of the main lifting surface, for extra stability or control. [F, = duck] Canarese var. of KANARESE. canary n. (pl. -ies) 1 any of various small finches of the genus Serinus, esp. S. canaria, a songbird native to the Canary Islands, with mainly yellow plumage. 2 hist. a sweet wine from the Canary Islands. Ьcanary-coloured coloured canary yellow. canary creeper a climbing plant, Tropaeolium peregrinum, with flowers of bright yellow deeply toothed petals which give the appearance of a small bird in flight. canary grass a Mediterranean plant Phalaris canariensis, grown as a crop plant for bird seed. canary yellow bright yellow. [Canary Islands f. F Canarie f. Sp. & L Canaria f. canis dog, one of the islands being noted in Roman times for large dogs] canasta n. 1 a card-game using two packs and resembling rummy, the aim being to collect sets (or melds) of cards. 2 a set of seven cards in this game. [Sp., = basket] canaster n. tobacco made from coarsely broken dried leaves. [orig. the container: Sp. canastro ult. f. Gk kanastron] cancan n. a lively stage-dance with high kicking, performed by women in long skirts and petticoats. [F] cancel v. & n. --v. (cancelled, cancelling; US canceled, canceling) 1 tr. a withdraw or revoke (a previous arrangement). b discontinue (an arrangement in progress). 2 tr. obliterate or delete (writing etc.). 3 tr. mark or pierce (a ticket, stamp, etc.) to invalidate it. 4 tr. annul; make void; abolish. 5 (often foll. by out) a tr. (of one factor or circumstance) neutralize or counterbalance (another). b intr. (of two factors or circumstances) neutralize each other. 6 tr. Math. strike out (an equal factor) on each side of an equation or from the numerator and denominator of a fraction. --n. 1 a countermand. 2 the cancellation of a postage stamp. 3 Printing a new page or section inserted in a book to replace the original text, usu. to correct an error. 4 Mus. US a natural-sign. ЬЬcanceller n. [ME f. F canceller f. L cancellare f. cancelli crossbars, lattice] cancellate adj. (also cancellated) Biol. marked with crossing lines. [L cancelli lattice] cancellation n. 1 the act or an instance of cancelling or being cancelled. 2 something that has been cancelled, esp. a booking or reservation. [L cancellatio (as CANCEL)] cancellous adj. (of a bone) with pores. [L cancelli lattice] cancer n. 1 a any malignant growth or tumour from an abnormal and uncontrolled division of body cells. b a disease caused by this. 2 an evil influence or corruption spreading uncontrollably. 3 (Cancer) a a constellation, traditionally regarded as contained in the figure of a crab. b the fourth sign of the zodiac (the Crab). c a person born when the sun is in this sign. Ьcancer stick sl. a cigarette. Tropic of Cancer see TROPIC. ЬЬCancerian n. & adj. (in sense 3). cancerous adj. [ME f. L, = crab, cancer, after Gk karkinos] cancroid adj. & n. --adj. 1 crablike. 2 resembling cancer. --n. a disease resembling cancer. candela n. the SI unit of luminous intensity. °Abbr.: cd. [L, = candle] candelabrum n. (also candelabra) (pl. candelabra, US candelabrums, candelabras) a large branched candlestick or lamp-holder. Ьcandelabrum tree a tropical E. African tree, Euphorbia candelabrum, with foliage shaped like a candelabrum. [L f. candela CANDLE] candescent adj. glowing with or as with white heat. ЬЬcandescence n. [L candere be white] candid adj. 1 frank; not hiding one's thoughts. 2 (of a photograph) taken informally, usu. without the subject's knowledge. Ьcandid camera a small camera for taking candid photographs. ЬЬcandidly adv. candidness n. [F candide or L candidus white] candida n. any yeastlike parasitic fungus of the genus Candida, esp. C. albicans causing thrush. [mod.L fem. of L candidus: see CANDID] candidate n. 1 a person who seeks or is nominated for an office, award, etc. 2 a person or thing likely to gain some distinction or position. 3 a person entered for an examination. ЬЬcandidacy n. candidature n. Brit. [F candidat or L candidatus white-robed (Roman candidates wearing white)] candle n. & v. --n. 1 a cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick, for giving light when burning. 2 = CANDLEPOWER. --v.tr. test (an egg) for freshness by holding it to the light. Ьcannot hold a candle to cannot be compared with; is much inferior to. not worth the candle not justifying the cost or trouble. ЬЬcandler n. [OE candel f. L candela f. candere shine] candlelight n. 1 light provided by candles. 2 dusk. Candlemas n. a feast with blessing of candles (2 Feb.), commemorating the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple. [OE Candelm‘sse (as CANDLE, MASS(2))] candlepower n. a unit of luminous intensity. candlestick n. a holder for one or more candles. candlewick n. 1 a thick soft cotton yarn. 2 material made from this, usu. with a tufted pattern. candour n. (US candor) candid behaviour or action; frankness. [F candeur or L candor whiteness] C. & W. abbr. country-and-western. candy n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 (in full sugar-candy) sugar crystallized by repeated boiling and slow evaporation. 2 US sweets; a sweet. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) (usu. as candied adj.) preserve by coating and impregnating with a sugar syrup (candied fruit). [F sucre candi candied sugar f. Arab. kand sugar] candyfloss n. Brit. a fluffy mass of spun sugar wrapped round a stick. candystripe n. a pattern consisting of alternate stripes of white and a colour (usu. pink). ЬЬcandystriped adj. candytuft n. any of various plants of the genus Iberis, native to W. Europe, with white, pink, or purple flowers in tufts. [obs. Candy (Candia Crete) + TUFT] cane n. & v. --n. 1 a the hollow jointed stem of giant reeds or grasses (bamboo cane). b the solid stem of slender palms (malacca cane). 2 = sugar cane. 3 a raspberry-cane. 4 material of cane used for wickerwork etc. 5 a a cane used as a walking-stick or a support for a plant or an instrument of punishment. b any slender walking-stick. --v.tr. 1 beat with a cane. 2 weave cane into (a chair etc.). Ьcane-brake US a tract of land overgrown with canes. cane chair a chair with a seat made of woven cane strips. cane-sugar sugar obtained from sugar-cane. cane-trash see TRASH. ЬЬcaner n. (in sense 2 of v.). caning n. [ME f. OF f. L canna f. Gk kanna] canine adj. & n. --adj. 1 of a dog or dogs. 2 of or belonging to the family Canidae, including dogs, wolves, foxes, etc. --n. 1 a dog. 2 (in full canine tooth) a pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars. [ME f. canin -ine or f. L caninus f. canis dog] canister n. 1 a small container, usu. of metal and cylindrical, for storing tea etc. 2 a a cylinder of shot, tear-gas, etc., that explodes on impact. b such cylinders collectively. [L canistrum f. Gk f. kanna CANE] canker n. & v. --n. 1 a a destructive fungus disease of trees and plants. b an open wound in the stem of a tree or plant. 2 Zool. an ulcerous ear disease of animals esp. cats and dogs. 3 Med. an ulceration esp. of the lips. 4 a corrupting influence. --v.tr. 1 consume with canker. 2 corrupt. 3 (as cankered adj.) soured, malignant, crabbed. Ьcanker-worm any caterpillar of various wingless moths which consume the buds and leaves of shade and fruit trees in N. America. ЬЬcankerous adj. [OE cancer & ONF cancre, OF chancre f. L cancer crab] canna n. any tropical plant of the genus Canna with bright flowers and ornamental leaves. [L: see CANE] cannabis n. 1 any hemp plant of the genus Cannabis, esp. Indian hemp. 2 a preparation of parts of this used as an intoxicant or hallucinogen. Ьcannabis resin a sticky product, esp. from the flowering tops of the female cannabis plant. [L f. Gk] canned adj. 1 pre-recorded (canned laughter; canned music). 2 supplied in a can (canned beer). 3 sl. drunk. cannel n. (in full cannel coal) a bituminous coal burning with a bright flame. [16th c.: orig. N.Engl.] cannelloni n.pl. tubes or rolls of pasta stuffed with meat or a vegetable mixture. [It. f. cannello stalk] cannelure n. the groove round a bullet etc. [F f. canneler f. canne reed, CANE] cannery n. (pl. -ies) a factory where food is canned. cannibal n. & adj. --n. 1 a person who eats human flesh. 2 an animal that feeds on flesh of its own species. --adj. of or like a cannibal. ЬЬcannibalism n. cannibalistic adj. cannibalistically adv. [orig. pl. Canibales f. Sp.: var. of Caribes name of a W.Ind. nation] cannibalize v.tr. (also -ise) use (a machine etc.) as a source of spare parts for others. ЬЬcannibalization n. cannikin n. a small can. [Du. kanneken (as CAN(2), -KIN)] cannon n. & v. --n. 1 hist. (pl. same) a large heavy gun installed on a carriage or mounting. 2 an automatic aircraft gun firing shells. 3 Billiards the hitting of two balls successively by the cue-ball. 4 Mech. a hollow cylinder moving independently on a shaft. 5 (in full cannon-bit) a smooth round bit for a horse. --v.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by against, into) collide heavily or obliquely. 2 Billiards make a cannon shot. Ьcannon-ball hist. a large usu. metal ball fired by a cannon. cannon-bone the tube-shaped bone between the hock and fetlock of a horse. cannon-fodder soldiers regarded merely as material to be expended in war. [F canon f. It. cannone large tube f. canna CANE: in Billiards sense f. older CAROM] cannonade n. & v. --n. a period of continuous heavy gunfire. --v.tr. bombard with a cannonade. [F f. It. cannonata] cannot v.aux. can not. cannula n. (pl. cannulae or cannulas) Surgery a small tube for inserting into the body to allow fluid to enter or escape. [L, dimin. of canna cane] cannulate v.tr. Surgery introduce a cannula into. canny adj. (cannier, canniest) 1 a shrewd, worldly-wise. b thrifty. c circumspect. 2 sly, drily humorous. 3 Sc. & N.Engl. pleasant, agreeable. ЬЬcannily adv. canniness n. [CAN(1) (in sense 'know') + -Y(1)] canoe n. & v. --n. a small narrow boat with pointed ends usu. propelled by paddling. --v.intr. (canoes, canoed, canoeing) travel in a canoe. ЬЬcanoeist n. [Sp. and Haitian canoa] canon n. 1 a a general law, rule, principle, or criterion. b a church decree or law. 2 (fem. canoness) a a member of a cathedral chapter. b a member of certain RC orders. 3 a a collection or list of sacred books etc. accepted as genuine. b the recognized genuine works of a particular author; a list of these. 4 the part of the Roman Catholic Mass containing the words of consecration. 5 Mus. a piece with different parts taking up the same theme successively, either at the same or at a different pitch. Ьcanon law ecclesiastical law. canon regular (or regular canon) see REGULAR adj. 9b. [OE f. L f. Gk kanon, in ME also f. AF & OF canun, -on; in sense 2 ME f. OF canonie f. eccl.L canonicus: cf. CANONICAL] ca¤on var. of CANYON. canonic adj. = CANONICAL adj. [OE f. OF canonique or L canonicus f. Gk kanonikos (as CANON)] canonical adj. & n. --adj. 1 a according to or ordered by canon law. b included in the canon of Scripture. 2 authoritative, standard, accepted. 3 of a cathedral chapter or a member of it. 4 Mus. in canon form. --n. (in pl.) the canonical dress of the clergy. Ьcanonical hours Eccl. the times fixed for a formal set of prayers or for the celebration of marriage. ЬЬcanonically adv. [med.L canonicalis (as CANONIC)] canonicate n. = CANONRY. canonicity n. the status of being canonical. [L canonicus canonical] canonist n. an expert in canon law. [ME f. F canoniste or f. med.L canonista: see CANON] canonize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 a declare officially to be a saint, usu. with a ceremony. b regard as a saint. 2 admit to the canon of Scripture. 3 sanction by Church authority. ЬЬcanonization n. [ME f. med.L canonizare: see CANON] canonry n. (pl. -ies) the office or benefice of a canon. canoodle v.intr. colloq. kiss and cuddle amorously. [19th-c. US: orig. unkn.] Canopic adj. ЬCanopic jar (or vase) an urn used for holding the entrails of an embalmed body in an ancient Egyptian burial. [L Canopicus f. Canopus in ancient Egypt] canopy n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a covering hung or held up over a throne, bed, person, etc. b the sky. c an overhanging shelter. 2 Archit. a rooflike projection over a niche etc. 3 the uppermost layers of foliage etc. in a forest. 4 a the expanding part of a parachute. b the cover of an aircraft's cockpit. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) supply or be a canopy to. [ME f. med.L canopeum f. L conopeum f. Gk konopeion couch with mosquito-curtains f. konops gnat] canorous adj. melodious, resonant. [L canorus f. canere sing] canst archaic 2nd person sing. of CAN(1). cant(1) n. & v. --n. 1 insincere pious or moral talk. 2 ephemeral or fashionable catchwords. 3 language peculiar to a class, profession, sect, etc.; jargon. --v.intr. use cant. Ьcanting arms Heraldry arms containing an allusion to the name of the bearer. [earlier of musical sound, of intonation, and of beggars' whining; perh. from the singing of religious mendicants: prob. f. L canere sing] cant(2) n. & v. --n. 1 a a slanting surface, e.g. of a bank. b a bevel of a crystal etc. 2 an oblique push or movement that upsets or partly upsets something. 3 a tilted or sloping position. --v. 1 tr. push or pitch out of level; tilt. 2 intr. take or lie in a slanting position. 3 tr. impart a bevel to. 4 intr. Naut. swing round. Ьcant-dog (or -hook) an iron hook at the end of a long handle, used for rolling logs. [ME f. MLG kant, kante, MDu. cant, point, side, edge, ult. f. L cant(h)us iron tire] can't contr. can not. Cant. abbr. Canticles (Old Testament). Cantab. abbr. of Cambridge University. [L Cantabrigiensis] cantabile adv., adj., & n. Mus. --adv. & adj. in a smooth singing style. --n. a cantabile passage or movement. [It., = singable] Cantabrigian adj. & n. --adj. of Cambridge or Cambridge University. --n. 1 a member of Cambridge University. 2 a native of Cambridge. [L Cantabrigia Cambridge] cantal n. a type of hard strong French cheese. [name of a department of Auvergne, France] cantaloup n. (also cantaloupe) a small round ribbed variety of melon with orange flesh. [F cantaloup f. Cantaluppi near Rome, where it was first grown in Europe] cantankerous adj. bad-tempered, quarrelsome. ЬЬcantankerously adv. cantankerousness n. [perh. f. Ir. cant outbidding + rancorous] cantata n. Mus. a short narrative or descriptive composition with vocal solos and usu. chorus and orchestral accompaniment. [It. cantata (aria) sung (air) f. cantare sing] canteen n. 1 a a restaurant for employees in an office or factory etc. b a shop selling provisions or liquor in a barracks or camp. 2 a case or box of cutlery. 3 a soldier's or camper's water-flask or set of eating or drinking utensils. [F cantine f. It. cantina cellar] canter n. & v. --n. a gentle gallop. --v. 1 intr. (of a horse or its rider) go at a canter. 2 tr. make (a horse) canter. Ьin a canter easily (win in a canter). [short for Canterbury pace, from the supposed easy pace of medieval pilgrims to Canterbury] canterbury n. (pl. -ies) a piece of furniture with partitions for holding music etc. [Canterbury in Kent] Canterbury bell n. a cultivated campanula with large flowers. [after the bells of Canterbury pilgrims' horses: see CANTER] cantharides n.pl. a preparation made from dried bodies of a beetle Lytta vesicatoria, causing blistering of the skin and formerly used in medicine and as an aphrodisiac. Also called Spanish fly. [L f. Gk kantharis Spanish fly] canthus n. (pl. canthi) the outer or inner corner of the eye, where the upper and lower lids meet. [L f. Gk kanthos] canticle n. 1 a song or chant with a Biblical text. 2 (also Canticle of Canticles) the Song of Solomon. [ME f. OF canticle (var. of cantique) or L canticulum dimin. of canticum f. canere sing] cantilena n. Mus. a simple or sustained melody. [It.] cantilever n. & v. --n. 1 a long bracket or beam etc. projecting from a wall to support a balcony etc. 2 a beam or girder fixed at only one end. --v.intr. 1 project as a cantilever. 2 be supported by cantilevers. Ьcantilever bridge a bridge made of cantilevers projecting from the piers and connected by girders. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] cantillate v.tr. & intr. chant or recite with musical tones. ЬЬcantillation n. [L cantillare sing low: see CHANT] cantina n. a bar-room or wine-shop. [Sp. & It.] canto n. (pl. -os) a division of a long poem. [It., = song, f. L cantus] canton n. & v. --n. 1 a a subdivision of a country. b a State of the Swiss confederation. 2 Heraldry a square division, less than a quarter, in the upper (usu. dexter) corner of a shield. --v.tr. 1 put (troops) into quarters. 2 divide into cantons. ЬЬcantonal adj. [OF, = corner (see CANT(2)): (v.) also partly f. F cantonner] Cantonese adj. & n. --adj. of Canton or the Cantonese dialect of Chinese. --n. (pl. same) 1 a native of Canton. 2 the dialect of Chinese spoken in SE China and Hong Kong. [Canton in China] cantonment n. 1 a lodging assigned to troops. 2 a permanent military station in India. [F cantonnement: see CANTON] cantor n. 1 the leader of the singing in church; a precentor. 2 the precentor in a synagogue. [L, = singer f. canere sing] cantorial adj. 1 of or relating to the cantor. 2 of the north side of the choir in a church (cf. DECANAL). cantoris adj. Mus. to be sung by the cantorial side of the choir in antiphonal singing (cf. DECANI). [L, genit. of CANTOR precentor] cantrail n. Brit. a timber etc. support for the roof of a railway carriage. [CANT(2) + RAIL] cantrip n. Sc. 1 a witch's trick. 2 a piece of mischief; a playful act. [18th c.: orig. unkn.] Canuck n. & adj. US sl. usu. derog. --n. 1 a Canadian, esp. a French Canadian. 2 a Canadian horse or pony. --adj. Canadian, esp. French Canadian. [app. f. Canada] canvas n. & v. --n. 1 a a strong coarse kind of cloth made from hemp or flax or other coarse yarn and used for sails and tents etc. and as a surface for oil-painting. b a piece of this. 2 a painting on canvas, esp. in oils. 3 an open kind of canvas used as a basis for tapestry and embroidery. 4 sl. the floor of a boxing or wrestling ring. 5 a racing-boat's covered end. --v.tr. (canvassed, canvassing; US canvased, canvasing) cover with canvas. Ьby a canvas (in boat-racing) by a small margin (win by a canvas). canvas-back a wild duck Aythya valisineria, of N. America, with back feathers the colour of unbleached canvas. under canvas 1 in a tent or tents. 2 with sails spread. [ME & ONF canevas, ult. f. L cannabis hemp] canvass v. & n. --v. 1 a intr. solicit votes. b tr. solicit votes from (electors in a constituency). 2 tr. a ascertain opinions of. b seek custom from. c discuss thoroughly. 3 tr. Brit. propose (an idea or plan etc.). 4 intr. US check the validity of votes. --n. the process of or an instance of canvassing, esp. of electors. ЬЬcanvasser n. [orig. = toss in a sheet, agitate, f. CANVAS] canyon n. (also ca¤on) a deep gorge, often with a stream or river. [Sp. ca¤ўn tube, ult. f. L canna CANE] canzonetta n. (also canzonet) 1 a short light song. 2 a kind of madrigal. [It., dimin. of canzone song f. L cantio -onis f. canere sing] caoutchouc n. raw rubber. [F f. Carib cahuchu] CAP abbr. Common Agricultural Policy (of the EEC). cap n. & v. --n. 1 a a soft brimless head-covering, usu. with a peak. b a head-covering worn in a particular profession (nurse's cap). c esp. Brit. a cap awarded as a sign of membership of a sports team. d an academic mortarboard or soft hat. e a special hat as part of Highland costume. 2 a a cover like a cap in shape or position (knee cap; toecap). b a device to seal a bottle or protect the point of a pen, lens of a camera, etc. 3 a = Dutch cap. b = percussion cap. 4 = CROWN n. 9b. --v.tr. (capped, capping) 1 a put a cap on. b cover the top or end of. c set a limit to (rate-capping). 2 a esp. Brit. award a sports cap to. b Sc. & NZ confer a university degree on. 3 a lie on top of; form the cap of. b surpass, excel. c improve on (a story, quotation, etc.) esp. by producing a better or more apposite one. Ьcap in hand humbly. cap of maintenance a cap or hat worn as a symbol of official dignity or carried before the sovereign etc. cap rock a hard rock or stratum overlying a deposit of oil, gas, coal, etc. cap sleeve a sleeve extending only a short distance from the shoulder. if the cap fits (said of a generalized comment) it seems to be true (of a particular person). set one's cap at try to attract as a suitor. ЬЬcapful n. (pl. -fuls). capping n. [OE c‘ppe f. LL cappa, perh. f. L caput head] cap. abbr. 1 capital. 2 capital letter. 3 chapter. [L capitulum or caput] capability n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. by of, for, to) ability, power; the condition of being capable. 2 an undeveloped or unused faculty. capable adj. 1 competent, able, gifted. 2 (foll. by of) a having the ability or fitness or necessary quality for. b susceptible or admitting of (explanation or improvement etc.). ЬЬcapably adv. [F f. LL capabilis f. L capere hold] capacious adj. roomy; able to hold much. ЬЬcapaciously adv. capaciousness n. [L capax -acis f. capere hold] capacitance n. Electr. 1 the ability of a system to store an electric charge. 2 the ratio of the change in an electric charge in a system to the corresponding change in its electric potential. °Symb.: C. [CAPACITY + -ANCE] capacitate v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by for, or to + infin.) render capable. 2 make legally competent. capacitor n. Electr. a device of one or more pairs of conductors separated by insulators used to store an electric charge. capacity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the power of containing, receiving, experiencing, or producing (capacity for heat, pain , etc.). b the maximum amount that can be contained or produced etc. c the volume, e.g. of the cylinders in an internal-combustion engine. d (attrib.) fully occupying the available space, resources, etc. (a capacity audience). 2 a mental power. b a faculty or talent. 3 a position or function (in a civil capacity; in my capacity as a critic). 4 legal competence. 5 Electr. capacitance. Ьmeasure of capacity a measure used for vessels and liquids or grains etc. to capacity fully; using all resources (working to capacity). ЬЬcapacitative adj. (also capacitive) (in sense 5). [ME f. F f. L capacitas -tatis (as CAPACIOUS)] caparison n. & v. --n. 1 (usu. in pl.) a horse's trappings. 2 equipment, finery. --v.tr. put caparisons on; adorn richly. [obs. F caparasson f. Sp. caparazўn saddle-cloth f. capa CAPE(1)] cape(1) n. 1 a sleeveless cloak. 2 a short sleeveless cloak as a fixed or detachable part of a longer cloak or coat. [F f. Prov. capa f. LL cappa CAP] cape(2) n. 1 a headland or promontory. 2 (the Cape) a the Cape of Good Hope. b the S. African province containing it. ЬCape Coloured adj. S.Afr. of the Coloured (see COLOURED 2) population of Cape Province. --n. a member of this population. Cape doctor S.Afr. colloq. a strong SE wind. Cape Dutch archaic Afrikaans. Cape gooseberry 1 an edible soft roundish yellow berry enclosed in a lantern-like husk. 2 the plant, Physalis peruviana, bearing these. [ME f. OF cap f. Prov. cap ult. f. L caput head] capelin n. (also caplin) a small smeltlike fish, Mallotus villosus, of the N. Atlantic, used as food and as bait for catching cod etc. [F f. Prov. capelan: see CHAPLAIN] caper(1) v. & n. --v.intr. jump or run about playfully. --n. 1 a playful jump or leap. 2 a a fantastic proceeding; a prank. b sl. any activity or occupation. Ьcut a caper (or capers) act friskily. ЬЬcaperer n. [abbr. of CAPRIOLE] caper(2) n. 1 a bramble-like S. European shrub, Capparis spinosa. 2 (in pl.) its flower buds cooked and pickled for use as flavouring esp. for a savoury sauce. [ME capres & F cѓpres f. L capparis f. Gk kapparis, treated as pl.: cf. CHERRY, PEA] capercaillie n. (also capercailzie) a large European grouse, Tetrao urogallus. [Gael. capull coille horse of the wood] capeskin n. a soft leather made from S. African sheepskin. capias n. Law a writ ordering the arrest of the person named. [L, = you are to seize, f. capere take] capillarity n. a phenomenon at liquid boundaries resulting in the rise or depression of liquids in narrow tubes. Also called capillary action. [F capillarit‚ (as CAPILLARY)] capillary adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or like a hair. 2 (of a tube) of hairlike internal diameter. 3 of one of the delicate ramified blood vessels intervening between arteries and veins. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a capillary tube. 2 a capillary blood vessel. Ьcapillary action = CAPILLARITY. [L capillaris f. capillus hair] capital(1) n., adj., & int. --n. 1 the most important town or city of a country or region, usu. its seat of government and administrative centre. 2 a the money or other assets with which a company starts in business. b accumulated wealth, esp. as used in further production. c money invested or lent at interest. 3 capitalists generally. 4 a capital letter. --adj. 1 a principal; most important; leading. b colloq. excellent, first-rate. 2 a involving or punishable by death (capital punishment; a capital offence). b (of an error etc.) vitally harmful; fatal. 3 (of letters of the alphabet) large in size and of the form used to begin sentences and names etc. --int. expressing approval or satisfaction. Ьcapital gain a profit from the sale of investments or property. capital goods goods, esp. machinery, plant, etc., used or to be used in producing commodities (opp. consumer goods). capital levy 1 the appropriation by the State of a fixed proportion of the wealth in the country. 2 a wealth tax. capital sum a lump sum of money, esp. payable to an insured person. capital territory a territory containing the capital city of a country. capital transfer tax hist. (in the UK) a tax levied on the transfer of capital by gift or bequest etc. °Replaced in 1986 by inheritance tax. make capital out of use to one's advantage. with a capital -- emphatically such (art with a capital A). ЬЬcapitally adv. [ME f. OF f. L capitalis f. caput -itis head] capital(2) n. Archit. the head or cornice of a pillar or column. [ME f. OF capitel f. LL capitellum dimin. of L caput head] capitalism n. 1 a an economic system in which the production and distribution of goods depend on invested private capital and profit-making. b the possession of capital or wealth. 2 Polit. the dominance of private owners of capital and production for profit. capitalist n. & adj. --n. 1 a person using or possessing capital; a rich person. 2 an advocate of capitalism. --adj. of or favouring capitalism. ЬЬcapitalistic adj. capitalistically adv. capitalize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. a convert into or provide with capital. b calculate or realize the present value of an income. c reckon (the value of an asset) by setting future benefits against the cost of maintenance. 2 tr. a write (a letter of the alphabet) as a capital. b begin (a word) with a capital letter. 3 intr. (foll. by on) use to one's advantage; profit from. ЬЬcapitalization n. [F capitaliser (as CAPITAL(1))] capitation n. 1 a tax or fee at a set rate per person. 2 the levying of such a tax or fee. Ьcapitation grant a grant of a sum calculated from the number of people to be catered for, esp. in education. [F capitation or LL capitatio poll-tax f. caput head] capitular adj. 1 of or relating to a cathedral chapter. 2 Anat. of or relating to a terminal protuberance of a bone. [LL capitularis f. L capitulum CHAPTER] capitulary n. (pl. -ies) a collection of ordinances, esp. of the Frankish kings. [LL capitularius (as CAPITULAR)] capitulate v.intr. surrender, esp. on stated conditions. ЬЬcapitulator n. capitulatory adj. [med.L capitulare draw up under headings f. L caput head] capitulation n. 1 the act of capitulating; surrender. 2 a statement of the main divisions of a subject. 3 an agreement or set of conditions. capitulum n. (pl. capitula) Bot. an inflorescence with flowers clustered together like a head, as in the daisy family. [L, dimin. of caput head] caplin var. of CAPELIN. cap'n n. sl. captain. [contr.] capo n. (in full capo tasto) (pl. capos or capo tastos) Mus. a device secured across the neck of a fretted instrument to raise equally the tuning of all strings by the required amount. [It. capo tasto head stop] capon n. a domestic cock castrated and fattened for eating. ЬЬcaponize v.tr. (also -ise). [OE f. AF capun, OF capon, ult. f. L capo -onis] caponier n. a covered passage across a ditch round a fort. [Sp. caponera, lit. 'capon-pen'] capot n. & v. --n. (in piquet) the winning of all the tricks by one player. --v.tr. (capotted, capotting) score a capot against (an opponent). [F] capote n. hist. a long cloak with a hood, formerly worn by soldiers and travellers etc. [F, dimin. of cape CAPE(1)] cappuccino n. (pl. -os) coffee with milk made frothy with pressurized steam. [It., = CAPUCHIN] capriccio n. (pl. -os) 1 a lively and usu. short musical composition. 2 a painting etc. representing a fantasy or a mixture of real and imaginary features. [It., = sudden start, orig. 'horror'] capriccioso adv., adj., & n. Mus. --adv. & adj. in a free and impulsive style. --n. (pl. -os) a capriccioso passage or movement. [It., = capricious] caprice n. 1 a an unaccountable or whimsical change of mind or conduct. b a tendency to this. 2 a work of lively fancy in painting, drawing, or music; a capriccio. [F f. It. CAPRICCIO] capricious adj. 1 guided by or given to caprice. 2 irregular, unpredictable. ЬЬcapriciously adv. capriciousness n. [F capricieux f. It. CAPRICCIOSO] Capricorn n. (also Capricornus) 1 a constellation, traditionally regarded as contained in the figure of a goat's horns. 2 a the tenth sign of the zodiac (the Goat). b a person born when the sun is in this sign. ЬЬCapricornian n. & adj. [ME f. OF capricorne f. L capricornus f. caper -pri goat + cornu horn] caprine adj. of or like a goat. [ME f. L caprinus f. caper -pri goat] capriole n. & v. --n. 1 a leap or caper. 2 a trained horse's high leap and kick without advancing. --v. 1 intr. (of a horse or its rider) perform a capriole. 2 tr. make (a horse) capriole. [F f. It. capriola leap, ult. f. caper -pri goat] Capris n.pl. (also Capri pants) women's close-fitting tapered trousers. [Capri, an island in the bay of Naples] caps. abbr. capital letters. Capsian adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to a palaeolithic culture of N. Africa and S. Europe. --n. this culture. [L Capsa = Gafsa in Tunisia] capsicum n. 1 any plant of the genus Capsicum, having edible capsular fruits containing many seeds, esp. C. annuum yielding several varieties of pepper. 2 the fruit of any of these plants, which vary in size, colour, and pungency. [mod.L, perh. f. L capsa box] capsid(1) n. any bug of the family Capsidae, esp. one that feeds on plants. [mod.L Capsus a genus of them] capsid(2) n. the protein coat or shell of a virus. [F capside f. L capsa box] capsize v. 1 tr. upset or overturn (a boat). 2 intr. be capsized. ЬЬcapsizal n. [cap- as in Prov. capvirar, F chavirer: -size unexpl.] capstan n. 1 a thick revolving cylinder with a vertical axis, for winding an anchor cable or a halyard etc. 2 a revolving spindle on a tape recorder, that guides the tape past the head. Ьcapstan lathe a lathe with a revolving tool-holder. [Prov. cabestan, ult. f. L capistrum halter f. capere seize] capstone n. coping; a coping-stone. capsule n. 1 a small soluble case of gelatine enclosing a dose of medicine and swallowed with it. 2 a detachable compartment of a spacecraft or nose-cone of a rocket. 3 an enclosing membrane in the body. 4 a a dry fruit that releases its seeds when ripe. b the spore-producing part of mosses and liverworts. 5 Biol. an enveloping layer surrounding certain bacteria. 6 (attrib.) concise; highly condensed (a capsule history of jazz). ЬЬcapsular adj. capsulate adj. [F f. L capsula f. capsa CASE(2)] capsulize v.tr. (also -ise) put (information etc.) in compact form. Capt. abbr. Captain. captain n. & v. --n. 1 a a chief or leader. b the leader of a team, esp. in sports. c a powerful or influential person (captain of industry). 2 a the person in command of a merchant or passenger ship. b the pilot of a civil aircraft. 3 (as a title Captain) a an army or US Air Force officer next above lieutenant. b a Navy officer in command of a warship; one ranking below commodore or rear admiral and above commander. c US a police officer in charge of a precinct, ranking below Chief Officer. 4 a a foreman. b a head boy or girl in a school. c US a supervisor of waiters or bellboys. 5 a a great soldier or strategist. b an experienced commander. --v.tr. be captain of; lead. Ьcaptain-general an honorary officer, esp. of artillery. Captain of the Fleet Brit. a Navy staff officer in charge of maintenance. ЬЬcaptaincy n. (pl. -ies). captainship n. [ME & OF capitain f. LL capitaneus chief f. L caput capit- head] caption n. & v. --n. 1 a title or brief explanation appended to an illustration, cartoon, etc. 2 wording appearing on a cinema or television screen as part of a film or broadcast. 3 the heading of a chapter or article etc. 4 Law a certificate attached to or written on a document. --v.tr. provide with a caption. [ME f. L captio f. capere capt- take] captious adj. given to finding fault or raising petty objections. ЬЬcaptiously adv. captiousness n. [ME f. OF captieux or L captiosus (as CAPTION)] captivate v.tr. 1 overwhelm with charm or affection. 2 fascinate. ЬЬcaptivatingly adv. captivation n. [LL captivare take captive (as CAPTIVE)] captive n. & adj. --n. a person or animal that has been taken prisoner or confined. --adj. 1 a taken prisoner. b kept in confinement or under restraint. 2 a unable to escape. b in a position of having to comply (captive audience; captive market). 3 of or like a prisoner (captive state). Ьcaptive balloon a balloon held by a rope from the ground. [ME f. L captivus f. capere capt- take] captivity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the condition or circumstances of being a captive. b a period of captivity. 2 (the Captivity) the captivity of the Jews in Babylon in the 6th c. BC. captor n. a person who captures (a person, place, etc.). [L (as CAPTIVE)] capture v. & n. --v.tr. 1 a take prisoner; seize as a prize. b obtain by force or trickery. 2 portray in permanent form (could not capture the likeness). 3 Physics absorb (a subatomic particle). 4 (in board games) make a move that secures the removal of (an opposing piece) from the board. 5 (of a stream) divert the upper course of (another stream) by encroaching on its basin. 6 cause (data) to be stored in a computer. --n. 1 the act of capturing. 2 a thing or person captured. ЬЬcapturer n. [F f. L captura f. capere capt- take] Capuchin n. 1 a Franciscan friar of the new rule of 1529. 2 a cloak and hood formerly worn by women. 3 (capuchin) a any monkey of the genus Cebus of S. America, with cowl-like head hair. b a variety of pigeon with head and neck feathers resembling a cowl. [F f. It. cappuccino f. cappuccio cowl f. cappa CAPE(1)] capybara n. a very large semi-aquatic rodent, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, native to S. America. [Tupi] car n. 1 (in full motor car) a road vehicle with an enclosed passenger compartment, powered by an internal-combustion engine. 2 (in comb.) a a wheeled vehicle, esp. of a specified kind (tramcar). b a railway carriage of a specified type (dining-car). 3 US any railway carriage or van. 4 the passenger compartment of a lift, cableway, balloon, etc. 5 poet. a wheeled vehicle; a chariot. Ьcar bomb a terrorist bomb concealed in or under a parked car. car-boot sale an outdoor sale at which participants sell unwanted possessions from the boots of their cars. car coat a short coat designed esp. for car drivers. car park an area for parking cars. car phone a radio-telephone for use in a motor vehicle. ЬЬcarful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME f. AF & ONF carre ult. f. L carrum, carrus, of OCelt. orig.] carabineer n. (also carabinier) hist. 1 a soldier whose principal weapon is a carbine. 2 (the Carabineers) the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. [F carabinier f. carabine CARBINE] carabiniere n. (pl. carabinieri pronunc. same) an Italian gendarme. [It.] caracal n. a lynx, Felis caracal, native to N. Africa and SW Asia. [F or Sp. f. Turk. karakulak f. kara black + kulak ear] caracole n. & v. --n. a horse's half-turn to the right or left. --v. 1 intr. (of a horse or its rider) perform a caracole. 2 tr. make (a horse) caracole. [F] caracul var. of KARAKUL. carafe n. a glass container for water or wine, esp. at a table or bedside. [F f. It. caraffa, ult. f. Arab. garrafa drinking vessel] carambola n. 1 a small tree, Averrhoa carambola, native to SE Asia, bearing golden-yellow ribbed fruit. 2 this fruit. Also called star fruit. [Port., prob. of Indian or E. Indian orig.] caramel n. 1 a sugar or syrup heated until it turns brown, then used as a flavouring or to colour spirits etc. b a kind of soft toffee made with sugar, butter, etc., melted and further heated. 2 the light-brown colour of caramel. [F f. Sp. caramelo] caramelize v. (also -ise) 1 a tr. convert (sugar or syrup) into caramel. b intr. (of sugar or syrup) be converted into caramel. 2 tr. coat or cook (food) with caramelized sugar or syrup. ЬЬcaramelization n. carapace n. the hard upper shell of a tortoise or a crustacean. [F f. Sp. carapacho] carat n. 1 a unit of weight for precious stones, now equivalent to 200 milligrams. 2 (US karat) a measure of purity of gold, pure gold being 24 carats. [F f. It. carato f. Arab. kirat weight of four grains, f. Gk keration fruit of the carob (dimin. of keras horn)] caravan n. & v. --n. 1 a Brit. a vehicle equipped for living in and usu. towed by a motor vehicle or a horse. b US a covered motor vehicle equipped for living in. 2 a company of merchants or pilgrims etc. travelling together, esp. across a desert in Asia or N. Africa. 3 a covered cart or carriage. --v.intr. (caravanned, caravanning) travel or live in a caravan. Ьcaravan site (or park) a place where caravans are parked as dwellings, often with special amenities. ЬЬcaravanner n. [F caravane f. Pers. karwan] caravanette n. a motor vehicle with a caravan-like rear compartment for eating, sleeping, etc. caravanserai n. an Eastern inn with a central court where caravans (see CARAVAN 2) may rest. [Pers. karwansaray f. saray palace] caravel n. (also carvel) hist. a small light fast ship, chiefly Spanish and Portuguese of the 15th-17th c. [F caravelle f. Port. caravela f. Gk karabos horned beetle, light ship] caraway n. an umbelliferous plant, Carum carvi, bearing clusters of tiny white flowers. Ьcaraway seed its fruit used as flavouring and as a source of oil. [prob. OSp. alcarahueya f. Arab. alkarawiya, perh. f. Gk karon, kareon cumin] carb n. colloq. a carburettor. [abbr.] carbamate n. Chem. a salt or ester of an amide of carbonic acid. [CARBONIC + AMIDE] carbide n. Chem. 1 a binary compound of carbon. 2 = calcium carbide. carbine n. a short firearm, usu. a rifle, orig. for cavalry use. [F carabine (this form also earlier in Engl.), weapon of the carabin mounted musketeer] carbo- comb. form carbon (carbohydrate; carbolic; carboxyl). carbohydrate n. Biochem. any of a large group of energy-producing organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, e.g. starch, glucose, and other sugars. carbolic n. (in full carbolic acid) phenol, esp. when used as a disinfectant. Ьcarbolic soap soap containing this. [CARBO- + -OL(1) + -IC] carbon n. 1 a non-metallic element occurring naturally as diamond, graphite, and charcoal, and in all organic compounds. °Symb.: C. 2 a = carbon copy. b = carbon paper. 3 a rod of carbon in an arc lamp. Ьcarbon black a fine carbon powder made by burning hydrocarbons in insufficient air. carbon copy 1 a copy made with carbon paper. 2 a person or thing identical or similar to another (is a carbon copy of his father). carbon cycle Biol. the cycle in which carbon compounds are interconverted, usu. by living organisms. carbon dating the determination of the age of an organic object from the ratio of isotopes which changes as carbon-14 decays. carbon dioxide a colourless odourless gas occurring naturally in the atmosphere and formed by respiration. °Chem. formula: CO[2]. carbon disulphide a colourless liquid used as a solvent. °Chem. formula: CS[2]. carbon fibre a thin strong crystalline filament of carbon used as strengthening material in resins, ceramics, etc. carbon-14 a long-lived radioactive carbon isotope of mass 14, used in radiocarbon dating, and as a tracer in biochemistry. carbon monoxide a colourless odourless toxic gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon. °Chem. formula: CO. carbon paper a thin carbon-coated paper used for making (esp. typed) copies. carbon steel a steel with properties dependent on the percentage of carbon present. carbon tetrachloride a colourless volatile liquid used as a solvent. °Chem. formula: CCl[4]. carbon-12 a carbon isotope of mass 12, used in calculations of atomic mass units. [F carbone f. L carbo -onis charcoal] carbonaceous adj. 1 consisting of or containing carbon. 2 of or like coal or charcoal. carbonade n. a rich beef stew made with onions and beer. [F] carbonado n. (pl. -os) a dark opaque or impure kind of diamond used as an abrasive, for drills etc. [Port.] carbonate n. & v. --n. Chem. a salt of carbonic acid. --v.tr. 1 impregnate with carbon dioxide; aerate. 2 convert into a carbonate. ЬЬcarbonation n. [F carbonat f. mod.L carbonatum (as CARBON)] carbonic adj. Chem. containing carbon. Ьcarbonic acid a very weak acid formed from carbon dioxide dissolved in water. carbonic acid gas archaic carbon dioxide. carboniferous adj. & n. --adj. 1 producing coal. 2 (Carboniferous) Geol. of or relating to the fifth period in the Palaeozoic era, with evidence of the first reptiles and extensive coal-forming swamp forests. °Cf. Appendix II. --n. (Carboniferous) Geol. this period or system. carbonize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 convert into carbon by heating. 2 reduce to charcoal or coke. 3 coat with carbon. ЬЬcarbonization n. carbonyl n. (used attrib.) Chem. the divalent radical CO. carborundum n. a compound of carbon and silicon used esp. as an abrasive. [CARBON + CORUNDUM] carboxyl n. Chem. the univalent acid radical (-COOH), present in most organic acids. ЬЬcarboxylic adj. [CARBON + OXYGEN + -YL] carboy n. a large globular glass bottle usu. protected by a frame, for containing liquids. [Pers. karaba large glass flagon] carbuncle n. 1 a severe abscess in the skin. 2 a bright red gem. ЬЬcarbuncular adj. [ME f. OF charbucle etc. f. L carbunculus small coal f. carbo coal] carburation n. the process of charging air with a spray of liquid hydrocarbon fuel, esp. in an internal-combustion engine. [as CARBURET] carburet v.tr. (carburetted, carburetting; US carbureted, carbureting) combine (a gas etc.) with carbon. [earlier carbure f. F f. L carbo (as CARBON)] carburettor n. (also carburetter, US carburetor) an apparatus for carburation of petrol and air in an internal-combustion engine. [as CARBURET + -OR(1)] carcajou n. US = WOLVERINE. [F, app. of Amer. Ind. orig.] carcass n. (also carcase) 1 the dead body of an animal, esp. a trunk for cutting up as meat. 2 the bones of a cooked bird. 3 derog. the human body, living or dead. 4 the skeleton, framework of a building, ship, etc. 5 worthless remains. Ьcarcass meat raw meat, not preserved. [ME f. AF carcois (OF charcois) & f. F carcasse: ult. orig. unkn.] carcinogen n. any substance that produces cancer. [as CARCINOMA + -GEN] carcinogenesis n. the production of cancer. carcinogenic adj. producing cancer. ЬЬcarcinogenicity n. carcinoma n. (pl. carcinomata or carcinomas) a cancer, esp. one arising in epithelial tissue. ЬЬcarcinomatous adj. [L f. Gk karkinoma f. karkinos crab] card(1) n. & v. --n. 1 thick stiff paper or thin pasteboard. 2 a a flat piece of this, esp. for writing or printing on. b = POSTCARD. c a card used to send greetings, issue an invitation, etc. (birthday card). d = visiting-card. e = business card. f a ticket of admission or membership. 3 a = PLAYING-CARD. b a similar card in a set designed for particular games, e.g. happy families. c (in pl.) card-playing; a card-game. 4 (in pl.) colloq. an employee's documents, esp. for tax and national insurance, held by the employer. 5 a a programme of events at a race-meeting etc. b Cricket a score-card. c a list of holes on a golf course, on which a player's scores are entered. 6 colloq. a person, esp. an odd or amusing one (what a card!; a knowing card). 7 a plan or expedient (sure card). 8 a printed or written notice, set of rules, etc., for display. 9 a small rectangular piece of plastic issued by a bank, building society, etc., with personal (often machine-readable) data on it, chiefly to obtain cash or credit (cheque card; credit card; do you have a card?). --v.tr. 1 fix to a card. 2 write on a card, esp. for indexing. Ьask for (or get) one's cards ask (or be told) to leave one's employment. card-carrying being a registered member of an organization, esp. a political party or trade union. card-game a game in which playing-cards are used. card index an index in which each item is entered on a separate card. card-index v.tr. make a card index of. card-playing the playing of card-games. card-sharp (or -sharper) a swindler at card-games. card-table a table for card-playing, esp. a folding one. card up one's sleeve a plan in reserve. card vote US a block vote, esp. in trade-union meetings. on (US in) the cards possible or likely. put (or lay) one's cards on the table reveal one's resources, intentions, etc. [ME f. OF carte f. L charta f. Gk khartes papyrus-leaf] card(2) n. & v. --n. a toothed instrument, wire brush, etc., for raising a nap on cloth or for disentangling fibres before spinning. --v.tr. brush, comb, cleanse, or scratch with a card. Ьcarding-wool short-stapled wool. ЬЬcarder n. [ME f. OF carde f. Prov. carda f. cardar tease, comb, ult. f. L carere card] Card. abbr. Cardinal. cardamom n. (also cardamum) 1 an aromatic SE Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum. 2 the seed-capsules of this used as a spice. [L cardamomum or F cardamome f. Gk kardamomon f. kardamon cress + amomon a spice plant] cardan joint n. Engin. a universal joint. [G. Cardano, It. mathematician d. 1576] cardan shaft n. Engin. a shaft with a universal joint at one or both ends. cardboard n. & adj. --n. pasteboard or stiff paper, esp. for making cards or boxes. --adj. 1 made of cardboard. 2 flimsy, insubstantial. cardiac adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to the heart. 2 of or relating to the part of the stomach nearest the oesophagus. --n. a person with heart disease. [F cardiaque or L cardiacus f. Gk kardiakos f. kardia heart] cardie var. of CARDY. cardigan n. a knitted jacket fastening down the front, usu. with long sleeves. [named after the 7th Earl of Cardigan d. 1868] cardinal n. & adj. --n. 1 (as a title Cardinal) a leading dignitary of the RC Church, one of the college electing the Pope. 2 any small American songbird of the genus Richmondena, the males of which have scarlet plumage. 3 hist. a woman's cloak, orig. of scarlet cloth with a hood. --adj. 1 chief, fundamental; on which something hinges. 2 of deep scarlet (like a cardinal's cassock). Ьcardinal-flower the scarlet lobelia. cardinal humour see HUMOUR. cardinal numbers those denoting quantity (one, two, three, etc.), as opposed to ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.). cardinal points the four main points of the compass (N., S., E., W.). cardinal virtues the chief moral attributes: justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude. ЬЬcardinalate n. (in sense 1 of n.). cardinally adv. cardinalship n. (in sense 1 of n.). [ME f. OF f. L cardinalis f. cardo -inis hinge: in Eng. first applied to the four virtues on which conduct 'hinges'] cardio- comb. form heart (cardiogram; cardiology). [Gk kardia heart] cardiogram n. a record of muscle activity within the heart, made by a cardiograph. cardiograph n. an instrument for recording heart muscle activity. ЬЬcardiographer n. cardiography n. cardiology n. the branch of medicine concerned with diseases and abnormalities of the heart. ЬЬcardiologist n. cardiovascular adj. of or relating to the heart and blood vessels. cardoon n. a thistle-like plant, Cynara cardunculus, allied to the globe artichoke, with leaves used as a vegetable. [F cardon ult. f. L cardu(u)s thistle] cardphone n. a public telephone operated by the insertion of a prepaid plastic machine-readable card instead of money. cardy n. (also cardie) (pl. -ies) colloq. a cardigan. [abbr.] care n. & v. --n. 1 worry, anxiety. 2 an occasion for this. 3 serious attention; heed, caution, pains (assembled with care; handle with care). 4 a protection, charge. b Brit. = child care. 5 a thing to be done or seen to. --v.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by about, for, whether) feel concern or interest. 2 (usu. foll. by for, about, and with neg. expressed or implied) feel liking, affection, regard, or deference (don't care for jazz). 3 (foll. by to + infin.) wish or be willing (should not care to be seen with him; would you care to try them?). Ьcare for provide for; look after. care-label a label attached to clothing, with instructions for washing etc. care of at the address of (sent it care of his sister). for all one cares colloq. denoting uninterest or unconcern (for all I care they can leave tomorrow; I could be dying for all you care). have a care take care; be careful. I (etc.) couldn't (US could) care less colloq. an expression of complete indifference. in care Brit. (of a child) taken into the care of a local authority. take care 1 be careful. 2 (foll. by to + infin.) not fail or neglect. take care of 1 look after; keep safe. 2 deal with. 3 dispose of. [OE caru, carian, f. Gmc] careen v. 1 tr. turn (a ship) on one side for cleaning, caulking, or repair. 2 a intr. tilt; lean over. b tr. cause to do this. 3 intr. US swerve about; career. °Sense 3 is infl. by career (v.). ЬЬcareenage n. [earlier as noun, = careened position of ship, f. F carЉne f. It. carena f. L carina keel] career n. & v. --n. 1 a one's advancement through life, esp. in a profession. b the progress through history of a group or institution. 2 a profession or occupation, esp. as offering advancement. 3 (attrib.) a pursuing or wishing to pursue a career (career woman). b working permanently in a specified profession (career diplomat). 4 swift course; impetus (in full career). --v.intr. 1 move or swerve about wildly. 2 go swiftly. [F carriЉre f. It. carriera ult. f. L carrus CAR] careerist n. a person predominantly concerned with personal advancement. carefree adj. free from anxiety or responsibility; light-hearted. ЬЬcarefreeness n. careful adj. 1 painstaking, thorough. 2 cautious. 3 done with care and attention. 4 (usu. foll. by that + clause, or to + infin.) taking care; not neglecting. 5 (foll. by for, of) concerned for; taking care of. ЬЬcarefully adv. carefulness n. [OE carful (as CARE, -FUL)] careless adj. 1 not taking care or paying attention. 2 unthinking, insensitive. 3 done without care; inaccurate. 4 light-hearted. 5 (foll. by of) not concerned about; taking no heed of. 6 effortless. ЬЬcarelessly adv. carelessness n. [OE carleas (as CARE, -LESS)] carer n. a person who cares for a sick or elderly person. caress v. & n. --v.tr. 1 touch or stroke gently or lovingly; kiss. 2 treat fondly or kindly. --n. a loving or gentle touch or kiss. [F caresse (n.), caresser (v.), f. It. carezza ult. f. L carus dear] caret n. a mark (*,*) indicating a proposed insertion in printing or writing. [L, = is lacking] caretaker n. 1 a person employed to look after something, esp. a house in the owner's absence, or Brit. a public building. 2 (attrib.) exercising temporary authority (caretaker government). careworn adj. showing the effects of prolonged worry. carfare n. US a passenger's fare to travel by bus. cargo n. (pl. -oes or -os) 1 goods carried on a ship or aircraft. 2 US goods carried in a motor vehicle. Ьcargo cult (orig. in the Pacific Islands) a belief in the forthcoming arrival of ancestral spirits bringing cargoes of food and other goods. [Sp. (as CHARGE)] carhop n. US colloq. a waiter at a drive-in restaurant. cariama var. of SERIEMA. Carib n. & adj. --n. 1 an aboriginal inhabitant of the southern W. Indies or the adjacent coasts. 2 the language of this people. --adj. of or relating to this people. [Sp. Caribe f. Haitian] Caribbean n. & adj. --n. the part of the Atlantic between the southern W. Indies and Central America. --adj. 1 of or relating to this region. 2 of the Caribs or their language or culture. caribou n. (pl. same) a N. American reindeer. [Can. F, prob. f. Amer. Ind.] caricature n. & v. --n. 1 a grotesque usu. comic representation of a person by exaggeration of characteristic traits, in a picture, writing, or mime. 2 a ridiculously poor or absurd imitation or version. --v.tr. make or give a caricature of. ЬЬcaricatural adj. caricaturist n. [F f. It. caricatura f. caricare load, exaggerate: see CHARGE] caries n. (pl. same) decay and crumbling of a tooth or bone. [L] carillon n. 1 a set of bells sounded either from a keyboard or mechanically. 2 a tune played on bells. 3 an organ-stop imitating a peal of bells. [F f. OF quarregnon peal of four bells, alt. of Rmc quaternio f. L quattuor four] carina n. Biol. a keel-shaped structure, esp. the ridge of a bird's breastbone. ЬЬcarinal adj. [L, = keel] carinate adj. (of a bird) having a keeled breastbone (opp. RATITE). [L carinatus keeled f. carina keel] caring adj. compassionate, esp. with reference to the professional care of the sick or elderly. carioca n. 1 a a Brazilian dance like the samba. b the music for this. 2 a native of Rio de Janeiro. [Port.] cariogenic adj. causing caries. carious adj. (of bones or teeth) decayed. [L cariosus] carking adj. archaic burdensome (carking care). [part. of obs. cark (v.) f. ONF carkier f. Rmc, rel. to CHARGE] carl n. Sc. a man; a fellow. [OE f. ON karl, rel. to CHURL] carline n. any plant of the genus Carlina, esp. the thistle-like C. vulgaris. [F f. med.L carlina perh. for cardina (L carduus thistle), assoc. with Carolus Magnus Charlemagne] carload n. 1 a quantity that can be carried in a car. 2 US the minimum quantity of goods for which a lower rate is charged for transport. Carlovingian var. of CAROLINGIAN. carman n. US 1 the driver of a van. 2 a carrier. Carmelite n. & adj. --n. 1 a friar of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, following a rule of extreme asceticism. 2 a nun of a similar order. --adj. of or relating to the Carmelites. [F Carmelite or med.L carmelita f. Mt. Carmel in Palestine, where the order was founded in the 12th c.] carminative adj. & n. --adj. relieving flatulence. --n. a carminative drug. [F carminatif -ive or med.L carminare heal (by incantation): see CHARM] carmine adj. & n. --adj. of a vivid crimson colour. --n. 1 this colour. 2 a vivid crimson pigment made from cochineal. [F carmin or med.L carminium perh. f. carmesinum crimson + minium cinnabar] carnage n. great slaughter, esp. of human beings in battle. [F f. It. carnaggio f. med.L carnaticum f. L caro carnis flesh] carnal adj. 1 of the body or flesh; worldly. 2 sensual, sexual. Ьcarnal knowledge Law sexual intercourse. ЬЬcarnality n. carnalize v.tr. (also -ise). carnally adv. [ME f. LL carnalis f. caro carnis flesh] carnassial adj. & n. --adj. (of a carnivore's upper premolar and lower molar teeth) adapted for shearing flesh. --n. such a tooth. Also called SECTORIAL. [F carnassier carnivorous] carnation(1) n. 1 any of several cultivated varieties of clove-scented pink, with variously coloured showy flowers (see also CLOVE(1) 2). 2 this flower. [orig. uncert.: in early use varying with coronation] carnation(2) n. & adj. --n. a rosy pink colour. --adj. of this colour. [F f. It. carnagione ult. f. L caro carnis flesh] carnauba n. 1 a fan palm, Copernicia cerifera, native to NE Brazil. 2 (in full carnauba wax) the yellowish leaf-wax of this tree used as a polish etc. [Port.] carnelian var. of CORNELIAN. carnet n. 1 a customs permit to take a motor vehicle across a frontier for a limited period. 2 a permit allowing use of a camp-site. [F, = notebook] carnival n. 1 a the festivities usual during the period before Lent in Roman Catholic countries. b any festivities, esp. those occurring at a regular date. 2 merrymaking, revelry. 3 US a travelling funfair or circus. [It. carne-, carnovale f. med.L carnelevarium etc. Shrovetide f. L caro carnis flesh + levare put away] carnivore n. 1 a any mammal of the order Carnivora, with powerful jaws and teeth adapted for stabbing, tearing, and eating flesh, including cats, dogs, and bears. b any other flesh-eating mammal. 2 any flesh-eating plant. carnivorous adj. 1 (of an animal) feeding on flesh. 2 (of a plant) digesting trapped insects or other animal substances. 3 of or relating to the order Carnivora. ЬЬcarnivorously adv. carnivorousness n. [L carnivorus f. caro carnis flesh + -VOROUS] carob n. 1 (in full carob-tree) an evergreen tree, Ceratonia siliqua, native to the Mediterranean, bearing edible pods. 2 its bean-shaped edible seed pod sometimes used as a substitute for chocolate. [obs. F carobe f. med.L carrubia, -um f. Arab. karruba] carol n. & v. --n. a joyous song, esp. a Christmas hymn. --v. (carolled, carolling; US caroled, caroling) 1 intr. sing carols, esp. outdoors at Christmas. 2 tr. & intr. sing joyfully. ЬЬcaroler n. (also caroller). [ME f. OF carole, caroler, of unkn. orig.] Caroline adj. 1 (also Carolean) of the time of Charles I or II of England. 2 = CAROLINGIAN adj. 2. [L Carolus Charles] Carolingian adj. & n. (also Carlovingian) --adj. 1 of or relating to the second Frankish dynasty, founded by Charlemagne (d. 814). 2 of a style of script developed in France at the time of Charlemagne. --n. 1 a member of the Carolingian dynasty. 2 the Carolingian style of script. [F carlovingien f. Karl Charles after m‚rovingien (see MEROVINGIAN): re-formed after L Carolus] carom n. & v. US Billiards --n. a cannon. --v.intr. 1 make a carom. 2 (usu. foll. by off) strike and rebound. [abbr. of carambole f. Sp. carambola] carotene n. any of several orange-coloured plant pigments found in carrots, tomatoes, etc., acting as a source of vitamin A. [G Carotin f. L carota CARROT] carotenoid n. any of a group of yellow, orange, or brown pigments giving characteristic colour to plant organs, e.g. ripe tomatoes, carrots, autumn leaves, etc. carotid n. & adj. --n. each of the two main arteries carrying blood to the head and neck. --adj. of or relating to either of these arteries. [F carotide or mod.L carotides f. Gk karotides (pl.) f. karoo stupefy (compression of these arteries being thought to cause stupor)] carouse v. & n. --v.intr. 1 have a noisy or lively drinking-party. 2 drink heavily. --n. a noisy or lively drinking-party. ЬЬcarousal n. carouser n. [orig. as adv. = right out, in phr. drink carouse f. G gar aus trinken] carousel n. (US carrousel) 1 US a merry-go-round or roundabout. 2 a rotating delivery or conveyor system, esp. for passengers' luggage at an airport. 3 hist. a kind of equestrian tournament. [F carrousel f. It. carosello] carp(1) n. (pl. same) any freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, esp. Cyprinus carpio, often bred for use as food. [ME f. OF carpe f. Prov. or f. LL carpa] carp(2) v.intr. (usu. foll. by at) find fault; complain pettily. ЬЬcarper n. [obs. ME senses 'talk, say, sing' f. ON karpa to brag: mod. sense (16th c.) from or infl. by L carpere pluck at, slander] carpal adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to the bones in the wrist. --n. any of the bones forming the wrist. [CARPUS + -AL] carpel n. Bot. the female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of a stigma, style, and ovary. ЬЬcarpellary adj. [F carpelle or mod.L carpellum f. Gk karpos fruit] carpenter n. & v. --n. a person skilled in woodwork, esp. of a structural kind (cf. JOINER). --v. 1 intr. do carpentry. 2 tr. make by means of carpentry. 3 tr. (often foll. by together) construct; fit together. Ьcarpenter ant any large ant of the genus Camponotus, boring into wood to nest. carpenter bee any of various solitary bees, which bore into wood. [ME & AF; OF carpentier f. LL carpentarius f. carpentum wagon f. Gaulish] carpentry n. 1 the work or occupation of a carpenter. 2 timber-work constructed by a carpenter. [ME f. OF carpenterie f. L carpentaria: see CARPENTER] carpet n. & v. --n. 1 a thick fabric for covering a floor or stairs. b a piece of this fabric. 2 an expanse or layer resembling a carpet in being smooth, soft, bright, or thick (carpet of snow). --v.tr. (carpeted, carpeting) 1 cover with or as with a carpet. 2 colloq. reprimand, reprove. Ьcarpet-bag a travelling-bag of a kind orig. made of carpet-like material. carpet-bagger 1 esp. US a political candidate in an area where the candidate has no local connections (orig. a northerner in the southern US after the Civil War). 2 an unscrupulous opportunist. carpet bombing intensive bombing. carpet slipper a kind of slipper with the upper made orig. of carpet-like material. carpet-sweeper a household implement with a revolving brush or brushes for sweeping carpets. on the carpet 1 colloq. being reprimanded. 2 under consideration. sweep under the carpet conceal (a problem or difficulty) in the hope that it will be forgotten. [ME f. OF carpite or med.L carpita, f. obs. It. carpita woollen counterpane, ult. f. L carpere pluck, pull to pieces] carpeting n. 1 material for carpets. 2 carpets collectively. carpology n. the study of the structure of fruit and seeds. [Gk karpos fruit] carport n. a shelter with a roof and open sides for a car, usu. beside a house. carpus n. (pl. carpi) the small bones between the forelimb and metacarpus in terrestrial vertebrates, forming the wrist in humans. [mod.L f. Gk karpos wrist] carrack n. hist. a large armed merchant-ship. [ME f. F caraque f. Sp. carraca f. Arab. karakir] carrageen n. (also carragheen) an edible red seaweed, Chondrus crispus, of the N. hemisphere. Also called Irish moss. [orig. uncert.: perh. f. Ir. cos inЎn carraige carrageen, lit. 'little stem of the rock'] carrel n. 1 a small cubicle for a reader in a library. 2 hist. a small enclosure or study in a cloister. [OF carole, med.L carola, of unkn. orig.] carriage n. 1 Brit. a railway passenger vehicle. 2 a wheeled passenger vehicle, esp. one with four wheels and pulled by horses. 3 a the conveying of goods. b the cost of this (carriage paid). 4 the part of a machine (e.g. a typewriter) that carries other parts into the required position. 5 a gun-carriage. 6 a manner of carrying oneself; one's bearing or deportment. Ьcarriage and pair a carriage with two horses pulling it. carriage clock a portable clock in a rectangular case with a handle on top. carriage-dog a dalmatian. [ME f. ONF cariage f. carier CARRY] carriageway n. Brit. the part of a road intended for vehicles. carrick bend n. Naut. a kind of knot used to join ropes. [BEND(2): carrick perh. f. CARRACK] carrier n. 1 a person or thing that carries. 2 a person or company undertaking to convey goods or passengers for payment. 3 = carrier bag. 4 a part of a bicycle etc. for carrying luggage or a passenger. 5 a person or animal that may transmit a disease or a hereditary characteristic without suffering from or displaying it. 6 = aircraft-carrier. 7 a substance used to support or convey a pigment, a catalyst, radioactive material, etc. 8 Physics a mobile electron or hole that carries a charge in a semiconductor. Ьcarrier bag Brit. a disposable plastic or paper bag with handles. carrier pigeon a pigeon trained to carry messages tied to its neck or leg. carrier wave a high-frequency electromagnetic wave modulated in amplitude or frequency to convey a signal. carriole n. 1 a small open carriage for one. 2 a covered light cart. 3 a Canadian sledge. [F f. It. carriuola, dimin. of carro CAR] carrion n. & adj. --n. 1 dead putrefying flesh. 2 something vile or filthy. --adj. rotten, loathsome. Ьcarrion crow a black crow, Corvus corone, native to Europe, feeding mainly on carrion. carrion flower = STAPELIA. [ME f. AF & ONF caroine, -oigne, OF charoigne ult. f. L caro flesh] carrot n. 1 a an umbelliferous plant, Daucus carota, with a tapering orange-coloured root. b this root as a vegetable. 2 a means of enticement or persuasion. 3 (in pl.) sl. a red-haired person. ЬЬcarroty adj. [F carotte f. L carota f. Gk karoton] carrousel US var. of CAROUSEL. carry v. & n. --v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. support or hold up, esp. while moving. 2 tr. convey with one from one place to another. 3 tr. have on one's person (carry a watch). 4 tr. conduct or transmit (pipe carries water; wire carries electric current). 5 tr. take (a process etc.) to a specified point (carry into effect; carry a joke too far). 6 tr. (foll. by to) continue or prolong (carry modesty to excess). 7 tr. involve, imply; have as a feature or consequence (carries a two-year guarantee; principles carry consequences). 8 tr. (in reckoning) transfer (a figure) to a column of higher value. 9 tr. hold in a specified way (carry oneself erect). 10 tr. a (of a newspaper or magazine) publish; include in its contents, esp. regularly. b (of a radio or television station) broadcast, esp. regularly. 11 tr. (of a retailing outlet) keep a regular stock of (particular goods for sale) (have stopped carrying that brand). 12 intr. a (of sound, esp. a voice) be audible at a distance. b (of a missile) travel, penetrate. 13 tr. (of a gun etc.) propel to a specified distance. 14 tr. a win victory or acceptance for (a proposal etc.). b win acceptance from (carried the audience with them). c win, capture (a prize, a fortress, etc.). d US gain (a State or district) in an election. e Golf cause the ball to pass beyond (a bunker etc.). 15 tr. a endure the weight of; support (columns carry the dome). b be the chief cause of the effectiveness of; be the driving force in (you carry the sales department). 16 tr. be pregnant with (is carrying twins). 17 tr. a (of a motive, money, etc.) cause or enable (a person) to go to a specified place. b (of a journey) bring (a person) to a specified point. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 an act of carrying. 2 Golf the distance a ball travels before reaching the ground. 3 a portage between rivers etc. 4 the range of a gun etc. Ьcarry-all 1 a light carriage (cf. CARRIOLE). 2 US a car with seats placed sideways. 3 US a large bag or case. carry all before one succeed; overcome all opposition. carry away 1 remove. 2 inspire; affect emotionally or spiritually. 3 deprive of self-control (got carried away). 4 Naut. a lose (a mast etc.) by breakage. b break off or away. carry back take (a person) back in thought to a past time. carry one's bat Cricket be not out at the end of a side's completed innings. carry the can colloq. bear the responsibility or blame. carry conviction be convincing. carry-cot a portable cot for a baby. carry the day be victorious or successful. carry forward transfer to a new page or account. carrying-on (or carryings-on) = carry-on. carrying-trade the conveying of goods from one country to another by water or air as a business. carry it off (or carry it off well) do well under difficulties. carry off 1 take away, esp. by force. 2 win (a prize). 3 (esp. of a disease) kill. 4 render acceptable or passable. carry on 1 continue (carry on eating; carry on, don't mind me). 2 engage in (a conversation or a business). 3 colloq. behave strangely or excitedly. 4 (often foll. by with) colloq. flirt or have a love affair. 5 advance (a process) by a stage. carry-on n. Brit. sl. 1 a state of excitement or fuss. 2 a questionable piece of behaviour. 3 a flirtation or love affair. carry out put (ideas, instructions, etc.) into practice. carry-out attrib.adj. & n. esp. Sc. & US = take-away. carry over 1 = carry forward. 2 postpone (work etc.). 3 Stock Exch. keep over to the next settling-day. carry-over n. 1 something carried over. 2 Stock Exch. postponement to the next settling-day. carry through 1 complete successfully. 2 bring safely out of difficulties. carry weight be influential or important. carry with one bear in mind. [ME f. AF & ONF carier (as CAR)] carse n. Sc. fertile lowland beside a river. [ME, perh. f. carrs swamps] carsick adj. affected with nausea caused by the motion of a car. ЬЬcarsickness n. cart n. & v. --n. 1 a strong vehicle with two or four wheels for carrying loads, usu. drawn by a horse. 2 a light vehicle for pulling by hand. 3 a light vehicle with two wheels for driving in, drawn by a single horse. --v.tr. 1 convey in or as in a cart. 2 sl. carry (esp. a cumbersome thing) with difficulty or over a long distance (carted it all the way home). Ьcart-horse a thickset horse suitable for heavy work. cart-load 1 an amount filling a cart. 2 a large quantity of anything. cart off remove, esp. by force. cart-track (or -road) a track or road too rough for ordinary vehicles. cart-wright a maker of carts. in the cart sl. in trouble or difficulty. put the cart before the horse 1 reverse the proper order or procedure. 2 take an effect for a cause. ЬЬcarter n. cartful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME f. ON kartr cart & OE cr‘t, prob. infl. by AF & ONF carete dimin. of carre CAR] cartage n. the price paid for carting. carte var. of QUART 4. carte blanche n. full discretionary power given to a person. [F, = blank paper] cartel n. 1 an informal association of manufacturers or suppliers to maintain prices at a high level, and control production, marketing arrangements, etc. 2 a political combination between parties. ЬЬcartelize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). [G Kartell f. F cartel f. It. cartello dimin. of carta CARD(1)] Cartesian adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to R. Descartes, 17th-c. French philosopher and mathematician. --n. a follower of Descartes. ЬCartesian coordinates a system for locating a point by reference to its distance from two or three axes intersecting at right angles. ЬЬCartesianism n. [mod.L Cartesianus f. Cartesius, name of Descartes] Carthusian n. & adj. --n. a monk of a contemplative order founded by St Bruno in 1084. --adj. of or relating to this order. [med.L Carthusianus f. L Cart(h)usia Chartreuse, near Grenoble] cartilage n. gristle, a firm flexible connective tissue forming the infant skeleton, which is mainly replaced by bone in adulthood. ЬЬcartilaginoid adj. cartilaginous adj. [F f. L cartilago -ginis] cartogram n. a map with diagrammatic statistical information. [F cartogramme f. carte map, card] cartography n. the science or practice of map-drawing. ЬЬcartographer n. cartographic adj. cartographical adj. [F cartographie f. carte map, card] cartomancy n. fortune-telling by interpreting a random selection of playing-cards. [F cartomancie f. carte CARD(1)] carton n. a light box or container, esp. one made of cardboard. [F (as CARTOON)] cartoon n. & v. --n. 1 a humorous drawing in a newspaper, magazine, etc., esp. as a topical comment. 2 a sequence of drawings, often with speech indicated, telling a story (strip cartoon). 3 a filmed sequence of drawings using the technique of animation. 4 a full-size drawing on stout paper as an artist's preliminary design for a painting, tapestry, mosaic, etc. --v. 1 tr. draw a cartoon of. 2 intr. draw cartoons. ЬЬcartoonist n. [It. cartone f. carta CARD(1)] cartouche n. 1 a Archit. a scroll-like ornament, e.g. the volute of an Ionic capital. b a tablet imitating, or a drawing of, a scroll with rolled-up ends, used ornamentally or bearing an inscription. c an ornate frame. 2 Archaeol. an oval ring enclosing Egyptian hieroglyphs, usu. representing the name and title of a king. [F, = cartridge, f. It. cartoccio f. carta CARD(1)] cartridge n. 1 a case containing a charge of propelling explosive for firearms or blasting, with a bullet or shot if for small arms. 2 a spool of film, magnetic tape, etc., in a sealed container ready for insertion. 3 a component carrying the stylus on the pick-up head of a record-player. 4 an ink-container for insertion in a pen. Ьcartridge-belt a belt with pockets or loops for cartridges (in sense 1). cartridge paper thick rough paper used for cartridges, for drawing, and for strong envelopes. [corrupt. of CARTOUCHE (but recorded earlier)] cartwheel n. 1 the (usu. spoked) wheel of a cart. 2 a circular sideways handspring with the arms and legs extended. caruncle n. 1 Zool. a fleshy excrescence, e.g. a turkeycock's wattles or the red prominence at the inner angle of the eye. 2 Bot. an outgrowth from a seed near the micropyle. ЬЬcaruncular adj. [obs. F f. L caruncula f. caro carnis flesh] carve v. 1 tr. produce or shape (a statue, representation in relief, etc.) by cutting into a hard material (carved a figure out of rock; carved it in wood). 2 tr. a cut patterns, designs, letters, etc. in (hard material). b (foll. by into) form a pattern, design, etc., from (carved it into a bust). c (foll. by with) cover or decorate (material) with figures or designs cut in it. 3 tr. (absol.) cut (meat etc.) into slices for eating. Ьcarve out 1 take from a larger whole. 2 establish (a career etc.) purposefully (carved out a name for themselves). carve up divide into several pieces; subdivide (territory etc.). carve-up n. sl. a sharing-out, esp. of spoils. carving knife a knife with a long blade, for carving meat. [OE ceorfan cut f. WG] carvel n. var. of CARAVEL. Ьcarvel-built (of a boat) made with planks flush, not overlapping (cf. CLINKER-BUILT). [as CARAVEL] carven archaic past part. of CARVE. Carver n. US a chair with arms, a rush seat, and a back having horizontal and vertical spindles. [J. Carver, first governor of Plymouth Colony, d. 1621, for whom a prototype was allegedly made] carver n. 1 a person who carves. 2 a a carving knife. b (in pl.) a knife and fork for carving. 3 Brit. the principal chair, with arms, in a set of dining-chairs, intended for the person who carves. °To be distinguished (in sense 3) from Carver. carvery n. (pl. -ies) a buffet or restaurant with joints displayed, and carved as required, in front of customers. carving n. a carved object, esp. as a work of art. caryatid n. (pl. caryatides or caryatids) Archit. a pillar in the form of a draped female figure, supporting an entablature. [F caryatide f. It. cariatide or L f. Gk karuatis -idos priestess at Caryae (Karuai) in Laconia] caryopsis n. (pl. caryopses) Bot. a dry one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in wheat and maize. [mod.L f. Gk karuon nut + opsis appearance] Casanova n. a man notorious for seducing women. [G. J. Casanova de Seingalt, It. adventurer d. 1798] casbah var. of KASBAH. cascade n. & v. --n. 1 a small waterfall, esp. forming one in a series or part of a large broken waterfall. 2 a succession of electrical devices or stages in a process. 3 a quantity of material etc. draped in descending folds. 4 a process of disseminating information from senior to junior levels in an organization. --v.intr. fall in or like a cascade. [F f. It. cascata f. cascare to fall ult. f. L casus: see CASE(1)] cascara n. (in full cascara sagrada) the bark of a Californian buckthorn, Rhamnus purshiana, used as a purgative. [Sp., = sacred bark] case(1) n. 1 an instance of something occurring. 2 a state of affairs, hypothetical or actual. 3 a an instance of a person receiving professional guidance, e.g. from a doctor or social worker. b this person or the circumstances involved. 4 a matter under official investigation, esp. by the police. 5 Law a a cause or suit for trial. b a statement of the facts in a cause sub judice, drawn up for a higher court's consideration (judge states a case). c a cause that has been decided and may be cited (leading case). 6 a the sum of the arguments on one side, esp. in a lawsuit (that is our case). b a set of arguments, esp. in relation to persuasiveness (have a good case; have a weak case). c a valid set of arguments (have no case). 7 Gram. a the relation of a word to other words in a sentence. b a form of a noun, adjective, or pronoun expressing this. 8 colloq. a comical person. 9 the position or circumstances in which one is. Ьas the case may be according to the situation. case history information about a person for use in professional treatment, e.g. by a doctor. case-law the law as established by the outcome of former cases (cf. common law, statute law). case-load the cases with which a doctor etc. is concerned at one time. case-study 1 an attempt to understand a person, institution, etc., from collected information. 2 a record of such an attempt. 3 the use of a particular instance as an exemplar of general principles. in any case whatever the truth is; whatever may happen. in case 1 in the event that; if. 2 lest; in provision against a stated or implied possibility (take an umbrella in case it rains; took it in case). in case of in the event of. in the case of as regards. in no case under no circumstances. in that case if that is true; should that happen. is (or is not) the case is (or is not) so. [ME f. OF cas f. L casus fall f. cadere cas- to fall] case(2) n. & v. --n. 1 a container or covering serving to enclose or contain. 2 a container with its contents. 3 the outer protective covering of a watch, book, seed-vessel, sausage, etc. 4 an item of luggage, esp. a suitcase. 5 Printing a partitioned receptacle for type. 6 a glass box for showing specimens, curiosities, etc. --v.tr. 1 enclose in a case. 2 (foll. by with) surround. 3 sl. reconnoitre (a house etc.) esp. with a view to robbery. Ьcase-bound (of a book) in a hard cover. case-harden 1 harden the surface of, esp. give a steel surface to (iron) by carbonizing. 2 make callous. case-knife a knife carried in a sheath. case-shot 1 bullets in an iron case fired from a cannon. 2 shrapnel. lower case small letters. upper case capitals. [ME f. OF casse, chasse, f. L capsa f. capere hold] casebook n. a book containing a record of legal or medical cases. casein n. the main protein in milk, esp. in coagulated form as in cheese. [L caseus cheese] caseinogen n. the soluble form of casein as it occurs in milk. casemate n. 1 a chamber in the thickness of the wall of a fortress, with embrasures. 2 an armoured enclosure for guns on a warship. [F casemate & It. casamatta or Sp. -mata, f. camata, perh. f. Gk khasma -atos gap] casement n. 1 a window or part of a window hinged vertically to open like a door. 2 poet. a window. [ME f. AL cassimentum f. cassa CASE(2)] casework n. social work concerned with individuals, esp. involving understanding of the client's family and background. ЬЬcaseworker n. cash(1) n. & v. --n. 1 money in coins or notes, as distinct from cheques or orders. 2 (also cash down) money paid as full payment at the time of purchase, as distinct from credit. 3 colloq. wealth. --v.tr. give or obtain cash for (a note, cheque, etc.). Ьcash and carry 1 a system of wholesaling in which goods are paid for in cash and taken away by the purchaser. 2 a store where this system operates. cash-book a book in which receipts and payments of cash are recorded. cash crop a crop produced for sale, not for use as food etc. cash desk a counter or compartment in a shop where goods are paid for. cash dispenser an automatic machine from which customers of a bank etc. may withdraw cash, esp. by using a cashcard. cash flow the movement of money into and out of a business, as a measure of profitability, or as affecting liquidity. cash in 1 obtain cash for. 2 colloq. (usu. foll. by on) profit (from); take advantage (of). 3 pay into a bank etc. 4 (in full cash in one's checks) colloq. die. cash on delivery a system of paying the carrier for goods when they are delivered. cash register a machine in a shop etc. with a drawer for money, recording the amount of each sale, totalling receipts, etc. cash up Brit. count and check cash takings at the end of a day's trading. ЬЬcashable adj. cashless adj. [obs. F casse box or It. cassa f. L capsa CASE(2)] cash(2) n. (pl. same) hist. any of various small coins of China or the E. Indies. [ult. f. Port. ca(i)xa f. Tamil kasu f. Skr. karsha] cashcard n. a plastic card (see CARD(1) n. 9) which enables the holder to draw money from a cash dispenser. cashew n. 1 a bushy evergreen tree, Anacardium occidentale, native to Central and S. America, bearing kidney-shaped nuts attached to fleshy fruits. 2 (in full cashew nut) the edible nut of this tree. Ьcashew apple the edible fleshy fruit of this tree. [Port. f. Tupi (a)caju] cashier(1) n. a person dealing with cash transactions in a shop, bank, etc. [Du. cassier or F caissier (as CASH(1))] cashier(2) v.tr. dismiss from service, esp. from the armed forces with disgrace. [Flem. kasseren disband, revoke, f. F casser f. L quassare QUASH] cashmere n. 1 a fine soft wool, esp. that of a Kashmir goat. 2 a material made from this. [Kashmir in Asia] cashpoint n. = cash dispenser. casing n. 1 a protective or enclosing cover or shell. 2 the material for this. casino n. (pl. -os) a public room or building for gambling. [It., dimin. of casa house f. L casa cottage] cask n. 1 a large barrel-like container made of wood, metal, or plastic, esp. one for alcoholic liquor. 2 its contents. 3 its capacity. [F casque or Sp. casco helmet] casket n. 1 a small often ornamental box or chest for jewels, letters, etc. 2 a a small wooden box for cremated ashes. b US a coffin, esp. a rectangular one. [perh. f. AF form of OF cassette f. It. cassetta dimin. of cassa f. L capsa CASE(2)] casque n. 1 hist. or poet. a helmet. 2 Zool. a helmet-like structure, e.g. the process on the bill of the cassowary. [F f. Sp. casco] Cassandra n. a prophet of disaster, esp. one who is disregarded. [L f. Gk Kassandra, daughter of Priam King of Troy: she was condemned by Apollo to prophesy correctly but not be believed] cassata n. a type of ice-cream containing candied or dried fruit and nuts. [It.] cassation n. Mus. an informal instrumental composition of the 18th c., similar to a divertimento and orig. often for outdoor performance. [It. cassazione] cassava n. 1 a any plant of the genus Manihot, esp. the cultivated varieties M. esculenta (bitter cassava) and M. dulcis (sweet cassava), having starchy tuberous roots. b the roots themselves. 2 a starch or flour obtained from these roots. Also called TAPIOCA, MANIOC. [earlier cas(s)avi etc., f. Taino casavi, infl. by F cassave] casserole n. & v. --n. 1 a covered dish, usu. of earthenware or glass, in which food is cooked, esp. slowly in the oven. 2 food cooked in a casserole. --v.tr. cook in a casserole. [F f. cassole dimin. of casse f. Prov. casa f. LL cattia ladle, pan f. Gk kuathion dimin. of kuathos cup] cassette n. a sealed case containing a length of tape, ribbon, etc., ready for insertion in a machine, esp.: 1 a length of magnetic tape wound on to spools, ready for insertion in a tape recorder. 2 a length of photographic film, ready for insertion in a camera. [F, dimin. of casse CASE(2)] cassia n. 1 any tree of the genus Cassia, bearing leaves from which senna is extracted. 2 the cinnamon-like bark of this tree used as a spice. [L f. Gk kasia f. Heb. kesЊ'ah bark like cinnamon] cassis n. a syrupy usu. alcoholic blackcurrant flavouring for drinks etc. [F, = blackcurrant] cassiterite n. a naturally occurring ore of tin dioxide, from which tin is extracted. Also called TINSTONE. [Gk kassiteros tin] cassock n. a long close-fitting usu. black or red garment worn by clergy, members of choirs, etc. ЬЬcassocked adj. [F casaque long coat f. It. casacca horseman's coat, prob. f. Turkic: cf. COSSACK] cassoulet n. a ragout of meat and beans. [F, dimin. of dial. cassolo stew-pan] cassowary n. (pl. -ies) any large flightless Australasian bird of the genus Casuarius, with heavy body, stout legs, a wattled neck, and a bony crest on its forehead. [Malay kasuari, kasavari] cast v. & n. --v. (past and past part. cast) 1 tr. throw, esp. deliberately or forcefully. 2 tr. (often foll. by on, over) a direct or cause to fall (one's eyes, a glance, light, a shadow, a spell, etc.). b express (doubts, aspersions, etc.). 3 tr. throw out (a fishing-line) into the water. 4 tr. let down (an anchor or sounding-lead). 5 tr. a throw off, get rid of. b shed (skin etc.) esp. in the process of growth. c (of a horse) lose (a shoe). 6 tr. record, register, or give (a vote). 7 tr. a shape (molten metal or plastic material) in a mould. b make (a product) in this way. 8 tr. Printing make (type). 9 tr. a (usu. foll. by as) assign (an actor) to play a particular character. b allocate roles in (a play, film, etc.). 10 tr. (foll. by in, into) arrange or formulate (facts etc.) in a specified form. 11 tr. & intr. reckon, add up, calculate (accounts or figures). 12 tr. calculate and record details of (a horoscope). --n. 1 a the throwing of a missile etc. b the distance reached by this. 2 a throw or a number thrown at dice. 3 a throw of a net, sounding-lead, or fishing-line. 4 Fishing a that which is cast, esp. the gut with hook and fly. b a place for casting (a good cast). 5 a an object of metal, clay, etc., made in a mould. b a moulded mass of solidified material, esp. plaster protecting a broken limb. 6 the actors taking part in a play, film, etc. 7 form, type, or quality (cast of features; cast of mind). 8 a tinge or shade of colour. 9 a (in full cast in the eye) a slight squint. b a twist or inclination. 10 a a mass of earth excreted by a worm. b a mass of indigestible food thrown up by a hawk, owl, etc. 11 the form into which any work is thrown or arranged. 12 a a wide area covered by a dog or pack to find a trail. b Austral. & NZ a wide sweep made by a sheepdog in mustering sheep. Ьcast about (or around or round) make an extensive search (actually or mentally) (cast about for a solution). cast adrift leave to drift. cast ashore (of waves etc.) throw to the shore. cast aside give up using; abandon. cast away 1 reject. 2 (in passive) be shipwrecked (cf. CASTAWAY). cast one's bread upon the waters see BREAD. cast down depress, deject (cf. DOWNCAST). casting vote a deciding vote usu. given by the chairperson when the votes on two sides are equal. °From an obsolete sense of cast = turn the scale. cast iron a hard alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon cast in a mould. cast-iron adj. 1 made of cast iron. 2 hard, unchallengeable, unchangeable. cast loose detach; detach oneself. cast lots see LOT. cast-net a net thrown out and immediately drawn in. cast off 1 abandon. 2 Knitting take the stitches off the needle by looping each over the next to finish the edge. 3 Naut. a set a ship free from a quay etc. b loosen and throw off (rope etc.). 4 Printing estimate the space that will be taken in print by manuscript copy. cast-off adj. abandoned, discarded. --n. a cast-off thing, esp. a garment. cast on Knitting make the first row of loops on the needle. cast out expel. cast up 1 (of the sea) deposit on the shore. 2 add up (figures etc.). [ME f. ON kasta] castanet n. (usu. in pl.) a small concave piece of hardwood, ivory, etc., in pairs held in the hands and clicked together by the fingers as a rhythmic accompaniment, esp. by Spanish dancers. [Sp. casta¤eta dimin. of casta¤a f. L castanea chestnut] castaway n. & adj. --n. a shipwrecked person. --adj. 1 shipwrecked. 2 cast aside; rejected. caste n. 1 any of the Hindu hereditary classes whose members have no social contact with other classes, but are socially equal with one another and often follow the same occupations. 2 a more or less exclusive social class. 3 a system of such classes. 4 the position it confers. 5 Zool. a form of social insect having a particular function. Ьcaste mark a symbol on the forehead denoting a person's caste. lose caste descend in the social order. [Sp. and Port. casta lineage, race, breed, fem. of casto pure, CHASTE] casteism n. often derog. the caste system. castellan n. hist. the governor of a castle. [ME f. ONF castelain f. med.L castellanus: see CASTLE] castellated adj. 1 having battlements. 2 castle-like. ЬЬcastellation n. [med.L castellatus: see CASTLE] caster n. 1 var. of CASTOR(1). 2 a person who casts. 3 a machine for casting type. castigate v.tr. rebuke or punish severely. ЬЬcastigation n. castigator n. castigatory adj. [L castigare reprove f. castus pure] Castile soap n. a fine hard white or mottled soap made with olive oil and soda. [as CASTILIAN] Castilian n. & adj. --n. 1 a native of Castile in Spain. 2 the language of Castile, standard spoken and literary Spanish. --adj. of or relating to Castile. casting n. an object made by casting, esp. of molten metal. castle n. & v. --n. 1 a a large fortified building or group of buildings; a stronghold. b a formerly fortified mansion. 2 Chess = ROOK(2). --v. Chess 1 intr. make a special move (once only in a game on each side) in which the king is moved two squares along the back rank and the nearer rook is moved to the square passed over by the king. 2 tr. move (the king) by castling. Ьcastles in the air (or in Spain) a visionary unattainable scheme; a day-dream. ЬЬcastled adj. [AF & ONF castel, chastel f. L castellum dimin. of castrum fort] castor(1) n. (also caster) 1 a small swivelled wheel (often one of a set) fixed to a leg (or the underside) of a piece of furniture. 2 a small container with holes in the top for sprinkling the contents. Ьcastor action swivelling of vehicle wheels to ensure stability. castor sugar finely granulated white sugar. [orig. a var. of CASTER (in the general sense)] castor(2) n. an oily substance secreted by beavers and used in medicine and perfumes. [F or L f. Gk kastor beaver] castor oil n. 1 an oil from the seeds of a plant, Ricinus communis, used as a purgative and lubricant. 2 (in full castor oil plant) this plant. Ьcastor oil bean (or castor bean) a seed of the castor oil plant. [18th c.: orig. uncert.: perh. so called as having succeeded CASTOR(2) in the medical sense] castrate v.tr. 1 remove the testicles of; geld. 2 deprive of vigour. ЬЬcastration n. castrator n. [L castrare] castrato n. (pl. castrati) hist. a male singer castrated in boyhood so as to retain a soprano or alto voice. [It., past part. of castrare: see CASTRATE] casual adj. & n. --adj. 1 accidental; due to chance. 2 not regular or permanent; temporary, occasional (casual work; a casual affair). 3 a unconcerned, uninterested (was very casual about it). b made or done without great care or thought (a casual remark). c acting carelessly or unmethodically. 4 (of clothes) informal. --n. 1 a casual worker. 2 (usu. in pl.) casual clothes or shoes. ЬЬcasually adv. casualness n. [ME f. OF casuel & L casualis f. casus CASE(1)] casualty n. (pl. -ies) 1 a person killed or injured in a war or accident. 2 a thing lost or destroyed. 3 = casualty department. 4 an accident, mishap, or disaster. Ьcasualty department (or ward) the part of a hospital where casualties are treated. [ME f. med.L casualitas (as CASUAL), after ROYALTY etc.] casuarina n. any tree of the genus Casuarina, native to Australia and SE Asia, having tiny scale leaves on slender jointed branches, resembling gigantic horsetails. [mod.L casuarius cassowary (from the resemblance between branches and feathers)] casuist n. 1 a person, esp. a theologian, who resolves problems of conscience, duty, etc., often with clever but false reasoning. 2 a sophist or quibbler. ЬЬcasuistic adj. casuistical adj. casuistically adv. casuistry n. [F casuiste f. Sp. casuista f. L casus CASE(1)] casus belli n. an act or situation provoking or justifying war. [L] CAT abbr. 1 computer-assisted (or -aided) testing. 2 Med. computerized axial tomography. cat n. & v. --n. 1 a small soft-furred four-legged domesticated animal, Felis catus. 2 a any wild animal of the genus Felis, e.g. a lion, tiger, or leopard. b = wild cat. 3 a catlike animal of any other species (civet cat). 4 colloq. a malicious or spiteful woman. 5 sl. a jazz enthusiast. 6 Naut. = CATHEAD. 7 = cat-o'-nine-tails. 8 a short tapered stick in the game of tipcat. --v.tr. (also absol.) (catted, catting) Naut. raise (an anchor) from the surface of the water to the cathead. Ьcat-and-dog (of a relationship etc.) full of quarrels. cat burglar a burglar who enters by climbing to an upper storey. cat flap (or door) a small swinging flap in an outer door, for a cat to pass in and out. cat-ice thin ice unsupported by water. cat-o'-nine-tails hist. a rope whip with nine knotted lashes for flogging sailors, soldiers, or criminals. cat's cradle a child's game in which a loop of string is held between the fingers and patterns are formed. Cat's-eye Brit. propr. one of a series of reflector studs set into a road. cat's-eye a precious stone of Sri Lanka and Malabar. cat's-foot any small plant of the genus Antennaria, having soft woolly leaves and growing on the surface of the ground. cat's-paw 1 a person used as a tool by another. 2 a slight breeze rippling the surface of the water. cat's-tail = reed-mace (see REED(1)). cat's whiskers (or pyjamas) sl. an excellent person or thing. let the cat out of the bag reveal a secret, esp. involuntarily. like a cat on hot bricks (or on a hot tin roof) very agitated or agitatedly. put (or set) the cat among the pigeons cause trouble. rain cats and dogs rain very hard. [OE catt(e) f. LL cattus] cata- prefix (usu. cat- before a vowel or h) 1 down, downwards (catadromous). 2 wrongly, badly (catachresis). [Gk kata down] catabolism n. (also katabolism) Biochem. the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism (opp. ANABOLISM). ЬЬcatabolic adj. [Gk katabole descent f. kata down + bole f. ballo throw] catachresis n. (pl. catachreses) an incorrect use of words. ЬЬcatachrestic adj. [L f. Gk katakhresis f. khraomai use] cataclasis n. (pl. cataclases) Geol. the natural process of fracture, shearing, or breaking up of rocks. ЬЬcataclastic adj. [mod.L f. Gk kataklasis breaking down] cataclasm n. a violent break; a disruption. [Gk kataklasma (as CATA-, klao to break)] cataclysm n. 1 a a violent, esp. social or political, upheaval or disaster. b a great change. 2 a great flood or deluge. ЬЬcataclysmal adj. cataclysmic adj. cataclysmically adv. [F cataclysme f. L cataclysmus f. Gk kataklusmos f. klusmos flood f. kluzo wash] catacomb n. (often in pl.) 1 an underground cemetery, esp. a Roman subterranean gallery with recesses for tombs. 2 a similar underground construction; a cellar. [F catacombes f. LL catacumbas (name given in the 5th c. to the cemetery of St Sebastian near Rome), of unkn. orig.] catadromous adj. (of a fish, e.g. the eel) that swims down rivers to the sea to spawn (cf. ANADROMOUS). [Gk katadromos f. kata down + dromos running] catafalque n. a decorated wooden framework for supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral or while lying in state. [F f. It. catafalco, of unkn. orig.: cf. SCAFFOLD] Catalan n. & adj. --n. 1 a native of Catalonia in Spain. 2 the language of Catalonia. --adj. of or relating to Catalonia or its people or language. [F f. Sp.] catalase n. Biochem. an enzyme that catalyses the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. [CATALYSIS] catalepsy n. a state of trance or seizure with loss of sensation and consciousness accompanied by rigidity of the body. ЬЬcataleptic adj. & n. [F catalepsie or LL catalepsia f. Gk katalepsis (as CATA-, lepsis seizure)] catalogue n. & v. (US catalog) --n. 1 a complete list of items (e.g. articles for sale, books held by a library), usu. in alphabetical or other systematic order and often with a description of each. 2 an extensive list (a catalogue of crimes). 3 US a university course-list etc. --v.tr. (catalogues, catalogued, cataloguing; US catalogs, cataloged, cataloging) 1 make a catalogue of. 2 enter in a catalogue. ЬЬcataloguer n. (US cataloger). [F f. LL catalogus f. Gk. katalogos f. katalego enrol (as CATA-, lego choose)] catalogue raisonn‚ n. a descriptive catalogue with explanations or comments. [F, = explained catalogue] catalpa n. any tree of the genus Catalpa, with heart-shaped leaves, trumpet-shaped flowers, and long pods. [Amer. Ind. (Creek)] catalyse v.tr. (US catalyze) Chem. produce (a reaction) by catalysis. [as CATALYSIS after analyse] catalysis n. (pl. catalyses) Chem. & Biochem. the acceleration of a chemical or biochemical reaction by a catalyst. [Gk katalusis dissolution (as CATA-, luo set free)] catalyst n. 1 Chem. a substance that, without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change, increases the rate of a reaction. 2 a person or thing that precipitates a change. [as CATALYSIS after analyst] catalytic adj. Chem. relating to or involving catalysis. Ьcatalytic converter a device incorporated in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, with a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into harmless products. catalytic cracker a device for cracking (see CRACK v. 9) petroleum oils by catalysis. catalyze US var. of CATALYSE. catamaran n. 1 a boat with twin hulls in parallel. 2 a raft of yoked logs or boats. 3 colloq. a quarrelsome woman. [Tamil kattumaram tied wood] catamite n. 1 a boy kept for homosexual practices. 2 the passive partner in sodomy. [L catamitus through Etruscan f. Gk Ganumedes Ganymede, cupbearer of Zeus] catamountain n. 1 a lynx, leopard, puma, or other tiger-cat. 2 a wild quarrelsome person. [ME f. cat of the mountain] catananche n. any composite plant of the genus Catananche, with blue or yellow flowers. [mod.L f. L catanance plant used in love-potions f. Gk katanagke (as CATA-, anagke compulsion)] cataplexy n. sudden temporary paralysis due to fright etc. ЬЬcataplectic adj. [Gk kataplexis stupefaction] catapult n. & v. --n. 1 a forked stick etc. with elastic for shooting stones. 2 hist. a military machine worked by a lever and ropes for hurling large stones etc. 3 a mechanical device for launching a glider, an aircraft from the deck of a ship, etc. --v. 1 tr. a hurl from or launch with a catapult. b fling forcibly. 2 intr. leap or be hurled forcibly. [F catapulte or L catapulta f. Gk katapeltes (as CATA-, pallo hurl)] cataract n. 1 a a large waterfall or cascade. b a downpour; a rush of water. 2 Med. a condition in which the eye-lens becomes progressively opaque resulting in blurred vision. [L cataracta f. Gk katarrhaktes down-rushing; in med. sense prob. f. obs. sense 'portcullis'] catarrh n. 1 inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, air passages, etc. 2 a watery discharge in the nose or throat due to this. ЬЬcatarrhal adj. [F catarrhe f. LL catarrhus f. Gk katarrhous f. katarrheo flow down] catarrhine adj. & n. Zool. --adj. (of primates) having nostrils close together, and directed downwards, e.g. a baboon, chimpanzee, or human. --n. such an animal (cf. PLATYRRHINE). [CATA- + rhis rhinos nose] catastrophe n. 1 a great and usu. sudden disaster. 2 the denouement of a drama. 3 a disastrous end; ruin. 4 an event producing a subversion of the order of things. ЬЬcatastrophic adj. catastrophically adv. [L catastropha f. Gk katastrophe (as CATA-, strophe turning f. strepho turn)] catastrophism n. Geol. the theory that changes in the earth's crust have occurred in sudden violent and unusual events. ЬЬcatastrophist n. catatonia n. 1 schizophrenia with intervals of catalepsy and sometimes violence. 2 catalepsy. ЬЬcatatonic adj. & n. [G Katatonie (as CATA-, TONE)] catawba n. 1 a US variety of grape. 2 a white wine made from it. [River Catawba in S. Carolina] catboat n. a sailing-boat with a single mast placed well forward and carrying only one sail. [perh. f. cat a former type of coaler in NE England, + BOAT] catcall n. & v. --n. a shrill whistle of disapproval made at meetings etc. --v. 1 intr. make a catcall. 2 tr. make a catcall at. catch v. & n. --v. (past and past part. caught) 1 tr. a lay hold of so as to restrain or prevent from escaping; capture in a trap, in one's hands, etc. b (also catch hold of) get into one's hands so as to retain, operate, etc. (caught hold of the handle). 2 tr. detect or surprise (a person, esp. in a wrongful or embarrassing act) (caught me in the act; caught him smoking). 3 tr. a intercept and hold (a moving thing) in the hands etc. (failed to catch the ball; a bowl to catch the drips). b Cricket dismiss (a batsman) by catching the ball before it reaches the ground. 4 tr. a contract (a disease) by infection or contagion. b acquire (a quality or feeling) from another's example (caught her enthusiasm). 5 tr. a reach in time and board (a train, bus, etc.). b be in time to see etc. (a person or thing about to leave or finish) (if you hurry you'll catch them; caught the end of the performance). 6 tr. a apprehend with the senses or the mind (esp. a thing occurring quickly or briefly) (didn't catch what he said). b (of an artist etc.) reproduce faithfully. 7 a intr. become fixed or entangled; be checked (the bolt began to catch). b tr. cause to do this (caught her tights on a nail). c tr. (often foll. by on) hit, deal a blow to (caught him on the nose; caught his elbow on the table). 8 tr. draw the attention of; captivate (caught his eye; caught her fancy). 9 intr. begin to burn. 10 tr. (often foll. by up) reach or overtake (a person etc. ahead). 11 tr. check suddenly (caught his breath). 12 tr. (foll. by at) grasp or try to grasp. --n. 1 a an act of catching. b Cricket a chance or act of catching the ball. 2 a an amount of a thing caught, esp. of fish. b a thing or person caught or worth catching, esp. in marriage. 3 a a question, trick, etc., intended to deceive, incriminate, etc. b an unexpected or hidden difficulty or disadvantage. 4 a device for fastening a door or window etc. 5 Mus. a round, esp. with words arranged to produce a humorous effect. Ьcatch-all (often attrib.) a thing designed to be all-inclusive. catch-as-catch-can a style of wrestling with few holds barred. catch at a straw see STRAW. catch crop a crop grown between two staple crops (in position or time). catch one's death see DEATH. catch fire see FIRE. catch it sl. be punished or in trouble. catch me! etc. (often foll. by pres. part.) colloq. you may be sure I etc. shall not. catch on colloq. 1 (of a practice, fashion, etc.) become popular. 2 (of a person) understand what is meant. catch out 1 detect in a mistake etc. 2 take unawares; cause to be bewildered or confused. 3 = sense 3b of v. catch-phrase a phrase in frequent use. catch the sun 1 be in a sunny position. 2 become sunburnt. catch up 1 a (often foll. by with) reach a person etc. ahead (he caught up in the end; he caught us up; he caught up with us). b (often foll. by with, on) make up arrears (of work etc.) (must catch up with my correspondence). 2 snatch or pick up hurriedly. 3 (often in passive) a involve; entangle (caught up in suspicious dealings). b fasten up (hair caught up in a ribbon). ЬЬcatchable adj. [ME f. AF & ONF cachier, OF chacier, ult. f. L captare try to catch] catcher n. 1 a person or thing that catches. 2 Baseball a fielder who stands behind the batter. catchfly n. (pl. -ies) any plant of the genus Silene or Lychnis with a sticky stem. catching adj. 1 a (of a disease) infectious. b (of a practice, habit, etc.) likely to be imitated. 2 attractive; captivating. catchline n. Printing a short line of type esp. at the head of copy or as a running headline. catchment n. the collection of rainfall. Ьcatchment area 1 the area from which rainfall flows into a river etc. 2 the area served by a school, hospital, etc. catchpenny adj. intended merely to sell quickly; superficially attractive. catch-22 n. (often attrib.) colloq. a dilemma or circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions. [title of a novel by J. Heller (1961) featuring a dilemma of this kind] catchup var. of KETCHUP. catchweight adj. & n. --adj. unrestricted as regards weight. --n. unrestricted weight, as a weight category in sports. catchword n. 1 a word or phrase in common (often temporary) use; a topical slogan. 2 a word so placed as to draw attention. 3 Theatr. an actor's cue. 4 Printing the first word of a page given at the foot of the previous one. catchy adj. (catchier, catchiest) 1 (of a tune) easy to remember; attractive. 2 that snares or entraps; deceptive. 3 (of the wind etc.) fitful, spasmodic. ЬЬcatchily adv. catchiness n. [CATCH + -Y(1)] cate n. archaic (usu. in pl.) choice food, delicacies. [obs. acate purchase f. AF acat, OF achat f. acater, achater buy: see CATER] catechetical adj. (also catechetic) 1 of or by oral teaching. 2 according to the catechism of a Church. 3 consisting of or proceeding by question and answer. ЬЬcatechetically adv. catechetics n. [eccl.Gk katekhetikos f. katekhetes oral teacher: see CATECHIZE] catechism n. 1 a a summary of the principles of a religion in the form of questions and answers. b a book containing this. 2 a series of questions put to anyone. ЬЬcatechismal adj. [eccl.L catechismus (as CATECHIZE)] catechist n. a religious teacher, esp. one using a catechism. catechize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 instruct by means of question and answer, esp. from a catechism. 2 put questions to; examine. ЬЬcatechizer n. [LL catechizare f. eccl.Gk katekhizo f. katekheo make hear (as CATA-, ekheo sound)] catechu n. (also cachou) gambier or similar vegetable extract, containing tannin. [mod.L f. Malay kachu] catechumen n. a Christian convert under instruction before baptism. [ME f. OF catechumene or eccl.L catechumenus f. Gk katekheo: see CATECHIZE] categorical adj. unconditional, absolute; explicit, direct (a categorical refusal). Ьcategorical imperative Ethics an unconditional moral obligation derived from pure reason; the bidding of conscience as ultimate moral law. ЬЬcategorically adv. [F cat‚gorique or LL categoricus f. Gk kategorikos: see CATEGORY] categorize v.tr. (also -ise) place in a category or categories. ЬЬcategorization n. category n. (pl. -ies) 1 a class or division. 2 Philos. a one of a possibly exhaustive set of classes among which all things might be distributed. b one of the a priori conceptions applied by the mind to sense-impressions. c any relatively fundamental philosophical concept. ЬЬcategorial adj. [F cat‚gorie or LL categoria f. Gk kategoria statement f. kategoros accuser] catena n. (pl. catenae or catenas) 1 a connected series of patristic comments on Scripture. 2 a series or chain. [L, = chain: orig. catena patrum chain of the Fathers (of the Church)] catenary n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) a curve formed by a uniform chain hanging freely from two points not in the same vertical line. --adj. of or resembling such a curve. Ьcatenary bridge a suspension bridge hung from such chains. [L catenarius f. catena chain] catenate v.tr. connect like links of a chain. ЬЬcatenation n. [L catenare catenat- (as CATENARY)] cater v.intr. 1 supply food. 2 (foll. by for) a provide meals for. b provide entertainment for. 3 (foll. by to) pander to (evil inclinations). [obs. noun cater (now caterer), f. acater f. AF acatour buyer f. acater buy f. Rmc] cateran n. Sc. a Highland irregular fighting man; a marauder. [ME f. med.L cateranus & Gael. ceathairne peasantry] cater-cornered adj. & adv. (also cater-corner, catty-cornered) US --adj. placed or situated diagonally. --adv. diagonally. [dial. adv. cater diagonally (cf. obs. cater the four on dice f. F quatre f. L quattuor four)] caterer n. a person who supplies food for social events, esp. professionally. catering n. the profession or work of a caterer. caterpillar n. 1 a the larva of a butterfly or moth. b (in general use) any similar larva of various insects. 2 (Caterpillar) a (in full Caterpillar track or tread) propr. a steel band passing round the wheels of a tractor etc. for travel on rough ground. b a vehicle with these tracks, e.g. a tractor or tank. [perh. AF var. of OF chatepelose lit. hairy cat, infl. by obs. piller ravager] caterwaul v. & n. --v.intr. make the shrill howl of a cat. --n. a caterwauling noise. [ME f. CAT + -waul etc. imit.] catfish n. any of various esp. freshwater fish, usu. having whisker-like barbels round the mouth. catgut n. a material used for the strings of musical instruments and surgical sutures, made of the twisted intestines of the sheep, horse, or ass (but not the cat). Cath. abbr. 1 Cathedral. 2 Catholic. Cathar n. (pl. Cathars or Cathari) a member of a medieval sect which sought to achieve great spiritual purity. ЬЬCatharism n. Catharist n. [med.L Cathari (pl.) f. Gk katharoi pure] catharsis n. (pl. catharses) 1 an emotional release in drama or art. 2 Psychol. the process of freeing repressed emotion by association with the cause, and elimination by abreaction. 3 Med. purgation. [mod.L f. Gk katharsis f. kathairo cleanse: sense 1 f. Aristotle's Poetics] cathartic adj. & n. --adj. 1 effecting catharsis. 2 purgative. --n. a cathartic drug. ЬЬcathartically adv. [LL catharticus f. Gk kathartikos (as CATHARSIS)] Cathay n. archaic or poet. the country China. [med.L Cataya] cathead n. Naut. a horizontal beam from each side of a ship's bow for raising and carrying the anchor. cathectic see CATHEXIS. cathedral n. the principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's throne. Ьcathedral city a city in which there is a cathedral. [ME (as adj.) f. OF cathedral or f. LL cathedralis f. L f. Gk kathedra seat] Catherine wheel n. 1 a firework in the form of a flat coil which spins when fixed and lit. 2 a circular window with radial divisions. [mod.L Catharina f. Gk Aikaterina name of a saint martyred on a spiked wheel] catheter n. Med. a tube for insertion into a body cavity for introducing or removing fluid. [LL f. Gk katheter f. kathiemi send down] catheterize v.tr. (also -ise) Med. insert a catheter into. cathetometer n. a telescope mounted on a graduated scale along which it can slide, used for accurate measurement of small vertical distances. [L cathetus f. Gk kathetos perpendicular line (as CATHETER + -METER)] cathexis n. (pl. cathexes) Psychol. concentration of mental energy in one channel. ЬЬcathectic adj. [Gk kathexis retention] cathode n. (also kathode) Electr. 1 the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell or electronic valve or tube. 2 the positive terminal of a primary cell such as a battery (opp. ANODE). Ьcathode ray a beam of electrons emitted from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube. cathode-ray tube a high-vacuum tube in which cathode rays produce a luminous image on a fluorescent screen. °Abbr.: CRT. ЬЬcathodal adj. cathodic adj. [Gk kathodos descent f. kata down + hodos way] catholic adj. & n. --adj. 1 of interest or use to all; universal. 2 all-embracing; of wide sympathies or interests (has catholic tastes). 3 (Catholic) a of the Roman Catholic religion. b including all Christians. c including all of the Western Church. --n. (Catholic) a Roman Catholic. ЬЬcatholically adv. Catholicism n. catholicity n. catholicly adv. [ME f. OF catholique or LL catholicus f. Gk katholikos universal f. kata in respect of + holos whole] catholicize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise) 1 make or become catholic. 2 (Catholicize) make or become a Roman Catholic. cation n. a positively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis (opp. ANION). [CATA- + ION] cationic adj. 1 of a cation or cations. 2 having an active cation. catkin n. a spike of usu. downy or silky male or female flowers hanging from a willow, hazel, etc. [obs. Du. katteken kitten] catlick n. colloq. a perfunctory wash. catlike adj. 1 like a cat. 2 stealthy. catmint n. a white-flowered plant, Nepeta cataria, having a pungent smell attractive to cats. Also called CATNIP. catnap n. & v. --n. a short sleep. --v.intr. (-napped, -napping) have a catnap. catnip n. = CATMINT. [CAT + dial. nip catmint, var. of dial. nep] catoptric adj. of or relating to a mirror, a reflector, or reflection. ЬЬcatoptrics n. [Gk katoptrikos f. katoptron mirror] catsuit n. a close-fitting garment with trouser legs, covering the body from neck to feet. catsup esp. US var. of KETCHUP. cattery n. (pl. -ies) a place where cats are boarded or bred. cattish adj. = CATTY. ЬЬcattishly adv. cattishness n. cattle n.pl. 1 any bison, buffalo, yak, or domesticated bovine animal, esp. of the genus Bos. 2 archaic livestock. Ьcattle-cake Brit. a concentrated food for cattle, in cake form. cattle-grid Brit. a grid covering a ditch, allowing vehicles to pass over but not cattle, sheep, etc. cattle-guard US = cattle-grid. cattle-plague rinderpest. cattle-stop NZ = cattle-grid. [ME & AF catel f. OF chatel CHATTEL] cattleman n. (pl. -men) US a person who tends or rears cattle. cattleya n. any epiphytic orchid of the genus Cattleya, with handsome violet, pink, or yellow flowers. [mod.L f. W. Cattley, Engl. patron of botany d. 1832] catty adj. (cattier, cattiest) 1 sly, spiteful; deliberately hurtful in speech. 2 catlike. ЬЬcattily adv. cattiness n. catty-cornered var. of CATER-CORNERED. catwalk n. 1 a narrow footway along a bridge, above a theatre stage, etc. 2 a narrow platform or gangway used in fashion shows etc. Caucasian adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to the White or light-skinned division of mankind. 2 of or relating to the Caucasus. --n. a Caucasian person. [Caucasus, mountains in the USSR, its supposed place of origin] Caucasoid adj. of or relating to the Caucasian division of mankind. caucus n. 1 US a a meeting of the members of a political party, esp. in the Senate etc., to decide policy. b a bloc of such members. c this system as a political force. 2 often derog. (esp. in the UK) a a usu. secret meeting of a group within a larger organization or party. b such a group. [18th-c. US, perh. f. Algonquin cau' -cau-as' u adviser] caudal adj. 1 of or like a tail. 2 of the posterior part of the body. ЬЬcaudally adv. [mod.L caudalis f. L cauda tail] caudate adj. having a tail. [see CAUDAL] caudillo n. (pl. -os) (in Spanish-speaking countries) a military or political leader. [Sp. f. LL capitellum dimin. of caput head] caught past and past part. of CATCH. caul n. 1 a the inner membrane enclosing a foetus. b part of this occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck. 2 hist. a a woman's close-fitting indoor head-dress. b the plain back part of a woman's indoor head-dress. 3 the omentum. [ME perh. f. OF cale small cap] cauldron n. (also caldron) a large deep bowl-shaped vessel for boiling over an open fire; an ornamental vessel resembling this. [ME f. AF & ONF caudron, ult. f. L caldarium hot bath f. calidus hot] cauliflower n. 1 a variety of cabbage with a large immature flower-head of small usu. creamy-white flower-buds. 2 the flower-head eaten as a vegetable. Ьcauliflower cheese a savoury dish of cauliflower in a cheese sauce. cauliflower ear an ear thickened by repeated blows, esp. in boxing. [earlier cole-florie etc. f. obs. F chou fleuri flowered cabbage, assim. to COLE and FLOWER] caulk v.tr. (US calk) 1 stop up (the seams of a boat etc.) with oakum etc. and waterproofing material, or by driving plate-junctions together. 2 make (esp. a boat) watertight by this method. ЬЬcaulker n. [OF dial. cauquer tread, press with force, f. L calcare tread f. calx heel] causal adj. 1 of, forming, or expressing a cause or causes. 2 relating to, or of the nature of, cause and effect. ЬЬcausally adv. [LL causalis: see CAUSE] causality n. 1 the relation of cause and effect. 2 the principle that everything has a cause. causation n. 1 the act of causing or producing an effect. 2 = CAUSALITY. [F causation or L causatio pretext etc., in med.L the action of causing, f. causare CAUSE] causative adj. 1 acting as cause. 2 (foll. by of) producing; having as effect. 3 Gram. expressing cause. ЬЬcausatively adv. [ME f. OF causatif or f. LL causativus: see CAUSATION] cause n. & v. --n. 1 a that which produces an effect, or gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition. b a person or thing that occasions something. c a reason or motive; a ground that may be held to justify something (no cause for complaint). 2 a reason adjudged adequate (show cause). 3 a principle, belief, or purpose which is advocated or supported (faithful to the cause). 4 a a matter to be settled at law. b an individual's case offered at law (plead a cause). 5 the side taken by any party in a dispute. --v.tr. 1 be the cause of, produce, make happen (caused a commotion). 2 (foll. by to + infin.) induce (caused me to smile; caused it to be done). Ьin the cause of to maintain, defend, or support (in the cause of justice). make common cause with join the side of. ЬЬcausable adj. causeless adj. causer n. [ME f. OF f. L causa] 'cause conj. & adv. colloq. = BECAUSE. [abbr.] cause c‚lЉbre n. (pl. causes c‚lЉbres pronunc. same) a lawsuit that attracts much attention. [F] causerie n. (pl. causeries pronunc. same) an informal article or talk, esp. on a literary subject. [F f. causer talk] causeway n. 1 a raised road or track across low or wet ground or a stretch of water. 2 a raised path by a road. [earlier cauce, cauceway f. ONF cauci‚ ult. f. L CALX lime, limestone] causey n. archaic or dial. = CAUSEWAY. caustic adj. & n. --adj. 1 that burns or corrodes organic tissue. 2 sarcastic, biting. 3 Chem. strongly alkaline. 4 Physics formed by the intersection of reflected or refracted parallel rays from a curved surface. --n. 1 a caustic substance. 2 Physics a caustic surface or curve. Ьcaustic potash potassium hydroxide. caustic soda sodium hydroxide. ЬЬcaustically adv. causticity n. [L causticus f. Gk kaustikos f. kaustos burnt f. kaio burn] cauterize v.tr. (also -ise) Med. burn or coagulate (tissue) with a heated instrument or caustic substance, esp. to stop bleeding. ЬЬcauterization n. [F caut‚riser f. LL cauterizare f. Gk kauteriazo f. kauterion branding-iron f. kaio burn] cautery n. (pl. -ies) Med. 1 an instrument or caustic for cauterizing. 2 the operation of cauterizing. [L cauterium f. Gk kauterion: see CAUTERIZE] caution n. & v. --n. 1 attention to safety; prudence, carefulness. 2 a esp. Brit. a warning, esp. a formal one in law. b a formal warning and reprimand. 3 colloq. an amusing or surprising person or thing. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by against, or to + infin.) warn or admonish. 2 esp. Brit. issue a caution to. Ьcaution money Brit. a sum deposited as security for good conduct. [ME f. OF f. L cautio -onis f. cavere caut- take heed] cautionary adj. that gives or serves as a warning (a cautionary tale). cautious adj. careful, prudent; attentive to safety. ЬЬcautiously adv. cautiousness n. [ME f. OF f. L: see CAUTION] cavalcade n. a procession or formal company of riders, motor vehicles, etc. [F f. It. cavalcata f. cavalcare ride ult. f. L caballus pack-horse] cavalier n. & adj. --n. 1 hist. (Cavalier) a supporter of Charles I in the Civil War. 2 a courtly gentleman, esp. as a lady's escort. 3 archaic a horseman. --adj. offhand, supercilious, blas‚. ЬЬcavalierly adv. [F f. It. cavaliere: see CHEVALIER] cavalry n. (pl. -ies) (usu. treated as pl.) soldiers on horseback or in armoured vehicles. Ьcavalry twill a strong fabric in a double twill. [F cavallerie f. It. cavalleria f. cavallo horse f. L caballus] cavalryman n. (pl. -men) a soldier of a cavalry regiment. cavatina n. 1 a short simple song. 2 a similar piece of instrumental music, usu. slow and emotional. [It.] cave(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a large hollow in the side of a cliff, hill, etc., or underground. 2 Brit. hist. a dissident political group. --v.intr. explore caves, esp. interconnecting or underground. Ьcave-bear an extinct kind of large bear, whose bones have been found in caves. cave-dweller = CAVEMAN. cave in 1 a (of a wall, earth over a hollow, etc.) subside, collapse. b cause (a wall, earth, etc.) to do this. 2 yield or submit under pressure; give up. cave-in n. a collapse, submission, etc. ЬЬcavelike adj. caver n. [ME f. OF f. L cava f. cavus hollow: cave in prob. f. E. Anglian dial. calve in] cave(2) int. Brit. schoolsl. look out! (as a warning cry). Ьkeep cave act as lookout. [L, = beware] caveat n. 1 a warning or proviso. 2 Law a process in court to suspend proceedings. [L, = let a person beware] caveat emptor n. the principle that the buyer alone is responsible if dissatisfied. [L, = let the buyer beware] caveman n. (pl. -men) 1 a prehistoric man living in a cave. 2 a primitive or crude person. cavern n. 1 a cave, esp. a large or dark one. 2 a dark cavelike place, e.g. a room. ЬЬcavernous adj. cavernously adv. [ME f. OF caverne or f. L caverna f. cavus hollow] caviare n. (US caviar) the pickled roe of sturgeon or other large fish, eaten as a delicacy. [early forms repr. It. caviale, Fr. caviar, prob. f. med.Gk khavЎari] cavil v. & n. --v.intr. (cavilled, cavilling; US caviled, caviling) (usu. foll. by at, about) make petty objections; carp. --n. a trivial objection. ЬЬcaviller n. [F caviller f. L cavillari f. cavilla mockery] caving n. exploring caves as a sport or pastime. cavitation n. 1 the formation of a cavity in a structure. 2 the formation of bubbles, or of a vacuum, in a liquid. cavity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a hollow within a solid body. 2 a decayed part of a tooth. Ьcavity wall a wall formed from two skins of brick or blockwork with a space between. [F cavit‚ or LL cavitas f. L cavus hollow] cavort v.intr. sl. caper excitedly; gambol, prance. [US, perh. f. CURVET] cavy n. (pl. -ies) any small rodent of the family Caviidae, native to S. America and having a sturdy body and vestigial tail, including guinea pigs. [mod.L cavia f. Galibi cabiai] caw n. & v. --n. the harsh cry of a rook, crow, etc. --v.intr. utter this cry. [imit.] cay n. a low insular bank or reef of coral, sand, etc. (cf. KEY(2)). [Sp. cayo shoal, reef f. F quai: see QUAY] cayenne n. (in full cayenne pepper) a pungent red powder obtained from various plants of the genus Capsicum and used for seasoning. [Tupi kyynha assim. to Cayenne capital of French Guiana] cayman n. (also caiman) any of various S. American alligator-like reptilians, esp. of the genus Caiman. [Sp. & Port. caiman, f. Carib acayuman] 3.0 CB... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CB abbr. 1 citizens' band. 2 (in the UK) Companion of the Order of the Bath. Cb symb. US Chem. the element columbium. CBC abbr. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. CBE abbr. Commander of the Order of the British Empire. CBI abbr. (in the UK) Confederation of British Industry. CBS abbr. US Columbia Broadcasting System. 4.0 CC... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CC abbr. 1 Brit. a City Council. b County Council. c County Councillor. 2 Cricket Club. 3 Companion of the Order of Canada. cc abbr. (also c.c.) 1 cubic centimetre(s). 2 carbon copy. 5.0 CD... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CD abbr. 1 compact disc. 2 Civil Defence. 3 Corps Diplomatique. Cd symb. Chem. the element cadmium. Cd. abbr. Command Paper (1900-18). cd abbr. candela. Cdr. abbr. Mil. Commander. Cdre. abbr. Commodore. CD-ROM abbr. compact disc read-only memory (for retrieval of text or data on a VDU screen). CDT abbr. US Central Daylight Time. CD-video n. a system of simultaneously reproducing high-quality sound and video pictures from a compact disc. 6.0 CE... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CE abbr. 1 Church of England. 2 civil engineer. 3 Common Era. Ce symb. Chem. the element cerium. ceanothus n. any shrub of the genus Ceanothus, with small blue or white flowers. [mod.L f. Gk keanothos kind of thistle] cease v. & n. --v.tr. & intr. stop; bring or come to an end (ceased breathing). --n. (in without cease) unending. Ьcease fire Mil. stop firing. cease-fire n. 1 the order to do this. 2 a period of truce; a suspension of hostilities. [ME f. OF cesser, L cessare frequent. of cedere cess- yield] ceaseless adj. without end; not ceasing. ЬЬceaselessly adv. cecitis US var. of CAECITIS. cecum US var. of CAECUM. cedar n. 1 any spreading evergreen conifer of the genus Cedrus, bearing tufts of small needles and cones of papery scales. 2 any of various similar conifers yielding timber. 3 (in full cedar wood) the fragrant durable wood of any cedar tree. ЬЬcedarn adj. poet. [ME f. OF cedre f. L cedrus f. Gk kedros] cede v.tr. give up one's rights to or possession of. [F c‚der or L cedere yield] cedilla n. 1 a mark written under the letter c, esp. in French, to show that it is sibilant (as in fa‡ade). 2 a similar mark under s in Turkish and other oriental languages. [Sp. cedilla dimin. of zeda f. Gk zeta letter Z] Ceefax n. Brit. propr. a teletext service provided by the BBC. CEGB abbr. (in the UK) Central Electricity Generating Board. ceilidh n. orig. Ir. & Sc. an informal gathering for conversation, music, dancing, songs, and stories. [Gael.] ceiling n. 1 a the upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment. b the material forming this. 2 an upper limit on prices, wages, performance, etc. 3 Aeron. the maximum altitude a given aircraft can reach. 4 Naut. the inside planking of a ship's bottom and sides. [ME celynge, siling, perh. ult. f. L caelum heaven or celare hide] celadon n. & adj. --n. 1 a willow-green colour. 2 a grey-green glaze used on some pottery. 3 Chinese pottery glazed in this way. --adj. of a grey-green colour. [F, f. the name of a character in d'Urf‚'s L'Astr‚e (1607-27)] celandine n. either of two yellow-flowered plants, the greater celandine, Chelidonium majus, and the lesser celandine, Ranunculus ficaria. [ME and OF celidoine ult. f. Gk khelidon swallow: the flowering of the plant was associated with the arrival of swallows] -cele comb. form (also -coele) Med. swelling, hernia (gastrocele). [Gk kele tumour] celebrant n. a person who performs a rite, esp. a priest at the Eucharist. [F c‚l‚brant or L celebrare celebrant-: see CELEBRATE] celebrate v. 1 tr. mark (a festival or special event) with festivities etc. 2 tr. perform publicly and duly (a religious ceremony etc.). 3 a tr. officiate at (the Eucharist). b intr. officiate, esp. at the Eucharist. 4 intr. engage in festivities, usu. after a special event etc. 5 tr. (as celebrated adj.) publicly honoured, widely known. ЬЬcelebration n. celebrator n. celebratory adj. [L celebrare f. celeber -bris frequented, honoured] celebrity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a well-known person. 2 fame. [F c‚l‚brit‚ or L celebritas f. celeber: see CELEBRATE] celeriac n. a variety of celery with a swollen turnip-like stem-base used as a vegetable. [CELERY: -ac is unexplained] celerity n. archaic or literary swiftness (esp. of a living creature). [ME f. F c‚l‚rit‚ f. L celeritas -tatis f. celer swift] celery n. an umbelliferous plant, Apium graveolens, with closely packed succulent leaf-stalks used as a vegetable. Ьcelery pine an Australasian tree, Phyllocladus trichomanoides, with branchlets like celery leaves. [F c‚leri f. It. dial. selleri f. L selinum f. Gk selinon parsley] celesta n. Mus. a small keyboard instrument resembling a glockenspiel, with hammers striking steel plates suspended over wooden resonators, giving an ethereal bell-like sound. [pseudo-L f. F c‚leste: see CELESTE] celeste n. Mus. 1 an organ and harmonium stop with a soft tremulous tone. 2 = CELESTA. [F c‚leste heavenly f. L caelestis f. caelum heaven] celestial adj. 1 heavenly; divinely good or beautiful; sublime. 2 a of the sky; of the part of the sky commonly observed in astronomy etc. b of heavenly bodies. Ьcelestial equator the great circle of the sky in the plane perpendicular to the earth's axis. celestial horizon see HORIZON 1c. celestial navigation navigation by the stars etc. ЬЬcelestially adv. [ME f. OF f. med.L caelestialis f. L caelestis: see CELESTE] celiac US var. of COELIAC. celibate adj. & n. --adj. 1 committed to abstention from sexual relations and from marriage, esp. for religious reasons. 2 abstaining from sexual relations. --n. a celibate person. ЬЬcelibacy n. [F c‚libat or L caelibatus unmarried state f. caelebs -ibis unmarried] cell n. 1 a small room, esp. in a prison or monastery. 2 a small compartment, e.g. in a honeycomb. 3 a small group as a nucleus of political activity, esp. of a subversive kind. 4 hist. a small monastery or nunnery dependent on a larger one. 5 Biol. a the structural and functional usu. microscopic unit of an organism, consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. b an enclosed cavity in an organism etc. 6 Electr. a vessel for containing electrodes within an electrolyte for current-generation or electrolysis. ЬЬcelled adj. (also in comb.). [ME f. OF celle or f. L cella storeroom etc.] cellar n. & v. --n. 1 a room below ground level in a house, used for storage, esp. of wine or coal. 2 a stock of wine in a cellar (has a good cellar). --v.tr. store or put in a cellar. [ME f. AF celer, OF celier f. LL cellarium storehouse] cellarage n. 1 cellar accommodation. 2 the charge for the use of a cellar or storehouse. cellarer n. a monastic officer in charge of wine. cellaret n. a case or sideboard for holding wine bottles in a dining-room. cello n. (pl. -os) a bass instrument of the violin family, held upright on the floor between the legs of the seated player. ЬЬcellist n. [abbr. of VIOLONCELLO] Cellophane n. propr. a thin transparent wrapping material made from viscose. [CELLULOSE + -phane (cf. DIAPHANOUS)] cellphone n. a small portable radio-telephone having access to a cellular radio system. cellular adj. 1 of or having small compartments or cavities. 2 of open texture; porous. 3 Physiol. of or consisting of cells. Ьcellular blanket a blanket of open texture. cellular plant a plant with no distinct stem, leaves, etc. cellular radio a system of mobile radio-telephone transmission with an area divided into 'cells' each served by its own small transmitter. ЬЬcellularity n. cellulate adj. cellulation n. cellulous adj. [F cellulaire f. mod.L cellularis: see CELLULE] cellule n. Biol. a small cell or cavity. [F cellule or L cellula dimin. of cella CELL] cellulite n. a lumpy form of fat, esp. on the hips and thighs of women, causing puckering of the skin. [F (as CELLULE)] cellulitis n. inflammation of cellular tissue. celluloid n. 1 a transparent flammable plastic made from camphor and cellulose nitrate. 2 cinema film. [irreg. f. CELLULOSE] cellulose n. 1 Biochem. a carbohydrate forming the main constituent of plant-cell walls, used in the production of textile fibres. 2 (in general use) a paint or lacquer consisting of esp. cellulose acetate or nitrate in solution. ЬЬcellulosic adj. [F (as CELLULE)] celom US var. of COELOM. Celsius adj. of or denoting a temperature on the Celsius scale. ЬCelsius scale a scale of temperature on which water freezes at 0ш and boils at 100ш under standard conditions. [A. Celsius, Sw. astronomer d. 1744] Celt n. (also Kelt) a member of a group of W. European peoples, including the pre-Roman inhabitants of Britain and Gaul and their descendants, esp. in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. [L Celtae (pl.) f. Gk Keltoi] celt n. Archaeol. a stone or metal prehistoric implement with a chisel edge. [med.L celtes chisel] Celtic adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to the Celts. --n. a group of languages spoken by Celtic peoples, including Gaelic, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. ЬCeltic cross a Latin cross with a circle round the centre. ЬЬCelticism n. [L celticus (as CELT) or F celtique] cembalo n. (pl. -os) a harpsichord. [abbr. of CLAVICEMBALO] cement n. & v. --n. 1 a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, mixed with water to form mortar or used in concrete (see also Portland cement). 2 any similar substance that hardens and fastens on setting. 3 a uniting factor or principle. 4 a substance for filling cavities in teeth. 5 (also cementum) Anat. a thin layer of bony material that fixes teeth to the jaw. --v.tr. 1 a unite with or as with cement. b establish or strengthen (a friendship etc.). 2 apply cement to. 3 line or cover with cement. Ьcement-mixer a machine (usu. with a revolving drum) for mixing cement with water. ЬЬcementer n. [ME f. OF ciment f. L caementum quarry stone f. caedere hew] cementation n. 1 the act or process of cementing or being cemented. 2 the heating of iron with charcoal powder to form steel. cemetery n. (pl. -ies) a burial ground, esp. one not in a churchyard. [LL coemeterium f. Gk koimeterion dormitory f. koimao put to sleep] C.Eng. abbr. Brit. chartered engineer. cenobite US var. of COENOBITE. cenotaph n. a tomblike monument, esp. a war memorial, to a person whose body is elsewhere. [F c‚notaphe f. LL cenotaphium f. Gk kenos empty + taphos tomb] Cenozoic (also Cainozoic, Caenozoic) adj. & n. Geol. --adj. of or relating to the most recent era of geological time, marked by the evolution and development of mammals, birds, and flowers. °Cf. Appendix II. --n. this era (cf. MESOZOIC, PALAEOZOIC). [Gk kainos new + zoion animal] censer n. a vessel in which incense is burnt, esp. during a religious procession or ceremony. [ME f. AF censer, OF censier aphetic of encensier f. encens INCENSE(1)] censor n. & v. --n. 1 an official authorized to examine printed matter, films, news, etc., before public release, and to suppress any parts on the grounds of obscenity, a threat to security, etc. 2 Rom.Hist. either of two annual magistrates responsible for holding censuses and empowered to supervise public morals. 3 Psychol. an impulse which is said to prevent certain ideas and memories from emerging into consciousness. --v.tr. 1 act as a censor of. 2 make deletions or changes in. °As a verb, often confused with censure. ЬЬcensorial adj. censorship n. [L f. censere assess: in sense 3 mistransl. of G Zensur censorship] censorious adj. severely critical; fault-finding; quick or eager to criticize. ЬЬcensoriously adv. censoriousness n. [L censorius: see CENSOR] censure v. & n. --v.tr. criticize harshly; reprove. °Often confused with censor. --n. harsh criticism; expression of disapproval. ЬЬcensurable adj. [ME f. OF f. L censura f. censere assess] census n. (pl. censuses) the official count of a population or of a class of things, often with various statistics noted. [L f. censere assess] cent n. 1 a a monetary unit valued at one-hundredth of a dollar or other metric unit. b a coin of this value. 2 colloq. a very small sum of money. 3 see PER CENT. [F cent or It. cento or L centum hundred] cent. abbr. century. centaur n. a creature in Greek mythology with the head, arms, and torso of a man and the body and legs of a horse. [ME f. L centaurus f. Gk kentauros, of unkn. orig.] centaury n. (pl. -ies) any plant of the genus Centaurium, esp. C. erythraea, formerly used in medicine. [LL centaurea ult. f. Gk kentauros CENTAUR: from the legend that it was discovered by the centaur Chiron] centavo n. a small coin of Spain, Portugal, and some Latin American countries, worth one-hundredth of the standard unit. [Sp. f. L centum hundred] centenarian n. & adj. --n. a person a hundred or more years old. --adj. a hundred or more years old. centenary n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a hundredth anniversary. 2 a celebration of this. --adj. 1 of or relating to a centenary. 2 occurring every hundred years. [L centenarius f. centeni a hundred each f. centum a hundred] centennial adj. & n. --adj. 1 lasting for a hundred years. 2 occurring every hundred years. --n. US = CENTENARY n. [L centum a hundred, after BIENNIAL] center US var. of CENTRE. centerboard US var. of CENTREBOARD. centerfold US var. of CENTREFOLD. centering US var. of CENTRING. centesimal adj. reckoning or reckoned by hundredths. ЬЬcentesimally adv. [L centesimus hundredth f. centum hundred] centi- comb. form 1 one-hundredth, esp. of a unit in the metric system (centigram; centilitre). 2 hundred. °Abbr.: c. [L centum hundred] centigrade adj. 1 = CELSIUS. 2 having a scale of a hundred degrees. °In sense 1 Celsius is usually preferred in technical use. [F f. L centum hundred + gradus step] centigram n. (also centigramme) a metric unit of mass, equal to one-hundredth of a gram. centilitre n. (US centiliter) a metric unit of capacity, equal to one-hundredth of a litre. centime n. 1 a monetary unit valued at one-hundredth of a franc. 2 a coin of this value. [F f. L centum a hundred] centimetre n. (US centimeter) a metric unit of length, equal to one-hundredth of a metre. Ьcentimetre-gram-second system the system using these as basic units of length, mass, and time. °Abbr.: cgs system. centipede n. any arthropod of the class Chilopoda, with a wormlike body of many segments each with a pair of legs. [F centipЉde or L centipeda f. centum hundred + pes pedis foot] cento n. (pl. -os) a composition made up of quotations from other authors. [L, = patchwork garment] central adj. 1 of, at, or forming the centre. 2 from the centre. 3 chief, essential, most important. ЬCentral America the isthmus joining North and South America. central bank a national bank issuing currency etc. central heating a method of warming a building by pipes, radiators, etc., fed from a central source of heat. central nervous system Anat. the complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body, in vertebrates the brain and spinal cord. central processor (or processing unit) the principal operating part of a computer. ЬЬcentrality n. centrally adv. [F central or L centralis f. centrum CENTRE] centralism n. a system that centralizes (esp. an administration) (see also democratic centralism). ЬЬcentralist n. centralize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. & intr. bring or come to a centre. 2 tr. a concentrate (administration) at a single centre. b subject (a State) to this system. ЬЬcentralization n. centre n. & v. (US center) --n. 1 the middle point, esp. of a line, circle, or sphere, equidistant from the ends or from any point on the circumference or surface. 2 a pivot or axis of rotation. 3 a a place or group of buildings forming a central point in a district, city, etc., or a main area for an activity (shopping centre; town centre). b (with preceding word) a piece or set of equipment for a number of connected functions (music centre). 4 a point of concentration or dispersion; a nucleus or source. 5 a political party or group holding moderate opinions. 6 the filling in a chocolate etc. 7 Sport a the middle player in a line or group in some field games. b a kick or hit from the side to the centre of the pitch. 8 (in a lathe etc.) a conical adjustable support for the workpiece. 9 (attrib.) of or at the centre. --v. 1 intr. (foll. by in, on; disp. foll. by round) have as its main centre. 2 tr. place in the centre. 3 tr. mark with a centre. 4 tr. (foll. by in etc.) concentrate. 5 tr. Sport kick or hit (the ball) from the side to the centre of the pitch. Ьcentre-bit a boring tool with a centre point and side cutters. centre forward Sport the middle player or position in a forward line. centre half Sport the middle player or position in a half-back line. centre of attention 1 a person or thing that draws general attention. 2 Physics the point to which bodies tend by gravity. centre of gravity (or mass) the point at which the weight of a body may be considered to act. centre-piece 1 an ornament for the middle of a table. 2 a principal item. centre spread the two facing middle pages of a newspaper etc. ЬЬcentred adj. (often in comb.). centremost adj. centric adj. centrical adj. centricity n. [ME f. OF centre or L centrum f. Gk kentron sharp point] centreboard n. (US centerboard) a board for lowering through a boat's keel to prevent leeway. centrefold n. (US centerfold) a printed and usu. illustrated sheet folded to form the centre spread of a magazine etc. centreing var. of CENTRING. -centric comb. form forming adjectives with the sense 'having a (specified) centre' (anthropocentric; eccentric). [after concentric etc. f. Gk kentrikos: see CENTRE] centrifugal adj. moving or tending to move from a centre (cf. CENTRIPETAL). Ьcentrifugal force an apparent force that acts outwards on a body moving about a centre. ЬЬcentrifugally adv. [mod.L centrifugus f. L centrum centre + fugere flee] centrifuge n. & v. --n. a machine with a rapidly rotating device designed to separate liquids from solids or other liquids (e.g. cream from milk). --v.tr. 1 subject to the action of a centrifuge. 2 separate by centrifuge. ЬЬcentrifugation n. centring (also centreing, US centering) n. a temporary frame used to support an arch, dome, etc., while under construction. centriole n. Biol. a minute organelle usu. within a centrosome involved esp. in the development of spindles in cell division. [med.L centriolum dimin. of centrum centre] centripetal adj. moving or tending to move towards a centre (cf. CENTRIFUGAL). Ьcentripetal force the force acting on a body causing it to move about a centre. ЬЬcentripetally adv. [mod.L centripetus f. L centrum centre + petere seek] centrist n. Polit. often derog. a person who holds moderate views. ЬЬcentrism n. centromere n. Biol. the point on a chromosome to which the spindle is attached during cell division. [L centrum centre + Gk meros part] centrosome n. Biol. a distinct part of the cytoplasm in a cell, usu. near the nucleus, that contains the centriole. [G Centrosoma f. L centrum centre + Gk soma body] centuple n., adj., & v. --n. a hundredfold amount. --adj. increased a hundredfold. --v.tr. multiply by a hundred; increase a hundredfold. [F centuple or eccl.L centuplus, centuplex f. L centum hundred] centurion n. the commander of a century in the ancient Roman army. [ME f. L centurio -onis (as CENTURY)] century n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a period of one hundred years. b any of the centuries reckoned from the birth of Christ (twentieth century = 1901-2000; fifth century BC = 500-401 BC). °In modern use often reckoned as (e.g.) 1900-1999. 2 a a score etc. of a hundred in a sporting event, esp. a hundred runs by one batsman in cricket. b a group of a hundred things. 3 a a company in the ancient Roman army, orig. of 100 men. b an ancient Roman political division for voting. Ьcentury plant a plant, Agave americana, flowering once in many years and yielding sap from which tequila is distilled: also called American aloe (see ALOE). [L centuria f. centum hundred] cep n. an edible mushroom, Boletus edulis, with a stout stalk and brown smooth cap. [F cЉpe f. Gascon cep f. L cippus stake] cephalic adj. of or in the head. Ьcephalic index Anthropol. a number expressing the ratio of a head's greatest breadth and length. [F c‚phalique f. L cephalicus f. Gk kephalikos f. kephale head] -cephalic comb. form = -CEPHALOUS. cephalopod n. any mollusc of the class Cephalopoda, having a distinct tentacled head, e.g. octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. [Gk kephale head + pous podos foot] cephalothorax n. (pl. -thoraces or -thoraxes) Anat. the fused head and thorax of a spider, crab, or other arthropod. -cephalous comb. form -headed (brachycephalous; dolichocephalic). [Gk kephale head] cepheid n. (in full cepheid variable) Astron. any of a class of variable stars with a regular cycle of brightness that can be used to measure distances. [L Cepheus f. Gk Kepheus, a mythical king whose name was given to a constellation] ceramic adj. & n. --adj. 1 made of (esp.) clay and permanently hardened by heat (a ceramic bowl). 2 of or relating to ceramics (the ceramic arts). --n. 1 a ceramic article or product. 2 a substance, esp. clay, used to make ceramic articles. [Gk keramikos f. keramos pottery] ceramics n.pl. 1 ceramic products collectively (exhibition of ceramics). 2 (usu. treated as sing.) the art of making ceramic articles. ceramist n. a person who makes ceramics. cerastes n. any viper of the genus Cerastes, esp. C. cerastes having a sharp upright spike over each eye and moving forward in a lateral motion. [L f. Gk kerastes f. keras horn] cerastium n. any plant of the genus Cerastium, with white flowers and often horn-shaped capsules. [mod.L f. Gk kerastes horned f. keras horn] cere n. a waxy fleshy covering at the base of the upper beak in some birds. [L cera wax] cereal n. & adj --n. 1 (usu. in pl.) a any kind of grain used for food. b any grass producing this, e.g. wheat, maize, rye, etc. 2 a breakfast food made from a cereal and requiring no cooking. --adj. of edible grain or products of it. [L cerealis f. Ceres goddess of agriculture] cerebellum n. (pl. cerebellums or cerebella) the part of the brain at the back of the skull in vertebrates, which coordinates and regulates muscular activity. ЬЬcerebellar adj. [L dimin. of CEREBRUM] cerebral adj. 1 of the brain. 2 intellectual rather than emotional. 3 = CACUMINAL. Ьcerebral hemisphere each of the two halves of the vertebrate cerebrum. cerebral palsy Med. spastic paralysis from brain damage before or at birth, with jerky or uncontrolled movements. ЬЬcerebrally adv. [L cerebrum brain] cerebration n. working of the brain. Ьunconscious cerebration action of the brain with results reached without conscious thought. ЬЬcerebrate v.intr. cerebro- comb. form brain (cerebrospinal). cerebrospinal adj. of the brain and spine. cerebrovascular adj. of the brain and its blood vessels. cerebrum n. (pl. cerebra) the principal part of the brain in vertebrates, located in the front area of the skull, which integrates complex sensory and neural functions. [L, = brain] cerecloth n. hist. waxed cloth used as a waterproof covering or (esp.) as a shroud. [earlier cered cloth f. cere to wax f. L cerare f. cera wax] cerement n. (usu. in pl.) literary grave-clothes; cerecloth. [first used by Shakesp. in Hamlet (1602): app. f. CERECLOTH] ceremonial adj. & n. --adj. 1 with or concerning ritual or ceremony. 2 formal (a ceremonial bow). --n. 1 a system of rites etc. to be used esp. at a formal or religious occasion. 2 the formalities or behaviour proper to any occasion (with all due ceremonial). 3 RC Ch. a book containing an order of ritual. ЬЬceremonialism n. ceremonialist n. ceremonially adv. [LL caerimonialis (as CEREMONY)] ceremonious adj. 1 excessively polite; punctilious. 2 having or showing a fondness for ritualistic observance or formality. ЬЬceremoniously adv. ceremoniousness n. [F c‚r‚monieux or LL caerimoniosus (as CEREMONY)] ceremony n. (pl. -ies) 1 a formal religious or public occasion, esp. celebrating a particular event or anniversary. 2 formalities, esp. of an empty or ritualistic kind (ceremony of exchanging compliments). 3 excessively polite behaviour (bowed low with great ceremony). ЬMaster of Ceremonies 1 ( also MC) a person introducing speakers at a banquet, or entertainers in a variety show. 2 a person in charge of ceremonies at a state or public occasion. stand on ceremony insist on the observance of formalities. without ceremony informally. [ME f. OF ceremonie or L caerimonia religious worship] Cerenkov radiation n. (also Cherenkov) the electromagnetic radiation emitted by particles moving in a medium at speeds faster than that of light in the same medium. [P. A. Cherenkov, Russian physicist b. 1904] ceresin n. a hard whitish wax used with or instead of beeswax. [mod.L ceres f. L cera wax + -IN] cerise adj. & n. --adj. of a light clear red. --n. this colour. [F, = CHERRY] cerium n. Chem. a silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series occurring naturally in various minerals and used in the manufacture of lighter flints. °Symb.: Ce. [named after the asteroid Ceres, discovered (1801) about the same time as this] cermet n. a heat-resistant material made of ceramic and sintered metal. [ceramic + metal] CERN abbr. European Organization for Nuclear Research. [F Conseil Europ‚en pour la Recherche Nucl‚aire, its former title] cero- comb. form wax (cf. CEROGRAPHY, CEROPLASTIC). [L cera or Gk keros wax] cerography n. the technique of engraving or designing on or with wax. ceroplastic adj. 1 modelled in wax. 2 of or concerning wax-modelling. cert n. sl. (esp. dead cert) 1 an event or result regarded as certain to happen. 2 a horse strongly tipped to win. [abbr. of CERTAIN, CERTAINTY] cert. abbr. 1 a certificate. 2 certified. certain adj. & pron. --adj. 1 a (often foll. by of, or that + clause) confident, convinced (certain that I put it here). b (often foll. by that + clause) indisputable; known for sure (it is certain that he is guilty). 2 (often foll. by to + infin.) a that may be relied on to happen (it is certain to rain). b destined (certain to become a star). 3 definite, unfailing, reliable (a certain indication of the coming storm; his touch is certain). 4 (of a person, place, etc.) that might be specified, but is not (a certain lady; of a certain age). 5 some though not much (a certain reluctance). 6 (of a person, place, etc.) existing, though probably unknown to the reader or hearer (a certain John Smith). --pron. (as pl.) some but not all (certain of them were wounded). Ьfor certain without doubt. make certain = make sure (see SURE). [ME f. OF ult. f. L certus settled] certainly adv. 1 undoubtedly, definitely. 2 confidently. 3 (in affirmative answer to a question or command) yes; by all means. certainty n. (pl. -ies) 1 a an undoubted fact. b a certain prospect (his return is a certainty). 2 (often foll. by of, or that + clause) an absolute conviction (has a certainty of his own worth). 3 (often foll. by to + infin.) a thing or person that may be relied on (a certainty to win the Derby). Ьfor a certainty beyond the possibility of doubt. [ME f. AF certaint‚, OF -et‚ (as CERTAIN)] Cert. Ed. abbr. (in the UK) Certificate in Education. certifiable adj. 1 able or needing to be certified. 2 colloq. insane. certificate n. & v. --n. a formal document attesting a fact, esp. birth, marriage, or death, a medical condition, a level of achievement, a fulfilment of requirements, ownership of shares, etc. --v.tr. (esp. as certificated adj.) provide with or license or attest by a certificate. ЬCertificate of Secondary Education hist. 1 an examination set for secondary-school pupils in England and Wales. 2 the certificate gained by passing it. °Replaced in 1988 by the General Certificate of Secondary Education. ЬЬcertification n. [F certificat or med.L certificatum f. certificare: see CERTIFY] certify v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 make a formal statement of; attest; attest to (certified that he had witnessed the crime). 2 declare by certificate (that a person is qualified or competent) (certified as a trained bookkeeper). 3 officially declare insane (he should be certified). Ьcertified cheque a cheque the validity of which is guaranteed by a bank. certified mail US = recorded delivery (see RECORD). certified milk milk guaranteed free from the tuberculosis bacillus. [ME f. OF certifier f. med.L certificare f. L certus certain] certiorari n. Law a writ from a higher court requesting the records of a case tried in a lower court. [LL passive of certiorare inform f. certior compar. of certus certain] certitude n. a feeling of absolute certainty or conviction. [ME f. LL certitudo f. certus certain] cerulean adj. & n. literary --adj. deep blue like a clear sky. --n. this colour. [L caeruleus sky-blue f. caelum sky] cerumen n. the yellow waxy substance in the outer ear. ЬЬceruminous adj. [mod.L f. L cera wax] ceruse n. white lead. [ME f. OF f. L cerussa, perh. f. Gk keros wax] cervelat n. a kind of smoked pork sausage. [obs. F f. It. cervellata] cervical adj. Anat. 1 of or relating to the neck (cervical vertebrae). 2 of or relating to the cervix. Ьcervical screening examination of a large number of apparently healthy women for cervical cancer. cervical smear a specimen of cellular material from the neck of the womb for detection of cancer. [F cervical or mod.L cervicalis f. L cervix -icis neck] cervine adj. of or like a deer. [L cervinus f. cervus deer] cervix n. (pl. cervices) Anat. 1 the neck. 2 any necklike structure, esp. the neck of the womb. [L] Cesarean (also Cesarian) US var. of CAESAREAN. cesarevitch n. (also cesarewitch) 1 hist. the eldest son of the emperor of Russia (cf. TSAREVICH). 2 (Cesarewitch) a horse-race run annually at Newmarket. [Russ. tsesarevich] cesium US var. of CAESIUM. cess(1) n. (also sess) Sc., Ir., & Ind. etc. a tax, a levy. [properly sess for obs. assess n.: see ASSESS] cess(2) n. Ir. Ьbad cess to may evil befall (bad cess to their clan). [perh. f. CESS(1)] cessation n. 1 a ceasing (cessation of the truce). 2 a pause (resumed fighting after the cessation). [ME f. L cessatio f. cessare CEASE] cesser n. Law a coming to an end; a cessation (of a term, a liability, etc.). [AF & OF, = CEASE] cession n. 1 (often foll. by of) the ceding or giving up (of rights, property, and esp. of territory by a State). 2 the territory etc. so ceded. [ME f. OF cession or L cessio f. cedere cess- go away] cessionary n. (pl. -ies) Law = ASSIGN n. cesspit n. 1 a pit for the disposal of refuse. 2 = CESSPOOL. [cess in CESSPOOL + PIT(1)] cesspool n. 1 an underground container for the temporary storage of liquid waste or sewage. 2 a centre of corruption, depravity, etc. [perh. alt., after POOL(1), f. earlier cesperalle, f. suspiral vent, water-pipe, f. OF souspirail air-hole f. L suspirare breathe up, sigh (as SUB-, spirare breathe)] cestode n. (also cestoid) any flatworm of the class Cestoda, including tapeworms. [L cestus f. Gk kestos girdle] CET abbr. Central European Time. cetacean n. & adj. --n. any marine mammal of the order Cetacea with streamlined hairless body and dorsal blowhole for breathing, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. --adj. of cetaceans. ЬЬcetaceous adj. [mod.L Cetacea f. L cetus f. Gk ketos whale] cetane n. Chem. a colourless liquid hydrocarbon of the alkane series used in standardizing ratings of diesel fuel. Ьcetane number a measure of the ignition properties of diesel fuel. [f. SPERMACETI after methane etc.] ceteris paribus adv. other things being equal. [L] Ceylon moss n. a red seaweed, Gracilaria lichenoides, from E. India. [Ceylon, now Sri Lanka] 7.0 CF... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CF abbr. Brit. Chaplain to the Forces. Cf symb. Chem. the element californium. cf. abbr. compare. [L confer imper. of conferre compare] c.f. abbr. carried forward. CFC abbr. Chem. chloro-fluorocarbon, any of various usu. gaseous compounds of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, used in refrigerants, aerosol propellants, etc., and thought to be harmful to the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere. CFE abbr. College of Further Education. 8.0 cg... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- cg abbr. centigram(s). CGS abbr. Chief of General Staff. cgs abbr. centimetre-gram-second. 9.0 CH... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CH abbr. (in the UK) Companion of Honour. ch. abbr. 1 church. 2 chapter. 3 chestnut. cha var. of CHAR(3). Chablis n. (pl. same) a dry white burgundy wine. [Chablis in E. France] cha-cha (also cha-cha-cha) n. & v. --n. 1 a ballroom dance with a Latin-American rhythm. 2 music for or in the rhythm of a cha-cha. --v.intr. (cha-chas, cha-chaed or cha-cha'd, cha-chaing) dance the cha-cha. [Amer. Sp.] chaconne n. Mus. 1 a a musical form consisting of variations on a ground bass. b a musical composition in this style. 2 hist. a dance performed to this music. [F f. Sp. chacona] chador n. (also chadar, chuddar) a large piece of cloth worn in some countries by Muslim women, wrapped around the body to leave only the face exposed. [Pers. chador, Hindi chador] chaetognath n. any dart-shaped worm of the phylum Chaetognatha, usu. living among marine plankton, and having a head with external thorny teeth. [mod.L Chaetognatha f. Gk khaite long hair + gnathos jaw] chafe v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become sore or damaged by rubbing. 2 tr. rub (esp. the skin to restore warmth or sensation). 3 tr. & intr. make or become annoyed; fret (was chafed by the delay). --n. 1 a an act of chafing. b a sore resulting from this. 2 a state of annoyance. [ME f. OF chaufer ult. f. L calefacere f. calere be hot + facere make] chafer n. any of various large slow-moving beetles of the family Scarabeidae, esp. the cockchafer. [OE ceafor, cefer f. Gmc] chaff n. & v. --n. 1 the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing. 2 chopped hay and straw used as fodder. 3 light-hearted joking; banter. 4 worthless things; rubbish. 5 strips of metal foil released in the atmosphere to obstruct radar detection. --v. 1 tr. & intr. tease; banter. 2 tr. chop (straw etc.). Ьchaff-cutter a machine for chopping fodder. separate the wheat from the chaff distinguish good from bad. ЬЬchaffy adj. [OE ceaf, c‘f prob. f. Gmc: sense 3 of n. & 1 of v. perh. f. CHAFE] chaffer v. & n. --v.intr. haggle; bargain. --n. bargaining; haggling. ЬЬchafferer n. [ME f. OE ceapfaru f. ceap bargain + faru journey] chaffinch n. Brit. a common European finch, Fringilla coelebs, the male of which has a blue-grey head with pinkish cheeks. [OE ceaffinc: see CHAFF, FINCH] chafing-dish n. 1 a cooking pot with an outer pan of hot water, used for keeping food warm. 2 a dish with a spirit-lamp etc. for cooking at table. [obs. sense of CHAFE = warm] Chagas' disease (also Chagas's disease) n. a kind of sleeping sickness caused by a protozoan transmitted by blood-sucking bugs. [C. Chagas, Braz. physician d. 1934] chagrin n. & v. --n. acute vexation or mortification. --v.tr. affect with chagrin. [F chagrin(er), of uncert. orig.] chain n. & v. --n. 1 a a connected flexible series of esp. metal links as decoration or for a practical purpose. b something resembling this (formed a human chain). 2 (in pl.) a fetters used to confine prisoners. b any restraining force. 3 a sequence, series, or set (chain of events; mountain chain). 4 a group of associated hotels, shops, newspapers, etc. 5 a badge of office in the form of a chain worn round the neck (mayoral chain). 6 a a jointed measuring-line consisting of linked metal rods. b its length (66 ft.). 7 Chem. a group of (esp. carbon) atoms bonded in sequence in a molecule. 8 a figure in a quadrille or similar dance. 9 (in pl.) Naut. channels (see CHANNEL(2)). 10 (also chain-shot) hist. two cannon-balls or half balls joined by a chain and used in sea battles for bringing down a mast etc. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by up) secure or confine with a chain. 2 confine or restrict (a person) (is chained to the office). Ьchain-armour armour made of interlaced rings. chain bridge a suspension bridge on chains. chain drive a system of transmission by endless chains. chain-gang a team of convicts chained together and forced to work in the open air. chain-gear a gear transmitting motion by means of an endless chain. chain-letter one of a sequence of letters the recipient of which is requested to send copies to a specific number of other people. chain-link made of wire in a diamond-shaped mesh (chain-link fencing). chain-mail = chain-armour. chain reaction 1 Physics a self-sustaining nuclear reaction, esp. one in which a neutron from a fission reaction initiates a series of these reactions. 2 Chem. a self-sustaining molecular reaction in which intermediate products initiate further reactions. 3 a series of events, each caused by the previous one. chain-saw a motor-driven saw with teeth on an endless chain. chain-smoker a person who smokes continually, esp. one who lights a cigarette etc. from the stub of the last one smoked. chain-stitch an ornamental embroidery or crochet stitch resembling chains. chain store one of a series of shops owned by one firm and selling the same sort of goods. chain-wale = CHANNEL(2). chain-wheel a wheel transmitting power by a chain fitted to its edges. [ME f. OF cha(e)ine f. L catena] chair n. & v. --n. 1 a separate seat for one person, of various forms, usu. having a back and four legs. 2 a a professorship (offered the chair in physics). b a seat of authority, esp. on a board of directors. c a mayoralty. 3 a a chairperson. b the seat or office of a chairperson (will you take the chair?; I'm in the chair). 4 US = electric chair. 5 an iron or steel socket holding a railway rail in place. 6 hist. = sedan chair. --v.tr. 1 act as chairperson of or preside over (a meeting). 2 Brit. carry (a person) aloft in a chair or in a sitting position, in triumph. 3 install in a chair, esp. as a position of authority. Ьchair-bed a chair that unfolds into a bed. chair-borne colloq. (of an administrator) not active. chair-car a railway carriage with chairs instead of long seats; a parlour car. chair-lift a series of chairs on an endless cable for carrying passengers up and down a mountain etc. take a chair sit down. [ME f. AF chaere, OF chaiere f. L cathedra f. Gk kathedra: see CATHEDRAL] chairlady n. (pl. -ies) = CHAIRWOMAN. chairman n. (pl. -men; fem. chairwoman, pl. -women) 1 a person chosen to preside over a meeting. 2 the permanent president of a committee, a board of directors, a firm, etc. 3 the master of ceremonies at an entertainment etc. 4 hist. either of two sedan-bearers. ЬЬchairmanship n. chairperson n. a chairman or chairwoman (used as a neutral alternative). chaise n. 1 esp. hist. a horse-drawn carriage for one or two persons, esp. one with an open top and two wheels. 2 = post-chaise (see POST(2)). [F var. of chaire, formed as CHAIR] chaise longue n. a sofa with only one arm rest. [F, lit. long chair] chalaza n. (pl. chalazae) each of two twisted membranous strips joining the yolk to the ends of an egg. [mod.L f. Gk, = hailstone] chalcedony n. a type of quartz occurring in several different forms, e.g. onyx, agate, tiger's eye, etc. ЬЬchalcedonic adj. [ME f. L c(h)alcedonius f. Gk khalkedon] chalcolithic adj. Archaeol. of a prehistoric period in which both stone and bronze implements were used. [Gk khalkos copper + lithos stone] chalcopyrite n. a yellow mineral of copper-iron sulphide, which is the principal ore of copper. [Gk khalkos copper + PYRITE] Chaldean n. & adj. --n. 1 a a native of ancient Chaldea or Babylonia. b the language of the Chaldeans. 2 an astrologer. 3 a member of the Uniat (formerly Nestorian) sect in Iran etc. --adj. 1 of or relating to ancient Chaldea or its people or language. 2 of or relating to astrology. 3 of or relating to the Uniat sect. [L Chaldaeus f. Gk Khaldaios f. Assyr. Kaldu] Chaldee n. 1 the language of the Chaldeans. 2 a native of ancient Chaldea. 3 the Aramaic language as used in Old Testament books. [ME, repr. L Chaldaei (pl.) (as CHALDEAN)] chalet n. 1 a small suburban house or bungalow, esp. with an overhanging roof. 2 a small, usu. wooden, hut or house on a beach or in a holiday camp. 3 a Swiss cowherd's hut, or wooden cottage, with overhanging eaves. [Swiss F] chalice n. 1 literary a goblet. 2 a wine-cup used in the Communion service. [ME f. OF f. L calix -icis cup] chalk n. & v. --n. 1 a white soft earthy limestone (calcium carbonate) formed from the skeletal remains of sea creatures. 2 a a similar substance (calcium sulphate), sometimes coloured, used for writing or drawing. b a piece of this (a box of chalks). 3 a series of strata consisting mainly of chalk. 4 = French chalk. --v.tr. 1 rub, mark, draw, or write with chalk. 2 (foll. by up) a write or record with chalk. b register (a success etc.). c charge (to an account). Ьas different as chalk and (or from) cheese fundamentally different. by a long chalk Brit. by far (from the use of chalk to mark the score in games). chalk and talk traditional teaching (employing blackboard, chalk, and interlocution). chalk out sketch or plan a thing to be accomplished. chalk-pit a quarry in which chalk is dug. chalk-stone a concretion of urates like chalk in tissues and joints esp. of hands and feet. chalk-stripe a pattern of thin white stripes on a dark background. chalk-striped having chalk-stripes. [OE cealc ult. f. WG f. L CALX] chalkboard n. US = BLACKBOARD. chalky adj. (chalkier, chalkiest) 1 a abounding in chalk. b white as chalk. 2 like or containing chalk stones. ЬЬchalkiness n. challenge n. & v. --n. 1 a a summons to take part in a contest or a trial of strength etc., esp. to a duel. b a summons to prove or justify something. 2 a demanding or difficult task (rose to the challenge of the new job). 3 Law an objection made to a jury member. 4 a call to respond, esp. a sentry's call for a password etc. 5 an invitation to a sporting contest, esp. one issued to a reigning champion. 6 Med. a test of immunity after immunization treatment. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by to + infin.) a invite to take part in a contest, game, debate, duel, etc. b invite to prove or justify something. 2 dispute, deny (I challenge that remark). 3 a stretch, stimulate (challenges him to produce his best). b (as challenging adj.) demanding; stimulatingly difficult. 4 (of a sentry) call to respond. 5 claim (attention, etc.). 6 Law object to (a jury member, evidence, etc.). 7 Med. test by a challenge. ЬЬchallengeable adj. challenger n. [ME f. OF c(h)alenge, c(h)alenger f. L calumnia calumniari calumny] challis n. a lightweight soft clothing fabric. [perh. f. a surname] chalybeate adj. (of mineral water etc.) impregnated with iron salts. [mod.L chalybeatus f. L chalybs f. Gk khalups -ubos steel] chamaephyte n. a plant whose buds are on or near the ground. [Gk khamai on the ground + -PHYTE] chamber n. 1 a a hall used by a legislative or judicial body. b the body that meets in it. c any of the houses of a parliament (Chamber of Deputies; second chamber). 2 (in pl.) Brit. Law a rooms used by a barrister or group of barristers, esp. in the Inns of Court. b a judge's room used for hearing cases not needing to be taken in court. 3 poet. or archaic a room, esp. a bedroom. 4 Mus. (attrib.) of or for a small group of instruments (chamber orchestra; chamber music). 5 an enclosed space in machinery etc. (esp. the part of a gun-bore that contains the charge). 6 a a cavity in a plant or in the body of an animal. b a compartment in a structure. 7 = chamber-pot. ЬChamber of Commerce an association to promote local commercial interests. chamber-pot a receptacle for urine etc., used in a bedroom. [ME f. OF chambre f. L CAMERA] chambered adj. (of a tomb) containing a burial chamber. chamberlain n. 1 an officer managing the household of a sovereign or a great noble. 2 the treasurer of a corporation etc. ЬLord Chamberlain (of the Household) the official in charge of the Royal Household, formerly the licenser of plays. Lord Great Chamberlain of England the hereditary holder of a ceremonial office. ЬЬchamberlainship n. [ME f. OF chamberlain etc. f. Frank. f. L camera CAMERA] chambermaid n. 1 a housemaid at a hotel etc. 2 US a housemaid. Chambertin n. a high-quality dry red burgundy wine. [Gevrey Chambertin region in E. France] chambray n. a linen-finished gingham cloth with a white weft and a coloured warp. [irreg. f. Cambrai: see CAMBRIC] chambr‚ adj. (of red wine) brought to room temperature. [F, past part. of chambrer f. chambre room: see CHAMBER] chameleon n. 1 any of a family of small lizards having grasping tails, long tongues, protruding eyes, and the power of changing colour. 2 a variable or inconstant person. ЬЬchameleonic adj. [ME f. L f. Gk khamaileon f. khamai on the ground + leon lion] chamfer v. & n. --v.tr. bevel symmetrically (a right-angled edge or corner). --n. a bevelled surface at an edge or corner. [back-form. f. chamfering f. F chamfrain f. chant edge (CANT(2)) + fraint broken f. OF fraindre break f. L frangere] chamois n. (pl. same) 1 an agile goat antelope, Rupicapra rupicapra, native to the mountains of Europe and Asia. 2 (in full chamois leather) a soft pliable leather from sheep, goats, deer, etc. b a piece of this for polishing etc. [F: cf. Gallo-Roman camox] chamomile var. of CAMOMILE. champ(1) v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. munch or chew noisily. 2 tr. (of a horse etc.) work (the bit) noisily between the teeth. 3 intr. fret with impatience (is champing to be away). --n. a chewing noise or motion. Ьchamp at the bit be restlessly impatient. [prob. imit.] champ(2) n. sl. a champion. [abbr.] champagne n. 1 a a white sparkling wine from Champagne. b (loosely) a similar wine from elsewhere. °Use in sense b is strictly incorrect. 2 a pale cream or straw colour. [Champagne, former province in E. France] champaign n. literary 1 open country. 2 an expanse of open country. [ME f. OF champagne f. LL campania: cf. CAMPAIGN] champers n. sl. champagne. champerty n. (pl. -ies) Law an illegal agreement in which a person not naturally interested in a lawsuit finances it with a view to sharing the disputed property. ЬЬchampertous adj. [ME f. AF champartie f. OF champart feudal lord's share of produce, f. L campus field + pars part] champion n., v., adj., & adv. --n. 1 (often attrib.) a person (esp. in a sport or game), an animal, plant, etc., that has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition etc. 2 a a person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of another person. b hist. a knight etc. who fought in single combat on behalf of a king etc. --v.tr. support the cause of, defend, argue in favour of. --adj. colloq. or dial. first-class, splendid. --adv. colloq. or dial. splendidly, well. ЬChampion of England (or King's or Queen's Champion) a hereditary official at coronations. [ME f. OF f. med.L campio -onis fighter f. L campus field] championship n. 1 (often in pl.) a contest for the position of champion in a sport etc. 2 the position of champion over all rivals. 3 the advocacy or defence (of a cause etc.). champlev‚ n. & adj. --n. a type of enamel-work in which hollows made in a metal surface are filled with coloured enamels. --adj. of or relating to champlev‚ (cf. CLOISONNђ). [F, = raised field] chance n., adj., & v. --n. 1 a a possibility (just a chance we will catch the train). b (often in pl.) probability (the chances are against it). 2 a risk (have to take a chance). 3 a an undesigned occurrence (just a chance that they met). b the absence of design or discoverable cause (here merely because of chance). 4 an opportunity (didn't have a chance to speak to him). 5 the way things happen; fortune; luck (we'll just leave it to chance). 6 (often Chance) the course of events regarded as a power; fate (blind Chance rules the universe). 7 Cricket an opportunity for dismissing a batsman. --adj. fortuitous, accidental (a chance meeting). --v. 1 tr. colloq. risk (we'll chance it and go). 2 intr. (often foll. by that + clause, or to + infin.) happen without intention (it chanced that I found it; I chanced to find it). Ьby any chance as it happens; perhaps. by chance without design; unintentionally. chance one's arm make an attempt though unlikely to succeed. chance on (or upon) happen to find, meet, etc. game of chance a game decided by luck, not skill. the off chance the slight possibility. on the chance (often foll. by of, or that + clause) in view of the possibility. stand a chance have a prospect of success etc. take a chance (or chances) behave riskily; risk failure. take a (or one's) chance on (or with) consent to take the consequences of; trust to luck. [ME f. AF ch(e)aunce, OF ch‰ance ch‰oir fall ult. f. L cadere] chancel n. the part of a church near the altar, reserved for the clergy, the choir, etc., usu. enclosed by a screen or separated from the nave by steps. [ME f. OF f. L cancelli lattice] chancellery n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the position, office, staff, department, etc., of a chancellor. b the official residence of a chancellor. 2 US an office attached to an embassy or consulate. [ME f. OF chancellerie (as CHANCELLOR)] chancellor n. 1 a State or legal official of various kinds. 2 the head of the government in some European countries, e.g. W. Germany. 3 the non-resident honorary head of a university. 4 a bishop's law officer. 5 US the president of a chancery court. ЬChancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster a member of the government legally representing the Queen as Duke of Lancaster, often a Cabinet Minister employed on non-departmental work. Chancellor of the Exchequer the finance minister of the United Kingdom. Chancellor of the Garter etc. a government officer who seals commissions etc. Lord (or Lord High) Chancellor an officer presiding in the House of Lords, the Chancery Division, or the Court of Appeal. ЬЬchancellorship n. [OE f. AF c(h)anceler, OF -ier f. LL cancellarius porter, secretary, f. cancelli lattice] chance-medley n. (pl. -eys) 1 Law a fight, esp. homicidal, beginning unintentionally. 2 inadvertency. [AF chance medlee (see MEDDLE) mixed chance] chancery n. (pl. -ies) 1 Law (Chancery) the Lord Chancellor's court, a division of the High Court of Justice. 2 hist. the records office of an order of knighthood. 3 hist. the court of a bishop's chancellor. 4 an office attached to an embassy or consulate. 5 a public record office. 6 US a court of equity. Ьin chancery sl. (of a boxer or wrestler) with the head held under the opponent's arm and being pummelled. [ME, contracted f. CHANCELLERY] chancre n. a painless ulcer developing in venereal disease etc. [F f. L CANCER] chancroid n. ulceration of lymph nodes in the groin, from venereal disease. chancy adj. (chancier, chanciest) subject to chance; uncertain; risky. ЬЬchancily adv. chanciness n. chandelier n. an ornamental branched hanging support for several candles or electric light bulbs. [F (chandelle f. as CANDLE)] chandler n. a dealer in candles, oil, soap, paint, groceries, etc. Ьcorn chandler a dealer in corn. ship (or ship's) chandler a dealer in cordage, canvas, etc. [ME f. AF chaundeler, OF chandelier (as CANDLE)] chandlery n. the goods sold by a chandler. change n. & v. --n. 1 a the act or an instance of making or becoming different. b an alteration or modification (the change in her expression). 2 a money given in exchange for money in larger units or a different currency. b money returned as the balance of that given in payment. c = small change. 3 a new experience; variety (fancied a change; for a change). 4 a the substitution of one thing for another; an exchange (change of scene). b a set of clothes etc. put on in place of another. 5 (in full change of life) colloq. the menopause. 6 (usu. in pl.) the different orders in which a peal of bells can be rung. 7 (Change) (also 'Change) hist. a place where merchants etc. met to do business. 8 (of the moon) arrival at a fresh phase, esp. at the new moon. --v. 1 tr. & intr. undergo, show, or subject to change; make or become different (the wig changed his appearance; changed from an introvert into an extrovert). 2 tr. a take or use another instead of; go from one to another (change one's socks; changed his doctor; changed trains). b (usu. foll. by for) give up or get rid of in exchange (changed the car for a van). 3 tr. a give or get change in smaller denominations for (can you change a ten-pound note?). b (foll. by for) exchange (a sum of money) for (changed his dollars for pounds). 4 tr. & intr. put fresh clothes or coverings on (changed the baby as he was wet; changed into something loose). 5 tr. (often foll. by with) give and receive, exchange (changed places with him; we changed places). 6 intr. change trains etc. (changed at Crewe). 7 intr. (of the moon) arrive at a fresh phase, esp. become new. Ьchange colour blanch or flush. change down engage a lower gear in a vehicle. change gear engage a different gear in a vehicle. change hands 1 pass to a different owner. 2 substitute one hand for another. change one's mind adopt a different opinion or plan. change of air a different climate; variety. change of heart a conversion to a different view. change over change from one system or situation to another. change-over n. such a change. change step begin to keep step with the opposite leg when marching etc. change the subject begin talking of something different, esp. to avoid embarrassment. change one's tune 1 voice a different opinion from that expressed previously. 2 change one's style of language or manner, esp. from an insolent to a respectful tone. change up engage a higher gear in a vehicle. get no change out of sl. 1 fail to get information from. 2 fail to get the better of (in business etc.). ring the changes (on) vary the ways of expressing, arranging, or doing something. ЬЬchangeful adj. changer n. [ME f. AF chaunge, OF change, changer f. LL cambiare, L cambire barter, prob. of Celt. orig.] changeable adj. 1 irregular, inconstant. 2 that can change or be changed. ЬЬchangeability n. changeableness n. changeably adv. [ME f. OF, formed as CHANGE] changeless adj. unchanging. ЬЬchangelessly adv. changelessness n. changeling n. a child believed to be substituted for another by stealth, esp. an elf-child left by fairies. channel(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a a length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas, esp. seas. b (the Channel) the English Channel between Britain and France. 2 a medium of communication; an agency for conveying information (through the usual channels). 3 Broadcasting a a band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission, esp. as used by a particular station. b a service or station using this. 4 the course in which anything moves; a direction. 5 a a natural or artificial hollow bed of water. b the navigable part of a waterway. 6 a tubular passage for liquid. 7 Electronics a lengthwise strip on recording tape etc. 8 a groove or a flute, esp. in a column. --v.tr. (channelled, channelling; US channeled, channeling) 1 guide, direct (channelled them through customs). 2 form channels in; groove. [ME f. OF chanel f. L canalis CANAL] channel(2) n. Naut. any of the broad thick planks projecting horizontally from a ship's side abreast of the masts, used to widen the basis for the shrouds. [for chain-wale: cf. gunnel for gunwale] channelize v.tr. (also -ise) convey in, or as if in, a channel; guide. chanson de geste n. (pl. chansons pronunc. same) any of a group of medieval French epic poems. [F, = song of heroic deeds] chant n. & v. --n. 1 a a spoken singsong phrase, esp. one performed in unison by a crowd etc. b a repetitious singsong way of speaking. 2 Mus. a a short musical passage in two or more phrases used for singing unmetrical words, e.g. psalms, canticles. b the psalm or canticle so sung. c a song, esp. monotonous or repetitive. 3 a musical recitation, esp. of poetry. --v.tr. & intr. 1 talk or repeat monotonously (a crowd chanting slogans). 2 sing or intone (a psalm etc.). [ME (orig. as verb) f. OF chanter sing f. L cantare frequent. of canere cant- sing] chanter n. Mus. the melody-pipe, with finger-holes, of a bagpipe. chanterelle n. an edible fungus, Cantharellus cibarius, with a yellow funnel-shaped cap and smelling of apricots. [F f. mod.L cantharellus dimin. of cantharus f. Gk kantharos a kind of drinking vessel] chanteuse n. a female singer of popular songs. [F] chanticleer n. literary a name given to a domestic cock, esp. in fairy tales etc. [ME f. OF chantecler (as CHANT, CLEAR), a name in Reynard the Fox] Chantilly n. 1 a delicate kind of bobbin-lace. 2 sweetened or flavoured whipped cream. [Chantilly near Paris] chantry n. (pl. -ies) 1 an endowment for a priest or priests to celebrate masses for the founder's soul. 2 the priests, chapel, altar, etc., endowed. [ME f. AF chaunterie, OF chanterie f. chanter CHANT] chanty var. of SHANTY(2). Chanukkah var. of HANUKKAH. chaos n. 1 utter confusion. 2 the formless matter supposed to have existed before the creation of the universe. ЬЬchaotic adj. chaotically adv. [F or L f. Gk khaos: - otic after erotic etc.] chap(1) v. & n. --v. (chapped, chapping) 1 intr. (esp. of the skin; also of dry ground etc.) crack in fissures, esp. because of exposure and dryness. 2 tr. (of the wind, cold, etc.) cause to chap. --n. (usu. in pl.) 1 a crack in the skin. 2 an open seam. [ME, perh. rel. to MLG, MDu. kappen chop off] chap(2) n. colloq. a man; a boy; a fellow. [abbr. of CHAPMAN] chap(3) n. the lower jaw or half of the cheek, esp. of a pig as food. Ьchap-fallen dispirited, dejected (with the lower jaw hanging). [16th c.: var. of CHOP(2), of unkn. orig.] chap. abbr. chapter. chaparejos n.pl. US a cowboy's leather protection for the front of the legs. [Mex. Sp.] chaparral n. US dense tangled brushwood; undergrowth. Ьchaparral cock = ROADRUNNER. [Sp. f. chaparra evergreen oak] chapatti n. (also chapati, chupatty) (pl. -is or chupatties) Ind. a flat thin cake of unleavened wholemeal bread. [Hindi capati] chap-book n. hist. a small pamphlet containing tales, ballads, tracts, etc., hawked by chapmen. [19th c.: see CHAPMAN] chape n. 1 the metal cap of a scabbard-point. 2 the back-piece of a buckle attaching it to a strap etc. 3 a sliding loop on a belt or strap. [ME f. OF, = cope, hood, formed as CAP] chapeau-bras n. (pl. chapeaux-bras pronunc. same) a three-cornered flat silk hat often carried under the arm. [F f. chapeau hat + bras arm] chapel n. 1 a a place for private Christian worship in a large church or esp. a cathedral, with its own altar and dedication (Lady chapel). b a place of Christian worship attached to a private house or institution. 2 Brit. a a place of worship for nonconformist bodies. b (predic.) an attender at or believer in nonconformist worship (they are strictly chapel). c a chapel service. d attendance at a chapel. 3 an Anglican church subordinate to a parish church. 4 Printing a the members or branch of a printers' trade union at a specific place of work. b a meeting of them. Ьchapel of ease an Anglican chapel for the convenience of remote parishioners. chapel of rest an undertaker's mortuary. chapel royal a chapel in a royal palace. father of chapel (or the chapel) the shop steward of a printers' chapel. [ME f. OF chapele f. med.L cappella dimin. of cappa cloak: the first chapel was a sanctuary in which St Martin's sacred cloak (cappella) was preserved] chapelry n. (pl. -ies) a district served by an Anglican chapel. chaperon n. & v. (also chaperone) --n. 1 a person, esp. an older woman, who ensures propriety by accompanying a young unmarried woman on social occasions. 2 a person who takes charge of esp. young people in public. --v.tr. act as a chaperon to. ЬЬchaperonage n. [F, = hood, chaperon, dimin. of chape cope, formed as CAP] chaplain n. a member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, ship, regiment, etc. ЬЬchaplaincy n. (pl. -ies). [ME f. AF & OF c(h)apelain f. med.L cappellanus, orig. custodian of the cloak of St Martin: see CHAPEL] chaplet n. 1 a garland or circlet for the head. 2 a string of 55 beads (one-third of the rosary number) for counting prayers, or as a necklace. 3 a bead-moulding. ЬЬchapleted adj. [ME f. OF chapelet, ult. f. LL cappa CAP] chapman n. (pl. -men) hist. a pedlar. [OE ceapman f. ceap barter] chappal n. an Indian sandal, usu. of leather. [Hindi] chappie n. colloq. = CHAP(2). chappy adj. full of chaps; chapped (chappy knuckles). chaps n. = CHAPAREJOS. [abbr.] chapstick n. US a cylinder of a cosmetic substance used to prevent chapping of the lips. chapter n. 1 a main division of a book. 2 a period of time (in a person's life, a nation's history, etc.). 3 a series or sequence (a chapter of misfortunes). 4 a the canons of a cathedral or other religious community or knightly order. b a meeting of these. 5 an Act of Parliament numbered as part of a session's proceedings. 6 US a local branch of a society. Ьchapter and verse an exact reference or authority. chapter house 1 a building used for the meetings of a chapter. 2 US the place where a college fraternity or sorority meets. [ME f. OF chapitre f. L capitulum dimin. of caput -itis head] char(1) v.tr. & intr. (charred, charring) 1 make or become black by burning; scorch. 2 burn or be burnt to charcoal. [app. back-form. f. CHARCOAL] char(2) n. & v. Brit. colloq. --n. = CHARWOMAN. --v.intr. (charred, charring) work as a charwoman. [earlier chare f. OE cerr a turn, cierran to turn] char(3) n. (also cha) Brit. sl. tea. [Chin. cha] char(4) n. (also charr) (pl. same) any small troutlike fish of the genus Salvelinus. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] charabanc n. Brit. hist. an early form of motor coach. [F char … bancs seated carriage] character n. & v. --n. 1 the collective qualities or characteristics, esp. mental and moral, that distinguish a person or thing. 2 a moral strength (has a weak character). b reputation, esp. good reputation. 3 a a person in a novel, play, etc. b a part played by an actor; a role. 4 colloq. a person, esp. an eccentric or outstanding individual (he's a real character). 5 a a printed or written letter, symbol, or distinctive mark (Chinese characters). b Computing any of a group of symbols representing a letter etc. 6 a written description of a person's qualities; a testimonial. 7 a characteristic (esp. of a biological species). --v.tr. archaic inscribe; describe. Ьcharacter actor an actor who specializes in playing eccentric or unusual persons. character assassination a malicious attempt to harm or destroy a person's good reputation. in (or out of) character consistent (or inconsistent) with a person's character. ЬЬcharacterful adj. characterfully adv. characterless adj. [ME f. OF caractere f. L character f. Gk kharakter stamp, impress] characteristic adj. & n. --adj. typical, distinctive (with characteristic expertise). --n. 1 a characteristic feature or quality. 2 Math. the whole number or integral part of a logarithm. Ьcharacteristic curve a graph showing the relationship between two variable but interdependent quantities. characteristic radiation radiation the wavelengths of which are peculiar to the element which emits them. ЬЬcharacteristically adv. [F caract‚ristique or med.L characterizare f. Gk kharakterizo] characterize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 a describe the character of. b (foll. by as) describe as. 2 be characteristic of. 3 impart character to. ЬЬcharacterization n. [F caract‚riser or med.L characterizare f. Gk kharakterizo] charade n. 1 a (usu. in pl., treated as sing.) a game of guessing a word from a written or acted clue given for each syllable and for the whole. b one such clue. 2 an absurd pretence. [F f. mod.Prov. charrado conversation f. charra chatter] charas n. a narcotic resin from the flower-heads of hemp; cannabis resin. [Hindi] charcoal n. 1 a an amorphous form of carbon consisting of a porous black residue from partially burnt wood, bones, etc. b (usu. in pl.) a piece of this used for drawing. 2 a drawing in charcoal. 3 (in full charcoal grey) a dark grey colour. Ьcharcoal biscuit a biscuit containing wood-charcoal to aid digestion. [ME COAL = charcoal: first element perh. chare turn (cf. CHAR(1), CHAR(2))] chard n. a kind of beet, Beta vulgaris, with edible broad white leaf-stalks and green blades. Also called seakale beet. [F carde, and chardon thistle: cf. CARDOON] Chardonnay n. 1 a variety of white grape used for making champagne and other wines. 2 the vine on which this grape grows. 3 a wine made from Chardonnay grapes. [F] charge v. & n. --v. 1 tr. a ask (an amount) as a price (charges њ5 a ticket). b ask (a person) for an amount as a price (you forgot to charge me). 2 tr. a (foll. by to, up to) debit the cost of to (a person or account) (charge it to my account; charge it up to me). b debit (a person or an account) (bought a new car and charged the company). 3 tr. a (often foll. by with) accuse (of an offence) (charged him with theft). b (foll. by that + clause) make an accusation that. 4 tr. (foll. by to + infin.) instruct or urge. 5 (foll. by with) a tr. entrust with. b refl. undertake. 6 a intr. make a rushing attack; rush headlong. b tr. make a rushing attack on; throw oneself against. 7 tr. (often foll. by up) a give an electric charge to (a body). b store energy in (a battery). 8 tr. (often foll. by with) load or fill (a vessel, gun, etc.) to the full or proper extent. 9 tr. (usu. as charged adj.) a (foll. by with) saturated with (air charged with vapour). b (usu. foll. by with) pervaded (with strong feelings etc.) (atmosphere charged with emotion; a charged atmosphere). --n. 1 a a price asked for goods or services. b a financial liability or commitment. 2 an accusation, esp. against a prisoner brought to trial. 3 a a task, duty, or commission. b care, custody, responsible possession. c a person or thing entrusted; a minister's congregation. 4 a an impetuous rush or attack, esp. in a battle. b the signal for this. 5 the appropriate amount of material to be put into a receptacle, mechanism, etc. at one time, esp. of explosive for a gun. 6 a a property of matter that is a consequence of the interaction between its constituent particles and exists in a positive or negative form, causing electrical phenomena. b the quantity of this carried by a body. c energy stored chemically for conversion into electricity. d the process of charging a battery. 7 an exhortation; directions, orders. 8 a burden or load. 9 Heraldry a device; a bearing. Ьcharge account US a credit account at a shop etc. charge card a credit card for which the account must be paid in full when a statement is issued. charge-hand Brit. a worker, ranking below a foreman, in charge of others on a particular job. charge-nurse Brit. a nurse in charge of a ward etc. charge-sheet Brit. a record of cases and charges made at a police station. free of charge gratis. give a person in charge hand a person over to the police. in charge having command. lay to a person's charge accuse a person of. put a person on a charge charge a person with a specified offence. return to the charge begin again, esp. in argument. take charge (often foll. by of) assume control or direction. ЬЬchargeable adj. [ME f. OF charger f. LL car(ri)care load f. L carrus CAR] charg‚ d'affaires n. (also charg‚) (pl. charg‚s pronunc. same) 1 an ambassador's deputy. 2 an envoy to a minor country. [F, = in charge (of affairs)] charger(1) n. 1 a a cavalry horse. b poet. any horse. 2 an apparatus for charging a battery. 3 a person or thing that charges. charger(2) n. archaic a large flat dish. [ME f. AF chargeour] chariot n. & v. --n. 1 hist. a a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by horses, used in ancient warfare and racing. b a four-wheeled carriage with back seats only. 2 poet. a stately or triumphal vehicle. --v.tr. literary convey in or as in a chariot. [ME f. OF, augment. of char CAR] charioteer n. a chariot-driver. charisma n. (pl. charismata) 1 a the ability to inspire followers with devotion and enthusiasm. b an attractive aura; great charm. 2 a divinely conferred power or talent. [eccl.L f. Gk kharisma f. kharis favour, grace] charismatic adj. 1 having charisma; inspiring enthusiasm. 2 (of Christian worship) characterized by spontaneity, ecstatic utterances, etc. Ьcharismatic movement a neo-pentecostal movement affecting Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other Christian Churches. ЬЬcharismatically adv. charitable adj. 1 generous in giving to those in need. 2 of, relating to, or connected with a charity or charities. 3 apt to judge favourably of persons, acts, and motives. ЬЬcharitableness n. charitably adv. [ME f. OF f. charit‚ CHARITY] charity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a giving voluntarily to those in need; alms-giving. b the help, esp. money, so given. 2 an institution or organization for helping those in need. 3 a kindness, benevolence. b tolerance in judging others. c love of one's fellow men. ЬCharity Commission (in the UK) a board established to control charitable trusts. [OE f. OF charit‚ f. L caritas -tatis f. carus dear] charivari n. (also shivaree) 1 a serenade of banging saucepans etc. to a newly-married couple. 2 a medley of sounds; a hubbub. [F, = serenade with pans, trays, etc., to an unpopular person] charlady n. (pl. -ies) = CHARWOMAN. charlatan n. a person falsely claiming a special knowledge or skill. ЬЬcharlatanism n. charlatanry n. [F f. It. ciarlatano f. ciarlare babble] Charles' Law (also Charles's Law) n. Chem. the law stating that the volume of an ideal gas at constant pressure is directly proportional to the absolute temperature. [J. A. C. Charles, Fr. scientist d. 1823] Charles's Wain n. the constellation Ursa Major or its seven bright stars. Also called PLOUGH. [OE Carles w‘gn the wain of Carl (Charles the Great, Charlemagne), perh. by assoc. of the star Arcturus with legends of King Arthur and Charlemagne] charleston n. & v. (also Charleston) --n. a lively American dance of the 1920s with side-kicks from the knee. --v.intr. dance the charleston. [Charleston in S. Carolina, US] charley horse n. US sl. stiffness or cramp in an arm or leg. [19th c.: orig. uncert.] charlie n. Brit. sl. 1 a fool. 2 (in pl.) a woman's breasts. [dimin. of the name Charles] charlock n. a wild mustard, Sinapis arvensis, with yellow flowers. Also called field mustard. [OE cerlic, of unkn. orig.] charlotte n. a pudding made of stewed fruit with a casing or layers or covering of bread, sponge cake, biscuits, or breadcrumbs (apple charlotte). Ьcharlotte russe custard etc. enclosed in sponge cake or a casing of sponge fingers. [F] charm n. & v. --n. 1 a the power or quality of giving delight or arousing admiration. b fascination, attractiveness. c (usu. in pl.) an attractive or enticing quality. 2 a trinket on a bracelet etc. 3 a an object, act, or word(s) supposedly having occult or magic power; a spell. b a thing worn to avert evil etc.; an amulet. 4 Physics a property of matter manifested by some elementary particles. --v.tr. 1 delight, captivate (charmed by the performance). 2 influence or protect as if by magic (leads a charmed life). 3 a gain by charm (charmed agreement out of him). b influence by charm (charmed her into consenting). 4 cast a spell on, bewitch. Ьcharm-bracelet a bracelet hung with small trinkets. like a charm perfectly, wonderfully. ЬЬcharmer n. [ME f. OF charme, charmer f. L carmen song] charmeuse n. a soft smooth silky dress-fabric. [F, fem. of charmeur (as CHARM)] charming adj. 1 delightful, attractive, pleasing. 2 (often as int.) iron. expressing displeasure or disapproval. ЬЬcharmingly adv. charmless adj. lacking charm; unattractive. ЬЬcharmlessly adv. charmlessness n. charnel-house n. a house or vault in which dead bodies or bones are piled. [ME & OF charnel burying-place f. med.L carnale f. LL carnalis CARNAL] Charollais n. (also Charolais) (pl. same) 1 an animal of a breed of large white beef-cattle. 2 this breed. [Monts du Charollais in E. France] charpoy n. Ind. a light bedstead. [Hind. charpai] charr var. of CHAR(4). chart n. & v. --n. 1 a geographical map or plan, esp. for navigation by sea or air. 2 a sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram. 3 (usu. in pl.) colloq. a listing of the currently most popular gramophone records. --v.tr. make a chart of, map. [F charte f. L charta CARD(1)] chartbuster n. colloq. a best-selling popular song, record, etc. charter n. & v. --n. 1 a a written grant of rights, by the sovereign or legislature, esp. the creation of a borough, company, university, etc. b a written constitution or description of an organization's functions etc. 2 a contract to hire an aircraft, ship, etc., for a special purpose. 3 = CHARTER-PARTY. --v.tr. 1 grant a charter to. 2 hire (an aircraft, ship, etc.). Ьchartered accountant, engineer, librarian, surveyor , etc. Brit. a member of a professional body that has a royal charter. chartered libertine a person allowed to do as he or she pleases. charter flight a flight by a chartered aircraft. charter-member an original member of a society, corporation, etc. Great Charter = MAGNA CARTA. ЬЬcharterer n. [ME f. OF chartre f. L chartula dimin. of charta CARD(1)] charter-party n. (pl. -ies) a deed between a ship-owner and a merchant for the hire of a ship and the delivery of cargo. [F charte partie f. med.L charta partita divided charter, indenture] Chartism n. hist. the principles of the UK Parliamentary reform movement of 1837-48. ЬЬChartist n. [L charta charter + -ISM: name taken from the manifesto 'People's Charter'] chartreuse n. 1 a pale green or yellow liqueur of brandy and aromatic herbs etc. 2 the pale yellow or pale green colour of this. 3 a dish of fruit enclosed in jelly etc. [La Grande Chartreuse (Carthusian monastery near Grenoble)] charwoman n. (pl. -women) a woman employed as a cleaner in houses or offices. chary adj. (charier, chariest) 1 cautious, wary (chary of employing such people). 2 sparing; ungenerous (chary of giving praise). 3 shy. ЬЬcharily adv. chariness n. [OE cearig] Charybdis see SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS. Chas. abbr. Charles. chase(1) v. & n. --v. 1 tr. pursue in order to catch. 2 tr. (foll. by from, out of, to, etc.) drive. 3 intr. a (foll. by after) hurry in pursuit of (a person). b (foll. by round etc.) colloq. act or move about hurriedly. 4 tr. (usu. foll. by up) colloq. pursue (overdue work, payment, etc. or the person responsible for it). 5 tr. colloq. a try to attain. b court persistently and openly. --n. 1 pursuit. 2 unenclosed hunting-land. 3 (prec. by the) hunting, esp. as a sport. 4 an animal etc. that is pursued. 5 = STEEPLECHASE. Ьgo and chase oneself (usu. in imper.) colloq. depart. [ME f. OF chace chacier, ult. f. L capere take] chase(2) v.tr. emboss or engrave (metal). [app. f. earlier enchase f. F enchѓsser (as EN-(1), CASE(2))] chase(3) n. Printing a metal frame holding composed type. [F chѓsse f. L capsa CASE(2)] chase(4) n. 1 the part of a gun enclosing the bore. 2 a trench or groove cut to receive a pipe etc. [F chas enclosed space f. Prov. ca(u)s f. med.L capsum thorax] chaser n. 1 a person or thing that chases. 2 a horse for steeplechasing. 3 colloq. a drink taken after another of a different kind, e.g. beer after spirits. 4 US colloq. an amorous pursuer of women. chasm n. 1 a deep fissure or opening in the earth, rock, etc. 2 a wide difference of feeling, interests, etc.; a gulf. 3 archaic a hiatus. ЬЬchasmic adj. [L chasma f. Gk khasma gaping hollow] chasse n. a liqueur taken after coffee etc. [F f. chasser CHASE(1)] chass‚ n. & v. --n. a gliding step in dancing. --v.intr. (chass‚d; chass‚ing) make this step. [F, = chasing] chassis n. (pl. same) 1 the base-frame of a motor vehicle, carriage, etc. 2 a frame to carry radio etc. components. [F chѓssis ult. f. L capsa CASE(2)] chaste adj. 1 abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse. 2 (of behaviour, speech, etc.) pure, virtuous, decent. 3 (of artistic etc. style) simple, unadorned. Ьchaste-tree an ornamental shrub, Vitex agnus-castus, with blue or white flowers. ЬЬchastely adv. chasteness n. [ME f. OF f. L castus] chasten v.tr. 1 (esp. as chastening, chastened adjs.) subdue, restrain (a chastening experience; chastened by his failure). 2 discipline, punish. 3 moderate. ЬЬchastener n. [obs. chaste (v.) f. OF chastier f. L castigare CASTIGATE] chastise v.tr. 1 rebuke or reprimand severely. 2 punish, esp. by beating. ЬЬchastisement n. chastiser n. [ME, app. irreg. formed f. obs. verbs chaste, chasty: see CHASTEN] chastity n. 1 being chaste. 2 sexual abstinence; virginity. 3 simplicity of style or taste. Ьchastity belt hist. a garment designed to prevent a woman from having sexual intercourse. [ME f. OF chastet‚ f. L castitas -tatis f. castus CHASTE] chasuble n. a loose sleeveless usu. ornate outer vestment worn by a priest celebrating Mass or the Eucharist. [ME f. OF chesible, later -uble, ult. f. L casula hooded cloak, little cottage, dimin. of casa cottage] chat(1) v. & n. --v.intr. (chatted, chatting) talk in a light familiar way. --n. 1 informal conversation or talk. 2 an instance of this. Ьchat show Brit. a television or radio programme in which celebrities are interviewed informally. chat up Brit. colloq. chat to, esp. flirtatiously or with an ulterior motive. [ME: shortening of CHATTER] chat(2) n. any of various small birds with harsh calls, esp. a stonechat or whinchat or any of certain American or Australian warblers. [prob. imit.] chѓteau n. (pl. chѓteaux) a large French country house or castle, often giving its name to wine made in its neighbourhood. [F f. OF chastel CASTLE] chateaubriand n. a thick fillet of beef steak. [Vicomte de Chateaubriand (d. 1848), Fr. writer and statesman] chatelaine n. 1 the mistress of a large house. 2 hist. a set of short chains attached to a woman's belt, for carrying keys etc. [F chѓtelaine, fem. of -ain lord of a castle, f. med.L castellanus CASTELLAN] chattel n. (usu. in pl.) a moveable possession; any possession or piece of property other than real estate or a freehold. Ьchattel mortgage US the conveyance of chattels by mortgage as security for a debt. goods and chattels personal possessions. [ME f. OF chatel: see CATTLE] chatter v. & n. --v.intr. 1 talk quickly, incessantly, trivially, or indiscreetly. 2 (of a bird) emit short quick notes. 3 (of the teeth) click repeatedly together (usu. from cold). 4 (of a tool) clatter from vibration. --n. 1 chattering talk or sounds. 2 the vibration of a tool. ЬЬchatterer n. chattery adj. [ME: imit.] chatterbox n. a talkative person. chatty adj. (chattier, chattiest) 1 fond of chatting; talkative. 2 resembling chat; informal and lively (a chatty letter). ЬЬchattily adv. chattiness n. Chaucerian adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to the English poet Chaucer (d. 1400) or his style. --n. a student of Chaucer. chaud-froid n. a dish of cold cooked meat or fish in jelly or sauce. [F f. chaud hot + froid cold] chauffeur n. & v. --n. (fem. chauffeuse) a person employed to drive a private or hired motor car. --v.tr. drive (a car or a person) as a chauffeur. [F, = stoker] chaulmoogra n. any tree of the genus Hydnocarpus, esp. H. wightiana, with seeds yielding an oil formerly used in the treatment of leprosy. [Bengali] chautauqua n. US a summer school or similar educational course. [Chautauqua in New York State] chauvinism n. 1 exaggerated or aggressive patriotism. 2 excessive or prejudiced support or loyalty for one's cause or group or sex (male chauvinism). [Chauvin, a Napoleonic veteran in the Cogniards' Cocarde Tricolore (1831)] chauvinist n. 1 a person exhibiting chauvinism. 2 (in full male chauvinist) a man showing excessive loyalty to men and prejudice against women. ЬЬchauvinistic adj. chauvinistically adv. Ch.B. abbr. Bachelor of Surgery. [L Chirurgiae Baccalaureus] cheap adj. & adv. --adj. 1 low in price; worth more than its cost (a cheap holiday; cheap labour). 2 charging low prices; offering good value (a cheap restaurant). 3 of poor quality; inferior (cheap housing). 4 a costing little effort or acquired by discreditable means and hence of little worth (cheap popularity; a cheap joke). b contemptible; despicable (a cheap criminal). --adv. cheaply (got it cheap). Ьcheap and nasty of low cost and bad quality. dirt cheap very cheap. feel cheap feel ashamed or contemptible. on the cheap cheaply. ЬЬcheapish adj. cheaply adv. cheapness n. [obs. phr. good cheap f. cheap a bargain f. OE ceap barter, ult. f. L caupo innkeeper] cheapen v.tr. & intr. make or become cheap or cheaper; depreciate, degrade. cheapjack n. & adj. --n. a seller of inferior goods at low prices. --adj. inferior, shoddy. [CHEAP + JACK(1)] cheapo attrib.adj. sl. cheap. cheapskate n. esp. US colloq. a mean or contemptible person. cheat v. & n. --v. 1 tr. a (often foll. by into, out of) deceive or trick (cheated into parting with his savings). b (foll. by of) deprive of (cheated of a chance to reply). 2 intr. gain unfair advantage by deception or breaking rules, esp. in a game or examination. 3 tr. avoid (something undesirable) by luck or skill (cheated the bad weather). 4 tr. archaic divert attention from, beguile (time, tedium, etc.). --n. 1 a person who cheats. 2 a trick, fraud, or deception. 3 an act of cheating. Ьcheat on colloq. be sexually unfaithful to. ЬЬcheatingly adv. [ME chete f. achete, var. of ESCHEAT] cheater n. 1 a person who cheats. 2 (in pl.) US sl. spectacles. check(1) v., n., & int. --v. 1 tr. (also absol.) a examine the accuracy, quality, or condition of. b (often foll. by that + clause) make sure; verify; establish to one's satisfaction (checked that the doors were locked; checked the train times). 2 tr. a stop or slow the motion of; curb, restrain (progress was checked by bad weather). b colloq. find fault with; rebuke. 3 tr. Chess move a piece into a position that directly threatens (the opposing king). 4 intr. US agree or correspond when compared. 5 tr. US mark with a tick etc. 6 tr. US deposit (luggage etc.) for storage or dispatch. 7 intr. (of hounds) pause to ensure or regain scent. --n. 1 a means or act of testing or ensuring accuracy, quality, satisfactory condition, etc. 2 a a stopping or slowing of motion; a restraint on action. b a rebuff or rebuke. c a person or thing that restrains. 3 Chess (also as int.) a the exposure of a king to direct attack from an opposing piece. b an announcement of this by the attacking player. 4 US a bill in a restaurant. 5 esp. US a token of identification for left luggage etc. 6 US Cards a counter used in various games. 7 a temporary loss of the scent in hunting. 8 a crack or flaw in timber. --int. US expressing assent or agreement. Ьcheck in 1 arrive or register at a hotel, airport, etc. 2 record the arrival of. check-in n. the act or place of checking in. check into register one's arrival at (a hotel etc.). check-list a list for reference and verification. check-nut = lock-nut. check off mark on a list etc. as having been examined or dealt with. check on examine carefully or in detail; ascertain the truth about; keep a watch on (a person, work done, etc.). check out 1 (often foll. by of) leave a hotel etc. with due formalities. 2 US investigate; examine for authenticity or suitability. check over examine for errors; verify. check-rein a rein attaching one horse's rein to another's bit, or preventing a horse from lowering its head. check through inspect or examine exhaustively; verify successive items of. check up ascertain, verify, make sure. check-up n. a thorough (esp. medical) examination. check up on = check on. check-valve a valve allowing flow in one direction only. in check under control, restrained. ЬЬcheckable adj. [ME f. OF eschequier play chess, give check to, and OF eschec, ult. f. Pers. sah king] check(2) n. 1 a pattern of small squares. 2 fabric having this pattern. [ME, prob. f. CHEQUER] check(3) US var. of CHEQUE. checked adj. having a check pattern. checker(1) n. 1 a person or thing that verifies or examines, esp. in a factory etc. 2 US a cashier in a supermarket etc. checker(2) n. 1 var. of CHEQUER. 2 US a (in pl., usu. treated as sing.) the game of draughts. b = CHECKERMAN. checkerberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens. 2 the fruit of this plant. [checkers berries of service-tree] checkerboard n. US = DRAUGHTBOARD. checkerman n. (pl. -men) each of the 'men' in a game of draughts. checking account n. US a current account at a bank. [CHECK(3)] checkmate n. & v. --n. 1 (also as int.) Chess a check from which a king cannot escape. b an announcement of this. 2 a final defeat or deadlock. --v.tr. 1 Chess put into checkmate. 2 defeat; frustrate. [ME f. OF eschec mat f. Pers. sah mat the king is dead] checkout n. 1 an act of checking out. 2 a point at which goods are paid for in a supermarket etc. checkpoint n. a place, esp. a barrier or manned entrance, where documents, vehicles, etc., are inspected. checkroom n. US 1 a cloakroom in a hotel or theatre. 2 an office for left luggage etc. Cheddar n. a kind of firm smooth cheese orig. made in Cheddar in S. England. cheek n. & v. --n. 1 a the side of the face below the eye. b the side-wall of the mouth. 2 a impertinent speech. b impertinence; cool confidence (had the cheek to ask for more). 3 sl. either buttock. 4 a either of the side-posts of a door etc. b either of the jaws of a vice. c either of the side-pieces of various parts of machines arranged in lateral pairs. --v.tr. speak impertinently to. Ьcheek-bone the bone below the eye. cheek by jowl close together; intimate. turn the other cheek accept attack etc. meekly; refuse to retaliate. [OE ce(a)ce, ceoce] cheeky adj. (cheekier, cheekiest) impertinent, impudent. ЬЬcheekily adv. cheekiness n. cheep n. & v. --n. the weak shrill cry of a young bird. --v.intr. make such a cry. [imit.: cf. PEEP(2)] cheer n. & v. --n. 1 a shout of encouragement or applause. 2 mood, disposition (full of good cheer). 3 (in pl.; as int.) Brit. colloq. a expressing good wishes on parting or before drinking. b expressing gratitude. --v. 1 tr. a applaud with shouts. b (usu. foll. by on) urge or encourage with shouts. 2 intr. shout for joy. 3 tr. gladden; comfort. Ьcheer-leader a person who leads cheers of applause etc. cheer up make or become less depressed. three cheers three successive hurrahs for a person or thing honoured. [ME f. AF chere face etc., OF chiere f. LL cara face f. Gk kara head] cheerful adj. 1 in good spirits, noticeably happy (a cheerful disposition). 2 bright, pleasant (a cheerful room). 3 willing, not reluctant. ЬЬcheerfully adv. cheerfulness n. cheerio int. Brit. colloq. expressing good wishes on parting or before drinking. cheerless adj. gloomy, dreary, miserable. ЬЬcheerlessly adv. cheerlessness n. cheerly adv. & adj. --adv. esp. Naut. heartily, with a will. --adj. archaic cheerful. cheery adj. (cheerier, cheeriest) lively; in good spirits; genial, cheering. ЬЬcheerily adv. cheeriness n. cheese(1) n. 1 a a food made from the pressed curds of milk. b a complete cake of this with rind. 2 a conserve having the consistency of soft cheese (lemon cheese). 3 a round flat object, e.g. the heavy flat wooden disc used in skittles. Ьcheese-cutter 1 a knife with a broad curved blade. 2 a device for cutting cheese by pulling a wire through it. cheese-fly (pl. -flies) a small black fly, Piophila casei, breeding in cheese. cheese-head the squat cylindrical head of a screw etc. cheese-mite any mite of the genus Tyroglyphus feeding on cheese. cheese-paring adj. stingy. --n. stinginess. cheese plant = Swiss cheese plant. cheese-skipper = cheese-fly. cheese straw a thin cheese-flavoured strip of pastry. hard cheese sl. bad luck. [OE cese etc. ult. f. L caseus] cheese(2) v.tr. Brit. sl. (as cheesed adj.) (often foll. by off) bored, fed up. Ьcheese it stop it, leave off. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] cheese(3) n. (also big cheese) sl. an important person. [perh. f. Hind. chiz thing] cheeseboard n. 1 a board from which cheese is served. 2 a selection of cheeses. cheeseburger n. a hamburger with cheese in or on it. cheesecake n. 1 a tart filled with sweetened curds etc. 2 sl. the portrayal of women in a sexually attractive manner. cheesecloth n. thin loosely woven cloth, used orig. for wrapping cheese. cheesemonger n. a dealer in cheese, butter, etc. cheesewood n. 1 an Australian tree of the genus Pittosporum. 2 its hard yellowish wood. cheesy adj. (cheesier, cheesiest) 1 like cheese in taste, smell, appearance, etc. 2 sl. inferior; cheap and nasty. ЬЬcheesiness n. cheetah n. a swift-running feline, Acinonyx jubatus, with a leopard-like spotted coat. [Hindi cita, perh. f. Skr. citraka speckled] chef n. a (usu. male) cook, esp. the chief cook in a restaurant etc. [F, = head] chef-d'oeuvre n. (pl. chefs-d'oeuvre pronunc. same) a masterpiece. [F] cheiro- comb. form var. of CHIRO-. chela(1) n. (pl. chelae) a prehensile claw of crabs, lobsters, scorpions, etc. [mod.L f. L chele, or Gk khele claw] chela(2) n. 1 (in esoteric Buddhism) a novice qualifying for initiation. 2 a disciple; a pupil. [Hindi, = servant] chelate n., adj., & v. --n. Chem. a usu. organometallic compound containing a bonded ring of atoms including a metal atom. --adj. 1 Chem. of a chelate. 2 Zool. & Anat. of or having chelae. --v.intr. Chem. form a chelate. ЬЬchelation n. Chellean adj. Archaeol. = ABBEVILLIAN. [F chell‚en f. Chelles near Paris] chelonian n. & adj. --n. any reptile of the order Chelonia, including turtles, terrapins, and tortoises, having a shell of bony plates covered with horny scales. --adj. of or relating to this order. [mod.L Chelonia f. Gk khelone tortoise] Chelsea bun n. a kind of currant bun in the form of a flat spiral. [Chelsea in London] Chelsea pensioner n. an inmate of the Chelsea Royal Hospital for old or disabled soldiers. Chelsea ware n. any of various soft-paste porcelains made at Chelsea in the 18th c. chemi- comb. form var. of CHEMO-. chemical adj. & n. --adj. of, made by, or employing chemistry or chemicals. --n. a substance obtained or used in chemistry. Ьchemical bond the force holding atoms together in a molecule or crystal. chemical engineer one engaged in chemical engineering, esp. professionally. chemical engineering the design, manufacture, and operation of industrial chemical plants. chemical reaction a process that involves change in the structure of atoms, molecules, or ions. chemical warfare warfare using poison gas and other chemicals. fine chemicals chemicals of high purity usu. used in small amounts. heavy chemicals bulk chemicals used in industry and agriculture. ЬЬchemically adv. [chemic alchemic f. F chimique or mod.L chimicus, chymicus, f. med.L alchymicus: see ALCHEMY] chemico- comb. form chemical; chemical and (chemico-physical). chemiluminescence n. the emission of light during a chemical reaction. ЬЬchemiluminescent adj. [G Chemilumineszenz (as CHEMI-, LUMINESCENCE)] chemin de fer n. a form of baccarat. [F, = railway, lit. road of iron] chemise n. hist. a woman's loose-fitting under-garment or dress hanging straight from the shoulders. [ME f. OF f. LL camisia shirt] chemisorption n. adsorption by chemical bonding. [CHEMI- + ADSORPTION (see ADSORB)] chemist n. 1 Brit. a a dealer in medicinal drugs, usu. also selling other medical goods and toiletries. b an authorized dispenser of medicines. 2 a person practising or trained in chemistry. [earlier chymist f. F chimiste f. mod.L chimista f. alchimista ALCHEMIST (see ALCHEMY)] chemistry n. (pl. -ies) 1 the study of the elements and the compounds they form and the reactions they undergo. 2 any complex (esp. emotional) change or process (the chemistry of fear). 3 colloq. a person's personality or temperament. chemo- comb. form (also chemi-) chemical. chemosynthesis n. the synthesis of organic compounds by energy derived from chemical reactions. chemotherapy n. the treatment of disease, esp. cancer, by use of chemical substances. ЬЬchemotherapist n. chemurgy n. US the chemical and industrial use of organic raw materials. ЬЬchemurgic adj. [CHEMO-, after metallurgy] chenille n. 1 a tufty velvety cord or yarn, used in trimming furniture etc. 2 fabric made from this. [F, = hairy caterpillar f. L canicula dimin. of canis dog] cheongsam n. a Chinese woman's garment with a high neck and slit skirt. [Chin.] cheque n. (US check) 1 a written order to a bank to pay the stated sum from the drawer's account. 2 the printed form on which such an order is written. Ьcheque-book a book of forms for writing cheques. cheque-book journalism the payment of large sums for exclusive rights to material for (esp. personal) newspaper stories. cheque card a card issued by a bank to guarantee the honouring of cheques up to a stated amount. [special use of CHECK(1) to mean 'device for checking the amount of an item'] chequer n. & v. (also checker) --n. 1 (often in pl.) a pattern of squares often alternately coloured. 2 (in pl.) (usu. as checkers) US the game of draughts. --v.tr. 1 mark with chequers. 2 variegate; break the uniformity of. 3 (as chequered adj.) with varied fortunes (a chequered career). Ьchequer-board 1 a chessboard. 2 a pattern resembling it. [ME f. EXCHEQUER] Cherenkov radiation var. of CERENKOV RADIATION. cherish v.tr. 1 protect or tend (a child, plant, etc.) lovingly. 2 hold dear, cling to (hopes, feelings, etc.). [ME f. OF cherir f. cher f. L carus dear] chernozem n. a fertile black soil rich in humus, found in temperate regions, esp. S. Russia. Also called black earth. [Russ. f. chernyi black + zemlya earth] Cherokee n. & adj. --n. 1 a an American Indian tribe formerly inhabiting much of the southern US. b a member of this tribe. 2 the language of this tribe. --adj. of or relating to the Cherokees or their language. ЬCherokee rose a fragrant white rose, Rosa laevigata, of the southern US. [Cherokee Ts lagi] cheroot n. a cigar with both ends open. [F cheroute f. Tamil shuruttu roll] cherry n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a small soft round stone-fruit. b any of several trees of the genus Prunus bearing this or grown for its ornamental flowers. 2 (in full cherry wood) the wood of a cherry. 3 US sl. a virginity. b a virgin. --adj. of a light red colour. Ьcherry brandy a dark-red liqueur of brandy in which cherries have been steeped. cherry-laurel Brit. a small evergreen tree, Prunus laurocerasus, with white flowers and cherry-like fruits. cherry-picker colloq. a crane for raising and lowering people. cherry-pie 1 a pie made with cherries. 2 a garden heliotrope. cherry plum 1 a tree, Prunus cerasifera, native to SW Asia, with solitary white flowers and red fruits. 2 the fruit of this tree. cherry tomato a miniature tomato with a strong flavour. [ME f. ONF cherise (taken as pl.: cf. PEA) f. med.L ceresia perh. f. L f. Gk kerasos] chersonese n. a peninsula, esp. the Thracian peninsula west of the Hellespont. [L chersonesus f. Gk khersonesos f. khersos dry + nesos island] chert n. a flintlike form of quartz composed of chalcedony. ЬЬcherty adj. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] cherub n. 1 (pl. cherubim) an angelic being of the second order of the celestial hierarchy. 2 a a representation of a winged child or the head of a winged child. b a beautiful or innocent child. ЬЬcherubic adj. cherubically adv. [ME f. OE cherubin and f. Heb. kerub, pl. kerubЊm] chervil n. an umbelliferous plant, Anthriscus cerefolium, with small white flowers, used as a herb for flavouring soup, salads, etc. [OE cerfille f. L chaerephylla f. Gk khairephullon] Ches. abbr. Cheshire. Cheshire n. a kind of firm crumbly cheese, orig. made in Cheshire. Ьlike a Cheshire cat with a broad fixed grin. [Cheshire, a county in England] chess n. a game for two with 16 men each, played on a chessboard. [ME f. OF esches pl. of eschec CHECK(1)] chessboard n. a chequered board of 64 squares on which chess and draughts are played. chessman n. (pl. -men) any of the 32 pieces and pawns with which chess is played. chest n. 1 a large strong box, esp. for storage or transport e.g. of blankets, tea, etc. 2 a the part of a human or animal body enclosed by the ribs. b the front surface of the body from neck to waist. 3 a small cabinet for medicines etc. 4 a the treasury or financial resources of an institution. b the money available from it. Ьchest of drawers a piece of furniture consisting of a set of drawers in a frame. chest-voice the lowest register of the voice in singing or speaking. get a thing off one's chest colloq. disclose a fact, secret, etc., to relieve one's anxiety about it. play (one's cards, a thing , etc.) close to one's chest colloq. be cautious or secretive about. ЬЬ-chested adj. (in comb.). [OE cest, cyst f. Gmc f. L f. Gk kiste] chesterfield n. 1 a sofa with arms and back of the same height and curved outwards at the top. 2 a man's plain overcoat usu. with a velvet collar. [19th-c. Earl of Chesterfield] chestnut n. & adj. --n. 1 a a glossy hard brown edible nut. b the tree Castanea sativa, bearing flowers in catkins and nuts enclosed in a spiny fruit. Also called Spanish chestnut or sweet chestnut. 2 any other tree of the genus Castanea. 3 = horse chestnut. 4 (in full chestnut-wood) the heavy wood of any chestnut tree. 5 a horse of a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown colour. 6 colloq. a stale joke or anecdote. 7 a small hard patch on a horse's leg. 8 a reddish-brown colour. --adj. of the colour chestnut. Ьliver chestnut a dark kind of chestnut horse. [obs. chesten f. OF chastaine f. L castanea f. Gk kastanea] chesty adj. (chestier, chestiest) 1 Brit. colloq. inclined to or symptomatic of chest disease. 2 colloq. having a large chest or prominent breasts. 3 US sl. arrogant. ЬЬchestily adv. chestiness n. chetnik n. hist. a member of a guerrilla force in the Balkans, esp. during the wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45. [Serbian cetnik f. ceta band, troop] cheval-glass n. a tall mirror swung on an upright frame. [F cheval horse, frame] chevalier n. 1 a a member of certain orders of knighthood, and of modern French orders, as the Legion of Honour. b archaic or hist. a knight. 2 hist. the title of the Old and Young Pretenders. 3 a chivalrous man; a cavalier. [ME f. AF chevaler, OF chevalier f. med.L caballarius f. L caballus horse] chevet n. the apsidal end of a church, sometimes with an attached group of apses. [F, = pillow, f. L capitium f. caput head] Cheviot n. 1 a a large sheep of a breed with short thick wool. b this breed. 2 (cheviot) the wool or cloth obtained from this breed. [Cheviot Hills in N. England and Scotland] chЉvre n. a variety of goat's-milk cheese. [F, = goat, she-goat] chevron n. 1 a badge in a V shape on the sleeve of a uniform indicating rank or length of service. 2 Heraldry & Archit. a bent bar of an inverted V shape. 3 any V-shaped line or stripe. [ME f. OF ult. f. L caper goat: cf. L capreoli pair of rafters] chevrotain (also chevrotin) n. any small deerlike animal of the family Tragulidae, native to Africa and SE Asia, having small tusks. Also called mouse deer. [F, dimin. of OF chevrot dimin. of chЉvre goat] chevy var. of CHIVVY. chew v. & n. --v.tr. (also absol.) work (food etc.) between the teeth; crush or indent with the teeth. --n. 1 an act of chewing. 2 something for chewing, esp. a chewy sweet. Ьchew the cud reflect, ruminate. chew the fat (or rag) sl. 1 chat. 2 grumble. chewing-gum flavoured gum, esp. chicle, for chewing. chew on 1 work continuously between the teeth (chewed on a piece of string). 2 think about; meditate on. chew out US colloq. reprimand. chew over 1 discuss, talk over. 2 think about; meditate on. ЬЬchewable adj. chewer n. [OE ceowan] chewy adj. (chewier, chewiest) 1 needing much chewing. 2 suitable for chewing. ЬЬchewiness n. Cheyenne n. & adj. --n. 1 a an American Indian tribe formerly living between the Missouri and Arkansas rivers. b a member of this tribe. 2 the language of this tribe. --adj. of or relating to the Cheyennes or their language. [Canadian F f. Dakota Sahiyena] Cheyne-Stokes respiration adj. Med. (of a breathing cycle) with a gradual decrease of movement to a complete stop, followed by a gradual increase. [J. Cheyne, Sc. physician d. 1836, and W. Stokes, Ir. physician d. 1878] chez prep. at the house or home of. [F f. OF chiese f. L casa cottage] chi n. the twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet (X). Ьchi-rho a monogram of chi and rho as the first two letters of Greek Khristos Christ. chi-square test a method of comparing observed and theoretical values in statistics. [ME f. Gk khi] Chianti n. (pl. Chiantis) a dry red Italian wine. [Chianti, an area in Tuscany, Italy] chiaroscuro n. 1 the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting. 2 the use of contrast in literature etc. 3 (attrib.) half-revealed. [It. f. chiaro CLEAR + oscuro dark, OBSCURE] chiasma n. (pl. chiasmata) Biol. the point at which paired chromosomes remain in contact after crossing over during meiosis. [mod.L f. Gk chiasma a cross-shaped mark] chiasmus n. inversion in the second of two parallel phrases of the order followed in the first (e.g. to stop too fearful and too faint to go). ЬЬchiastic adj. [mod.L f. Gk khiasmos crosswise arrangement f. khiazo mark with letter CHI] chibouk n. (also chibouque) a long Turkish tobacco-pipe. [Turk. ‡ubuk tube] chic adj. & n. --adj. (chic-er, chic-est) stylish, elegant (in dress or appearance). --n. stylishness, elegance. ЬЬchicly adv. [F] chicane n. & v. --n. 1 chicanery. 2 an artificial barrier or obstacle on a motor racecourse. 3 Bridge a hand without trumps, or without cards of one suit. --v. archaic 1 intr. use chicanery. 2 tr. (usu. foll. by into, out of, etc.) cheat (a person). [F chicane(r) quibble] chicanery n. (pl. -ies) 1 clever but misleading talk; a false argument. 2 trickery, deception. [F chicanerie (as CHICANE)] chicano n. (pl. -os) US an American of Mexican origin. [Sp. mejicano Mexican] chichi adj. & n. --adj. 1 (of a thing) frilly, showy. 2 (of a person or behaviour) fussy, affected. --n. 1 over-refinement, pretentiousness, fussiness. 2 a frilly, showy, or pretentious object. [F] chick(1) n. 1 a young bird, esp. one newly hatched. 2 sl. a a young woman. b a child. [ME: shortening of CHICKEN] chick(2) n. Ind. a screen for a doorway etc., made from split bamboo and twine. [Hindi chik] chickadee n. US any of various small birds of the tit family, esp. Parus atricapillus with a distinctive dark-crowned head. [imit.] chicken n., adj., & v. --n. (pl. same or chickens) 1 a young bird of a domestic fowl. 2 a a domestic fowl prepared as food. b its flesh. 3 a youthful person (usu.with neg. : is no chicken). 4 colloq. a children's pastime testing courage, usu. recklessly. --adj. colloq. cowardly. --v.intr. (foll. by out) colloq. withdraw from or fail in some activity through fear or lack of nerve. Ьchicken-and-egg problem (or dilemma etc.) the unresolved question as to which of two things caused the other. chicken brick an earthenware container in two halves for roasting a chicken in its own juices. chicken cholera see CHOLERA. chicken-feed 1 food for poultry. 2 colloq. an unimportant amount, esp. of money. chicken-hearted (or -livered) easily frightened; lacking nerve or courage. chicken-wire a light wire netting with a hexagonal mesh. [OE cicen, cycen f. Gmc] chickenpox n. an infectious disease, esp. of children, with a rash of small blisters. Also called VARICELLA. chick-pea n. 1 a leguminous plant, Cicer arietinum, with short swollen pods containing yellow beaked seeds. 2 this seed used as a vegetable. [orig. ciche pease f. L cicer: see PEASE] chickweed n. any of numerous small plants, esp. Stellaria media, a garden weed with slender stems and tiny white flowers. chicle n. the milky juice of the sapodilla tree, used in the manufacture of chewing-gum. [Amer. Sp. f. Nahuatl tzietli] chicory n. (pl. -ies) 1 a blue flowered plant, Cichorium intybus, cultivated for its salad leaves and its root. 2 its root, roasted and ground for use with or instead of coffee. 3 US = ENDIVE. [ME f. obs. F cicor‚e endive f. med.L cic(h)orea f. L cichorium f. Gk kikhorion SUCCORY] chide v.tr. & intr. (past chided or chid; past part. chided or chidden) archaic or literary scold, rebuke. ЬЬchider n. chidingly adv. [OE cidan, of unkn. orig.] chief n. & adj. --n. 1 a a leader or ruler. b the head of a tribe, clan, etc. 2 the head of a department; the highest official. 3 Heraldry the upper third of a shield. --adj. (usu. attrib.) 1 first in position, importance, influence, etc. (chief engineer). 2 prominent, leading. ЬChief of Staff the senior staff officer of a service or command. -in-Chief supreme (Commander-in-Chief). ЬЬchiefdom n. [ME f. OF ch(i)ef ult. f. L caput head] chiefly adv. above all; mainly but not exclusively. chieftain n. (fem. chieftainess) the leader of a tribe, clan, etc. ЬЬchieftaincy n. (pl. -ies). chieftainship n. [ME f. OF chevetaine f. LL capitaneus CAPTAIN: assim. to CHIEF] chiffchaff n. a small European bird, Phylloscopus collybita, of the warbler family. [imit.] chiffon n. & adj. --n. a light diaphanous fabric of silk, nylon, etc. --adj. 1 made of chiffon. 2 (of a pie-filling, dessert, etc.) light-textured. [F f. chiffe rag] chiffonier n. a movable low cupboard with a sideboard top. [F chiffonnier, -iЉre rag-picker, chest of drawers for odds and ends] chigger n. 1 = CHIGOE. 2 any harvest mite of the genus Leptotrombidium with parasitic larvae. [var. of CHIGOE] chignon n. a coil or mass of hair at the back of a woman's head. [F, orig. = nape of the neck] chigoe n. a tropical flea, Tunga penetrans, the females of which burrow beneath the skin causing painful sores. Also called CHIGGER. [Carib] chihuahua n. 1 a very small dog of a smooth-haired large-eyed breed originating in Mexico. 2 this breed. [Chihuahua State and city in Mexico] chilblain n. a painful itching swelling of the skin usu. on a hand, foot, etc., caused by exposure to cold and by poor circulation. ЬЬchilblained adj. [CHILL + BLAIN] child n. (pl. children) 1 a a young human being below the age of puberty. b an unborn or newborn human being. 2 one's son or daughter (at any age). 3 (foll. by of) a descendant, follower, adherent, or product of (children of Israel; child of God; child of nature). 4 a childish person. Ьchild abuse maltreatment of a child, esp. by physical violence or sexual interference. child benefit (in the UK) regular payment by the State to the parents of a child up to a certain age. child care the care of children, esp. by a local authority. child-minder a person who looks after children for payment. child's play an easy task. ЬЬchildless adj. childlessness n. [OE cild] childbed n. archaic = CHILDBIRTH. childbirth n. the act of giving birth to a child. Childe n. archaic a youth of noble birth (Childe Harold). [var. of CHILD] Childermas n. archaic the feast of the Holy Innocents, 28 Dec. [OE cildram‘sse f. cildra genit. pl. of cild CHILD + m‘sse MASS(2)] childhood n. the state or period of being a child. Ьsecond childhood a person's dotage. [OE cildhad] childish adj. 1 of, like, or proper to a child. 2 immature, silly. ЬЬchildishly adv. childishness n. childlike adj. having the good qualities of a child as innocence, frankness, etc. childproof adj. that cannot be damaged or operated by a child. children pl. of CHILD. Chilean n. & adj. --n. 1 a native or national of Chile in S. America. 2 a person of Chilean descent. --adj. of or relating to Chile. Chile pine n. a monkey-puzzle tree. Chile saltpetre n. (also Chile nitre) naturally occurring sodium nitrate. chili var. of CHILLI. chiliad n. 1 a thousand. 2 a thousand years. [LL chilias chiliad- f. Gk khilias -ados] chiliasm n. the doctrine of or belief in Christ's prophesied reign of 1000 years on earth (see MILLENNIUM). [Gk khiliasmos: see CHILIAD] chiliast n. a believer in chiliasm. ЬЬchiliastic adj. [LL chiliastes: see CHILIAD, CHILIASM] chill n., v., & adj. --n. 1 a an unpleasant cold sensation; lowered body temperature. b a feverish cold (catch a chill). 2 unpleasant coldness (of air, water, etc.). 3 a a depressing influence (cast a chill over). b a feeling of fear or dread accompanied by coldness. 4 coldness of manner. --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become cold. 2 tr. depress, dispirit. 3 tr. cool (food or drink); preserve by cooling. 4 tr. harden (molten metal) by contact with cold material. --adj. literary chilly. Ьtake the chill off warm slightly. ЬЬchiller n. chillingly adv. chillness n. chillsome adj. literary. [OE cele, ciele, etc.: in mod. use the verb is the oldest (ME), and is of obscure orig.] chilli n. (pl. -ies) (also US chili) a small hot-tasting dried red pod of a capsicum, Capsicum frutescens, used as seasoning and in curry powder, cayenne pepper, etc. Ьchilli con carne a stew of chilli-flavoured minced beef and beans. chilli sauce a hot sauce made with tomatoes, chillies, and spices. [Sp. chile, chili, f. Aztec chilli] chilly adj. (chillier, chilliest) 1 (of the weather or an object) somewhat cold. 2 (of a person or animal) feeling somewhat cold; sensitive to the cold. 3 unfriendly; unemotional. ЬЬchilliness n. Chiltern Hundreds n.pl. a Crown manor, whose administration is a nominal office for which an MP applies as a way of resigning from the House of Commons. [Chiltern Hills in S. England] chimaera var. of CHIMERA. chime(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a a set of attuned bells. b the series of sounds given by this. c (usu. in pl.) a set of attuned bells as a door bell. 2 agreement, correspondence, harmony. --v. 1 a intr. (of bells) ring. b tr. sound (a bell or chime) by striking. 2 tr. show (the hour) by chiming. 3 intr. (usu. foll. by together, with) be in agreement, harmonize. Ьchime in 1 interject a remark. 2 join in harmoniously. 3 (foll. by with) agree with. ЬЬchimer n. [ME, prob. f. chym(b)e bell f. OE cimbal f. L cymbalum f. Gk kumbalon CYMBAL] chime(2) n. (also chimb) the projecting rim at the end of a cask. [ME: cf. MDu., MLG kimme] chimera (also chimaera) n. 1 (in Greek mythology) a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. 2 a fantastic or grotesque product of the imagination; a bogey. 3 any fabulous beast with parts taken from various animals. 4 Biol. a an organism containing genetically different tissues, formed by grafting, mutation, etc. b a nucleic acid formed by laboratory manipulation. 5 any cartilaginous fish of the family Chimaeridae, usu. having a long tapering caudal fin. ЬЬchimeric adj. chimerical adj. chimerically adv. [L f. Gk khimaira she-goat, chimera] chimney n. (pl. -eys) 1 a vertical channel conducting smoke or combustion gases etc. up and away from a fire, furnace, engine, etc. 2 the part of this which projects above a roof. 3 a glass tube protecting the flame of a lamp. 4 a narrow vertical crack in a rock-face, often used by mountaineers to ascend. Ьchimney-breast a projecting interior wall surrounding a chimney. chimney-piece an ornamental structure around an open fireplace; a mantelpiece. chimney-pot an earthenware or metal pipe at the top of a chimney, narrowing the aperture and increasing the up draught. chimney-stack 1 a number of chimneys grouped in one structure. 2 = sense 2. chimney-sweep a person whose job is removing soot from inside chimneys. [ME f. OF chemin‚e f. LL caminata having a fire-place, f. L caminus f. Gk kaminos oven] chimp n. colloq. = CHIMPANZEE. [abbr.] chimpanzee n. a small African anthropoid ape, Pan troglodytes. [F chimpanz‚ f. Kongo] chin n. the front of the lower jaw. Ьchin-strap a strap for fastening a hat etc. under the chin. chin up colloq. cheer up. chin-wag sl. n. a talk or chat. --v.intr. (-wagged, -wagging) have a gossip. keep one's chin up colloq. remain cheerful, esp. in adversity. take on the chin 1 suffer a severe blow from (a misfortune etc.). 2 endure courageously. ЬЬ-chinned adj. (in comb.). [OE cin(n) f. Gmc] china n. & adj. --n. 1 a kind of fine white or translucent ceramic ware, porcelain, etc. 2 things made from ceramic, esp. household tableware. 3 rhymingsl. one's 'mate', i.e. husband or wife (short for china plate). --adj. made of china. Ьchina clay kaolin. China tea smoke-cured tea from a small-leaved tea plant grown in China. [orig. China ware (from China in Asia): name f. Pers. chini] Chinagraph n. propr. a waxy coloured pencil used to write on china, glass, etc. Chinaman n. (pl. -men) 1 archaic or derog. (now usu. offens.) a native of China. 2 Cricket a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler that spins from off to leg. Chinatown n. a district of any non-Chinese town, esp. a city or seaport, in which the population is predominantly Chinese. chinch n. (in full chinch-bug) US 1 a small insect, Blissus leucopterus, that destroys the shoots of grasses and grains. 2 a bedbug. [Sp. chinche f. L cimex -icis] chincherinchee n. a white-flowered bulbous plant, Ornithogalum thyrsoides, native to S. Africa. [imit. of the squeaky rubbing of its stalks] chinchilla n. 1 a any small rodent of the genus Chinchilla, native to S. America, having soft silver-grey fur and a bushy tail. b its highly valued fur. 2 a breed of cat or rabbit. [Sp. prob. f. S. Amer. native name] chin-chin int. Brit. colloq. a toast; a greeting or farewell. [Chin. qingqing (pr. ch-)] Chindit n. hist. a member of the Allied forces behind the Japanese lines in Burma (now Myanmar) in 1943-5. [Burm. chinth‚, a mythical creature] chine(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a a backbone, esp. of an animal. b a joint of meat containing all or part of this. 2 a ridge or ar€te. --v.tr. cut (meat) across or along the backbone. [ME f. OF eschine f. L spina SPINE] chine(2) n. a deep narrow ravine in the Isle of Wight or Dorset. [OE cinu chink etc. f. Gmc] chine(3) n. the join between the side and the bottom of a ship etc. [var. of CHIME(2)] Chinese adj. & n. --adj. a of or relating to China. b of Chinese descent. --n. 1 the Chinese language. 2 (pl. same) a a native or national of China. b a person of Chinese descent. ЬChinese cabbage = Chinese leaf. Chinese gooseberry = kiwi fruit. Chinese lantern 1 a collapsible paper lantern. 2 a solanaceous plant, Physalis alkekengi, bearing white flowers and globular orange fruits enclosed in an orange-red papery calyx. Chinese leaf a lettuce-like cabbage, Brassica chinensis. Chinese puzzle a very intricate puzzle or problem. Chinese water chestnut see water chestnut 2. Chinese white zinc oxide as a white pigment. chink(1) n. 1 an unintended crack that admits light or allows an attack. 2 a narrow opening; a slit. [16th c.: rel. to CHINE(2)] chink(2) v. & n. --v. 1 intr. make a slight ringing sound, as of glasses or coins striking together. 2 tr. cause to make this sound. --n. this sound. [imit.] Chink n. sl. offens. a Chinese. ЬЬChinky adj. [abbr.] chinless adj. colloq. weak or feeble in character. Ьchinless wonder Brit. an ineffectual esp. upper class person. Chino- comb. form = SINO-. chino n. US (pl. -os) 1 a cotton twill fabric, usu. khaki-coloured. 2 (in pl.) a garment, esp. trousers, made from this. [Amer. Sp., = toasted] chinoiserie n. 1 the imitation of Chinese motifs and techniques in painting and in decorating furniture. 2 an object or objects in this style. [F] chinook n. 1 a warm dry wind which blows east of the Rocky Mountains. 2 a warm wet southerly wind west of the Rocky Mountains. Ьchinook salmon a large salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, of the N. Pacific. [Amer. Ind. name of a tribe] chintz n. & adj. --n. a printed multicoloured cotton fabric with a glazed finish. --adj. made from or upholstered with this fabric. [earlier chints (pl.) f. Hindi chint f. Skr. citra variegated] chintzy adj. (chintzier, chintziest) 1 like chintz. 2 gaudy, cheap. 3 characteristic of the d‚cor associated with chintz soft furnishings. ЬЬchintzily adv. chintziness n. chionodoxa n. any liliaceous plant of the genus Chionodoxa, having early-blooming blue flowers. Also called glory-of-the-snow. [mod.L f. Gk khion snow + doxa glory] chip n. & v. --n. 1 a small piece removed by or in the course of chopping, cutting, or breaking, esp. from hard material such as wood or stone. 2 the place where such a chip has been made. 3 a (usu. in pl.) a strip of potato, deep fried. b (in pl.) US potato crisps. 4 a counter used in some gambling games to represent money. 5 Electronics = MICROCHIP. 6 a a thin strip of wood, straw, etc., used for weaving hats, baskets, etc. b a basket made from these. 7 Football etc. & Golf a short shot, kick, or pass with the ball describing an arc. --v. (chipped, chipping) 1 tr. (often foll. by off, away) cut or break (a piece) from a hard material. 2 intr. (often foll. by at, away at) cut pieces off (a hard material) to alter its shape, break it up, etc. 3 intr. (of stone, china, etc.) be susceptible to being chipped; be apt to break at the edge (will chip easily). 4 tr. (also absol.) Football etc. & Golf strike or kick (the ball) with a chip (cf. sense 7 of n.). 5 tr. (usu. as chipped adj.) cut (potatoes) into chips. Ьchip heater Austral. & NZ a domestic water-heater that burns wood chips. chip in colloq. 1 interrupt or contribute abruptly to a conversation (chipped in with a reminiscence). 2 contribute (money or resources). a chip off the old block a child who resembles a parent, esp. in character. a chip on one's shoulder colloq. a disposition or inclination to feel resentful or aggrieved. chip shot = sense 7 of n. have had one's chips Brit. colloq. be unable to avoid defeat, punishment, etc. when the chips are down colloq. when it comes to the point. [ME f. OF cipp, cyp beam] chipboard n. a rigid sheet or panel made from compressed wood chips and resin. chipmunk n. any ground squirrel of the genus Tamias or Eutamias, having alternate light and dark stripes running down the body. [Algonquian] chipolata n. Brit. a small thin sausage. [F f. It. cipollata a dish of onions f. cipolla onion] Chippendale adj. 1 (of furniture) designed or made by the English cabinet-maker Thomas Chippendale (d. 1779). 2 in the ornately elegant style of Chippendale's furniture. chipper adj. esp. US colloq. 1 cheerful. 2 smartly dressed. [perh. f. N.Engl. dial. kipper lively] chippie var. of CHIPPY. chipping n. 1 a small fragment of stone, wood, etc. 2 (in pl.) these used as a surface for roads, roofs, etc. chippy n. (also chippie) (pl. -ies) Brit. colloq. 1 a fish-and-chip shop. 2 a carpenter. Chips n. Naut. sl. a ship's carpenter. chiral adj. Chem. (of a crystal etc.) not superposable on its mirror image. ЬЬchirality n. [Gk kheir hand] chiro- (also cheiro-) comb. form of the hand. [Gk kheir hand] chirography n. handwriting, calligraphy. chiromancy n. palmistry. chiropody n. the treatment of the feet and their ailments. ЬЬchiropodist n. [CHIRO- + Gk pous podos foot] chiropractic n. the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of mechanical disorders of the joints, esp. of the spinal column. ЬЬchiropractor n. [CHIRO- + Gk praktikos: see PRACTICAL] chiropteran n. any member of the order Chiroptera, with membraned limbs serving as wings including bats and flying foxes. ЬЬchiropterous adj. [CHIRO- + Gk pteron wing] chirp v. & n. --v. 1 intr. (usu. of small birds, grasshoppers, etc.) utter a short sharp high-pitched note. 2 tr. & intr. (esp. of a child) speak or utter in a lively or jolly way. --n. a chirping sound. ЬЬchirper n. [ME, earlier chirk, chirt: imit.] chirpy adj. colloq. (chirpier, chirpiest) cheerful, lively. ЬЬchirpily adv. chirpiness n. chirr v. & n. (also churr) --v.intr. (esp. of insects) make a prolonged low trilling sound. --n. this sound. [imit.] chirrup v. & n. --v.intr. (chirruped, chirruping) (esp. of small birds) chirp, esp. repeatedly; twitter. --n. a chirruping sound. ЬЬchirrupy adj. [trilled form of CHIRP] chisel n. & v. --n. a hand tool with a squared bevelled blade for shaping wood, stone, or metal. --v. 1 tr. (chiselled, chiselling; US chiseled, chiseling) cut or shape with a chisel. 2 tr. (as chiselled adj.) (of facial features) clear-cut, fine. 3 tr. & intr. sl. cheat, swindle. ЬЬchiseller n. [ME f. ONF ult. f. LL cisorium f. L caedere caes- cut] chit(1) n. 1 derog. or joc. a young, small, or frail girl or woman (esp. a chit of a girl). 2 a young child. [ME, = whelp, cub, kitten, perh. = dial. chit sprout] chit(2) n. 1 a note of requisition; a note of a sum owed, esp. for food or drink. 2 esp. Brit. a note or memorandum. [earlier chitty: Anglo-Ind. f. Hindi citthi pass f. Skr. citra mark] chital n. = AXIS(2). [Hindi cital] chit-chat n. & v. colloq. --n. light conversation; gossip. --v.intr. (-chatted, -chatting) talk informally; gossip. [redupl. of CHAT(1)] chitin n. Chem. a polysaccharide forming the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and in the cell walls of fungi. ЬЬchitinous adj. [F chitine irreg. f. Gk khiton: see CHITON] chiton n. 1 a long woollen tunic worn by ancient Greeks. 2 any marine mollusc of the class Amphineura, having a shell of overlapping plates. [Gk khiton tunic] chitterling n. (usu. in pl.) the smaller intestines of pigs etc., esp. as cooked for food. [ME: orig. uncert.] chivalrous adj. 1 (usu. of a male) gallant, honourable, courteous. 2 involving or showing chivalry. ЬЬchivalrously adv. [ME f. OF chevalerous: see CHEVALIER] chivalry n. 1 the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. 2 the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp. courage, honour, courtesy, justice, and readiness to help the weak. 3 a man's courteous behaviour, esp. towards women. 4 archaic knights, noblemen, and horsemen collectively. ЬЬchivalric adj. [ME f. OF chevalerie etc. f. med.L caballerius for LL caballarius horseman: see CAVALIER] chive n. a small alliaceous plant, Allium schoenoprasum, having purple-pink flowers and dense tufts of long tubular leaves which are used as a herb. [ME f. OF cive f. L cepa onion] chivvy v.tr. (-ies, -ied) (also chivy, chevy) harass, nag; pursue. [chevy (n. & v.), prob. f. the ballad of Chevy Chase, a place on the Scottish border] chlamydia n. (pl. chlamydiae) any parasitic bacterium of the genus Chlamydia, some of which cause diseases such as trachoma, psittacosis, and nonspecific urethritis. [mod.L f. Gk khlamus -udos cloak] chlamydomonas n. any unicellular green freshwater alga of the genus Chlamydomonas. [mod.L (as CHLAMYDIA)] chlor- var. of CHLORO-. chloral n. 1 a colourless liquid aldehyde used in making DDT. 2 (in full chloral hydrate) Pharm. a colourless crystalline solid made from chloral and used as a sedative. [F f. chlore chlorine + alcool alcohol] chloramphenicol n. Pharm. an antibiotic prepared from Streptomyces venezuelae or produced synthetically and used esp. against typhoid fever. [CHLORO- + AMIDE + PHENO- + NITRO- + GLYCOL] chlorate n. Chem. any salt of chloric acid. chlorella n. any non-motile unicellular green alga of the genus Chlorella. [mod.L, dimin. of Gk khloros green] chloric acid n. Chem. a colourless liquid acid with strong oxidizing properties. [CHLORO- + -IC] chloride n. Chem. 1 any compound of chlorine with another element or group. 2 any bleaching agent containing chloride. [CHLORO- + -IDE] chlorinate v.tr. 1 impregnate or treat with chlorine. 2 Chem. cause to react or combine with chlorine. ЬЬchlorinator n. chlorination n. 1 the treatment of water with chlorine to disinfect it. 2 Chem. a reaction in which chlorine is introduced into a compound. chlorine n. Chem. a poisonous greenish-yellow gaseous element of the halogen group occurring naturally in salt, sea-water, rock-salt, etc., and used for purifying water, bleaching, and the manufacture of many organic chemicals. °Symb.: Cl. [Gk khloros green + -INE(4)] chlorite n. Chem. any salt of chlorous acid. ЬЬchloritic adj. chloro- comb. form (also chlor- esp. before a vowel) 1 Bot. & Mineral. green. 2 Chem. chlorine. [Gk khloros green: in sense 2 f. CHLORINE] chloro-fluorocarbon see CFC. chloroform n. & v. --n. a colourless volatile sweet-smelling liquid used as a solvent and formerly used as a general anaesthetic. °Chem. formula: CHCl[3]. --v.tr. render (a person) unconscious with this. [F chloroforme formed as CHLORO- + formyle: see FORMIC (ACID)] Chloromycetin n. propr. = CHLORAMPHENICOL. [CHLORO- + Gk mukes -etos fungus] chlorophyll n. the green pigment found in most plants, responsible for light absorption to provide energy for photosynthesis. ЬЬchlorophyllous adj. [F chlorophylle f. Gk phullon leaf: see CHLORO-] chloroplast n. a plastid containing chlorophyll, found in plant cells undergoing photosynthesis. [G: (as CHLORO-, PLASTID)] chlorosis n. 1 hist. a severe form of anaemia from iron deficiency esp. in young women, causing a greenish complexion (cf. GREENSICK). 2 Bot. a reduction or loss of the normal green coloration of plants. ЬЬchlorotic adj. [CHLORO- + -OSIS] chlorous acid n. Chem. a pale yellow liquid acid with oxidizing properties. °Chem. formula: HClO[2]. [CHLORO- + -OUS] chlorpromazine n. Pharm. a drug used as a sedative and to control nausea and vomiting. [F (as CHLORO-, PROMETHAZINE)] Ch.M. abbr. Master of Surgery. [L Chirurgiae Magister] choc n. & adj. colloq. chocolate. Ьchoc-ice a bar of ice-cream covered with a thin coating of chocolate. [abbr.] chocho n. (pl. -os) W.Ind. = CHOKO. chock n., v., & adv. --n. a block or wedge of wood to check motion, esp. of a cask or a wheel. --v.tr. 1 fit or make fast with chocks. 2 (usu. foll. by up) Brit. cram full. --adv. as closely or tightly as possible. [prob. f. OF ‡ouche, ‡oche, of unkn. orig.] chock-a-block adj. & adv. crammed close together; crammed full (a street chock-a-block with cars). [orig. Naut., with ref. to tackle with the two blocks run close together] chocker adj. Brit. sl. fed up, disgusted. [CHOCK-A-BLOCK] chock-full adj. & adv. = CHOCK-A-BLOCK (chock-full of rubbish). [CHOCK + FULL(1): ME chokkefulle (rel. to CHOKE(1)) is doubtful] chocolate n. & adj. --n. 1 a a food preparation in the form of a paste or solid block made from roasted and ground cacao seeds, usually sweetened. b a sweet made of or coated with this. c a drink made with chocolate. 2 a deep brown colour. --adj. 1 made from or of chocolate. 2 chocolate-coloured. Ьchocolate-box 1 a decorated box filled with chocolates. 2 (attrib.) stereotypically pretty or romantic. ЬЬchocolatey adj. (also chocolaty). [F chocolat or Sp. chocolate f. Aztec chocolatl] Choctaw n. (pl. same or Choctaws) 1 a a member of a N. American people orig. from Alabama. b the language of this people. 2 (in skating) a step from one edge of a skate to the other edge of the other skate in the opposite direction. [native name] choice n. & adj. --n. 1 a the act or an instance of choosing. b a thing or person chosen (not a good choice). 2 a range from which to choose. 3 (usu. foll. by of) the ‚lite, the best. 4 the power or opportunity to choose (what choice have I?). --adj. of superior quality; carefully chosen. ЬЬchoicely adv. choiceness n. [ME f. OF chois f. choisir CHOOSE] choir n. 1 a regular group of singers, esp. taking part in church services. 2 the part of a cathedral or large church between the altar and the nave, used by the choir and clergy. 3 a company of singers, birds, angels etc. (a heavenly choir). 4 Mus. a group of instruments of one family playing together. Ьchoir organ the softest of three parts making up a large organ having its row of keys the lowest of the three. choir-stall = STALL(1) n. 3a. [ME f. OF quer f. L chorus: see CHORUS] choirboy n. a boy who sings in a church or cathedral choir. choke(1) v. & n. --v. 1 tr. hinder or impede the breathing of (a person or animal) esp. by constricting the windpipe or (of gas, smoke, etc.) by being unbreathable. 2 intr. suffer a hindrance or stoppage of breath. 3 tr. & intr. make or become speechless from emotion. 4 tr. retard the growth of or kill (esp. plants) by the deprivation of light, air, nourishment, etc. 5 tr. (often foll. by back) suppress (feelings) with difficulty. 6 tr. block or clog (a passage, tube, etc.). 7 tr. (as choked adj.) colloq. disgusted, disappointed. 8 tr. enrich the fuel mixture in (an internal-combustion engine) by reducing the intake of air. --n. 1 the valve in the carburettor of an internal-combustion engine that controls the intake of air, esp. to enrich the fuel mixture. 2 Electr. an inductance coil used to smooth the variations of an alternating current or to alter its phase. Ьchoke-chain a chain looped round a dog's neck to exert control by pressure on its windpipe when the dog pulls. choke-cherry (pl. -cherries) an astringent N. American cherry, Prunus virginiana. choke-damp carbon dioxide in mines, wells, etc. choke down swallow with difficulty. choke up block (a channel etc.). [ME f. OE aceocian f. ceoce, cece CHEEK] choke(2) n. the centre part of an artichoke. [prob. confusion of the ending of artichoke with CHOKE(1)] chokeberry n. (pl. -ies) Bot. 1 any rosaceous shrub of the genus Aronia. 2 its scarlet berry-like fruit. choker n. 1 a close-fitting necklace or ornamental neckband. 2 a clerical or other high collar. choko n. (pl. -os) Austral. & NZ a succulent green pear-shaped vegetable like a cucumber in flavour. [Braz. Ind. chocho] choky(1) n. (also chokey) (pl. -ies or -eys) Brit. sl. prison. [orig. Anglo-Ind., f. Hindi cauki shed] choky(2) adj. (chokier, chokiest) tending to choke or to cause choking. cholangiography n. Med. X-ray examination of the bile ducts, used to find the site and nature of any obstruction. [CHOLE- + Gk aggeion vessel + -GRAPHY] chole- comb. form (also chol- esp. before a vowel) Med. & Chem. bile. [Gk khole gall, bile] cholecalciferol n. one of the D vitamins, produced by the action of sunlight on a cholesterol derivative widely distributed in the skin, a deficiency of which results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Also called vitamin D[3]. [CHOLE- + CALCIFEROL] cholecystography n. Med. X-ray examination of the gall-bladder, esp. used to detect the presence of any gallstones. [CHOLE- + CYSTO- + -GRAPHY] choler n. 1 hist. one of the four humours, bile. 2 poet. or archaic anger, irascibility. [ME f. OF colere bile, anger f. L cholera f. Gk kholera diarrhoea, in LL = bile, anger, f. Gk khole bile] cholera n. Med. an infectious and often fatal disease of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, resulting in severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Ьchicken (or fowl) cholera an infectious disease of fowls. ЬЬcholeraic adj. [ME f. L f. Gk kholera: see CHOLER] choleric adj. irascible, angry. ЬЬcholerically adv. [ME f. OF cholerique f. L cholericus f. Gk kholerikos: see CHOLER] cholesterol n. Biochem. a sterol found in most body tissues, including the blood, where high concentrations promote arteriosclerosis. [cholesterin f. Gk khole bile + stereos stiff] choli n. (pl. cholis) a type of short-sleeved bodice worn by Indian women. [Hindi coli] choliamb n. Prosody = SCAZON. ЬЬcholiambic adj. [LL choliambus f. Gk kholiambos f. kholos lame: see IAMBUS] choline n. Biochem. a basic nitrogenous organic compound occurring widely in living matter. [G Cholin f. Gk khole bile] chomp v.tr. = CHAMP(1). [imit.] chondrite n. a stony meteorite containing small mineral granules. [G Chondrit f. Gk khondros granule] chondrocranium n. Anat. the embryonic skull composed of cartilage and later replaced by bone. [Gk khondros grain, cartilage] choo-choo n. colloq. (esp. as a child's word) a railway train or locomotive, esp. a steam engine. [imit.] chook n. (also chookie) Austral. & NZ colloq. 1 a chicken or fowl. 2 sl. an older woman. [E dial. chuck chicken] choose v. (past chose; past part. chosen) 1 tr. select out of a greater number. 2 intr. (usu. foll. by between, from) take or select one or another. 3 tr. (usu. foll. by to + infin.) decide, be determined (chose to stay behind). 4 tr. (foll. by complement) select as (was chosen king). 5 tr. Theol. (esp. as chosen adj.) destine to be saved (God's chosen people). Ьcannot choose but archaic must. nothing (or little) to choose between them they are equivalent. ЬЬchooser n. [OE ceosan f. Gmc] choosy adj. (choosier, choosiest) colloq. fastidious. ЬЬchoosily adv. choosiness n. chop(1) v. & n. --v.tr. (chopped, chopping) 1 (usu. foll. by off, down, etc.) cut or fell by a blow, usu. with an axe. 2 (often foll. by up) cut (esp. meat or vegetables) into small pieces. 3 strike (esp. a ball) with a short heavy edgewise blow. 4 Brit. colloq. dispense with; shorten or curtail. --n. 1 a cutting blow, esp. with an axe. 2 a thick slice of meat (esp. pork or lamb) usu. including a rib. 3 a short heavy edgewise stroke or blow in tennis, cricket, boxing, etc. 4 the broken motion of water, usu. owing to the action of the wind against the tide. 5 (prec. by the) Brit. sl. a dismissal from employment. b the action of killing or being killed. Ьchop logic argue pedantically. [ME, var. of CHAP(1)] chop(2) n. (usu. in pl.) the jaw of an animal etc. [16th-c. var. (occurring earlier) of CHAP(3), of unkn. orig.] chop(3) v.intr. (chopped, chopping) Ьchop and change vacillate; change direction frequently. [ME, perh. rel. to chap f. OE ceapian (as CHEAP)] chop(4) n. Brit. archaic a trade mark; a brand of goods. Ьnot much chop esp. Austral. & NZ no good. [orig. in India & China, f. Hindi chap stamp] chop-chop adv. & int. (pidgin English) quickly, quick. [f. Chin. dial. k' wѓi-k' wѓi] chopper n. 1 a Brit. a short axe with a large blade. b a butcher's cleaver. 2 colloq. a helicopter. 3 a device for regularly interrupting an electric current or light-beam. 4 colloq. a type of bicycle or motor cycle with high handlebars. 5 (in pl.) Brit. sl. teeth. 6 US sl. a machine-gun. choppy adj. (choppier, choppiest) (of the sea, the weather, etc.) fairly rough. ЬЬchoppily adv. choppiness n. [CHOP(1) + -Y(1)] chopstick n. each of a pair of small thin sticks of wood or ivory etc., held both in one hand as eating utensils by the Chinese, Japanese, etc. [pidgin Engl. f. chop = quick + STICK(1) equivalent of Cantonese k' wѓi-tsze nimble ones] chopsuey n. (pl. -eys) a Chinese-style dish of meat stewed and fried with bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, onions, and served with rice. [Cantonese shap sui mixed bits] choral adj. of, for, or sung by a choir or chorus. Ьchoral society a group which meets regularly to sing choral music. ЬЬchorally adv. [med.L choralis f. L chorus: see CHORUS] chorale n. (also choral) 1 a stately and simple hymn tune; a harmonized version of this. 2 esp. US a choir or choral society. [G Choral(gesang) f. med.L cantus choralis] chord(1) n. Mus. a group of (usu. three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony. ЬЬchordal adj. [orig. cord f. ACCORD: later confused with CHORD(2)] chord(2) n. 1 Math. & Aeron. etc. a straight line joining the ends of an arc, the wings of an aeroplane, etc. 2 Anat. = CORD. 3 poet. the string of a harp etc. 4 Engin. one of the two principal members, usu. horizontal, of a truss. Ьstrike a chord 1 recall something to a person's memory. 2 elicit sympathy. touch the right chord appeal skilfully to the emotions. ЬЬchordal adj. [16th-c. refashioning of CORD after L chorda] chordate n. & adj. --n. any animal of the phylum Chordata, possessing a notochord at some stage during its development. --adj. of or relating to the chordates. [mod.L chordata f. L chorda CHORD(2) after Vertebrata etc.] chore n. a tedious or routine task, esp. domestic. [orig. dial. & US form of CHAR(2)] chorea n. Med. a disorder characterized by jerky involuntary movements affecting esp. the shoulders, hips, and face. ЬHuntington's chorea chorea accompanied by a progressive dementia. Sydenham's chorea chorea esp. in children as one of the manifestations of rheumatic fever: also called ST VITUS'S DANCE. [L f. Gk khoreia (as CHORUS)] choreograph v.tr. compose the choreography for (a ballet etc.). ЬЬchoreographer n. [back-form. f. CHOREOGRAPHY] choreography n. 1 the design or arrangement of a ballet or other staged dance. 2 the sequence of steps and movements in dance. 3 the written notation for this. ЬЬchoreographic adj. choreographically adv. [Gk khoreia dance + -GRAPHY] choreology n. the study and description of the movements of dancing. ЬЬchoreologist n. choriambus n. (pl. choriambi) Prosody a metrical foot consisting of two short (unstressed) syllables between two long (stressed) ones. ЬЬchoriambic adj. [LL Gk khoriambos f. khoreios of the dance + IAMBUS] choric adj. of, like, or for a chorus in drama or recitation. [LL choricus f. Gk khorikos (as CHORUS)] chorine adj. US a chorus girl. [CHORUS + -INE(3)] chorion n. the outermost membrane surrounding an embryo of a reptile, bird, or mammal. ЬЬchorionic adj. [Gk khorion] chorister n. 1 a member of a choir, esp. a choirboy. 2 US the leader of a church choir. [ME, ult. f. OF cueriste f. quer CHOIR] chorography n. the systematic description of regions or districts. ЬЬchorographer n. chorographic adj. [F chorographie or L f. Gk khorographia f. khora region] choroid adj. & n. --adj. like a chorion in shape or vascularity. --n. (in full choroid coat or membrane) a layer of the eyeball between the retina and the sclera. [Gk khoroeides for khorioeides: see CHORION] chorology n. the study of the geographical distribution of animals and plants. ЬЬchorological adj. chorologist n. [Gk khora region + -LOGY] chortle v. & n. --v.intr. colloq. chuckle gleefully. --n. a gleeful chuckle. [portmanteau word coined by Lewis Carroll, prob. f. CHUCKLE + SNORT] chorus n. & v. --n. (pl. choruses) 1 a group (esp. a large one) of singers; a choir. 2 a piece of music composed for a choir. 3 the refrain or the main part of a popular song, in which a chorus participates. 4 any simultaneous utterance by many persons etc. (a chorus of disapproval followed). 5 a group of singers and dancers performing in concert in a musical comedy, opera, etc. 6 Gk Antiq. a in Greek tragedy, a group of performers who comment together in voice and movement on the main action. b an utterance of the chorus. 7 esp. in Elizabethan drama, a character who speaks the prologue and other linking parts of the play. 8 the part spoken by this character. --v.tr. & intr. (of a group) speak or utter simultaneously. Ьchorus girl a young woman who sings or dances in the chorus of a musical comedy etc. in chorus (uttered) together; in unison. [L f. Gk khoros] chose past of CHOOSE. chosen past part. of CHOOSE. chough n. any corvine bird of the genus Pyrrhocorax, with a glossy blue-black plumage and red legs. [ME, prob. orig. imit.] choux pastry n. very light pastry enriched with eggs. [F, pl. of chou cabbage, rosette] chow n. 1 sl. food. 2 offens. a Chinese. 3 a a dog of a Chinese breed with long hair and bluish-black tongue. b this breed. [shortened f. CHOW-CHOW] chow-chow n. 1 = CHOW. 2 a Chinese preserve of ginger, orange-peel, etc., in syrup. 3 a mixed vegetable pickle. [pidgin Engl.] chowder n. US a soup or stew usu. of fresh fish, clams, or corn with bacon, onions, etc. [perh. F chaudiЉre pot: see CAULDRON] chow mein n. a Chinese-style dish of fried noodles with shredded meat or shrimps etc. and vegetables. [Chin. chao mian fried flour] Chr. abbr. Chronicles (Old Testament). chrestomathy n. (pl. -ies) a selection of passages used esp. to help in learning a language. [F chrestomathie or Gk khrestomatheia f. khrestos useful + -matheia learning] chrism n. a consecrated oil or unguent used esp. for anointing in Catholic and Greek Orthodox rites. [OE crisma f. eccl.L f. Gk khrisma anointing] chrisom n. 1 = CHRISM. 2 (in full chrisom-cloth) hist. a white robe put on a child at baptism, and used as its shroud if it died within the month. [ME, as pop. pronunc. of CHRISM] Christ n. & int. --n. 1 the title, also now treated as a name, given to Jesus of Nazareth, believed by Christians to have fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah. 2 the Messiah as prophesied in the Old Testament. 3 an image or picture of Jesus. --int. sl. expressing surprise, anger, etc. ЬЬChristhood n. Christlike adj. Christly adj. [OE Crist f. L Christus f. Gk khristos anointed one f. khrio anoint: transl. of Heb. masЊah MESSIAH] Christadelphian n. & adj. --n. a member of a Christian sect rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity and expecting a second coming of Christ on earth. --adj. of or adhering to this sect and its beliefs. [CHRIST + Gk adelphos brother] christen v.tr. 1 give a Christian name to at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church. 2 give a name to anything, esp. formally or with a ceremony. 3 colloq. use for the first time. ЬЬchristener n. christening n. [OE cristnian make Christian] Christendom n. Christians worldwide, regarded as a collective body. [OE cristendom f. cristen CHRISTIAN + -DOM] Christian adj. & n. --adj. 1 of Christ's teaching or religion. 2 believing in or following the religion of Jesus Christ. 3 showing the qualities associated with Christ's teaching. 4 colloq. (of a person) kind, fair, decent. --n. 1 a a person who has received Christian baptism. b an adherent of Christ's teaching. 2 a person exhibiting Christian qualities. ЬChristian era the era reckoned from the traditional date of Christ's birth. Christian name a forename, esp. as given at baptism. Christian Science a Christian sect believing in the power of healing by prayer alone. Christian Scientist an adherent of Christian Science. ЬЬChristianize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). Christianization n. Christianly adv. [Christianus f. Christus CHRIST] Christianity n. 1 the Christian religion; its beliefs and practices. 2 being a Christian; Christian quality or character. 3 = CHRISTENDOM. [ME cristianite f. OF crestient‚ f. crestien CHRISTIAN] Christie n. (also Christy) (pl. -ies) Skiing a sudden turn in which the skis are kept parallel, used for changing direction fast or stopping short. [abbr. of Christiania (now Oslo) in Norway] Christingle n. a lighted candle symbolizing Christ as the light of the world, held by children esp. at Advent services. [perh. f. G Christkindl dimin. of Christkind Christ child] Christmas n. & int. --n. (pl. Christmases) 1 (also Christmas Day) the annual festival of Christ's birth, celebrated on 25 Dec. 2 the season in which this occurs; the time immediately before and after 25 Dec. --int. sl. expressing surprise, dismay, etc. ЬChristmas-box a present or gratuity given at Christmas esp. to tradesmen and employees. Christmas cake Brit. a rich fruit cake usu. covered with marzipan and icing and eaten at Christmas. Christmas card a card sent with greetings at Christmas. Christmas Eve the day or the evening before Christmas Day. Christmas pudding Brit. a rich boiled pudding eaten at Christmas, made with flour, suet, dried fruit, etc. Christmas rose a white-flowered winter-blooming evergreen, Helleborus niger. Christmas tree an evergreen (usu. spruce) or artificial tree set up with decorations at Christmas. ЬЬChristmassy adj. [OE Cristes m‘sse (MASS(2))] Christo- comb. form Christ. Christology n. the branch of theology relating to Christ. Christy var. of CHRISTIE. [abbr.] chroma n. purity or intensity of colour. [Gk khroma colour] chromate n. Chem. a salt or ester of chromic acid. chromatic adj. 1 of or produced by colour; in (esp. bright) colours. 2 Mus. a of or having notes not belonging to a diatonic scale. b (of a scale) ascending or descending by semitones. Ьchromatic aberration Optics the failure of different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to come to the same focus after refraction. chromatic semitone Mus. an interval between a note and its flat or sharp. ЬЬchromatically adv. chromaticism n. [F chromatique or L chromaticus f. Gk khromatikos f. khroma -atos colour] chromaticity n. the quality of colour regarded independently of brightness. chromatid n. either of two threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division. [Gk khroma -atos colour + -ID(2)] chromatin n. the material in a cell nucleus that stains with basic dyes and consists of protein, RNA, and DNA, of which eukaryotic chromosomes are composed. [G: see CHROMATID] chromato- comb. form (also chromo-) colour (chromatopsia). [Gk khroma -atos colour] chromatography n. Chem. the separation of the components of a mixture by slow passage through or over a material which adsorbs them differently. ЬЬchromatograph n. chromatographic adj. [G Chromatographie (as CHROMATO-, -GRAPHY)] chromatopsia n. Med. abnormally coloured vision. [CHROMATO- + Gk -opsia seeing] chrome n. 1 chromium, esp. as plating. 2 (in full chrome yellow) a yellow pigment obtained from lead chromate. Ьchrome leather leather tanned with chromium salts. chrome-nickel (of stainless steel) containing chromium and nickel. chrome steel a hard fine-grained steel containing much chromium and used for tools etc. [F, = chromium, f. Gk khroma colour] chromic adj. Chem. of or containing trivalent chromium. Ьchromic acid an acid that exists only in solution or in the form of chromate salts. chromite n. 1 Mineral. a black mineral of chromium and iron oxides, which is the principal ore of chromium. 2 Chem. a salt of bivalent chromium. chromium n. Chem. a hard white metallic transition element, occurring naturally as chromite and used as a shiny decorative electroplated coating. °Symb.: Cr. Ьchromium steel = chrome steel. [mod.L f. F CHROME] chromium-plate n. & v. --n. an electrolytically deposited protective coating of chromium. --v.tr. 1 coat with this. 2 (as chromium-plated adj.) pretentiously decorative. chromo-(1) comb. form Chem. chromium. chromo-(2) comb. form var. of CHROMATO-. chromolithograph n. & v. --n. a coloured picture printed by lithography. --v.tr. print or produce by this process. ЬЬchromolithographer n. chromolithographic adj. chromolithography n. chromosome n. Biochem. one of the threadlike structures, usu. found in the cell nucleus, that carry the genetic information in the form of genes. Ьchromosome map a plan showing the relative positions of genes along the length of a chromosome. ЬЬchromosomal adj. [G Chromosom (as CHROMO-(2), -SOME(3))] chromosphere n. a gaseous layer of the sun's atmosphere between the photosphere and the corona. ЬЬchromospheric adj. [CHROMO-(2) + SPHERE] Chron. abbr. Chronicles (Old Testament). chronic adj. 1 persisting for a long time (usu. of an illness or a personal or social problem). 2 having a chronic complaint. 3 colloq. disp. habitual, inveterate (a chronic liar). 4 Brit. colloq. very bad; intense, severe. ЬЬchronically adv. chronicity n. [F chronique f. L chronicus (in LL of disease) f. Gk khronikos f. khronos time] chronicle n. & v. --n. 1 a register of events in order of their occurrence. 2 a narrative, a full account. 3 (Chronicles) the name of two of the historical books of the Old Testament or Hebrew bible. --v.tr. record (events) in the order of their occurrence. ЬЬchronicler n. [ME f. AF cronicle ult. f. L chronica f. Gk khronika annals: see CHRONIC] chrono- comb. form time. [Gk khronos time] chronograph n. 1 an instrument for recording time with extreme accuracy. 2 a stopwatch. ЬЬchronographic adj. chronological adj. 1 (of a number of events) arranged or regarded in the order of their occurrence. 2 of or relating to chronology. ЬЬchronologically adv. chronology n. (pl. -ies) 1 the study of historical records to establish the dates of past events. 2 a the arrangement of events, dates, etc. in the order of their occurrence. b a table or document displaying this. ЬЬchronologist n. chronologize v.tr. (also -ise). [mod.L chronologia (as CHRONO-, -LOGY)] chronometer n. a time-measuring instrument, esp. one keeping accurate time at all temperatures and used in navigation. chronometry n. the science of accurate time-measurement. ЬЬchronometric adj. chronometrical adj. chronometrically adv. chrysalis n. (pl. chrysalises or chrysalides) 1 a a quiescent pupa of a butterfly or moth. b the hard outer case enclosing it. 2 a preparatory or transitional state. [L f. Gk khrusallis -idos f. khrusos gold] chrysanth n. colloq. any of the autumn-blooming cultivated varieties of chrysanthemum. [abbr.] chrysanthemum n. any composite plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, having brightly coloured flowers. [L f. Gk khrusanthemon f. khrusos gold + anthemon flower] chryselephantine adj. (of ancient Greek sculpture) overlaid with gold and ivory. [Gk khruselephantinos f. khrusos gold + elephas ivory] chrysoberyl n. a yellowish-green gem consisting of a beryllium salt. [L chrysoberyllus f. Gk khrusos gold + berullos beryl] chrysolite n. a precious stone, a yellowish-green or brownish variety of olivine. [ME f. OF crisolite f. med.L crisolitus f. L chrysolithus f. Gk khrusolithos f. khrusos gold + lithos stone] chrysoprase n. 1 an apple-green variety of chalcedony containing nickel and used as a gem. 2 (in the New Testament) prob. a golden-green variety of beryl. [ME f. OF crisopace f. L chrysopassus var. of L chrysoprasus f. Gk khrusoprasos f. khrusos gold + prason leek] chthonic (also chthonian) adj. of, relating to, or inhabiting the underworld. [Gk khthon earth] chub n. a thick-bodied coarse-fleshed river fish, Leuciscus cephalus. [15th c.: orig. unkn.] chubby adj. (chubbier, chubbiest) plump and rounded (esp. of a person or a part of the body). ЬЬchubbily adv. chubbiness n. [CHUB] chuck(1) v. & n. --v.tr. 1 colloq. fling or throw carelessly or with indifference. 2 colloq. (often foll. by in, up) give up; reject (chucked in my job). 3 touch playfully, esp. under the chin. --n. a playful touch under the chin. Ьthe chuck sl. dismissal (he got the chuck). chucker-out colloq. a person employed to expel troublesome people from a gathering etc. chuck it sl. stop, desist. chuck out colloq. 1 expel (a person) from a gathering etc. 2 get rid of, discard. [16th c., perh. f. F chuquer, choquer to knock] chuck(2) n. & v. --n. 1 a cut of beef between the neck and the ribs. 2 a device for holding a workpiece in a lathe or a tool in a drill. --v.tr. fix (wood, a tool, etc.) to a chuck. [var. of CHOCK] chuck(3) n. US colloq. food. Ьchuck-wagon 1 a provision-cart on a ranch etc. 2 a roadside eating-place. [19th c.: perh. f. CHUCK(2)] chuckle v. & n. --v.intr. laugh quietly or inwardly. --n. a quiet or suppressed laugh. ЬЬchuckler n. [chuck cluck] chucklehead n. colloq. a stupid person. ЬЬchuckleheaded adj. [chuckle clumsy, prob. rel. to CHUCK(2)] chuddar var. of CHADOR. chuff v.intr. (of a steam engine etc.) work with a regular sharp puffing sound. [imit.] chuffed adj. Brit. sl. delighted. [dial. chuff pleased] chug v. & n. --v.intr. (chugged, chugging) 1 emit a regular muffled explosive sound, as of an engine running slowly. 2 move with this sound. --n. a chugging sound. [imit.] chukar n. a red-legged partridge, Alectoris chukar, native to India. [Hindi cakor] chukker n. (also chukka) each of the periods of play into which a game of polo is divided. Ьchukka boot an ankle-high leather boot as worn for polo. [Hindi cakkar f. Skr. cakra wheel] chum(1) n. & v. --n. colloq. (esp. among schoolchildren) a close friend. --v.intr. (often foll. by with) share rooms. Ьchum up (often foll. by with) become a close friend (of). ЬЬchummy adj. (chummier, chummiest). chummily adv. chumminess n. [17th c.: prob. short for chamber-fellow] chum(2) n. & v. US --n. 1 refuse from fish. 2 chopped fish used as bait. --v. 1 intr. fish using chum. 2 tr. bait (a fishing place) using chum. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] chump n. 1 colloq. a foolish person. 2 Brit. the thick end, esp. of a loin of lamb or mutton (chump chop). 3 a short thick block of wood. 4 Brit. sl. the head. Ьoff one's chump Brit. sl. crazy. [18th c.: blend of CHUNK and LUMP(1)] chunder v.intr. & n. Austral. sl. vomit. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] chunk n. 1 a thick solid slice or piece of something firm or hard. 2 a substantial amount or piece. [prob. var. of CHUCK(2)] chunky adj. (chunkier, chunkiest) 1 containing or consisting of chunks. 2 short and thick; small and sturdy. 3 (of clothes) made of a thick material. ЬЬchunkiness n. Chunnel n. colloq. a projected tunnel under the English Channel linking England and France. [portmanteau word f. Channel tunnel] chunter v.intr. Brit. colloq. mutter, grumble. [prob. imit.] chupatty var. of CHAPATTI. church n. & v. --n. 1 a building for public (usu. Christian) worship. 2 a meeting for public worship in such a building (go to church; met after church). 3 (Church) the body of all Christians. 4 (Church) the clergy or clerical profession (went into the Church). 5 (Church) an organized Christian group or society of any time, country, or distinct principles of worship (the primitive Church; Church of Scotland; High Church). 6 (Church) institutionalized religion as a political or social force (Church and State). --v.tr. bring (esp. a woman after childbirth) to church for a service of thanksgiving. ЬChurch Army an organization of the Church of England concerned with social welfare. Church Commissioners a body managing the finances of the Church of England. Church of England the English Church, recognized by the State and having the sovereign as its head. church school a school founded by or associated with the Church of England. [OE cirice, circe, etc. f. med. Gk kurikon f. Gk kuriakon (doma) Lord's (house) f. kurios Lord: cf. KIRK] churchgoer n. a person who goes to church, esp. regularly. ЬЬchurchgoing n. & adj. churchman n. (pl. -men) 1 a member of the clergy or of a church. 2 a supporter of the church. churchwarden n. 1 either of two elected lay representatives of a parish, assisting with routine administration. 2 a long-stemmed clay pipe. churchwoman n. (pl. -women) 1 a woman member of the clergy or of a church. 2 a woman supporter of the Church. churchy adj. 1 obtrusively or intolerantly devoted to the Church or opposed to religious dissent. 2 like a church. ЬЬchurchiness n. churchyard n. the enclosed ground around a church, esp. as used for burials. churinga n. (pl. same or churingas) a sacred object, esp. an amulet, among the Australian Aboriginals. [Aboriginal] churl n. 1 an ill-bred person. 2 archaic a peasant; a person of low birth. 3 archaic a surly or mean person. [OE ceorl f. a WG root, = man] churlish adj. surly; mean. ЬЬchurlishly adv. churlishness n. [OE cierlisc, ceorlisc f. ceorl CHURL] churn n. & v. --n. 1 Brit. a large milk-can. 2 a machine for making butter by agitating milk or cream. --v. 1 tr. agitate (milk or cream) in a churn. 2 tr. produce (butter) in this way. 3 tr. (usu. foll. by up) cause distress to; upset, agitate. 4 intr. (of a liquid) seethe, foam violently (the churning sea). 5 tr. agitate or move (liquid) vigorously, causing it to foam. Ьchurn out produce routinely or mechanically, esp. in large quantities. [OE cyrin f. Gmc] churr var. of CHIRR. chute(1) n. 1 a sloping channel or slide, with or without water, for conveying things to a lower level. 2 a slide into a swimming-pool. [F chute fall (of water etc.), f. OF cheoite fem. past part. of cheoir fall f. L cadere; in some senses = SHOOT] chute(2) n. colloq. parachute. ЬЬchutist n. [abbr.] chutney n. (pl. -eys) a pungent orig. Indian condiment made of fruits or vegetables, vinegar, spices, sugar, etc. [Hindi catni] chutzpah n. sl. shameless audacity; cheek. [Yiddish] chyle n. a milky fluid consisting of lymph and absorbed food materials from the intestine after digestion. ЬЬchylous adj. [LL chylus f. Gk khulos juice] chyme n. the acidic semisolid and partly digested food produced by the action of gastric secretion. ЬЬchymous adj. [LL chymus f. Gk khumos juice] chypre n. a heavy perfume made from sandalwood. [F, = Cyprus, perh. where it was first made] 10.0 CI... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CI abbr. 1 Channel Islands. 2 hist. Order of the Crown of India. Ci abbr. curie. CIA abbr. Central Intelligence Agency (US). ciao int. colloq. 1 goodbye. 2 hello. [It.] ciborium n. (pl. ciboria) 1 a vessel with an arched cover used to hold the Eucharist. 2 Archit. a a canopy. b a shrine with a canopy. [med.L f. Gk kiborion seed-vessel of the water-lily, a cup made from it] cicada n. (also cicala) any transparent-winged large insect of the family Cicadidae, the males of which make a loud rhythmic chirping sound. [L cicada, It. f. L cicala, It. cigala] cicatrice n. (also cicatrix) (pl. cicatrices) 1 any mark left by a healed wound; a scar. 2 Bot. a a mark on a stem etc. left when a leaf or other part becomes detached. b a scar on the bark of a tree. ЬЬcicatricial adj. [ME f. OF cicatrice or L cicatrix -icis] cicatrize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. heal (a wound) by scar formation. 2 intr. (of a wound) heal by scar formation. ЬЬcicatrization n. [F cicatriser: see CICATRICE] cicely n. (pl. -ies) any of various umbelliferous plants, esp. sweet cicely (see SWEET). [app. f. L seselis f. Gk, assim. to the woman's Christian name] cicerone n. (pl. ciceroni pronunc. same) a guide who gives information about antiquities, places of interest, etc. to sightseers. [It.: see CICERONIAN] Ciceronian adj. (of language) eloquent, classical, or rhythmical, in the style of Cicero. [L Ciceronianus f. Cicero -onis Roman statesman and orator d. 43 BC] cichlid n. any tropical freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae, esp. the kinds kept in aquariums. [mod.L Cichlidae f. Gk kikhle a kind of fish] CID abbr. (in the UK) Criminal Investigation Department. -cide suffix forming nouns meaning: 1 a person or substance that kills (regicide; insecticide). 2 the killing of (infanticide; suicide). [F f. L - cida (sense 1), - cidium (sense 2), caedere kill] cider n. (also cyder) 1 Brit. an alcoholic drink made from fermented apple-juice. 2 US an unfermented drink made from apple-juice. Ьcider-press a press for crushing apples to make cider. [ME f. OF sidre, ult. f. Heb. sekar strong drink] ci-devant adj. & adv. that has been (with person's earlier name or status); former or formerly. [F, = heretofore] CIE abbr. hist. Companion (of the Order) of the Indian Empire. c.i.f. abbr. cost, insurance, freight (as being included in a price). cig n. colloq. cigarette, cigar. [abbr.] cigala n. = CICADA. [F cigale, It. & Prov. cigala f. L cicada] cigar n. a cylinder of tobacco rolled in tobacco leaves for smoking. [F cigare or Sp. cigarro] cigarette n. (US also cigaret) 1 a thin cylinder of finely-cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking. 2 a similar cylinder containing a narcotic or medicated substance. Ьcigarette card a small picture card of a kind formerly included in a packet of cigarettes. cigarette-end the unsmoked remainder of a cigarette. [F, dimin. of cigare CIGAR] cigarillo n. (pl. -os) a small cigar. [Sp., dimin. of cigarro CIGAR] ciggy n. (pl. -ies) colloq. cigarette. [abbr.] CIGS abbr. hist. Chief of the Imperial General Staff. cilice n. 1 haircloth. 2 a garment of this. [F f. L cilicium f. Gk kilikion f. Kilikia Cilicia in Asia Minor] cilium n. (pl. cilia) 1 a short minute hairlike vibrating structure on the surface of some cells, causing currents in the surrounding fluid. 2 an eyelash. ЬЬciliary adj. ciliate adj. ciliated adj. ciliation n. [L, = eyelash] cill var. of SILL. cimbalom n. a dulcimer. [Magyar f. It. cembalo] C.-in-C. abbr. Commander-in-Chief. cinch n. & v. --n. 1 colloq. a a sure thing; a certainty. b an easy task. 2 a firm hold. 3 esp. US a girth for a saddle or pack. --v.tr. 1 a tighten as with a cinch (cinched at the waist with a belt). b secure a grip on. 2 sl. make certain of. 3 esp. US put a cinch (sense 3) on. [Sp. cincha] cinchona n. 1 a any evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Cinchona, native to S. America, with fragrant flowers and yielding cinchona bark. b the bark of this tree, containing quinine. 2 any drug from this bark formerly used as a tonic and to stimulate the appetite. ЬЬcinchonic adj. cinchonine n. [mod.L f. Countess of Chinchўn d. 1641, introducer of drug into Spain] cincture n. 1 literary a girdle, belt, or border. 2 Archit. a ring at either end of a column-shaft. [L cinctura f. cingere cinct- gird] cinder n. a the residue of coal or wood etc. that has stopped giving off flames but still has combustible matter in it. b slag. c (in pl.) ashes. Ьburnt to a cinder made useless by burning. ЬЬcindery adj. [OE sinder, assim. to the unconnected F cendre and L cinis ashes] Cinderella n. 1 a person or thing of unrecognized or disregarded merit or beauty. 2 a neglected or despised member of a group. [the name of a girl in a fairy-tale] cine- comb. form cinematographic (cine-camera; cinephotography). [abbr.] cineaste n. (also cineast) a cinema enthusiast. [F cin‚aste (as CINE-): cf. ENTHUSIAST] cinema n. 1 Brit. a theatre where motion-picture films (see FILM n. 3) are shown. 2 a films collectively. b the production of films as an art or industry; cinematography. Ьcinema organ Mus. a kind of organ with extra stops and special effects. [F cin‚ma: see CINEMATOGRAPH] cinematheque n. 1 a film library or archive. 2 a small cinema. [F] cinematic adj. 1 having the qualities characteristic of the cinema. 2 of or relating to the cinema. ЬЬcinematically adv. cinematograph (also kinematograph) n. an apparatus for showing motion-picture films. [F cin‚matographe f. Gk kinema -atos movement f. kineo move] cinematography n. the art of making motion-picture films. ЬЬcinematographer n. cinematographic adj. cinematographically adv. cin‚ma-v‚rit‚ n. Cinematog. 1 the art or process of making realistic (esp. documentary) films which avoid artificiality and artistic effect. 2 such films collectively. [F, = cinema truth] cineraria n. any of several varieties of the composite plant, Cineraria cruentus, having bright flowers and ash-coloured down on its leaves. [mod.L, fem. of L cinerarius of ashes f. cinis -eris ashes, from the ash-coloured down on the leaves] cinerarium n. (pl. cinerariums) a place where a cinerary urn is deposited. [LL, neut. of cinerarius: see CINERARIA] cinerary adj. of ashes. Ьcinerary urn an urn for holding the ashes after cremation. [L cinerarius: see CINERARIA] cinereous adj. (esp. of a bird or plumage) ash-grey. [L cinereus f. cinis -eris ashes] cin‚-v‚rit‚ n. Cinematog. = CINђMA-VђRITђ. Cingalese adj. & n. (pl. same) archaic Sinhalese. [F cing(h)alais: see SINHALESE] cingulum n. (pl. cingula) Anat. a girdle, belt, or analogous structure, esp. a ridge surrounding the base of the crown of a tooth. [L, = belt] cinnabar n. 1 a bright red mineral form of mercuric sulphide from which mercury is obtained. 2 vermilion. 3 a moth (Callimorpha jacobaeae) with reddish marked wings. [ME f. L cinnabaris f. Gk kinnabari, of oriental orig.] cinnamon n. 1 an aromatic spice from the peeled, dried, and rolled bark of a SE Asian tree. 2 any tree of the genus Cinnamomum, esp. C. zeylanicum yielding the spice. 3 yellowish-brown. [ME f. OF cinnamome f. L cinnamomum f. Gk kinnamomon, and L cinnamon f. Gk kinnamon, f. Semitic (cf. Heb. kinnam“n)] cinque n. (also cinq) the five on dice. [ME f. OF cinc, cink, f. L quinque five] cinquecento n. the style of Italian art and literature of the 16th c., with a reversion to classical forms. ЬЬcinquecentoist n. [It., = 500, used with ref. to the years 1500-99] cinquefoil n. 1 any plant of the genus Potentilla, with compound leaves of five leaflets. 2 Archit. a five-cusped ornament in a circle or arch. [ME f. L quinquefolium f. quinque five + folium leaf] Cinque Ports n.pl. a group of ports (orig. five only) on the SE coast of England with ancient privileges. [ME f. OF cink porz, L quinque portus five ports] cion US var. of SCION 1. cipher n. & v. (also cypher) --n. 1 a a secret or disguised way of writing. b a thing written in this way. c the key to it. 2 the arithmetical symbol (0) denoting no amount but used to occupy a vacant place in decimal etc. numeration (as in 12.05). 3 a person or thing of no importance. 4 the interlaced initials of a person or company etc.; a monogram. 5 any Arabic numeral. 6 continuous sounding of an organ-pipe, caused by a mechanical defect. --v. 1 tr. put into secret writing, encipher. 2 a tr. (usu. foll. by out) work out by arithmetic, calculate. b intr. archaic do arithmetic. [ME, f. OF cif(f)re, ult. f. Arab sifr ZERO] cipolin n. an Italian white-and-green marble. [F cipolin or It. cipollino f. cipolla onion] circa prep. (preceding a date) about. [L] circadian adj. Physiol. occurring or recurring about once per day. [irreg. f. L circa about + dies day] circinate adj. Bot. & Zool. rolled up with the apex in the centre, e.g. of young fronds of ferns. [L circinatus past part. of circinare make round f. circinus pair of compasses] circle n. & v. --n. 1 a a round plane figure whose circumference is everywhere equidistant from its centre. b the line enclosing a circle. 2 a roundish enclosure or structure. 3 a ring. 4 a curved upper tier of seats in a theatre etc. (dress circle). 5 a circular route. 6 Archaeol. a group of (usu. large embedded) stones arranged in a circle. 7 Hockey = striking-circle. 8 persons grouped round a centre of interest. 9 a set or class or restricted group (literary circles; not done in the best circles). 10 a period or cycle (the circle of the year). 11 (in full vicious circle) a an unbroken sequence of reciprocal cause and effect. b an action and reaction that intensify each other (cf. virtuous circle). c the fallacy of proving a proposition from another which depends on the first for its own proof. --v. 1 intr. (often foll. by round, about) move in a circle. 2 tr. a revolve round. b form a circle round. Ьcircle back move in a wide loop towards the starting-point. come full circle return to the starting-point. go round in circles make no progress despite effort. great (or small) circle a circle on the surface of a sphere whose plane passes (or does not pass) through the sphere's centre. run round in circles colloq. be fussily busy with little result. ЬЬcircler n. [ME f. OF cercle f. L circulus dimin. of circus ring] circlet n. 1 a small circle. 2 a circular band, esp. of gold or jewelled etc., as an ornament. circs n.pl. colloq. circumstances. [abbr.] circuit n. 1 a a line or course enclosing an area; the distance round. b the area enclosed. 2 Electr. a the path of a current. b the apparatus through which a current passes. 3 a the journey of a judge in a particular district to hold courts. b this district. c the lawyers following a circuit. 4 a chain of theatres or cinemas etc. under a single management. 5 Brit. a motor-racing track. 6 a a sequence of sporting events (the US tennis circuit). b a sequence of athletic exercises. 7 a roundabout journey. 8 a a group of local Methodist churches forming a minor administrative unit. b the journey of an itinerant minister within this. Ьcircuit-breaker an automatic device for stopping the flow of current in an electrical circuit. [ME f. OF, f. L circuitus f. CIRCUM- + ire it- go] circuitous adj. 1 indirect (and usu. long). 2 going a long way round. ЬЬcircuitously adv. circuitousness n. [med.L circuitosus f. circuitus CIRCUIT] circuitry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a system of electric circuits. 2 the equipment forming this. circular adj. & n. --adj. 1 a having the form of a circle. b moving or taking place along a circle (circular tour). 2 Logic (of reasoning) depending on a vicious circle. 3 (of a letter or advertisement etc.) printed for distribution to a large number of people. --n. a circular letter, leaflet, etc. Ьcircular saw a power saw with a rapidly rotating toothed disc. ЬЬcircularity n. circularly adv. [ME f. AF circuler, OF circulier, cerclier f. LL circularis f. L circulus CIRCLE] circularize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 distribute circulars to. 2 US seek opinions of (people) by means of a questionnaire. ЬЬcircularization n. circulate v. 1 intr. go round from one place or person etc. to the next and so on; be in circulation. 2 tr. a cause to go round; put into circulation. b give currency to (a report etc.). c circularize. 3 intr. be actively sociable at a party, gathering, etc. Ьcirculating library a small library with books lent to a group of subscribers in turn. circulating medium notes or gold etc. used in exchange. ЬЬcirculative adj. circulator n. [L circulare circulat- f. circulus CIRCLE] circulation n. 1 a movement to and fro, or from and back to a starting point, esp. of a fluid in a confined area or circuit. b the movement of blood from and to the heart. c a similar movement of sap etc. 2 a the transmission or distribution (of news or information or books etc.). b the number of copies sold, esp. of journals and newspapers. 3 a currency, coin, etc. b the movement or exchange of this in a country etc. Ьin (or out of) circulation participating (or not participating) in activities etc. [F circulation or L circulatio f. circulare CIRCULATE] circulatory adj. of or relating to the circulation of blood or sap. circum- comb. form round, about, around, used: 1 adverbially (circumambient; circumfuse). 2 prepositionally (circumlunar; circumocular). [from or after L circum prep. = round, about] circumambient adj. (esp. of air or another fluid) surrounding. ЬЬcircumambience n. circumambiency n. circumambulate v.tr. & intr. formal walk round or about. ЬЬcircumambulation n. circumambulatory adj. [CIRCUM- + ambulate f. L ambulare walk] circumcircle n. Geom. a circle touching all the vertices of a triangle or polygon. circumcise v.tr. 1 cut off the foreskin, as a Jewish or Muslim rite or a surgical operation. 2 cut off the clitoris (and sometimes the labia), usu. as a religious rite. 3 Bibl. purify (the heart etc.). [ME f. OF f. L circumcidere circumcis- (as CIRCUM-, caedere cut)] circumcision n. 1 the act or rite of circumcising or being circumcised. 2 (Circumcision) Eccl. the feast of the Circumcision of Christ, 1 Jan. [ME f. OF circoncision f. LL circumcisio - onis (as CIRCUMCISE)] circumference n. 1 the enclosing boundary, esp. of a circle or other figure enclosed by a curve. 2 the distance round. ЬЬcircumferential adj. circumferentially adv. [ME f. OF circonference f. L circumferentia (as CIRCUM-, ferre bear)] circumflex n. & adj. --n. (in full circumflex accent) a mark. placed over a vowel in some languages to indicate a contraction, length, or a special quality. --adj. Anat. curved, bending round something else (circumflex nerve). [L circumflexus (as CIRCUM-, flectere flex- bend), transl. of Gk perispomenos drawn around] circumfluent adj. flowing round, surrounding. ЬЬcircumfluence n. [L circumfluere (as CIRCUM-, fluere flow)] circumfuse v.tr. pour round or about. [CIRCUM- + L fundere fus- pour] circumjacent adj. situated around. [L circumjacere (as CIRCUM-, jaceo lie)] circumlocution n. 1 a a roundabout expression. b evasive talk. 2 the use of many words where fewer would do; verbosity. ЬЬcircumlocutional adj. circumlocutionary adj. circumlocutionist n. circumlocutory adj. [ME f. F circumlocution or L circumlocutio (as CIRCUM-, LOCUTION), transl. of Gk PERIPHRASIS] circumlunar adj. moving or situated around the moon. circumnavigate v.tr. sail round (esp. the world). ЬЬcircumnavigation n. circumnavigator n. [L circumnavigare (as CIRCUM-, NAVIGATE)] circumpolar adj. 1 Geog. around or near one of the earth's poles. 2 Astron. (of a star or motion etc.) above the horizon at all times in a given latitude. circumscribe v.tr. 1 (of a line etc.) enclose or outline. 2 lay down the limits of; confine, restrict. 3 Geom. draw (a figure) round another, touching it at points but not cutting it (cf. INSCRIBE). ЬЬcircumscribable adj. circumscriber n. circumscription n. [L circumscribere (as CIRCUM-, scribere script- write)] circumsolar adj. moving or situated around or near the sun. circumspect adj. wary, cautious; taking everything into account. ЬЬcircumspection n. circumspectly adv. [ME f. L circumspicere circumspect- (as CIRCUM-, specere spect- look)] circumstance n. 1 a a fact, occurrence, or condition, esp. (in pl.) the time, place, manner, cause, occasion etc., or surroundings of an act or event. b (in pl.) the external conditions that affect or might affect an action. 2 (often foll. by that + clause) an incident, occurrence, or fact, as needing consideration (the circumstance that he left early). 3 (in pl.) one's state of financial or material welfare (in reduced circumstances). 4 ceremony, fuss (pomp and circumstance). 5 full detail in a narrative (told it with much circumstance). Ьin (or under) the (or these) circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. in (or under) no circumstances not at all; never. ЬЬcircumstanced adj. [ME f. OF circonstance or L circumstantia (as CIRCUM-, stantia f. sto stand)] circumstantial adj. 1 given in full detail (a circumstantial account). 2 (of evidence, a legal case, etc.) tending to establish a conclusion by inference from known facts hard to explain otherwise. 3 a depending on circumstances. b adventitious, incidental. ЬЬcircumstantiality n. circumstantially adv. [L circumstantia: see CIRCUMSTANCE] circumterrestrial adj. moving or situated around the earth. circumvallate v.tr. surround with or as with a rampart. [L circumvallare circumvallat- (as CIRCUM-, vallare f. vallum rampart)] circumvent v.tr. 1 a evade (a difficulty); find a way round. b baffle, outwit. 2 entrap (an enemy) by surrounding. ЬЬcircumvention n. [L circumvenire circumvent- (as CIRCUM-, venire come)] circumvolution n. 1 rotation. 2 the winding of one thing round another. 3 a sinuous movement. [ME f. L circumvolvere circumvolut- (as CIRCUM-, volvere roll)] circus n. (pl. circuses) 1 a travelling show of performing animals, acrobats, clowns, etc. 2 colloq. a a scene of lively action; a disturbance. b a group of people in a common activity, esp. sport. 3 Brit. an open space in a town, where several streets converge (Piccadilly Circus). 4 a circular hollow surrounded by hills. 5 Rom. Antiq. a a rounded or oval arena with tiers of seats, for equestrian and other sports and games. b a performance given there (bread and circuses). [L, = ring] cir‚ n. & adj. --n. a fabric with a smooth shiny surface obtained esp. by waxing and heating. --adj. having such a surface. [F, = waxed] cire perdue n. a method of bronze-casting using a clay core and a wax coating placed in a mould: the wax is melted in the mould and bronze poured into the space left, producing a hollow bronze figure when the core is discarded. [F, = lost wax] cirque n. 1 Geol. a deep bowl-shaped hollow at the head of a valley or on a mountainside. 2 poet. a a ring. b an amphitheatre or arena. [F f. L CIRCUS] cirrhosis n. a chronic disease of the liver marked by the degeneration of cells and the thickening of surrounding tissues, as a result of alcoholism, hepatitis, etc. ЬЬcirrhotic adj. [mod.L f. Gk kirrhos tawny] cirriped n. (also cirripede) any marine crustacean of the class Cirripedia, having a valved shell and usu. sessile when adult, e.g. a barnacle. [mod.L Cirripedia f. L cirrus curl (from the form of the legs) + pes pedis foot] cirro- comb. form cirrus (cloud). cirrus n. (pl. cirri) 1 Meteorol. a form of white wispy cloud, esp. at high altitude. 2 Bot. a tendril. 3 Zool. a long slender appendage or filament. ЬЬcirrose adj. cirrous adj. [L, = curl] cis- prefix (opp. TRANS- or ULTRA-). 1 on this side of; on the side nearer to the speaker or writer (cisatlantic). 2 Rom. Antiq. on the Roman side of (cisalpine). 3 (of time) closer to the present (cis-Elizabethan). 4 Chem. (of an isomer) having two atoms or groups on the same side of a given plane in the molecule. [L cis on this side of] cisalpine adj. on the southern side of the Alps. cisatlantic adj. on this side of the Atlantic. cisco n. (pl. -oes) any of various freshwater whitefish of the genus Coregonus, native to N. America. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] cislunar adj. between the earth and the moon. cispontine adj. on the north side of the Thames in London. [CIS- (orig. the better-known side) + L pons pont- bridge] cissy var. of SISSY. cist(1) n. (also kist) Archaeol. a coffin or burial-chamber made from stone or a hollowed tree. [Welsh, = CHEST] cist(2) n. Gk Antiq. a box used for sacred utensils. [L cista f. Gk kiste box] Cistercian n. & adj. --n. a monk or nun of an order founded in 1098 as a stricter branch of the Benedictines. --adj. of the Cistercians. [F cistercien f. L Cistercium CЊteaux near Dijon in France, where the order was founded] cistern n. 1 a tank for storing water, esp. one in a roof-space supplying taps or as part of a flushing lavatory. 2 an underground reservoir for rainwater. [ME f. OF cisterne f. L cisterna (as CIST(2))] cistus n. any shrub of the genus Cistus, with large white or red flowers. Also called rock rose. [mod.L f. Gk kistos] citadel n. 1 a fortress, usu. on high ground protecting or dominating a city. 2 a meeting-hall of the Salvation Army. [F citadelle or It. citadella, ult. f. L civitas -tatis city] citation n. 1 the citing of a book or other source; a passage cited. 2 a mention in an official dispatch. 3 a note accompanying an award, describing the reasons for it. cite v.tr. 1 adduce as an instance. 2 quote (a passage, book, or author) in support of an argument etc. 3 mention in an official dispatch. 4 summon to appear in a lawcourt. ЬЬcitable adj. [ME f. F f. L citare f. ciere set moving] citified adj. (also cityfied) usu. derog. city-like or urban in appearance or behaviour. citizen n. 1 a member of a State or Commonwealth, either native or naturalized (British citizen). 2 (usu. foll. by of) a an inhabitant of a city. b a freeman of a city. 3 US a civilian. Ьcitizen of the world a person who is at home anywhere; a cosmopolitan. Citizens' Advice Bureau (in the UK) an office at which the public can receive free advice and information on civil matters. citizen's arrest an arrest by an ordinary person without a warrant, allowable in certain cases. citizen's band a system of local intercommunication by individuals on special radio frequencies. ЬЬcitizenhood n. citizenry n. citizenship n. [ME f. AF citesein, OF citeain ult. f. L civitas -tatis city: cf. DENIZEN] citole n. a small cittern. [ME f. OF: rel. to CITTERN with dimin. suffix] citric adj. derived from citrus fruit. Ьcitric acid a sharp-tasting water-soluble organic acid found in the juice of lemons and other sour fruits. ЬЬcitrate n. [F citrique f. L citrus citron] citrin n. a group of substances occurring mainly in citrus fruits and blackcurrants, and formerly thought to be a vitamin. Also called BIOFLAVONOID. citrine adj. & n. --adj. lemon-coloured. --n. a transparent yellow variety of quartz. Also called false topaz. [ME f. OF citrin (as CITRUS)] citron n. 1 a shrubby tree, Citrus medica, bearing large lemon-like fruits with thick fragrant peel. 2 this fruit. [F f. L CITRUS, after limon lemon] citronella n. 1 any fragrant grass of the genus Cymbopogon, native to S. Asia. 2 the scented oil from these, used in insect repellent, and perfume and soap manufacture. [mod.L, formed as CITRON + dimin. suffix] citrus n. 1 any tree of the genus Citrus, including citron, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. 2 (in full citrus fruit) a fruit from such a tree. ЬЬcitrous adj. [L, = citron-tree or thuja] cittern n. hist. a wire-stringed lutelike instrument usu. played with a plectrum. [L cithara, Gk kithara a kind of harp, assim. to GITTERN] city n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a large town. b Brit. (strictly) a town created a city by charter and containing a cathedral. c US a municipal corporation occupying a definite area. 2 (the City) a the part of London governed by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation. b the business part of this. c commercial circles; high finance. 3 (attrib.) of a city or the City. ЬCity Company a corporation descended from an ancient trade-guild. city desk a department of a newspaper dealing with business news or US with local news. City editor 1 the editor dealing with financial news in a newspaper or magazine. 2 (city editor) US the editor dealing with local news. city father (usu. in pl.) a person concerned with or experienced in the administration of a city. city hall US municipal offices or officers. city manager US an official directing the administration of a city. city page Brit. the part of a newspaper or magazine dealing with the financial and business news. city slicker usu. derog. 1 a smart and sophisticated city-dweller. 2 a plausible rogue as found in cities. city-state esp. hist. a city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state. ЬЬcityward adj. & adv. citywards adv. [ME f. OF cit‚ f. L civitas -tatis f. civis citizen] cityfied var. of CITIFIED. cityscape n. 1 a view of a city (actual or depicted). 2 city scenery. civet n. 1 (in full civet-cat) any catlike animal of the mongoose family, esp. Civettictis civetta of Central Africa, having well developed anal scent glands. 2 a strong musky perfume obtained from the secretions of these scent glands. [F civette f. It. zibetto f. med.L zibethum f. Arab. azzabad f. al the + zabad this perfume] civic adj. 1 of a city; municipal. 2 of or proper to citizens (civic virtues). 3 of citizenship, civil. Ьcivic centre Brit. the area where municipal offices and other public buildings are situated; the buildings themselves. ЬЬcivically adv. [F civique or L civicus f. civis citizen] civics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) the study of the rights and duties of citizenship. civil adj. 1 of or belonging to citizens. 2 of ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or naval or ecclesiastical matters. 3 polite, obliging, not rude. 4 Law relating to civil law (see below), not criminal or political matters (civil court; civil lawyer). 5 (of the length of a day, year, etc.) fixed by custom or law, not natural or astronomical. Ьcivil aviation non-military, esp. commercial aviation. civil commotion a riot or similar disturbance. civil defence the organization and training of civilians for the protection of lives and property during and after attacks in wartime. civil disobedience the refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes etc. as a peaceful form of political protest. civil engineer an engineer who designs or maintains roads, bridges, dams, etc. civil engineering this work. civil law 1 law concerning private rights (opp. criminal law). 2 hist. Roman or non-ecclesiastical law. civil libertarian an advocate of increased civil liberty. civil liberty (often in pl.) freedom of action and speech subject to the law. civil list (in the UK) an annual allowance voted by Parliament for the royal family's household expenses. civil marriage a marriage solemnized as a civil contract without religious ceremony. civil rights the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. civil servant a member of the civil service. civil service the permanent professional branches of State administration, excluding military and judicial branches and elected politicians. civil state being single or married or divorced etc. civil war a war between citizens of the same country. civil year see YEAR 2. ЬЬcivilly adv. [ME f. OF f. L civilis f. civis citizen] civilian n. & adj. --n. a person not in the armed services or the police force. --adj. of or for civilians. civilianize v.tr. (also -ise) make civilian in character or function. ЬЬcivilianization n. civility n. (pl. -ies) 1 politeness. 2 an act of politeness. [ME f. OF civilit‚ f. L civilitas -tatis (as CIVIL)] civilization n. (also -isation) 1 an advanced stage or system of social development. 2 those peoples of the world regarded as having this. 3 a people or nation (esp. of the past) regarded as an element of social evolution (ancient civilizations; the Inca civilization). 4 making or becoming civilized. civilize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 bring out of a barbarous or primitive stage of society. 2 enlighten; refine and educate. ЬЬcivilizable adj. civilizer n. [F civiliser (as CIVIL)] civvies n.pl. sl. civilian clothes. [abbr.] Civvy Street n. sl. civilian life. [abbr.] 11.0 CJ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CJ abbr. Chief Justice. 12.0 Cl... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Cl symb. Chem. the element chlorine. cl abbr. 1 centilitre(s). 2 class. clack v. & n. --v.intr. 1 make a sharp sound as of boards struck together. 2 chatter, esp. loudly. --n. 1 a clacking sound. 2 clacking talk. ЬЬclacker n. [ME, = to chatter, prob. f. ON klaka, of imit. orig.] clad(1) adj. 1 clothed. 2 provided with cladding. [past part. of CLOTHE] clad(2) v.tr. (cladding; past and past part. cladded or clad) provide with cladding. [app. f. CLAD(1)] cladding n. a covering or coating on a structure or material etc. clade n. Biol. a group of organisms evolved from a common ancestor. [Gk klados branch] cladistics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) Biol. a method of classification of animals and plants on the basis of shared characteristics, which are assumed to indicate common ancestry. ЬЬcladism n. [as CLADE + -IST + -ICS] cladode n. a flattened leaflike stem. [Gk kladodes many-shooted f. klados shoot] claim v. & n. --v.tr. 1 a (often foll. by that + clause) demand as one's due or property. b (usu. absol.) submit a request for payment under an insurance policy. 2 a represent oneself as having or achieving (claim victory; claim accuracy). b (foll. by to + infin.) profess (claimed to be the owner). c assert, contend (claim that one knows). 3 have as an achievement or a consequence (could then claim five wins; the fire claimed many victims). 4 (of a thing) deserve (one's attention etc.). --n. 1 a a demand or request for something considered one's due (lay claim to; put in a claim). b an application for compensation under the terms of an insurance policy. 2 (foll. by to, on) a right or title to a thing (his only claim to fame; have many claims on my time). 3 a contention or assertion. 4 a thing claimed. 5 a statement of the novel features in a patent. 6 Mining a piece of land allotted or taken. Ьno claim (or claims) bonus a reduction of an insurance premium after an agreed period without a claim under the terms of the policy. ЬЬclaimable adj. claimer n. [ME f. OF claime f. clamer call out f. L clamare] claimant n. a person making a claim, esp. in a lawsuit or for a State benefit. clairaudience n. the supposed faculty of perceiving, as if by hearing, what is inaudible. ЬЬclairaudient adj. & n. [F clair CLEAR, + AUDIENCE, after CLAIRVOYANCE] clairvoyance n. 1 the supposed faculty of perceiving things or events in the future or beyond normal sensual contact. 2 exceptional insight. [F clairvoyance f. clair CLEAR + voir voy- see] clairvoyant n. & adj. --n. (fem. clairvoyante) a person having clairvoyance. --adj. having clairvoyance. ЬЬclairvoyantly adv. clam n. & v. --n. 1 any bivalve mollusc, esp. the edible N. American hard or round clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) or the soft or long clam (Mya arenaria). 2 colloq. a shy or withdrawn person. --v.intr. (clammed, clamming) 1 dig for clams. 2 (foll. by up) colloq. refuse to talk. [16th c.: app. f. clam a clamp] clamant adj. literary noisy; insistent, urgent. ЬЬclamantly adv. [L clamare clamant- cry out] clamber v. & n. --v.intr. climb with hands and feet, esp. with difficulty or laboriously. --n. a difficult climb. [ME, prob. f. clamb, obs. past tense of CLIMB] clammy adj. (clammier, clammiest) 1 unpleasantly damp and sticky or slimy. 2 (of weather) cold and damp. ЬЬclammily adv. clamminess n. [ME f. clam to daub] clamour n. & v. (US clamor) --n. 1 loud or vehement shouting or noise. 2 a protest or complaint; an appeal or demand. --v. 1 intr. make a clamour. 2 tr. utter with a clamour. ЬЬclamorous adj. clamorously adv. clamorousness n. [ME f. OF f. L clamor -oris f. clamare cry out] clamp(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a device, esp. a brace or band of iron etc., for strengthening other materials or holding things together. 2 a device for immobilizing an illegally parked car. --v.tr. 1 strengthen or fasten with a clamp. 2 place or hold firmly. 3 immobilize (an illegally parked car) by fixing a clamp to one of its wheels. Ьclamp down 1 (often foll. by on) be rigid in enforcing a rule etc. 2 (foll. by on) try to suppress. clamp-down n. severe restriction or suppression. [ME prob. f. MDu., MLG klamp(e)] clamp(2) n. 1 a heap of potatoes or other root vegetables stored under straw or earth. 2 a pile of bricks for burning. 3 a pile of turf or peat or garden rubbish etc. [16th c.: prob. f. Du. klamp heap (in sense 2 related to CLUMP)] clan n. 1 a group of people with a common ancestor, esp. in the Scottish Highlands. 2 a large family as a social group. 3 a group with a strong common interest. 4 a a genus, species, or class. b a family or group of animals, e.g. elephants. [ME f. Gael. clann f. L planta sprout] clandestine adj. surreptitious, secret. ЬЬclandestinely adv. clandestinity n. [F clandestin or L clandestinus f. clam secretly] clang n. & v. --n. a loud resonant metallic sound as of a bell or hammer etc. --v. 1 intr. make a clang. 2 tr. cause to clang. [imit.: infl. by L clangere resound] clanger n. sl. a mistake or blunder. Ьdrop a clanger commit a conspicuous indiscretion. clangour n. (US clangor) 1 a prolonged or repeated clanging noise. 2 an uproar or commotion. ЬЬclangorous adj. clangorously adv. [L clangor noise of trumpets etc.] clank n. & v. --n. a sound as of heavy pieces of metal meeting or a chain rattling. --v. 1 intr. make a clanking sound. 2 tr. cause to clank. ЬЬclankingly adv. [imit.: cf. CLANG, CLINK(1), Du. klank] clannish adj. usu. derog. 1 (of a family or group) tending to hold together. 2 of or like a clan. ЬЬclannishly adv. clannishness n. clanship n. 1 a patriarchal system of clans. 2 loyalty to one's clan. clansman n. (pl. -men; fem. clanswoman, pl. -women) a member or fellow-member of a clan. clap(1) v. & n. --v. (clapped, clapping) 1 a intr. strike the palms of one's hands together as a signal or repeatedly as applause. b tr. strike (the hands) together in this way. 2 tr. applaud or show one's approval of (esp. a person) in this way. 3 tr. (of a bird) flap (its wings) audibly. 4 tr. put or place quickly or with determination (clapped him in prison; clap a tax on whisky). --n. 1 the act of clapping, esp. as applause. 2 an explosive sound, esp. of thunder. 3 a slap, a pat. Ьclap eyes on colloq. see. clap on the back = slap on the back. clapped out Brit. sl. worn out (esp. of machinery etc.); exhausted. [OE clappian throb, beat, of imit. orig.] clap(2) n. coarse sl. venereal disease, esp. gonorrhoea. [OF clapoir venereal bubo] clapboard n. US = WEATHERBOARD. [Anglicized f. LG klappholt cask-stave] clapper n. the tongue or striker of a bell. Ьlike the clappers Brit. sl. very fast or hard. clapperboard n. Cinematog. a device of hinged boards struck together to synchronize the starting of picture and sound machinery in filming. claptrap n. 1 insincere or pretentious talk, nonsense. 2 language used or feelings expressed only to gain applause. [CLAP(1) + TRAP(1)] claque n. a group of people hired to applaud in a theatre etc. [F f. claquer to clap] claqueur n. a member of a claque. [F (as CLAQUE)] clarabella n. an organ-stop of flute quality. [fem. forms of L clarus clear and bellus pretty] clarence n. hist. a four-wheeled closed carriage with seats for four inside and two on the box. [Duke of Clarence, afterwards William IV] Clarenceux n. Heraldry (in the UK) the title given to the second King of Arms, with jurisdiction south of the Trent (cf. NORROY, King of Arms). [ME f. AF f. Duke of Clarence f. Clare in Suffolk] claret n. & adj. --n. 1 red wine, esp. from Bordeaux. 2 a deep purplish-red. 3 archaic sl. blood. --adj. claret-coloured. [ME f. OF (vin) claret f. med.L claratum (vinum) f. L clarus clear] clarify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. & intr. make or become clearer. 2 tr. a free (liquid, butter, etc.) from impurities. b make transparent. c purify. ЬЬclarification n. clarificatory n. clarifier n. [ME f. OF clarifier f. L clarus clear] clarinet n. 1 a a woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece, a cylindrical tube with a flared end, holes, and keys. b its player. 2 an organ-stop with a quality resembling a clarinet. ЬЬclarinettist n. (US clarinetist). [F clarinette, dimin. of clarine a kind of bell] clarion n. & adj. --n. 1 a clear rousing sound. 2 hist. a shrill narrow-tubed war trumpet. 3 an organ-stop with the quality of a clarion. --adj. clear and loud. [ME f. med.L clario -onis f. L clarus clear] clarity n. the state or quality of being clear, esp. of sound or expression. [ME f. L claritas f. clarus clear] clarkia n. any plant of the genus Clarkia, with showy white, pink, or purple flowers. [mod.L f. W. Clark, US explorer d. 1838] clary n. (pl. -ies) any of various aromatic herbs of the genus Salvia. [ME f. obs. F clarie repr. med.L sclarea] clash n. & v. --n. 1 a a loud jarring sound as of metal objects being struck together. b a collision, esp. with force. 2 a a conflict or disagreement. b a discord of colours etc. --v. 1 a intr. make a clashing sound. b tr. cause to clash. 2 intr. collide; coincide awkwardly. 3 intr. (often foll. by with) a come into conflict or be at variance. b (of colours) be discordant. ЬЬclasher n. [imit.: cf. clack, clang, crack, crash] clasp n. & v. --n. 1 a a device with interlocking parts for fastening. b a buckle or brooch. c a metal fastening on a book-cover. 2 a an embrace; a person's reach. b a grasp or handshake. 3 a bar of silver on a medal-ribbon with the name of the battle etc. at which the wearer was present. --v. 1 tr. fasten with or as with a clasp. 2 tr. a grasp, hold closely. b embrace, encircle. 3 intr. fasten a clasp. Ьclasp hands shake hands with fervour or affection. clasp one's hands interlace one's fingers. clasp-knife a folding knife, usu. with a catch holding the blade when open. ЬЬclasper n. [ME: orig. unkn.] clasper n. (in pl.) the appendages of some male fish and insects used to hold the female in copulation. class n. & v. --n. 1 any set of persons or things grouped together, or graded or differentiated from others esp. by quality (first class; economy class). 2 a a division or order of society (upper class; professional classes). b a caste system, a system of social classes. c (the classes) archaic the rich or educated. 3 colloq. distinction or high quality in appearance, behaviour, etc.; stylishness. 4 a a group of students or pupils taught together. b the occasion when they meet. c their course of instruction. 5 US all the college or school students of the same standing or graduating in a given year (the class of 1990). 6 (in conscripted armies) all the recruits of a given year (the 1950 class). 7 Brit. a division of candidates according to merit in an examination. 8 Biol. a grouping of organisms, the next major rank below a division or phylum. --v.tr. assign to a class or category. Ьclass-conscious aware of and reacting to social divisions or one's place in a system of social class. class-consciousness this awareness. class-list Brit. a list of candidates in an examination with the class achieved by each. class war conflict between social classes. in a class of (or on) its (or one's) own unequalled. no class colloq. lacking quality or distinction. [L classis assembly] classic adj. & n. --adj. 1 a of the first class; of acknowledged excellence. b remarkably typical; outstandingly important (a classic case). 2 a of ancient Greek and Latin literature, art, or culture. b (of style in art, music, etc.) simple, harmonious, well-proportioned; in accordance with established forms (cf. ROMANTIC). 3 having literary or historic associations (classic ground). 4 (of clothes) made in a simple elegant style not much affected by changes in fashion. --n. 1 a classic writer, artist, work, or example. 2 a an ancient Greek or Latin writer. b (in pl.) the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature and history. c archaic a scholar of ancient Greek and Latin. 3 a follower of classic models (cf. ROMANTIC). 4 a garment in classic style. 5 (in pl.) Brit. the classic races. Ьclassic races Brit. the five main flat races, namely the Two Thousand and the One Thousand Guineas, the Derby, the Oaks, and the St Leger. [F classique or L classicus f. classis class] classical adj. 1 a of ancient Greek or Latin literature or art. b (of language) having the form used by the ancient standard authors (classical Latin; classical Hebrew). c based on the study of ancient Greek and Latin (a classical education). d learned in classical studies. 2 a (of music) serious or conventional; following traditional principles and intended to be of permanent rather than ephemeral value (cf. POPULAR, LIGHT). b of the period from c.1750-1800 (cf. ROMANTIC). 3 a in or following the restrained style of classical antiquity (cf. ROMANTIC). b in or relating to a long-established style. 4 Physics relating to the concepts which preceded relativity and quantum theory. ЬЬclassicalism n. classicalist n. classicality n. classically adv. [L classicus (as CLASSIC)] classicism n. 1 the following of a classic style. 2 a classical scholarship. b the advocacy of a classical education. 3 an ancient Greek or Latin idiom. ЬЬclassicist n. classicize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. make classic. 2 intr. imitate a classical style. classified adj. 1 arranged in classes or categories. 2 (of information etc.) designated as officially secret. 3 Brit. (of a road) assigned to a category according to its importance. 4 Brit. (of newspaper advertisements) arranged in columns according to various categories. classify v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 a arrange in classes or categories. b assign (a thing) to a class or category. 2 designate as officially secret or not for general disclosure. ЬЬclassifiable adj. classification n. classificatory adj. classifier n. [back-form. f. classification f. F (as CLASS)] classless adj. making or showing no distinction of classes (classless society; classless accent). ЬЬclasslessness n. classmate n. a fellow-member of a class, esp. at school. classroom n. a room in which a class of students is taught, esp. in a school. classy adj. (classier, classiest) colloq. superior, stylish. ЬЬclassily adv. classiness n. clastic adj. Geol. composed of broken pieces of older rocks. Ьclastic rocks conglomerates, sandstones, etc. [F clastique f. Gk klastos broken in pieces] clathrate n. Chem. a solid in which one component is enclosed in the structure of another. [L clathratus f. clathri lattice-bars f. Gk klethra] clatter n. & v. --n. 1 a rattling sound as of many hard objects struck together. 2 noisy talk. --v. 1 intr. a make a clatter. b fall or move etc. with a clatter. 2 tr. cause (plates etc.) to clatter. [OE, of imit. orig.] claudication n. Med. a cramping pain, esp. in the leg, caused by arterial obstruction; limping. [L claudicare limp f. claudus lame] clause n. 1 Gram. a distinct part of a sentence, including a subject and predicate. 2 a single statement in a treaty, law, bill, or contract. ЬЬclausal adj. [ME f. OF f. L clausula conclusion f. claudere claus- shut] claustral adj. 1 of or associated with the cloister; monastic. 2 narrow-minded. [ME f. LL claustralis f. claustrum CLOISTER] claustrophobia n. an abnormal fear of confined places. ЬЬclaustrophobe n. [mod.L f. L claustrum: see CLOISTER] claustrophobic adj. 1 suffering from claustrophobia. 2 inducing claustrophobia. ЬЬclaustrophobically adv. clavate adj. Bot. club-shaped. [mod.L clavatus f. L clava club] clave(1) n. Mus. a hardwood stick used in pairs to make a hollow sound when struck together. [Amer. Sp. f. Sp., = keystone, f. L clavis key] clave(2) past of CLEAVE(2). clavicembalo n. (pl. -os) a harpsichord. [It.] clavichord n. a small keyboard instrument with a very soft tone. [ME f. med.L clavichordium f. L clavis key, chorda string: see CHORD(2)] clavicle n. the collar-bone. ЬЬclavicular adj. [L clavicula dimin. of clavis key (from its shape)] clavier n. Mus. 1 any keyboard instrument. 2 its keyboard. [F clavier or G Klavier f. med.L claviarius, orig. = key-bearer, f. L clavis key] claviform adj. club-shaped. [L clava club] claw n. & v. --n. 1 a a pointed horny nail on an animal's or bird's foot. b a foot armed with claws. 2 the pincers of a shellfish. 3 a device for grappling, holding, etc. --v. 1 tr. & intr. scratch, maul, or pull (a person or thing) with claws. 2 tr. & intr. Sc. scratch gently. 3 intr. Naut. beat to windward. Ьclaw back 1 regain laboriously or gradually. 2 recover (money paid out) from another source (e.g. taxation). claw-back n. 1 the act of clawing back. 2 money recovered in this way. claw-hammer a hammer with one side of the head forked for extracting nails. ЬЬclawed adj. (also in comb.). clawer n. clawless adj. [OE clawu, clawian] clay n. 1 a stiff sticky earth, used for making bricks, pottery, ceramics, etc. 2 poet. the substance of the human body. 3 (in full clay pipe) a tobacco-pipe made of clay. Ьclay-pan Austral. a natural hollow in clay soil, retaining water after rain. clay pigeon a breakable disc thrown up from a trap as a target for shooting. ЬЬclayey adj. clayish adj. claylike adj. [OE cl‘g f. WG] claymore n. 1 hist. a a Scottish two-edged broadsword. b a broadsword, often with a single edge, having a hilt with a basketwork design. 2 US a type of anti-personnel mine. [Gael. claidheamh mўr great sword] -cle suffix forming (orig. diminutive) nouns (article; particle). [as -CULE] clean adj., adv., v., & n. --adj. 1 (often foll. by of) free from dirt or contaminating matter, unsoiled. 2 clear; unused or unpolluted; preserving what is regarded as the original state (clean air; clean page). 3 free from obscenity or indecency. 4 a attentive to personal hygiene and cleanliness. b (of children and animals) toilet-trained or house-trained. 5 complete, clear-cut, unobstructed, even. 6 a (of a ship, aircraft, or car) streamlined, smooth. b well-formed, slender and shapely (clean-limbed; the car has clean lines). 7 adroit, skilful (clean fielding). 8 (of a nuclear weapon) producing relatively little fallout. 9 a free from ceremonial defilement or from disease. b (of food) not prohibited. 10 a free from any record of a crime, offence, etc. (a clean driving-licence). b sl. free from suspicion; not carrying incriminating material. 11 (of a taste, smell, etc.) sharp, fresh, distinctive. 12 (of timber) free from knots. --adv. 1 completely, outright, simply (clean bowled; cut clean through; clean forgot). 2 in a clean manner. --v. 1 tr. (also foll. by of) & intr. make or become clean. 2 tr. eat all the food on (one's plate). 3 tr. Cookery remove the innards of (fish or fowl). 4 intr. make oneself clean. --n. the act or process of cleaning or being cleaned (give it a clean). Ьclean bill of health see BILL(1). clean break a quick and final separation. clean-cut sharply outlined. clean down clean by brushing or wiping. clean hands freedom from guilt. clean-living of upright character. clean out 1 clean thoroughly. 2 sl. empty or deprive (esp. of money). clean-shaven without beard, whiskers, moustache. clean sheet (or slate) freedom from commitments or imputations; the removal of these from one's record. clean up 1 a clear (a mess) away. b (also absol.) put (things) tidy. c make (oneself) clean. 2 restore order or morality to. 3 sl. a acquire as gain or profit. b make a gain or profit. clean-up n. an act of cleaning up. come clean colloq. own up; confess everything. make a clean breast of see BREAST. make a clean job of colloq. do thoroughly. make a clean sweep of see SWEEP. ЬЬcleanable adj. cleanish adj. cleanness n. [OE cl‘ne (adj. & adv.), clene (adv.), f. WG] cleaner n. 1 a person employed to clean the interior of a building. 2 (usu. in pl.) a commercial establishment for cleaning clothes. 3 a device or substance for cleaning. Ьtake to the cleaners sl. 1 defraud or rob (a person) of all his or her money. 2 criticize severely. cleanly(1) adv. 1 in a clean way. 2 efficiently; without difficulty. [OE cl‘nlice: see CLEAN, -LY(2)] cleanly(2) adj. (cleanlier, cleanliest) habitually clean; with clean habits. ЬЬcleanlily adv. cleanliness n. [OE cl‘nlic: see CLEAN, -LY(1)] cleanse v.tr. 1 usu. formal. make clean. 2 (often foll. by of) purify from sin or guilt. 3 archaic cure (a leper etc.). Ьcleansing cream cream for removing unwanted matter from the face, hands, etc. cleansing department Brit. a local service of refuse collection etc. ЬЬcleanser n. [OE cl‘nsian (see CLEAN)] cleanskin n. Austral. 1 an unbranded animal. 2 sl. a person free from blame, without a police record, etc. clear adj., adv., & v. --adj. 1 free from dirt or contamination. 2 (of weather, the sky, etc.) not dull or cloudy. 3 a transparent. b lustrous, shining; free from obscurity. 4 (of soup) not containing solid ingredients. 5 (of a fire) burning with little smoke. 6 a distinct, easily perceived by the senses. b unambiguous, easily understood (make a thing clear; make oneself clear). c manifest; not confused or doubtful (clear evidence). 7 that discerns or is able to discern readily and accurately (clear thinking; clear-sighted). 8 (usu. foll. by about, on, or that + clause) confident, convinced, certain. 9 (of a conscience) free from guilt. 10 (of a road etc.) unobstructed, open. 11 a net, without deduction (a clear њ1000). b complete (three clear days). 12 (often foll. by of) free, unhampered; unencumbered by debt, commitments, etc. 13 (foll. by of) not obstructed by. --adv. 1 clearly (speak loud and clear). 2 completely (he got clear away). 3 apart, out of contact (keep clear; stand clear of the doors). 4 (foll. by to) US all the way. --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become clear. 2 a tr. (often foll. by of) free from prohibition or obstruction. b tr. & intr. make or become empty or unobstructed. c tr. free (land) for cultivation or building by cutting down trees etc. d tr. cause people to leave (a room etc.). 3 tr. (often foll. by of) show or declare (a person) to be innocent (cleared them of complicity). 4 tr. approve (a person) for special duty, access to information, etc. 5 tr. pass over or by safely or without touching, esp. by jumping. 6 tr. make (an amount of money) as a net gain or to balance expenses. 7 tr. pass (a cheque) through a clearing-house. 8 tr. pass through (a customs office etc.). 9 tr. remove (an obstruction, an unwanted object, etc.) (clear them out of the way). 10 tr. (also absol.) Football send (the ball) out of one's defensive zone. 11 intr. (often foll. by away, up) (of physical phenomena) disappear, gradually diminish (mist cleared by lunchtime; my cold has cleared up). 12 tr. (often foll. by off) discharge (a debt). Ьclear the air 1 make the air less sultry. 2 disperse an atmosphere of suspicion, tension, etc. clear away 1 remove completely. 2 remove the remains of a meal from the table. clear-cut sharply defined. clear the decks prepare for action, esp. fighting. clear off 1 get rid of. 2 colloq. go away. clear out 1 empty. 2 remove. 3 colloq. go away. clear one's throat cough slightly to make one's voice clear. clear up 1 tidy up. 2 solve (a mystery etc.). 3 (of weather) become fine. clear the way 1 remove obstacles. 2 stand aside. clear a thing with get approval or authorization for a thing from (a person). in clear not in cipher or code. in the clear free from suspicion or difficulty. out of a clear sky as a complete surprise. ЬЬclearable adj. clearer n. clearly adv. clearness n. [ME f. OF cler f. L clarus] clearance n. 1 the removal of obstructions etc., esp. removal of buildings, persons, etc., so as to clear land. 2 clear space allowed for the passing of two objects or two parts in machinery etc. 3 special authorization or permission (esp. for an aircraft to take off or land, or for access to information etc.). 4 a the clearing of a person, ship, etc., by customs. b a certificate showing this. 5 the clearing of cheques. 6 Football a kick sending the ball out of a defensive zone. 7 making clear. Ьclearance order an order for the demolition of buildings. clearance sale Brit. a sale to get rid of superfluous stock. clearcole n. & v. --n. a mixture of size and whiting or white lead, used as a primer for distemper. --v.tr. paint with clearcole. [F claire colle clear glue] clearing n. 1 in senses of CLEAR v. 2 an area in a forest cleared for cultivation. Ьclearing bank Brit. a bank which is a member of a clearing-house. clearing-house 1 a bankers' establishment where cheques and bills from member banks are exchanged, so that only the balances need be paid in cash. 2 an agency for collecting and distributing information etc. clearstory US var. of CLERESTORY. clearway n. Brit. a main road (other than a motorway) on which vehicles are not normally permitted to stop. cleat n. 1 a piece of metal, wood, etc., bolted on for fastening ropes to, or to strengthen woodwork etc. 2 a projecting piece on a spar, gangway, boot, etc., to give footing or prevent a rope from slipping. 3 a wedge. [OE: cf. CLOT] cleavage n. 1 the hollow between a woman's breasts, esp. as exposed by a low-cut garment. 2 a division or splitting. 3 the splitting of rocks, crystals, etc., in a preferred direction. cleave(1) v. (past clove or cleft or cleaved; past part. cloven or cleft or cleaved) literary 1 a tr. chop or break apart, split, esp. along the grain or the line of cleavage. b intr. come apart in this way. 2 tr. make one's way through (air or water). ЬЬcleavable adj. [OE cleofan f. Gmc] cleave(2) v.intr. (past cleaved or clave) (foll. by to) literary stick fast; adhere. [OE cleofian, clifian f. WG: cf. CLAY] cleaver n. 1 a tool for cleaving, esp. a heavy chopping tool used by butchers. 2 a person who cleaves. cleavers n. (also clivers) (treated as sing. or pl.) a plant, Galium aparine, having hooked bristles on its stem that catch on clothes etc. Also called GOOSEGRASS. [OE clife, formed as CLEAVE(2)] clef n. Mus. any of several symbols placed at the beginning of a staff, indicating the pitch of the notes written on it. [F f. L clavis key] cleft(1) adj. split, partly divided. Ьcleft palate a congenital split in the roof of the mouth. in a cleft stick in a difficult position, esp. one allowing neither retreat nor advance. [past part. of CLEAVE(1)] cleft(2) n. a split or fissure; a space or division made by cleaving. [OE (rel. to CLEAVE(1)): assim. to CLEFT(1)] cleg n. Brit. a horsefly. [ON kleggi] cleistogamic adj. Bot. (of a flower) permanently closed and self-fertilizing. [Gk kleistos closed + gamos marriage] clematis n. any erect or climbing plant of the genus Clematis, bearing white, pink, or purple flowers and feathery seeds, e.g. old man's beard. [L f. Gk klematis f. klema vine branch] clement adj. 1 mild (clement weather). 2 merciful. ЬЬclemency n. [ME f. L clemens -entis] clementine n. a small citrus fruit, thought to be a hybrid between a tangerine and sweet orange. [F cl‚mentine] clench v. & n. --v.tr. 1 close (the teeth or fingers) tightly. 2 grasp firmly. 3 = CLINCH v. 4. --n. 1 a clenching action. 2 a clenched state. [OE f. Gmc: cf. CLING] clepsydra n. an ancient time-measuring device worked by a flow of water. [L f. Gk klepsudra f. klepto steal + hudor water] clerestory n. (US clearstory) (pl. -ies) 1 an upper row of windows in a cathedral or large church, above the level of the aisle roofs. 2 US a raised section of the roof of a railway carriage, with windows or ventilators. [ME f. CLEAR + STOREY] clergy n. (pl. -ies) (usu. treated as pl.) 1 (usu. prec. by the) the body of all persons ordained for religious duties in the Christian churches. 2 a number of such persons (ten clergy were present). [ME, partly f. OF clerg‚ f. eccl.L clericatus, partly f. OF clergie f. clerc CLERK] clergyman n. (pl. -men) a member of the clergy, esp. of the Church of England. cleric n. a member of the clergy. [(orig. adj.) f. eccl.L f. Gk klerikos f. kleros lot, heritage, as in Acts 1:17] clerical adj. 1 of the clergy or clergymen. 2 of or done by a clerk or clerks. Ьclerical collar a stiff upright white collar fastening at the back, as worn by the clergy in some Churches. clerical error an error made in copying or writing out. ЬЬclericalism n. clericalist n. clerically adv. [eccl.L clericalis (as CLERIC)] clerihew n. a short comic or nonsensical verse, usu. in two rhyming couplets with lines of unequal length and referring to a famous person. [E. Clerihew Bentley, Engl. writer d. 1956, its inventor] clerk n. & v. --n. 1 a person employed in an office, bank, shop, etc., to keep records, accounts, etc. 2 a secretary, agent, or record-keeper of a local council (town clerk), court, etc. 3 a lay officer of a church (parish clerk), college chapel, etc. 4 a senior official in Parliament. 5 US an assistant in a shop or hotel. 6 archaic a clergyman. --v.intr. work as a clerk. Ьclerk in holy orders formal a clergyman. clerk of the course the judges' secretary etc. in horse or motor racing. clerk of the works (or of works) an overseer of building works etc. ЬЬclerkdom n. clerkess n. Sc. clerkish adj. clerkly adj. clerkship n. [OE cleric, clerc, & OF clerc, f. eccl.L clericus CLERIC] clever adj. (cleverer, cleverest) 1 skilful, talented; quick to understand and learn. 2 adroit, dextrous. 3 (of the doer or the thing done) ingenious, cunning. Ьclever Dick (or clogs etc.) colloq. a person who is or purports to be smart or knowing. not too clever Austral. colloq. unwell, indisposed. ЬЬcleverly adv. cleverness n. [ME, = adroit: perh. rel. to CLEAVE(2), with sense 'apt to seize'] clevis n. 1 a U-shaped piece of metal at the end of a beam for attaching tackle etc. 2 a connection in which a bolt holds one part that fits between the forked ends of another. [16th c.: rel. to CLEAVE(1)] clew n. & v. --n. 1 Naut. a a lower or after corner of a sail. b a set of small cords suspending a hammock. 2 archaic a a ball of thread or yarn, esp. with reference to the legend of Theseus and the labyrinth. b = CLUE. --v.tr. Naut. 1 (foll. by up) draw the lower ends of (a sail) to the upper yard or the mast ready for furling. 2 (foll. by down) let down (a sail) by the clews in unfurling. [OE cliwen, cleowen] clianthus n. any leguminous plant of the genus Clianthus, native to Australia and New Zealand, bearing drooping clusters of red pealike flowers. [mod.L, app. f. Gk klei-, kleos glory + anthos flower] clich‚ n. 1 a hackneyed phrase or opinion. 2 Brit. a metal casting of a stereotype or electrotype. [F f. clicher to stereotype] clich‚d adj. (also clich‚'d) hackneyed; full of clich‚s. click n. & v. --n. 1 a slight sharp sound as of a switch being operated. 2 a sharp non-vocal suction, used as a speech-sound in some languages. 3 a catch in machinery acting with a slight sharp sound. 4 (of a horse) an action causing a hind foot to touch the shoe of a fore foot. --v. 1 a intr. make a click. b tr. cause (one's tongue, heels, etc.) to click. 2 intr. colloq. a become clear or understandable (often prec. by it as subject : when I saw them it all clicked). b be successful, secure one's object. c (foll. by with) become friendly, esp. with a person of the opposite sex. d come to an agreement. Ьclick beetle any of a family of beetles (Elateridae) that make a click in recovering from being overturned. ЬЬclicker n. [imit.: cf. Du. klikken, F cliquer] client n. 1 a person using the services of a lawyer, architect, social worker, or other professional person. 2 a customer. 3 Rom.Hist. a plebeian under the protection of a patrician. 4 archaic a dependant or hanger-on. ЬЬclientship n. [ME f. L cliens -entis f. cluere hear, obey] clientele n. 1 clients collectively. 2 customers, esp. of a shop. 3 the patrons of a theatre etc. [L clientela clientship & F clientЉle] cliff n. a steep rock-face, esp. at the edge of the sea. Ьcliff-hanger a story etc. with a strong element of suspense; a suspenseful ending to an episode of a serial. cliff-hanging full of suspense. ЬЬclifflike adj. cliffy adj. [OE clif f. Gmc] climacteric n. & adj. --n. 1 Med. the period of life when fertility and sexual activity are in decline. 2 a supposed critical period in life (esp. occurring at intervals of seven years). --adj. 1 Med. occurring at the climacteric. 2 constituting a crisis; critical. [F climat‚rique or L climactericus f. Gk klimakterikos f. klimakter critical period f. klimax -akos ladder] climactic adj. of or forming a climax. ЬЬclimactically adv. [CLIMAX + -IC, perh. after SYNTACTIC or CLIMACTERIC] climate n. 1 the prevailing weather conditions of an area. 2 a region with particular weather conditions. 3 the prevailing trend of opinion or public feeling. ЬЬclimatic adj. climatical adj. climatically adv. [ME f. OF climat or LL clima climat- f. Gk klima f. klino slope] climatology n. the scientific study of climate. ЬЬclimatological adj. climatologist n. climax n. & v. --n. 1 the event or point of greatest intensity or interest; a culmination or apex. 2 a sexual orgasm. 3 Rhet. a a series arranged in order of increasing importance etc. b the last term in such a series. 4 Ecol. a state of equilibrium reached by a plant community. --v.tr. & intr. colloq. bring or come to a climax. [LL f. Gk klimax -akos ladder, climax] climb v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by up) ascend, mount, go or come up, esp. by using one's hands. 2 intr. (of a plant) grow up a wall, tree, trellis, etc. by clinging with tendrils or by twining. 3 intr. make progress from one's own efforts, esp. in social rank, intellectual or moral strength, etc. 4 intr. (of an aircraft, the sun, etc.) go upwards. 5 intr. slope upwards. --n. 1 an ascent by climbing. 2 a a place, esp. a hill, climbed or to be climbed. b a recognized route up a mountain etc. Ьclimb down 1 descend with the help of one's hands. 2 withdraw from a stance taken up in argument, negotiation, etc. climb-down n. such a withdrawal. climbing-frame a structure of joined bars etc. for children to climb on. climbing-iron a set of spikes attachable to a boot for climbing trees or ice slopes. ЬЬclimbable adj. [OE climban f. WG, rel. to CLEAVE(2)] climber n. 1 a mountaineer. 2 a climbing plant. 3 a person with strong social etc. aspirations. clime n. literary 1 a region. 2 a climate. [LL clima: see CLIMATE] clinch v. & n. --v. 1 tr. confirm or settle (an argument, bargain, etc.) conclusively. 2 intr. Boxing & Wrestling (of participants) become too closely engaged. 3 intr. colloq. embrace. 4 tr. secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when through. 5 tr. Naut. fasten (a rope) with a particular half hitch. --n. 1 a a clinching action. b a clinched state. 2 colloq. an (esp. amorous) embrace. 3 Boxing & Wrestling an action or state in which participants become too closely engaged. [16th-c. var. of CLENCH] clincher n. colloq. a remark or argument that settles a matter conclusively. clincher-built var. of CLINKER-BUILT. cline n. Biol. the graded sequence of differences within a species etc. ЬЬclinal adj. [Gk klino to slope] cling v. & n. --v.intr. (past and past part. clung) 1 (foll. by to) adhere, stick, or hold on (by means of stickiness, suction, grasping, or embracing). 2 (foll. by to) remain persistently or stubbornly faithful (to a friend, habit, idea, etc.). 3 maintain one's grasp; keep hold; resist separation. --n. = CLINGSTONE. Ьcling film a very thin clinging transparent plastic film, used as a covering esp. for food. cling together remain in one body or in contact. ЬЬclinger n. clingingly adv. [OE clingan f. Gmc: cf. CLENCH] clingstone n. a variety of peach or nectarine in which the flesh adheres to the stone (cf. FREESTONE 2). clingy adj. (clingier, clingiest) liable to cling. ЬЬclinginess n. clinic n. 1 Brit. a private or specialized hospital. 2 a place or occasion for giving specialist medical treatment or advice (eye clinic; fertility clinic). 3 a gathering at a hospital bedside for the teaching of medicine or surgery. 4 US a conference or short course on a particular subject (golf clinic). ЬЬclinician n. [F clinique f. Gk klinike (tekhne) clinical, lit. bedside (art)] clinical adj. 1 Med. a of or for the treatment of patients. b taught or learnt at the hospital bedside. 2 dispassionate, coldly detached. Ьclinical death death judged by observation of a person's condition. clinical medicine medicine dealing with the observation and treatment of patients. clinical thermometer a thermometer with a small range, for taking a person's temperature. ЬЬclinically adv. [L clinicus f. Gk klinikos f. kline bed] clink(1) n. & v. --n. a sharp ringing sound. --v. 1 intr. make a clink. 2 tr. cause (glasses etc.) to clink. [ME, prob. f. MDu. klinken; cf. CLANG, CLANK] clink(2) n. (often prec. by in) sl. prison. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] clinker(1) n. 1 a mass of slag or lava. 2 a stony residue from burnt coal. [earlier clincard etc. f. obs. Du. klinkaerd f. klinken CLINK(1)] clinker(2) n. 1 Brit. sl. something excellent or outstanding. 2 US sl. a mistake or blunder. [CLINK(1) + -ER(1)] clinker-built adj. (also clincher-built) (of a boat) having external planks overlapping downwards and secured with clinched copper nails. [clink N.Engl. var. of CLINCH + -ER(1)] clinkstone n. a kind of feldspar that rings like iron when struck. clinometer n. Surveying an instrument for measuring slopes. [Gk klino to slope + -METER] cliometrics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) a method of historical research making much use of statistical information and methods. [Clio, Muse of history + METRIC + -ICS] clip(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a device for holding things together or for attachment to an object as a marker, esp. a paper-clip or a device worked by a spring. 2 a piece of jewellery fastened by a clip. 3 a set of attached cartridges for a firearm. --v.tr. (clipped, clipping) 1 fix with a clip. 2 grip tightly. 3 surround closely. Ьclip-on attached by a clip. [OE clyppan embrace f. WG] clip(2) v. & n. --v.tr. (clipped, clipping) 1 cut with shears or scissors, esp. cut short or trim (hair, wool, etc.). 2 trim or remove the hair or wool of (a person or animal). 3 colloq. hit smartly. 4 a omit (a letter etc.) from a word. b omit letters or syllables of (words pronounced). 5 Brit. remove a small piece of (a ticket) to show that it has been used. 6 cut (an extract) from a newspaper etc. 7 sl. swindle, rob. 8 pare the edge of (a coin). --n. 1 an act of clipping, esp. shearing or hair-cutting. 2 colloq. a smart blow, esp. with the hand. 3 a short sequence from a motion picture. 4 the quantity of wool clipped from a sheep, flock, etc. 5 colloq. speed, esp. rapid. Ьclip-joint sl. a club etc. charging exorbitant prices. clip a person's wings prevent a person from pursuing ambitions or acting effectively. ЬЬclippable adj. [ME f. ON klippa, prob. imit.] clipboard n. a small board with a spring clip for holding papers etc. and providing support for writing. clip-clop n. & v. --n. a sound such as the beat of a horse's hooves. --v.intr. (-clopped, -clopping) make such a sound. [imit.] clipper n. 1 (usu. in pl.) any of various instruments for clipping hair, fingernails, hedges, etc. 2 a fast sailing-ship, esp. one with raking bows and masts. 3 a fast horse. clippie n. Brit. colloq. a bus conductress. clipping n. a piece clipped or cut from something, esp. from a newspaper. clique n. a small exclusive group of people. ЬЬcliquey adj. (cliquier, cliquiest). cliquish adj. cliquishness n. cliquism n. [F f. cliquer CLICK] C.Lit. abbr. Brit. Companion of Literature. clitic n. (often attrib.) an enclitic or proclitic. ЬЬcliticization n. clitoris n. a small erectile part of the female genitals at the upper end of the vulva. ЬЬclitoral adj. [mod.L f. Gk kleitoris] clivers var. of CLEAVERS. Cllr. abbr. Brit. Councillor. cloaca n. (pl. cloacae) 1 the genital and excretory cavity at the end of the intestinal canal in birds, reptiles, etc. 2 a sewer. ЬЬcloacal adj. [L, = sewer] cloak n. & v. --n. 1 an outdoor over-garment, usu. sleeveless, hanging loosely from the shoulders. 2 a covering (cloak of snow). 3 (in pl.) = CLOAKROOM. --v.tr. 1 cover with a cloak. 2 conceal, disguise. Ьcloak-and-dagger involving intrigue and espionage. under the cloak of using as a pretext. [ME f. OF cloke, dial. var. of cloche bell, cloak (from its bell shape) f. med.L clocca bell: see CLOCK(1)] cloakroom n. 1 a room where outdoor clothes or luggage may be left by visitors, clients, etc. 2 Brit. euphem. a lavatory. clobber(1) n. Brit. sl. clothing or personal belongings. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] clobber(2) v.tr. sl. 1 hit repeatedly; beat up. 2 defeat. 3 criticize severely. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] cloche n. 1 a small translucent cover for protecting or forcing outdoor plants. 2 (in full cloche hat) a woman's close-fitting bell-shaped hat. [F, = bell, f. med.L clocca: see CLOCK(1)] clock(1) n. & v. --n. 1 an instrument for measuring time, driven mechanically or electrically and indicating hours, minutes, etc., by hands on a dial or by displayed figures. 2 a any measuring device resembling a clock. b colloq. a speedometer, taximeter, or stopwatch. 3 time taken as an element in competitive sports etc. (ran against the clock). 4 Brit. sl. a person's face. 5 a downy seed-head, esp. that of a dandelion. --v.tr. 1 colloq. a (often foll. by up) attain or register (a stated time, distance, or speed, esp. in a race). b time (a race) with a stopwatch. 2 Brit. sl. hit, esp. on the head. Ьclock golf a game in which a golf ball is putted into a hole from successive points in a circle. clock in (or on) register one's arrival at work, esp. by means of an automatic recording clock. clock off (or out) register one's departure similarly. clock radio a combined radio and alarm clock. round the clock all day and (usu.) night. watch the clock = CLOCK-WATCH. [ME f. MDu., MLG klocke f. med.L clocca bell, perh. f. Celt.] clock(2) n. an ornamental pattern on the side of a stocking or sock near the ankle. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] clock-watch v.intr. work over-anxiously to time, esp. so as not to exceed minimum working hours. ЬЬclock-watcher n. clock-watching n. clockwise adj. & adv. in a curve corresponding in direction to the movement of the hands of a clock. clockwork n. 1 a mechanism like that of a mechanical clock, with a spring and gears. 2 (attrib.) a driven by clockwork. b regular, mechanical. Ьlike clockwork smoothly, regularly, automatically. clod n. 1 a lump of earth, clay, etc. 2 sl. a silly or foolish person. 3 meat cut from the neck of an ox. ЬЬcloddy adj. [ME: var. of CLOT] cloddish adj. loutish, foolish, clumsy. ЬЬcloddishly adv. cloddishness n. clodhopper n. 1 (usu. in pl.) colloq. a large heavy shoe. 2 = CLOD 2. clodhopping adj. = CLODDISH. clodpoll n. sl. = CLOD 2. clog n. & v. --n. 1 a shoe with a thick wooden sole. 2 archaic an encumbrance or impediment. 3 a block of wood to impede an animal's movement. --v. (clogged, clogging) 1 (often foll. by up) a tr. obstruct, esp. by accumulation of glutinous matter. b intr. become obstructed. 2 tr. impede, hamper. 3 tr. & intr. (often foll. by up) fill with glutinous or choking matter. Ьclog-dance a dance performed in clogs. [ME: orig. unkn.] cloggy adj. (cloggier, cloggiest) 1 lumpy, knotty. 2 sticky. cloisonn‚ n. & adj. --n. 1 an enamel finish produced by forming areas of different colours separated by strips of wire placed edgeways on a metal backing. 2 this process. --adj. (of enamel) made by this process. [F f. cloison compartment] cloister n. & v. --n. 1 a covered walk, often with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other, esp. in a convent, monastery, college, or cathedral. 2 monastic life or seclusion. 3 a convent or monastery. --v.tr. seclude or shut up usu. in a convent or monastery. ЬЬcloistral adj. [ME f. OF cloistre f. L claustrum, clostrum lock, enclosed place f. claudere claus- CLOSE(2)] cloistered adj. 1 secluded, sheltered. 2 monastic. clomp var. of CLUMP v. 2. clone n. & v. --n. 1 a a group of organisms produced asexually from one stock or ancestor. b one such organism. 2 a person or thing regarded as identical with another. --v.tr. propagate as a clone. ЬЬclonal adj. [Gk klon twig, slip] clonk n. & v. --n. an abrupt heavy sound of impact. --v. 1 intr. make such a sound. 2 tr. colloq. hit. [imit.] clonus n. Physiol. a spasm with alternate muscular contractions and relaxations. ЬЬclonic adj. [Gk klonos turmoil] clop n. & v. --n. the sound made by a horse's hooves. --v.intr. (clopped, clopping) make this sound. [imit.] cloqu‚ n. a fabric with an irregularly raised surface. [F, = blistered] close(1) adj., adv., & n. --adj. 1 (often foll. by to) situated at only a short distance or interval. 2 a having a strong or immediate relation or connection (close friend; close relative). b in intimate friendship or association (were very close). c corresponding almost exactly (close resemblance). d fitting tightly (close cap). e (of hair etc.) short, near the surface. 3 in or almost in contact (close combat; close proximity). 4 dense, compact, with no or only slight intervals (close texture; close writing; close formation; close thicket). 5 in which competitors are almost equal (close contest; close election). 6 leaving no gaps or weaknesses, rigorous (close reasoning). 7 concentrated, searching (close examination; close attention). 8 (of air etc.) stuffy or humid. 9 closed, shut. 10 limited or restricted to certain persons etc. (close corporation; close scholarship). 11 a hidden, secret, covered. b secretive. 12 (of a danger etc.) directly threatening, narrowly avoided (that was close). 13 niggardly. 14 (of a vowel) pronounced with a relatively narrow opening of the mouth. 15 narrow, confined, contracted. 16 under prohibition. --adv. 1 (often foll. by by, on, to, upon) at only a short distance or interval (they live close by; close to the church). 2 closely, in a close manner (shut close). --n. 1 an enclosed space. 2 Brit. a street closed at one end. 3 Brit. the precinct of a cathedral. 4 Brit. a school playing-field or playground. 5 Sc. an entry from the street to a common stairway or to a court at the back. Ьat close quarters very close together. close-fisted niggardly. close-fitting (of a garment) fitting close to the body. close-grained without gaps between fibres etc. close harmony harmony in which the notes of the chord are close together. close-hauled (of a ship) with the sails hauled aft to sail close to the wind. close-knit tightly bound or interlocked; closely united in friendship. close-mouthed reticent. close score Mus. a score with more than one part on the same staff. close season Brit. the season when something, esp. the killing of game etc., is illegal. close-set separated only by a small interval or intervals. close shave colloq. a narrow escape. close to the wind see WIND(1). close-up 1 a photograph etc. taken at close range and showing the subject on a large scale. 2 an intimate description. go close (of a racehorse) win or almost win. ЬЬclosely adv. closeness n. closish adj. [ME f. OF clos f. L clausum enclosure & clausus past part. of claudere shut] close(2) v. & n. --v. 1 a tr. shut (a lid, box, door, room, house, etc.). b intr. be shut (the door closed slowly). c tr. block up. 2 a tr. & intr. bring or come to an end. b intr. finish speaking (closed with an expression of thanks). c tr. settle (a bargain etc.). 3 a intr. end the day's business. b tr. end the day's business at (a shop, office, etc.). 4 tr. & intr. bring or come closer or into contact (close ranks). 5 tr. make (an electric circuit etc.) continuous. 6 intr. (foll. by with) express agreement (with an offer, terms, or the person offering them). 7 intr. (often foll. by with) come within striking distance; grapple. 8 intr. (foll. by on) (of a hand, box, etc.) grasp or entrap. --n. 1 a conclusion, an end. 2 Mus. a cadence. Ьclose down 1 (of a shop, factory, etc.) discontinue business, esp. permanently. 2 Brit. (of a broadcasting station) end transmission esp. until the next day. close one's eyes 1 (foll. by to) pay no attention. 2 die. close in 1 enclose. 2 come nearer. 3 (of days) get successively shorter with the approach of the winter solstice. close out US discontinue, terminate, dispose of (a business). close up 1 (often foll. by to) move closer. 2 shut, esp. temporarily. 3 block up. 4 (of an aperture) grow smaller. 5 coalesce. closing-time the time at which a public house, shop, etc., ends business. ЬЬclosable adj. closer n. [ME f. OF clos- stem of clore f. L claudere shut] closed adj. 1 not giving access; shut. 2 (of a shop etc.) having ceased business temporarily. 3 (of a society, system, etc.) self-contained; not communicating with others. 4 (of a sport etc.) restricted to specified competitors etc. Ьclosed book see BOOK. closed-circuit (of television) transmitted by wires to a restricted set of receivers. closed-end having a predetermined extent (cf. open-ended). closed season US = close season (see CLOSE(1)). closed shop 1 a place of work etc. where all employees must belong to an agreed trade union. 2 this system. closed syllable a syllable ending in a consonant. closet n. & v. --n. 1 a small or private room. 2 a cupboard or recess. 3 = water-closet. 4 (attrib.) secret, covert (closet homosexual). --v.tr. (closeted, closeting) shut away, esp. in private conference or study. ЬClerk of the Closet (in the UK) the sovereign's principal chaplain. closet play a play to be read rather than acted. [ME f. OF, dimin. of clos: see CLOSE(1)] closure n. & v. --n. 1 the act or process of closing. 2 a closed condition. 3 something that closes or seals, e.g. a cap or tie. 4 a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote, esp. in Parliament. --v.tr. apply the closure to (a motion, speakers, etc.). [ME f. OF f. LL clausura f. claudere claus- CLOSE(2)] clot n. & v. --n. 1 a a thick mass of coagulated liquid, esp. of blood exposed to air. b a mass of material stuck together. 2 Brit. colloq. a silly or foolish person. --v.tr. & intr. (clotted, clotting) form into clots. Ьclotted cream esp. Brit. thick cream obtained by slow scalding. [OE clot(t) f. WG: cf. CLEAT] cloth n. (pl. cloths) 1 woven or felted material. 2 a piece of this. 3 a piece of cloth for a particular purpose; a tablecloth, dishcloth, etc. 4 woollen woven fabric as used for clothes. 5 a profession or status, esp. of the clergy, as shown by clothes (respect due to his cloth). b (prec. by the) the clergy. Ьcloth-cap relating to or associated with the working class. cloth-eared colloq. somewhat deaf. cloth of gold (or silver) tissue of gold (or silver) threads interwoven with silk or wool. [OE clath, of unkn. orig.] clothe v.tr. (past and past part. clothed or formal clad) 1 put clothes on; provide with clothes. 2 cover as with clothes or a cloth. 3 (foll. by with) endue (with qualities etc.). [OE: rel. to CLOTH] clothes n.pl. 1 garments worn to cover the body and limbs. 2 bedclothes. Ьclothes-horse 1 a frame for airing washed clothes. 2 colloq. an affectedly fashionable person. clothes-line a rope or wire etc. on which washed clothes are hung to dry. clothes-moth any moth of the family Tineidae, with a larva destructive to wool, fur, etc. clothes-peg Brit. a clip or forked device for securing clothes to a clothes-line. clothes-pin US a clothes-peg. [OE clathas pl. of clath CLOTH] clothier n. a seller of men's clothes. [ME clother f. CLOTH] clothing n. clothes collectively. cloture n. & v. US --n. the closure of a debate. --v.tr. closure. [F cl“ture f. OF CLOSURE] clou n. 1 the point of greatest interest; the chief attraction. 2 the central idea. [F, = nail] cloud n. & v. --n. 1 a visible mass of condensed watery vapour floating in the atmosphere high above the general level of the ground. 2 a mass of smoke or dust. 3 (foll. by of) a great number of insects, birds, etc., moving together. 4 a a state of gloom, trouble, or suspicion. b a frowning or depressed look (a cloud on his brow). 5 a local dimness or a vague patch of colour in or on a liquid or a transparent body. 6 an unsubstantial or fleeting thing. 7 obscurity. --v. 1 tr. cover or darken with clouds or gloom or trouble. 2 intr. (often foll. by over, up) become overcast or gloomy. 3 tr. make unclear. 4 tr. variegate with vague patches of colour. Ьcloud-castle a daydream. cloud chamber a device containing vapour for tracking the paths of charged particles, X-rays, and gamma rays. clouded leopard a mottled arboreal S. Asian feline, Neofelis nebulosa. cloud-hopping movement of an aircraft from cloud to cloud esp. for concealment. cloud-land a utopia or fairyland. in the clouds 1 unreal, imaginary, mystical. 2 (of a person) abstracted, inattentive. on cloud nine (or seven) colloq. extremely happy. under a cloud out of favour, discredited, under suspicion. with one's head in the clouds day-dreaming, unrealistic. ЬЬcloudless adj. cloudlessly adv. cloudlet n. [OE clud mass of rock or earth, prob. rel. to CLOD] cloudberry n. (pl. -ies) a small mountain bramble, Rubus chamaemorus, with a white flower and an orange-coloured fruit. cloudburst n. a sudden violent rainstorm. cloud-cuckoo-land n. a fanciful or ideal place. [transl. of Gk Nephelokokkugia f. nephele cloud + kokkux cuckoo (in Aristophanes' Birds)] cloudscape n. 1 a picturesque grouping of clouds. 2 a picture or view of clouds. [CLOUD n., after landscape] cloudy adj. (cloudier, cloudiest) 1 a (of the sky) covered with clouds, overcast. b (of weather) characterized by clouds. 2 not transparent; unclear. ЬЬcloudily adv. cloudiness n. clough n. dial. a steep valley usu. with a torrent bed; a ravine. [OE cloh f. Gmc] clout n. & v. --n. 1 a heavy blow. 2 colloq. influence, power of effective action esp. in politics or business. 3 dial. a piece of cloth or clothing (cast not a clout). 4 Archery hist. a piece of canvas on a frame, used as a mark. 5 a nail with a large flat head. 6 a patch. --v.tr. 1 hit hard. 2 mend with a patch. [OE clut, rel. to CLEAT, CLOT] clove(1) n. 1 a a dried flower-bud of a tropical plant, Eugenia aromatica, used as a pungent aromatic spice. b this plant. 2 (in full clove gillyflower or clove pink) a clove-scented pink, Dianthus caryophyllus, the original of the carnation and other double pinks. [ME f. OF clou (de girofle) nail (of gillyflower), from its shape, GILLYFLOWER being orig. the name of the spice; later applied to the similarly scented pink] clove(2) n. any of the small bulbs making up a compound bulb of garlic, shallot, etc. [OE clufu, rel. to CLEAVE(1)] clove(3) past of CLEAVE(1). clove hitch n. a knot by which a rope is secured by passing it twice round a spar or rope that it crosses at right angles. [old past part. of CLEAVE(1), as showing parallel separate lines] cloven adj. split, partly divided. Ьcloven hoof (or foot) the divided hoof of ruminant quadrupeds (e.g. oxen, sheep, goats); also ascribed to the god Pan, and so to the Devil. show the cloven hoof reveal one's evil nature. ЬЬcloven-footed adj. cloven-hoofed adj. [past part. of CLEAVE(1)] clover n. any leguminous fodder plant of the genus Trifolium, having dense flower heads and leaves each consisting of usu. three leaflets. Ьclover leaf a junction of roads intersecting at different levels with connecting sections forming the pattern of a four-leaved clover. in clover in ease and luxury. [OE clafre f. Gmc] clown n. & v. --n. 1 a comic entertainer, esp. in a pantomime or circus, usu. with traditional costume and make-up. 2 a silly, foolish, or playful person. 3 archaic a rustic. --v. 1 intr. (often foll. by about, around) behave like a clown; act foolishly or playfully. 2 tr. perform (a part, an action, etc.) like a clown. ЬЬclownery n. clownish adj. clownishly adv. clownishness n. [16th c.: perh. of LG orig.] cloy v.tr. (usu. foll. by with) satiate or sicken with an excess of sweetness, richness, etc. ЬЬcloyingly adv. [ME f. obs. acloy f. AF acloyer, OF encloyer f. Rmc: cf. ENCLAVE] cloze n. the exercise of supplying a word that has been omitted from a passage as a test of readability or comprehension (usu. attrib. : cloze test). [CLOSURE] club n. & v. --n. 1 a heavy stick with a thick end, used as a weapon etc. 2 a stick used in a game, esp. a stick with a head used in golf. 3 a a playing-card of a suit denoted by a black trefoil. b (in pl.) this suit. 4 an association of persons united by a common interest, usu. meeting periodically for a shared activity (tennis club; yacht club). 5 an organization or premises offering members social amenities, meals and temporary residence, etc. 6 an organization offering subscribers certain benefits (book club). 7 a group of persons, nations, etc., having something in common. 8 = CLUBHOUSE. 9 a structure or organ, esp. in a plant, with a knob at the end. --v. (clubbed, clubbing) 1 tr. beat with or as with a club. 2 intr. (foll. by together, with) combine for joint action, esp. making up a sum of money for a purpose. 3 tr. contribute (money etc.) to a common stock. Ьclub-class a class of fare on aircraft etc. designed for the business traveller. club-foot a congenitally deformed foot. club-footed having a club-foot. club-man (pl. -men) a member of one or more clubs (in sense 5 of n.). club-root a disease of cabbages etc. with swelling at the base of the stem. club sandwich US a sandwich with two layers of filling between three slices of toast or bread. in the club Brit. sl. pregnant. on the club colloq. receiving relief from the funds of a benefit society. ЬЬclubber n. [ME f. ON klubba assim. form of klumba club, rel. to CLUMP] clubbable adj. sociable; fit for membership of a club. ЬЬclubbability n. clubbableness n. clubby adj. (clubbier, clubbiest) esp. US sociable; friendly. clubhouse n. the premises used by a club. clubland n. Brit. an area where many clubs are, esp. St James's in London. clubmoss n. any pteridophyte of the family Lycopodiaceae, bearing upright spikes of spore-cases. cluck n. & v. --n. 1 a guttural cry like that of a hen. 2 sl. a silly or foolish person (dumb cluck). --v.intr. emit a cluck or clucks. [imit.] clucky adj. (of a hen) sitting on eggs. clue n. & v. --n. 1 a fact or idea that serves as a guide, or suggests a line of inquiry, in a problem or investigation. 2 a piece of evidence etc. in the detection of a crime. 3 a verbal formula serving as a hint as to what is to be inserted in a crossword. 4 a the thread of a story. b a train of thought. --v.tr. (clues, clued, cluing or clueing) provide a clue to. Ьclue in (or up) sl. inform. not have a clue colloq. be ignorant or incompetent. [var. of CLEW] clueless adj. colloq. ignorant, stupid. ЬЬcluelessly adv. cluelessness n. clump n. & v. --n. 1 (foll. by of) a cluster of plants, esp. trees or shrubs. 2 an agglutinated mass of blood-cells etc. 3 a thick extra sole on a boot or shoe. --v. 1 a intr. form a clump. b tr. heap or plant together. 2 intr. (also clomp) walk with heavy tread. 3 tr. colloq. hit. ЬЬclumpy adj. (clumpier, clumpiest). [MLG klumpe, MDu. klompe: see CLUB] clumsy adj. (clumsier, clumsiest) 1 awkward in movement or shape; ungainly. 2 difficult to handle or use. 3 tactless. ЬЬclumsily adv. clumsiness n. [obs. clumse be numb with cold (prob. f. Scand.)] clung past and past part. of CLING. clunk n. & v. --n. a dull sound as of thick pieces of metal meeting. --v.intr. make such a sound. [imit.] cluster n. & v. --n. 1 a close group or bunch of similar things growing together. 2 a close group or swarm of people, animals, faint stars, gems, etc. 3 a group of successive consonants or vowels. --v. 1 tr. bring into a cluster or clusters. 2 intr. be or come into a cluster or clusters. 3 intr. (foll. by round, around) gather, congregate. Ьcluster bomb an anti-personnel bomb spraying pellets on impact. cluster pine a Mediterranean pine Pinus pinaster with clustered cones: also called PINASTER. [OE clyster: cf. CLOT] clustered adj. 1 growing in or brought into a cluster. 2 Archit. (of pillars, columns, or shafts) several close together, or disposed round or half detached from a pier. clutch(1) v. & n. --v. 1 tr. seize eagerly; grasp tightly. 2 intr. (foll. by at) snatch suddenly. --n. 1 a a tight grasp. b (foll. by at) grasping. 2 (in pl.) grasping hands, esp. as representing a cruel or relentless grasp or control. 3 a (in a motor vehicle) a device for connecting and disconnecting the engine to the transmission. b the pedal operating this. c an arrangement for connecting or disconnecting working parts of a machine. Ьclutch bag a slim flat handbag without handles. [ME clucche, clicche f. OE clyccan crook, clench, f. Gmc] clutch(2) n. 1 a set of eggs for hatching. 2 a brood of chickens. [18th c.: prob. S.Engl. var. of cletch f. cleck to hatch f. ON klekja, assoc. with CLUTCH(1)] clutter n. & v. --n. 1 a crowded and untidy collection of things. 2 an untidy state. --v.tr. (often foll. by up, with) crowd untidily, fill with clutter. [partly var. of clotter coagulate, partly assoc. with CLUSTER, CLATTER] Clydesdale n. 1 a a horse of a heavy powerful breed, used as draught-horses. b this breed. 2 a kind of small terrier. [orig. bred near the river Clyde in Scotland: see DALE] clypeus n. (pl. clypei) the hard protective area of an insect's head. ЬЬclypeal adj. clypeate adj. [L, = round shield] clyster n. & v. archaic --n. an enema. --v.tr. treat with an enema. [ME f. OF clystere or f. L f. Gk kluster syringe f. kluzo wash out] 13.0 CM... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CM abbr. Member of the Order of Canada. Cm symb. Chem. the element curium. Cm. abbr. Brit. Command Paper (1986- ). cm abbr. centimetre(s). Cmd. abbr. Brit. Command Paper (1918-56). Cmdr. abbr. Commander. Cmdre. abbr. Commodore. CMG abbr. (in the UK) Companion (of the Order) of St Michael and St George. Cmnd. abbr. Brit. Command Paper (1956-86). 14.0 CNAA... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CNAA abbr. Council for National Academic Awards. CND abbr. (in the UK) Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. cnr. abbr. corner. 15.0 CO... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CO abbr. 1 Commanding Officer. 2 conscientious objector. 3 US Colorado (in official postal use). Co symb. Chem. the element cobalt. Co. abbr. 1 company. 2 county. Ьand Co. colloq. and the rest of them; and similar things. co- prefix 1 added to: a nouns, with the sense 'joint, mutual, common' (co-author; coequality). b adjectives and adverbs, with the sense 'jointly, mutually' (co-belligerent; coequal; coequally). c verbs, with the sense 'together with another or others' (cooperate; co-author). 2 Math. a of the complement of an angle (cosine). b the complement of (co-latitude; coset). [orig. a form of COM-] c/o abbr. care of. coach n. & v. --n. 1 a single-decker bus, usu. comfortably equipped for longer journeys. 2 a railway carriage. 3 a horse-drawn carriage, usu. closed, esp. a State carriage or a stagecoach. 4 a an instructor or trainer in sport. b a private tutor. 5 US economy-class seating in an aircraft. 6 Austral. a docile cow or bullock used as a decoy to attract wild cattle. --v. 1 tr. a train or teach (a pupil, sports team, etc.) as a coach. b give hints to; prime with facts. 2 intr. travel by stagecoach (in the old coaching days). Ьcoach-built (of motor-car bodies) individually built by craftsmen. coach-house an outhouse for carriages. coach station a stopping-place for a number of coaches, usu. with buildings and amenities. [F coche f. Magyar kocsi (adj.) f. Kocs in Hungary] coachload n. a number of people, esp. holiday-makers, taken by coach. coachman n. (pl. -men) the driver of a horse-drawn carriage. coachwood n. Austral. any tree esp. Ceratopetalum apetalum with close-grained wood suitable for cabinet-making. coachwork n. the bodywork of a road or rail vehicle. coadjutor n. an assistant, esp. an assistant bishop. [ME f. OF coadjuteur f. LL coadjutor (as CO-, adjutor f. adjuvare -jut- help)] coagulant n. a substance that produces coagulation. coagulate v.tr. & intr. 1 change from a fluid to a solid or semisolid state. 2 clot, curdle. 3 set, solidify. ЬЬcoagulable adj. coagulative adj. coagulator n. [ME f. L coagulare f. coagulum rennet] coagulation n. the process by which a liquid changes to a semisolid mass. [as COAGULATE] coagulum n. (pl. coagula) a mass of coagulated matter. [L: see COAGULATE] coal n. & v. --n. 1 a a hard black or blackish rock, mainly carbonized plant matter, found in underground seams and used as a fuel and in the manufacture of gas, tar, etc. b Brit. a piece of this for burning. 2 a red-hot piece of coal, wood, etc. in a fire. --v. 1 intr. take in a supply of coal. 2 tr. put coal into (an engine, fire, etc.). Ьcoal-bed a stratum of coal. coal-black completely black. coal-fired heated or driven by coal. coal gas mixed gases extracted from coal and used for lighting and heating. coal-hole Brit. a compartment or small cellar for storing coal. coal measures a series of rocks formed by seams of coal with intervening strata. coal oil US petroleum or paraffin. coal-sack 1 a sack for carrying coal. 2 a black patch in the Milky Way, esp. the one near the Southern Cross. coal-scuttle a container for coal to supply a domestic fire. coal-seam a stratum of coal suitable for mining. coals to Newcastle something brought or sent to a place where it is already plentiful. coal tar a thick black oily liquid distilled from coal and used as a source of benzene. coal-tit (or cole-tit) a small greyish bird, Parus ater, with a black head: also called COALMOUSE. haul (or call) over the coals reprimand. ЬЬcoaly adj. [OE col f. Gmc] coaler n. a ship etc. transporting coal. coalesce v.intr. 1 come together and form one whole. 2 combine in a coalition. ЬЬcoalescence n. coalescent adj. [L coalescere (as CO-, alescere alit- grow f. alere nourish)] coalface n. an exposed surface of coal in a mine. coalfield n. an extensive area with strata containing coal. coalfish n. = SAITHE. coalition n. 1 Polit. a temporary alliance for combined action, esp. of distinct parties forming a government, or of States. 2 fusion into one whole. ЬЬcoalitionist n. [med.L coalitio (as COALESCE)] coalman n. (pl. -men) a man who carries or delivers coal. coalmine n. a mine in which coal is dug. ЬЬcoalminer n. coalmouse n. (also colemouse) (pl. -mice) = coal-tit. [OE colmase f. col COAL + mase as TITMOUSE] coaming n. a raised border round the hatches etc. of a ship to keep out water. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] coarse adj. 1 a rough or loose in texture or grain; made of large particles. b (of a person's features) rough or large. 2 lacking refinement or delicacy; crude, obscene (coarse humour). 3 rude, uncivil. 4 inferior, common. Ьcoarse fish Brit. any freshwater fish other than salmon and trout. ЬЬcoarsely adv. coarseness n. coarsish adj. [ME: orig. unkn.] coarsen v.tr. & intr. make or become coarse. coast n. & v. --n. 1 a the border of the land near the sea; the seashore. b (the Coast) US the Pacific coast of the US. 2 a a run, usu. downhill, on a bicycle without pedalling or in a motor vehicle without using the engine. b US a toboggan slide or slope. --v.intr. 1 ride or move, usu. downhill, without use of power, free-wheel. 2 make progress without much effort. 3 US slide down a hill on a toboggan. 4 a sail along the coast. b trade between ports on the same coast. Ьthe coast is clear there is no danger of being observed or caught. coast-to-coast across an island or continent. ЬЬcoastal adj. [ME f. OF coste, costeier f. L costa rib, flank, side] coaster n. 1 a ship that travels along the coast from port to port. 2 a small tray or mat for a bottle or glass. 3 US a a sledge for coasting. b a roller-coaster. coastguard n. 1 an organization keeping watch on the coasts and on local shipping to save life, prevent smuggling, etc. 2 a member of this. coastline n. the line of the seashore, esp. with regard to its shape (a rugged coastline). coastwise adj. & adv. along, following, or connected with the coast. coat n. & v. --n. 1 an outer garment with sleeves and often extending below the hips; an overcoat or jacket. 2 a an animal's fur, hair, etc. b Physiol. a structure, esp. a membrane, enclosing or lining an organ. c a skin, rind, or husk. d a layer of a bulb etc. 3 a a layer or covering. b a covering of paint etc. laid on a surface at one time. --v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by with, in) a apply a coat of paint etc. to; provide with a layer or covering. b (as coated adj.) covered with. 2 (of paint etc.) form a covering to. Ьcoat armour coats of arms. coat dress a woman's tailored dress resembling a coat. coat-hanger see HANGER(1). coat of arms the heraldic bearings or shield of a person, family, or corporation. coat of mail a jacket of mail armour (see MAIL(2)). on a person's coat-tails undeservedly benefiting from another's success. ЬЬcoated adj. (also in comb.). [ME f. OF cote f. Rmc f. Frank., of unkn. orig.] coatee n. 1 a woman's or infant's short coat. 2 archaic a close-fitting short coat. coati n. (pl. coatis) any racoon-like flesh-eating mammal of the genus Nasua, with a long flexible snout and a long usu. ringed tail. [Tupi f. cua belt + tim nose] coatimundi n. (pl. coatimundis) = COATI. [as COATI + Tupi mondi solitary] coating n. 1 a thin layer or covering of paint etc. 2 material for making coats. co-author n. & v. --n. a joint author. --v.tr. be a joint author of. coax v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by into, or to + infin.) persuade (a person) gradually or by flattery. 2 (foll. by out of) obtain (a thing from a person) by coaxing. 3 manipulate (a thing) carefully or slowly. ЬЬcoaxer n. coaxingly adv. [16th c.: f. 'make a cokes of' f. obs. cokes simpleton, of unkn. orig.] coaxial adj. 1 having a common axis. 2 Electr. (of a cable or line) transmitting by means of two concentric conductors separated by an insulator. ЬЬcoaxially adv. cob(1) n. 1 a roundish lump of coal etc. 2 Brit. a domed loaf of bread. 3 Brit. = corn-cob (see CORN(1)). 4 (in full cob-nut) a large hazelnut. 5 a sturdy riding- or driving-horse with short legs. 6 a male swan. [ME: orig. unkn.] cob(2) n. a material for walls, made from compressed earth, clay, or chalk reinforced with straw. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] cobalt n. Chem. a silvery-white magnetic metallic element occurring naturally as a mineral in combination with sulphur and arsenic, and used in many alloys. °Symb.: Co. Ьcobalt blue 1 a pigment containing a cobalt salt. 2 the deep-blue colour of this. ЬЬcobaltic adj. cobaltous adj. [G Kobalt etc., prob. = KOBOLD in mines] cobber n. Austral. & NZ colloq. a companion or friend. [19th c.: perh. rel. to E dial. cob take a liking to] cobble(1) n. & v. --n. 1 (in full cobblestone) a small rounded stone of a size used for paving. 2 (in pl.) Brit. coal in lumps of this size. --v.tr. pave with cobbles. [ME cobel(- ston), f. COB(1)] cobble(2) v.tr. 1 mend or patch up (esp. shoes). 2 (often foll. by together) join or assemble roughly. [back-form. f. COBBLER] cobbler n. 1 a person who mends shoes, esp. professionally. 2 an iced drink of wine etc., sugar, and lemon (sherry cobbler). 3 a a fruit pie topped with scones. b esp. US a fruit pie with a rich thick crust. 4 (in pl.) Brit. sl. nonsense. 5 Austral. & NZ sl. the last sheep to be shorn. Ьcobbler's wax a resinous substance used for waxing thread. [ME, of unkn. orig.: sense 4 f. rhyming sl. cobbler's awls = balls: sense 5 with pun on LAST(3)] co-belligerent n. & adj. --n. any of two or more nations engaged in war as allies. --adj. of or as a co-belligerent. ЬЬco-belligerence n. co-belligerency n. coble n. a flat-bottomed fishing-boat in Scotland and NE England. [OE, perh. f. Celt.] COBOL n. Computing a programming language designed for use in commerce. [common business oriented language] cobra n. any venomous snake of the genus Naja, native to Africa and Asia, with a neck dilated like a hood when excited. [Port. f. L colubra snake] cobweb n. 1 a a fine network of threads spun by a spider from a liquid secreted by it, used to trap insects etc. b the thread of this. 2 anything compared with a cobweb, esp. in flimsiness of texture. 3 a trap or insidious entanglement. 4 (in pl.) a state of languishing; fustiness. ЬЬcobwebbed adj. cobwebby adj. [ME cop(pe)web f. obs. coppe spider] coca n. 1 a S. American shrub, Erythroxylum coca. 2 its dried leaves, chewed as a stimulant. [Sp. f. Quechua cuca] Coca-Cola n. propr. an aerated non-alcoholic drink sometimes flavoured with cola seeds. cocaine n. a drug derived from coca or prepared synthetically, used as a local anaesthetic and as a stimulant. [COCA + -INE(4)] coccidiosis n. a disease of birds and mammals caused by any of various parasitic protozoa, esp. of the genus Eimeria, affecting the intestine. [coccidium (mod.L f. Gk kokkis dimin. of kokkos berry) + -OSIS] coccus n. (pl. cocci) any spherical or roughly spherical bacterium. ЬЬcoccal adj. coccoid adj. [mod.L f. Gk kokkos berry] coccyx n. (pl. coccyges or coccyxes) the small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes. ЬЬcoccygeal adj. [L f. Gk kokkux -ugos cuckoo (from being shaped like its bill)] cochin n. (in full cochin-china) 1 a fowl of an Asian breed with feathery legs. 2 this breed. [Cochin China in Vietnam] cochineal n. 1 a scarlet dye used esp. for colouring food. 2 the dried bodies of the female of the Mexican insect, Dactylopius coccus, yielding this. [F cochenille or Sp. cochinilla f. L coccinus scarlet f. Gk kokkos berry] cochlea n. (pl. cochleae) the spiral cavity of the internal ear. ЬЬcochlear adj. [L, = snail-shell, f. Gk kokhlias] cock(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a a male bird, esp. of a domestic fowl. b a male lobster, crab, or salmon. c = WOODCOCK. 2 Brit. sl. (usu. old cock as a form of address) a friend; a fellow. 3 coarse sl. the penis. 4 Brit. sl. nonsense. °In senses 3, 4 usually considered a taboo word. 5 a a firing lever in a gun which can be raised to be released by the trigger. b the cocked position of this (at full cock). 6 a tap or valve controlling flow. --v.tr. 1 raise or make upright or erect. 2 turn or move (the eye or ear) attentively or knowingly. 3 set aslant, or turn up the brim of (a hat). 4 raise the cock of (a gun). Ьat half cock only partly ready. cock-a-doodle-doo a cock's crow. cock-and-bull story an absurd or incredible account. cock crow dawn. cocked hat a brimless triangular hat pointed at the front, back, and top. cock-fight a fight between cocks as sport. cock-fighting this sport. cock-of-the-rock a S. American bird, Rupicola rupicola, having a crest and bright orange plumage. cock-of-the-walk a dominant or arrogant person. cock-of-the-wood 1 a capercaillie. 2 US a red-crested woodpecker. cock-shy 1 a a target for throwing at with sticks, stones, etc. b a throw at this. 2 an object of ridicule or criticism. cock a snook see SNOOK(1). cock sparrow 1 a male sparrow. 2 a lively quarrelsome person. cock up Brit. sl. bungle; make a mess of. cock-up n. Brit. sl. a muddle or mistake. knock into a cocked hat defeat utterly. [OE cocc and OF coq prob. f. med.L coccus] cock(2) n. & v. --n. a small pile of hay, straw, etc. with vertical sides and a rounded top. --v.tr. pile into cocks. [ME, perh. of Scand. orig.] cockade n. a rosette etc. worn in a hat as a badge of office or party, or as part of a livery. ЬЬcockaded adj. [F cocarde orig. in bonnet … la coquarde, f. fem. of obs. coquard saucy f. coq COCK(1)] cock-a-hoop adj. & adv. --adj. exultant; crowing boastfully. --adv. exultantly. [16th c.: orig. in phr. set cock a hoop denoting some action preliminary to hard drinking] cock-a-leekie n. (also cocky-leeky) a soup traditionally made in Scotland with boiling fowl and leeks. [COCK(1) + LEEK] cockalorum n. colloq. a self-important little man. [18th c.: arbitr. f. COCK(1)] cockatiel n. (also cockateel) Austral. a small delicately coloured crested parrot, Nymphicus hollandicus. [Du. kaketielje] cockatoo n. 1 any of several parrots of the family Cacatuinae, having powerful beaks and erectile crests. 2 Austral. & NZ colloq. a small farmer. [Du. kaketoe f. Malay kakatua, assim. to COCK(1)] cockatrice n. 1 = BASILISK 1. 2 Heraldry a fabulous animal, a cock with a serpent's tail. [ME f. OF cocatris f. L calcare tread, track, rendering Gk ikhneumon tracker: see ICHNEUMON] cockboat n. a small ship's-boat. [obs. cock small boat (f. OF coque) + BOAT] cockchafer n. a large nocturnal beetle, Melolontha melolontha, which feeds on leaves and whose larva feeds on roots of crops etc. Also called May-bug. [perh. f. COCK(1) as expressing size or vigour + CHAFER] cocker n. (in full cocker spaniel) 1 a small spaniel of a breed with a silky coat. 2 this breed. [as COCK(1), from use in hunting woodcocks etc.] cockerel n. a young cock. [ME: dimin. of COCK(1)] cock-eyed adj. colloq. 1 crooked, askew, not level. 2 (of a scheme etc.) absurd, not practical. 3 drunk. 4 squinting. [19th c.: app. f. COCK(1) + EYE] cockle(1) n. 1 a any edible mollusc of the genus Cardium, having a chubby ribbed bivalve shell. b its shell. 2 (in full cockle-shell) a small shallow boat. Ьwarm the cockles of one's heart make one contented; be satisfying. [ME f. OF coquille shell ult. f. Gk kogkhulion f. kogkhe CONCH] cockle(2) n. 1 any of various plants, esp. the pink-flowered corn-cockle, Agrostemma githago, growing among corn, esp. wheat. 2 a disease of wheat that turns the grains black. [OE coccul, perh. ult. f. LL COCCUS] cockle(3) v. & n. --v. 1 intr. pucker, wrinkle. 2 tr. cause to cockle. --n. a pucker or wrinkle in paper, glass, etc. [F coquiller blister (bread in cooking) f. coquille: see COCKLE(1)] cockney n. & adj. --n. (pl. -eys) 1 a a native of East London, esp. one born within hearing of Bow Bells. b the dialect or accent typical of this area. 2 Austral. a young snapper fish, Chrysophrys auratus. --adj. of or characteristic of cockneys or their dialect or accent. ЬЬcockneyism n. [ME cokeney cock's egg, later derog. for 'townsman'] cockpit n. 1 a a compartment for the pilot (or the pilot and crew) of an aircraft or spacecraft. b a similar compartment for the driver in a racing car. c a space for the helmsman in some small yachts. 2 an arena of war or other conflict. 3 a place where cock-fights are held. [orig. in sense 3, f. COCK(1) + PIT(1)] cockroach n. any of various flat brown insects, esp. Blatta orientalis, infesting kitchens, bathrooms, etc. [Sp. cucaracha, assim. to COCK(1), ROACH(1)] cockscomb n. 1 the crest or comb of a cock. 2 a garden plant Celosia cristata, with a terminal plume of tiny white or red flowers. cocksfoot n. any pasture grass of the genus Dactylis, with broad leaves and green or purplish spikes. cocksure adj. 1 presumptuously or arrogantly confident. 2 (foll. by of, about) absolutely sure. ЬЬcocksurely adv. cocksureness n. [cock = God + SURE] cocktail n. 1 a usu. alcoholic drink made by mixing various spirits, fruit juices, etc. 2 a dish of mixed ingredients (fruit cocktail; shellfish cocktail). 3 any hybrid mixture. Ьcocktail dress a usu. short evening dress suitable for wearing at a drinks party. cocktail stick a small pointed stick for serving an olive, cherry, small sausage, etc. [orig. unkn.: cf. earlier sense 'docked horse' f. COCK(1): the connection is unclear] cocky(1) adj. (cockier, cockiest) 1 conceited, arrogant. 2 saucy, impudent. ЬЬcockily adv. cockiness n. [COCK(1) + -Y(1)] cocky(2) n. (pl. -ies) Austral. & NZ colloq. = COCKATOO 2. [abbr.] cocky-leeky var. of COCK-A-LEEKIE. coco n. (also cocoa) (pl. cocos or cocoas) a tall tropical palm tree, Cocos nucifera, bearing coconuts. [Port. & Sp. coco grimace: the base of the shell resembles a face] cocoa n. 1 a powder made from crushed cacao seeds, often with other ingredients. 2 a drink made from this. Ьcocoa bean a cacao seed. cocoa butter a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans and used for confectionery, cosmetics, etc. [alt. of CACAO] coco-de-mer n. a tall palm-tree, Lodoicea maldivica, of the Seychelles. [F] coconut n. (also cocoanut) 1 a a large ovate brown seed of the coco, with a hard shell and edible white fleshy lining enclosing a milky juice. b = COCO. c the edible white fleshy lining of a coconut. 2 sl. the human head. Ьcoconut butter a solid oil obtained from the lining of the coconut, and used in soap, candles, ointment, etc. coconut ice a sweet of sugar and desiccated coconut. coconut matting a matting made of fibre from coconut husks. coconut shy a fairground sideshow where balls are thrown to dislodge coconuts. double coconut a very large nut of the coco-de-mer. [COCO + NUT] cocoon n. & v. --n. 1 a a silky case spun by many insect larvae for protection as pupae. b a similar structure made by other animals. 2 a protective covering, esp. to prevent corrosion of metal equipment. --v. 1 tr. & intr. wrap in or form a cocoon. 2 tr. spray with a protective coating. [F cocon f. mod. Prov. coucoun dimin. of coca shell] cocotte n. 1 a a small fireproof dish for cooking and serving an individual portion of food. b a deep cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid and handles. 2 archaic a fashionable prostitute. [F] COD abbr. 1 a cash on delivery. b US collect on delivery. 2 Concise Oxford Dictionary. cod(1) n. (pl. same) any large marine fish of the family Gadidae, used as food, esp. Gadus morhua. Ьcod-liver oil an oil pressed from the fresh liver of cod, which is rich in vitamins D and A. [ME: orig. unkn.] cod(2) n. & v. Brit. sl. --n. 1 a parody. 2 a hoax. 3 (attrib.) = MOCK adj. --v. (codded, codding) 1 a intr. perform a hoax. b tr. play a trick on; fool. 2 tr. parody. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] cod(3) n. sl. nonsense. [abbr. of CODSWALLOP] coda n. 1 Mus. the concluding passage of a piece or movement, usu. forming an addition to the basic structure. 2 Ballet the concluding section of a dance. 3 a concluding event or series of events. [It. f. L cauda tail] coddle v.tr. 1 a treat as an invalid; protect attentively. b (foll. by up) strengthen by feeding. 2 cook (an egg) in water below boiling point. ЬЬcoddler n. [prob. dial. var. of caudle invalids' gruel] code n. & v. --n. 1 a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols, used to represent others for secrecy or brevity. 2 a system of prearranged signals, esp. used to ensure secrecy in transmitting messages. 3 Computing a piece of program text. 4 a a systematic collection of statutes, a body of laws so arranged as to avoid inconsistency and overlapping. b a set of rules on any subject. 5 a the prevailing morality of a society or class (code of honour). b a person's standard of moral behaviour. --v.tr. put (a message, program, etc.) into code. Ьcode-book a list of symbols etc. used in a code. code-name (or -number) a word or symbol (or number) used for secrecy or convenience instead of the usual name. ЬЬcoder n. [ME f. OF f. L CODEX] codeine n. an alkaloid derived from morphine and used to relieve pain. [Gk kodeia poppy-head + -INE(4)] co-determination n. cooperation between management and workers in decision-taking. [CO- + DETERMINATION, after G Mitbestimmung] codex n. (pl. codices) 1 an ancient manuscript text in book form. 2 a collection of pharmaceutical descriptions of drugs etc. [L, = block of wood, tablet, book] codfish n. = COD(1). codger n. (usu. in old codger) colloq. a person, esp. an old or strange one. [perh. var. of cadger: see CADGE] codices pl. of CODEX. codicil n. an addition explaining, modifying, or revoking a will or part of one. ЬЬcodicillary adj. [L codicillus, dimin. of CODEX] codicology n. the study of manuscripts. ЬЬcodicological adj. codicologically adv. [F codicologie f. L codex codicis: see CODEX] codify v.tr. (-ies, -ied) arrange (laws etc.) systematically into a code. ЬЬcodification n. codifier n. codling(1) n. (also codlin) 1 any of several varieties of cooking-apple, having a long tapering shape. 2 a small moth, Carpocapsa pomonella, the larva of which feeds on apples. Ьcodlings-and-cream the great willow-herb, Epilobium angustifolium. [ME f. AF quer de lion lion-heart] codling(2) n. a small codfish. codomain n. Math. a set that includes all the possible expressions of a given function. [CO- 2 + DOMAIN] codon n. Biochem. a sequence of three nucleotides, forming a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule. [CODE + -ON] codpiece n. hist. an appendage like a small bag or flap at the front of a man's breeches. [ME, f. cod scrotum + PIECE] co-driver n. a person who shares the driving of a vehicle with another, esp. in a race, rally, etc. codswallop n. Brit. sl. nonsense. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] coecilian var. of CAECILIAN. coed n. & adj. colloq. --n. 1 a coeducational system or institution. 2 esp. US a female student at a coeducational institution. --adj. coeducational. [abbr.] coeducation n. the education of pupils of both sexes together. ЬЬcoeducational adj. coefficient n. 1 Math. a quantity placed before and multiplying an algebraic expression (e.g. 4 in 4x(y)). 2 Physics a multiplier or factor that measures some property (coefficient of expansion). [mod.L coefficiens (as CO-, EFFICIENT)] coelacanth n. a large bony marine fish, Latimeria chalumnae, formerly thought to be extinct, having a trilobed tail-fin and fleshy pectoral fins. [mod.L Coelacanthus f. Gk koilos hollow + akantha spine] -coele comb. form var. of -CELE. coelenterate n. any marine animal of the phylum Coelenterata with a simple tube-shaped or cup-shaped body, e.g. jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. [mod.L Coelenterata f. Gk koilos hollow + enteron intestine] coeliac adj. (US celiac) of or affecting the belly. Ьcoeliac disease a digestive disease of the small intestine brought on by contact with dietary gluten. [L coeliacus f. Gk koiliakos f. koilia belly] coelom n. (US celom) (pl. -oms or -omata) Zool. the principal body cavity in animals, between the intestinal canal and the body wall. ЬЬcoelomate adj. & n. [Gk koiloma cavity] coelostat n. Astron. an instrument with a rotating mirror that continuously reflects the light from the same area of sky allowing the path of a celestial body to be monitored. [L caelum sky + -STAT] coenobite n. (US cenobite) a member of a monastic community. ЬЬcoenobitic adj. coenobitical adj. [OF cenobite or eccl.L coenobita f. LL coenobium f. Gk koinobion convent f. koinos common + bios life] coenzyme n. Biochem. a non-proteinaceous compound that assists in the action of an enzyme. coequal adj. & n. archaic or literary --adj. equal with one another. --n. an equal. ЬЬcoequality n. coequally adv. [ME f. L or eccl.L coaequalis (as CO-, EQUAL)] coerce v.tr. (often foll. by into) persuade or restrain (an unwilling person) by force (coerced you into signing). ЬЬcoercible adj. [ME f. L coercere restrain (as CO-, arcere restrain)] coercion n. 1 the act or process of coercing. 2 government by force. ЬЬcoercive adj. coercively adv. coerciveness n. [OF cohercion, -tion f. L coer(c)tio, coercitio -onis (as COERCE)] coeval adj. & n. --adj. 1 having the same age or date of origin. 2 living or existing at the same epoch. 3 having the same duration. --n. a coeval person, a contemporary. ЬЬcoevality n. coevally adv. [LL coaevus (as CO-, L aevum age)] coexist v.intr. (often foll. by with) 1 exist together (in time or place). 2 (esp. of nations) exist in mutual tolerance though professing different ideologies etc. ЬЬcoexistence n. coexistent adj. [LL coexistere (as CO-, EXIST)] coextensive adj. extending over the same space or time. C. of E. abbr. Church of England. coffee n. 1 a a drink made from the roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical shrub. b a cup of this. 2 a any shrub of the genus Coffea, yielding berries containing one or more seeds. b these seeds raw, or roasted and ground. 3 a pale brown colour, of coffee mixed with milk. Ьcoffee bar a bar or caf‚ serving coffee and light refreshments from a counter. coffee bean the beanlike seeds of the coffee shrub. coffee-cup a small cup for serving coffee. coffee-essence a concentrated extract of coffee usu. containing chicory. coffee-house a place serving coffee and other refreshments. coffee-mill a small machine for grinding roasted coffee beans. coffee-morning a morning gathering at which coffee is served, often in aid of charity. coffee nibs coffee beans removed from their shells. coffee-shop a small informal restaurant, esp. in a hotel or department store. coffee-table a small low table. coffee-table book a large lavishly illustrated book. [ult. f. Turk. kahveh f. Arab. kahwa, the drink] coffer n. 1 a box, esp. a large strongbox for valuables. 2 (in pl.) a treasury or store of funds. 3 a sunken panel in a ceiling etc. Ьcoffer-dam a watertight enclosure pumped dry to permit work below the waterline on building bridges etc., or for repairing a ship. ЬЬcoffered adj. [ME f. OF coffre f. L cophinus f. Gk kophinos basket] coffin n. & v. --n. 1 a long narrow usu. wooden box in which a corpse is buried or cremated. 2 the part of a horse's hoof below the coronet. --v.tr. (coffined, coffining) put in a coffin. Ьcoffin-bone a bone in a horse's hoof. coffin corner US Football the corner between the goal-line and sideline. coffin-joint the joint at the top of a horse's hoof. coffin-nail sl. a cigarette. [ME f. OF cof(f)in little basket etc. f. L cophinus: see COFFER] coffle n. a line of animals, slaves, etc., fastened together. [Arab. kafila caravan] cog n. 1 each of a series of projections on the edge of a wheel or bar transferring motion by engaging with another series. 2 an unimportant member of an organization etc. Ьcog-wheel a wheel with cogs. ЬЬcogged adj. [ME: prob. of Scand. orig.] cogent adj. (of arguments, reasons, etc.) convincing, compelling. ЬЬcogency n. cogently adv. [L cogere compel (as CO-, agere act- drive)] cogitable adj. able to be grasped by the mind; conceivable. [L cogitabilis (as COGITATE)] cogitate v.tr. & intr. ponder, meditate. ЬЬcogitation n. cogitative adj. cogitator n. [L cogitare think (as CO-, AGITATE)] cogito n. Philos. the principle establishing the existence of a being from the fact of its thinking or awareness. [L, = I think, in Fr. philosopher Descartes's formula (1641) cogito, ergo sum I think, therefore I exist] cognac n. a high-quality brandy, properly that distilled in Cognac in W. France. cognate adj. & n. --adj. 1 related to or descended from a common ancestor (cf. AGNATE). 2 Philol. (of a word) having the same linguistic family or derivation (as another); representing the same original word or root (e.g. English father, German Vater, Latin pater). --n. 1 a relative. 2 a cognate word. Ьcognate object Gram. an object that is related in origin and sense to the verb governing it (as in live a good life). ЬЬcognately adv. cognateness n. [L cognatus (as CO-, natus born)] cognition n. 1 Philos. knowing, perceiving, or conceiving as an act or faculty distinct from emotion and volition. 2 a result of this; a perception, sensation, notion, or intuition. ЬЬcognitional adj. cognitive adj. [L cognitio (as CO-, gnoscere gnit- apprehend)] cognizable adj. (also -isable) 1 perceptible, recognizable; clearly identifiable. 2 within the jurisdiction of a court. ЬЬcognizably adv. [COGNIZANCE + -ABLE] cognizance n. (also cognisance) 1 knowledge or awareness; perception, notice. 2 the sphere of one's observation or concern. 3 Law the right of a court to deal with a matter. 4 Heraldry a distinctive device or mark. Ьhave cognizance of know, esp. officially. take cognizance of attend to; take account of. [ME f. OF conoisance ult. f. L cognoscent- f. cognitio: see COGNITION] cognizant adj. (also cognisant) (foll. by of) having knowledge or being aware of. cognomen n. 1 a nickname. 2 an ancient Roman's personal name or epithet, as in Marcus Tullius Cicero, Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. [L] cognoscente n. (pl. cognoscenti) (usu. in pl.) a connoisseur. [It., lit. one who knows] cohabit v.intr. (cohabited, cohabiting) live together, esp. as husband and wife without being married to one another. ЬЬcohabitant n. cohabitation n. cohabitee n. cohabiter n. [L cohabitare (as CO-, habitare dwell)] cohere v.intr. 1 (of parts or a whole) stick together, remain united. 2 (of reasoning etc.) be logical or consistent. [L cohaerere cohaes- (as CO-, haerere stick)] coherent adj. 1 (of a person) able to speak intelligibly and articulately. 2 (of speech, an argument, etc.) logical and consistent; easily followed. 3 cohering; sticking together. 4 Physics (of waves) having a constant phase relationship. ЬЬcoherence n. coherency n. coherently adv. [L cohaerere cohaerent- (as COHERE)] cohesion n. 1 a the act or condition of sticking together. b a tendency to cohere. 2 Chem. the force with which molecules cohere. ЬЬcohesive adj. cohesively adv. cohesiveness n. [L cohaes- (see COHERE) after adhesion] coho n. (also cohoe) (pl. -os or -oes) a silver salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, of the N. Pacific. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] cohort n. 1 an ancient Roman military unit, equal to one-tenth of a legion. 2 a band of warriors. 3 a persons banded or grouped together, esp. in a common cause. b a group of persons with a common statistical characteristic. 4 US a companion or colleague. [ME f. F cohorte or L cohors cohort- enclosure, company] COHSE abbr. (in the UK) Confederation of Health Service Employees. COI abbr. (in the UK) Central Office of Information. coif n. hist. 1 a close-fitting cap, esp. as worn by nuns under a veil. 2 a protective metal skullcap worn under armour. [ME f. OF coife f. LL cofia helmet] coiffeur n. (fem. coiffeuse) a hairdresser. [F] coiffure n. the way hair is arranged; a hairstyle. [F] coign n. Ьcoign of vantage a favourable position for observation or action. [earlier spelling of COIN in the sense 'cornerstone'] coil(1) n. & v. --n. 1 anything arranged in a joined sequence of concentric circles. 2 a length of rope, a spring, etc., arranged in this way. 3 a single turn of something coiled, e.g. a snake. 4 a lock of hair twisted and coiled. 5 an intra-uterine contraceptive device in the form of a coil. 6 Electr. a device consisting of a coiled wire for converting low voltage to high voltage, esp. for transmission to the sparking plugs of an internal-combustion engine. 7 a piece of wire, piping, etc., wound in circles or spirals. 8 a roll of postage stamps. --v. 1 tr. arrange in a series of concentric loops or rings. 2 tr. & intr. twist or be twisted into a circular or spiral shape. 3 intr. move sinuously. [OF coillir f. L colligere COLLECT(1)] coil(2) n. Ьthis mortal coil the difficulties of earthly life (with ref. to Shakesp. Hamlet III. i. 67). [16th c.: orig. unkn.] coin n. & v. --n. 1 a piece of flat usu. round metal stamped and issued by authority as money. 2 (collect.) metal money. --v.tr. 1 make (coins) by stamping. 2 make (metal) into coins. 3 invent or devise (esp. a new word or phrase). Ьcoin-box 1 a telephone operated by inserting coins. 2 the receptacle for these. coin money make much money quickly. coin-op a launderette etc. with automatic machines operated by inserting coins. to coin a phrase iron. introducing a banal remark or clich‚. [ME f. OF, = stamping-die, f. L cuneus wedge] coinage n. 1 the act or process of coining. 2 a coins collectively. b a system or type of coins in use (decimal coinage; bronze coinage). 3 an invention, esp. of a new word or phrase. [ME f. OF coigniage] coincide v.intr. 1 occur at or during the same time. 2 occupy the same portion of space. 3 (often foll. by with) be in agreement; have the same view. [med.L coincidere (as CO-, INCIDENT)] coincidence n. 1 a occurring or being together. b an instance of this. 2 a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. 3 Physics the presence of ionizing particles etc. in two or more detectors simultaneously, or of two or more signals simultaneously in a circuit. [med.L coincidentia (as COINCIDE)] coincident adj. 1 occurring together in space or time. 2 (foll. by with) in agreement; harmonious. ЬЬcoincidently adv. coincidental adj. 1 in the nature of or resulting from a coincidence. 2 happening or existing at the same time. ЬЬcoincidentally adv. coiner n. 1 a person who coins money, esp. Brit. the maker of counterfeit coin. 2 a person who invents or devises something (esp. a new word or phrase). Cointreau n. propr. a colourless orange-flavoured liqueur. [F] coir n. fibre from the outer husk of the coconut, used for ropes, matting, etc. [Malayalam kayar cord f. kayaru be twisted] coition n. Med. = COITUS. [L coitio f. coire coit- go together] coitus n. Med. sexual intercourse. Ьcoitus interruptus sexual intercourse in which the penis is withdrawn before ejaculation. ЬЬcoital adj. [L (as COITION)] Coke n. propr. Coca-Cola. [abbr.] coke(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a solid substance left after the gases have been extracted from coal. 2 a residue left after the incomplete combustion of petrol etc. --v.tr. convert (coal) into coke. [prob. f. N.Engl. dial. colk core, of unkn. orig.] coke(2) n. sl. cocaine. [abbr.] Col. abbr. 1 Colonel. 2 Colossians (New Testament). col n. 1 a depression in the summit-line of a chain of mountains, generally affording a pass from one slope to another. 2 Meteorol. a low-pressure region between anticyclones. [F, = neck, f. L collum] col. abbr. column. col- prefix assim. form of COM- before l. cola n. (also kola) 1 any small tree of the genus Cola, native to W. Africa, bearing seeds containing caffeine. 2 a carbonated drink usu. flavoured with these seeds. Ьcola nut a seed of the tree. [W.Afr.] colander n. a perforated vessel used to strain off liquid in cookery. [ME, ult. f. L colare strain] co-latitude n. Astron. the complement of the latitude, the difference between it and 90ш. colchicine n. a yellow alkaloid obtained from colchicum, used in the treatment of gout. colchicum n. 1 any liliaceous plant of the genus Colchicum, esp. meadow saffron. 2 its dried corm or seed. Also called autumn crocus. [L f. Gk kolkhikon of Kolkhis, a region east of the Black Sea] cold adj., n., & adv. --adj. 1 of or at a low or relatively low temperature, esp. when compared with the human body. 2 not heated; cooled after being heated. 3 (of a person) feeling cold. 4 lacking ardour, friendliness, or affection; undemonstrative, apathetic. 5 depressing, dispiriting, uninteresting (cold facts). 6 a dead. b colloq. unconscious. 7 colloq. at one's mercy (had me cold). 8 sexually frigid. 9 (of soil) slow to absorb heat. 10 (of a scent in hunting) having become weak. 11 (in children's games) far from finding or guessing what is sought. 12 without preparation or rehearsal. --n. 1 a the prevalence of a low temperature, esp. in the atmosphere. b cold weather; a cold environment (went out into the cold). 2 an infection in which the mucous membrane of the nose and throat becomes inflamed, causing running at the nose, sneezing, sore throat, etc. --adv. esp. US completely, entirely (was stopped cold mid-sentence). Ьcatch a cold 1 become infected with a cold. 2 encounter trouble or difficulties. cold call sell goods or services by making unsolicited calls on prospective customers by telephone or in person. cold cathode a cathode that emits electrons without being heated. cold chisel a chisel suitable for cutting metal. cold comfort poor or inadequate consolation. cold cream ointment for cleansing and softening the skin. cold cuts slices of cold cooked meats. cold feet colloq. loss of nerve or confidence. cold frame an unheated frame with a glass top for growing small plants. cold front the forward edge of an advancing mass of cold air. cold fusion nuclear fusion at room temperature esp. as a possible energy source. cold shoulder a show of intentional unfriendliness. cold-shoulder v.tr. be deliberately unfriendly to. cold sore inflammation and blisters in and around the mouth, caused by a virus infection. cold storage 1 storage in a refrigerator or other cold place for preservation. 2 a state in which something (esp. an idea) is put aside temporarily. cold sweat a state of sweating induced by fear or illness. cold table a selection of dishes of cold food. cold turkey US sl. 1 a series of blunt statements or behaviour. 2 abrupt withdrawal from addictive drugs; the symptoms of this. cold war a state of hostility between nations without actual fighting. cold wave 1 a temporary spell of cold weather over a wide area. 2 a kind of permanent wave for the hair using chemicals and without heat. in cold blood without feeling or passion; deliberately, ruthlessly. out in the cold ignored, neglected. throw (or pour) cold water on be discouraging or depreciatory about. ЬЬcoldish adj. coldly adv. coldness n. [OE cald f. Gmc, rel. to L gelu frost] cold-blooded adj. 1 having a body temperature varying with that of the environment (e.g. of fish); poikilothermic. 2 callous; deliberately cruel. ЬЬcold-bloodedly adv. cold-bloodedness n. cold-hearted adj. lacking affection or warmth; unfriendly. ЬЬcold-heartedly adv. cold-heartedness n. cold-short adj. (of a metal) brittle in its cold state. [Sw. kallsk”r f. kall cold + sk”r brittle: assim. to SHORT] cole n. (usu. in comb.) 1 cabbage. 2 = RAPE(2). [ME f. ON k l f. L caulis stem, cabbage] colemouse var. of COALMOUSE. coleopteron n. any insect of the order Coleoptera, with front wings modified into sheaths to protect the hinder wings, e.g. a beetle or weevil. ЬЬcoleopterist n. coleopterous adj. [mod.L Coleoptera f. Gk koleopteros f. koleon sheath + pteron wing] coleoptile n. Bot. a sheath protecting a young shoot tip in grasses. [Gk koleon sheath + ptilon feather] coleseed n. = COLE 2. coleslaw n. a dressed salad of sliced raw cabbage, carrot, onion, etc. [Du. koolsla: see COLE, SLAW] cole-tit var. of coal-tit. coleus n. any plant of the genus Coleus, having variegated coloured leaves. [mod.L f. Gk koleon sheath] coley n. (pl. -eys) Brit. any of various fish used as food, esp. the saithe or rock-salmon. [perh. f. coal-fish] colic n. a severe spasmodic abdominal pain. ЬЬcolicky adj. [ME f. F colique f. LL colicus: see COLON(2)] coliseum n. US = COLOSSEUM. colitis n. inflammation of the lining of the colon. Coll. abbr. College. collaborate v.intr. (often foll. by with) 1 work jointly, esp. in a literary or artistic production. 2 cooperate traitorously with an enemy. ЬЬcollaboration n. collaborationist n. & adj. collaborative adj. collaborator n. [L collaborare collaborat- (as COM-, laborare work)] collage n. 1 a form of art in which various materials (e.g. photographs, pieces of paper, matchsticks) are arranged and glued to a backing. 2 a work of art done in this way. 3 a collection of unrelated things. ЬЬcollagist n. [F, = gluing] collagen n. a protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatin on boiling. [F collagЉne f. Gk kolla glue + -gЉne = -GEN] collapsar n. Astron. = black hole 1. collapse n. & v. --n. 1 the tumbling down or falling in of a structure; folding up; giving way. 2 a sudden failure of a plan, undertaking, etc. 3 a physical or mental breakdown. --v. 1 a intr. undergo or experience a collapse. b tr. cause to collapse. 2 intr. colloq. lie or sit down and relax, esp. after prolonged effort (collapsed into a chair). 3 a intr. (of furniture etc.) be foldable into a small space. b tr. fold (furniture) in this way. ЬЬcollapsible adj. collapsibility n. [L collapsus past part. of collabi (as COM-, labi slip)] collar n. & v. --n. 1 the part of a shirt, dress, coat, etc., that goes round the neck, either upright or turned over. 2 a band of linen, lace, etc., completing the upper part of a costume. 3 a band of leather or other material put round an animal's (esp. a dog's) neck. 4 a restraining or connecting band, ring, or pipe in machinery. 5 a coloured marking resembling a collar round the neck of a bird or animal. 6 Brit. a piece of meat rolled up and tied. --v.tr. 1 seize (a person) by the collar or neck. 2 capture, apprehend. 3 colloq. accost. 4 sl. take, esp. illicitly. Ьcollar-beam a horizontal beam connecting two rafters and forming with them an A-shaped roof-truss. collar-bone either of two bones joining the breastbone and the shoulder-blades. collared dove a dove, Streptopelia decaoto, having distinct neck-markings. ЬЬcollared adj. (also in comb.). collarless adj. [ME f. AF coler, OF colier, f. L collare f. collum neck] collate v.tr. 1 analyse and compare (texts, statements, etc.) to identify points of agreement and difference. 2 Bibliog. verify the order of (sheets) by their signatures. 3 assemble (information) from different sources. 4 (often foll. by to) Eccl. appoint (a clergyman) to a benefice. ЬЬcollator n. [L collat- past part. stem of conferre compare] collateral n. & adj. --n. 1 security pledged as a guarantee for repayment of a loan. 2 a person having the same descent as another but by a different line. --adj. 1 descended from the same stock but by a different line. 2 side by side; parallel. 3 a additional but subordinate. b contributory. c connected but aside from the main subject, course, etc. ЬЬcollaterality n. collaterally adv. [ME f. med.L collateralis (as COM-, LATERAL)] collation n. 1 the act or an instance of collating. 2 RC Ch. a light meal allowed during a fast. 3 a light informal meal. [ME f. OF f. L collatio -onis (see COLLATE): sense 2 f. Cassian's Collationes Patrum (= Lives of the Fathers) read by Benedictines and followed by a light meal] colleague n. a fellow official or worker, esp. in a profession or business. [F collЉgue f. L collega (as COM-, legare depute)] collect(1) v., adj., & adv. --v. 1 tr. & intr. bring or come together; assemble, accumulate. 2 tr. systematically seek and acquire (books, stamps, etc.), esp. as a continuing hobby. 3 a tr. obtain (taxes, contributions, etc.) from a number of people. b intr. colloq. receive money. 4 tr. call for; fetch (went to collect the laundry). 5 a refl. regain control of oneself esp. after a shock. b tr. concentrate (one's energies, thoughts, etc.). c tr. (as collected adj.) calm and cool; not perturbed or distracted. 6 tr. infer, gather, conclude. --adj. & adv. US to be paid for by the receiver (of a telephone call, parcel, etc.). ЬЬcollectable adj. collectedly adv. [F collecter or med.L collectare f. L collectus past part. of colligere (as COM-, legere pick)] collect(2) n. a short prayer of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Church, esp. one assigned to a particular day or season. [ME f. OF collecte f. L collecta fem. past part. of colligere: see COLLECT(1)] collectible adj. & n. --adj. worth collecting. --n. an item sought by collectors. collection n. 1 the act or process of collecting or being collected. 2 a group of things collected together, esp. systematically. 3 (foll. by of) an accumulation; a mass or pile (a collection of dust). 4 a the collecting of money, esp. in church or for a charitable cause. b the amount collected. 5 the regular removal of mail, esp. from a postbox, for dispatch. 6 (in pl.) Brit. college examinations held at the end of a term, esp. at Oxford University. [ME f. OF f. L collectio -onis (as COLLECT(1))] collective adj. & n. --adj. 1 formed by or constituting a collection. 2 taken as a whole; aggregate (our collective opinion). 3 of or from several or many individuals; common. --n. 1 a = collective farm. b any cooperative enterprise. c its members. 2 = collective noun. Ьcollective bargaining negotiation of wages etc. by an organized body of employees. collective farm a jointly-operated esp. State-owned amalgamation of several smallholdings. collective noun Gram. a noun that is grammatically singular and denotes a collection or number of individuals (e.g. assembly, family, troop). collective ownership ownership of land, means of production, etc., by all for the benefit of all. collective unconscious Psychol. (in Jungian theory) the part of the unconscious mind derived from ancestral memory and experience common to all mankind, as distinct from the personal unconscious. ЬЬcollectively adv. collectiveness n. collectivity n. [F collectif or L collectivus (as COLLECT(1))] collectivism n. the theory and practice of the collective ownership of land and the means of production. ЬЬcollectivist n. collectivistic adj. collectivize v.tr. (also -ise) organize on the basis of collective ownership. ЬЬcollectivization n. collector n. 1 a person who collects, esp. things of interest as a hobby. 2 a person who collects money etc. due (tax-collector; ticket-collector). 3 Electronics the region in a transistor that absorbs carriers of a charge. Ьcollector's item (or piece) a valuable object, esp. one of interest to collectors. [ME f. AF collectour f. med.L collector (as COLLECT(1))] colleen n. Ir. a girl. [Ir. cailЎn, dimin. of caile country-woman] college n. 1 an establishment for further or higher education, sometimes part of a university. 2 an establishment for specialized professional education (business college; college of music; naval college). 3 the buildings or premises of a college (lived in college). 4 the students and teachers in a college. 5 Brit. a public school. 6 an organized body of persons with shared functions and privileges (College of Physicians). ЬCollege of Arms (in the UK) a corporation recording lineage and granting arms. college of education Brit. a training college for schoolteachers. college pudding Brit. a small baked or steamed suet pudding with dried fruit. ЬЬcollegial adj. [ME f. OF college or L collegium f. collega (as COLLEAGUE)] collegian n. a member of a college. [med.L collegianus (as COLLEGE)] collegiate adj. constituted as or belonging to a college; corporate. Ьcollegiate church 1 a church endowed for a chapter of canons but without a bishop's see. 2 US & Sc. a church or group of churches established under a joint pastorate. ЬЬcollegiately adv. [LL collegiatus (as COLLEGE)] collenchyma n. Bot. a tissue of cells with thick cellulose cell walls, strengthening young stems etc. [Gk kolla glue + egkhuma infusion] Colles' fracture n. a fracture of the lower end of the radius with a backward displacement of the hand. [A. Colles, Ir. surgeon d. 1843] collet n. 1 a flange or socket for setting a gem in jewellery. 2 Engin. a segmented band or sleeve put round a shaft or spindle and tightened to grip it. 3 Horol. a small collar to which the inner end of a balance spring is attached. [F, dimin. of COL] collide v.intr. (often foll. by with) 1 come into abrupt or violent impact. 2 be in conflict. [L collidere collis- (as COM-, laedere strike, damage)] collie n. 1 a sheepdog orig. of a Scottish breed, with a long pointed nose and usu. dense long hair. 2 this breed. [perh. f. coll COAL (as being orig. black)] collier n. 1 a coalminer. 2 a a coal-ship. b a member of its crew. [ME, f. COAL + -IER] colliery n. (pl. -ies) a coalmine and its associated buildings. colligate v.tr. bring into connection (esp. isolated facts by a generalization). ЬЬcolligation n. [L colligare colligat- (as COM-, ligare bind)] collimate v.tr. 1 adjust the line of sight of (a telescope etc.). 2 make (telescopes or rays) accurately parallel. ЬЬcollimation n. [L collimare, erron. for collineare align (as COM-, linea line)] collimator n. 1 a device for producing a parallel beam of rays or radiation. 2 a small fixed telescope used for adjusting the line of sight of an astronomical telescope, etc. collinear adj. Geom. (of points) lying in the same straight line. ЬЬcollinearity n. collinearly adv. Collins n. an iced drink made of gin or whisky etc. with soda, lemon or lime juice, and sugar. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] collision n. 1 a violent impact of a moving body, esp. a vehicle or ship, with another or with a fixed object. 2 the clashing of opposed interests or considerations. 3 Physics the action of particles striking or coming together. Ьcollision course a course or action that is bound to cause a collision or conflict. ЬЬcollisional adj. [ME f. LL collisio (as COLLIDE)] collocate v.tr. 1 place together or side by side. 2 arrange; set in a particular place. 3 (often foll. by with) Linguistics juxtapose (a word etc.) with another. ЬЬcollocation n. [L collocare collocat- (as COM-, locare to place)] collocutor n. a person who takes part in a conversation. [LL f. colloqui (as COM-, loqui locut- talk)] collodion n. a syrupy solution of cellulose nitrate in a mixture of alcohol and ether, used in photography and surgery. [Gk kollodes gluelike f. kolla glue] collogue v.intr. (collogues, collogued, colloguing) (foll. by with) talk confidentially. [prob. alt. of obs. colleague conspire, by assoc. with L colloqui converse] colloid n. 1 Chem. a a substance consisting of ultramicroscopic particles. b a mixture of such a substance uniformly dispersed through a second substance esp. to form a viscous solution. 2 Med. a substance of a homogeneous gelatinous consistency. ЬЬcolloidal adj. [Gk kolla glue + -OID] collop n. a slice, esp. of meat or bacon; an escalope. [ME, = fried bacon and eggs, of Scand. orig.] colloquial adj. belonging to or proper to ordinary or familiar conversation, not formal or literary. ЬЬcolloquially adv. [L colloquium COLLOQUY] colloquialism n. 1 a colloquial word or phrase. 2 the use of colloquialisms. colloquium n. (pl. colloquiums or colloquia) an academic conference or seminar. [L: see COLLOQUY] colloquy n. (pl. -quies) 1 the act of conversing. 2 a conversation. 3 Eccl. a gathering for discussion of theological questions. [L colloquium (as COM-, loqui speak)] collotype n. Printing 1 a thin sheet of gelatin exposed to light, treated with reagents, and used to make high quality prints by lithography. 2 a print made by this process. [Gk kolla glue + TYPE] collude v.intr. come to an understanding or conspire together, esp. for a fraudulent purpose. ЬЬcolluder n. [L colludere collus- (as COM-, ludere lus- play)] collusion n. 1 a secret understanding, esp. for a fraudulent purpose. 2 Law such an understanding between ostensible opponents in a lawsuit. ЬЬcollusive adj. collusively adv. [ME f. OF collusion or L collusio (as COLLUDE)] collyrium n. (pl. collyria) a medicated eye-lotion. [L f. Gk kollurion poultice f. kollura coarse bread-roll] collywobbles n.pl. colloq. 1 a rumbling or pain in the stomach. 2 a feeling of strong apprehension. [fanciful, f. COLIC + WOBBLE] Colo. abbr. Colorado. colobus n. any leaf-eating monkey of the genus Colobus, native to Africa, having shortened thumbs. [mod.L f. Gk kolobos docked] colocynth n. (also coloquintida) 1 a a plant of the gourd family, Citrullus colocynthis, bearing a pulpy fruit. b this fruit. 2 a bitter purgative drug obtained from the fruit. [L colocynthis f. Gk kolokunthis] cologne n. (in full cologne water) eau-de-Cologne or a similar scented toilet water. [abbr.] colon(1) n. a punctuation mark (:), used esp. to introduce a quotation or a list of items or to separate clauses when the second expands or illustrates the first; also between numbers in a statement of proportion (as in 10:1) and in Biblical references (as in Exodus 3:2). [L f. Gk kolon limb, clause] colon(2) n. Anat. the lower and greater part of the large intestine, from the caecum to the rectum. ЬЬcolonic adj. [ME, ult. f. Gk kolon] colonel n. 1 an army officer in command of a regiment, immediately below a brigadier in rank. 2 US an officer of corresponding rank in the Air Force. 3 = lieutenant-colonel. ЬColonel Blimp see BLIMP n. 1. ЬЬcolonelcy n. (pl. -ies). [obs. F coronel f. It. colonnello f. colonna COLUMN] colonial adj. & n. --adj. 1 of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony or colonies, esp. of a British Crown Colony. 2 (esp. of architecture or furniture) built or designed in, or in a style characteristic of, the period of the British colonies in America before independence. --n. 1 a native or inhabitant of a colony. 2 a house built in colonial style. Ьcolonial goose Austral. & NZ a boned and stuffed roast leg of mutton. ЬЬcolonially adv. colonialism n. 1 a policy of acquiring or maintaining colonies. 2 derog. this policy regarded as the esp. economic exploitation of weak or backward peoples by a larger power. ЬЬcolonialist n. colonist n. a settler in or inhabitant of a colony. colonize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. a establish a colony or colonies in (a country or area). b settle as colonists. 2 intr. establish or join a colony. 3 tr. US Polit. plant voters in (a district) for party purposes. 4 tr. Biol. (of plants and animals) become established (in an area). ЬЬcolonization n. colonizer n. colonnade n. a row of columns, esp. supporting an entablature or roof. ЬЬcolonnaded adj. [F f. colonne COLUMN] colony n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a group of settlers in a new country (whether or not already inhabited) fully or partly subject to the mother country. b the settlement or its territory. 2 a people of one nationality or race or occupation in a city, esp. if living more or less in isolation or in a special quarter. b a separate or segregated group (nudist colony). 3 Biol. a collection of animals, plants, etc., connected, in contact, or living close together. [ME f. L colonia f. colonus farmer f. colere cultivate] colophon n. 1 a publisher's device or imprint, esp. on the title-page. 2 a tailpiece in a manuscript or book, often ornamental, giving the writer's or printer's name, the date, etc. [LL f. Gk kolophon summit, finishing touch] colophony n. = ROSIN. [L colophonia (resin) from Colophon in Asia Minor] coloquintida var. of COLOCYNTH. color etc. US var. of COLOUR etc. Colorado beetle n. a yellow and black striped beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the larva of which is highly destructive to the potato plant. [Colorado in the US] coloration n. (also colouration) 1 colouring; a scheme or method of applying colour. 2 the natural (esp. variegated) colour of living things or animals. [F coloration or LL coloratio f. colorare COLOUR] coloratura n. 1 elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody. 2 a singer (esp. a soprano) skilled in coloratura singing. [It. f. L colorare COLOUR] colorific adj. 1 producing colour. 2 highly coloured. [F colorifique or mod.L colorificus (as COLOUR)] colorimeter n. an instrument for measuring the intensity of colour. ЬЬcolorimetric adj. colorimetry n. [L color COLOUR + -METER] colossal adj. 1 of immense size; huge, gigantic. 2 colloq. remarkable, splendid. 3 Archit. (of an order) having more than one storey of columns. 4 Sculpture (of a statue) about twice life size. ЬЬcolossally adv. [F f. colosse COLOSSUS] colosseum n. a large stadium or amphitheatre. [med.L, neut. of colosseus gigantic (as COLOSSUS)] colossus n. (pl. colossi or colossuses) 1 a statue much bigger than life size. 2 a gigantic person, animal, building, etc. 3 an imperial power personified. [L f. Gk kolossos] colostomy n. (pl. -ies) Surgery an operation on the colon to make an opening in the abdominal wall to provide an artificial anus. [as COLON(2) + Gk stoma mouth] colostrum n. the first secretion from the mammary glands occurring after giving birth. [L] colotomy n. (pl. -ies) Surgery an incision in the colon. [as COLON(2) + -TOMY] colour n. & v. --n. (US color) 1 a the sensation produced on the eye by rays of light when resolved as by a prism, selective reflection, etc., into different wavelengths. b perception of colour; a system of colours. 2 one, or any mixture, of the constituents into which light can be separated as in a spectrum or rainbow, sometimes including (loosely) black and white. 3 a colouring substance, esp. paint. 4 the use of all colours, not only black and white, as in photography and television. 5 a pigmentation of the skin, esp. when dark. b this as a ground for prejudice or discrimination. 6 ruddiness of complexion (a healthy colour). 7 (in pl.) appearance or aspect (see things in their true colours). 8 (in pl.) a Brit. a coloured ribbon or uniform etc. worn to signify membership of a school, club, team, etc. b the flag of a regiment or ship. c a national flag. 9 quality, mood, or variety in music, literature, speech, etc.; distinctive character or timbre. 10 a show of reason; a pretext (lend colour to; under colour of). --v. 1 tr. apply colour to, esp. by painting or dyeing or with coloured pens or pencils. 2 tr. influence (an attitude coloured by experience). 3 tr. misrepresent, exaggerate, esp. with spurious detail (a highly coloured account). 4 intr. take on colour; blush. Ьcolour bar the denial of services and facilities to non-White people. colour-blind unable to distinguish certain colours. colour-blindness the condition of being colour-blind. colour code use of colours as a standard means of identification. colour-code v.tr. identify by means of a colour code. colour-fast dyed in colours that will not fade or be washed out. colour-fastness the condition of being colour-fast. colour scheme an arrangement or planned combination of colours esp. in interior design. colour-sergeant the senior sergeant of an infantry company. colour supplement Brit. a magazine with coloured illustrations, issued as a supplement to a newspaper. colour wash coloured distemper. colour-wash v.tr. paint with coloured distemper. Queen's (or King's or regimental) colour a flag carried by a regiment. show one's true colours reveal one's true character or intentions. under false colours falsely, deceitfully. with flying colours see FLYING. [ME f. OF color, colorer f. L color, colorare] colourable adj. (US colorable) 1 specious, plausible. 2 counterfeit. ЬЬcolourably adv. colourant n. (US colorant) a colouring substance. colouration var. of COLORATION. coloured adj. & n. (US colored) --adj. 1 having colour(s). 2 (Coloured) a wholly or partly of non-White descent. b S.Afr. of mixed White and non-White descent. c of or relating to Coloured people (a Coloured audience). --n. (Coloured) 1 a Coloured person. 2 S.Afr. a person of mixed descent speaking Afrikaans or English as the mother tongue. colourful adj. (US colorful) 1 having much or varied colour; bright. 2 full of interest; vivid, lively. ЬЬcolourfully adv. colourfulness n. colouring n. (US coloring) 1 the process of or skill in using colour(s). 2 the style in which a thing is coloured, or in which an artist uses colour. 3 facial complexion. colourist n. (US colorist) a person who uses colour, esp. in art. colourless adj. (US colorless) 1 without colour. 2 lacking character or interest. 3 dull or pale in hue. 4 neutral, impartial, indifferent. ЬЬcolourlessly adv. coloury adj. US (colory) having a distinctive colour, esp. as indicating good quality. colposcopy n. examination of the vagina and the neck of the womb. ЬЬcolposcope n. [Gk kolpos womb + -SCOPY] colt n. 1 a young uncastrated male horse, usu. less than four years old. 2 Sport a young or inexperienced player; a member of a junior team. ЬЬcolthood n. coltish adj. coltishly adv. coltishness n. [OE, = young ass or camel] colter US var. of COULTER. coltsfoot n. (pl. coltsfoots) a wild composite plant, Tussilago farfara, with large leaves and yellow flowers. colubrine adj. 1 snakelike. 2 of the subfamily Colubrinae of non-poisonous snakes. [L colubrinus f. coluber snake] Columbine n. the partner of Harlequin in pantomime. [F Colombine f. It. Colombina f. colombino dovelike] columbine n. any plant of the genus Aquilegia, esp. A. vulgaris, having purple-blue flowers. Also called AQUILEGIA. [ME f. OF colombine f. med.L colombina herba dovelike plant f. L columba dove (from the supposed resemblance of the flower to a cluster of 5 doves)] columbite n. US Chem. an ore of iron and niobium found in America. [Columbia, a poetic name for America, + -ITE(1)] columbium n. US Chem. = NIOBIUM. column n. 1 Archit. an upright cylindrical pillar often slightly tapering and usu. supporting an entablature or arch, or standing alone as a monument. 2 a structure or part shaped like a column. 3 a vertical cylindrical mass of liquid or vapour. 4 a a vertical division of a page, chart, etc., containing a sequence of figures or words. b the figures or words themselves. 5 a part of a newspaper regularly devoted to a particular subject (gossip column). 6 a Mil. an arrangement of troops in successive lines, with a narrow front. b Naut. a similar arrangement of ships. Ьcolumn-inch a quantity of print (esp. newsprint) occupying a one-inch length of a column. dodge the column colloq. shirk one's duty; avoid work. ЬЬcolumnar adj. columned adj. [ME f. OF columpne & L columna pillar] columnist n. a journalist contributing regularly to a newspaper. colure n. Astron. either of two great circles intersecting at right angles at the celestial poles and passing through the ecliptic at either the equinoxes or the solstices. [ME f. LL colurus f. Gk kolouros truncated] colza n. = RAPE(2). [F kolza(t) f. LG kolsat (as COLE, SEED)] COM abbr. computer output on microfilm or microfiche. com- prefix (also co-, col-, con-, cor-) with, together, jointly, altogether. ° com- is used before b, m, p, and occas. before vowels and f; co- esp. before vowels, h, and gn; col- before l, cor- before r, and con- before other consonants. [L com-, cum with] coma(1) n. (pl. comas) a prolonged deep unconsciousness, caused esp. by severe injury or excessive use of drugs. [med.L f. Gk koma deep sleep] coma(2) n. (pl. comae) 1 Astron. a cloud of gas and dust surrounding the nucleus of a comet. 2 Bot. a tuft of silky hairs at the end of some seeds. [L f. Gk kome hair of head] comatose adj. 1 in a coma. 2 drowsy, sleepy, lethargic. comb n. & v. --n. 1 a toothed strip of rigid material for tidying and arranging the hair, or for keeping it in place. 2 a part of a machine having a similar design or purpose. 3 a the red fleshy crest of a fowl, esp. a cock. b an analogous growth in other birds. 4 a honeycomb. --v.tr. 1 arrange or tidy (the hair) by drawing a comb through. 2 curry (a horse). 3 dress (wool or flax) with a comb. 4 search (a place) thoroughly. Ьcomb out 1 tidy and arrange (hair) with a comb. 2 remove with a comb. 3 search or attack systematically. 4 search out and get rid of (anything unwanted). ЬЬcombed adj. [OE camb f. Gmc] combat n. & v. --n. a fight, struggle, or contest. --v. (combated, combating) 1 intr. engage in combat. 2 tr. engage in combat with. 3 tr. oppose; strive against. Ьcombat fatigue a mental disorder caused by stress in wartime combat. single combat a duel. [F combat f. combattre f. LL (as COM-, L batuere fight)] combatant n. & adj. --n. a person engaged in fighting. --adj. 1 fighting. 2 for fighting. combative adj. ready or eager to fight; pugnacious. ЬЬcombatively adv. combativeness n. combe var. of COOMB. comber(1) n. 1 a person or thing that combs, esp. a machine for combing cotton or wool very fine. 2 a long curling wave; a breaker. comber(2) n. Brit. a fish of the perch family, Serranus cabrilla. [18th c.: orig. unkn.] combination n. 1 the act or an instance of combining; the process of being combined. 2 a combined state (in combination with). 3 a combined set of things or people. 4 a sequence of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock. 5 Brit. a motor cycle with side-car attached. 6 (in pl.) Brit. a single undergarment for the body and legs. 7 a group of things chosen from a larger number without regard to their arrangement. 8 a united action. b Chess a coordinated and effective sequence of moves. 9 Chem. a union of substances in a compound with new properties. Ьcombination lock a lock that can be opened only by a specific sequence of movements. ЬЬcombinative adj. combinational adj. combinatory adj. [obs. F combination or LL combinatio (as COMBINE)] combinatorial adj. Math. relating to combinations of items. combine v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. join together; unite for a common purpose. 2 tr. possess (qualities usually distinct) together (combines charm and authority). 3 a intr. coalesce in one substance. b tr. cause to do this. c intr. form a chemical compound. 4 intr. cooperate. 5 tr. harvest (crops etc.) by means of a combine harvester. --n. a combination of esp. commercial interests to control prices etc. Ьcombine harvester a mobile machine that reaps and threshes in one operation. combining form Gram. a linguistic element used in combination with another element to form a word (e.g. Anglo- = English, bio- = life, -graphy writing). °In this dictionary, combining form is used of an element that contributes to the particular sense of words (as with both elements of biography), as distinct from a prefix or suffix that adjusts the sense of or determines the function of words (as with un-, -able, and -ation). ЬЬcombinable adj. [ME f. OF combiner or LL combinare (as COM-, L bini two)] combing n. (in pl.) hairs combed off. Ьcombing wool long-stapled wool, suitable for combing and making into worsted. combo n. (pl. -os) sl. a small jazz or dance band. [abbr. of COMBINATION + -O] combs n.pl. colloq. combinations (see COMBINATION 6). combust v.tr. subject to combustion. [obs. combust (adj.) f. L combustus past part. (as COMBUSTION)] combustible adj. & n. --adj. 1 capable of or used for burning. 2 excitable; easily irritated. --n. a combustible substance. ЬЬcombustibility n. [F combustible or med.L combustibilis (as COMBUSTION)] combustion n. 1 burning; consumption by fire. 2 Chem. the development of light and heat from the chemical combination of a substance with oxygen. ЬЬcombustive adj. [ME f. F combustion or LL combustio f. L comburere combust- burn up] come v. & n. --v.intr. (past came; past part. come) 1 move, be brought towards, or reach a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker or hearer (come and see me; shall we come to your house?; the books have come). 2 reach or be brought to a specified situation or result (you'll come to no harm; have come to believe it; has come to be used wrongly; came into prominence). 3 reach or extend to a specified point (the road comes within a mile of us). 4 traverse or accomplish (with compl. : have come a long way). 5 occur, happen; become present instead of future (how did you come to break your leg?). 6 take or occupy a specified position in space or time (it comes on the third page; Nero came after Claudius; it does not come within the scope of the inquiry). 7 become perceptible or known (the church came into sight; the news comes as a surprise; it will come to me). 8 be available (the dress comes in three sizes; this model comes with optional features). 9 become (with compl. : the handle has come loose). 10 (foll. by of) a be descended from (comes of a rich family). b be the result of (that comes of complaining). 11 colloq. play the part of; behave like (with compl. : don't come the bully with me). 12 sl. have a sexual orgasm. 13 (in subj.) colloq. when a specified time is reached (come next month). 14 (as int.) expressing caution or reserve (come, it cannot be that bad). --n. sl. semen ejaculated at a sexual orgasm. Ьas ... as they come typically or supremely so (is as tough as they come). come about happen; take place. come across 1 be effective or understood. 2 (foll. by with) sl. hand over what is wanted. 3 meet or find by chance (came across an old jacket). come again colloq. 1 make a further effort. 2 (as imper.) what did you say? come along 1 make progress; move forward. 2 (as imper.) hurry up. come and go 1 pass to and fro; be transitory. 2 pay brief visits. come apart fall or break into pieces, disintegrate. come at 1 reach, discover; get access to. 2 attack (came at me with a knife). come-at-able adj. reachable, accessible. come away 1 become detached or broken off (came away in my hands). 2 (foll. by with) be left with a feeling, impression, etc. (came away with many misgivings). come back 1 return. 2 recur to one's memory. 3 become fashionable or popular again. 4 US reply, retort. come before be dealt with by (a judge etc.). come between 1 interfere with the relationship of. 2 separate; prevent contact between. come by 1 pass; go past. 2 call on a visit (why not come by tomorrow?). 3 acquire, obtain (came by a new bicycle). come clean see CLEAN. come down 1 come to a place or position regarded as lower. 2 lose position or wealth (has come down in the world). 3 be handed down by tradition or inheritance. 4 be reduced; show a downward trend (prices are coming down). 5 (foll. by against, in favour of) reach a decision or recommendation (the report came down against change). 6 (foll. by to) signify or betoken basically; be dependent on (a factor) (it comes down to who is willing to go). 7 (foll. by on) criticize harshly; rebuke, punish. 8 (foll. by with) begin to suffer from (a disease). come for 1 come to collect or receive. 2 attack (came for me with a hammer). come forward 1 advance. 2 offer oneself for a task, post, etc. come-hither attrib.adj. colloq. (of a look or manner) enticing, flirtatious. come in 1 enter a house or room. 2 take a specified position in a race etc. (came in third). 3 become fashionable or seasonable. 4 a have a useful role or function. b (with compl.) prove to be (came in very handy). c have a part to play (where do I come in?). 5 be received (more news has just come in). 6 begin speaking, esp. in radio transmission. 7 be elected; come to power. 8 Cricket begin an innings. 9 (foll. by for) receive; be the object of (usu. something unwelcome) (came in for much criticism). 10 (foll. by on) join (an enterprise etc.). 11 (of a tide) turn to high tide. 12 (of a train, ship, or aircraft) approach its destination. come into 1 see senses 2, 7 of v. 2 receive, esp. as heir. come near see NEAR. come of age see AGE. come off 1 colloq. (of an action) succeed; be accomplished. 2 (with compl.) fare; turn out (came off badly; came off the winner). 3 coarse sl. have a sexual orgasm. 4 be detached or detachable (from). 5 fall (from). 6 be reduced or subtracted from (њ5 came off the price). come off it (as imper.) colloq. an expression of disbelief or refusal to accept another's opinion, behaviour, etc. come on 1 continue to come. 2 advance, esp. to attack. 3 make progress; thrive (is really coming on). 4 (foll. by to + infin.) begin (it came on to rain). 5 appear on the stage, field of play, etc. 6 be heard or seen on television, on the telephone, etc. 7 arise to be discussed. 8 (as imper.) expressing encouragement. 9 = come upon. come-on n. sl. a lure or enticement. come out 1 emerge; become known (it came out that he had left). 2 appear or be published (comes out every Saturday). 3 a declare oneself; make a decision (came out in favour of joining). b openly declare that one is a homosexual. 4 Brit. go on strike. 5 a be satisfactorily visible in a photograph etc., or present in a specified way (the dog didn't come out; he came out badly). b (of a photograph) be produced satisfactorily or in a specified way (only three have come out; they all came out well). 6 attain a specified result in an examination etc. 7 (of a stain etc.) be removed. 8 make one's d‚but on stage or in society. 9 (foll. by in) be covered with (came out in spots). 10 (of a problem) be solved. 11 (foll. by with) declare openly; disclose. come over 1 come from some distance or nearer to the speaker (came over from Paris; come over here a moment). 2 change sides or one's opinion. 3 a (of a feeling etc.) overtake or affect (a person). b colloq. feel suddenly (came over faint). 4 appear or sound in a specified way (you came over very well; the ideas came over clearly). 5 affect or influence (I don't know what came over me). come round 1 pay an informal visit. 2 recover consciousness. 3 be converted to another person's opinion. 4 (of a date or regular occurrence) recur; be imminent again. come through 1 be successful; survive. 2 be received by telephone. 3 survive or overcome (a difficulty) (came through the ordeal). come to 1 recover consciousness. 2 Naut. bring a vessel to a stop. 3 reach in total; amount to. 4 refl. a recover consciousness. b stop being foolish. 5 have as a destiny; reach (what is the world coming to?). come to hand become available; be recovered. come to light see LIGHT(1). come to nothing have no useful result in the end; fail. come to pass happen, occur. come to rest cease moving. come to one's senses see SENSE. come to that colloq. in fact; if that is the case. come under 1 be classified as or among. 2 be subject to (influence or authority). come up 1 come to a place or position regarded as higher. 2 attain wealth or position (come up in the world ). 3 (of an issue, problem, etc.) arise; present itself; be mentioned or discussed. 4 (often foll. by to) a approach a person, esp. to talk. b approach or draw near to a specified time, event, etc. (is coming up to eight o'clock). 5 (foll. by to) match (a standard etc.). 6 (foll. by with) produce (an idea etc.), esp. in response to a challenge. 7 (of a plant etc.) spring up out of the ground. 8 become brighter (e.g. with polishing); shine more brightly. come up against be faced with or opposed by. come upon 1 meet or find by chance. 2 attack by surprise. come what may no matter what happens. have it coming to one colloq. be about to get one's deserts. how come? colloq. how did that happen? if it comes to that in that case. to come future; in the future (the year to come; many problems were still to come). [OE cuman f. Gmc] comeback n. 1 a return to a previous (esp. successful) state. 2 sl. a retaliation or retort. 3 Austral. a sheep bred from crossbred and purebred parents for both wool and meat. Comecon n. an economic association of Communist countries in E. Europe. [abbr. of Council for Mutual Economic Assistance] comedian n. 1 a humorous entertainer on stage, television, etc. 2 an actor in comedy. [F com‚dien f. com‚die COMEDY] comedienne n. a female comedian. [F fem. (as COMEDIAN)] comedist n. a writer of comedies. comedo n. (pl. comedones) Med. a blackhead. [L, = glutton f. comedere eat up] comedown n. 1 a loss of status; decline or degradation. 2 a disappointment. comedy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a play, film, etc., of an amusing or satirical character, usu. with a happy ending. b the dramatic genre consisting of works of this kind (she excels in comedy) (cf. TRAGEDY). 2 an amusing or farcical incident or series of incidents in everyday life. 3 humour, esp. in a work of art etc. Ьcomedy of manners see MANNER. ЬЬcomedic adj. [ME f. OF comedie f. L comoedia f. Gk komoidia f. komoidos comic poet f. komos revel] comely adj. (comelier, comeliest) (usu. of a woman) pleasant to look at. ЬЬcomeliness n. [ME cumelich, cumli prob. f. becumelich f. BECOME] comer n. 1 a person who comes, esp. as an applicant, participant, etc. (offered the job to the first comer). 2 colloq. a person likely to be a success. Ьall comers any applicants (with reference to a position, or esp. a challenge to a champion, that is unrestricted in entry). comestible n. (usu. in pl.) formal or joc. food. [ME f. F f. med.L comestibilis f. L comedere comest- eat up] comet n. a hazy object usu. with a nucleus of ice and dust surrounded by gas and with a tail pointing away from the sun, moving about the sun in an eccentric orbit. ЬЬcometary adj. [ME f. OF comete f. L cometa f. Gk kometes long-haired (star)] comeuppance n. colloq. one's deserved fate or punishment (got his comeuppance). [COME + UP + -ANCE] comfit n. archaic a sweet consisting of a nut, seed, etc., coated in sugar. [ME f. OF confit f. L confectum past part. of conficere prepare: see CONFECTION] comfort n. & v. --n. 1 consolation; relief in affliction. 2 a a state of physical well-being; being comfortable (live in comfort). b (usu. in pl.) things that make life easy or pleasant (has all the comforts). 3 a cause of satisfaction (a comfort to me that you are here). 4 a person who consoles or helps one (he's a comfort to her in her old age). 5 US a warm quilt. --v.tr. 1 soothe in grief; console. 2 make comfortable (comforted by the warmth of the fire). Ьcomfort station US euphem. a public lavatory. [ME f. OF confort(er) f. LL confortare strengthen (as COM-, L fortis strong)] comfortable adj. & n. --adj. 1 ministering to comfort; giving ease (a comfortable pair of shoes). 2 free from discomfort; at ease (I'm quite comfortable thank you). 3 colloq. having an adequate standard of living; free from financial worry. 4 having an easy conscience (did not feel comfortable about refusing him). 5 with a wide margin (a comfortable win). --n. US a warm quilt. ЬЬcomfortableness n. comfortably adv. [ME f. AF confortable (as COMFORT)] comforter n. 1 a person who comforts. 2 a baby's dummy. 3 archaic a woollen scarf. 4 US a warm quilt. [ME f. AF confortour, OF -‰or (as COMFORT)] comfortless adj. 1 dreary, cheerless. 2 without comfort. comfrey n. (pl. -eys) any of various plants of the genus Symphytum, esp. S. officinale having large hairy leaves and clusters of usu. white or purple bell-shaped flowers. [ME f. AF cumfrie, ult. f. L conferva (as COM-, fervere boil)] comfy adj. (comfier, comfiest) colloq. comfortable. ЬЬcomfily adv. comfiness n. [abbr.] comic adj. & n. --adj. 1 (often attrib.) of, or in the style of, comedy (a comic actor; comic opera). 2 causing or meant to cause laughter; funny (comic to see his struggles). --n. 1 a professional comedian. 2 a a children's periodical, mainly in the form of comic strips. b a similar publication intended for adults. Ьcomic opera 1 an opera with much spoken dialogue, usu. with humorous treatment. 2 this genre of opera. comic strip a horizontal series of drawings in a comic, newspaper, etc., telling a story. [L comicus f. Gk komikos f. komos revel] comical adj. funny; causing laughter. ЬЬcomicality n. comically adv. [COMIC] coming adj. & n. --attrib.adj. 1 approaching, next (in the coming week; this coming Sunday). 2 of potential importance (a coming man). --n. arrival; approach. Comintern n. the Third International (see INTERNATIONAL n. 2), a communist organization (1919-43). [Russ. Komintern f. Russ. forms of communist, international] comitadji n. (also komitadji, komitaji) a member of an irregular band of soldiers in the Balkans. [Turk. komitaci, lit. 'member of a (revolutionary) committee'] comity n. (pl. -ies) 1 courtesy, civility; considerate behaviour towards others. 2 a an association of nations etc. for mutual benefit. b (in full comity of nations) the mutual recognition by nations of the laws and customs of others. [L comitas f. comis courteous] comma n. 1 a punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause between parts of a sentence, or dividing items in a list, string of figures, etc. 2 Mus. a definite minute interval or difference of pitch. Ьcomma bacillus a comma-shaped bacillus causing cholera. [L f. Gk komma clause] command v. & n. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by to + infin., or that + clause) give formal order or instructions to (commands us to obey; commands that it be done). 2 (also absol.) have authority or control over. 3 a (often refl.) restrain, master. b gain the use of; have at one's disposal or within reach (skill, resources, etc.) (commands an extensive knowledge of history; commands a salary of њ40,000). 4 deserve and get (sympathy, respect, etc.). 5 Mil. dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height; look down over. --n. 1 an authoritative order; an instruction. 2 mastery, control, possession (a good command of languages; has command of the resources). 3 the exercise or tenure of authority, esp. naval or military (has command of this ship). 4 Mil. a a body of troops etc. (Bomber Command). b a district under a commander (Western Command). 5 Computing a an instruction causing a computer to perform one of its basic functions. b a signal initiating such an operation. Ьat command ready to be used at will. at (or by) a person's command in pursuance of a person's bidding. command module the control compartment in a spacecraft. Command Paper (in the UK) a paper laid before Parliament by command of the Crown. command performance (in the UK) a theatrical or film performance given by royal command. command post the headquarters of a military unit. in command of commanding; having under control. under command of commanded by. word of command 1 Mil. an order for a movement in a drill etc. 2 a prearranged spoken signal for the start of an operation. [ME f. AF comaunder, OF comander f. LL commandare COMMEND] commandant n. a commanding officer, esp. of a particular force, military academy, etc. ЬCommandant-in-Chief the supreme commandant. ЬЬcommandantship n. [F commandant, or It. or Sp. commandante (as COMMAND)] commandeer v.tr. 1 seize (men or goods) for military purposes. 2 take possession of without authority. [S.Afr. Du. kommanderen f. F commander COMMAND] commander n. 1 a person who commands, esp.: a a naval officer next in rank below captain. b = wing commander. 2 an officer in charge of a London police district. 3 (in full knight commander) a member of a higher class in some orders of knighthood. 4 a large wooden mallet. Ьcommander-in-chief the supreme commander, esp. of a nation's forces. Commander of the Faithful a title of a Caliph. ЬЬcommandership n. [ME f. OF comandere, -e”r f. Rmc (as COMMAND)] commanding adj. 1 dignified, exalted, impressive. 2 (of a hill or other high point) giving a wide view. 3 (of an advantage, a position, etc.) controlling; superior (has a commanding lead). ЬЬcommandingly adv. commandment n. a divine command. Ьthe Ten Commandments the divine rules of conduct given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, according to Exod. 20:1-17. [ME f. OF comandement (as COMMAND)] commando n. (pl. -os) Mil. 1 a a unit of British amphibious shock troops. b a member of such a unit. c a similar unit or member of such a unit elsewhere. 2 a a party of men called out for military service. b a body of troops. 3 (attrib.) of or concerning a commando (a commando operation). [Port. f. commandar COMMAND] comme ci, comme ‡a adv. & adj. so so; middling or middlingly. [F, = like this, like that] commedia dell'arte n. an improvised kind of popular comedy in Italian theatres in the 16th-18th c., based on stock characters. [It., = comedy of art] comme il faut adj. & adv. --predic.adj. (esp. of behaviour, etiquette, etc.) proper, correct. --adv. properly, correctly. [F, = as is necessary] commemorate v.tr. 1 celebrate in speech or writing. 2 a preserve in memory by some celebration. b (of a stone, plaque, etc.) be a memorial of. ЬЬcommemorative adj. commemorator n. [L commemorare (as COM-, memorare relate f. memor mindful)] commemoration n. 1 an act of commemorating. 2 a service or part of a service in memory of a person, an event, etc. [ME f. F commemoration or L commemoratio (as COMMEMORATE)] commence v.tr. & intr. formal begin. [ME f. OF com(m)encier f. Rmc (as COM-, L initiare INITIATE)] commencement n. formal 1 a beginning. 2 esp. US a ceremony of degree conferment. [ME f. OF (as COMMENCE)] commend v.tr. 1 (often foll. by to) entrust, commit (commends his soul to God). 2 praise (commends her singing voice). 3 recommend (method commends itself). Ьcommend me to archaic remember me kindly to. highly commended (of a competitor etc.) just missing the top places. [ME f. L commendare (as COM-, mendare = mandare entrust: see MANDATE)] commendable adj. praiseworthy. ЬЬcommendably adv. [ME f. OF f. L commendabilis (as COMMEND)] commendation n. 1 an act of commending or recommending (esp. a person to another's favour). 2 praise. [ME f. OF f. L commendatio (as COMMEND)] commendatory adj. commending, recommending. [LL commendatorius (as COMMEND)] commensal adj. & n. --adj. 1 Biol. of, relating to, or exhibiting commensalism. 2 (of a person) eating at the same table as another. --n. 1 Biol. a commensal organism. 2 one who eats at the same table as another. ЬЬcommensality n. [ME f. F commensal or med.L commensalis (in sense 2) (as COM-, mensa table)] commensalism n. Biol. an association between two organisms in which one benefits and the other derives no benefit or harm. commensurable adj. 1 (often foll. by with, to) measurable by the same standard. 2 (foll. by to) proportionate to. 3 Math. (of numbers) in a ratio equal to the ratio of integers. ЬЬcommensurability n. commensurably adv. [LL commensurabilis (as COM-, MEASURE)] commensurate adj. 1 (usu. foll. by with) having the same size, duration, etc.; coextensive. 2 (often foll. by to, with) proportionate. ЬЬcommensurately adv. [LL commensuratus (as COM-, MEASURE)] comment n. & v. --n. 1 a a remark, esp. critical; an opinion (passed a comment on her hat). b commenting; criticism (his behaviour aroused much comment; an hour of news and comment). 2 a an explanatory note (e.g. on a written text). b written criticism or explanation (e.g. of a text). 3 (of a play, book, etc.) a critical illustration; a parable (his art is a comment on society). --v.intr. 1 (often foll. by on, upon, or that + clause) make (esp. critical) remarks (commented on her choice of friends). 2 (often foll. by on, upon) write explanatory notes. Ьno comment colloq. I decline to answer your question. ЬЬcommenter n. [ME f. L commentum contrivance (in LL also = interpretation), neut. past part. of comminisci devise, or F commenter (v.)] commentary n. (pl. -ies) 1 a set of explanatory or critical notes on a text etc. 2 a descriptive spoken account (esp. on radio or television) of an event or a performance as it happens. [L commentarius, -ium adj. used as noun (as COMMENT)] commentate v.intr. disp. act as a commentator. [back-form. f. COMMENTATOR] commentator n. 1 a person who provides a commentary on an event etc. 2 the writer of a commentary. 3 a person who writes or speaks on current events. [L f. commentari frequent. of comminisci devise] commerce n. 1 financial transactions, esp. the buying and selling of merchandise, on a large scale. 2 social intercourse (the daily commerce of gossip and opinion). 3 archaic sexual intercourse. [F commerce or L commercium (as COM-, mercium f. merx mercis merchandise)] commercial adj. & n. --adj. 1 of, engaged in, or concerned with, commerce. 2 having profit as a primary aim rather than artistic etc. value; philistine. 3 (of chemicals) supplied in bulk more or less unpurified. --n. 1 a television or radio advertisement. 2 archaic a commercial traveller. Ьcommercial art art used in advertising, selling, etc. commercial broadcasting television or radio broadcasting in which programmes are financed by advertisements. commercial traveller a firm's travelling salesman or saleswoman who visits shops to get orders. commercial vehicle a vehicle used for carrying goods or fare-paying passengers. ЬЬcommercialism n. commerciality n. commercially adv. commercialize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 exploit or spoil for the purpose of gaining profit. 2 make commercial. ЬЬcommercialization n. commЉre n. Brit. a female compЉre. [F, fem. of COMP°RE] Commie n. sl. derog. a Communist. [abbr.] commination n. 1 the threatening of divine vengeance. 2 a the recital of divine threats against sinners in the Anglican Liturgy for Ash Wednesday. b the service that includes this. [ME f. L comminatio f. comminari threaten] comminatory adj. threatening, denunciatory. [med.L comminatorius (as COMMINATION)] commingle v.tr. & intr. literary mingle together. comminute v.tr. 1 reduce to small fragments. 2 divide (property) into small portions. Ьcomminuted fracture a fracture producing multiple bone splinters. ЬЬcomminution n. [L comminuere comminut- (as COM-, minuere lessen)] commis n. (pl. commis) a junior waiter or chef. [orig. = deputy, clerk, f. F, past part. of commettre entrust (as COMMIT)] commiserate v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by with) express or feel pity. 2 tr. archaic express or feel pity for (commiserate you on your loss). ЬЬcommiseration n. commiserative adj. commiserator n. [L commiserari (as COM-, miserari pity f. miser wretched)] commissar n. 1 an official of the Soviet Communist Party responsible for political education and organization. 2 hist. the head of a government department in the USSR before 1946. [Russ. komissar f. F commissaire (as COMMISSARY)] commissariat n. 1 esp. Mil. a a department for the supply of food etc. b the food supplied. 2 hist. a government department of the USSR before 1946. [F commissariat & med.L commissariatus (as COMMISSARY)] commissary n. (pl. -ies) 1 a deputy or delegate. 2 a representative or deputy of a bishop. 3 Mil. an officer responsible for the supply of food etc. to soldiers. 4 US a a restaurant in a film studio etc. b the food supplied. 5 US Mil. a store for the supply of food etc. to soldiers. ЬЬcommissarial adj. commissaryship n. [ME f. med.L commissarius person in charge (as COMMIT)] commission n. & v. --n. 1 a the authority to perform a task or certain duties. b a person or group entrusted esp. by a government with such authority (set up a commission to look into it). c an instruction, command, or duty given to such a group or person (their commission was to simplify the procedure; my commission was to find him). 2 an order for something, esp. a work of art, to be produced specially. 3 Mil. a a warrant conferring the rank of officer in the army, navy, or air force. b the rank so conferred. 4 a the authority to act as agent for a company etc. in trade. b a percentage paid to the agent from the profits of goods etc. sold, or business obtained (his wages are low, but he gets 20 per cent commission). c the pay of a commissioned agent. 5 the act of committing (a crime, sin, etc.). 6 the office or department of a commissioner. --v.tr. 1 authorize or empower by a commission. 2 a give (an artist etc.) a commission for a piece of work. b order (a work) to be written (commissioned a new concerto). 3 Naut. a give (an officer) the command of a ship. b prepare (a ship) for active service. 4 bring (a machine, equipment, etc.) into operation. Ьcommission-agent a bookmaker. commission of the peace 1 Justices of the Peace. 2 the authority given to them. in commission (of a warship etc.) manned, armed, and ready for service. out of commission (esp. of a ship) not in service, not in working order. Royal Commission 1 a commission of inquiry appointed by the Crown at the instance of the Government. 2 a committee so appointed. [ME f. OF f. L commissio -onis (as COMMIT)] commissionaire n. esp. Brit. a uniformed door-attendant at a theatre, cinema, etc. [F (as COMMISSIONER)] commissioner n. 1 a person appointed by a commission to perform a specific task, e.g. the head of the London police, a delegate to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, etc. 2 a person appointed as a member of a government commission (Charity Commissioner; Civil Service Commissioner). 3 a representative of the supreme authority in a district, department, etc. ЬCommissioner for Oaths a solicitor authorized to administer an oath to a person making an affidavit. Lord (or Lord High) Commissioner the representative of the Crown at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. [ME f. med.L commissionarius (as COMMISSION)] commissure n. 1 a junction, joint, or seam. 2 Anat. a the joint between two bones. b a band of nerve tissue connecting the hemispheres of the brain, the two sides of the spinal cord, etc. c the line where the upper and lower lips, or eyelids, meet. 3 Bot. any of several joints etc. between different parts of a plant. ЬЬcommissural adj. [ME f. L commissura junction (as COMMIT)] commit v.tr. (committed, committing) 1 (usu. foll. by to) entrust or consign for: a safe keeping (I commit him to your care). b treatment, usu. destruction (committed the book to the flames). 2 perpetrate, do (esp. a crime, sin, or blunder). 3 pledge, involve, or bind (esp. oneself) to a certain course or policy (does not like committing herself; committed by the vow he had made). 4 (as committed adj.) (often foll. by to) a morally dedicated or politically aligned (a committed Christian; committed to the cause; a committed socialist). b obliged (to take certain action) (felt committed to staying there). 5 Polit. refer (a bill etc.) to a committee. Ьcommit to memory memorize. commit to prison consign officially to custody, esp. on remand. ЬЬcommittable adj. committer n. [ME f. L committere join, entrust (as COM-, mittere miss- send)] commitment n. 1 an engagement or (esp. financial) obligation that restricts freedom of action. 2 the process or an instance of committing oneself; a pledge or undertaking. committal n. 1 the act of committing a person to an institution, esp. prison or a mental hospital. 2 the burial of a dead body. committee n. 1 a a body of persons appointed for a specific function by, and usu. out of, a larger body. b such a body appointed by Parliament etc. to consider the details of proposed legislation. c (Committee) Brit. the whole House of Commons when sitting as a committee. 2 Law a person entrusted with the charge of another person or another person's property. Ьcommittee-man (pl. -men; fem. committee-woman, pl. -women) a member of a committee, esp. a habitual member of committees. committee stage Brit. the third of five stages of a bill's progress through Parliament when it may be considered in detail and amendments made. select committee a small parliamentary committee appointed for a special purpose. standing committee a committee that is permanent during the existence of the appointing body. [COMMIT + -EE] commix v.tr. & intr. archaic or poet. mix. ЬЬcommixture n. [ME: back-form. f. commixt past part. f. L commixtus (as COM-, MIXED)] commode n. 1 a chest of drawers. 2 (also night-commode) a a bedside table with a cupboard containing a chamber-pot. b a chamber-pot concealed in a chair with a hinged cover. 3 = CHIFFONIER. [F, adj. (as noun) f. L commodus convenient (as COM-, modus measure)] commodious adj. 1 roomy and comfortable. 2 archaic convenient. ЬЬcommodiously adv. commodiousness n. [F commodieux or f. med.L commodiosus f. L commodus (as COMMODE)] commodity n. (pl. -ies) 1 Commerce an article or raw material that can be bought and sold, esp. a product as opposed to a service. 2 a useful thing. [ME f. OF commodit‚ or f. L commoditas (as COMMODE)] commodore n. 1 a naval officer above a captain and below a rear-admiral. 2 the commander of a squadron or other division of a fleet. 3 the president of a yacht-club. 4 the senior captain of a shipping line. ЬCommodore-in-Chief the supreme officer in the air force. [prob. f. Du. komandeur f. F commandeur COMMANDER] common adj. & n. --adj. (commoner, commonest) 1 a occurring often (a common mistake). b ordinary; of ordinary qualities; without special rank or position (no common mind; common soldier; the common people). 2 a shared by, coming from, or done by, more than one (common knowledge; by common consent; our common benefit). b belonging to, open to, or affecting, the whole community or the public (common land). 3 derog. low-class; vulgar; inferior (a common little man). 4 of the most familiar type (common cold; common nightshade). 5 Math. belonging to two or more quantities (common denominator; common factor). 6 Gram. (of gender) referring to individuals of either sex (e.g. teacher). 7 Prosody (of a syllable) that may be either short or long. 8 Mus. having two or four beats, esp. four crotchets, in a bar. 9 Law (of a crime) of lesser importance (cf. GRAND, PETTY). --n. 1 a piece of open public land, esp. in a village or town. 2 sl. = common sense; (use your common). 3 Eccl. a service used for each of a group of occasions. 4 (in full right of common) Law a person's right over another's land, e.g. for pasturage. Ьcommon carrier a person or firm undertaking to transport any goods or person in a specified category. common chord Mus. any note with its major or minor third and perfect fifth. common crier see CRIER. common denominator see DENOMINATOR. Common Era the Christian era. common ground a point or argument accepted by both sides in a dispute. common jury a jury with members of no particular social standing (cf. special jury). common law law derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes (cf. case-law (see CASE(1)), statute law). common-law husband (or wife) a partner in a marriage recognized by common law, esp. after a period of cohabitation. Common Market the European Economic Community. common metre a hymn stanza of four lines with 8, 6, 8, and 6 syllables. common noun (or name) Gram. a name denoting a class of objects or a concept as opposed to a particular individual (e.g. boy, chocolate, beauty). common or garden colloq. ordinary. Common Prayer the Church of England liturgy orig. set forth in the Book of Common Prayer of Edward VI (1549). common-room 1 a room in some colleges, schools, etc., which members may use for relaxation or work. 2 the members who use this. common salt see SALT. common seal the official seal of a corporate body. common sense sound practical sense, esp. in everyday matters. Common Serjeant see SERJEANT. common soldier see SOLDIER. common stock US = ordinary shares. common weal public welfare. common year see YEAR 2. in common 1 in joint use; shared. 2 of joint interest (have little in common). in common with in the same way as. least (or lowest) common denominator, multiple see DENOMINATOR, MULTIPLE. out of the common unusual. ЬЬcommonly adv. commonness n. [ME f. OF comun f. L communis] commonable adj. 1 (of an animal) that may be pastured on common land. 2 (of land) that may be held in common. [obs. common to exercise right of common + -ABLE] commonage n. 1 = right of common (see COMMON n. 4). 2 a land held in common. b the state of being held in common. 3 the common people; commonalty. commonality n. (pl. -ies) 1 the sharing of an attribute. 2 a common occurrence. 3 = COMMONALTY. [var. of COMMONALTY] commonalty n. (pl. -ies) 1 the common people. 2 the general body (esp. of mankind). 3 a corporate body. [ME f. OF comunalt‚ f. med.L communalitas -tatis (as COMMON)] commoner n. 1 one of the common people, as opposed to the aristocracy. 2 a person who has the right of common. 3 a student at a British university who does not have a scholarship. [ME f. med.L communarius f. communa (as COMMUNE(1))] commonplace adj. & n. --adj. lacking originality; trite. --n. 1 a an everyday saying; a platitude (uttered a commonplace about the weather). b an ordinary topic of conversation. 2 anything usual or trite. 3 a notable passage in a book etc. copied into a commonplace-book. Ьcommonplace-book a book into which notable extracts from other works are copied for personal use. ЬЬcommonplaceness n. [transl. of L locus communis = Gk koinos topos general theme] commons n.pl. 1 (the Commons) = House of Commons. 2 a the common people. b (prec. by the) the common people regarded as a part of a political, esp. British, system. 3 provisions shared in common; daily fare. Ьshort commons insufficient food. [ME pl. of COMMON] commonsensical adj. possessing or marked by common sense. [common sense (see COMMON)] commonweal n. archaic 1 = common weal. 2 = COMMONWEALTH. commonwealth n. 1 a an independent State or community, esp. a democratic republic. b such a community or organization of shared interests in a non-political field (the commonwealth of learning). 2 (the Commonwealth) a (in full the British Commonwealth of Nations) an international association consisting of the UK together with States that were previously part of the British Empire. b the republican period of government in Britain 1649-60. c US a part of the title of some of the States of the US. d the title of the federated Australian States. ЬCommonwealth Day a day each year commemorating the British Commonwealth (formerly called Empire Day). [COMMON + WEALTH] commotion n. 1 a a confused and noisy disturbance or outburst. b loud and confusing noise. 2 a civil insurrection. [ME f. OF commotion or L commotio (as COM-, MOTION)] communal adj. 1 relating to or benefiting a community; for common use (communal baths). 2 of a commune, esp. the Paris Commune. ЬЬcommunality n. communally adv. [F f. LL communalis (as COMMUNE(1))] communalism n. 1 a principle of political organization based on federated communes. 2 the principle of communal ownership etc. ЬЬcommunalist n. communalistic adj. communalize v.tr. (also -ise) make communal. ЬЬcommunalization n. communard n. 1 a member of a commune. 2 (also Communard) hist. a supporter of the Paris Commune. [F (as COMMUNE(1))] commune(1) n. 1 a a group of people, not necessarily related, sharing living accommodation, goods, etc., esp. as a political act. b a communal settlement esp. for the pursuit of shared interests. 2 a the smallest French territorial division for administrative purposes. b a similar division elsewhere. 3 (the Commune) the communalistic government in Paris in 1871. [F f. med.L communia neut. pl. of L communis common] commune(2) v.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by with) a speak confidentially and intimately (communed together about their loss; communed with his heart). b feel in close touch (with nature etc.) (communed with the hills). 2 US receive Holy Communion. [ME f. OF comuner share f. comun COMMON] communicable adj. 1 (esp. of a disease) able to be passed on. 2 archaic communicative. ЬЬcommunicability n. communicably adv. [ME f. OF communicable or LL communicabilis (as COMMUNICATE)] communicant n. 1 a person who receives Holy Communion, esp. regularly. 2 a person who imparts information. [L communicare communicant- (as COMMON)] communicate v. 1 tr. a transmit or pass on by speaking or writing (communicated his ideas). b transmit (heat, motion, etc.). c pass on (an infectious illness). d impart (feelings etc.) non-verbally (communicated his affection). 2 intr. succeed in conveying information, evoking understanding etc. (he communicates well). 3 intr. (often foll. by with) share a feeling or understanding; relate socially. 4 intr. (often foll. by with) (of a room etc.) have a common door (my room communicates with yours). 5 a tr. administer Holy Communion to. b intr. receive Holy Communion. ЬЬcommunicator n. communicatory adj. [L communicare communicat- (as COMMON)] communication n. 1 a the act of imparting, esp. news. b an instance of this. c the information etc. communicated. 2 a means of connecting different places, such as a door, passage, road, or railway. 3 social intercourse (it was difficult to maintain communication in the uproar). 4 (in pl.) the science and practice of transmitting information esp. by electronic or mechanical means. 5 (in pl.) Mil. the means of transport between a base and the front. 6 a paper read to a learned society. Ьcommunication cord Brit. a cord or chain in a railway carriage that may be pulled to stop the train in an emergency. communication (or communications) satellite an artificial satellite used to relay telephone circuits or broadcast programmes. communication theory the study of the principles and methods by which information is conveyed. communicative adj. 1 open, talkative, informative. 2 ready to communicate. ЬЬcommunicatively adv. [LL communicativus (as COMMUNICATE)] communion n. 1 a sharing, esp. of thoughts etc.; fellowship (their minds were in communion). 2 participation; a sharing in common (communion of interests). 3 (Communion, Holy Communion) a the Eucharist. b participation in the Communion service. c (attrib.) of or used in the Communion service (Communion-table; Communion-cloth; Communion-rail). 4 fellowship, esp. between branches of the Catholic Church. 5 a body or group within the Christian faith (the Methodist communion). Ьcommunion of saints fellowship between Christians living and dead. [ME f. OF communion or L communio f. communis common] communiqu‚ n. an official communication, esp. a news report. [F, = communicated] communism n. 1 a political theory derived from Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person is paid and works according to his or her needs and abilities. 2 (usu. Communism) a the communistic form of society established in the USSR and elsewhere. b any movement or political doctrine advocating communism. 3 = COMMUNALISM. [F communisme f. commun COMMON] communist n. & adj. --n. 1 a person advocating or practising communism. 2 (Communist) a member of a Communist Party. --adj. of or relating to communism (a communist play). ЬЬcommunistic adj. [COMMUNISM] communitarian n. & adj. --n. a member of a communistic community. --adj. of or relating to such a community. [COMMUNITY + -ARIAN after unitarian etc.] community n. (pl. -ies) 1 a all the people living in a specific locality. b a specific locality, including its inhabitants. 2 a body of people having a religion, a profession, etc., in common (the immigrant community). 3 fellowship of interests etc.; similarity (community of intellect). 4 a monastic, socialistic, etc. body practising common ownership. 5 joint ownership or liability (community of goods). 6 (prec. by the) the public. 7 a body of nations unified by common interests. 8 Ecol. a group of animals or plants living or growing together in the same area. Ьcommunity centre a place providing social etc. facilities for a neighbourhood. community charge (in the UK) a tax levied locally on every adult in a community. community chest US a fund for charity and welfare work in a community. community home Brit. a centre for housing young offenders and other juveniles in need of custodial care. community service order an order for a convicted offender to perform a period of unpaid work in the community. community singing singing by a large crowd or group, esp. of old popular songs or hymns. community spirit a feeling of belonging to a community, expressed in mutual support etc. [ME f. OF comunet‚ f. L communitas -tatis (as COMMON)] communize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 make (land etc.) common property. 2 make (a person etc.) communistic. ЬЬcommunization n. [L communis COMMON] commutable adj. 1 convertible into money; exchangeable. 2 Law (of a punishment) able to be commuted. 3 within commuting distance. ЬЬcommutability n. [L commutabilis (as COMMUTE)] commutate v.tr. Electr. 1 regulate the direction of (an alternating current), esp. to make it a direct current. 2 reverse the direction (of an electric current). [L commutare commutat- (as COMMUTE)] commutation n. 1 the act or process of commuting or being commuted (in legal and exchange senses). 2 Electr. the act or process of commutating or being commutated. 3 Math. the reversal of the order of two quantities. Ьcommutation ticket US a season ticket. [F commutation or L commutatio (as COMMUTE)] commutative adj. 1 relating to or involving substitution. 2 Math. unchanged in result by the interchange of the order of quantities. [F commutatif or med.L commutativus (as COMMUTE)] commutator n. 1 Electr. a device for reversing electric current. 2 an attachment connected with the armature of a dynamo which directs and makes continuous the current produced. commute v. 1 intr. travel to and from one's daily work, usu. in a city, esp. by car or train. 2 tr. Law (usu. foll. by to) change (a judicial sentence etc.) to another less severe. 3 tr. (often foll. by into, for) a change (one kind of payment) for another. b make a payment etc. to change (an obligation etc.) for another. 4 tr. a exchange; interchange (two things). b change (to another thing). 5 tr. Electr. commutate. 6 intr. Math. have a commutative relation. 7 intr. US buy and use a season ticket. [L commutare commutat- (as COM-, mutare change)] commuter n. a person who travels some distance to work, esp. in a city, usu. by car or train. comose adj. Bot. (of seeds etc.) having hairs, downy. [L comosus (as COMA(2))] comp n. & v. colloq. --n. 1 a competition. 2 Printing a compositor. 3 Mus. an accompaniment. --v. 1 Mus. a tr. accompany. b intr. play an accompaniment. 2 Printing a intr. work as a compositor. b tr. work as a compositor on. [abbr.] compact(1) adj., v., & n. --adj. 1 closely or neatly packed together. 2 (of a piece of equipment, a room, etc.) well-fitted and practical though small. 3 (of style etc.) condensed; brief. 4 (esp. of the human body) small but well-proportioned. 5 (foll. by of) composed or made up of. --v.tr. 1 join or press firmly together. 2 condense. 3 (usu. foll. by of) compose; make up. --n. 1 a small, flat, usu. decorated, case for face-powder, a mirror, etc. 2 an object formed by compacting powder. 3 US a medium-sized motor car. Ьcompact disc a disc on which information or sound is recorded digitally and reproduced by reflection of laser light. ЬЬcompaction n. compactly adv. compactness n. compactor n. [ME f. L compingere compact- (as COM-, pangere fasten)] compact(2) n. an agreement or contract between two or more parties. [L compactum f. compacisci compact- (as COM-, pacisci covenant): cf. PACT] compages n. (pl. same) 1 a framework; a complex structure. 2 something resembling a compages in complexity etc. [L compages (as COM-, pages f. pangere fasten)] companion(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a (often foll. by in, of) a person who accompanies, associates with, or shares with, another (a companion in adversity; they were close companions). b a person, esp. an unmarried or widowed woman, employed to live with and assist another. 2 a handbook or reference book on a particular subject (A Companion to North Wales). 3 a thing that matches another (the companion of this book-end is over there). 4 (Companion) a member of the lowest grade of some orders of knighthood (Companion of the Bath). 5 Astron. a star etc. that accompanies another. 6 equipment or a piece of equipment that combines several uses. --v. 1 tr. accompany. 2 intr. literary (often foll. by with) be a companion. Ьcompanion in arms a fellow-soldier. Companion of Honour (in the UK) a member of an order founded in 1917. Companion of Literature (in the UK) a member of an order founded in 1961. companion-set a set of fireside implements on a stand. [ME f. OF compaignon ult. f. L panis bread] companion(2) n. Naut. 1 a raised frame on a quarterdeck used for lighting the cabins etc. below. 2 = companion-way. Ьcompanion-hatch a wooden covering over a companion-way. companion hatchway an opening in a deck leading to a cabin. companion ladder a ladder from a deck to a cabin. companion-way a staircase to a cabin. [obs. Du. kompanje quarterdeck f. OF compagne f. It. (camera della) compagna pantry, prob. ult. rel. to COMPANION(1)] companionable adj. agreeable as a companion; sociable. ЬЬcompanionableness n. companionably adv. companionate adj. 1 well-suited; (of clothes) matching. 2 of or like a companion. companionship n. good fellowship; friendship. company n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a number of people assembled; a crowd; an audience (addressed the company). b guests or a guest (am expecting company). 2 a state of being a companion or fellow; companionship, esp. of a specific kind (enjoys low company; do not care for his company). 3 a a commercial business. b (usu. Co.) the partner or partners not named in the title of a firm (Smith and Co.). 4 a troupe of actors or entertainers. 5 Mil. a subdivision of an infantry battalion usu. commanded by a major or a captain. 6 a group of Guides. --v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. archaic accompany. 2 intr. literary (often foll. by with) be a companion. Ьcompany officer a captain or a lower commissioned officer. company Sergeant-major see SERGEANT. err (or be) in good company discover that one's companions, or better people, have done the same as oneself. good (or bad) company 1 a pleasant (or dull) companion. 2 a suitable (or unsuitable) associate or group of friends. in company not alone. in company with together with. keep company (often foll. by with) associate habitually. keep (archaic bear) a person company accompany a person; be sociable. part company (often foll. by with) cease to associate. ship's company the entire crew. [ME f. AF compainie, OF compai(g)nie f. Rmc (as COMPANION(1))] comparable adj. 1 (often foll. by with) able to be compared. 2 (often foll. by to) fit to be compared; worth comparing. °Use with to and with corresponds to the senses at compare; to is more common. ЬЬcomparability n. comparableness n. comparably adv. [ME f. OF f. L comparabilis (as COMPARE)] comparative adj. & n. --adj. 1 perceptible by comparison; relative (in comparative comfort). 2 estimated by comparison (the comparative merits of the two ideas). 3 of or involving comparison (esp. of sciences etc.). 4 Gram. (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a higher degree of a quality, but not the highest possible (e.g. braver, more fiercely) (cf. POSITIVE, SUPERLATIVE). --n. Gram. 1 the comparative expression or form of an adjective or adverb. 2 a word in the comparative. ЬЬcomparatively adv. [ME f. L comparativus (as COMPARE)] comparator n. Engin. a device for comparing a product, an output, etc., with a standard, esp. an electronic circuit comparing two signals. compare v. & n. --v. 1 tr. (usu. foll. by to) express similarities in; liken (compared the landscape to a painting). 2 tr. (often foll. by to, with) estimate the similarity or dissimilarity of; assess the relation between (compared radio with television; that lacks quality compared to this). °In current use to and with are generally interchangeable, but with often implies a greater element of formal analysis, as in compared my account with yours. 3 intr. (often foll. by with) bear comparison (compares favourably with the rest). 4 intr. (often foll. by with) be equal or equivalent to. 5 tr. Gram. form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or an adverb). --n. literary comparison (beyond compare; without compare; has no compare). Ьcompare notes exchange ideas or opinions. [ME f. OF comparer f. L comparare (as COM-, parare f. par equal)] comparison n. 1 the act or an instance of comparing. 2 a simile or semantic illustration. 3 capacity for being likened; similarity (there's no comparison). 4 (in full degrees of comparison) Gram. the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs. Ьbear (or stand) comparison (often foll. by with) be able to be compared favourably. beyond comparison 1 totally different in quality. 2 greatly superior; excellent. in comparison with compared to. [ME f. OF comparesoun f. L comparatio -onis (as COMPARE)] compartment n. & v. --n. 1 a space within a larger space, separated from the rest by partitions, e.g. in a railway carriage, wallet, desk, etc. 2 Naut. a watertight division of a ship. 3 an area of activity etc. kept apart from others in a person's mind. --v.tr. put into compartments. ЬЬcompartmentation n. [F compartiment f. It. compartimento f. LL compartiri (as COM-, partiri share)] compartmental adj. consisting of or relating to compartments or a compartment. ЬЬcompartmentally adv. compartmentalize v.tr. (also -ise) divide into compartments or categories. ЬЬcompartmentalization n. compass n. & v. --n. 1 (in full magnetic compass) an instrument showing the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. 2 (usu. in pl.) an instrument for taking measurements and describing circles, with two arms connected at one end by a movable joint. 3 a circumference or boundary. 4 area, extent; scope (e.g. of knowledge or experience) (beyond my compass). 5 the range of tones of a voice or a musical instrument. --v.tr. literary 1 hem in. 2 grasp mentally. 3 contrive, accomplish. 4 go round. Ьcompass card a circular rotating card showing the 32 principal bearings, forming the indicator of a magnetic compass. compass rose a circle of the principal directions marked on a chart. compass-saw a saw with a narrow blade, for cutting curves. compass window a bay window with a semi-circular curve. ЬЬcompassable adj. [ME f. OF compas ult. f. L passus PACE(1)] compassion n. pity inclining one to help or be merciful. [ME f. OF f. eccl.L compassio -onis f. compati (as COM-, pati pass- suffer)] compassionate adj. sympathetic, pitying. Ьcompassionate leave Brit. leave granted on grounds of bereavement etc. ЬЬcompassionately adv. [obs. F compassion‚ f. compassioner feel pity (as COMPASSION)] compatible adj. 1 (often foll. by with) a able to coexist; well-suited; mutually tolerant (a compatible couple). b consistent (their views are not compatible with their actions). 2 (of equipment, machinery, etc.) capable of being used in combination. ЬЬcompatibility n. compatibly adv. [F f. med.L compatibilis (as COMPASSION)] compatriot n. a fellow-countryman. ЬЬcompatriotic adj. [F compatriote f. LL compatriota (as COM-, patriota PATRIOT)] compeer n. 1 an equal, a peer. 2 a comrade. [ME f. OF comper (as COM-, PEER(2))] compel v.tr. (compelled, compelling) 1 (usu. foll. by to + infin.) force, constrain (compelled them to admit it). 2 bring about (an action) by force (compel submission). 3 (as compelling adj.) rousing strong interest, attention, conviction, or admiration. 4 archaic drive forcibly. ЬЬcompellable adj. compellingly adv. [ME f. L compellere compuls- (as COM-, pellere drive)] compendious adj. (esp. of a book etc.) comprehensive but fairly brief. ЬЬcompendiously adv. compendiousness n. [ME f. OF compendieux f. L compendiosus brief (as COMPENDIUM)] compendium n. (pl. compendiums or compendia) 1 esp. Brit. a usu. one-volume handbook or encyclopaedia. 2 a a summary or abstract of a larger work. b an abridgement. 3 a a collection of games in a box. b any collection or mixture. 4 a package of writing paper, envelopes, etc. [L, = what is weighed together, f. compendere (as COM-, pendere weigh)] compensate v. 1 tr. (often foll. by for) recompense (a person) (compensated him for his loss). 2 intr. (usu. foll. by for a thing, to a person) make amends (compensated for the insult; will compensate to her in full). 3 tr. counterbalance. 4 tr. Mech. provide (a pendulum etc.) with extra or less weight etc. to neutralize the effects of temperature etc. 5 intr. Psychol. offset a disability or frustration by development in another direction. ЬЬcompensative adj. compensator n. compensatory adj. [L compensare (as COM-, pensare frequent. of pendere pens- weigh)] compensation n. 1 a the act of compensating. b the process of being compensated. 2 something, esp. money, given as a recompense. 3 Psychol. a an act of compensating. b the result of compensating. 4 US a salary or wages. Ьcompensation pendulum Physics a pendulum designed to neutralize the effects of temperature variation. ЬЬcompensational adj. [ME f. OF f. L compensatio (as COMPENSATE)] compЉre n. & v. Brit. --n. a person who introduces and links the artistes in a variety show etc.; a master of ceremonies. --v. 1 tr. act as a compЉre to. 2 intr. act as compЉre. [F, = godfather f. Rmc (as COM-, L pater father)] compete v.intr. 1 (often foll. by with, against a person, for a thing) strive for superiority or supremacy (competed with his brother; compete against the Russians; compete for the victory). 2 (often foll. by in) take part (in a contest etc.) (competed in the hurdles). [L competere competit-, in late sense 'strive after or contend for (something)' (as COM-, petere seek)] competence n. (also competency) 1 (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) ability; the state of being competent. 2 an income large enough to live on, usu. unearned. 3 Law the legal capacity (of a court, a magistrate, etc.) to deal with a matter. competent adj. 1 a (usu. foll. by to + infin. or for) or adequately qualified or capable (not competent to drive). b effective (a competent batsman). 2 Law (of a judge, court, or witness) legally qualified or qualifying. ЬЬcompetently adv. [ME f. OF competent or L competent- (as COMPETE)] competition n. 1 (often foll. by for) competing, esp. in an examination, in trade, etc. 2 an event or contest in which people compete. 3 a the people competing against a person. b the opposition they represent. [LL competitio rivalry (as COMPETITIVE)] competitive adj. 1 involving, offered for, or by competition (competitive contest). 2 (of prices etc.) low enough to compare well with those of rival traders. 3 (of a person) having a strong urge to win; keen to compete. ЬЬcompetitively adv. competitiveness n. [competit-, past part. stem of L competere COMPETE] competitor n. a person who competes; a rival, esp. in business or commerce. [F comp‚titeur or L competitor (as COMPETE)] compilation n. 1 a the act of compiling. b the process of being compiled. 2 something compiled, esp. a book etc. composed of separate articles, stories, etc. [ME f. OF f. L compilatio -onis (as COMPILE)] compile v.tr. 1 a collect (material) into a list, volume, etc. b make up (a volume etc.) from such material. 2 accumulate (a large number of) (compiled a score of 160). 3 Computing produce (a machine-coded form of a high-level program). [ME f. OF compiler or its apparent source, L compilare plunder, plagiarize] compiler n. 1 Computing a program for translating a high-level programming language into machine code. 2 a person who compiles. complacency n. (also complacence) 1 smug self-satisfaction. 2 tranquil pleasure. [med.L complacentia f. L complacere (as COM-, placere please)] complacent adj. 1 smugly self-satisfied. 2 calmly content. °Often confused with complaisant. ЬЬcomplacently adv. [L complacere: see COMPLACENCY] complain v.intr. 1 (often foll. by about, at, or that + clause) express dissatisfaction (complained at the state of the room; is always complaining). 2 (foll. by of) a announce that one is suffering from (an ailment) (complained of a headache). b state a grievance concerning (complained of the delay). 3 make a mournful sound; groan, creak under a strain. ЬЬcomplainer n. complainingly adv. [ME f. OF complaindre (stem complaign-) f. med.L complangere bewail (as COM-, plangere planct- lament)] complainant n. Law a plaintiff in certain lawsuits. complaint n. 1 an act of complaining. 2 a grievance. 3 an ailment or illness. 4 US Law the plaintiff's case in a civil action. [ME f. OF complainte f. complaint past part. of complaindre: see COMPLAIN] complaisant adj. 1 politely deferential. 2 willing to please; acquiescent. °Often confused with complacent. ЬЬcomplaisance n. [F f. complaire (stem complais-) acquiesce to please, f. L complacere: see COMPLACENCY] compleat archaic var. of COMPLETE. complement n. & v. --n. 1 a something that completes. b one of a pair, or one of two things that go together. 2 (often full complement) the full number needed to man a ship, fill a conveyance, etc. 3 Gram. a word or phrase added to a verb to complete the predicate of a sentence. 4 Biochem. a group of proteins in the blood capable of lysing bacteria etc. 5 Math. any element not belonging to a specified set or class. 6 Geom. the amount by which an angle is less than 90ш (cf. SUPPLEMENT). --v.tr. 1 complete. 2 form a complement to (the scarf complements her dress). ЬЬcomplemental adj. [ME f. L complementum (as COMPLETE)] complementarity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a complementary relationship or situation. 2 Physics the concept that a single model may not be adequate to explain atomic systems in different experimental conditions. complementary adj. 1 completing; forming a complement. 2 (of two or more things) complementing each other. Ьcomplementary angle either of two angles making up 90ш. complementary colour a colour that combined with a given colour makes white or black. ЬЬcomplementarily adv. complementariness n. complete adj. & v. --adj. 1 having all its parts; entire (the set is complete). 2 finished (my task is complete). 3 of the maximum extent or degree (a complete surprise; a complete stranger). 4 (also compleat after Walton's Compleat Angler) joc. accomplished (the complete horseman). --v.tr. 1 finish. 2 a make whole or perfect. b make up the amount of (completes the quota). 3 fill in the answers to (a questionnaire etc.). 4 (usu. absol.) Law conclude a sale of property. Ьcomplete with having (as an important accessory) (comes complete with instructions). ЬЬcompletely adv. completeness n. completion n. [ME f. OF complet or L completus past part. of complere fill up] complex n. & adj. --n. 1 a building, a series of rooms, a network, etc. made up of related parts (the arts complex). 2 Psychol. a related group of usu. repressed feelings or thoughts which cause abnormal behaviour or mental states (see inferiority complex (see OEDIPUS COMPLEX)). 3 (in general use) a preoccupation or obsession (has a complex about punctuality). 4 Chem. a compound in which molecules or ions form coordinate bonds to a metal atom or ion. --adj. 1 consisting of related parts; composite. 2 complicated (a complex problem). 3 Math. containing real and imaginary parts (cf. IMAGINARY). Ьcomplex sentence a sentence containing a subordinate clause or clauses. ЬЬcomplexity n. (pl. -ies). complexly adv. [F complexe or L complexus past part. of complectere embrace, assoc. with complexus plaited] complexion n. 1 the natural colour, texture, and appearance, of the skin, esp. of the face. 2 an aspect; a character (puts a different complexion on the matter). ЬЬcomplexioned adj. (also in comb.) [ME f. OF f. L complexio -onis (as COMPLEX): orig. = combination of supposed qualities determining the nature of a body] complexionless adj. pale-skinned. compliance n. 1 the act or an instance of complying; obedience to a request, command, etc. 2 Mech. a the capacity to yield under an applied force. b the degree of such yielding. 3 unworthy acquiescence. Ьin compliance with according to (a wish, command, etc.). compliant adj. disposed to comply; yielding, obedient. ЬЬcompliantly adv. complicate v.tr. & intr. 1 (often foll. by with) make or become difficult, confused, or complex. 2 (as complicated adj.) complex; intricate. ЬЬcomplicatedly adv. complicatedness n. [L complicare complicat- (as COM-, plicare fold)] complication n. 1 a an involved or confused condition or state. b a complicating circumstance; a difficulty. 2 Med. a secondary disease or condition aggravating a previous one. [F complication or LL complicatio (as COMPLICATE)] complicity n. partnership in a crime or wrongdoing. [complice (see ACCOMPLICE) + -ITY] compliment n. & v. --n. 1 a a spoken or written expression of praise. b an act or circumstance implying praise (their success was a compliment to their efforts). 2 (in pl.) a formal greetings, esp. as a written accompaniment to a gift etc. (with the compliments of the management). b praise (my compliments to the cook). --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by on) congratulate; praise (complimented him on his roses). 2 (often foll. by with) present as a mark of courtesy (complimented her with his attention). Ьcompliments of the season greetings appropriate to the time of year, esp. Christmas. compliments slip a printed slip of paper sent with a gift etc., esp. from a business firm. pay a compliment to praise. return the compliment 1 give a compliment in return for another. 2 retaliate or recompense in kind. [F complimenter f. It. complimento ult. f. L (as COMPLEMENT)] complimentary adj. 1 expressing a compliment; praising. 2 (of a ticket for a play etc.) given free of charge, esp. as a mark of favour. ЬЬcomplimentarily adv. compline n. Eccl. 1 the last of the canonical hours of prayer. 2 the service taking place during this. [ME f. OF complie, fem. past part. of obs. complir complete, ult. f. L complere fill up] comply v.intr. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. by with) act in accordance (with a wish, command, etc.) (complied with her expectation; had no choice but to comply). [It. complire f. Cat. complir, Sp. cumplir f. L complere fill up] compo n. & adj. --n. (pl. -os) a composition of plaster etc., e.g. stucco. --adj. = COMPOSITE. Ьcompo rations a large pack of food designed to last for several days. [abbr.] component n. & adj. --n. 1 a part of a larger whole, esp. part of a motor vehicle. 2 Math. one of two or more vectors equivalent to a given vector. --adj. being part of a larger whole (assembled the component parts). ЬЬcomponential adj. [L componere component- (as COM-, ponere put)] comport v.refl. literary conduct oneself; behave. Ьcomport with suit, befit. ЬЬcomportment n. [L comportare (as COM-, portare carry)] compos var. of COMPOS MENTIS. compose v. 1 a tr. construct or create (a work of art, esp. literature or music). b intr. compose music (gave up composing in 1917). 2 tr. constitute; make up (six tribes which composed the German nation). °Preferred to comprise in this sense. 3 tr. put together to form a whole, esp. artistically; order; arrange (composed the group for the photographer). 4 tr. a (often refl.) calm; settle (compose your expression; composed himself to wait). b (as composed adj.) calm, settled. 5 tr. settle (a dispute etc.). 6 tr. Printing a set up (type) to form words and blocks of words. b set up (a manuscript etc.) in type. Ьcomposed of made up of, consisting of (a flock composed of sheep and goats). ЬЬcomposedly adv. [F composer, f. L componere (as COM-, ponere put)] composer n. a person who composes (esp. music). composite adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 made up of various parts; blended. 2 (esp. of a synthetic building material) made up of recognizable constituents. 3 Archit. of the fifth classical order of architecture, consisting of elements of the Ionic and Corinthian orders. 4 Bot. of the plant family Compositae. --n. 1 a thing made up of several parts or elements. 2 a synthetic building material. 3 Bot. any plant of the family Compositae, having a head of many small flowers forming one bloom, e.g. the daisy or the dandelion. 4 Polit. a resolution composed of two or more related resolutions. --v.tr. Polit. amalgamate (two or more similar resolutions). ЬЬcompositely adv. compositeness n. [F f. L compositus past part. of componere (as COM-, ponere posit- put)] composition n. 1 a the act of putting together; formation or construction. b something so composed; a mixture. c the constitution of such a mixture; the nature of its ingredients (the composition is two parts oil to one part vinegar). 2 a a literary or musical work. b the act or art of producing such a work. c an essay, esp. written by a schoolchild. d an artistic arrangement (of parts of a picture, subjects for a photograph, etc.). 3 mental constitution; character (jealousy is not in his composition). 4 (often attrib.) a compound artificial substance, esp. one serving the purpose of a natural one. 5 Printing the setting-up of type. 6 Gram. the formation of words into a compound word. 7 Law a a compromise, esp. a legal agreement to pay a sum in lieu of a larger sum, or other obligation (made a composition with his creditors). b a sum paid in this way. 8 Math. the combination of functions in a series. ЬЬcompositional adj. compositionally adv. [ME f. OF, f. L compositio -onis (as COMPOSITE)] compositor n. Printing a person who sets up type for printing. [ME f. AF compositour f. L compositor (as COMPOSITE)] compos mentis adj. (also compos) having control of one's mind; sane. [L] compossible adj. formal (often foll. by with) able to coexist. [OF f. med.L compossibilis (as COM-, POSSIBLE)] compost n. & v. --n. 1 a mixed manure, esp. of organic origin. b a loam soil or other medium with added compost, used for growing plants. 2 a mixture of ingredients (a rich compost of lies and innuendo). --v.tr. 1 treat (soil) with compost. 2 make (manure, vegetable matter, etc.) into compost. Ьcompost heap (or pile) a layered structure of garden refuse, soil, etc., which decays to become compost. [ME f. OF composte f. L compos(i)tum (as COMPOSITE)] composure n. a tranquil manner; calmness. [COMPOSE + -URE] compote n. fruit preserved or cooked in syrup. [F f. OF composte (as COMPOSITE)] compound(1) n., adj., & v. --n. 1 a mixture of two or more things, qualities, etc. 2 (also compound word) a word made up of two or more existing words. 3 Chem. a substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions. --adj. 1 a made up of several ingredients. b consisting of several parts. 2 combined; collective. 3 Zool. consisting of individual organisms. 4 Biol. consisting of several or many parts. --v. 1 tr. mix or combine (ingredients, ideas, motives, etc.) (grief compounded with fear). 2 tr. increase or complicate (difficulties etc.) (anxiety compounded by discomfort). 3 tr. make up (a composite whole). 4 tr. (also absol.) settle (a debt, dispute, etc.) by concession or special arrangement. 5 tr. Law a condone (a liability or offence) in exchange for money etc. b forbear from prosecuting (a felony) from private motives. 6 intr. (usu. foll. by with, for) Law come to terms with a person, for forgoing a claim etc. for an offence. 7 tr. combine (words or elements) into a word. Ьcompound eye an eye consisting of numerous visual units, as found in insects and crustaceans. compound fracture a fracture complicated by a skin wound. compound interest interest payable on capital and its accumulated interest (cf. simple interest). compound interval Mus. an interval exceeding one octave. compound leaf a leaf consisting of several or many leaflets. compound sentence a sentence with more than one subject or predicate. compound time Mus. music having more than one group of simple-time units in each bar. ЬЬcompoundable adj. [ME compoun(e) f. OF compondre f. L componere (as COM-, ponere put: -d as in expound)] compound(2) n. 1 a large open enclosure for housing workers etc., esp. miners in S. Africa. 2 an enclosure, esp. in India, China, etc., in which a factory or a house stands (cf. KAMPONG). 3 a large enclosed space in a prison or prison camp. 4 = POUND(3). [Port. campon or Du. kampong f. Malay] comprador n. (also compradore) 1 hist. a Chinese business agent of a foreign company. 2 an agent of a foreign power. [Port. comprador buyer f. LL comparator f. L comparare purchase] comprehend v.tr. 1 grasp mentally; understand (a person or a thing). 2 include; take in. [ME f. OF comprehender or L comprehendere comprehens- (as COM-, prehendere grasp)] comprehensible adj. 1 that can be understood; intelligible. 2 that can be included or contained. ЬЬcomprehensibility n. comprehensibly adv. [F compr‚hensible or L comprehensibilis (as COMPREHEND)] comprehension n. 1 a the act or capability of understanding, esp. writing or speech. b an extract from a text set as an examination, with questions designed to test understanding of it. 2 inclusion. 3 Eccl. hist. the inclusion of Nonconformists in the Anglican Church. [F compr‚hension or L comprehensio (as COMPREHENSIBLE)] comprehensive adj. & n. --adj. 1 complete; including all or nearly all elements, aspects, etc. (a comprehensive grasp of the subject). 2 of or relating to understanding (the comprehensive faculty). 3 (of motor-vehicle insurance) providing complete protection. --n. (in full comprehensive school) Brit. a secondary school catering for children of all abilities from a given area. ЬЬcomprehensively adv. comprehensiveness n. [F compr‚hensif -ive or LL comprehensivus (as COMPREHENSIBLE)] compress v. & n. --v.tr. 1 squeeze together. 2 bring into a smaller space or shorter extent. --n. a pad of lint etc. pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, etc. Ьcompressed air air at more than atmospheric pressure. ЬЬcompressible adj. compressibility n. compressive adj. [ME f. OF compresser or LL compressare frequent. of L comprimere compress- (as COM-, premere press)] compression n. 1 the act of compressing or being compressed. 2 the reduction in volume (causing an increase in pressure) of the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine before ignition. [F f. L compressio (as COMPRESS)] compressor n. an instrument or device for compressing, esp. a machine used for increasing the pressure of air or other gases. comprise v.tr. 1 include; comprehend. 2 consist of, be composed of (the book comprises 350 pages). 3 disp. make up, compose (the essays comprise his total work). ЬЬcomprisable adj. [ME f. F, fem. past part. of comprendre comprehend] compromise n. & v. --n. 1 the settlement of a dispute by mutual concession (reached a compromise by bargaining). 2 (often foll. by between) an intermediate state between conflicting opinions, actions, etc., reached by mutual concession or modification (a compromise between ideals and material necessity). --v. 1 a intr. settle a dispute by mutual concession (compromised over the terms). b tr. archaic settle (a dispute) by mutual concession. 2 tr. bring into disrepute or danger esp. by indiscretion or folly. ЬЬcompromiser n. compromisingly adv. [ME f. OF compromis f. LL compromissum neut. past part. of compromittere (as com-, promittere promise)] compte rendu n. (pl. comptes rendus pronunc. same) a report; a review; a statement. [F] Comptometer n. propr. an early type of calculating-machine. [app. f. F compte count(1) + -meter] comptroller n. a controller (used in the title of some financial officers) (Comptroller and Auditor General). [var. of controller, by erron. assoc. with count(1), L computus] compulsion n. 1 a constraint; an obligation. 2 Psychol. an irresistible urge to a form of behaviour, esp. against one's conscious wishes. Ьunder compulsion because one is compelled. [ME f. F f. LL compulsio -onis (as compel)] compulsive adj. 1 compelling. 2 resulting or acting from, or as if from, compulsion (a compulsive gambler). 3 Psychol. resulting or acting from compulsion against one's conscious wishes. 4 irresistible (compulsive entertainment). ЬЬcompulsively adv. compulsiveness n. [med.L compulsivus (as compel)] compulsory adj. 1 required by law or a rule (it is compulsory to keep dogs on leads). 2 essential; necessary. Ьcompulsory purchase the enforced purchase of land or property by a local authority etc., for public use. ЬЬcompulsorily adv. compulsoriness n. [med.L compulsorius (as compel)] compunction n. (usu. with neg.) 1 the pricking of the conscience. 2 a slight regret; a scruple (without compunction; have no compunction in refusing him). ЬЬcompunctious adj. compunctiously adv. [ME f. OF componction f. eccl.L compunctio -onis f. L compungere compunct- (as com-, pungere prick)] compurgation n. Law hist. an acquittal from a charge or accusation obtained by the oaths of witnesses. ЬЬcompurgatory adj. [med.L compurgatio f. L compurgare (as com-, purgare purify)] compurgator n. Law hist. a witness who swore to the innocence or good character of an accused person. compute v. 1 tr. (often foll. by that + clause) reckon or calculate (a number, an amount, etc.). 2 intr. make a reckoning, esp. using a computer. ЬЬcomputability n. computable adj. computation n. [F computer or L computare (as com-, putare reckon)] computer n. 1 a usu. electronic device for storing and processing data (usu. in binary form), according to instructions given to it in a variable program. 2 a person who computes or makes calculations. Ьcomputer-literate able to use computers; familiar with the operation of computers. computer science the study of the principles and use of computers. computer virus a hidden code within a computer program intended to corrupt a system or destroy data stored in it. computerize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 equip with a computer; install a computer in. 2 store, perform, or produce by computer. ЬЬcomputerization n. comrade n. 1 a (usu. of males) a workmate, friend, or companion. b (also comrade-in-arms) a fellow soldier etc. 2 Polit. a fellow socialist or communist (often as a form of address). ЬЬcomradely adj. comradeship n. [earlier cama- camerade f. F camerade, camarade (orig. fem.) f. Sp. camarada room-mate (as chamber)] comsat n. a communication satellite. [abbr.] con(1) n. & v. sl. --n. a confidence trick. --v.tr. (conned, conning) swindle; deceive (conned him into thinking he had won). Ьcon man = confidence man. [abbr.] con(2) n., prep., & adv. --n. (usu. in pl.) a reason against. --prep. & adv. against (cf. pro(2)). [L contra against] con(3) n. sl. a convict. [abbr.] con(4) v.tr. (US conn) (conned, conning) Naut. direct the steering of (a ship). [app. weakened form of obs. cond, condie, f. F conduire f. L conducere conduct] con(5) v.tr. (conned, conning) archaic (often foll. by over) study, learn by heart (conned his part well). [ME cunn-, con, forms of can(1)] con- prefix assim. form of com- before c, d, f, g, j, n, q, s, t, v, and sometimes before vowels. conacre n. Ir. the letting by a tenant of small portions of land prepared for crops or grazing. [corn(1) + acre] con amore adv. 1 with devotion or zeal. 2 (con amore) Mus. tenderly. [It., = with love] conation n. Philos. & Psychol. 1 the desire to perform an action. 2 voluntary action; volition. ЬЬconative adj. [L conatio f. conari try] con brio adv. Mus. with vigour. [It.] concatenate v. & adj. --v.tr. link together (a chain of events, things, etc.). --adj. joined; linked. ЬЬconcatenation n. [LL concatenare (as com-, catenare f. catena chain)] concave adj. having an outline or surface curved like the interior of a circle or sphere (cf. convex). ЬЬconcavely adv. concavity n. [L concavus (as com-, cavus hollow), or through F concave] conceal v.tr. 1 (often foll. by from) keep secret (concealed her motive from him). 2 not allow to be seen; hide (concealed the letter in her pocket). ЬЬconcealer n. concealment n. [ME f. OF conceler f. L concelare (as com-, celare hide)] concede v.tr. 1 a (often foll. by that + clause) admit (a defeat etc.) to be true (conceded that his work was inadequate). b admit defeat in. 2 (often foll. by to) grant, yield, or surrender (a right, a privilege, points or a start in a game, etc.). 3 Sport allow an opponent to score (a goal) or to win (a match), etc. ЬЬconceder n. [F conc‚der or L concedere concess- (as com-, cedere yield)] conceit n. 1 personal vanity; pride. 2 literary a a far-fetched comparison, esp. as a stylistic affectation; a convoluted or unlikely metaphor. b a fanciful notion. [ME f. conceive after deceit, deceive, etc.] conceited adj. vain, proud. ЬЬconceitedly adv. conceitedness n. conceivable adj. capable of being grasped or imagined; understandable. ЬЬconceivability n. conceivably adv. conceive v. 1 intr. become pregnant. 2 tr. become pregnant with (a child). 3 tr. (often foll. by that + clause) a imagine, fancy, think (can't conceive that he could be guilty). b (usu. in passive) formulate, express (a belief, a plan, etc.). Ьconceive of form in the mind; imagine. [ME f. OF conceiv- stressed stem of concevoir f. L concipere concept- (as com-, capere take)] concelebrate v.intr. RC Ch. 1 (of two or more priests) celebrate the mass together. 2 (esp. of a newly ordained priest) celebrate the mass with the ordaining bishop. ЬЬconcelebrant n. concelebration n. [L concelebrare (as com-, celebrare celebrate)] concentrate v. & n. --v. 1 intr. (often foll. by on, upon) focus all one's attention or mental ability. 2 tr. bring together (troops, power, attention, etc.) to one point; focus. 3 tr. increase the strength of (a liquid etc.) by removing water or any other diluting agent. 4 tr. (as concentrated adj.) (of hate etc.) intense, strong. --n. 1 a concentrated substance. 2 a concentrated form of esp. food. ЬЬconcentratedly adv. concentrative adj. concentrator n. [after concentre f. F concentrer (as con- + centre)] concentration n. 1 a the act or power of concentrating (needs to develop concentration). b an instance of this (interrupted my concentration). 2 something concentrated (a concentration of resources). 3 something brought together; a gathering. 4 the weight of substance in a given weight or volume of material. Ьconcentration camp a camp for the detention of political prisoners, internees, etc., esp. in Nazi Germany. concentre v.tr. & intr. (US concenter) bring or come to a common centre. [F concentrer: see concentrate] concentric adj. (often foll. by with) (esp. of circles) having a common centre (cf. eccentric). ЬЬconcentrically adv. concentricity n. [ME f. OF concentrique or med.L concentricus (as com-, centricus as centre)] concept n. 1 a general notion; an abstract idea (the concept of evolution). 2 colloq. an idea or invention to help sell or publicize a commodity (a new concept in swimwear). 3 Philos. an idea or mental picture of a group or class of objects formed by combining all their aspects. [LL conceptus f. concept-: see conceive] conception n. 1 the act or an instance of conceiving; the process of being conceived. 2 an idea or plan, esp. as being new or daring (the whole conception showed originality). Ьno conception of an inability to imagine. ЬЬconceptional adj. [ME f. OF f. L conceptio -onis (as concept)] conceptive adj. 1 conceiving mentally. 2 of conception. [L conceptivus (as conception)] conceptual adj. of mental conceptions or concepts. ЬЬconceptually adv. [med.L conceptualis (conceptus as concept)] conceptualism n. Philos. the theory that universals exist, but only as concepts in the mind. ЬЬconceptualist n. conceptualize v.tr. (also -ise) form a concept or idea of. ЬЬconceptualization n. concern v. & n. --v.tr. 1 a be relevant or important to (this concerns you). b relate to; be about. 2 (usu. refl.; often foll. by with, in, about, or to + infin.) interest or involve oneself (don't concern yourself with my problems). 3 worry, affect (it concerns me that he is always late). --n. 1 anxiety, worry (felt a deep concern). 2 a a matter of interest or importance to one (no concern of mine). b (usu. in pl.) affairs, private business (meddling in my concerns). 3 a business, a firm (quite a prosperous concern). 4 colloq. a complicated or awkward thing (have lost the whole concern). Ьhave a concern in have an interest or share in. have no concern with have nothing to do with. to whom it may concern to those who have a proper interest in the matter (as an address to the reader of a testimonial, reference, etc.). [F concerner or LL concernere (as com-, cernere sift, discern)] concerned adj. 1 involved, interested (the people concerned; concerned with proving his innocence). 2 (often foll. by that, about, at, for, or to + infin.) troubled, anxious (concerned about him; concerned to hear that). Ьas (or so) far as I am concerned as regards my interests. be concerned (often foll. by in) take part. I am not concerned it is not my business. ЬЬconcernedly adv. concernedness n. concerning prep. about, regarding. concernment n. formal 1 an affair or business. 2 importance. 3 (often foll. by with) a state of being concerned; anxiety. concert n. & v. --n. 1 a musical performance of usu. several separate compositions. 2 agreement, accordance, harmony. 3 a combination of voices or sounds. --v.tr. arrange (by mutual agreement or coordination). Ьconcert-goer a person who often goes to concerts. concert grand the largest size of grand piano, used for concerts. concert-master esp. US the leading first-violin player in some orchestras. concert overture Mus. a piece like an overture but intended for independent performance. concert performance Mus. a performance (of an opera etc.) without scenery, costumes, or action. concert pitch 1 Mus. the pitch internationally agreed in 1960 whereby the A above middle C = 440 Hz. 2 a state of unusual readiness, efficiency, and keenness (for action etc.). in concert 1 (often foll. by with) acting jointly and accordantly. 2 (predic.) (of a musician) in a performance. [F concert (n.), concerter (v.) f. It. concertare harmonize] concerted adj. 1 combined together; jointly arranged or planned (a concerted effort). 2 Mus. arranged in parts for voices or instruments. concertina n. & v. --n. a musical instrument held in the hands and stretched and squeezed like bellows, having reeds and a set of buttons at each end to control the valves. --v.tr. & intr. (concertinas, concertinaed or concertina'd, concertinaing) compress or collapse in folds like those of a concertina (the car concertinaed into the bridge). [concert + -ina] concertino n. (pl. -os) Mus. 1 a simple or short concerto. 2 a solo instrument or solo instruments playing in a concerto. [It., dimin. of concerto] concerto n. (pl. -os or concerti) Mus. a composition for a solo instrument or instruments accompanied by an orchestra. Ьconcerto grosso (pl. concerti grossi or concerto grossos) a composition for a group of solo instruments accompanied by an orchestra. [It. (see concert): grosso big] concession n. 1 a the act or an instance of conceding (made the concession that we were right). b a thing conceded. 2 a reduction in price for a certain category of person. 3 a the right to use land or other property, granted esp. by a government or local authority, esp. for a specific use. b the right, given by a company, to sell goods, esp. in a particular territory. c the land or property used or given. ЬЬconcessionary adj. (also concessional). [F concession f. L concessio (as concede)] concessionaire n. (also concessionnaire) the holder of a concession or grant, esp. for the use of land or trading rights. [F concessionnaire (as concession)] concessive adj. 1 of or tending to concession. 2 Gram. a (of a preposition or conjunction) introducing a phrase or clause which might be expected to preclude the action of the main clause, but does not (e.g. in spite of, although). b (of a phrase or clause) introduced by a concessive preposition or conjunction. [LL concessivus (as concede)] conch n. (pl. conchs or conches) 1 a a thick heavy spiral shell, occasionally bearing long projections, of various marine gastropod molluscs of the family Strombidae. b any of these gastropods. 2 Archit. the domed roof of a semicircular apse. 3 = concha. [L concha shell f. Gk kogkhe] concha n. (pl. conchae) Anat. any part resembling a shell, esp. the depression in the external ear leading to its central cavity. [L: see conch] conchie n. (also conchy) (pl. -ies) derog. sl. a conscientious objector. [abbr.] conchoidal adj. Mineral. (of a solid fracture etc.) resembling the surface of a bivalve shell. conchology n. Zool. the scientific study of shells. ЬЬconchological adj. conchologist n. [Gk kogkhe shell + -logy] conchy var. of conchie. concierge n. (esp. in France) a door-keeper or porter of a block of flats etc. [F, prob. ult. f. L conservus fellow slave] conciliar adj. of or concerning a council, esp. an ecclesiastical council. [med.L consiliarius counsellor] conciliate v.tr. 1 make calm and amenable; pacify. 2 gain (esteem or goodwill). 3 archaic reconcile, make compatible. ЬЬconciliative adj. conciliator n. conciliatory adj. conciliatoriness n. [L conciliare combine, gain (concilium council)] conciliation n. the use of conciliating measures; reconcilement. [L conciliatio (as conciliate)] concinnity n. elegance or neatness of literary style. ЬЬconcinnous adj. [L concinnitas f. concinnus well-adjusted] concise adj. (of speech, writing, style, or a person) brief but comprehensive in expression. ЬЬconcisely adv. conciseness n. [F concis or L concisus past part. of concidere (as com-, caedere cut)] concision n. (esp. of literary style) conciseness. [ME f. L concisio (as concise)] conclave n. 1 a private meeting. 2 RC Ch. a the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope. b the meeting-place for a conclave. [ME f. OF f. L conclave lockable room (as com-, clavis key)] conclude v. 1 tr. & intr. bring or come to an end. 2 tr. (often foll. by from, or that + clause) infer (from given premisses) (what did you conclude?; concluded from the evidence that he had been mistaken). 3 tr. settle, arrange (a treaty etc.). 4 intr. (usu. foll. by to + infin.) esp. US decide. [ME f. L concludere (as com-, claudere shut)] conclusion n. 1 a final result; a termination. 2 a judgement reached by reasoning. 3 the summing-up of an argument, article, book, etc. 4 a settling; an arrangement (the conclusion of peace). 5 Logic a proposition that is reached from given premisses; the third and last part of a syllogism. Ьin conclusion lastly, to conclude. try conclusions with engage in a trial of skill etc. with. [ME f. OF conclusion or L conclusio (as conclude)] conclusive adj. decisive, convincing. ЬЬconclusively adv. conclusiveness n. [LL conclusivus (as conclusion)] concoct v.tr. 1 make by mixing ingredients (concocted a stew). 2 invent (a story, a lie, etc.). ЬЬconcocter n. concoction n. concoctor n. [L concoquere concoct- (as com-, coquere cook)] concomitance n. (also concomitancy) 1 coexistence. 2 Theol. the doctrine of the coexistence of the body and blood of Christ both in the bread and in the wine of the Eucharist. [med.L concomitantia (as concomitant)] concomitant adj. & n. --adj. going together; associated (concomitant circumstances). --n. an accompanying thing. ЬЬconcomitantly adv. [LL concomitari (as com-, comitari f. L comes -mitis companion)] concord n. 1 agreement or harmony between people or things. 2 a treaty. 3 Mus. a chord that is pleasing or satisfactory in itself. 4 Gram. agreement between words in gender, number, etc. [ME f. OF concorde f. L concordia f. concors of one mind (as com-, cors f. cor cordis heart)] concordance n. 1 agreement. 2 a book containing an alphabetical list of the important words used in a book or by an author, usu. with citations of the passages concerned. [ME f. OF f. med.L concordantia (as concordant)] concordant adj. 1 (often foll. by with) agreeing, harmonious. 2 Mus. in harmony. ЬЬconcordantly adv. [ME f. OF f. L concordare f. concors (as concord)] concordat n. an agreement, esp. between the Roman Catholic Church and a State. [F concordat or L concordatum neut. past part. of concordare (as concordance)] concourse n. 1 a crowd. 2 a coming together; a gathering (a concourse of ideas). 3 an open central area in a large public building, a railway station, etc. [ME f. OF concours f. L concursus (as concur)] concrescence n. Biol. coalescence; growing together. ЬЬconcrescent adj. [con-, after excrescence etc.] concrete adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 a existing in a material form; real. b specific, definite (concrete evidence; a concrete proposal). 2 Gram. (of a noun) denoting a material object as opposed to an abstract quality, state, or action. --n. (often attrib.) a composition of gravel, sand, cement, and water, used for building. --v. 1 tr. a cover with concrete. b embed in concrete. 2 a tr. & intr. form into a mass; solidify. b tr. make concrete instead of abstract. Ьconcrete-mixer a machine, usu. with a revolving drum, used for mixing concrete. concrete music music constructed by mixing recorded sounds. concrete poetry poetry using unusual typographical layout to enhance the effect on the page. in the concrete in reality or in practice. ЬЬconcretely adv. concreteness n. [F concret or L concretus past part. of concrescere (as com-, crescere cret- grow)] concretion n. 1 a a hard solid concreted mass. b the forming of this by coalescence. 2 Med. a stony mass formed within the body. 3 Geol. a small round mass of rock particles embedded in limestone or clay. ЬЬconcretionary adj. [F f. L concretio (as concrete)] concretize v.tr. (also -ise) make concrete instead of abstract. ЬЬconcretization n. concubinage n. 1 the cohabitation of a man and woman not married to each other. 2 the state of being or having a concubine. [ME f. F (as concubine)] concubine n. 1 a woman who lives with a man as his wife. 2 (among polygamous peoples) a secondary wife. ЬЬconcubinary adj. [ME f. OF f. L concubina (as com-, cubina f. cubare lie)] concupiscence n. formal sexual desire. ЬЬconcupiscent adj. [ME f. OF f. LL concupiscentia f. L concupiscere begin to desire (as com-, inceptive f. cupere desire)] concur v.intr. (concurred, concurring) 1 happen together; coincide. 2 (often foll. by with) a agree in opinion. b express agreement. 3 combine together for a cause; act in combination. [L concurrere (as com-, currere run)] concurrent adj. 1 (often foll. by with) a existing or in operation at the same time (served two concurrent sentences). b existing or acting together. 2 Geom. (of three or more lines) meeting at or tending towards one point. 3 agreeing, harmonious. ЬЬconcurrence n. concurrently adv. concuss v.tr. 1 subject to concussion. 2 shake violently. 3 archaic intimidate. [L concutere concuss- (as com-, cutere = quatere shake)] concussion n. 1 Med. temporary unconsciousness or incapacity due to injury to the head. 2 violent shaking; shock. [L concussio (as concuss)] condemn v.tr. 1 express utter disapproval of; censure (was condemned for his irresponsible behaviour). 2 a find guilty; convict. b (usu. foll. by to) sentence to (a punishment, esp. death). c bring about the conviction of (his looks condemn him). 3 pronounce (a building etc.) unfit for use or habitation. 4 (usu. foll. by to) doom or assign (to something unwelcome or painful) (condemned to spending hours at the kitchen sink). 5 a declare (smuggled goods, property, etc.) to be forfeited. b pronounce incurable. Ьcondemned cell a cell for a prisoner condemned to death. ЬЬcondemnable adj. condemnation n. condemnatory adj. [ME f. OF condem(p)ner f. L condemnare (as com-, damnare damn)] condensate n. a substance produced by condensation. condensation n. 1 the act of condensing. 2 any condensed material (esp. water on a cold surface). 3 an abridgement. 4 Chem. the combination of molecules with the elimination of water or other small molecules. Ьcondensation trail = vapour trail. [LL condensatio (as condense)] condense v. 1 tr. make denser or more concentrated. 2 tr. express in fewer words; make concise. 3 tr. & intr. reduce or be reduced from a gas or solid to a liquid. Ьcondensed milk milk thickened by evaporation and sweetened. ЬЬcondensable adj. [F condenser or L condensare (as com-, densus thick)] condenser n. 1 an apparatus or vessel for condensing vapour. 2 Electr. = capacitor. 3 a lens or system of lenses for concentrating light. 4 a person or thing that condenses. condescend v.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by to + infin.) be gracious enough (to do a thing) esp. while showing one's sense of dignity or superiority (condescended to attend the meeting). 2 (foll. by to) behave as if one is on equal terms with (an inferior), usu. while maintaining an attitude of superiority. 3 (as condescending adj.) patronizing; kind to inferiors. ЬЬcondescendingly adv. [ME f. OF condescendre f. eccl.L condescendere (as com-, descend)] condescension n. 1 a patronizing manner. 2 affability towards inferiors. [obs. F f. eccl.L condescensio (as condescend)] condign adj. (of a punishment etc.) severe and well-deserved. ЬЬcondignly adv. [ME f. OF condigne f. L condignus (as com-, dignus worthy)] condiment n. a seasoning or relish for food. [ME f. L condimentum f. condire pickle] condition n. & v. --n. 1 a stipulation; something upon the fulfilment of which something else depends. 2 a the state of being or fitness of a person or thing (arrived in bad condition; not in a condition to be used). b an ailment or abnormality (a heart condition). 3 (in pl.) circumstances, esp. those affecting the functioning or existence of something (working conditions are good). 4 archaic social rank (all sorts and conditions of men). 5 Gram. a clause expressing a condition. 6 US a subject in which a student must pass an examination within a stated time to maintain a provisionally granted status. --v.tr. 1 a bring into a good or desired state or condition. b make fit (esp. dogs or horses). 2 teach or accustom to adopt certain habits etc. (conditioned by society). 3 govern, determine (his behaviour was conditioned by his drunkenness). 4 a impose conditions on. b be essential to (the two things condition each other). 5 test the condition of (textiles etc.). 6 US subject (a student) to re-examination. Ьconditioned reflex a reflex response to a non-natural stimulus, established by training. in (or out of) condition in good (or bad) condition. in no condition to certainly not fit to. on condition that with the stipulation that. [ME f. OF condicion (n.), condicionner (v.) or med.L condicionare f. L condicio -onis f. condicere (as com-, dicere say)] conditional adj. & n. --adj. 1 (often foll. by on) dependent; not absolute; containing a condition or stipulation (a conditional offer). 2 Gram. (of a clause, mood, etc.) expressing a condition. --n. Gram. 1 a conditional clause etc. 2 the conditional mood. Ьconditional discharge Law an order made by a criminal court whereby an offender will not be sentenced for an offence unless a further offence is committed within a stated period. ЬЬconditionality n. conditionally adv. [ME f. OF condicionel or f. LL conditionalis (as condition)] conditioner n. an agent that brings something into good condition, esp. a substance applied to the hair. condo n. (pl. -os) US colloq. a condominium. [abbr.] condolatory adj. expressing condolence. [condole, after consolatory etc.] condole v.intr. (foll. by with) express sympathy with a person over a loss, grief, etc. °Often confused with console. [LL condolere (as com-, dolere suffer)] condolence n. (often in pl.) an expression of sympathy (sent my condolences). condom n. a rubber sheath worn on the penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or to prevent infection. [18th c.: orig. unkn.] condominium n. 1 the joint control of a State's affairs by other States. 2 US a building containing flats which are individually owned. [mod.L (as com-, dominium dominion)] condone v.tr. 1 forgive or overlook (an offence or wrongdoing). 2 approve or sanction, usu. reluctantly. 3 (of an action) atone for (an offence); make up for. ЬЬcondonation n. condoner n. [L condonare (as com-, donare give)] condor n. 1 (in full Andean condor) a large vulture, Vultur gryphus, of S. America, having black plumage with a white neck ruff and a fleshy wattle on the forehead. 2 (in full California condor) a small vulture, Gymnogyps californianus, of California. [Sp. f. Quechua cuntur] condottiere n. (pl. condottieri pronunc. same) hist. a leader or a member of a troop of mercenaries in Italy etc. [It. f. condotto troop under contract (condotta) (as conduct)] conduce v.intr. (foll. by to) (usu. of an event or attribute) lead or contribute to (a result). [L conducere conduct- (as com-, ducere duct- lead)] conducive adj. (often foll. by to) contributing or helping (towards something) (not a conducive atmosphere for negotiation; good health is conducive to happiness). conduct n. & v. --n. 1 behaviour (esp. in its moral aspect). 2 the action or manner of directing or managing (business, war, etc.). 3 Art mode of treatment, execution. 4 leading, guidance. --v. 1 tr. lead or guide (a person or persons). 2 tr. direct or manage (business etc.). 3 tr. (also absol.) be the conductor of (an orchestra, choir, etc.). 4 tr. Physics transmit (heat, electricity, etc.) by conduction. 5 refl. behave (conducted himself appropriately). Ьconducted tour a tour led by a guide on a fixed itinerary. conduct sheet a record of a person's offences and punishments. ЬЬconductible adj. conductibility n. [ME f. L conductus (as com-, ducere duct- lead): (v.) f. OF conduite past part. of conduire] conductance n. Physics the power of a specified material to conduct electricity. conduction n. 1 a the transmission of heat through a substance from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. b the transmission of electricity through a substance by the application of an electric field. 2 the transmission of impulses along nerves. 3 the conducting of liquid through a pipe etc. [F conduction or L conductio (as conduct)] conductive adj. having the property of conducting (esp. heat, electricity, etc.). Ьconductive education a system of education for children and adults with motor disorders. ЬЬconductively adv. conductivity n. the conducting power of a specified material. conductor n. 1 a person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir etc. 2 (fem. conductress) a a person who collects fares in a bus etc. b US an official in charge of a train. 3 Physics a a thing that conducts or transmits heat or electricity, esp. regarded in terms of its capacity to do this (a poor conductor). b = lightning-conductor. 4 a guide or leader. 5 a manager or director. Ьconductor rail a rail transmitting current to an electric train etc. ЬЬconductorship n. [ME f. F conducteur f. L conductor (as conduct)] conductus n. (pl. conducti) a musical composition of the 12th-13th c., with Latin text. [med.L: see conduit] conduit n. 1 a channel or pipe for conveying liquids. 2 a a tube or trough for protecting insulated electric wires. b a length or stretch of this. [ME f. OF conduit f. med.L conductus conduct n.] condyle n. Anat. a rounded process at the end of some bones, forming an articulation with another bone. ЬЬcondylar adj. condyloid adj. [F f. L condylus f. Gk kondulos knuckle] cone n. & v. --n. 1 a solid figure with a circular (or other curved) plane base, tapering to a point. 2 a thing of a similar shape, solid or hollow, e.g. as used to mark off areas of roads. 3 the dry fruit of a conifer. 4 an ice-cream cornet. 5 any of the minute cone-shaped structures in the retina. 6 a conical mountain esp. of volcanic origin. 7 (in full cone-shell) any marine gastropod mollusc of the family Conidae. 8 Pottery a ceramic pyramid, melting at a known temperature, used to indicate the temperature of a kiln. --v.tr. 1 shape like a cone. 2 (foll. by off) Brit. mark off (a road etc.) with cones. [F c“ne f. L conus f. Gk konos] coney var. of cony. confab n. & v. colloq. --n. = confabulation (see confabulate). --v.intr. (confabbed, confabbing) = confabulate. [abbr.] confabulate v.intr. 1 converse, chat. 2 Psychol. fabricate imaginary experiences as compensation for the loss of memory. ЬЬconfabulation n. confabulatory adj. [L confabulari (as com-, fabulari f. fabula tale)] confect v.tr. literary make by putting together ingredients. [L conficere confect- put together (as com-, facere make)] confection n. 1 a dish or delicacy made with sweet ingredients. 2 mixing, compounding. 3 a fashionable or elaborate article of women's dress. ЬЬconfectionary adj. (in sense 1). [ME f. OF f. L confectio -onis (as confect)] confectioner n. a maker or retailer of confectionery. confectionery n. sweets and other confections. confederacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a league or alliance, esp. of confederate States. 2 a league for an unlawful or evil purpose; a conspiracy. 3 the condition or fact of being confederate; alliance; conspiracy. [ME, AF, OF confederacie (as confederate)] confederate adj., n., & v. --adj. esp. Polit. allied; joined by an agreement or treaty. --n. 1 an ally, esp. (in a bad sense) an accomplice. 2 (Confederate) a supporter of the Confederate States. --v. (often foll. by with) 1 tr. bring (a person, State, or oneself) into alliance. 2 intr. come into alliance. ЬConfederate States States which seceded from the US in 1860-1. [LL confoederatus (as com-, federate)] confederation n. 1 a union or alliance of States etc. 2 the act or an instance of confederating; the state of being confederated. [F conf‚d‚ration (as confederate)] confer v. (conferred, conferring) 1 tr. (often foll. by on, upon) grant or bestow (a title, degree, favour, etc.). 2 intr. (often foll. by with) converse, consult. ЬЬconferrable adj. [L conferre (as com-, ferre bring)] conferee n. 1 a person on whom something is conferred. 2 a participant in a conference. conference n. 1 consultation, discussion. 2 a meeting for discussion, esp. a regular one held by an association or organization. 3 an annual assembly of the Methodist Church. 4 an association in commerce, sport, etc. 5 the linking of several telephones, computer terminals, etc., so that each user may communicate with the others simultaneously. Ьin conference engaged in discussion. ЬЬconferential adj. [F conf‚rence or med.L conferentia (as confer)] conferment n. 1 the conferring of a degree, honour, etc. 2 an instance of this. conferral n. esp. US = conferment. confess v. 1 a tr. (also absol.) acknowledge or admit (a fault, wrongdoing, etc.). b intr. (foll. by to) admit to (confessed to having lied). 2 tr. admit reluctantly (confessed it would be difficult). 3 a tr. (also absol.) declare (one's sins) to a priest. b tr. (of a priest) hear the confession of. c refl. declare one's sins to a priest. [ME f. OF confesser f. Rmc f. L confessus past part. of confiteri (as com-, fateri declare, avow)] confessant n. a person who confesses to a priest. confessedly adv. by one's own or general admission. confession n. 1 a confessing or acknowledgement of a fault, wrongdoing, a sin to a priest, etc. b an instance of this. c a thing confessed. 2 (in full confession of faith) a a declaration of one's religious beliefs. b a statement of one's principles. ЬЬconfessionary adj. [ME f. OF f. L confessio -onis (as confess)] confessional n. & adj. --n. an enclosed stall in a church in which a priest hears confessions. --adj. 1 of or relating to confession. 2 denominational. [F f. It. confessionale f. med.L, neut. of confessionalis (as confession)] confessor n. 1 a person who makes a confession. 2 also a priest who hears confessions and gives spiritual counsel. 3 a person who avows a religion in the face of its suppression, but does not suffer martyrdom. [ME f. AF confessur, OF - our, f. eccl.L confessor (as confess)] confetti n. small bits of coloured paper thrown by wedding guests at the bride and groom. [It., = sweetmeats f. L (as comfit)] confidant n. (fem. confidante pronunc. same) a person trusted with knowledge of one's private affairs. [18th-c. for earlier confident n., prob. to represent the pronunc. of F confidente (as confide)] confide v. 1 tr. (usu. foll. by to) tell (a secret etc.) in confidence. 2 tr. (foll. by to) entrust (an object of care, a task, etc.) to. 3 intr. (foll. by in) a have trust or confidence in. b talk confidentially to. ЬЬconfidingly adv. [L confidere (as com-, fidere trust)] confidence n. 1 firm trust (have confidence in his ability). 2 a a feeling of reliance or certainty. b a sense of self-reliance; boldness. 3 a something told confidentially. b the telling of private matters with mutual trust. Ьconfidence man a man who robs by means of a confidence trick. confidence trick (US game) a swindle in which the victim is persuaded to trust the swindler in some way. in confidence as a secret. in a person's confidence trusted with a person's secrets. take into one's confidence confide in. [ME f. L confidentia (as confide)] confident adj. & n. --adj. 1 feeling or showing confidence; self-assured, bold (spoke with a confident air). 2 (often foll. by of, or that + clause) assured, trusting (confident of your support; confident that he will come). --n. archaic = confidant. ЬЬconfidently adv. [F f. It. confidente (as confide)] confidential adj. 1 spoken or written in confidence. 2 entrusted with secrets (a confidential secretary). 3 confiding. ЬЬconfidentiality n. confidentially adv. configuration n. 1 a an arrangement of parts or elements in a particular form or figure. b the form, shape, or figure resulting from such an arrangement. 2 Astron. & Astrol. the relative position of planets etc. 3 Psychol. = gestalt. 4 Physics the distribution of electrons among the energy levels of an atom, or of nucleons among the energy levels of a nucleus, as specified by quantum numbers. 5 Chem. the fixed three-dimensional relationship of the atoms in a molecule. 6 Computing a the interrelating or interconnecting of a computer system or elements of it so that it will accommodate a particular specification. b an instance of this. ЬЬconfigurational adj. configure v.tr. (in senses 1, 2, 6). [LL configuratio f. L configurare (as com-, figurare fashion)] confine v. & n. --v.tr. (often foll. by in, to, within) 1 keep or restrict (within certain limits etc.). 2 hold captive; imprison. --n. (usu. in pl.) a limit or boundary (within the confines of the town). Ьbe confined be in childbirth. [(v.) f. F confiner, (n.) ME f. F confins (pl.), f. L confinia (as com-, finia neut. pl. f. finis end, limit)] confinement n. 1 the act or an instance of confining; the state of being confined. 2 the time of a woman's giving birth. confirm v.tr. 1 provide support for the truth or correctness of; make definitely valid (confirmed my suspicions; confirmed his arrival time). 2 (foll. by in) encourage (a person) in (an opinion etc.). 3 establish more firmly (power, possession, etc.). 4 ratify (a treaty, possession, title, etc.); make formally valid. 5 administer the religious rite of confirmation to. ЬЬconfirmative adj. confirmatory adj. [ME f. OF confermer f. L confirmare (as com-, firm(1))] confirmand n. Eccl. a person who is to be or has just been confirmed. confirmation n. 1 a the act or an instance of confirming; the state of being confirmed. b an instance of this. 2 a a religious rite confirming a baptized person, esp. at the age of discretion, as a member of the Christian Church. b a ceremony of confirming persons of about this age in the Jewish faith. [ME f. OF f. L confirmatio -onis (as confirm)] confirmed adj. firmly settled in some habit or condition (confirmed in his ways; a confirmed bachelor). confiscate v.tr. 1 take or seize by authority. 2 appropriate to the public treasury (by way of a penalty). ЬЬconfiscable adj. confiscation n. confiscator n. confiscatory adj. [L confiscare (as com-, fiscare f. fiscus treasury)] conflagration n. a great and destructive fire. [L conflagratio f. conflagrare (as com-, flagrare blaze)] conflate v.tr. blend or fuse together (esp. two variant texts into one). ЬЬconflation n. [L conflare (as com-, flare blow)] conflict n. & v. --n. 1 a a state of opposition or hostilities. b a fight or struggle. 2 (often foll. by of) a the clashing of opposed principles etc. b an instance of this. 3 Psychol. a the opposition of incompatible wishes or needs in a person. b an instance of this. c the distress resulting from this. --v.intr. 1 clash; be incompatible. 2 (often foll. by with) struggle or contend. 3 (as conflicting adj.) contradictory. Ьin conflict conflicting. ЬЬconfliction n. conflictual adj. [ME f. L confligere conflict- (as com-, fligere strike)] confluence n. 1 a place where two rivers meet. 2 a a coming together. b a crowd of people. [L confluere (as com-, fluere flow)] confluent adj. & n. --adj. flowing together, uniting. --n. a stream joining another. conflux n. = confluence. [LL confluxus (as confluence)] conform v. 1 intr. comply with rules or general custom. 2 intr. & tr. (often foll. by to) be or make accordant or suitable. 3 tr. (often foll. by to) form according to a pattern; make similar. 4 intr. (foll. by to, with) comply with; be in accordance with. ЬЬconformer n. [ME f. OF conformer f. L conformare (as com-, form)] conformable adj. 1 (often foll. by to) similar. 2 (often foll. by with) consistent. 3 (often foll. by to) adapted. 4 tractable, submissive. 5 Geol. (of strata in contact) lying in the same direction. ЬЬconformability n. conformably adv. [med.L conformabilis (as conform)] conformal adj. (of a map) showing any small area in its correct shape. ЬЬconformally adv. [LL conformalis (as conform)] conformance n. (often foll. by to, with) = conformity 1, 2. conformation n. 1 the way in which a thing is formed; shape, structure. 2 (often foll. by to) adjustment in form or character; adaptation. 3 Chem. any spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule from the rotation of part of the molecule about a single bond. [L conformatio (as conform)] conformist n. & adj. --n. 1 a person who conforms to an established practice; a conventional person. 2 Brit. a person who conforms to the practices of the Church of England. --adj. (of a person) conforming to established practices; conventional. ЬЬconformism n. conformity n. 1 (often foll. by to, with) action or behaviour in accordance with established practice; compliance. 2 (often foll. by to, with) correspondence in form or manner; likeness, agreement. 3 Brit. compliance with the practices of the Church of England. [ME f. OF conformit‚ or LL conformitas (as conform)] confound v. & int. --v.tr. 1 throw into perplexity or confusion. 2 mix up; confuse (in one's mind). 3 archaic defeat, overthrow. --int. expressing annoyance (confound you!). [ME f. AF conf(o)undre, OF confondre f. L confundere mix up (as com-, fundere fus- pour)] confounded adj. colloq. damned (a confounded nuisance!). ЬЬconfoundedly adv. confraternity n. (pl. -ies) a brotherhood, esp. religious or charitable. [ME f. OF confraternit‚ f. med.L confraternitas (as com-, fraternity)] confrЉre n. a fellow member of a profession, scientific body, etc. [ME f. OF f. med.L confrater (as com-, frater brother)] confront v.tr. 1 a face in hostility or defiance. b face up to and deal with (a problem, difficulty, etc.). 2 (of a difficulty etc.) present itself to (countless obstacles confronted us). 3 (foll. by with) a bring (a person) face to face with (a circumstance), esp. by way of accusation (confronted them with the evidence). b set (a thing) face to face with (another) for comparison. 4 meet or stand facing. ЬЬconfrontation n. confrontational adj. [F confronter f. med.L confrontare (as com-, frontare f. frons frontis face)] Confucian adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Confucius, Chinese philosopher d. 479 bc, or his philosophy. --n. a follower of Confucius. ЬЬConfucianism n. Confucianist n. [Confucius, Latinization of Kongfuze Kong the master] confusable adj. that is able or liable to be confused. ЬЬconfusability n. confuse v.tr. 1 a disconcert, perplex, bewilder. b embarrass. 2 mix up in the mind; mistake (one for another). 3 make indistinct (that point confuses the issue). 4 (as confused adj.) mentally decrepit. 5 (often as confused adj.) throw into disorder (a confused jumble of clothes). ЬЬconfusedly adv. confusing adj. confusingly adv. [19th-c. back-form. f. confused (14th c.) f. OF confus f. L confusus: see confound] confusion n. 1 a the act of confusing (the confusion of fact and fiction). b an instance of this; a misunderstanding (confusions arise from a lack of communication). 2 a the result of confusing; a confused state; disorder (thrown into confusion by his words; trampled in the confusion of battle). b (foll. by of) a disorderly jumble (a confusion of ideas). 3 a civil commotion (confusion broke out at the announcement). b an instance of this. [ME f. OF confusion or L confusio (as confuse)] confute v.tr. 1 prove (a person) to be in error. 2 prove (an argument) to be false. ЬЬconfutation n. [L confutare restrain] conga n. & v. --n. 1 a Latin-American dance of African origin, usu. with several persons in a single line, one behind the other. 2 (also conga drum) a tall, narrow, low-toned drum beaten with the hands. --v.intr. (congas, congaed or conga'd, congaing) perform the conga. [Amer. Sp. f. Sp. conga (fem.) of the Congo] cong‚ n. an unceremonious dismissal; leave-taking. [F: earlier congee, ME f. OF congi‚ f. L commeatus leave of absence f. commeare go and come (as com-, meare go): now usu. treated as mod. F] congeal v.tr. & intr. 1 make or become semi-solid by cooling. 2 (of blood etc.) coagulate. ЬЬcongealable adj. congealment n. [ME f. OF congeler f. L congelare (as com-, gelare f. gelu frost)] congelation n. 1 the process of congealing. 2 a congealed state. 3 a congealed substance. [ME f. OF congelation or L congelatio (as congeal)] congener n. a thing or person of the same kind or category as another, esp. animals or plants of a specified genus (the goldfinch is a congener of the canary). [L (as con-, genus)] congeneric adj. 1 of the same genus, kind, or race. 2 allied in nature or origin; akin. ЬЬcongenerous adj. congenial adj. 1 (often foll. by with, to) (of a person, character, etc.) pleasant because akin to oneself in temperament or interests. 2 (often foll. by to) suited or agreeable. ЬЬcongeniality n. congenially adv. [con- + genial(1)] congenital adj. 1 (esp. of a disease, defect, etc.) existing from birth. 2 that is (or as if) such from birth (a congenital liar). ЬЬcongenitally adv. [L congenitus (as com-, genitus past part. of gigno beget)] conger n. (in full conger eel) any large marine eel of the family Congridae. [ME f. OF congre f. L conger, congrus, f. Gk goggros] congeries n. (pl. same) a disorderly collection; a mass or heap. [L, formed as congest] congest v.tr. (esp. as congested adj.) affect with congestion; obstruct, block (congested streets; congested lungs). ЬЬcongestive adj. [L congerere congest- (as com-, gerere bring)] congestion n. abnormal accumulation, crowding, or obstruction, esp. of traffic etc. or of blood or mucus in a part of the body. [F f. L congestio -onis (as congest)] conglomerate adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 gathered into a rounded mass. 2 Geol. (of rock) made up of small stones held together (cf. agglomerate). --n. 1 a number of things or parts forming a heterogeneous mass. 2 a group or corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms. 3 Geol. conglomerate rock. --v.tr. & intr. collect into a coherent mass. ЬЬconglomeration n. [L conglomeratus past part. of conglomerare (as com-, glomerare f. glomus -eris ball)] Congolese adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to the Republic of the Congo in Central Africa, or the region surrounding the Congo river. --n. a native of either of these regions. [F congolais] congou n. a variety of black China tea. [Chin. dial. kung hu te tea laboured for] congrats n.pl. & int. colloq. congratulations. [abbr.] congratulate v.tr. & refl. (often foll. by on, upon) 1 tr. express pleasure at the happiness or good fortune or excellence of (a person) (congratulated them on their success). 2 refl. think oneself fortunate or clever. ЬЬcongratulant adj. & n. congratulator n. congratulatory adj. [L congratulari (as com-, gratulari show joy f. gratus pleasing)] congratulation n. 1 congratulating. 2 (also as int.; usu. in pl.) an expression of this (congratulations on winning!). [L congratulatio (as congratulate)] congregant n. a member of a congregation (esp. Jewish). [L congregare (as congregate)] congregate v.intr. & tr. collect or gather into a crowd or mass. [ME f. L congregare (as com-, gregare f. grex gregis flock)] congregation n. 1 the process of congregating; collection into a crowd or mass. 2 a crowd or mass gathered together. 3 a a body assembled for religious worship. b a body of persons regularly attending a particular church etc. c RC Ch. a body of persons obeying a common religious rule. d RC Ch. any of several permanent committees of the Roman Catholic College of Cardinals. 4 (Congregation) Brit. (in some universities) a general assembly of resident senior members. [ME f. OF congregation or L congregatio (as congregate)] congregational adj. 1 of a congregation. 2 (Congregational) of or adhering to Congregationalism. Congregationalism n. a system of ecclesiastical organization whereby individual churches are largely self-governing. ЬЬCongregationalist n. Congregationalize v.tr. (also -ise). congress n. 1 a formal meeting of delegates for discussion. 2 (Congress) a national legislative body, esp. that of the US. 3 a society or organization. 4 coming together, meeting. ЬЬcongressional adj. [L congressus f. congredi (as com-, gradi walk)] congressman n. (pl. -men; fem. congresswoman, pl. -women) a member of the US Congress. congruence n. (also congruency) 1 agreement, consistency. 2 Geom. the state of being congruent. [ME f. L congruentia (as congruent)] congruent adj. 1 (often foll. by with) suitable, agreeing. 2 Geom. (of figures) coinciding exactly when superimposed. ЬЬcongruently adv. [ME f. L congruere agree] congruous adj. (often foll. by with) suitable, agreeing; fitting. ЬЬcongruity n. congruously adv. [L congruus (as congruent)] conic adj. & n. --adj. of a cone. --n. 1 a conic section. 2 (in pl.) the study of conic sections. Ьconic section a figure formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane. [mod.L conicus f. Gk konikos (as cone)] conical adj. cone-shaped. ЬЬconically adv. conidium n. (pl. conidia) a spore produced asexually by various fungi. [mod.L dimin. f. Gk konis dust] conifer n. any evergreen tree of a group usu. bearing cones, including pines, yews, cedars, and redwoods. ЬЬconiferous adj. [L (as cone, -ferous)] coniform adj. cone-shaped. [L conus cone + -form] coniine n. a poisonous alkaloid found in hemlock, that paralyses the nerves. [L conium f. Gk koneion hemlock] conjectural adj. based on, involving, or given to conjecture. ЬЬconjecturally adv. [F f. L conjecturalis (as conjecture)] conjecture n. & v. --n. 1 a the formation of an opinion on incomplete information; guessing. b an opinion or conclusion reached in this way. 2 a (in textual criticism) the guessing of a reading not in the text. b a proposed reading. --v. 1 tr. & intr. guess. 2 tr. (in textual criticism) propose (a reading). ЬЬconjecturable adj. [ME f. OF conjecture or L conjectura f. conjicere (as com-, jacere throw)] conjoin v.tr. & intr. join, combine. [ME f. OF conjoign- pres. stem of conjoindre f. L conjungere (as com-, jungere junct- join)] conjoint adj. associated, conjoined. ЬЬconjointly adv. [ME f. OF, past part. (as conjoin)] conjugal adj. of marriage or the relation between husband and wife. Ьconjugal rights those rights (esp. to sexual relations) regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in a marriage. ЬЬconjugality n. conjugally adv. [L conjugalis f. conjux consort (as com-, -jux -jugis f. root of jungere join)] conjugate v., adj., & n. --v. 1 tr. Gram. give the different forms of (a verb). 2 intr. a unite sexually. b (of gametes) become fused. 3 intr. Chem. (of protein) combine with non-protein. --adj. 1 joined together, esp. as a pair. 2 Gram. derived from the same root. 3 Biol. fused. 4 Chem. (of an acid or base) related by loss or gain of an electron. 5 Math. joined in a reciprocal relation, esp. having the same real parts, and equal magnitudes but opposite signs of imaginary parts. --n. a conjugate word or thing. ЬЬconjugately adv. [L conjugare yoke together (as com-, jugare f. jugum yoke)] conjugation n. 1 Gram. a system of verbal inflection. 2 a the act or an instance of conjugating. b an instance of this. 3 Biol. the fusion of two gametes in reproduction. ЬЬconjugational adj. [L conjugatio (as conjugate)] conjunct adj. joined together; combined; associated. [ME f. L conjunctus (as conjoin)] conjunction n. 1 a the action of joining; the condition of being joined. b an instance of this. 2 Gram. a word used to connect clauses or sentences or words in the same clause (e.g. and, but, if). 3 a a combination (of events or circumstances). b a number of associated persons or things. 4 Astron. & Astrol. the alignment of two bodies in the solar system so that they have the same longitude as seen from the earth. Ьin conjunction with together with. ЬЬconjunctional adj. [ME f. OF conjonction f. L conjunctio -onis (as conjunct)] conjunctiva n. (pl. conjunctivas) Anat. the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. ЬЬconjunctival adj. [med.L (membrana) conjunctiva (as conjunctive)] conjunctive adj. & n. --adj. 1 serving to join; connective. 2 Gram. of the nature of a conjunction. --n. Gram. a conjunctive word. ЬЬconjunctively adv. [LL conjunctivus (as conjoin)] conjunctivitis n. inflammation of the conjunctiva. conjuncture n. a combination of events; a state of affairs. [obs. F f. It. congiuntura (as conjoin)] conjuration n. an incantation; a magic spell. [ME f. OF f. L conjuratio -onis (as conjure)] conjure v. 1 intr. perform tricks which are seemingly magical, esp. by rapid movements of the hands. 2 tr. (usu. foll. by out of, away, to, etc.) cause to appear or disappear as if by magic (conjured a rabbit out of a hat; conjured them to a desert island; his pain was conjured away). 3 tr. call upon (a spirit) to appear. 4 intr. perform marvels. 5 tr. (often foll. by to + infin.) appeal solemnly to (a person). Ьconjure up 1 bring into existence or cause to appear as if by magic. 2 cause to appear to the eye or mind; evoke. [ME f. OF conjurer plot, exorcise f. L conjurare band together by oath (as com-, jurare swear)] conjuror n. (also conjurer) a performer of conjuring tricks. [conjure + -er(1) & AF conjurour (OF -eor) f. med.L conjurator (as conjure)] conk(1) v.intr. (usu. foll. by out) colloq. 1 (of a machine etc.) break down. 2 (of a person) become exhausted and give up; faint; die. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] conk(2) n. & v. sl. --n. 1 a the nose. b the head. 2 a a punch on the nose or head. b a blow. --v.tr. punch on the nose; hit on the head etc. [19th c.: perh. = conch] conker n. 1 the hard fruit of a horse chestnut. 2 (in pl.) Brit. a children's game played with conkers on strings, one hit against another to try to break it. [dial. conker snail-shell (orig. used in the game), assoc. with conquer] con moto adv. Mus. with movement. [It., = with movement] conn US var. of con(4). Conn. abbr. Connecticut. connate adj. 1 existing in a person or thing from birth; innate. 2 formed at the same time. 3 allied, congenial. 4 Bot. (of organs) congenitally united so as to form one part. 5 Geol. (of water) trapped in sedimentary rock during its deposition. [LL connatus past part. of connasci (as com-, nasci be born)] connatural adj. 1 (often foll. by to) innate; belonging naturally. 2 of like nature. ЬЬconnaturally adv. [LL connaturalis (as com-, natural)] connect v. 1 a tr. (often foll. by to, with) join (one thing with another) (connected the hose to the tap). b tr. join (two things) (a track connected the two villages). c intr. be joined or joinable (the two parts do not connect). 2 tr. (often foll. by with) associate mentally or practically (did not connect the two ideas; never connected her with the theatre). 3 intr. (foll. by with) (of a train etc.) be synchronized at its destination with another train etc., so that passengers can transfer (the train connects with the boat). 4 tr. put into communication by telephone. 5 a tr. (usu. in passive; foll. by with) unite or associate with others in relationships etc. (am connected with the royal family). b intr. form a logical sequence; be meaningful. 6 intr. colloq. hit or strike effectively. Ьconnecting-rod the rod between the piston and the crankpin etc. in an internal-combustion engine or between the wheels of a locomotive. ЬЬconnectable adj. connector n. [L connectere connex- (as com-, nectere bind)] connected adj. 1 joined in sequence. 2 (of ideas etc.) coherent. 3 related or associated. Ьwell-connected associated, esp. by birth, with persons of good social position. ЬЬconnectedly adv. connectedness n. connection n. (also Brit. connexion) 1 a the act of connecting; the state of being connected. b an instance of this. 2 the point at which two things are connected (broke at the connection). 3 a a thing or person that connects; a link (a radio formed the only connection with the outside world; cannot see the connection between the two ideas). b a telephone link (got a bad connection). 4 arrangement or opportunity for catching a connecting train etc.; the train etc. itself (missed the connection). 5 Electr. a the linking up of an electric current by contact. b a device for effecting this. 6 (often in pl.) a relative or associate, esp. one with influence (has connections in the Home Office; heard it through a business connection). 7 a relation of ideas; a context (in this connection I have to disagree). 8 sl. a supplier of narcotics. 9 a religious body, esp. Methodist. Ьin connection with with reference to. in this (or that) connection with reference to this (or that). ЬЬconnectional adj. [L connexio (as connect): spelling -ct- after connect] connective adj. & n. --adj. serving or tending to connect. --n. something that connects. Ьconnective tissue Anat. a fibrous tissue that supports, binds, or separates more specialized tissue. conning tower n. 1 the superstructure of a submarine from which steering, firing, etc., are directed on or near the surface, and which contains the periscope. 2 the armoured pilot-house of a warship. [con(4) + -ing(1)] connivance n. 1 (often foll. by at, in) conniving (connivance in the crime). 2 tacit permission (done with his connivance). [F connivence or L conniventia (as connive)] connive v.intr. 1 (foll. by at) disregard or tacitly consent to (a wrongdoing). 2 (usu. foll. by with) conspire. ЬЬconniver n. [F conniver or L connivere shut the eyes (to)] connoisseur n. (often foll. by of, in) an expert judge in matters of taste (a connoisseur of fine wine). ЬЬconnoisseurship n. [F, obs. spelling of connaisseur f. pres. stem of connaЊtre know + -eur -or(1): cf. reconnoitre] connotation n. 1 that which is implied by a word etc. in addition to its literal or primary meaning (a letter with sinister connotations). 2 the act of connoting or implying. connote v.tr. 1 (of a word etc.) imply in addition to the literal or primary meaning. 2 (of a fact) imply as a consequence or condition. 3 mean, signify. ЬЬconnotative adj. [med.L connotare mark in addition (as com-, notare f. nota mark)] connubial adj. of or relating to marriage or the relationship of husband and wife. ЬЬconnubiality n. connubially adv. [L connubialis f. connubium (nubium f. nubere marry)] conoid adj. & n. --adj. (also conoidal) cone-shaped. --n. a cone-shaped object. conquer v.tr. 1 a overcome and control (an enemy or territory) by military force. b absol. be victorious. 2 overcome (a habit, emotion, disability, etc.) by effort (conquered his fear). 3 climb (a mountain) successfully. ЬЬconquerable adj. [ME f. OF conquerre f. Rmc f. L conquirere (as com-, quaerere seek, get)] conqueror n. 1 a person who conquers. 2 Brit. = conker. [ME f. AF conquerour (OF -eor) f. conquerre (as conquer)] conquest n. 1 the act or an instance of conquering; the state of being conquered. 2 a conquered territory. b something won. 3 a person whose affection or favour has been won. 4 (the Conquest or Norman Conquest) the conquest of England by William of Normandy in 1066. Ьmake a conquest of win the affections of. [ME f. OF conquest(e) f. Rmc (as conquer)] conquistador n. (pl. conquistadores or conquistadors) a conqueror, esp. one of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico and Peru in the 16th c. [Sp.] con-rod n. colloq. connecting-rod. [abbr.] Cons. abbr. Conservative. consanguineous adj. descended from the same ancestor; akin. ЬЬconsanguinity n. [L consanguineus (as com-, sanguis -inis blood)] conscience n. 1 a moral sense of right and wrong esp. as felt by a person and affecting behaviour (my conscience won't allow me to do that). 2 an inner feeling as to the goodness or otherwise of one's behaviour (my conscience is clear; has a guilty conscience). Ьcase of conscience a matter in which one's conscience has to decide a conflict of principles. conscience clause a clause in a law, ensuring respect for the consciences of those affected. conscience money a sum paid to relieve one's conscience, esp. about a payment previously evaded. conscience-stricken (or -struck) made uneasy by a bad conscience. for conscience (or conscience') sake to satisfy one's conscience. freedom of conscience a system allowing all citizens a free choice of religion. in all conscience colloq. by any reasonable standard; by all that is fair. on one's conscience causing one feelings of guilt. prisoner of conscience a person imprisoned by a State for holding political or religious views it does not tolerate. ЬЬconscienceless adj. [ME f. OF f. L conscientia f. conscire be privy to (as com-, scire know)] conscientious adj. (of a person or conduct) diligent and scrupulous. Ьconscientious objector a person who for reasons of conscience objects to conforming to a requirement, esp. that of military service. ЬЬconscientiously adv. conscientiousness n. [F consciencieux f. med.L conscientiosus (as conscience)] conscious adj. & n. --adj. 1 awake and aware of one's surroundings and identity. 2 (usu. foll. by of, or that + clause) aware, knowing (conscious of his inferiority). 3 (of actions, emotions, etc.) realized or recognized by the doer; intentional (made a conscious effort not to laugh). 4 (in comb.) aware of; concerned with (appearance-conscious). --n. (prec. by the) the conscious mind. ЬЬconsciously adv. [L conscius knowing with others or in oneself f. conscire (as com-, scire know)] consciousness n. 1 the state of being conscious (lost consciousness during the fight). 2 a awareness, perception (had no consciousness of being ridiculed). b (in comb.) awareness of (class-consciousness). 3 the totality of a person's thoughts and feelings, or of a class of these (moral consciousness). Ьconsciousness-raising the activity of increasing esp. social or political sensitivity or awareness. conscribe v.tr. = conscript v. [L conscribere (as conscription)] conscript v. & n. --v.tr. enlist by conscription. --n. a person enlisted by conscription. [(v.) back-form. f. conscription: (n.) f. F conscrit f. L conscriptus (as conscription)] conscription n. compulsory enlistment for State service, esp. military service. [F f. LL conscriptio levying of troops f. L conscribere conscript- enrol (as com-, scribere write)] consecrate v.tr. 1 make or declare sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose. 2 (in Christian belief) make (bread and wine) into the body and blood of Christ. 3 (foll. by to) devote (one's life etc.) to (a purpose). 4 ordain (esp. a bishop) to a sacred office. ЬЬconsecration n. consecrator n. consecratory adj. [ME f. L consecrare (as com-, secrare = sacrare dedicate f. sacer sacred)] consecution n. 1 logical sequence (in argument or reasoning). 2 sequence, succession (of events etc.). [L consecutio f. consequi consecut- overtake (as com-, sequi pursue)] consecutive adj. 1 a following continuously. b in unbroken or logical order. 2 Gram. expressing consequence. Ьconsecutive intervals Mus. intervals of the same kind (esp. fifths or octaves), occurring in succession between two voices or parts in harmony. ЬЬconsecutively adv. consecutiveness n. [F cons‚cutif -ive f. med.L consecutivus (as consecution)] consensual adj. of or by consent or consensus. ЬЬconsensually adv. [L consensus (see consensus) + -al] consensus n. (often foll. by of) 1 a general agreement (of opinion, testimony, etc.). b an instance of this. 2 (attrib.) majority view, collective opinion (consensus politics). [L, = agreement (as consent)] consent v. & n. --v.intr. (often foll. by to) express willingness, give permission, agree. --n. voluntary agreement, permission, compliance. Ьage of consent the age at which consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law. consenting adult 1 an adult who consents to something, esp. a homosexual act. 2 a homosexual. [ME f. OF consentir f. L consentire (as com-, sentire sens- feel)] consentient adj. 1 agreeing, united in opinion. 2 concurrent. 3 (often foll. by to) consenting. [L consentient- (as consent)] consequence n. 1 the result or effect of an action or condition. 2 a importance (it is of no consequence). b social distinction (persons of consequence). 3 (in pl.) a game in which a narrative is made up by the players, each ignorant of what has already been contributed. Ьin consequence as a result. take the consequences accept the results of one's choice or action. [ME f. OF f. L consequentia (as consequent)] consequent adj. & n. --adj. 1 (often foll. by on, upon) following as a result or consequence. 2 logically consistent. --n. 1 a thing that follows another. 2 Logic the second part of a conditional proposition, dependent on the antecedent. [ME f. OF f. L consequi (as consecution)] consequential adj. 1 following as a result or consequence. 2 resulting indirectly (consequential damage). 3 (of a person) self-important. ЬЬconsequentiality n. consequentially adv. [L consequentia] consequently adv. & conj. as a result; therefore. conservancy n. (pl. -ies) 1 Brit. a commission etc. controlling a port, river, etc. (Thames Conservancy). 2 a body concerned with the preservation of natural resources (Nature Conservancy). 3 conservation; official preservation (of forests etc.). [18th-c. alt. of obs. conservacy f. AF conservacie f. AL conservatia f. L conservatio (as conserve)] conservation n. preservation, esp. of the natural environment. Ьconservation area an area containing a noteworthy environment and specially protected by law against undesirable changes. conservation of energy (or mass or momentum etc.) Physics the principle that the total quantity of energy etc. of any system not subject to external action remains constant. ЬЬconservational adj. [ME f. OF conservation or L conservatio (as conserve)] conservationist n. a supporter or advocate of environmental conservation. conservative adj. & n. --adj. 1 a averse to rapid change. b (of views, taste, etc.) moderate, avoiding extremes (conservative in his dress). 2 (of an estimate etc.) purposely low; moderate, cautious. 3 (Conservative) of or characteristic of Conservatives or the Conservative Party. 4 tending to conserve. --n. 1 a conservative person. 2 (Conservative) a supporter or member of the Conservative Party. ЬConservative Judaism Judaism allowing only minor changes in traditional ritual etc. Conservative Party 1 a British political party promoting free enterprise and private ownership. 2 a similar party elsewhere. conservative surgery surgery that seeks to preserve tissues as far as possible. ЬЬconservatism n. conservatively adv. conservativeness n. [ME f. LL conservativus (as conserve)] conservatoire n. a (usu. European) school of music or other arts. [F f. It. conservatorio (as conservatory)] conservator n. a person who preserves something; an official custodian (of a museum etc.). [ME f. AF conservatour, OF -ateur f. L conservator -oris (as conserve)] conservatorium n. Austral. = conservatoire. conservatory n. (pl. -ies) 1 a greenhouse for tender plants, esp. one attached to and communicating with a house. 2 esp. US = conservatoire. [LL conservatorium (as conserve): sense 2 through It. conservatorio] conserve v. & n. --v.tr. 1 store up; keep from harm or damage, esp. for later use. 2 Physics maintain a quantity of (heat etc.). 3 preserve (food, esp. fruit), usu. with sugar. --n. also 1 fruit etc. preserved in sugar. 2 fresh fruit jam. [ME f. OF conserver f. L conservare (as com-, servare keep)] consider v.tr. (often absol.) 1 contemplate mentally, esp. in order to reach a conclusion. 2 examine the merits of (a course of action, a candidate, claim, etc.). 3 give attention to. 4 reckon with; take into account. 5 (foll. by that + clause) have the opinion. 6 (foll. by compl.) believe; regard as (consider it to be genuine; consider it settled). 7 (as considered adj.) formed after careful thought (a considered opinion). Ьall things considered taking everything into account. [ME f. OF considerer f. L considerare examine] considerable adj. 1 enough in amount or extent to need consideration. 2 much; a lot of (considerable pain). 3 notable, important. ЬЬconsiderably adv. considerate adj. 1 thoughtful towards other people; careful not to cause hurt or inconvenience. 2 archaic careful. ЬЬconsiderately adv. consideration n. 1 the act of considering; careful thought. 2 thoughtfulness for others; being considerate. 3 a fact or a thing taken into account in deciding or judging something. 4 compensation; a payment or reward. 5 Law (in a contractual agreement) anything given or promised or forborne by one party in exchange for the promise or undertaking of another. 6 archaic importance or consequence. Ьin consideration of in return for; on account of. take into consideration include as a factor, reason, etc.; make allowance for. under consideration being considered. [ME f. OF f. L consideratio -onis (as consider)] considering prep. 1 in view of; taking into consideration (considering their youth; considering that it was snowing). 2 (without compl.) colloq. all in all; taking everything into account (not so bad, considering). consign v.tr. (often foll. by to) 1 hand over; deliver to a person's possession or trust. 2 assign; commit decisively or permanently (consigned it to the dustbin; consigned to years of misery). 3 transmit or send (goods), usu. by a public carrier. ЬЬconsignee n. consignor n. [ME f. F consigner or L consignare mark with a seal (as com-, sign)] consignment n. 1 the act or an instance of consigning; the process of being consigned. 2 a batch of goods consigned. consist v.intr. 1 (foll. by of) be composed; have specified ingredients or elements. 2 (foll. by in, of) have its essential features as specified (its beauty consists in the use of colour). 3 (usu. foll. by with) harmonize; be consistent. [L consistere exist (as com-, sistere stop)] consistency n. (also consistence) (pl. -ies or -es) 1 the degree of density, firmness, or viscosity, esp. of thick liquids. 2 the state of being consistent; conformity with other or earlier attitudes, practice, etc. 3 the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape. [F consistence or LL consistentia (as consist)] consistent adj. (usu. foll. by with) 1 compatible or in harmony; not contradictory. 2 (of a person) constant to the same principles of thought or action. ЬЬconsistently adv. [L consistere (as consist)] consistory n. (pl. -ies) 1 RC Ch. the council of cardinals (with or without the pope). 2 (in full consistory court) (in the Church of England) a court presided over by a bishop, for the administration of ecclesiastical law in a diocese. 3 (in other Churches) a local administrative body. ЬЬconsistorial adj. [ME f. AF consistorie, OF -oire f. LL consistorium (as consist)] consociation n. 1 close association, esp. of Churches or religious communities. 2 Ecol. a closely-related sub-group of plants having one dominant species. [L consociatio, -onis f. consociare (as com-, socius fellow)] consolation n. 1 the act or an instance of consoling; the state of being consoled. 2 a consoling thing, person, or circumstance. Ьconsolation prize a prize given to a competitor who just fails to win a main prize. ЬЬconsolatory adj. [ME f. OF, f. L consolatio -onis (as console(1))] console(1) v.tr. comfort, esp. in grief or disappointment. °Often confused with condole. ЬЬconsolable adj. consoler n. consolingly adv. [F consoler f. L consolari] console(2) n. 1 a panel or unit accommodating a set of switches, controls, etc. 2 a cabinet for television or radio equipment etc. 3 Mus. a cabinet with the keyboards, stops, pedals, etc., of an organ. 4 an ornamented bracket supporting a shelf etc. Ьconsole table a table supported by a bracket against a wall. [F, perh. f. consolider (as consolidate)] consolidate v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become strong or solid. 2 tr. reinforce or strengthen (one's position, power, etc.). 3 tr. combine (territories, companies, debts, etc.) into one whole. Ьconsolidated fund (or annuities) Brit. a Bank of England fund into which tax revenue is paid and from which payments not dependent on annual votes in Parliament are made. ЬЬconsolidation n. consolidator n. consolidatory adj. [L consolidare (as com-, solidare f. solidus solid)] consols n.pl. British government securities without redemption date and with fixed annual interest. [abbr. of consolidated annuities] consomm‚ n. a clear soup made with meat stock. [F, past part. of consommer f. L consummare (as consummate)] consonance n. 1 agreement, harmony. 2 Prosody a recurrence of similar-sounding consonants. 3 Mus. a harmonious combination of notes; a harmonious interval. [ME f. OF consonance or L consonantia (as consonant)] consonant n. & adj. --n. 1 a speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed, and which to form a syllable must be combined with a vowel. 2 a letter or letters representing this. --adj. (foll. by with, to) 1 consistent; in agreement or harmony. 2 similar in sound. 3 Mus. making a concord. ЬЬconsonantal adj. consonantly adv. [ME f. F f. L consonare (as com-, sonare sound f. sonus)] con sordino adv. Mus. with the use of a mute. [It.] consort(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a wife or husband, esp. of royalty (prince consort). 2 a ship sailing with another. --v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by with, together) a keep company; associate. b harmonize. 2 tr. class or bring together. [ME f. F f. L consors sharer, comrade (as com-, sors sortis lot, destiny)] consort(2) n. Mus. a group of players or instruments, esp. playing early music (recorder consort). [earlier form of concert] consortium n. (pl. consortia or consortiums) 1 an association, esp. of several business companies. 2 Law the right of association with a husband or wife (loss of consortium). [L, = partnership (as consort(1))] conspecific adj. Biol. of the same species. conspectus n. 1 a general or comprehensive survey. 2 a summary or synopsis. [L f. conspicere conspect- (as com-, spicere look at)] conspicuous adj. 1 clearly visible; striking to the eye; attracting notice. 2 remarkable of its kind (conspicuous extravagance). ЬЬconspicuously adv. conspicuousness n. [L conspicuus (as conspectus)] conspiracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a secret plan to commit a crime or do harm, often for political ends; a plot. 2 the act of conspiring. Ьconspiracy of silence an agreement to say nothing. [ME f. AF conspiracie, alt. form of OF conspiration f. L conspiratio -onis (as conspire)] conspirator n. a person who takes part in a conspiracy. ЬЬconspiratorial adj. conspiratorially adv. [ME f. AF conspiratour, OF -teur (as conspire)] conspire v.intr. 1 combine secretly to plan and prepare an unlawful or harmful act. 2 (often foll. by against, or to + infin.) (of events or circumstances) seem to be working together, esp. disadvantageously. [ME f. OF conspirer f. L conspirare agree, plot (as com-, spirare breathe)] constable n. 1 Brit. a a policeman or policewoman. b (also police constable) a police officer of the lowest rank. 2 the governor of a royal castle. 3 hist. the principal officer in a royal household. ЬChief Constable the head of the police force of a county or other region. [ME f. OF conestable f. LL comes stabuli count of the stable] constabulary n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) an organized body of police; a police force. --attrib.adj. of or concerning the police force. [med.L constabularius (as constable)] constancy n. 1 the quality of being unchanging and dependable; faithfulness. 2 firmness, endurance. [L constantia (as constant)] constant adj. & n. --adj. 1 continuous (needs constant attention). 2 occurring frequently (receive constant complaints). 3 (often foll. by to) unchanging, faithful, dependable. --n. 1 anything that does not vary. 2 Math. a component of a relationship between variables that does not change its value. 3 Physics a a number expressing a relation, property, etc., and remaining the same in all circumstances. b such a number that remains the same for a substance in the same conditions. ЬЬconstantly adv. [ME f. OF f. L constare (as com-, stare stand)] constantan n. an alloy of copper and nickel used in electrical equipment. [constant + -an] constellate v.tr. 1 form into (or as if into) a constellation. 2 adorn as with stars. constellation n. 1 a group of fixed stars whose outline is traditionally regarded as forming a particular figure. 2 a group of associated persons, ideas, etc. [ME f. OF f. LL constellatio -onis (as com-, stella star)] consternate v.tr. (usu. in passive) dismay; fill with anxiety. [L consternare (as com-, sternere throw down)] consternation n. anxiety or dismay causing mental confusion. [F consternation or L consternatio (as consternate)] constipate v.tr. (esp. as constipated adj.) affect with constipation. [L constipare (as com-, stipare press)] constipation n. 1 a condition with hardened faeces and difficulty in emptying the bowels. 2 a restricted state. [ME f. OF constipation or LL constipatio (as constipate)] constituency n. (pl. -ies) 1 a body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative member to a legislative body. 2 the area represented in this way. 3 a body of customers, supporters, etc. constituent adj. & n. --adj. 1 composing or helping to make up a whole. 2 able to make or change a (political etc.) constitution (constituent assembly). 3 appointing or electing. --n. 1 a member of a constituency (esp. political). 2 a component part. 3 Law a person who appoints another as agent. [L constituent- partly through F -ant (as constitute)] constitute v.tr. 1 be the components or essence of; make up, form. 2 a be equivalent or tantamount to (this constitutes an official warning). b formally establish (does not constitute a precedent). 3 give legal or constitutional form to; establish by law. ЬЬconstitutor n. [L constituere (as com-, statuere set up)] constitution n. 1 the act or method of constituting; the composition (of something). 2 a the body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a State or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. b a (usu. written) record of this. 3 a person's physical state as regards vitality, health, strength, etc. 4 a person's mental or psychological make-up. 5 hist. a decree or ordinance. [ME f. OF constitution or L constitutio (as constitute)] constitutional adj. & n. --adj. 1 of, consistent with, authorized by, or limited by a political constitution (a constitutional monarchy). 2 inherent in, stemming from, or affecting the physical or mental constitution. --n. a walk taken regularly to maintain or restore good health. ЬЬconstitutionality n. constitutionalize v.tr. (also -ise). constitutionally adv. constitutionalism n. 1 a constitutional system of government. 2 the adherence to or advocacy of such a system. ЬЬconstitutionalist n. constitutive adj. 1 able to form or appoint. 2 component. 3 essential. ЬЬconstitutively adv. [LL constitutivus (as constitute)] constrain v.tr. 1 compel; urge irresistibly or by necessity. 2 a confine forcibly; imprison. b restrict severely as regards action, behaviour, etc. 3 bring about by compulsion. 4 (as constrained adj.) forced, embarrassed (a constrained voice; a constrained manner). ЬЬconstrainedly adv. [ME f. OF constraindre f. L constringere (as com-, stringere strict- tie)] constraint n. 1 the act or result of constraining or being constrained; restriction of liberty. 2 something that constrains; a limitation on motion or action. 3 the restraint of natural feelings or their expression; a constrained manner. [ME f. OF constreinte, fem. past part. (as constrain)] constrict v.tr. 1 make narrow or tight; compress. 2 Biol. cause (organic tissue) to contract. ЬЬconstriction n. constrictive adj. [L (as constrain)] constrictor n. 1 any snake (esp. a boa) that kills by coiling round its prey and compressing it. 2 Anat. any muscle that compresses or contracts an organ or part of the body. [mod.L (as constrict)] construct v. & n. --v.tr. 1 make by fitting parts together; build, form (something physical or abstract). 2 Geom. draw or delineate, esp. accurately to given conditions (construct a triangle). --n. 1 a thing constructed, esp. by the mind. 2 Linguistics a group of words forming a phrase. ЬЬconstructor n. [L construere construct- (as com-, struere pile, build)] construction n. 1 the act or a mode of constructing. 2 a thing constructed. 3 an interpretation or explanation (they put a generous construction on his act). 4 Gram. an arrangement of words according to syntactical rules. ЬЬconstructional adj. constructionally adv. [ME f. OF f. L constructio -onis (as construct)] constructionism n. = constructivism. constructive adj. 1 a of construction; tending to construct. b tending to form a basis for ideas (constructive criticism). 2 helpful, positive (a constructive approach). 3 derived by inference; not expressed (constructive permission). 4 belonging to the structure of a building. ЬЬconstructively adv. constructiveness n. [LL constructivus (as construct)] constructivism n. Art a Russian movement in which assorted (usu. mechanical or industrial) objects are combined into non-representational and mobile structural forms. ЬЬconstructivist n. [Russ. konstruktivizm (as construct)] construe v.tr. (construes, construed, construing) 1 interpret (words or actions) (their decision can be construed in many ways). 2 (often foll. by with) combine (words) grammatically ('rely' is construed with 'on'). 3 analyse the syntax of (a sentence). 4 translate word for word. ЬЬconstruable adj. construal n. [ME f. L construere construct] consubstantial adj. Theol. of the same substance (esp. of the three persons of the Trinity). ЬЬconsubstantiality n. [ME f. eccl.L consubstantialis, transl. Gk homoousios (as com-, substantial)] consubstantiation n. Theol. the real substantial presence of the body and blood of Christ together with the bread and wine in the Eucharist. [mod.L consubstantiatio, after transubstantiatio transubstantiation] consuetude n. a custom, esp. one having legal force in Scotland. ЬЬconsuetudinary adj. [ME f. OF consuetude or L consuetudo -dinis f. consuetus accustomed] consul n. 1 an official appointed by a State to live in a foreign city and protect the State's citizens and interests there. 2 hist. either of two annually elected chief magistrates in ancient Rome. 3 any of the three chief magistrates of the French republic (1799-1804). ЬЬconsular adj. consulship n. [ME f. L, rel. to consulere take counsel] consulate n. 1 the building officially used by a consul. 2 the office, position, or period of office of consul. 3 hist. government by consuls. 4 hist. the period of office of a consul. 5 hist. (Consulate) the government of France by three consuls (1799-1804). [ME f. L consulatus (as consul)] consult v. 1 tr. seek information or advice from (a person, book, watch, etc.). 2 intr. (often foll. by with) refer to a person for advice, an opinion, etc. 3 tr. seek permission or approval from (a person) for a proposed action. 4 tr. take into account; consider (feelings, interests, etc.). ЬЬconsultative adj. [F consulter f. L consultare frequent. of consulere consult- take counsel] consultancy n. (pl. -ies) the professional practice or position of a consultant. consultant n. 1 a person providing professional advice etc., esp. for a fee. 2 a senior specialist in a branch of medicine responsible for patients in a hospital. [prob. F (as consult)] consultation n. 1 a meeting arranged to consult (esp. with a consultant). 2 the act or an instance of consulting. 3 a conference. [ME f. OF consultation or L consultatio (as consultant)] consulting attrib.adj. giving professional advice to others working in the same field or subject (consulting physician). consumable adj. & n. --adj. that can be consumed; intended for consumption. --n. (usu. in pl.) a commodity that is eventually used up, worn out, or eaten. consume v.tr. 1 eat or drink. 2 completely destroy; reduce to nothing or to tiny particles (fire consumed the building). 3 (as consumed adj.) possessed by or entirely taken up (foll. by with : consumed with rage). 4 use up (time, energy, etc.). ЬЬconsumingly adv. [ME f. L consumere (as com-, sumere sumpt- take up): partly through F consumer] consumer n. 1 a person who consumes, esp. one who uses a product. 2 a purchaser of goods or services. Ьconsumer durable a household product with a relatively long useful life (e.g. a radio or washing-machine). consumer goods goods put to use by consumers, not used in producing other goods (opp. capital goods (see capital(1))). consumer research investigation of purchasers' needs and opinions. consumer society a society in which the marketing of goods and services is an important social and economic activity. consumerism n. the protection or promotion of consumers' interests in relation to the producer. ЬЬconsumerist adj. & n. consummate v. & adj. --v.tr. 1 complete; make perfect. 2 complete (a marriage) by sexual intercourse. --adj. complete, perfect; fully skilled (a consummate general). ЬЬconsummately adv. consummative adj. consummator n. [L consummare (as com-, summare complete f. summus utmost)] consummation n. 1 completion, esp. of a marriage by sexual intercourse. 2 a desired end or goal; perfection. [ME f. OF consommation or L consummatio (as consummate)] consumption n. 1 the act or an instance of consuming; the process of being consumed. 2 any disease causing wasting of tissues, esp. pulmonary tuberculosis. 3 an amount consumed. 4 the purchase and use of goods etc. [ME f. OF consomption f. L consumptio (as consume)] consumptive adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or tending to consumption. 2 tending to or affected with pulmonary tuberculosis. --n. a consumptive patient. ЬЬconsumptively adv. [med.L consumptivus (as consumption)] cont. abbr. 1 contents. 2 continued. contact n. & v. --n. 1 the state or condition of touching, meeting, or communicating. 2 a person who is or may be communicated with for information, supplies, assistance, etc. 3 Electr. a a connection for the passage of a current. b a device for providing this. 4 a person likely to carry a contagious disease through being associated with an infected person. 5 (usu. in pl.) colloq. a contact lens. --v.tr. 1 get into communication with (a person). 2 begin correspondence or personal dealings with. Ьcontact lens a small lens placed directly on the eyeball to correct the vision. contact print a photographic print made by placing a negative directly on sensitized paper etc. and illuminating it. contact sport a sport in which participants necessarily come into bodily contact with one another. ЬЬcontactable adj. [L contactus f. contingere (as com-, tangere touch)] contagion n. 1 a the communication of disease from one person to another by bodily contact. b a contagious disease. 2 a contagious or harmful influence. 3 moral corruption, esp. when tending to be widespread. [ME f. L contagio (as com-, tangere touch)] contagious adj. 1 a (of a person) likely to transmit disease by contact. b (of a disease) transmitted in this way. 2 (of emotions, reactions, etc.) likely to affect others (contagious enthusiasm). Ьcontagious abortion brucellosis of cattle. ЬЬcontagiously adv. contagiousness n. [ME f. LL contagiosus (as contagion)] contain v.tr. 1 hold or be capable of holding within itself; include, comprise. 2 (of measures) consist of or be equal to (a gallon contains eight pints). 3 prevent (an enemy, difficulty, etc.) from moving or extending. 4 control or restrain (oneself, one's feelings, etc.). 5 (of a number) be divisible by (a factor) without a remainder. ЬЬcontainable adj. [ME f. OF contenir f. L continere content- (as com-, tenere hold)] container n. 1 a vessel, box, etc., for holding particular things. 2 a large boxlike receptacle of standard design for the transport of goods, esp. one readily transferable from one form of transport to another (also attrib. : container ship). containerize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 pack in or transport by container. 2 adapt to transport by container. ЬЬcontainerization n. containment n. the action or policy of preventing the expansion of a hostile country or influence. contaminate v.tr. 1 pollute, esp. with radioactivity. 2 infect. ЬЬcontaminant n. contamination n. contaminator n. [L contaminare (as com-, tamen- rel. to tangere touch)] contango n. (pl. -os) Brit. Stock Exch. 1 the postponement of the transfer of stock from one account day to the next. 2 a percentage paid by the buyer for such a postponement. Ьcontango day the eighth day before settling day. [19th c.: prob. an arbitrary formation] conte n. 1 a short story (as a form of literary composition). 2 a medieval narrative tale. [F] contemn v.tr. literary despise; treat with disregard. ЬЬcontemner n. [ME f. OF contemner or L contemnere (as com-, temnere tempt- despise)] contemplate v. 1 tr. survey with the eyes or in the mind. 2 tr. regard (an event) as possible. 3 tr. intend; have as one's purpose (we contemplate leaving tomorrow). 4 intr. meditate. ЬЬcontemplation n. contemplator n. [L contemplari (as com-, templum place for observations)] contemplative adj. & n. --adj. of or given to (esp. religious) contemplation; meditative. --n. a person whose life is devoted to religious contemplation. ЬЬcontemplatively adv. [ME f. OF contemplatif -ive, or L contemplativus (as contemplate)] contemporaneous adj. (usu. foll. by with) 1 existing or occurring at the same time. 2 of the same period. ЬЬcontemporaneity n. contemporaneously adv. contemporaneousness n. [L contemporaneus (as com-, temporaneus f. tempus -oris time)] contemporary adj. & n. --adj. 1 living or occurring at the same time. 2 approximately equal in age. 3 following modern ideas or fashion in style or design. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another. 2 a person of roughly the same age as another. ЬЬcontemporarily adv. contemporariness n. contemporarize v.tr. (also -ise). [med.L contemporarius (as contemporaneous)] contempt n. 1 a feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration or worthless, or deserving scorn or extreme reproach. 2 the condition of being held in contempt. 3 (in full contempt of court) disobedience to or disrespect for a court of law and its officers. Ьbeneath contempt utterly despicable. hold in contempt despise. [ME f. L contemptus (as contemn)] contemptible adj. deserving contempt; despicable. ЬЬcontemptibility n. contemptibly adv. [ME f. OF or LL contemptibilis (as contemn)] contemptuous adj. (often foll. by of) showing contempt, scornful; insolent. ЬЬcontemptuously adv. [med.L contemptuosus f. L contemptus (as contempt)] contend v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by with) strive, fight. 2 intr. compete (contending emotions). 3 tr. (usu. foll. by that + clause) assert, maintain. ЬЬcontender n. [OF contendre or L contendere (as com-, tendere tent- stretch, strive)] content(1) adj., v., & n. --predic.adj. 1 satisfied; adequately happy; in agreement. 2 (foll. by to + infin.) willing. --v.tr. make content; satisfy. --n. a contented state; satisfaction. Ьto one's heart's content to the full extent of one's desires. [ME f. OF f. L contentus satisfied, past part. of continere (as contain)] content(2) n. 1 (usu. in pl.) what is contained in something, esp. in a vessel, book, or house. 2 the amount of a constituent contained (low sodium content). 3 the substance or material dealt with (in a speech, work of art, etc.) as distinct from its form or style. 4 the capacity or volume of a thing. [ME f. med.L contentum (as contain)] contented adj. (often foll. by with, or to + infin.) 1 happy, satisfied. 2 (foll. by with) willing to be content (was contented with the outcome). ЬЬcontentedly adv. contentedness n. contention n. 1 a dispute or argument; rivalry. 2 a point contended for in an argument (it is my contention that you are wrong). Ьin contention competing, esp. with a good chance of success. [ME f. OF contention or L contentio (as contend)] contentious adj. 1 argumentative, quarrelsome. 2 likely to cause an argument; disputed, controversial. ЬЬcontentiously adv. contentiousness n. [ME f. OF contentieux f. L contentiosus (as contention)] contentment n. a satisfied state; tranquil happiness. conterminous adj. (often foll. by with) 1 having a common boundary. 2 coextensive, coterminous. ЬЬconterminously adv. [L conterminus (as COM-, terminus boundary)] contessa n. an Italian countess. [It. f. LL comitissa: see COUNTESS] contest n. & v. --n. 1 a process of contending; a competition. 2 a dispute; a controversy. --v.tr. 1 challenge or dispute (a decision etc.). 2 debate (a point, statement, etc.). 3 contend or compete for (a prize, parliamentary seat, etc.); compete in (an election). ЬЬcontestable adj. contester n. [L contestari (as COM-, testis witness)] contestant n. a person who takes part in a contest or competition. contestation n. 1 a disputation. 2 an assertion contended for. [L contestatio partly through F (as CONTEST)] context n. 1 the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning. 2 the circumstances relevant to something under consideration (must be seen in context). Ьout of context without the surrounding words or circumstances and so not fully understandable. ЬЬcontextual adj. contextualize v.tr. (also -ise). contextualization n. contextually adv. [ME f. L contextus (as COM-, texere text- weave)] contiguity n. 1 being contiguous; proximity; contact. 2 Psychol. the proximity of ideas or impressions in place or time, as a principle of association. contiguous adj. (usu. foll. by with, to) touching, esp. along a line; in contact. ЬЬcontiguously adv. [L contiguus (as COM-, tangere touch)] continent(1) n. 1 any of the main continuous expanses of land (Europe, Asia, Africa, N. and S. America, Australia, Antarctica). 2 (the Continent) Brit. the mainland of Europe as distinct from the British Isles. 3 continuous land; a mainland. [L terra continens (see CONTAIN) continuous land] continent(2) adj. 1 able to control movements of the bowels and bladder. 2 exercising self-restraint, esp. sexually. ЬЬcontinence n. continently adv. [ME f. L (as CONTAIN)] continental adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or characteristic of a continent. 2 (Continental) Brit. of, relating to, or characteristic of mainland Europe. --n. an inhabitant of mainland Europe. Ьcontinental breakfast a light breakfast of coffee, rolls, etc. continental climate a climate having wide variations of temperature. continental drift Geol. the hypothesis that the continents are moving slowly over the surface of the earth on a deep-lying plastic substratum. continental quilt Brit. a duvet. continental shelf an area of relatively shallow seabed between the shore of a continent and the deeper ocean. ЬЬcontinentally adv. contingency n. (pl. -ies) 1 a future event or circumstance regarded as likely to occur, or as influencing present action. 2 something dependent on another uncertain event or occurrence. 3 uncertainty of occurrence. 4 a one thing incident to another. b an incidental expense etc. Ьcontingency fund a fund to cover incidental or unforeseen expenses. [earlier contingence f. LL contingentia (as CONTINGENT)] contingent adj. & n. --adj. 1 (usu. foll. by on, upon) conditional, dependent (on an uncertain event or circumstance). 2 associated. 3 (usu. foll. by to) incidental. 4 a that may or may not occur. b fortuitous; occurring by chance. 5 true only under existing or specified conditions. --n. a body (esp. of troops, ships, etc.) forming part of a larger group. ЬЬcontingently adv. [L contingere (as COM-, tangere touch)] continual adj. constantly or frequently recurring; always happening. ЬЬcontinually adv. [ME f. OF continuel f. continuer (as CONTINUE)] continuance n. 1 a state of continuing in existence or operation. 2 the duration of an event or action. 3 US Law an adjournment. [ME f. OF (as CONTINUE)] continuant n. & adj. Phonet. --n. a speech sound in which the vocal tract is only partly closed, allowing the breath to pass through and the sound to be prolonged (as with f, r, s, v). --adj. of or relating to such a sound. [F continuant and L continuare (as CONTINUE)] continuation n. 1 the act or an instance of continuing; the process of being continued. 2 a part that continues something else. 3 Brit. Stock Exch. the carrying over of an account to the next settling day. Ьcontinuation day Stock Exch. = contango day. [ME f. OF f. L continuatio -onis (as CONTINUE)] continuative adj. tending or serving to continue. [LL continuativus (as CONTINUATION)] continue v. (continues, continued, continuing) 1 tr. (often foll. by verbal noun, or to + infin.) persist in, maintain, not stop (an action etc.). 2 a tr. (also absol.) resume or prolong (a narrative, journey, etc.). b intr. recommence after a pause (the concert will continue shortly). 3 tr. be a sequel to. 4 intr. a remain in existence or unchanged. b (with compl.) remain in a specified state (the weather continued fine). 5 tr. US Law adjourn (proceedings). ЬЬcontinuable adj. continuer n. [ME f. OF continuer f. L continuare make or be CONTINUOUS] continuity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the state of being continuous. b an unbroken succession. c a logical sequence. 2 the detailed and self-consistent scenario of a film or broadcast. 3 the linking of broadcast items. Ьcontinuity girl (or man) the person responsible for agreement of detail between different sessions of filming. [F continuit‚ f. L continuitas -tatis (as CONTINUOUS)] continuo n. (pl. -os) Mus. an accompaniment providing a bass line and harmonies which are indicated by figures, usu. played on a keyboard instrument. [basso continuo (It., = continuous bass)] continuous adj. 1 unbroken, uninterrupted, connected throughout in space or time. 2 Gram. = PROGRESSIVE. Ьcontinuous assessment the evaluation of a pupil's progress throughout a course of study, as well as or instead of by examination. continuous creation the creation of the universe or the matter in it regarded as a continuous process. continuous stationery a continuous ream of paper, usu. perforated to form single sheets. ЬЬcontinuously adv. continuousness n. [L continuus uninterrupted f. continere (as COM-, tenere hold)] continuum n. (pl. continua) anything seen as having a continuous, not discrete, structure (space-time continuum). [L, neut. of continuus: see CONTINUOUS] contort v.tr. twist or force out of normal shape. [L contorquere contort- (as COM-, torquere twist)] contortion n. 1 the act or process of twisting. 2 a twisted state, esp. of the face or body. [L contortio (as CONTORT)] contortionist n. an entertainer who adopts contorted postures. contour n. & v. --n. 1 an outline, esp. representing or bounding the shape or form of something. 2 the outline of a natural feature, e.g. a coast or mountain mass. 3 a line separating differently coloured parts of a design. --v.tr. 1 mark with contour lines. 2 carry (a road or railway) round the side of a hill. Ьcontour line a line on a map joining points of equal altitude. contour map a map marked with contour lines. contour ploughing ploughing along lines of constant altitude to minimize soil erosion. [F f. It. contorno f. contornare draw in outline (as COM-, tornare turn)] contra n. (pl. contras) a member of a counter-revolutionary guerrilla force in Nicaragua. [abbr. of Sp. contrarevolucionario counter-revolutionary] contra- comb. form 1 against, opposite (contradict). 2 Mus. (of instruments, organ-stops, etc.) pitched an octave below (contra-bassoon). [L contra against] contraband n. & adj. --n. 1 goods that have been smuggled, or imported or exported illegally. 2 prohibited trade; smuggling. 3 (in full contraband of war) goods forbidden to be supplied by neutrals to belligerents. --adj. 1 forbidden to be imported or exported (at all or without payment of duty). 2 concerning traffic in contraband (contraband trade). ЬЬcontrabandist n. [Sp. contrabanda f. It. (as CONTRA-, bando proclamation)] contrabass n. Mus. = double-bass. [It. (basso BASS(1))] contraception n. the intentional prevention of pregnancy; the use of contraceptives. [CONTRA- + CONCEPTION] contraceptive adj. & n. --adj. preventing pregnancy. --n. a contraceptive device or drug. contract n. & v. --n. 1 a written or spoken agreement between two or more parties, intended to be enforceable by law. 2 a document recording this. 3 marriage regarded as a binding commitment. 4 Bridge etc. an undertaking to win the number of tricks bid. --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become smaller. 2 a intr. (usu. foll. by with) make a contract. b intr. (usu. foll. by for, or to + infin.) enter formally into a business or legal arrangement. c tr. (often foll. by out) arrange (work) to be done by contract. 3 tr. catch or develop (a disease). 4 tr. form or develop (a friendship, habit, etc.). 5 tr. enter into (marriage). 6 tr. incur (a debt etc.). 7 tr. shorten (a word) by combination or elision. 8 tr. draw (one's muscles, brow, etc.) together. Ьcontract bridge the most common form of bridge, in which only tricks bid and won count towards the game. contract in (or out) (also refl.) Brit. choose to be involved in (or withdraw or remain out of) a scheme or commitment. ЬЬcontractive adj. [earlier as adj., = contracted: OF, f. L contractus (as COM-, trahere tract- draw)] contractable adj. (of a disease) that can be contracted. contractible adj. that can be shrunk or drawn together. contractile adj. capable of or producing contraction. ЬЬcontractility n. contraction n. 1 the act of contracting. 2 Med. (usu. in pl.) shortening of the uterine muscles during childbirth. 3 shrinking, diminution. 4 a a shortening of a word by combination or elision. b a contracted word or group of words. [F f. L contractio -onis (as CONTRACT)] contractor n. a person who undertakes a contract, esp. to provide materials, conduct building operations, etc. [LL (as CONTRACT)] contractual adj. of or in the nature of a contract. ЬЬcontractually adv. contradict v.tr. 1 deny or express the opposite of (a statement). 2 deny or express the opposite of a statement made by (a person). 3 be in opposition to or in conflict with (new evidence contradicted our theory). ЬЬcontradictor n. [L contradicere contradict- (as CONTRA-, dicere say)] contradiction n. 1 a statement of the opposite; denial. b an instance of this. 2 inconsistency. Ьcontradiction in terms a self-contradictory statement or group of words. [ME f. OF f. L contradictio -onis (as CONTRADICT)] contradictory adj. 1 expressing a denial or opposite statement. 2 (of statements etc.) mutually opposed or inconsistent. 3 (of a person) inclined to contradict. 4 Logic (of two propositions) so related that one and only one must be true. ЬЬcontradictorily adv. contradictoriness n. [ME f. LL contradictorius (as CONTRADICT)] contradistinction n. a distinction made by contrasting. contradistinguish v.tr. (usu. foll. by from) distinguish two things by contrasting them. contraflow n. Brit. a flow (esp. of road traffic) alongside, and in a direction opposite to, an established or usual flow, esp. as a temporary or emergency arrangement. contrail n. a condensation trail, esp. from an aircraft. [abbr.] contraindicate v.tr. Med. act as an indication against (the use of a particular substance or treatment). ЬЬcontraindication n. contralto n. (pl. -os) 1 a the lowest female singing-voice. b a singer with this voice. 2 a part written for contralto. [It. (as CONTRA-, ALTO)] contraposition n. 1 opposition or contrast. 2 Logic conversion of a proposition from all A is B to all not-B is not-A. ЬЬcontrapositive adj. & n. [LL contrapositio (as CONTRA-, ponere posit- place)] contraption n. often derog. or joc. a machine or device, esp. a strange or cumbersome one. [19th c.: perh. f. CONTRIVE, INVENTION: assoc. with TRAP(1)] contrapuntal adj. Mus. of or in counterpoint. ЬЬcontrapuntally adv. contrapuntist n. [It. contrappunto counterpoint] contrariety n. 1 opposition in nature, quality, or action. 2 disagreement, inconsistency. [ME f. OF contrariet‚ f. LL contrarietas -tatis (as CONTRARY)] contrariwise adv. 1 on the other hand. 2 in the opposite way. 3 perversely. [ME f. CONTRARY + -WISE] contrary adj., n., & adv. --adj. 1 (usu. foll. by to) opposed in nature or tendency. 2 colloq. perverse, self-willed. 3 (of a wind) unfavourable, impeding. 4 mutually opposed. 5 opposite in position or direction. --n. (pl. -ies) (prec. by the) the opposite. --adv. (foll. by to) in opposition or contrast (contrary to expectations it rained). Ьon the contrary intensifying a denial of what has just been implied or stated. to the contrary to the opposite effect (can find no indication to the contrary). ЬЬcontrarily (in sense 2 of adj.) adv. contrariness (in sense 2 of adj.) n. [ME f. AF contrarie, OF contraire, f. L contrarius f. contra against] contrast n. & v. --n. 1 a a juxtaposition or comparison showing striking differences. b a difference so revealed. 2 (often foll. by to) a thing or person having qualities noticeably different from another. 3 a the degree of difference between tones in a television picture or a photograph. b the change of apparent brightness or colour of an object caused by the juxtaposition of other objects. --v. (often foll. by with) 1 tr. distinguish or set together so as to reveal a contrast. 2 intr. have or show a contrast. ЬЬcontrastingly adv. contrastive adj. [F contraste, contraster, f. It. contrasto f. med.L contrastare (as CONTRA-, stare stand)] contrasty adj. (of photographic negatives or prints or of a television picture) showing a high degree of contrast. contra-suggestible adj. Psychol. tending to respond to a suggestion by believing or doing the contrary. contrate wheel n. = crown wheel. [med.L & Rmc contrata: see COUNTRY] contravene v.tr. 1 infringe (a law or code of conduct). 2 (of things) conflict with. ЬЬcontravener n. [LL contravenire (as CONTRA-, venire vent- come)] contravention n. 1 infringement. 2 an instance of this. Ьin contravention of infringing, violating (a law etc.). [F f. med.L contraventio (as CONTRAVENE)] contretemps n. 1 an awkward or unfortunate occurrence. 2 an unexpected mishap. [F] contribute disp. v. (often foll. by to) 1 tr. give (money, an idea, help, etc.) towards a common purpose (contributed њ5 to the fund). 2 intr. help to bring about a result etc. (contributed to their downfall). 3 tr. (also absol.) supply (an article etc.) for publication with others in a journal etc. ЬЬcontributive adj. [L contribuere contribut- (as COM-, tribuere bestow)] contribution n. 1 the act of contributing. 2 something contributed, esp. money. 3 an article etc. contributed to a publication. [ME f. OF contribution or LL contributio (as CONTRIBUTE)] contributor n. a person who contributes (esp. an article or literary work). contributory adj. & n. --adj. 1 that contributes. 2 operated by means of contributions (contributory pension scheme). --n. Brit. Law a person liable to contribute towards the payment of a wound-up company's debts. Ьcontributory negligence Law negligence on the part of the injured party through failure to take precautions against an accident. [med.L contributorius (as CONTRIBUTE)] contrite adj. 1 completely penitent. 2 feeling remorse or penitence; affected by guilt. 3 (of an action) showing a contrite spirit. ЬЬcontritely adv. contriteness n. [ME f. OF contrit f. L contritus bruised (as COM-, terere trit- rub)] contrition n. the state of being contrite; thorough penitence. [ME f. OF f. LL contritio -onis (as CONTRITE)] contrivance n. 1 something contrived, esp. a mechanical device or a plan. 2 an act of contriving, esp. deceitfully. 3 inventive capacity. contrive v.tr. 1 devise; plan or make resourcefully or with skill. 2 (often foll. by to + infin.) manage (contrived to make matters worse). ЬЬcontrivable adj. contriver n. [ME f. OF controver find, imagine f. med.L contropare compare] contrived adj. planned so carefully as to seem unnatural; artificial, forced (the plot seemed contrived). control n. & v. --n. 1 the power of directing, command (under the control of). 2 the power of restraining, esp. self-restraint. 3 a means of restraint; a check. 4 (usu. in pl.) a means of regulating prices etc. 5 (usu. in pl.) switches and other devices by which a machine, esp. an aircraft or vehicle, is controlled (also attrib. : control panel; control room). 6 a a place where something is controlled or verified. b a person or group that controls something. 7 a standard of comparison for checking the results of a survey or experiment. --v.tr. (controlled, controlling) 1 have control or command of; dominate. 2 exert control over; regulate. 3 hold in check; restrain (told him to control himself). 4 serve as control to. 5 check, verify. Ьcontrolling interest a means of determining the policy of a business etc., esp. by ownership of a majority of the stock. control rod a rod of neutron-absorbing material used to vary the output power of a nuclear reactor. control tower a tall building at an airport etc. from which air traffic is controlled. in control (often foll. by of) directing an activity. out of control no longer subject to containment, restraint, or guidance. under control being controlled; in order. ЬЬcontrollable adj. controllability n. controllably adv. [ME f. AF contreroller keep a copy of a roll of accounts, f. med.L contrarotulare (as CONTRA-, rotulus ROLL n.): (n.) perh. f. F contr“le] controller n. 1 a person or thing that controls. 2 a person in charge of expenditure, esp. a steward or comptroller. ЬЬcontrollership n. [ME counterroller f. AF contrerollour (as CONTROL)] controversial adj. 1 causing or subject to controversy. 2 of controversy. 3 given to controversy. ЬЬcontroversialism n. controversialist n. controversially adv. [LL controversialis (as CONTROVERSY)] controversy disp. n. (pl. -ies) a prolonged argument or dispute, esp. when conducted publicly. [ME f. L controversia (as CONTROVERT)] controvert v.tr. 1 dispute, deny. 2 argue about; discuss. ЬЬcontrovertible adj. [orig. past part.; f. F controvers(e) f. L controversus (as CONTRA-, vertere vers- turn)] contumacious adj. insubordinate; stubbornly or wilfully disobedient, esp. to a court order. ЬЬcontumaciously adv. [L contumax, perh. rel. to tumere swell] contumacy n. stubborn refusal to obey or comply. [L contumacia f. contumax: see CONTUMACIOUS] contumelious adj. reproachful, insulting, or insolent. ЬЬcontumeliously adv. [ME f. OF contumelieus f. L contumeliosus (as CONTUMELY)] contumely n. 1 insolent or reproachful language or treatment. 2 disgrace. [ME f. OF contumelie f. L contumelia (as COM-, tumere swell)] contuse v.tr. injure without breaking the skin; bruise. ЬЬcontusion n. [L contundere contus- (as COM-, tundere thump)] conundrum n. 1 a riddle, esp. one with a pun in its answer. 2 a hard or puzzling question. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] conurbation n. an extended urban area, esp. one consisting of several towns and merging suburbs. [CON- + L urbs urbis city + -ATION] conure n. any medium-sized parrot of the genus Pyrrhura, with mainly green plumage and a long gradated tail. [mod.L conurus f. Gk konos cone + oura tail] convalesce v.intr. recover one's health after illness or medical treatment. [ME f. L convalescere (as COM-, valere be well)] convalescent adj. & n. --adj. recovering from an illness. --n. a convalescent person. ЬЬconvalescence n. convection n. 1 transference of heat in a gas or liquid by upward movement of the heated and less dense medium. 2 Meteorol. the transfer of heat by the upward flow of hot air or downward flow of cold air. Ьconvection current circulation that results from convection. ЬЬconvectional adj. convective adj. [LL convectio f. L convehere convect- (as COM-, vehere vect- carry)] convector n. a heating appliance that circulates warm air by convection. convenance n. (usu. in pl.) conventional propriety. [F f. convenir be fitting (as CONVENE)] convene v. 1 tr. summon or arrange (a meeting etc.). 2 intr. assemble. 3 tr. summon (a person) before a tribunal. ЬЬconvenable adj. convener n. convenor n. [ME f. L convenire convent- assemble, agree, fit (as COM-, venire come)] convenience n. 1 the quality of being convenient; suitability. 2 freedom from difficulty or trouble; material advantage (for convenience). 3 an advantage (a great convenience). 4 a useful thing, esp. an installation or piece of equipment. 5 Brit. a lavatory, esp. a public one. Ьat one's convenience at a time or place that suits one. at one's earliest convenience as soon as one can. convenience food food, esp. complete meals, sold in convenient form and requiring very little preparation. convenience store US a large shop with extended opening hours. make a convenience of take advantage of (a person) insensitively. [ME f. L convenientia (as CONVENE)] convenient adj. 1 (often foll. by for, to) a serving one's comfort or interests; easily accessible. b suitable. c free of trouble or difficulty. 2 available or occurring at a suitable time or place (will try to find a convenient moment). 3 well situated for some purpose (convenient for the shops). ЬЬconveniently adv. [ME (as CONVENE)] convent n. 1 a religious community, esp. of nuns, under vows. 2 the premises occupied by this. 3 (in full convent school) a school attached to and run by a convent. [ME f. AF covent, OF convent f. L conventus assembly (as CONVENE)] conventicle n. esp. hist. 1 a secret or unlawful religious meeting, esp. of dissenters. 2 a building used for this. [ME f. L conventiculum (place of) assembly, dimin. of conventus (as CONVENE)] convention n. 1 a general agreement, esp. agreement on social behaviour etc. by implicit consent of the majority. b a custom or customary practice, esp. an artificial or formal one. 2 a a formal assembly or conference for a common purpose. b US an assembly of the delegates of a political party to select candidates for office. c hist. a meeting of Parliament without a summons from the sovereign. 3 a a formal agreement. b an agreement between States, esp. one less formal than a treaty. 4 Cards an accepted method of play (in leading, bidding, etc.) used to convey information to a partner. 5 the act of convening. [ME f. OF f. L conventio -onis (as CONVENE)] conventional adj. 1 depending on or according with convention. 2 (of a person) attentive to social conventions. 3 usual; of agreed significance. 4 not spontaneous or sincere or original. 5 (of weapons or power) non-nuclear. 6 Art following tradition rather than nature. ЬЬconventionalism n. conventionalist n. conventionality n. conventionalize v.tr. (also -ise). conventionally adv. [F conventionnel or LL conventionalis (as CONVENTION)] conventioneer n. US a person attending a convention. conventual adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or belonging to a convent. 2 of the less strict branch of the Franciscans, living in large convents. --n. 1 a member or inmate of a convent. 2 a conventual Franciscan. [ME f. med.L conventualis (as CONVENT)] converge v.intr. 1 come together as if to meet or join. 2 (of lines) tend to meet at a point. 3 (foll. by on, upon) approach from different directions. 4 Math. (of a series) approximate in the sum of its terms towards a definite limit. [LL convergere (as COM-, vergere incline)] convergent adj. 1 converging. 2 Biol. (of unrelated organisms) having the tendency to become similar while adapting to the same environment. 3 Psychol. (of thought) tending to reach only the most rational result. ЬЬconvergence n. convergency n. conversant adj. (foll. by with) well experienced or acquainted with a subject, person, etc. ЬЬconversance n. conversancy n. [ME f. OF, pres. part. of converser CONVERSE(1)] conversation n. 1 the informal exchange of ideas by spoken words. 2 an instance of this. Ьconversation piece 1 a small genre painting of a group of figures. 2 a thing that serves as a topic of conversation because of its unusualness etc. conversation stopper colloq. an unexpected remark, esp. one that cannot readily be answered. [ME f. OF f. L conversatio -onis (as CONVERSE(1))] conversational adj. 1 of or in conversation. 2 fond of or good at conversation. 3 colloquial. ЬЬconversationally adv. conversationalist n. one who is good at or fond of conversing. conversazione n. (pl. conversaziones or conversazioni pronunc. same) a social gathering held by a learned or art society. [It. f. L (as CONVERSATION)] converse(1) v. & n. --v.intr. (often foll. by with) engage in conversation (conversed with him about various subjects). --n. archaic conversation. ЬЬconverser n. [ME f. OF converser f. L conversari keep company (with), frequent. of convertere (CONVERT)] converse(2) adj. & n. --adj. opposite, contrary, reversed. --n. 1 something that is opposite or contrary. 2 a statement formed from another statement by the transposition of certain words, e.g. some philosophers are men from some men are philosophers. 3 Math. a theorem whose hypothesis and conclusion are the conclusion and hypothesis of another. ЬЬconversely adv. [L conversus, past part. of convertere (CONVERT)] conversion n. 1 a the act or an instance of converting or the process of being converted, esp. in belief or religion. b an instance of this. 2 a an adaptation of a building for new purposes. b a converted building. 3 transposition, inversion. 4 Theol. the turning of sinners to God. 5 the transformation of fertile into fissile material in a nuclear reactor. 6 Rugby Football the scoring of points by a successful kick at goal after scoring a try. 7 Psychol. the change of an unconscious conflict into a physical disorder or disease. [ME f. OF f. L conversio -onis (as CONVERT)] convert v. & n. --v. 1 tr. (usu. foll. by into) change in form, character, or function. 2 tr. cause (a person) to change beliefs, opinion, party, etc. 3 tr. change (moneys, stocks, units in which a quantity is expressed, etc.) into others of a different kind. 4 tr. make structural alterations in (a building) to serve a new purpose. 5 tr. (also absol.) a Rugby Football score extra points from (a try) by a successful kick at goal. b Amer. Football complete (a touchdown) by kicking a goal or crossing the goal-line. 6 intr. be converted or convertible (the sofa converts into a bed). 7 tr. Logic interchange the terms of (a proposition). --n. (often foll. by to) a person who has been converted to a different belief, opinion, etc. Ьconvert to one's own use wrongfully make use of (another's property). [ME f. OF convertir ult. f. L convertere convers- turn about (as COM-, vertere turn)] converter n. (also convertor) 1 a person or thing that converts. 2 Electr. a an electrical apparatus for the interconversion of alternating current and direct current. b Electronics an apparatus for converting a signal from one frequency to another. 3 a reaction vessel used in making steel. Ьconverter reactor a nuclear reactor that converts fertile material into fissile material. convertible adj. & n. --adj. 1 that may be converted. 2 (of currency etc.) that may be converted into other forms, esp. into gold or US dollars. 3 (of a car) having a folding or detachable roof. 4 (of terms) synonymous. --n. a car with a folding or detachable roof. ЬЬconvertibility n. convertibly adv. [OF f. L convertibilis (as CONVERT)] convex adj. having an outline or surface curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere (cf. CONCAVE). ЬЬconvexity n. convexly adv. [L convexus vaulted, arched] convey v.tr. 1 transport or carry (goods, passengers, etc.). 2 communicate (an idea, meaning, etc.). 3 Law transfer the title to (property). 4 transmit (sound, smell, etc.). ЬЬconveyable adj. [ME f. OF conveier f. med.L conviare (as COM-, L via way)] conveyance n. 1 a the act or process of carrying. b the communication (of ideas etc.). c transmission. 2 a means of transport; a vehicle. 3 Law a the transfer of property from one owner to another. b a document effecting this. ЬЬconveyancer n. (in sense 3). conveyancing n. (in sense 3). conveyor n. (also conveyer) a person or thing that conveys. Ьconveyor belt an endless moving belt for conveying articles or materials, esp. in a factory. convict v. & n. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by of) prove to be guilty (of a crime etc.). 2 declare guilty by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge. --n. 1 a person found guilty of a criminal offence. 2 chiefly hist. a person serving a prison sentence, esp. in a penal colony. [ME f. L convincere convict- (as COM-, vincere conquer): noun f. obs. convict convicted] conviction n. 1 a the act or process of proving or finding guilty. b an instance of this (has two previous convictions). 2 a the action or resulting state of being convinced. b a firm belief or opinion. c an act of convincing. [L convictio (as CONVICT)] convince v.tr. 1 (often foll. by of, or that + clause) persuade (a person) to believe or realize. 2 (as convinced adj.) firmly persuaded (a convinced pacifist). ЬЬconvincer n. convincible adj. [L (as CONVICT)] convincing adj. 1 able to or such as to convince. 2 leaving no margin of doubt, substantial (a convincing victory). ЬЬconvincingly adv. convivial adj. 1 fond of good company; sociable and lively. 2 festive (a convivial atmosphere). ЬЬconviviality n. convivially adv. [L convivialis f. convivium feast (as COM-, vivere live)] convocation n. 1 the act of calling together. 2 a large formal gathering of people, esp.: a Brit. a provincial synod of the Anglican clergy of Canterbury or York. b Brit. a legislative or deliberative assembly of a university. ЬЬconvocational adj. [ME f. L convocatio (as CONVOKE)] convoke v.tr. formal call (people) together to a meeting etc.; summon to assemble. [L convocare convocat- (as COM-, vocare call)] convoluted adj. 1 coiled, twisted. 2 complex, intricate. ЬЬconvolutedly adv. [past part. of convolute f. L convolutus (as COM-, volvere volut- roll)] convolution n. 1 coiling, twisting. 2 a coil or twist. 3 complexity. 4 a sinuous fold in the surface of the brain. ЬЬconvolutional adj. [med.L convolutio (as CONVOLUTED)] convolve v.tr. & intr. (esp. as convolved adj.) roll together; coil up. [L convolvere (as CONVOLUTED)] convolvulus n. any twining plant of the genus Convolvulus, with trumpet-shaped flowers, e.g. bindweed. [L] convoy n. & v. --n. 1 a group of ships travelling together or under escort. 2 a supply of provisions etc. under escort. 3 a group of vehicles travelling on land together or under escort. 4 the act of travelling or moving in a group or under escort. --v.tr. 1 (of a warship) escort (a merchant or passenger vessel). 2 escort, esp. with armed force. [OF convoyer var. of conveier CONVEY] convulsant adj. & n. Pharm. --adj. producing convulsions. --n. a drug that may produce convulsions. [F f. convulser (as CONVULSE)] convulse v.tr. 1 (usu. in passive) affect with convulsions. 2 cause to laugh uncontrollably. 3 shake violently; agitate, disturb. [L convellere convuls- (as COM-, vellere pull)] convulsion n. 1 (usu. in pl.) violent irregular motion of a limb or limbs or the body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles, esp. as a disorder of infants. 2 a violent natural disturbance, esp. an earthquake. 3 violent social or political agitation. 4 (in pl.) uncontrollable laughter. ЬЬconvulsionary adj. [F convulsion or L convulsio (as CONVULSE)] convulsive adj. 1 characterized by or affected with convulsions. 2 producing convulsions. ЬЬconvulsively adv. cony n. (also coney) (pl. -ies or -eys) 1 a a rabbit. b its fur. 2 Bibl. a hyrax. [ME cunin(g) f. AF coning, OF conin, f. L cuniculus] coo n., v., & int. --n. a soft murmuring sound like that of a dove or pigeon. --v. (coos, cooed) 1 intr. make the sound of a coo. 2 intr. & tr. talk or say in a soft or amorous voice. --int. Brit. sl. expressing surprise or incredulity. ЬЬcooingly adv. [imit.] cooee n., int., & v. colloq. --n. & int. a sound used to attract attention, esp. at a distance. --v.intr. (cooees, cooeed, cooeeing) make this sound. Ьwithin cooee (or a cooee) of Austral. & NZ colloq. very near to. [imit. of a signal used by Australian Aboriginals and copied by settlers] cook v. & n. --v. 1 tr. prepare (food) by heating it. 2 intr. (of food) undergo cooking. 3 tr. colloq. falsify (accounts etc.); alter to produce a desired result. 4 tr. sl. ruin, spoil. 5 tr. (esp. as cooked adj.) Brit. sl. fatigue, exhaust. 6 tr. & intr. US colloq. do or proceed successfully. 7 intr. (as be cooking) colloq. be happening or about to happen (went to find out what was cooking). --n. a person who cooks, esp. professionally or in a specified way (a good cook). Ьcook-chill 1 the process of cooking and refrigerating food ready for reheating at a later time. 2 (attrib.) (of food) prepared in this way. cook a person's goose ruin a person's chances. cook up colloq. invent or concoct (a story, excuse, etc.). ЬЬcookable adj. & n. [OE coc f. pop.L cocus for L coquus] cookbook n. US a cookery book. cooker n. 1 a a container or device for cooking food. b Brit. an appliance powered by gas, electricity, etc., for cooking food. 2 Brit. a fruit etc. (esp. an apple) that is more suitable for cooking than for eating raw. cookery n. (pl. -ies) 1 the art or practice of cooking. 2 US a place or establishment for cooking. Ьcookery book Brit. a book containing recipes and other information about cooking. cookhouse n. 1 a camp kitchen. 2 an outdoor kitchen in warm countries. 3 a ship's galley. cookie n. 1 US a small sweet biscuit. 2 US sl. a person. 3 Sc. a plain bun. Ьthe way the cookie crumbles US colloq. how things turn out; the unalterable state of affairs. [Du. koekje dimin. of koek cake] cooking n. 1 the art or process by which food is cooked. 2 (attrib.) suitable for or used in cooking (cooking apple; cooking utensils). cookout n. US a gathering with an open-air cooked meal; a barbecue. cookshop n. NZ the kitchen of a sheep-station. cookware n. utensils for cooking, esp. dishes, pans, etc. cool adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 of or at a fairly low temperature, fairly cold (a cool day; a cool bath). 2 suggesting or achieving coolness (cool colours; cool clothes). 3 calm, unexcited. 4 lacking zeal or enthusiasm. 5 unfriendly; lacking cordiality (got a cool reception). 6 (of jazz playing) restrained, relaxed. 7 calmly audacious (a cool customer). 8 (prec. by a) colloq. at least; not less than (cost me a cool thousand). 9 sl. esp. US excellent, marvellous. --n. 1 coolness. 2 cool air; a cool place. 3 sl. calmness, composure (keep one's cool; lose one's cool). --v.tr. & intr. (often foll. by down, off) make or become cool. Ьcool-bag (or -box) an insulated container for keeping food cool. cool-headed not easily excited. cool one's heels see HEEL(1). cooling-off period an interval to allow for a change of mind before commitment to action. cooling tower a tall structure for cooling hot water before reuse, esp. in industry. cool it sl. relax, calm down. ЬЬcoolish adj. coolly adv. coolness n. [OE col, colian, f. Gmc: cf. COLD] coolabah n. (also coolibah) Austral. any of various gum-trees, esp. Eucalyptus microtheca. [Aboriginal] coolant n. 1 a cooling agent, esp. fluid, to remove heat from an engine, nuclear reactor, etc. 2 a fluid used to lessen the friction of a cutting tool. [COOL + -ANT after lubricant] cooler n. 1 a vessel in which a thing is cooled. 2 US a refrigerator. 3 a long drink, esp. a spritzer. 4 sl. prison or a prison cell. coolibah var. of COOLABAH. coolie n. (also cooly) (pl. -ies) an unskilled native labourer in Eastern countries. Ьcoolie hat a broad conical hat as worn by coolies. [perh. f. Kuli, an aboriginal tribe of Gujarat, India] coomb n. (also combe) Brit. 1 a valley or hollow on the side of a hill. 2 a short valley running up from the coast. [OE cumb: cf. CWM] coon n. 1 US a racoon. 2 sl. offens. a Black. [abbr.] coon-can n. a simple card-game like rummy (orig. Mexican). [Sp. con qui‚n with whom?] coonskin n. 1 the skin of a racoon. 2 a cap etc. made of this. coop n. & v. --n. 1 a cage placed over sitting or fattening fowls. 2 a fowl-run. 3 a small place of confinement, esp. a prison. 4 Brit. a basket used in catching fish. --v.tr. 1 put or keep (a fowl) in a coop. 2 (often foll. by up, in) confine (a person) in a small space. [ME cupe basket f. MDu., MLG kupe, ult. f. L cupa cask] co-op n. colloq. 1 Brit. a cooperative society or shop. 2 a cooperative business or enterprise. [abbr.] cooper n. & v. --n. a maker or repairer of casks, barrels, etc. --v.tr. make or repair (a cask). [ME f. MDu., MLG kuper f. kupe COOP] cooperage n. 1 the work or establishment of a cooper. 2 money payable for a cooper's work. cooperate v.intr. (also co-operate) 1 (often foll. by with) work or act together. 2 (of things) concur in producing an effect. ЬЬcooperant adj. cooperator n. [eccl.L cooperari (as CO-, operari f. opus operis work)] cooperation n. (also co-operation) 1 working together to the same end. 2 Econ. the formation and operation of cooperatives. [ME f. L cooperatio (as COOPERATE): partly through F coop‚ration] cooperative adj. & n. (also co-operative) --adj. 1 of or affording cooperation. 2 willing to cooperate. 3 Econ. (of a farm, shop, or other business, or a society owning such businesses) owned and run jointly by its members, with profits shared among them. --n. a cooperative farm or society or business. ЬЬcooperatively adv. cooperativeness n. [LL cooperativus (as COOPERATE)] co-opt v.tr. appoint to membership of a body by invitation of the existing members. ЬЬco-optation n. co-option n. co-optive adj. [L cooptare (as CO-, optare choose)] coordinate v., adj., & n. (also co-ordinate) --v. 1 tr. bring (various parts, movements, etc.) into a proper or required relation to ensure harmony or effective operation etc. 2 intr. work or act together effectively. 3 tr. make coordinate. --adj. 1 equal in rank or importance. 2 in which the parts are coordinated; involving coordination. 3 Gram. (of parts of a compound sentence) equal in status (cf. SUBORDINATE). 4 Chem. denoting a type of covalent bond in which one atom provides both the shared electrons. --n. 1 Math. each of a system of magnitudes used to fix the position of a point, line, or plane. 2 a person or thing equal in rank or importance. 3 (in pl.) matching items of clothing. ЬЬcoordinately adv. coordination n. coordinative adj. coordinator n. [CO- + L ordinare ordinat- f. ordo -inis order] coot n. 1 any black aquatic bird of the genus Fulica, esp. F. atra with the upper mandible extended backwards to form a white plate on the forehead. 2 colloq. a stupid person. [ME, prob. f. LG] cootie n. sl. a body louse. [perh. f. Malay kutu a biting parasite] cop(1) n. & v. sl. --n. 1 a policeman. 2 Brit. a capture or arrest (it's a fair cop). --v.tr. (copped, copping) 1 catch or arrest (an offender). 2 receive, suffer. 3 take, seize. Ьcop it 1 get into trouble; be punished. 2 be killed. cop out 1 withdraw; give up an attempt. 2 go back on a promise. 3 escape. cop-out n. 1 a cowardly or feeble evasion. 2 an escape; a way of escape. cop-shop a police station. not much (or no) cop Brit. of little or no value or use. [perh. f. obs. cap arrest f. OF caper seize f. L capere: (n.) cf. COPPER(2)] cop(2) n. (in spinning) a conical ball of thread wound on a spindle. [OE cop summit] copacetic adj. US sl. excellent; in good order. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] copaiba n. an aromatic oil or resin from any plant of the genus Copaifera, used in medicine and perfumery. [Sp. & Port. f. Guarani cupauba] copal n. a resin from any of various tropical trees, used for varnish. [Sp. f. Aztec copalli incense] copartner n. a partner or associate, esp. when sharing equally. ЬЬcopartnership n. cope(1) v.intr. 1 (foll. by with) deal effectively or contend successfully with a person or task. 2 manage successfully; deal with a situation or problem (found they could no longer cope). [ME f. OF coper, colper f. cop, colp blow f. med.L colpus f. L colaphus f. Gk kolaphos blow with the fist] cope(2) n. & v. --n. 1 Eccl. a long cloaklike vestment worn by a priest or bishop in ceremonies and processions. 2 esp. poet. a covering compared with a cope. --v.tr. cover with a cope or coping. [ME ult. f. LL cappa CAP, CAPE(1)] copeck n. (also kopeck, kopek) a Russian coin and monetary unit worth one-hundredth of a rouble. [Russ. kopeika dimin. of kop' ‰ lance (from the figure of Ivan IV bearing a lance instead of a sword in 1535)] copepod n. any small aquatic crustacean of the class Copepoda, many of which form the minute components of plankton. [Gk kope oar-handle + pous podos foot] coper n. a horse-dealer. [obs. cope buy, f. MDu., MLG kopen, G kaufen: rel. to CHEAP] Copernican system n. (also Copernican theory) Astron. the theory that the planets (including the earth) move round the sun (cf. Ptolemaic system). [Copernicus latinized f. M. Kopernik, Polish astronomer d. 1543] copestone n. 1 = coping-stone. 2 a finishing touch. [COPE(2) + STONE] copiable adj. that can or may be copied. copier n. a machine or person that copies (esp. documents). copilot n. a second pilot in an aircraft. coping n. the top (usu. sloping) course of masonry in a wall or parapet. Ьcoping-stone a stone used in a coping. coping saw n. a D-shaped saw for cutting curves in wood. [cope cut wood f. OF coper: see COPE(1)] copious adj. 1 abundant, plentiful. 2 producing much. 3 providing much information. 4 profuse in speech. ЬЬcopiously adv. copiousness n. [ME f. OF copieux or f. L copiosus f. copia plenty] copita n. 1 a tulip-shaped sherry-glass. 2 a glass of sherry. [Sp., dimin. of copa cup] coplanar adj. Geom. in the same plane. ЬЬcoplanarity n. copolymer n. Chem. a polymer with units of more than one kind. ЬЬcopolymerize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). copper(1) n., adj., & v. --n. 1 Chem. a malleable red-brown metallic element of the transition series occurring naturally esp. in cuprite and malachite, and used esp. for electrical cables and apparatus. °Symb.: Cu. 2 a bronze coin. 3 a large metal vessel for boiling esp. laundry. 4 any of various butterflies with copper-coloured wings. --adj. made of or coloured like copper. --v.tr. cover (a ship's bottom, a pan, etc.) with copper. Ьcopper beech a variety of beech with copper-coloured leaves. copper belt a copper-mining area of Central Africa. copper-bit a soldering tool pointed with copper. copper-bottomed 1 having a bottom sheathed with copper (esp. of a ship or pan). 2 genuine or reliable (esp. financially). copper pyrites a double sulphide of copper and iron: also called CHALCOPYRITE. copper sulphate a blue crystalline solid used in electroplating, textile dyeing, etc. copper vitriol copper sulphate. [OE copor, coper, ult. f. L cyprium aes Cyprus metal] copper(2) n. Brit. sl. a policeman. [COP(1) + ER(1)] copperas n. green iron-sulphate crystals. [ME coperose f. OF couperose f. med.L cup(e)rosa: perh. orig. aqua cuprosa copper water] copperhead n. 1 a venomous viper, Agkistrodon contortrix, native to N. America. 2 a venomous cobra, Denisonia superba, native to Australia. copperplate n. & adj. --n. 1 a a polished copper plate for engraving or etching. b a print made from this. 2 an ornate style of handwriting resembling that orig. used in engravings. --adj. of or in copperplate writing. coppersmith n. a person who works in copper. coppery adj. of or like copper, esp. in colour. coppice n. & v. --n. an area of undergrowth and small trees, grown for periodic cutting. --v.tr. cut back (young trees) periodically to stimulate growth of shoots. ЬЬcoppiced adj. [OF cope‹z ult. f. med.L colpus blow: see COPE(1)] copra n. the dried kernels of the coconut. [Port. f. Malayalam koppara coconut] co-precipitation n. Chem. the simultaneous precipitation of more than one compound from a solution. copro- comb. form dung, faeces. [Gk kopros dung] co-production n. a production of a play, broadcast, etc., jointly by more than one company. coprolite n. Archaeol. fossil dung or a piece of it. coprophagous adj. Zool. dung-eating. [COPRO-] coprophilia n. an abnormal interest in faeces and defecation. coprosma n. any small evergreen plant of the genus Coprosma, native to Australasia. [mod.L f. Gk kopros dung + osme smell] copse n. 1 = COPPICE. 2 (in general use) a small wood. ЬЬcopsy adj. [shortened f. COPPICE] copsewood n. undergrowth. Copt n. 1 a native Egyptian in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. 2 a native Christian of the independent Egyptian Church. [F Copte or mod.L Coptus f. Arab. al-kibt, al-kubt Copts f. Coptic Gyptios f. Gk Aiguptios Egyptian] Coptic n. & adj. --n. the language of the Copts, now used only in the Coptic Church. --adj. of or relating to the Copts. copula n. (pl. copulas) Logic & Gram. a connecting word, esp. a part of the verb be connecting a subject and predicate. ЬЬcopular adj. [L (as CO-, apere fasten)] copulate v.intr. (often foll. by with) have sexual intercourse. ЬЬcopulatory adj. [L copulare fasten together (as COPULA)] copulation n. 1 sexual union. 2 a grammatical or logical connection. [ME f. OF f. L copulatio (as COPULATE)] copulative adj. 1 serving to connect. 2 Gram. a (of a word) that connects words or clauses linked in sense (cf. DISJUNCTIVE). b connecting a subject and predicate. 3 relating to sexual union. ЬЬcopulatively adv. [ME f. OF copulatif -ive or LL copulativus (as COPULATE)] copy n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a thing made to imitate or be identical to another. 2 a single specimen of a publication or issue (ordered twenty copies). 3 a matter to be printed. b material for a newspaper or magazine article (scandals make good copy). c the text of an advertisement. 4 a a model to be copied. b a page written after a model (of penmanship). --v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. a make a copy of. b (often foll. by out) transcribe. 2 intr. make a copy, esp. clandestinely. 3 tr. (foll. by to) send a copy of (a letter) to a third party. Ьcopy-edit edit (copy) for printing. copy editor a person who edits copy for printing. copy-typist a person who makes typewritten transcripts of documents. [ME f. OF copie, copier, ult. f. L copia abundance (in med.L = transcript)] copybook n. 1 a book containing models of handwriting for learners to imitate. 2 (attrib.) a tritely conventional. b accurate, exemplary. copycat n. colloq. (esp. as a child's word) a person who copies another, esp. slavishly. copydesk n. the desk at which copy is edited for printing. copyhold n. Brit. hist. 1 tenure of land based on manorial records. 2 land held in this way. ЬЬcopyholder n. copyist n. 1 a person who makes (esp. written) copies. 2 an imitator. [earlier copist f. F copiste or med.L copista (as COPY)] copyreader n. a person who reads and edits copy for a newspaper or book. ЬЬcopyread v.tr. copyright n., adj., & v. --n. the exclusive legal right granted for a specified period to an author, designer, etc., or another appointed person, to print, publish, perform, film, or record original literary, artistic, or musical material. --adj. (of such material) protected by copyright. --v.tr. secure copyright for (material). Ьcopyright library Brit. a library entitled to a free copy of each book published in the UK. copywriter n. a person who writes or prepares copy (esp. of advertising material) for publication. ЬЬcopywriting n. coq au vin n. a casserole of chicken pieces cooked in wine. [F] coquetry n. (pl. -ies) 1 coquettish behaviour. 2 a coquettish act. 3 trifling with serious matters. [F coquetterie f. coqueter (as COQUETTE)] coquette n. 1 a woman who flirts. 2 any crested humming-bird of the genus Lophornis. ЬЬcoquettish adj. coquettishly adv. coquettishness n. [F, fem. of coquet wanton, dimin. of coq cock] coquina n. US a soft limestone of broken shells, used in road-making. [Sp., = cockle] coquito n. (pl. -os) a palm-tree, Jubaea chilensis, native to Chile, yielding honey from its sap, and fibre. [Sp., dimin. of coco coconut] Cor. abbr. 1 Corinthians (New Testament). 2 US corner. cor int. Brit. sl. expressing surprise, alarm, exasperation, etc. Ьcor blimey see BLIMEY. [corrupt. of God] cor- prefix assim. form of COM- before r. coracle n. Brit. a small boat of wickerwork covered with watertight material, used on Welsh and Irish lakes and rivers. [Welsh corwgl (corwg = Ir. currach boat: cf. CURRACH)] coracoid n. (in full coracoid process) a short projection from the shoulder-blade in vertebrates. [mod.L coracoides f. Gk korakoeides raven-like f. korax -akos raven] coral n. & adj. --n. 1 a a hard red, pink, or white calcareous substance secreted by various marine polyps for support and habitation. b any of these usu. colonial organisms. 2 the unimpregnated roe of a lobster or scallop. --adj. 1 like coral, esp. in colour. 2 made of coral. Ьcoral island (or reef) one formed by the growth of coral. coral rag limestone containing beds of petrified corals. coral-snake any of various brightly-coloured poisonous snakes, esp. Micrurus nigrocinctus, native to Central America. [ME f. OF f. L corallum f. Gk korallion, prob. of Semitic orig.] coralline n. & adj. --n. 1 any seaweed of the genus Corallina having a calcareous jointed stem. 2 (in general use) the name of various plantlike compound organisms. --adj. 1 coral-red. 2 of or like coral. [F corallin & It. corallina f. LL corallinus (as CORAL)] corallite n. 1 the coral skeleton of a marine polyp. 2 fossil coral. [L corallum CORAL] coralloid adj. & n. --adj. like or akin to coral. --n. a coralloid organism. coram populo adv. in public. [L, = in the presence of the people] cor anglais n. (pl. cors anglais pronunc. same) Mus. 1 an alto woodwind instrument of the oboe family. 2 its player. 3 an organ stop with the quality of a cor anglais. [F, = English horn] corbel n. & v. Archit. --n. 1 a projection of stone, timber, etc., jutting out from a wall to support a weight. 2 a short timber laid longitudinally under a beam to help support it. --v.tr. & intr. (corbelled, corbelling; US corbeled, corbeling) (foll. by out, off) support or project on corbels. Ьcorbel-table a projecting course resting on corbels. [ME f. OF, dimin. of corp: see CORBIE] corbie n. Sc. 1 a raven. 2 a carrion crow. Ьcorbie-steps the steplike projections on the sloping sides of a gable. [ME f. OF corb, corp f. L corvus crow] cord n. & v. --n. 1 a long thin flexible material made from several twisted strands. b a piece of this. 2 Anat. a structure in the body resembling a cord (spinal cord). 3 a ribbed fabric, esp. corduroy. b (in pl.) corduroy trousers. c a cordlike rib on fabric. 4 an electric flex. 5 a measure of cut wood (usu. 128 cu.ft., 3.6 cubic metres). 6 a moral or emotional tie (cords of affection; fourfold cord of evidence). --v.tr. 1 fasten or bind with cord. 2 (as corded adj.) a (of cloth) ribbed. b provided with cords. c (of muscles) standing out like taut cords. ЬЬcordlike adj. [ME f. OF corde f. L chorda f. Gk khorde gut, string of musical instrument] cordage n. cords or ropes, esp. in the rigging of a ship. [ME f. F (as CORD)] cordate adj. heart-shaped. [mod.L cordatus f. L cor cordis heart] cordelier n. a Franciscan friar of the strict rule (wearing a knotted cord round the waist). [ME f. OF f. cordele dimin. of corde CORD] cordial adj. & n. --adj. 1 heartfelt, sincere. 2 warm, friendly. --n. 1 a fruit-flavoured drink. 2 a comforting or pleasant-tasting medicine. ЬЬcordiality n. cordially adv. [ME f. med.L cordialis f. L cor cordis heart] cordillera n. a system or group of usu. parallel mountain ranges together with intervening plateaux etc., esp. of the Andes and in Central America and Mexico. [Sp. f. cordilla dimin. of cuerda CORD] cordite n. a smokeless explosive made from cellulose nitrate and nitroglycerine. [CORD (from its appearance) + -ITE(1)] cordless adj. (of an electrical appliance, telephone, etc.) working from an internal source of energy etc. (esp. a battery) and without a connection to a mains supply or central unit. cordon n. & v. --n. 1 a line or circle of police, soldiers, guards, etc., esp. preventing access to or from an area. 2 a an ornamental cord or braid. b the ribbon of a knightly order. 3 a fruit-tree trained to grow as a single stem. 4 Archit. a string-course. --v.tr. (often foll. by off) enclose or separate with a cordon of police etc. [It. cordone augmentative of corda CORD, & F cordon (as CORD)] cordon bleu adj. & n. Cookery --adj. of the highest class. --n. a cook of this class. [F, = blue ribbon] cordon sanitaire n. 1 a guarded line between infected and uninfected districts. 2 any measure designed to prevent communication or the spread of undesirable influences. cordovan n. a kind of soft leather. [Sp. cordovan of Cordova (Cordoba) where it was orig. made] corduroy n. 1 a thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs. 2 (in pl.) corduroy trousers. Ьcorduroy road a road made of tree-trunks laid across a swamp. [18th c.: prob. f. CORD ribbed fabric + obs. duroy coarse woollen fabric] cordwainer n. Brit. archaic a shoemaker (usu. in names of guilds etc.). [obs. cordwain CORDOVAN] cordwood n. wood that is or can easily be measured in cords. CORE abbr. US Congress of Racial Equality. core n. & v. --n. 1 the horny central part of various fruits, containing the seeds. 2 a the central or most important part of anything (also attrib. : core curriculum). b the central part, of different character from the surroundings. 3 the central region of the earth. 4 the central part of a nuclear reactor, containing the fissile material. 5 a magnetic structural unit in a computer, storing one bit of data (see BIT(4)). 6 the inner strand of an electric cable, rope, etc. 7 a piece of soft iron forming the centre of an electromagnet or an induction coil. 8 an internal mould filling a space to be left hollow in a casting. 9 the central part cut out (esp. of rock etc. in boring). 10 Archaeol. a piece of flint from which flakes or blades have been removed. --v.tr. remove the core from. Ьcore memory Computing the memory of a computer consisting of many cores. core time (in a flexitime system) the central part of the working day, when all employees must be present. ЬЬcorer n. [ME: orig. unkn.] corelation var. of CORRELATION. co-religionist n. (US coreligionist) an adherent of the same religion. corella n. Austral. either of two small white cockatoos, Cacatua tenuirostris or C. sanguinea. [app. Latinized f. Aboriginal ca-rall] coreopsis n. any composite plant of the genus Coreopsis, having rayed usu. yellow flowers. [mod.L f. Gk koris bug + opsis appearance, with ref. to the shape of the seed] co-respondent n. (US corespondent) a person cited in a divorce case as having committed adultery with the respondent. corf n. (pl. corves) Brit. 1 a basket in which fish are kept alive in the water. 2 a small wagon, formerly a large basket, used in mining. [MDu., MLG korf, OHG chorp, korb f. L corbis basket] corgi n. (pl. corgis) (in full Welsh corgi) 1 a dog of a short-legged breed with foxlike head. 2 this breed. [Welsh f. cor dwarf + ci dog] coriaceous adj. like leather; leathery. [LL coriaceus f. corium leather] coriander n. 1 a plant, Coriandrum sativum, with leaves used for flavouring and small round aromatic fruits. 2 (also coriander seed) the dried fruit used for flavouring curries etc. [ME f. OF coriandre f. L coriandrum f. Gk koriannon] Corinthian adj. & n. --adj. 1 of ancient Corinth in southern Greece. 2 Archit. of an order characterized by ornate decoration and flared capitals with rows of acanthus leaves, used esp. by the Romans. 3 archaic profligate. --n. a native of Corinth. [L Corinthius f. Gk Korinthios + -AN] Coriolis effect n. a hypothetical force used to explain rotating systems, such that the movement of air or water over the surface of the rotating earth is directed clockwise in the northern hemisphere and anticlockwise in the southern hemisphere. [G. G. Coriolis, Fr. scientist d. 1843] corium n. Anat. the dermis. [L, = skin] cork n. & v. --n. 1 the buoyant light-brown bark of the cork-oak. 2 a bottle-stopper of cork or other material. 3 a float of cork used in fishing etc. 4 Bot. a protective layer of dead cells immediately below the bark of woody plants. 5 (attrib.) made of cork. --v.tr. (often foll. by up) 1 stop or confine. 2 restrain (feelings etc.). 3 blacken with burnt cork. Ьcork-oak a S. European oak, Quercus suber. cork-tipped Brit. (of a cigarette) having a filter of corklike material. ЬЬcorklike adj. [ME f. Du. & LG kork f. Sp. alcorque cork sole, perh. f. Arab.] corkage n. a charge made by a restaurant or hotel for serving wine etc. when brought in by customers. corked adj. 1 stopped with a cork. 2 (of wine) spoilt by a decayed cork. 3 blackened with burnt cork. corker n. sl. an excellent or astonishing person or thing. corking adj. sl. strikingly large or splendid. corkscrew n. & v. --n. 1 a spirally twisted steel device for extracting corks from bottles. 2 (often attrib.) a thing with a spiral shape. --v.tr. & intr. move spirally; twist. corkwood n. 1 any shrub of the genus Duboisia, yielding a light porous wood. 2 this wood. corky adj. (corkier, corkiest) 1 corklike. 2 (of wine) corked. corm n. Bot. an underground swollen stem base of some plants, e.g. crocus. [mod.L cormus f. Gk kormos trunk with boughs lopped off] cormorant n. any diving sea bird of the family Phalacrocoracidae, esp. Phalacrocorax carbo having lustrous black plumage. [ME f. OF cormaran f. med.L corvus marinus sea-raven: for ending -ant cf. peasant, tyrant] corn(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a any cereal before or after harvesting, esp. the chief crop of a region: wheat, oats, or (in the US and Australia) maize. b a grain or seed of a cereal plant. 2 colloq. something corny or trite. --v.tr. (as corned adj.) sprinkled or preserved with salt or brine (corned beef). Ьcorn-cob the cylindrical centre of the maize ear to which rows of grains are attached. corn-cob pipe a tobacco-pipe made from a corn-cob. corn-cockle see COCKLE(2). corn dolly a symbolic or decorative figure made of plaited straw. corn exchange a place for trade in corn. corn-factor Brit. a dealer in corn. corn marigold a daisy-like yellow-flowered plant, Chrysanthemum segetum, growing amongst corn. corn on the cob maize cooked and eaten from the corn-cob. corn-salad = lamb's lettuce (see LAMB). corn-spurry see SPURRY. corn-whiskey US whisky distilled from maize. [OE f. Gmc: rel. to L granum grain] corn(2) n. a small area of horny usu. tender skin esp. on the toes, extending into subcutaneous tissue. [ME f. AF f. L cornu horn] cornbrash n. Geol. Brit. an earthy limestone layer of the Jurassic period. [CORN(1) + BRASH(2)] corncrake n. a rail, Crex crex, inhabiting grassland and nesting on the ground. cornea n. the transparent circular part of the front of the eyeball. ЬЬcorneal adj. [med.L cornea tela horny tissue, f. L corneus horny f. cornu horn] cornel n. any plant of the genus Cornus, esp. a dwarf kind, C. suecica. [ME f. L cornus] cornelian n. (also carnelian) 1 a dull red or reddish-white variety of chalcedony. 2 this colour. [ME f. OF corneline; car- after L caro carnis flesh] corneous adj. hornlike, horny. [L corneus f. cornu horn] corner n. & v. --n. 1 a place where converging sides or edges meet. 2 a projecting angle, esp. where two streets meet. 3 the internal space or recess formed by the meeting of two sides, esp. of a room. 4 a difficult position, esp. one from which there is no escape (driven into a corner). 5 a secluded or remote place. 6 a region or quarter, esp. a remote one (from the four corners of the earth). 7 the action or result of buying or controlling the whole available stock of a commodity, thereby dominating the market. 8 Boxing & Wrestling a an angle of the ring, esp. one where a contestant rests between rounds. b a contestant's supporters offering assistance at the corner between rounds. 9 Football & Hockey a free kick or hit from a corner of the pitch after the ball has been kicked over the goal-line by a defending player. 10 a triangular cut of gammon or ham. --v. 1 tr. force (a person or animal) into a difficult or inescapable position. 2 tr. a establish a corner in (a commodity). b dominate (dealers or the market) in this way. 3 intr. (esp. of or in a vehicle) go round a corner. Ьcorner shop a small local shop, esp. at a street corner. just round (or around) the corner colloq. very near, imminent. [ME f. AF ult. f. L cornu horn] cornerstone n. 1 a a stone in a projecting angle of a wall. b a foundation-stone. 2 an indispensable part or basis of something. cornerwise adv. diagonally. cornet(1) n. 1 Mus. a a brass instrument resembling a trumpet but shorter and wider. b its player. c an organ stop with the quality of a cornet. d a cornetto. 2 Brit. a conical wafer for holding ice-cream. ЬЬcornetist n. cornettist n. [ME f. OF ult. f. L cornu horn] cornet(2) n. Brit. hist. the fifth commissioned officer in a cavalry troop, who carried the colours. ЬЬcornetcy n. (pl. -ies). [earlier sense 'pennon, standard' f. F cornette dimin. of corne ult. f. L cornua horns] cornett n. Mus. = CORNETTO. [var. of CORNET(1)] cornetto n. (pl. cornetti) Mus. an old woodwind instrument like a flageolet. [It., dimin. of corno horn (as CORNET(1))] cornfield n. a field in which corn is being grown. cornflake n. 1 (in pl.) a breakfast cereal of toasted flakes made from maize flour. 2 a flake of this cereal. cornflour n. 1 a fine-ground maize flour. Also called CORNSTARCH. 2 a flour of rice or other grain. cornflower n. any plant of the genus Centaurea growing among corn, esp. C. cyanus, with deep-blue flowers. cornice n. 1 Archit. a an ornamental moulding round the wall of a room just below the ceiling. b a horizontal moulded projection crowning a building or structure, esp. the uppermost member of the entablature of an order, surmounting the frieze. 2 Mountaineering an overhanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a precipice. ЬЬcorniced adj. [F corniche etc. f. It. cornice, perh. f. L cornix -icis crow] corniche n. (in full corniche road) 1 a road cut into the edge of a cliff etc. 2 a coastal road with wide views. [F: see CORNICE] Cornish adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Cornwall in SW England. --n. the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall. ЬCornish cream clotted cream. Cornish pasty seasoned meat and vegetables baked in a pastry envelope. cornstarch n. = CORNFLOUR. cornstone n. Brit. Geol. a mottled red and green limestone usu. formed under arid conditions, esp. in the Devonian period. cornucopia n. 1 a a symbol of plenty consisting of a goat's horn overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn. b an ornamental vessel shaped like this. 2 an abundant supply. ЬЬcornucopian adj. [LL f. L cornu copiae horn of plenty] corny adj. (cornier, corniest) 1 colloq. a trite. b feebly humorous. c sentimental. d old-fashioned; out of date. 2 of or abounding in corn. ЬЬcornily adv. corniness n. [CORN(1) + -Y(1): sense 1 f. sense 'rustic'] corolla n. Bot. a whorl or whorls of petals forming the inner envelope of a flower. [L, dimin. of corona crown] corollary n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a proposition that follows from (and is often appended to) one already proved. b an immediate deduction. 2 (often foll. by of) a natural consequence or result. --adj. 1 supplementary, associated. 2 (often foll. by to) forming a corollary. [ME f. L corollarium money paid for a garland, gratuity: neut. adj. f. COROLLA] corona(1) n. (pl. coronae) 1 a a small circle of light round the sun or moon. b the rarefied gaseous envelope of the sun, seen as an irregularly shaped area of light around the moon's disc during a total solar eclipse. 2 a circular chandelier hung from a roof. 3 Anat. a crown or crownlike structure. 4 Bot. a crownlike outgrowth from the inner side of a corolla. 5 Archit. a broad vertical face of a cornice, usu. of considerable projection. 6 Electr. the glow around a conductor at high potential. [L, = crown] corona(2) n. a long cigar with straight sides. [Sp. La Corona the crown] coronach n. Sc. & Ir. a funeral-song or dirge. [Ir. coranach, Gael. corranach f. comh- together + r…nach outcry] coronagraph n. an instrument for observing the sun's corona, esp. other than during a solar eclipse. coronal(1) adj. 1 Astron. & Bot. of a corona. 2 Anat. of the crown of the head. Ьcoronal bone the frontal bone of the skull. coronal plane an imaginary plane dividing the body into dorsal and ventral parts. coronal suture a transverse suture of the skull separating the frontal bone from the parietal bones. [F coronal or L coronalis (as CORONA(1))] coronal(2) n. 1 a circlet (esp. of gold or gems) for the head. 2 a wreath or garland. [ME, app. f. AF f. corone CROWN] coronary adj. & n. --adj. Anat. resembling or encircling like a crown. --n. (pl. -ies) = coronary thrombosis. Ьcoronary artery an artery supplying blood to the heart. coronary thrombosis Med. a blockage of the blood flow caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery. [L coronarius f. corona crown] coronation n. the ceremony of crowning a sovereign or a sovereign's consort. [ME f. OF f. med.L coronatio -onis f. coronare to crown f. CORONA(1)] coroner n. 1 an officer of a county, district, or municipality, holding inquests on deaths thought to be violent or accidental, and inquiries in cases of treasure trove. 2 hist. an officer charged with maintaining the rights of the private property of the Crown. ЬЬcoronership n. [ME f. AF cor(o)uner f. coro(u)ne CROWN] coronet n. 1 a small crown (esp. as worn, or used as a heraldic device, by a peer or peeress). 2 a circlet of precious materials, esp. as a woman's head-dress or part of one. 3 a garland for the head. 4 the lowest part of a horse's pastern. 5 a ring of bone at the base of a deer's antler. ЬЬcoroneted adj. [OF coronet(t)e dimin. of corone CROWN] corozo n. (pl. -os) Bot. any of various palm-trees native to S. America. Ьcorozo-nut a seed of one species of palm, Phytelephas macrocarpa, which when hardened forms vegetable ivory: also called ivory-nut. [Sp.] Corp. abbr. 1 Corporal. 2 US Corporation. corpora pl. of CORPUS. corporal(1) n. 1 a non-commissioned army or air-force officer ranking next below sergeant. 2 (in full ship's corporal) Brit. an officer under the master-at-arms, attending to police matters. 3 US a freshwater fallfish, Semotilis corporalis. [obs. F, var. of caporal f. It. caporale prob. f. L corporalis (as CORPORAL(2)), confused with It. capo head] corporal(2) adj. of or relating to the human body (cf. CORPOREAL). Ьcorporal punishment punishment inflicted on the body, esp. by beating. ЬЬcorporally adv. [ME f. OF f. L corporalis f. corpus -oris body] corporal(3) n. a cloth on which the vessels containing the consecrated elements are placed during the celebration of the Eucharist. [OE f. OF corporal or med.L corporale pallium body cloth (as CORPORAL(2))] corporality n. (pl. -ies) 1 material existence. 2 a body. [ME f. LL corporalitas (as CORPORAL(2))] corporate adj. 1 forming a corporation (corporate body; body corporate). 2 forming one body of many individuals. 3 of or belonging to a corporation or group (corporate responsibility). 4 corporative. ЬЬcorporately adv. corporatism n. [L corporare corporat- form into a body (corpus -oris)] corporation n. 1 a group of people authorized to act as an individual and recognized in law as a single entity, esp. in business. 2 the municipal authorities of a borough, town, or city. 3 joc. a protruding stomach. [LL corporatio (as CORPORATE)] corporative adj. 1 of a corporation. 2 governed by or organized in corporations, esp. of employers and employed. ЬЬcorporativism n. corporeal adj. 1 bodily, physical, material, esp. as distinct from spiritual (cf. CORPORAL(2)). 2 Law consisting of material objects. ЬЬcorporeality n. corporeally adv. [LL corporealis f. L corporeus f. corpus -oris body] corporeity n. 1 the quality of being or having a material body. 2 bodily substance. [F corpor‚it‚ or med.L corporeitas f. L corporeus (as CORPOREAL)] corposant n. a luminous electrical discharge sometimes seen on a ship or aircraft during a storm. [OSp., Port., It. corpo santo holy body] corps n. (pl. corps) 1 Mil. a a body of troops with special duties (intelligence corps; Royal Army Medical Corps). b a main subdivision of an army in the field, consisting of two or more divisions. 2 a body of people engaged in a special activity (diplomatic corps; press corps). [F (as CORPSE)] corps de ballet n. the company of ensemble dancers in a ballet. [F] corps d'‚lite n. a select group. [F] corps diplomatique n. a diplomatic corps. [F] corpse n. a dead (usu. human) body. Ьcorpse-candle 1 a lambent flame seen in a churchyard or over a grave, regarded as an omen of death. 2 a lighted candle placed beside a corpse before burial. [ME corps, var. spelling of cors (CORSE), f. OF cors f. L corpus body] corpulent adj. bulky in body, fat. ЬЬcorpulence n. corpulency n. [ME f. L corpulentus f. corpus body] corpus n. (pl. corpora or corpuses) 1 a body or collection of writings, texts, spoken material, etc. 2 Anat. a structure of a special character in the animal body. [ME f. L, = body] Corpus Christi n. a feast commemorating the Eucharist, observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. [ME f. L, = Body of Christ] corpuscle n. a minute body or cell in an organism, esp. (in pl.) the red or white cells in the blood of vertebrates. ЬЬcorpuscular adj. [L corpusculum (as CORPUS)] corpus delicti n. Law the facts and circumstances constituting a breach of a law. [L, = body of offence] corpus luteum n. Anat. a body developed in the ovary after discharge of the ovum, remaining in existence only if pregnancy has begun. [mod.L f. CORPUS + luteus, -um yellow] corral n. & v. --n. 1 US a pen for cattle, horses, etc. 2 an enclosure for capturing wild animals. 3 esp. US hist. a defensive enclosure of wagons in an encampment. --v.tr. (corralled, corralling) 1 put or keep in a corral. 2 form (wagons) into a corral. 3 US colloq. acquire. [Sp. & OPort. (as KRAAL)] corrasion n. Geol. erosion of the earth's surface by rock material being carried over it by water, ice, etc. [L corradere corras- scrape together (as COM-, radere scrape)] correct adj. & v. --adj. 1 true, right, accurate. 2 (of conduct, manners, etc.) proper, right. 3 in accordance with good standards of taste etc. --v.tr. 1 set right; amend (an error, omission, etc., or the person responsible for it). 2 mark the errors in (written or printed work etc.). 3 substitute the right thing for (the wrong one). 4 a admonish or rebuke (a person). b punish (a person or fault). 5 counteract (a harmful quality). 6 adjust (an instrument etc.) to function accurately or accord with a standard. ЬЬcorrectly adv. correctness n. [ME (adj. through F) f. L corrigere correct- (as COM-, regere guide)] correction n. 1 a the act or process of correcting. b an instance of this. 2 a thing substituted for what is wrong. 3 archaic punishment (house of correction). ЬЬcorrectional adj. [ME f. OF f. L correctio -onis (as CORRECT)] correctitude n. correctness, esp. conscious correctness of conduct. [19th c., f. CORRECT + RECTITUDE] corrective adj. & n. --adj. serving or tending to correct or counteract something undesired or harmful. --n. a corrective measure or thing. ЬЬcorrectively adv. [F correctif -ive or LL correctivus (as CORRECT)] corrector n. a person who corrects or points out faults. [ME f. AF correctour f. L corrector (as CORRECT)] correlate v. & n. --v. 1 intr. (foll. by with, to) have a mutual relation. 2 tr. (usu. foll. by with) bring into a mutual relation. --n. each of two related or complementary things (esp. so related that one implies the other). [back-form. f. CORRELATION, CORRELATIVE] correlation n. (also corelation) 1 a mutual relation between two or more things. 2 a interdependence of variable quantities. b a quantity measuring the extent of this. 3 the act of correlating. ЬЬcorrelational adj. [med.L correlatio (as CORRELATIVE)] correlative adj. & n. --adj. 1 (often foll. by with, to) having a mutual relation. 2 Gram. (of words) corresponding to each other and regularly used together (as neither and nor). --n. a correlative word or thing. ЬЬcorrelatively adv. correlativity n. [med.L correlativus (as COM-, RELATIVE)] correspond v.intr. 1 a (usu. foll. by to) be analogous or similar. b (usu. foll. by to) agree in amount, position, etc. c (usu. foll. by with, to) be in harmony or agreement. 2 (usu. foll. by with) communicate by interchange of letters. Ьcorresponding member an honorary member of a learned society etc. with no voice in the society's affairs. ЬЬcorrespondingly adv. [F correspondre f. med.L correspondere (as COM-, RESPOND)] correspondence n. 1 (usu. foll. by with, to, between) agreement, similarity, or harmony. 2 a communication by letters. b letters sent or received. Ьcorrespondence college (or school) a college conducting correspondence courses. correspondence column the part of a newspaper etc. that contains letters from readers. correspondence course a course of study conducted by post. [ME f. OF f. med.L correspondentia (as CORRESPOND)] correspondent n. & adj. --n. 1 a person who writes letters to a person or a newspaper, esp. regularly. 2 a person employed to contribute material for publication in a periodical or for broadcasting (our chess correspondent; the BBC's Moscow correspondent). 3 a person or firm having regular business relations with another, esp. in another country. --adj. (often foll. by to, with) archaic corresponding. ЬЬcorrespondently adv. [ME f. OF correspondant or med.L (as CORRESPOND)] corrida n. 1 a bullfight. 2 bullfighting. [Sp. corrida de toros running of bulls] corridor n. 1 a passage from which doors lead into rooms (orig. an outside passage connecting parts of a building, now usu. a main passage in a large building). 2 a passage in a railway carriage from which doors lead into compartments. 3 a strip of the territory of one State passing through that of another, esp. securing access to the sea. 4 a route to which aircraft are restricted, esp. over a foreign country. Ьcorridors of power places where covert influence is said to be exerted in government. [F f. It. corridore corridor for corridojo running-place f. correre run, by confusion with corridore runner] corrie n. Sc. a circular hollow on a mountainside; a cirque. [Gael. coire cauldron] corrigendum n. (pl. corrigenda) a thing to be corrected, esp. an error in a printed book. [L, neut. gerundive of corrigere: see CORRECT] corrigible adj. 1 capable of being corrected. 2 (of a person) submissive; open to correction. ЬЬcorrigibly adv. [ME f. F f. med.L corrigibilis (as CORRECT)] corroborate v.tr. confirm or give support to (a statement or belief, or the person holding it), esp. in relation to witnesses in a law court. ЬЬcorroboration n. corroborative adj. corroborator n. corroboratory adj. [L corroborare strengthen (as COM-, roborare f. robur -oris strength)] corroboree n. 1 a festive or warlike dance-drama with song of Australian Aboriginals. 2 a noisy party. [Aboriginal dial.] corrode v. 1 a tr. wear away, esp. by chemical action. b intr. be worn away; decay. 2 tr. destroy gradually (optimism corroded by recent misfortunes). ЬЬcorrodible adj. [ME f. L corrodere corros- (as COM-, rodere gnaw)] corrosion n. 1 the process of corroding, esp. of a rusting metal. 2 a damage caused by corroding. b a corroded area. corrosive adj. & n. --adj. tending to corrode or consume. --n. a corrosive substance. Ьcorrosive sublimate mercuric chloride, a strong acid poison, used as a fungicide, antiseptic, etc. ЬЬcorrosively adv. corrosiveness n. [ME f. OF corosif -ive (as CORRODE)] corrugate v. 1 tr. (esp. as corrugated adj.) form into alternate ridges and grooves, esp. to strengthen (corrugated iron; corrugated paper). 2 tr. & intr. contract into wrinkles or folds. ЬЬcorrugation n. [L corrugare (as COM-, rugare f. ruga wrinkle)] corrugator n. Anat. either of two muscles that contract the brow in frowning. [mod.L (as CORRUGATE)] corrupt adj. & v. --adj. 1 morally depraved; wicked. 2 influenced by or using bribery or fraudulent activity. 3 (of a text, language, etc.) harmed (esp. made suspect or unreliable) by errors or alterations. 4 rotten. --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become corrupt or depraved. 2 tr. affect or harm by errors or alterations. 3 tr. infect, taint. Ьcorrupt practices fraudulent activity, esp. at elections. ЬЬcorrupter n. corruptible adj. corruptibility n. corruptive adj. corruptly adv. corruptness n. [ME f. OF corrupt or L corruptus past part. of corrumpere corrupt- (as COM-, rumpere break)] corruption n. 1 moral deterioration, esp. widespread. 2 use of corrupt practices, esp. bribery or fraud. 3 a irregular alteration (of a text, language, etc.) from its original state. b an irregularly altered form of a word. 4 decomposition, esp. of a corpse or other organic matter. [ME f. OF corruption or L corruptio (as CORRUPT)] corsac n. (also corsak) a fox, Vulpes corsac, of Central Asia. [Turki] corsage n. 1 a small bouquet worn by a woman. 2 the bodice of a woman's dress. [ME f. OF f. cors body: see CORPSE] corsair n. 1 a pirate ship. 2 a pirate. 3 hist. a privateer, esp. of the Barbary Coast. [F corsaire f. med.L cursarius f. cursus inroad f. currere run] corsak var. of CORSAC. corse n. archaic a corpse. [var. of CORPSE] corselet var. of CORSLET, CORSELETTE. corselette n. (also corselet) a woman's foundation garment combining corset and brassiЉre. corset n. & v. --n. 1 a closely-fitting undergarment worn by women to support the abdomen. 2 a similar garment worn by men and women because of injury, weakness, or deformity. --v.tr. (corseted, corseting) 1 provide with a corset. 2 control closely. ЬЬcorseted adj. corsetry n. [ME f. OF, dimin. of cors body: see CORPSE] corsetiЉre n. a woman who makes or fits corsets. [F, fem. of corsetier (as CORSET, -IER)] Corsican adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean under French rule. --n. 1 a native of Corsica. 2 the Italian dialect of Corsica. corslet n. (also corselet) 1 a garment (usu. tight-fitting) covering the trunk but not the limbs. 2 hist. a piece of armour covering the trunk. [OF corselet, dimin. formed as CORSET] cortЉge n. 1 a procession, esp. for a funeral. 2 a train of attendants. [F] Cortes n. the legislative assembly of Spain and formerly of Portugal. [Sp. & Port., pl. of corte COURT] cortex n. (pl. cortices) 1 Anat. the outer part of an organ, esp. of the brain (cerebral cortex) or kidneys (renal cortex). 2 Bot. a an outer layer of tissue immediately below the epidermis. b bark. ЬЬcortical adj. [L cortex, -icis bark] Corti n. Ьorgan of Corti Anat. a structure in the inner ear of mammals, responsible for converting sound signals into nerve impulses. [A. Corti, It. anatomist d. 1876] corticate adj. (also corticated) 1 having bark or rind. 2 barklike. [L corticatus (as CORTEX)] corticotrophic hormone adj. (also corticotropic) = ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE. corticotrophin n. (also corticotropin) = ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN. cortisone n. Biochem. a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthetically, used medicinally esp. against inflammation and allergy. [Chem. name 17-hydroxy-11-dehydro cortico ster one] corundum n. Mineral. extremely hard crystallized alumina, used esp. as an abrasive, and varieties of which, e.g. ruby and sapphire, are used for gemstones. [Tamil kurundam f. Skr. kuruvinda ruby] coruscate v.intr. 1 give off flashing light; sparkle. 2 be showy or brilliant. ЬЬcoruscation n. [L coruscare glitter] corv‚e n. 1 hist. a day's work of unpaid labour due to a lord from a vassal. 2 labour exacted in lieu of paying taxes. 3 an onerous task. [ME f. OF ult. f. L corrogare ask for, collect (as COM-, rogare ask)] corves pl. of CORF. corvette n. Naut. 1 a small naval escort-vessel. 2 hist. a flush-decked warship with one tier of guns. [F f. MDu. korf kind of ship + dimin. -ETTE] corvine adj. of or akin to the raven or crow. [L corvinus f. corvus raven] corybantic adj. wild, frenzied. [Corybantes priests of Cybele performing wild dances (L f. Gk Korubantes)] corymb n. Bot. a flat-topped cluster of flowers with the flower-stalks proportionally longer lower down the stem. ЬЬcorymbose adj. [F corymbe or L corymbus f. Gk korumbos cluster] coryph‚e n. a leading dancer in a corps de ballet. [F f. Gk koruphaios leader of a chorus f. koruphe head] coryza n. 1 a catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose; a cold in the head. 2 any disease with this as a symptom. [L f. Gk koruza running at the nose] cos(1) n. a variety of lettuce with crisp narrow leaves forming a long upright head. [L f. Gk Kos, island in the Aegean, where it originated] cos(2) abbr. cosine. cos(3) conj. & adv. (also 'cos) colloq. because. [abbr.] Cosa Nostra n. a US criminal organization resembling and related to the Mafia. [It., = our affair] cosec abbr. cosecant. cosecant n. Math. the ratio of the hypotenuse (in a right-angled triangle) to the side opposite an acute angle; the reciprocal of sine. [mod.L cosecans and F cos‚cant (as CO-, SECANT)] coseismal adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to points of simultaneous arrival of an earthquake wave. --n. a straight line or a curve connecting these points. [CO- + SEISMAL (see SEISMIC)] coset n. Math. a set composed of all the products obtained by multiplying on the right or on the left each element of a subgroup in turn by one particular element of the group containing the subgroup. [CO- + SET(2)] cosh(1) n. & v. Brit. colloq. --n. a heavy blunt weapon. --v.tr. hit with a cosh. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] cosh(2) abbr. Math. hyperbolic cosine. co-signatory n. & adj. (US cosignatory) --n. (pl. -ies) a person or State signing (a treaty etc.) jointly with others. --adj. signing jointly. cosine n. Math. the ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a right-angled triangle) to the hypotenuse. [mod.L cosinus (as CO-, SINE)] cosmea n. = COSMOS(2). [mod.L, formed as COSMOS(2)] cosmetic adj. & n. --adj. 1 intended to adorn or beautify the body, esp. the face. 2 intended to improve only appearances; superficially improving or beneficial (a cosmetic change). 3 (of surgery or a prosthetic device) imitating, restoring, or enhancing the normal appearance. --n. a cosmetic preparation, esp. for the face. ЬЬcosmetically adv. [F cosm‚tique f. Gk kosmetikos f. kosmeo adorn f. kosmos order, adornment] cosmic adj. 1 of the universe or cosmos, esp. as distinct from the earth. 2 of or for space travel. Ьcosmic dust small particles of matter distributed throughout space. cosmic rays (or radiation) radiations from space etc. that reach the earth from all directions, usu. with high energy and penetrative power. ЬЬcosmical adj. cosmically adv. cosmogony n. (pl. -ies) 1 the origin of the universe. 2 a theory about this. ЬЬcosmogonic adj. cosmogonical adj. cosmogonist n. [Gk kosmogonia f. kosmos world + -gonia -begetting] cosmography n. (pl. -ies) a description or mapping of general features of the universe. ЬЬcosmographer n. cosmographic adj. cosmographical adj. [ME f. F cosmographie or f. LL f. Gk kosmographia (as COSMOS(1), -GRAPHY)] cosmology n. the science or theory of the universe. ЬЬcosmological adj. cosmologist n. [F cosmologie or mod.L cosmologia (as COSMOS(1), -LOGY)] cosmonaut n. a Soviet astronaut. [Russ. kosmonavt, as COSMOS(1), after astronaut] cosmopolis n. a cosmopolitan city. [Gk kosmos world + polis city] cosmopolitan adj. & n. --adj. 1 a of or from or knowing many parts of the world. b consisting of people from many or all parts. 2 free from national limitations or prejudices. 3 Ecol. (of a plant, animal, etc.) widely distributed. --n. 1 a cosmopolitan person. 2 Ecol. a widely distributed animal or plant. ЬЬcosmopolitanism n. cosmopolitanize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). [COSMOPOLITE + -AN] cosmopolite n. & adj. --n. 1 a cosmopolitan person. 2 Ecol. = COSMOPOLITAN n. 2. --adj. free from national attachments or prejudices. [F f. Gk kosmopolites f. kosmos world + polites citizen] cosmos(1) n. 1 the universe, esp. as a well-ordered whole. 2 a an ordered system of ideas etc. b a sum total of experience. [Gk kosmos] cosmos(2) n. any composite plant of the genus Cosmos, bearing single dahlia-like blossoms of various colours. [mod.L f. Gk kosmos in sense 'ornament'] COSPAR abbr. Committee on Space Research. Cossack n. & adj. --n. 1 a member of a people of southern Imperial Russia, orig. famous for their military skill. 2 a member of a Cossack military unit. --adj. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cossacks. [F cosaque f. Russ. kazak f. Turki quzzaq nomad, adventurer] cosset v.tr. (cosseted, cosseting) pamper. [dial. cosset = pet lamb, prob. f. AF coscet, cozet f. OE cots‘ta cottager (as COT(2), SIT)] cost v. & n. --v. (past and past part. cost) 1 tr. be obtainable for (a sum of money); have as a price (what does it cost?; it cost me њ50). 2 tr. involve as a loss or sacrifice (it cost them much effort; it cost him his life). 3 tr. (past and past part. costed) fix or estimate the cost or price of. 4 colloq. a tr. be costly to (it'll cost you). b intr. be costly. --n. 1 what a thing costs; the price paid or to be paid. 2 a loss or sacrifice; an expenditure of time, effort, etc. 3 (in pl.) legal expenses, esp. those allowed in favour of the winning party or against the losing party in a suit. Ьat all costs (or at any cost) no matter what the cost or risk may be. at cost at the initial cost; at cost price. at the cost of at the expense of losing or sacrificing. cost accountant an accountant who records costs and (esp. overhead) expenses in a business concern. cost-benefit assessing the relation between the cost of an operation and the value of the resulting benefits (cost-benefit analysis). cost (or costing) clerk a clerk who records costs and expenses in a business concern. cost a person dear (or dearly) involve a person in a high cost or a heavy penalty. cost-effective effective or productive in relation to its cost. cost of living the level of prices esp. of the basic necessities of life. cost-plus calculated as the basic cost plus a profit factor. cost price the price paid for a thing by one who later sells it. cost push Econ. factors other than demand that cause inflation. to a person's cost at a person's expense; with loss or disadvantage to a person. [ME f. OF coster, couster, coust ult. f. L constare stand firm, stand at a price (as COM-, stare stand)] costal adj. of the ribs. [F f. mod.L costalis f. L costa rib] co-star n. & v. --n. a cinema or stage star appearing with another or others of equal importance. --v. (-starred, -starring) 1 intr. take part as a co-star. 2 tr. (of a production) include as a co-star. costard n. Brit. 1 a large ribbed variety of apple. 2 archaic joc. the head. [ME f. AF f. coste rib f. L costa] costate adj. ribbed; having ribs or ridges. [L costatus f. costa rib] coster n. Brit. = COSTERMONGER. [abbr.] costermonger n. Brit. a person who sells fruit, vegetables, etc., in the street from a barrow. [COSTARD + MONGER] costive adj. 1 constipated. 2 niggardly. ЬЬcostively adv. costiveness n. [ME f. OF costiv‚ f. L constipatus: see CONSTIPATE] costly adj. (costlier, costliest) 1 costing much; expensive. 2 of great value. ЬЬcostliness n. costmary n. (pl. -ies) an aromatic composite plant, Balsamita major, formerly used in medicine and for flavouring ale. [OE cost f. L costum f. Gk kostos f. Arab. kust an aromatic plant + (St) Mary (with whom it was associated in medieval times)] costume n. & v. --n. 1 a style or fashion of dress, esp. that of a particular place, time, or class. 2 a set of clothes. 3 clothing for a particular activity (swimming-costume). 4 an actor's clothes for a part. 5 a woman's matching jacket and skirt. --v.tr. provide with a costume. Ьcostume jewellery artificial jewellery worn to adorn clothes. costume play (or piece) a play in which the actors wear historical costume. [F f. It. f. L consuetudo CUSTOM] costumier n. (also costumer) a person who makes or deals in costumes, esp. for theatrical use. [F costumier (as COSTUME)] cosy adj., n., & v. (US cozy) --adj. (cosier, cosiest) 1 comfortable and warm; snug. 2 derog. complacent. 3 warm and friendly. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a cover to keep something hot, esp. a teapot or a boiled egg. 2 a canopied corner seat for two. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. by along) colloq. reassure, esp. deceptively. Ьcosy up to US colloq. 1 ingratiate oneself with. 2 snuggle up to. ЬЬcosily adv. cosiness n. [18th c. f. Sc., of unkn. orig.] cot(1) n. 1 Brit. a small bed with high sides, esp. for a baby or very young child. 2 a hospital bed. 3 US a small folding bed. 4 Ind. a light bedstead. 5 Naut. a kind of swinging bed hung from deck beams, formerly used by officers. Ьcot-case a person too ill to leave his or her bed. cot-death the unexplained death of a baby while sleeping. [Anglo-Ind., f. Hindi khat bedstead, hammock] cot(2) n. & v. --n. 1 a small shelter; a cote (bell-cot; sheep-cot). 2 poet. a cottage. --v.tr. (cotted, cotting) put (sheep) in a cot. [OE f. Gmc, rel. to COTE] cot(3) abbr. Math. cotangent. cotangent n. Math. the ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a right-angled triangle) to the opposite side. cote n. a shelter, esp. for animals or birds; a shed or stall (sheep-cote). [OE f. Gmc, rel. to COT(2)] coterie n. 1 an exclusive group of people sharing interests. 2 a select circle in society. [F, orig. = association of tenants, ult. f. MLG kote COTE] coterminous adj. (often foll. by with) having the same boundaries or extent (in space, time, or meaning). [CO- + TERMINUS + -OUS] coth abbr. Math. hyperbolic cotangent. co-tidal line n. a line on a map connecting points at which tidal levels (as high tide or low tide) occur simultaneously. cotillion n. 1 any of various French dances with elaborate steps, figures, and ceremonial. 2 US a a ballroom dance resembling a quadrille. b a formal ball. [F cotillon petticoat, dimin. of cotte f. OF cote COAT] cotoneaster n. any rosaceous shrub of the genus Cotoneaster, bearing usu. bright red berries. [mod.L f. L cotoneum QUINCE + -ASTER] cotta n. Eccl. a short surplice. [It., formed as COAT] cottage n. 1 a small simple house, esp. in the country. 2 a dwelling forming part of a farm establishment, used by a worker. Ьcottage cheese soft white cheese made from curds of skimmed milk without pressing. cottage hospital Brit. a small hospital not having resident medical staff. cottage industry a business activity partly or wholly carried on at home. cottage loaf a loaf formed of two round masses, the smaller on top of the larger. cottage pie Brit. a dish of minced meat topped with browned mashed potato. ЬЬcottagey adj. [ME f. AF, formed as COT(2), COTE] cottager n. a person who lives in a cottage. cottar n. (also cotter) 1 Sc. & hist. a farm-labourer or tenant occupying a cottage in return for labour as required. 2 Ir. hist. = COTTIER. [COT(2) + -ER(1) (Sc. -ar)] cotter n. 1 a bolt or wedge for securing parts of machinery etc. 2 (in full cotter pin) a split pin that opens after passing through a hole. [17th c. (rel. to earlier cotterel): orig. unkn.] cottier n. Brit. 1 a cottager. 2 hist. an Irish peasant under cottier tenure. Ьcottier tenure hist. the letting of land in small portions at a rent fixed by competition. [ME f. OF cotier f. med.L cotarius: see COTERIE] cotton n. & v. --n. 1 a soft white fibrous substance covering the seeds of certain plants. 2 a (in full cotton plant) such a plant, esp. any of the genus Gossypium. b cotton-plants cultivated as a crop for the fibre or the seeds. 3 thread or cloth made from the fibre. 4 (attrib.) made of cotton. --v.intr. (foll. by to) be attracted by (a person). Ьcotton-cake compressed cotton seed used as food for cattle. cotton candy US candyfloss. cotton-gin a machine for separating cotton from its seeds. cotton-grass any grasslike plant of the genus Eriophorum, with long white silky hairs. cotton on (often foll. by to) colloq. begin to understand. cotton-picking US sl. unpleasant, wretched. cotton waste refuse yarn used to clean machinery etc. cotton wool 1 esp. Brit. fluffy wadding of a kind orig. made from raw cotton. 2 US raw cotton. ЬЬcottony adj. [ME f. OF coton f. Arab. kutn] cottontail n. any rabbit of the genus Sylvilagus, native to America, having a mainly white fluffy tail. cottonwood n. 1 any of several poplars, native to N. America, having seeds covered in white cottony hairs. 2 any of several trees native to Australia, esp. a downy-leaved tree, Bedfordia arborescens. cotyledon n. 1 an embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants. 2 any succulent plant of the genus Umbilicus, e.g. pennywort. ЬЬcotyledonary adj. cotyledonous adj. [L, = pennywort, f. Gk kotuledon cup-shaped cavity f. kotule cup] coucal n. any ground-nesting bird of the genus Centropus, related to the cuckoos. [F, perh. f. coucou cuckoo + alouette lark] couch(1) n. & v. --n. 1 an upholstered piece of furniture for several people; a sofa. 2 a long padded seat with a headrest at one end, esp. one on which a psychiatrist's or doctor's patient reclines during examination. --v. 1 tr. (foll. by in) express in words of a specified kind (couched in simple language). 2 tr. lay on or as on a couch. 3 intr. a (of an animal) lie, esp. in its lair. b lie in ambush. 4 tr. lower (a spear etc.) to the position for attack. 5 tr. Med. treat (a cataract) by displacing the lens of the eye. Ьcouch potato US sl. a young person who likes lazing at home. [ME f. OF couche, coucher f. L collocare (as COM-, locare place)] couch(2) n. (in full couch grass) any of several grasses of the genus Agropyron, esp. A. repens, having long creeping roots. [var. of QUITCH] couchant adj. (placed after noun) Heraldry (of an animal) lying with the body resting on the legs and the head raised. [F, pres. part. of coucher: see COUCH(1)] couchette n. 1 a railway carriage with seats convertible into sleeping-berths. 2 a berth in this. [F, = little bed, dimin. of couche COUCH(1)] coud‚ adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to a telescope in which rays are bent to a focus off the axis. --n. such a telescope. [F, past part. of couder bend at right angles f. coude elbow formed as CUBIT] Cou‚ism n. a system of usu. optimistic auto-suggestion as psychotherapy. [E. Cou‚, Fr. psychologist d. 1926] cougar n. US a puma. [F, repr. Guarani gua‡u ara] cough v. & n. --v.intr. 1 expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound produced by abrupt opening of the glottis, to remove an obstruction or congestion. 2 (of an engine, gun, etc.) make a similar sound. 3 sl. confess. --n. 1 an act of coughing. 2 a condition of the respiratory organs causing coughing. 3 a tendency to cough. Ьcough drop (or sweet) a medicated lozenge to relieve a cough. cough mixture a liquid medicine to relieve a cough. cough out 1 eject by coughing. 2 say with a cough. cough up 1 = cough out. 2 sl. bring out or give (money or information) reluctantly. ЬЬcougher n. [ME coghe, cowhe, rel. to MDu. kuchen, MHG kuchen, of imit. orig.] could past of CAN(1). couldn't contr. could not. coul‚e n. Geol. 1 a solidified lava-flow. 2 US a deep ravine. [F, fem. past part. of couler flow, f. L colare strain, filter] coulisse n. 1 (usu. in pl.) Theatr. a piece of side scenery or a space between two of these; the wings. 2 a place of informal discussion or negotiation. [F f. coulis sliding: see PORTCULLIS] couloir n. a steep narrow gully on a mountainside. [F f. couler glide: see COULђE] coulomb n. Electr. the SI unit of electric charge, equal to the quantity of electricity conveyed in one second by a current of one ampere. °Symb.: C. [C. A. de Coulomb, Fr. physicist d. 1806] coulometry n. Chem. a method of chemical analysis by measurement of the number of coulombs used in electrolysis. ЬЬcoulometric adj. coulter n. (US colter) a vertical cutting blade fixed in front of a ploughshare. [OE f. L culter] coumarin n. an aromatic substance found in many plants and formerly used for flavouring food. [F coumarine f. Tupi cumarЈ tonka bean] coumarone n. an organic liquid obtained from coal tar by synthesis and used in paints and varnishes. Ьcoumarone resin a thermoplastic resin formed by polymerization of coumarone. [COUMARIN + -ONE] council n. 1 a an advisory, deliberative, or administrative body of people formally constituted and meeting regularly. b a meeting of such a body. 2 a the elected local administrative body of a parish, district, town, city, or administrative county and its paid officers and workforce. b (attrib.) (esp. of housing) provided by a local council (council flat; council estate). 3 a body of persons chosen as advisers (Privy Council). 4 an ecclesiastical assembly (ecumenical council). Ьcouncil-chamber a room in which a council meets. council-house a building in which a council meets. council of war 1 an assembly of officers called in a special emergency. 2 any meeting held to plan a response to an emergency. the Queen (or King) in Council the Privy Council as issuing Orders in Council or receiving petitions etc. [ME f. AF cuncile f. L concilium convocation, assembly f. calare summon: cf. COUNSEL] councillor n. an elected member of a council, esp. a local one. ЬЬcouncillorship n. [ME, alt. of COUNSELLOR: assim. to COUNCIL] councilman n. (pl. -men; fem. councilwoman, pl. -women) esp. US a member of a council; a councillor. counsel n. & v. --n. 1 advice, esp. formally given. 2 consultation, esp. to seek or give advice. 3 (pl. same) a barrister or other legal adviser; a body of these advising in a case. 4 a plan of action. --v.tr. (counselled, counselling; US counseled, counseling) 1 (often foll. by to + infin.) advise (a person). 2 a give advice to (a person) on social or personal problems, esp. professionally. b assist or guide (a person) in resolving personal difficulties. 3 (often foll. by that) recommend (a course of action). Ьcounsel of despair action to be taken when all else fails. counsel of perfection 1 advice that is ideal but not feasible. 2 advice guiding towards moral perfection. keep one's own counsel not confide in others. Queen's (or King's) Counsel Brit. a counsel to the Crown, taking precedence over other barristers. take counsel (usu. foll. by with) consult. [ME f. OF c(o)unseil, conseiller f. L consilium consultation, advice] counselling n. (US counseling) 1 the act or process of giving counsel. 2 the process of assisting and guiding clients, esp. by a trained person on a professional basis, to resolve esp. personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties (cf. COUNSEL v. 2b). counsellor n. (US counselor) 1 a person who gives counsel; an adviser. 2 a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems (marriage guidance counsellor). 3 a senior officer in the diplomatic service. 4 a (also counselor-at-law) US a barrister. b (also counsellor-at-law) Ir. an advising barrister. ЬCounsellor of State Brit. a temporary regent during a sovereign's absence. [ME f. OF conseiller (f. L consiliarius), conseillour, -eur (f. L consiliator): see COUNSEL] count(1) v. & n. --v. 1 tr. determine the total number or amount of, esp. by assigning successive numbers (count the stations). 2 intr. repeat numbers in ascending order; conduct a reckoning. 3 a tr. (often foll. by in) include in one's reckoning or plan (you can count me in; fifteen people, counting the guide). b intr. be included in a reckoning or plan. 4 tr. consider (a thing or a person) to be (lucky etc.) (count no man happy until he is dead). 5 intr. (often foll. by for) have value; matter (his opinion counts for a great deal). --n. 1 a the act of counting; a reckoning (after a count of fifty). b the sum total of a reckoning (blood count; pollen count). 2 Law each charge in an indictment (guilty on ten counts). 3 a count of up to ten seconds by a referee when a boxer is knocked down. 4 Polit. the act of counting the votes after a general or local election. 5 one of several points under discussion. 6 the measure of the fineness of a yarn expressed as the weight of a given length or the length of a given weight. 7 Physics the number of ionizing particles detected by a counter. Ьcount against be reckoned to the disadvantage of. count one's blessings be grateful for what one has. count one's chickens be over-optimistic or hasty in anticipating good fortune. count the cost consider the risks before taking action. count the days (or hours etc.) be impatient. count down recite numbers backwards to zero, esp. as part of a rocket-launching procedure. counting-house a place where accounts are kept. count noun a countable noun (see COUNTABLE 2). count on (or upon) depend on, rely on; expect confidently. count out 1 count while taking from a stock. 2 complete a count of ten seconds over (a fallen boxer etc.), indicating defeat. 3 (in children's games) select (a player) for dismissal or a special role by use of a counting rhyme etc. 4 colloq. exclude from a plan or reckoning (I'm too tired, count me out). 5 Brit. Polit. procure the adjournment of (the House of Commons) when fewer than 40 members are present. count up find the sum of. keep count take note of how many there have been etc. lose count fail to take note of the number etc. not counting excluding from the reckoning. out for the count 1 Boxing defeated by being unable to rise within ten seconds. 2 a defeated or demoralized. b soundly asleep. take the count Boxing be defeated. [ME f. OF co(u)nter, co(u)nte f. LL computus, computare COMPUTE] count(2) n. a foreign noble corresponding to an earl. ЬCount Palatine hist. a high official of the Holy Roman Empire with royal authority within his domain. ЬЬcountship n. [OF conte f. L comes comitis companion] countable adj. 1 that can be counted. 2 Gram. (of a noun) that can form a plural or be used with the indefinite article (e.g. book, kindness). countdown n. 1 a the act of counting down, esp. at the launching of a rocket etc. b the procedures carried out during this time. 2 the final moments before any significant event. countenance n. & v. --n. 1 a the face. b the facial expression. 2 composure. 3 moral support. --v.tr. 1 give approval to (an act etc.) (cannot countenance this breach of the rules). 2 (often foll. by in) encourage (a person or a practice). Ьchange countenance alter one's expression as an effect of emotion. keep one's countenance maintain composure, esp. by refraining from laughter. keep a person in countenance support or encourage a person. lose countenance become embarrassed. out of countenance disconcerted. [ME f. AF c(o)untenance, OF contenance bearing f. contenir: see CONTAIN] counter(1) n. 1 a a long flat-topped fitment in a shop, bank, etc., across which business is conducted with customers. b a similar structure used for serving food etc. in a cafeteria or bar. 2 a a small disc used for keeping the score etc. esp. in table-games. b a token representing a coin. c something used in bargaining; a pawn (a counter in the struggle for power). 3 an apparatus used for counting. 4 Physics an apparatus used for counting individual ionizing particles etc. 5 a person or thing that counts. Ьover the counter by ordinary retail purchase. under the counter (esp. of the sale of scarce goods) surreptitiously, esp. illegally. [AF count(e)our, OF conteo(i)r, f. med.L computatorium (as COMPUTE)] counter(2) v., adv., adj., & n. --v. 1 tr. a oppose, contradict (countered our proposal with their own). b meet by a countermove. 2 intr. a make a countermove. b make an opposing statement ('I shall!' he countered). 3 intr. Boxing give a return blow while parrying. --adv. 1 in the opposite direction (ran counter to the fox). 2 contrary (his action was counter to my wishes). --adj. 1 opposed; opposite. 2 duplicate; serving as a check. --n. 1 a parry; a countermove. 2 something opposite or opposed. Ьact (or go) counter to disobey (instructions etc.). go (or hunt or run) counter run or ride against the direction taken by a quarry. run counter to act contrary to. [ME f. OF countre f. L contra against: see COUNTER-] counter(3) n. 1 the part of a horse's breast between the shoulders and under the neck. 2 the curved part of the stern of a ship. 3 Printing a part of a printing-type etc. that is completely enclosed by an outline (e.g. the loop of P). [17th c.: orig. unkn.] counter(4) n. the back part of a shoe or a boot round the heel. [abbr. of counterfort buttress] counter- comb. form denoting: 1 retaliation, opposition, or rivalry (counter-threat; counter-cheers). 2 opposite direction (counter-current). 3 correspondence, duplication, or substitution (counterpart; countersign). [from or after AF countre-, OF contre f. L contra against] counteract v.tr. 1 hinder or oppose by contrary action. 2 neutralize. ЬЬcounteraction n. counteractive adj. counter-attack n. & v. --n. an attack in reply to an attack by an enemy or opponent. --v.tr. & intr. attack in reply. counter-attraction n. 1 a rival attraction. 2 the attraction of a contrary tendency. counterbalance n. & v. --n. 1 a weight balancing another. 2 an argument, force, etc., balancing another. --v.tr. act as a counterbalance to. counterblast n. (often foll. by to) an energetic or violent verbal or written reply to an argument etc. counterchange v. 1 tr. change (places or parts); interchange. 2 tr. literary chequer, esp. with contrasting colours etc. 3 intr. change places or parts. [F contrechanger (as COUNTER-, CHANGE)] countercharge n. & v. --n. a charge or accusation in return for one received. --v.tr. make a countercharge against. countercheck n. & v. --n. 1 a a restraint that opposes something. b a restraint that operates against another. 2 a second check, esp. for security or accuracy. 3 archaic a retort. --v.tr. make a countercheck on. counter-claim n. & v. --n. 1 a claim made against another claim. 2 Law a claim made by a defendant in a suit against the plaintiff. --v.tr. & intr. make a counter-claim (for). counter-clockwise adv. & adj. US = ANTICLOCKWISE. counter-culture n. a way of life etc. opposed to that usually considered normal. counter-espionage n. action taken to frustrate enemy spying. counterfeit adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 (of a coin, writing, etc.) made in imitation; not genuine; forged. 2 (of a claimant etc.) pretended. --n. a forgery; an imitation. --v.tr. 1 a imitate fraudulently (a coin, handwriting, etc.); forge. b make an imitation of. 2 simulate (feelings etc.) (counterfeited interest). 3 resemble closely. ЬЬcounterfeiter n. [ME f. OF countrefet, -fait, past part. of contrefaire f. Rmc] counterfoil n. the part of a cheque, receipt, etc., retained by the payer and containing details of the transaction. counter-intelligence n. = COUNTER-ESPIONAGE. counterirritant n. 1 Med. something used to produce surface irritation of the skin, thereby counteracting more painful symptoms. 2 anything resembling a counterirritant in its effects. ЬЬcounterirritation n. countermand v. & n. --v.tr. 1 Mil. a revoke (an order or command). b recall (forces etc.) by a contrary order. 2 cancel an order for (goods etc.). --n. an order revoking a previous one. [ME f. OF contremander f. med.L contramandare (as CONTRA-, mandare order)] countermarch v. & n. --v.intr. & tr. esp. Mil. march or cause to march in the opposite direction, e.g. with the front marchers turning and marching back through the ranks. --n. an act of countermarching. countermeasure n. an action taken to counteract a danger, threat, etc. countermine n. & v. --n. 1 Mil. a a mine dug to intercept another dug by an enemy. b a submarine mine sunk to explode an enemy's mines. 2 a counterplot. --v.tr. make a countermine against. countermove n. & v. --n. a move or action in opposition to another. --v.intr. make a countermove. ЬЬcountermovement n. counter-offensive n. 1 Mil. an attack made from a defensive position in order to effect an escape. 2 any attack made from a defensive position. counterpane n. a bedspread. [alt. (with assim. to pane in obs. sense 'cloth') f. obs. counterpoint f. OF contrepointe alt. f. cou(l)tepointe f. med.L culcita puncta quilted mattress] counterpart n. 1 a a person or thing extremely like another. b a person or thing forming a natural complement or equivalent to another. 2 Law one of two copies of a legal document. Ьcounterpart funds US funds etc. in a local currency equivalent to goods etc. received from abroad. counterplot n. & v. --n. a plot intended to defeat another plot. --v. (-plotted, -plotting) 1 intr. make a counterplot. 2 tr. make a counterplot against. counterpoint n. & v. --n. 1 Mus. a the art or technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules. b a melody played in conjunction with another. 2 a contrasting argument, plot, idea, or literary theme, etc., used to set off the main element. --v.tr. 1 Mus. add counterpoint to. 2 set (an argument, plot, etc.) in contrast to (a main element). Ьstrict counterpoint an academic exercise in writing counterpoint, not necessarily intended as a composition. [OF contrepoint f. med.L contrapunctum pricked or marked opposite, i.e. to the original melody (as CONTRA-, pungere punct- prick)] counterpoise n. & v. --n. 1 a force etc. equivalent to another on the opposite side. 2 a state of equilibrium. 3 a counterbalancing weight. --v.tr. 1 counterbalance. 2 compensate. 3 bring into or keep in equilibrium. [ME f. OF contrepeis, -pois, contrepeser (as COUNTER-, peis, pois f. L pensum weight: cf. POISE(1))] counter-productive adj. having the opposite of the desired effect. counter-reformation n. 1 (Counter-Reformation) hist. the reform of the Church of Rome in the 16th and 17th centuries which took place in response to the Protestant Reformation. 2 a reformation running counter to another. counter-revolution n. a revolution opposing a former one or reversing its results. ЬЬcounter-revolutionary adj. & n. (pl. -ies). counterscarp n. Mil. the outer wall or slope of a ditch in a fortification. [F contrescarpe f. It. contrascarpa (as CONTRA-, SCARP)] countershaft n. 1 an intermediate shaft driven by a main shaft and transmitting motion to a particular machine etc. 2 US = LAYSHAFT. countersign v. & n. --v.tr. 1 add a signature to (a document already signed by another). 2 ratify. --n. 1 a watchword or password spoken to a person on guard (cf. PAROLE). 2 a mark used for identification etc. ЬЬcounter-signature n. [F contresigner (v.), contresigne (n.) f. It. contrasegno (as COUNTER-, SIGN)] countersink v.tr. (past and past part. -sunk) 1 enlarge and bevel (the rim of a hole) so that a screw or bolt can be inserted flush with the surface. 2 sink (a screw etc.) in such a hole. counterstroke n. a blow given in return for another. counter-tenor n. Mus. 1 a a male alto singing-voice. b a singer with this voice. 2 a part written for counter-tenor. [ME f. F contre-teneur f. obs. It. contratenore (as CONTRA-, TENOR)] countervail v. 1 tr. counterbalance. 2 tr. & intr. (often foll. by against) oppose forcefully and usu. successfully. Ьcountervailing duty a tax put on imports to offset a subsidy in the exporting country or a tax on similar goods not from abroad. [ME f. AF contrevaloir f. L contra valere be of worth against] countervalue n. an equivalent value, esp. in military strategy. counterweight n. a counterbalancing weight. countess n. 1 the wife or widow of a count or an earl. 2 a woman holding the rank of count or earl. [ME f. OF contesse, cuntesse, f. LL comitissa fem. of comes COUNT(2)] countless adj. too many to be counted. countrified adj. (also countryfied) often derog. rural or rustic, esp. of manners, appearance, etc. [past part. of countrify f. COUNTRY] country n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the territory of a nation with its own government; a State. b a territory possessing its own language, people, culture, etc. 2 (often attrib.) rural districts as opposed to towns or the capital (a cottage in the country; a country town). 3 the land of a person's birth or citizenship; a fatherland. 4 a a territory, esp. an area of interest or knowledge. b a region associated with a particular person, esp. a writer (Hardy country). 5 Brit. a national population, esp. as voters (the country won't stand for it). Ьacross country not keeping to roads. country-and-western rural or cowboy songs originating in the US, and usu. accompanied by a guitar etc. country club a sporting and social club in a rural setting. country cousin often derog. a person with a countrified appearance or manners. country dance a traditional sort of dance, esp. English, with couples facing each other in long lines. country gentleman a gentleman with landed property. country house a usu. large house in the country, often the seat of a country gentleman. country music = country-and-western. country party a political party supporting agricultural interests. country seat a large country house belonging to an aristocratic family. country-wide extending throughout a nation. go (or appeal) to the country Brit. test public opinion by dissolving Parliament and holding a general election. in the country Cricket sl. far from the wickets; in the deep field. line of country a subject about which a person is knowledgeable. unknown country an unfamiliar place or topic. [ME f. OF cuntree, f. med.L contrata (terra) (land) lying opposite (CONTRA)] countryfied var. of COUNTRIFIED. countryman n. (pl. -men; fem. countrywoman, pl. -women) 1 a person living in a rural area. 2 a (also fellow-countryman) a person of one's own country or district. b (often in comb.) a person from a specified country or district (north-countryman). countryside n. 1 a a rural area. b rural areas in general. 2 the inhabitants of a rural area. county n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a any of the territorial divisions of some countries, forming the chief unit of local administration. b US a political and administrative division of a State. 2 the people of a county, esp. the leading families. --adj. having the social status or characteristics of county families. Ьcounty borough hist. a large borough ranking as a county for administrative purposes. county corporate hist. a city or town ranking as an administrative county. county council the elected governing body of an administrative county. county court a judicial court for civil cases (in the US for civil and criminal cases). county cricket cricket matches between teams representing counties. county family an aristocratic family with an ancestral seat in a county. County Palatine the territory of a Count or Earl Palatine. county town (US seat) the administrative capital of a county. [ME f. AF count‚, OF cont‚, cunt‚, f. L comitatus (as COUNT(2))] coup n. (pl. coups) 1 a notable or successful stroke or move. 2 = COUP D'ђTAT. 3 Billiards a direct pocketing of the ball. [F f. med.L colpus blow: see COPE(1)] coup de grѓce n. a finishing stroke, esp. to kill a wounded animal or person. [F, lit. stroke of grace] coup de main n. a sudden vigorous attack. [F, lit. stroke of the hand] coup d'‚tat n. a violent or illegal seizure of power. [F, lit. stroke of the State] coup d'oeil n. 1 a comprehensive glance. 2 a general view. [F, lit. stroke of the eye] coupe n. 1 a shallow glass or dish used for serving fruit, ice-cream, etc. 2 fruit, ice-cream, etc. served in this. [F, = goblet] coup‚ n. (US coupe) 1 a car with a hard roof, esp. one with two seats and a sloping rear. 2 hist. a four-wheeled enclosed carriage for two passengers and a driver. [F, past part. of couper cut (formed as COUP)] couple n. & v. --n. 1 (usu. foll. by of; often as sing.) a two (a couple of girls). b about two (a couple of hours). 2 (often as sing.) a a married or engaged pair. b a pair of partners in a dance, a game, etc. c a pair of rafters. 3 (pl. couple) a pair of hunting dogs (six couple of hounds). 4 (in pl.) a pair of joined collars used for holding hounds together. 5 Mech. a pair of equal and parallel forces acting in opposite directions, and tending to cause rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane containing them. --v. 1 tr. fasten or link together; connect (esp. railway carriages). 2 tr. (often foll. by together, with) associate in thought or speech (papers coupled their names; couple our congratulations with our best wishes). 3 intr. copulate. 4 tr. Physics connect (oscillators) with a coupling. [ME f. OF cople, cuple, copler, cupler f. L copulare, L COPULA] coupler n. 1 Mus. a a device in an organ for connecting two manuals, or a manual with pedals, so that they both sound when only one is played. b (also octave coupler) a similar device for connecting notes with their octaves above or below. 2 anything that connects two things, esp. a transformer used for connecting electric circuits. couplet n. Prosody two successive lines of verse, usu. rhyming and of the same length. [F dimin. of couple, formed as COUPLE] coupling n. 1 a a link connecting railway carriages etc. b a device for connecting parts of machinery. 2 Physics a connection between two systems, causing one to oscillate when the other does so. 3 Mus. a the arrangement of items on a gramophone record. b each such item. coupon n. 1 a form etc. in a newspaper, magazine, etc., which may be filled in and sent as an application for a purchase, information, etc. 2 Brit. an entry form for a football pool or other competition. 3 a voucher given with a retail purchase, a certain number of which entitle the holder to a discount etc. 4 a a detachable ticket entitling the holder to a ration of food, clothes, etc., esp. in wartime. b a similar ticket entitling the holder to payment, goods, services, etc. [F, = piece cut off f. couper cut: see COUPђ] courage n. the ability to disregard fear; bravery. Ьcourage of one's convictions the courage to act on one's beliefs. lose courage become less brave. pluck up (or take) courage muster one's courage. take one's courage in both hands nerve oneself to a venture. [ME f. OF corage, f. L cor heart] courageous adj. brave, fearless. ЬЬcourageously adv. courageousness n. [ME f. AF corageous, OF corageus (as COURAGE)] courante n. 1 hist. a running or gliding dance. 2 Mus. the music used for this, esp. as a movement of a suite. [F, fem. pres. part. (as noun) of courir run f. L currere] courgette n. a small green variety of vegetable marrow. Also called ZUCCHINI. [F, dimin. of courge gourd] courier n. 1 a person employed, usu. by a travel company, to guide and assist a group of tourists. 2 a special messenger. [ME f. obs. F, f. It. corriere, & f. OF coreor, both f. L currere run] course n. & v. --n. 1 a continuous onward movement or progression. 2 a a line along which a person or thing moves; a direction taken (has changed course; the course of the winding river). b a correct or intended direction or line of movement. c the direction taken by a ship or aircraft. 3 a the ground on which a race (or other sport involving extensive linear movement) takes place. b a series of fences, hurdles, or other obstacles to be crossed in a race etc. 4 a a series of lectures, lessons, etc., in a particular subject. b a book for such a course (A Modern French Course). 5 any of the successive parts of a meal. 6 Med. a sequence of medical treatment etc. (prescribed a course of antibiotics). 7 a line of conduct (disappointed by the course he took). 8 Archit. a continuous horizontal layer of brick, stone, etc., in a building. 9 a channel in which water flows. 10 the pursuit of game (esp. hares) with hounds, esp. greyhounds, by sight rather than scent. 11 Naut. a sail on a square-rigged ship (fore course; main course). --v. 1 intr. (esp. of liquid) run, esp. fast (blood coursed through his veins). 2 tr. (also absol.) a use (hounds) to hunt. b pursue (hares etc.) in hunting. Ьthe course of nature ordinary events or procedure. in course of in the process of. in the course of during. in the course of time as time goes by; eventually. a matter of course the natural or expected thing. of course naturally; as is or was to be expected; admittedly. on (or off) course following (or deviating from) the desired direction or goal. run (or take) its course (esp. of an illness) complete its natural development. ЬЬcourser n. (in sense 2 of v.). [ME f. OF cours f. L cursus f. currere curs- run] courser(1) n. poet. a swift horse. [ME f. OF corsier f. Rmc] courser(2) n. any fast-running plover-like bird of the genus Cursorius, native to Africa and Asia, having long legs and a slender bill. [LL cursorius adapted for running] court n. & v. --n. 1 (in full court of law) a an assembly of judges or other persons acting as a tribunal in civil and criminal cases. b = COURTROOM. 2 a an enclosed quadrangular area for games, which may be open or covered (tennis-court; squash-court). b an area marked out for lawn tennis etc. (hit the ball out of court). 3 a a small enclosed street in a town, having a yard surrounded by houses, and adjoining a larger street. b Brit. = COURTYARD. c (Court) the name of a large house, block of flats, street, etc. (Grosvenor Court). d (at Cambridge University) a college quadrangle. e a subdivision of a building, usu. a large hall extending to the ceiling with galleries and staircases. 4 a the establishment, retinue, and courtiers of a sovereign. b a sovereign and his or her councillors, constituting a ruling power. c a sovereign's residence. d an assembly held by a sovereign; a State reception. 5 attention paid to a person whose favour, love, or interest is sought (paid court to her). 6 a the qualified members of a company or a corporation. b (in some Friendly Societies) a local branch. c a meeting of a court. --v.tr. 1 a try to win the affection or favour of (a person). b pay amorous attention to (courting couples). 2 seek to win (applause, fame, etc.). 3 invite (misfortune) by one's actions (you are courting disaster). Ьcourt-card a playing-card that is a king, queen, or jack (orig. coat-card). court circular Brit. a daily report of royal court affairs, published in some newspapers. court dress formal dress worn at a royal court. court-house 1 a building in which a judicial court is held. 2 US a building containing the administrative offices of a county. Court leet see LEET(1). Court of Appeal a court of law hearing appeals against judgements in the Crown Court, High Court, County Court, etc. Court of Protection Brit. the department of the Supreme Court attending to the affairs of the mentally unfit. court of record a court whose proceedings are recorded and available as evidence of fact. Court of St James's the British sovereign's court. Court of Session the supreme civil court in Scotland. court of summary jurisdiction a court having the authority to use summary proceedings and arrive at a judgement or conviction. court order a direction issued by a court or a judge, usu. requiring a person to do or not do something. court plaster hist. sticking-plaster for cuts etc. (formerly used by ladies at court for face-patches). court roll hist. a manorial-court register of holdings. court shoe a woman's light, usu. high-heeled, shoe with a low-cut upper. court tennis US real tennis. go to court take legal action. in court appearing as a party or an advocate in a court of law. out of court 1 (of a plaintiff) not entitled to be heard. 2 (of a settlement) arranged before a hearing or judgement can take place. 3 not worthy of consideration (that suggestion is out of court). [ME f. AF curt, OF cort, ult. f. L cohors, -hortis yard, retinue: (v.) after OIt. corteare, OF courtoyer] court bouillon n. stock usu. made from wine, vegetables, etc., often used in fish dishes. [F f. court short + BOUILLON] courteous adj. polite, kind, or considerate in manner; well-mannered. ЬЬcourteously adv. courteousness n. [ME f. OF corteis, curteis f. Rmc (as COURT): assim. to words in -OUS] courtesan n. literary 1 a prostitute, esp. one with wealthy or upper-class clients. 2 the mistress of a wealthy man. [F courtisane f. It. cortigiana, fem. of cortigiano courtier f. corte COURT] courtesy n. (pl. -ies) 1 courteous behaviour; good manners. 2 a courteous act. 3 archaic = CURTSY. Ьby courtesy by favour, not by right. by courtesy of with the formal permission of (a person etc.). courtesy light a light in a car that is switched on by opening a door. courtesy title a title held by courtesy, usu. having no legal validity, e.g. a title given to the heir of a duke etc. [ME f. OF curtesie, co(u)rtesie f. curteis etc. COURTEOUS] courtier n. a person who attends or frequents a sovereign's court. [ME f. AF courte(i)our, f. OF f. cortoyer be present at court] courtly adj. (courtlier, courtliest) 1 polished or refined in manners. 2 obsequious. 3 punctilious. Ьcourtly love the conventional medieval tradition of knightly love for a lady, and the etiquette used in its (esp. literary) expression. ЬЬcourtliness n. [COURT] court martial n. & v. --n. (pl. courts martial) a judicial court for trying members of the armed services. --v.tr. (court-martial) (-martialled, -martialling; US -martialed, -martialing) try by a court martial. courtroom n. the place or room in which a court of law meets. courtship n. 1 a courting with a view to marriage. b the courting behaviour of male animals, birds, etc. c a period of courting. 2 an attempt, often protracted, to gain advantage by flattery, attention, etc. courtyard n. an area enclosed by walls or buildings, often opening off a street. couscous n. a N. African dish of wheat grain or coarse flour steamed over broth, often with meat or fruit added. [F f. Arab. kuskus f. kaskasa to pound] cousin n. 1 (also first cousin, cousin-german) the child of one's uncle or aunt. 2 (usu. in pl.) applied to the people of kindred races or nations (our American cousins). 3 hist. a title formerly used by a sovereign in addressing another sovereign or a noble of his or her own country. Ьsecond cousin a child of one's parent's first cousin. ЬЬcousinhood n. cousinly adj. cousinship n. [ME f. OF cosin, cusin, f. L consobrinus mother's sister's child] couth adj. joc. cultured; well-mannered. [back-form. as antonym of UNCOUTH] couture n. the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes; = HAUTE COUTURE. [F, = sewing, dressmaking] couturier n. (fem. couturiЉre) a fashion designer or dressmaker. [F] couvade n. a custom by which a father appears to undergo labour and childbirth when his child is being born. [F f. couver hatch f. L cubare lie down] couvert n. = COVER n. 6. [F] couverture n. chocolate for covering sweets, cakes, etc. [F, = covering] covalency n. Chem. 1 the linking of atoms by a covalent bond. 2 the number of pairs of electrons an atom can share with another. covalent adj. Chem. of, relating to, or characterized by covalency. Ьcovalent bond Chem. a bond formed by sharing of electrons usu. in pairs by two atoms in a molecule. ЬЬcovalence n. covalently adv. [CO- + valent, after trivalent etc.] cove(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a small, esp. sheltered, bay or creek. 2 a sheltered recess. 3 Archit. a concave arch or arched moulding, esp. one formed at the junction of a wall with a ceiling. --v.tr. Archit. 1 provide (a room, ceiling, etc.) with a cove. 2 slope (the sides of a fireplace) inwards. [OE cofa chamber f. Gmc] cove(2) n. Brit. sl. archaic a fellow; a chap. [16th-c. cant: orig. unkn.] coven n. an assembly of witches. [var. of covent; see CONVENT] covenant n. & v. --n. 1 an agreement; a contract. 2 Law a a contract drawn up under a seal, esp. undertaking to make regular payments to a charity. b a clause of a covenant. 3 (Covenant) Bibl. the agreement between God and the Israelites (see Ark of the Covenant). --v.tr. & intr. agree, esp. by legal covenant. Ьland of the Covenant Canaan. ЬЬcovenantal adj. covenantor n. [ME f. OF, pres. part. of co(n)venir, formed as CONVENE] covenanted adj. bound by a covenant. covenanter n. 1 a person who covenants. 2 (Covenanter) hist. an adherent of the National Covenant of the Solemn League and Covenant in 17th-c. Scotland, in support of Presbyterianism. Coventry n. Ьsend a person to Coventry refuse to associate with or speak to a person. [Coventry in W. Midlands] cover v. & n. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by with) protect or conceal by means of a cloth, lid, etc. 2 a extend over; occupy the whole surface of (covered in dirt; covered with writing). b (often foll. by with) strew thickly or thoroughly (covered the floor with straw). c lie over; be a covering to (the blanket scarcely covered him). 3 a protect; clothe. b (as covered adj.) wearing a hat; having a roof. 4 include; comprise; deal with (the talk covered recent discoveries). 5 travel (a specified distance) (covered sixty miles). 6 Journalism a report (events, a meeting, etc.). b investigate as a reporter. 7 be enough to defray (expenses, a bill, etc.) (њ20 should cover it). 8 a refl. take precautionary measures so as to protect oneself (had covered myself by saying I might be late). b (absol.; foll. by for) deputize or stand in for (a colleague etc.) (will you cover for me?). 9 Mil. a aim a gun etc. at. b (of a fortress, guns, etc.) command (a territory). c stand behind (a person in the front rank). d protect (an exposed person etc.) by being able to return fire. 10 a esp. Cricket stand behind (another player) to stop any missed balls. b (in team games) mark (a corresponding player of the other side). 11 (also absol.) (in some card-games) play a card higher than (one already played to the same trick). 12 (of a stallion, a bull, etc.) copulate with. --n. 1 something that covers or protects, esp.: a a lid. b the binding of a book. c either board of this. d an envelope or the wrapper of a parcel (under separate cover). e the outer case of a pneumatic tyre. f (in pl.) bedclothes. 2 a hiding-place; a shelter. 3 woods or undergrowth sheltering game or covering the ground (see COVERT). 4 a a pretence; a screen (under cover of humility). b a spy's pretended identity or activity, intended as concealment. c Mil. a supporting force protecting an advance party from attack. 5 a funds, esp. obtained by insurance, to meet a liability or secure against a contingent loss. b the state of being protected (third-party cover). 6 a place setting at table, esp. in a restaurant. 7 Cricket = cover-point. Ьbreak cover (of an animal, esp. game, or a hunted person) leave a place of shelter, esp. vegetation. cover charge an extra charge levied per head in a restaurant, nightclub, etc. cover crop a crop grown for the protection and enrichment of the soil. cover-drive Cricket a drive past cover-point. cover girl a female model whose picture appears on magazine covers etc. cover in provide with a roof etc. covering letter (or note) an explanatory letter sent with an enclosure. cover note Brit. a temporary certificate of current insurance. cover-point Cricket 1 a fielding position on the off side and half way to the boundary. 2 a fielder at this position. cover story a news story in a magazine, that is illustrated or advertised on the front cover. cover one's tracks conceal evidence of what one has done. cover up 1 completely cover or conceal. 2 conceal (circumstances etc., esp. illicitly) (also absol. : refused to cover up for them). cover-up n. an act of concealing circumstances, esp. illicitly. from cover to cover from beginning to end of a book etc. take cover use a natural or prepared shelter against an attack. ЬЬcoverable adj. coverer n. [ME f. OF covrir, cuvrir f. L cooperire (as CO-, operire opert- cover)] coverage n. 1 an area or an amount covered. 2 Journalism the amount of press etc. publicity received by a particular story, person, etc. 3 a risk covered by an insurance policy. 4 an area reached by a particular broadcasting station or advertising medium. coverall n. & adj. esp. US --n. 1 something that covers entirely. 2 (usu. in pl.) a full-length protective outer garment often zipped up the front. --attrib.adj. covering entirely (a coverall term). covering n. something that covers, esp. a bedspread, blanket, etc., or clothing. coverlet n. a bedspread. [ME f. AF covrelet, -lit f. OF covrir cover + lit bed] covert adj. & n. --adj. secret or disguised (a covert glance; covert operations). --n. 1 a shelter, esp. a thicket hiding game. 2 a feather covering the base of a bird's flight-feather. Ьcovert coat a short, light, overcoat worn for shooting, riding, etc. ЬЬcovertly adv. covertness n. [ME f. OF covert past part. of covrir COVER] coverture n. 1 covering; shelter. 2 Law hist. the position of a married woman, considered to be under her husband's protection. [ME f. OF (as COVERT)] covet v.tr. (coveted, coveting) desire greatly (esp. something belonging to another person) (coveted her friend's earrings). ЬЬcovetable adj. [ME f. OF cu-, coveitier f. Rmc] covetous adj. (usu. foll. by of) 1 greatly desirous (esp. of another person's property). 2 grasping, avaricious. ЬЬcovetously adv. covetousness n. [ME f. OF coveitous f. Gallo-Roman] covey n. (pl. -eys) 1 a brood of partridges. 2 a small party or group of people or things. [ME f. OF covee f. Rmc f. L cubare lie] covin n. 1 Law a conspiracy to commit a crime etc. against a third party. 2 archaic fraud, deception. [ME f. OF covin(e) f. med.L convenium -ia f. convenire: see CONVENE] coving n. = COVE(1) n. 3. cow(1) n. 1 a fully grown female of any bovine animal, esp. of the genus Bos, used as a source of milk and beef. 2 the female of other large animals, esp. the elephant, whale, and seal. 3 derog. sl. a a woman esp. a coarse or unpleasant one. b Austral. & NZ an unpleasant person, thing, situation, etc. Ьcow-fish 1 any of several small plant-eating mammals, e.g. the manatee. 2 a marine fish, Lactoria diaphana, covered in hard bony plates and having hornlike spines over the eyes and on other parts of the body. cow-heel the foot of a cow or an ox stewed to a jelly. cow-lick a projecting lock of hair. cow-parsley a hedgerow plant Anthriscus sylvestris, having lacelike umbels of flowers: also called Queen Anne's lace. cow-pat a flat round piece of cow-dung. cow-tree a tree, Brosimum galactodendron, native to S. America, yielding a milklike juice which is used as a substitute for cow's milk. cow-wheat any plant of the genus Melampyrum, esp. M. pratense growing on heathland. till the cows come home colloq. an indefinitely long time. [OE cu f. Gmc, rel. to L bos, Gk bous] cow(2) v.tr. (usu. in passive) intimidate or dispirit (cowed by ill-treatment). [prob. f. ON kЈga oppress] cowage n. (also cowhage) a climbing plant, Mucuna pruritum, having hairy pods which cause stinging and itching. [Hindi kawanch] coward n. & adj. --n. a person who is easily frightened or intimidated by danger or pain. --adj. poet. easily frightened. [ME f. OF cuard, couard ult. f. L cauda tail] cowardice n. a lack of bravery. [ME f. OF couardise (as COWARD)] cowardly adj. & adv. --adj. 1 of or like a coward; lacking courage. 2 (of an action) done against one who cannot retaliate. --adv. archaic like a coward; with cowardice. ЬЬcowardliness n. cowbane n. = water hemlock. cowbell n. 1 a bell worn round a cow's neck for easy location of the animal. 2 a similar bell used as a percussion instrument. cowberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 an evergreen shrub, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, bearing dark-red berries. 2 the berry of this plant. cowboy n. 1 (fem. cowgirl) a person who herds and tends cattle, esp. in the western US. 2 this as a conventional figure in American folklore, esp. in films. 3 colloq. an unscrupulous or reckless person in business, esp. an unqualified one. cowcatcher n. US a peaked metal frame at the front of a locomotive for pushing aside obstacles on the line. cower v.intr. 1 crouch or shrink back, esp. in fear; cringe. 2 stand or squat in a bent position. [ME f. MLG kuren lie in wait, of unkn. orig.] cowhage var. of COWAGE. cowherd n. a person who tends cattle. cowhide n. 1 a a cow's hide. b leather made from this. 2 a leather whip made from cowhide. cowhouse n. a shed or shelter for cows. cowl n. 1 a the hood of a monk's habit. b a loose hood. c a monk's hooded habit. 2 the hood-shaped covering of a chimney or ventilating shaft. 3 the removable cover of a vehicle or aircraft engine. ЬЬcowled adj. (in sense 1). [OE cugele, cule f. eccl.L cuculla f. L cucullus hood of a cloak] cowling n. = COWL 3. cowman n. (pl. -men) 1 = COWHERD. 2 US a cattle-owner. co-worker n. a person who works in collaboration with another. cowpoke n. US = COWBOY 1. cowpox n. a disease of cows, of which the virus was formerly used in vaccination against smallpox. cowpuncher n. US = COWBOY 1. cowrie n. (also cowry) (pl. -ies) 1 any gastropod mollusc of the family Cypraeidae, having a smooth glossy and usu. brightly-coloured shell. 2 its shell, esp. used as money in parts of Africa and S. Asia. [Urdu & Hindi kauri] cowshed n. 1 a shed for cattle that are not at pasture. 2 a milking-shed. cowslip n. 1 a primula, Primula veris, with fragrant yellow flowers and growing in pastures. 2 US a marsh marigold. [OE cuslyppe f. cu COW(1) + slyppe slimy substance, i.e. cow-dung] Cox n. (in full Cox's orange pippin) a variety of eating-apple with a red-tinged green skin. [R. Cox, amateur Eng. fruit grower d. 1825] cox n. & v. --n. a coxswain, esp. of a racing-boat. --v. 1 intr. act as a cox (coxed for Cambridge). 2 tr. act as cox for (coxed the winning boat). [abbr.] coxa n. (pl. coxae) 1 Anat. the hip-bone or hip-joint. 2 Zool. the first segment of an insect's leg. ЬЬcoxal adj. [L] coxcomb n. an ostentatiously conceited man; a dandy. ЬЬcoxcombry n. (pl. -ies). [= cock's comb (see COCK(1)), orig. (a cap worn by) a jester] coxswain n. & v. --n. 1 a person who steers, esp. in a rowing-boat. 2 the senior petty officer in a small ship. --v. 1 intr. act as a coxswain. 2 tr. act as a coxswain of. ЬЬcoxswainship n. [ME f. cock (see COCKBOAT) + SWAIN: cf. BOATSWAIN] Coy. abbr. esp. Mil. Company. coy adj. (coyer, coyest) 1 archly or affectedly shy. 2 irritatingly reticent (always coy about her age). 3 (esp. of a girl) modest or shy. ЬЬcoyly adv. coyness n. [ME f. OF coi, quei f. L quietus QUIET] coyote n. (pl. same or coyotes) a wolflike wild dog, Canis latrans, native to N. America. [Mex. Sp. f. Aztec coyotl] coypu n. (pl. coypus) an aquatic beaver-like rodent, Myocastor coypus, native to S. America and kept in captivity for its fur. [Araucan] coz n. archaic cousin. [abbr.] cozen v. literary 1 tr. (often foll. by of, out of) cheat, defraud. 2 tr. (often foll. by into) beguile; persuade. 3 intr. act deceitfully. ЬЬcozenage n. [16th-c. cant, perh. rel. to COUSIN] cozy US var. of COSY. 16.0 CP... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CP abbr. 1 Cape Province. 2 Communist Party. 3 Austral. Country Party. cp. abbr. compare. c.p. abbr. candlepower. Cpl. abbr. Corporal. CPO abbr. Chief Petty Officer. CPR abbr. Canadian Pacific Railway. CPRE abbr. Council for the Protection of Rural England. cps abbr. (also c.p.s.) 1 Computing characters per second. 2 cycles per second. CPSA abbr. (in the UK) Civil and Public Services Association. CPU abbr. Computing central processing unit. 17.0 CR... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CR abbr. Community of the Resurrection. Cr symb. Chem. the element chromium. Cr. abbr. 1 Councillor. 2 creditor. crab(1) n. 1 a any of numerous ten-footed crustaceans having the first pair of legs modified as pincers. b the flesh of a crab, esp. Cancer pagurus, as food. 2 (the Crab) the zodiacal sign or constellation Cancer. 3 (in full crab-louse) (often in pl.) a parasitic louse, Phthirus pubis, infesting hairy parts of the body and causing extreme irritation. 4 a machine for hoisting heavy weights. Ьcatch a crab Rowing effect a faulty stroke in which the oar is jammed under water or misses the water altogether. crab-grass US a creeping grass infesting lawns. crab-pot a wicker trap for crabs. ЬЬcrablike adj. [OE crabba, rel. to ON krafla scratch] crab(2) n. 1 (in full crab-apple) a small sour apple-like fruit. 2 (in full crab tree or crab-apple tree) any of several trees bearing this fruit. 3 a sour person. [ME, perh. alt. (after CRAB(1) or CRABBED) of earlier scrab, prob. of Scand. orig.] crab(3) v. (crabbed, crabbing) colloq. 1 tr. & intr. criticize adversely or captiously; grumble. 2 tr. act so as to spoil (the mistake crabbed his chances). [orig. of hawks fighting, f. MLG krabben] crabbed adj. 1 irritable or morose. 2 (of handwriting) ill-formed and hard to decipher. 3 perverse or cross-grained. 4 difficult to understand. ЬЬcrabbedly adv. crabbedness n. [ME f. CRAB(1), assoc. with CRAB(2)] crabby adj. (crabbier, crabbiest) = CRABBED 1, 3. ЬЬcrabbily adv. crabbiness n. crabwise adv. & attrib.adj. (of movement) sideways or backwards like a crab. crack n., v., & adj. --n. 1 a a sudden sharp or explosive noise (the crack of a whip; a rifle crack). b (in a voice) a sudden harshness or change in pitch. 2 a sharp blow (a crack on the head). 3 a a narrow opening formed by a break (entered through a crack in the wall). b a partial fracture, with the parts still joined (the teacup has a crack in it). c a chink (looked through the crack formed by the door; a crack of light). 4 colloq. a mischievous or malicious remark or aside (a nasty crack about my age). 5 colloq. an attempt (I'll have a crack at it). 6 the exact moment (at the crack of noon; the crack of dawn). 7 colloq. a first-rate player, horse, etc. 8 dial. colloq. conversation; good company; fun (only went there for the crack). 9 sl. a potent hard crystalline form of cocaine broken into small pieces and inhaled or smoked for its stimulating effect. --v. 1 tr. & intr. break without a complete separation of the parts (cracked the window; the cup cracked on hitting the floor). 2 intr. & tr. make or cause to make a sudden sharp or explosive sound. 3 intr. & tr. break or cause to break with a sudden sharp sound. 4 intr. & tr. give way or cause to give way (under torture etc.); yield. 5 intr. (of the voice, esp. of an adolescent boy or a person under strain) become dissonant; break. 6 tr. colloq. find a solution to (a problem, code, etc.). 7 tr. say (a joke etc.) in a jocular way. 8 tr. colloq. hit sharply or hard (cracked her head on the ceiling). 9 tr. Chem. decompose (heavy oils) by heat and pressure with or without a catalyst to produce lighter hydrocarbons (such as petrol). 10 tr. break (wheat) into coarse pieces. --attrib.adj. colloq. excellent; first-rate (a crack regiment; a crack shot). Ьcrack a bottle open a bottle, esp. of wine, and drink it. crack-brained crazy. crack a crib sl. break into a house. crack-down colloq. severe measures (esp. against law-breakers etc.). crack down on colloq. take severe measures against. crack-jaw colloq. --adj. (of a word) difficult to pronounce. --n. such a word. crack of doom a thunder-peal announcing the Day of Judgement. crack up colloq. 1 collapse under strain. 2 praise. crack-up n. colloq. 1 a mental breakdown. 2 a car crash. crack-willow a species of willow, Salix fragilis, with brittle branches. fair crack of the whip colloq. a fair chance to participate etc. get cracking colloq. begin promptly and vigorously. have a crack at colloq. attempt. [OE cracian resound] cracked adj. 1 having cracks. 2 (predic.) sl. crazy. Ьcracked wheat wheat that has been crushed into small pieces. cracker n. 1 a paper cylinder both ends of which are pulled at Christmas etc. making a sharp noise and releasing a small toy etc. 2 a firework exploding with a sharp noise. 3 (usu. in pl.) an instrument for cracking (nutcrackers). 4 a thin dry biscuit often eaten with cheese. 5 sl. Brit. a notable or attractive person. 6 US a biscuit. 7 US offens. = poor White. Ьcracker-barrel US (of philosophy etc.) homespun; unsophisticated. crackerjack adj. & n. US sl. --adj. exceptionally fine or expert. --n. an exceptionally fine thing or person. crackers predic.adj. Brit. sl. crazy. cracking adj. & adv. sl. --adj. 1 outstanding; very good (a cracking performance). 2 (attrib.) fast and exciting (a cracking speed). --adv. outstandingly (a cracking good time). crackle v. & n. --v.intr. make a repeated slight cracking sound (radio crackled; fire was crackling). --n. 1 such a sound. 2 a paintwork, china, or glass decorated with a pattern of minute surface cracks. b the smooth surface of such paintwork etc. ЬЬcrackly adj. [CRACK + -LE(4)] crackling n. 1 the crisp skin of roast pork. 2 joc. or offens. attractive women regarded collectively as objects of sexual desire. Ьbit of crackling colloq. an attractive woman. cracknel n. a light crisp biscuit. [ME f. F craquelin f. MDu. krakelinc f. kraken CRACK] crackpot n. & adj. sl. --n. an eccentric or impractical person. --adj. mad, unworkable (a crackpot scheme). cracksman n. (pl. -men) sl. a burglar, esp. a safe-breaker. cracky adj. covered with cracks. ЬЬcrackiness n. -cracy comb. form denoting a particular form of government, rule, or influence (aristocracy; bureaucracy). [from or after F - cratie f. med.L - cratia f. Gk - kratia f. kratos strength, power] cradle n. & v. --n. 1 a a child's bed or cot, esp. one mounted on rockers. b a place in which a thing begins, esp. a civilization etc., or is nurtured in its infancy (cradle of choral singing; cradle of democracy). 2 a framework resembling a cradle, esp.: a that on which a ship, a boat, etc., rests during construction or repairs. b that on which a worker is suspended to work on a ceiling, a ship, the vertical side of a building, etc. c the part of a telephone on which the receiver rests when not in use. --v.tr. 1 contain or shelter as if in a cradle (cradled his head in her arms). 2 place in a cradle. Ьcradle-snatcher sl. a person amorously attached to a much younger person. cradle-song a lullaby. from the cradle from infancy. from the cradle to the grave from infancy till death (esp. of State welfare). [OE cradol, perh. rel. to OHG kratto basket] cradling n. Archit. a wooden or iron framework, esp. one used as a structural support in a ceiling. craft n. & v. --n. 1 skill, esp. in practical arts. 2 a (esp. in comb.) a trade or an art (statecraft; handicraft; priestcraft; the craft of pottery). b the members of a craft. 3 (pl. craft) a a boat or vessel. b an aircraft or spacecraft. 4 cunning or deceit. 5 (the Craft) the brotherhood of Freemasons. --v.tr. make in a skilful way (crafted a poem; a well-crafted piece of work). Ьcraft-brother a fellow worker in the same trade. craft-guild hist. a guild of workers of the same trade. [OE cr‘ft] craftsman n. (pl. -men; fem. craftswoman, pl. -women) 1 a skilled and usu. time-served worker. 2 a person who practises a handicraft. 3 a private soldier in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. ЬЬcraftsmanship n. [ME, orig. craft's man] crafty adj. (craftier, craftiest) cunning, artful, wily. ЬЬcraftily adv. craftiness n. [OE cr‘ftig] crag(1) n. Brit. a steep or rugged rock. [ME, of Celt. orig.] crag(2) n. Geol. rock consisting of a shelly sand. [18th c.: perh. f. CRAG(1)] craggy adj. (craggier, craggiest) 1 (esp. of a person's face) rugged; rough-textured. 2 (of a landscape) having crags. ЬЬcraggily adv. cragginess n. cragsman n. (pl. -men) a skilled climber of crags. crake n. 1 any rail (see RAIL(3)), esp. a corncrake. 2 the cry of a corncrake. [ME f. ON kr ka (imit.): cf. CROAK] cram v. (crammed, cramming) 1 tr. a fill to bursting; stuff (the room was crammed). b (foll. by in, into) force (a thing) into (cram the sandwiches into the bag). 2 tr. & intr. prepare for an examination by intensive study. 3 tr. (often foll. by with) feed (poultry etc.) to excess. 4 tr. & intr. colloq. eat greedily. Ьcram-full as full as possible. cram in push in to bursting point (crammed in another five minutes' work). [OE crammian f. Gmc] crambo n. a game in which a player gives a word or verse-line to which each of the others must find a rhyme. [earlier crambe, app. allusive f. L crambe repetita cabbage served up again] crammer n. a person or institution that crams pupils for examinations. cramp n. & v. --n. 1 a a painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles from the cold, exertion, etc. b = writer's cramp (see WRITER). 2 (also cramp-iron) a metal bar with bent ends for holding masonry etc. together. 3 a portable tool for holding two planks etc. together; a clamp. 4 a restraint. --v.tr. 1 affect with cramp. 2 confine narrowly. 3 restrict (energies etc.). 4 (as cramped adj.) (of handwriting) small and difficult to read. 5 fasten with a cramp. Ьcramp a person's style prevent a person from acting freely or naturally. cramp up confine narrowly. [ME f. OF crampe f. MDu., MLG krampe, OHG krampfo f. adj. meaning 'bent': cf. CRIMP] crampon n. (US crampoon) (usu. in pl.) 1 an iron plate with spikes fixed to a boot for walking on ice, climbing, etc. 2 a metal hook for lifting timber, rock, etc.; a grappling-iron. [ME f. F (as CRAMP)] cran n. Sc. a measure for fresh herrings (37« gallons). [= Gael. crann, of uncert. orig.] cranage n. 1 the use of a crane or cranes. 2 the money paid for this. cranberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 any evergreen shrub of the genus Vaccinium, esp. V. macrocarpon of America and V. oxycoccos of Europe, yielding small red acid berries. 2 a berry from this used for a sauce and in cooking. Also called fen-berry. [17th c.: named by Amer. colonists f. G Kranbeere, LG kranebere crane-berry] crane n. & v. --n. 1 a machine for moving heavy objects, usu. by suspending them from a projecting arm or beam. 2 any tall wading bird of the family Gruidae, with long legs, long neck, and straight bill. 3 a moving platform supporting a television camera or cine-camera. --v.tr. 1 (also absol.) stretch out (one's neck) in order to see something. 2 tr. move (an object) by a crane. Ьcrane-fly (pl. -flies) any fly of the family Tipulidae, having two wings and long legs: also called daddy-long-legs. [OE cran, rel. to L grus, Gk geranos] cranesbill n. any of various plants of the genus Geranium, having beaked fruits. cranial adj. of or relating to the skull. Ьcranial index the ratio of the width and length of a skull. [CRANIUM + -AL] craniate adj. & n. --adj. having a skull. --n. a craniate animal. [mod.L craniatus f. CRANIUM] cranio- comb. form cranium. craniology n. the scientific study of the shape and size of the human skull. ЬЬcraniological adj. craniologist n. craniometry n. the scientific measurement of skulls. ЬЬcraniometric adj. craniotomy n. (pl. -ies) 1 surgical removal of a portion of the skull. 2 surgical perforation of the skull of a dead foetus to ease delivery. cranium n. (pl. craniums or crania) 1 the skull. 2 the part of the skeleton that encloses the brain. [ME f. med.L f. Gk kranion skull] crank(1) n. & v. --n. 1 part of an axle or shaft bent at right angles for interconverting reciprocal and circular motion. 2 an elbow-shaped connection in bell-hanging. --v.tr. 1 cause to move by means of a crank. 2 a bend into a crank-shape. b furnish or fasten with a crank. Ьcrank up 1 start (a car engine) by turning a crank. 2 sl. increase (speed etc.) by intensive effort. [OE cranc, app. f. crincan, rel. to cringan fall in battle, orig. 'curl up'] crank(2) n. 1 a an eccentric person, esp. one obsessed by a particular theory (health-food crank). b US a bad-tempered person. 2 literary a fanciful turn of speech (quips and cranks). [back-form. f. CRANKY] crank(3) adj. Naut. liable to capsize. [perh. f. crank weak, shaky, or CRANK(1)] crankcase n. a case enclosing a crankshaft. crankpin n. a pin by which a connecting-rod is attached to a crank. crankshaft n. a shaft driven by a crank (see CRANK(1) n. 1). cranky adj. (crankier, crankiest) 1 colloq. eccentric, esp. obsessed with a particular theory (cranky ideas about women). 2 working badly; shaky. 3 esp. US ill-tempered or crotchety. ЬЬcrankily adv. crankiness n. [perh. f. obs. crank rogue feigning sickness] crannog n. an ancient lake-dwelling in Scotland or Ireland. [Ir. f. crann tree, beam] cranny n. (pl. -ies) a chink, a crevice, a crack. ЬЬcrannied adj. [ME f. OF cran‚ past part. of craner f. cran f. pop.L crena notch] crap(1) n. & v. coarse sl. --n. 1 (often as int.) nonsense, rubbish (he talks crap). 2 faeces. --v.intr. (crapped, crapping) defecate. °Usually considered a taboo word. Ьcrap out US 1 be unsuccessful. 2 withdraw from a game etc. [earlier senses 'chaff, refuse from fat-boiling': ME f. Du. krappe] crap(2) n. US a losing throw of 2, 3, or 12 in craps. Ьcrap game a game of craps. [formed as CRAPS] crape n. 1 cr€pe, usu. of black silk or imitation silk, formerly used for mourning clothes. 2 a band of this formerly worn round a person's hat etc. as a sign of mourning. Ьcrape fern a NZ fern, Leptopteris superba, with tall dark-green fronds. crape hair artificial hair used in stage make-up. ЬЬcrapy adj. [earlier crispe, crespe f. F crespe CR°PE] crappy adj. (crappier, crappiest) coarse sl. 1 rubbishy, cheap. 2 disgusting. craps n.pl. US a gambling game played with dice. Ьshoot craps play craps. [19th c.: perh. f. crab lowest throw at dice] crapulent adj. 1 given to indulging in alcohol. 2 resulting from drunkenness. 3 a drunk. b suffering from the effects of drunkenness. ЬЬcrapulence n. crapulous adj. [LL crapulentus very drunk f. L crapula inebriation f. Gk kraipale drunken headache] craquelure n. a network of fine cracks in a painting or its varnish. [F] crash(1) v., n., & adv. --v. 1 intr. & tr. make or cause to make a loud smashing noise (the cymbals crashed; crashed the plates together). 2 tr. & intr. throw, drive, move, or fall with a loud smashing noise. 3 intr. & tr. a collide or cause (a vehicle) to collide violently with another vehicle, obstacle, etc.; overturn at high speed. b fall or cause (an aircraft) to fall violently on to the land or the sea (crashed the plane; the airman crashed into the sea). 4 intr. (usu. foll. by into) collide violently (crashed into the window). 5 intr. undergo financial ruin. 6 tr. colloq. enter without permission (crashed the cocktail party). 7 intr. colloq. be heavily defeated (crashed to a 4-0 defeat). 8 intr. Computing (of a machine or system) fail suddenly. 9 tr. colloq. pass (a red traffic-light etc.). 10 intr. (often foll. by out) sl. sleep for a night, esp. in an improvised setting. --n. 1 a a loud and sudden smashing noise (a thunder crash; the crash of crockery). b a breakage (esp. of crockery, glass, etc.). 2 a a violent collision, esp. of one vehicle with another or with an object. b the violent fall of an aircraft on to the land or sea. 3 ruin, esp. financial. 4 Computing a sudden failure which puts a system out of action. 5 (attrib.) done rapidly or urgently (a crash course in first aid). --adv. with a crash (the window went crash). Ьcrash barrier a barrier intended to prevent a car from leaving the road etc. crash-dive --v. 1 intr. a (of a submarine or its pilot) dive hastily and steeply in an emergency. b (of an aircraft or airman) dive and crash. 2 tr. cause to crash-dive. --n. such a dive. crash-halt a sudden stop by a vehicle. crash-helmet a helmet worn esp. by a motorcyclist to protect the head in a crash. crash-land 1 intr. (of an aircraft or airman) land hurriedly with a crash, usu. without lowering the undercarriage. 2 tr. cause (an aircraft) to crash-land. crash landing a hurried landing with a crash. crash pad sl. a place to sleep, esp. in an emergency. crash-stop = crash-halt. crash-tackle Football a vigorous tackle. [ME: imit.] crash(2) n. a coarse plain linen, cotton, etc., fabric. [Russ. krashenina coloured linen] crashing adj. colloq. overwhelming (a crashing bore). crasis n. (pl. crases) the contraction of two adjacent vowels in ancient Greek into one long vowel or diphthong. [Gk krasis mixture] crass adj. 1 grossly stupid (a crass idea). 2 gross (crass stupidity). 3 literary thick or gross. ЬЬcrassitude n. crassly adv. crassness n. [L crassus solid, thick] -crat comb. form a member or supporter of a particular form of government or rule (autocrat; democrat). [from or after F - crate: see -CRACY] cratch n. a rack used for holding food for farm animals out of doors. [ME f. OF creche f. Gmc: rel. to CRIB] crate n. & v. --n. 1 a large wickerwork basket or slatted wooden case etc. for packing esp. fragile goods for transportation. 2 sl. an old aeroplane or other vehicle. --v.tr. pack in a crate. ЬЬcrateful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME, perh. f. Du. krat basket etc.] crater n. & v. --n. 1 the mouth of a volcano. 2 a bowl-shaped cavity, esp. that made by the explosion of a shell or bomb. 3 Astron. a hollow with a raised rim on the surface of a planet or moon, caused by the impact of a meteorite. 4 Antiq. a large ancient Greek bowl, used for mixing wine. --v.tr. form a crater in. ЬЬcraterous adj. [L f. Gk krater mixing-bowl: see CRASIS] -cratic comb. form (also -cratical) denoting a particular kind of government or rule (autocratic; democratic). ЬЬ-cratically comb. form (adv.) [from or after F -cratique: see -CRACY] cravat n. 1 a scarf worn by men inside an open-necked shirt. 2 hist. a necktie. ЬЬcravatted adj. [F cravate f. G Krawat, Kroat f. Serbo-Croatian Hrvat Croat] crave v. 1 tr. a long for (craved affection). b beg for (craves a blessing). 2 intr. (foll. by for) long for; beg for (craved for comfort). ЬЬcraver n. [OE crafian, rel. to ON krefja] craven adj. & n. --adj. (of a person, behaviour, etc.) cowardly; abject. --n. a cowardly person. ЬЬcravenly adv. cravenness n. [ME cravand etc. perh. f. OF cravant‚ defeated, past part. of cravanter ult. f. L crepare burst; assim. to -EN(3)] craving n. (usu. foll. by for) a strong desire or longing. craw n. Zool. the crop of a bird or insect. Ьstick in one's craw be unacceptable. [ME, rel. to MDu. craghe, MLG krage, MHG krage neck, throat] crawfish n. & v. --n. (pl. same) a large marine spiny lobster. --v.intr. US retreat; back out. [var. of CRAYFISH] crawl v. & n. --v.intr. 1 move slowly, esp. on hands and knees. 2 (of an insect, snake, etc.) move slowly with the body close to the ground etc. 3 walk or move slowly (the train crawled into the station). 4 (often foll. by to) colloq. behave obsequiously or ingratiatingly in the hope of advantage. 5 (often foll. by with) be covered or filled with crawling or moving things, or with people etc. compared to this. 6 (esp. of the skin) feel a creepy sensation. 7 swim with a crawl stroke. --n. 1 an act of crawling. 2 a slow rate of movement. 3 a high-speed swimming stroke with alternate overarm movements and rapid straight-legged kicks. 4 a (usu. in comb.) colloq. a leisurely journey between places of interest (church-crawl). b = pub-crawl. ЬЬcrawlingly adv. crawly adj. (in senses 5, 6 of v.). [ME: orig. unkn.: cf. Sw. kravla, Da. kravle] crawler n. 1 sl. a person who behaves obsequiously in the hope of advantage. 2 anything that crawls, esp. an insect. 3 a tractor moving on an endless chain. 4 (usu. in pl.) esp. US a baby's overall for crawling in; rompers. cray n. Austral. & NZ = CRAYFISH. crayfish n. (pl. same) 1 a small lobster-like freshwater crustacean. 2 a crawfish. [ME f. OF crevice, crevis, ult. f. OHG krebiz CRAB(1): assim. to FISH(1)] crayon n. & v. --n. 1 a stick or pencil of coloured chalk, wax, etc. used for drawing. 2 a drawing made with this. --v.tr. draw with crayons. [F f. craie f. L creta chalk] craze v. & n. --v. 1 tr. (usu. as crazed adj.) make insane (crazed with grief). 2 a tr. produce fine surface cracks on (pottery glaze etc.). b intr. develop such cracks. --n. 1 a a usu. temporary enthusiasm (a craze for hula hoops). b the object of this. 2 an insane fancy or condition. [ME, orig. = break, shatter, perh. f. ON] crazy adj. (crazier, craziest) 1 colloq. (of a person, an action, etc.) insane or mad; foolish. 2 colloq. (usu. foll. by about) extremely enthusiastic. 3 sl. a exciting, unrestrained. b excellent. 4 (attrib.) (of paving, a quilt, etc.) made of irregular pieces fitted together. 5 archaic (of a ship, building, etc.) unsound, shaky. Ьcrazy bone US the funny bone. like crazy colloq. = like mad (see MAD). ЬЬcrazily adv. craziness n. creak n. & v. --n. a harsh scraping or squeaking sound. --v.intr. 1 make a creak. 2 a move with a creaking noise. b move stiffly and awkwardly. c show weakness or frailty under strain. ЬЬcreakingly adv. [ME, imit.: cf. CRAKE, CROAK] creaky adj. (creakier, creakiest) 1 liable to creak. 2 a stiff or frail (creaky joints). b (of a practice, institution, etc.) decrepit, dilapidated, outmoded. ЬЬcreakily adv. creakiness n. cream n., v., & adj. --n. 1 a the fatty content of milk which gathers at the top and can be made into butter by churning. b this eaten (often whipped) with a dessert, as a cake-filling, etc. (strawberries and cream; cream gateau). 2 the part of a liquid that gathers at the top. 3 (usu. prec. by the) the best or choicest part of something, esp.: a the point of an anecdote. b an ‚lite group of people (the cream of the nation). 4 a creamlike preparation, esp. a cosmetic (hand cream). 5 a very pale yellow or off-white colour. 6 a a dish or sweet like or made with cream. b a soup or sauce containing milk or cream. c a full-bodied mellow sweet sherry. d a biscuit with a creamy sandwich filling. e a chocolate-covered usu. fruit-flavoured fondant. --v. 1 tr. a take the cream from (milk). b take the best or a specified part from. 2 tr. work (butter etc.) to a creamy consistency. 3 tr. treat (the skin etc.) with cosmetic cream. 4 tr. add cream to (coffee etc.). 5 intr. (of milk or any other liquid) form a cream or scum. 6 tr. US colloq. defeat (esp. in a sporting contest). --adj. pale yellow; off-white. Ьcream bun (or cake) a bun or cake filled or topped with cream. cream cheese a soft rich cheese made from unskimmed milk and cream. cream-coloured pale yellowish white. cream cracker Brit. a crisp dry unsweetened biscuit usu. eaten with cheese. cream-laid (or -wove) laid (or wove) cream-coloured paper. cream off 1 take (the best or a specified part) from a whole (creamed off the brightest pupils). 2 = sense 1b of v. cream of tartar purified and crystallized potassium hydrogen tartrate, used in medicine, baking powder, etc. cream puff 1 a cake made of puff pastry filled with cream. 2 an ineffectual or effeminate person. cream soda a carbonated vanilla-flavoured soft drink. cream tea afternoon tea with scones, jam, and cream. [ME f. OF cre(s)me f. LL cramum (perh. f. Gaulish) & eccl.L chrisma CHRISM] creamer n. 1 a flat dish used for skimming the cream off milk. 2 a machine used for separating cream from milk. 3 US a jug for cream. creamery n. (pl. -ies) 1 a factory producing butter and cheese. 2 a shop where milk, cream, etc., are sold; a dairy. [CREAM, after F cr‚merie] creamy adj. (creamier, creamiest) 1 like cream in consistency or colour. 2 rich in cream. ЬЬcreamily adv. creaminess n. crease(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a a line in paper etc. caused by folding. b a fold or wrinkle. 2 Cricket a line marking the position of the bowler or batsman (see POPPING-CREASE, bowling-crease). 3 an area near the goal in ice hockey or lacrosse into which the puck or the ball must precede the players. --v. 1 tr. make creases in (material). 2 intr. become creased (linen creases badly). 3 tr. & intr. sl. (often foll. by up) make or become incapable through laughter. 4 tr. esp. US sl. a tire out. b stun or kill. [earlier creast = CREST ridge in material] crease(2) var. of KRIS. create v. 1 tr. a (of natural or historical forces) bring into existence; cause (poverty creates resentment). b (of a person or persons) make or cause (create a diversion; create a good impression). 2 tr. originate (an actor creates a part). 3 tr. invest (a person) with a rank (created him a lord). 4 intr. sl. Brit. make a fuss; grumble. ЬЬcreatable adj. [ME f. L creare] creatine n. a product of protein metabolism found in the muscles of vertebrates. [Gk kreas meat + -INE(4)] creation n. 1 a the act of creating. b an instance of this. 2 a (usu. the Creation) the creating of the universe regarded as an act of God. b (usu. Creation) everything so created; the universe. 3 a product of human intelligence, esp. of imaginative thought or artistic ability. 4 a the act of investing with a title or rank. b an instance of this. [ME f. OF f. L creatio -onis (as CREATE)] creationism n. Theol. a theory attributing all matter, biological species, etc., to separate acts of creation, rather than to evolution. ЬЬcreationist n. creative adj. 1 inventive and imaginative. 2 creating or able to create. ЬЬcreatively adv. creativeness n. creativity n. creator n. 1 a person who creates. 2 (as the Creator) God. [ME f. OF creat(o)ur f. L creator -oris (as CREATE)] creature n. 1 a an animal, as distinct from a human being. b any living being (we are all God's creatures). 2 a person of a specified kind (poor creature). 3 a person owing status to and obsequiously subservient to another. 4 anything created; a creation. Ьcreature comforts material comforts such as good food, warmth, etc. creature of habit a person set in an unvarying routine. ЬЬcreaturely adj. [ME f. OF f. LL creatura (as CREATE)] crЉche n. 1 a day nursery for babies and young children. 2 US a representation of a Nativity scene. [F (as CRATCH)] credal see CREED. credence n. 1 belief. 2 (in full credence table) a small side-table, shelf, or niche which holds the elements of the Eucharist before they are consecrated. Ьgive credence to believe. letter of credence a letter of introduction, esp. of an ambassador. [ME f. OF f. med.L credentia f. credere believe] credential n. (usu. in pl.) 1 evidence of a person's achievements or trustworthiness, usu. in the form of certificates, references, etc. 2 a letter or letters of introduction. [med.L credentialis (as CREDENCE)] credenza n. a sideboard or cupboard. [It. f. med.L (as CREDENCE)] credibility n. 1 the condition of being credible or believable. 2 reputation, status. Ьcredibility gap an apparent difference between what is said and what is true. credible adj. 1 (of a person or statement) believable or worthy of belief. 2 (of a threat etc.) convincing. ЬЬcredibly adv. [ME f. L credibilis f. credere believe] credit n. & v. --n. 1 (usu. of a person) a source of honour, pride, etc. (is a credit to the school). 2 the acknowledgement of merit (must give him credit for consistency). 3 a good reputation (his credit stands high). 4 a belief or trust (I place credit in that). b something believable or trustworthy (that statement has credit). 5 a a person's financial standing; the sum of money at a person's disposal in a bank etc. b the power to obtain goods etc. before payment (based on the trust that payment will be made). 6 (usu. in pl.) an acknowledgement of a contributor's services to a film, television programme, etc. 7 a grade above a pass in an examination. 8 a reputation for solvency and honesty in business. 9 a (in bookkeeping) the acknowledgement of being paid by an entry on the credit side of an account. b the sum entered. c the credit side of an account. 10 US a certificate indicating that a student has completed a course. --v.tr. (credited, crediting) 1 believe (cannot credit it). 2 (usu. foll. by to, with) enter on the credit side of an account (credited њ20 to him; credited him with њ20). Ьcredit account Brit. an account with a shop etc. for obtaining goods or services before payment. credit card a card from a bank etc. authorizing the obtaining of goods on credit. credit note a note given by a shop etc. in return for goods returned, stating the value of goods owed to the customer. credit rating an estimate of a person's suitability to receive commercial credit. credit sale the sale of goods on credit. credit title a person's name appearing at the beginning or end of a film or broadcast etc. as an acknowledgement. credit transfer a transfer from one person's bank account to another's. credit a person with ascribe (a good quality) to a person. do credit to (or do a person credit) enhance the reputation of. get credit for be given credit for. give a person credit for 1 enter (a sum) to a person's credit. 2 ascribe (a good quality) to a person. give credit to believe. letter of credit a letter from a banker authorizing a person to draw money up to a specified amount, usu. from another bank. on credit with an arrangement to pay later. to one's credit in one's praise, commendation, or defence (to his credit, he refused the offer). [F cr‚dit f. It. credito or L creditum f. credere credit- believe, trust] creditable adj. (often foll. by to) bringing credit or honour. ЬЬcreditability n. creditably adv. creditor n. 1 a person to whom a debt is owing. 2 a person or company that gives credit for money or goods (cf. DEBTOR). [ME f. AF creditour (OF -eur) f. L creditor -oris (as CREDIT)] creditworthy adj. considered suitable to receive commercial credit. ЬЬcreditworthiness n. credo n. (pl. -os) 1 (Credo) a statement of belief; a creed, esp. the Apostles' or Nicene creed beginning in Latin with credo. 2 a musical setting of the Nicene Creed. [ME f. L, = I believe] credulous adj. 1 too ready to believe; gullible. 2 (of behaviour) showing such gullibility. ЬЬcredulity n. credulously adv. credulousness n. [L credulus f. credere believe] Cree n. & adj. --n. (pl. same or Crees) 1 a an American Indian people of Central America. b a member of this people. 2 the language of this people. --adj. of or relating to the Crees or their language. [Canadian F Cris (earlier Cristinaux) f. Algonquian] creed n. 1 a set of principles or opinions, esp. as a philosophy of life (his creed is moderation in everything). 2 a (often the Creed) = Apostles' Creed (see APOSTLE). b a brief formal summary of Christian doctrine (cf. NICENE CREED, Athanasian Creed). c the Creed as part of the Mass. ЬЬcredal adj. creedal adj. [OE creda f. L CREDO] creek n. 1 Brit. a a small bay or harbour on a sea-coast. b a narrow inlet on a sea-coast or in a river-bank. 2 esp. US a tributary of a river; a stream. 3 Austral. & NZ a stream or brook. Ьup the creek sl. 1 in difficulties or trouble. 2 crazy. [ME crike f. ON kriki nook (or partly f. OF crique f. ON), & ME creke f. MDu. kreke (or f. crike by lengthening): ult. orig. unkn.] creel n. 1 a large wicker basket for fish. 2 an angler's fishing-basket. [ME, orig. Sc.: ult. orig. unkn.] creep v. & n. --v.intr. (past and past part. crept) 1 move with the body prone and close to the ground; crawl. 2 (often foll. by in, out, up, etc.) come, go, or move slowly and stealthily or timidly (crept out without being seen). 3 enter slowly (into a person's affections, life, awareness, etc.) (a feeling crept over her; crept into her heart). 4 colloq. act abjectly or obsequiously in the hope of advancement. 5 (of a plant) grow along the ground or up a wall by means of tendrils etc. 6 (as creeping adj.) developing slowly and steadily (creeping inflation). 7 (of the flesh) feel as if insects etc. were creeping over it, as a result of fear, horror, etc. 8 (of metals etc.) undergo creep. --n. 1 a the act of creeping. b an instance of this. 2 (in pl.; prec. by the) colloq. a nervous feeling of revulsion or fear (gives me the creeps). 3 sl. an unpleasant person. 4 the gradual downward movement of disintegrated rock due to gravitational forces etc. 5 (of metals etc.) a gradual change of shape under stress. 6 a low arch under a railway embankment, road, etc. Ьcreeping barrage a barrage moving ahead of advancing troops. creeping Jenny any of various creeping plants, esp. moneywort. creeping Jesus sl. an abject or hypocritical person. creep up on approach (a person) stealthily or unnoticed. [OE creopan f. Gmc] creeper n. 1 Bot. any climbing or creeping plant. 2 any bird that climbs, esp. a treecreeper. 3 sl. a soft-soled shoe. creepy adj. (creepier, creepiest) 1 colloq. having or producing a creeping of the flesh (I feel creepy; a creepy film). 2 given to creeping. ЬЬcreepily adv. creepiness n. [CREEP] creepy-crawly n. & adj. Brit. colloq. --n. (pl. -ies) an insect, worm, etc. --adj. creeping and crawling. creese var. of KRIS. cremate v.tr. consume (a corpse etc.) by fire. ЬЬcremation n. cremator n. [L cremare burn] crematorium n. (pl. crematoria or crematoriums) a place for cremating corpses in a furnace. [mod.L (as CREMATE, -ORY)] crematory adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to cremation. --n. (pl. -ies) US = CREMATORIUM. crЉme n. 1 = CREAM n. 6a. 2 a name for various creamy liqueurs (crЉme de cassis). Ь crЉme br–l‚e a pudding of cream or custard topped with caramelized sugar. crЉme caramel a custard coated with caramel. crЉme de la crЉme the best part; the ‚lite. crЉme de menthe a peppermint-flavoured liqueur. [F, = cream] crenate adj. Bot. & Zool. having a notched edge or rounded teeth. ЬЬcrenated adj. crenation n. crenature n. [mod.L crenatus f. pop.L crena notch] crenel n. (also crenelle) an indentation or gap in the parapet of a tower, castle, etc., orig. for shooting through etc. [ME f. OF crenel, ult. f. pop.L crena notch] crenellate v.tr. provide (a tower etc.) with battlements or loopholes. ЬЬcrenellation n. [F cr‚neler (as CRENEL)] Creole n. & adj. --n. 1 a a descendant of European (esp. Spanish) settlers in the W. Indies or Central or S. America. b a White descendant of French settlers in the southern US. c a person of mixed European and Black descent. 2 a language formed from the contact of a European language (esp. English, French, or Portuguese) with another (esp. African) language. --adj. 1 of or relating to a Creole or Creoles. 2 (usu. creole) of Creole origin or production (creole cooking). [F cr‚ole, criole f. Sp. criollo, prob. f. Port. crioulo home-born slave f. criar breed f. L creare CREATE] creolize v.tr. (also -ise) form a Creole from (another language). ЬЬcreolization n. creosote n. & v. --n. 1 (in full creosote oil) a dark-brown oil distilled from coal tar, used as a wood-preservative. 2 a colourless oily fluid distilled from wood tar, used as an antiseptic. --v.tr. treat with creosote. [G Kreosote f. Gk kreas flesh + soter preserver, with ref. to its antiseptic properties] cr€pe n. 1 a fine often gauzelike fabric with a wrinkled surface. 2 a thin pancake, usu. with a savoury or sweet filling. 3 (also cr€pe rubber) a very hard-wearing wrinkled sheet rubber used for the soles of shoes etc. Ьcr€pe de Chine a fine silk cr€pe. cr€pe paper thin crinkled paper. cr€pe Suzette a small dessert pancake flamed in alcohol at the table. ЬЬcr€pey adj. cr€py adj. [F f. OF crespe curled f. L crispus] crepitate v.intr. 1 make a crackling sound. 2 Zool. (of a beetle) eject pungent fluid with a sharp report. ЬЬcrepitant adj. [L crepitare frequent. of crepare creak] crepitation n. 1 Med. = CREPITUS. 2 the action or sound of crackling or rattling. crepitus n. Med. 1 a grating noise from the ends of a fractured bone rubbing together. 2 a similar sound heard from the chest in pneumonia etc. [L f. crepare rattle] crept past and past part. of CREEP. crepuscular adj. 1 a of twilight. b dim. 2 Zool. appearing or active in twilight. [L crepusculum twilight] Cres. abbr. Crescent. cresc. abbr. (also cres.) Mus. = CRESCENDO. crescendo n., adv., adj., & v. --n. (pl. -os) 1 Mus. a passage gradually increasing in loudness. 2 a progress towards a climax (a crescendo of emotions). b disp. a climax (reached a crescendo then died away). --adv. & adj. with a gradual increase in loudness. --v.intr. (-oes, -oed) increase gradually in loudness or intensity. [It., part. of crescere grow (as CRESCENT)] crescent n. & adj. --n. 1 the curved sickle shape of the waxing or waning moon. 2 anything of this shape, esp. Brit. a street forming an arc. 3 a the crescent-shaped emblem of Islam or Turkey. b (the Crescent) the world or power of Islam. --adj. 1 poet. increasing. 2 crescent-shaped. ЬЬcrescentic adj. [ME f. AF cressaunt, OF creissant, f. L crescere grow] cresol n. any of three isomeric phenols present in creosote and used as disinfectants. ЬЬcresyl adj. [CREOSOTE + -OL(2)] cress n. any of various cruciferous plants usu. with pungent edible leaves, e.g. watercress. [OE cresse f. WG] cresset n. hist. a metal container for oil, coal, etc., lighted and usu. mounted on a pole for illumination. [ME f. OF cresset, craisset, f. craisse = graisse GREASE] crest n. & v. --n. 1 a a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, etc. on a bird's or animal's head. b something resembling this, esp. a plume of feathers on a helmet. c a helmet; the top of a helmet. 2 the top of something, esp. of a mountain, wave, roof, etc. 3 Heraldry a a device above the shield and helmet of a coat of arms. b such a device reproduced on writing paper or on a seal, signifying a family. 4 a a line along the top of the neck of some animals. b the hair growing from this; a mane. 5 Anat. a ridge along the surface of a bone. --v. 1 tr. reach the crest of (a hill, wave, etc.). 2 tr. a provide with a crest. b serve as a crest to. 3 intr. (of a wave) form into a crest. Ьon the crest of a wave at the most favourable moment in one's progress. ЬЬcrested adj. (also in comb.). crestless adj. [ME f. OF creste f. L crista tuft] crestfallen adj. 1 dejected, dispirited. 2 with a fallen or drooping crest. cretaceous adj. & n. --adj. 1 of the nature of chalk. 2 (Cretaceous) Geol. of or relating to the last period of the Mesozoic era, with evidence of the first flowering plants, the extinction of dinosaurs, and extensive deposits of chalk. °Cf. Appendix II. --n. Geol. this era or system. [L cretaceus f. creta chalk] Cretan n. & adj. --n. a native of Crete, an island SE of the Greek mainland. --adj. of or relating to Crete or the Cretans. [L Cretanus f. Creta f. Gk Krete Crete] cretic n. Prosody a foot containing one short or unstressed syllable between two long or stressed ones. [L Creticus f. Gk Kretikos (as CRETAN)] cretin n. 1 a person who is deformed and mentally retarded as the result of a thyroid deficiency. 2 colloq. a stupid person. ЬЬcretinism n. cretinize v.tr. (also -ise). cretinous adj. [F cr‚tin f. Swiss F. creitin, crestin f. L Christianus CHRISTIAN] cretonne n. (often attrib.) a heavy cotton fabric with a usu. floral pattern printed on one or both sides, used for upholstery. [F f. Creton in Normandy] crevasse n. 1 a deep open crack, esp. in a glacier. 2 US a breach in a river levee. [F f. OF crevace: see CREVICE] crevice n. a narrow opening or fissure, esp. in a rock or building etc. [ME f. OF crevace f. crever burst f. L crepare] crew(1) n. & v. --n. (often treated as pl.) 1 a a body of people manning a ship, aircraft, train, etc. b such a body as distinguished from the captain or officers. c a body of people working together; a team. 2 colloq. a company of people; a gang (a motley crew). --v. 1 tr. supply or act as a crew or member of a crew for. 2 intr. act as a crew or member of a crew. Ьcrew cut an orig. man's haircut which is short all over the head. crew neck a close-fitting round neckline, esp. on a sweater. [ME f. OF creЃe increase, fem. past part. of croistre grow f. L crescere] crew(2) past of CROW(2). crewel n. a thin worsted yarn used for tapestry and embroidery. Ьcrewel-work a design worked in crewel on linen or cloth. [ME crule etc., of unkn. orig.] crewman n. (pl. -men) a member of a crew. crib n. & v. --n. 1 a a child's bed with barred or latticed sides; a cot. b a model of the Nativity of Christ, with a manger as a bed. 2 a barred container or rack for animal fodder. 3 colloq. a a translation of a text for the (esp. surreptitious) use of students. b plagiarized work etc. 4 a small house or cottage. 5 a framework lining the shaft of a mine. 6 colloq. a cribbage. b a set of cards given to the dealer at cribbage by all the players. 7 heavy crossed timbers used in foundations in loose soil etc. 8 sl. a brothel. 9 Austral. & NZ a light meal; food. --v.tr. (also absol.) (cribbed, cribbing) 1 colloq. copy (another person's work) unfairly or without acknowledgement. 2 confine in a small space. 3 colloq. pilfer, steal. 4 colloq. grumble. Ьcrib-biting a horse's habit of biting the manger while noisily breathing in and swallowing. ЬЬcribber n. [OE crib(b)] cribbage n. a card game for two, three, or four players, in which the dealer may score from the cards in the crib (see CRIB 6b). Ьcribbage-board a board with pegs and holes used for scoring at cribbage. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] cribo n. (pl. -os) a large harmless snake, Drymarchon corais, of tropical America. Also called gopher snake (see GOPHER(1)). [19th c.: orig. unkn.] cribriform adj. Anat. & Bot. having numerous small holes. [L cribrum sieve + -FORM] cribwork n. = CRIB n. 7. crick n. & v. --n. a sudden painful stiffness in the neck or the back etc. --v.tr. produce a crick in (the neck etc.). [ME: orig. unkn.] cricket(1) n. & v. --n. a game played on a grass pitch with two teams of 11 players taking turns to bowl at a wicket defended by a batting player of the other team. --v.intr. (cricketed, cricketing) play cricket. Ьcricket-bag a long bag used for carrying a cricketer's bat etc. not cricket Brit. colloq. underhand or unfair behaviour. ЬЬcricketer n. [16th c.: orig. uncert.] cricket(2) n. any of various grasshopper-like insects of the order Orthoptera, the males of which produce a characteristic chirping sound. [ME f. OF criquet f. criquer creak etc. (imit.)] cricoid adj. & n. --adj. ring-shaped. --n. (in full cricoid cartilage) Anat. the ring-shaped cartilage of the larynx. [mod.L cricoides f. Gk krikoeides f. krikos ring] cri de coeur n. (pl. cris de coeur pronunc. same) a passionate appeal, complaint, or protest. [F, = cry from the heart] cried past and past part. of CRY. crier n. (also cryer) 1 a person who cries. 2 an officer who makes public announcements in a court of justice. Ьtown (or common) crier hist. an officer employed by a town council etc. to make public announcements in the streets or market-place. [ME f. AF criour, OF criere f. crier CRY] crikey int. sl. an expression of astonishment. [euphem. for CHRIST] crim n. & adj. Austral. sl. = CRIMINAL. [abbr.] crime n. & v. --n. 1 a an offence punishable by law. b illegal acts as a whole (resorted to crime). 2 an evil act (a crime against humanity). 3 colloq. a shameful act (a crime to tease them). 4 a soldier's offence against military regulations. --v.tr. Mil. etc. charge with or convict of an offence. Ьcrime-sheet Mil. a record of a defendant's offences. crime wave a sudden increase in crime. crime-writer a writer of detective fiction or thrillers. [ME f. OF f. L crimen -minis judgement, offence] crime passionnel n. (pl. crimes passionnels pronunc. same) a crime, esp. murder, committed in a fit of sexual jealousy. [F, = crime of passion] criminal n. & adj. --n. a person who has committed a crime or crimes. --adj. 1 of, involving, or concerning crime (criminal records). 2 having committed (and usu. been convicted of) a crime. 3 Law relating to or expert in criminal law rather than civil or political matters (criminal code; criminal lawyer). 4 colloq. scandalous, deplorable. Ьcriminal law law concerned with punishment of offenders (opp. civil law). criminal libel see LIBEL. ЬЬcriminality n. criminally adv. [ME f. LL criminalis (as CRIME)] criminalistic adj. relating to criminals or their habits. criminalistics n.pl. esp. US forensic science. criminology n. the scientific study of crime. ЬЬcriminological adj. criminologist n. [L crimen -minis CRIME + -OLOGY] crimp v. & n. --v.tr. 1 compress into small folds or ridges; frill. 2 make narrow wrinkles or flutings in; corrugate. 3 make waves in (the hair) with a hot iron. --n. a crimped thing or form. Ьput a crimp in US sl. thwart; interfere with. ЬЬcrimper n. crimpy adj. crimpily adv. crimpiness n. [ME, prob. ult. f. OHG krimphan] Crimplene n. propr. a synthetic crease-resistant fibre and fabric. crimson adj., n., & v. --adj. of a rich deep red inclining to purple. --n. this colour. --v.tr. & intr. make or become crimson. [ME cremesin, crimesin, ult. f. Arab. kirmizi KERMES] cringe v. & n. --v.intr. 1 shrink back in fear or apprehension; cower. 2 (often foll. by to) behave obsequiously. --n. the act or an instance of cringing. ЬЬcringer n. [ME crenge, crenche, OE cringan, crincan: see CRANK(1)] cringle n. Naut. an eye of rope containing a thimble for another rope to pass through. [LG kringel dimin. of kring ring f. root of CRANK(1)] crinkle n. & v. --n. a wrinkle or crease in paper, cloth, etc. --v. 1 intr. form crinkles. 2 tr. form crinkles in. Ьcrinkle-cut (of vegetables) cut with wavy edges. ЬЬcrinkly adj. [ME f. OE crincan: see CRANK(1)] crinoid n. & adj. --n. any echinoderm of the class Crinoidea, usu. sedentary with feathery arms, e.g. sea lilies and feather stars. --adj. lily-shaped. ЬЬcrinoidal adj. [Gk krinoeides f. krinon lily] crinoline n. 1 a stiffened or hooped petticoat formerly worn to make a long skirt stand out. 2 a stiff fabric of horsehair etc. used for linings, hats, etc. [F f. L crinis hair + linum thread] cripple n. & v. --n. a person who is permanently lame. --v.tr. 1 make a cripple of; lame. 2 disable, impair. 3 weaken or damage (an institution, enterprise, etc.) seriously (crippled by the loss of funding). ЬЬcrippledom n. cripplehood n. crippler n. [OE crypel, rel. to CREEP] cris var. of KRIS. crisis n. (pl. crises) 1 a a decisive moment. b a time of danger or great difficulty. 2 the turning-point, esp. of a disease. [L f. Gk krisis decision f. krino decide] crisp adj., n., & v. --adj. 1 hard but brittle. 2 a (of air) bracing. b (of a style or manner) lively, brisk and decisive. c (of features etc.) neat and clear-cut. d (of paper) stiff and crackling. e (of hair) closely curling. --n. 1 (in full potato crisp) Brit. a thin fried slice of potato sold in packets etc. and eaten as a snack or appetizer. 2 a thing overdone in roasting etc. (burnt to a crisp). --v.tr. & intr. 1 make or become crisp. 2 curl in short stiff folds or waves. ЬЬcrisply adv. crispness n. [OE f. L crispus curled] crispate adj. 1 crisped. 2 Bot. & Zool. having a wavy margin. [L crispare curl] crispbread n. 1 a thin crisp biscuit of crushed rye etc. 2 these collectively (a packet of crispbread). crisper n. a compartment in a refrigerator for storing fruit and vegetables. crispy adj. (crispier, crispiest) 1 crisp, brittle. 2 curly. 3 brisk. ЬЬcrispiness n. criss-cross n., adj., adv., & v. --n. 1 a pattern of crossing lines. 2 the crossing of lines or currents etc. --adj. crossing; in cross lines (criss-cross marking). --adv. crosswise; at cross purposes. --v. 1 intr. a intersect repeatedly. b move crosswise. 2 tr. mark or make with a criss-cross pattern. [15th c., f. Christ's cross: later treated as redupl. of CROSS] crista n. (pl. cristae) 1 Anat. & Zool. a ridge or crest. 2 Anat. an infold of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. ЬЬcristate adj. [L] cristobalite n. Mineral. a principal form of silica, occurring as opal. [G Cristobalit f. Cerro San Cristўbal in Mexico] crit n. colloq. 1 = CRITICISM 2. 2 = CRITIQUE. 3 Physics critical mass. [abbr.] criterion n. (pl. criteria) a principle or standard that a thing is judged by. ЬЬcriterial adj. [Gk kriterion means of judging (cf. CRITIC)] critic n. 1 a person who censures. 2 a person who reviews or judges the merits of literary, artistic, or musical works etc., esp. regularly or professionally. 3 a person engaged in textual criticism. [L criticus f. Gk kritikos f. krites judge f. krino judge, decide] critical adj. 1 a making or involving adverse or censorious comments or judgements. b expressing or involving criticism. 2 skilful at or engaged in criticism. 3 providing textual criticism (a critical edition of Milton). 4 a of or at a crisis; involving risk or suspense (in a critical condition; a critical operation). b decisive, crucial (of critical importance; at the critical moment). 5 a Math. & Physics marking transition from one state etc. to another (critical angle). b Physics (of a nuclear reactor) maintaining a self-sustaining chain reaction. Ьcritical apparatus = APPARATUS 4. critical mass Physics the amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction. critical path the sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for an operation. critical temperature Chem. the temperature above which a gas cannot be liquefied. ЬЬcriticality n. (in sense 5). critically adv. criticalness n. [L criticus: see CRITIC] criticaster n. a minor or inferior critic. criticism n. 1 a finding fault; censure. b a statement or remark expressing this. 2 a the work of a critic. b an article, essay, etc., expressing or containing an analytical evaluation of something. Ьthe higher criticism criticism dealing with the origin and character etc. of texts, esp. of Biblical writings. the lower criticism textual criticism of the Bible. [CRITIC or L criticus + -ISM] criticize v.tr. (also -ise) (also absol.) 1 find fault with; censure. 2 discuss critically. ЬЬcriticizable adj. criticizer n. critique n. & v. --n. a critical essay or analysis; an instance or the process of formal criticism. --v.tr. (critiques, critiqued, critiquing) discuss critically. [F f. Gk kritike tekhne critical art] critter n. 1 dial. or joc. a creature. 2 derog. a person. [var. of CREATURE] croak n. & v. --n. 1 a deep hoarse sound as of a frog or a raven. 2 a sound resembling this. --v. 1 a intr. utter a croak. b tr. utter with a croak or in a dismal manner. 2 sl. a intr. die. b tr. kill. [ME: imit.] croaker n. 1 an animal that croaks. 2 a prophet of evil. croaky adj. (croakier, croakiest) (of a voice) croaking; hoarse. ЬЬcroakily adv. croakiness n. Croat n. & adj. --n. 1 a a native of Croatia in Yugoslavia. b a person of Croatian descent. 2 the Slavonic dialect of the Croats (cf. SERBO-CROAT). --adj. of or relating to the Croats or their dialect. [mod.L Croatae f. Serbo-Croatian Hrvat] Croatian n. & adj. = CROAT. croc n. colloq. a crocodile. [abbr.] croceate adj. saffron-coloured. [L croceus f. CROCUS] crochet n. & v. --n. 1 a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a patterned fabric by means of a hooked needle. 2 work made in this way. --v. (crocheted; crocheting) 1 tr. make by crocheting. 2 intr. do crochet. ЬЬcrocheter n. [F, dimin. of croc hook] crocidolite n. a fibrous blue or green silicate of iron and sodium; blue asbestos. [Gk krokis -idos nap of cloth] crock(1) n. & v. colloq. --n. 1 an inefficient, broken-down, or worn-out person. 2 a worn-out vehicle, ship, etc. --v. 1 intr. (foll. by up) break down, collapse. 2 tr. (often foll. by up) disable, cause to collapse. [orig. Sc., perh. f. Flem.] crock(2) n. 1 an earthenware pot or jar. 2 a broken piece of earthenware. [OE croc(ca)] crockery n. earthenware or china dishes, plates, etc. [obs. crocker potter: see CROCK(2)] crocket n. Archit. a small carved ornament (usu. a bud or curled leaf) on the inclined side of a pinnacle etc. [ME f. var. of OF crochet: see CROCHET] crocodile n. 1 a any large tropical amphibious reptile of the order Crocodilia, with thick scaly skin, long tail, and long jaws. b leather from its skin, used to make bags, shoes, etc. 2 Brit. colloq. a line of schoolchildren etc. walking in pairs. Ьcrocodile clip a clip with teeth for gripping. crocodile tears insincere grief (from the belief that crocodiles wept while devouring or alluring their prey). ЬЬcrocodilian adj. [ME f. OF cocodrille f. med.L cocodrillus f. L crocodilus f. Gk krokodilos f. kroke pebble + drilos worm] crocus n. (pl. crocuses) any dwarf plant of the genus Crocus, growing from a corm and having brilliant usu. yellow or purple flowers. [ME, = saffron, f. L f. Gk krokos crocus, of Semitic orig.] Croesus n. a person of great wealth. [name of a king of Lydia (6th c. BC)] croft n. & v. Brit. --n. 1 an enclosed piece of (usu. arable) land. 2 a small rented farm in Scotland or N. England. --v.intr. farm a croft; live as a crofter. [OE: orig. unkn.] crofter n. Brit. a person who rents a smallholding, esp. a joint tenant of a divided farm in parts of Scotland. croissant n. a crescent-shaped roll made of rich yeast pastry. [F, formed as CRESCENT] Cro-Magnon adj. Anthropol. of a tall broad-faced European race of late palaeolithic times. [name of a hill in the Dordogne, France, where remains were found in 1868] cromlech n. 1 a dolmen; a megalithic tomb. 2 a circle of upright prehistoric stones. [Welsh f. crom fem. of crwm bent + llech flat stone] crone n. 1 a withered old woman. 2 an old ewe. [ME, ult. f. ONF carogne CARRION] cronk adj. Austral. colloq. 1 unsound; liable to collapse. 2 a fraudulent. b (of a horse) dishonestly run, unfit. [19th c.: cf. CRANK(3)] crony n. (pl. -ies) a close friend or companion. [17th-c. chrony, university sl. f. Gk khronios long-standing f. khronos time] crook n., v., & adj. --n. 1 the hooked staff of a shepherd or bishop. 2 a a bend, curve, or hook. b anything hooked or curved. 3 colloq. a a rogue; a swindler. b a professional criminal. --v.tr. & intr. bend, curve. --adj. 1 crooked. 2 Austral. & NZ colloq. a unsatisfactory, out of order; (of a person) unwell, injured. b unpleasant. c dishonest, unscrupulous. d bad-tempered, irritable, angry. Ьcrook-back a hunchback. crook-backed hunchbacked. go crook (usu. foll. by at, on) Austral. & NZ colloq. lose one's temper; become angry. ЬЬcrookery n. [ME f. ON krўkr hook] crooked adj. (crookeder, crookedest) 1 a not straight or level; bent, curved, twisted. b deformed, bent with age. 2 colloq. not straightforward; dishonest. 3 Austral. & NZ sl. = CROOK adj. 2. 4 (foll. by on) Austral. sl. hostile to. ЬЬcrookedly adv. crookedness n. [ME f. CROOK, prob. after ON krўkўttr] croon v. & n. --v.tr. & intr. hum or sing in a low subdued voice, esp. in a sentimental manner. --n. such singing. ЬЬcrooner n. [ME (orig. Sc. & N.Engl.) f. MDu. & MLG kronen groan, lament] crop n. & v. --n. 1 a the produce of cultivated plants, esp. cereals. b the season's total yield of this (a good crop). 2 a group or an amount produced or appearing at one time (this year's crop of students). 3 (in full hunting crop) the stock or handle of a whip. 4 a a style of hair cut very short. b the cropping of hair. 5 Zool. a the pouch in a bird's gullet where food is prepared for digestion. b a similar organ in other animals. 6 the entire tanned hide of an animal. 7 a piece cut off or out of something. --v. (cropped, cropping) 1 tr. a cut off. b (of animals) bite off (the tops of plants). 2 tr. cut (hair, cloth, edges of a book, etc.) short. 3 tr. gather or reap (produce). 4 tr. (foll. by with) sow or plant (land) with a crop. 5 intr. (of land) bear a crop. Ьcrop-dusting the sprinkling of powdered insecticide or fertilizer on crops, esp. from the air. crop-eared having the ears (esp. of animals) or hair cut short. crop-full having a full crop or stomach. crop out Geol. appear at the surface. crop-over a W. Indian celebration marking the end of the sugar-cane harvest. crop up 1 (of a subject, circumstance, etc.) appear or come to one's notice unexpectedly. 2 Geol. appear at the surface. [OE crop(p)] cropper n. a crop-producing plant of specified quality (a good cropper; a heavy cropper). Ьcome a cropper sl. 1 fall heavily. 2 fail badly. croquet n. & v. --n. 1 a game played on a lawn, with wooden balls which are driven through a series of hoops with mallets. 2 the act of croqueting a ball. --v.tr. (croqueted; croqueting) drive away (one's opponent's ball in croquet) by placing one's own against it and striking one's own. [perh. dial. form of F CROCHET hook] croquette n. a fried breaded roll or ball of mashed potato or minced meat etc. [F f. croquer crunch] crore n. Ind. 1 ten million. 2 one hundred lakhs (of rupees, units of measurement, persons, etc.). [Hindi k(a)ror, ult. f. Skr. koti apex] crosier n. (also crozier) 1 a hooked staff carried by a bishop as a symbol of pastoral office. 2 a crook. [orig. = bearer of a crook, f. OF crocier & OF croisier f. crois CROSS] cross n., v., & adj. --n. 1 an upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion. 2 a (the Cross) in Christianity, the cross on which Christ was crucified. b a representation of this as an emblem of Christianity. c = sign of the cross. 3 a staff surmounted by a cross and borne before an archbishop or in a religious procession. 4 a a thing or mark shaped like a cross, esp. a figure made by two short intersecting lines (+ or x). b a monument in the form of a cross, esp. one in the centre of a town or on a tomb. 5 a cross-shaped decoration indicating rank in some orders of knighthood or awarded for personal valour. 6 a an intermixture of animal breeds or plant varieties. b an animal or plant resulting from this. 7 (foll. by between) a mixture or compromise of two things. 8 a a crosswise movement, e.g. of an actor on stage. b Football etc. a pass of the ball across the direction of play. c Boxing a blow with a crosswise movement of the fist. 9 a trial or affliction; something to be endured (bear one's crosses). --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by over; also absol.) go across or to the other side of (a road, river, sea, etc.). 2 a intr. intersect or be across one another (the roads cross near the bridge). b tr. cause to do this; place crosswise (cross one's legs). 3 tr. a draw a line or lines across. b Brit. mark (a cheque) with two parallel lines, and often an annotation, to indicate that it must be paid into a named bank account. 4 tr. (foll. by off, out, through) cancel or obliterate or remove from a list with lines drawn across. 5 tr. (often refl.) make the sign of the cross on or over. 6 intr. a pass in opposite or different directions. b (of letters between two correspondents) each be dispatched before receipt of the other. c (of telephone lines) become wrongly interconnected so that intrusive calls can be heard. 7 tr. a cause to interbreed. b cross-fertilize (plants). 8 tr. thwart or frustrate (crossed in love). 9 tr. sl. cheat. --adj. 1 (often foll. by with) peevish, angry. 2 (usu. attrib.) transverse; reaching from side to side. 3 (usu. attrib.) intersecting. 4 (usu. attrib.) contrary, opposed, reciprocal. Ьas cross as two sticks extremely angry or peevish. at cross purposes misunderstanding or conflicting with one another. cross one's fingers (or keep one's fingers crossed) 1 put one finger across another as a sign of hoping for good luck. 2 trust in good luck. cross the floor join the opposing side in a debating-assembly. cross one's heart make a solemn pledge, esp. by crossing one's front. cross one's mind (of a thought etc.) occur to one, esp. transiently. cross a person's palm (usu. foll. by with) pay a person for a favour. cross the path of 1 meet with (a person). 2 thwart. cross swords (often foll. by with) encounter in opposition; have an argument or dispute. cross wires (or get one's wires crossed) 1 become wrongly connected by telephone. 2 have a misunderstanding. on the cross 1 diagonally. 2 sl. fraudulently, dishonestly. ЬЬcrossly adv. crossness n. [OE cros f. ON kross f. OIr. cros f. L crux cruc-] cross- comb. form 1 denoting movement or position across something (cross-channel; cross-country). 2 denoting interaction (cross-breed; cross-cultural; cross-fertilize). 3 a passing from side to side; transverse (crossbar; cross-current). b having a transverse part (crossbow). 4 describing the form or figure of a cross (cross-keys; crossroads). crossbar n. a horizontal bar, esp. held on a pivot or between two upright bars etc., e.g. of a bicycle or of a football goal. cross-bedding n. Geol. lines of stratification crossing the main rock strata. Also called false bedding. cross-bench n. Brit. a seat in Parliament (now only the House of Lords) occupied by a member not taking the whip from a political party. ЬЬcross-bencher n. cross-bill n. any stout finch of the genus Loxia, having a bill with crossed mandibles for opening pine cones. crossbones n. a representation of two crossed thigh-bones (see SKULL). crossbow n. chiefly hist. a bow fixed across a wooden stock, with a groove for an arrow and a mechanism for drawing and releasing the string. ЬЬcrossbowman n. (pl. -men). cross-breed n. & v. --n. 1 a breed of animals or plants produced by crossing. 2 an individual animal or plant of a cross-breed. --v.tr. (past and past part. -bred) produce by crossing. cross-check v. & n. --v.tr. check by a second or alternative method, or by several methods. --n. an instance of cross-checking. cross-country adj. & adv. 1 across fields or open country. 2 not keeping to main or direct roads. cross-cut adj. & n. --adj. cut across the main grain or axis. --n. a diagonal cut, path, etc. Ьcross-cut saw a saw for cutting across the grain of wood. cross-dating n. Archaeol. dating by correlation with another site or level. crosse n. a stick with a triangular net at the end for conveying the ball in lacrosse. [F f. OF croce, croc hook] cross-examine v.tr. examine (esp. a witness in a lawcourt) to check or extend testimony already given. ЬЬcross-examination n. cross-examiner n. cross-eyed adj. (as a disorder) having one or both eyes turned permanently inwards towards the nose. cross-fade v.intr. Radio etc. fade in one sound as another is faded out. cross-fertilize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 fertilize (an animal or plant) from one of a different species. 2 help by the interchange of ideas etc. ЬЬcross-fertilization n. crossfire n. 1 firing in two crossing directions simultaneously. 2 a attack or criticism from several sources at once. b a lively or combative exchange of views etc. cross-grain n. a grain in timber, running across the regular grain. cross-grained adj. 1 (of timber) having a cross-grain. 2 perverse, intractable. cross-hair n. a fine wire at the focus of an optical instrument for use in measurement. cross-hatch v.tr. shade with intersecting sets of parallel lines. cross-head n. 1 a bar between the piston-rod and connecting-rod in a steam engine. 2 = CROSS-HEADING. cross-heading n. a heading to a paragraph printed across a column in the body of an article in a newspaper etc. crossing n. 1 a place where things (esp. roads) cross. 2 a place at which one may cross a street etc. (pedestrian crossing). 3 a journey across water (had a smooth crossing). 4 the intersection of a church nave and transepts. 5 Biol. mating. Ьcrossing over Biol. an exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes (cf. RECOMBINATION). cross-legged adj. with one leg crossed over the other. cross-link n. (also cross-linkage) Chem. a bond between chains of atoms in a polymer etc. crossmatch v.tr. Med. test the compatibility of (a donor's and a recipient's blood). ЬЬcrossmatching n. crossover n. & adj. --n. a point or place of crossing from one side to the other. --adj. having a crossover. crosspatch n. colloq. a bad-tempered person. [CROSS adj. 1 + obs. patch fool, clown] crosspiece n. a transverse beam or other component of a structure etc. cross-ply adj. (of a tyre) having fabric layers with cords lying crosswise. cross-pollinate v.tr. pollinate (a plant) from another. ЬЬcross-pollination n. cross-question v.tr. = CROSS-EXAMINE. cross-refer v.intr. (-referred, -referring) refer from one part of a book, article, etc., to another. cross-reference n. & v. --n. a reference from one part of a book, article, etc., to another. --v.tr. provide with cross-references. crossroad n. 1 (usu. in pl.) an intersection of two or more roads. 2 US a road that crosses a main road or joins two main roads. Ьat the crossroads at a critical point in one's life. cross-ruff n. & v. Bridge etc. --n. the alternate trumping of partners' leads. --v.intr. play in this way. cross-section n. 1 a a cutting of a solid at right angles to an axis. b a plane surface produced in this way. c a representation of this. 2 a representative sample, esp. of people. 3 Physics a quantity expressing the probability of interaction between particles. ЬЬcross-sectional adj. cross-stitch n. 1 a stitch formed of two stitches crossing each other. 2 needlework done using this stitch. crosstalk n. 1 unwanted transfer of signals between communication channels. 2 Brit. witty talk; repartee. cross-trees n.pl. Naut. a pair of horizontal timbers at the top of a lower mast, supporting the topmast. cross-voting n. voting for a party not one's own, or for more than one party. crosswalk n. US a pedestrian crossing. crossways adv. = CROSSWISE. crosswind n. a wind blowing across one's direction of travel. crosswise adj. & adv. 1 in the form of a cross; intersecting. 2 transverse or transversely. crossword n. (also crossword puzzle) a puzzle of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally have to be filled from clues. crotch n. a place where something forks, esp. the legs of the human body or a garment (cf. CRUTCH). [perh. = ME & OF croc(he) hook, formed as CROOK] crotchet n. 1 Mus. a note having the time value of a quarter of a semibreve and usu. representing one beat, drawn as a large dot with a stem. Also called quarter note. 2 a whimsical fancy. 3 a hook. [ME f. OF crochet dimin. of croc hook (see CROTCH)] crotchety adj. peevish, irritable. ЬЬcrotchetiness n. [CROTCHET + -Y(1)] croton n. 1 any small tree or shrub of the genus Croton, producing a capsule-like fruit. 2 any small tree or shrub of the genus Codiaeum, esp. C. variegatum, with coloured ornamental leaves. Ьcroton oil a powerful purgative obtained from the fruit of Croton tiglium. [mod.L f. Gk kroton sheep-tick, croton (from the shape of its seeds)] crouch v. & n. --v.intr. lower the body with the limbs close to the chest, esp. for concealment, or (of an animal) before pouncing; be in this position. --n. an act of crouching; a crouching position. [ME, perh. f. OF crochir be bent f. croc hook: cf. CROOK] croup(1) n. an inflammation of the larynx and trachea in children, with a hard cough and difficulty in breathing. ЬЬcroupy adj. [croup to croak (imit.)] croup(2) n. the rump or hindquarters esp. of a horse. [ME f. OF croupe, rel. to CROP] croupier n. 1 the person in charge of a gaming-table, raking in and paying out money etc. 2 the assistant chairperson at a public dinner, seated at the foot of the table. [F, orig. = rider on the croup: see CROUP(2)] cro–ton n. a small piece of fried or toasted bread served with soup or used as a garnish. [F f. cro–te CRUST] crow(1) n. 1 any large black bird of the genus Corvus, having a powerful black beak. 2 any similar bird of the family Corvidae, e.g. the raven, rook, and jackdaw. 3 sl. derog. a woman, esp. an old or ugly one. Ьas the crow flies in a straight line. crow-bill forceps for extracting bullets etc. crow's-foot (pl. -feet) 1 (usu. in pl.) a wrinkle at the outer corner of a person's eye. 2 Mil. a caltrop. crow's-nest a barrel or platform fixed at the masthead of a sailing vessel as a shelter for a lookout man. crow steps corbie-steps. crow-toe archaic or dial. any of various flowers, esp. the bluebell or buttercup. eat crow US submit to humiliation. [OE crawe ult. f. WG] crow(2) v. & n. --v.intr. 1 (past crowed or crew) (of a cock) utter its characteristic loud cry. 2 (of a baby) utter happy cries. 3 (usu. foll. by over) express unrestrained gleeful satisfaction. --n. 1 the cry of a cock. 2 a happy cry of a baby. [OE crawan, of imit. orig.] crowbar n. an iron bar with a flattened end, used as a lever. crowberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a heathlike evergreen shrub Empetrum nigrum, bearing black berries. b the flavourless edible berry of this plant. 2 US a cranberry. crowd n. & v. --n. 1 a large number of people gathered together, usu. without orderly arrangement. 2 a mass of spectators; an audience. 3 colloq. a particular company or set of people (met the crowd from the sales department). 4 (prec. by the) the mass or multitude of people (go along with the crowd). 5 a large number (of things). 6 actors representing a crowd. --v. 1 a intr. come together in a crowd. b tr. cause to do this. c intr. force one's way. 2 tr. a (foll. by into) force or compress into a confined space. b (often foll. by with; usu. in passive) fill or make abundant with (was crowded with tourists). 3 tr. a (of a number of people) come aggressively close to. b colloq. harass or pressure (a person). Ьcrowd out exclude by crowding. ЬЬcrowdedness n. [OE crudan press, drive] crowfoot n. any of various aquatic plants of the genus Ranunculus, with white buttercup-like flowers held above the water. crown n. & v. --n. 1 a monarch's ornamental and usu. jewelled head-dress. 2 (the Crown) a the monarch, esp. as head of State. b the power or authority residing in the monarchy. 3 a a wreath of leaves or flowers etc. worn on the head, esp. as an emblem of victory. b an award or distinction gained by a victory or achievement, esp. in sport. 4 a crown-shaped thing, esp. a device or ornament. 5 the top part of a thing, esp. of the head or a hat. 6 a the highest or central part of an arched or curved thing (crown of the road). b a thing that completes or forms the summit. 7 the part of a plant just above and below the ground. 8 the upper part of a cut gem above the girdle. 9 a the part of a tooth projecting from the gum. b an artificial replacement or covering for this. 10 a a former British coin equal to five shillings (25p). b any of several foreign coins with a name meaning 'crown', esp. the krona or krone. 11 a former size of paper, 504 x 384 mm. --v.tr. 1 put a crown on (a person or a person's head). 2 invest (a person) with a royal crown or authority. 3 be a crown to; encircle or rest on the top of. 4 a (often as crowning adj.) be or cause to be the consummation, reward, or finishing touch to (the crowning glory). b bring (efforts) to a happy issue. 5 fit a crown to (a tooth). 6 sl. hit on the head. Ьcrown cap a cork-lined metal cap for a bottle. Crown Colony a British colony controlled by the Crown. Crown Court a court of criminal jurisdiction in England and Wales. Crown Derby a soft-paste porcelain made at Derby and often marked with a crown above the letter 'D'. crown glass glass made without lead or iron and orig. in a circular sheet; used formerly in windows, now as optical glass of low refractive index. crown green a kind of bowling-green rising towards the middle. crown imperial a tall fritillary, Fritillaria imperialis, with a flower-cluster at the top of the stalk. crown jewels the regalia and other jewellery worn by the sovereign on certain State occasions. Crown Office (in the UK) an office of the Supreme Court transacting common-law business of Chancery. crown of thorns any starfish of the genus Acanthaster feeding on coral. Crown prince a male heir to a sovereign throne. Crown princess 1 the wife of a Crown prince. 2 a female heir to a sovereign throne. crown roast a roast of rib-pieces of pork or lamb arranged like a crown. crown saw a cylinder with a toothed edge for making a circular hole. crown wheel a wheel with teeth set at right angles to its plane, esp. in the gears of motor vehicles. [ME f. AF corune, OF corone f. L corona] crozier var. of CROSIER. CRT abbr. cathode-ray tube. cru n. 1 a French vineyard or wine-producing region. 2 the grade of wine produced from it. [F f. cr– grown] cruces pl. of CRUX. crucial adj. 1 decisive, critical. 2 disp. very important. ЬЬcruciality n. (pl. -ies). crucially adv. [F f. L crux crucis cross] crucian n. a yellow cyprinoid fish, Carassius carassius, allied to the goldfish. [LG karusse etc.] cruciate adj. Zool. cross-shaped. [mod.L cruciatus f. L (as CRUCIBLE)] crucible n. 1 a melting-pot for metals etc. 2 a severe test or trial. [ME f. med.L crucibulum night-lamp, crucible, f. L crux crucis cross] crucifer n. a cruciferous plant. cruciferous adj. Bot. of the family Cruciferae, having flowers with four petals arranged in a cross. [LL crucifer (as CRUCIAL, -FEROUS)] crucifix n. a model or image of a cross with a figure of Christ on it. [ME f. OF f. eccl.L crucifixus f. L cruci fixus fixed to a cross] crucifixion n. 1 a crucifying or being crucified. b an instance of this. 2 (Crucifixion) a the crucifixion of Christ. b a representation of this. [eccl.L crucifixio (as CRUCIFIX)] cruciform adj. cross-shaped (esp. of a church with transepts). [L crux crucis cross + -FORM] crucify v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 put to death by fastening to a cross. 2 a cause extreme pain to. b persecute, torment. c sl. defeat thoroughly in an argument, match, etc. ЬЬcrucifier n. [ME f. OF crucifier f. LL crucifigere (as CRUCIFIX)] cruck n. Brit. hist. either of a pair of curved timbers extending to the ground in the framework of a type of medieval house-roof. [var. of CROOK] crud n. sl. 1 a a deposit of unwanted impurities, grease, etc. b a corrosive deposit in a nuclear reactor. 2 an unpleasant person. 3 nonsense. ЬЬcruddy adj. (cruddier, cruddiest). [var. of CURD] crude adj. & n. --adj. 1 a in the natural or raw state; not refined. b rough, unpolished; lacking finish. 2 a (of an action or statement or manners) rude, blunt. b offensive, indecent (a crude gesture). 3 a Statistics (of figures) not adjusted or corrected. b rough (a crude estimate). --n. natural mineral oil. ЬЬcrudely adv. crudeness n. crudity n. [ME f. L crudus raw, rough] crudit‚s n.pl. an hors d'oeuvre of mixed raw vegetables often served with a sauce into which they are dipped. [F] cruel adj. & v. --adj. (crueller, cruellest or crueler, cruelest) 1 indifferent to or gratified by another's suffering. 2 causing pain or suffering, esp. deliberately. --v.tr. (cruelled, cruelling) Austral. sl. thwart, spoil. ЬЬcruelly adv. cruelness n. [ME f. OF f. L crudelis, rel. to crudus (as CRUDE)] cruelty n. (pl. -ies) 1 a cruel act or attitude; indifference to another's suffering. 2 a succession of cruel acts; a continued cruel attitude (suffered much cruelty). 3 Law physical or mental harm inflicted (whether or not intentional), esp. as a ground for divorce. [OF crualt‚ ult. f. L crudelitas] cruet n. 1 a small container for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar for use at table. 2 (in full cruet-stand) a stand holding cruets. 3 Eccl. a small container for the wine and water in the celebration of the Eucharist. [ME through AF f. OF crue pot f. OS kruka: rel. to CROCK(2)] cruise v. & n. --v. 1 intr. make a journey by sea calling at a series of ports usu. according to a predetermined plan, esp. for pleasure. 2 intr. sail about without a precise destination. 3 intr. a (of a motor vehicle or aircraft) travel at a moderate or economical speed. b (of a vehicle or its driver) travel at random, esp. slowly. 4 intr. achieve an objective, win a race etc., with ease. 5 intr. & tr. sl. walk or drive about (the streets etc.) in search of a sexual (esp. homosexual) partner. --n. a cruising voyage, esp. as a holiday. Ьcruise missile one able to fly at a low altitude and guide itself by reference to the features of the region it traverses. cruising speed a comfortable and economical speed for a motor vehicle, below its maximum speed. [prob. f. Du. kruisen f. kruis CROSS] cruiser n. 1 a warship of high speed and medium armament. 2 = cabin cruiser. 3 US a police patrol car. [Du. kruiser (as CRUISE)] cruiserweight n. esp. Brit. = light heavyweight (see HEAVYWEIGHT). cruller n. US a small cake made of a rich dough twisted or curled and fried in fat. [prob. f. Du. krullen curl] crumb n. & v. --n. 1 a a small fragment, esp. of bread. b a small particle (a crumb of comfort). 2 the soft inner part of a loaf of bread. 3 sl. an objectionable person. --v.tr. 1 cover with breadcrumbs. 2 break into crumbs. [OE cruma] crumble v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. break or fall into crumbs or fragments. 2 intr. (of power, a reputation, etc.) gradually disintegrate. --n. 1 Brit. a mixture of flour and fat, rubbed to the texture of breadcrumbs and cooked as a topping for fruit etc. (apple crumble; vegetable crumble). 2 a crumbly or crumbled substance. [ME f. OE, formed as CRUMB] crumbly adj. (crumblier, crumbliest) consisting of, or apt to fall into, crumbs or fragments. ЬЬcrumbliness n. crumbs int. Brit. sl. expressing dismay or surprise. [euphem. for Christ] crumby adj. (crumbier, crumbiest) 1 like or covered in crumbs. 2 = CRUMMY. crumhorn var. of KRUMMHORN. crummy adj. (crummier, crummiest) colloq. dirty, squalid; inferior, worthless. ЬЬcrummily adv. crumminess n. [var. of CRUMBY] crump n. & v. Mil. sl. --n. the sound of a bursting bomb or shell. --v.intr. make this sound. [imit.] crumpet n. 1 a soft flat cake of a yeast mixture cooked on a griddle and eaten toasted and buttered. 2 Brit. joc. or offens. a a sexually attractive person, esp. a woman. b women regarded collectively, esp. as objects of sexual desire. 3 archaic sl. the head. [17th c.: orig. uncert.] crumple v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by up) a crush or become crushed into creases. b ruffle, wrinkle. 2 intr. (often foll. by up) collapse, give way. --n. a crease or wrinkle. Ьcrumple zone a part of a motor vehicle, esp. the extreme front and rear, designed to crumple easily in a crash and absorb impact. ЬЬcrumply adj. [obs. crump (v. & adj.) (make or become) curved] crunch v. & n. --v. 1 tr. a crush noisily with the teeth. b grind (gravel, dry snow, etc.) under foot, wheels, etc. 2 intr. (often foll. by up, through) make a crunching sound in walking, moving, etc. --n. 1 crunching; a crunching sound. 2 colloq. a decisive event or moment. [earlier cra(u)nch, assim. to munch] crunchy adj. (crunchier, crunchiest) that can be or has been crunched or crushed into small pieces; hard and crispy. ЬЬcrunchily adv. crunchiness n. crupper n. 1 a strap buckled to the back of a saddle and looped under the horse's tail to hold the harness back. 2 the hindquarters of a horse. [ME f. OF cropiere (cf. CROUP(2))] crural adj. Anat. of the leg. [F crural or L cruralis f. crus cruris leg] crusade n. & v. --n. 1 a any of several medieval military expeditions made by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. b a war instigated by the Church for alleged religious ends. 2 a vigorous campaign in favour of a cause. --v.intr. engage in a crusade. ЬЬcrusader n. [earlier croisade (F f. croix cross) or crusado (Sp. f. cruz cross)] cruse n. archaic an earthenware pot or jar. [OE cruse, of unkn. orig.] crush v. & n. --v.tr. 1 compress with force or violence, so as to break, bruise, etc. 2 reduce to powder by pressure. 3 crease or crumple by rough handling. 4 defeat or subdue completely (crushed by my reply). --n. 1 an act of crushing. 2 a crowded mass of people. 3 a drink made from the juice of crushed fruit. 4 colloq. a (usu. foll. by on) a (usu. passing) infatuation. b the object of an infatuation (who's the latest crush?). Ьcrush bar a place in a theatre for audiences to buy drinks in the intervals. crush barrier a barrier, esp. a temporary one, for restraining a crowd. ЬЬcrushable adj. crusher n. crushingly adv. [ME f. AF crussir, corussier, OF croissir, cruissir, gnash (teeth), crack, f. Rmc] crust n. & v. --n. 1 a the hard outer part of a loaf of bread. b a piece of this with some soft bread attached. c a hard dry scrap of bread. d esp. Austral. sl. a livelihood (what do you do for a crust?). 2 the pastry covering of a pie. 3 a hard casing of a softer thing, e.g. a harder layer over soft snow. 4 Geol. the outer portion of the earth. 5 a a coating or deposit on the surface of anything. b a hard dry formation on the skin, a scab. 6 a deposit of tartar formed in bottles of old wine. 7 a sl. impudence (you have a crust!). b a superficial hardness of manner. --v.tr. & intr. 1 cover or become covered with a crust. 2 form into a crust. ЬЬcrustal adj. (in sense 4 of n.). [ME f. OF crouste f. L crusta rind, shell] crustacean n. & adj. --n. any arthropod of the class Crustacea, having a hard shell and usu. aquatic, e.g. the crab, lobster, and shrimp. --adj. of or relating to crustaceans. ЬЬcrustaceology n. crustaceous adj. [mod.L crustaceus f. crusta: see CRUST] crusted adj. 1 a having a crust. b (of wine) having deposited a crust. 2 antiquated, venerable (crusted prejudice). crusty adj. (crustier, crustiest) 1 having a crisp crust (a crusty loaf). 2 irritable, curt. 3 hard, crustlike. ЬЬcrustily adv. crustiness n. crutch n. 1 a support for a lame person, usu. with a crosspiece at the top fitting under the armpit (pair of crutches). 2 any support or prop. 3 the crotch of the human body or garment. [OE cryc(c) f. Gmc] crux n. (pl. cruxes or cruces) 1 the decisive point at issue. 2 a difficult matter; a puzzle. [L, = cross] cruzado n. (pl. -os) the chief monetary unit of Brazil from 1986. [Port. cruzado, crusado, = marked with the cross] cruzeiro n. (pl. -os) the former monetary unit of Brazil; from 1986 one-thousandth of a cruzado. [Port., = large cross] cry v. & n. --v. (cries, cried) 1 intr. (often foll. by out) make a loud or shrill sound, esp. to express pain, grief, etc., or to appeal for help. 2 a intr. shed tears; weep. b tr. shed (tears). 3 tr. (often foll. by out) say or exclaim loudly or excitedly. 4 intr. (of an animal, esp. a bird) make a loud call. 5 tr. (of a hawker etc.) proclaim (wares etc.) in the street. --n. (pl. cries) 1 a loud inarticulate utterance of grief, pain, fear, joy, etc. 2 a loud excited utterance of words. 3 an urgent appeal or entreaty. 4 a spell of weeping. 5 a public demand; a strong movement of opinion. b a watchword or rallying call. 6 the natural utterance of an animal, esp. of hounds on the scent. 7 the street-call of a hawker etc. Ьcry-baby a person, esp. a child, who sheds tears frequently. cry down disparage, belittle. cry one's eyes (or heart) out weep bitterly. cry for the moon ask for what is unattainable. cry from the heart a passionate appeal or protest. cry off colloq. withdraw from a promise or undertaking. cry out for demand as a self-evident requirement or solution. cry over spilt milk see MILK. cry stinking fish disparage one's own efforts, products, etc. cry up praise, extol. cry wolf see WOLF. a far cry 1 a long way. 2 a very different thing. for crying out loud colloq. an exclamation of surprise or annoyance. in full cry (of hounds) in keen pursuit. [ME f. OF crier, cri f. L quiritare wail] cryer var. of CRIER. crying attrib.adj. (of an injustice or other evil) flagrant, demanding redress (a crying need; a crying shame). cryo- comb. form (extreme) cold. [Gk kruos frost] cryobiology n. the biology of organisms below their normal temperatures. ЬЬcryobiological adj. cryobiologist n. cryogen n. a freezing-mixture; a substance used to produce very low temperatures. cryogenics n. the branch of physics dealing with the production and effects of very low temperatures. ЬЬcryogenic adj. cryolite n. Mineral. a lustrous mineral of sodium-aluminium fluoride, used in the manufacture of aluminium. cryopump n. a vacuum pump using liquefied gases. cryostat n. an apparatus for maintaining a very low temperature. cryosurgery n. surgery using the local application of intense cold for anaesthesia or therapy. crypt n. an underground room or vault, esp. one beneath a church, used usu. as a burial-place. [ME f. L crypta f. Gk krupte f. kruptos hidden] cryptanalysis n. the art or process of deciphering cryptograms by analysis. ЬЬcryptanalyst n. cryptanalytic adj. cryptanalytical adj. [CRYPTO- + ANALYSIS] cryptic adj. 1 a obscure in meaning. b (of a crossword clue etc.) indirect; indicating the solution in a way that is not obvious. c secret, mysterious, enigmatic. 2 Zool. (of coloration etc.) serving for concealment. ЬЬcryptically adv. [LL crypticus f. Gk kruptikos (as CRYPTO-)] crypto n. (pl. -os) colloq. a person having a secret allegiance to a political creed etc., esp. communism. [as CRYPTO-] crypto- comb. form concealed, secret (crypto-communist). [Gk kruptos hidden] cryptocrystalline adj. having a crystalline structure visible only when magnified. cryptogam n. a plant that has no true flowers or seeds, e.g. ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi. ЬЬcryptogamic adj. cryptogamous adj. [F cryptogame f. mod.L cryptogamae (plantae) formed as CRYPTO- + Gk gamos marriage] cryptogram n. a text written in cipher. cryptography n. the art of writing or solving ciphers. ЬЬcryptographer n. cryptographic adj. cryptographically adv. cryptomeria n. a tall evergreen tree, Cryptomeria japonica, native to China and Japan, with long curved spirally arranged leaves and short cones. Also called Japanese cedar. [CRYPTO- + Gk meros part (because the seeds are enclosed by scales)] crystal n. & adj. --n. 1 a a clear transparent mineral, esp. rock crystal. b a piece of this. 2 (in full crystal glass) a highly transparent glass; flint glass. b articles made of this. 3 the glass over a watch-face. 4 Electronics a crystalline piece of semiconductor. 5 Chem. a an aggregation of molecules with a definite internal structure and the external form of a solid enclosed by symmetrically arranged plane faces. b a solid whose constituent particles are symmetrically arranged. --adj. (usu. attrib.) made of, like, or clear as crystal. Ьcrystal ball a glass globe used in crystal-gazing. crystal class Crystallog. any of 32 categories of crystals classified according to their symmetry. crystal clear unclouded, transparent. crystal-gazing the process of concentrating one's gaze on a crystal ball supposedly in order to obtain a picture of future events etc. crystal lattice Crystallog. the regular repeating pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline substance. crystal set a simple early form of radio receiving apparatus with a crystal touching a metal wire as the rectifier. crystal system Crystallog. any of seven possible unique combinations of unit cells, crystal lattices, and symmetry elements of a crystal class. [OE f. OF cristal f. L crystallum f. Gk krustallos ice, crystal] crystalline adj. 1 of, like, or clear as crystal. 2 Chem. & Mineral. having the structure and form of a crystal. Ьcrystalline lens a transparent lens enclosed in a membranous capsule behind the iris of the eye. ЬЬcrystallinity n. [ME f. OF cristallin f. L crystallinus f. Gk krustallinos (as CRYSTAL)] crystallite n. 1 a small crystal. 2 an individual perfect crystal or grain in a metal etc. 3 Bot. a region of cellulose etc. with a crystal-like structure. crystallize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. & intr. form or cause to form crystals. 2 (often foll. by out) a intr. (of ideas or plans) become definite. b tr. make definite. 3 tr. & intr. coat or impregnate or become coated or impregnated with sugar (crystallized fruit). ЬЬcrystallizable adj. crystallization n. crystallography n. the science of crystal form and structure. ЬЬcrystallographer n. crystallographic adj. crystalloid adj. & n. --adj. 1 crystal-like. 2 having a crystalline structure. --n. a substance that in solution is able to pass through a semipermeable membrane (cf. COLLOID). 18.0 CS... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CS abbr. 1 Civil Service. 2 chartered surveyor. 3 Court of Session. Cs symb. Chem. the element caesium. c/s abbr. cycles per second. csardas n. (also czardas) (pl. same) a Hungarian dance with a slow start and a quick wild finish. [Magyar cs rd s f. cs rda inn] CSC abbr. 1 Civil Service Commission. 2 Conspicuous Service Cross. CSE abbr. hist. (in the UK) Certificate of Secondary Education. °Replaced in 1988 by GCSE. CS gas n. a gas causing tears and choking, used to control riots etc. [B. B. Corson & R. W. Stoughton, Amer. chemists] CSI abbr. Companion of the Order of the Star of India. CSIRO abbr. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. CSM abbr. (in the UK) Company Sergeant-Major. CST abbr. (in the US) Central Standard Time. CSU abbr. (in the UK) Civil Service Union. 19.0 CT... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CT abbr. US Connecticut (in official postal use). ct. abbr. 1 carat. 2 cent. CTC abbr. 1 (in the UK) Cyclists' Touring Club. 2 (in the UK) City Technology College. ctenoid adj. Zool. (of fish scales) characterized by tiny toothlike processes (cf. PLACOID). [Gk kteis ktenos comb] ctenophore n. any marine animal of the phylum Ctenophora, having a jellyfish-like body bearing rows of cilia, e.g. sea gooseberries. [mod.L ctenophorus (as CTENOID)] 20.0 CU... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CU abbr. Cambridge University. Cu symb. Chem. the element copper. cu. abbr. cubic. cub n. & v. --n. 1 the young of a fox, bear, lion, etc. 2 an ill-mannered young man. 3 (Cub) (in full Cub Scout) a member of the junior branch of the Scout Association. 4 (in full cub reporter) colloq. a young or inexperienced newspaper reporter. 5 US an apprentice. --v.tr. (cubbed, cubbing) (also absol.) give birth to (cubs). ЬЬcubhood n. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] Cuban adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Cuba, an island republic in the Caribbean, or its people. --n. a native or national of Cuba. ЬCuban heel a moderately high straight heel of a man's or woman's shoe. cubby n. (pl. -ies) (in full cubby-hole) 1 a very small room. 2 a snug or confined space. [dial. cub stall, pen, of LG orig.] cube n. & v. --n. 1 a solid contained by six equal squares. 2 a cube-shaped block. 3 Math. the product of a number multiplied by its square. --v.tr. 1 find the cube of (a number). 2 cut (food for cooking etc.) into small cubes. Ьcube root the number which produces a given number when cubed. ЬЬcuber n. [F cube or L cubus f. Gk kubos] cubeb n. 1 a climbing plant, Piper cubeba, bearing pungent berries. 2 this berry crushed for use in medicated cigarettes. [ME f. OF cubebe, quibibe ult. f. Arab. kobaba, kubaba] cubic adj. 1 cube-shaped. 2 of three dimensions. 3 involving the cube (and no higher power) of a number (cubic equation). 4 Crystallog. having three equal axes at right angles. Ьcubic content the volume of a solid expressed in cubic metres. cubic metre etc. the volume of a cube whose edge is one metre etc. [F cubique or L cubicus f. Gk kubikos (as CUBE)] cubical adj. cube-shaped. ЬЬcubically adv. cubicle n. 1 a small partitioned space, screened for privacy. 2 a small separate sleeping-compartment. [L cubiculum f. cubare lie down] cubiform adj. cube-shaped. cubism n. a style and movement in art, esp. painting, in which objects are represented as an assemblage of geometrical forms. ЬЬcubist n. & adj. [F cubisme (as CUBE)] cubit n. an ancient measure of length, approximately equal to the length of a forearm. [ME f. L cubitum elbow, cubit] cubital adj. 1 Anat. of the forearm. 2 Zool. of the corresponding part in animals. [ME f. L cubitalis (as CUBIT)] cuboid adj. & n. --adj. cube-shaped; like a cube. --n. 1 Geom. a rectangular parallelepiped. 2 (in full cuboid bone) Anat. the outer bone of the tarsus. ЬЬcuboidal adj. [mod.L cuboides f. Gk kuboeides (as CUBE)] cucking-stool n. hist. a chair on which disorderly women were ducked as a punishment. [ME f. obs. cuck defecate] cuckold n. & v. --n. the husband of an adulteress. --v.tr. make a cuckold of. ЬЬcuckoldry n. [ME cukeweld, cokewold, f. OF cucu cuckoo] cuckoo n. & adj. --n. any bird of the family Cuculidae, esp. Cuculus canorus, having a characteristic cry, and depositing its eggs in the nests of small birds. --predic.adj. sl. crazy, foolish. Ьcuckoo clock a clock that strikes the hour with a sound like a cuckoo's call, usu. with the emergence on each note of a mechanical cuckoo. cuckoo flower 1 a meadow plant, Cardamine pratensis, with pale lilac flowers. 2 = ragged robin. cuckoo in the nest an unwelcome intruder. cuckoo-pint a wild arum, Arum maculatum, with arrow-shaped leaves and scarlet berries: also called lords and ladies (see LORD). cuckoo-spit froth exuded by larvae of insects of the family Cercopidae on leaves, stems, etc. [ME f. OF cucu, imit.] cucumber n. 1 a long green fleshy fruit, used in salads. 2 the climbing plant, Cucumis sativus, yielding this fruit. [ME f. OF co(u)combre f. L cucumer] cucurbit n. = GOURD. ЬЬcucurbitaceous adj. [L cucurbita] cud n. half-digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminants to the mouth for further chewing. [OE cwidu, cudu what is chewed, corresp. to OHG kuti, quiti glue] cuddle v. & n. --v. 1 tr. hug, embrace, fondle. 2 intr. nestle together, lie close and snug. --n. a prolonged and fond hug. ЬЬcuddlesome adj. [16th c.: perh. f. dial. couth snug] cuddly adj. (cuddlier, cuddliest) tempting to cuddle; given to cuddling. cuddy n. (pl. -ies) Sc. 1 a donkey. 2 a stupid person. [perh. a pet-form of the name Cuthbert] cudgel n. & v. --n. a short thick stick used as a weapon. --v.tr. (cudgelled, cudgelling; US cudgeled, cudgeling) beat with a cudgel. Ьcudgel one's brains think hard about a problem. take up the cudgels (often foll. by for) make a vigorous defence. [OE cycgel, of unkn. orig.] cudweed n. any wild composite plant of the genus Gnaphalium, with scales and round flower-heads, formerly given to cattle that had lost their cud. cue(1) n. & v. --n. 1 a the last words of an actor's speech serving as a signal to another actor to enter or speak. b a similar signal to a singer or player etc. 2 a a stimulus to perception etc. b a signal for action. c a hint on how to behave in particular circumstances. 3 a facility for or an instance of cueing audio equipment (see sense 2 of v.). --v.tr. (cues, cued, cueing or cuing) 1 give a cue to . 2 put (a piece of audio equipment, esp. a record-player or tape recorder) in readiness to play a particular part of the recorded material. Ьcue-bid Bridge an artificial bid to show a particular card etc. in the bidder's hand. cue in 1 insert a cue for. 2 give information to. on cue at the correct moment. take one's cue from follow the example or advice of. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] cue(2) n. & v. Billiards etc. --n. a long straight tapering rod for striking the ball. --v. (cues, cued, cueing or cuing) 1 tr. strike (a ball) with a cue. 2 intr. use a cue. Ьcue-ball the ball that is to be struck with the cue. ЬЬcueist n. [var. of QUEUE] cuesta n. Geog. a gentle slope, esp. one ending in a steep drop. [Sp., = slope, f. L costa: see COAST] cuff(1) n. 1 a the end part of a sleeve. b a separate band of linen worn round the wrist so as to appear under the sleeve. c the part of a glove covering the wrist. 2 US a trouser turn-up. 3 (in pl.) colloq. handcuffs. Ьcuff-link a device of two joined studs etc. to fasten the sides of a cuff together. off the cuff colloq. without preparation, extempore. ЬЬcuffed adj. (also in comb.). [ME: orig. unkn.] cuff(2) v. & n. --v.tr. strike with an open hand. --n. such a blow. [16th c.: perh. imit.] Cufic var. of KUFIC. cui bono? who stands, or stood, to gain? (with the implication that this person is responsible). [L, = to whom (is it) a benefit?] cuirass n. 1 hist. a piece of armour consisting of breastplate and back-plate fastened together. 2 a device for artificial respiration. [ME f. OF cuirace, ult. f. LL coriaceus f. corium leather] cuirassier n. hist. a cavalry soldier wearing a cuirass. [F (as CUIRASS)] cuish var. of CUISSE. cuisine n. a style or method of cooking, esp. of a particular country or establishment. [F f. L coquina f. coquere to cook] cuisse n. (also cuish) (usu. in pl.) hist. thigh armour. [ME, f. OF cuisseaux pl. of cuissel f. LL coxale f. coxa hip] cul-de-sac n. (pl. culs-de-sac pronunc. same) 1 a street or passage closed at one end. 2 a route or course leading nowhere; a position from which one cannot escape. 3 Anat. = DIVERTICULUM. [F, = sack-bottom] -cule suffix forming (orig. diminutive) nouns (molecule). [F - cule or L - culus] culinary adj. of or for cooking or the kitchen. ЬЬculinarily adv. [L culinarius f. culina kitchen] cull v. & n. --v.tr. 1 select, choose, or gather from a large quantity or amount (knowledge culled from books). 2 pick or gather (flowers, fruit, etc.). 3 select (animals) according to quality, esp. poor surplus specimens for killing. --n. 1 an act of culling. 2 an animal or animals culled. ЬЬculler [ME f. OF coillier etc. ult. f. L colligere COLLECT(1)] cullet n. recycled waste or broken glass used in glass-making. [var. of COLLET] culm(1) n. 1 coal-dust, esp. of anthracite. 2 Geol. strata under coal measures, esp. in SW England. [ME, prob. rel. to COAL] culm(2) n. Bot. the stem of a plant, esp. of grasses. ЬЬculmiferous adj. [L culmus stalk] culminant adj. 1 at or forming the top. 2 Astron. on the meridian. [as CULMINATE + -ANT] culminate v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by in) reach its highest or final point (the antagonism culminated in war). 2 tr. bring to its highest or final point. 3 intr. Astron. be on the meridian. ЬЬculmination n. [LL culminare culminat- f. culmen summit] culottes n.pl. women's (usu. short) trousers cut to resemble a skirt. [F, = knee-breeches] culpable adj. deserving blame. ЬЬculpability n. culpably adv. [ME f. OF coupable f. L culpabilis f. culpare f. culpa blame] culprit n. a person accused of or guilty of an offence. [17th c.: orig. in the formula Culprit, how will you be tried?, said by the Clerk of the Crown to a prisoner pleading Not Guilty: perh. abbr. of AF Culpable: prest d'averrer etc. (You are) guilty: (I am) ready to prove etc.] cult n. 1 a system of religious worship esp. as expressed in ritual. 2 a devotion or homage to a person or thing (the cult of aestheticism). b a popular fashion esp. followed by a specific section of society. 3 (attrib.) denoting a person or thing popularized in this way (cult film; cult figure). ЬЬcultic adj. cultism n. cultist n. [F culte or L cultus worship f. colere cult- inhabit, till, worship] cultivar n. Bot. a plant variety produced by cultivation. [CULTIVATE + VARIETY] cultivate v.tr. 1 a prepare and use (soil etc.) for crops or gardening. b break up (the ground) with a cultivator. 2 a raise or produce (crops). b culture (bacteria etc.). 3 a (often as cultivated adj.) apply oneself to improving or developing (the mind, manners, etc.). b pay attention to or nurture (a person or a person's friendship). ЬЬcultivable adj. cultivatable adj. cultivation n. [med.L cultivare f. cultiva (terra) arable (land) (as CULT)] cultivator n. 1 a mechanical implement for breaking up the ground and uprooting weeds. 2 a person or thing that cultivates. cultural adj. of or relating to the cultivation of the mind or manners, esp. through artistic or intellectual activity. ЬЬculturally adv. culture n. & v. --n. 1 a the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively (a city lacking in culture). b a refined understanding of this; intellectual development (a person of culture). 2 the customs, civilization, and achievements of a particular time or people (studied Chinese culture). 3 improvement by mental or physical training. 4 a the cultivation of plants; the rearing of bees, silkworms, etc. b the cultivation of the soil. 5 a quantity of micro-organisms and the nutrient material supporting their growth. --v.tr. maintain (bacteria etc.) in conditions suitable for growth. Ьculture shock the feeling of disorientation experienced by a person suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life. culture vulture colloq. a person eager to acquire culture. the two cultures the arts and science. [ME f. F culture or L cultura (as CULT): (v.) f. obs. F culturer or med.L culturare] cultured adj. having refined taste and manners and a good education. Ьcultured pearl a pearl formed by an oyster after the insertion of a foreign body into its shell. cultus n. a system of religious worship; a cult. [L: see CULT] culverin n. hist. 1 a long cannon. 2 a small firearm. [ME f. OF coulevrine f. couleuvre snake ult. f. L colubra] culvert n. 1 an underground channel carrying water across a road etc. 2 a channel for an electric cable. [18th c.: orig. unkn.] cum prep. (usu. in comb.) with, combined with, also used as (a bedroom-cum-study). [L] cumber v. & n. --v.tr. literary hamper, hinder, inconvenience. --n. a hindrance, obstruction, or burden. [ME, prob. f. ENCUMBER] cumbersome adj. inconvenient in size, weight, or shape; unwieldy. ЬЬcumbersomely adv. cumbersomeness n. [ME f. CUMBER + -SOME(1)] Cumbrian adj. & n. --adj. 1 of Cumberland. 2 a of the ancient British kingdom of Cumbria. b of the modern county of Cumbria. --n. a native of Cumberland or of ancient or modern Cumbria. [med.L Cumbria f. Welsh Cymry Welshmen + -AN] cumbrous adj. = CUMBERSOME. ЬЬcumbrously adv. cumbrousness n. [CUMBER + -OUS] cum grano salis adv. with a grain of salt (see take with a pinch of salt (see SALT)). [L] cumin n. (also cummin) 1 an umbelliferous plant, Cuminum cyminum, bearing aromatic seeds. 2 these seeds used as flavouring, esp. ground and used in curry powder. [ME f. OF cumin, comin f. L cuminum f. Gk kuminon, prob. of Semitic orig.] cummerbund n. a waist sash. [Hind. & Pers. kamar-band loin-band] cummin var. of CUMIN. cumquat var. of KUMQUAT. cumulate v. & adj. --v.tr. & intr. accumulate, amass; combine. --adj. heaped up, massed. ЬЬcumulation n. [L cumulare f. cumulus heap] cumulative adj. 1 a increasing or increased in amount, force, etc., by successive additions (cumulative evidence). b formed by successive additions (learning is a cumulative process). 2 Stock Exch. (of shares) entitling holders to arrears of interest before any other distribution is made. Ьcumulative error an error that increases with the size of the sample revealing it. cumulative voting a system in which each voter has as many votes as there are candidates and may give all to one candidate. ЬЬcumulatively adv. cumulativeness n. cumulo- comb. form cumulus (cloud). cumulus n. (pl. cumuli) a cloud formation consisting of rounded masses heaped on each other above a horizontal base. ЬЬcumulous adj. [L, = heap] cuneate adj. wedge-shaped. [L cuneus wedge] cuneiform adj. & n. --adj. 1 wedge-shaped. 2 of, relating to, or using the wedge-shaped writing impressed usu. in clay in ancient Babylonian etc. inscriptions. --n. cuneiform writing. [F cun‚iforme or mod.L cuneiformis f. L cuneus wedge] cunjevoi n. Austral. 1 the green arum or spoon lily Alocasia macrorrhiza. 2 a sea squirt. [Aboriginal] cunnilingus n. (also cunnilinctus) oral stimulation of the female genitals. [L f. cunnus vulva + lingere lick] cunning adj. & n. --adj. (cunninger, cunningest) 1 a skilled in ingenuity or deceit. b selfishly clever or crafty. 2 ingenious (a cunning device). 3 US attractive, quaint. --n. 1 craftiness; skill in deceit. 2 skill, ingenuity. ЬЬcunningly adv. cunningness n. [ME f. ON kunnandi knowing f. kunna know: cf. CAN(1)] cunt n. coarse sl. 1 the female genitals. 2 offens. an unpleasant or stupid person. °A highly taboo word. [ME f. Gmc] CUP abbr. Cambridge University Press. cup n. & v. --n. 1 a small bowl-shaped container, usu. with a handle for drinking from. 2 a its contents (a cup of tea). b = CUPFUL. 3 a cup-shaped thing, esp. the calyx of a flower or the socket of a bone. 4 flavoured wine, cider, etc., usu. chilled. 5 an ornamental cup-shaped trophy as a prize for victory or prowess, esp. in a sports contest. 6 one's fate or fortune (a bitter cup). 7 either of the two cup-shaped parts of a brassiЉre. 8 the chalice used or the wine taken at the Eucharist. 9 Golf the hole on a putting-green or the metal container in it. --v.tr. (cupped, cupping) 1 form (esp. one's hands) into the shape of a cup. 2 take or hold as in a cup. 3 hist. bleed (a person) by using a glass in which a partial vacuum is formed by heating. Ьcup-cake a small cake baked in a cup-shaped foil or paper container and often iced. Cup Final a final match in a competition for a cup. cup lichen a lichen, Cladonia pyxidata, with cup-shaped processes arising from the thallus. one's cup of tea colloq. what interests or suits one. cup-tie a match in a competition for a cup. in one's cups while drunk; drunk. [OE cuppe f. med.L cuppa cup, prob. differentiated from L cupa tub] cupbearer n. a person who serves wine, esp. an officer of a royal or noble household. cupboard n. a recess or piece of furniture with a door and (usu.) shelves, in which things are stored. Ьcupboard love a display of affection meant to secure some gain. [ME f. CUP + BOARD] cupel n. & v. --n. a small flat porous vessel used in assaying gold or silver in the presence of lead. --v.tr. (cupelled, cupelling; US cupeled, cupeling) assay or refine in a cupel. ЬЬcupellation n. [F coupelle f. LL cupella dimin. of cupa: see CUP] cupful n. (pl. -fuls) 1 the amount held by a cup, esp. US a half-pint or 8-ounce measure in cookery. 2 a cup full of a substance (drank a cupful of water). °A cupful is a measure, and so three cupfuls is a quantity regarded in terms of a cup; three cups full denotes the actual cups, as in three cups full of water. Sense 2 is an intermediate use. Cupid n. 1 (in Roman mythology) the Roman god of love represented as a naked winged boy with a bow and arrows. 2 (also cupid) a representation of Cupid. ЬCupid's bow the upper lip etc. shaped like the double-curved bow carried by Cupid. [ME f. L Cupido f. cupere desire] cupidity n. greed for gain; avarice. [ME f. OF cupidit‚ or L cupiditas f. cupidus desirous] cupola n. 1 a a rounded dome forming a roof or ceiling. b a small rounded dome adorning a roof. 2 a revolving dome protecting mounted guns on a warship or in a fort. 3 (in full cupola-furnace) a furnace for melting metals. ЬЬcupolaed adj. [It. f. LL cupula dimin. of cupa cask] cuppa n. (also cupper) Brit. colloq. 1 a cup of. 2 a cup of tea. [corruption] cuprammonium n. a complex ion of divalent copper and ammonia, solutions of which dissolve cellulose. [LL cuprum + AMMONIUM] cupreous adj. of or like copper. [LL cupreus f. cuprum copper] cupric adj. of copper, esp. divalent copper. ЬЬcupriferous adj. [LL cuprum copper] cupro- comb. form copper (cupro-nickel). cupro-nickel n. an alloy of copper and nickel, esp. in the proportions 3:1 as used in 'silver' coins. cuprous adj. of copper, esp. monovalent copper. [LL cuprum copper] cupule n. Bot. & Zool. a cup-shaped organ, receptacle, etc. [LL cupula CUPOLA] cur n. 1 a worthless or snappy dog. 2 a contemptible person. [ME, prob. orig. in cur-dog, perh. f. ON kurr grumbling] curable adj. that can be cured. ЬЬcurability n. [CURE] cura‡ao n. (also cura‡oa) (pl. -os or cura‡oas) a liqueur of spirits flavoured with the peel of bitter oranges. [F Cura‡ao, name of the Caribbean island producing these oranges] curacy n. (pl. -ies) a curate's office or the tenure of it. curare n. a resinous bitter substance prepared from S. American plants of the genera Strychnos and Chondodendron, paralysing the motor nerves, used by American Indians to poison arrows and blowpipe darts, and formerly used as a muscle relaxant in surgery. [Carib] curassow n. any game bird of the family Cracidae, found in Central and S. America. [Anglicized f. CURAЂAO] curate n. 1 a member of the clergy engaged as assistant to a parish priest. 2 archaic an ecclesiastical pastor. Ьcurate-in-charge a curate appointed to take charge of a parish in place of a priest. curate's egg a thing that is partly good and partly bad. [ME f. med.L curatus f. L cura CURE] curative adj. & n. --adj. tending or able to cure (esp. disease). --n. a curative medicine or agent. [F curatif -ive f. med.L curativus f. L curare CURE] curator n. a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection. ЬЬcuratorial adj. curatorship n. [ME f. AF curatour (OF -eur) or L curator (as CURATIVE)] curb n. & v. --n. 1 a check or restraint. 2 a strap etc. fastened to the bit and passing under a horse's lower jaw, used as a check. 3 an enclosing border or edging such as the frame round the top of a well or a fender round a hearth. 4 = KERB. --v.tr. 1 restrain. 2 put a curb on (a horse). Ьcurb roof a roof of which each face has two slopes, the lower one steeper. [ME f. OF courber f. L curvare bend, CURVE] curcuma n. 1 the spice turmeric. 2 any tuberous plant of the genus Curcuma, yielding this and other commercial substances. [med.L or mod.L f. Arab. kurkum saffron f. Skr. kunkumam] curd n. 1 (often in pl.) a coagulated substance formed by the action of acids on milk, which may be made into cheese or eaten as food. 2 a fatty substance found between flakes of boiled salmon flesh. 3 the edible head of a cauliflower. Ьcurds and whey the result of acidulating milk. curd soap a white soap made of tallow and soda. ЬЬcurdy adj. [ME: orig. unkn.] curdle v.tr. & intr. make into or become curds; congeal. Ьmake one's blood curdle fill one with horror. ЬЬcurdler n. [frequent. form of CURD (as verb)] cure v. & n. --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by of) restore (a person or animal) to health (was cured of pleurisy). 2 tr. eliminate (a disease, evil, etc.). 3 tr. preserve (meat, fruit, tobacco, or skins) by salting, drying, etc. 4 tr. a vulcanize (rubber). b harden (concrete or plastic). 5 intr. effect a cure. 6 intr. undergo a process of curing. --n. 1 restoration to health. 2 a thing that effects a cure. 3 a course of medical or healing treatment. 4 a the office or function of a curate. b a parish or other sphere of spiritual ministration. 5 a the process of curing rubber or plastic. b (with qualifying adj.) the degree of this. Ьcure-all a panacea; a universal remedy. ЬЬcurer n. [ME f. OF curer f. L curare take care of f. cura care] cur‚ n. a parish priest in France etc. [F f. med.L curatus: see CURATE] curettage n. the use of or an operation involving the use of a curette. [F (as CURETTE)] curette n. & v. --n. a surgeon's small scraping-instrument. --v.tr. & intr. clean or scrape with a curette. [F, f. curer cleanse (as CURE)] curfew n. 1 a a regulation restricting or forbidding the public circulation of people, esp. requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours, usu. at night. b the hour designated as the beginning of such a restriction. c a daily signal indicating this. 2 hist. a a medieval regulation requiring people to extinguish fires at a fixed hour in the evening. b the hour for this. c the bell announcing it. 3 the ringing of a bell at a fixed evening hour. [ME f. AF coeverfu, OF cuevrefeu f. the stem of couvrir COVER + feu fire] Curia n. (also curia) the papal court; the government departments of the Vatican. ЬЬCurial adj. [L: orig. a division of an ancient Roman tribe, the senate house at Rome, a feudal court of justice] curie n. 1 a unit of radioactivity, corresponding to 3.7 x 10(10) disintegrations per second. °Abbr.: Ci. 2 a quantity of radioactive substance having this activity. [P. Curie, Fr. scientist d. 1906] curio n. (pl. -os) a rare or unusual object or person. [19th-c. abbr. of CURIOSITY] curiosa n.pl. 1 curiosities. 2 erotic or pornographic books. [neut. pl. of L curiosus: see CURIOUS] curiosity n. (pl. -ies) 1 an eager desire to know; inquisitiveness. 2 strangeness. 3 a strange, rare, or interesting object. [ME f. OF curiouset‚ f. L curiositas -tatis (as CURIOUS)] curious adj. 1 eager to learn; inquisitive. 2 strange, surprising, odd. 3 euphem. (of books etc.) erotic, pornographic. ЬЬcuriously adv. curiousness n. [ME f. OF curios f. L curiosus careful f. cura care] curium n. an artificially made transuranic radioactive metallic element, first produced by bombarding plutonium with helium ions. °Symb.: Cm. [M. Curie d. 1934 and P. Curie d. 1906, Fr. scientists] curl v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by up) bend or coil into a spiral; form or cause to form curls. 2 intr. move in a spiral form (smoke curling upwards). 3 a intr. (of the upper lip) be raised slightly on one side as an expression of contempt or disapproval. b tr. cause (the lip) to do this. 4 intr. play curling. --n. 1 a lock of curled hair. 2 anything spiral or curved inwards. 3 a a curling movement or act. b the state of being curled. 4 a disease of plants in which the leaves are curled up. Ьcurl up 1 lie or sit with the knees drawn up. 2 colloq. writhe with embarrassment or horror. make a person's hair curl colloq. shock or horrify a person. out of curl lacking energy. [ME; earliest form crolled, crulled f. obs. adj. crolle, crulle curly f. MDu. krul] curler n. 1 a pin or roller etc. for curling the hair. 2 a player in the game of curling. curlew n. any wading bird of the genus Numenius, esp. N. arquatus, possessing a usu. long slender down-curved bill. [ME f. OF courlieu, courlis orig. imit., but assim. to courliu courier f. courre run + lieu place] curlicue n. a decorative curl or twist. [CURLY + CUE(2) (= pigtail) or Q(1)] curling n. 1 in senses of CURL v. 2 a game played on ice, esp. in Scotland, in which large round flat stones are slid across the surface towards a mark. Ьcurling-tongs (or -iron or -pins) a heated device for twisting the hair into curls. curly adj. (curlier, curliest) 1 having or arranged in curls. 2 moving in curves. Ьcurly kale see KALE. ЬЬcurliness n. curmudgeon n. a bad-tempered person. ЬЬcurmudgeonly adj. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] currach n. (also curragh) Ir. a coracle. [Ir.: cf. CORACLE] currajong var. of KURRAJONG. currant n. 1 a dried fruit of a small seedless variety of grape grown in the Levant and much used in cookery. 2 a any of various shrubs of the genus Ribes producing red, white, or black berries. b a berry of these shrubs. Ьflowering currant an ornamental species of currant native to N. America. [ME raysons of coraunce f. AF, = grapes of Corinth (the orig. source)] currawong n. Austral. any crowlike songbird of the genus Strepera, possessing a resonant call. [Aboriginal] currency n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the money in general use in a country. b any other commodity used as a medium of exchange. 2 the condition of being current; prevalence (e.g. of words or ideas). 3 the time during which something is current. current adj. & n. --adj. 1 belonging to the present time; happening now (current events; the current week). 2 (of money, opinion, a rumour, a word, etc.) in general circulation or use. --n. 1 a body of water, air, etc., moving in a definite direction, esp. through a stiller surrounding body. 2 a an ordered movement of electrically charged particles. b a quantity representing the intensity of such movement. 3 (usu. foll. by of) a general tendency or course (of events, opinions, etc.). Ьcurrent account a bank account from which money may be drawn without notice. pass current be generally accepted as true or genuine. ЬЬcurrentness n. [ME f. OF corant f. L currere run] currently adv. at the present time; now. curricle n. hist. a light open two-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses abreast. [L curriculum: see CURRICULUM] curriculum n. (pl. curricula) 1 the subjects that are studied or prescribed for study in a school (not part of the school curriculum). 2 any programme of activities. ЬЬcurricular adj. [L, = course, race-chariot, f. currere run] curriculum vitae n. a brief account of one's education, qualifications, and previous occupations. [L, = course of life] currier n. a person who dresses and colours tanned leather. [ME f. OF corier, f. L coriarius f. corium leather] currish adj. 1 like a cur; snappish. 2 ignoble. ЬЬcurrishly adv. currishness n. curry(1) n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in a sauce of hot-tasting spices, usu. served with rice. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) prepare or flavour with a sauce of hot-tasting spices (curried eggs). Ьcurry-powder a preparation of turmeric and other spices for making curry. [Tamil] curry(2) v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 groom (a horse) with a curry-comb. 2 treat (tanned leather) to improve its properties. 3 thrash. Ьcurry-comb a hand-held metal serrated device for grooming horses. curry favour ingratiate oneself. [ME f. OF correier ult. f. Gmc] curse n. & v. --n. 1 a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict destruction or punishment on a person or thing. 2 the evil supposedly resulting from a curse. 3 a violent exclamation of anger; a profane oath. 4 a thing that causes evil or harm. 5 (prec. by the) colloq. menstruation. 6 a sentence of excommunication. --v. 1 tr. a utter a curse against. b (in imper.) may God curse. 2 tr. (usu. in passive; foll. by with) afflict with (cursed with blindness). 3 intr. utter expletive curses; swear. 4 tr. excommunicate. ЬЬcurser n. [OE curs, cursian, of unkn. orig.] cursed adj. damnable, abominable. ЬЬcursedly adv. cursedness n. cursillo n. (pl. -os) RC Ch. a short informal spiritual retreat by a group of devotees esp. in Latin America. [Sp., = little course] cursive adj. & n. --adj. (of writing) done with joined characters. --n. cursive writing (cf. PRINT v. 4, UNCIAL). ЬЬcursively adv. [med.L (scriptura) cursiva f. L currere curs- run] cursor n. 1 Math. etc. a transparent slide engraved with a hairline and forming part of a slide-rule. 2 Computing a movable indicator on a VDU screen identifying a particular position in the display, esp. the position that the program will operate on with the next keystroke. [L, = runner (as CURSIVE)] cursorial adj. Anat. having limbs adapted for running. [as CURSOR + -IAL] cursory adj. hasty, hurried (a cursory glance). ЬЬcursorily adv. cursoriness n. [L cursorius of a runner (as CURSOR)] curst archaic var. of CURSED. curt adj. noticeably or rudely brief. ЬЬcurtly adv. curtness n. [L curtus cut short, abridged] curtail v.tr. 1 cut short; reduce; terminate esp. prematurely (curtailed his visit to America). 2 (foll. by of) archaic deprive of. ЬЬcurtailment n. [obs. curtal horse with docked tail f. F courtault f. court short f. L curtus: assim. to tail] curtain n. & v. --n. 1 a piece of cloth etc. hung up as a screen, usu. moveable sideways or upwards, esp. at a window or between the stage and auditorium of a theatre. 2 Theatr. a the rise or fall of the stage curtain at the beginning or end of an act or scene. b = curtain-call. 3 a partition or cover. 4 (in pl.) sl. the end. --v.tr. 1 furnish or cover with a curtain or curtains. 2 (foll. by off) shut off with a curtain or curtains. Ьcurtain-call Theatr. an audience's summons to actor(s) to take a bow after the fall of the curtain. curtain-fire Mil. a concentration of rapid and continuous fire. curtain lecture a wife's private reproof to her husband, orig. behind bed-curtains. curtain-raiser 1 Theatr. a piece prefaced to the main performance. 2 a preliminary event. curtain-wall 1 Fortification the plain wall of a fortified place, connecting two towers etc. 2 Archit. a piece of plain wall not supporting a roof. [ME f. OF cortine f. LL cortina transl. Gk aulaia f. aule court] curtana n. Brit. an unpointed sword borne before English sovereigns at their coronation, as an emblem of mercy. [ME f. AL curtana (spatha sword) f. AF curtain, OF cortain name of Roland's similar sword f. cort short (as CURT)] curtilage n. an area attached to a dwelling-house and forming one enclosure with it. [ME f. AF curtilage, OF co(u)rtillage f. co(u)rtil small court f. cort COURT] curtsy n. & v. (also curtsey) --n. (pl. -ies or -eys) a woman's or girl's formal greeting or salutation made by bending the knees and lowering the body. --v.intr. (-ies, -ied or -eys, -eyed) make a curtsy. [var. of COURTESY] curule adj. Rom.Hist. designating or relating to the authority exercised by the senior Roman magistrates, chiefly the consul and praetor, who were entitled to use the sella curulis ('curule seat' or seat of office). [L curulis f. currus chariot (in which the chief magistrate was conveyed to the seat of office)] curvaceous adj. colloq. (esp. of a woman) having a shapely curved figure. curvature n. 1 the act or state of curving. 2 a curved form. 3 Geom. a the deviation of a curve from a straight line, or of a curved surface from a plane. b the quantity expressing this. [OF f. L curvatura (as CURVE)] curve n. & v. --n. 1 a line or surface having along its length a regular deviation from being straight or flat, as exemplified by the surface of a sphere or lens. 2 a curved form or thing. 3 a curved line on a graph. 4 Baseball a ball caused to deviate by the pitcher's spin. --v.tr. & intr. bend or shape so as to form a curve. ЬЬcurved adj. [orig. as adj. (in curve line) f. L curvus bent: (v.) f. L curvare] curvet n. & v. --n. a horse's leap with the forelegs raised together and the hind legs raised with a spring before the forelegs reach the ground. --v.intr. (curvetted, curvetting or curveted, curveting) (of a horse or rider) make a curvet. [It. corvetta dimin. of corva CURVE] curvi- comb. form curved. [L curvus curved] curvifoliate adj. Bot. with the leaves bent back. curviform adj. having a curved shape. curvilinear adj. contained by or consisting of curved lines. ЬЬcurvilinearly adv. [CURVI- after rectilinear] curvirostral adj. with a curved beak. curvy adj. (curvier, curviest) 1 having many curves. 2 (of a woman's figure) shapely. ЬЬcurviness n. cuscus(1) n. the aromatic fibrous root of an Indian grass, Vetiveria zizanoides, used for making fans etc. [Pers. kaskas] cuscus(2) n. any of several nocturnal, usu. arboreal, marsupial mammals of the genus Phalanger, native to New Guinea and N. Australia. [native name] cusec n. a unit of flow (esp. of water) equal to one cubic foot per second. [abbr.] cush n. esp. Billiards colloq. a cushion. [abbr.] cushat n. Sc. a woodpigeon. [OE cuscute, of unkn. orig.] cush-cush n. a yam, Dioscorea trifida, native to S. America. [native name] cushion n. & v. --n. 1 a bag of cloth etc. stuffed with a mass of soft material, used as a soft support for sitting or leaning on etc. 2 a means of protection against shock. 3 the elastic lining of the sides of a billiard-table, from which the ball rebounds. 4 a body of air supporting a hovercraft etc. 5 the frog of a horse's hoof. --v.tr. 1 provide or protect with a cushion or cushions. 2 provide with a defence; protect. 3 mitigate the adverse effects of (cushioned the blow). 4 quietly suppress. 5 place or bounce (the ball) against the cushion in billiards. ЬЬcushiony adj. [ME f. OF co(i)ssin, cu(i)ssin f. Gallo-Roman f. L culcita mattress, cushion] Cushitic n. & adj. --n. a group of E. African languages of the Hamitic type. --adj. of this group. [Cush an ancient country in the Nile valley + -ITE(1) + -IC] cushy adj. (cushier, cushiest) colloq. 1 (of a job etc.) easy and pleasant. 2 US (of a seat, surroundings, etc.) soft, comfortable. ЬЬcushiness n. [Anglo-Ind. f. Hind. khush pleasant] cusp n. 1 an apex or peak. 2 the horn of a crescent moon etc. 3 Astrol. the initial point of a house. 4 Archit. a projecting point between small arcs in Gothic tracery. 5 Geom. the point at which two arcs meet from the same direction terminating with a common tangent. 6 Bot. a pointed end, esp. of a leaf. 7 a cone-shaped prominence on the surface of a tooth esp. a molar or premolar. 8 a pocket or fold in a valve of the heart. ЬЬcuspate adj. cusped adj. cuspidal adj. [L cuspis, -idis point, apex] cuspidor n. US a spittoon. [Port., = spitter f. cuspir spit f. L conspuere] cuss n. & v. colloq. --n. 1 a curse. 2 usu. derog. a person; a creature. --v.tr. & intr. curse. Ьcuss-word US a swear-word. [var. of CURSE] cussed adj. colloq. awkward and stubborn. ЬЬcussedly adv. cussedness n. [var. of CURSED] custard n. 1 a dish made with milk and eggs, usu. sweetened. 2 a sweet sauce made with milk and flavoured cornflour. Ьcustard-apple a W. Indian fruit, Annona reticulata, with a custard-like pulp. custard-pie 1 a pie containing custard, commonly thrown in slapstick comedy. 2 (attrib.) denoting slapstick comedy. custard powder a preparation of cornflour etc. for making custard. [ME, earlier crusta(r)de f. AF f. OF crouste CRUST] custodian n. a guardian or keeper, esp. of a public building etc. ЬЬcustodianship n. [CUSTODY + -AN, after guardian] custody n. 1 guardianship; protective care. 2 imprisonment. Ьtake into custody arrest. ЬЬcustodial adj. [L custodia f. custos -odis guardian] custom n. 1 a the usual way of behaving or acting (a slave to custom). b a particular established way of behaving (our customs seem strange to foreigners). 2 Law established usage having the force of law. 3 business patronage; regular dealings or customers (lost a lot of custom). 4 (in pl.; also treated as sing.) a a duty levied on certain imported and exported goods. b the official department that administers this. c the area at a port, frontier, etc., where customs officials deal with incoming goods, baggage, etc. Ьcustom-built (or -made etc.) made to a customer's order. custom-house the office at a port or frontier etc. at which customs duties are levied. customs union a group of States with an agreed common tariff, and usu. free trade with each other. [ME and OF custume ult. f. L consuetudo -dinis: see CONSUETUDE] customary adj. & n. --adj. 1 usual; in accordance with custom. 2 Law in accordance with custom. --n. (pl. -ies) Law a book etc. listing the customs and established practices of a community. ЬЬcustomarily adv. customariness n. [med.L custumarius f. custuma f. AF custume (as CUSTOM)] customer n. 1 a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business. 2 a person one has to deal with (an awkward customer). [ME f. AF custumer (as CUSTOMARY), or f. CUSTOM + -ER(1)] customize v.tr. (also -ise) make to order or modify according to individual requirements. cut v. & n. --v. (cutting; past and past part. cut) 1 tr. (also absol.) penetrate or wound with a sharp-edged instrument (cut his finger; the knife won't cut). 2 tr. & intr. (often foll. by into) divide or be divided with a knife etc. (cut the bread; cut the cloth into metre lengths). 3 tr. a trim or reduce the length of (hair, a hedge, etc.) by cutting. b detach all or the significant part of (flowers, corn, etc.) by cutting. 4 tr. (foll. by loose, open, etc.) make loose, open, etc. by cutting. 5 tr. (esp. as cutting adj.) cause sharp physical or mental pain to (a cutting remark; a cutting wind; was cut to the quick). 6 tr. (often foll. by down) a reduce (wages, prices, time, etc.). b reduce or cease (services etc.). 7 tr. a shape or fashion (a coat, gem, key, record, etc.) by cutting. b make (a path, tunnel, etc.) by removing material. 8 tr. perform, execute, make (cut a caper; cut a sorry figure). 9 tr. (also absol.) cross, intersect (the line cuts the circle at two points; the two lines cut). 10 intr. (foll. by across, through, etc.) pass or traverse, esp. in a hurry or as a shorter way (cut across the grass). 11 tr. a ignore or refuse to recognize (a person). b renounce (a connection). 12 tr. esp. US deliberately fail to attend (a class etc.). 13 Cards a tr. divide (a pack) into two parts. b intr. select a dealer etc. by dividing the pack. 14 Cinematog. a tr. edit (a film or tape). b intr. (often in imper.) stop filming or recording. c intr. (foll. by to) go quickly to (another shot). 15 tr. switch off (an engine etc.). 16 tr. a hit (a ball) with a chopping motion. b Golf slice (the ball). 17 tr. US dilute, adulterate. 18 tr. (as cut adj.) Brit. sl. drunk. 19 intr. Cricket (of the ball) turn sharply on pitching. 20 intr. sl. run. 21 tr. castrate. --n. 1 an act of cutting. 2 a division or wound made by cutting. 3 a stroke with a knife, sword, whip, etc. 4 a a reduction (in prices, wages, etc.). b a cessation (of a power supply etc.). 5 an excision of part of a play, film, book, etc. 6 a wounding remark or act. 7 the way or style in which a garment, the hair, etc., is cut. 8 a piece of meat etc. cut from a carcass. 9 colloq. commission; a share of profits. 10 Tennis & Cricket etc. a stroke made by cutting. 11 ignoring of or refusal to recognize a person. 12 a an engraved block for printing. b = WOODCUT. 13 a railway cutting. 14 a new channel made for a river. Ьa cut above colloq. noticeably superior to. be cut out (foll. by for, or to + infin.) be suited (was not cut out to be a teacher). cut across 1 transcend or take no account of (normal limitations etc.) (their concern cuts across normal rivalries). 2 see sense 10 of v. cut-and-come-again abundance. cut and dried 1 completely decided; prearranged; inflexible. 2 (of opinions etc.) ready-made, lacking freshness. cut and run sl. run away. cut and thrust 1 a lively interchange of argument etc. 2 the use of both the edge and the point of a sword. cut back 1 reduce (expenditure etc.). 2 prune (a tree etc.). 3 Cinematog. repeat part of a previous scene for dramatic effect. cut-back n. an instance or the act of cutting back, esp. a reduction in expenditure. cut both ways 1 serve both sides of an argument etc. 2 (of an action) have both good and bad effects. cut one's coat according to one's cloth 1 adapt expenditure to resources. 2 limit ambition to what is feasible. cut a corner go across and not round it. cut corners do a task etc. perfunctorily or incompletely, esp. to save time. cut a dash see DASH. cut dead completely refuse to recognize (a person). cut down 1 a bring or throw down by cutting. b kill by means of a sword or disease. 2 see sense 6 of v. 3 reduce the length of (cut down the trousers to make shorts). 4 (often foll. by on) reduce one's consumption (tried to cut down on beer). cut a person down to size colloq. ruthlessly expose the limitations of a person's importance, ability, etc. cut one's eye-teeth attain worldly wisdom. cut glass glass with patterns and designs cut on it. cut in 1 interrupt. 2 pull in too closely in front of another vehicle (esp. having overtaken it). 3 give a share of profits etc. to (a person). 4 connect (a source of electricity). 5 join in a card-game by taking the place of a player who cuts out. 6 interrupt a dancing couple to take over from one partner. cut into 1 make a cut in (they cut into the cake). 2 interfere with and reduce (travelling cuts into my free time). cut it fine see FINE(1). cut it out (usu. in imper.) sl. stop doing that (esp. quarrelling). cut the knot solve a problem in an irregular but efficient way. cut-line 1 a caption to an illustration. 2 the line in squash above which a served ball must strike the wall. cut loose 1 begin to act freely. 2 see sense 4 of v. cut one's losses (or a loss) abandon an unprofitable enterprise before losses become too great. cut the mustard US sl. reach the required standard. cut no ice sl. 1 have no influence or importance. 2 achieve little or nothing. cut off 1 remove (an appendage) by cutting. 2 a (often in passive) bring to an abrupt end or (esp. early) death. b intercept, interrupt; prevent from continuing (cut off supplies; cut off the gas). c disconnect (a person engaged in a telephone conversation) (was suddenly cut off). 3 a prevent from travelling or venturing out (was cut off by the snow). b (as cut off adj.) isolated, remote (felt cut off in the country). 4 disinherit (was cut off without a penny). cut-off n. 1 the point at which something is cut off. 2 a device for stopping a flow. 3 US a short cut. cut out 1 remove from the inside by cutting. 2 make by cutting from a larger whole. 3 omit; leave out. 4 colloq. stop doing or using (something) (managed to cut out chocolate; let's cut out the arguing). 5 cease or cause to cease functioning (the engine cut out). 6 outdo or supplant (a rival). 7 US detach (an animal) from the herd. 8 Cards be excluded from a card-game as a result of cutting the pack. cut-out 1 a figure cut out of paper etc. 2 a device for automatic disconnection, the release of exhaust gases, etc. cut-out box US = fuse-box (see FUSE(1)). cut-price (or -rate) selling or sold at a reduced price. cut short 1 interrupt; terminate prematurely (cut short his visit). 2 make shorter or more concise. cut one's teeth on acquire initial practice or experience from (something). cut a tooth have it appear through the gum. cut up 1 cut into pieces. 2 destroy utterly. 3 (usu. in passive) distress greatly (was very cut up about it). 4 criticize severely. 5 US behave in a comical or unruly manner. cut up rough Brit. sl. show anger or resentment. cut up well sl. bequeath a large fortune. have one's work cut out see WORK. [ME cutte, kitte, kette, perh. f. OE cyttan (unrecorded)] cutaneous adj. of the skin. [mod.L cutaneus f. L cutis skin] cutaway adj. 1 (of a diagram etc.) with some parts left out to reveal the interior. 2 (of a coat) with the front below the waist cut away. cutch var. of COUCH(2). cute adj. colloq. 1 esp. US a attractive, quaint. b affectedly attractive. 2 clever, ingenious. ЬЬcutely adv. cuteness n. [shortening of ACUTE] cuticle n. 1 a the dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail. b the epidermis or other superficial skin. 2 Bot. a thin surface film on plants. ЬЬcuticular adj. [L cuticula, dimin. of cutis skin] cutie n. sl. an attractive young woman. cutis n. Anat. the true skin or dermis, underlying the epidermis. [L, = skin] cutlass n. a short sword with a slightly curved blade, esp. of the type formerly used by sailors. [F coutelas ult. f. L cultellus: see CUTLER] cutler n. a person who makes or deals in knives and similar utensils. [ME f. AF cotillere, OF coutelier f. coutel f. L cultellus dimin. of culter COULTER] cutlery n. knives, forks, and spoons for use at table. [OF & F coutel(l)erie (as CUTLER)] cutlet n. 1 a neck-chop of mutton or lamb. 2 a small piece of veal etc. for frying. 3 a flat cake of minced meat or nuts and breadcrumbs etc. [F c“telette, OF costelet dimin. of coste rib f. L costa] cutpurse n. archaic a pickpocket; a thief. cutter n. 1 a tailor etc. who takes measurements and cuts cloth. 2 Naut. a a small fast sailing-ship. b a small boat carried by a large ship. 3 Cricket a ball turning sharply on pitching. 4 US a light horse-drawn sleigh. cutthroat n. & adj. --n. 1 a murderer. 2 (in full cutthroat razor) a razor having a long blade set in a handle and usu. folding like a penknife. 3 a species of trout, Salmo clarki, with a red mark under the jaw. --adj. 1 (of competition) ruthless and intense. 2 (of a card-game) three-handed. cutting n. & adj. --n. 1 a piece cut from a newspaper etc. 2 a piece cut from a plant for propagation. 3 an excavated channel through high ground for a railway or road. --adj. see CUT v. 5. ЬЬcuttingly adv. cuttle n. = CUTTLEFISH. Ьcuttle-bone the internal shell of the cuttlefish crushed and used for polishing teeth etc. or as a supplement to the diet of a cage-bird. [OE cudele, ME codel, rel. to cod bag, with ref. to its ink-bag] cuttlefish n. any marine cephalopod mollusc of the genera Sepia and Sepiola, having ten arms and ejecting a black fluid when threatened or pursued. cutty adj. & n. Sc. & N.Engl. --adj. cut short; abnormally short. --n. (pl. -ies) a short tobacco pipe. Ьcutty-stool hist. a stool of repentance. cutwater n. 1 the forward edge of a ship's prow. 2 a wedge-shaped projection from a pier or bridge. cutworm n. any of various caterpillars that eat through the stems of young plants level with the ground. cuv‚e n. a blend or batch of wine. [F, = vatful f. cuve cask f. L cupa] cuvette n. a shallow vessel for liquid. [F, dimin. of cuve cask f. L cupa] c.v. abbr. curriculum vitae. 21.0 CVO... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CVO abbr. Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. CVS abbr. chorionic villus sample, a test on a pregnant woman to detect any chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. 22.0 Cwlth.... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Cwlth. abbr. Commonwealth. cwm n. 1 (in Wales) = COOMB. 2 Geog. a cirque. [Welsh] c.w.o. abbr. cash with order. cwt. abbr. hundredweight. 23.0 cy... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -cy suffix (see also -ACY, -ANCY, -CRACY, -ENCY, -MANCY). 1 denoting state or condition (bankruptcy; idiocy). 2 denoting rank or status (captaincy). [from or after L -cia, -tia, Gk -k(e)ia, -t(e)ia] cyan adj. & n. --adj. of a greenish-blue. --n. a greenish-blue colour. [Gk kuan(e)os dark blue] cyanamide n. Chem. a colourless crystalline amide of cyanogen; any salt of this, esp. the calcium one which is used as a fertilizer. °Chem. formula: CH[2]N[2]. [CYANOGEN + AMIDE] cyanic acid n. an unstable colourless pungent acid gas. °Chem. formula: HCNO. [CYANOGEN] cyanide n. any of the highly poisonous salts or esters of hydrocyanic acid, esp. the potassium salt used in the extraction of gold and silver. [CYANOGEN + -IDE] cyanobacterium n. any prokaryotic organism of the division Cyanobacteria, found in many environments and capable of photosynthesizing. Also called blue-green alga (see BLUE(1)). [CYANOGEN + BACTERIUM] cyanocobalamin n. a vitamin of the B complex, found in foods of animal origin such as liver, fish, and eggs, a deficiency of which can cause pernicious anaemia. Also called vitamin B[12]. [CYANOGEN + cobalamin f. COBALT + VITAMIN] cyanogen n. Chem. a colourless highly poisonous gas intermediate in the preparation of many fertilizers. °Chem. formula: C[2]N[2]. [F cyanogЉne f. Gk kuanos dark-blue mineral, as being a constituent of Prussian blue] cyanosis n. Med. a bluish discoloration of the skin due to the presence of oxygen-deficient blood. ЬЬcyanotic adj. [mod.L f. Gk kuanosis blueness (as CYANOGEN)] cybernation n. control by machines. ЬЬcybernate v.tr. [f. CYBERNETICS + -ATION] cybernetics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) the science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things. ЬЬcybernetic adj. cybernetician n. cyberneticist n. [Gk kubernetes steersman] cycad n. Bot. any of the palmlike plants of the order Cycadales (including fossil forms) inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions and often growing to a great height. [mod.L cycas, cycad- f. supposed Gk kukas, scribal error for koikas, pl. of koix Egyptian palm] Cycladic adj. of the Cyclades, a group of islands east of the Greek mainland, esp. of the Bronze Age civilization that flourished there. [Cyclades, L f. Gk Kuklades f. kuklos circle (of islands)] cyclamate n. any of various salts or esters of sulphamic acid formerly used as artificial sweetening agents. [Chem. name cyclohexylsulphamate] cyclamen n. 1 any plant of the genus Cyclamen, originating in Europe, having pink, red, or white flowers with reflexed petals, often grown in pots. 2 the shade of colour of the red or pink cyclamen flower. [med.L f. Gk kuklaminos, perh. f. kuklos circle, with ref. to its bulbous roots] cycle n. & v. --n. 1 a a recurrent round or period (of events, phenomena, etc.). b the time needed for one such round or period. 2 a Physics etc. a recurrent series of operations or states. b Electr. = HERTZ. 3 a series of songs, poems, etc., usu. on a single theme. 4 a bicycle, tricycle, or similar machine. --v.intr. 1 ride a bicycle etc. 2 move in cycles. Ьcycle-track (or -way) a path or road for bicycles. [ME f. OF, or f. LL cyclus f. Gk kuklos circle] cyclic adj. 1 a recurring in cycles. b belonging to a chronological cycle. 2 Chem. with constituent atoms forming a ring. 3 of a cycle of songs etc. 4 Bot. (of a flower) with its parts arranged in whorls. 5 Math. of a circle or cycle. [F cyclique or L cyclicus f. Gk kuklikos (as CYCLE)] cyclical adj. = CYCLIC 1. ЬЬcyclically adv. cyclist n. a rider of a bicycle. cyclo- comb. form circle, cycle, or cyclic (cyclometer; cyclorama). [Gk kuklos circle] cycloalkane n. Chem. a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon. cyclo-cross n. cross-country racing on bicycles. cyclograph n. an instrument for tracing circular arcs. cyclohexane n. Chem. a colourless liquid cycloalkane used as a solvent and paint remover. °Chem. formula: C[6]H[12]. cycloid n. Math. a curve traced by a point on a circle when the circle is rolled along a straight line. ЬЬcycloidal adj. [Gk kukloeides (as CYCLE, -OID)] cyclometer n. 1 an instrument for measuring circular arcs. 2 an instrument for measuring the distance traversed by a bicycle etc. cyclone n. 1 a system of winds rotating inwards to an area of low barometric pressure; a depression. 2 a violent hurricane of limited diameter. ЬЬcyclonic adj. cyclonically adv. [prob. repr. Gk kukloma wheel, coil of a snake] cyclopaedia n. (also cyclopedia) an encyclopaedia. ЬЬcyclopaedic adj. [shortening of ENCYCLOPAEDIA] cycloparaffin n. Chem. = CYCLOALKANE. Cyclopean adj. (also Cyclopian) 1 (of ancient masonry) made with massive irregular blocks. 2 of or resembling a Cyclops. cyclopropane n. Chem. a colourless gaseous cycloalkane used as a general anaesthetic. °Chem. formula: C[3]H[6]. Cyclops n. 1 (pl. Cyclops or Cyclopses or Cyclopes) (in Greek mythology) a member of a race of one-eyed giants. 2 (cyclops) (pl. cyclops or cyclopes) Zool. a crustacean of the genus Cyclops, with a single central eye. [L f. Gk Kuklops f. kuklos circle + ops eye] cyclorama n. a circular panorama, curved wall, or cloth at the rear of a stage, esp. one used to represent the sky. ЬЬcycloramic adj. cyclostome n. any fishlike jawless vertebrate of the subclass Cyclostomata, having a large sucking mouth, e.g. a lamprey. ЬЬcyclostomate adj. [CYCLO- + Gk stoma mouth] cyclostyle n. & v. --n. an apparatus for printing copies of writing from a stencil. --v.tr. print or reproduce with this. cyclothymia n. Psychol. a disorder characterized by the occurrence of marked swings of mood from cheerfulness to misery. ЬЬcyclothymic adj. [CYCLO- + Gk thumos temper] cyclotron n. Physics an apparatus in which charged atomic and subatomic particles are accelerated by an alternating electric field while following an outward spiral or circular path in a magnetic field. cyder var. of CIDER. cygnet n. a young swan. [ME f. AF cignet dimin. of OF cigne swan f. med.L cycnus f. Gk kuknos] cylinder n. 1 a a uniform solid or hollow body with straight sides and a circular section. b a thing of this shape, e.g. a container for liquefied gas. 2 a cylinder-shaped part of various machines, esp. a piston-chamber in an engine. 3 Printing a metal roller. Ьcylinder saw = crown saw. cylinder seal Antiq. a small barrel-shaped object of stone or baked clay bearing a cuneiform inscription, esp. for use as a seal. ЬЬcylindrical adj. cylindrically adv. [L cylindrus f. Gk kulindros f. kulindo roll] cyma n. 1 Archit. an ogee moulding of a cornice. 2 = CYME. [mod.L f. Gk kuma wave, wavy moulding] cymbal n. a musical instrument consisting of a concave brass or bronze plate, struck with another or with a stick etc. to make a ringing sound. ЬЬcymbalist n. [ME f. L cymbalum f. Gk kumbalon f. kumbe cup] cymbidium n. any tropical orchid of the genus Cymbidium, with a recess in the flower-lip. [mod.L f. Gk kumbe cup] cymbiform adj. Anat. & Bot. boat-shaped. [L cymba f. Gk kumbe boat + -FORM] cyme n. Bot. an inflorescence in which the primary axis bears a single terminal flower that develops first, the system being continued by the axes of secondary and higher orders each with a flower (cf. RACEME). ЬЬcymose adj. [F, var. of cime summit, ult. f. Gk kuma wave] Cymric adj. Welsh. [Welsh Cymru Wales] cynic n. & adj. --n. 1 a person who has little faith in human sincerity and goodness. 2 (Cynic) one of a school of ancient Greek philosophers founded by Antisthenes, marked by ostentatious contempt for ease and pleasure. --adj. 1 (Cynic) of the Cynics. 2 = CYNICAL. ЬЬcynicism n. [L cynicus f. Gk kunikos f. kuon kunos dog, nickname for a Cynic] cynical adj. 1 of or characteristic of a cynic; incredulous of human goodness. 2 (of behaviour etc.) disregarding normal standards. 3 sneering, mocking. ЬЬcynically adv. cynocephalus n. 1 a fabled dog-headed man. 2 any flying lemur of the genus Cynocephalus, native to SE Asia. [Gk kunokephalos f. kuon kunos dog + kephale head] cynosure n. 1 a centre of attraction or admiration. 2 a guiding star. [F cynosure or L cynosura f. Gk kunosoura dog's tail, Ursa Minor f. kuon kunos dog + oura tail] cypher var. of CIPHER. cy pres adv. & adj. Law as near as possible to the testator's or donor's intentions when these cannot be precisely followed. [AF, = si prЉs so near] cypress n. 1 any coniferous tree of the genus Cupressus or Chamaecyparis, with hard wood and dark foliage. 2 this, or branches from it, as a symbol of mourning. [ME f. OF cipres f. LL cypressus f. Gk kuparissos] Cyprian n. & adj. = CYPRIOT. [L Cyprius of Cyprus] cyprinoid adj. & n. --adj. of or like a carp. --n. a carp or related fish. [L cyprinus f. Gk kuprinos carp] Cypriot n. & adj. (also Cypriote) --n. a native or national of Cyprus. --adj. of Cyprus. [Gk Kupriotes f. Kupros Cyprus in E. Mediterranean] cypripedium n. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, esp. the lady's slipper. [mod.L f. Gk Kupris Aphrodite + pedilon slipper] cypsela n. (pl. cypselae) Bot. a dry single-seeded fruit formed from a double ovary of which only one develops into a seed, characteristic of the daisy family Compositae. [mod.L f. Gk kupsele hollow vessel] Cyrillic adj. & n. --adj. denoting the alphabet used by the Slavonic peoples of the Orthodox Church; now used esp. for Russian and Bulgarian. --n. this alphabet. [St Cyril d. 869, its reputed inventor] cyst n. 1 Med. a sac containing morbid matter, a parasitic larva, etc. 2 Biol. a a hollow organ, bladder, etc., in an animal or plant, containing a liquid secretion. b a cell or cavity enclosing reproductive bodies, an embryo, parasite, micro-organism, etc. [LL cystis f. Gk kustis bladder] cysteine n. Biochem. a sulphur-containing amino acid, essential in the human diet and a constituent of many enzymes. [CYSTINE + - eine (var. of -INE(4))] cystic adj. 1 of the urinary bladder. 2 of the gall-bladder. 3 of the nature of a cyst. Ьcystic fibrosis Med. a hereditary disease affecting the exocrine glands and usu. resulting in respiratory infections. [F cystique or mod.L cysticus (as CYST)] cystitis n. an inflammation of the urinary bladder, often caused by infection, and usu. accompanied by frequent painful urination. cysto- comb. form the urinary bladder (cystoscope; cystotomy). [Gk kuste, kustis bladder] cystoscope n. an instrument inserted in the urethra for examining the urinary bladder. ЬЬcystoscopic adj. cystoscopy n. cystotomy n. (pl. -ies) a surgical incision into the urinary bladder. -cyte comb. form Biol. a mature cell (leucocyte) (cf. -BLAST). [Gk kutos vessel] cytidine n. a nucleoside obtained from RNA by hydrolysis. [G Cytidin (as -CYTE)] cyto- comb. form Biol. cells or a cell. [as -CYTE] cytochrome n. Biochem. a compound consisting of a protein linked to a haem, which is involved in electron transfer reactions. cytogenetics n. the study of inheritance in relation to the structure and function of cells. ЬЬcytogenetic adj. cytogenetical adj. cytogenetically adv. cytogeneticist n. cytology n. the study of cells. ЬЬcytological adj. cytologically adv. cytologist n. cytoplasm n. the protoplasmic content of a cell apart from its nucleus. ЬЬcytoplasmic adj. cytosine n. one of the principal component bases of the nucleotides and the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, derived from pyrimidine. cytotoxic adj. toxic to cells. 24.0 czar... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- czar etc. var. of TSAR etc. czardas var. of CSARDAS. Czech n. & adj. --n. 1 a native or national of Czechoslovakia, including Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia (cf. SLOVAK). 2 one of the two official languages of Czechoslovakia (cf. SLOVAK). --adj. of or relating to Czechoslovakia or its people or language. [Pol. spelling of Bohemian Cech] Czechoslovak n. & adj. (also Czechoslovakian) --n. a native or national of Czechoslovakia. --adj. of or relating to Czechoslovakia. [CZECH + SLOVAK] Яндекс.Реклама: Интерес к теме организация и ведение бухгалтерского учета не ослабевает. |