Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter A

 A 

A-  prefix (also an- before a vowel sound) not, without (amoral). [greek]

Aa  abbr. 1 automobile association. 2 alcoholics anonymous. 3 anti-aircraft.

Aardvark  n. Mammal with a tubular snout and a long tongue, feeding on termites. [afrikaans]

Ab-  prefix off, away, from (abduct). [latin]

Aback  adv. ~ take aback surprise, disconcert. [old english: related to +a2]

Abacus  n. (pl. -cuses) 1 frame with wires along which beads are slid for calculating. 2 archit. Flat slab on top of a capital. [latin from greek from hebrew]

Abaft  naut. —adv. In the stern half of a ship. —prep. Nearer the stern than. [from +a2, -baft: see +aft]

Abandon  —v. 1 give up. 2 forsake, desert. 3 (often foll. By to; often refl.) Yield to a passion, another's control, etc. —n. Freedom from inhibitions. ~ abandonment n. [french: related to +ad-, +ban]

Abandoned  adj. 1 deserted, forsaken. 2 unrestrained, profligate.

Abase  v. (-sing) (also refl.) Humiliate, degrade. ~ abasement n. [french: related to +ad-, +base2]

Abashed  predic. Adj. Embarrassed, disconcerted. [french es- +ex-1, baïr astound]

Abate  v. (-ting) make or become less strong etc.; diminish. ~ abatement n. [french abatre from latin batt(u)o beat]

Abattoir  n. Slaughterhouse. [french abatre fell, as +abate]

Abbacy  n. (pl. -ies) office or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess. [latin: related to +abbot]

Abbé  n. (in france) abbot or priest. [french from latin: related to +abbot]

Abbess  n. Head of a community of nuns.

Abbey  n. (pl. -s) 1 building(s) occupied by a community of monks or nuns. 2 the community itself. 3 building that was once an abbey.

Abbot  n. Head of a community of monks. [old english from latin abbas]

Abbreviate  v. (-ting) shorten, esp. Represent (a word etc.) By a part of it. ~ abbreviation n. [latin: related to +brief]

Abc  n. 1 the alphabet. 2 rudiments of a subject. 3 alphabetical guide.

Abdicate  v. (-ting) 1 (usu. Absol.) Give up or renounce (the throne). 2 renounce (a duty, right, etc.). ~ abdication n. [latin dico declare]

Abdomen  n. 1 the belly, including the stomach, bowels, etc. 2 the hinder part of an insect etc. ~ abdominal adj. [latin]

Abduct  v. Carry off or kidnap illegally. ~ abduction n. Abductor n. [latin duco lead]

Abeam  adv. At right angles to a ship's or an aircraft's length.

Aberdeen angus  n. Animal of a scottish breed of hornless black cattle. [aberdeen in scotland]

Aberdonian  —adj. Of aberdeen. —n. Native or citizen of aberdeen. [medieval latin]

Aberrant  adj. Deviating from what is normal or accepted. [latin: related to +err]

Aberration  n. 1 aberrant behaviour; moral or mental lapse. 2 biol. Deviation from a normal type. 3 distortion of an image because of a defect in a lens or mirror. 4 astron. Apparent displacement of a celestial body.

Abet  v. (-tt-) (usu. In aid and abet) encourage or assist (an offender or offence). [french: related to +ad-, +bait]

Abeyance  n. (usu. Prec. By in, into) temporary disuse. [french: related to +ad-, beer gape]

Abhor  v. (-rr-) detest; regard with disgust. [latin: related to +horror

Abhorrence  n. Disgust; detestation.

Abhorrent  adj. (often foll. By to) disgusting or hateful.

Abide  v. (-ding; past abided or rarely abode) 1 (usu. In neg.) Tolerate, endure (can't abide him). 2 (foll. By by) a act in accordance with (abide by the rules). B keep (a promise). 3 archaic remain, continue. [old english a- intensive prefix, +bide]

Abiding  adj. Enduring, permanent.

Ability  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Capacity or power. 2 cleverness, talent. [french: related to +able]

#NAME?

Ab initio  adv. From the beginning. [latin]

Abject  adj. Miserable, wretched; degraded; despicable. ~ abjection n. [latin jacio -ject- throw]

Abjure  v. (-ring) renounce on oath (an opinion, cause, etc.). ~ abjuration n. [latin juro swear]

Ablative  gram. —n. Case (in latin) of nouns and pronouns indicating an agent, instrument, or location. —adj. Of or in the ablative. [latin ablatus taken away]

Ablaze  predic. Adj. & adv. 1 on fire. 2 glittering, glowing. 3 greatly excited.

Able  adj. (abler, ablest) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.; used esp. In is able, will be able, etc., replacing tenses of can) having the capacity or power (not able to come). 2 talented, clever. ~ ably adv. [latin habilis]

-able  suffix forming adjectives meaning: 1 that may or must be (eatable; payable). 2 that can be made the subject of (dutiable; objectionable). 3 relevant to or in accordance with (fashionable; seasonable). [latin -abilis]

Able-bodied  adj. Fit, healthy.

Able-bodied seaman  n. Ordinary trained seaman.

Ablution  n. (usu. In pl.) 1 ceremonial washing of the hands, sacred vessels, etc. 2 colloq. A ordinary bodily washing. B place for this. [latin ablutio from luo lut- wash]

Abm  abbr. Anti-ballistic missile.

Abnegate  v. (-ting) give up or renounce (a pleasure or right etc.). [latin nego deny]

Abnegation  n. Denial; renunciation of a doctrine.

Abnormal  adj. Deviating from the norm; exceptional. ~ abnormality n. (pl. -ies). Abnormally adv. [french: related to +anomalous]

Abo  (also abo) austral. Slang usu. Offens. —n. (pl. -s) aboriginal. —adj. Aboriginal. [abbreviation]

Aboard  adv. & prep. On or into (a ship, aircraft, etc.). [from +a2]

Abode1  n. Dwelling-place. [related to +abide]

Abode2  see +abide.

Abolish  v. Put an end to (esp. A custom or institution). [latin aboleo destroy]

Abolition  n. Abolishing or being abolished. ~ abolitionist n.

A-bomb  n. = +atomic bomb. [a for +atomic]

Abominable  adj. 1 detestable, loathsome. 2 colloq. Very unpleasant (abominable weather). ~ abominably adv. [latin abominor deprecate]

Abominable snowman  n. Supposed manlike or bearlike himalayan animal; yeti.

Abominate  v. (-ting) detest, loathe. ~ abomination n. [latin: related to +abominable]

Aboriginal  —adj. 1 indigenous, inhabiting a land from the earliest times, esp. Before the arrival of colonists. 2 (usu. Aboriginal) of australian aborigines. —n. 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aboriginal) aboriginal inhabitant of australia. [latin: related to +origin]

Aborigine  n. (usu. In pl.) 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aborigine) aboriginal inhabitant of australia.

Usage  when referring to the people, aboriginal is preferred for the singular form and aborigines for the plural, although aboriginals is also acceptable.

Abort  v. 1 miscarry. 2 a effect abortion of (a foetus). B effect abortion in (a mother). 3 end or cause (a project etc.) To end before completion. [latin orior be born]

Abortion  n. 1 natural or (esp.) Induced expulsion of a foetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently. 2 stunted or deformed creature or thing. 3 failed project or action. ~ abortionist n.

Abortive  adj. Fruitless, unsuccessful.

Abound  v. 1 be plentiful. 2 (foll. By in, with) be rich; teem. [latin unda wave]

About  —prep. 1 a on the subject of (a book about birds). B relating to (glad about it). C in relation to (symmetry about a plane). 2 at a time near to (about six). 3 a in, round (walked about the town; a scarf about her neck). B all round from a centre (look about you). 4 at points in (strewn about the house). 5 carried with (no money about me). 6 occupied with (about her business). —adv. 1 a approximately (about ten miles). B colloq. In an understatement (just about had enough). 2 nearby (a lot of flu about). 3 in every direction (look about). 4 on the move; in action (out and about). 5 in rotation or succession (turn and turn about). ~ be about (or all about) colloq. Have as its essential nature (life is all about having fun). Be about to be on the point of (was about to laugh). [old english]

About-face  n. & int. = +about-turn, about turn.

About-turn  —n. 1 turn made so as to face the opposite direction. 2 change of opinion or policy etc. —int. (about turn) mil. Command to make an about-turn.

Above  —prep. 1 over; on the top of; higher than; over the surface of (head above water; above the din). 2 more than (above twenty people). 3 higher in rank, importance, etc., than. 4 a too great or good for (not above cheating). B beyond the reach of (above my understanding; above suspicion). —adv. 1 at or to a higher point; overhead (the floor above; the sky above). 2 earlier on a page or in a book (as noted above). —adj. Preceding (the above argument). —n. (prec. By the) preceding text (the above shows). ~ above all most of all, more than anything else. Above oneself conceited, arrogant. [old english: related to +a2]

Above-board  adj. & adv. Without concealment; open or openly.

Abracadabra  —int. Supposedly magic word used in conjuring. —n. Spell or charm. [latin from greek]

Abrade  v. (-ding) scrape or wear away (skin, rock, etc.) By rubbing. [latin rado scrape]

Abrasion  n. 1 scraping or wearing away (of skin, rock, etc.). 2 resulting damaged area.

Abrasive  —adj. 1 a tending to rub or graze. B capable of polishing by rubbing or grinding. 2 harsh or hurtful in manner. —n. Abrasive substance.

Abreast  adv. 1 side by side and facing the same way. 2 (foll. By of) up to date.

Abridge  v. (-ging) shorten (a book, film, etc.). ~ abridgement n. [latin: related to +abbreviate]

Abroad  adv. 1 in or to a foreign country or countries. 2 widely (scatter abroad). 3 in circulation (rumour abroad).

Abrogate  v. (-ting) repeal, abolish (a law etc.). ~ abrogation n. [latin rogo propose a law]

Abrupt  adj. 1 sudden, hasty (abrupt end). 2 (of manner etc.) Curt. 3 steep, precipitous. ~ abruptly adv. Abruptness n. [latin: related to +rupture]

Abscess  n. (pl. Abscesses) swelling containing pus. [latin: related to +ab-, +cede]

Abseil  —v. Descend by using a doubled rope coiled round the body and fixed at a higher point. —n. Descent made by abseiling. [german ab down, seil rope]

Absence  n. 1 being away. 2 time of this. 3 (foll. By of) lack of. ~ absence of mind inattentiveness. [latin absentia]

Absent  —adj. 1 not present. 2 not existing; lacking. 3 inattentive. —v.refl. Go, or stay, away. ~ absently adv. (in sense 3 of adj.).

Absentee  n. Person not present.

Absenteeism  n. Absenting oneself from work or school etc., esp. Frequently or illicitly.

Absentee landlord  n. One who lets a property while living elsewhere.

Absent-minded  adj. Forgetful or inattentive. ~ absent-mindedly adv. Absent-mindedness n.

Absinth  n. 1 wormwood. 2 (usu. Absinthe) aniseed-flavoured liqueur based on this. [french from latin]

Absolute  —adj. 1 complete, utter (absolute bliss). 2 unconditional (absolute authority). 3 despotic (absolute monarch). 4 not relative or comparative (absolute standard). 5 gram. A (of a construction) syntactically independent of the rest of the sentence, as in dinner being over, we left the table. B (of an adjective or transitive verb) without an expressed noun or object (e.g. The deaf, guns kill). 6 (of a legal decree etc.) Final. —n. Philos. (prec. By the) that which can exist independently of anything else. [latin: related to +absolve]

Absolutely  adv. 1 completely, utterly. 2 in an absolute sense (god exists absolutely). 3  colloq. (used in reply) quite so; yes.

Absolute majority  n. Majority over all rivals combined.

Absolute pitch  n. Ability to recognize or sound any given note.

Absolute temperature  n. One measured from absolute zero.

Absolute zero  n. Theoretical lowest possible temperature calculated as –273.15° c (or 0° k).

Absolution  n. Formal forgiveness of sins.

Absolutism  n. Principle or practice of absolute government. ~ absolutist n.

Absolve  v. (-ving) (often foll. By from, of) set or pronounce free from blame or obligation etc. [latin: related to +solve]

Absorb  v. 1 incorporate as part of itself or oneself. 2 take in, suck up (liquid, heat, knowledge, etc.). 3 reduce the effect or intensity of; deal easily with (an impact, sound, difficulty, etc.). 4 consume (resources etc.). 5 (often as absorbing adj.) Engross the attention of. [latin sorbeo suck in]

Absorbent  —adj. Tending to absorb. —n. Absorbent substance or organ.

Absorption  n. 1 absorbing or being absorbed. 2 mental engrossment. ~ absorptive adj.

Abstain  v. 1 (usu. Foll. By from) refrain from indulging (abstained from smoking). 2 decline to vote. [latin teneo tent- hold]

Abstemious  adj. Moderate or ascetic, esp. In eating and drinking. ~ abstemiously adv. [latin: related to +ab-, temetum strong drink]

Abstention  n. Abstaining, esp. From voting. [latin: related to +abstain]

Abstinence  n. Abstaining, esp. From food or alcohol. ~ abstinent adj. [french: related to +abstain]

Abstract  —adj. 1 a of or existing in thought or theory rather than matter or practice; not concrete. B (of a word, esp. A noun) denoting a quality, condition, etc., not a concrete object. 2 (of art) achieving its effect by form and colour rather than by realism. —v. 1 (often foll. By from) extract, remove. 2 summarize. —n. 1 summary. 2 abstract work of art. 3 abstraction or abstract term. [latin: related to +tract1]

Abstracted  adj. Inattentive, distracted. ~ abstractedly adv.

Abstraction  n. 1 abstracting or taking away. 2 abstract or visionary idea. 3 abstract qualities (esp. In art). 4 absent-mindedness.

Abstruse  adj. Hard to understand, profound. [latin abstrudo -trus- conceal]

Absurd  adj. Wildly illogical or inappropriate; ridiculous. ~ absurdity n. (pl. -ies). Absurdly adv. [latin: related to +surd]

Abta  abbr. Association of british travel agents.

Abundance  n. 1 plenty; more than enough; a lot. 2 wealth. [latin: related to +abound]

Abundant  adj. 1 plentiful. 2 (foll. By in) rich (abundant in fruit). ~ abundantly adv.

Abuse  —v. (-sing) 1 use improperly, misuse. 2 insult verbally. 3 maltreat. —n. 1 misuse. 2 insulting language. 3 unjust or corrupt practice. 4 maltreatment (child abuse). ~ abuser n. [latin: related to +use]

Abusive  adj. Insulting, offensive. ~ abusively adv.

Abut  v. (-tt-) 1 (foll. By on) (of land) border on. 2 (foll. By on, against) (of a building) touch or lean upon (another). [anglo-latin butta strip of land: related to +butt1]

Abutment  n. Lateral supporting structure of a bridge, arch, etc.

Abuzz  adv. & adj. In a state of excitement or activity.

Abysmal  adj. 1 colloq. Extremely bad (abysmal food). 2 profound, utter (abysmal ignorance). ~ abysmally adv. [latin: related to +abyss]

Abyss  n. 1 deep chasm. 2 immeasurable depth (abyss of despair). [latin from greek, = bottomless]

Ac  abbr. 1 (also ac) alternating current. 2 aircraftman.

Ac  symb. Actinium.

A/c  abbr. Account. [account current]

-ac  suffix forming adjectives often (or only) used as nouns (cardiac; maniac). [latin -acus, greek -akos]

Acacia  n. Tree with yellow or white flowers, esp. One yielding gum arabic. [latin from greek]

Academia  n. The academic world; scholastic life.

Academic  —adj. 1 scholarly, of learning. 2 of no practical relevance; theoretical. —n. Teacher or scholar in a university etc. ~ academically adv.

Academician  n. Member of an academy. [french académicien]

Academy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 place of specialized training (military academy). 2 (usu. Academy) society or institution of distinguished scholars, artists, scientists, etc. (royal academy). 3 scot. Secondary school. [greek akademeia the place in athens where plato taught]

Acanthus  n. (pl. -thuses) 1 herbaceous plant with spiny leaves. 2 archit. Representation of its leaf. [latin from greek]

A cappella  adj. & adv. (of choral music) unaccompanied. [italian, = in church style]

Acas  abbr. Advisory, conciliation, and arbitration service.

Accede  v. (-ding) (foll. By to) 1 take office, esp. As monarch. 2 assent or agree. [latin: related to +cede]

Accelerate  v. (-ting) move or cause to move or happen more quickly. ~ acceleration n. [latin: related to +celerity]

Accelerator  n. 1 device for increasing speed, esp. The pedal controlling the speed of a vehicle's engine. 2 physics apparatus for imparting high speeds to charged particles.

Accent  —n. 1 particular (esp. Local or national) mode of pronunciation. 2 distinctive feature or emphasis (accent on speed). 3 prominence given to a syllable by stress or pitch. 4 mark on a letter or word to indicate pitch, stress, or vowel quality. —v. 1 emphasize (a word or syllable etc.). 2 write or print accents on (words etc.). 3 accentuate. [latin cantus song]

Accentuate  v. (-ting) emphasize, make prominent. ~ accentuation n. [medieval latin: related to +accent]

Accept  v. 1 (also absol.) Willingly receive (a thing offered). 2 (also absol.) Answer affirmatively (an offer etc.). 3 regard favourably; treat as welcome (felt accepted). 4 believe, receive (an opinion, explanation, etc.) As adequate or valid. 5 take as suitable (does accept cheques). 6 undertake (an office or duty). [latin capio take]

Acceptable  adj. 1 worth accepting, welcome. 2 tolerable. ~ acceptability n. Acceptably adv. [french: related to +accept]

Acceptance  n. 1 willingness to accept. 2 affirmative answer to an invitation etc. 3 approval, belief (found wide acceptance).

Access  —n. 1 way of approach or entry (shop with rear access). 2 a right or opportunity to reach or use or visit; admittance (access to secret files, to the prisoner). B accessibility. 3 archaic outburst (an access of anger). —v. 1 computing gain access to (data etc.). 2 accession. [french: related to +accede]

Accessible  adj. (often foll. By to) 1 reachable or obtainable; readily available. 2 easy to understand. ~ accessibility n.

Accession  —n. 1 taking office, esp. As monarch. 2 thing added. —v. Record the addition of (a new item) to a library etc.

Accessory  n. (pl. -ies) 1 additional or extra thing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Small attachment, fitting, or subsidiary item of dress (e.g. Shoes, gloves). 3 (often foll. By to) person who abets or is privy to an (esp. Illegal) act. [medieval latin: related to +accede]

Access road  n. Road giving access only to the properties along it.

Access time  n. Computing time taken to retrieve data from storage.

Accident  n. 1 unfortunate esp. Harmful event, caused unintentionally. 2 event that is unexpected or without apparent cause. ~ by accident unintentionally. [latin cado fall]

Accidental  —adj. Happening by chance or accident. —n. Mus. Sign indicating a note's momentary departure from the key signature. ~ accidentally adv.

Accident-prone  adj. Clumsy.

Acclaim  —v. 1 welcome or applaud enthusiastically. 2 hail as (acclaimed him king). —n. Applause, welcome, public praise. [latin acclamo: related to +claim]

Acclamation  n. 1 loud and eager assent. 2 (usu. In pl.) Shouting in a person's honour.

Acclimatize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) adapt to a new climate or conditions. ~ acclimatization n. [french acclimater: related to +climate]

Accolade  n. 1 praise given. 2 touch made with a sword at the conferring of a knighthood. [latin collum neck]

Accommodate  v. (-ting) 1 provide lodging or room for (flat accommodates two). 2 adapt, harmonize, reconcile (must accommodate himself to new ideas). 3 a do favour to, oblige (a person). B (foll. By with) supply (a person) with. [latin: related to +commode]

Accommodating  adj. Obliging, compliant.

Accommodation  n. 1 lodgings. 2 adjustment, adaptation. 3 convenient arrangement; settlement, compromise.

Accommodation address  n. Postal address used by a person unable or unwilling to give a permanent address.

Accompaniment  n. 1 instrumental or orchestral support for a solo instrument, voice, or group. 2 accompanying thing. ~ accompanist n. (in sense 1).

Accompany  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 go with; escort. 2 (usu. In passive; foll. By with, by) be done or found with; supplement. 3 mus. Partner with accompaniment. [french: related to +companion]

Accomplice  n. Partner in a crime etc. [latin: related to +complex]

Accomplish  v. Succeed in doing; achieve, complete. [latin: related to +complete]

Accomplished  adj. Clever, skilled.

Accomplishment  n. 1 completion (of a task etc.). 2 acquired, esp. Social, skill. 3 thing achieved.

Accord  —v. 1 (often foll. By with) be consistent or in harmony. 2 grant (permission, a request, etc.); give (a welcome etc.). —n. 1 agreement, consent. 2 mus. & art etc. Harmony. ~ of one's own accord on one's own initiative; voluntarily. With one accord unanimously. [latin cor cord- heart]

Accordance  n. ~ in accordance with in conformity to. ~ accordant adj.

According  adv. 1 (foll. By to) a as stated by (according to mary). B in proportion to (lives according to his means). 2 (foll. By as + clause) in a manner or to a degree that varies as (pays according as he is able).

Accordingly  adv. 1 as circumstances suggest or require (please act accordingly). 2 consequently (accordingly, he left the room).

Accordion  n. Musical reed instrument with concertina-like bellows, keys, and buttons. ~ accordionist n. [italian accordare to tune]

Accost  v. 1 approach and address (a person), esp. Boldly. 2 (of a prostitute) solicit. [latin costa rib]

Account  —n. 1 narration, description (an account of his trip). 2 arrangement at a bank etc. For depositing and withdrawing money, credit, etc. (open an account). 3 record or statement of financial transactions with the balance (kept detailed accounts). —v. Consider as (account him wise, a fool).

Accountable  adj. 1 responsible; required to account for one's conduct. 2 explicable, understandable. ~ accountability n.

Accountant  n. Professional keeper or verifier of accounts. ~ accountancy n. Accounting n.

Accouterments  n.pl. (brit. Accoutrements) 1 equipment, trappings. 2 soldier's equipment excluding weapons and clothes. [french]

Accoutrements  n.pl. (us accouterments) 1 equipment, trappings. 2 soldier's equipment excluding weapons and clothes. [french]

Accredit  v. (-t-) 1 (foll. By to) attribute (a saying etc.) To (a person). 2 (foll. By with) credit (a person) with (a saying etc.). 3 (usu. Foll. By to or at) send (an ambassador etc.) With credentials. 4 gain influence for or make credible (an adviser, a statement, etc.). [french: related to +credit]

Accredited  adj. 1 officially recognized. 2 generally accepted.

Accretion  n. 1 growth or increase by accumulation, addition, or organic enlargement. 2 the resulting whole. 3 a matter so added. B adhesion of this to the core matter. [latin cresco cret- grow]

Accrue  v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) (often foll. By to) come as a natural increase or advantage, esp. Financial. [latin: related to +accretion]

Accumulate  v. (-ting) 1 acquire an increasing number or quantity of; amass, collect. 2 grow numerous; increase. [latin: related to +cumulus]

Accumulation  n. 1 accumulating or being accumulated. 2 accumulated mass. 3 growth of capital by continued interest. ~ accumulative adj.

Accumulator  n. 1 rechargeable electric cell. 2 bet placed on a sequence of events, with the winnings and stake from each placed on the next.

Accuracy  n. Exactness or careful precision. [latin cura care]

Accurate  adj. Careful, precise; conforming exactly with the truth or a standard. ~ accurately adv.

Accursed  adj. 1 under a curse. 2 colloq. Detestable, annoying. [old english a- intensive prefix, +curse]

Accusation  n. Accusing or being accused. [french: related to +accuse]

Accusative  gram. —n. Case expressing the object of an action. —adj. Of or in this case.

Accusatory  adj. Of or implying accusation.

Accuse  v. (-sing) (often foll. By of) charge with a fault or crime; blame. [latin accusare: related to +cause]

Accustom  v. (foll. By to) make used to (accustomed him to hardship). [french: related to +custom]

Accustomed  adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) used to a thing. 2 customary, usual.

Ace  —n. 1 playing-card etc. With a single spot and generally signifying ‘one’. 2 a person who excels in some activity. B pilot who has shot down many enemy aircraft. 3 (in tennis) unreturnable stroke (esp. A service). —adj. Slang excellent. ~ within an ace of on the verge of. [latin as unity]

Acellular  adj. Having no cells; not consisting of cells.

Aceous  suffix forming adjectives in the sense ‘of the nature of’, esp. In the natural sciences (herbaceous). [latin -aceus]

Acerbic  adj. Harsh and sharp, esp. In speech or manner. ~ acerbity n. (pl. -ies). [latin acerbus sour]

Acetaldehyde  n. Colourless volatile liquid aldehyde. [from +acetic, +aldehyde]

Acetate  n. 1 salt or ester of acetic acid, esp. The cellulose ester. 2 fabric made from this.

Acetic  adj. Of or like vinegar. [latin acetum vinegar]

Acetic acid  n. Clear liquid acid giving vinegar its characteristic taste.

Acetone  n. Colourless volatile liquid that dissolves organic compounds, esp. Paints, varnishes, etc.

Acetylene  n. Hydrocarbon gas burning with a bright flame, used esp. In welding.

Ache  —n. 1 continuous dull pain. 2 mental distress. —v. (-ching) suffer from or be the source of an ache. [old english]

Achieve  v. (-ving) 1 reach or attain, esp. By effort (achieved victory; achieved notoriety). 2 accomplish (a feat or task). [french achever: related to +chief]

Achievement  n. 1 something achieved. 2 act of achieving.

Achilles heel  n. Person's weak or vulnerable point. [achilles, greek hero in the iliad]

Achilles tendon  n. Tendon connecting the heel with the calf muscles.

Achromatic  adj. Optics 1 transmitting light without separation into constituent colours (achromatic lens). 2 without colour. ~ achromatically adv. [french: related to +a-, +chrome]

Achy  adj. (-ier, -iest) full of or suffering from aches.

Acid  —n. 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydrogen ions in water, are usu. Sour and corrosive, turn litmus red, and have a ph of less than 7. B any compound or atom donating protons. 2 any sour substance. 3 slang the drug lsd. —adj. 1 sour. 2 biting, sharp (an acid wit). 3 chem. Having the essential properties of an acid. ~ acidic adj. Acidify v. (-ies, -ied). Acidity n. Acidly adv. [latin aceo be sour]

Acid house  n. A type of synthesized music with a simple repetitive beat, often associated with hallucinogenic drugs.

Acid rain  n. Acid, esp. From industrial waste gases, falling with rain.

Acid test  n. Severe or conclusive test.

Acidulous  adj. Somewhat acid.

Ack-ack  colloq. —adj. Anti-aircraft. —n. Anti-aircraft gun etc. [formerly signallers' term for aa]

Acknowledge  v. (-ging) 1 recognize; accept the truth of (acknowledged its failure). 2 confirm the receipt of (a letter etc.). 3 a show that one has noticed (acknowledged my arrival with a grunt). B express appreciation of (a service etc.). 4 recognize the validity of, own (the acknowledged king). [from +ad-, +knowledge]

Acknowledgement  n. 1 act of acknowledging. 2 a thing given or done in gratitude. B letter confirming receipt of something. 3 (usu. In pl.) Author's statement of gratitude, prefacing a book.

Acme  n. Highest point (of achievement etc.). [greek]

Acne  n. Skin condition with red pimples. [latin]

Acolyte  n. 1 person assisting a priest. 2 assistant; beginner. [greek akolouthos follower]

Aconite  n. 1 any of various poisonous plants, esp. Monkshood. 2 drug from these. [greek akoniton]

Acorn  n. Fruit of the oak, with a smooth nut in a cuplike base. [old english]

Acoustic  adj. 1 of sound or the sense of hearing. 2 (of a musical instrument etc.) Without electrical amplification (acoustic guitar). ~ acoustically adv. [greek akouo hear]

Acoustics  n.pl. 1 properties or qualities (of a room etc.) In transmitting sound. 2 (usu. As sing.) Science of sound.

Acquaint  v. (usu. Foll. By with) make aware of or familiar with (acquaint me with the facts). ~ be acquainted with have personal knowledge of; know slightly. [latin: related to +ad-, +cognizance]

Acquaintance  n. 1 being acquainted. 2 person one knows slightly. ~ acquaintanceship n.

Acquiesce  v. (-cing) 1 agree, esp. By default. 2 (foll. By in) accept (an arrangement etc.). ~ acquiescence n. Acquiescent adj. [latin: related to +ad-, +quiet]

Acquire  v. (-ring) gain for oneself; come into possession of. [latin: related to +ad-, quaero quisit- seek]

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome  see +aids.

Acquired taste  n. 1 liking developed by experience. 2 object of this.

Acquirement  n. Thing acquired, esp. A mental attainment.

Acquisition  n. 1 thing acquired, esp. When useful. 2 acquiring or being acquired. [latin: related to +acquire]

Acquisitive  adj. Keen to acquire things.

Acquit  v. (-tt-) 1 (often foll. By of) declare not guilty. 2 refl. A behave or perform in a specified way (acquitted herself well). B (foll. By of) discharge (a duty or responsibility). ~ acquittal n. [latin: related to +ad-, +quit]

Acre  n. Measure of land, 4,840 sq. Yds., 0.405 ha. [old english]

Acreage  n. A number of acres; extent of land.

Acrid  adj. (-er, -est) bitterly pungent. ~ acridity n. [latin acer keen, pungent]

Acrimonious  adj. Bitter in manner or temper. ~ acrimony n.

Acrobat  n. Entertainer performing gymnastic feats. ~ acrobatic adj. Acrobatically adv. [greek akrobates from akron summit, baino walk]

Acrobatics  n.pl. 1 acrobatic feats. 2 (as sing.) Art of performing these.

Acronym  n. Word formed from the initial letters of other words (e.g. Laser, nato). [greek akron end, onoma name]

Acropolis  n. Citadel of an ancient greek city. [greek akron summit, polis city]

Across  —prep. 1 to or on the other side of (across the river). 2 from one side to another side of (spread across the floor). 3 at or forming an angle with (a stripe across the flag). —adv. 1 to or on the other side (ran across). 2 from one side to another (stretched across). ~ across the board applying to all. [french à, en, croix: related to +cross]

Acrostic  n. Poem etc. In which certain letters (usu. The first and last in each line) form a word or words. [greek akron end, stikhos row]

Acrylic  —adj. Of synthetic material made from acrylic acid. —n. Acrylic fibre or fabric. [latin acer pungent, oleo to smell]

Acrylic acid  n. A pungent liquid organic acid.

Act  —n. 1 something done; a deed. 2 process of doing (caught in the act). 3 item of entertainment. 4 pretence (all an act). 5 main division of a play etc. 6 a decree of a legislative body. B document attesting a legal transaction. —v. 1 behave (acted wisely). 2 perform an action or function; take action (act as referee; brakes failed to act; he acted quickly). 3 (also foll. By on) have an effect (alcohol acts on the brain). 4 a perform a part in a play, film, etc. B pretend. 5 a play the part of (acted othello; acts the fool). B perform (a play etc.). C portray (an incident) by actions. ~ act for be the (esp. Legal) representative of. Act of god natural event, e.g. An earthquake. Act up colloq. Misbehave; give trouble (car is acting up). Get one's act together slang become properly organized; prepare. Put on an act colloq. Make a pretence. [latin ago act- do]

Acting  —n. Art or occupation of an actor. —attrib. Adj. Serving temporarily or as a substitute (acting manager).

Actinism  n. Property of short-wave radiation that produces chemical changes, as in photography. [greek aktis ray]

Actinium  n. Chem. Radioactive metallic element found in pitchblende. [as +actinism]

Action  n. 1 process of doing or acting (demanded action). 2 forcefulness or energy. 3 exertion of energy or influence (action of acid on metal). 4 deed, act (not aware of his actions). 5 (the action) a series of events in a story, play, etc. B slang exciting activity (missed the action). 6 battle, fighting (killed in action). 7 a mechanism of an instrument. B style of movement of an animal or human. 8 lawsuit. ~ out of action not working. [latin: related to +act]

Actionable  adj. Giving cause for legal action.

Action-packed  adj. Full of action or excitement.

Action point  n. Proposal for action.

Action replay  n. Playback of part of a television broadcast, esp. A sporting event, often in slow motion.

Action stations  n.pl. Positions taken up by troops etc. Ready for battle.

Activate  v. (-ting) 1 make active. 2 chem. Cause reaction in. 3 make radioactive.

Active  —adj. 1 marked by action; energetic; diligent (an active life). 2 working, operative (active volcano). 3 not merely passive or inert; positive (active support; active ingredients). 4 radioactive. 5 gram. Designating the form of a verb whose subject performs the action (e.g. Saw in he saw a film). —n. Gram. Active form or voice of a verb. ~ actively adv. [latin: related to +act]

Active service  n. Military service in wartime.

Activism  n. Policy of vigorous action, esp. For a political cause. ~ activist n.

Activity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being active; busy or energetic action. 2 (often in pl.) Occupation or pursuit (outdoor activities). 3 = +radioactivity.

Actor  n. Person who acts in a play, film, etc. [latin: related to +act]

Actress  n. Female actor.

Actual  adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 existing in fact; real. 2 current. [latin: related to +act]

Actuality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 reality. 2 (in pl.) Existing conditions.

Actually  adv. 1 as a fact, really (not actually very rich). 2 strange as it may seem (he actually refused!).

Actuary  n. (pl. -ies) statistician, esp. One calculating insurance risks and premiums. ~ actuarial adj. [latin actuarius bookkeeper]

Actuate  v. (-ting) 1 cause (a machine etc.) To move or function. 2 cause (a person) to act. [latin]

Acuity  n. Sharpness, acuteness. [medieval latin: related to +acute]

Acumen  n. Keen insight or discernment. [latin, = +acute thing]

Acupuncture  n. Medical treatment using needles in parts of the body. ~ acupuncturist n. [latin acu with needle]

Acute  —adj. (acuter, acutest) 1 serious, severe (acute hardship). 2 (of senses etc.) Keen, penetrating. 3 shrewd. 4 (of a disease) coming quickly to a crisis. 5 (of an angle) less than 90°. 6 (of a sound) high, shrill. —n. = +acute accent. ~ acutely adv. [latin acutus pointed]

Acute accent  n. Diacritical mark (´) placed over certain letters in french etc., esp. To show pronunciation.

-acy  suffix forming nouns of state or quality (accuracy; piracy), or an instance of it (conspiracy; fallacy). [french -acie, latin -acia, -atia, greek -ateia]

Ad  abbr. Of the christian era. [+anno domini]

Ad  n. Colloq. Advertisement. [abbreviation]

Ad-  prefix (altered or assimilated before some letters) implying motion or direction to, reduction or change into, addition, adherence, increase, or intensification. [latin]

Adage  n. Traditional maxim, proverb. [french from latin]

Adagio  mus. —adv. & adj. In slow time. —n. (pl. -s) such a movement or passage. [italian]

Adam  n. The first man. ~ not know a person from adam be unable to recognize a person. [hebrew, = man]

Adamant  adj. Stubbornly resolute; unyielding. ~ adamantly adv. [greek adamas adamant- untameable]

Adam's apple  n. Projection of cartilage at the front of the neck.

Adapt  v. 1 a (foll. By to) fit, adjust (one thing to another). B (foll. By to, for) make suitable for a purpose. C modify (esp. A text for broadcasting etc.). 2 (also refl., usu. Foll. By to) adjust to new conditions. ~ adaptable adj. Adaptation n. [latin: related to +ad-, +apt]

Adaptor  n. 1 device for making equipment compatible. 2 device for connecting several electrical plugs to one socket.

Add  v. 1 join (one thing to another) as an increase or supplement. 2 put together (numbers) to find their total. 3 say further. ~ add in include. Add up 1 find the total of. 2 (foll. By to) amount to. 3 colloq. Make sense. [latin addo]

Addendum  n. (pl. -da) 1 thing to be added. 2 material added at the end of a book.

Adder  n. Small venomous snake, esp. The common viper. [old english, originally nadder]

Addict  n. 1 person addicted, esp. To a drug. 2 colloq. Devotee (film addict). [latin: related to +ad-, dico say]

Addicted  adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) dependent on a drug etc. As a habit. 2 devoted to an interest. ~ addiction n.

Addictive  adj. Causing addiction.

Addition  n. 1 adding. 2 person or thing added. ~ in addition (often foll. By to) also, as well (as). [latin: related to +add]

Additional  adj. Added, extra, supplementary. ~ additionally adv.

Additive  n. Substance added to improve another, esp. To colour, flavour, or preserve food. [latin: related to +add]

Addle  v. (-ling) 1 muddle, confuse. 2 (usu. As addled adj.) (of an egg) become rotten. [old english, = filth]

Address  —n. 1 a place where a person lives or an organization is situated. B particulars of this, esp. For postal purposes. C computing location of an item of stored information. 2 discourse to an audience. —v. 1 write postal directions on (an envelope etc.). 2 direct (remarks etc.). 3 speak or write to, esp. Formally. 4 direct one's attention to. 5 golf take aim at (the ball). ~ address oneself to 1 speak or write to. 2 attend to. [french: related to +ad-, +direct]

Addressee  n. Person to whom a letter etc. Is addressed.

Adduce  v. (-cing) cite as an instance or as proof or evidence. ~ adducible adj. [latin: related to +ad-, duco lead]

Adenoids  n.pl. Area of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the nose and the throat, often hindering breathing in the young. ~ adenoidal adj. [greek aden gland]

Adept  —adj. (foll. By at, in) skilful. —n. Adept person. [latin adipiscor adept- attain]

Adequate  adj. Sufficient, satisfactory. ~ adequacy n. Adequately adv. [latin: related to +ad-, +equate]

À deux  adv. & adj. For or between two. [french]

Adhere  v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) stick fast to a substance etc. 2 (foll. By to) behave according to (a rule, undertaking, etc.). 3 (foll. By to) give allegiance. [latin haereo stick]

Adherent  —n. Supporter. —adj. Sticking, adhering. ~ adherence n.

Adhesion  n. 1 adhering. 2 unnatural union of body tissues due to inflammation.

Adhesive  —adj. Sticky, causing adhesion. —n. Adhesive substance. ~ adhesiveness n.

Ad hoc  adv. & adj. For one particular occasion or use. [latin]

Adieu  int. Goodbye. [french, = to god]

Ad infinitum  adv. Without limit; for ever. [latin]

Adipose  adj. Of fat; fatty (adipose tissue). ~ adiposity n. [latin adeps fat]

Adjacent  adj. (often foll. By to) lying near; adjoining. ~ adjacency n. [latin jaceo lie]

Adjective  n. Word used to describe or modify a noun or pronoun. ~ adjectival adj. [latin jaceo lie]

Adjoin  v. Be next to and joined with. [latin jungo join]

Adjourn  v. 1 put off, postpone; break off (a meeting etc.) Temporarily. 2 (of a meeting) break and disperse or (foll. By to) transfer to another place (adjourned to the pub). ~ adjournment n. [latin: related to +ad-, diurnum day]

Adjudge  v. (-ging) 1 pronounce judgement on (a matter). 2 pronounce or award judicially. ~ adjudgement n. (also adjudgment). [latin judex judge]

Adjudicate  v. (-ting) 1 act as judge in a competition, court, etc. 2 adjudge. ~ adjudication n. Adjudicative adj. Adjudicator n.

Adjunct  n. 1 (foll. By to, of) subordinate or incidental thing. 2 gram. Word or phrase used to explain or amplify the predicate, subject, etc. [latin: related to +adjoin]

Adjure  v. (-ring) (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Beg or command. ~ adjuration n. [latin adjuro put to oath: related to +jury]

Adjust  v. 1 order or position; regulate; arrange. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) become or make suited; adapt. 3 harmonize (discrepancies). 4 assess (loss or damages). ~ adjustable adj. Adjustment n. [latin juxta near]

Adjutant  n. 1 a army officer assisting a superior in administrative duties. B assistant. 2 (in full adjutant bird) giant indian stork. [latin: related to +ad-, juvo jut- help]

Ad lib  —v. (-bb-) improvise. —adj. Improvised. —adv. As one pleases, to any desired extent. [abbreviation of latin ad libitum according to pleasure]

Admin  n. Colloq. Administration. [abbreviation]

Administer  v. 1 manage (business affairs etc.). 2 a deliver or dispense, esp. Formally (a punishment, sacrament, etc.). B (usu. Foll. By to) direct the taking of (an oath). [latin: related to +ad-, +minister]

Administrate  v. (-ting) administer (esp. Business affairs); act as an administrator.

Administration  n. 1 administering, esp. Public affairs. 2 government in power.

Administrative  adj. Of the management of affairs.

Administrator  n. Manager of a business, public affairs, or a person's estate.

Admirable  adj. Deserving admiration; excellent. ~ admirably adv. [latin: related to +admire]

Admiral  n. 1 a commander-in-chief of a navy. B high-ranking naval officer, commander. 2 any of various butterflies. [arabic: related to +amir]

Admiralty  n. (pl. -ies) (in full admiralty board) hist. Committee superintending the royal navy.

Admiration  n. 1 respect; warm approval or pleasure. 2 object of this.

Admire  v. (-ring) 1 regard with approval, respect, or satisfaction. 2 express admiration of. ~ admirer n. Admiring adj. Admirlingly adv. [latin: related to +ad-, miror wonder at]

Admissible  adj. 1 (of an idea etc.) Worth accepting or considering. 2 law allowable as evidence. [latin: related to +admit]

Admission  n. 1 acknowledgement (admission of error). 2 a process or right of entering. B charge for this (admission is £5).

Admit  v. (-tt-) 1 (often foll. By to be, or that + clause) acknowledge; recognize as true. 2 (foll. By to) confess to (a deed, fault, etc.). 3 allow (a person) entrance, access, etc. 4 take (a patient) into hospital. 5 (of an enclosed space) accommodate. 6 (foll. By of) allow as possible. [latin mitto miss- send]

Admittance  n. Admitting or being admitted, usu. To a place.

Admittedly  adv. As must be admitted.

Admixture  n. 1 thing added, esp. A minor ingredient. 2 adding of this.

Admonish  v. 1 reprove. 2 urge, advise. 3 (foll. By of) warn. ~ admonishment n. Admonition n. Admonitory adj. [latin moneo warn]

Ad nauseam  adv. Excessively; disgustingly. [latin, = to sickness]

Ado  n. Fuss, busy activity; trouble. [from +at, +do1: originally in much ado = much to do]

Adobe  n. 1 sun-dried brick. 2 clay for making these. [spanish]

Adolescent  —adj. Between childhood and adulthood. —n. Adolescent person. ~ adolescence n. [latin adolesco grow up]

Adonis  n. Handsome young man. [latin, name of a youth loved by venus]

Adopt  v. 1 legally take (a person) into a relationship, esp. Another's child as one's own. 2 choose (a course of action etc.). 3 take over (another's idea etc.). 4 choose as a candidate for office. 5 accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road etc.). 6 accept or approve (a report, accounts, etc.). ~ adoption n. [latin: related to +ad-, +opt]

Adoptive  adj. Because of adoption (adoptive son). [latin: related to +adopt]

Adorable  adj. 1 deserving adoration. 2 colloq. Delightful, charming.

Adore  v. (-ring) 1 love intensely. 2 worship as divine. 3 colloq. Like very much. ~ adoration n. Adorer n. [latin adoro worship]

Adorn  v. Add beauty to; decorate. ~ adornment n. [latin: related to +ad-, orno decorate]

Adrenal  —adj. 1 at or near the kidneys. 2 of the adrenal glands. —n. (in full adrenal gland) either of two ductless glands above the kidneys, secreting adrenalin. [from +ad-, +renal]

Adrenalin  n. (also adrenaline) 1 stimulative hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. 2 this extracted or synthesized for medicinal use.

Adrift  adv. & predic.adj. 1 drifting. 2 powerless; aimless. 3 colloq. A unfastened. B out of order, wrong (plans went adrift).

Adroit  adj. Dexterous, skilful. [french à droit according to right]

Adsorb  v. (usu. Of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid etc.) To its surface, forming a thin film. ~ adsorbent adj. & n. Adsorption n. [from +ad-, +absorb]

Adulation  n. Obsequious flattery. [latin adulor fawn on]

Adult  —adj. 1 mature, grown-up. 2 (attrib.) Of or for adults (adult education). —n. Adult person. ~ adulthood n. [latin adolesco adultus grow up]

Adulterate  v. (-ting) debase (esp. Foods) by adding other substances. ~ adulterant adj. & n. Adulteration n. [latin adultero corrupt]

Adulterer  n. (fem. Adulteress) person who commits adultery.

Adultery  n. Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person other than his or her spouse. ~ adulterous adj.

Adumbrate  v. (-ting) 1 indicate faintly or in outline. 2 foreshadow. 3 overshadow. ~ adumbration n. [latin: related to +ad-, umbra shade]

Advance  —v. (-cing) 1 move or put forward; progress. 2 pay or lend (money) beforehand. 3 promote (a person, cause, etc.). 4 present (a suggestion etc.). 5 (as advanced adj.) A well ahead. B socially progressive. —n. 1 going forward; progress. 2 prepayment; loan. 3 (in pl.) Amorous approaches. 4 rise in price. —attrib. Adj. Done or supplied beforehand (advance warning). ~ advance on approach threateningly. In advance ahead in place or time. [latin: related to +ab-, ante before]

Advanced level  n. High level of gce examination.

Advancement  n. Promotion of a person, cause, or plan.

Advantage  —n. 1 beneficial feature. 2 benefit, profit. 3 (often foll. By over) superiority. 4 (in tennis) the next point after deuce. —v. (-ging) benefit, favour. ~ take advantage of 1 make good use of. 2 exploit, esp. Unfairly. 3 euphem. Seduce. ~ advantageous adj. [french: related to +advance]

Advent  n. 1 season before christmas. 2 coming of christ. 3 (advent) important arrival. [latin adventus from venio come]

Adventist  n. Member of a christian sect believing in the imminent second coming of christ.

Adventitious  adj. 1 accidental, casual. 2 added from outside. 3 biol. Formed accidentally or under unusual conditions. [latin: related to +advent]

Adventure  —n. 1 unusual and exciting experience. 2 enterprise (spirit of adventure). —v. (-ring) dare, venture; engage in adventure. [latin: related to +advent]

Adventure playground  n. Playground with climbing-frames, building blocks, etc.

Adventurer  n. (fem. Adventuress) 1 person who seeks adventure, esp. For personal gain or enjoyment. 2 financial speculator.

Adventurous  adj. Venturesome, enterprising.

Adverb  n. Word indicating manner, degree, circumstance, etc., used to modify an adjective, verb, or other adverb (e.g. Gently, quite, then). ~ adverbial adj. [latin: related to +ad-, verbum word, +verb]

Adversary  n. (pl. -ies) enemy, opponent.

Adverse  adj. Unfavourable; harmful. ~ adversely adv. [latin: related to +ad-, verto vers- turn]

Adversity  n. Misfortune, distress.

Advert  n. Colloq. Advertisement. [abbreviation]

Advertise  v. (-sing) 1 promote (goods or services) publicly to increase sales. 2 make generally known. 3 (often foll. By for) seek by a notice in a newspaper etc. To buy, employ, sell, etc. [french avertir: related to +adverse]

Advertisement  n. 1 public announcement, esp. Of goods etc. For sale or wanted, vacancies, etc. 2 advertising. [french avertissement: related to +adverse]

Advice  n. 1 recommendation on how to act. 2 information given; news. 3 formal notice of a transaction.

Advisable  adj. To be recommended, expedient. ~ advisability n.

Advise  v. (-sing) 1 (also absol.) Give advice to. 2 recommend (advised me to rest). 3 (usu. Foll. By of, or that + clause) inform. [latin: related to +ad-, video vis- see]

Advisedly  adv. After due consideration; deliberately.

Adviser  n. (also advisor) person who advises, esp. Officially.

Usage  the variant advisor is fairly common, but is considered incorrect by many people.

Advisory  adj. Giving advice (advisory body).

Advocaat  n. Liqueur of eggs, sugar, and brandy. [dutch, = +advocate]

Advocacy  n. Support or argument for a cause, policy, etc.

Advocate  —n. 1 (foll. By of) person who supports or speaks in favour. 2 person who pleads for another, esp. In a lawcourt. —v. (-ting) recommend by argument. [latin: related to +ad-, voco call]

Adz  n. (brit adze) tool like an axe, with an arched blade at right angles to the handle. [old english]

Adze  n. (us adz) tool like an axe, with an arched blade at right angles to the handle. [old english]

Aegis  n. Protection; support. [greek aigis shield of zeus or athene]

Aeolian harp  n. Stringed instrument or toy sounding when the wind passes through it. [latin aeolus wind-god, from greek]

Aeon  n. (also eon) 1 long or indefinite period. 2 an age. [latin from greek]

Aerate  v. (-ting) 1 charge (a liquid) with carbon dioxide. 2 expose to air. ~ aeration n. [latin aer +air]

Aerial  —n. Device for transmitting or receiving radio waves. —adj. 1 by or from the air; involving aircraft (aerial attack). 2 existing in the air. 3 of or like air. [greek: related to +air]

Aero-  comb. Form air; aircraft. [greek aero- from aer air]

Aerobatics  n.pl. 1 spectacular flying of aircraft, esp. To entertain. 2 (as sing.) Performance of these. [from +aero-, after +acrobatics]

Aerobics  n.pl. Vigorous exercises designed to increase oxygen intake. ~ aerobic adj. [from +aero-, greek bios life]

Aerodrome  n. Small airport or airfield. [from +aero-, greek dromos course]

Aerodynamics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Dynamics of solid bodies moving through air. ~ aerodynamic adj.

Aerofoil  n. Structure with curved surfaces (e.g. A wing, fin, or tailplane) designed to give lift in flight.

Aeronautics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science or practice of motion in the air. ~ aeronautic adj. Aeronautical adj. [from +aero-, +nautical]

Aeroplane  n. Powered heavier-than-air flying vehicle with fixed wings. [french: related to +aero-, +plane1]

Aerosol  n. 1 pressurized container releasing a substance as a fine spray. 2 system of minute particles suspended in gas (e.g. Fog or smoke). [from +aero-, +solution]

Aerospace  n. 1 earth's atmosphere and outer space. 2 aviation in this.

Aesthete  n. Person who has or professes a special appreciation of beauty. [greek aisthanomai perceive]

Aesthetic  —adj. 1 of or sensitive to beauty. 2 artistic, tasteful. —n. (in pl.) Philosophy of beauty, esp. In art. ~ aesthetically adv. Aestheticism n.

Aetiology  n. (us etiology) study of causation or of the causes of disease. ~ aetiological adj. [greek aitia cause]

Af  abbr. Audio frequency.

Afar  adv. At or to a distance.

Affable  adj. 1 friendly. 2 courteous. ~ affability n. Affably adv. [latin affabilis]

Affair  n. 1 matter, concern, or thing to be attended to (that is my affair). 2 a celebrated or notorious happening. B colloq. Thing or event (puzzling affair). 3 = +love affair. 4 (in pl.) Public or private business. [french à faire to do]

Affect  v. 1 a produce an effect on. B (of disease etc.) Attack. 2 move emotionally. 3 pretend (affected ignorance). 4 pose as or use for effect (affects the aesthete; affects fancy hats). ~ affecting adj. Affectingly adv. [latin afficio affect- influence]

Usage  affect should not be confused with effect, meaning ‘to bring about’. Note also that effect is used as a noun as well as a verb.

Affectation  n. 1 artificial manner. 2 (foll. By of) studied display. 3 pretence.

Affected  adj. 1 pretended, artificial. 2 full of affectation.

Affection  n. 1 goodwill, fond feeling. 2 disease; diseased condition.

Affectionate  adj. Loving, fond. ~ affectionately adv.

Affidavit  n. Written statement confirmed by oath. [latin, = has stated on oath]

Affiliate  —v. (-ting) (foll. By to, with) attach, adopt, or connect as a member or branch. —n. Affiliated person etc. [latin: related to +filial]

Affiliation  n. Affiliating or being affiliated.

Affiliation order  n. Legal order against the supposed father of an illegitimate child for support.

Affinity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 liking or attraction; feeling of kinship. 2 relationship, esp. By marriage. 3 similarity of structure or character suggesting a relationship. 4 chem. The tendency of certain substances to combine with others. [latin finis border] 

Affirm  v. 1 assert, state as a fact. 2 law make a solemn declaration in place of an oath. ~ affirmation n. [latin: related to +firm1]

Affirmative  —adj. Affirming; expressing approval. —n. Affirmative statement or word etc.

Affix  —v. 1 attach, fasten. 2 add in writing. —n. 1 addition. 2 gram. Prefix or suffix. [latin: related to +fix]

Afflict  v. Distress physically or mentally. [latin fligo flict- strike down]

Affliction  n. 1 distress, suffering. 2 cause of this.

Affluent  adj. Wealthy, rich. ~ affluence n. [latin: related to +fluent]

Afford  v. 1 (prec. By can or be able to) a have enough money, time, etc., for; be able to spare. B be in a position (can't afford to be critical). 2 provide (affords a view of the sea). [old english ge- prefix implying completeness, +forth]

Afforest  v. 1 convert into forest. 2 plant with trees. ~ afforestation n. [latin: related to +forest]

Affray  n. Breach of the peace by fighting or rioting in public. [anglo-french = ‘remove from peace’]

Affront  —n. Open insult. —v. Insult openly; offend, embarrass. [latin: related to +front]

Afghan  —n. 1 a native or national of afghanistan. B person of afghan descent. 2 official language of afghanistan. —adj. Of afghanistan. [pashto]

Afghan hound  n. Tall hunting dog with long silky hair.

Aficionado  n. (pl. -s) devotee of a sport or pastime. [spanish]

Afield  adv. To or at a distance (esp. Far afield). [old english: related to +a2]

Aflame  adv. & predic.adj. 1 in flames. 2 very excited.

Afloat  adv. & predic.adj. 1 floating. 2 at sea. 3 out of debt or difficulty. 4 current. [old english: related to +a2]

Afoot  adv. & predic.adj. In operation; progressing.

Afore  prep. & adv. Archaic before; previously; in front (of). [old english: related to +a2]

Afore-  comb. Form before, previously (aforementioned; aforesaid).

Aforethought  adj. Premeditated (following a noun: malice aforethought).

Afraid  predic. Adj. Alarmed, frightened. ~ be afraid colloq. Politely regret (i'm afraid we're late). [originally past part. Of +affray]

Afresh  adv. Anew; with a fresh beginning. [earlier of fresh]

African  —n. 1 native (esp. Dark-skinned) of africa. 2 person of african descent. —adj. Of africa. [latin]

African elephant  n. The elephant of africa, larger than that of india.

African violet  n. House-plant with velvety leaves and blue, purple, or pink flowers.

Afrikaans  n. Language derived from dutch, used in s. Africa. [dutch, = ‘african’]

Afrikaner  n. Afrikaans-speaking white person in s. Africa, esp. Of dutch descent.

Afro  —adj. (of hair) tightly-curled and bushy. —n. (pl. -s) afro hairstyle.

Afro-  comb. Form african.

Afro-american  —adj. Of american blacks or their culture. —n. American black.

Afro-caribbean  —n. Caribbean person of african descent. —adj. Of afro-caribbeans.

Aft  adv. Naut. & aeron. At or towards the stern or tail. [earlier baft]

After  —prep. 1 following in time; later than (after a week). 2 in view of, in spite of (after what you did what do you expect?; after all my efforts i still lost). 3 behind (shut the door after you). 4 in pursuit or quest of (run after them). 5 about, concerning (asked after her). 6 in allusion to (named after the prince). 7 in imitation of (a painting after rubens). 8 next in importance to (best one after mine). —conj. Later than (left after they arrived). —adv. 1 later (soon after). 2 behind (followed on after). —adj. 1 later, following (in after years). 2 naut. Nearer the stern (after cabins). ~ after all in spite of everything (after all, what does it matter?). After one's own heart to one's taste. [old english]

Afterbirth  n. Placenta etc. Discharged from the womb after childbirth.

After-care  n. Attention after leaving hospital etc.

After-effect  n. Delayed effect following an accident, trauma, etc.

Afterglow  n. Glow remaining after its source has disappeared.

Afterlife  n. Life after death.

Aftermath  n. 1 consequences, esp. Unpleasant (aftermath of war). 2 new grass growing after mowing. [from +after, math mowing]

Afternoon  n. Time from noon or lunch-time to evening.

Afterpains  n.pl. Pains caused by contraction of the womb after childbirth.

Afters  n.pl. Colloq. = +dessert 1.

Aftershave  n. Lotion used after shaving.

Aftertaste  n. Taste after eating or drinking.

Afterthought  n. Thing thought of or added later.

Afterward  adv. (brit. Afterwards) later, subsequently. [old english: related to +after, +-ward]

Afterwards  adv. (us afterward) later, subsequently. [old english: related to +after, +-ward]

Ag  symb. Silver. [latin argentum]

Again  adv. 1 another time; once more. 2 as previously (home again; well again). 3 in addition (as much again). 4 further, besides (again, what about you?). 5 on the other hand (i might, and again i might not). ~ again and again repeatedly. [old english]

Against  prep. 1 in opposition to (fight against crime). 2 into collision or in contact with (lean against the wall). 3 to the disadvantage of (my age is against me). 4 in contrast to (against a dark background). 5 in anticipation of (against his coming; against the cold). 6 as a compensating factor to (income against expenditure). 7 in return for (issued against payment of the fee). ~ against the grain see +grain. Against time see +time. [from +again, with inflectional -s]

Agape  predic. Adj. Gaping, open-mouthed. [from +a2]

Agaric  n. Fungus with a cap and stalk, e.g. The common mushroom. [greek agarikon]

Agate  n. Hard usu. Streaked chalcedony. [greek akhates]

Agave  n. Plant with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves and flowers on tall stem. [agave, name of a woman in greek mythology]

Age  —n. 1 length of time that a person or thing has existed. 2 a colloq. (often in pl.) A long time (waited for ages). B distinct historical period (bronze age). 3 old age. —v. (ageing) 1 show or cause to show signs of advancing age. 2 grow old. 3 mature. ~ come of age reach adult status (esp. Law at 18, formerly 21). [latin aetas]

-age  suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 action (breakage). 2 condition (bondage). 3 aggregate or number (coverage; acreage). 4 cost (postage). 5 result (wreckage). 6 place or abode (anchorage; orphanage). [latin -aticus]

Aged  adj. 1  (predic.) Of the age of (aged 3). 2  old.

Ageism  n. Prejudice or discrimination on grounds of age. ~ ageist adj. & n.

Ageless  adj. 1 never growing or appearing old. 2 eternal.

Agelong  adj. Existing for a very long time.

Agency  n. (pl. -ies) 1 business or premises of an agent. 2 action; intervention (free agency; by the agency of god). [latin: related to +act]

Agenda  n. (pl. -s) 1 list of items to be considered at a meeting. 2 things to be done.

Agent  n. 1 a person who acts for another in business etc. B spy. 2 person or thing that exerts power or produces an effect.

Agent provocateur  n. (pl. Agents provocateurs pronunc. Same) person used to tempt suspected offenders to self-incriminating action. [french, = provocative agent]

Age of consent  n. Age at which consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law.

Age-old  adj. Very long-standing.

Agglomerate  —v. (-ting) collect into a mass. —n. Mass, esp. Of fused volcanic fragments. —adj. Collected into a mass. ~ agglomeration n. [latin glomus -meris ball]

Agglutinate  v. (-ting) stick as with glue. ~ agglutination n. Agglutinative adj. [latin: related to +gluten]

Aggrandize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 increase the power, rank or wealth of. 2 make seem greater. ~ aggrandizement n. [french: related to +grand]

Aggravate  v. (-ting) 1 make worse or more serious. 2 annoy. ~ aggravation n. [latin gravis heavy]

Usage  the use of aggravate in sense 2 is regarded by some people as incorrect, but it is common in informal use.

Aggregate  —n. 1 sum total, amount assembled. 2 crushed stone etc. Used in making concrete. 3 rock formed of a mass of different particles or minerals. —adj. Combined, collective, total. —v. (-ting) 1 collect, combine into one mass. 2 colloq. Amount to. 3 unite. ~ in the aggregate as a whole. ~ aggregation n. Aggregative adj. [latin grex greg- flock]

Aggression  n. 1 unprovoked attacking or attack. 2 hostile or destructive behaviour. [latin gradior gress- walk]

Aggressive  adj. 1 given to aggression; hostile. 2 forceful, self-assertive. ~ aggressively adv.

Aggressor  n. Person or party that attacks without provocation.

Aggrieved  adj. Having a grievance. [french: related to +grief]

Aggro  n. Slang 1 aggressive hostility. 2 trouble, difficulty. [abbreviation of aggravation or aggression]

Aghast  predic. Adj. Filled with dismay or consternation. [past part. Of obsolete (a)gast frighten]

Agile  adj. Quick-moving, nimble, active. ~ agility n. [latin agilis: related to +act]

Agitate  v. (-ting) 1 disturb or excite (a person or feelings). 2 (often foll. By for, against) campaign, esp. Politically (agitated for tax reform). 3 shake briskly. ~ agitation n. Agitator n. [latin agito: related to +act]

Aglow  predic. Adj. Glowing.

Agm  abbr. Annual general meeting.

Agnail  n. Piece of torn skin at the root of a fingernail; resulting soreness. [old english, = tight (metal) nail, hard excrescence in flesh]

Agnostic  —n. Person who believes that the existence of god is not provable. —adj. Of agnosticism. ~ agnosticism n. [from +a-, +gnostic]

Ago  adv. (prec. By duration) earlier, in the past. [originally agone = gone by]

Agog  predic. Adj. Eager, expectant. [french gogue fun]

Agonize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 undergo (esp. Mental) anguish; suffer or cause to suffer agony. 2 (as agonized adj.) Expressing agony (an agonized look).

Agony  n. (pl. -ies) 1 extreme mental or physical suffering. 2 severe struggle. [greek agon struggle]

Agony aunt  n. Colloq. Person (esp. A woman) who answers letters in an agony column.

Agony column  n. Colloq. 1 column in a magazine etc. Offering personal advice to correspondents. 2 = +personal column.

Agoraphobia  n. Abnormal fear of open spaces or public places. ~ agoraphobic adj. & n. [greek agora market-place]

Agrarian  —adj. 1 of the land or its cultivation. 2 of landed property. —n. Advocate of the redistribution of land. [latin ager field]

Agree  v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) 1 hold the same opinion (i agree with you). 2 consent (agreed to go). 3 (often foll. By with) a become or be in harmony. B suit (fish didn't agree with him). C gram. Have the same number, gender, case, or person as. 4 reach agreement about (agreed a price). 5 (foll. By on) decide mutually on (agreed on a compromise). ~ be agreed be of one opinion. [latin: related to +ad-, gratus pleasing]

Agreeable  adj. 1 pleasing, pleasant. 2 willing to agree. ~ agreeably adv.

Agreement  n. 1 act or state of agreeing. 2 arrangement or contract.

Agriculture  n. Cultivation of the soil and rearing of animals. ~ agricultural adj. Agriculturalist n. [latin ager field]

Agrimony  n. (pl. -ies) perennial plant with small yellow flowers. [greek argemone poppy]

Agronomy  n. Science of soil management and crop production. ~ agronomist n. [greek agros land]

Aground  predic. Adj. & adv. On or on to the bottom of shallow water (run aground).

Ague  n. 1 hist. Malarial fever. 2 shivering fit. [latin: related to +acute]

Ah  abbr. In the year of the hegira (ad 622); of the muslim era. [latin anno hegirae]

Ah  int. Expressing surprise, pleasure, realization, etc. [french a]

Aha  int. Expressing surprise, triumph, mockery, etc. [from +ah, +ha1]

Ahead  adv. 1 further forward in space or time. 2 in the lead (ahead on points).

Ahem  int. Used to attract attention, gain time, etc. [from +hem2]

Ahoy  int. Naut. Call used in hailing. [from +ah, +hoy]

Ai  abbr. 1 artificial insemination. 2 artificial intelligence.

Aid  abbr. Artificial insemination by donor.

Aid  —n. 1 help. 2 person or thing that helps. —v. 1 help. 2 promote (sleep will aid recovery). ~ in aid of 1 in support of. 2 colloq. For the purpose of (what's it all in aid of?). [latin: related to +ad-, juvo help]

Aide  n. 1 aide-de-camp. 2 esp. Us assistant. [french]

Aide-de-camp  n. (pl. Aides-de-camp pronunc. Same) officer assisting a senior officer. [french]

Aids  n. (also aids) acquired immune deficiency syndrome, an often fatal viral syndrome marked by severe loss of resistance to infection. [abbreviation]

Ail  v. 1 archaic (only in 3rd person interrog. Or indefinite constructions) trouble or afflict (what ails him?). 2 (usu. Be ailing) be ill. [old english]

Aileron  n. Hinged flap on an aeroplane wing. [french aile wing]

Ailing  adj. 1 ill. 2 in poor condition.

Ailment  n. Minor illness or disorder.

Aim  —v. 1 intend or try; attempt (aim at winning; aim to win). 2 (usu. Foll. By at) direct or point (a weapon, remark, etc.). 3 take aim. —n. 1 purpose or object. 2 the directing of a weapon etc. At an object. ~ take aim direct a weapon etc. At a target. [latin aestimare reckon]

Aimless  adj. Without aim or purpose. ~ aimlessly adv.

Ain't  contr. Colloq. 1 am, is, or are not. 2 have or has not.

Usage  the use of ain't is usually regarded as unacceptable in spoken and written english.

Air  —n. 1 mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen surrounding the earth. 2 earth's atmosphere; open space in it; this as a place for flying aircraft. 3 a distinctive impression or manner (air of mystery). B (esp. In pl.) Pretentiousness (gave himself airs). 4 tune. 5 light wind. —v. 1 expose (clothes, a room, etc.) To fresh air or warmth to remove damp. 2 express and discuss publicly (an opinion, question, grievance, etc.). ~ by air by or in an aircraft. In the air 1 (of opinions etc.) Prevalent. 2 (of plans etc.) Uncertain. On (or off) the air being (or not being) broadcast. [greek aer]

Airbase  n. Base for military aircraft.

Air-bed  n. Inflatable mattress.

Airborne  adj. 1 transported by air. 2 (of aircraft) in the air after taking off.

Air-brick  n. Perforated brick used for ventilation.

Airbus  n. Propr. Short-haul passenger aircraft.

Air chief marshal  n. Raf officer of high rank, above air marshal.

Air commodore  n. Raf officer next above group captain.

Air-conditioning  n. 1 system for regulating the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building. 2 apparatus for this. ~ air-conditioned adj.

Aircraft  n. (pl. Same) machine capable of flight, esp. An aeroplane or helicopter.

Aircraft-carrier  n. Warship carrying and used as a base for aircraft.

Aircraftman  n. Lowest rank in the raf.

Aircraftwoman  n. Lowest rank in the wraf.

Aircrew  n. Crew of an aircraft.

Air-cushion  n. 1 inflatable cushion. 2 layer of air supporting a hovercraft etc.

Airedale  n. Large terrier of a rough-coated breed. [airedale in yorkshire]

Airer  n. Stand for airing or drying clothes etc.

Airfield  n. Area with runway(s) for aircraft.

Air force  n. Branch of the armed forces fighting in the air.

Airgun  n. Gun using compressed air to fire pellets.

Airhead  n. Slang stupid or foolish person.

Air hostess  n. Stewardess in a passenger aircraft.

Airless  adj. Stuffy; still, calm.

Air letter  n. Sheet of light paper forming a letter for sending by airmail.

Airlift  —n. Emergency transport of supplies etc. By air. —v. Transport thus.

Airline  n. Public air transport system or company.

Airliner  n. Large passenger aircraft.

Airlock  n. 1 stoppage of the flow by an air bubble in a pump or pipe. 2 compartment permitting movement between areas at different pressures.

Airmail  n. 1 system of transporting mail by air. 2 mail carried by air.

Airman  n. Pilot or member of an aircraft crew, esp. In an air force.

Air marshal  n. Raf officer of high rank, above air vice-marshal.

Airplane  n. Us = +aeroplane.

Air pocket  n. Apparent vacuum causing an aircraft to drop suddenly.

Airport  n. Airfield with facilities for passengers and goods.

Air raid  n. Attack by aircraft on ground targets.

Air rifle  n. Rifle using compressed air to fire pellets.

Airs and graces  n.pl. Affected manner.

Airscrew  n. Aircraft propeller.

Airship  n. Power-driven aircraft lighter than air.

Airsick  adj. Nauseous from air travel.

Airspace  n. Air above a country and subject to its jurisdiction.

Air speed  n. Aircraft's speed relative to the air.

Airstrip  n. Strip of ground for the take-off and landing of aircraft.

Air terminal  n. Building with transport to and from an airport.

Airtight  adj. Impermeable to air.

Air traffic controller  n. Official who controls air traffic by radio.

Air vice-marshal  n. Raf officer of high rank, just below air marshal.

Airwaves  n.pl. Colloq. Radio waves used in broadcasting.

Airway  n. Recognized route of aircraft.

Airwoman  n. Woman pilot or member of an aircraft crew, esp. In an air force.

Airworthy  adj. (of an aircraft) fit to fly.

Airy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 well-ventilated, breezy. 2 flippant, superficial. 3 light as air. 4 ethereal. ~ airily adv.

Airy-fairy  adj. Colloq. Unrealistic, impractical.

Aisle  n. 1 the part of a church on either side of the nave, divided from it by pillars. 2 passage between rows of pews, seats, etc. [latin ala wing]

Aitch  n. The letter h. [french ache]

Aitchbone  n. 1 rump bone of an animal. 2 cut of beef over this. [originally nache-bone from latin natis buttock]

Ajar  adv. & predic.adj. (of a door) slightly open. [from +a2, obsolete char from old english cerr a turn]

Akela  n. Adult leader of cub scouts. [name of the leader of the wolf-pack in kipling's jungle book]

Akimbo  adv. (of the arms) with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards. [originally in kenebowe, probably from old norse]

Akin  predic. Adj. 1 related by blood. 2 similar.

Al  symb. Aluminium.

-al  suffix 1 (also -ial) forming adjectives meaning ‘relating to, of the kind of’ (central; tidal; dictatorial). 2 forming nouns, esp. Of verbal action (removal). [latin -alis]

À la  prep. In the manner of (à la russe). [french from +à la mode]

Alabaster  —n. Translucent usu. White form of gypsum, used for carving etc. —adj. 1 of alabaster. 2 white or smooth. [greek alabastros]

À la carte  adv. & adj. With individually priced dishes. [french]

Alacrity  n. Briskness; cheerful readiness. [latin alacer brisk]

À la mode  adv. & adj. In fashion; fashionable. [french]

Alarm  —n. 1 warning of danger etc. 2 a warning sound or device. B = +alarm clock. 3 apprehension (filled with alarm). —v. 1 frighten or disturb. 2 warn. ~ alarming adj. Alarmingly adv. [italian all'arme! To arms]

Alarm clock  n. Clock that rings at a set time.

Alarmist  n. Person stirring up alarm.

Alas  int. Expressing grief, pity, or concern. [french: related to +ah, latin lassus weary]

Alb  n. Long white vestment worn by christian priests. [latin albus white]

Albatross  n. 1 a long-winged, stout-bodied bird related to the petrel. B encumbrance. 2 golf score of three strokes under par at any hole. [alteration of alcatras, from spanish and portuguese alcatraz from arabic, = the jug]

Albeit  conj. Literary though. [all be it]

Albino  n. (pl. -s) 1 person or animal lacking pigment in the skin and hair (which are white), and the eyes (usu. Pink). 2 plant lacking normal colouring. ~ albinism n. [spanish and portuguese: related to +alb]

Album  n. 1 book for photographs, stamps, etc. 2 a long-playing gramophone record. B set of these. [latin, = blank tablet, from albus white]

Albumen  n. 1 egg-white. 2 substance found between the skin and germ of many seeds, usu. The edible part. [latin: related to +album]

Albumin  n. Water-soluble protein found in egg-white, milk, blood, etc. ~ albuminous adj.

Alchemy  n. Medieval chemistry, esp. Seeking to turn base metals into gold. ~ alchemist n. [arabic]

Alcohol  n. 1 (in full ethyl alcohol) colourless volatile inflammable liquid, esp. As the intoxicant in wine, beer, spirits, etc., and as a solvent, fuel, etc. 2 liquor containing this. 3 chem. Any of many organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups attached to carbon atoms. [arabic: related to +kohl]

Alcoholic  —adj. Of, like, containing, or caused by alcohol. —n. Person suffering from alcoholism.

Alcoholism  n. Condition resulting from addiction to alcohol.

Alcove  n. Recess, esp. In the wall of a room. [arabic, = the vault]

Aldehyde  n. Chem. Any of a class of compounds formed by the oxidation of alcohols. [from +alcohol, +de-, +hydrogen]

Al dente  adj. (of pasta etc.) Cooked so as to be still firm when bitten. [italian, = ‘to the tooth’]

Alder  n. Tree related to the birch. [old english]

Alderman  n. Esp. Hist. Co-opted member of an english county or borough council, next in dignity to the mayor. [old english aldor chief, +man]

Ale  n. Beer. [old english]

Aleatory  adj. Depending on chance. [latin alea +die2]

Alehouse  n. Hist. Tavern.

Alembic  n. 1 hist. Apparatus formerly used in distilling. 2 means of refining or extracting. [greek ambix, -ikos cap of a still]

Alert  —adj. 1 watchful, vigilant. 2 nimble, attentive. —n. 1 warning call or alarm. 2 state or period of special vigilance. —v. (often foll. By to) warn. [french alerte from italian all'erta to the watch-tower]

A level  n. = +advanced level.

Alexander technique  n. Technique for controlling posture as an aid to well-being. [alexander, name of a physiotherapist]

Alexandrine  —adj. (of a line of verse) having six iambic feet. —n. Alexandrine line. [french alexandre, title of a romance using this metre]

Alfalfa  n. Clover-like plant used for fodder. [arabic, = a green fodder]

Alfresco  adv. & adj. In the open air. [italian]

Alga  n. (pl. Algae) (usu. In pl.) Non-flowering stemless water-plant, esp. Seaweed and plankton. [latin]

Algebra  n. Branch of mathematics that uses letters etc. To represent numbers and quantities. ~ algebraic adj. [ultimately from arabic al-jabr, = reunion of broken parts]

Algol  n. High-level computer programming language. [from +algorithm, +language]

Algorithm  n. Process or set of rules used for calculation etc., esp. With a computer. ~ algorithmic adj. [persian, name of a 9th-c. Mathematician al-kuwarizmi]

Alias  —adv. Also named or known as. —n. Assumed name. [latin, = at another time]

Alibi  n. (pl. -s) 1 claim or proof that one was elsewhere when a crime etc. Was committed. 2 informal excuse. [latin, = elsewhere]

Usage  the use of alibi in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.

Alien  —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) unfamiliar; unacceptable or repugnant. 2 foreign. 3 of beings from other worlds. —n. 1 foreign-born resident who is not naturalized. 2 being from another world. [latin alius other]

Alienable  adj. Law able to be transferred to new ownership.

Alienate  v. (-ting) 1 estrange, make hostile. 2 transfer ownership of. ~ alienation n.

Alight1  predic. Adj. 1 on fire. 2 lit up; excited. [on a light (= lighted) fire]

Alight2  v. 1 (often foll. By from) descend from a vehicle. 2 come to earth, settle. [old english]

Align  v. 1 put or bring into line. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) ally (oneself etc.) With (a cause, party, etc.). ~ alignment n. [french à ligne into line]

Alike  —adj. (usu. Predic.) Similar, like. —adv. In a similar way.

Alimentary  adj. Of or providing food or nourishment. [latin alo nourish]

Alimentary canal  n. Passage along which food passes during digestion.

Alimony  n. Money payable to a spouse or former spouse after separation or divorce.

Usage  in uk usage this term has been replaced by maintenance.

Aliphatic  adj. Chem. Of organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains, not aromatic rings. [greek aleiphar -phat- fat]

Aliquot  —adj. (of a part or portion) contained by the whole an integral number of times (4 is an aliquot part of 12). —n. 1 aliquot part. 2 (in general use) any known fraction of a whole; sample. [latin, = several]

Alive  adj. (usu. Predic.) 1 living. 2 lively, active. 3 (foll. By to) aware of; alert. 4 (foll. By with) swarming or teeming with. [old english: related to +a2, +life]

Alkali  n. (pl. -s) 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydroxide ions in water, usu. Form caustic or corrosive solutions, turn litmus blue, and have a ph of more than 7, e.g. Caustic soda.

Alkalinity n. [arabic, = the calcined ashes]

Alkaloid  n. Nitrogenous organic compound of plant origin, e.g. Morphine, quinine.

Alkane  n. Chem. Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon having the general formula cnh2n+2, including methane and ethane.

Alkene  n. Chem. Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing a double bond and having the general formula cnh2n, including ethylene.

Alkyne  n. Chem. Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing a triple bond and having the general formula cnh2n-2, including acetylene.

All  —adj. 1 whole amount, quantity, or extent of (all day; all his life; take it all). 2 any whatever (beyond all doubt). 3 greatest possible (with all speed). —n. 1 all concerned; everything (all were present; all is lost). 2 (foll. By of) a the whole of (take all of it). B every one of (all of us). C colloq. As much as (all of six feet). D colloq. In a state of (all of a dither). 3 one's whole strength or resources (prec. By my, your, etc.). 4 (in games) each (two goals all). —adv. 1 a entirely, quite (dressed all in black). B as an intensifier (stop all this grumbling). 2 colloq. Very (went all shy). 3 (foll. By the + compar.) To that, or the utmost, extent (if they go, all the better; that makes it all the worse). ~ all along from the beginning. All and sundry everyone. All but very nearly. All for colloq. Strongly in favour of. All found with board and lodging provided free. All in colloq. Exhausted. All in all everything considered. All manner of every kind of. All of a sudden suddenly. All one (or the same) (usu. Foll. By to) a matter of indifference. All out using all one's strength (also (with hyphen) attrib.: all-out effort). All over 1 completely finished. 2 in or on all parts of (mud all over the carpet). 3 colloq. Typically (you all over). 4 slang effusively attentive to (a person). All right (predic.) 1 satisfactory; safe and sound; in good condition. 2 satisfactorily (it worked out all right). 3 a expressing consent. B as an intensifier (that's the one all right). All round 1 in all respects. 2 for each person. All the same nevertheless. All there colloq. Mentally alert or normal. All the time throughout (despite some contrary expectation etc.). All together all at once; all in one place or in a group (came all together) (cf. +altogether). All up with hopeless for (a person). At all (with neg. Or interrog.) In any way; to any extent (did not swim at all; did you like it at all?). In all in total; altogether. [old english]

Usage  note the differences in meaning between all together and altogether: see note at altogether.

Allah  n. The muslim and arab name of god. [arabic]

Allay  v. 1 diminish (fear, suspicion, etc.). 2 alleviate (pain etc.). [old english a- intensive prefix, +lay1]

All-clear  n. Signal that danger etc. Is over.

All comers  n.pl. Anyone who applies, takes up a challenge, etc.

Allegation  n. 1 assertion, esp. Unproved. 2 alleging. [latin allego adduce]

Allege  v. (-ging) 1 declare, esp. Without proof. 2 advance as an argument or excuse. [latin lis lit- lawsuit]

Allegedly  adv. As is alleged.

Allegiance  n. 1 loyalty (to a person or cause etc.). 2 the duty of a subject. [french: related to +liege]

Allegory  n. (pl. -ies) story whose moral is represented symbolically. ~ allegorical adj. Allegorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [greek allegoria other speaking]

Allegretto  mus. —adv. & adj. In a fairly brisk tempo. —n. (pl. -s) such a passage or movement. [italian, diminutive of +allegro]

Allegro  mus. —adv. & adj. In a brisk tempo. —n. (pl. -s) such a passage or movement. [italian, = lively]

Alleluia  (also hallelujah) —int. God be praised. —n. Song or shout of praise to god. [hebrew]

Allen key  n. Propr. Spanner designed to turn an allen screw. [allen, name of the us manufacturer]

Allen screw  n. Propr. Screw with a hexagonal socket in the head.

Allergic  adj. 1 (foll. By to) a having an allergy to. B colloq. Having a strong dislike for. 2 caused by an allergy.

Allergy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 adverse reaction to certain substances, esp. Particular foods, pollen, fur, or dust. 2 colloq. Antipathy. [greek allos other]

Alleviate  v. (-ting) make (pain etc.) Less severe. ~ alleviation n. [latin levo raise]

Alley  n. (pl. -s) 1 narrow street or passageway. 2 enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc. 3 walk or lane in a park etc. [french aller go]

Alliance  n. 1 union or agreement to cooperate, esp. Of states by treaty or families by marriage. 2 (alliance) political coalition party. 3 relationship; friendship. [french: related to +ally]

Allied  adj. 1 (also allied) associated in an alliance. 2 connected or related.

Alligator  n. Large reptile of the crocodile family with a head broader and shorter than a crocodile's. [spanish el lagarto the lizard]

All-in  attrib. Adj. Inclusive of all.

All-in wrestling  n. Wrestling with few or no restrictions.

Alliteration  n. Repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (e.g. Cool, calm, and collected). ~ alliterate v. (-ting). Alliterative adj. [latin: related to +letter]

Allocate  v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By to) assign or devote to (a purpose, person, or place). ~ allocation n. [latin: related to +local]

Allot  v. (-tt-) apportion or distribute to (a person), esp. As a share or task (they were allotted equal sums). [french a to, +lot]

Allotment  n. 1 small piece of land rented by a local authority for cultivation. 2 share. 3 allotting.

Allotropy  n. Existence of two or more different physical forms of a chemical element. ~ allotropic adj. [greek allos different, tropos manner]

Allow  v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Permit. 2 assign a limited amount etc. (was allowed £500). 3 (usu. Foll. By for) provide or set aside for a purpose; add or deduct in consideration (allow £50 for expenses; allow for wastage). [originally = commend, from french: related to +ad-, latin laudo praise, loco place]

Allowance  n. 1 amount or sum allowed, esp. Regularly for a stated purpose. 2 amount allowed in reckoning. 3 deduction or discount. ~ make allowances (often foll. By for) 1 consider (mitigating circumstances). 2 make excuses for (a person, bad behaviour, etc.).

Alloy  —n. 1 mixture of two or more metals. 2 inferior metal mixed esp. With gold or silver. —v. 1 mix (metals). 2 debase by admixture. 3 moderate (pleasure alloyed with pain). [french: related to +ally]

All-purpose  attrib. Adj. Having many uses.

All-right  attrib. Adj. Colloq. Acceptable (an all-right guy).

All-round  attrib. Adj. (of a person) versatile.

All-rounder  n. Versatile person.

All saints' day  n. 1 nov., christian festival in honour of saints.

All souls' day  n. 2 nov., roman catholic festival with prayers for the souls of the dead.

Allspice  n. 1 aromatic spice obtained from the berry of the pimento plant. 2 the berry.

All-time  attrib. Adj. (of a record etc.) Unsurpassed.

Allude  v. (-ding) (foll. By to) refer to, esp. Indirectly or briefly. [latin: related to +ad-, ludo play]

Allure  —v. (-ring) attract, charm, or entice. —n. Attractiveness, personal charm, fascination. ~ allurement n. [french: related to +ad-, +lure]

Allusion  n. (often foll. By to) passing or indirect reference. ~ allusive adj. [latin: related to +allude]

Alluvial  —adj. Of alluvium. —n. Alluvium, esp. Containing a precious metal.

Alluvium  n. (pl. -via) deposit of usu. Fine fertile soil left behind by a flood, esp. In a river valley. [latin luo wash]

Ally  —n. (pl. -ies) state, person, etc., formally cooperating or united with another, esp. (also ally) in war. —v. Also (-ies, -ied) (often refl. And foll. By with) combine in alliance. [latin alligo bind]

Alma mater  n. One's university, school, or college. [latin, = bounteous mother]

Almanac  n. (also almanack) calendar, usu. With astronomical data. [medieval latin from greek]

Almighty  adj. 1 having complete power. 2 (the almighty) god. 3 slang very great (almighty crash). [old english: related to +all, +mighty]

Almond  n. 1 nutlike kernel of a fruit allied to the peach and plum. 2 tree bearing this. [greek amugdale]

Almoner  n. Social worker attached to a hospital. [french: related to +alms]

Usage  the usual term now is medical social worker.

Almost  adv. All but; very nearly. [old english: related to +all, +most]

Alms  n.pl. Hist. Donation of money or food to the poor. [greek eleemosune pity]

Almshouse  n. Hist. Charitable institution for the poor.

Aloe  n. 1 plant of the lily family with toothed fleshy leaves. 2 (in pl.) (in full bitter aloes) strong laxative from aloe juice. [old english from greek]

Aloft  predic. Adj. & adv. 1 high up, overhead. 2 upwards. [old norse á lopti in air]

Alone  —predic. Adj. 1 without the presence or help of others. 2 lonely (felt alone). —adv. Only, exclusively. [earlier al one: related to +all, +one]

Along  —prep. Beside or through (part of) the length of. —adv. 1 onward, into a more advanced state (come along; getting along nicely). 2 with oneself or others (bring a book along). 3 beside or through part or the whole length of a thing. ~ along with in addition to; together with. [old english, originally adj. = facing against]

Alongside  —adv. At or to the side. —prep. Close to the side of.

Aloof  —adj. Distant, unsympathetic. —adv. Away, apart (he kept aloof). [originally naut., from +a2 + +luff]

Aloud  adv. Audibly.

Alp  n. 1 a high mountain. B (the alps) high range of mountains in switzerland and adjoining countries. 2 pasture land on a swiss mountainside. [originally alps, from greek alpeis]

Alpaca  n. 1 shaggy s. American mammal related to the llama. 2 its wool; fabric made from this. [spanish from quechua]

Alpha  n. 1 first letter of the greek alphabet (a, a). 2 first-class mark for a piece of work etc. ~ alpha and omega beginning and end. [latin from greek]

Alphabet  n. 1 set of letters used in writing a language. 2 symbols or signs for these. ~ alphabetical adj. [greek +alpha, +beta]

Alphanumeric  adj. Containing both letters and numbers.

Alpha particle  n. Helium nucleus emitted by a radioactive substance.

Alpine  —adj. Of mountainous regions or (alpine) the alps. —n. 1 plant growing in mountainous regions. 2 = +rock-plant. [latin: related to +alp]

Already  adv. 1 before the time in question (i knew that already). 2 as early or as soon as this (is back already). [from +all, +ready]

Alright  adv. = all right (see +all).

Usage  although widely used, alright is still non-standard and is considered incorrect by many people.

Alsatian  n. Large dog of a breed of wolfhound (also called +german shepherd). [latin alsatia alsace]

Also  adv. In addition, besides. [old english: related to +all, +so1]

Also-ran  n. 1 loser in a race. 2 undistinguished person.

Altar  n. 1 table or flat block for sacrifice or offering to a deity. 2 communion table. [latin altus high]

Altarpiece  n. Painting etc. Above or behind an altar.

Alter  v. Make or become different; change. ~ alteration n. [latin alter other]

Altercate  v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) dispute, wrangle. ~ altercation n. [latin]

Alter ego  n. (pl. -s) 1 one's hidden or second self. 2 intimate friend. [latin, = other self]

Alternate  —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By with) occur or cause to occur by turns. 2 (foll. By between) go repeatedly from one to another (alternated between hope and fear). —adj. 1 (with noun in pl.) Every other (on alternate days). 2 (of things of two kinds) alternating (alternate joy and misery). ~ alternately adv. Alternation n. [latin alterno do by turns: related to +alter]

Usage  see note at alternative.

Alternate angles  n.pl. Two angles formed alternately on two sides of a line.

Alternating current  n. Electric current reversing its direction at regular intervals.

Alternative  —adj. 1 available as another choice (alternative route). 2 unconventional (alternative medicine). —n. 1 any of two or more possibilities. 2 choice (had no alternative but to go). ~ alternatively adv.

Usage  the adjective alternative should not be confused with alternate, as in ‘there will be a dance on alternate saturdays’.

Alternator  n. Dynamo that generates an alternating current.

Although  conj. = +though. [from +all, +though]

Altimeter  n. Instrument indicating altitude reached.

Altitude  n. Height, esp. Of an object above sea level or above the horizon. [latin altus high]

Alto  n. (pl. -s) 1 = +contralto. 2 a highest adult male singing-voice, above tenor. B singer with this voice. 3 instrument pitched second- or third-highest in its family. [italian alto (canto) high (singing)]

Altogether  adv. 1 totally, completely. 2 on the whole. 3 in total. ~ in the altogether colloq. Naked. [from +all, +together]

Usage  note that altogether means ‘in total’, whereas all together means ‘all at once’ or ‘all in one place’. The phrases six rooms altogether (in total) and six rooms all together (in one place) illustrate the difference.

Altruism  n. Unselfishness as a principle of action. ~ altruist n. Altruistic adj. [italian altrui somebody else]

Alum  n. Double sulphate of aluminium and potassium. [latin alumen -min-]

Alumina  n. Aluminium oxide occurring naturally as corundum and emery.

Aluminium  n. (us aluminum) silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air.

Aluminize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) coat with aluminium.

Aluminum  n. (brit. Aluminium) silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air.

Alumnus  n. (pl. Alumni; fem. Alumna, pl. Alumnae) former pupil or student. [latin, = nursling, pupil]

Always  adv. 1 at all times; on all occasions. 2 whatever the circumstances. 3 repeatedly, often. [from +all, +way]

Alyssum  n. Plant with small usu. Yellow or white flowers. [greek, = curing madness]

Alzheimer's disease  n. Brain disorder causing senility. [alzheimer, name of a neurologist]

Am  abbr. Amplitude modulation.

Am  symb. Americium.

Am  1st person sing. Present of +be.

A.m.  Abbr. Before noon. [latin ante meridiem]

Amalgam  n. 1 mixture or blend. 2 alloy of mercury and another metal, used esp. In dentistry. [greek malagma an emollient]

Amalgamate  v. (-ting) 1 mix, unite. 2 (of metals) alloy with mercury. ~ amalgamation n. [medieval latin: related to +amalgam]

Amanuensis  n. (pl. -enses) literary assistant, esp. Writing from dictation. [latin a manu ‘at hand’]

Amaranth  n. 1 plant with small green, red, or purple tinted flowers. 2 imaginary unfading flower. 3 purple colour. ~ amaranthine adj. [greek amarantos unfading]

Amaryllis  n. Bulbous plant with lily-like flowers. [greek, a girl's name]

Amass  v. Heap together; accumulate. [french: related to +ad-, +mass1]

Amateur  n. Person who engages in a pursuit as a pastime rather than a profession, or performs with limited skill. ~ amateurish adj. Amateurism n. [latin amator lover: related to +amatory]

Amatory  adj. Of sexual love. [latin amo love]

Amaze  v. (-zing) surprise greatly, fill with wonder. ~ amazement n. Amazing adj. [earlier amase from old english amasod]

Amazon  n. 1 female warrior of a mythical race in the black sea area. 2 (amazon) large, strong, or athletic woman. ~ amazonian adj. [latin from greek]

Ambassador  n. 1 diplomat sent to live abroad to represent his or her country's interests. 2 promoter (ambassador of peace). ~ ambassadorial adj. [latin ambactus servant]

Amber  —n. 1 a yellow translucent fossilized resin used in jewellery. B colour of this. 2 yellow traffic-light meaning caution. —adj. Of or like amber. [french from arabic]

Ambergris  n. Waxlike secretion of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfumes. [french, = grey amber]

Ambidextrous  adj. Able to use either hand equally well. [latin ambi- on both sides, +dexter]

Ambience  n. Surroundings or atmosphere. [latin ambio go round]

Ambient  adj. Surrounding.

Ambiguous  adj. 1 having an obscure or double meaning. 2 difficult to classify. ~ ambiguity n. (pl. -ies). [latin ambi- both ways, ago drive]

Ambit  n. Scope, extent, or bounds. [latin: related to +ambience]

Ambition  n. 1 determination to succeed. 2 object of this. [latin, = canvassing: related to +ambience]

Ambitious  adj. 1 full of ambition or high aims. 2 (foll. By of, or to + infin.) Strongly determined.

Ambivalence  n. Coexistence of opposing feelings. ~ ambivalent adj. [latin ambo both, +equivalent]

Amble  —v. (-ling) move at an easy pace. —n. Such a pace. [latin ambulo walk]

Ambrosia  n. 1 (in classical mythology) the food of the gods. 2 sublimely delicious food etc. [greek, = elixir of life]

Ambulance  n. 1 vehicle equipped for conveying patients to hospital. 2 mobile hospital serving an army. [latin: related to +amble]

Ambulatory  —adj. 1 of or for walking. 2 movable. —n. (pl. -ies) arcade or cloister. [latin: related to +amble]

Ambuscade  n. & v. (-ding) = +ambush.

Ambush  —n. 1 surprise attack by persons hiding. 2 hiding-place for this. —v. Attack from an ambush; waylay. [french: related to +in-1, +bush1]

Ameliorate  v. (-ting) make or become better. ~ amelioration n. Ameliorative adj. [from +ad-, latin melior better]

Amen  int. (esp. At the end of a prayer etc.) So be it. [church latin from hebrew, = certainly]

Amenable  adj. 1 responsive, docile. 2 (often foll. By to) answerable to law etc. [french: related to +ad-, latin mino drive animals]

Amend  v. 1 make minor alterations in to improve. 2 correct an error in (a document etc.). [latin: related to +emend]

Usage  amend is often confused with emend, a more technical word used in the context of textual correction.

Amendment  n. Minor alteration or addition in a document, resolution, etc.

Amends  n. ~ make amends (often foll. By for) compensate (for).

Amenity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 pleasant or useful feature or facility. 2 pleasantness (of a place etc.). [latin amoenus pleasant]

American  —adj. Of america, esp. The united states. —n. 1 native, citizen, or inhabitant of america, esp. The us. 2 english as used in the us. ~ americanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [name of navigator amerigo vespucci]

American dream  n. Ideal of democracy and prosperity.

American football  n. Football evolved from rugby.

American indian  see +indian.

Americanism  n. Word etc. Of us origin or usage.

Americium  n. Artificial radioactive metallic element. [america, where first made]

Amerind  adj. & n. (also amerindian) = +american indian (see +indian).

Amethyst  n. Semiprecious stone of a violet or purple variety of quartz. [greek, = preventing drunkenness]

Amharic  —n. Official and commercial language of ethiopia. —adj. Of this language. [amhara, region of ethiopia]

Amiable  adj. (esp. Of a person) friendly and pleasant, likeable. ~ amiably adv. [latin: related to +amicable]

Amicable  adj. (esp. Of an arrangement, relations, etc.) Friendly. ~ amicably adv. [latin amicus friend]

Amid  prep. In the middle of, among. [old english: related to +on, +mid]

Amidships  adv. In or into the middle of a ship. [from +amid, alternative form midships]

Amidst  var. Of +amid.

Amine  n. Compound formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by an organic radical or radicals.

Amino acid  n. Biochem. Any of a group of nitrogenous organic acids occurring naturally in plant and animal tissues and forming the basic constituents of proteins. [from +amine, +acid]

Amir  var. Of +emir.

Amiss  —predic. Adj. Wrong, out of order. —adv. Wrong(ly), inappropriately (everything went amiss). ~ take amiss be offended by. [old norse à mis so as to miss]

Amity  n. Friendship. [latin amicus friend]

Ammeter  n. Instrument for measuring electric current in amperes. [from +ampere, +-meter]

Ammo  n. Slang ammunition. [abbreviation]

Ammonia  n. 1 pungent strongly alkaline gas. 2 (in general use) solution of ammonia in water. [as +sal ammoniac]

Ammonite  n. Coil-shaped fossil shell. [latin, = horn of jupiter ammon]

Ammunition  n. 1 supply of bullets, shells, grenades, etc. 2 information usable in an argument. [french la +munition taken as l'ammu-]

Amnesia  n. Loss of memory. ~ amnesiac n. [latin from greek]

Amnesty  —n. (pl. -ies) general pardon, esp. For political offences. —v. (-ies, -ied) grant an amnesty to. [greek amnestia oblivion]

Amniocentesis  n. (pl. -teses) sampling of amniotic fluid to detect foetal abnormality. [from +amnion, greek kentesis pricking]

Amnion  n. (pl. Amnia) innermost membrane enclosing an embryo. ~ amniotic adj. [greek, = caul]

Amoeba  n. (pl. -s) microscopic aquatic amorphous one-celled organism. ~ amoebic adj. [greek, = change]

Amok  adv. ~ run amok (or amuck) run wild. [malay]

Among  prep. (also amongst) 1 surrounded by, with (lived among the trees; be among friends). 2 included in (among us were dissidents). 3 in the category of (among his best works). 4 a between; shared by (divide it among you). B from the joint resources of (among us we can manage it). 5 with one another (talked among themselves). [old english, = in a crowd]

Amoral  adj. 1 beyond morality. 2 without moral principles.

Amorous  adj. Of, showing, or feeling sexual love. [latin amor love]

Amorphous  adj. 1 of no definite shape. 2 vague. 3 mineral. & chem. Non-crystalline. [greek a- not, morphe form]

Amortize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) gradually extinguish (a debt) by regular instalments. [latin ad mortem to death]

Amount  —n. Quantity, esp. A total in number, size, value, extent, etc. —v. (foll. By to) be equivalent to in number, significance, etc. [latin ad montem upward]

Amour  n. (esp. Secret) love affair. [french, = love]

Amour propre  n. Self-respect. [french]

Amp1  n. Ampere. [abbreviation]

Amp2  n. Colloq. Amplifier. [abbreviation]

Ampelopsis  n. (pl. Same) climbing plant related to the vine. [greek ampelos vine, opsis appearance]

Amperage  n. Strength of an electric current in amperes.

Ampere  n. Si base unit of electric current. [ampère, name of a physicist]

Ampersand  n. The sign ‘&’ (= and). [corruption of and +per se and]

Amphetamine  n. Synthetic drug used esp. As a stimulant. [abbreviation of chemical name]

Amphibian  —adj. Of a class of vertebrates (e.g. Frogs) with an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage. —n. 1 vertebrate of this class. 2 vehicle able to operate both on land and in water. [greek amphi- both, bios life]

Amphibious  adj. 1 living or operating on land and in water. 2 involving military forces landed from the sea.

Amphitheatre  n. Esp. Circular unroofed building with tiers of seats surrounding a central space. [greek amphi- round]

Amphora  n. (pl. -phorae) narrow-necked greek or roman vessel with two handles. [greek amphoreus]

Ample  adj. (ampler, amplest) 1 a plentiful, abundant, extensive. B euphem. Large, stout. 2 more than enough. ~ amply adv. [latin amplus]

Amplifier  n. Electronic device for increasing the strength of electrical signals, esp. For conversion into sound.

Amplify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 increase the strength of (sound, electrical signals, etc.). 2 add detail to, expand (a story etc.). ~ amplification n. [latin: related to +ample]

Amplitude  n. 1 maximum departure from average of an oscillation, alternating current, etc. 2 spaciousness; abundance. [latin: related to +ample]

Amplitude modulation  n. Modulation of a wave by variation of its amplitude.

Ampoule  n. Small sealed capsule holding a solution for injection. [french: related to +ampulla]

Ampulla  n. (pl. -pullae) 1 roman globular flask with two handles. 2 ecclesiastical vessel. [latin]

Amputate  v. (-ting) cut off surgically (a limb etc.). ~ amputation n. Amputee n. [latin amb- about, puto prune]

Amuck  var. Of +amok.

Amulet  n. Charm worn against evil. [latin]

Amuse  v. (-sing) 1 cause to laugh or smile. 2 interest or occupy. ~ amusing adj. [french a cause to, muser stare]

Amusement  n. 1 thing that amuses. 2 being amused. 3 mechanical device (e.g. A roundabout) for entertainment at a fairground etc.

Amusement arcade  n. Indoor area with slot-machines.

An  see +a1.

An-  see +a-.

-an  suffix (also -ian) forming adjectives and nouns, esp. From names of places, systems, classes, etc. (mexican; anglican; crustacean). [french -ain, latin -anus]

Anabaptist  n. Member of a religious group believing in baptism only of adults. [greek ana again]

Anabolic steroid  n. Synthetic steroid hormone used to increase muscle size.

Anabolism  n. Synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy. [greek anabole ascent]

Anachronism  n. 1 a attribution of a custom, event, etc., to the wrong period. B thing thus attributed. 2 out-of-date person or thing. ~ anachronistic adj. [greek ana- against, khronos time]

Anaconda  n. Large non-poisonous snake killing its prey by constriction. [sinhalese]

Anaemia  n. (us anemia) deficiency of red blood cells or their haemoglobin, causing pallor and weariness. [greek, = want of blood]

Anaemic  adj. (us anemic) 1 of or suffering from anaemia. 2 pale, listless.

Anaesthesia  n. (us anes-) absence of sensation, esp. Artificially induced before surgery. [greek]

Anaesthetic  (us anes-) —n. Substance producing anaesthesia. —adj. Producing anaesthesia.

Anaesthetist  n. (us anes-) specialist in the administration of anaesthetics.

Anaesthetize  v. (us anes-) (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) administer an anaesthetic to.

Anagram  n. Word or phrase formed by transposing the letters of another. [greek ana again, gramma letter]

Anal  adj. Of the anus.

Analgesia  n. Absence or relief of pain. [greek]

Analgesic  —adj. Relieving pain. —n. Analgesic drug.

Analog  n. (brit. Analogue) 1 analogous thing. 2 (attrib.) (usu. Analog) (of a computer etc.) Using physical variables, e.g. Voltage, to represent numbers (cf. +digital).

Analogize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) use, or represent or explain by, analogy.

Analogous  adj. (usu. Foll. By to) partially similar or parallel. [greek analogos proportionate]

Analogue  n. (us analog) 1 analogous thing. 2 (attrib.) (usu. Analog) (of a computer etc.) Using physical variables, e.g. Voltage, to represent numbers (cf. +digital).

Analogy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 correspondence; partial similarity. 2 arguing or reasoning from parallel cases. ~ analogical adj. [greek analogia proportion]

Analyse  v. (us analyze) (-sing or -zing) 1 examine in detail; ascertain the constituents of (a substance, sentence, etc.). 2 psychoanalyse.

Analysis  n. (pl. -lyses) 1 a detailed examination of elements or structure. B statement of the result of this. 2 chem. Determination of the constituent parts of a mixture or compound. 3 psychoanalysis. [greek ana up, luo loose]

Analyst  n. 1 person skilled in (esp. Chemical or computer) analysis. 2 psychoanalyst.

Analytical  adj. (also analytic) of or using analysis.

Analyze  n. (brit. Analyse) 1 examine in detail; ascertain the constituents of (a substance, sentence, etc.). 2 psychoanalyse.

Anapaest  n. Metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable (&anapaest.). [greek anapaistos reversed (dactyl)]

Anarchism  n. Political theory that all government and laws should be abolished. [french: related to +anarchy]

Anarchist  n. Advocate of anarchism. ~ anarchistic adj.

Anarchy  n. Disorder, esp. Political. ~ anarchic adj. [greek an- without, arkhe rule]

Anathema  n. (pl. -s) 1 detested thing (is anathema to me). 2 ecclesiastical curse. [greek, = thing devoted (i.e. To evil)]

Anathematize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) curse.

Anatomy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 science of animal or plant structure. 2 such a structure. 3 analysis. ~ anatomical adj. Anatomist n. [greek ana- up, temno cut]

Anatto  var. Of +annatto.

Anc  abbr. African national congress.

-ance  suffix forming nouns expressing: 1 quality or state or an instance of one (arrogance; resemblance). 2 action (assistance). [french -ance, latin -antia]

Ancestor  n. 1 person, animal, or plant from which another has descended or evolved. 2 prototype or forerunner. [latin ante- before, cedo go]

Ancestral  adj. Belonging to or inherited from one's ancestors.

Ancestry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 family descent, lineage. 2 ancestors collectively.

Anchor  —n. 1 heavy metal weight used to moor a ship or a balloon. 2 stabilizing thing. —v. 1 secure with an anchor. 2 fix firmly. 3 cast anchor. 4 be moored by an anchor. [greek agkura]

Anchorage  n. 1 place for anchoring. 2 anchoring or lying at anchor.

Anchorite  n. Hermit; religious recluse. [greek anakhoreo retire]

Anchorman  n. Coordinator, esp. As compère in a broadcast.

Anchovy  n. (pl. -ies) small strong-flavoured fish of the herring family. [spanish and portuguese anchova]

Ancien régime  n. (pl. Anciens régimes pronunc. Same) 1 political and social system of pre-revolutionary (before 1787) france. 2 any superseded regime. [french, = old rule]

Ancient  adj. 1 of long ago, esp. Before the fall of the roman empire in the west. 2 having lived or existed long. ~ the ancients people of ancient times, esp. The greeks and romans. [latin ante before]

Ancillary  —adj. 1 (esp. Of health workers) providing essential support. 2 (often foll. By to) subordinate, subservient. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 ancillary worker. 2 auxiliary or accessory. [latin ancilla handmaid]

-ancy  suffix forming nouns denoting a quality (constancy) or state (infancy). [latin -antia]

And  conj. 1 a connecting words, clauses, or sentences, to be taken jointly (you and i). B implying progression (better and better). C implying causation (she hit him and he cried). D implying great duration (cried and cried). E implying a great number (miles and miles). F implying addition (two and two). G implying variety (there are books and books). 2 colloq. To (try and come). 3 in relation to (britain and the ec). ~ and/or either or both of two stated alternatives. [old english]

Andante  mus. —adv. & adj. In a moderately slow tempo. —n. Such a passage or movement. [italian, = going]

Andiron  n. Metal stand (usu. One of a pair) for supporting logs in a fireplace. [french andier]

Androgynous  adj. 1 hermaphrodite. 2 bot. With stamens and pistils in the same flower. [greek aner andr- man, gune woman]

Android  n. Robot with a human appearance. [greek aner andr- man, +-oid]

Anecdote  n. Short, esp. True, account or story. ~ anecdotal adj. [greek anekdota things unpublished]

Anemia  n. (brit. Anaemia) deficiency of red blood cells or their haemoglobin, causing pallor and weariness. [greek, = want of blood]

Anemic  adj. (brit. Anaemic) 1 of or suffering from anemia. 2 pale, listless.

Anemometer  n. Instrument for measuring wind force. [greek anemos wind]

Anemone  n. Plant of the buttercup family, with vividly-coloured flowers. [greek, = wind-flower]

Aneroid  —adj. (of a barometer) measuring air-pressure by its action on the lid of a box containing a vacuum. —n. Aneroid barometer. [greek a- not, neros water]

Anesthesia  n. (brit. Anaes-) absence of sensation, esp. Artificially induced before surgery. [greek]

Anesthetic  (brit. Anaes-)—n. Substance producing anesthesia. —adj.producing anesthesia

Aneurysm  n. (also aneurism) excessive localized enlargement of an artery. [greek aneuruno widen]

Anew  adv. 1 again. 2 in a different way. [earlier of newe]

Angel  n. 1  a attendant or messenger of god. B representation of this in human form with wings. 2 virtuous or obliging person. 3 slang financial backer of a play etc. [greek aggelos messenger]

Angel cake  n. Light sponge cake.

Angel-fish  n. Fish with winglike fins.

Angelic  adj. Of or like an angel. ~ angelically adv.

Angelica  n. Aromatic plant or its candied stalks. [medieval latin, = angelic (herb)]

Angelus  n. 1 roman catholic prayers commemorating the incarnation, said at morning, noon, and sunset. 2 bell announcing this. [latin angelus domini (= the angel of the lord), opening words]

Anger  —n. Extreme or passionate displeasure. —v. Make angry. [old norse angr grief]

Angina  n. (in full angina pectoris) chest pain brought on by exertion, caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart. [greek agkhone strangling]

Angiosperm  n. Plant producing flowers and reproducing by seeds enclosed within a carpel, including herbaceous plants, grasses, and most trees. [greek aggeion vessel]

Angle  n. (usu. In pl.) Member of a n. German tribe that settled in e. Britain in the 5th c. [latin anglus, from the name angul in germany]

Angle1  —n. 1 space between two meeting lines or surfaces, esp. As measured in degrees. 2 corner. 3 point of view. —v. (-ling) 1 move or place obliquely. 2 present (information) in a biased way. [latin angulus]

Angle2  v. (-ling) 1 fish with hook and line. 2 (foll. By for) seek an objective indirectly (angled for a loan). ~ angler n. [old english]

Anglican  —adj. Of the church of england. —n. Member of the anglican church. ~ anglicanism n. [latin anglicanus: related to +angle]

Anglicism  n. Peculiarly english word or custom. [latin anglicus: related to +angle]

Anglicize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make english in character etc.

Anglo-  comb. Form 1 english. 2 of english origin. 3 english or british and. [latin: related to +angle]

Anglo-catholic  —adj. Of a high church anglican wing emphasizing its catholic tradition. —n. Member of this group.

Anglo-french  —adj. English (or british) and french. —n. French language as developed in england after the norman conquest.

Anglo-indian  —adj. 1 of england and india. 2 of british descent but indian residence. —n. Anglo-indian person.

Anglo-norman  —adj. English and norman. —n. Norman dialect used in england after the norman conquest.

Anglophile  n. Person who greatly admires england or the english.

Anglo-saxon  —adj. 1 of the english saxons before the norman conquest. 2 of english descent. —n. 1 anglo-saxon person. 2 old english. 3 colloq. Plain (esp. Crude) english.

Angora  n. 1 fabric or wool from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit. 2 long-haired variety of cat, goat, or rabbit. [angora (= ankara) in turkey]

Angostura  n. Aromatic bitter bark used as a flavouring. [angostura (= ciudad bolívar) in venezuela]

Angry  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 feeling, showing, or suggesting anger (angry sky). 2 (of a wound etc.) Inflamed, painful. ~ angrily adv.

Angst  n. Anxiety, neurotic fear; guilt, remorse. [german]

Angstrom  n. Unit of length equal to 10-10 metre. [ångström, name of a physicist]

Anguish  n. 1 severe mental suffering. 2 pain, agony. ~ anguished adj. [latin angustia tightness]

Angular  adj. 1 having sharp corners or (of a person) features. 2 forming an angle. 3 measured by angle (angular distance). ~ angularity n. [latin: related to +angle1]

Anhydrous  adj. Chem. Without water, esp. Water of crystallization. [greek an- without, hudor water]

Aniline  n. Colourless oily liquid used in making dyes, drugs, and plastics. [german anil indigo, former source]

Animadvert  v. (foll. By on) literary criticize, censure. ~ animadversion n. [latin animus mind, +adverse]

Animal  —n. 1 living organism, esp. Other than man, which feeds and usu. Has sense-organs and a nervous system and can move quickly. 2 brutish person. —adj. 1 of or like an animal. 2 bestial; carnal. [latin animalis having breath]

Animalism  n. 1 nature and activity of animals. 2 belief that humans are mere animals.

Animality  n. 1 the animal world. 2 animal behaviour.

Animalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make (a person) bestial, sensualize.

Animate  —adj. 1 having life. 2 lively. —v. (-ting) 1 enliven. 2 give life to. [latin anima breath]

Animated  adj. 1 lively, vigorous. 2 having life. 3 (of a film etc.) Using animation.

Animation  n. 1 vivacity, ardour. 2 being alive. 3 technique of producing a moving picture from a sequence of drawings or puppet poses etc.

Animism  n. Belief that inanimate and natural phenomena have souls. ~ animist n. Animistic adj.

Animosity  n. (pl. -ies) spirit or feeling of hostility. [latin: related to +animus]

Animus  n. Animosity, ill feeling. [latin, = spirit, mind]

Anion  n. Negatively charged ion. ~ anionic adj. [greek ana up, +ion]

Anise  n. Plant with aromatic seeds. [greek anison]

Aniseed  n. Seed of the anise, used for flavouring.

Ankle  n. 1 joint connecting the foot with the leg. 2 this part of the leg. [old norse]

Anklet  n. Ornament or fetter worn round the ankle.

Ankylosis  n. Stiffening of a joint by fusion of the bones. [greek agkulos crooked]

Annals  n.pl. 1 narrative of events year by year. 2 historical records. ~ annalist n. [latin annus year]

Annatto  n. (also anatto) orange-red dye from the pulp of a tropical fruit, used for colouring foods. [carib name of the fruit-tree]

Anneal  v. Heat (metal or glass) and cool slowly, esp. To toughen it. [old english ælan bake]

Annelid  n. Segmented worm, e.g. The earthworm. [latin anulus ring]

Annex  v. 1 (often foll. By to) add as a subordinate part. 2 incorporate (territory) into one's own. 3 add as a condition or consequence. 4 colloq. Take without right. ~ annexation n. [latin necto bind]

Annexe  n. 1 separate or added building. 2 addition to a document.

Annihilate  v. (-ting) completely destroy or defeat. ~ annihilation n. [latin nihil nothing]

Anniversary  n. (pl. -ies) 1 date of an event in a previous year. 2 celebration of this. [latin annus year, verto vers- turn]

Anno domini  adv. Years after christ's birth. [latin, = in the year of the lord]

Annotate  v. (-ting) add explanatory notes to. ~ annotation n. [latin nota mark]

Announce  v. (-cing) 1 make publicly known. 2 make known the arrival or imminence of (a guest, dinner, etc.). 3 be a sign of. ~ announcement n. [latin nuntius messenger]

Announcer  n. Person who announces, esp. In broadcasting.

Annoy  v. 1 (often in passive) anger or distress slightly (am annoyed with you). 2 molest, harass. ~ annoyance n. [latin in odio hateful]

Annual  —adj. 1 reckoned by the year. 2 occurring yearly. 3 living or lasting (only) a year. —n. 1 book etc. Published yearly. 2 plant that lives only a year. ~ annually adv. [latin annus year]

Annualized  adj. (of rates of interest etc.) Calculated on an annual basis, as a projection from figures obtained for a shorter period.

Annuity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 yearly grant or allowance. 2 investment yielding a fixed annual sum.

Annul  v. (-ll-) 1 declare invalid. 2 cancel, abolish. ~ annulment n. [latin nullus none]

Annular  adj. Ring-shaped. [latin anulus ring]

Annular eclipse  n. Solar eclipse in which a ring of light remains visible.

Annulate  adj. Marked with or formed of rings.

Annunciation  n. 1 announcement, esp. (annunciation) that made by the angel gabriel to mary. 2 festival of this. [latin: related to +announce]

Anode  n. Positive electrode in an electrolytic cell etc. [greek anodos way up]

Anodize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) coat (metal) with a protective layer by electrolysis.

Anodyne  —adj. 1 pain-relieving. 2 mentally soothing. —n. Anodyne drug etc. [greek an- without, odune pain]

Anoint  v. 1 apply oil or ointment to, esp. Ritually. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) smear. [latin inungo anoint]

Anomalous  adj. Irregular, deviant, abnormal. [greek an- not, homalos even]

Anomaly  n. (pl. -ies) anomalous thing; irregularity.

Anon  adv. Archaic soon, shortly. [old english on an into one]

Anon.  Abbr. Anonymous.

Anonymous  adj. 1 of unknown name or authorship. 2 without character; featureless. ~ anonymity n. [greek an- without, onoma name]

Anorak  n. Waterproof usu. Hooded jacket. [eskimo]

Anorexia  n. Lack of appetite, esp. (in full anorexia nervosa) an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat. ~ anorexic adj. & n. [greek an- without, orexis appetite]

Another  —adj. 1 an additional; one more (another cake). 2 person like (another hitler). 3 a different (another matter). 4 some other (another man's work). —pron. Additional, other, or different person or thing. [earlier an other]

Answer  —n. 1 something said or done in reaction to a question, statement, or circumstance. 2 solution to a problem. —v. 1 make an answer or response (to) (answer the door). 2 suit (a purpose or need). 3 (foll. By to, for) be responsible (you will answer to me for your conduct). 4 (foll. By to) correspond, esp. To a description. ~ answer back answer insolently. [old english, = swear against (a charge)]

Answerable  adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to, for) responsible (answerable to them for any accident). 2 that can be answered.

Answering machine  n. Tape recorder which answers telephone calls and takes messages.

Answerphone  n. = +answering machine.

Ant  n. Small usu. Wingless insect living in complex social colonies and proverbial for industry. [old english]

-ant  suffix 1 forming adjectives denoting attribution of an action (repentant) or state (arrogant). 2 forming agent nouns (assistant). [latin -ant-, present participial stem of verbs]

Antacid  —adj. Preventing or correcting acidity. —n. Antacid agent.

Antagonism  n. Active hostility. [french: related to +agony]

Antagonist  n. Opponent or adversary. ~ antagonistic adj.

Antagonize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make hostile; provoke.

Antarctic  —adj. Of the south polar regions. —n. This region. [latin: related to +arctic]

Antarctic circle  n. Parallel of latitude 66° 32´ s., forming an imaginary line round the antarctic region.

Ante  —n. 1 stake put up by a player in poker etc. Before receiving cards. 2 amount payable in advance. —v. (-tes, -ted) 1 put up as an ante. 2 us a bet, stake. B (foll. By up) pay.

Ante-  prefix before, preceding. [latin, = before]

Anteater  n. Any of various mammals feeding on ants and termites.

Antecedent  —n. 1 preceding thing or circumstance. 2 gram. Word or phrase etc. To which another word (esp. A relative pronoun) refers. 3 (in pl.) Person's past history or ancestors. —adj. Previous. [latin cedo go]

Antechamber  n. Ante-room.

Antedate  v. (-ting) 1 precede in time. 2 assign an earlier than actual date to.

Antediluvian  adj. 1 of the time before the flood. 2 colloq. Very old or out of date. [from +ante-, latin diluvium deluge]

Antelope  n. (pl. Same or -s) swift-moving deerlike ruminant, e.g. The gazelle and gnu. [greek antholops]

Antenatal  adj. 1 before birth. 2 of pregnancy.

Antenna  n. 1 (pl. -tennae) each of a pair of feelers on the heads of insects, crustaceans, etc. 2 (pl. -s) = +aerial n. [latin, = sail-yard]

Antepenultimate  adj. Last but two.

Ante-post  adj. (of betting) done at odds determined at the time of betting, in advance of the event concerned. [from +ante-, +post1]

Anterior  adj. 1 nearer the front. 2 (often foll. By to) prior. [latin from ante before]

Ante-room  n. Small room leading to a main one.

Anthem  n. 1 elaborate choral composition usu. Based on a passage of scripture. 2 solemn hymn of praise etc., esp. = +national anthem. [latin: related to +antiphon]

Anther  n. Part of a stamen containing pollen. [greek anthos flower]

Anthill  n. Moundlike nest built by ants or termites.

Anthology  n. (pl. -ies) collection of poems, essays, stories, etc. ~ anthologist n. [greek anthos flower, -logia collection]

Anthracite  n. Hard type of coal burning with little flame and smoke. [greek: related to +anthrax]

Anthrax  n. Disease of sheep and cattle transmissible to humans. [greek, = coal, carbuncle]

Anthropocentric  adj. Regarding mankind as the centre of existence. [greek anthropos man]

Anthropoid  —adj. Human in form. —n. Anthropoid ape.

Anthropology  n. The study of mankind, esp. Its societies and customs. ~ anthropological adj. Anthropologist n.

Anthropomorphism  n. Attribution of human characteristics to a god, animal, or thing. ~ anthropomorphic adj. [greek morphe form]

Anthropomorphous  adj. Human in form.

Anti  —prep. Opposed to. —n. (pl. -s) person opposed to a policy etc.

Anti-  prefix 1 opposed to (anticlerical). 2 preventing (antifreeze). 3 opposite of (anticlimax). 4 unconventional (anti-hero). [greek]

Anti-abortion  adj. Opposing abortion. ~ anti-abortionist n.

Anti-aircraft  adj. (of a gun or missile) used to attack enemy aircraft.

Antibiotic  —n. Substance (e.g. Penicillin) that can inhibit or destroy susceptible micro-organisms. —adj. Functioning as an antibiotic. [greek bios life]

Antibody  n. (pl. -ies) a blood protein produced in response to and then counteracting antigens. [translation of german antikörper]

Antic  n. (usu. In pl.) Foolish behaviour or action. [italian antico +antique]

Antichrist  n. Enemy of christ. ~ antichristian adj.

Anticipate  v. (-ting) 1 deal with or use before the proper time. 2 expect, foresee (did not anticipate a problem). 3 forestall (a person or thing). 4 look forward to. ~ anticipation n. Anticipatory adj. [latin anti- before, capio take]

Usage  the use of anticipate in sense 2, ‘expect’, ‘foresee’, is well-established in informal use, but is regarded as incorrect by some people.

Anticlerical  adj. Opposed to clerical influence, esp. In politics.

Anticlimax  n. Disappointingly trivial conclusion to something significant.

Anticlockwise  adj. & adv. Moving in a curve opposite in direction to the hands of a clock.

Anticyclone  n. System of winds rotating outwards from an area of high pressure, producing fine weather.

Antidepressant  —n. Drug etc. That alleviates depression. —adj. Alleviating depression.

Antidote  n. 1 medicine etc. Used to counteract poison. 2 anything counteracting something unpleasant. [greek antidotos given against]

Antifreeze  n. Substance added to water to lower its freezing point, esp. In a vehicle's radiator.

Antigen  n. Foreign substance (e.g. Toxin) which causes the body to produce antibodies. [greek -genes of a kind]

Anti-hero  n. (pl. -es) central character in a story, lacking conventional heroic qualities.

Antihistamine  n. Drug that counteracts the effects of histamine, used esp. In treating allergies.

Antiknock  n. Substance added to motor fuel to prevent premature combustion.

Anti-lock  attrib. Adj. (of brakes) set up so as to prevent locking and skidding when applied suddenly.

Antilog  n. Colloq. = +antilogarithm. [abbreviation]

Antilogarithm  n. Number to which a logarithm belongs.

Antimacassar  n. Detachable protective cloth for the back of a chair etc.

Antimatter  n. Matter composed solely of antiparticles.

Antimony  n. Brittle silvery metallic element used esp. In alloys. [medieval latin]

Antinomian  —adj. Believing that christians need not obey the moral law. —n. (antinomian) hist. Person believing this. [greek nomos law]

Antinomy  n. (pl. -ies) contradiction between two reasonable beliefs or conclusions.

Antinovel  n. Novel avoiding the conventions of the form.

Anti-nuclear  adj. Opposed to the development of nuclear weapons or power.

Antiparticle  n. Elementary particle with the same mass but opposite charge etc. To another particle.

Antipathy  n. (pl. -ies) (often foll. By to, for, between) strong aversion or dislike. ~ antipathetic adj. [greek: related to +pathetic]

Antiperspirant  n. Substance preventing or reducing perspiration.

Antiphon  n. 1 hymn sung alternately by two groups. 2 versicle or phrase from this. ~ antiphonal adj. [greek phone sound]

Antipodes  n.pl. Places diametrically opposite to one another on the earth, esp. (also antipodes) australasia in relation to europe. ~ antipodean adj. & n. [greek, = having the feet opposite]

Antipope  n. Pope set up in opposition to one chosen by canon law.

Antipyretic  —adj. Preventing or reducing fever. —n. Antipyretic drug.

Antiquarian  —adj. Of or dealing in antiques or rare books. —n. Antiquary. ~ antiquarianism n.

Antiquary  n. (pl. -ies) student or collector of antiques etc. [latin: related to +antique]

Antiquated  adj. Old-fashioned.

Antique  —n. Old object, esp. A piece of furniture, of high value. —adj. 1 of or from an early date. 2 old-fashioned. [latin antiquus]

Antiquity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 ancient times, esp. Before the middle ages. 2 great age. 3 (usu. In pl.) Relics from ancient times. [latin: related to +antique]

Antirrhinum  n. Plant with two-lipped flowers, esp. The snapdragon. [greek, = snout]

Anti-semite  n. Person who is prejudiced against jews. ~ anti-semitic adj. Anti-semitism n.

Antiseptic  —adj. 1 counteracting sepsis, esp. By destroying germs. 2 sterile, uncontaminated. 3 lacking character. —n. Antiseptic agent.

Antiserum  n. Serum with a high antibody content.

Antisocial  adj. 1 opposed or harmful to society. 2 not sociable.

Usage  antisocial is sometimes used mistakenly instead of unsocial in the phrase unsocial hours. This should be avoided.

Antistatic  adj. Counteracting the effects of static electricity.

Anti-tank  attrib. Adj. Used against tanks.

Antitetanus  adj. Effective against tetanus.

Antithesis  n. (pl. -theses) 1 (foll. By of, to) direct opposite. 2 contrast. 3 rhetorical use of strongly contrasted words. ~ antithetical adj. [greek antitithemi set against]

Antitoxin  n. Antibody counteracting a toxin. ~ antitoxic adj.

Antitrades  n.pl. Winds blowing in the opposite direction to (and usu. Above) trade winds.

Antiviral  adj. Effective against viruses.

Antler  n. Branched horn of a stag or other deer. ~ antlered adj. [french]

Antonym  n. Word opposite in meaning to another. [greek onoma name]

Antrum  n. (pl. Antra) natural cavity in the body, esp. In a bone. [greek, = cave]

Anus  n. (pl. Anuses) excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. [latin]

Anvil  n. Iron block on which metals are worked. [old english]

Anxiety  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being anxious. 2 worry or concern. 3 eagerness, troubled desire. [latin anxietas from ango choke]

Anxious  adj. 1 mentally troubled. 2 causing or marked by anxiety (anxious moment). 3 eager, uneasily wanting (anxious to please). ~ anxiously adv. [latin anxius]

Any  —adj. 1 a one, no matter which, of several (cannot find any answer). B some, no matter how much or many or of what sort (if any books arrive; have you any sugar?). 2 a minimal amount of (hardly any difference). 3 whichever is chosen (any fool knows). 4 an appreciable or significant (did not stay for any length of time; has any amount of money). —pron. 1 any one (did not know any of them). 2 any number or amount (are any of them yours?). —adv. (usu. With neg. Or interrog.) At all (is that any good?). [old english ænig: related to +one, +-y1]

Anybody  n. & pron. 1 any person. 2 person of importance (is he anybody?).

Anyhow  adv. 1 anyway. 2 in a disorderly manner or state (does his work anyhow).

Anyone  pron. Anybody.

Usage  anyone is written as two words to emphasize a numerical sense, as in any one of us can do it.

Anything  pron. Any thing; thing of any sort. ~ anything but not at all.

Anyway  adv. 1 in any way or manner. 2 at any rate. 3 to resume (anyway, as i was saying).

Anywhere  —adv. In or to any place. —pron. Any place (anywhere will do).

Aob  abbr. Any other business.

Aorta  n. (pl. -s) main artery, giving rise to the arterial network carrying oxygenated blood to the body from the heart. ~ aortic adj. [greek aeiro raise]

Apace  adv. Literary swiftly. [french à pas]

Apache  n. Member of a n. American indian tribe. [mexican spanish]

Apart  adv. 1 separately, not together (keep your feet apart). 2 into pieces (came apart). 3 to or on one side. 4 to or at a distance. ~ apart from 1 excepting, not considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [french à part to one side]

Apartheid  n. (esp. In s. Africa) racial segregation or discrimination. [afrikaans]

Apartment  n. 1 (in pl.) Suite of rooms. 2 single room. 3 us flat. [italian a parte, apart]

Apathy  n. Lack of interest; indifference. ~ apathetic adj. [greek a- without, +pathos]

Ape  —n. 1 tailless monkey-like primate, e.g. The gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gibbon. 2 imitator. —v. (-ping) imitate, mimic. [old english]

Apeman  n. Extinct primate held to be the forerunner of present-day man.

Aperient  —adj. Laxative. —n. Laxative medicine. [latin aperio open]

Aperitif  n. Alcoholic drink taken before a meal. [latin aperio open]

Aperture  n. Opening or gap, esp. A variable opening in a camera for admitting light. [latin aperio open]

Apex  n. (also apex) (often attrib.) System of reduced fares for scheduled flights. [advance purchase excursion]

Apex  n. (pl. -es) 1 highest point. 2 tip or pointed end. [latin]

Aphasia  n. Loss of verbal understanding or expression, owing to brain damage. [greek aphatos speechless]

Aphelion  n. (pl. -lia) point in a celestial body's orbit where it is furthest from the sun. [greek aph'heliou from the sun]

Aphid  n. Small insect infesting and damaging plants, e.g. The greenfly.

Aphis  n. (pl. Aphides) aphid. [invented by linnaeus: perhaps a misreading of greek koris bug]

Aphorism  n. Short pithy maxim. ~ aphoristic adj. [greek aphorismos definition]

Aphrodisiac  —adj. Arousing sexual desire. —n. Aphrodisiac substance. [greek aphrodite goddess of love]

Apiary  n. (pl. -ies) place where bees are kept. ~ apiarist n. [latin apis bee]

Apical  adj. Of, at, or forming an apex.

Apiculture  n. Bee-keeping. ~ apiculturist n. [latin apis bee, +culture]

Apiece  adv. For each one; severally (five pounds apiece). [originally a piece]

Apish  adj. 1 of or like an ape. 2 foolishly imitating.

Aplomb  n. Skilful self-assurance. [french, = straight as a plummet]

Apocalypse  n. 1 violent or destructive event. 2 (the apocalypse) revelation, the last book of the new testament. 3 revelation, esp. About the end of the world. ~ apocalyptic adj. [greek apokalupto reveal]

Apocrypha  n.pl. 1 books included in the septuagint and vulgate versions of the old testament but not in the hebrew bible. 2 (apocrypha) writings etc. Not considered genuine. [greek apokrupto hide away]

Apocryphal  adj. Of doubtful authenticity.

Apogee  n. 1 highest point; climax. 2 point in a celestial body's orbit where it is furthest from the earth. [greek apogeion]

Apolitical  adj. Not interested in or concerned with politics.

Apologetic  —adj. 1 showing or expressing regret. 2 of apologetics. —n. (usu. In pl.) Reasoned defence, esp. Of christianity. ~ apologetically adv.

Apologia  n. Formal defence of opinions or conduct. [greek: see +apology]

Apologist  n. Person who defends something by argument.

Apologize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make an apology, express regret.

Apology  n. (pl. -ies) 1 statement of regret for an offence or failure. 2 explanation or defence. 3 (foll. By for) poor specimen of. [greek apologia from apologeomai speak in defence]

Apophthegm  n. = +aphorism. [latin from greek]

Apoplectic  adj. 1 of or causing apoplexy. 2 colloq. Enraged.

Apoplexy  n. Sudden paralysis caused by blockage or rupture of a brain artery; stroke. [greek apoplesso disable by stroke]

Apostasy  n. (pl. -ies) renunciation of a belief or faith, abandoning of principles, etc. [greek, = defection]

Apostate  n. Person who renounces a former belief etc. ~ apostatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing).

A posteriori  —adj. (of reasoning) proceeding from effects to causes; inductive. —adv. Inductively. [latin, = from what comes after]

Apostle  n. 1 (apostle) any of the twelve men sent out by christ to preach the gospel. 2 leader, esp. Of a new movement. [greek apostolos messenger]

Apostolate  n. 1 position or authority of an apostle. 2 leadership in reform.

Apostolic  adj. 1 of the apostles or their teaching. 2 of the pope.

Apostolic succession  n. Supposed uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles through popes and bishops.

Apostrophe  n. 1 punctuation mark (') indicating: a omission of letters or numbers (e.g. Can't; may '92). B possessive case (e.g. Harry's book; boys' coats). 2 exclamatory passage addressed to (an often absent) person or thing. ~ apostrophize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (in sense 2). [greek, = turning away]

Apothecaries' measure  n. (also apothecaries' weight) units formerly used in pharmacy.

Apothecary  n. (pl. -ies) archaic dispensing chemist. [greek apotheke storehouse]

Apotheosis  n. (pl. -theoses) 1 elevation to divine status, deification. 2 glorification of a thing; sublime example (apotheosis of chivalry). [greek theos god]

Appal  v. (-ll-) 1 greatly dismay or horrify. 2 (as appalling adj.) Colloq. Very bad, shocking. [french apalir grow pale: related to +pale1]

Apparatus  n. 1 equipment for a particular function, esp. Scientific or technical. 2 political or other complex organization. [latin paro prepare]

Apparel  n. Formal clothing, dress. ~ apparelled adj. [romanic, = make fit, from latin par equal]

Apparent  adj. 1 readily visible; obvious. 2 seeming. ~ apparently adv. [latin: related to +appear]

Apparition  n. Remarkable or unexpected thing that appears; ghost or phantom.

Appeal  —v. 1 request earnestly or formally; plead. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) attract, be of interest. 3 (foll. By to) resort to for support. 4 law a (often foll. By to) apply (to a higher court) for reconsideration of a legal decision. B refer (a case) to a higher court. 5 cricket call on the umpire to declare whether a batsman is out. —n. 1 act of appealing. 2 request for public support, esp. Financial. 3 law referral of a case to a higher court. 4 attractiveness. [latin appello address]

Appear  v. 1 become or be visible. 2 seem (appeared unwell). 3 present oneself publicly or formally. 4 be published. [latin appareo]

Appearance  n. 1 act of appearing. 2 outward form as perceived (appearance of prosperity). 3 semblance. ~ keep up appearances maintain an impression or pretence of virtue, affluence, etc. Make (or put in) an appearance be present, esp. Briefly.

Appease  v. (-sing) 1 make calm or quiet, esp. Conciliate (a potential aggressor) by making concessions. 2 satisfy (an appetite, scruples). ~ appeasement n. [french à to, pais +peace]

Appellant  n. Person who appeals to a higher court. [latin appello address]

Appellate  attrib. Adj. (esp. Of a court) concerned with appeals.

Appellation  n. Formal name or title; nomenclature.

Appellative  adj. 1 naming. 2 gram. (of a noun) designating a class, common.

Append  v. (usu. Foll. By to) attach, affix, add, esp. To a written document. [latin appendo hang]

Appendage  n. Thing attached; addition.

Appendectomy  n. (also appendicectomy) (pl. -ies) surgical removal of the appendix. [from +appendix, +-ectomy]

Appendicitis  n. Inflammation of the appendix.

Appendix  n. (pl. -dices) 1 tissue forming a tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine. 2 addition to a book etc. [latin: related to +append]

Appertain  v. (foll. By to) relate, belong, or be appropriate. [latin: related to +pertain]

Appetite  n. 1 natural craving, esp. For food or sexual activity. 2 (usu. Foll. By for) inclination or desire. [latin peto seek]

Appetizer  n. (also -iser) small amount, esp. Of food or drink, to stimulate the appetite.

Appetizing  adj. (also -ising) stimulating the appetite, esp. For food; tasty.

Applaud  v. 1 express strong approval, esp. By clapping. 2 commend, approve (a person or action). [latin applaudo clap hands]

Applause  n. 1 approval shown by clapping the hands. 2 warm approval.

Apple  n. 1 roundish firm fruit with crisp flesh. 2 tree bearing this. ~ apple of one's eye cherished person or thing. [old english]

Apple-pie bed  n. Bed made (as a joke) with sheets folded so as to prevent a person lying flat.

Apple-pie order  n. Extreme neatness.

Appliance  n. Device etc. For a specific task. [related to +apply]

Applicable  adj. (often foll. By to) that may be applied; relevant; appropriate. ~ applicability n. [medieval latin: related to +apply]

Applicant  n. Person who applies for something, esp. A job.

Application  n. 1 formal request. 2 act of applying. 3 substance applied. 4 a relevance. B use (has many applications). 5 diligence.

Applicator  n. Device for applying ointment etc.

Applied  adj. Practical, not merely theoretical (applied science).

Appliqué  —n. Cutting out of fabric patterns and attaching them to another fabric. —v. (-qués, -quéd, -quéing) decorate with appliqué. [french, = applied]

Apply  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By for, to, or to + infin.) Formally request. 2 be relevant. 3 a make use of; employ (apply the rules; apply common sense). B operate (apply the brakes). 4 (often foll. By to) put or spread on. 5 refl. (often foll. By to) devote oneself. [latin applico fasten to]

Appoint  v. 1 assign a job or office to. 2 (often foll. By for) fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (as appointed adj.) Equipped, furnished (well-appointed). ~ appointee n. [french à point to a point]

Appointment  n. 1 appointing or being appointed. 2 arrangement for meeting or consultation. 3 a post or office open to applicants. B person appointed. 4 (usu. In pl.) Furniture, fittings; equipment.

Apportion  v. (often foll. By to) share out; assign as a share. ~ apportionment n. [medieval latin: related to +portion]

Apposite  adj. (often foll. By to) apt, appropriate; well expressed. [latin appono apply]

Apposition  n. Juxtaposition, esp. Gram. Of elements sharing a syntactic function (e.g. William the conqueror; my friend sue).

Appraisal  n. Appraising or being appraised.

Appraise  v. (-sing) 1 estimate the value or quality of. 2 set a price on (esp. Officially). [earlier apprize, assimilated to +praise]

Appreciable  adj. Significant, considerable. [french: related to +appreciate]

Appreciate  v. (-ting) 1 a esteem highly; value. B be grateful for. 2 understand, recognize (appreciate the danger). 3 rise or raise in value. ~ appreciative adj. Appreciatory adj. [latin pretium price]

Appreciation  n. 1 favourable or grateful recognition. 2 sensitive estimation or judgement. 3 rise in value. [french: related to +appreciate]

Apprehend  v. 1 seize, arrest. 2 understand, perceive. [latin prehendo grasp]

Apprehension  n. 1 uneasiness, dread. 2 understanding. 3 arrest, capture.

Apprehensive  adj. Uneasily fearful. ~ apprehensively adv.

Apprentice  —n. 1 person learning a trade by working in it for an agreed period at low wages. 2 novice. —v. (-cing) (usu. Foll. By to) engage as an apprentice (apprenticed to a builder). ~ apprenticeship n. [french apprendre learn]

Apprise  v. (-sing) formal inform. [french appris(e) learnt, taught]

Appro  n. Colloq. ~ on appro = on approval (see +approval). [abbreviation]

Approach  —v. 1 come near or nearer (to) in space or time. 2 tentatively propose to. 3 be similar or approximate to (approaching 5 million). 4 set about (a task etc.). —n. 1 act or means of approaching. 2 approximation. 3 technique (try a new approach). 4 golf stroke from the fairway to the green. 5 aeron. Part of a flight before landing. [latin prope near]

Approachable  adj. 1 friendly, easy to talk to. 2 able to be approached.

Approbation  n. Approval, consent. [latin probo test]

Appropriate  —adj. Suitable, proper. —v. (-ting) 1 take, esp. Without authority. 2 devote (money etc.) To special purposes. ~ appropriately adv. Appropriation n. [latin proprius own]

Approval  n. 1 approving. 2 consent; favourable opinion. ~ on approval (of goods supplied) returnable if not satisfactory.

Approve  v. (-ving) 1 confirm; sanction. 2 (often foll. By of) regard with favour. [latin probo test]

Approx.  Abbr. Approximate(ly).

Approximate  —adj. Fairly correct, near to the actual (approximate price). —v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) bring or come near (esp. In quality, number, etc.). ~ approximately adv. Approximation n. [latin proximus nearest]

Appurtenance  n. (usu. In pl.) Belonging; accessory. [latin pertineo belong to]

Apr  abbr. Annual or annualized percentage rate (esp. Of interest on loans or credit).

Apr.  Abbr. April.

Après-ski  —n. Social activities following a day's skiing. —attrib. Adj. (of clothes, drinks, etc.) Suitable for these. [french]

Apricot  —n. 1 a small juicy soft orange-yellow peachlike fruit. B tree bearing it. 2 its colour. —adj. Orange-yellow. [portuguese and spanish from arabic, ultimately from latin praecox early-ripe]

April  n. Fourth month of the year. [latin]

April fool  n. Person successfully tricked on 1 april.

A priori  —adj. 1 (of reasoning) from causes to effects; deductive. 2 (of concepts etc.) Logically independent of experience; not derived from experience. 3 assumed without investigation (an a priori conjecture). —adv. 1 deductively. 2 as far as one knows. [latin, = from what is before]

Apron  n. 1 garment for covering and protecting the front of the clothes. 2 theatr. Part of a stage in front of the curtain. 3 area on an airfield for manoeuvring or loading. ~ tied to a person's apron-strings dominated by or dependent on that person (usu. A woman). [originally napron, from french nape table-cloth]

Apropos  —adj. 1 appropriate. 2 colloq. (often foll. By of) in respect of. —adv. 1 appropriately. 2 (absol.) Incidentally. [french à propos]

Apse  n. Large arched or domed recess, esp. At the end of a church. [related to +apsis]

Apsis  n. (pl. Apsides) either of two points on the orbit of a planet etc. Nearest to or furthest from the body round which it moves. [greek (h)apsis arch, vault]

Apt  adj. 1 appropriate, suitable. 2 tending (apt to break down). 3 clever; quick to learn. [latin aptus fitted]

Aptitude  n. 1 natural talent. 2 ability or fitness, esp. Specified. [french: related to +apt]

Aqua  n. The colour aquamarine. [abbreviation]

Aqua fortis  n. Nitric acid. [latin, = strong water]

Aqualung  n. Portable breathing-apparatus for divers. [latin aqua water]

Aquamarine  —n. 1 bluish-green beryl. 2 its colour. —adj. Bluish-green. [latin aqua marina sea water]

Aquaplane  —n. Board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat. —v. (-ning) 1 ride on this. 2 (of a vehicle) glide uncontrollably on a wet surface. [latin aqua water, +plane1]

Aqua regia  n. Highly corrosive mixture of acids, attacking many substances unaffected by other reagents. [latin, = royal water]

Aquarelle  n. Painting in thin usu. Transparent water-colours. [french from italian]

Aquarium  n. (pl. -s) tank of water for keeping and showing fish etc. [latin aquarius of water]

Aquarius  n. (pl. -es) 1 constellation and eleventh sign of the zodiac (the water-carrier). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin: related to +aquarium]

Aquatic  —adj. 1 growing or living in water. 2 (of a sport) played in or on water. —n. 1 aquatic plant or animal. 2 (in pl.) Aquatic sports. [latin aqua water]

Aquatint  n. Etched print resembling a water-colour. [italian acqua tinta coloured water]

Aqua vitae  n. Strong alcoholic spirit, esp. Brandy. [latin, = water of life]

Aqueduct  n. Water channel, esp. A bridge on columns across a valley. [latin aquae ductus conduit]

Aqueous  adj. Of or like water. [latin aqua water]

Aqueous humour  n. Clear fluid in the eye between the lens and the cornea.

Aquilegia  n. (usu. Blue-flowered) columbine. [latin]

Aquiline  adj. 1 of or like an eagle. 2 (of a nose) curved. [latin aquila eagle]

Ar  symb. Argon.

-ar  suffix forming adjectives (angular; linear). [latin -aris]

Arab  —n. 1 member of a semitic people originating in saudi arabia and neighbouring countries, now widespread throughout the middle east. 2 horse of a breed orig. Native to arabia. —adj. Of arabia or the arabs (esp. With ethnic reference). [arabic araps]

Arabesque  n. 1 ballet posture with one leg extended horizontally backwards and arms outstretched. 2 design of intertwined leaves, scrolls, etc. 3 mus. Florid piece. [french from italian from arabo arab]

Arabian  —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.

Usage  in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab.

Arabic  —n. Semitic language of the arabs. —adj. Of the arabs (esp. Their language or literature).

Arabic numeral  n. Any of the numerals 0-9.

Arable  adj. (of land) suitable for crop production. [latin aro to plough]

Arachnid  n. Arthropod of a class comprising spiders, scorpions, etc. [greek arakhne spider]

Arak  var. Of +arrack.

Araldite  n. Propr. Epoxy resin for mending china etc. [origin unknown]

Aramaic  —n. Branch of the semitic family of languages, esp. The language of syria used as a lingua franca in the near east from the sixth century bc. —adj. Of or in aramaic. [greek aramaios of aram (hebrew name of syria)]

Arbiter  n. 1 arbitrator in a dispute. 2 person influential in a specific field (arbiter of taste). [latin from arbitror to judge]

Arbitrary  adj. 1 random. 2 capricious; despotic. ~ arbitrarily adv.

Arbitrate  v. (-ting) decide by arbitration.

Arbitration  n. Settlement of a dispute by an impartial third party.

Arbitrator  n. Person appointed to arbitrate.

Arbor1  n. Axle or spindle. [latin, = tree]

Arbor  n. (brit. Arbour) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]

Arboreal  adj. Of or living in trees. [latin arbor tree]

Arborescent  adj. Treelike in growth or form.

Arboretum  n. (pl. -ta) place cultivating and displaying rare trees.

Arboriculture  n. Cultivation of trees and shrubs. [latin arbor tree, after agriculture]

Arbor vitae  n. Any of various evergreen conifers. [latin, = tree of life]

Arbour  n. (us arbor) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]

Arbutus  n. Tree or shrub with clusters of flowers and strawberry-like berries. [latin]

Arc  —n. 1 part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. 2 electr. Luminous discharge between two electrodes. —v. (arced; arcing) form an arc; move in a curve. [latin arcus bow]

Arcade  n. 1 covered walk, esp. Lined with shops. 2 series of arches supporting or set along a wall. [romanic: related to +arc]

Arcadian  —n. Idealized country dweller. —adj. Poetically rural. [greek arkadia in the peloponnese]

Arcane  adj. Mysterious, secret. [latin arceo shut up]

Arch1  —n. 1 curved structure as an opening, as a support for a bridge, floor, etc., or as an ornament. 2 any arch-shaped curve. —v. 1 provide with or form into an arch. 2 span like an arch. 3 form an arch. [latin arcus arc]

Arch2  adj. Self-consciously or affectedly playful. ~ archly adv. [from +arch-, originally in arch rogue etc.]

Arch-  comb. Form 1 chief, superior (archbishop). 2 pre-eminent, esp. Unfavourably (arch-enemy). [greek arkhos chief]

Archaean  (us archean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]

Archaeology  n. (us archeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains. ~ archaeological adj. Archaeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]

Archaeopteryx  n. Fossil bird with teeth, feathers, and a reptilian tail. [greek arkhaios ancient, pterux wing]

Archaic  adj. 1 a antiquated. B (of a word etc.) No longer in ordinary use. 2 of an early period of culture. ~ archaically adv. [greek arkhe beginning]

Archaism  n. 1 use of the archaic esp. In language or art. 2 archaic word or expression. ~ archaistic adj.

Archangel  n. Angel of the highest rank.

Archbishop  n. Chief bishop of a province.

Archbishopric  n. Office or diocese of an archbishop.

Archdeacon  n. Church dignitary next below a bishop. ~ archdeaconry n. (pl. -ies).

Archdiocese  n. Diocese of an archbishop. ~ archdiocesan adj.

Archduke  n. Hist. Chief duke (esp. As the title of a son of the emperor of austria). ~ archduchy n. (pl. -ies). [medieval latin archidux]

Archean  (brit. Archaean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]

Arch-enemy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 chief enemy. 2 the devil.

Archeology  n. (brit. Archaeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains. ~ archeological adj. Archeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]

Archer  n. 1 person who shoots with a bow and arrows. 2 (the archer) zodiacal sign or constellation sagittarius. [latin arcus bow]

Archery  n. Shooting with a bow and arrows, esp. As a sport.

Archetype  n. 1 original model; prototype. 2 typical specimen. ~ archetypal adj. [greek tupon stamp]

Archidiaconal  adj. Of an archdeacon. [medieval latin]

Archiepiscopal  adj. Of an archbishop. [church latin from greek]

Archimandrite  n. 1 superior of a large monastery in the orthodox church. 2 honorary title of a monastic priest. [greek arkhi- chief, mandrites monk]

Archipelago  n. (pl. -s) 1 group of islands. 2 sea with many islands. [greek arkhi- chief, pelagos sea]

Architect  n. 1 designer of buildings etc., supervising their construction. 2 (foll. By of) person who brings about a specified thing (architect of peace). [greek arkhi- chief, tekton builder]

Architectonic  adj. 1 of architecture. 2 of the systematization of knowledge.

Architecture  n. 1 design and construction of buildings. 2 style of a building. 3 buildings etc. Collectively. ~ architectural adj.

Architrave  n. 1 (in classical architecture) main beam resting across the tops of columns. 2 moulded frame around a doorway or window. [italian archi- +arch-, latin trabs beam]

Archive  —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 collection of documents or records. 2 store for these. —v. (-ving) 1 place or store in an archive. 2 computing transfer (data) to a less frequently used file. [greek arkheia public records]

Archivist  n. Keeper of archives.

Archway  n. Arched entrance or passage.

Arc lamp  n. (also arc light) light using an electric arc.

Arctic  —adj. 1 of the north polar regions. 2 (arctic) colloq. Very cold. —n. Arctic regions. [greek arktos great bear]

Arctic circle  n. Parallel of latitude 66° 33´ n, forming an imaginary line round the arctic region.

Arc welding  n. Use of an electric arc to melt metals to be welded.

Ardent  adj. 1 eager, fervent, passionate. 2 burning. ~ ardently adv. [latin ardeo burn]

Ardor  n. (brit. Ardour) zeal, enthusiasm, passion.

Ardour  n. (us ardor) zeal, enthusiasm, passion.

Arduous  adj. Hard to accomplish; laborious, strenuous. [latin, = steep]

Are1  2nd sing. Present & 1st, 2nd, 3rd pl. Present of +be.

Are2  n. Metric unit of measure, 100 square metres. [latin: related to +area]

Area  n. 1 extent or measure of a surface (over a large area). 2 region (southern area). 3 space for a specific purpose (dining area). 4 scope or range. 5 space in front of the basement of a building. [latin, = vacant space]

Arena  n. 1 central part of an amphitheatre etc. 2 scene of conflict; sphere of action. [latin, = sand]

Aren't  contr. 1 are not. 2 (in interrog.) Am not (aren't i coming too?).

Areola  n. (pl. -lae) circular pigmented area, esp. Around a nipple. ~ areolar adj. [latin diminutive of +area]

Arête  n. Sharp mountain ridge. [french from latin arista spine]

Argent  n. & adj. Heraldry silver; silvery-white. [latin argentum]

Argon  n. Inert gaseous element. [greek argos idle]

Argosy  n. (pl. -ies) poet. Large merchant ship. [italian ragusea nave ship of ragusa (in dalmatia)]

Argot  n. Jargon of a group or class. [french]

Argue  v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 (often foll. By with, about, etc.) Exchange views forcefully or contentiously. 2 (often foll. By that) maintain by reasoning; indicate. 3 (foll.

Argue  v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 (often foll. By with, about, etc.) Exchange views forcefully or contentiously. 2 (often foll. By that) maintain by reasoning; indicate. 3 (foll. By for, against) reason. 4 treat (a matter) by reasoning. 5 (foll. By into, out of) persuade. ~ argue the toss colloq. Dispute a choice already made. ~ arguable adj. Arguably adv. [latin arguo make clear, prove]

Argument  n. 1 (esp. Contentious) exchange of views; dispute. 2 (often foll. By for, against) reason given; reasoning process. 3 summary of a book etc.

Argumentation  n. Methodical reasoning; arguing.

Argumentative  adj. Given to arguing.

Argus  n. Watchful guardian. [greek argos mythical giant with 100 eyes]

Argy-bargy  n. (pl. -ies) joc. Dispute, wrangle. [originally scots]

Aria  n. Long accompanied solo song in an opera etc. [italian]

Arid  adj. 1 dry, parched. 2 uninteresting. ~ aridity n. [latin areo be dry]

Aries  n. (pl. Same) 1 constellation and first sign of the zodiac (the ram). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin, = ram]

Aright  adv. Rightly.

Arise  v. (-sing; past arose; past part. Arisen) 1 originate. 2 (usu. Foll. By from, out of) result. 3 come to one's notice; emerge. 4 rise, esp. From the dead or from kneeling. [old english a- intensive prefix]

Aristocracy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 ruling class or élite; nobility. 2 a government by an élite. B state so governed. 3 (often foll. By of) best representatives. [greek aristokratia rule by the best]

Aristocrat  n. Member of the aristocracy.

Aristocratic  adj. 1 of or like the aristocracy. 2 a distinguished. B grand, stylish.

Aristotelian  —n. Disciple or student of aristotle. —adj. Of aristotle or his ideas. [greek aristoteles (4th c. Bc), name of a greek philosopher]

Arithmetic  —n. 1 science of numbers. 2 use of numbers; computation. —adj. (also arithmetical) of arithmetic. [greek arithmos number]

Arithmetic mean  n. = +average 2.

Arithmetic progression  n. Sequence of numbers with constant intervals (e.g. 9, 7, 5, 3, etc.).

Ark  n. Ship in which noah escaped the flood with his family and animals. [old english from latin arca]

Ark of the covenant  n. Chest or cupboard containing the tables of jewish law.

Arm1  n. 1 upper limb of the human body from shoulder to hand. 2 forelimb or tentacle of an animal. 3 a sleeve of a garment. B arm support of a chair etc. C thing branching from a main stem (an arm of the sea). D control, means of reaching (arm of the law). ~ arm in arm with arms linked. At arm's length at a distance. With open arms cordially. ~ armful n. (pl. -s). [old english]

Arm2  —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Weapon. 2 (in pl.) Military profession. 3 branch of the military (e.g. Infantry, cavalry). 4 (in pl.) Heraldic devices (coat of arms). —v. 1 supply, or equip oneself, with weapons etc., esp. In preparation for war. 2 make (a bomb etc.) Ready. ~ take up arms go to war. Under arms equipped for war. Up in arms (usu. Foll. By against, about) actively resisting, highly indignant. [latin arma arms]

Armada  n. Fleet of warships, esp. (armada) that sent by spain against england in 1588. [spanish from romanic]

Armadillo  n. (pl. -s) s. American mammal with a plated body and large claws. [spanish armado armed man]

Armageddon  n. Huge battle or struggle, esp. Marking the end of the world. [rev. 16:16]

Armament  n. 1 (often in pl.) Military equipment. 2 equipping for war. 3 force equipped. [latin: related to +arm2]

Armature  n. 1 rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor. 2 iron bar placed across the poles of a horseshoe magnet to preserve its power. 3 metal framework on which a sculpture is moulded. [latin armatura, = armour]

Armband  n. Band worn around the upper arm to hold up a shirtsleeve, or as identification, or to aid swimming.

Armchair  n. 1 chair with arm supports. 2 (attrib.) Theoretical rather than active (armchair critic).

Armhole  n. Each of two holes for arms in a garment.

Armistice  n. Truce, esp. Permanent. [latin arma arms, sisto make stand]

Armistice day  n. Anniversary of the armistice of 11 nov. 1918.

Armlet  n. Ornamental band worn round the arm.

Armor  (brit. Armour) —n. 1 protective usu. Metal covering formerly worn in fighting. 2 a (in full armour-plate) protective metal covering for an armed vehicle, ship, etc. B armed vehicles collectively. 3 protective covering or shell of an animal or plant. 4 heraldic devices. —v. (usu. Asarmoured adj.) Provide with protective covering, and often guns (armoured car; armoured train). [latin armatura: related to +arm2]

Armorial  adj. Of heraldry or coats of arms. [related to +armour]

Armour  —n. 1 protective usu. Metal covering formerly worn in fighting. 2 a (in full armour-plate) protective metal covering for an armed vehicle, ship, etc. B armed vehicles collectively. 3 protective covering or shell of an animal or plant. 4 heraldic devices. —v. (usu. As armoured adj.) Provide with protective covering, and often guns (armoured car; armoured train). [latin armatura: related to +arm2]

Armourer  n. 1 maker of arms or armour. 2 official in charge of arms.

Armoury  n. (pl. -ies) arsenal.

Armpit  n. Hollow under the arm at the shoulder.

Armrest  n. = +arm1 3b.

Arms race  n. Competitive accumulation of weapons by nations.

Arm-wrestling  n. Trial of strength in which each party tries to force the other's arm down.

Army  n. (pl. -ies) 1 organized armed land force. 2 (prec. By the) the military profession. 3 (often foll. By of) very large number (army of locusts). 4 organized civilian body (salvation army). [french: related to +arm2]

Arnica  n. 1 plant of the daisy family with yellow flowers. 2 medicine prepared from this. [origin unknown]

Aroma  n. 1 esp. Pleasing smell, often of food. 2 subtle pervasive quality. [greek, = spice]

Aromatherapy  n. Use of plant extracts and oils in massage. ~ aromatherapist n.

Aromatic  —adj. 1 fragrant, spicy. 2 chem. Of organic compounds having an unsaturated ring, esp. Containing a benzene ring. —n. Aromatic substance. [latin: related to +aroma]

Arose  past of +arise.

Around  —adv. 1 on every side; all round; round about. 2 colloq. A in existence; available. B near at hand. 3 here and there (shop around). —prep. 1 on or along the circuit of. 2 on every side of. 3 here and there in or near (chairs around the room). 4 a round (church around the corner). B at a time near to (came around four o'clock). ~ have been around colloq. Be widely experienced.

Arouse  v. (-sing) 1 induce (esp. An emotion). 2 awake from sleep. 3 stir into activity. 4 stimulate sexually. ~ arousal n. [a- intensive prefix]

Arpeggio  n. (pl. -s) mus. Notes of a chord played in succession. [italian arpa harp]

Arrack  n. (also arak) alcoholic spirit, esp. Made from coco sap or rice. [arabic]

Arraign  v. 1 indict, accuse. 2 find fault with; call into question (an action or statement). ~ arraignment n. [latin ratio reason]

Arrange  v. (-ging) 1 put into order; classify. 2 plan or provide for; take measures (arranged a meeting; arrange to see him; arranged for a taxi). 3 agree (arranged it with her). 4 mus. Adapt (a composition) for a particular manner of performance. [french: related to +range]

Arrangement  n. 1 arranging or being arranged. 2 manner of this. 3 something arranged. 4 (in pl.) Plans, measures (made my own arrangements). 5 mus. Composition adapted for performance in a particular way.

Arrant  adj. Literary downright, utter (arrant liar). [var. Of +errant, originally in arrant (= outlawed, roving) thief etc.]

Arras  n. Hist. Rich tapestry or wall-hanging. [arras in france]

Array  —n. 1 imposing or well-ordered series or display. 2 ordered arrangement, esp. Of troops (battle array). —v. 1 deck, adorn. 2 set in order; marshal (forces). [latin ad-, +ready]

Arrears  n.pl. Amount (esp. Of work, rent, etc.) Still outstanding or uncompleted. ~ in arrears behind, esp. In payment. [medieval latin adretro behindhand]

Arrest  —v. 1 lawfully seize (a suspect etc.). 2 stop or check the progress of. 3 attract (a person's attention). —n. 1 arresting or being arrested. 2 stoppage (cardiac arrest). [latin resto remain]

Arrester  n. Device for slowing an aircraft after landing.

Arrière-pensée  n. 1 secret motive. 2 mental reservation. [french]

Arris  n. Archit. Sharp edge at the junction of two surfaces. [french areste, = +arête]

Arrival  n. 1 arriving; appearance on the scene. 2 person or thing that has arrived.

Arrive  v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By at, in) reach a destination. 2 (foll. By at) reach (a conclusion etc.). 3 colloq. Become successful. 4 colloq. (of a child) be born. 5 (of a time) come. [latin ripa shore]

Arriviste  n. Ambitious or ruthless person. [french: related to +arrive]

Arrogant  adj. Aggressively assertive or presumptuous. ~ arrogance n. Arrogantly adv. [related to +arrogate]

Arrogate  v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to oneself) claim (power etc.) Without right. 2 (often foll. By to) attribute unjustly (to a person). ~ arrogation n. [latin rogo ask]

Arrow  n. 1 pointed slender missile shot from a bow. 2 representation of this, esp. Indicating direction. [old english]

Arrowhead  n. 1 pointed tip of an arrow. 2 water-plant with arrow-shaped leaves.

Arrowroot  n. 1 nutritious starch. 2 plant yielding this.

Arse  n. (us ass) coarse slang buttocks. [old english]

Arsehole  n. (us asshole) coarse slang 1 anus. 2 offens. Contemptible person.

Arsenal  n. 1 store, esp. Of weapons. 2 place for the storage and manufacture of weapons and ammunition. [arabic, = workshop]

Arsenic  —n. 1 non-scientific name for arsenic trioxide, a highly poisonous white powder used in weed-killers etc. 2 chem. Brittle semi-metallic element. —adj. Of or containing arsenic. [french, ultimately from persian zar gold]

Arson  n. Crime of deliberately setting fire to property. ~ arsonist n. [latin ardeo ars- burn]

Art  n. 1 a human creative skill or its application. B work showing this. 2 a (in pl.; prec. By the) branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas, e.g. Painting, music, writing. B any one of these. 3 creative activity resulting in visual representation (good at music but not art). 4 human skill as opposed to nature (art and nature combined). 5 (often foll. By of) a skill, knack. B cunning; trick, stratagem. 6 (in pl.; usu. Prec. By the) supposedly creative subjects (esp. Languages, literature, and history) as opposed to scientific, technical, or vocational subjects. [latin ars art-]

Art deco  n. Decorative art style of 1910–30, with geometric motifs and strong colours.

Artefact  n. (also artifact) man-made object, esp. A tool or vessel as an archaeological item. [latin arte by art, facio make]

Arterial  adj. 1 of or like an artery. 2 (esp. Of a road) main, important. [french: related to +artery]

Arteriosclerosis  n. Loss of elasticity and thickening of artery walls, esp. In old age. [from +artery, +sclerosis]

Artery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 any of the blood-vessels carrying blood from the heart. 2 main road or railway line. [greek, probably from airo raise]

Artesian well  n. Well in which water rises to the surface by natural pressure through a vertically drilled hole. [artois, old french province]

Artful  adj. Crafty, deceitful. ~ artfully adv.

Arthritis  n. Inflammation of a joint or joints. ~ arthritic adj. & n. [greek arthron joint]

Arthropod  n. Invertebrate with a segmented body and jointed limbs, e.g. An insect, spider, or crustacean. [greek arthron joint, pous pod- foot]

Artichoke  n. 1 plant allied to the thistle. 2 (in full globe artichoke) its partly edible flower-head (see also +jerusalem artichoke). [italian from arabic]

Article  —n. 1 item or thing. 2 non-fictional journalistic essay. 3 clause or item in an agreement or contract. 4 definite or indefinite article. —v. (-ling) employ under contract as a trainee. [latin articulus from artus joint]

Articled clerk  n. Trainee solicitor.

Articular  adj. Of a joint or joints. [latin: related to +article]

Articulate  —adj. 1 fluent and clear in speech. 2 (of sound or speech) having clearly distinguishable parts. 3 having joints. —v. (-ting) 1 a pronounce distinctly. B speak or express clearly. 2 (usu. In passive) connect by joints. 3 mark with apparent joints. 4 (often foll. By with) form a joint. ~ articulately adv.

Articulated lorry  n. One with sections connected by a flexible joint.

Articulation  n. 1 a speaking or being spoken. B articulate utterance; speech. 2 a act or mode of jointing. B joint. [latin: related to +articulate]

Artifact  var. Of +artefact.

Artifice  n. 1 trick or clever device. 2 cunning. 3 skill, ingenuity. [latin ars art- art, facio make]

Artificer  n. 1 craftsman. 2 skilled military mechanic.

Artificial  adj. 1 not natural (artificial lake). 2 imitating nature (artificial flowers). 3 affected, insincere. ~ artificiality n. Artificially adv. [latin: related to +artifice]

Artificial insemination  n. Non-sexual injection of semen into the uterus.

Artificial intelligence  n. Use of computers for tasks normally regarded as needing human intelligence.

Artificial respiration  n. Manual or mechanical stimulation of breathing.

Artillery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 heavy guns used in land warfare. 2 branch of the army using these. ~ artilleryman n. [french artiller equip]

Artisan  n. Skilled manual worker or craftsman. [latin artio instruct in the arts]

Artist  n. 1 practitioner of any of the arts, esp. Painting. 2 artiste. 3 person using skill or taste. ~ artistry n. [french artiste from italian]

Artiste  n. Professional performer, esp. A singer or dancer.

Artistic  adj. 1 having natural skill in art. 2 skilfully or tastefully done. 3 of art or artists. ~ artistically adv.

Artless  adj. 1 guileless, ingenuous. 2 natural. 3 clumsy. ~ artlessly adv.

Art nouveau  n. Art style of the late 19th century, with flowing lines.

Artwork  n. 1 illustrative material in printed matter. 2 works of art collectively (exhibition of children's artwork).

Arty  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Pretentiously or affectedly artistic.

Arum  n. Plant with arrow-shaped leaves. [greek aron]

-ary  suffix forming adjectives (contrary; primary). [french -aire, latin -ari(u)s]

Aryan  —n. 1 speaker of any of the languages of the indo-european family. 2 improperly (in nazi ideology) non-jewish caucasian. —adj. Of aryans. [sanskrit]

As  symb. Arsenic.

As1  —adv. & conj. (adv. As antecedent in main sentence; conj. In relative clause expressed or implied) to the extent to which … is or does etc. (am as tall as he; am as tall as he is; (colloq.) Am as tall as him; as recently as last week). —conj. (with relative clause expressed or implied) 1 (with antecedent so) expressing result or purpose (came early so as to meet us). 2 (with antecedent adverb omitted) although (good as it is = although it is good). 3 (without antecedent adverb) a in the manner in which (do as you like; rose as one man). B in the capacity or form of (i speak as your friend; olivier as hamlet). C while (arrived as i was eating). D since, seeing that (as you are here, we can talk). E for instance (cathedral cities, as york). —rel. Pron.

As2  n. (pl. Asses) roman copper coin. [latin]

Asafetida  n. (brit. Asafoetida) resinous pungent plant gum used in cooking and formerly in medicine. [persian aza mastic: related to +fetid]

Asafoetida  n. (us asafetida) resinous pungent plant gum used in cooking and formerly in medicine. [persian aza mastic: related to +fetid]

A.s.a.p.  Abbr. As soon as possible.

Asbestos  n. 1 fibrous silicate mineral. 2 this as a heat-resistant or insulating material. [greek, = unquenchable]

Ascend  v. 1 move or slope upwards, rise. 2 climb; go up. ~ ascend the throne become king or queen. [latin scando climb]

Ascendancy  n. (often foll. By over) dominant power or control.

Ascendant  —adj. 1 rising. 2 astron. Rising towards the zenith. 3 astrol. Just above the eastern horizon. 4 predominant. —n. Astrol. Ascendant point of the sun's apparent path. ~ in the ascendant gaining or having power or authority.

Ascension  n. 1 ascent. 2 (ascension) ascent of christ into heaven.

Ascent  n. 1 ascending, rising, or progressing. 2 upward slope or path etc.

Ascertain  v. Find out for certain. ~ ascertainment n. [french: related to +certain]

Ascetic  —adj. Severely abstinent; self-denying. —n. Ascetic, esp. Religious, person. ~ asceticism n. [greek askeo exercise]

Ascii  abbr. Computing american standard code for information interchange.

Ascorbic acid  n. Vitamin c, which prevents scurvy. [from +a-, +scorbutic]

Ascribe  v. (-bing) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 attribute (ascribes his health to exercise). 2 regard as belonging. ~ ascription n. [latin scribo write]

Asepsis  n. 1 absence of sepsis or harmful micro-organisms. 2 method of achieving asepsis in surgery. ~ aseptic adj.

Asexual  adj. 1 without sex, sexual organs, or sexuality. 2 (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of gametes. ~ asexually adv.

Ash1  n. 1 (often in pl.) Powdery residue left after burning. 2 (pl.) Human remains after cremation. 3 (the ashes) cricket trophy competed for by australia and england. [old english]

Ash2  n. 1 tree with silver-grey bark. 2 its hard, pale wood. [old english]

Ashamed  adj. (usu. Predic.) 1 embarrassed by shame (ashamed of myself). 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Hesitant, reluctant out of shame (am ashamed to say). [old english a- intensive prefix]

Ashcan  n. Us dustbin.

Ashen  adj. Like ashes, esp. Grey or pale.

Ashkenazi  n. (pl. -zim) east european jew. [hebrew]

Ashlar  n. 1 large square-cut stone used in building; masonry made of these. 2 thin slabs of masonry used for facing walls. [latin axis board]

Ashore  adv. Towards or on the shore or land.

Ashram  n. Place of religious retreat for hindus. [sanskrit]

Ashtray  n. Small receptacle for cigarette ash, stubs, etc.

Ashy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 = +ashen. 2 covered with ashes.

Asian  —n. 1 native of asia. 2 person of asian descent. —adj. Of asia. [latin from greek]

Asiatic  —n. Offens. Asian. —adj. Asian. [latin from greek]

Aside  —adv. To or on one side; away, apart. —n. Words spoken aside, esp. Confidentially to the audience by an actor.

Asinine  adj. Like an ass, esp. Stupid or stubborn. ~ asininity n. [latin asinus ass]

Ask  v. 1 call for an answer to or about (ask her about it; ask him his name). 2 seek to obtain from someone (ask a favour of). 3 (usu. Foll. By out, in, or over, or to (a function etc.)) Invite (must ask them over; asked her to dinner). 4 (foll. By for) seek to obtain, meet, or be directed to (ask for help; asking for you; ask for the bar). ~ ask after inquire about (esp. A person). Ask for it slang invite trouble. [old english]

Askance  adv. Sideways or squinting. ~ look askance at regard suspiciously. [origin unknown]

Askew  —adv. Awry, crookedly. —predic. Adj. Oblique; awry.

Aslant  —adv. Obliquely or at a slant. —prep. Obliquely across.

Asleep  predic. Adj. & adv. 1 a in or into a state of sleep. B inactive, inattentive. 2 (of a limb etc.) Numb. 3 euphem. Dead.

Asp  n. Small venomous snake of north africa or southern europe. [greek aspis]

Asparagus  n. 1 plant of the lily family. 2 edible shoots of this. [latin from greek]

Aspect  n. 1 viewpoint, feature, etc. To be considered (one aspect of the problem). 2 appearance or look (cheerful aspect). 3 side of a building or location facing a particular direction (southern aspect). [latin adspicio look at]

Aspen  n. Poplar with very tremulous leaves. [old english: originally adj.]

Asperity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 sharpness of temper or tone. 2 roughness; rough excrescence. [latin asper rough]

Aspersion  n. ~ cast aspersions on attack the reputation of. [latin aspergo besprinkle]

Asphalt  —n. 1 dark bituminous pitch. 2 mixture of this with sand, gravel, etc., for surfacing roads etc. —v. Surface with asphalt. [latin from greek]

Asphodel  n. 1 plant of the lily family. 2 poet. Immortal flower growing in elysium. [latin from greek]

Asphyxia  n. Lack of oxygen in the blood, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation. ~ asphyxiant adj. & n. [greek a- not, sphuxis pulse]

Asphyxiate  v. (-ting) suffocate. ~ asphyxiation n.

Aspic  n. Savoury jelly used esp. To contain game, eggs, etc. [french, = +asp, suggested by the colours of the jelly]

Aspidistra  n. House-plant with broad tapering leaves. [greek aspis shield]

Aspirant  —adj. Aspiring. —n. Person who aspires. [latin: related to +aspire]

Aspirate  —adj. Pronounced with an exhalation of breath; blended with the sound of h. —n. Sound of h; consonant pronounced in this way. —v. (-ting) 1 pronounce with breath or with initial h. 2 draw (fluid) by suction from a cavity etc.

Aspiration  n. 1 ambition or desire. 2 drawing breath or phonet. Aspirating.

Aspirator  n. Apparatus for aspirating fluid. [latin: related to +aspire]

Aspire  v. (-ring) (usu. Foll. By to or after, or to + infin.) Have ambition or a strong desire. [latin aspiro breathe upon]

Aspirin  n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 white powder, acetylsalicylic acid, used to reduce pain and fever. 2 tablet of this. [german]

Ass1  n. 1 a four-legged long-eared mammal related to the horse. B donkey. 2 stupid person. [old english from latin]

Ass  n. (brit. Arse) coarse slang buttocks. [old english]

Assagai  var. Of +assegai.

Assail  v. 1 attack physically or verbally. 2 tackle (a task) resolutely. ~ assailant n. [latin salio leap]

Assassin  n. Killer, esp. Of a political or religious leader. [arabic, = hashish-eater]

Assassinate  v. (-ting) kill for political or religious motives. ~ assassination n.

Assault  —n. 1 violent physical or verbal attack. 2 law threat or display of violence against a person. —v. Make an assault on. ~ assault and battery law threatening act resulting in physical harm to a person. [latin: related to +assail]

Assay  —n. Testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality. —v. Make an assay of (a metal or ore). [french, var. Of essai +essay]

Assegai  n. (also assagai) light iron-tipped s. African spear. [arabic, = the spear]

Assemblage  n. 1 assembling. 2 assembled group.

Assemble  v. (-ling) 1 gather together; collect. 2 esp. Mech. Fit together (components, a whole). [latin ad to, simul together]

Assembler  n. 1 person who assembles a machine etc. 2 computing a program for converting instructions written in low-level symbolic code into machine code. B the low-level symbolic code itself.

Assembly  n. (pl. -ies) 1 assembling. 2 assembled group, esp. As a deliberative body. 3 assembling of components.

Assembly line  n. Machinery arranged so that a product can be progressively assembled.

Assent  —v. (usu. Foll. By to) 1 express agreement. 2 consent. —n. Consent or approval, esp. Official. ~ assenter n. [latin sentio think]

Assert  v. 1 declare, state clearly. 2 refl. Insist on one's rights. 3 enforce a claim to (assert one's rights). [latin assero -sert-]

Assertion  n. Declaration, forthright statement.

Assertive  adj. Tending to assert oneself; forthright, positive. ~ assertively adv. Assertiveness n.

Assess  v. 1 estimate the size or quality of. 2 estimate the value of (property etc.) For taxation. ~ assessment n. [latin assideo -sess- sit by]

Assessor  n. 1 person who assesses (esp. For tax or insurance). 2 legal adviser on technical questions.

Asset  n. 1 useful or valuable person or thing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Property and possessions, esp. That can be set against debts etc. [french asez from latin ad satis to enough]

Asset-stripping  n. The taking over of a company and selling off of its assets to make a profit.

Asseverate  v. (-ting) declare solemnly. ~ asseveration n. [latin severus serious]

Asshole  n. (brit. Arsehole) coarse slang 1 anus. 2 offens. Contemptible person.

Assiduous  adj. 1 persevering, hard-working. 2 attending closely. ~ assiduity n. Assiduously adv. [latin: related to +assess]

Assign  —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) a allot as a share or responsibility. B appoint to a position, task, etc. 2 fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (foll. By to) ascribe to (a reason, date, etc.) (assigned the manuscript to 1832). 4 (foll. By to) law transfer formally (esp. Property) to (another). —n. Assignee. ~ assigner n. Assignor n. Law. [latin assigno mark out]

Assignation  n. 1 appointment to meet, esp. By lovers in secret. 2 assigning or being assigned.

Assignee  n. Law person to whom a right or property is assigned.

Assignment  n. 1 task or mission. 2 assigning or being assigned. 3 legal transfer.

Assimilate  v. (-ting) 1 absorb or be absorbed, either physically or mentally. 2 (usu. Foll. By to, with) make like; cause to resemble. ~ assimilable adj. Assimilation n. Assimilative adj. Assimilator n. [latin similis like]

Assist  v. (often foll. By in + verbal noun) help. ~ assistance n. [latin assisto stand by]

Assistant  n. 1 (often attrib.) Person who helps, esp. As a subordinate. 2 = +shop assistant.

Assizes  n.pl. Hist. Court periodically administering the civil and criminal law. [french: related to +assess]

Usage  in 1972 the civil jurisdiction of assizes in england and wales was transferred to the high court and the criminal jurisdiction to the crown court.

Assoc.  Abbr. Association.

Associate  —v. (-ting) 1 connect mentally (associate holly with christmas). 2 join or combine, esp. For a common purpose. 3 refl. Declare oneself or be in agreement. 4 (usu. Foll. By with) meet frequently or deal. —n. 1 partner, colleague. 2 friend, companion. 3 subordinate member of a society etc. —adj. 1 joined or allied. 2 of lower status (associate member). ~ associative adj. [latin socius allied]

Association  n. 1 group organized for a joint purpose; society. 2 associating or being associated. 3 companionship. 4 mental connection of ideas. [medieval latin: related to +associate]

Association football  n. Football played with a round ball which may not be handled except by the goalkeepers.

Assonance  n. Partial resemblance of sound between two syllables e.g. Sonnet, porridge, and killed, cold, culled. ~ assonant adj. [latin sonus sound]

Assort  v. 1 classify or arrange in sorts. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) suit or harmonize with. [french: related to +sort]

Assorted  adj. 1 of various sorts, mixed. 2 classified. 3 matched (ill-assorted pair).

Assortment  n. Diverse group or mixture.

Assuage  v. (-ging) 1 calm or soothe. 2 appease (an appetite). ~ assuagement n. [latin suavis sweet]

Assume  v. (-ming) 1 (usu. Foll. By that) take to be true. 2 simulate (ignorance etc.). 3 undertake (an office etc.). 4 take or put on (an aspect, attribute, etc.) (assumed immense importance). [latin sumo take]

Assuming  adj. Arrogant, presumptuous.

Assumption  n. 1 assuming. 2 thing assumed. 3 (assumption) reception of the virgin mary bodily into heaven.

Assurance  n. 1 emphatic declaration; guarantee. 2 insurance, esp. Life insurance. 3 certainty. 4 self-confidence; assertiveness.

Assure  v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By of) a convince. B tell (a person) confidently (assured him all was well). 2 ensure; guarantee (a result etc.). 3 insure (esp. A life). 4 (as assured adj.) A guaranteed. B self-confident. [latin securus safe]

Assuredly  adv. Certainly.

Ast  abbr. Atlantic standard time.

Astatine  n. Radioactive element, the heaviest of the halogens. [greek astatos unstable]

Aster  n. Plant with bright daisy-like flowers. [greek, = star]

Asterisk  —n. Symbol (+) used to mark words or to indicate omission etc. —v. Mark with an asterisk. [greek, = little star]

Astern  adv. (often foll. By of) 1 in or to the rear of a ship or aircraft. 2 backwards.

Asteroid  n. 1 any of the minor planets orbiting the sun, mainly between the orbits of mars and jupiter. 2 starfish. [greek: related to +aster]

Asthma  n. Respiratory condition marked by wheezing. [greek azo breathe hard]

Asthmatic  —adj. Of or suffering from asthma. —n. Asthmatic person.

Astigmatism  n. Eye or lens defect resulting in distorted images. ~ astigmatic adj. [from +a-, +stigma]

Astir  predic. Adj. & adv. 1 in motion. 2 out of bed.

Astonish  v. Surprise greatly, amaze. ~ astonishment n. [latin ex- forth, tono thunder]

Astound  v. Astonish greatly.

Astraddle  adv. Astride.

Astrakhan  n. 1 dark curly fleece of young astrakhan lambs. 2 cloth imitating this. [astrakhan in russia]

Astral  adj. Of the stars; starry. [latin astrum star]

Astray  adv. & predic.adj. Out of the right way, erring. ~ go astray be missing. [latin extra away, vagor wander]

Astride  —adv. 1 (often foll. By of) with a leg on each side. 2 with legs apart. —prep. Astride of; extending across.

Astringent  —adj. 1 checking bleeding by contracting body tissues. 2 severe, austere. —n. Astringent substance. ~ astringency n. [latin astringo draw tight]

Astrolabe  n. Instrument formerly used to measure the altitude of stars etc. [greek, = star-taking]

Astrology  n. Study of supposed planetary influence on human affairs. ~ astrologer n. Astrological adj. Astrologist n. [greek astron star]

Astronaut  n. Crew member of a spacecraft. [greek astron star, nautes sailor]

Astronautics  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Science of space travel. ~ astronautical adj.

Astronomical  adj. (also astronomic) 1 of astronomy. 2 vast, gigantic. ~ astronomically adv.

Astronomy  n. The scientific study of celestial bodies. ~ astronomer n. [greek astron star, nemo arrange]

Astrophysics  n.pl. (treated as sing.) The study of the physics and chemistry of celestial bodies. ~ astrophysical adj. Astrophysicist n. [greek astron star]

Astute  adj. Shrewd. ~ astutely adv. Astuteness n. [latin astus craft]

Asunder  adv. Literary apart.

Asylum  n. 1 sanctuary; protection, esp. For fugitives from the law (seek asylum). 2 hist. Institution for the mentally ill or destitute. [greek a- not, sulon right of seizure]

Asymmetry  n. Lack of symmetry. ~ asymmetric adj. Asymmetrical adj. [greek]

At  symb. Astatine.

At  prep. 1 expressing position (wait at the corner; at school). 2 expressing a point in time (at dawn). 3 expressing a point in a scale (at his best). 4 expressing engagement in an activity etc. (at war). 5 expressing a value or rate (sell at £10 each). 6 a with or with reference to (annoyed at losing; came at a run). B by means of (starts at a touch). 7 expressing motion or aim towards (aim at the target; laughed at us). ~ at all see +all. At hand see +hand. At home see +home. At it engaged in an activity; working hard. At once see +once. At that 1 moreover (a good one at that). 2 then (at that he left). At times see +time. [old english]

Atavism  n. 1 reappearance of a remote ancestral characteristic, throwback. 2 reversion to an earlier type. ~ atavistic adj. [latin atavus ancestor]

Ataxia  n. Med. Imperfect control of bodily movements. [greek a- without, taxis order]

Ate  past of +eat.

-ate1  suffix forming nouns denoting status, function, or office (doctorate; consulate). [latin]

-ate2  suffix forming adjectives with the sense ‘having, full of’ (foliate; passionate). [latin participial ending -atus]

Atelier  n. Workshop or artist's studio. [french]

Atheism  n. Belief that there is no god. ~ atheist n. Atheistic adj. [greek a- not, theos god]

Atherosclerosis  n. Degeneration of the arteries caused by a build-up of fatty deposits. [greek athere groats]

Athirst  predic. Adj. Poet. 1 (usu. Foll. By for) eager. 2 thirsty.

Athlete  n. Person who engages in athletics, exercise, etc. [greek athlon prize]

Athlete's foot  n. Fungal foot condition.

Athletic  adj. 1 of athletes or athletics. 2 physically strong or agile. ~ athletically adv. Athleticism n. [latin: related to +athlete]

Athletics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Physical exercises, esp. Track and field events.

At-home  n. Social reception in a person's home.

-ation  suffix 1 forming nouns denoting an action or an instance of it (flirtation; hesitation). 2 forming nouns denoting a result or product of action (plantation; starvation). [latin -atio]

Atlantic  adj. Of or adjoining the ocean between europe and africa to the east and america to the west. [greek: related to +atlas]

Atlas  n. Book of maps or charts. [greek atlas, the titan who held up the universe]

Atmosphere  n. 1 a gases enveloping the earth, any other planet, etc. B air in a room etc., esp. If fetid. 2 pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art. 3 unit of pressure equal to mean atmospheric pressure at sea level, 101,325 pascals. ~ atmospheric adj. [greek atmos vapour, +sphere]

Atmospherics  n.pl. 1 electrical atmospheric disturbance, esp. Caused by lightning. 2 interference with telecommunications caused by this.

Atoll  n. Ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon. [maldive]

Atom  n. 1 a smallest particle of a chemical element that can take part in a chemical reaction. B this as a source of nuclear energy. 2 minute portion or thing (atom of pity). [greek atomos indivisible]

Atom bomb  n. Bomb in which energy is released by nuclear fission.

Atomic  adj. 1 of or using atomic energy or atomic bombs. 2 of atoms.

Atomic bomb  n. = +atom bomb.

Atomic energy  n. Nuclear energy.

Atomic mass  n. Mass of an atom measured in atomic mass units.

Atomic mass unit  n. Unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights, equal to one-twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

Atomic number  n. Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Atomic theory  n. Theory that all matter consists of atoms.

Atomic weight  n. = +relative atomic mass.

Atomize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) reduce to atoms or fine particles.

Atomizer  n. (also -iser) = +aerosol 1.

Atonal  adj. Mus. Not written in any key or mode. ~ atonality n.

Atone  v. (-ning) (usu. Foll. By for) make amends (for a wrong). [from +atonement]

Atonement  n. 1 atoning. 2 (the atonement) expiation by christ of mankind's sins. [at one + +-ment]

Atrium  n. (pl. -s or atria) 1 a central court of an ancient roman house. B (usu. Skylit) central court rising through several storeys. 2 each of the two upper cavities of the heart. [latin]

Atrocious  adj. 1 very bad or unpleasant (atrocious manners). 2 wicked (atrocious cruelty). ~ atrociously adv. [latin atrox cruel]

Atrocity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 wicked or cruel act. 2 extreme wickedness. [latin: related to +atrocious]

Atrophy  —n. Wasting away, esp. Through disuse; emaciation. —v. (-ies, -ied) suffer atrophy or cause atrophy in. [greek a- without, trophe food]

Atropine  n. Poisonous alkaloid in deadly nightshade. [greek atropos, the fate who cut the thread of life]

Attach  v. 1 fasten, affix, join. 2 (in passive; foll. By to) be very fond of. 3 attribute or be attributable; assign (can't attach a name to it; no blame attaches to us). 4 accompany; form part of (no conditions are attached). 5 refl. (usu. Foll. By to) take part in; join (attached himself to the team). 6 seize by legal authority. [french from germanic]

Attaché  n. Specialist member of an ambassador's staff.

Attaché case  n. Small rectangular document case.

Attachment  n. 1 thing attached, esp. For a purpose. 2 affection, devotion. 3 attaching or being attached. 4 legal seizure. 5 temporary position in an organization.

Attack  —v. 1 try to hurt or defeat using force. 2 criticize adversely. 3 act harmfully upon (rust attacks metal). 4 vigorously apply oneself to. 5 sport try to gain ground or score (against). —n. 1 act of attacking. 2 offensive operation. 3 sudden onset of an illness. ~ attacker n. [french from italian]

Attain  v. 1 reach, gain, accomplish (a goal etc.). 2 (foll. By to) arrive at by effort or development. [latin attingo reach]

Attainment  n. 1 (often in pl.) Accomplishment or achievement. 2 attaining.

Attar  n. Perfume made from rose-petals. [persian]

Attempt  —v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Try to do or achieve (attempted to explain). 2 try to conquer (a mountain etc.). —n. (often foll. By at, on, or to + infin.) Attempting; endeavour (attempt at winning; attempt on his life). [latin tempto try]

Attend  v. 1 a be present (at) (attended the meeting). B go regularly to (attends church). 2 escort. 3 a (often foll. By to) turn or apply one's mind. B (foll. By to) deal with (attend to the matter). [latin tendo stretch]

Attendance  n. 1 attending or being present. 2 number present (high attendance).

Attendant  —n. Person escorting or providing a service (cloakroom attendant). —adj. 1 accompanying (attendant costs). 2 (often foll. By on) waiting (attendant on the queen).

Attendee  n. Person who attends (a meeting etc.).

Attention  n. 1 act or faculty of applying one's mind; notice (attention wandered; attract his attention). 2 consideration, care. 3 (in pl.) A courtesies. B sexual advances. 4 erect esp. Military attitude of readiness.

Attentive  adj. 1 concentrating; paying attention. 2 assiduously polite. ~ attentively adv. Attentiveness n.

Attenuate  v. (-ting) 1 make thin. 2 reduce in force, value, etc. ~ attenuation n. [latin tenuis thin]

Attest  v. 1 certify the validity of. 2 (foll. By to) bear witness to. ~ attestation n. [latin testis witness]

Attic  —adj. Of ancient athens or attica, or the form of greek used there. —n. Greek as used by the ancient athenians. [greek attikos]

Attic  n. Space or room at the top of a house, usu. Under the roof. [from +attic, with ref. To an architectural feature]

Attire  formal —n. Clothes, esp. Formal. —v. (-ring) (usu. As attired adj.) Dress, esp. Formally. [french à tire in order]

Attitude  n. 1 opinion or way of thinking; behaviour reflecting this (don't like his attitude). 2 bodily posture; pose. 3 position of an aircraft etc. Relative to given points. [latin aptus fitted]

Attitudinize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) adopt (esp. Affected) attitudes; pose.

Attorney  n. (pl. -s) 1 lawyer etc. Appointed to act for another in business or legal matters. 2 us qualified lawyer. [french atorner assign]

Attorney-general  n. (pl. Attorneys-general) chief legal officer in some countries.

Attract  v. 1 (also absol.) (of a magnet etc.) Draw to itself or oneself. 2 arouse interest or admiration in. [latin traho draw]

Attraction  n. 1 a attracting or being attracted. B attractive quality (can't see the attraction in it). C person or thing that attracts. 2 physics tendency of bodies to attract each other.

Attractive  adj. 1 attracting (esp. Interest or admiration). 2 aesthetically pleasing; good-looking. ~ attractively adv.

Attribute  —v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 regard as belonging to, written or said by, etc. (a poem attributed to milton). 2 ascribe to (a cause) (delays attributed to snow). —n. 1 esp. Characteristic quality ascribed to a person or thing. 2 object symbolizing or appropriate to a person, office, or status. ~ attributable adj. Attribution n. [latin tribuo allot]

Attributive  adj. Gram. (of an adjective or noun) preceding the word described, as old in the old dog.

Attrition  n. 1 gradual wearing down (war of attrition). 2 abrasion, friction. [latin tero trit- rub]

Attune  v. (-ning) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) adjust to a situation etc. 2 mus. Tune. [related to +tune]

Atypical  adj. Not typical. ~ atypically adv.

Au  symb. Gold. [latin aurum]

Aubergine  n. Plant with white or purple egg-shaped fruit used as a vegetable; eggplant. [french, ultimately from sanskrit]

Aubrietia  n. (also aubretia) dwarf perennial rock-plant with purple or pink flowers. [aubriet, name of an artist]

Auburn  adj. Reddish-brown (usu. Of hair). [originally = yellowish white: from latin albus white]

Auction  —n. Sale in which articles are sold to the highest bidder. —v. Sell by auction. [latin augeo auct- increase]

Auction bridge  n. Game in which players bid for the right to name trumps.

Auctioneer  n. Person who conducts auctions, esp. For a living.

Audacious  adj. 1 daring, bold. 2 impudent. ~ audacity n. [latin audax bold]

Audible  adj. Able to be heard. ~ audibility n. Audibly adv. [latin audio hear]

Audience  n. 1 a assembled listeners or spectators, esp. At a play, concert, etc. B people addressed by a film, book, etc. 2 formal interview with a superior. [latin: related to +audible]

Audio  n. (usu. Attrib.) Sound or its reproduction. [latin audio hear]

Audio-  comb. Form hearing or sound.

Audio frequency  n. Frequency able to be perceived by the human ear.

Audiotape  n. (also audio tape) 1 a magnetic tape for recording sound. B a length of this. 2 a sound recording on tape.

Audio typist  n. Person who types from a tape-recording.

Audiovisual  adj. (of teaching methods etc.) Using both sight and sound.

Audit  —n. Official scrutiny of accounts. —v. (-t-) conduct an audit of.

Audition  —n. Test of a performer's suitability or ability. —v. Assess or be assessed at an audition. [latin audio hear]

Auditor  n. Person who audits accounts. [french from latin]

Auditorium  n. (pl. -s) part of a theatre etc. For the audience. [latin]

Auditory  adj. Of hearing.

Au fait  predic. Adj. (usu. Foll. By with) conversant (au fait with the rules). [french]

Aug.  Abbr. August.

Augean  adj. Filthy. [greek augeas, a mythical king: his filthy stables were cleaned by hercules diverting a river through them]

Auger  n. Tool with a screw point for boring in wood. [old english]

Aught  n. Archaic anything. [old english]

Augment  v. Make or become greater; increase. ~ augmentation n. [latin: related to +auction]

Augmentative  adj. Augmenting.

Au gratin  adj. Cooked with a crust of breadcrumbs or melted cheese. [french]

Augur  —v. Portend, serve as an omen (augur well or ill). —n. Hist. Roman religious official interpreting natural phenomena in order to pronounce on proposed actions. [latin]

Augury  n. (pl. -ies) 1 omen. 2 interpretation of omens.

August  n. Eighth month of the year. [latin augustus, first roman emperor]

August  adj. Venerable, imposing. [latin]

Augustan  adj. 1 of the reign of augustus, esp. As a flourishing literary period. 2 (of literature) refined and classical in style. [latin: see +august]

Auk  n. Black and white sea bird with short wings, e.g. The guillemot, puffin, etc. [old norse]

Auld lang syne  n. Times long past. [scots, = old long since]

Aunt  n. 1 sister of one's father or mother. 2 uncle's wife. 3 colloq. (form of address by a child to) parent's female friend. [latin amita]

Auntie  n. (also aunty) (pl. -ies) colloq. = +aunt.

Aunt sally  n. 1 game in which sticks or balls are thrown at a wooden dummy. 2 target of general abuse.

Au pair  n. Young foreigner, esp. A woman, helping with housework etc. In exchange for board and lodging. [french]

Aura  n. (pl. -s) 1 distinctive atmosphere. 2 subtle emanation. [greek, = breeze]

Aural  adj. Of the ear or hearing. ~ aurally adv. [latin auris ear]

Aureate  adj. Literary 1 golden. 2 resplendent. [latin aurum gold]

Aureole  n. (also aureola) 1 halo or circle of light, esp. In a religious painting. 2 corona round the sun or moon. [latin, = golden (crown)]

Au revoir  int. & n. Goodbye (until we meet again). [french]

Auricle  n. 1 each atrium of the heart. 2 external ear of animals. ~ auricular adj. [related to +auricula]

Auricula  n. (pl. -s) primula with ear-shaped leaves. [latin, diminutive of auris ear]

Auriferous  adj. Yielding gold. [latin aurifer from aurum gold]

Aurochs  n. (pl. Same) extinct wild ox. [german]

Aurora  n. (pl. -s or aurorae) luminous phenomenon, usu. Of streamers of light in the night sky above the northern (aurora borealis) or southern (aurora australis) magnetic pole. [latin, = dawn, goddess of dawn]

Auscultation  n. Listening, esp. To sounds from the heart, lungs, etc., for purposes of diagnosis. [latin ausculto listen]

Auspice  n. 1 (in pl.) Patronage (esp. Under the auspices of). 2 omen, premonition. [originally ‘observation of bird-flight’: latin avis bird]

Auspicious  adj. Promising well; favourable.

Aussie  slang —n. 1 australian. 2 australia. —adj. Australian. [abbreviation]

Austere  adj. (-terer, -terest) 1 severely simple. 2 morally strict. 3 stern, grim. [greek austeros]

Austerity  n. (pl. -ies) being austere; hardship.

Austral  adj. 1 southern. 2 (austral) of australia or australasia. [latin auster south]

Australasian  adj. Of australasia, including australia and the islands of the sw pacific.

Australian  —n. 1 native or national of australia. 2 person of australian descent. —adj. Of australia.

Autarchy  n. Absolute rule; despotism. [greek autos self, arkhe rule]

Autarky  n. Self-sufficiency, esp. Economic. [greek autos self, arkeo suffice]

Authentic  adj. 1 of undisputed origin; genuine. 2 reliable, trustworthy. ~ authentically adv. Authenticity n. [greek authentikos]

Authenticate  v. (-ting) establish as true, genuine, or valid. ~ authentication n.

Author  n. (fem. Authoress) 1 writer, esp. Of books. 2 originator of an idea, event, etc. [latin auctor]

Authoritarian  —adj. Favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority. —n. Authoritarian person.

Authoritative  adj. 1 reliable, esp. Having authority. 2 official.

Authority  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a power or right to enforce obedience. B (often foll. By for, or to + infin.) Delegated power. 2 (esp. In pl.) Body having authority. 3 influence based on recognized knowledge or expertise. 4 expert. [latin auctoritas]

Authorize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 officially approve, sanction. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Give authority to (a person to do a thing). ~ authorization n.

Authorized version  n. English translation of the bible made in 1611.

Authorship  n. 1 origin of a book etc. 2 profession of an author.

Autism  n. Condition characterized by self-absorption and social withdrawal. ~ autistic adj. [related to +auto-]

Auto  n. (pl. -s) us colloq. Car. [abbreviation of +automobile]

Auto-  comb. Form 1 self. 2 one's own. 3 of or by oneself or itself. [greek autos]

Autobahn  n. (pl. -s) german, austrian, or swiss motorway. [german]

Autobiography  n. (pl. -ies) 1 written account of one's own life. 2 this as a literary genre. ~ autobiographer n. Autobiographical adj.

Autoclave  n. Sterilizer using high-pressure steam. [latin clavus nail or clavis key]

Autocracy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 rule by an autocrat. 2 dictatorship. [greek kratos power]

Autocrat  n. 1 absolute ruler. 2 dictatorial person. ~ autocratic adj. Autocratically adv.

Autocross  n. Motor racing across country or on unmade roads.

Autocue  n. Propr. Screen etc. From which a speaker reads a television script.

Auto-da-fé  n. (pl. Autos-da-fé) 1 hist. Ceremonial judgement of heretics by the spanish inquisition. 2 public burning of heretics. [portuguese, = act of the faith]

Autograph  —n. Signature, esp. That of a celebrity. —v. Sign or write on in one's own hand. [greek grapho write]

Autoimmune  adj. (of a disease) caused by antibodies produced against substances naturally present in the body.

Automat  n. Us 1 slot-machine. 2 cafeteria dispensing food and drink from slot-machines. [french: related to +automaton]

Automate  v. (-ting) convert to or operate by automation.

Automatic  —adj. 1 working by itself, without direct human intervention. 2 a done spontaneously (automatic reaction). B following inevitably (automatic penalty). 3 (of a firearm) able to be loaded and fired continuously. 4 (of a vehicle or its transmission) using gears that change automatically. —n. 1 automatic machine, firearm, or tool. 2 vehicle with automatic transmission. ~ automatically adv. [related to +automaton]

Automatic pilot  n. Device for keeping an aircraft or ship on a set course.

Automation  n. 1 use of automatic equipment in place of manual labour. 2 production of goods etc. By this.

Automatism  n. 1 involuntary action. 2 unthinking routine. [french: related to +automaton]

Automaton  n. (pl. -mata or -s) 1 machine controlled automatically; robot. 2 person acting like a robot. [greek, = acting of itself]

Automobile  n. Us motor car. [french]

Automotive  adj. Of motor vehicles.

Autonomous  adj. 1 having self-government. 2 acting or free to act independently. [greek nomos law]

Autonomy  n. 1 self-government. 2 personal freedom.

Autopilot  n. = +automatic pilot.

Autopsy  n. (pl. -ies) post-mortem. [greek autoptes eye-witness]

Autoroute  n. French motorway. [french]

Autostrada  n. (pl. -s or -strade) italian motorway. [italian]

Auto-suggestion  n. Hypnotic or subconscious suggestion made to oneself.

Autumn  n. 1 (often attrib.) Season between summer and winter. 2 time of incipient decline. ~ autumnal adj. [latin autumnus]

Autumn equinox  n. (also autumnal equinox) equinox about 22 sept.

Auxiliary  —adj. 1 subsidiary, additional. 2 giving help. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 auxiliary person or thing. 2 (in pl.) Foreign or allied troops in the service of a nation at war. 3 verb used to form tenses or moods of other verbs (e.g. Have in i have seen). [latin auxilium help]

Auxin  n. Plant hormone that regulates growth.

Av  abbr. Authorized version.

Avail  —v. 1 help; be of use. 2 refl. (foll. By of) make use of, profit by. —n. Use, profit (of no avail). [latin valeo be strong]

Available  adj. 1 at one's disposal, obtainable. 2 a (of a person) free, not committed. B able to be contacted. ~ availability n.

Avalanche  n. 1 rapidly sliding mass of snow and ice on a mountain. 2 sudden abundance (avalanche of work). [french]

Avant-garde  —n. Pioneers or (esp. Artistic) innovators. —adj. New; pioneering. [french, = vanguard]

Avarice  n. Extreme greed for wealth. ~ avaricious adj. [latin avarus greedy]

Avatar  n. (in hindu mythology) descent of a deity etc. To earth in bodily form. [sanskrit, = descent]

Ave  n. (in full ave maria) prayer to the virgin mary (luke 1:28). [latin]

Ave.  Abbr. Avenue.

Avenge  v. (-ging) 1 inflict retribution on behalf of. 2 take vengeance for (an injury). ~ be avenged avenge oneself. [latin vindico]

Avenue  n. 1 a broad esp. Tree-lined road or street. B tree-lined path etc. 2 approach (explored every avenue). [french avenir come to]

Aver  v. (-rr-) formal assert, affirm. ~ averment n. [latin verus true]

Average  —n. 1 usual amount, extent, or rate. 2 amount obtained by adding two or more numbers and dividing by how many there are. 3 (with ref. To speed etc.) Ratio obtained by subtracting the inital from the final value of each element of the ratio (average of 50 miles per hour). 4 law damage to or loss of a ship or cargo. —adj. 1 a usual, ordinary. B mediocre. 2 constituting an average (the average age is 72). —v. (-ging) 1 amount on average to. 2 do on average. 3 estimate the average of. ~ average out (at) result in an average (of). Law of averages principle that if one of two extremes occurs the other will also. On (or on an) average as an average rate or estimate. [arabic, = damaged goods]

Averse  predic. Adj. (usu. Foll. By to) opposed, disinclined. [latin verto vers- turn]

Aversion  n. 1 (usu. Foll. By to, for) dislike or unwillingness. 2 object of this.

Avert  v. (often foll. By from) 1 turn away (one's eyes or thoughts). 2 prevent or ward off (esp. Danger).

Avesta  n. (usu. Prec. By the) sacred writings of zoroastrianism (cf. +zend). [persian]

Aviary  n. (pl. -ies) large cage or building for keeping birds. [latin avis bird]

Aviation  n. Science or practice of flying aircraft. [latin: related to +aviary]

Aviator  n. Person who flies aircraft.

Avid  adj. Eager, greedy. ~ avidity n. Avidly adv. [latin aveo crave]

Avionics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Electronics as applied to aviation. [from +aviation, +electronics]

Avocado  n. (pl. -s) 1 (in full avocado pear) dark green edible pear-shaped fruit with yellowish-green creamy flesh. 2 tree bearing it. [spanish from aztec]

Avocet  n. Long-legged wading bird with an upward-curved bill. [french from italian]

Avoid  v. 1 keep away or refrain from. 2 escape; evade. 3 law quash, annul. ~ avoidable adj. Avoidance n. [french]

Avoirdupois  n. (in full avoirdupois weight) system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains. [french, = goods of weight]

Avow  v. Formal declare, confess. ~ avowal n. Avowedly adv. [latin voco call]

Avuncular  adj. Like or of an uncle, esp. In manner. [latin avunculus uncle]

Await  v. 1 wait for. 2 be in store for. [french: related to +wait]

Awake  —v. (-king; past awoke; past part. Awoken) 1 cease to sleep or arouse from sleep. 2 (often foll. By to) become or make alert, aware, or active. —predic. Adj. 1 not asleep. 2 (often foll. By to) alert, aware. [old english: related to +a2]

Awaken  v. = +awake v.

Usage  awake and awaken are interchangeable but awaken is much rarer than awake as an intransitive verb.

Award  —v. Give or order to be given as a payment or prize. —n. 1 thing or amount awarded. 2 judicial decision. [french]

Aware  predic. Adj. 1 (often foll. By of or that) conscious; having knowledge. 2 well-informed. ~ awareness n. [old english]

Usage  aware is also found used attributively in sense 2, as in ‘a very aware person’, but this should be avoided in formal contexts.

Awash  predic. Adj. 1 level with the surface of, and just covered by, water. 2 (foll. By with) overflowing, abounding.

Away  —adv. 1 to or at a distance from the place, person, or thing in question (go, give, look, away; 5 miles away). 2 into non-existence (explain, fade, away). 3 constantly, persistently (work away). 4 without delay (ask away). —attrib. Adj. Sport not played on one's own ground (away match). —n. Sport away match or win. [old english: related to +a2, +way]

Awe  —n. Reverential fear or wonder. —v. (awing) inspire with awe. [old norse]

Aweigh  predic. Adj. (of an anchor) clear of the bottom.

Awe-inspiring  adj. Awesome; magnificent.

Awesome  adj. Inspiring awe; dreaded.

Awful  adj. 1 colloq. Very bad or unpleasant (has awful writing; awful weather). 2 (attrib.) As an intensifier (awful lot of money). 3 poet. Inspiring awe.

Awfully  adv. 1 badly; unpleasantly (played awfully). 2 colloq. Very (awfully pleased).

Awhile  adv. For a short time. [a while]

Awkward  adj. 1 difficult to use or deal with. 2 clumsy, ungainly. 3 a embarrassed. B embarrassing. [obsolete awk perverse]

Awl  n. Small tool for piercing holes, esp. In leather. [old english]

Awn  n. Bristly head of a sheath of barley and other grasses. [old norse]

Awning  n. Sheet of canvas etc. Stretched on a frame as a shelter against the sun or rain. [origin uncertain]

Awoke  past of +awake.

Awoken  past part. Of +awake.

Awol  abbr. Colloq. Absent without leave.

Awry  —adv. 1 crookedly, askew. 2 amiss, wrong. —predic. Adj. Crooked; unsound.

Ax  (brit. Axe) —n. 1 chopping-tool with a handle and heavy blade. 2 (the ax) dismissal (of employees); abandonment of a project etc. —v. (axing) cut (esp. Costs or staff) drastically; abandon (a project). ~ an ax to grind private ends to serve. [old english]

Axe  (us ax) —n. 1 chopping-tool with a handle and heavy blade. 2 (the axe) dismissal (of employees); abandonment of a project etc. —v. (axing) cut (esp. Costs or staff) drastically; abandon (a project). ~ an axe to grind private ends to serve. [old english]

Axial  adj. Of, forming, or placed round an axis.

Axil  n. Upper angle between a leaf and stem. [latin axilla armpit]

Axiom  n. 1 established or accepted principle. 2 self-evident truth. ~ axiomatic adj. [greek axios worthy]

Axis  n. (pl. Axes) 1 a imaginary line about which a body rotates. B line which divides a regular figure symmetrically. 2 fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates etc. 3 (the axis) alliance of germany, italy, and later japan, in the war of 1939–45. [latin, = axle]

Axle  n. Spindle on which a wheel is fixed or turns. [old norse]

Axolotl  n. Newtlike salamander, which in natural conditions retains its larval form of life. [nahuatl, = water-servant]

Ayatollah  n. Shiite religious leader in iran. [persian from arabic, = token of god]

Aye  —adv. Archaic or dial. Yes. —n. Affirmative answer or vote. [probably from i, expressing assent]

Azalea  n. A kind of rhododendron. [greek azaleos dry]

Azimuth  n. Angular distance from a north or south point of the horizon to the intersection with the horizon of a vertical circle passing through a given celestial body. ~ azimuthal adj. [french from arabic]

Azt  abbr. Drug intended for use against the aids virus. [from the chemical name]

Aztec  —n. 1 member of the native mexican people overthrown by the spanish in 1519. 2 language of this people. —adj. Of the aztecs or their language. [nahuatl, = men of the north]

Azure  —n. 1 deep sky-blue colour. 2 poet. Clear sky. —adj. Deep sky-blue. [arabic]

Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter A

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