D1 n. (also d) (pl. Ds or d's) 1 fourth letter of the alphabet. 2 mus. Second note of the diatonic scale of c major. 3 (as a roman numeral) 500. 4 = +dee. 5 fourth highest class or category (of academic marks etc.).
D2 symb. Deuterium.
D. Abbr. 1 died. 2 departs. 3 daughter. 4 hist. (pre-decimal) penny. [sense 4 from latin +denarius]
'D v. Colloq. (usu. After pronouns) had, would (i'd; he'd). [abbreviation]
Dab1 —v. (-bb-) 1 (often foll. By at) repeatedly press briefly and lightly with a cloth etc. (dabbed at her eyes). 2 press (a cloth etc.) Thus. 3 (foll. By on) apply by dabbing. 4 (often foll. By at) aim a feeble blow; strike lightly. —n. 1 dabbing. 2 small amount thus applied (dab of paint). 3 light blow. 4 (in pl.) Slang fingerprints. [imitative]
Dab2 n. (pl. Same) a kind of marine flat-fish. [origin unknown]
Dabble v. (-ling) 1 (usu. Foll. By in, at) engage (in an activity etc.) Superficially. 2 move the feet, hands, etc. In esp. Shallow liquid. 3 wet partly; stain, splash. ~ dabbler n. [from +dab1]
Dabchick n. = +little grebe. [old english]
Dab hand n. (usu. Foll. By at) colloq. Expert. [dab adept, origin unknown]
Da capo adv. Mus. Repeat from the beginning. [italian]
Dace n. (pl. Same) small freshwater fish related to the carp. [french dars: related to +dart]
Dacha n. Russian country cottage. [russian]
Dachshund n. Dog of a short-legged long-bodied breed. [german, = badger-dog]
Dactyl n. Metrical foot consisting of one long syllable followed by two short syllables (&dactyl.). ~ dactylic adj. [greek, = finger]
Dad n. Colloq. Father. [imitative of a child's da da]
Dada n. Early 20th-c. Artistic and literary movement repudiating conventions. ~ dadaism n. Dadaist n. & adj. Dadaistic adj. [french dada hobby-horse]
Daddy n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Father. [from +dad]
Daddy-long-legs n. (pl. Same) crane-fly.
Dado n. (pl. -s) 1 lower, differently decorated, part of an interior wall. 2 plinth of a column. 3 cube of a pedestal between the base and the cornice. [italian: related to +die2]
Daemon var. Of +demon 4.
Daff n. Colloq. = +daffodil. [abbreviation]
Daffodil n. Spring bulb with a yellow trumpet-shaped flower. [related to +asphodel]
Daft adj. Colloq. Silly, foolish, crazy. [old english, = meek]
Dagger n. 1 short pointed knife used as a weapon. 2 printing = +obelus. ~ at daggers drawn in bitter enmity. Look daggers at glare angrily at. [origin uncertain]
Dago n. (pl. -s) slang offens. Foreigner, esp. A spaniard, portuguese, or italian. [spanish diego = james]
Daguerreotype n. Early photograph using a silvered plate and mercury vapour. [daguerre, name of its inventor]
Dahlia n. Large-flowered showy garden plant. [dahl, name of a botanist]
Dáil n. (in full dáil éireann) lower house of parliament in the republic of ireland. [irish, = assembly (of ireland)]
Daily —adj. Done, produced, or occurring every day or every weekday. —adv. 1 every day. 2 constantly. —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. 1 daily newspaper. 2 cleaning woman.
Daily bread n. Necessary food; livelihood.
Dainty —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 delicately pretty. 2 delicate or small. 3 (of food) choice. 4 fastidious; discriminating. —n. (pl. -ies) choice delicacy. ~ daintily adv. Daintiness n. [latin dignitas +dignity]
Daiquiri n. (pl. -s) cocktail of rum, lime juice, etc. [daiquiri in cuba]
Dairy n. (pl. -ies) 1 place for processing, distributing, or selling milk and its products. 2 (attrib.) Of, containing, or used for, dairy products (and sometimes eggs) (dairy cow). [old english]
Dairying n. Dairy farming and distribution.
Dairymaid n. Woman employed in a dairy.
Dairyman n. Dealer in dairy products.
Dais n. Low platform, usu. At the upper end of a hall. [latin +discus disc, (later) table]
Daisy n. (pl. -ies) 1 small wild plant with white-petalled flowers. 2 plant with similar flowers. [old english, = day's eye]
Daisy wheel n. Spoked disc bearing printing characters, used in word processors and typewriters.
Dal var. Of +dhal.
Dalai lama n. Spiritual head of tibetan buddhism. [mongolian dalai ocean]
Dale n. Valley. [old english]
Dally v. (-ies, -ied) 1 delay; waste time. 2 (often foll. By with) flirt, trifle. ~ dalliance n. [french]
Dalmatian n. Large white spotted short-haired dog. [dalmatia in croatia]
Dal segno adv. Mus. Repeat from the point marked by a sign. [italian, = from the sign]
Dam1 —n. 1 barrier across river etc., forming a reservoir or preventing flooding. 2 barrier made by beaver. —v. (-mm-) 1 provide or confine with a dam. 2 (often foll. By up) block up; obstruct. [low german or dutch]
Dam2 n. Mother, esp. Of a four-footed animal. [var. Of +dame]
Damage —n. 1 harm or injury. 2 (in pl.) Law financial compensation for loss or injury. 3 (prec. By the) slang cost. —v. (-ging) inflict damage on. [latin damnum]
Damascene —v. (-ning) decorate (metal) by etching or inlaying esp. With gold or silver. —n. Design or article produced in this way. —adj. Of this process. [damascus in syria]
Damask —n. Reversible figured woven fabric, esp. White table linen. —adj. 1 made of damask. 2 velvety pink. —v. Weave with figured designs. [as +damascene]
Damask rose n. Old sweet-scented rose used to make attar.
Dame n. 1 (dame) a title given to a woman holding any of several orders of chivalry. B woman holding this title. 2 comic middle-aged female pantomime character, usu. Played by a man. 3 us slang woman. [latin domina lady]
Dame-school n. Hist. Primary school kept by an elderly woman.
Dammit int. Colloq. Damn it.
Damn —v. 1 (often absol. Or as int. Of anger or annoyance, = may god damn) curse (a person or thing). 2 doom to hell; cause the damnation of. 3 condemn, censure (review damning the book). 4 a (often as damning adj.) (of circumstance, evidence, etc.) Show or prove to be guilty. B be the ruin of. —n. 1 uttered curse. 2 slang negligible amount. —adj. & adv. Colloq. = +damned. ~ damn all slang nothing at all. Damn well colloq. (for emphasis) simply (damn well do as i say). Damn with faint praise commend feebly, and so imply disapproval. I'm (or i'll be) damned if colloq. I certainly do not, will not, etc. Not give a damn see +give. Well i'm (or i'll be) damned colloq. Exclamation of surprise etc. [latin damnum loss]
Damnable adj. Hateful, annoying. ~ damnably adv.
Damnation —n. Eternal punishment in hell. —int. Expressing anger.
Damned colloq. —attrib. Adj. Damnable. —adv. Extremely (damned hot). ~ damned well = damn well. Do one's damnedest do one's utmost.
Damp —adj. Slightly wet. —n. Slight diffused or condensed moisture, esp. When unwelcome. —v. 1 make damp; moisten. 2 (often foll. By down) a temper; mute (damps my enthusiasm). B make (a fire) burn less strongly by reducing the flow of air to it. 3 reduce or stop the vibration of (esp. Strings of a musical instrument). ~ damply adv. Dampness n. [low german]
Damp course n. (also damp-proof course) layer of waterproof material in a wall near the ground, to prevent rising damp.
Dampen v. 1 make or become damp. 2 (often foll. By down) = +damp v. 2a.
Damper n. 1 discouraging person or thing. 2 device that reduces shock or noise. 3 metal plate in a flue to control the draught. 4 mus. Pad silencing a piano string. ~ put a damper on take the vigour or enjoyment out of.
Damp squib n. Unsuccessful attempt to impress etc.
Damsel n. Archaic or literary young unmarried woman. [french diminutive: related to +dame]
Damselfly n. Insect like a dragonfly but with wings folded when resting.
Damson n. 1 (in full damson plum) small dark-purple plum. 2 dark-purple colour. [latin: related to +damascene]
Dan n. 1 grade of proficiency in judo. 2 holder of such a grade. [japanese]
Dance —v. (-cing) 1 move rhythmically, usu. To music. 2 skip or jump about. 3 perform (a specified dance, role, etc.). 4 bob up and down. 5 dandle (a child). —n. 1 a dancing as an art form. B style or form of this. 2 social gathering for dancing. 3 single round or turn of a dance. 4 music for dancing to. 5 lively motion. ~ dance attendance on serve obsequiously. Lead a person a dance (or merry dance) cause a person much trouble. ~ danceable adj. Dancer n. [french]
Dancehall n. Public hall for dancing.
D. And c. N. Dilatation (of the cervix) and curettage (of the uterus).
Dandelion n. Wild plant with jagged leaves, a yellow flower, and a fluffy seed-head. [french dent-de-lion, = lion's tooth]
Dander n. Colloq. Temper, indignation. ~ get one's dander up become angry. [origin uncertain]
Dandify v. (-ies, -ied) make a dandy.
Dandle v. (-ling) bounce (a child) on one's knees etc. [origin unknown]
Dandruff n. 1 flakes of dead skin in the hair. 2 this as a condition. [origin uncertain]
Dandy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 man greatly devoted to style and fashion. 2 colloq. Excellent thing. —adj. (-ier, -iest) esp. Us colloq. Splendid. [perhaps from the name andrew]
Dandy-brush n. Brush for grooming a horse.
Dane n. 1 native or national of denmark. 2 hist. Viking invader of england in the 9th–11th c. [old norse]
Danger list n. List of those dangerously ill.
Danger money n. Extra payment for dangerous work.
Dangerous adj. Involving or causing danger. ~ dangerously adv.
Dangle v. (-ling) 1 be loosely suspended and able to sway. 2 hold or carry thus. 3 hold out (hope, temptation, etc.) Enticingly. [imitative]
Danish —adj. Of denmark or the danes. —n. 1 danish language. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The danish people. [latin: related to +dane]
Danish blue n. White blue-veined cheese.
Danish pastry n. Yeast cake topped with icing, fruit, nuts, etc.
Dank adj. Disagreeably damp and cold. ~ dankly adv. Dankness n. [probably scandinavian]
Daphne n. Any of various flowering shrubs. [greek]
Dapper adj. 1 neat and precise, esp. In dress. 2 sprightly. [low german or dutch dapper strong]
Dapple —v. (-ling) mark or become marked with spots of colour or shade. —n. Dappled effect. [origin unknown]
Dapple-grey adj. (of an animal's coat) grey or white with darker spots.
Dapple grey n. Dapple-grey horse.
Darby and joan n. Devoted old married couple. [names of a couple in an 18th-c. Poem]
Darby and joan club n. Club for pensioners.
Dare —v. (-ring; 3rd sing. Present usu. Dare before an expressed or implied infinitive without to) 1 (foll. By infin. With or without to) have the courage or impudence (to) (dare he do it?; if they dare to come; how dare you?). 2 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Defy or challenge (i dare you to own up). —n. 1 act of daring. 2 challenge, esp. To prove courage. ~ i dare say 1 (often foll. By that) it is probable. 2 probably; i grant that much. [old english]
Daredevil —n. Recklessly daring person. —adj. Recklessly daring. ~ daredevilry n.
Daring —n. Adventurous courage. —adj. Adventurous, bold; prepared to take risks. ~ daringly adv.
Dariole n. Dish cooked and served in a small mould. [french]
Dark —adj. 1 with little or no light. 2 of deep or sombre colour. 3 (of a person) with dark colouring. 4 gloomy, dismal. 5 evil, sinister. 6 sullen, angry. 7 secret, mysterious. 8 ignorant, unenlightened. —n. 1 absence of light. 2 lack of knowledge. 3 dark area or colour, esp. In painting. ~ after dark after nightfall. The dark ages (or age) 1 period of european history from the 5th–10th c. 2 period of supposed unenlightenment. In the dark 1 lacking information. 2 with no light. ~ darkish adj. Darkly adv. Darkness n. [old english]
Darken v. Make or become dark or darker. ~ never darken a person's door keep away permanently. ~ darkener n.
Dark glasses n.pl. Spectacles with dark-tinted lenses.
Dark horse n. Little-known person who is unexpectedly successful.
Darkie var. Of +darky.
Darkroom n. Darkened room for photographic work.
Darky n. (also darkie) (pl. -ies) slang offens. Black person.
Darling —n. 1 beloved, lovable, or endearing person or thing. 2 favourite. —adj. 1 beloved, lovable. 2 colloq. Charming or pretty. [old english: related to +dear]
Darn1 —v. Mend (cloth etc.) By filling a hole with stitching. —n. Darned area. [origin uncertain]
Darn2 v., int., adj., & adv. Colloq. = +damn (in imprecatory senses). [corruption]
Darned adj. & adv. Colloq. = +damned.
Darnel n. Grass growing in cereal crops. [origin unknown]
Darner n. Needle for darning.
Darning n. 1 act of darning. 2 things to be darned.
Dart —n. 1 small pointed missile. 2 (in pl.; usu. Treated as sing.) Indoor game of throwing darts at a dartboard to score points. 3 sudden rapid movement. 4 dartlike structure, e.g. An insect's sting. 5 tapering tuck in a garment. —v. (often foll. By out, in, past, etc.) Move, send, or go suddenly or rapidly. [french from germanic]
Dartboard n. Circular target in darts.
Darwinian —adj. Of darwin's theory of evolution. —n. Adherent of this. ~ darwinism n. Darwinist n. [darwin, name of a naturalist]
Dash —v. 1 rush. 2 strike or fling forcefully, esp. So as to shatter (dashed it to the ground). 3 frustrate, dispirit (dashed their hopes). 4 colloq. (esp. Dash it or dash it all) = +damn v. 1. —n. 1 rush or onset; sudden advance. 2 horizontal stroke (–) in writing or printing to mark a pause etc. 3 impetuous vigour; capacity for or appearance of this. 4 us sprinting-race. 5 longer signal of two in morse code (cf. +dot n. 2). 6 slight admixture, esp. Of a liquid. 7 = +dashboard. ~ dash off write or draw hurriedly. [imitative]
Dashboard n. Instrument panel of a vehicle or aircraft.
Dashing adj. 1 spirited, lively. 2 showy. ~ dashingly adv. Dashingness n.
Dastardly adj. Cowardly, despicable. ~ dastardliness n. [origin uncertain]
Dat abbr. Digital audio tape.
Data n.pl. (also treated as sing., although the singular form is strictly datum) 1 known facts used for inference or in reckoning. 2 quantities or characters operated on by a computer etc. [latin data from do give]
Usage (1) in scientific, philosophical, and general use, this word is usually considered to denote a number of items and is thus treated as plural with datum as the singular. (2) in computing and allied subjects (and sometimes in general use), it is treated as a mass (or collective) noun and used with words like this, that, and much, with singular verbs, e.g. Useful data has been collected. Some people consider use (2) to be incorrect but it is more common than use (1). However, data is not a singular countable noun and cannot be preceded by a, every, each, either, or neither, or be given a plural form datas.
Data bank n. Store or source of data.
Database n. Structured set of data held in a computer.
Datable adj. (often foll. By to) capable of being dated.
Data capture n. Entering of data into a computer.
Data processing n. Series of operations on data, esp. By a computer. ~ data processor n.
Date1 —n. 1 day of the month, esp. As a number. 2 particular, esp. Historical, day or year. 3 day, month, and year of writing etc., at the head of a document etc. 4 period to which a work of art etc. Belongs. 5 time when an event takes place. 6 colloq. A appointment, esp. Social with a person of the opposite sex. B us person to be met at this. —v. (-ting) 1 mark with a date. 2 a assign a date to (an object, event, etc.). B (foll. By to) assign to a particular time, period, etc. 3 (often foll. By from, back to, etc.) Have its origins at a particular time. 4 appear or expose as old-fashioned (design that does not date; that hat dates you). 5 us colloq. A make a date with. B go out together as sexual partners. ~ out of date (attrib. Out-of-date) old-fashioned, obsolete. To date until now. Up to date (attrib. Up-to-date) modern; fashionable; current. [french: related to +data]
Date2 n. 1 dark oval single-stoned fruit. 2 (in full date-palm) tree bearing it. [greek: related to +dactyl, from the shape of the leaf]
Date-line n. 1 north–south line partly along the meridian 180° from greenwich, to the east of which the date is a day earlier than to the west. 2 date and place of writing at the head of a newspaper article etc.
Date-stamp —n. Adjustable rubber stamp etc. Used to record a date. —v. Mark with a date-stamp.
Dative gram. —n. Case expressing the indirect object or recipient. —adj. Of or in this case. [latin: related to +data]
Datum see +data.
Daub —v. 1 spread (paint etc.) Crudely or roughly. 2 coat or smear (a surface) with paint etc. 3 paint crudely or unskilfully. —n. 1 paint etc. Daubed on a surface. 2 plaster, clay, etc., esp. Coating laths or wattles to form a wall. 3 crude painting. [latin: related to +de-, +alb]
Daughter n. 1 girl or woman in relation to her parent(s). 2 female descendant. 3 (foll. By of) female member of a family etc. 4 (foll. By of) female descendant or inheritor of a quality etc. ~ daughterly adj. [old english]
Daughter-in-law n. (pl. Daughters-in-law) son's wife.
Daunt v. Discourage, intimidate. ~ daunting adj. [latin domito from domo tame]
Dauntless adj. Intrepid, persevering.
Dauphin n. Hist. Eldest son of the king of france. [french from latin delphinus +dolphin, as a family name]
Davenport n. 1 small writing-desk with a sloping top. 2 us large sofa. [name of the maker]
Davit n. Small crane on board ship, esp. For moving or holding a lifeboat. [french diminutive of david]
Davy n. (pl. -ies) (in full davy lamp) miner's safety lamp. [name of its inventor]
Davy jones n. Slang (in full davy jones's locker) bottom of the sea, esp. As the sailors' graveyard. [origin unknown]
Daw n. = +jackdaw. [old english]
Dawdle v. (-ling) 1 walk slowly and idly. 2 waste time; procrastinate. [origin unknown]
Dawn —n. 1 daybreak. 2 beginning or birth of something. —v. 1 (of a day) begin; grow light. 2 (often foll. By on, upon) begin to become obvious (to). [old english]
Dawn chorus n. Bird-song at daybreak.
Day n. 1 time between sunrise and sunset. 2 a 24 hours as a unit of time. B corresponding period on other planets (martian day). 3 daylight (clear as day). 4 time during which work is normally done (eight-hour day). 5 a (also pl.) Historical period (in those days). B (prec. By the) present time (issues of the day). 6 prime of a person's life (have had my day; in my day). 7 a future time (will do it one day). 8 date of a specific festival or event etc. (graduation day; christmas day). 9 battle or contest (win the day). ~ all in a day's work part of the normal routine. At the end of the day when all is said and done. Call it a day end a period of activity. Day after day without respite. Day and night all the time. Day by day gradually. Day in, day out routinely, constantly. Not one's day day when things go badly (for a person). One of these days soon. One of those days day when things go badly. That will be the day colloq. That will never happen. [old english]
Day-bed n. Bed for daytime rest.
Day-boy n. (also day-girl) non-boarding pupil, esp. At a boarding school.
Daybreak n. First light in the morning.
Day care n. Care of young children, the elderly, the handicapped, etc. During the working day.
Day centre n. Place for care of the elderly or handicapped during the day.
Day-dream —n. Pleasant fantasy or reverie. —v. Indulge in this. ~ day-dreamer n.
Daylight n. 1 light of day. 2 dawn. 3 visible gap, e.g. Between boats in a race. 4 (usu. In pl.) Slang life or consciousness (scared the daylights out of me; beat the living daylights out of them).
Daylight robbery n. Colloq. Blatantly excessive charge.
Daylight saving n. Longer summer evening daylight, achieved by putting clocks forward.
Day nursery n. Nursery for children of working parents.
Day off n. Day's holiday.
Day of reckoning n. Time when something must be atoned for or avenged.
Day release n. Part-time education for employees.
Day return n. Reduced fare or ticket for a return journey in one day.
Day-room n. Room, esp. In an institution, used during the day.
Day-school n. School for pupils living at home.
Daytime n. Part of the day when there is natural light.
Day-to-day adj. Mundane, routine.
Day-trip n. Trip completed in one day. ~ day-tripper n.
Daze —v. (-zing) stupefy, bewilder. —n. State of bewilderment. [old norse]
Dazzle —v. (-ling) 1 blind or confuse temporarily with a sudden bright light. 2 impress or overpower with knowledge, ability, etc. —n. Bright confusing light. ~ dazzling adj. Dazzlingly adv. [from +daze]
Db abbr. Decibel(s).
Dbs abbr. 1 direct-broadcast satellite. 2 direct broadcasting by satellite.
Dc abbr. 1 (also dc) direct current. 2 district of columbia. 3 da capo.
Dd abbr. Doctor of divinity.
D-day n. 1 day (6 june 1944) on which allied forces invaded n. France. 2 important or decisive day. [d for day]
Ddt abbr. Colourless chlorinated hydrocarbon used as insecticide. [from the chemical name]
De- prefix 1 forming verbs and their derivatives: a down, away (descend; deduct). B completely (denude). 2 added to verbs and their derivatives to form verbs and nouns implying removal or reversal (de-ice; decentralization). [latin]
Deacon n. (fem. (in senses 2 and 3) deaconess) 1 (in episcopal churches) minister below bishop and priest. 2 (in nonconformist churches) lay officer. 3 (in the early church) minister of charity. [greek diakonos servant]
Deactivate v. (-ting) make inactive or less reactive.
Dead —adj. 1 no longer alive. 2 colloq. Extremely tired or unwell. 3 numb (fingers are dead). 4 (foll. By to) insensitive to. 5 no longer effective or in use; extinct. 6 (of a match, coal, etc.) Extinguished. 7 inanimate. 8 a lacking force or vigour. B (of sound) not resonant. 9 quiet; lacking activity (dead season). 10 (of a microphone, telephone, etc.) Not transmitting sounds. 11 (of a ball in a game) out of play. 12 abrupt, complete (come to a dead stop; a dead calm; dead certainty). —adv. 1 absolutely, completely (dead on target; dead tired). 2 colloq. Very, extremely (dead easy). —n. Time of silence or inactivity (dead of night). ~ as dead as the (or a) dodo entirely obsolete. Dead to the world colloq. Fast asleep; unconscious. [old english]
Dead beat adj. Colloq. Exhausted.
Dead-beat n. Colloq. Derelict, tramp.
Dead duck n. Slang unsuccessful or useless person or thing.
Deaden v. 1 deprive of or lose vitality, force, brightness, sound, feeling, etc. 2 (foll. By to) make insensitive.
Dead end n. 1 closed end of road, passage, etc. 2 (often, with hyphen, attrib.) Hopeless situation, job, etc.
Deadhead —n. 1 faded flower-head. 2 non-paying passenger or spectator. 3 useless person. —v. Remove deadheads from (a plant).
Dead heat n. 1 race in which competitors tie. 2 result of such a race.
Dead language n. Language no longer spoken, e.g. Latin.
Dead letter n. Law or practice no longer observed or recognized.
Deadline n. Time-limit.
Deadlock —n. 1 state of unresolved conflict. 2 lock requiring a key to open or close it. —v. Bring or come to a standstill.
Dead loss n. Colloq. Useless person or thing.
Deadly —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 causing or able to cause fatal injury or serious damage. 2 intense, extreme (deadly dullness). 3 (of aim etc.) True; effective. 4 deathlike (deadly pale). 5 colloq. Dreary, dull. —adv. 1 like death; as if dead (deadly faint). 2 extremely (deadly serious).
Deadly nightshade n. Poisonous plant with purple-black berries.
Dead man's handle n. (also dead man's pedal) device on an electric train disconnecting the power supply if released.
Dead march n. Funeral march.
Dead on adj. Exactly right.
Deadpan adj. & adv. Lacking expression or emotion.
Dead reckoning n. Calculation of a ship's position from the log, compass, etc., when visibility is bad.
Dead set n. Determined attack. ~ be dead set against strongly oppose. Be dead set on be determined to do or get.
Dead shot n. Person who shoots extremely accurately.
Dead weight n. (also dead-weight) 1 a inert mass. B heavy burden. 2 debt not covered by assets. 3 total weight carried on a ship.
Dead wood n. Colloq. Useless person(s) or thing(s).
Deaf-and-dumb alphabet n. (also deaf-and-dumb language) = +sign language.
Usage sign language is the preferred term in official use.
Deafen v. (often as deafening adj.) Overpower with noise or make deaf by noise, esp. Temporarily. ~ deafeningly adv.
Deaf mute n. Deaf and dumb person.
Deal1 —v. (past and past part. Dealt) 1 (foll. By with) a take measures to resolve, placate, etc. B do business with; associate with. C discuss or treat (a subject). 2 (often foll. By by, with) behave in specified way (dealt honourably by them). 3 (foll. By in) sell (deals in insurance). 4 (often foll. By out, round) distribute to several people etc. 5 (also absol.) Distribute (cards) to players. 6 administer (was dealt a blow). 7 assign, esp. Providentially (were dealt much happiness). —n. 1 (usu. A good or great deal) colloq. A large amount (good deal of trouble). B considerably (great deal better). 2 colloq. Business arrangement; transaction. 3 specified treatment (a rough deal). 4 a dealing of cards. B player's turn to do this. [old english]
Deal2 n. 1 fir or pine timber, esp. As boards of a standard size. 2 board of this. [low german]
Dealer n. 1 trader in (esp. Retail) goods (car-dealer; dealer in tobacco). 2 player dealing at cards. 3 jobber on the stock exchange.
Usage in sense 3, this name has been merged with broker since oct. 1986 (see +broker 2, +jobber 2).
Dealings n.pl. Contacts, conduct, or transactions.
Dealt past and past part. Of +deal1.
Dean1 n. 1 a head of the chapter of a cathedral or collegiate church. B (usu. Rural dean) clergyman supervising parochial clergy. 2 a college or university official with disciplinary and advisory functions. B head of a university faculty or department or of a medical school. [latin decanus]
Dean2 var. Of +dene.
Deanery n. (pl. -ies) 1 dean's house or position. 2 parishes presided over by a rural dean.
Dear —adj. 1 a beloved or much esteemed. B as a merely polite or ironic form (my dear man). 2 as a formula of address, esp. Beginning a letter (dear sir). 3 (often foll. By to) precious; cherished. 4 (usu. In superl.) Earnest (my dearest wish). 5 a expensive. B having high prices. —n. (esp. As a form of address) dear person. —adv. At great cost (will pay dear). —int. Expressing surprise, dismay, pity, etc. (dear me!; oh dear!). ~ for dear life desperately. ~ dearly adv. [old english]
Dearie n. My dear. ~ dearie me! Int. Expressing surprise, dismay, etc.
Dearth n. Scarcity, lack.
Death n. 1 irreversible ending of life; dying or being killed. 2 instance of this. 3 destruction; ending (death of our hopes). 4 being dead (eyes closed in death). 5 (usu. Death) personification of death, esp. As a skeleton. 6 lack of spiritual life. ~ at death's door close to death. Be the death of 1 cause the death of. 2 be annoying or harmful to. Catch one's death colloq. Catch a serious chill etc. Do to death 1 kill. 2 overdo. Fate worse than death colloq. Very unpleasant experience. Put to death kill or cause to be killed. To death to the utmost, extremely (bored to death). ~ deathlike adj. [old english]
Deathbed n. Bed where a person dies.
Deathblow n. 1 blow etc. Causing death. 2 event etc. That destroys or ends something.
Death certificate n. Official statement of a person's death.
Death duty n. Hist. Property tax levied after death.
Usage this term was replaced in 1975 by capital transfer tax and in 1986 by inheritance tax.
Deathly —adj. (-ier, -iest) suggestive of death (deathly silence). —adv. In a deathly way (deathly pale).
Death-mask n. Cast taken of a dead person's face.
Death penalty n. Punishment by death.
Death rate n. Number of deaths per thousand of population per year.
Death-rattle n. Gurgling in the throat sometimes heard at death.
Death row n. Us part of a prison for those sentenced to death.
Death squad n. Armed paramilitary group.
Death-trap n. Colloq. Dangerous building, vehicle, etc.
Death-warrant n. 1 order of execution. 2 anything that causes the end of an established practice etc.
Death-watch n. (in full death-watch beetle) small beetle which makes a ticking sound, said to portend death.
Death-wish n. Psychol. Alleged usu. Unconscious desire for death.
Deb n. Colloq. Débutante. [abbreviation]
Debacle n. (brit. Débâcle) 1 a utter defeat or failure. B sudden collapse. 2 confused rush or rout. [french]
Débâcle n. (us debacle) 1 a utter defeat or failure. B sudden collapse. 2 confused rush or rout. [french]
Debag v. (-gg-) slang remove the trousers of (a person), esp. As a joke.
Debar v. (-rr-) (foll. By from) exclude; prohibit (debarred from the club). ~ debarment n. [french: related to +bar1]
Debark v. Land from a ship. ~ debarkation n. [french débarquer]
Debase v. (-sing) 1 lower in quality, value, or character. 2 depreciate (a coin) by alloying etc. ~ debasement n. [from +de-, +abase]
Debatable adj. Questionable; disputable. [related to +debate]
Debate —v. (-ting) 1 (also absol.) Discuss or dispute, esp. Formally. 2 consider aspects of (a question); ponder. —n. 1 formal discussion on a particular matter. 2 discussion (open to debate). [french: related to +battle]
Debauch —v. 1 (as debauched adj.) Dissolute. 2 corrupt, deprave. 3 debase (taste or judgement). —n. Bout of sensual indulgence. [french]
Debauchee n. Debauched person.
Debauchery n. Excessive sensual indulgence.
Debenture n. Acknowledgement of indebtedness, esp. A company bond providing for payment of interest at fixed intervals. [latin debentur are owed]
Debilitate v. (-ting) enfeeble, enervate. ~ debilitation n. [latin debilis weak]
Debility n. Feebleness, esp. Of health.
Debit —n. 1 entry in an account recording a sum owed. 2 sum recorded. 3 total of such sums. 4 debit side of an account. —v. (-t-) 1 (foll. By against, to) enter on the debit side of an account (debit £50 to my account). 2 (foll. By with) charge (a person) with a debt (debited me with £500). [latin debitum +debt]
Debonair adj. 1 cheerful, self-assured. 2 pleasant-mannered. [french]
Debouch v. 1 (of troops or a stream) come out into open ground. 2 (often foll. By into) (of a river, road, etc.) Merge into a larger body or area. ~ debouchment n. [french bouche mouth]
Debrief v. Colloq. Question (a diplomat, pilot, etc.) About a completed mission or undertaking. ~ debriefing n.
Debris n. 1 scattered fragments, esp. Of wreckage. 2 accumulation of loose rock etc. [french briser break]
Debt n. 1 money etc. Owed (debt of gratitude). 2 state of owing (in debt; get into debt). ~ in a person's debt under obligation to a person. [latin debeo debit- owe]
Debt of honour n. Debt not legally recoverable, esp. A sum lost in gambling.
Debtor n. Person owing money etc.
Debug v. (-gg-) colloq. 1 remove concealed microphones from (a room etc.). 2 remove defects from (a computer program etc.). 3 = +delouse.
Debunk v. Colloq. Expose (a person, claim, etc.) As spurious or false. ~ debunker n.
Debut n. (brit. Début) first public appearance (as a performer etc.). [french]
Début n. (us debut) first public appearance (as a performer etc.). [french]
Debutante n. (brit. Débutante) (usu. Wealthy) young woman making her social début.
Débutante n. (us debutante) (usu. Wealthy) young woman making her social début.
Dec. Abbr. December.
Deca- comb. Form ten. [greek deka ten]
Decade n. 1 period of ten years. 2 series or group of ten. [greek: related to +deca-]
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people, even though it is much used in broadcasting.
Decadence n. 1 moral or cultural decline. 2 immoral behaviour. ~ decadent adj. & n. Decadently adv. [latin: related to +decay]
Decaffeinated adj. With caffeine removed or reduced.
Decagon n. Plane figure with ten sides and angles. ~ decagonal adj. [greek: related to +deca-, -gonos -angled]
Decahedron n. Solid figure with ten faces. ~ decahedral adj. [after +polyhedron]
Decaliter n. (brit. -litre) metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.
Decalitre n. (us -liter) metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.
Decalogue n. Ten commandments. [greek: related to +deca-, logos word, reason]
Decameter n. (brit. -metre) metric unit of length, equal to 10 metres.
Decametre n. (us -meter) metric unit of length, equal to 10 metres.
Decamp v. 1 depart suddenly; abscond. 2 break up or leave camp. ~ decampment n. [french: related to +camp1]
Decanal adj. 1 of a dean. 2 of the south side of a choir (where the dean sits). [latin: related to +dean1]
Decant v. 1 gradually pour off (esp. Wine), esp. Leaving the sediment behind. 2 transfer as if by pouring. [greek kanthos lip of jug]
Decanter n. Stoppered glass container for decanted wine or spirit.
Decapitate v. (-ting) behead. ~ decapitation n. [latin: related to +capital]
Decapod n. 1 crustacean with ten limbs for walking, e.g. The shrimp. 2 ten-tentacled mollusc, e.g. The squid. [greek: related to +deca-, pous pod- foot]
Decarbonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove the carbon etc. From (an internal-combustion engine etc.). ~ decarbonization n.
Decathlon n. Athletic contest of ten events for all competitors. ~ decathlete n. [from +deca-, greek athlon contest]
Decay —v. 1 (cause to) rot or decompose. 2 decline or cause to decline in quality, power, etc. 3 (usu. Foll. By to) (of a substance) undergo change by radioactivity. —n. 1 rotten state; wasting away. 2 decline in health, quality, etc. 3 radioactive change. [latin cado fall]
Decease formal esp. Law —n. Death. —v. (-sing) die. [latin cedo go]
Deceased formal —adj. Dead. —n. (usu. Prec. By the) person who has died, esp. Recently.
Deceit n. 1 deception, esp. By concealing the truth. 2 dishonest trick. [latin capio take]
Deceitful adj. Using deceit. ~ deceitfully adv. Deceitfulness n.
Deceive v. (-ving) 1 make (a person) believe what is false; purposely mislead. 2 be unfaithful to, esp. Sexually. 3 use deceit. ~ deceive oneself persist in a mistaken belief. ~ deceiver n.
Decelerate v. (-ting) (cause to) reduce speed. ~ deceleration n. [from +de-, +accelerate]
December n. Twelfth month of the year. [latin decem ten, originally 10th month of roman year]
Decency n. (pl. -ies) 1 correct, honourable, or modest behaviour. 2 (in pl.) Proprieties; manners. [latin: related to +decent]
Decennial adj. Lasting, recurring every, ten years. [latin decem ten, annus year]
Decent adj. 1 a conforming with standards of decency. B avoiding obscenity. 2 respectable. 3 acceptable, good enough. 4 kind, obliging. ~ decently adv. [latin decet is fitting]
Decentralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 transfer (power etc.) From central to local authority. 2 reorganize to give greater local autonomy. ~ decentralization n.
Deception n. 1 deceiving or being deceived. 2 thing that deceives. [latin: related to +deceive]
Deceptive adj. Likely to deceive; misleading. ~ deceptively adv. Deceptiveness n.
Deci- comb. Form one-tenth. [latin decimus tenth]
Decibel n. Unit used in the comparison of sound levels or power levels of electrical signals.
Decide v. (-ding) 1 (usu. Foll. By to, that, or on, about) resolve after consideration (decided to stay; decided quickly; weather decided me; decided on a blue hat). 2 resolve or settle (an issue etc.). 3 (usu. Foll. By between, for, against, in favour of, or that) give a judgement. ~ decidable adj. [latin caedo cut]
Decided adj. 1 (usu. Attrib.) Definite, unquestionable (decided tilt). 2 positive, wilful, resolute.
Decidedly adv. Undoubtedly, undeniably.
Decider n. 1 game, race, etc., as a tie-break. 2 person or thing that decides.
Deciduous adj. 1 (of a tree) shedding leaves annually. 2 (of leaves, horns, teeth, etc.) Shed periodically. [latin cado fall]
Decigram n. (also decigramme) metric unit of mass, equal to 0.1 gram.
Deciliter n. (brit. -litre) metric unit of capacity, equal to 0.1 litre.
Decilitre n. (us -liter) metric unit of capacity, equal to 0.1 litre.
Decimal —adj. 1 (of a system of numbers, weights, measures, etc.) Based on the number ten. 2 of tenths or ten; reckoning or proceeding by tens. —n. Decimal fraction. [latin decem ten]
Decimal fraction n. Fraction expressed in tenths, hundredths, etc., esp. By units to the right of the decimal point (e.g. 0.61).
Decimalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 express as a decimal. 2 convert to a decimal system (esp. Of coinage). ~ decimalization n.
Decimal point n. Dot placed before the fraction in a decimal fraction.
Decimate v. (-ting) 1 destroy a large proportion of. 2 orig. Rom. Hist. Kill or remove one in every ten of. ~ decimation n.
Usage sense 1 is now the usual sense, but it is considered inappropriate by some people. This word should not be used to mean ‘defeat utterly’.
Decimeter n. (brit. -metre) metric unit of length, equal to 0.1 metre.
Decimetre n. (us -meter) metric unit of length, equal to 0.1 metre.
Decipher v. 1 convert (coded information) into intelligible language. 2 determine the meaning of (unclear handwriting etc.). ~ decipherable adj.
Decision n. 1 act or process of deciding. 2 resolution made after consideration (made my decision). 3 (often foll. By of) a settlement of a question. B formal judgement. 4 resoluteness. [latin: related to +decide]
Decisive adj. 1 conclusive, settling an issue. 2 quick to decide. ~ decisively adv. Decisiveness n. [medieval latin: related to +decide]
Deck —n. 1 a platform in a ship serving as a floor. B the accommodation on a particular deck of a ship. 2 floor or compartment of a bus etc. 3 section for playing discs or tapes etc. In a sound system. 4 esp. Us pack of cards. 5 slang ground. —v. 1 (often foll. By out) decorate. 2 provide with or cover as a deck. ~ below deck(s) in or into the space below the main deck. [dutch, = cover]
Deck-chair n. Folding garden chair of wood and canvas.
-decker comb. Form having a specified number of decks or layers (double-decker).
Deck-hand n. Cleaner on a ship's deck.
Declaim v. 1 speak or say as if addressing an audience. 2 (foll. By against) protest forcefully. ~ declamation n. Declamatory adj. [latin: related to +claim]
Declaration n. 1 declaring. 2 formal, emphatic, or deliberate statement. [latin: related to +declare]
Declare v. (-ring) 1 announce openly or formally (declare war). 2 pronounce (declared it invalid). 3 (usu. Foll. By that) assert emphatically. 4 acknowledge possession of (dutiable goods, income, etc.). 5 (as declared adj.) Admitting to be such (declared atheist). 6 (also absol.) Cricket close (an innings) voluntarily before the team is out. 7 (also absol.) Cards name (the trump suit). ~ declare oneself reveal one's intentions or identity. ~ declarative adj. Declaratory adj. Declarer n. [latin clarus clear]
Declassify v. (-ies, -ied) declare (information etc.) To be no longer secret. ~ declassification n.
Declension n. 1 gram. A variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective to show its grammatical case etc. B class of nouns with the same inflexions. 2 deterioration, declining. [latin: related to +decline]
Declination n. 1 downward bend or turn. 2 angular distance of a star etc. North or south of the celestial equator. 3 deviation of a compass needle from true north. ~ declinational adj. [latin: related to +decline]
Decline —v. (-ning) 1 deteriorate; lose strength or vigour; decrease. 2 (also absol.) Politely refuse (an invitation, challenge, etc.). 3 slope or bend downwards, droop. 4 gram. State the forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective). —n. 1 gradual loss of vigour or excellence. 2 deterioration. [latin clino bend]
Declining years n.pl. Old age.
Declivity n. (pl. -ies) downward slope. [latin clivus slope]
Declutch v. Disengage the clutch of a motor vehicle.
Decoction n. 1 boiling down to extract an essence. 2 the resulting liquid. [latin coquo boil]
Decode v. (-ding) decipher. ~ decoder n.
Decoke colloq. —v. (-king) decarbonize. —n. Process of this.
Décolletage n. Low neckline of a woman's dress etc. [french collet collar]
Décolleté adj. (also décolletée) (of a dress, woman, etc.) Having or wearing a low neckline.
Decompose v. (-sing) 1 rot. 2 separate (a substance, light, etc.) Into its elements. ~ decomposition n.
Decompress v. Subject to decompression.
Decompression n. 1 release from compression. 2 gradual reduction of high pressure on a deep-sea diver etc.
Decompression chamber n. Enclosed space for decompression.
Decompression sickness n. Condition caused by the sudden lowering of air pressure.
Decongestant n. Medicine etc. That relieves nasal congestion.
Decontaminate v. (-ting) remove contamination from. ~ decontamination n.
Décor n. Furnishing and decoration of a room, stage set, etc. [french: related to +decorate]
Decorate v. (-ting) 1 beautify, adorn. 2 paint, wallpaper, etc. (a room or building). 3 give a medal or award to. [latin decus -oris beauty]
Decorated style n. Archit. Highly ornamented late english gothic style (14th c.).
Decoration n. 1 decorating. 2 thing that decorates. 3 medal etc. Worn as an honour. 4 (in pl.) Flags, tinsel, etc., put up on a festive occasion.
Decorative adj. Pleasing in appearance. ~ decoratively adv.
Decorator n. Person who decorates for a living.
Decorous adj. Having or showing decorum. ~ decorously adv. Decorousness n. [latin decorus seemly]
Decorum n. Polite dignified behaviour. [as +decorous]
Decoy —n. Person or thing used as a lure; bait, enticement. —v. Lure, esp. Using a decoy. [dutch]
Decrease —v. (-sing) make or become smaller or fewer. —n. 1 decreasing. 2 amount of this. ~ decreasingly adv. [latin: related to +de-, cresco grow]
Decree —n. 1 official legal order. 2 legal judgement or decision, esp. In divorce cases. —v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) ordain by decree. [latin decretum from cerno sift]
Decree absolute n. Final order for completion of a divorce.
Decree nisi n. Provisional order for divorce, made absolute after a fixed period. [latin nisi unless]
Decrepit adj. 1 weakened by age or infirmity. 2 dilapidated. ~ decrepitude n. [latin crepo creak]
Decrescendo adv., adj., & n. (pl. -s) = +diminuendo. [italian: related to +decrease]
Decretal n. Papal decree. [latin: related to +decree]
Decriminalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) cease to treat as criminal. ~ decriminalization n.
Decry v. (-ies, -ied) disparage, belittle.
Dedicate v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) 1 devote (esp. Oneself) to a special task or purpose. 2 address (a book etc.) To a friend, patron, etc. 3 devote (a building etc.) To a deity, saint, etc. 4 (as dedicated adj.) A (of a person) single-mindedly loyal to an aim, vocation, etc. B (of equipment, esp.
Dedication n. 1 dedicating or being dedicated. 2 words with which a book etc. Is dedicated. [latin: related to +dedicate]
Deduce v. (-cing) (often foll. By from) infer logically. ~ deducible adj. [latin duco duct- lead]
Deduct v. (often foll. By from) subtract, take away, or withhold (an amount, portion, etc.). [related to +deduce]
Deductible adj. That may be deducted, esp. From tax or taxable income.
Deduction n. 1 a deducting. B amount deducted. 2 a inferring of particular instances from a general law or principle. B conclusion deduced. [latin: related to +deduce]
Deductive adj. Of or reasoning by deduction. ~ deductively adv. [medieval latin: related to +deduce]
Dee n. 1 letter d. 2 thing shaped like this. [name of the letter d]
Deed n. 1 thing done intentionally or consciously. 2 brave, skilful, or conspicuous act. 3 action (kind in word and deed). 4 legal document used esp. For transferring ownership of property. [old english: related to +do1]
Deed-box n. Strong box for deeds etc.
Deed of covenant n. Agreement to pay a regular sum, esp. To charity.
Deed poll n. Deed made by one party only, esp. To change one's name.
Deem v. Formal consider, judge (deem it my duty). [old english]
Deemster n. Judge in the isle of man. [from +deem]
Deep —adj. 1 extending far down or in (deep water; deep wound; deep shelf). 2 (predic.) A to or at a specified depth (water 6 feet deep). B in a specified number of ranks (soldiers drawn up six deep). 3 situated or coming from far down, back, or in (deep in his pockets; deep sigh). 4 low-pitched, full-toned (deep voice). 5 intense, extreme (deep sleep; deep colour; deep interest). 6 (predic.) Fully absorbed or overwhelmed (deep in a book; deep in debt). 7 profound; difficult to understand (too deep for me). —n. 1 (prec. By the) poet. Sea, esp. When deep. 2 abyss, pit, cavity. 3 (prec. By the) cricket position of a fielder distant from the batsman. 4 deep state (deep of the night). —adv. Deeply; far down or in (dig deep). ~ go off the deep end colloq. Give way to anger or emotion. In deep water in trouble or difficulty. ~ deeply adv. [old english]
Deep breathing n. Breathing with long breaths, esp. As exercise.
Deepen v. Make or become deep or deeper.
Deep-freeze —n. Cabinet for freezing and keeping food for long periods. —v. Freeze or store in a deep-freeze.
Deep-fry v. Immerse in boiling fat to cook.
Deep-laid adj. (of a scheme) secret and elaborate.
Deep-rooted adj. (also deep-seated) firmly established, profound.
Deer n. (pl. Same) four-hoofed grazing animal, the male of which usu. Has antlers. [old english]
Deerskin n. (often attrib.) Leather from a deer's skin.
Deerstalker n. Soft cloth peaked cap with ear-flaps.
De-escalate v. Make or become less intense. ~ de-escalation n.
Def adj. Slang excellent. [perhaps from +definite or +definitive]
Deface v. (-cing) disfigure. ~ defacement n. [french: related to +face]
De facto —adv. In fact (whether by right or not). —adj. Existing or so in fact (a de facto ruler). [latin]
Defalcate v. (-ting) formal misappropriate, esp. Money. ~ defalcator n. [latin defalcare lop, from falx sickle]
Defalcation n. Formal 1 a misappropriation of money. B amount misappropriated. 2 shortcoming.
Defame v. (-ming) libel; slander; speak ill of. ~ defamation n. Defamatory adj. [latin fama report]
Default —n. 1 failure to appear, pay, or act as one should. 2 preselected option adopted by a computer program when no alternative is specified. —v. Fail to fulfil (esp. A legal) obligation. ~ by default because of lack of an alternative or opposition. In default of because of the absence of. ~ defaulter n. [french: related to +fail]
Defeat —v. 1 overcome in battle, a contest, etc. 2 frustrate, baffle. 3 reject (a motion etc.) By voting. —n. Defeating or being defeated. [latin: related to +dis-, +fact]
Defeatism n. Excessive readiness to accept defeat. ~ defeatist n. & adj.
Defecate v. (-ting) evacuate the bowels. ~ defecation n. [latin faex faecis dregs]
Defect —n. Fault, imperfection, shortcoming. —v. Leave one's country or cause for another. ~ defection n. Defector n. [latin deficio -fect- fail]
Defective adj. Having defect(s); imperfect. ~ defectiveness n. [latin: related to +defect]
Defence n. (us defense) 1 defending, protection. 2 means of this. 3 (in pl.) Fortifications. 4 justification, vindication. 5 defendant's case or counsel in a lawsuit. 6 defending play or players. ~ defenceless adj. Defencelessly adv. Defencelessness n. [related to +defend]
Defence mechanism n. 1 body's resistance to disease. 2 usu. Unconscious mental process to avoid anxiety.
Defend v. (also absol.) 1 (often foll. By against, from) resist an attack made on; protect. 2 uphold by argument. 3 conduct a defence in a lawsuit. 4 compete to retain (a title etc.) In a contest. ~ defender n. [latin defendo -fens-]
Defendant n. Person etc. Sued or accused in a lawcourt. [french: related to +defend]
Defense n. (brit. Defence) 1 defending, protection. 2 means of this. 3 (in pl.) Fortifications. 4 justification, vindication. 5 defendant's case or counsel in a lawsuit. 6 defending play or players. ~ defenceless adj. Defencelessly adv. Defencelessness n. [related to +defend]
Defensible adj. 1 justifiable; supportable by argument. 2 able to be defended militarily. ~ defensibility n. Defensibly adv. [latin: related to +defend]
Defensive adj. 1 done or intended for defence. 2 over-reacting to criticism. ~ on the defensive 1 expecting criticism. 2 mil ready to defend. ~ defensively adv. Defensiveness n. [medieval latin: related to +defend]
Defer1 v. (-rr-) postpone. ~ deferment n. Deferral n. [originally the same as +differ]
Defer2 v. (-rr-) (foll. By to) yield or make concessions to. [latin defero carry away]
Deference n. 1 courteous regard, respect. 2 compliance with another's wishes. ~ in deference to out of respect for.
Deferential adj. Respectful. ~ deferentially adv.
Deferred payment n. Payment by instalments.
Defiance n. Open disobedience; bold resistance. [french: related to +defy]
Defiant adj. Showing defiance; disobedient. ~ defiantly adv.
Deficiency n. (pl. -ies) 1 being deficient. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) lack or shortage. 3 thing lacking. 4 deficit, esp. Financial.
Deficiency disease n. Disease caused by the lack of an essential element of diet.
Deficient adj. (often foll. By in) incomplete or insufficient in quantity, quality, etc. [latin: related to +defect]
Deficit n. 1 amount by which a thing (esp. Money) is too small. 2 excess of liabilities over assets. [french from latin: related to +defect]
Defile1 v. (-ling) 1 make dirty; pollute. 2 desecrate, profane. ~ defilement n. [earlier defoul, from french defouler trample down]
Defile2 —n. Narrow gorge or pass. —v. (-ling) march in file. [french: related to +file1]
Define v. (-ning) 1 give the meaning of (a word etc.). 2 describe or explain the scope of (define one's position). 3 outline clearly (well-defined image). 4 mark out the boundary of. ~ definable adj. [latin finis end]
Definite adj. 1 certain, sure. 2 clearly defined; not vague; precise. ~ definitely adv. [latin: related to +define]
Definition n. 1 a defining. B statement of the meaning of a word etc. 2 distinctness in outline, esp. Of a photographic image. [latin: related to +define]
Definitive adj. 1 (of an answer, verdict, etc.) Decisive, unconditional, final. 2 (of a book etc.) Most authoritative.
Usage in sense 1, this word is often confused with definite, which does not imply authority and conclusiveness. A definite no is a firm refusal, while a definitive no is an authoritative judgement or decision that something is not the case.
Deflate v. (-ting) 1 empty (a tyre, balloon, etc.) Of air, gas, etc.; be so emptied. 2 (cause to) lose confidence or conceit. 3 a subject (a currency or economy) to deflation. B pursue this as a policy. [from +de-, +inflate]
Deflation n. 1 deflating or being deflated. 2 reduction of money in circulation, intended to combat inflation. ~ deflationary adj.
Deflect v. 1 bend or turn aside from a course or purpose. 2 (often foll. By from) (cause to) deviate. ~ deflection n. (also deflexion). Deflector n. [latin flecto bend]
Deflower v. Literary 1 deprive of virginity. 2 ravage, spoil. [latin: related to +flower]
Defoliate v. (-ting) destroy the leaves of (trees or plants). ~ defoliant n. Defoliation n. [latin: related to +foil2]
Deforest v. Clear of forests or trees. ~ deforestation n.
Deform v. Make ugly or misshapen, disfigure. ~ deformation n. [latin: related to +form]
Deformed adj. (of a person or limb) misshapen.
Deformity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being deformed. 2 malformation, esp. Of a body or limb.
Defraud v. (often foll. By of) cheat by fraud. [latin: related to +fraud]
Defray v. Provide money for (a cost or expense). ~ defrayal n. Defrayment n. [medieval latin fredum fine]
Defrock v. Deprive (esp. A priest) of office. [french: related to +de-, +frock]
Defrost v. 1 remove frost or ice from (a refrigerator, windscreen, etc.). 2 unfreeze (frozen food). 3 become unfrozen.
Deft adj. Neat; dexterous; adroit. ~ deftly adv. Deftness n. [var. Of +daft = ‘meek’]
Defunct adj. 1 no longer existing or used. 2 dead or extinct. ~ defunctness n. [latin fungor perform]
Defuse v. (-sing) 1 remove the fuse from (a bomb etc.). 2 reduce tension etc. In (a crisis, difficulty, etc.).
Defy v. (-ies, -ied) 1 resist openly; refuse to obey. 2 (of a thing) present insuperable obstacles to (defies solution). 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Challenge (a person) to do or prove something. [latin fides faith]
Degenerate —adj. 1 having lost its usual or good qualities; immoral, degraded. 2 biol. Having changed to a lower type. —n. Degenerate person or animal. —v. (-ting) become degenerate. ~ degeneracy n. [latin genus race]
Degeneration n. 1 becoming degenerate. 2 med. Morbid deterioration of body tissue etc. [latin: related to +degenerate]
Degrade v. (-ding) 1 humiliate, dishonour. 2 reduce to a lower rank. 3 chem. Reduce to a simpler molecular structure. ~ degradation n. Degrading adj. [latin: related to +grade]
Degree n. 1 stage in a scale, series, or process. 2 stage in intensity or amount (in some degree). 3 unit of measurement of an angle or arc. 4 unit in a scale of temperature, hardness, etc. 5 extent of burns. 6 academic rank conferred by a polytechnic, university, etc. 7 grade of crime (first-degree murder). 8 step in direct genealogical descent. 9 social rank. ~ by degrees gradually. [latin gradus step]
Degrees of comparison see +comparison 4.
Dehisce v. (-cing) (esp. Of a pod, cut, etc.) Gape or burst open. ~ dehiscence n. Dehiscent adj. [latin hio gape]
Dehumanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 take human qualities away from. 2 make impersonal. ~ dehumanization n.
Dehydrate v. (-ting) 1 remove water from (esp. Foods). 2 make or become dry, esp. Too dry. ~ dehydration n. [greek hudor water]
De-ice v. 1 remove ice from. 2 prevent the formation of ice on. ~ de-icer n.
Deify v. (-ies, -ied) make a god or idol of. ~ deification n. [latin deus god]
Deign v. (foll. By to + infin.) Think fit, condescend. [latin dignus worthy]
Deinstitutionalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (usu. As deinstitutionalized adj.) Remove from an institution or help recover from the effects of institutional life. ~ deinstitutionalization n.
Deism n. Reasoned belief in the existence of a god. ~ deist n. Deistic adj. [latin deus god]
Deity n. (pl. -ies) 1 god or goddess. 2 divine status or nature. 3 (the deity) god. [french from church latin]
Déjà vu n. 1 feeling of having already experienced the present situation. 2 something tediously familiar. [french, = already seen]
Deject v. (usu. As dejected adj.) Make sad; depress. ~ dejectedly adv. Dejection n. [latin jacio throw]
De jure —adj. Rightful. —adv. Rightfully; by right. [latin]
Dekko n. (pl. -s) slang look, glance. [hindi]
Delay —v. 1 postpone; defer. 2 make or be late; loiter. —n. 1 delaying or being delayed. 2 time lost by this. 3 hindrance. [french]
Delayed-action attrib. Adj. (esp. Of a bomb, camera, etc.) Operating after a set interval.
Delectable adj. Esp. Literary delightful, delicious. ~ delectably adv. [latin: related to +delight]
Delectation n. Literary pleasure, enjoyment.
Delegate —n. 1 elected representative sent to a conference. 2 member of a committee or delegation. —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to) a commit (power etc.) To an agent or deputy. B entrust (a task) to another. 2 send or authorize (a person) as a representative. [latin: related to +legate]
Delegation n. 1 group representing others. 2 delegating or being delegated.
Delete v. (-ting) remove (a letter, word, etc.), esp. By striking out. ~ deletion n. [latin deleo]
Deleterious adj. Harmful. [latin from greek]
Delft n. (also delftware) glazed, usu. Blue and white, earthenware. [delft in holland]
Deli n. (pl. -s) colloq. Delicatessen shop. [abbreviation]
Deliberate —adj. 1 a intentional. B considered; careful. 2 (of movement, thought, etc.) Unhurried; cautious. —v. (-ting) 1 think carefully; consider. 2 discuss (jury deliberated). ~ deliberately adv. [latin libra balance]
Deliberation n. 1 careful consideration; discussion. 2 careful slowness.
Deliberative adj. (esp. Of an assembly etc.) Of or for deliberation or debate.
Delicacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 being delicate (in all senses). 2 a choice food. [from +delicate]
Delicate adj. 1 a fine in texture, quality, etc.; slender, slight. B (of a colour, flavour, etc.) Subtle, hard to discern. 2 susceptible; weak, tender. 3 a requiring tact; tricky (delicate situation). B (of an instrument) highly sensitive. 4 deft (delicate touch). 5 modest. 6 (esp. Of actions) considerate. ~ delicately adv. [latin]
Delicatessen n. 1 shop selling esp. Exotic cooked meats, cheeses, etc. 2 (often attrib.) Such foods. [french: related to +delicate]
Delicious adj. Highly enjoyable, esp. To taste or smell. ~ deliciously adv. [latin deliciae delights]
Delight —v. 1 (often as delighted adj.) Please greatly (her singing delighted us; delighted to help). 2 (foll. By in) take great pleasure in (delights in surprising everyone). —n. 1 great pleasure. 2 thing that delights. ~ delighted adj. Delightful adj. Delightfully adv. [latin delecto]
Delimit v. (-t-) fix the limits or boundary of. ~ delimitation n. [latin: related to +limit]
Delineate v. (-ting) portray by drawing etc. Or in words. ~ delineation n. [latin: related to +line1]
Delinquent —n. Offender (juvenile delinquent). —adj. 1 guilty of a minor crime or misdeed. 2 failing in one's duty. ~ delinquency n. [latin delinquo offend]
Deliquesce v. (-cing) 1 become liquid, melt. 2 dissolve in water absorbed from the air. ~ deliquescence n. Deliquescent adj. [latin: related to +liquid]
Delirious adj. 1 affected with delirium. 2 wildly excited, ecstatic. ~ deliriously adv.
Delirium n. 1 disorder involving incoherent speech, hallucinations, etc., caused by intoxication, fever, etc. 2 great excitement, ecstasy. [latin lira ridge between furrows]
Delirium tremens n. Psychosis of chronic alcoholism involving tremors and hallucinations.
Deliver v. 1 a distribute (letters, goods, etc.) To their destination(s). B (often foll. By to) hand over. 2 (often foll. By from) save, rescue, or set free. 3 a give birth to (delivered a girl). B assist at the birth of or in giving birth (delivered six babies). 4 utter (an opinion, speech, etc.). 5 (often foll. By up, over) abandon; resign (delivered his soul up). 6 launch or aim (a blow etc.). ~ be delivered of give birth to. Deliver the goods colloq. Carry out an undertaking. [latin liber free]
Deliverance n. Rescuing or being rescued.
Delivery n. (pl. -ies) 1 delivering or being delivered. 2 regular distribution of letters etc. (two deliveries a day). 3 thing delivered. 4 childbirth. 5 deliverance. 6 style of throwing a ball, delivering a speech, etc. [anglo-french: related to +deliver]
Dell n. Small usu. Wooded valley. [old english]
Delouse v. (-sing) rid of lice.
Delphic adj. (also delphian) 1 obscure, ambiguous, or enigmatic. 2 of the ancient greek oracle at delphi.
Delphinium n. (pl. -s) garden plant with tall spikes of usu. Blue flowers. [greek: related to +dolphin]
Delta n. 1 triangular area of earth, alluvium etc. At the mouth of a river, formed by its diverging outlets. 2 a fourth letter of the greek alphabet (d, d). B fourth-class mark for work etc. [greek]
Delta wing n. Triangular swept-back wing of an aircraft.
Delude v. (-ding) deceive, mislead. [latin ludo mock]
Deluge —n. 1 great flood. 2 (the deluge) biblical flood (gen. 6-8). 3 overwhelming rush. 4 heavy fall of rain. —v. (-ging) flood or inundate (deluged with complaints). [latin diluvium]
Delusion n. 1 false belief, hope, etc. 2 hallucination. ~ delusive adj. Delusory adj. [related to +delude]
De luxe adj. Luxurious; superior; sumptuous. [french, = of luxury]
Delve v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By in, into) search or research energetically or deeply (delved into his pocket, his family history). 2 poet. Dig. [old english]
Demagnetize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove the magnetic properties of. ~ demagnetization n.
Demagog n. (brit. -gogue) political agitator appealing to mob instincts. ~ demagogic adj. Demagogy n. [greek, = leader of the people]
Demagogue n. (us -gog) political agitator appealing to mob instincts. ~ demagogic adj. Demagogy n. [greek, = leader of the people]
Demand —n. 1 insistent and peremptory request. 2 desire for a commodity (no demand for fur coats). 3 urgent claim (makes demands on her). —v. 1 (often foll. By of, from, or to + infin., or that + clause) ask for insistently (demanded to know). 2 require (task demanding skill). 3 insist on being told (demanded her age). 4 (as demanding adj.) Requiring skill, effort, attention, etc. (demanding job; demanding child). ~ in demand sought after. On demand as soon as requested (payable on demand). [french from latin: related to +mandate]
Demand feeding n. Feeding a baby when it cries.
Demarcation n. 1 marking of a boundary or limits. 2 trade-union practice of restricting a specific job to one union. ~ demarcate v. (-ting). [spanish marcar +mark1]
Dematerialize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or become non-material; vanish. ~ dematerialization n.
Demean v. (usu. Refl.) Lower the dignity of (would not demean myself). [from +mean2]
Demeanor n. (brit. Demeanour) outward behaviour or bearing. [latin minor threaten]
Demeanour n. (us demeanor) outward behaviour or bearing. [latin minor threaten]
Demented adj. Mad. ~ dementedly adv. [latin mens mind]
Dementia n. Chronic insanity. [latin: related to +demented]
Dementia praecox n. Formal schizophrenia.
Demerara n. Light-brown cane sugar. [demerara in guyana]
Demerger n. Dissolution of a commercial merger. ~ demerge v. (-ging).
Demerit n. Fault; blemish.
Demesne n. 1 a territory; domain. B land attached to a mansion etc. C landed property. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) region or sphere. 3 law hist. Possession (of real property) as one's own. [latin dominicus from dominus lord]
Demi- prefix half; partly. [latin dimidius half]
Demigod n. 1 a partly divine being. B child of a god or goddess and a mortal. 2 colloq. Godlike person.
Demijohn n. Large bottle usu. In a wicker cover. [french]
Demilitarize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove an army etc. From (a frontier, zone, etc.). ~ demilitarization n.
Demi-monde n. 1 class of women considered to be of doubtful morality. 2 any semi-respectable group. [french, = half-world]
Demise —n. 1 death; termination. 2 law transfer of an estate, title, etc. By demising. —v. (-sing) law transfer (an estate, title, etc.) By will, lease, or death. [anglo-french: related to +dismiss]
Demisemiquaver n. Mus. Note equal to half a semiquaver.
Demist v. Clear mist from (a windscreen etc.). ~ demister n.
Demo n. (pl. -s) colloq. = +demonstration 2, 3. [abbreviation]
Demob colloq. —v. (-bb-) demobilize. —n. Demobilization. [abbreviation]
Demobilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) disband (troops, ships, etc.). ~ demobilization n.
Democracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a government by the whole population, usu. Through elected representatives. B state so governed. 2 classless and tolerant society. [greek demokratia rule of the people]
Democrat n. 1 advocate of democracy. 2 (democrat) (in the us) member of the democratic party.
Democratic adj. 1 of, like, practising, or being a democracy. 2 favouring social equality. ~ democratically adv.
Democratic party n. More liberal of the two main us political parties.
Democratize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make democratic. ~ democratization n.
Demodulate v. (-ting) extract (a modulating signal) from its carrier. ~ demodulation n.
Demography n. The study of the statistics of births, deaths, disease, etc. ~ demographic adj. Demographically adv. [greek demos the people, +-graphy]
Demolish v. 1 a pull down (a building). B destroy. 2 overthrow (an institution). 3 refute (an argument, theory, etc.). 4 joc. Eat up voraciously. ~ demolition n. [latin moles mass]
Demon n. 1 a evil spirit or devil. B personification of evil passion. 2 (often attrib.) Forceful or skilful performer (demon player). 3 cruel person. 4 (also daemon) supernatural being in ancient greece. ~ demonic adj. [greek daimon deity]
Demonetize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) withdraw (a coin etc.) From use. ~ demonetization n. [french: related to +de-, +money]
Demoniac —adj. 1 fiercely energetic or frenzied. 2 supposedly possessed by an evil spirit. 3 of or like demons. —n. Demoniac person. ~ demoniacal adj. Demoniacally adv. [church latin: related to +demon]
Demonism n. Belief in demons.
Demonolatry n. Worship of demons. [from +demon, greek latreuo worship]
Demonology n. The study of demons etc.
Demonstrable adj. Able to be shown or proved. ~ demonstrably adv.
Demonstrate v. (-ting) 1 show (feelings etc.). 2 describe and explain by experiment, practical use, etc. 3 logically prove or be proof of the truth or existence of. 4 take part in a public demonstration. 5 act as a demonstrator. [latin monstro show]
Demonstration n. 1 (foll. By of) show of feeling etc. 2 (esp. Political) public meeting, march, etc. 3 the exhibiting etc. Of specimens or experiments in esp. Scientific teaching. 4 proof by logic, argument, etc. 5 mil. Display of military force.
Demonstrative adj. 1 showing feelings readily; affectionate. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) logically conclusive; giving proof (demonstrative of their skill). 3 gram. (of an adjective or pronoun) indicating the person or thing referred to (e.g. This, that, those). ~ demonstratively adv. Demonstrativeness n.
Demonstrator n. 1 person who demonstrates politically. 2 person who demonstrates machines etc. To prospective customers. 3 person who teaches by esp. Scientific demonstration.
Demoralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) destroy the morale of; dishearten. ~ demoralization n. [french]
Demote v. (-ting) reduce to a lower rank or class. ~ demotion n. [from +de-, +promote]
Demotic —n. 1 colloquial form of a language. 2 simplified form of ancient egyptian writing (cf. +hieratic). —adj. 1 (esp. Of language) colloquial or vulgar. 2 of ancient egyptian or modern greek demotic. [greek demos the people]
Demotivate v. (-ting) (also absol.) Cause to lose motivation or incentive. ~ demotivation n.
Demur —v. (-rr-) 1 (often foll. By to, at) raise objections. 2 law put in a demurrer. —n. (usu. In neg.) Objection; objecting (agreed without demur). [latin moror delay]
Demure adj. (demurer, demurest) 1 quiet, reserved; modest. 2 coy. ~ demurely adv. Demureness n. [french: related to +demur]
Demurrer n. Law objection raised or exception taken.
Demystify v. (-ies, -ied) remove the mystery from; clarify. ~ demystification n.
Den n. 1 wild animal's lair. 2 place of crime or vice (opium den). 3 small private room. [old english]
Denarius n. (pl. Denarii) ancient roman silver coin. [latin deni by tens]
Denary adj. Of ten; decimal.
Denationalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) transfer (an industry etc.) From public to private ownership. ~ denationalization n.
Denature v. (-ring) 1 change the properties of (a protein etc.) By heat, acidity, etc. 2 make (alcohol) undrinkable. [french]
Dendrochronology n. 1 dating of trees by their annual growth rings. 2 the study of these. [greek dendron tree]
Dendrology n. The study of trees. ~ dendrological adj. Dendrologist n. [greek dendron tree]
Dene n. (also dean) narrow wooded valley. [old english]
Dengue n. Infectious tropical viral fever. [w. Indian spanish from swahili]
Deniable adj. That may be denied.
Denial n. 1 denying the truth or existence of a thing. 2 refusal of a request or wish. 3 disavowal of a leader etc.
Denier n. Unit of weight measuring the fineness of silk, nylon, etc. [originally the name of a small coin, from latin +denarius]
Denigrate v. (-ting) blacken the reputation of. ~ denigration n. Denigrator n. Denigratory adj. [latin niger black]
Denim n. 1 (often attrib.) Hard-wearing usu. Blue cotton twill used for jeans, overalls, etc. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Jeans etc. Made of this. [french de of, nîmes in france]
Denizen n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) inhabitant or occupant. 2 foreigner having certain rights in an adopted country. 3 naturalized foreign word, animal, or plant. [latin de intus from within]
Denominate v. (-ting) give a name to, call, describe as. [latin: related to +nominate]
Denomination n. 1 church or religious sect. 2 class of measurement or money. 3 name, esp. A characteristic or class name. ~ denominational adj. [latin: related to +denominate]
Denominator n. Number below the line in a vulgar fraction; divisor. [latin nomen name]
Denote v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By that) be a sign of; indicate; mean. 2 stand as a name for; signify. ~ denotation n. [latin: related to +note]
Denouement n. (also dénouement) 1 final unravelling of a plot or complicated situation. 2 final scene in a play, novel, etc. [french, from latin nodus knot]
Denounce v. (-cing) 1 accuse publicly; condemn. 2 inform against. 3 announce withdrawal from (an armistice, treaty, etc.). ~ denouncement n. [latin nuntius messenger]
De novo adv. Starting again; anew. [latin]
Dense adj. 1 closely compacted; crowded together; thick. 2 colloq. Stupid. ~ densely adv. Denseness n. [latin densus]
Density n. (pl. -ies) 1 denseness of thing(s) or a substance. 2 physics degree of consistency measured by the quantity of mass per unit volume. 3 opacity of a photographic image.
Dent —n. 1 slight hollow as made by a blow or pressure. 2 noticeable adverse effect (dent in our funds). —v. 1 mark with a dent. 2 adversely affect. [from +indent]
Dental adj. 1 of the teeth or dentistry. 2 (of a consonant) produced with the tongue-tip against the upper front teeth (as th) or the ridge of the teeth (as n, s, t). [latin dens dent- tooth]
Dental floss n. Thread used to clean between the teeth.
Dental surgeon n. Dentist.
Dentate adj. Bot. & zool. Toothed; with toothlike notches.
Dentifrice n. Toothpaste or tooth powder. [latin: related to +dental, frico rub]
Dentin n. (brit. Dentine) hard dense tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.
Dentine n. (us dentin) hard dense tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.
Dentist n. Person qualified to treat, extract, etc., teeth. ~ dentistry n.
Dentition n. 1 type, number, and arrangement of teeth in a species etc. 2 teething.
Denture n. Removable artificial tooth or teeth.
Denuclearize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove nuclear weapons from (a country etc.). ~ denuclearization n.
Denude v. (-ding) 1 make naked or bare. 2 (foll. By of) strip of (covering, property, etc.). ~ denudation n. [latin nudus naked]
Denunciation n. Denouncing; public condemnation. [latin: related to +denounce]
Deny v. (-ies, -ied) 1 declare untrue or non-existent. 2 repudiate or disclaim. 3 (often foll. By to) withhold (a thing) from (denied him the satisfaction; denied it to me). ~ deny oneself be abstinent. [latin: related to +negate]
Deodar n. Himalayan cedar. [sanskrit, = divine tree]
Deodorant n. (often attrib.) Substance applied to the body or sprayed into the air to conceal smells. [related to +odour]
Deodorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove or destroy the smell of. ~ deodorization n.
Deoxyribonucleic acid see +dna. [from +de-, +oxygen, +ribonucleic acid]
Dep. Abbr. 1 departs. 2 deputy.
Depart v. 1 a (often foll. By from) go away; leave. B (usu. Foll. By for) start; set out. 2 (usu. Foll. By from) deviate (departs from good taste). 3 esp. Formal or literary leave by death; die (departed this life). [latin dispertio divide]
Departed —adj. Bygone. —n. (prec. By the) euphem. Dead person or people.
Department n. 1 separate part of a complex whole, esp.: a a branch of administration (housing department). B a division of a school, college, etc., by subject (physics department). C a section of a large store (hardware department). 2 colloq. Area of special expertise. 3 administrative district, esp. In france. [french: related to +depart]
Departmental adj. Of a department. ~ departmentally adv.
Department store n. Large shop with many departments.
Departure n. 1 departing. 2 (often foll. By from) deviation (from the truth, a standard, etc.). 3 (often attrib.) Departing of a train, aircraft, etc. (departure lounge). 4 new course of action or thought (driving is rather a departure for him).
Depend v. 1 (often foll. By on, upon) be controlled or determined by (it depends on luck). 2 (foll. By on, upon) a need (depends on his car). B rely on (i'm depending on good weather). [latin pendeo hang]
Dependable adj. Reliable. ~ dependability n. Dependableness n. Dependably adv.
Dependant n. (us dependent) person supported, esp. Financially, by another. [french: related to +depend]
Dependence n. 1 depending or being dependent, esp. Financially. 2 reliance; trust.
Dependency n. (pl. -ies) country or province controlled by another.
Dependent —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) depending, conditional. 2 unable to do without (esp. A drug). 3 maintained at another's cost. 4 (of a clause etc.) Subordinate to a sentence or word. —n. Us var. Of +dependant.
Depict v. 1 represent in drawing or painting etc. 2 portray in words; describe. ~ depicter n. (also -tor). Depiction n. [latin: related to +picture]
Depilate v. (-ting) remove hair from. ~ depilation n. [latin pilus hair]
Depilatory —adj. Removing unwanted hair. —n. (pl. -ies) depilatory substance.
Deplete v. (-ting) (esp. In passive) reduce in numbers, force, or quantity; exhaust. ~ depletion n. [latin pleo fill]
Deplorable adj. Exceedingly bad. ~ deplorably adv.
Deplore v. (-ring) 1 regret deeply. 2 find exceedingly bad. [latin ploro wail]
Deploy v. 1 spread out (troops) into a line ready for action. 2 use (arguments, forces, etc.) Effectively. ~ deployment n. [latin plico fold]
Depoliticize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make non-political. ~ depoliticization n.
Deponent —adj. (of esp. A latin or greek verb) passive in form but active in meaning. —n. 1 deponent verb. 2 person making deposition under oath. [latin depono put down, lay aside]
Depopulate v. (-ting) reduce the population of. ~ depopulation n.
Deport v. 1 remove forcibly or exile to another country; banish. 2 refl. Behave (in a specified manner) (deported himself well). ~ deportation n. (in sense 1). [latin porto carry]
Deportee n. Deported person.
Deportment n. Bearing, demeanour. [french: related to +deport]
Depose v. (-sing) 1 remove from office, esp. Dethrone. 2 law (usu. Foll. By to, or that + clause) testify, esp. On oath. [french from latin: related to +deposit]
Deposit —n. 1 a money in a bank account. B anything stored for safe keeping. 2 a payment made as a pledge for a contract or as an initial part payment for a thing bought. B returnable sum paid on the hire of an item. 3 a natural layer of sand, rock, coal, etc. B layer of accumulated matter on a surface. —v. (-t-) 1 a put or lay down (deposited the book on the shelf). B (of water etc.) Leave (matter etc.) Lying. 2 a store or entrust for keeping. B pay (a sum of money) into a bank account. 3 pay (a sum) as part of a larger sum or as a pledge for a contract. [latin pono posit- put]
Deposit account n. Bank account that pays interest but is not usu. Immediately accessible.
Depositary n. (pl. -ies) person to whom a thing is entrusted. [latin: related to +deposit]
Deposition n. 1 deposing, esp. Dethronement. 2 sworn evidence; giving of this. 3 (the deposition) taking down of christ from the cross. 4 depositing or being deposited. [latin: related to +deposit]
Depositor n. Person who deposits money, property, etc.
Depository n. (pl. -ies) 1 a storehouse. B store (of wisdom, knowledge, etc.). 2 = +depositary. [latin: related to +deposit]
Depot n. 1 a storehouse, esp. For military supplies. B headquarters of a regiment. 2 a place where vehicles, e.g. Buses, are kept. B us railway or bus station. [french: related to +deposit]
Deprave v. (-ving) corrupt, esp. Morally. [latin pravus crooked]
Depravity n. (pl. -ies) moral corruption; wickedness.
Deprecate v. (-ting) express disapproval of; deplore. ~ deprecation n. Deprecatory adj. [latin: related to +pray]
Usage deprecate is often confused with depreciate.
Depreciate v. (-ting) 1 diminish in value. 2 belittle. ~ depreciatory adj. [latin: related to +price]
Usage depreciate is often confused with deprecate.
Depreciation n. 1 a decline in value, esp. Due to wear and tear. B allowance made for this. 2 belittlement.
Depredation n. (usu. In pl.) Despoiling, ravaging. [latin: related to +prey]
Depress v. 1 make dispirited or sad. 2 push down; lower. 3 reduce the activity of (esp. Trade). 4 (as depressed adj.) A miserable. B suffering from depression. ~ depressing adj. Depressingly adv. [latin: related to +press1]
Depressant —adj. Reducing activity, esp. Of a body function. —n. Depressant substance.
Depressed area n. Area of economic depression.
Depression n. 1 extreme melancholy, often with a reduction in vitality and physical symptoms. 2 econ. Long period of slump. 3 lowering of atmospheric pressure; winds etc. Caused by this. 4 hollow on a surface. 5 pressing down.
Depressive —adj. 1 tending to depress (depressive drug, influence). 2 of or tending towards depression (depressive illness; depressive father). —n. Person suffering from depression.
Deprivation n. Depriving or being deprived (suffered many deprivations).
Deprive v. (-ving) 1 (usu. Foll. By of) prevent from having or enjoying. 2 (as deprived adj.) Lacking what is needed for well-being; underprivileged. ~ deprival n. [latin: related to +privation]
Dept. Abbr. Department.
Depth n. 1 a deepness. B measurement from the top down, from the surface inwards, or from front to back. 2 difficulty; abstruseness. 3 a wisdom. B intensity of emotion etc. 4 intensity of colour, darkness, etc. 5 (usu. In pl.) A deep water or place; abyss. B low, depressed state. C lowest, central, or inmost part (depths of the country; depth of winter). ~ in depth thoroughly. Out of one's depth 1 in water over one's head. 2 engaged in a task etc. Too difficult for one. [related to +deep]
Depth-charge n. Bomb exploding under water.
Deputation n. Delegation. [latin: related to +depute]
Depute v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) 1 delegate (a task, authority, etc.). 2 authorize as representative. [latin puto think]
Deputize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (usu. Foll. By for) act as deputy.
Deputy n. (pl. -ies) 1 person appointed to act for another (also attrib.: deputy manager). 2 parliamentary representative in some countries. [var. Of +depute]
Derail v. (usu. In passive) cause (a train etc.) To leave the rails. ~ derailment n. [french: related to +rail1]
Derange v. (-ging) 1 make insane. 2 disorder, disturb. ~ derangement n. [french: related to +rank1]
Derby n. (pl. -ies) 1 a annual flat horse-race at epsom. B similar race elsewhere. 2 important sporting contest. 3 (derby) us bowler hat. [earl of derby]
Derecognize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) cease to recognize the status of (esp. A trade union). ~ derecognition n.
Deregulate v. (-ting) remove regulations from. ~ deregulation n.
Derelict —adj. 1 (esp. Of a property) dilapidated. 2 abandoned, ownerless. —n. 1 vagrant. 2 abandoned property. [latin: related to +relinquish]
Dereliction n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) neglect; failure to carry out obligations. 2 abandoning or being abandoned.
Derestrict v. Remove restrictions (esp. Speed limits) from. ~ derestriction n.
Deride v. (-ding) mock. ~ derision n. [latin rideo laugh]
De rigueur predic. Adj. Required by fashion or etiquette (drugs were de rigueur). [french]
Derisive adj. = +derisory. ~ derisively adv. [from +deride]
Derisory adj. 1 scoffing, ironical (derisory cheers). 2 ridiculously small (derisory offer).
Derivation n. 1 deriving or being derived. 2 a formation of a word from another or from a root. B tracing of the origin of a word. C statement of this.
Derivative —adj. Derived; not original (his music is derivative). —n. 1 derived word or thing. 2 math. Quantity measuring the rate of change of another.
Derive v. (-ving) 1 (usu. Foll. By from) get or trace from a source (derived satisfaction from work). 2 (foll. By from) arise from, originate in (happiness derives from many things). 3 (usu. Foll. By from) show or state the origin or formation of (a word etc.). [latin rivus stream]
Dermatitis n. Inflammation of the skin. [greek derma skin, +-itis]
Dermatology n. The study of skin diseases. ~ dermatological adj. Dermatologist n. [from +dermatitis, +-logy]
Dermis n. 1 (in general use) the skin. 2 layer of living tissue below the epidermis. [from +epidermis]
Derogate v. (-ting) (foll. By from) formal detract from (merit, right, etc.). ~ derogation n. [latin rogo ask]
Derogatory adj. Disparaging; insulting (derogatory remark). ~ derogatorily adv.
Derrick n. 1 crane for heavy weights, with a movable pivoted arm. 2 framework over an oil well etc., holding the drilling machinery. [derrick, name of a hangman]
Derring-do n. Literary joc. Heroic courage or actions. [daring to do]
Derris n. 1 tropical climbing plant. 2 insecticide made from its root. [latin from greek]
Derv n. Diesel oil for road vehicles. [diesel-engined road-vehicle]
Dervish n. Member of a muslim fraternity vowed to poverty and austerity. [turkish from persian, = poor]
Des abbr. Department of education and science.
Desalinate v. (-ting) remove the salt from (esp. Sea water). ~ desalination n. [from +saline]
Descale v. (-ling) remove scale from.
Descant —n. 1 harmonizing treble melody above the basic melody, esp. Of a hymn tune. 2 poet. Melody; song. —v. (foll. By on, upon) talk prosily, esp. In praise of. [latin cantus song: related to +chant]
Descend v. 1 go or come down. 2 sink, fall. 3 slope downwards. 4 (usu. Foll. By on) make a sudden attack or visit. 5 (of property etc.) Be passed on by inheritance. 6 a sink in rank, quality, etc. B (foll. By to) stoop to (an unworthy act). ~ be descended from have as an ancestor. ~ descendent adj. [latin scando climb]
Descendant n. Person or thing descended from another. [french: related to +descend]
Descent n. 1 act or way of descending. 2 downward slope. 3 lineage, family origin. 4 decline; fall. 5 sudden attack.
Describe v. (-bing) 1 a state the characteristics, appearance, etc. Of. B (foll. By as) assert to be; call (described him as a liar). 2 a draw (esp. A geometrical figure). B move in (a specified way, esp. A curve) (described a parabola through the air). [latin scribo write]
Description n. 1 a describing or being described. B representation, esp. In words. 2 sort, kind (no food of any description). [latin: related to +describe]
Descriptive adj. Describing, esp. Vividly. [latin: related to +describe]
Descry v. (-ies, -ied) literary catch sight of; discern. [french: related to +cry]
Desecrate v. (-ting) violate (a sacred place etc.) With violence, profanity, etc. ~ desecration n. Desecrator n. [from +de-, +consecrate]
Desegregate v. (-ting) abolish racial segregation in. ~ desegregation n.
Deselect v. Reject (a selected candidate, esp. A sitting mp) in favour of another. ~ deselection n.
Desensitize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) reduce or destroy the sensitivity of. ~ desensitization n.
Desert1 v. 1 leave without intending to return. 2 (esp. As deserted adj.) Forsake, abandon. 3 run away (esp. From military service). ~ deserter n. (in sense 3). Desertion n. [latin desero -sert- leave]
Desert2 —n. Dry barren, esp. Sandy, tract. —adj. Uninhabited, desolate, barren. [latin desertus: related to +desert1]
Desert3 n. 1 (in pl.) Deserved reward or punishment (got his deserts). 2 being worthy of reward or punishment. [french: related to +deserve]
Desert boot n. Suede etc. Ankle-high boot.
Desertification n. Making or becoming a desert.
Desert island n. (usu. Tropical) uninhabited island.
Deserve v. (-ving) (often foll. By to + infin.) Be worthy of (a reward, punishment, etc.) (deserves a prize). ~ deservedly adv. [latin servio serve]
Deserving adj. (often foll. By of) worthy (esp. Of help, praise, etc.).
Déshabillé n. (also déshabille, dishabille) state of partial undress. [french, = undressed]
Desiccate v. (-ting) remove moisture from (esp. Food) (desiccated coconut). ~ desiccation n. [latin siccus dry]
Desideratum n. (pl. -ta) something lacking but desirable. [latin: related to +desire]
Design —n. 1 a preliminary plan or sketch for making something. B art of producing these. 2 lines or shapes forming a pattern or decoration. 3 plan, purpose, or intention. 4 a arrangement or layout of a product. B established version of a product. —v. 1 produce a design for (a building, machine, etc.). 2 intend or plan (designed for beginners). 3 be a designer. ~ by design on purpose. Have designs on plan to appropriate, seduce, etc. [latin signum mark]
Designate —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By as) appoint to an office or function. 2 specify (designated times). 3 (often foll. By as) describe as; style. 4 serve as the name or symbol of. —adj. (after the noun) appointed to office but not yet installed. [latin: related to +design]
Designation n. 1 name, description, or title. 2 designating.
Designedly adv. On purpose.
Designer n. 1 person who designs e.g. Clothing, machines, theatre sets; draughtsman. 2 (attrib.) Bearing the label of a famous designer; prestigious.
Designer drug n. Synthetic analogue of an illegal drug.
Designing adj. Crafty, scheming.
Desirable adj. 1 worth having or doing. 2 sexually attractive. ~ desirability n. Desirableness n. Desirably adv.
Desire —n. 1 a unsatisfied longing or wish. B expression of this; request. 2 sexual appetite. 3 something desired (achieved his heart's desire). —v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By to + infin., or that + clause) long for; wish. 2 request (desires a rest). [latin desidero long for]
Desirous predic. Adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) desiring, wanting (desirous of stardom). 2 wanting; hoping (desirous to do the right thing).
Desist v. (often foll. By from) abstain; cease. [latin desisto]
Desk n. 1 piece of furniture with a surface for writing on, and often drawers. 2 counter in a hotel, bank, etc. 3 specialized section of a newspaper office (sports desk). 4 unit of two orchestral players sharing a stand. [latin: related to +discus]
Desktop n. 1 working surface of a desk. 2 (attrib.) (esp. Of a microcomputer) for use on an ordinary desk.
Desktop publishing n. Printing with a desktop computer and high-quality printer.
Desolate —adj. 1 left alone; solitary. 2 uninhabited, ruined, dreary (desolate moor). 3 forlorn; wretched. —v. (-ting) 1 depopulate, devastate; lay waste. 2 (esp. As desolated adj.) Make wretched. ~ desolately adv. Desolateness n. [latin solus alone]
Desolation n. 1 desolating or being desolated. 2 loneliness, grief, etc., esp. Caused by desertion. 3 neglected, ruined, or empty state.
Despair —n. 1 complete loss or absence of hope. 2 cause of this. —v. (often foll. By of) lose or be without hope (despaired of ever winning). [latin spero hope]
Despatch var. Of +dispatch.
Desperado n. (pl. -es or us -s) desperate or reckless criminal etc. [as +desperate]
Desperate adj. 1 reckless from despair; violent and lawless. 2 a extremely dangerous, serious, or bad (desperate situation). B staking all on a small chance (desperate remedy). 3 (usu. Foll. By for) needing or desiring very much (desperate for recognition). ~ desperately adv. Desperateness n. Desperation n. [latin: related to +despair]
Despicable adj. Vile; contemptible, esp. Morally. ~ despicably adv. [latin specio spect- look at]
Despise v. (-sing) regard as inferior, worthless, or contemptible. [latin: related to +despicable]
Despite prep. In spite of. [latin: related to +despicable]
Despoil v. Literary (often foll. By of) plunder; rob; deprive. ~ despoliation n. [latin: related to +spoil]
Despondent adj. In low spirits, dejected. ~ despondence n. Despondency n. Despondently adv. [latin: related to +sponsor]
Despot n. 1 absolute ruler. 2 tyrant. ~ despotic adj. Despotically adv. [greek despotes master]
Despotism n. 1 rule by a despot; tyranny. 2 country ruled by a despot.
Des res n. Slang desirable residence. [abbreviation]
Dessert n. 1 sweet course of a meal. 2 fruit, nuts, etc., served at the end of a meal. [french: related to +dis-, +serve]
Dessertspoon n. 1 medium-sized spoon for dessert. 2 amount held by this. ~ dessertspoonful n. (pl. -s).
Destabilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make unstable. 2 subvert (esp. A foreign government). ~ destabilization n.
Destination n. Place a person or thing is bound for. [latin: related to +destine]
Destine v. (-ning) (often foll. By to, for, or to + infin.) Appoint; preordain; intend (destined him for the navy). ~ be destined to be fated or preordained to. [french from latin]
Destiny n. (pl. -ies) 1 a fate. B this regarded as a power. 2 particular person's fate etc. [french from latin]
Destitute adj. 1 without food, shelter, etc. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) lacking (destitute of friends). ~ destitution n. [latin]
Destroy v. 1 pull or break down; demolish. 2 kill (esp. An animal). 3 make useless; spoil. 4 ruin, esp. Financially. 5 defeat. [latin struo struct- build]
Destroyer n. 1 person or thing that destroys. 2 fast armed warship escorting other ships.
Destruct us esp. Astronaut. —v. Destroy (one's own rocket etc.) Or be destroyed deliberately, esp. For safety. —n. Destructing.
Destructible adj. Able to be destroyed. [latin: related to +destroy]
Destruction n. 1 destroying or being destroyed. 2 cause of this. [latin: related to +destroy]
Destructive adj. 1 (often foll. By to, of) destroying or tending to destroy. 2 negatively critical. ~ destructively adv. Destructiveness n.
Desuetude n. Formal state of disuse (fell into desuetude). [latin suesco be accustomed]
Desultory adj. 1 constantly turning from one subject to another. 2 disconnected; unmethodical. ~ desultorily adv. [latin desultorius superficial]
Detach v. 1 (often foll. By from) unfasten or disengage and remove. 2 send (troops etc.) On a separate mission. 3 (as detached adj.) A impartial; unemotional. B (esp. Of a house) standing separate. ~ detachable adj. [french: related to +attach]
Detachment n. 1 a aloofness; indifference. B impartiality. 2 detaching or being detached. 3 troops etc. Detached for a specific purpose. [french: related to +detach]
Detail —n. 1 small particular; item. 2 a these collectively (eye for detail). B treatment of them (detail was unconvincing). 3 a minor decoration on a building etc. B small part of a picture etc. Shown alone. 4 small military detachment. —v. 1 give particulars of. 2 relate circumstantially. 3 assign for special duty. 4 (as detailed adj.) A (of a picture, story, etc.) Containing many details. B itemized (detailed list). ~ in detail item by item, minutely. [french: related to +tail2]
Detain v. 1 keep waiting; delay. 2 keep in custody, lock up. ~ detainment n. [latin teneo hold]
Detainee n. Person kept in custody, esp. For political reasons.
Detect v. 1 discover or perceive (detected a note of sarcasm). 2 (often foll. By in) discover (a criminal); solve (a crime). ~ detectable adj. Detector n. [latin tego tect- cover]
Detection n. 1 detecting or being detected. 2 work of a detective.
Detective n. Person, esp. A police officer, investigating crimes.
Détente n. Easing of strained, esp. International, relations. [french, = relaxation]
Detention n. 1 detaining or being detained. 2 being kept late in school as a punishment. [latin: related to +detain]
Detention centre n. Short-term prison for young offenders.
Deter v. (-rr-) (often foll. By from) discourage or prevent, esp. Through fear. ~ determent n. [latin terreo frighten]
Detergent —n. Synthetic cleansing agent used with water. —adj. Cleansing. [latin tergeo wipe]
Deteriorate v. (-ting) become worse. ~ deterioration n. [latin deterior worse]
Determinant —adj. Determining. —n. 1 determining factor etc. 2 quantity obtained by the addition of products of the elements of a square matrix according to a given rule. [latin: related to +determine]
Determinate adj. Limited, of definite scope or nature.
Determination n. 1 firmness of purpose; resoluteness. 2 process of deciding or determining.
Determine v. (-ning) 1 find out or establish precisely. 2 decide or settle; resolve. 3 be the decisive factor in regard to (demand determines supply). ~ be determined be resolved. [latin terminus boundary]
Determined adj. Showing determination; resolute, unflinching. ~ determinedly adv.
Determinism n. Doctrine that human actions, events, etc. Are determined by causes external to the will. ~ determinist n. & adj. Deterministic adj. Deterministically adv.
Deterrent —adj. Deterring. —n. Deterrent thing or factor (esp. Nuclear weapons). ~ deterrence n.
Detest v. Hate violently, loathe. ~ detestation n. [latin detestor from testis witness]
Detestable adj. Intensely disliked; hateful.
Dethrone v. (-ning) remove from a throne, depose. ~ dethronement n.
Detonate v. (-ting) set off (an explosive charge); be set off. ~ detonation n. [latin tono thunder]
Detonator n. Device for detonating explosives.
Detour n. Divergence from a usual route; roundabout course. [french: related to +turn]
Detoxify v. (-ies, -ied) remove poison or harmful substances from. ~ detoxification n. [latin toxicum poison]
Detract v. (foll. By from) take away (a part); diminish; make seem less valuable or important. [latin traho tract- draw]
Detractor n. Person who criticizes unfairly. ~ detraction n.
Detriment n. 1 harm, damage. 2 cause of this. ~ detrimental adj. [latin: related to +trite]
Detritus n. Gravel, sand, etc. Produced by erosion; debris. [latin: related to +detriment]
De trop predic. Adj. Not wanted, in the way. [french, = excessive]
Deuce1 n. 1 two on dice or playing-cards. 2 tennis score of 40 all. [latin duo duos two]
Deuce2 n. The devil, esp. As an exclamation of surprise or annoyance (who the deuce are you?). [low german duus two (being the worst throw at dice)]
Deus ex machina n. Unlikely agent resolving a seemingly hopeless situation, esp. In a play or novel. [latin, = god from the machinery, i.e. In a theatre]
Deuterium n. Stable isotope of hydrogen with a mass about double that of the usual isotope. [greek deuteros second]
Deutschmark n. (also deutsche mark) chief monetary unit of germany. [german: related to +mark2]
Devalue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 reduce the value of. 2 reduce the value of (a currency) in relation to others or to gold. ~ devaluation n.
Devastate v. (-ting) 1 lay waste; cause great destruction to. 2 (often in passive) overwhelm with shock or grief. ~ devastation n. [latin vasto lay waste]
Devastating adj. Crushingly effective; overwhelming. ~ devastatingly adv.
Develop v. (-p-) 1 a make or become bigger, fuller, more elaborate, etc. B bring or come to an active, visible, or mature state. 2 begin to exhibit or suffer from (developed a rattle). 3 a build on (land). B convert (land) to new use. 4 treat (photographic film etc.) To make the image visible. ~ developer n. [french]
Developing country n. Poor or primitive country.
Development n. 1 developing or being developed. 2 a stage of growth or advancement. B thing that has developed; new event or circumstance etc. (latest developments). 3 full-grown state. 4 developed land; group of buildings. ~ developmental adj.
Development area n. Area where new industries are encouraged by the state.
Deviant —adj. Deviating from what is normal, esp. Sexually. —n. Deviant person or thing. ~ deviance n. Deviancy n.
Deviate v. (-ting) (often foll. By from) turn aside or diverge (from a course of action, rule, etc.). ~ deviation n. [latin via way]
Device n. 1 thing made or adapted for a special purpose. 2 plan, scheme, or trick. 3 design, esp. Heraldic. ~ leave a person to his or her own devices leave a person to do as he or she wishes. [french: related to +devise]
Devil —n. 1 (usu. The devil) (in christian and jewish belief) supreme spirit of evil; satan. 2 a evil spirit; demon. B personified evil. 3 a wicked person. B mischievously clever person. 4 colloq. Person of a specified kind (lucky devil). 5 fighting spirit, mischievousness (devil is in him tonight). 6 colloq. Awkward thing. 7 (the devil or the devil) colloq. Used as an exclamation of surprise or annoyance (who the devil are you?). 8 literary hack. 9 junior legal counsel. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 cook (food) with hot seasoning. 2 act as devil for an author or barrister. 3 us harass, worry. ~ between the devil and the deep blue sea in a dilemma. A devil of colloq. Considerable, difficult, or remarkable. Devil's own colloq. Very difficult or unusual (the devil's own job). The devil to pay trouble to be expected. Speak (or talk) of the devil said when person appears just after being mentioned. [greek diabolos accuser, slanderer]
Devilish —adj. 1 of or like a devil; wicked. 2 mischievous. —adv. Colloq. Very. ~ devilishly adv.
Devil-may-care adj. Cheerful and reckless.
Devilment n. Mischief, wild spirits.
Devilry n. (pl. -ies) 1 wickedness; reckless mischief. 2 black magic.
Devil's advocate n. Person who argues against a proposition to test it.
Devils-on-horseback n.pl. Savoury of prunes or plums wrapped in bacon.
Devious adj. 1 not straightforward, underhand. 2 winding, circuitous. ~ deviously adv. Deviousness n. [latin via way]
Devise v. (-sing) 1 carefully plan or invent. 2 law leave (real estate) by will. [latin: related to +divide]
Devoid predic. Adj. (foll. By of) lacking or free from. [french: related to +void]
Devolution n. Delegation of power, esp. To local or regional administration. ~ devolutionist n. & adj. [latin: related to +devolve]
Devolve v. (-ving) 1 (foll. By on, upon, etc.) Pass (work or duties) or be passed to (a deputy etc.). 2 (foll. By on, to, upon) (of property etc.) Descend to. ~ devolvement n. [latin volvo volut- roll]
Devonian —adj. Of the fourth period of the palaeozoic era. —n. This period. [devon in england]
Devote v. (-ting) (often refl.; foll. By to) apply or give over to (a particular activity etc.). [latin voveo vot- vow]
Devoted adj. Loving; loyal. ~ devotedly adv.
Devotee n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) zealous enthusiast or supporter. 2 pious person.
Devotion n. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) great love or loyalty. 2 a religious worship. B (in pl.) Prayers. ~ devotional adj. [latin: related to +devote]
Devour v. 1 eat voraciously. 2 (of fire etc.) Engulf, destroy. 3 take in eagerly (devoured the play). 4 preoccupy (devoured by fear). [latin voro swallow]
Devout adj. Earnestly religious or sincere. ~ devoutly adv. Devoutness n. [latin: related to +devote]
Dew n. 1 condensed water vapour forming on cool surfaces at night. 2 similar glistening moisture. ~ dewy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Dewberry n. (pl. -ies) bluish fruit like the blackberry.
Dew-claw n. Rudimentary inner toe on some dogs.
Dewdrop n. Drop of dew.
Dewey system n. Decimal system of library classification. [dewey, name of a librarian]
Dewlap n. Loose fold of skin hanging from the throat of cattle, dogs, etc. [from +dew, +lap1]
Dew point n. Temperature at which dew forms.
Dexter adj. Esp. Heraldry on or of the right-hand side (observer's left) of a shield etc. [latin, = on the right]
Dexterity n. 1 skill in using one's hands. 2 mental adroitness. [latin: related to +dexter]
Dexterous adj. (also dextrous) having or showing dexterity. ~ dexterously adv. Dexterousness n.
Dextrin n. Soluble gummy substance used as a thickening agent, adhesive, etc. [latin dextra on or to the right]
Dextrose n. Form of glucose. [latin dextra on or to the right]
Dfc abbr. Distinguished flying cross.
Dfm abbr. Distinguished flying medal.
Dhal n. (also dal) 1 a kind of split pulse common in india. 2 dish made with this. [hindi]
Dharma n. Ind. 1 social custom; correct behaviour. 2 the buddhist truth. 3 the hindu moral law. [sanskrit, = decree, custom]
Dhoti n. (pl. -s) loincloth worn by male hindus. [hindi]
Di-1 comb. Form two-, double. [greek dis twice]
Di-2 prefix = +dis-.
Di-3 prefix form of +dia- before a vowel.
Dia. Abbr. Diameter.
Dia- prefix (also di- before a vowel) 1 through (diaphanous). 2 apart (diacritical). 3 across (diameter). [greek dia through]
Diabetes n. Disease in which sugar and starch are not properly absorbed by the body. [latin from greek]
Diabetic —adj. 1 of or having diabetes. 2 for diabetics. —n. Person suffering from diabetes.
Diabolical adj. (also diabolic) 1 of the devil. 2 devilish; inhumanly cruel or wicked. 3 extremely bad, clever, or annoying. ~ diabolically adv. [latin: related to +devil]
Diabolism n. 1 worship of the devil. 2 sorcery. [greek: related to +devil]
Diachronic adj. Of a thing's historical development. ~ diachronically adv. [greek khronos time]
Diaconal adj. Of a deacon. [church latin: related to +deacon]
Diaconate n. 1 position of deacon. 2 body of deacons.
Diacritic n. Sign (e.g. An accent or cedilla) indicating different sounds or values of a letter. [greek: related to +critic]
Diacritical —adj. Distinguishing, distinctive. —n. (in full diacritical mark or sign) = +diacritic.
Diadem n. 1 crown or headband as a sign of sovereignty. 2 sovereignty. 3 crowning distinction. [greek deo bind]
Diaeresis n. (pl. Diaereses) (us dieresis) mark (as in naïve) over a vowel to indicate that it is sounded separately. [greek, = separation]
Diagnose v. (-sing) make a diagnosis of (a disease, fault, etc.).
Diagnosis n. (pl. Diagnoses) 1 a identification of a disease from its symptoms. B formal statement of this. 2 identification of the cause of a mechanical fault etc. [greek gignosko recognize]
Diagnostic —adj. Of or assisting diagnosis. —n. Symptom. ~ diagnostically adv. Diagnostician n. [greek: related to +diagnosis]
Diagnostics n. 1 (treated as pl.) Computing programs etc. Used to identify faults in hardware or software. 2 (treated as sing.) Science of diagnosing disease.
Diagonal —adj. 1 crossing a straight-sided figure from corner to corner. 2 slanting, oblique. —n. Straight line joining two opposite corners. ~ diagonally adv. [greek gonia angle]
Diagram n. Outline drawing, plan, or graphic representation of a machine, structure, process, etc. ~ diagrammatic adj. Diagrammatically adv. [greek: related to +-gram]
Dial —n. 1 plate with a scale for measuring weight, volume, etc., indicated by a pointer. 2 movable numbered disc on a telephone for making connection. 3 face of a clock or watch, marking the hours etc. 4 a plate or disc etc. On a radio or television for selecting a wavelength or channel. B similar device on other equipment. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 (also absol.) Select (a telephone number) with a dial. 2 measure, indicate, or regulate with a dial. [medieval latin diale from dies day]
Dialect n. 1 regional form of speech. 2 variety of language with non-standard vocabulary, pronunciation, or grammar. ~ dialectal adj. [greek lego speak]
Dialectic n. 1 art of investigating the truth by discussion and logical argument. 2 process whereby contradictions merge to form a higher truth. 3 any situation or discussion involving the juxtaposition or conflict of opposites. [greek: related to +dialect]
Dialectical adj. Of dialectic. ~ dialectically adv.
Dialectical materialism n. Marxist theory that political and historical events are due to the conflict of social forces arising from economic conditions.
Dialectics n. (treated as sing. Or pl.) = +dialectic n. 1.
Dialling tone n. Sound indicating that a telephone caller may dial.
Dialog n. (brit. Dialogue) 1 a conversation. B this in written form. 2 discussion between people with different opinions. [greek lego speak]
Dialogue n. (us dialog) 1 a conversation. B this in written form. 2 discussion between people with different opinions. [greek lego speak]
Dialysis n. (pl. Dialyses) 1 separation of particles in a liquid by differences in their ability to pass through a membrane into another liquid. 2 purification of the blood by this technique. [greek luo set free]
Diamanté adj. Decorated with synthetic diamonds or another sparkling substance. [french diamant diamond]
Diameter n. 1 straight line passing through the centre of a circle or sphere to its edges; length of this. 2 transverse measurement; width, thickness. 3 unit of linear magnifying power. [greek: related to +-meter]
Diametrical adj. (also diametric) 1 of or along a diameter. 2 (of opposites etc.) Absolute. ~ diametrically adv. [greek: related to +diameter]
Diamond n. 1 very hard transparent precious stone of pure crystallized carbon. 2 rhombus. 3 a playing-card of the suit denoted by a red rhombus. B (in pl.) This suit. [greek: related to +adamant]
Diamond wedding n. 60th (or 75th) wedding anniversary.
Dianthus n. Flowering plant of the genus including the carnation. [greek, = flower of zeus]
Diapason n. 1 compass of a voice or musical instrument. 2 fixed standard of musical pitch. 3 either of two main organ-stops. [greek, = through all (notes)]
Diaper n. Us baby's nappy. [greek aspros white]
Diaphanous adj. (of fabric etc.) Light, delicate, and almost transparent. [greek phaino show]
Diaphragm n. 1 muscular partition between the thorax and abdomen in mammals. 2 = +dutch cap. 3 a photog. Plate or disc pierced with a circular hole to cut off marginal beams of light. B vibrating disc in a microphone, telephone, loudspeaker, etc. 4 device for varying the lens aperture in a camera etc. 5 thin sheet as a partition etc. [greek phragma fence]
Diapositive n. Positive photographic slide or transparency.
Diarist n. Person who keeps a diary.
Diarrhea n. (esp. Brit. Diarrhoea) condition of excessively frequent and loose bowel movements. [greek rheo flow]
Diarrhoea n. (esp. Us diarrhea) condition of excessively frequent and loose bowel movements. [greek rheo flow]
Diary n. (pl. -ies) 1 daily record of events or thoughts. 2 book for this or for noting future engagements. [latin dies day]
Diaspora n. 1 the dispersion of the jews after their exile in 538 bc. 2 the dispersed jews. [greek]
Diastase n. Enzyme converting starch to sugar. [greek diastasis separation]
Diatom n. One-cell alga found as plankton and forming fossil deposits. [greek, = cut in half]
Diatomic adj. Consisting of two atoms.
Diatonic adj. Mus. (of a scale, interval, etc.) Involving only notes belonging to the prevailing key. [greek: related to +tonic]
Diatribe n. Forceful verbal attack or criticism; invective. [greek tribo rub]
Diazepam n. A tranquillizing drug. [benzodiazepine + am]
Dibble —n. (also dibber) hand tool for making holes for planting. —v. (-ling) sow, plant, or prepare (soil) with a dibble. [origin uncertain]
Dice —n.pl. 1 a small cubes with faces bearing 1–6 spots, used in games or gambling. B (treated as sing.) One of these cubes (see +die2). 2 game played with dice. —v. (-cing) 1 take great risks, gamble (dicing with death). 2 cut into small cubes. [pl. Of +die2]
Usage see note at +die2.
Dicey adj. (dicier, diciest) slang risky, unreliable.
Dichotomy n. (pl. -ies) division into two, esp. A sharply defined one. [greek dikho- apart: related to +tome]
Usage the use of dichotomy to mean dilemma or ambivalence is considered incorrect in standard english.
Dichromatic adj. 1 two-coloured. 2 having vision sensitive to only two of the three primary colours.
Dick1 n. 1 colloq. (in certain set phrases) person (clever dick). 2 coarse slang penis. [dick, pet form of richard]
Dick2 n. Slang detective. [perhaps an abbreviation]
Dickens n. (usu. Prec. By how, what, why, etc., the) colloq. (esp. In exclamations) deuce; the devil (what the dickens is it). [probably the name dickens]
Dickensian adj. 1 of the 19th-c. Novelist dickens or his work. 2 resembling situations in dickens's work, esp. Poverty.
Dickhead n. Coarse slang idiot. [from +dick1]
Dicky —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. False shirt-front. —adj. (-ier, -iest) slang unsound; unhealthy. [dicky, pet form of richard]
Dicky-bird n. 1 child's word for a little bird. 2 word (didn't say a dicky-bird).
Dicky bow n. Colloq. Bow-tie.
Dicotyledon n. Flowering plant having two cotyledons. ~ dicotyledonous adj.
Dicta pl. Of +dictum.
Dictaphone n. Propr. Machine for recording and playing back dictated words. [from +dictate, +phone]
Dictate —v. (-ting) 1 say or read aloud (material to be written down or recorded). 2 state or order authoritatively or peremptorily. —n. (usu. In pl.) Authoritative instruction or requirement (dictates of conscience, fashion). ~ dictation n. [latin dicto from dico say]
Dictator n. 1 usu. Unelected omnipotent ruler. 2 omnipotent person in any sphere. 3 domineering person. ~ dictatorship n. [latin: related to +dictate]
Dictatorial adj. 1 of or like a dictator. 2 overbearing. ~ dictatorially adv. [latin: related to +dictator]
Diction n. Manner of enunciation in speaking or singing. [latin dictio from dico dict- say]
Dictionary n. (pl. -ies) 1 book listing (usu. Alphabetically) and explaining the words of a language or giving corresponding words in another language. 2 reference book explaining the terms of a particular subject. [medieval latin: related to +diction]
Dictum n. (pl. Dicta or -s) 1 formal expression of opinion. 2 a saying. [latin, neuter past part. Of dico say]
Did past of +do1.
Didactic adj. 1 meant to instruct. 2 (of a person) tediously pedantic. ~ didactically adv. Didacticism n. [greek didasko teach]
Diddle v. (-ling) colloq. Swindle. [probably from diddler, name of a character in a 19th-c. Play]
Diddums int. Often iron. Expressing commiseration. [= did 'em, i.e. Did they (tease you etc.)?]
Didgeridoo n. Long tubular australian aboriginal musical instrument. [imitative]
Didn't contr. Did not.
Die1 v. (dies, died, dying) 1 cease to live; expire, lose vital force. 2 a come to an end, fade away (his interest died). B cease to function. C (of a flame) go out. 3 (foll. By on) die or cease to function while in the presence or charge of (a person). 4 (usu. Foll. By of, from, with) be exhausted or tormented (nearly died of boredom). ~ be dying (foll. By for, or to + infin.) Wish for longingly or intently (was dying for a drink). Die away fade to the point of extinction. Die back (of a plant) decay from the tip towards the root. Die down become fainter or weaker. Die hard die reluctantly (old habits die hard). Die off die one after another. Die out become extinct, cease to exist. [old norse]
Die2 n. 1 = +dice 1b. 2 (pl. Dies) a engraved device for stamping coins, medals, etc. B device for stamping, cutting, or moulding material. ~ the die is cast an irrevocable step has been taken. [latin datum from do give]
Usage dice, rather than die, is now the standard singular as well as plural form in the games sense (one dice, two dice).
Die-casting n. Process or product of casting from metal moulds.
Die-hard n. Conservative or stubborn person.
Dielectric —adj. Not conducting electricity. —n. Dielectric substance.
Dieresis n. (pl. Diereses) (brit. Diaeresis) mark (as in naïve) over a vowel to indicate that it is sounded separately. [greek, = separation]
Diesel n. 1 (in full diesel engine) internal-combustion engine in which heat produced by the compression of air in the cylinder ignites the fuel. 2 vehicle driven by a diesel engine. 3 fuel for a diesel engine. [diesel, name of an engineer]
Diesel-electric adj. (of a locomotive etc.) Driven by an electric current from a diesel-engined generator.
Diesel oil n. Heavy petroleum fraction used in diesel engines.
Die-sinker n. Engraver of dies.
Die-stamping n. Embossing paper etc. With die.
Diet1 —n. 1 range of foods habitually eaten by a person or animal. 2 limited range of food to which a person is restricted. 3 thing regularly offered (diet of half-truths). —v. (-t-) restrict oneself to a special diet, esp. To slim. ~ dietary adj. Dieter n. [greek diaita way of life]
Diet2 n. 1 legislative assembly in certain countries. 2 hist. Congress. [latin dieta]
Dietetic adj. Of diet and nutrition. [greek: related to +diet1]
Dietetics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) The study of diet and nutrition.
Dietitian n. (also dietician) expert in dietetics.
Dif- prefix = +dis-.
Differ v. 1 (often foll. By from) be unlike or distinguishable. 2 (often foll. By with) disagree. [latin differo, dilat- bring apart]
Difference n. 1 being different or unlike. 2 degree of this. 3 way in which things differ. 4 a quantity by which amounts differ. B remainder left after subtraction. 5 disagreement, dispute. ~ make a (or all the, no, etc.) Difference have a significant (or a very significant, or no etc.) Effect. With a difference having a new or unusual feature.
Different adj. 1 (often foll. By from or to) unlike, of another nature. 2 distinct, separate. 3 unusual. ~ differently adv.
Usage in sense 1, different from is more widely acceptable than different to, which is common in less formal use.
Differential —adj. 1 of, exhibiting, or depending on a difference. 2 math. Relating to infinitesimal differences. 3 constituting or relating to a specific difference. —n. 1 difference between things of the same kind. 2 difference in wages between industries or categories of employees in the same industry. 3 difference between rates of interest etc.
Differential calculus n. Method of calculating rates of change, maximum or minimum values, etc.
Differential gear n. Gear enabling a vehicle's rear wheels to revolve at different speeds on corners.
Differentiate v. (-ting) 1 constitute a difference between or in. 2 recognize as different; distinguish. 3 become different during development. 4 math. Calculate the derivative of. ~ differentiation n.
Difficult adj. 1 a needing much effort or skill. B troublesome, perplexing. 2 (of a person) demanding. 3 problematic.
Difficulty n. (pl. -ies) 1 being difficult. 2 a difficult thing; problem, hindrance. B (often in pl.) Distress, esp. Financial (in difficulties). [latin difficultas: related to +faculty]
Diffident adj. Shy, lacking self-confidence; excessively reticent. ~ diffidence n. Diffidently adv. [latin diffido distrust]
Diffract v. Break up (a beam of light) into a series of dark and light bands or coloured spectra, or (a beam of radiation or particles) into a series of high and low intensities. ~ diffraction n. Diffractive adj. [latin diffringo: related to +fraction]
Diffuse —adj. 1 spread out, not concentrated. 2 not concise, wordy. —v. (-sing) 1 disperse or spread widely. 2 intermingle by diffusion. ~ diffusible adj. Diffusive adj. [latin: related to +found3]
Diffusion n. 1 diffusing or being diffused. 2 interpenetration of substances by natural movement of their particles. [latin: related to +diffuse]
Dig —v. (-gg-; past and past part. Dug) 1 (also absol.) Break up and remove or turn over (ground etc.). 2 (foll. By up) break up the soil of (fallow land). 3 make (a hole, tunnel, etc.) By digging. 4 (often foll. By up, out) a obtain by digging. B (foll. By up, out) find or discover. C (foll. By into) search for information in (a book etc.). 5 (also absol.) Excavate (an archaeological site). 6 slang like; understand. 7 (foll. By in, into) thrust (a sharp object); prod or nudge. 8 (foll. By into, through, under) make one's way by digging. —n. 1 piece of digging. 2 thrust or poke. 3 colloq. Pointed remark. 4 archaeological excavation. 5 (in pl.) Colloq. Lodgings. ~ dig one's heels in be obstinate. Dig in colloq. Begin eating. Dig oneself in 1 prepare a defensive trench or pit. 2 establish one's position. [old english]
Digest —v. 1 assimilate (food) in the stomach and bowels. 2 understand and assimilate mentally. 3 summarize. —n. 1 periodical synopsis of current literature or news. 2 methodical summary, esp. Of laws. ~ digestible adj. [latin digero -gest-]
Digestion n. 1 process of digesting. 2 capacity to digest food.
Digestive —adj. Of or aiding digestion. —n. 1 substance aiding digestion. 2 (in full digestive biscuit) wholemeal biscuit.
Digger n. 1 person or machine that digs, esp. A mechanical excavator. 2 colloq. Australian or new zealander.
Digit n. 1 any numeral from 0 to 9. 2 finger or toe. [latin, = finger, toe]
Digital adj. 1 of digits. 2 (of a clock, watch, etc.) Giving a reading by displayed digits. 3 (of a computer) operating on data represented by a series of digits. 4 (of a recording) with sound-information represented by digits for more reliable transmission. ~ digitally adv. [latin: related to +digit]
Digital audio tape n. Magnetic tape on which sound is recorded digitally.
Digitalis n. Drug prepared from foxgloves, used to stimulate the heart. [related to +digit, from the form of the flowers]
Digitize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) convert (data etc.) Into digital form, esp. For a computer. ~ digitization n.
Dignified adj. Having or showing dignity.
Dignify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 confer dignity on; ennoble. 2 give a fine name to. [latin dignus worthy]
Dignitary n. (pl. -ies) person of high rank or office. [from +dignity]
Dignity n. (pl. -ies) 1 composed and serious manner. 2 worthiness, nobleness (dignity of work). 3 high rank or position. ~ beneath one's dignity not worthy enough for one. Stand on one's dignity insist on being treated with respect. [latin dignus worthy]
Digraph n. Two letters representing one sound, e.g. Ph, ey as in phone, key. [from +di-1, +-graph]
Usage digraph is sometimes confused with ligature, which means two or more letters joined together.
Digress v. Depart from the main subject in speech or writing. ~ digression n. [latin digredior -gress-]
Digs see +dig n. 5.
Dike1 var. Of +dyke1.
Dike2 var. Of +dyke2.
Diktat n. Categorical statement or decree. [german, = +dictate]
Dilapidated adj. In disrepair or ruin. ~ dilapidation n. [latin: related to +di-2, lapis stone]
Dilatation n. 1 dilating of the cervix, e.g. For surgical curettage. 2 dilation. [from +dilate]
Dilate v. (-ting) 1 make or become wider or larger. 2 speak or write at length. ~ dilation n. [latin latus wide]
Dilatory adj. Given to or causing delay. [latin dilatorius: related to +differ]
Dildo n. (pl. -s) artificial erect penis for sexual stimulation. [origin unknown]
Dilemma n. 1 situation in which a difficult choice has to be made. 2 difficult situation, predicament. [greek lemma premiss]
Usage the use of dilemma in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.
Dilettante n. (pl. Dilettanti or -s) dabbler in a subject. ~ dilettantism n. [italian dilettare +delight]
Diligent adj. 1 hard-working. 2 showing care and effort. ~ diligence n. Diligently adv. [french from latin diligo love]
Dill n. Herb with aromatic leaves and seeds. [old english]
Dilly-dally v. (-ies, -ied) colloq. 1 dawdle. 2 vacillate. [reduplication of +dally]
Dilute —v. (-ting) 1 reduce the strength of (a fluid) by adding water etc. 2 weaken or reduce in effect. —adj. Diluted. ~ dilution n. [latin diluo -lut- wash away]
Diluvial adj. Of a flood, esp. Of the flood in genesis. [latin: related to +deluge]
Dim —adj. (dimmer, dimmest) 1 a faintly luminous or visible; not bright. B indistinct. 2 not clearly perceived or remembered. 3 colloq. Stupid. 4 (of the eyes) not seeing clearly. —v. (-mm-) make or become dim. ~ take a dim view of colloq. Disapprove of. ~ dimly adv. Dimness n. [old english]
Dime n. Us ten-cent coin. [latin decima tenth (part)]
Dimension —n. 1 measurable extent, as length, breadth, depth, etc. 2 (in pl.) Size (of huge dimensions). 3 aspect, facet (gained a new dimension). —v. (usu. As dimensioned adj.) Mark dimensions on (a diagram etc.). ~ dimensional adj. [latin metior mens- measure]
Diminish v. 1 make or become smaller or less. 2 (often as diminished adj.) Lessen the reputation of (a person); humiliate. ~ law of diminishing returns fact that expenditure etc. Beyond a certain point ceases to produce a proportionate yield. [latin: related to +minute1]
Diminuendo mus. —n. (pl -s) gradual decrease in loudness. —adv. & adj. Decreasing in loudness. [italian: related to +diminish]
Diminution n. 1 diminishing or being diminished. 2 decrease. [latin: related to +diminish]
Diminutive —adj. 1 tiny. 2 (of a word or suffix) implying smallness or affection. —n. Diminutive word or suffix.
Dimmer n. 1 (in full dimmer switch) device for varying the brightness of an electric light. 2 us a (in pl.) Small parking lights on a vehicle. B headlight on low beam.
Dimple —n. Small hollow, esp. In the cheek or chin. —v. (-ling) form dimples (in). ~ dimply adj. [probably old english]
Dim-wit n. Colloq. Stupid person. ~ dim-witted adj.
Din n. Any of a series of german technical standards designating electrical connections, film speeds, and paper sizes. [german, from deutsche industrie-norm]
Din —n. Prolonged loud confused noise. —v. (-nn-) (foll. By into) force (information) into a person by constant repetition; make a din. [old english]
Dinar n. Chief monetary unit of yugoslavia and several countries of the middle east and n. Africa. [arabic and persian from latin +denarius]
Dine v. (-ning) 1 a eat dinner. B (foll. By on, upon) eat for dinner. 2 (esp. In phr. Wine and dine) entertain with food. ~ dine out dine away from home. [french diner as +dis-, latin jejunus fasting]
Diner n. 1 person who dines. 2 dining-car. 3 us small restaurant. 4 small dining-room.
Dinette n. Small room or alcove for eating meals.
Ding —v. Make a ringing sound. —n. Ringing sound. [imitative]
Dingbat n. Slang us & austral. Stupid or eccentric person. [perhaps from ding to beat + +bat1]
Ding-dong n. 1 sound of two chimes, esp. As a doorbell. 2 colloq. Heated argument or fight. [imitative]
Dinghy n. (pl. -ies) 1 small boat carried by a ship. 2 small pleasure-boat. 3 small inflatable rubber boat. [hindi]
Dingle n. Deep wooded valley or dell. [origin unknown]
Dingo n. (pl. -es) wild australian dog. [aboriginal]
Dingy adj. (-ier, -iest) dirty-looking, drab. ~ dingily adv. Dinginess n. [origin uncertain]
Dining-car n. Restaurant on a train.
Dining-room n. Room in which meals are eaten.
Dinkum adj. Austral. & nz colloq. Genuine, honest, true. ~ dinkum oil the honest truth. Fair dinkum 1 fair play. 2 genuine(ly), honest(ly), true, truly. [origin unknown]
Dinky adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Neat and attractive; small, dainty. [scots dink]
Dinner n. 1 main meal of the day, either at midday or in the evening. 2 (in full dinner-party) formal evening meal, esp. With guests. [french: related to +dine]
Dinner-dance n. Formal dinner followed by dancing.
Dinner-jacket n. Man's short usu. Black formal jacket for evening wear.
Dinner lady n. Woman who supervises school dinners.
Dinner service n. Set of matching crockery for dinner.
Dinosaur n. 1 extinct, often enormous, reptile of the mesozoic era. 2 unwieldy or unchanging system or organization. [greek deinos terrible, +saurian]
Dint —n. Dent. —v. Mark with dints. ~ by dint of by force or means of. [old english and old norse]
Diocese n. District under the pastoral care of a bishop. ~ diocesan adj. [greek dioikesis administration]
Diode n. 1 semiconductor allowing the flow of current in one direction only and having two terminals. 2 thermionic valve having two electrodes. [from +di-1, +electrode]
Dionysian adj. Wildly sensual; unrestrained. [greek dionusos god of wine]
Diopter n. (brit. Dioptre) unit of refractive power of a lens. [greek: related to +dia-, opsis sight]
Dioptre n. (us diopter) unit of refractive power of a lens. [greek: related to +dia-, opsis sight]
Diorama n. 1 scenic painting lit to simulate sunrise etc. 2 small scene with three-dimensional figures, viewed through a window etc. 3 small-scale model or film-set. [from +dia-, greek horao see]
Dioxide n. Oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule.
Dip —v. (-pp-) 1 put or lower briefly into liquid etc.; immerse. 2 a go below a surface or level. B (of income, activity, etc.) Decline slightly, esp. Briefly. 3 slope or extend downwards (road dips). 4 go under water and emerge quickly. 5 (foll. By into) look cursorily into (a book, subject, etc.). 6 a (foll. By into) put a hand, ladle, etc., into (a container) to take something out. B use part of (one's resources) (dipped into our savings). 7 lower or be lowered, esp. In salute. 8 lower the beam of (headlights) to reduce dazzle. 9 colour (a fabric) by immersing it in dye. 10 wash (sheep) in disinfectant. —n. 1 dipping or being dipped. 2 liquid for dipping.
Dip. Ed. Abbr. Diploma in education.
Diphtheria n. Acute infectious bacterial disease with inflammation of a mucous membrane esp. Of the throat. [greek diphthera skin, hide]
Usage the second pronunciation is considered incorrect by some people.
Diphthong n. Two written or spoken vowels pronounced in one syllable (as in coin, loud, toy). [greek phthoggos voice]
Diplodocus n. (pl. -cuses) giant plant-eating dinosaur with a long neck and tail. [greek diplous double, dokos wooden beam]
Diploma n. 1 certificate of qualification awarded by a college etc. 2 document conferring an honour or privilege. [greek, = folded paper, from diplous double]
Diplomacy n. 1 a management of international relations. B skill in this. 2 tact. [french: related to +diplomatic]
Diplomat n. 1 member of a diplomatic service. 2 tactful person.
Diplomatic adj. 1 of or involved in diplomacy. 2 tactful. ~ diplomatically adv. [french: related to +diploma]
Diplomatic bag n. Container for dispatching official mail etc. To or from an embassy, usu. Exempt from customs inspection.
Diplomatic immunity n. Exemption of diplomatic staff abroad from arrest, taxation, etc.
Diplomatic service n. Branch of the civil service concerned with the representation of a country abroad.
Diplomatist n. Diplomat.
Dipole n. 1 two equal and oppositely charged or magnetized poles separated by a distance. 2 molecule in which a concentration of positive charges is separated from a concentration of negative charges. 3 aerial consisting of a horizontal metal rod with a connecting wire at its core.
Dipper n. 1 diving bird, esp. The water ouzel. 2 ladle.
Dippy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang crazy, silly. [origin uncertain]
Dipso n. (pl. -s) colloq. Alcoholic. [abbreviation]
Dipsomania n. Alcoholism. ~ dipsomaniac n. [greek dipsa thirst]
Dipstick n. Rod for measuring the depth of esp. Oil in a vehicle's engine.
Dip-switch n. Switch for dipping a vehicle's headlights.
Dipterous adj. (of an insect) having two wings. [greek pteron wing]
Diptych n. Painting, esp. An altarpiece, on two hinged panels closing like a book. [greek, = pair of writing-tablets, from ptukhe fold]
Dire adj. 1 a calamitous, dreadful. B ominous. C (predic) colloq. Very bad. 2 urgent (in dire need). [latin]
Direct —adj. 1 extending or moving in a straight line or by the shortest route; not crooked or circuitous. 2 straightforward; frank. 3 with nothing or no-one in between; personal (direct line). 4 (of descent) lineal, not collateral. 5 complete, greatest possible (the direct opposite). —adv. 1 in a direct way or manner (dealt with them direct). 2 by the direct route (sent direct to london). —v. 1 control; govern or guide (duty directs me). 2 (foll. By to + infin., or that + clause) order (a person) to. 3 (foll. By to) a address (a letter etc.). B tell or show (a person) the way to (a place). 4 (foll. By at, to, towards) point, aim, or turn (a blow, attention, or remark). 5 (also absol.) Supervise the performing, staging, etc., of (a film, play, etc.). ~ directness n. [latin dirigo from rego rect- guide]
Direct current n. Electric current flowing in one direction only.
Direct debit n. Regular debiting of a bank account at the request of the payee.
Direct-grant school n. School funded by the government and not a local authority.
Direction n. 1 directing; supervision. 2 (usu. In pl.) Order or instruction. 3 line along which, or point to or from which, a person or thing moves or looks. 4 tendency or scope of a theme, subject, etc.
Directional adj. 1 of or indicating direction. 2 sending or receiving radio or sound waves in one particular direction.
Directive —n. Order from an authority. —adj. Serving to direct.
Directly —adv. 1 a at once; without delay, immediately (directly after lunch). B presently, shortly. 2 exactly (directly opposite). 3 in a direct manner. —conj. Colloq. As soon as (will tell you directly they come).
Direct object n. Primary object of the action of a transitive verb.
Director n. 1 person who directs or controls, esp. A member of the board of a company. 2 person who directs a film, play, etc. ~ directorial adj. Directorship n.
Directorate n. 1 board of directors. 2 office of director.
Director-general n. Chief executive of a large organization.
Directory n. (pl. -ies) book with a list of telephone subscribers, inhabitants of a district, or members of a profession etc. [latin: related to +direct]
Directory enquiries n.pl. Telephone service providing a subscriber's number on request.
Directress n. Woman director.
Direct speech n. Words actually spoken, not reported.
Direct tax n. Tax that one pays directly to the government, esp. On income.
Dirge n. 1 lament for the dead. 2 any dreary piece of music. [latin imperative dirige = direct, used in the office for the dead]
Dirham n. Principal monetary unit of morocco and the united arab emirates. [arabic]
Dirigible —adj. Capable of being guided. —n. Dirigible balloon or airship. [related to +direct]
Dirk n. Short dagger. [origin unknown]
Dirndl n. 1 dress with a close-fitting bodice and full skirt. 2 full skirt of this kind. [german]
Dirt n. 1 unclean matter that soils. 2 a earth, soil. B earth, cinders, etc., used to make the surface for a road etc. (usu. Attrib.: dirt track). 3 foul or malicious words or talk. 4 excrement. ~ treat like dirt treat with contempt. [old norse drit excrement]
Dirt cheap adj. & adv. Colloq. Extremely cheap.
Dirty —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 soiled, unclean. 2 causing dirtiness (dirty job). 3 sordid, lewd, obscene. 4 unpleasant, dishonourable, unfair (dirty trick). 5 (of weather) rough, squally. 6 (of colour) muddied, dingy. —adv. Slang 1 very (a dirty great diamond). 2 in a dirty manner (talk dirty; act dirty) (esp. In senses 3 and 4 of adj.). —v. (-ies, -ied) make or become dirty. ~ do the dirty on colloq. Play a mean trick on. ~ dirtily adv. Dirtiness n.
Dirty look n. Colloq. Look of disapproval or disgust.
Dirty old man n. Colloq. Lecherous man.
Dirty weekend n. Colloq. Weekend spent with a lover.
Dirty word n. 1 offensive or indecent word. 2 word for something disapproved of (profit is a dirty word).
Dirty work n. Dishonourable or illegal activity; unpleasant task.
Dis- prefix forming nouns, adjectives, and verbs implying: 1 negation or direct opposite (dishonest; discourteous). 2 reversal (disengage; disorientate). 3 removal of a thing or quality (dismember; disable). 4 separation (distinguish). 5 completeness or intensification (disgruntled). 6 expulsion from (disbar). [french des- or latin dis-]
Disability n. (pl. -ies) 1 permanent physical or mental incapacity. 2 lack of some capacity etc., preventing action.
Disable v. (-ling) 1 deprive of an ability or function. 2 (often as disabled adj.) Physically incapacitate. ~ disablement n.
Disabuse v. (-sing) (usu. Foll. By of) free from a mistaken idea; disillusion.
Disadvantage —n. 1 unfavourable circumstance or condition. 2 damage; loss. —v. (-ging) cause disadvantage to. ~ at a disadvantage in an unfavourable position or aspect. ~ disadvantageous adj.
Disadvantaged adj. Lacking normal opportunities through poverty, disability, etc.
Disaffected adj. Discontented (esp. Politically); no longer loyal. ~ disaffection n.
Disagree v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) (often foll. By with) 1 hold a different opinion. 2 (of factors) not correspond. 3 upset (onions disagree with me). ~ disagreement n.
Disagreeable adj. 1 unpleasant. 2 bad-tempered. ~ disagreeably adv.
Disallow v. Refuse to allow or accept; prohibit.
Disappear v. 1 cease to be visible. 2 cease to exist or be in circulation or use. 3 (of a person) go missing. ~ disappearance n.
Disappoint v. 1 fail to fulfil the desire or expectation of. 2 frustrate (a hope etc.). ~ disappointed adj. Disappointing adj.
Disappointment n. 1 person or thing that disappoints. 2 being disappointed.
Disapprobation n. Formal disapproval.
Disapprove v. (-ving) (usu. Foll. By of) have or express an unfavourable opinion. ~ disapproval n.
Disarm v. 1 take weapons etc. Away from. 2 reduce or give up one's own weapons. 3 defuse (a bomb etc.). 4 make less angry, hostile, etc; charm, win over. ~ disarming adj. (esp. In sense 4). Disarmingly adv.
Disarmament n. Reduction by a state of its armaments.
Disarrange v. (-ging) bring into disorder. ~ disarrangement n.
Disarray —n. Disorder. —v. Throw into disorder.
Disassociate v. (-ting) = +dissociate. ~ disassociation n.
Disaster n. 1 great or sudden misfortune; catastrophe. 2 colloq. Complete failure. ~ disastrous adj. Disastrously adv. [latin astrum star]
Disavow v. Disclaim knowledge of or responsibility for. ~ disavowal n.
Disband v. Break up; disperse. ~ disbandment n.
Disbar v. (-rr-) deprive (a barrister) of the right to practise. ~ disbarment n.
Disbelieve v. (-ving) be unable or unwilling to believe; be sceptical. ~ disbelief n. Disbelievingly adv.
Disburse v. (-sing) pay out (money). ~ disbursal n. Disbursement n. [french: related to +dis-, +bourse]
Disc n. (also disk esp. Us and in sense 4a) 1 a flat thin circular object. B round flat or apparently flat surface or mark. 2 layer of cartilage between vertebrae. 3 gramophone record. 4 a (usu. Disk; in full magnetic disk) flat circular computer storage device. B (in full optical disc) disc for data recorded and read by laser. [latin +discus]
Discard v. 1 reject as unwanted. 2 remove or put aside. [from +dis-, +card1]
Disc brake n. Brake employing the friction of pads against a disc.
Discern v. 1 perceive clearly with the mind or senses. 2 make out with effort. ~ discernible adj. [latin cerno cret- separate]
Discerning adj. Having good judgement. ~ discerningly adv. Discernment n.
Discharge —v. (-ging) 1 release (a prisoner); allow (a patient, jury) to leave. 2 dismiss from office or employment. 3 fire (a gun etc.). 4 throw; eject. 5 emit, pour out (pus etc.). 6 (foll. By into) (of a river etc.) Flow into (esp. The sea). 7 a carry out (a duty or obligation). B relieve oneself of (a debt etc.). C relieve (a bankrupt) of residual liability. 8 law cancel (an order of court). 9 release an electrical charge from. 10 a relieve (a ship etc.) Of cargo. B unload (cargo). —n. 1 discharging or being discharged. 2 certificate of release, dismissal, etc. 3 matter discharged; pus etc. 4 release of an electric charge, esp. With a spark.
Disciple n. Follower of a leader, teacher, etc., esp. Of christ. [latin disco learn]
Disciplinarian n. Enforcer of or believer in firm discipline.
Disciplinary adj. Of or enforcing discipline.
Discipline —n. 1 a control or order exercised over people or animals, e.g. Over members of an organization. B system of rules for this. 2 training or way of life aimed at self-control and conformity. 3 branch of learning. 4 punishment. —v. (-ning) 1 punish. 2 control by training in obedience. [latin disciplina from disco learn]
Disc jockey n. Presenter of recorded pop music.
Disclaim v. 1 deny or disown. 2 renounce legal claim to.
Disclaimer n. Renunciation; statement disclaiming something.
Disclose v. (-sing) make known; expose. ~ disclosure n.
Disco colloq. —n. (pl. -s) = +discothèque. —v. (-es, -ed) dance to disco music. [abbreviation]
Discolor v. (brit. Discolour) cause to change from its normal colour; stain; tarnish. ~ discoloration n.
Discolour v. (us discolor) cause to change from its normal colour; stain; tarnish. ~ discoloration n.
Discomfit v. (-t-) disconcert, baffle, frustrate. ~ discomfiture n. [french: related to +dis-, +confection]
Usage discomfit is sometimes confused with discomfort.
Discomfort —n. 1 lack of comfort; slight pain or unease. 2 cause of this. —v. Make uncomfortable.
Usage as a verb, discomfort is sometimes confused with discomfit.
Discompose v. (-sing) disturb the composure of. ~ discomposure n.
Disco music n. Popular dance music with a heavy bass rhythm.
Disconcert v. Disturb the composure of; fluster.
Disconnect v. 1 break the connection of. 2 put out of action by disconnecting the parts. ~ disconnection n.
Disconnected adj. Incoherent and illogical.
Disconsolate adj. Forlorn, unhappy, disappointed. ~ disconsolately adv. [latin: related to +dis-, +solace]
Discontent —n. Lack of contentment; dissatisfaction, grievance. —v. (esp. As discontented adj.) Make dissatisfied. ~ discontentment n.
Discontinue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 come or bring to an end (a discontinued line). 2 give up, cease from (doing something). ~ discontinuance n.
Discontinuous adj. Lacking continuity; intermittent. ~ discontinuity n.
Discord n. 1 disagreement; strife. 2 harsh noise; clashing sounds. 3 lack of harmony in a chord. [latin: related to +dis-, cor cord- heart]
Discordant adj. 1 disagreeing. 2 not in harmony; dissonant. ~ discordance n. Discordantly adv.
Discothèque n. 1 nightclub etc. For dancing to pop records. 2 professional lighting and sound equipment used for this. 3 party with such equipment. [french, = record-library]
Discount —n. Amount deducted from a full or normal price, esp. For prompt or advance payment. —v. 1 disregard as unreliable or unimportant. 2 deduct an amount from (a price etc.). 3 give or get the present worth of (an investment certificate which has yet to mature). ~ at a discount below the usual price or true value.
Discountenance v. (-cing) 1 disconcert. 2 refuse to approve of.
Discourage v. (-ging) 1 deprive of courage or confidence. 2 dissuade, deter. 3 show disapproval of. ~ discouragement n.
Discourse —n. 1 conversation. 2 lengthy treatment of a subject. 3 lecture, speech. —v. (-sing) 1 converse. 2 speak or write at length on a subject. [latin curro curs- run]
Discourteous adj. Lacking courtesy. ~ discourteously adv. Discourtesy n. (pl. -ies).
Discover v. 1 a find out or become aware of, by intention or chance. B be first to find or find out (who discovered america?). 2 find and promote as a new performer. ~ discoverer n. [latin discooperio: related to +dis-, +cover]
Discovery n. (pl. -ies) 1 discovering or being discovered. 2 person or thing discovered.
Discredit —n. 1 harm to reputation. 2 person or thing causing this. 3 lack of credibility. —v. (-t-) 1 harm the good reputation of. 2 cause to be disbelieved. 3 refuse to believe.
Discreditable adj. Bringing discredit; shameful. ~ discreditably adv.
Discreet adj. (-er, -est) 1 a circumspect. B tactful; judicious, prudent. 2 unobtrusive. ~ discreetly adv. Discreetness n. [latin: related to +discern]
Discrepancy n. (pl. -ies) difference; inconsistency. ~ discrepant adj. [latin discrepo be discordant]
Discrete adj. Individually distinct; separate, discontinuous. ~ discreteness n. [latin: related to +discern]
Discretion n. 1 being discreet. 2 prudence; good judgement. 3 freedom or authority to act according to one's judgement. ~ use one's discretion act according to one's own judgement. ~ discretionary adj. [latin: related to +discern]
Discriminate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By between) make or see a distinction. 2 (usu. Foll. By against or in favour of) treat unfavourably or favourably, esp. On the basis of race, gender, etc. ~ discriminatory adj. [latin discrimino: related to +discern]
Discriminating adj. Showing good judgement or taste.
Discrimination n. 1 unfavourable treatment based on racial, sexual, etc. Prejudice. 2 good taste or judgement.
Discursive adj. Tending to digress, rambling. [latin curro curs- run]
Discus n. (pl. -cuses) heavy thick-centred disc thrown in athletic events. [latin from greek]
Discuss v. 1 talk about (discussed their holidays). 2 talk or write about (a subject) in detail. ~ discussion n. [latin discutio -cuss- disperse]
Disdain —n. Scorn, contempt. —v. 1 regard with disdain. 2 refrain or refuse out of disdain. ~ disdainful adj. Disdainfully adv. [latin: related to +de-, +deign]
Disease n. 1 unhealthy condition of the body or mind, plants, society, etc. 2 particular kind of disease. ~ diseased adj. [french: related to +dis-, +ease]
Disembark v. Put or go ashore; get off an aircraft, bus, etc. ~ disembarkation n.
Disembarrass v. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) relieve (of a load etc.). 2 free from embarrassment. ~ disembarrassment n.
Disembodied adj. 1 (of the soul etc.) Freed from the body or concrete form. 2 lacking a body. ~ disembodiment n.
Disembowel v. (-ll-; us -l-) remove the bowels or entrails of. ~ disembowelment n.
Disenchant v. Disillusion. ~ disenchantment n.
Disencumber v. Free from encumbrance.
Disenfranchise v. (also disfranchise) (-sing) 1 deprive of the right to vote or to be represented. 2 deprive of rights as a citizen or of a franchise held. ~ disenfranchisement n.
Disengage —v. (-ging) 1 detach, loosen, release. 2 remove (troops) from battle etc. 3 become detached. 4 (as disengaged adj.) A at leisure. B uncommitted. ~ disengagement n.
Disentangle v. (-ling) free or become free of tangles or complications. ~ disentanglement n.
Disestablish v. 1 deprive (a church) of state support. 2 terminate the establishment of. ~ disestablishment n.
Disfavor (brit. Disfavour) —n. 1 disapproval or dislike. 2 being disliked. —v. Regard or treat with disfavour.
Disfavour (us disfavor) —n. 1 disapproval or dislike. 2 being disliked. —v. Regard or treat with disfavour.
Disfigure v. (-ring) spoil the appearance of. ~ disfigurement n.
Disfranchise var. Of +disenfranchise.
Disgorge v. (-ging) 1 eject from the throat. 2 pour forth. ~ disgorgement n.
Disgrace —n. 1 shame; ignominy. 2 shameful or very bad person or thing (bus service is a disgrace). —v. (-cing) 1 bring shame or discredit on. 2 dismiss from a position of honour or favour. ~ in disgrace out of favour. [latin: related to +dis-, +grace]
Disgraceful adj. Shameful; causing disgrace. ~ disgracefully adv.
Disgruntled adj. Discontented; sulky. ~ disgruntlement n. [from +dis-, +grunt]
Disguise —v. (-sing) 1 conceal the identity of; make unrecognizable. 2 conceal (disguised my anger). —n. 1 a costume, make-up, etc., used to disguise. B action, manner, etc., used to deceive. 2 disguised state. 3 practice of disguising. [french: related to +dis-]
Disgust —n. Strong aversion; repugnance. —v. Cause disgust in. ~ disgusting adj. Disgustingly adv. [french or italian: related to +dis-, +gusto]
Dish —n. 1 a shallow flat-bottomed container for food. B its contents. C particular kind of food or food prepared to a particular recipe (meat dish). 2 (in pl.) Crockery, pans, etc. After a meal (wash the dishes). 3 a dish-shaped object or cavity. B = +satellite dish. 4 colloq. Sexually attractive person. —v. 1 colloq. Outmanoeuvre, frustrate. 2 make dish-shaped. ~ dish out colloq. Distribute. Dish up 1 put (food) in dishes for serving. 2 colloq. Present as a fact or argument. [old english from latin +discus]
Dishabille var. Of +déshabillé.
Disharmony n. Lack of harmony; discord. ~ disharmonious adj.
Dishcloth n. Cloth for washing dishes.
Dishearten v. Cause to lose courage, hope, or confidence. ~ disheartenment n.
Disheveled adj. (brit. Dishevelled) untidy; ruffled. ~ dishevelment n. [from +dis-, chevel ‘hair’, from latin capillus]
Dishevelled adj. (us disheveled) untidy; ruffled. ~ dishevelment n. [from +dis-, chevel ‘hair’, from latin capillus]
Dishonest adj. Fraudulent or insincere. ~ dishonestly adv. Dishonesty n.
Dishonor (brit. Dishonour) —n. 1 loss of honour or respect; disgrace. 2 thing causing this. —v. 1 disgrace (dishonoured his name). 2 refuse to accept or pay (a cheque etc.).
Dishonorable adj. (brit. Dishonourable) 1 causing disgrace; ignominious. 2 unprincipled. ~ dishonourably adv.
Dishonour (us dishonor) —n. 1 loss of honour or respect; disgrace. 2 thing causing this. —v. 1 disgrace (dishonoured his name). 2 refuse to accept or pay (a cheque etc.).
Dishonourable adj. (us dishonorable) 1 causing disgrace; ignominious. 2 unprincipled. ~ dishonourably adv.
Dishwasher n. Machine or person that washes dishes.
Dishy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Sexually attractive.
Disillusion —v. Free from an illusion or mistaken belief. —n. Disillusioned state. ~ disillusionment n.
Disincentive n. Thing discouraging action, effort, etc.
Disincline v. (-ning) make unwilling or reluctant. ~ disinclination n.
Disinfect v. Cleanse of infection, esp. With disinfectant. ~ disinfection n.
Disinfectant —n. Substance that destroys germs etc. —adj. Disinfecting.
Disinformation n. False information, propaganda.
Disingenuous adj. Insincere, not candid. ~ disingenuously adv.
Disinherit v. (-t-) reject as one's heir; deprive of the right of inheritance. ~ disinheritance n.
Disintegrate v. (-ting) 1 separate into component parts or fragments, break up. 2 colloq. Break down, esp. Mentally. 3 (of an atomic nucleus) emit particles or divide into smaller nuclei. ~ disintegration n.
Disinter v. (-rr-) dig up (esp. A corpse). ~ disinterment n.
Disinterested adj. 1 impartial. 2 uninterested. ~ disinterest n. Disinterestedly adv.
Usage use of disinterested in sense 2 is common in informal use, but is widely regarded as incorrect. The use of the noun disinterest to mean ‘lack of interest’ is also objected to but it is rarely used in any other sense and the alternative uninterest is rare.
Disinvest v. Reduce or dispose of one's investment. ~ disinvestment n.
Disjoint v. 1 take apart at the joints. 2 (as disjointed adj.) Incoherent; disconnected. 3 disturb the working of; disrupt.
Disjunction n. Separation.
Disjunctive adj. 1 involving separation. 2 (of a conjunction) expressing an alternative, e.g. Or in is it wet or dry?
Disk var. Of +disc (esp. Us & computing).
Disk drive n. Computing mechanism for rotating a disk and reading or writing data from or to it.
Diskette n. Computing = +floppy n.
Dislike —v. (-king) have an aversion to; not like. —n. 1 feeling of repugnance or not liking. 2 object of this.
Dislocate v. (-ting) 1 disturb the normal connection of (esp. A joint in the body). 2 disrupt. ~ dislocation n.
Dislodge v. (-ging) disturb or move. ~ dislodgement n.
Disloyal adj. Not loyal; unfaithful. ~ disloyally adv. Disloyalty n.
Dismal adj. 1 gloomy; miserable. 2 dreary; sombre. 3 colloq. Feeble, inept (dismal attempt). ~ dismally adv. [medieval latin dies mali unlucky days]
Dismantle v. (-ling) 1 take to pieces; pull down. 2 deprive of defences or equipment.
Dismay —n. Intense disappointment or despair. —v. Fill with dismay. [french from germanic: related to +dis-, +may]
Dismember v. 1 remove the limbs from. 2 partition or divide up. ~ dismemberment n.
Dismiss v. 1 send away, esp. From one's presence; disperse. 2 terminate the employment of, esp. Dishonourably; sack. 3 put from one's mind or emotions. 4 consider not worth talking or thinking about; treat summarily. 5 law refuse further hearing to (a case). 6 cricket put (a batsman or side) out (usu. For a stated score). ~ dismissal n. [latin mitto miss- send]
Dismissive adj. Dismissing rudely or casually; disdainful. ~ dismissively adv. Dismissiveness n.
Dismount v. 1 a alight from a horse, bicycle, etc. B unseat. 2 remove (a thing) from its mounting.
Disobedient adj. Disobeying; rebellious. ~ disobedience n. Disobediently adv.
Disobey v. Refuse or fail to obey.
Disoblige v. (-ging) refuse to help or cooperate with (a person).
Disorder n. 1 lack of order; confusion. 2 public disturbance; riot. 3 ailment or disease. ~ disordered adj.
Disorderly adj. 1 untidy; confused. 2 riotous, unruly. ~ disorderliness n.
Disorganize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 throw into confusion or disorder. 2 (as disorganized adj.) Badly organized; untidy. ~ disorganization n.
Disorient v. = +disorientate.
Disorientate v. (also disorient) (-ting) confuse (a person), esp. As to his or her bearings. ~ disorientation n.
Disown v. Deny or give up any connection with; repudiate.
Disparage v. (-ging) 1 criticize; belittle. 2 bring discredit on. ~ disparagement n. [french: related to +dis-, parage rank]
Disparate adj. Essentially different; not comparable. ~ disparateness n. [latin disparo separate]
Disparity n. (pl. -ies) inequality; difference; incongruity.
Dispassionate adj. Free from emotion; impartial. ~ dispassionately adv.
Dispatch (also despatch) —v. 1 send off to a destination or for a purpose. 2 perform (a task etc.) Promptly; finish off. 3 kill, execute. 4 colloq. Eat quickly. —n. 1 dispatching or being dispatched. 2 a official written message, esp. Military. B news report to a newspaper etc. 3 promptness, efficiency. [italian dispacciare or spanish despachar]
Dispatch-box n. Case for esp. Parliamentary documents.
Dispatch-rider n. Messenger on a motor cycle.
Dispel v. (-ll-) drive away; scatter (fears etc.). [latin pello drive]
Dispensable adj. That can be dispensed with.
Dispensary n. (pl. -ies) place where medicines are dispensed.
Dispensation n. 1 dispensing or distributing. 2 exemption from penalty, rule, etc. 3 ordering or management of the world by providence.
Dispense v. (-sing) 1 distribute; deal out. 2 administer. 3 make up and give out (medicine etc.). 4 (foll. By with) do without; make unnecessary. [french from latin pendo pens- weigh]
Dispenser n. 1 person or thing that dispenses e.g. Medicine, good advice. 2 automatic machine dispensing a specific amount.
Disperse v. (-sing) 1 go, send, drive, or scatter widely or in different directions. 2 send to or station at different points. 3 disseminate. 4 chem. Distribute (small particles) in a medium. 5 divide (white light) into its coloured constituents. ~ dispersal n. Dispersive adj. [latin: related to +dis-, +sparse]
Dispersion n. 1 dispersing or being dispersed. 2 (the dispersion) = +diaspora.
Dispirit v. (esp. As dispiriting, dispirited adjs.) Make despondent, deject.
Displace v. (-cing) 1 move from its place. 2 remove from office. 3 take the place of; oust.
Displaced person n. Refugee in war etc., or from persecution.
Displacement n. 1 displacing or being displaced. 2 amount of fluid displaced by an object floating or immersed in it.
Display —v. 1 exhibit; show. 2 reveal; betray. —n. 1 displaying. 2 a exhibition or show. B thing(s) displayed. 3 ostentation. 4 mating rituals of some birds etc. 5 what is shown on a visual display unit etc. [latin plico fold]
Displease v. (-sing) make upset or angry; annoy. ~ displeasure n.
Disport v. (often refl.) Play, frolic, enjoy oneself. [anglo-french porter carry, from latin]
Disposable —adj. 1 intended to be used once and discarded. 2 able to be disposed of. —n. Disposable article.
Disposable income n. Income after tax and other fixed payments.
Disposal n. Disposing of, e.g. Waste. ~ at one's disposal available.
Usage disposal is the noun corresponding to the verb dispose of (get rid of, deal with, etc.). Disposition is the noun from dispose (arrange, incline).
Dispose v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By to, or to + infin.) A make willing; incline (was disposed to agree). B tend (wheel was disposed to buckle). 2 arrange suitably. 3 (as disposed adj.) Have a specified inclination (ill-disposed; well-disposed). 4 determine events (man proposes, god disposes). ~ dispose of 1 a deal with. B get rid of. C finish. D kill. 2 sell. 3 prove (an argument etc.) Incorrect. [french: related to +pose]
Disposition n. 1 natural tendency; temperament. 2 a ordering; arrangement (of parts etc.). B arrangement. 3 (usu. In pl.) Preparations; plans.
Usage see note at disposal.
Dispossess v. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) (esp. As dispossessed adj.) Deprive (a person) of. 2 dislodge; oust. ~ dispossession n.
Disproof n. Refutation.
Disproportion n. Lack of proportion; being out of proportion. ~ disproportional adj. Disproportionally adv.
Disproportionate adj. 1 out of proportion. 2 relatively too large or small etc. ~ disproportionately adv.
Disprove v. (-ving) prove false.
Disputable adj. Open to question; uncertain. ~ disputably adv.
Disputant n. Person in a dispute.
Disputation n. 1 debate, esp. Formal. 2 argument; controversy.
Disputatious adj. Argumentative.
Dispute —v. (-ting) 1 debate, argue. 2 discuss, esp. Heatedly; quarrel. 3 question the truth or validity of (a statement etc.). 4 contend for (disputed territory). 5 resist, oppose. —n. 1 controversy; debate. 2 quarrel. 3 disagreement leading to industrial action. ~ in dispute 1 being argued about. 2 (of a workforce) involved in industrial action. [latin puto reckon]
Disqualify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 debar from a competition or pronounce ineligible as a winner. 2 make or pronounce ineligible, unsuitable, or unqualified (disqualified from driving). ~ disqualification n.
Disquiet —v. Make anxious. —n. Anxiety; uneasiness.
Disquietude n. Disquiet.
Disquisition n. Discursive treatise or discourse. [latin quaero quaesit- seek]
Disregard —v. 1 ignore. 2 treat as unimportant. —n. Indifference; neglect.
Disrepair n. Poor condition due to lack of repairs.
Disreputable adj. 1 of bad reputation. 2 not respectable in character or appearance. ~ disreputably adv.
Disrepute n. Lack of good reputation; discredit.
Disrespect n. Lack of respect; discourtesy. ~ disrespectful adj. Disrespectfully adv.
Disrobe v. (-bing) literary undress.
Disrupt v. 1 interrupt the continuity of; bring disorder to. 2 break apart. ~ disruption n. Disruptive adj. Disruptively adv. [latin: related to +rupture]
Dissatisfy v. (-ies, -ied) make discontented; fail to satisfy. ~ dissatisfaction n.
Dissect v. 1 cut into pieces, esp. For examination or post mortem. 2 analyse or criticize in detail. ~ dissection n. [latin: related to +section]
Dissemble v. (-ling) 1 be hypocritical or insincere. 2 disguise or conceal (a feeling, intention, etc.). [latin simulo +simulate]
Disseminate v. (-ting) scatter about, spread (esp. Ideas) widely. ~ dissemination n. [latin: related to +dis-, +semen]
Dissension n. Angry disagreement. [latin: related to +dissent]
Dissent —v. (often foll. By from) 1 disagree, esp. Openly. 2 differ, esp. From the established or official opinion. —n. 1 such difference. 2 expression of this. [latin: related to +dis-, sentio feel]
Dissenter n. 1 person who dissents. 2 (dissenter) protestant dissenting from the church of england.
Dissentient —adj. Disagreeing with the established or official view. —n. Person who dissents.
Dissertation n. Detailed discourse, esp. One submitted towards an academic degree. [latin disserto discuss]
Disservice n. Harmful action, harm.
Dissident —adj. Disagreeing, esp. With the established government, system, etc. —n. Dissident person. ~ dissidence n. [latin: related to +dis-, sedeo sit]
Dissimilar adj. Unlike, not similar. ~ dissimilarity n. (pl. -ies).
Dissimulate v. (-ting) dissemble. ~ dissimulation n. [latin: related to +dissemble]
Dissipate v. (-ting) 1 disperse, disappear, dispel. 2 squander. 3 (as dissipated adj.) Dissolute. [latin dissipare -pat-]
Dissipation n. 1 dissolute way of life. 2 dissipating or being dissipated.
Dissociate v. (-ting) 1 disconnect or separate. 2 become disconnected. ~ dissociate oneself from declare oneself unconnected with. ~ dissociation n. Dissociative adj. [latin: related to +dis-, +associate]
Dissoluble adj. That can be disintegrated, loosened, or disconnected.
Dissolute adj. Lax in morals; licentious. [latin: related to +dissolve]
Dissolution n. 1 dissolving or being dissolved, esp. Of a partnership or of parliament for a new election. 2 breaking up, abolition (of an institution). 3 death.
Dissolve v. (-ving) 1 make or become liquid, esp. By immersion or dispersion in a liquid. 2 (cause to) disappear gradually. 3 dismiss (an assembly, esp. Parliament). 4 annul or put an end to (a partnership, marriage, etc.). 5 (often foll. By into) be overcome (by tears, laughter, etc.). [latin: related to +dis-, solvo solut- loosen]
Dissonant adj. 1 harsh-toned; unharmonious. 2 incongruous. ~ dissonance n. [latin: related to +dis-, sono +sound1]
Dissuade v. (-ding) (often foll. By from) discourage (a person); persuade against. ~ dissuasion n. Dissuasive adj. [latin: related to +dis-, suadeo advise]
Dissyllable var. Of +disyllable.
Distaff n. Cleft stick holding wool or flax for spinning by hand. [old english]
Distaff side n. Female branch of a family.
Distance —n. 1 being far off; remoteness. 2 space between two points. 3 distant point or place. 4 aloofness; reserve. 5 remoter field of vision (in the distance). 6 interval of time. —v. (-cing) (often refl.) 1 place or cause to seem far off; be aloof. 2 leave far behind in a race etc. ~ at a distance far off. Keep one's distance remain aloof. [latin: related to +dis-, sto stand]
Distant adj. 1 far away; at a specified distance (three miles distant). 2 remote in time, relationship, etc. (distant prospect; distant relation). 3 aloof. 4 abstracted (distant stare). 5 faint (distant memory). ~ distantly adv.
Distaste n. (usu. Foll. By for) dislike; aversion. ~ distasteful adj. Distastefully adv. Distastefulness n.
Distemper1 hist —n. Paint using glue or size as a base, for use on walls. —v. Paint with this. [latin, = soak: see +distemper2]
Distemper2 n. Disease of esp. Dogs, with coughing and weakness. [latin: related to +dis-, tempero mingle]
Distend v. Swell out by pressure from within (distended stomach). ~ distensible adj. Distension n. [latin: related to +tend1]
Distich n. Verse couplet. [greek stikhos line]
Distil v. (us distill) (-ll-) 1 purify or extract the essence from (a substance) by vaporizing and condensing it and collecting the resulting liquid. 2 extract the essential meaning of (an idea etc.). 3 make (whisky, essence, etc.) By distilling raw materials. 4 fall or cause to fall in drops. ~ distillation n. [latin: related to +de-, stillo drip]
Distill v. (brit. Distil) (-ll-) 1 purify or extract the essence from (a substance) by vaporizing and condensing it and collecting the resulting liquid. 2 extract the essential meaning of (an idea etc.). 3 make (whisky, essence, etc.) By distilling raw materials. 4 fall or cause to fall in drops. ~ distillation n. [latin: related to +de-, stillo drip]
Distiller n. Person who distils, esp. Alcoholic liquor.
Distillery n. (pl. -ies) place where alcoholic liquor is distilled.
Distinct adj. 1 (often foll. By from) not identical; separate; different. 2 clearly perceptible. 3 unmistakable, decided (distinct advantage). ~ distinctly adv. [latin: related to +distinguish]
Distinction n. 1 discriminating or distinguishing. 2 difference between two things. 3 thing that differentiates or distinguishes. 4 special consideration or honour (treat with distinction). 5 excellence (person of distinction). 6 title or mark of honour. [latin: related to +distinguish]
Distinctive adj. Distinguishing, characteristic. ~ distinctively adv. Distinctiveness n.
Distingué adj. Distinguished in appearance, manner, etc. [french]
Distinguish v. 1 (often foll. By from, between) differentiate; see or draw distinctions. 2 be a mark or property of; characterize. 3 discover by listening, looking, etc. 4 (usu. Refl.; often foll. By by) make prominent (distinguished himself by winning). ~ distinguishable adj. [latin: related to +dis-, stinguo stinct- extinguish]
Distinguished adj. 1 eminent; famous. 2 dignified.
Distort v. 1 pull or twist out of shape. 2 misrepresent (facts etc.). 3 transmit (sound etc.) Inaccurately. ~ distortion n. [latin torqueo tort- twist]
Distract v. 1 (often foll. By from) draw away the attention of. 2 bewilder, perplex. 3 (as distracted adj.) Confused, mad, or angry. 4 amuse, esp. To divert from pain etc. [latin: related to +dis-, traho tract- draw]
Distraction n. 1 a distracting or being distracted. B thing that distracts. 2 relaxation; amusement. 3 confusion; frenzy, madness.
Distrain v. (usu. Foll. By upon) impose distraint (on a person, goods, etc.). [latin: related to +dis-, stringo strict- draw tight]
Distraint n. Seizure of goods to enforce payment.
Distrait adj. (fem. Distraite) inattentive; distraught. [french: related to +distract]
Distraught adj. Distracted with worry, fear, etc.; extremely agitated. [related to +distrait]
Distress —n. 1 anguish or suffering caused by pain, sorrow, worry, etc. 2 poverty. 3 law = +distraint. —v. Cause distress to, make unhappy. ~ in distress suffering or in danger. ~ distressful adj. [romanic: related to +distrain]
Distressed adj. 1 suffering from distress. 2 impoverished. 3 (of furniture, clothing, etc.) Aged, torn, etc. Artificially.
Distressed area n. Region of high unemployment and poverty.
Distribute v. (-ting) 1 give shares of; deal out. 2 scatter; put at different points. 3 arrange; classify. [latin tribuo -but- assign]
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Distribution n. 1 distributing or being distributed. 2 a commercial dispersal of goods etc. B extent to which different classes etc. Share in a nation's total wealth etc.
Distributive —adj. 1 of or produced by distribution. 2 logic & gram. Referring to each individual of a class, not to the class collectively (e.g. Each, either). —n. Gram. Distributive word.
Distributor n. 1 person or thing that distributes, esp. Goods. 2 device in an internal-combustion engine for passing current to each spark-plug in turn.
District n. 1 (often attrib.) Area regarded as a geographical or administrative unit (the peak district; postal district; wine-growing district). 2 administrative division of a county etc. [latin: related to +distrain]
District attorney n. (in the us) prosecuting officer of a district.
District nurse n. Nurse who makes home visits in an area.
Distrust —n. Lack of trust; suspicion. —v. Have no trust in. ~ distrustful adj. Distrustfully adv.
Disturb v. 1 break the rest, calm, or quiet of. 2 agitate; worry. 3 move from a settled position (disturbed my papers). 4 (as disturbed adj.) Emotionally or mentally unstable. [latin: related to +dis-, turba tumult]
Disturbance n. 1 disturbing or being disturbed. 2 tumult; uproar; agitation.
Disunion n. Lack of union; separation; dissension.
Disunite v. (-ting) 1 remove the unity from. 2 separate. ~ disunity n.
Disuse —n. Disused state. —v. (-sing) cease to use.
Disyllable n. (also dissyllable) prosody word or metrical foot of two syllables. ~ disyllabic adj.
Ditch —n. Long narrow excavation esp. For drainage or as a boundary. —v. 1 make or repair ditches (hedging and ditching). 2 slang abandon; discard. ~ dull as ditch-water extremely dull. [old english]
Dither —v. 1 hesitate; be indecisive. 2 tremble; quiver. —n. Colloq. State of agitation or hesitation. ~ ditherer n. Dithery adj. [var. Of didder +dodder1]
Dithyramb n. 1 wild choral hymn in ancient greece. 2 passionate or inflated poem etc. ~ dithyrambic adj. [latin from greek]
Ditto n. (pl. -s) 1 (in accounts, inventories, etc.) The aforesaid, the same. 2 colloq. (used to avoid repetition) the same (came late today and ditto yesterday). [latin +dictum]
Usage in sense 1, the word ditto is often replaced by " under the word or sum to be repeated.
Ditto marks n.pl. Inverted commas etc. Representing ‘ditto’.
Ditty n. (pl. -ies) short simple song. [latin: related to +dictate]
Diuretic —adj. Causing increased output of urine. —n. Diuretic drug. [greek: related to +dia-, oureo urinate]
Diurnal adj. 1 of the day or daytime. 2 daily. 3 occupying one day. ~ diurnally adv. [latin diurnalis from dies day]
Diva n. (pl. -s) great woman opera singer; prima donna. [italian from latin, = goddess]
Divalent adj. Chem. Having a valency of two.
Divan n. Low couch or bed without a back or ends. [ultimately from persian divan bench]
Dive —v. (-ving) 1 plunge head first into water. 2 a (of an aircraft, person, etc.) Plunge steeply downwards. B (of a submarine) submerge; go deeper. 3 (foll. By into) colloq. A put one's hand into (a pocket, handbag, etc.). B become enthusiastic about (a subject, meal, etc.). 4 move suddenly (dived into a shop). —n. 1 act of diving; plunge. 2 steep descent or fall. 3 colloq. Disreputable nightclub, bar, etc. [old english]
Dive-bomb v. Bomb (a target) from a diving aircraft. ~ dive-bomber n.
Diver n. 1 person who dives, esp. Working under water. 2 diving bird.
Diverge v. (-ging) 1 a spread out from a central point, become dispersed. B take different courses (their interests diverged). 2 a (often foll. By from) depart from a set course.
Divers adj. Archaic various; several. [latin: related to +diverse]
Diverse adj. Varied. [latin: related to +di-2, verto vers- turn]
Diversify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make diverse; vary. 2 spread (investment) over several enterprises. 3 (often foll. By into) expand one's range of products. ~ diversification n.
Diversion n. 1 diverting or being diverted. 2 a diverting of attention. B stratagem for this. 3 recreation, pastime. 4 alternative route when a road is temporarily closed. ~ diversionary adj.
Diversity n. Variety.
Divert v. 1 a turn aside; deflect. B distract (attention). 2 (often as diverting adj.) Entertain; amuse. [latin: related to +diverse]
Divest v. (usu. Foll. By of) 1 unclothe; strip. 2 deprive, rid. [latin: related to +vest]
Divide —v. (-ding) 1 (often foll. By in, into) separate into parts; break up; split. 2 (often foll. By out) distribute; deal; share. 3 a separate (one thing) from another. B classify into parts or groups. 4 cause to disagree. 5 a find how many times (a number) contains or is contained in another (divide 20 by 4; divide 4 into 20). B (of a number) be contained in (a number) without remainder (4 divides into 20). 6 parl. Vote (by members entering either of two lobbies) (the house divided). —n. 1 dividing line. 2 watershed. [latin divido -vis-]
Dividend n. 1 share of profits paid to shareholders or to winners in a football pool etc. 2 number to be divided. 3 benefit from an action. [anglo-french: related to +divide]
Divider n. 1 screen etc. Dividing a room. 2 (in pl.) Measuring-compasses.
Divination n. Supposed supernatural insight into the future etc. [latin: related to +divine]
Divine —adj. (diviner, divinest) 1 a of, from, or like god or a god. B sacred. 2 colloq. Excellent; delightful. —v. (-ning) 1 discover by intuition or guessing. 2 foresee. 3 practise divination. —n. Theologian or clergyman. ~ divinely adv. [latin divinus]
Diviner n. Person who practises divination.
Diving-bell n. Open-bottomed enclosure, supplied with air, for descent into deep water.
Diving-board n. Elevated board for diving from.
Diving-suit n. Watertight suit, usu. With helmet and air-supply, for work under water.
Divining-rod n. = +dowsing-rod.
Divinity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being divine. 2 god; godhead. 3 theology.
Divisible adj. Capable of being divided. ~ divisibility n.
Division n. 1 dividing or being divided. 2 dividing one number by another. 3 disagreement (division of opinion). 4 parl. Separation of members for counting votes. 5 one of two or more parts into which a thing is divided. 6 unit of administration, esp. A group of army brigades, regiments, or teams in a sporting league. ~ divisional adj.
Division sign n. Sign (÷) indicating that one quantity is to be divided by another.
Divisive adj. Causing disagreement. ~ divisively adv. Divisiveness n. [latin: related to +divide]
Divisor n. Number by which another is divided.
Divorce —n. 1 legal dissolution of a marriage. 2 separation (divorce between thought and feeling). —v. (-cing) 1 a (usu. As divorced adj.) (often foll. By from) legally dissolve the marriage of. B separate by divorce. C end one's marriage with. 2 separate (divorced from reality). [latin: related to +diverse]
Divorcee n. Divorced person.
Divot n. Piece of turf cut out by a blow, esp. By the head of a golf club. [origin unknown]
Divulge v. (-ging) disclose, reveal (a secret etc.). ~ divulgence n. [latin divulgo publish]
Divvy colloq. —n. (pl. -ies) dividend. —v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By up) share out. [abbreviation]
Diwali n. Hindu and jainist festival with illuminations, held between september and november. [sanskrit dipa lamp]
Dixie n. Southern states of the us. [origin uncertain]
Dixie n. Large iron cooking-pot used by campers etc. [hindustani from persian]
Dixieland n. 1 = +dixie. 2 traditional kind of jazz.
Diy abbr. Do-it-yourself.
Dizzy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a giddy. B feeling confused. 2 causing giddiness. —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make dizzy. 2 bewilder. ~ dizzily adv. Dizziness n. [old english]
Dj abbr. 1 dinner-jacket. 2 disc jockey.
Djellaba n. (also jellaba) loose hooded cloak (as) worn by arab men. [arabic]
Dl abbr. Decilitre(s).
D-layer n. Lowest layer of the ionosphere. [d arbitrary]
D.litt. Abbr. Doctor of letters. [latin doctor litterarum]
Dm abbr. Deutschmark.
Dm abbr. Decimetre(s).
D.mus. Abbr. Doctor of music.
Dna abbr. Deoxyribonucleic acid, esp. Carrying genetic information in chromosomes.
D-notice n. Government notice to news editors not to publish certain items for security reasons. [defence, +notice]
Do1 —v. (3 sing. Pres. Does; past did; past part. Done; pres. Part. Doing) 1 perform, carry out, achieve, complete (work etc.) (did his homework; a lot to do). 2 produce, make, provide (doing a painting; we do lunches). 3 grant; impart (does you good; do me a favour). 4 act, behave, proceed (do as i do; would do well to wait). 5 work at (do carpentry; do chemistry). 6 be suitable or acceptable; satisfy (will never do; will do me nicely). 7 deal with; attend to (do one's hair). 8 fare; get on (did badly in the test). 9 solve; work out (did the sum). 10 a traverse (a certain distance) (did 50 miles today). B travel at a specified speed (was doing eighty). 11 colloq. Act or behave like; play the part of. 12 produce (a play, opera, etc.) (will do shakespeare). 13 a colloq. Finish (i've done in the garden). B (as done adj.) Be finished (day is done). 14 cook, esp. Completely (do it in the oven; potatoes aren't done). 15 be in progress (what's doing?). 16 colloq. Visit (did the museums). 17 colloq. A (often as done adj.) Exhaust; tire out. B defeat, kill, ruin. 18 (foll. By into) translate or transform. 19 colloq. Cater for (they do one very well here). 20 slang a rob (did a big bank). B swindle. 21 slang prosecute, convict (done for shoplifting). 22 slang undergo (a term of imprisonment). 23 slang take (an illegal drug). —v.aux. 1 in questions and negative statements or commands (do you understand?; i don't smoke; don't be silly). 2 ellipt. Or in place of a verb (you know her better than i do; i wanted to go and i did; tell me, do!). 3 for emphasis (i do want to; do tell me; they did go). 4 in inversion (rarely does it happen). —n. (pl. Dos or do's) colloq. Elaborate party, operation, etc. ~ be done with see +done. Be nothing to do with 1 be no business of. 2 be unconnected with. Be to do with be concerned or connected with. Do away with colloq. 1 get rid of; abolish. 2 kill. Do down colloq. 1 cheat, swindle. 2 overcome. Do for 1 be satisfactory or sufficient for. 2 colloq. (esp. As done for adj.) Destroy, ruin, kill. 3 colloq. Act as cleaner etc. For. Do in 1 slang a kill. B ruin. 2 colloq. Exhaust, tire out. Do justice to see +justice. Do nothing for (or to) colloq. Not flatter or enhance. Do or die persist recklessly. Do out colloq. Clean or redecorate (a room). Do a person out of colloq. Cheat of. Do over 1 slang attack; beat up. 2 colloq. Redecorate, refurbish. Do proud see +proud. Dos and don'ts rules of behaviour. Do something for (or to) colloq. Enhance the appearance or quality of. Do up 1 fasten. 2 colloq. A refurbish, renovate. B adorn, dress up. Do with (prec. By could) would be glad of; would profit by (could do with a rest). Do without manage without; forgo.
Doe abbr. Department of the environment.
Doe n. (pl. Same or -s) female fallow deer, reindeer, hare, or rabbit. [old english]
Doer n. 1 person who does something. 2 person who acts rather than theorizing.
Does see +do1.
Doesn't contr. Does not.
Doff v. Remove (a hat or clothes). [from do off]
Dog —n. 1 four-legged flesh-eating animal akin to the fox and wolf, and of many breeds. 2 male of this, or of the fox or wolf. 3 colloq. A despicable person. B person of a specified kind (lucky dog). 4 mechanical device for gripping. 5 (in pl.; prec. By the) colloq. Greyhound-racing. —v. (-gg-) follow closely; pursue, track. ~ go to the dogs slang deteriorate, be ruined. Like a dog's dinner colloq. Smartly or flashily (dressed etc.). Not a dog's chance no chance at all. [old english]
Dogcart n. Two-wheeled driving-cart with cross seats back to back.
Dog-collar n. 1 collar for a dog. 2 colloq. Clerical collar.
Dog days n.pl. Hottest period of the year.
Doge n. Hist. Chief magistrate of venice or genoa. [italian from latin dux leader]
Dog-eared adj. (of a book etc.) With bent or worn corners.
Dog-eat-dog adj. Colloq. Ruthlessly competitive.
Dog-end n. Slang cigarette-end.
Dogfight n. 1 close combat between fighter aircraft. 2 rough fight.
Dogfish n. (pl. Same or -es) a kind of small shark.
Dogged adj. Tenacious; grimly persistent. ~ doggedly adv. Doggedness n.
Doggerel n. Poor or trivial verse. [apparently from +dog]
Doggo adv. ~ lie doggo slang lie motionless or hidden.
Doggy —adj. 1 of or like a dog. 2 devoted to dogs. —n. (also doggie) (pl. -ies) pet name for a dog.
Doggy bag n. Bag for leftovers given to a customer in a restaurant etc.
Doggy-paddle n. (also dog-paddle) elementary swimming stroke like that of a dog.
Doghouse n. Us & austral. Dog's kennel. ~ in the doghouse slang in disgrace.
Dog in the manger n. Person who stops others using a thing for which he or she has no use.
Dogma n. 1 principle, tenet, or system of these, esp. Of a church or political party. 2 arrogant declaration of opinion. [greek, = opinion]
Dogmatic adj. Asserting or imposing personal opinions; intolerantly authoritative; arrogant. ~ dogmatically adv.
Dogmatism n. Tendency to be dogmatic. ~ dogmatist n.
Dogmatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 speak dogmatically. 2 express (a principle etc.) As dogma.
Do-gooder n. Well-meaning but unrealistic or patronizing philanthropist or reformer.
Dog-paddle var. Of +doggy-paddle.
Dog-rose n. Wild hedge-rose.
Dogsbody n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Drudge.
Dog's breakfast n. (also dog's dinner) colloq. Mess.
Dog's life n. Life of misery etc.
Dog-star n. Chief star of the constellation canis major or minor, esp. Sirius.
Dog-tired adj. Tired out.
Dog-tooth n. V-shaped pattern or moulding; chevron.
Dogtrot n. Gentle easy trot.
Dogwatch n. Either of two short watches on a ship (4–6 or 6–8 p.m.).
Dogwood n. Shrub with dark-red branches, greenish-white flowers, and purple berries.
Doh abbr. Department of health.
Doh n. (also do) mus. First note of a major scale. [italian do]
Doily n. (also doyley) (pl. -ies or -eys) small lacey usu. Paper mat used on a plate for cakes etc. [doiley, name of a draper]
Doing pres. Part. Of +do1. —n. 1 a action (famous for his doings). B effort (takes a lot of doing). 2 (in pl.) Slang unspecified things (have we got all the doings?).
Doing-over n. Slang attack, beating-up.
Do-it-yourself —adj. (of work) done or to be done by a householder etc. —n. Such work.
Dolby n. Propr. Electronic noise-reduction system used esp. In tape-recording to reduce hiss. [name of its inventor]
Doldrums n.pl. (usu. Prec. By the) 1 low spirits. 2 period of inactivity. 3 equatorial ocean region with little or no wind. [perhaps after dull, tantrum]
Dole —n. 1 (usu. Prec. By the) colloq. Unemployment benefit. 2 a charitable distribution. B thing given sparingly or reluctantly. —v. (-ling) (usu. Foll. By out) distribute sparingly. ~ on the dole colloq. Receiving unemployment benefit. [old english]
Doleful adj. 1 mournful, sad. 2 dreary, dismal. ~ dolefully adv. Dolefulness n. [latin doleo grieve]
Doll —n. 1 small model of esp. A baby or child as a child's toy. 2 colloq. A pretty but silly young woman. B attractive woman. 3 ventriloquist's dummy. —v. (foll. By up) colloq. Dress smartly. [pet form of dorothy]
Dollar n. Chief monetary unit in the us, australia, etc. [low german daler from german taler]
Dollop —n. Shapeless lump of food etc. —v. (-p-) (usu. Foll. By out) serve in dollops. [perhaps from scandinavian]
Dolly n. (pl. -ies) 1 child's name for a doll. 2 movable platform for a cine-camera etc. 3 easy catch in cricket.
Dolly-bird n. Colloq. Attractive and stylish young woman.
Dolma n. (pl. -s or dolmades) e. European delicacy of spiced rice or meat etc. Wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves. [modern greek]
Dolman sleeve n. Loose sleeve cut in one piece with a bodice. [turkish]
Dolmen n. Megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones. [french]
Dolomite n. Mineral or rock of calcium magnesium carbonate. [de dolomieu, name of a french geologist]
Dolor n. (brit. Dolour) literary sorrow, distress. ~ dolorous adj. [latin dolor pain]
Dolour n. (us dolor) literary sorrow, distress. ~ dolorous adj. [latin dolor pain]
Dolphin n. Large porpoise-like sea mammal with a slender pointed snout. [greek delphis -in-]
Dolphinarium n. (pl. -s) public aquarium for dolphins.
Dolt n. Stupid person. ~ doltish adj. [apparently related to obsolete dol = +dull]
Dom n. Title of some roman catholic dignitaries, and benedictine and carthusian monks. [latin dominus master]
-dom suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 condition (freedom). 2 rank, domain (earldom; kingdom). 3 class of people (or associated attitudes etc.) Regarded collectively (officialdom). [old english]
Domain n. 1 area under one rule; realm. 2 estate etc. Under one control. 3 sphere of control or influence. [french: related to +demesne]
Dome —n. 1 rounded (usu. Hemispherical) vault forming a roof. 2 dome-shaped thing. —v. (-ming) (usu. As domed adj.) Cover with or shape as a dome. [latin domus house]
Domestic —adj. 1 of the home, household, or family affairs. 2 of one's own country. 3 (of an animal) tamed, not wild. 4 fond of home life. —n. Household servant. ~ domestically adv. [latin domus home]
Domesticate v. (-ting) 1 tame (an animal) to live with humans. 2 accustom to housework etc. ~ domestication n. [medieval latin: related to +domestic]
Domesticity n. 1 being domestic. 2 domestic or home life.
Domestic science n. = +home economics.
Domicile —n. 1 dwelling-place. 2 law a place of permanent residence. B residing. —v. (-ling) (usu. As domiciled adj.) (usu. Foll. By at, in) settle in a place. [latin domus home]
Domiciliary adj. Formal (esp. Of a doctor's etc. Visit) to, at, or of a person's home. [medieval latin: related to +domicile]
Dominant —adj. 1 dominating, prevailing. 2 (of an inherited characteristic) appearing in offspring even when the opposite characteristic is also inherited. —n. Mus. Fifth note of the diatonic scale of any key. ~ dominance n. Dominantly adv.
Dominate v. (-ting) 1 command, control. 2 be the most influential or obvious. 3 (of a high place) overlook. ~ domination n. [latin dominor from dominus lord]
Domineer v. (often as domineering adj.) Behave arrogantly or tyrannically. [french: related to +dominate]
Dominican —adj. Of st dominic or his order. —n. Dominican friar or nun. [latin dominicus dominic]
Dominion n. 1 sovereignty, control. 2 realm; domain. 3 hist. Self-governing territory of the british commonwealth. [latin dominus lord]
Domino n. (pl. -es) 1 any of 28 small oblong pieces marked with 0–6 pips in each half. 2 (in pl.) Game played with these. 3 loose cloak with a mask. [french, probably as +dominion]
Domino effect n. (also domino theory) effect whereby (or theory that) one event precipitates others in causal sequence.
Don1 n. 1 university teacher, esp. A senior member of a college at oxford or cambridge. 2 (don) spanish title prefixed to a forename. [spanish from latin dominus lord]
Don2 v. (-nn-) put on (clothing). [= do on]
Donate v. (-ting) give (money etc.), esp. To charity. [from +donation]
Donation n. 1 donating or being donated. 2 thing, esp. Money, donated. [latin donum gift]
Done adj. 1 completed. 2 cooked. 3 colloq. Socially acceptable (the done thing). 4 (often with in) colloq. Tired out. 5 (esp. As int. In reply to an offer etc.) Accepted. ~ be done with have or be finished with. Done for colloq. In serious trouble. Have done with be rid of; finish dealing with. [past part. Of +do1]
Doner kebab n. Spiced lamb cooked on a spit and served in slices, often with pitta bread. [turkish: related to +kebab]
Donjon n. Great tower or innermost keep of a castle. [archaic spelling of +dungeon]
Don juan n. Seducer of women.
Donkey n. (pl. -s) 1 domestic ass. 2 colloq. Stupid person. [perhaps from duncan: cf. +neddy]
Donkey jacket n. Thick weatherproof workman's jacket or fashion garment.
Donkey's years n.pl. Colloq. Very long time.
Donkey-work n. Laborious part of a job.
Donna n. Title of an italian, spanish, or portuguese lady. [latin domina mistress]
Donnish adj. Like a college don; pedantic.
Donor n. 1 person who donates (e.g. To charity). 2 person who provides blood, semen, or an organ or tissue for medical use.
Donor card n. Official card authorizing the use of organs, carried by a donor.
Don't —contr. Do not. —n. Prohibition (dos and don'ts).
Donut n. (brit. Doughnut) small fried cake of sweetened dough.
Doodle —v. (-ling) scribble or draw, esp. Absent-mindedly. —n. Such a scribble or drawing. [originally = foolish person]
Doom —n. 1 a grim fate or destiny. B death or ruin. 2 condemnation. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) condemn or destine. 2 (esp. As doomed adj.) Consign to misfortune or destruction. [old english, = +statute]
Doomsday n. Day of the last judgement. ~ till doomsday for ever.
Door n. 1 a esp. Hinged barrier for closing and opening the entrance to a building, room, cupboard, etc. B this as representing a house etc. (lives two doors away). 2 a entrance or exit; doorway. B means of access. ~ close (or open) the door to exclude (or create) an opportunity for. [old english]
Doorbell n. Bell on a door rung by visitors to signal arrival.
Door-keeper n. = +doorman.
Doorknob n. Knob turned to open a door.
Doorman n. Person on duty at the door to a large building.
Doormat n. 1 mat at an entrance, for wiping shoes. 2 colloq. Submissive person.
Doorpost n. Upright of a door-frame, on which the door is hung.
Doorstep —n. 1 step or area in front of the outer door of a house etc. 2 slang thick slice of bread. —v. Colloq. 1 go from door to door canvassing, selling, etc. 2 call upon or wait on the doorstep for (a person) in order to interview etc. ~ on one's doorstep very near.
Doorstop n. Device for keeping a door open or to prevent it from striking the wall.
Door-to-door adj. (of selling etc.) Done at each house in turn.
Doorway n. Opening filled by a door.
Dope —n. 1 a slang narcotic. B drug etc. Given to a horse, athlete, etc., to improve performance. 2 thick liquid used as a lubricant etc. 3 varnish. 4 slang stupid person. 5 slang information. —v.
Dopey adj. (also dopy) (dopier, dopiest) colloq. 1 half asleep or stupefied as if by a drug. 2 stupid. ~ dopily adv. Dopiness n.
Doppelgänger n. Apparition of a living person. [german, = double-goer]
Doppler effect n. Increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, etc. Waves caused by moving nearer to (or further from) the source. [doppler, name of a physicist]
Dorado n. (pl. Same or -s) sea-fish showing brilliant colours when dying out of water. [spanish, = gilded]
Doric —adj. 1 archit. Of the oldest and simplest of the greek orders. 2 (of a dialect) broad, rustic. —n. Rustic english or esp. Scots. [from doris in greece]
Dormant adj. 1 lying inactive; sleeping. 2 temporarily inactive. 3 (of plants) alive but not growing. ~ dormancy n. [latin dormio sleep]
Dormer n. (in full dormer window) projecting upright window in a sloping roof. [french: related to +dormant]
Dormitory n. (pl. -ies) 1 sleeping-room with several beds, esp. In a school or institution. 2 (in full dormitory town etc.) Small commuter town or suburb. [latin: related to +dormer]
Dormobile n. Propr. Motor caravan. [from +dormitory, +automobile]
Dormouse n. (pl. -mice) small mouselike hibernating rodent. [origin unknown]
Dorsal adj. Of or on the back (dorsal fin). [latin dorsum back]
Dory n. (pl. Same or -ies) any of various edible marine fish, esp. The john dory. [french dorée = gilded]
Dosage n. 1 size of a dose. 2 giving of a dose.
Dose —n. 1 single portion of medicine. 2 experience of something (dose of flu, laughter). 3 amount of radiation received. 4 slang venereal infection. —v. (-sing) treat with or give doses of medicine to. [greek dosis gift]
Do-se-do n. (also do-si-do) (pl. -s) figure in which two dancers pass round each other back to back. [french dos-à-dos, = back to back]
Dosh n. Slang money. [origin unknown]
Doss v. 1 (often foll. By down) slang sleep roughly or in a doss-house. 2 (often foll. By about, around) spend time idly. [probably originally = ‘seat-back cover’: from latin dorsum back]
Dosser n. Slang 1 person who dosses. 2 = +doss-house.
Doss-house n. Cheap lodging-house for vagrants.
Dossier n. File containing information about a person, event, etc. [french]
Dot abbr. Department of transport.
Dot —n. 1 a small spot or mark. B this as part of i or j, or as a decimal point etc. 2 shorter signal of the two in morse code. —v. (-tt-) 1 a mark with dot(s). B place a dot over (a letter). 2 (often foll. By about) scatter like dots. 3 partly cover as with dots (sea dotted with ships). 4 slang hit. ~ dot the i's and cross the t's colloq. 1 be minutely accurate. 2 add the final touches to a task etc. On the dot exactly on time. The year dot colloq. Far in the past. [old english]
Dotage n. Feeble-minded senility (in his dotage).
Dotard n. Senile person.
Dote v. (-ting) (foll. By on) be excessively fond of. ~ dotingly adv. [origin uncertain]
Dotted line n. Line of dots on a document etc., esp. For writing a signature on.
Dotterel n. Small migrant plover. [from +dote]
Dottle n. Remnant of unburnt tobacco in a pipe. [from +dot]
Dotty adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 crazy; eccentric. 2 (foll. By about) infatuated with. ~ dottiness n.
Double —adj. 1 consisting of two parts or things; twofold. 2 twice as much or many (double thickness). 3 having twice the usual size, quantity, strength, etc. (double bed). 4 a being double in part. B (of a flower) with two or more circles of petals. 5 ambiguous, deceitful (double meaning; a double life). —adv. 1 at or to twice the amount etc. (counts double). 2 two together (sleep double). —n.
Double act n. Comedy act by a duo.
Double agent n. Spy working for rival countries.
Double-barrelled adj. 1 (of a gun) having two barrels. 2 (of a surname) hyphenated.
Double-bass n. Largest instrument of the violin family.
Double bluff n. Genuine action or statement disguised as a bluff.
Double-book v. Reserve (the same seat, room, etc.) For two people at once.
Double-breasted adj. (of a coat etc.) Overlapping across the body.
Double-check v. Verify twice.
Double chin n. Chin with a fold of loose flesh below it.
Double cream n. Thick cream with a high fat-content.
Double-cross —v. Deceive or betray (a supposed ally). —n. Act of doing this. ~ double-crosser n.
Double-dealing —n. Deceit, esp. In business. —adj. Practising deceit.
Double-decker n. 1 bus having an upper and lower deck. 2 colloq. Sandwich with two layers of filling.
Double dutch n. Colloq. Gibberish.
Double eagle n. Figure of a two-headed eagle.
Double-edged adj. 1 presenting both a danger and an advantage. 2 (of a knife etc.) Having two cutting-edges.
Double entendre n. Ambiguous phrase open to usu. Indecent interpretation. [obsolete french]
Double entry n. System of bookkeeping with entries debited in one account and credited in another.
Double feature n. Cinema programme with two full-length films.
Double figures n.pl. Numbers from 10 to 99.
Double glazing n. Two layers of glass in a window.
Double helix n. Pair of parallel helices with a common axis, esp. In the structure of a dna molecule.
Double-jointed adj. Having joints that allow unusual bending.
Double negative n. Gram. Negative statement containing two negative elements (e.g. He didn't say nothing).
Usage the double negative is considered incorrect in standard english.
Double-park v. (also absol.) Park (a vehicle) alongside one already parked at the roadside.
Double pneumonia n. Pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Double-quick adj. & adv. Colloq. Very quick or quickly.
Double standard n. Rule or principle not impartially applied.
Doublet n. 1 hist. Man's short close-fitting jacket. 2 one of a pair of similar things. [french: related to +double]
Double take n. Delayed reaction to a situation etc.
Double-talk n. (usu. Deliberately) ambiguous or misleading speech.
Double-think n. Capacity to accept contrary opinions at the same time.
Double time n. Wages paid at twice the normal rate.
Doubloon n. Hist. Spanish gold coin. [french or spanish: related to +double]
Doubt —n. 1 uncertainty; undecided state of mind. 2 cynicism. 3 uncertain state. 4 lack of full proof or clear indication. —v. 1 feel uncertain or undecided about. 2 hesitate to believe. 3 call in question. ~ in doubt open to question. No doubt certainly; probably; admittedly. Without doubt (or a doubt) certainly. [latin dubito hesitate]
Doubtful adj. 1 feeling doubt. 2 causing doubt. 3 unreliable. ~ doubtfully adv. Doubtfulness n.
Doubtless adv. Certainly; probably.
Douche —n. 1 jet of liquid applied to part of the body for cleansing or medicinal purposes. 2 device for producing such a jet. —v. (-ching) 1 treat with a douche. 2 use a douche. [latin: related to +duct]
Dough n. 1 thick mixture of flour etc. And liquid for baking. 2 slang money. ~ doughy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Doughnut n. (us donut) small fried cake of sweetened dough.
Doughnutting n. The clustering of politicians round a speaker during a televised debate to make him or her appear well supported.
Doughty adj. (-ier, -iest) archaic valiant. ~ doughtily adv. Doughtiness n. [old english]
Dour adj. Severe, stern, obstinate. [probably gaelic dúr dull, obstinate]
Douse v. (also dowse) (-sing) 1 a throw water over. B plunge into water. 2 extinguish (a light). [origin uncertain]
Dove n. 1 bird with short legs, a small head, and a large breast. 2 gentle or innocent person. 3 advocate of peace or peaceful policies. [old norse]
Dovecote n. (also dovecot) shelter with nesting-holes for domesticated pigeons.
Dovetail —n. Mortise and tenon joint shaped like a dove's spread tail. —v. 1 join with dovetails. 2 fit together; combine neatly.
Dowager n. 1 widow with a title or property from her late husband (dowager duchess). 2 colloq. Dignified elderly woman. [french: related to +dower]
Dowdy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of clothes) unattractively dull. 2 dressed dowdily. ~ dowdily adv. Dowdiness n. [origin unknown]
Dowel —n. Cylindrical peg for holding structural components together. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) fasten with a dowel. [low german]
Dowelling n. Rods for cutting into dowels.
Dower n. 1 widow's share for life of a husband's estate. 2 archaic dowry. [latin dos dowry]
Dower house n. Smaller house near a big one, as part of a widow's dower.
Dow-jones index n. (also dow-jones average) a figure indicating the relative price of shares on the new york stock exchange. [dow and jones, names of american economists]
Down1 —adv. 1 into or towards a lower place, esp. To the ground (fall down). 2 in a lower place or position (blinds were down). 3 to or in a place regarded as lower, esp.: a southwards. B away from a major city or a university. 4 a in or into a low or weaker position or condition (hit a man when he's down; down with a cold). B losing by (three goals down; £5 down). C (of a computer system) out of action. 5 from an earlier to a later time (down to 1600). 6 to a finer or thinner consistency or smaller amount or size (grind down; water down; boil down). 7 cheaper (bread is down; shares are down). 8 into a more settled state (calm down). 9 in writing or recorded form (copy it down; down on tape; down to speak next). 10 paid or dealt with as a deposit or part (£5 down, £20 to pay; three down, six to go). 11 with the current or wind. 12 (of a crossword clue or answer) read vertically (five down). —prep. 1 downwards along, through, or into. 2 from the top to the bottom of. 3 along (walk down the road). 4 at or in a lower part of (lives down the road). —attrib. Adj. 1 directed downwards (a down draught). 2 from a capital or centre (down train; down platform). —v. Colloq. 1 knock or bring down. 2 swallow. —n. 1 act of putting down. 2 reverse of fortune (ups and downs). 3 colloq.
Down3 n. 1 open rolling land. 2 (in pl.) Chalk uplands, esp. In s. England. [old english]
Down-and-out n. Destitute person. ~ down and out predic. Adj.
Downbeat —n. Mus. Accented beat, usu. The first of the bar. —adj. 1 pessimistic, gloomy. 2 relaxed.
Downcast adj. 1 dejected. 2 (of eyes) looking downwards.
Downer n. Slang 1 depressant or tranquillizing drug. 2 depressing person or experience; failure. 3 = +downturn.
Downfall n. 1 fall from prosperity or power. 2 cause of this.
Downgrade v. (-ding) reduce in rank or status.
Downhearted adj. Dejected. ~ downheartedly adv. Downheartedness n.
Downhill —adv. In a descending direction. —adj. Sloping down, declining. —n. 1 downhill race in skiing. 2 downward slope. ~ go downhill colloq. Deteriorate.
Down in the mouth adj. Looking unhappy.
Downland n. = +down3.
Down-market adj. & adv. Colloq. Of or to the cheaper sector of the market.
Down payment n. Partial initial payment.
Downpipe n. Pipe to carry rainwater from a roof.
Downpour n. Heavy fall of rain.
Downright —adj. 1 plain, straightforward. 2 utter (downright nonsense). —adv. Thoroughly (downright rude).
Down's syndrome n. Congenital disorder with mental retardation and physical abnormalities. [down, name of a physician]
Downstage adj. & adv. Nearer the front of a theatre stage.
Downstairs —adv. 1 down the stairs. 2 to or on a lower floor. —attrib. Adj. Situated downstairs. —n. Lower floor.
Downstream adv. & adj. In the direction in which a stream etc. Flows.
Down-to-earth adj. Practical, realistic.
Downtown esp. Us —attrib. Adj. Of the lower or more central part of a town or city. —n. Downtown area. —adv. In or into the downtown area.
Downtrodden adj. Oppressed; badly treated.
Downturn n. Decline, esp. In economic activity.
Down under adv. Colloq. In the antipodes, esp. Australia.
Downward —adv. (also downwards) towards what is lower, inferior, less important, or later. —adj. Moving or extending downwards.
Downwind adj. & adv. In the direction in which the wind is blowing.
Downy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or covered with down. 2 soft and fluffy.
Dowry n. (pl. -ies) property or money brought by a bride to her husband. [anglo-french, = french douaire +dower]
Dowse1 v. (-sing) search for underground water or minerals by holding a stick or rod which dips abruptly when over the right spot. ~ dowser n. [origin unknown]
Dowse2 var. Of +douse.
Dowsing-rod n. Rod for dowsing.
Doxology n. (pl. -ies) liturgical hymn etc. Of praise to god. ~ doxological adj. [greek doxa glory]
Doyen n. (fem. Doyenne) senior member of a group. [french: related to +dean1]
Doyley var. Of +doily.
Doz. Abbr. Dozen.
Doze —v. (-zing) sleep lightly; be half asleep. —n. Short light sleep. ~ doze off fall lightly asleep. [origin unknown]
Dozen n. 1 (prec. By a or a number) (pl. Dozen) twelve (a dozen eggs; two dozen eggs). 2 set of twelve (sold in dozens). 3 (in pl.; usu. Foll. By of) colloq. Very many (dozens of errors). ~ talk nineteen to the dozen talk incessantly. [latin duodecim twelve]
Dozy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 drowsy. 2 colloq. Stupid or lazy.
D.phil. Abbr. Doctor of philosophy.
Dpp abbr. Director of public prosecutions.
Dr abbr. Doctor.
Drab adj. (drabber, drabbest) 1 dull, uninteresting. 2 of a dull brownish colour. ~ drably adv. Drabness n. [obsolete drap cloth]
Drachm n. Weight formerly used by apothecaries, = 1/8 ounce. [latin from greek]
Drachma n. (pl. -s) 1 chief monetary unit of greece. 2 silver coin of ancient greece. [greek drakhme]
Draconian adj. (of laws) very harsh, cruel. [drakon, name of an athenian lawgiver]
Draft —n. 1 preliminary written version of a speech, document, etc., or outline of a scheme. 2 a written order for payment of money by a bank. B drawing of money by this. 3 a detachment from a larger group. B selection of this. 4 us conscription. 5 us = +draught. —v. 1 prepare a draft of (a document, scheme, etc.). 2 select for a special duty or purpose. 3 us conscript. [phonetic spelling of +draught]
Draftsman n. 1 person who drafts documents. 2 = +draughtsman 1. [phonetic spelling of +draughtsman]
Drafty adj. (brit. Draughty) (-ier, -iest) (of a room etc.) Letting in sharp currents of air. ~ draughtiness n.
Drag —v. (-gg-) 1 pull along with effort. 2 a trail or allow to trail along the ground. B (often foll. By on) (of time, a meeting, etc.) Go or pass slowly or tediously. 3 a use a grapnel. B search the bottom of (a river etc.) With grapnels, nets, etc. 4 (often foll. By to) colloq. Take (an esp. Unwilling person) with one. 5 (foll. By on, at) draw on (a cigarette etc.). —n. 1 a obstruction to progress. B retarding force or motion. 2 colloq. Boring or tiresome person, duty, etc. 3 a lure before hounds as a substitute for a fox. B hunt using this. 4 apparatus for dredging. 5 = +drag-net. 6 slang inhalation. 7 slang women's clothes worn by men. ~ drag one's feet be deliberately slow or reluctant to act. Drag in introduce (an irrelevant subject). Drag out protract. Drag up colloq. Introduce or revive (an unwelcome subject). [old english or old norse]
Draggle v. (-ling) 1 make dirty, wet, or limp by trailing. 2 hang trailing. [from +drag]
Drag-net n. 1 net drawn through a river or across the ground to trap fish or game. 2 systematic hunt for criminals etc.
Dragon n. 1 mythical usu. Winged monster like a reptile, able to breathe fire. 2 fierce woman. [greek, = serpent]
Dragonfly n. Large insect with a long body and two pairs of transparent wings.
Dragoon —n. 1 cavalryman. 2 fierce fellow. —v. (foll. By into) coerce or bully into. [french dragon: related to +dragon]
Drag queen n. Slang derog. Male homosexual transvestite.
Drain —v. 1 draw off liquid from. 2 draw off (liquid). 3 flow or trickle away. 4 dry or become dry as liquid flows away. 5 exhaust of strength or resources. 6 a drink to the dregs. B empty (a glass etc.) By drinking the contents. —n. 1 a channel, conduit, or pipe carrying off liquid, sewage, etc. B tube for drawing off discharge etc. 2 constant outflow or expenditure. ~ down the drain colloq. Lost, wasted. [old english: related to +dry]
Drainage n. 1 draining. 2 system of drains. 3 what is drained off.
Draining-board n. Sloping grooved surface beside a sink for draining washed dishes.
Drainpipe n. 1 pipe for carrying off water etc. 2 (attrib.) (of trousers) very narrow. 3 (in pl.) Very narrow trousers.
Drake n. Male duck. [origin uncertain]
Dralon n. Propr. 1 synthetic acrylic fibre. 2 fabric made from this. [invented word, after +nylon]
Dram n. 1 small drink of spirits, esp. Whisky. 2 = +drachm. [latin drama: related to +drachm]
Drama n. 1 play for stage or broadcasting. 2 art of writing, acting, or presenting plays. 3 dramatic event or quality (the drama of the situation). [latin from greek drao do]
Dramatic adj. 1 of drama. 2 sudden and exciting or unexpected. 3 vividly striking. 4 (of a gesture etc.) Theatrical. ~ dramatically adv. [greek: related to +drama]
Dramatics n.pl. (often treated as sing.) 1 performance of plays. 2 exaggerated behaviour.
Dramatis personae n.pl. 1 characters in a play. 2 list of these. [latin, = persons of the drama]
Dramatist n. Writer of dramas.
Dramatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 turn (a novel etc.) Into a play. 2 make a dramatic scene of. 3 behave dramatically. ~ dramatization n.
Drank past of +drink.
Drape —v. (-ping) 1 hang or cover loosely, adorn with cloth etc. 2 arrange (hangings etc.) Esp. In folds. —n. (in pl.) Us curtains. [latin drappus cloth]
Draper n. Dealer in textile fabrics.
Drapery n. (pl. -ies) 1 clothing or hangings arranged in folds. 2 draper's trade or fabrics.
Drastic adj. Far-reaching in effect; severe. ~ drastically adv. [greek drastikos: related to +drama]
Drat colloq. —v. (-tt-) (usu. As int.) Curse (drat the thing!). —int. Expressing anger or annoyance. ~ dratted adj. [(go)d rot]
Draught n. (us draft) 1 current of air in a room or chimney etc. 2 pulling, traction. 3 depth of water needed to float a ship. 4 drawing of liquor from a cask etc. 5 a single act of drinking or inhaling. B amount drunk thus. 6 (in pl.) Game for two with 12 pieces each on a draughtboard. 7 a drawing in of a fishing-net. B fish so caught. ~ feel the draught colloq. Suffer from esp. Financial hardship. [related to +draw]
Draught beer n. Beer from the cask, not bottled or canned.
Draughtboard n. = +chessboard.
Draught-horse n. Horse for heavy work.
Draughtsman n. 1 person who makes drawings, plans, or sketches. 2 piece in draughts. ~ draughtsmanship n.
Draughty adj. (us drafty) (-ier, -iest) (of a room etc.) Letting in sharp currents of air. ~ draughtiness n.
Draw —v. (past drew; past part. Drawn) 1 pull or cause to move towards or after one. 2 pull (a thing) up, over, or across. 3 pull (curtains etc.) Open or shut. 4 take (a person) aside. 5 attract; bring; take in (drew a deep breath; felt drawn to her; drew my attention; drew a crowd). 6 (foll. By at, on) inhale from (a cigarette, pipe, etc.). 7 (also absol.) Take out; remove (a tooth, gun, cork, card, etc.). 8 obtain or take from a source (draw a salary; draw inspiration; drew £100 out). 9 a (also absol.) Make (a line or mark). B produce (a picture) thus. C represent (something) thus. 10 (also absol.) Finish (a contest or game) with equal scores. 11 proceed (drew near the bridge; draw to a close; drew level). 12 infer (a conclusion).
Drawback n. Disadvantage.
Drawbridge n. Hinged retractable bridge, esp. Over a moat.
Drawer n. 1 person or thing that draws, esp. A cheque etc. 2 also lidless boxlike storage compartment, sliding in and out of a table etc. (chest of drawers). 3 (in pl.) Knickers, underpants.
Drawing n. 1 art of representing by line with a pencil etc. 2 picture etc. Made thus.
Drawing-board n. Board on which paper is fixed for drawing on.
Drawing-pin n. Flat-headed pin for fastening paper etc. To a surface.
Drawing-room n. 1 room in a private house for sitting or entertaining in. 2 (attrib.) Restrained, polite (drawing-room manners). [earlier withdrawing-room]
Drawl —v. Speak with drawn-out vowel sounds. —n. Drawling utterance or way of speaking. [low german or dutch]
Drawn adj. Looking strained and tense.
Drawstring n. String or cord threaded through a waistband, bag opening, etc.
Dray n. Low cart without sides for heavy loads, esp. Beer-barrels. [related to +draw]
Dread —v. Fear greatly, esp. In advance. —n. Great fear or apprehension. —adj. 1 dreaded. 2 archaic awe-inspiring, dreadful. [old english]
Dreadful adj. 1 terrible. 2 colloq. Very annoying, very bad. ~ dreadfully adv.
Dreadlocks n.pl. Rastafarian hairstyle with hair hanging in tight braids on all sides.
Dream —n. 1 series of scenes or feelings in the mind of a sleeping person. 2 day-dream or fantasy. 3 ideal, aspiration. 4 beautiful or ideal person or thing. —v. (past and past part. Dreamt or dreamed) 1 experience a dream. 2 imagine as in a dream. 3 (with neg.) Consider possible (never dreamt that he would come; would not dream of it). 4 (foll. By away) waste (time). 5 be inactive or unpractical. ~ dream up imagine, invent. Like a dream colloq. Easily, effortlessly. ~ dreamer n. [old english]
Dreamboat n. Colloq. Sexually attractive or ideal person.
Dreamland n. Ideal or imaginary land.
Dreamy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 given to day-dreaming or fantasy. 2 dreamlike; vague. 3 colloq. Delightful. ~ dreamily adv. Dreaminess n.
Dreary adj. (-ier, -iest) dismal, dull, gloomy. ~ drearily adv. Dreariness n. [old english]
Dredge1 —n. Apparatus used to scoop up oysters etc., or to clear mud etc., from a river or sea bed. —v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By up) a bring up or clear (mud etc.) With a dredge. B bring up (something forgotten) (dredged it all up). 2 clean with or use a dredge. [origin uncertain]
Dredge2 v. (-ging) sprinkle with flour, sugar, etc. [earlier = sweetmeat, from french]
Dredger1 n. 1 boat with a dredge. 2 dredge.
Dredger2 n. Container with a perforated lid, for sprinkling flour, sugar, etc.
Dregs n.pl. 1 sediment; grounds, lees. 2 = +scum n. 2 (dregs of humanity). [old norse]
Drench —v. 1 wet thoroughly. 2 force (an animal) to take medicine. —n. Dose of medicine for an animal. [old english]
Dress —v. 1 a (also absol.) Put clothes on. B have and wear clothes (dresses well). 2 put on evening dress. 3 arrange or adorn (hair, a shop window, etc.). 4 treat (a wound) esp. With a dressing. 5 a prepare (poultry, crab, etc.) For cooking or eating. B add dressing to (a salad etc.). 6 apply manure to. 7 finish the surface of (fabric, leather, stone, etc.). 8 correct the alignment of (troops). 9 make (an artificial fly) for fishing. —n. 1 woman's garment of a bodice and skirt. 2 clothing, esp. A whole outfit. 3 formal or ceremonial costume. 4 external covering; outward form. ~ dress down colloq. 1 reprimand or scold. 2 dress informally. Dress up 1 put on special clothes. 2 make (a thing) more attractive or interesting. [french dresser, ultimately related to +direct]
Dressage n. Training of a horse in obedience and deportment; display of this. [french]
Dress circle n. First gallery in a theatre.
Dress coat n. Man's swallow-tailed evening coat.
Dresser1 n. Kitchen sideboard with shelves for plates etc. [french dresser prepare]
Dresser2 n. 1 person who helps to dress actors or actresses. 2 surgeon's assistant in operations. 3 person who dresses in a specified way (snappy dresser).
Dressing n. 1 putting one's clothes on. 2 a sauce, esp. Of oil and vinegar etc., for salads (french dressing). B sauce or stuffing etc. For food. 3 bandage, ointment, etc., for a wound. 4 size or stiffening used to coat fabrics. 5 compost etc. Spread over land.
Dressing-down n. Colloq. Scolding.
Dressing-gown n. Loose robe worn when one is not fully dressed.
Dressing-room n. Room for changing one's clothes, esp. In a theatre, or attached to a bedroom.
Dressing-table n. Table with a flat top, mirror, and drawers, used while applying make-up etc.
Dressmaker n. Person who makes women's clothes, esp. For a living. ~ dressmaking n.
Dress rehearsal n. Final rehearsal in full costume.
Dress-shield n. Waterproof material in the armpit of a dress to protect it from sweat.
Dress-shirt n. Man's shirt worn with evening dress, usu. White with concealed buttons or studs.
Dressy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. (of clothes or a person) smart, elaborate, elegant. ~ dressiness n.
Drew past of +draw.
Drey n. Squirrel's nest. [origin unknown]
Dribble —v. (-ling) 1 allow saliva to flow from the mouth. 2 flow or allow to flow in drops. 3 (also absol.) Esp. Football & hockey move (the ball) forward with slight touches of the feet or stick. —n. 1 act of dribbling. 2 dribbling flow. [obsolete drib = +drip]
Driblet n. Small quantity.
Dribs and drabs n.pl. Colloq. Small scattered amounts.
Dried past and past part. Of +dry.
Drier1 compar. Of +dry.
Drier2 n. (also dryer) device for drying hair, laundry, etc.
Driest superl. Of +dry.
Drift —n. 1 a slow movement or variation. B this caused by a current. 2 intention, meaning, etc. Of what is said etc. 3 mass of snow etc. Heaped up by the wind. 4 esp. Derog. State of inaction. 5 slow deviation of a ship, aircraft, etc., from its course. 6 fragments of rock heaped up (glacial drift). 7 s.afr. Ford. —v. 1 be carried by or as if by a current of air or water. 2 progress casually or aimlessly (drifted into teaching). 3 pile or be piled into drifts. 4 (of a current) carry, cause to drift. [old norse and germanic trift movement of cattle]
Drifter n. 1 aimless person. 2 boat used for drift-net fishing.
Drift-net n. Net for sea fishing, allowed to drift.
Driftwood n. Wood floating on moving water or washed ashore.
Drill1 —n. 1 tool or machine for boring holes, sinking wells, etc. 2 instruction in military exercises. 3 routine procedure in an emergency (fire-drill). 4 thorough training, esp. By repetition. 5 colloq. Recognized procedure (what's the drill?). —v. 1 a make a hole in or through with a drill. B make (a hole) with a drill. 2 train or be trained by drill. [dutch]
Drill2 —n. 1 machine for making furrows, sowing, and covering seed. 2 small furrow. 3 row of seeds sown by a drill. —v. Plant in drills. [origin unknown]
Drill3 n. Coarse twilled cotton or linen fabric. [latin trilix having three threads]
Drill4 n. W. African baboon related to the mandrill. [probably native]
Drily adv. (also dryly) in a dry manner.
Drink —v. (past drank; past part. Drunk) 1 a (also absol.) Swallow (liquid). B swallow the contents of (a vessel). 2 take alcohol, esp. To excess. 3 (of a plant, sponge, etc.) Absorb (moisture). 4 bring (oneself etc.) To a specified condition by drinking. 5 wish (a person good health etc.) By drinking (drank his health). —n. 1 a liquid for drinking. B draught or specified amount of this. 2 a alcoholic liquor. B portion, glass, etc. Of this. C excessive use of alcohol (took to drink). 3 (the drink) colloq. The sea. ~ drink in listen eagerly to. Drink to toast; wish success to. Drink up (also absol.) Drink all or the remainder of. ~ drinkable adj. Drinker n.
Drink-driver n. Person who drives with excess alcohol in the blood. ~ drink-driving n.
Drip —v. (-pp-) 1 fall or let fall in drops. 2 (often foll. By with) be so wet as to shed drops. —n. 1 a liquid falling in drops (steady drip of rain). B drop of liquid. C sound of dripping. 2 colloq. Dull or ineffectual person. 3 = +drip-feed. ~ be dripping with be full of or covered with. [danish: cf. +drop]
Drip-dry —v. Dry or leave to dry crease-free when hung up. —adj. Able to be drip-dried.
Drip-feed —v. Feed intravenously in drops. —n. 1 feeding thus. 2 apparatus for doing this.
Dripping n. Fat melted from roasted meat.
Drippy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang ineffectual; sloppily sentimental.
Drive —v. (-ving; past drove; past part. Driven) 1 urge forward, esp. Forcibly. 2 a compel (was driven to complain). B force into a specified state (drove him mad). C (often refl.) Urge to overwork. 3 a operate and direct (a vehicle, locomotive, etc.). B convey or be conveyed in a vehicle. C be competent to drive (a vehicle) (does he drive?). D travel in a private vehicle. 4 (of wind etc.) Carry along, propel, esp. Rapidly (driven snow; driving rain). 5 a (often foll. By into) force (a stake, nail, etc.) Into place by blows. B bore (a tunnel etc.). 6 effect or conclude forcibly (drove a hard bargain; drove his point home). 7 (of power) operate (machinery). 8 (usu. Foll. By at) work hard; dash, rush. 9 hit (a ball) forcibly. —n. 1 journey or excursion in a vehicle. 2 a (esp. Scenic) street or road. B private road through a garden to a house. 3 a motivation and energy. B inner urge (sex-drive). 4 forcible stroke of a bat etc. 5 organized effort (membership drive). 6 a transmission of power to machinery, wheels, etc. B position of the steering-wheel in a vehicle (left-hand drive). C computing = +disk drive. 7 organized whist, bingo, etc. Competition. ~ drive at seek, intend, or mean (what is he driving at?). [old english]
Drive-in —attrib. Adj. (of a bank, cinema, etc.) Used while sitting in one's car. —n. Such a bank, cinema, etc.
Drivel —n. Silly talk; nonsense. —v. (-ll-; us -l-, -ling) 1 talk drivel. 2 run at the mouth or nose. [old english]
Driven past part. Of +drive.
Drive-on adj. (of a ship) on to which vehicles may be driven.
Driver n. 1 person who drives a vehicle. 2 golf-club for driving from a tee.
Driveway n. = +drive n. 2b.
Driving-licence n. Licence permitting one to drive a vehicle.
Driving test n. Official test of competence to drive.
Driving-wheel n. Wheel communicating motive power in machinery.
Drizzle —n. Very fine rain. —v. (-ling) (of rain) fall in very fine drops. ~ drizzly adj. [old english]
Droll adj. Quaintly amusing; strange, odd. ~ drollery n. (pl. -ies). Drolly adv. [french]
Dromedary n. (pl. -ies) one-humped (esp. Arabian) camel bred for riding. [greek dromas -ados runner]
Drone —n. 1 non-working male of the honey-bee. 2 idler. 3 deep humming sound. 4 monotonous speaking tone. 5 bass-pipe of bagpipes or its continuous note. —v. (-ning) 1 make a deep humming sound. 2 speak or utter monotonously. [old english]
Drool v. 1 slobber, dribble. 2 (often foll. By over) admire extravagantly. [from +drivel]
Droop —v. 1 bend or hang down, esp. From weariness; flag. 2 (of the eyes) look downwards. —n. 1 drooping attitude. 2 loss of spirit. ~ droopy adj. [old norse: related to +drop]
Drop —n. 1 a globule of liquid that hangs, falls, or adheres to a surface. B very small amount of liquid (just a drop left). C glass etc. Of alcohol. 2 a abrupt fall or slope. B amount of this (drop of fifteen feet). C act of dropping. D fall in prices, temperature, etc. E deterioration (drop in status). 3 drop-shaped thing, esp. A pendant or sweet. 4 curtain or scenery let down on to a stage. 5 (in pl.) Liquid medicine used in drops (eye drops). 6 minute quantity. 7 slang hiding-place for stolen goods etc. 8 slang bribe. —v. (-pp-) 1 fall or let fall in drops, shed (tears, blood). 2 fall or allow to fall; let go. 3 a sink down from exhaustion or injury. B die. C fall naturally (drop asleep; drop into the habit). 4 a (cause to) cease or lapse; abandon. B colloq. Cease to associate with or discuss. 5 set down (a passenger etc.) (drop me here). 6 utter or be uttered casually (dropped a hint). 7 send casually (drop a line). 8 a fall or allow to fall in direction, amount, condition, degree, pitch, etc. (voice dropped; wind dropped; we dropped the price). B (of a person) jump down lightly; let oneself fall. C allow (trousers etc.) To fall to the ground. 9 omit (a letter) in speech (drop one's h's). 10 (as dropped adj.) In a lower position than usual (dropped handlebars; dropped waist). 11 give birth to (esp. A lamb). 12 lose (a game, point, etc.). 13 deliver by parachute etc. 14 football send (a ball), or score (a goal), by a drop-kick. 15 colloq. Dismiss or omit (dropped from the team). ~ at the drop of a hat promptly, instantly. Drop back (or behind) fall back; get left behind. Drop a brick colloq. Make an indiscreet or embarrassing remark. Drop a curtsy curtsy. Drop in (or by) colloq. Visit casually. Drop off 1 fall asleep. 2 drop (a passenger). Drop out colloq. Cease to participate. ~ droplet n. [old english]
Drop-curtain n. Painted curtain lowered on to a stage.
Drop-kick n. Football kick as the ball touches the ground having been dropped.
Drop-out n. Colloq. Person who has dropped out of conventional society, a course of study, etc.
Dropper n. Device for releasing liquid in drops.
Droppings n.pl. 1 dung of animals or birds. 2 thing that falls or has fallen in drops.
Drop scone n. Scone made by dropping a spoonful of mixture into the pan etc.
Drop-shot n. (in tennis) shot dropping abruptly over the net.
Dropsy n. = +oedema. ~ dropsical adj. [earlier hydropsy from greek hudrops: related to +hydro-]
Drosophila n. Fruit fly used in genetic research. [greek, = dew-loving]
Dross n. 1 rubbish. 2 a scum from melted metals. B impurities. [old english]
Drought n. Prolonged absence of rain. [old english]
Drove1 past of +drive.
Drove2 n. 1 a moving crowd. B (in pl.) Colloq. Great number (people arrived in droves). 2 herd or flock driven or moving together. [old english: related to +drive]
Drover n. Herder of cattle.
Drown v. 1 kill or die by submersion in liquid. 2 submerge; flood; drench. 3 deaden (grief etc.) By drinking. 4 (often foll. By out) overpower (sound) with louder sound. [probably old english]
Drowse v. (-sing) be lightly asleep. [from +drowsy]
Drowsy adj. (-ier, -iest) very sleepy, almost asleep. ~ drowsily adv. Drowsiness n. [probably old english]
Drub v. (-bb-) 1 beat, thrash. 2 defeat thoroughly. ~ drubbing n. [arabic daraba beat]
Drudge —n. Person who does dull, laborious, or menial work. —v. (-ging) work laboriously, toil. ~ drudgery n. [origin uncertain]
Drug —n. 1 medicinal substance. 2 (esp. Addictive) narcotic, hallucinogen, or stimulant. —v. (-gg-) 1 add a drug to (food or drink). 2 a give a drug to. B stupefy. [french]
Drugget n. Coarse woven fabric used for floor coverings etc. [french]
Druggist n. Pharmacist. [related to +drug]
Drugstore n. Us combined chemist's shop and café.
Druid n. 1 priest of an ancient celtic religion. 2 member of a modern druidic order, esp. The gorsedd. ~ druidic adj. Druidism n. [latin from celtic]
Drum —n. 1 hollow esp. Cylindrical percussion instrument covered at the end(s) with plastic etc. 2 (often in pl.) Percussion section of an orchestra etc. 3 sound made by a drum. 4 thing resembling a drum, esp. A container, etc. 5 segment of a pillar. 6 eardrum. —v. (-mm-) 1 play a drum. 2 beat or tap continuously with the fingers etc. 3 (of a bird or insect) make a loud noise with the wings. ~ drum into drive (a lesson or facts) into (a person) by persistence. Drum out dismiss with ignominy. Drum up summon or get by vigorous effort (drum up support). [low german]
Drumbeat n. Stroke or sound of a stroke on a drum.
Drum brake n. Brake in which brake shoes on a vehicle press against the brake drum on a wheel.
Drumhead n. Part of a drum that is hit.
Drum kit n. Set of drums in a band etc.
Drum machine n. Electronic device that simulates percussion.
Drum major n. Leader of a marching band.
Drum majorette n. Female baton-twirling member of a parading group.
Drummer n. Player of drums.
Drumstick n. 1 stick for beating drums. 2 lower leg of a dressed fowl.
Drunk —adj. 1 lacking control from drinking alcohol. 2 (often foll. By with) overcome with joy, success, power, etc. —n. Person who is drunk, esp. Habitually. [past part. Of +drink]
Drunkard n. Person who is habitually drunk.
Drunken adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 = +drunk 1. 2 caused by or involving drunkenness (drunken brawl). 3 often drunk. ~ drunkenly adv. Drunkenness n.
Drupe n. Fleshy stone-fruit, e.g. The olive and plum. [latin from greek]
Dry —adj. (drier; driest) 1 free from moisture, esp.: a with moisture having evaporated, drained away, etc. (clothes are not dry yet). B (of eyes) free from tears. C (of a climate etc.) With insufficient rain; not rainy (dry spell). D (of a river, well, etc.) Dried up. E using or producing no moisture (dry shampoo; dry cough). F (of a shave) with an electric razor. 2 (of wine) not sweet (dry sherry). 3 a plain, unelaborated (dry facts). B uninteresting (dry book). 4 (of a sense of humour) subtle, ironic, understated. 5 prohibiting the sale of alcohol (a dry state). 6 (of bread) without butter etc. 7 (of provisions etc.) Solid, not liquid. 8 impassive. 9 (of a cow) not yielding milk. 10 colloq. Thirsty (feel dry). —v. (dries, dried) 1 make or become dry. 2 (usu. As dried adj.) Preserve (food etc.) By removing moisture. 3 (often foll. By up) colloq. Forget one's lines. —n. (pl. Dries) 1 act of drying. 2 dry ginger ale. 3 dry place (come into the dry). ~ dry out 1 make or become fully dry. 2 treat or be treated for alcoholism. Dry up 1 make or become utterly dry. 2 dry dishes. 3 colloq. (esp. In imper.) Cease talking. 4 become unproductive. 5 (of supplies) run out. ~ dryness n. [old english]
Dryad n. Wood nymph. [greek drus tree]
Dry battery n. (also dry cell) electric battery or cell in which electrolyte is absorbed in a solid.
Dry-clean v. Clean (clothes etc.) With solvents without water. ~ dry-cleaner n.
Dry dock n. Dock that can be pumped dry for building or repairing ships.
Dryer var. Of +drier2.
Dry-fly attrib. Adj. (of fishing) with a floating artificial fly.
Dry ice n. Solid carbon dioxide used as a refrigerant.
Dry land n. Land as distinct from sea etc.
Dryly var. Of +drily.
Dry measure n. Measure for dry goods.
Dry rot n. Decayed state of unventilated wood; fungi causing this.
Dry run n. Colloq. Rehearsal.
Dry-shod adj. & adv. Without wetting one's shoes.
Drystone attrib. Adj. (of a wall etc.) Built without mortar.
Dsc abbr. Distinguished service cross.
D.sc. Abbr. Doctor of science.
Dsm abbr. Distinguished service medal.
Dso abbr. Distinguished service order.
Dss abbr. Department of social security (formerly dhss).
Dt abbr. (also dt's) delirium tremens.
Dti abbr. Department of trade and industry.
Dual —adj. 1 in two parts; twofold. 2 double (dual ownership). —n. Gram. Dual number or form. ~ duality n. [latin duo two]
Dual carriageway n. Road with a dividing strip between traffic flowing in opposite directions.
Dual control n. Two linked sets of controls, enabling operation by either of two persons.
Dub1 v. (-bb-) 1 make (a person) a knight by touching his shoulders with a sword. 2 give (a person) a name, nickname, etc. 3 smear (leather) with grease. [french]
Dub2 v. (-bb-) 1 provide (a film etc.) With an, esp. Translated, alternative soundtrack. 2 add (sound effects or music) to a film or broadcast. 3 transfer or make a copy of (recorded sound or images). [abbreviation of +double]
Dubbin n. (also dubbing) thick grease for softening and waterproofing leather. [see +dub1 3]
Dubiety n. Literary doubt. [latin: related to +dubious]
Dubious adj. 1 hesitating, doubtful. 2 questionable; suspicious. 3 unreliable. ~ dubiously adv. Dubiousness n. [latin dubium doubt]
Ducal adj. Of or like a duke. [french: related to +duke]
Ducat n. Gold coin, formerly current in most of europe. [medieval latin ducatus +duchy]
Duchess n. 1 duke's wife or widow. 2 woman holding the rank of duke. [medieval latin ducissa: related to +duke]
Duchesse potatoes n.pl. Mashed potatoes mixed with egg, baked or fried, and served as small cakes or used as piping. [french]
Duchy n. (pl. -ies) territory of a duke or duchess; royal dukedom of cornwall or lancaster. [medieval latin ducatus: related to +duke]
Duck1 —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 a swimming-bird, esp. The domesticated form of the mallard or wild duck. B female of this. C its flesh as food. 2 score of 0 in cricket. 3 (also ducks) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) dear. —v. 1 bob down, esp. To avoid being seen or hit. 2 a dip one's head briefly under water. B plunge (a person) briefly in water. 3 colloq. Dodge (a task etc.). ~ like water off a duck's back colloq. Producing no effect. [old english]
Duck2 n. 1 strong linen or cotton fabric. 2 (in pl.) Trousers made of this. [dutch]
Duckbill n. (also duck-billed platypus) = +platypus.
Duckboard n. (usu. In pl.) Path of wooden slats over muddy ground, in a trench, etc.
Duckling n. Young duck.
Ducks and drakes n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Game of making a flat stone skim the surface of water. ~ play ducks and drakes with colloq. Squander.
Duckweed n. Any of various plants growing on the surface of still water.
Ducky n. (pl. -ies) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) dear.
Duct —n. Channel or tube for conveying a fluid, cable, bodily secretions, etc. (tear ducts). —v. Convey through a duct. [latin ductus from duco duct- lead]
Ductile adj. 1 (of metal) capable of being drawn into wire; pliable. 2 easily moulded. 3 docile. ~ ductility n. [latin: related to +duct]
Ductless gland n. Gland secreting directly into the bloodstream.
Dud slang —n. 1 useless or broken thing. 2 counterfeit article. 3 (in pl.) Clothes, rags. —adj. Useless, defective. [origin unknown]
Dude n. Slang 1 fellow. 2 us dandy. 3 us city-dweller staying on a ranch. [german dial. Dude fool]
Dudgeon n. Resentment, indignation. ~ in high dudgeon very angry. [origin unknown]
Due —adj. 1 owing or payable. 2 (often foll. By to) merited; appropriate. 3 (foll. By to) that ought to be given or ascribed to (a person, cause, etc.) (first place is due to milton; difficulty due to ignorance). 4 (often foll.
Usage the use of due to to mean ‘because of’ as in the example given is regarded as unacceptable by some people and could be avoided by substituting his lateness was due to an accident. Alternatively, owing to could be used.
Duel —n. 1 armed contest between two people, usu. To the death. 2 two-sided contest. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) fight a duel. ~ duellist n. [latin duellum war]
Duenna n. Older woman acting as a chaperon to girls, esp. In spain. [spanish from latin domina +don1]
Duet n. Musical composition for two performers. ~ duettist n. [latin duo two]
Duff1 —n. Boiled pudding. —adj. Slang worthless, counterfeit, useless. [var. Of +dough]
Duff2 v. ~ duff up slang beat; thrash. [perhaps from +duffer]
Duffer n. Colloq. Inefficient or stupid person; dunce. [origin uncertain]
Duffle n. (also duffel) heavy woollen cloth. [duffel in belgium]
Duffle bag n. Cylindrical canvas bag closed by a drawstring.
Duffle-coat n. Hooded overcoat of duffle, fastened with toggles.
Dug1 past and past part. Of +dig.
Dug2 n. Udder, teat. [origin unknown]
Dugong n. (pl. Same or -s) asian sea-mammal. [malay]
Dugout n. 1 a roofed shelter, esp. For troops in trenches. B underground shelter. 2 canoe made from a tree-trunk.
Duke n. 1 person holding the highest hereditary title of the nobility. 2 sovereign prince ruling a duchy or small state. ~ dukedom n. [latin dux leader]
Dulcet adj. Sweet-sounding. [latin dulcis sweet]
Dulcimer n. Metal stringed instrument struck with two hand-held hammers. [latin: related to +dulcet, melos song]
Dull —adj. 1 tedious; not interesting. 2 (of the weather) overcast. 3 (of colour, light, sound, etc.) Not bright, vivid, or clear. 4 (of a pain) indistinct; not acute (a dull ache). 5 slow-witted; stupid. 6 (of a knife-edge etc.) Blunt. 7 a (of trade etc.) Sluggish, slow. B listless; depressed. 8 (of the ears, eyes, etc.) Lacking keenness. —v. Make or become dull. ~ dullness n. Dully adv. [low german or dutch]
Dullard n. Stupid person.
Duly adv. 1 in due time or manner. 2 rightly, properly.
Dumb adj. 1 a unable to speak. B (of an animal) naturally dumb. 2 silenced by surprise, shyness, etc. 3 taciturn, reticent (dumb insolence). 4 suffered or done in silence (dumb agony). 5 colloq. Stupid; ignorant. 6 disenfranchised; inarticulate (dumb masses). 7 (of a computer terminal etc.) Able to transmit or receive but unable to process data. 8 giving no sound. [old english]
Dumb-bell n. 1 short bar with a weight at each end, for muscle-building etc. 2 slang stupid person, esp. A woman.
Dumbfound v. Nonplus, make speechless with surprise. [from +dumb, +confound]
Dumbo n. (pl. -s) slang stupid person. [from +dumb, +-o]
Dumb show n. Gestures; mime.
Dumbstruck adj. Speechless with surprise.
Dumb waiter n. Small hand-operated lift for conveying food from kitchen to dining-room.
Dumdum n. (in full dumdum bullet) soft-nosed bullet that expands on impact. [dum-dum in india]
Dummy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 model of a human figure, esp. As used to display clothes or by a ventriloquist or as a target. 2 (often attrib.) Imitation object used to replace a real or normal one. 3 baby's rubber or plastic teat. 4 colloq. Stupid person. 5 figurehead. 6 imaginary player in bridge etc., whose cards are exposed and played by a partner. —attrib. Adj.
Dummy run n. Trial attempt; rehearsal.
Dump —n. 1 place or heap for depositing rubbish. 2 colloq. Unpleasant or dreary place. 3 temporary store of ammunition etc. —v. 1 put down firmly or clumsily. 2 deposit as rubbish. 3 colloq. Abandon or get rid of. 4 sell (excess goods) to a foreign market at a low price. 5 copy (the contents of a computer memory etc.) As a diagnostic aid or for security. ~ dump on esp. Us criticize or abuse; get the better of. [origin uncertain]
Dumpling n. 1 ball of dough boiled in stew or containing apple etc. 2 small fat person. [dump small round object]
Dumps n.pl. (usu. In down in the dumps) colloq. Low spirits. [low german or dutch: related to +damp]
Dump truck n. Truck that tilts or opens at the back for unloading.
Dumpy adj. (-ier, -iest) short and stout. ~ dumpily adv. Dumpiness n. [related to +dumpling]
Dun —adj. Greyish-brown. —n. 1 dun colour. 2 dun horse. [old english]
Dunce n. Person slow at learning; dullard. [duns scotus, name of a philosopher]
Dunce's cap n. Paper cone worn by a dunce.
Dunderhead n. Stupid person. [origin unknown]
Dune n. Drift of sand etc. Formed by the wind. [dutch: related to +down3]
Dung —n. Excrement of animals; manure. —v. Apply dung to (land). [old english]
Dungaree n. 1 coarse cotton cloth. 2 (in pl.) Overalls or trousers of this. [hindi]
Dung-beetle n. Beetle whose larvae develop in dung.
Dungeon n. Underground prison cell. [earlier donjon keep of a castle; ultimately from latin dominus lord]
Dunghill n. Heap of dung or refuse.
Dunk v. 1 dip (food) into liquid before eating. 2 immerse. [german tunken dip]
Dunlin n. Red-backed sandpiper. [probably from +dun]
Dunnock n. Hedge sparrow. [apparently from +dun]
Duo n. (pl. -s) 1 pair of performers. 2 duet. [italian from latin, = two]
Duodecimal adj. 1 of twelfths or twelve. 2 in or by twelves. [latin duodecim twelve]
Duodenum n. (pl. -s) first part of the small intestine immediately below the stomach. ~ duodenal adj. [medieval latin: related to +duodecimal]
Duologue n. Dialogue between two people. [from +duo, +monologue]
Dupe —n. Victim of deception. —v. (-ping) deceive, trick. [french]
Duple adj. Of two parts. [latin duplus]
Duple time n. Mus. Rhythm with two beats to the bar.
Duplex —n. (often attrib.) Esp. Us 1 flat on two floors. 2 house subdivided for two families; semi-detached house. —adj. 1 of two parts. 2 computing (of a circuit) allowing simultaneous two-way transmission of signals. [latin, = double]
Duplicate —adj. 1 identical. 2 a having two identical parts. B doubled. 3 (of card-games) with the same hands played by different players. —n. 1 identical thing, esp. A copy. 2 copy of a letter etc. —v. (-ting) 1 multiply by two; double. 2 make or be an exact copy of. 3 repeat (an action etc.), esp. Unnecessarily. ~ in duplicate in two exact copies. ~ duplication n. [latin: related to +duplex]
Duplicator n. Machine for making multiple copies of a text etc.
Duplicity n. Double-dealing; deceitfulness. ~ duplicitous adj. [latin: related to +duplex]
Durable —adj. 1 lasting; hard-wearing. 2 (of goods) with a relatively long useful life. —n. (in pl.) Durable goods. ~ durability n. [latin durus hard]
Dura mater n. Tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord. [medieval latin = hard mother, translation of arabic]
Duration n. 1 time taken by an event. 2 specified length of time (duration of a minute). ~ for the duration 1 until the end of an event. 2 for a very long time. [medieval latin: related to +durable]
Duress n. 1 compulsion, esp. Illegal use of threats or violence (under duress). 2 imprisonment. [latin durus hard]
Durex n. Propr. Condom. [origin uncertain]
During prep. Throughout or at some point in. [latin: related to +durable]
Dusk n. Darker stage of twilight. [old english]
Dusky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 shadowy; dim. 2 dark-coloured; dark-skinned. ~ duskily adv. Duskiness n.
Dust —n. 1 finely powdered earth or other material etc. (pollen dust). 2 dead person's remains. 3 confusion, turmoil. —v. 1 wipe the dust from (furniture etc.). 2 a sprinkle with powder, sugar, etc. B sprinkle (sugar, powder, etc.). ~ dust down 1 dust the clothes of. 2 colloq. Reprimand. 3 = dust off. Dust off 1 remove the dust from. 2 use again after a long period. When the dust settles when things quieten down. [old english]
Dustbin n. Container for household refuse.
Dust bowl n. Desert made by drought or erosion.
Dustcart n. Vehicle collecting household refuse.
Dust cover n. 1 = +dust-sheet. 2 = +dust-jacket.
Duster n. Cloth for dusting furniture etc.
Dust-jacket n. Paper cover on a hardback book.
Dustman n. Person employed to collect household refuse.
Dustpan n. Pan into which dust is brushed from the floor.
Dust-sheet n. Protective cloth over furniture.
Dust-up n. Colloq. Fight, disturbance.
Dusty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of or covered with dust. 2 (of a colour) dull or muted. ~ not so dusty slang fairly good. ~ dustily adv. Dustiness n.
Dusty answer n. Colloq. Curt refusal.
Dutch —adj. Of the netherlands or its people or language. —n. 1 the dutch language. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The people of the netherlands. ~ go dutch share expenses on an outing etc. [dutch]
Dutch n. Slang wife. [abbreviation of +duchess]
Dutch auction n. One in which the price is progressively reduced.
Dutch barn n. Roof for hay etc., set on poles.
Dutch cap n. Dome-shaped contraceptive device fitting over the cervix.
Dutch courage n. Courage induced by alcohol.
Dutch elm disease n. Fungus disease of elms.
Dutchman n. (fem. Dutchwoman) person of dutch birth or nationality.
Dutch oven n. 1 metal box with the open side facing a fire. 2 covered cooking-pot for braising etc.
Dutch treat n. Party, outing, etc., at which people pay for themselves.
Dutch uncle n. Kind but firm adviser.
Duteous adj. Literary dutiful. ~ duteously adv.
Dutiable adj. Requiring the payment of duty.
Dutiful adj. Doing one's duty; obedient. ~ dutifully adv.
Duty n. (pl. -ies) 1 a moral or legal obligation; responsibility. B binding force of what is right. 2 tax on certain goods, imports, etc. 3 job or function arising from a business or office (playground duty). 4 deference; respect due to a superior. ~ do duty for serve as or pass for (something else). On (or off) duty working (or not working). [anglo-french: related to +due]
Duty-bound adj. Obliged by duty.
Duty-free adj. (of goods) on which duty is not payable.
Duty-free shop n. Shop at an airport etc. Selling duty-free goods.
Duvet n. Thick soft quilt used instead of sheets and blankets. [french]
Dwarf —n. (pl. -s or dwarves) 1 person, animal, or plant much below normal size. 2 small mythological being with magical powers. 3 small usu. Dense star. —v. 1 stunt in growth. 2 make seem small. ~ dwarfish adj. [old english]
Usage in sense 1, with regard to people, the term person of restricted growth is now often preferred.
Dwell v. (past and past part. Dwelt or dwelled) live, reside. ~ dwell on (or upon) think, write, or speak at length on. ~ dweller n. [old english, = lead astray]
Dwelling n. House, residence.
Dwindle v. (-ling) 1 become gradually less or smaller. 2 lose importance. [old english]
Dy symb. Dysprosium.
Dye —n. 1 substance used to change the colour of hair, fabric, etc. 2 colour so produced. —v. (dyeing, dyed) 1 colour with dye. 2 dye a specified colour (dyed it yellow). ~ dyer n. [old english]
Dyed-in-the-wool adj. (usu. Attrib.) Out and out; unchangeable.
Dying attrib. Adj. Of, or at the time of, death (dying words).
Dyke1 (also dike) —n. 1 embankment built to prevent flooding. 2 low wall of turf or stone. —v. (-king) provide or protect with dyke(s). [related to +ditch]
Dyke2 n. (also dike) slang lesbian. [origin unknown]
Dynamic adj. 1 energetic; active. 2 physics a of motive force. B of force in actual operation. 3 of dynamics. ~ dynamically adv. [greek dunamis power]
Dynamics n.pl. 1 (usu. Treated as sing.) A mathematical study of motion and the forces causing it. B branch of any science concerned with forces or changes. 2 motive forces in any sphere. 3 mus. Variation in loudness.
Dynamism n. Energy; dynamic power.
Dynamite —n. 1 high explosive mixture containing nitroglycerine. 2 potentially dangerous person etc. —v. (-ting) charge or blow up with dynamite.
Dynamo n. (pl. -s) 1 machine converting mechanical into electrical energy, esp. By rotating coils of copper wire in a magnetic field. 2 colloq. Energetic person. [abbreviation of dynamo-electric machine]
Dynamometer n. Instrument measuring energy expended. [greek: related to +dynamic]
Dynast n. 1 ruler. 2 member of a dynasty. [latin from greek]
Dynasty n. (pl. -ies) 1 line of hereditary rulers. 2 succession of leaders in any field. ~ dynastic adj. [latin from greek]
Dyne n. Physics force required to give a mass of one gram an acceleration of one centimetre per second per second. [greek dunamis force]
Dys- prefix bad, difficult. [greek]
Dysentery n. Inflammation of the intestines, causing severe diarrhoea. [greek entera bowels]
Dysfunction n. Abnormality or impairment of functioning.
Dyslexia n. Abnormal difficulty in reading and spelling. ~ dyslectic adj. & n. Dyslexic adj. & n. [greek lexis speech]
Dysmenorrhoea n. Painful or difficult menstruation.
Dyspepsia n. Indigestion. ~ dyspeptic adj. & n. [greek peptos digested]
Dysphasia n. Lack of coordination in speech, owing to brain damage. [greek dusphatos hard to utter]
Dysprosium n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [greek dusprositos hard to get at]
Dystrophy n. Defective nutrition. [greek -trophe nourishment]
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| Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter D |
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